By Staff
June 13th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
We are pretty certain that Don Smith was not really offering curb side pick up – the sign could perhaps have been revised.
Sign outside the Smith Funeral Home on Brant Street
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June 13th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
This could become just a little awkward. Embarrassing as well The province has said we can make our get close and comfortable circle which the province calls our bubble – also known as a social circle. We were limited to five people – at first we all had to live in the same house. No one followed it all the tightly – the Premier broke that rule when it was convenient for him The province, despite the fact that the number of new infections each day is nowhere near being flat, as decided that we can now have social circles of up to ten people – with some rules. You can only belong to one circle and you have to swear the equivalent of a loyalty oath that you won’t wonder into a different circle.  Only a bureaucrat that has worked for the government too long could write rules like this. Here are the rules. How do you decide who will be in your circle – Is Mom a given?  Is Mom on the list ? How do you manage that issue? Close friends who aren’t family but they are great conversationalists and they always bring really good wine. People that had a habit of dropping by can be managed – the “boy” who brings his laundry home when he visits – along with the girlfriend that you don’t particularly approve of. Do you now have a solution to that problem? What do you do for your damaged ego when you don’t get included in a bubble you thought you were already a part of?
June 12th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
There will be something in the way of a summer program if and when the province decides to let Burlington move to Stage 2 of the re-opening of the province.  Splash pads will be open. Splash pads will open – not all of them.  Some rinks will be open – Appleby and Aldershot will not be opened – nor will Skyway Some of the ice rinks will be open but only for groups that have the permission of their Sports organization. The one expected to make the most use is the figure skating people. The Parks and Recreation people need to be assured that there will be at least 40 hours of ice time rented, preferably 60 before they begin to make ice – a process that will take two weeks.  Outdoor pools will be open Outdoor pools will be opened – subject to whatever the province puts in place in terms of rules and approval from the Regional Public Health Unit. Mayor Meed Ward said she would like to see at least one indoor pool made available. There will be something in the way of a Summer Camp program – here as well – the city is waiting for the rules. How many children can there be in any one camp; where will the camps be held. At this point the Standing Committee that met virtually on Thursday has more questions than answers. It did give the Parks and Recreation people an additional $300,000 to spend – that was on top of the $500,000 that was already in the budget.
June 11th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
It has been a tough week for members of Council. They have been dealing with normal day to day business; looking at some fascinating tools related to win and shadow studies and trying to get a handle on just what the lock down is doing to the local economy. Burlington Hydro reported on how much of a financial hit they have taken. Their numbers are not that bad – and they have only cut off service to one location for non-payment. The Tourism people talked about the vacancy rates.  The data was obtained from a screen shot of material that was shown to members of council who were meeting in a virtual session. And the finance people are looking at where we are likely to be financially when this is all over – and at the same time casting an eye on what the 2021 budget might look like.  This graph sets out the revenue lost from the shut down of programs and fees tat were not paid  This graph shows what the city has done to offset as much of the revenue loss as possible. Director of Finance Joan Ford produced two graphs that set out what the financial picture looks like. The biggest financial draw has been for transit where there is no revenue and a lot of expense.
Neither mall has paid their taxes – the city is expecting them to be caught up by the end of June.
June 11th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
At some point people will begin going back to work. Will they drive? That will plug the roads and highways. Will they take transit? Would you? The risk is certainly there. Metrolinx has published a video on what they are doing to make the GO train service safe and clean enough to ride.
June 11th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Region released data on where Covid19 infections are located by neighbourhood. Number of infections per 100,000 population. Data is based on the 2016 census.
June 9th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Today, Halton’s Regional Chair along with the Mayors of Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville sent a letter to the Ontario Premier outlining how the Halton community has, in fact, met the criteria set by the province to move Stage 2. Halton region does not have the same issues as other municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area and Greater Golden Horseshoe, and given this should be allowed to move to Stage 2. In the letter, the Halton Municipalities detailed how the community has met the Provincial criteria. As of June 8: • Halton has 745 confirmed cases and 91 active cases of COVID-19; • no known institutional outbreaks; • Halton’s COVID-19 case numbers make up a small fraction of the total provincial cases; • local hospitals are sustaining adequate capacity; • 90 per cent of new COVID-19 contacts are being reached by Halton Region Public Health within one day; and • strong adherence to physical distancing and public health measures within our community. “Halton Region is appreciative of the Provincial Government’s leadership in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19 and partnerships with all levels of government continue to be important” said the letter, adding that “As the focus turns to recovery both locally and across Ontario, the Halton Municipalities will continue to protect residents from COVID-19 and support our local economy.  Burlington wants a Stage 2 designation. “The Halton Municipalities strongly urge the province to reconsider allowing Halton Region to transition to Stage 2 of the reopening.” All Mayor Meed Ward had to do was add that Burlington is the best city in the country to live in and that should get us something. Other than that all the phrase does is take up space on media releases and perhaps business cards.
June 9th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
The poster says it all. If you can – please do.  The poster says it all
June 9th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
It was a good idea at the time – but by the time the city gets around to this one much of the summer might have passed us by.  Councillor Stolte looking for a response to her motion – put forward last April A motion was presented to Burlington Council on April 20, 2020 by Councillor Shawna Stolte which sought to direct staff to prepare a list of potential streets under the City’s jurisdiction that could be closed for the purpose of allowing space for walking and cycling within the roadway/road allowance in a manner that does not conflict with provincially mandated social distancing regulations. This motion failed, however in its place, the following staff direction was approved: Defer item 14.1 “Shared Streets Burlington” (ADM-02-20) regarding road closures to aid social distancing during the COVID-19 emergency to staff to determine criteria and return back to Committee or Council in May. It is now June In preparing this report, staff kept the following significant principles in mind: • There must be demonstrated and measurable need for increased space for pedestrians and/or cyclists. After careful consideration and taking into account the above principles, staff recommend a “responsive” approach as the best way forward when considering whether to implement road or sidewalk closures. This approach involves the identification of an issue requiring consideration of closures and developing a plan that addresses those site-specific conditions. Once a particular roadway section, intersection or sidewalk has been verified as a problem, staff can take a phased approach commencing with education, signage, coning off areas of conflict and/or proceed with the closure option from the very beginning. With several variables to consider when closing roadways and/or sidewalks, it was determined that setting pre-determined criteria for closures would not give staff the flexibility needed to address a wide range of issues and changing conditions at locations across the city. For example, finding solutions for the downtown or the Aldershot business areas require distinctively different approaches given the needs of merchants versus other areas of the city who may have the luxury of underutilized private parking lots. Given the State of Emergency it is further recommended that the Emergency Control Group (ECG) and Task forces be advised of any need to close roads and sidewalks to ensure consistency and alignment with provincial orders Through the City’s Delegated Authority By-law (099-2012), authority is given to the Director of Transportation Services, Director of Engineering, Director of Roads and Parks Maintenance, and Fire Chief, or their designate(s) to approve short-term emergency and temporary road closures. Any closures which could involve a longer time period will require consultation with Legal Staff and Council approval. In response to the varying needs already identified, the following initiatives have been undertaken by Transportation Services staff: Traffic Signal Timing Changes Paid On-street Parking Conversion to 20 min. Drop Off Zones  Will Burlington see special lanes opened up for cyclists and walkers? The downtown is an obvious source of high numbers of pedestrians, so it is not surprising that it has emerged as an area that requires attention. A number of intersections on Lakeshore Road through the downtown are continually being monitored by staff in order to quickly respond to changing conditions. City By-law staff who are continually circulating around the city are reporting hot spots so that staff can focus their attention on developing solutions. Staff recognize and appreciate the importance of Burlington residents communicating with their ward Councillors. Staff plan on using this intelligence by holding an open weekly invitation to Council members to convey what they hear from their constituents as it relates to pinch points around the city. Options Considered This one gets debated in a virtual city council Standing Committee meeting. .
June 8th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
We have a city Council that is approaching the half way mark of the term. It has been a roller coaster of a ride so far. From firing the city manager on basically their first day on the job to having to deal with a totally different form of doing their jobs – locked down in the homes and doing everything via Zoom while the City Manager runs the city with in a way he didn’t think he would be doing when he signed on.  City Council meeting – before COVID Five of the seven had absolutely no civic government experience; they were flying close to blind with nothing but their aspirations to guide them. Every one of the five have learned that this was not a simple gig. All have never worked harder in their lives. Some may decide this isn’t the business for them – and for some this isn’t the business for them. There are people who live and breathe what goes on at city hall. We refer to then as “local wags” people who have their ear to the ground. And no – we are not going to identify the wag. This person has been a very useful source of information. Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith – wants Aldershot to secede from the city so he can become Mayor of Aldershot. Could be – you never know. Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns – wants to be Mayor at some future date. Don’t put any real money on that every happening. Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan – wants to serve as the Mayors Lieutenant. Isn’t he already doing just that? Ward 4 Shawna Stolte – not bad for a former social worker. Tough on the spending side. Ward 5 Paul Sharman – the moment he thinks the Mayor is about to slip on a banana peel he will be at city hall filing nomination papers for the Office of Mayor. Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna – he is better than the person he replaced but not by that much. Has serious difficulty fully understanding the issue in reports. Mayor Meed Ward – she leads a council but that council doesn’t work as a team under this Mayor. And this is a Council that wants to be led in a collegial fashion.
June 6th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Resiliency and mental health can determine how well individuals overcome the stresses and uncertainty of any situation.  Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe They are two very important aspects connected to a pandemic and how we cope with the social isolation and major disruption to the way we live our lives. Burlington residents are invited to attend an educational online talk from Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe There is no cost but participation is limited to the first 500 participants. To register, please email getinvolved@burlington.ca by Tuesday, June 16 at 4 p.m. Participants will be emailed the Zoom Meeting link on June 17. The events in these first few months of 2020 have been an incredible test of our resilience. Our existence has been stripped down to the essentials. We are in a global fight to protect and manage our health. This global crisis will change the world forever, and each of us will inevitably be transformed by the experience. This pandemic will be taught in future history classes! As with all seasons and events of challenge, how we respond is crucial. In this remote learning event, Dr. Hanley-Dafoe will present her work on resiliency that includes the five core competencies from a global perspective. Dr. Hanley-Dafoe will discuss how to best navigate personal and professional resiliency in times of uncertainty through stress performance, targeted focusing and value alignment. She will also introduce the Resiliency Trajectory Model to serve as a tool for seeing resiliency in action. The information is researched informed, readily available, and is grounded in wise practices. Her aim is to facilitate knowledge mobilization that is relatable, accessible, sustainable and realistic. The information presented here may not be radical, but it is ultimately practical for the everyday resiliency we all need right now. Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe is a psychology and education instructor who specializes in resiliency, navigating stress and change, leadership, and personal wellness in the workplace. Described as transformational, engaging, and thought-provoking, Robyne’s keynotes provide practical strategies grounded in global research and case studies that help foster resiliency within others and ourselves.
June 6th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
A reported 5000 people marched from Walkers Line to City hall last night in support of protests against the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis . He was murdered by a police officer who had pressed his knee again Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes at which point Floyd died. The last words heard from the man were ”I can’t breathe”. There were certainly issues of social distancing but the march was a typically Canadian peaceful event. The crowd in civic square was quiet and not filled with people pressed together. Half an hour after the event Civic Square was empty with not piece of garbage littering the space. Would that Spencer Smith Park and the Beachway looked as tidy at the end of a weekend.  Civic Square was basically spotless half an hour after the Solidarity March took place Thursday evening. It was more than a respectable crowd which struggled with the social distancing rule, especially those on the right hand side who were clustered far too tightly. Will we see an uptick in infections in a couple of weeks?
June 4th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
If you need a non-medical cotton mask you can send a note to ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith or ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte. The other four Councillor did not take up the opportunity to make free masks available to citizens. Councillor Stolte – ward4@burlington.ca Councillor Galbraith – ward1@burlington.ca  Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith and his wife Angie Blignaut  Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte with her daughter wearing one of the free masks.
June 4th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
 Parking spot for those getting tested. Some of the negative and positive fall on the COVID19 front. Testing at Joseph Brant has gone up 70% since the Premier encouraged more people to get tested Test results are taking 24-48 hours to come back, on average A big question being asked, being led to a large degree by Collen Mulholland, is how charities will have to do things a lot differently in the years ahead.  This is what the Salvation Army would like to see – it may not be what will happen. The Salvation Army Kettle Campaign won’t be able to proceed as usual without retail locations they can be in front of and the handling of cash will be different – that’s a $400K campaign for them annually.  A very successful event that raised thousands for Rotary and was heavily attended. Can the event recover if they close for a year. Cancellation of Ribfest is a huge loss for Rotary fundraising. There is a need to look at innovation and flexibility in how charities fund raise – something to give thought to in future meetings. Domestic/family violence/mental health continues to be an issue – upcoming June public meeting to hear messaging around support. There are a lot of questions that have to be addressed.
June 4th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
There are dozens of places where her presence – at a safe social distance would be welcomed. The Burlington Food Bank would like to see her helping out for a bit; the Compassion Society would make room for her. A drop in at any one of the Ambulance stations would be appreciated. A bit of a tour in the hospital, personally thanking the staff. A picture of her wearing a mask and once again getting out her message – six feet apart and wear a mask – and if you are in quarantine – please follow the rule. She was seen yesterday on the webcast of a Special Meeting of Council she called – media wasn’t advised. She will be chairing the Mayor’s Task Force on Covid 19 this evening – starts at 6 pm Many municipalities post their Mayor’s daily schedule on line.
June 4th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Seniors facing higher costs for groceries, transportation and prescriptions due to COVID-19 can expect emergency aid payments of up to $500 in early July.  Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing the date for that seniors COVID bonus. He hasn’t looked very happy of late. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced during his daily news conference in Ottawa Thursday that the payments would be distributed starting the week of July 6. Trudeau initially announced the one-time top-up on May 12. The payments are to offset increases in the cost of living due to COVID-19. Seniors who qualify for Old Age Security (OAS) will be eligible for a one-time tax-free payment of $300, and those eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) will get $200.
June 3rd, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Who gets the food handed out Monday to Friday by the Burlington Food Bank? The demographics look like this: 40% of the clients they serve are families with kids. The food they supply to families; about two weeks supply includes snacks with juice for school aged kids  Robin Executive Director of the Burlington Food Bank doing one of his regular, and short You Tube broadcasts. Robin Bailey, who does a podcast a couple of times a week, points out that “students need to eat economically, people have just been so impacted by this pandemic. It’s really important for people to be able to meet their basic necessities and one of the ways they can do that is by accessing community support through us. We are continuing on with our safe home delivery distribution model. Don’t go into debt for your food. Let us help.” The Food Bank is a not for profit organization that gets food from a wide assortment of organizations that are both local and provincial. Milk producers supply dozens of cartons of milk that is kept fresh. A number of organizations hold food drives. Different groups donate funds.  Just some of the volunteers who make the Food Bank work. The day to day work is done by volunteers who sort food as it comes in and then pack it into hampers for delivery.  Food hampers include cloth masks that are made by volunteers who cut the cloth, sew the pieces together and distribute them to different groups, including the Food Bank. The model created by the Food Bank is a direct delivery. They take orders by phone. When Food is being delivered the drivers calls the household when they are outside the door the drivers call and someone from the household comes out to pick it up. Covid19 safety procedures are paramount; everyone is masked. If you are in need or know of someone who could use our help have them email us at info@burlingtonfoodbank.ca or call 905-637-2273 to make arrangements to have food dropped at the door. If you live in Burlington, we are here to help.
June 3rd,2020 BURLINGTON, ON
More grief in store of those who depend on or live near New Street. The final phase of the renewal of the street – from Walkers Line to Burloak where resurfacing is to be completed. The City of Burlington is making improvements to New Street as well as Shane Court, Patrick Place and Bower Court.  New Street west of Walkers Line was done more than a year ago. The biggest concern for many might be the disruption to home internet or telephone service which may occur. The city is aware of the heightened concern with respect to families who are working from home and has raised this concern with utility companies and their need to react quickly to disabled services. Our goal is to have affected internet connections repaired by the utility companies within 24hrs of an issue occurring. The contractor typically contacts the utility company, however if you lose service, please feel free to contact us. The City of Burlington and Halton Region are working with the contractors to make sure this work is done in a safe and timely way. This construction site is managed by Associated Paving Ltd (APL). It is APL’s Health and Safety Policies and Procedures that will govern the job site. City of Burlington staff, Halton Region staff and all other consultants that go to the project site will follow APL’s policies for onsite health and safety. Project Contacts All other inquiries Marc Daffre June 2020 Project Scope • Resurfacing Project Schedule and Temporary Lane Restrictions Work on Shane Court, Patrick Place and Bower Court will be completed weekdays during daytime hours. The roadworks will progress from east to west over the project duration. Traffic signal work will be completed in advance of the roadworks. Single lane restrictions will be in place in the area of the active work. Sidewalks will be closed where work is being undertaken. Access to Businesses Access to Your Residence Burlington Transit Lawn Irrigation System Vibration Waste Collection For more information, please contact:
June 2nd, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON Date moved to June 20th There is an organization that wants to register 10,000 Canadian artists for an event that will supports 10 different verticals within the arts community – film, fashion, music, visual art, performing art, beauty, accessories, photography, craft and technology. There is no charge for artists to participate. The National Arts Drive, a three-hour community experience on Saturday, June 20, 2020, 4 – 7pm, spanning throughout Canada, United States and Mexico. Local artists will showcase their work while respecting social distancing – from windows, balconies, driveways, front lawns, workspaces, or appropriate commercial spaces.
Described as an engaging and exciting opportunity for artists and art lovers its being sponsored by RAW Artists Canada who have teamed up with Artfest Ontario to bring the National Arts Drive to Ontario Communities. Highlights: Collingwood resident Michelle Bylow is leading the charge in bringing the drive to Canada. “We are using all the resources available to continue our mandate of supporting and empowering artists,” said Bylow, executive director of RAW Artists Canada. “The drive will give artists visibility and financial support from their communities. 100 per cent of the proceeds go to the artists”. Thousands of artists and art lovers are signing up. The driving tour will be paired with a mobile website designed and built by RAW Artists. Art showcases will be identified on a map within the app, enabling drivers to plan their routes. Using the site, visitors can support artists by liking, following and/or sharing artists’ work via social media, tipping artists through a touch free pay app (i.e. Venmo, PayPal), and/or making future purchases from the artists online. All donations go directly to the artists. For more information on CLICK HERE
June 1st, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
 Legislature will meet on Tuesday to get a motion to extend the State of Emergency Assuming the Provincial Legislature approves the motion the state of emergency, which was set to expire on June 2, will be extended until June 30. Included under the province’s state of emergency are a number of emergency orders. The emergency orders include restrictions on social gathering limits. This morning, Premier Ford said his government is “aggressively” working on a plan to continue reopening the economy. “If numbers go down, we’ll be looking at other stages,” Ford said. “I want to get the economy going but we have to do it safely.” The province was hoping to make an announcement on allowing larger social gatherings last month but said it was due to an uptick in cases. Meanwhile, Health Minister Christine Elliott said the province “still needs to go some distance” before moving to stage two of the reopening plan. “We need to take a careful and measured approached based on four factors: the number of new cases needs to go down, make sure that we have sufficient capacity in our hospitals, make sure we’re doing adequate testing and we need to do contact tracing with public health units.” A list of the Order the government has issued and the details behind the order is set out below. Just click on the link and you will be able to read the orders. This is what government is all about.
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Where is the Mayor?
