Burlington Foundation Delivers 2nd Round of Support Funding: $476,000 to 28 Charities

News 100 yellowBy Staff

December 10th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Burlington Foundation announced it has awarded $141,000 in funding to 10 charities through the second round of the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF), funded by
the Government of Canada.

Echoing the previous round, this funding supports charities who are addressing
critical needs affecting vulnerable community members in Burlington greatly impacted by COVID-19.   Through the first round, the Foundation was pleased to deliver $335,370 to 18 front-line charities serving Burlington, bringing the total funding delivered between Rounds 1 and 2 to over $476,000.

With the second wave of Covid-19 striking communities and driving an unrelenting demand for emergency relief, the second round of the ECSF has been a critical way that support has continued to flow to charities serving our most vulnerable.

Established by the Government of Canada as a $350 million fund in May, the fund
has been implemented with Community Foundations of Canada, in partnership with local foundations across the country, the Canadian Red Cross and United Way Centraide Canada.

BCF Mulholland H&S

Colleen Mulholland, President and CEO of Burlington Foundation.

“It is anticipated that one-third of charities may not survive the financial destruction of this pandemic,” says Colleen Mulholland, President and CEO of Burlington Foundation.

“That distressing potential reflects why Burlington Foundation continues to monitor community closely and is committed to bringing vital, rapid relief to our charities and the most vulnerable community members they serve.”
Charities Awarded Round 2 Funding:

Imagine Canada, an advocacy and research group that aims to strengthen the charitable sector, released a report earlier in the pandemic that vividly describes the devastating impact that Covid-19 is having on our charitable sector, with many charities struggling to stay open while having to rapidly pivot services and programs. As reported in May, 69% of charities have experienced decreased revenues with nearly three quarters of charities (73%) reporting that donations are down. In September, Imagine Canada shared that our charitable sector is expected to suffer a loss that could reach upwards of $15 billion in revenues this year.

“The staggering loss of revenues that we have experienced is likely to continue well into the immediate future – and at a time when the need for the services of many charities is on a steep rise, “says Colleen. “Since the start of this pandemic, Burlington Foundation has been honoured to partner with generous fundholders, donors and our federal government to deliver rapid relief – providing $783,540 to 65 charities working tirelessly to support
our community.

“As this challenging year comes to a close, we continue to monitor our most pressing needs and are pleased to currently have $150,000 in remaining Pandemic Response Funds for a further granting initiative early in the new year. Never has the support of community been more important than right now. Please considering giving what you can – 100% of your gift supports our local charities.”

 

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What will the students bring home with them - and what will they take back to school?

SwP thumbnail graphicBy Pepper Parr

December 9th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

In a couple of weeks the kids will be coming home for the holidays.

I know of at least one student who expects to be on the plane on the 21st arriving from the Maritimes where the virus spread has been pretty limited relative to the rest of the country.

Her brother will be coming home from an Ontario university west of Burlington.

Christmas breakGiven the rules these students will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. Count them – December 21st + 14 days gets them to January 2nd or third.

What are the chances of that actually happening ? These are decent people in the process of becoming adults.

They come from good families with parents who are going to want them to do the right thing.

Checking in with friends, getting together for coffee because there is nowhere they are able to scoot off to for a drink is what you do when you are home from school.

This kind of getting caught up doesn’t get done on the telephone but it does get done.

Expecting the rules to be rigidly adhered to is a huge stretch; the outcome will be a rises in the number of infections both in every town in the province and in the communities to which these students return.

Something to think about.

virus data Dec 9

How much higher will that blue line go once the students return to the universities and colleges?

Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.

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A first for the city: a heated bus shelter - paid for by a seniors group

eventsred 100x100By Pepper Parr

December 7th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Why the city could not say they were grateful for the initiative and the money that the Burlington Seniors’ Community Initiatives (BSCI) put up to refurbish a bus shelter and install the fittings to make it heated is hard to understand.

What we got was notice of a photo opportunity where the Ward Councillor, perhaps even the Mayor, will strut their stuff and talk about the how great the city is.

The Burlington leadership team, referred to as the BLT, will also be on hand for the photo op.

The people who raised the money were at one time the operators of many of the services that were provided at the Seniors Centre.

The Bistro, the heart of the Seniors'entre and the focal point for many of the administrative problems. The new agreement with the city didn't resolve this problem but they have agreed to give it a year to come up with a solution that works for everyone.

The Bistro, the heart of the Seniors’ Centre. 

The Bistro, which is a very profitable operation, was an idea the seniors came up with.

They were unceremoniously pushed out when the City Manager at the time sent one of his threatening letters telling them their time had come to an end.

There is a reason for the bus shelter being across the street from the entrance to the seniors’ shelter where the bus could pull up – no one has said just what that reason is.

Hopefully the recognition of Burlington Seniors’ Community Initiatives contribution towards the purchase and installation of the City of Burlington’s first heated transit shelter is full-throated and heartfelt.  Not a lot of respect of the one group for the other.

Will there come a time when the seniors get to have more direct involvement in their affairs?

Carr + MAyor at BSCI

Regional Chair Gary Carr getting a workout on a piece of equipment while Mayor Meed Ward does her Hallelujah while peddling away on equipment paid for by a senior citizen group.

BSCI put up the money for the sports equipment at Burloak Park; they recently put $5000 into the Meal Bag program at Wellington Square and paid for some much needed PPE at another church – the Baptist church got funds to do an upgrade of their kitchen.

Hopefully some of that remarkable history will get a mention at the photo op on Friday: 1:15 pm at Transit Stop 45 on Burlington Teen Tour Band Way.

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Burlington Lions make major donation to the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Fundraiser

News 100 redBy Staff

December 3rd, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

For many years, Burlington Lions Club members have had the great honour of ringing the bells as a group for the Christmas Kettle campaign on a Saturday in December at the two largest malls in Burlington, and were looking forward to doing the same again this year.

Bowker - Lions - Food bank - cheque

Lions Perry Bowker and Blair Greer look on as Lions President Ken O’Breza presents cheque to Laura Oros, Kettle Campaign Director

Elevated COVID restrictions meant it would not be possible to conduct the fundraiser this year.  The Lions Club  members immediately resolved to help in a small way to offset the loss of donations that they otherwise might have helped raise.

It is with great pleasure that the Lions Club made an emergency donation of $1,500.

 

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Outline of the 2021 municipal budget released today

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

December 2nd, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The finance department is ready to take their numbers to city council and begin the process of setting the budget for 2021.

The budget consists of both an operating budget for the delivery of services to the community and a capital budget to invest in the construction and renewal of city assets and infrastructure.

An overview of the capital budget will be presented to Burlington City Council at a Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Committee meeting on Thursday, Dec 10 at 9:30 a.m. A livestream of the virtual meeting is available on the City’s website, along with a copy of the report being presented.

Proposed 2021 capital budget
The proposed 2021 capital budget is approximately $72.1 million, with a ten-year program of $786.4 million. From the 10-year capital program:

• 70% is focused on infrastructure renewal projects, e.g. repair, refurbishment or replacement of an existing asset to extend its useful life, in accordance with the city’s asset management plan

• 16% is for growth projects, e.g. capital to service growth in the city

• 14% is for new or enhanced projects, e.g. increases to current service levels that are not the result of growth.

A copy of the proposed 2021 capital budget will be available at burlington.ca/budget.

Budget 2020 Table of datesImpacts of COVID-19 pandemic on 2021 budget process
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is placing considerable pressure on the city’s financial position with a forecast of over $18 million in revenue losses by the end of 2020. While a large portion of these losses are being mitigated with an on-going expenditure restraint program and support from senior levels of government, the City is projecting an unfavourable variance at year end of over $2.7 million. It is anticipated these challenges will continue to impact city finances until such time as a vaccine is developed and provincial restrictions are fully lifted.

To partially mitigate the 2021 impact of COVID-19 on the city’s operating budget, the planned increase to the city’s dedicated infrastructure renewal levy in 2021 (1.25%) has been temporarily redirected to the operating budget for one year. This will provide $2.18 million of one-time funding to offset the anticipated one-time COVID-19 impacts in 2021, reducing the amount of 2021 capital funding.

City seeking community input
Through the budget process, choices are made to ensure the appropriate balance between affordability, service levels and financial sustainability is maintained. In a challenging budget year where the city has fewer options for how to spend its money, community feedback about which services are a priority for residents is more important than ever.

To gather feedback from residents, the City will be hosting an online survey at getinvolvedburlington.ca, open from Dec. 2 to Jan. 8, 2021.

Residents can also share their ideas and thoughts at a virtual budget town hall on Wednesday, Jan. 20, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Hosted by Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, the live event will provide residents with an opportunity to learn more and ask questions about the proposed 2021 budget. More details about the town hall, including a link to join the meeting will be available on getinvolvedburlington.ca in the coming days.

As residents continue to rediscover many of their favourite spaces and activities in the city, City services may look different as we work to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The City’s commitment to providing the community with essential services remains a priority. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at Burlington.ca/Enews and download the free City of Burlington

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Meal Kits: HelloFresh vs Chefs Plate vs MissFresh

 

News 100 redBy Steve Marks

December 2, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Canadian Meal Kit Standoff: HelloFresh Vs Chefs Plate vs MissFresh

It’s been a good few years since meal kits first hit the Canadian market. In the beginning, when companies like HelloFresh arrived fresh off success in Germany, they made a concerted effort to become household names. Chances are you have seen popular YouTubers reviewing various meal kits, doing their best to sell you on the concept.

If you are new to the idea, meal kits are an alternative to both cooking dinner from scratch and getting takeout. Instead, the provider sends you a box of prepared ingredients, including a simple recipe for you to follow. You get to cook healthy and fresh meals without spending ages chopping vegetables.

These companies have evolved over the years to suit a wide range of diets as well as price ranges. Since COVID-19 hit, they have been a great option for people who got tired of the few options available from restaurants and fast food chains.

But which Canadian meal kit is the best? Three of the most popular are HelloFresh, Chefs Plate, and MissFresh.

Let’s compare the features of HelloFresh vs Chefs Plate vs MissFresh.

HelloFresh vs Chefs Plate vs MissFresh

These three companies all offer specific features. As they each have subscription boxes, in which you can get three or four meals a week, it is possible to compare them fairly directly.

Let’s start with HelloFresh vs Chefs Plate. As a disclaimer, it is important to note that HelloFresh acquired Chefs Plate in 2018. While the two divisions still offer very different products, you will be dealing with the same company. Therefore, if you have an issue with one division’s customer service or company ethics, you will likely have the same issues with the other.

HelloFresh is the most comprehensive, wide-ranging meal kit solution. With HelloFresh, you can choose from 22 meals every week. These meals are somewhat more time-consuming than Chefs Plate meals, taking about thirty minutes each to prepare and cook. While this is still minimal compared to cooking from scratch, it might not suit those with a busier schedule.

HelloFresh offers excellent quality and range but it comes at a price. A weekly meal kit, that serves two people, will cost you close to $80. That amounts to $11.49 per serving.

chefs plate logo

Chefs Plate has become the budget option – same corporate commitment, same dedication

Chefs Plate has become the budget option within the parent company. While still offering quality in terms of healthy eating and delicious food, their range is smaller and individual meals are simpler. This will suit some in terms of time – their recipes take approximately fifteen minutes to cook, which nearly everyone can manage.

They have fifteen meals to choose from each week. A weekly box of three meals for two people will cost you just $30. That is only $5 per serving.

Let’s talk about MissFresh. MissFresh meal kits are on the more expensive side, which makes HelloFresh vs MissFresh the most appropriate comparison.

Montreal-based MissFresh is owned by the Metro grocery chain, and sources food from the same farms and vendors. If you love the grocery chain, you might appreciate the fact that MissFresh offers the option to add breakfast foods and snacks, although these are basic, packaged products rather than kits of their own.

MissFresh is only available if you live in Quebec or Ontario. While they have a decent range, especially for picky eaters and people with specific dietary needs, they still do not quite match the range and quality of HelloFresh.

Their meals are similarly priced, with each serving coming to between $8.75 and $11.17.

Therefore, as MissFresh still has some catching up to do on the big names, the competition comes down to Chefs Plate vs HelloFresh.

Chefs Plate vs HelloFresh: Suit Your Own Lifestyle

When choosing between Chefs Plate and HelloFresh, you are not deciding on quality. Both offer great tasting, healthy meals. Rather, you are choosing which one best suits your own lifestyle.

Hello fresh pic

HelloFresh provides more options every week and their food is more complex.

If you have the budget and time available, go with HelloFresh. They provide more options every week and their food is more complex.

However, if you are trying to save money or barely have a minute in the day, Chefs Plate offers the ideal alternative. Considering you are not going to be eating their meals every day of the week, and can always take a week off, there is no risk of getting tired of their range.

Both companies constantly update their range, providing new meals to match customers’ tastes. They are both convenient, with deliveries available throughout Canada. Because their boxes are well insulated, you do not even have to be home when they are delivered.

Give HelloFresh or Chefs Plate a try. Even if you tend to do your own cooking multiple days a week, you might find that meal kits offer meals not in your repertoire, and that the time it saves you is well worth it.

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One of those top level medical guys used the word 'precarious' to describe the Covid19 situation in Ontario

SwP thumbnail graphicBy Pepper Parr

November 28th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It isn’t the best of news.

Two COVID-19 outbreaks at the Joseph Brant hospital.

Climbing numbers within the city and additional deaths.

PHU Nov 27

Data at the close of November 27th.

Shops, supermarkets and hardware stores are pretty busy. I really wish the supermarket I go to would limit the number of people allowed in the store at the same time. Yes it slows things down but it keeps everyone safer.

The future availability of a vaccine doesn’t look all that promising. The predictions are that in Canada we will not see the bulk of the population completely vaccinated until December of 2021.

You can bet that the politicians at the federal and provincial levels will be deemed to be front line workers.  The people working in the hospitals have to be first.

Can we keep on going the way we have had to for another full year? There are some that can’t keep away from their favourite watering hole for more than a couple of weeks.

Canada doesn’t appear to have the manufacturing capacity to make the stuff and bottle it.

Flu shot line up

We had long line-ups for the annual flu shot. It will be much different with the vaccine is available.

We have manufacturing capacity for run of the mill annual flu shots – the vaccine for COVID-19 is a much more complex product requiring equipment we just don’t have.

Worrying for sure.

While going through the Saturday papers I read that the word “precarious” was used by Dr. David Williams to describe the situation we are in – not very reassuring.

And have you noticed that the top people at the federal level are beginning to equivocate somewhat ? Where are they when you really need them?

Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.

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Second section at Brant hospital experiences Covid19 outbreak - two dead

News 100 redBy Staff

November 28th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

For the second time this month the Joseph Brant Hospital has informed the public that there has been an outbreak of COVID-19 in the hospital in an Inpatient Unit.

I inpatient unit, 3 North 700 (3N700), after a health care worker and two patients tested positive for the virus. All appropriate precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of patients, staff, and physicians.

On November 18, Halton Public Health declared an outbreak on 7 South 100 (7S100). As of November 27, four (4) health care workers and six (6) patients have been linked to the outbreak that now includes both units.

Two patients connected to the outbreak have died.

Brant impact reportThe hospital’s Infection Prevention and Control team and Employee Health Services are working closely with Halton Public Health to monitor all patients, staff and physicians who had direct contact with those infected with COVID-19. All patients on the units, along with staff and physicians who have been exposed, are being contacted, tested and supported.

Additional important measures have been taken to protect the health and safety of our patients, families or care providers, staff and physicians, including:

• Enhanced daily deep cleaning on 7S100 and 3N700
• Monitoring patients for any new symptoms, especially fever, cough and shortness of breath. Tests will be immediately ordered for patients should they develop COVID-19 symptoms
• Closing 7S100 and 3N700 to visitors, with very limited exceptions. Family members and caregivers are asked to work with the patient’s care team to discuss arrangements

These enhanced protocols will remain in place for the duration of the declared outbreak, then reassessed on an ongoing basis with Halton Public Health to minimize further risks.

JBH Remains Safe To Receive Care

Joseph Brant Hospital remains a safe place to receive care, and continues to perform safe surgical and out-patient clinical care, including emergency and urgent care. Cancelling a procedure is not necessary, and delaying treatment can actually can pose a serious risk to a patient’s health. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your health care provider or the hospital.

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Five good reasons why you should exercise regularly

News 100 greenBy Nick Ostergaard

November 27th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Five good reasons why you should exercise regularly

Paid Denmark three women runningLosing weight, being healthier and more productive are some of the more obvious reasons why you should start exercising. But people often find it hard to stay motivated just by the thought of maybe losing weight and becoming more healthy in general. Often more people need even more persuasion – and this is where we enter the picture. Because in this article we present you our five top reasons why you should exercise on a regular basis. These reasons could also possibly help you maintain your motivation to exercise and work out. You see, there is much more to exercising than just physical health.

Reason no. 1: It will give you more energy and make you in a better mood
Exercising might not always feel absolutely amazing in the moment – on the contrary it often feels exhausting and overall not good. But if you think about the last time you exercised – how did you feel afterwards? Good, we presume. The feeling you get after finishing a run, a work out or a training session can sometimes feel similar to the feeling of winning the bit jackpot at an online casino or – some even say – it’s similar to the feeling of being in love. No matter what, it’s hard to compare the feeling of finishing a workout to something that feels just as good. And this feeling – some call it the “runner’s high” will give you more energy in your everyday life and will also boost your production of endorphins which will make you in a better mood. Not just after finishing your workout but in general – if you keep on exercising. Over time this will also reduce depression and axiety levens in your head and body.

Reason no. 2: Exercise reduces stress
Are you feeling stressed? Then go for a run, a walk or go to the gym! Exercising decreases the body’s own production of the stress hormone Cortisol in the bloodstream. This means that exercising will also reduce the possibility of you being stressed or even being diagnosed with stress. As mentioned before exercising will also release endorphins that will improve your mood and automatically reduce tension and stress signals in your head and your body.

Reason no. 3: Exercising will boost your immune system
Studies have shown that just 45 minutes of cardio training five days a week is enough to keep a cold away. This will also help decrease the risk of developing life-threatening diseases such as heart disease, strokes, cancer and diabetes by up to fifty percent. This alone should be reason enough for everyone to start exercising on a regular basis. Exercising will also lower your blood pressure and levels of cholesterol in your body. A study made at the University of British Columbia actually shows that exercise can also have an impact on your ability to remember – regular exercise will expand the hippocampus which is the area of the brain that is “in charge” of learning and verbal memory.

Reason no. 4: You will sleep better at night
Working out will exhaust you and make you tired, which is pretty obvious. But it does not only have an affect on the day of your workout. Regular exercise will also have an impact on how you sleep in general. When you have been physically active, it will be easier for the body to relax and fall asleep. This being said, you should not work out right before your bedtime, because exercise causes your body to produce adrenaline which will make it harder for you to find peace and fall asleep.

Pssst. Better sleep is not the only bedside perk that exercise can give you. Exercise actually increases blood flow to the genitals which will heighten your sex drive. In pace with you having more energy and feeling and looking better because you started exercising – this is what we would call a win-win situation.

Reason no. 5: You will become happier and gain more confidence!
Exercise increases the level of happiness-enhancing substances in the brain which automatically will make you happier. Actually the rush of happiness after a workout can last up to 12 hours after you finish working out! Also, training and exercising will make you change the perception you have of your own body, and, combined with everything mentioned above, will make you more confident and positive towards your body. Losing weight, feeling happier and becoming more fit will make you feel better in your own body which will also help increase the physical feeling of being well and happy.

Remember, the more you exercise, the easier it gets. Exercising regularly and making it a habit will make it feel like fun – which will make the benefits you gain from it even more evident. So what are you waiting for?

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Sports clinic owner looking at a million dollar claim for space they don't occupy - colourful situation

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

November 27th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The pandemic is hurting a lot of small business people.

Some of the claims being made by landlords border on the egregious.

The Elliott Sports Medicine Clinic is going through a very difficult period – they have managed to pivot and get back on their feet – the problem now is the lawsuit for very close to a million dollars.

$947,701.20 to be exact.

This from a landlord they have been with for 19 years.

Their rent each month was $12,800. The negotiations that stared at the end of March to renew the lease which was coming to an end in October had not gone well.

Elliott Erin MacLean

Erin MacLean

In March, with everything locked down Erin Maclean and her partner reached out to their landlord to discuss the problem they faced.

Everyone in the services or hospitality sector was scrambling – things were very tough.

One of the most successful hospitality venues, Emma’s Back Porch, chose to declare corporate bankruptcy and walk away from what the owner saw as a dire financial future.

Elliott Sports Medicine found themselves in much the same situation. Suddenly they could no longer conduct their business – they laid off the ten staff and began to wonder what they could do – what were their options ?

They immediately met with their landlord and laid all their cards on the table.

The landlord at first appeared amenable. The lease was due for renewal in eight months. MacLean was taken aback by the rent increase that was being asked for – $17,000.

“We reached out to our landlord in the middle of March being open, honest and upfront about our position due to Covid. We had been with this same landlord for 19 years – we expected to be able to work with him”, said MacLean.

“By that time we had laid off all of our employees and were effectively closed as a business and had no idea what the future held.

“We were never late or delayed in paying our very high rent anytime over the past 20 years.

“Rent relief was not something our landlord was interested in – unless the lease we had was renewed.

“The landlord wanted a rent increase to $17,000 a month and personal guarantees.

“After many, many long negotiations we decided not to renew the lease but to look for a new location.

Elliott Clinic

They gave their notice – didn’t realize that the lease had been renewed.

“We gave notice on June 4, 2020.

“We learned then that our landlord had taken the position that because we had not given six months’ notice the landlord decided to take the position that our lease was automatically renewed until 2025.”

In the middle of May (during negotiations) MacLean received a letter from the landlord demanding all the rent due be brought up to date; they were forced to pay, using borrowed money, for the almost three months they were closed.

“On June 4th we gave our landlord written notice of our final decision to stay in the premises until our lease expired on October 4th 2020.

“We moved on October 2nd having fulfilled and paid our lease in full.

“After some time, we were served with a claim that was filed with the Superior Court of Ontario in Toronto for $947,701.20 plus 18% interest per annum. The landlord as Plaintiff could have chosen the Superior Court in either Milton or Hamilton (anywhere in the province actually) – the Toronto choice would appear to have been strategic.

The corporation suing the clinic is 1100 Walkers Line Inc., which appears to be owned by Kamisa Investment Inc.; both are owned by a “prominent” businessman.

The 1100 Walkers line property a six story office building just off Walkers Line, has an interesting history of its own.

The land on which the office tower, completed in 2015, had been purchased by the City of Burlington for $5.4 million.

Walkers-North-Service-location-aerial with creek border

The owner of this property had plans to develop it beyond the single storey structure. His plans did not fit with the developing IKEA Plans. That red line is where Tuck Creek flows.

Walkers-North-Service-Hopewell-site

This is where IKEA wanted to relocate their Aldershot operation. They were going to build a bigger store and add quite a few head office jobs as well. The city went along with Official Plan and zoning changes. The Conservation Authority would not go along with the parking plans close to Tuck Creek. The green line is Tuck Creek.

The sale was a complex transaction. The owner of the property back in 2014 wanted to tear down a two story building and put up a larger building. An application was submitted to the planning department.

Walkers-North-service- city buys slice

City needed the piece outlined in red if the IKEA development was going to work.

Walkers-North-Service-left - owner gets to keep balance

Property owner got to keep the balance and put up a six storey building.

For reason which are not clear to this day the city moved to purchase the property because at the time IKEA was working through an application to move their operation from Aldershot to a property on the North Service Road west of Walkers Line.

Tuck Creek ran between the 1100 Wellington property and the land IKEA wanted to build on.

Also – at the time the Ministry of Transportation had concerns with the ramps that led off Walkers Line which was reaching a capacity point.

For Erin MacLean they are now in a new location running the business as well as we can with the Covid limitations.

The only difference is someone wants a million dollars from us – which we don’t have.

Related news story:

Property has a colourful history – and an astounding price

 

 

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Medical Officer of Health uses graphs to tell a sad story - we did this to ourselves.

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

November 27the 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Region of Halton held a very lengthy meeting yesterday.

One of the reports they responded to was an update from Dr. Hamidah Meghani who produced a number of charts that were on the mind boggling level.

Have a look:

timeline

Dr. Meghani set out a time line showing her audience what we have been through.

graph

The slope of the graph in October and November was very troubling for the medical community. They found that the public was not listening to the steps they had to take – daily.

where they got it

Where were people getting the infections? Dr. Meghani told her audience that the virus was not being passed around at the school level. Students were bringing it to the schools from their homes.

work place breakout

There were a number of workplace outbreaks in Halton. One impacted people who lived in four different Public Health jurisdictions. Tracing at that level of complexity proved to be a major challenge.

cumulative deaths

There is something so very stark about this graph. Deaths were close to flat from May to October – then they sky-rocked. Those deaths were due to a society that would not exercise the personal discipline needed by everyone during a crisis.

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A treat - something to enjoy on one of those evenings you would be out during the Festive Season

News 100 redBy Staff

November 26th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Get your Fall Party in a Box before they’re gone!

Brant fall party box

A treat – something to enjoy on one of those evenings you would be out during the Festive Season

We could all use something to celebrate and our Fall Party in a Box has everything you need for a cozy night at home or as a special holiday gift for friends and family.

Each curated party box contains locally sourced luxury items including a variety of gourmet items and a custom live-edge charcuterie board, VQA wine, premium chocolates and much more!

Special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, TD Bank.

Boxes are going fast so order today!  More info on the order link below

Order Now!

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Public school board invites three year old's to the virtual classroom world

News 100 blueBy Staff

November 26th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Is this a sign of the way education is going to be delivered in the decades ahead?

The Halton District School Board (HDSB) has put out a call to all three year olds offering them an opportunity to learn about Kindergarten through a virtual experience.

Families are invited to learn about starting Kindergarten and sign up to receive a welcome package.

Starting school is a big step for children and parents/guardians, and the Halton District School Board wants to make that transition as smooth as possible said the HDSB in a statement released yesterday.

Students at Lincoln Centennial public school. Ontario school boards are struggling to find low-cost options to school additions to accommodate full-day kindergarten. Some options may include bussing kids. Reading are Heyley Ta and Zeynep Coskan-Johnson. Feb 21 2013. Bob TYmczyszyn/St. Catharines Standard/QMI AGENCY

Is this model of early education about to disappear ?

This fall, the HDSB is welcoming future students and their families to a virtual Kindergarten experience at kindergarten.hdsb.ca to learn more about making the first school experience a happy one.

Due to current public health restrictions, traditional in-person Kindergarten Open Houses are not possible this year. Instead, the HDSB has created a virtual experience for three-year olds and their families.

At kindergarten.hdsb.ca, three-year olds can explore a Kindergarten classroom to see what their future classroom might look like next September. There are videos to watch, pictures to view and fun activities for kids. Parents/guardians can learn about the Kindergarten program at the HDSB, play-based learning, community resources in Halton and before-and-after school care. Families can also sign-up to receive a welcome package from the HDSB including a free children’s book.

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Is this the classroom of the future?

Registration for Kindergarten begins in January 2021 and will be by appointment only (in-person and/or virtual) through the school your child will attend. Further information will be shared in the new year. To begin Kindergarten in September 2021, children must be four years old by Dec. 31, 2021 for Junior Kindergarten (Year 1) and must be five years old by Dec. 31, 2021 for Senior Kindergarten (Year 2).

Come September of 2021 the HDSB will have a new Director of Education as well. Stuart Miller advised the Board of Trustees recently that he would be retiring in August.

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Burlington Mayor Asks Residents to Stay in their Regions During Lockdown, Support Local Businesses Through Online Shopping & Curbside Pickup

News 100 redBy Staff

November 25th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward is asking the people of Burlington to stay within the Region of Halton during the lockdown period that applies to people in Peel and Toronto.

There may well be people in Peel and Toronto who will want to come to Halton municipalities to shop.

Mayor Meed Ward

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward

I have received many recent requests from residents to take action on people travelling from lockdown areas into Burlington to patronize our shops and services.

In these challenging times, I stand with other mayors across Ontario, including in the Region of Halton, Mayor Rick Bonnette of Halton Hills, in asking residents to stay in their own communities for the time being.

In October 2020, Burlington MPP Jane McKenna and I issued a statement asking residents to stay in their communities and that message is still relevant today.

Your local businesses need you now, more than ever. Consider shopping online, curbside pickup and purchasing gift cards to give those businesses hope and support heading into the new year.

The City of Burlington has no jurisdiction to prevent travel between regions. We do recognize that some people will need to travel for essential reasons, such as work, school, or medical or other appointments. We are asking everyone to limit non-essential trips outside your local region.

We do know some businesses have already taken voluntary steps to reduce visits between regions. Some gyms, for example, have suspended membership travel privileges; some restaurants have asked for identification and will only seat members of the same household together.

We thank them for these voluntary, preventative measures that are aimed not only at doing their part to limit the spread of COVID-19 across regions, but also to protect their own staff and other customers.

We encourage people to check with your intended destination by phone or through their website before visiting so that you are well-informed of their health precautions and protocols ahead of time.

We know many of our residents who work in front-line retail or other services, often at minimum wage, are concerned about their own health and safety with an influx of potential customers from lockdown areas with much higher rates of COVID-19 infection and spread. We understand these concerns and ask everyone to consider these workers and their families before travelling to regions outside their own.

We continue to ask our Burlington residents to limit your own trips to essential outings only and to limit contact with anyone you don’t live with. To individuals in our city living alone, we echo the Province’s message of choosing one household to be in contact with.

We need to slow the spread of COVID-19 and can do this together by staying home and staying local.

 

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First Annual Diwali Food Drive

News 100 redBy Staff

November 25th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

DiwaliFoodDrive

Donations were collected from HRPS members (sworn and civilian) throughout the region.

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has completed its first annual Diwali Food Drive.

The event was organized by the HRPS South Asian Internal Support Network and donations were collected from HRPS members (sworn and civilian) throughout the region between November 2 and November 12, 2020.

Kudo’s to the police for taking the initiative to do something to meet the needs of a community that isn’t as fully integrated as it could be.

The food collected was donated to local food banks in Milton, Halton Hills, Oakville and Burlington (see attached photo).

The HRPS looks forward to turning the Diwali Food Drive into an annual HRPS tradition.

The HRPS would also encourage residents to make donations to local food banks throughout the year as they are able to.

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The impact Covid19 has had on the Joseph Hospital

News 100 yellowBy Staff

November 24th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

COVID has changed everything.

Brant Join the JoyIf you think the changes it has made in your life – think for a moment about the changes it has made in the medical community.
The Joseph Brant Hospital talks about the impact the virus has had on their operations:

COVID-19 has changed our lives in immeasurable ways. From physical distancing to face coverings and social bubbles to self-isolation it has been a year unlike any other.

And despite it all, our collective appreciation for your support of Joseph Brant Hospital has been consistent through it all.

Brant impact report

We are pleased to share the impact your support has had in our COVID-19 Impact Report.

 

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Burlington Food Bank finds that their stats paint a disturbing picture.

News 100 blueBy Staff

November 24th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Burlington Food Bank, which by the way doesn’t get a dime from the city or as much as a nickel from the Regional government which handles social issues, has run into a situation that is new for them.

“We’ve NEVER had to purchase food at this time of year before and now it’s just another new norm,” said Scot Cameron.

The local food drives make a difference.

Bailey Food Bank March 31-20

Upwards of 30 households a day get a food delivery from the Food Bank

“Just looking at our recent stats, and comparing this year’s food donations to the last couple of years. We felt that since we have missed out on all of the annual (larger) food drives that our numbers must be much lower however, in fact, we’ve realized even more donations this year than ever before.

“We just didn’t see it because our supplies have been going out just as fast as we get them in the door. In the past we would see neatly placed and stocked up shelves ready to go around this time of year. And of course we are helping a greater number of people now.

“All of the smaller, local drives have had an immense effect on what we are doing here. You really are making a difference when families need it most. Even if you are just dropping off a bag at your local grocery store or fire hall, it makes a huge difference right now.

“If you are in need or know of someone who could use our help PLEASE have them email us at info@burlingtonfoodbank.ca or call 905-637-2273 to make arrangements to have food dropped at their door or make arrangements to pick it up through our curb-side pickup option. If you live in Burlington, we are here to help. Don’t struggle – give us a call.

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Very credible citizen points to some sloppy prevention practices at Jo Brant.

SwP thumbnail graphicBy Pepper Parr

November 24th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

OPINION

We received a comment recently from a reader that is very disturbing.

We have chosen not to identify the woman but can verify that she is very credible.

Here is what she had to say:

“I had an appointment last week at a nearby medical center. When I arrived, I was told to call the number posted on the door and wait in my car until someone came to find me.

“Once I was escorted inside, my mask was checked, my temperature was taken and I was led to the doctor’s office.  In contrast today, I went to Joseph Brant for a scheduled procedure.

“Entering through the north doors, I found people wandering in and out randomly. The question check was quick, no instructions were given as far as hand sanitizer and I was left to wander the hallways to find the location of the unit I was to visit.

“In my opinion, the hospital must do a better job of screening those who are required to visit this facility in these difficult times.”

The Joseph Brant Hospital has a regrettable history of sloppy prevention practices.  We thought the lesson had been learned.  Time for the hospital Board members to ask some hard and direct questions, and for the Medical Officer of health to visit and underline what this pandemic requires of the medical community.

Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.

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Amateur radio is something those looking for a something to keep them occupied might consider

News 100 yellowBy Staff

November 24th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Figuring out what to do with the time we have on our hands is going to be a bit of a challenge for some people.

The Burlington Amateur Radio Club sent us a note saying – Hello – we’re here!

They report that there is a surging interest in Amateur Radio all over the world.

RADIO IN dUBAI

Yathiraj Chintagunta

Today’s Amateur Radio is not what their grandfather’s ham radio was all about. The Burlington Amateur Radio Club (BARC) offers an on-line course which became particularly interesting to Yathiraj Chintagunta who was stranded in Dubai unable to return to his home in Mississauga. His “handle” is now VE3GYP.

Amateur radio is a fascinating hobby that frequently becomes essential for people in some parts of the world when there is a disaster and normal forms of communication are not available.

If you’re at all interested get in touch with Rod Clifton, ve3iso@gmail.com • 905-335-0267 or Hugh McCully, Education Director.

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Land just to the north of City Hall where Cenotaph stands to be named Veteran Square

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

November 24th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

November is seen as the time when we think more seriously about veterans from the wars we have fought.

Remembrance Day wreaths - dozens at cenotaph

The space to be named Veteran Square

Yesterday City Council accepted a request from the Burlington Legion to name the area to the immediate north of City Hall on Brant Street where the Cenotaph is located and forever call the space Veterans Square.

There will be signage on the location with the new name.

Bob Ankrett spoke for the Legion and mentioned something this reporter didn’t know – that there are two Vimy Ridge oak trees on the site.

During the discussion Council talked in terms of using the word veteran to apply to first responders in the future  as well

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