 By Pepper Parr
August 25, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Public health is a service that is provided by the Region. Much of the direction for public health comes from the province with the actual service delivered by the Region to people in the different municipalities.
There were two services that the Gazette used to get information from the Region on – the health of the lake water where there are public beaches and reports on the incidence of West Nile Virus.
To date – there have been no reports from the Region – which would suggest there are no problems with the water and no reports of West Nile.
 That didn’t seem quite right so we put a call into the Region and asked if we had missed something. The Region has six, seven or eight communications specialists – people who prepare information for the public which they send out to media – we write up reports letting people know where it is safe to swim and where the Region is treating vegetation for mosquito infestations – which if you recall is a critical part of the food chain for birds – which gets that virus into the public.
The response we got from the Region was – check the web site – all the information is there for anyone who wants it. Whoa – that’s not quite the way the system is supposed to work.
The Region has the information and they have a mandated responsibility to do everything they can to inform and advise the public.
Someone has taken their hand off the switch at the Regional office.
 By Staff
August 24, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Redevelopment and Expansion of the Joseph Brant Hospital is the biggest redevelopment that Burlington has ever seen. So big that is got a line all of its own on your tax bill – the taxpayers are putting up $60 million to get the hospital built.
The new hospital will be completed in two distinct phases, with an estimated completion date of 2018.
 When completed the orientation for the hospital will have the main entrance on Lakeshore Road facing the lake. The road is being raised by as much as a full metre in places to accommodate the changes. Phase One is complete. The Halton McMaster Family Health Centre is open and already welcoming patients! Construction still continues on the new parking facility and the administration offices of JBH.
Highlights of our new building include: Halton McMaster Family Health Centre – the Burlington Family Health Team are operating clinics within the centre; Teaching classrooms for McMaster Residents as part of the McMaster University Department of Family Medicine; Administration offices for Joseph Brant Hospital and Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation.
The new parking facility with over 820 spaces
Phase Two: The new seven-storey patient tower will be built on the existing parking lot at the back of the existing hospital and will be connected to the parking facility by a foot bridge. The main highlights of the second phase of the project include:
A new Emergency Department
172 acute inpatient beds
9 new Operating Rooms and a new post-anaesthetic care unit
An expanded Diagnostic Imaging department and associated services
Expanded medical, surgical and outpatient services
An expanded cancer clinic
An expanded Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and renovated Special Care Nursery – level 2 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
An expanded and modernized laboratory
70 percent of the rooms across the hospital are single-patient rooms.
 The new entrance to the hospital will be on Lakeshore Road facing the lake with the parking garage yards away on the west side. There will be a walking bridge from the garage to the second level of the hospital. The hospital is being much more proactive with the information they are making available. They have installed a camera that lets you pop in and see what is being done on the construction site – live. Interesting to watch.
There is a video of the project overall – a little on the long side but if you want a full sense of what they are setting out to do and you have three minutes you don’t know what to do with – click to see the project – no popcorn.
Video of the project
The construction cam
 By Staff
August 15th. 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Environment Canada reports that extreme heat and humidity expected to start Sunday, August 16 will result in temperatures that will reach at least 31 degrees Celsius with overnight temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius for two days along with a humidex of 40 or higher is expected for two days.
Even short periods of exposure to these weather conditions can cause serious health problems. This warning is intended to inform the general public and community agencies, to keep residents safe and healthy during the heat and to recommend that precautions are taken when temperatures are high.
 Anyone can be affected by extreme heat-related weather conditions. Those especially at risk include: older adults (over the age of 65), infants and young children, people who work and exercise in the heat, people without adequate housing and those without air conditioning. People who have breathing difficulties, heart problems, kidney problems or take heat-sensitive medications are also especially at risk of preventable heat illness. If you or someone in your care experiences rapid breathing, headache, confusion, weakness or fainting, seek medical attention right away.
You can prevent heat-related illness by staying cool; avoiding strenuous outdoor activities; seeking shade from the sun; spending time in air-conditioned places, such as shopping malls and community centres; and drinking plenty of cool liquids, especially water. Call or visit friends and neighbours who may be at risk and never leave people or pets in your care unattended in a car.
 By Pepper Parr
August 10th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Cupcakes from Burlington being sold in Dubai. Wow – could that actually happen?
 Erinn Weatherbie and her Mon Kelly Child look over the schedule for the day – their marketing mantra is set out on the white board behind them Well the actual cupcake may not get made in Dubai but the recipe and the concept will have come from the agile mind of Kelly Child who has operated Kellys Bake Shop with her daughter on Brant Street for the past two years.
The operation was recently voted 3rd (and only Vegan bakery) on BuzzFeed’s list of top 25 cupcake shops in the world. It’s an amazing story for a Burlington based business.
What is BuzzFeed? If you are into social media – and isn’t everyone – you will know who they are. For those who don’t know, BuzzFeed labels itself as the “Most Important News Organization in the World,”
BuzzFeed seems to have found a business model that allows it to enjoy “true journalistic independence.” (That model is “sponsored content”—copy that is produced jointly by BuzzFeed and an advertiser to blend in with editorial copy, with a small, inconspicuous identifier of the sponsor.)
After the Boston marathon bombing sent a surge of traffic to the site, BuzzFeed brought over Lisa Tozzi from The New York Times to build a breaking-news team. It also hired Miriam Elder, a correspondent for The Guardian in Moscow, to create a world desk; it now has a dozen reporters and editors stretching from Mexico City to Nairobi. In 2013 BuzzFeed formed an investigative unit as well.
So BuzzFeed would appear to have clout and worldwide reach – which explains why Kelly and her daughter and their publicist are all a twitter over the thousands of people who walk through their doors.
 Delicious – without the guilt – or so they say. Childs wants to become the Martha Stewart of the vegan food world. This all got started with the opening of a restaurant in March of 2010 called Kindfoods, a new restaurant concept conceived from a deep inspiration of healthy vegan (plant-based), and gluten-free eating and ultimately living in harmony with Mother Nature.
KindFoods got renamed and is now known as “Lettuce Love Café” ; their food is 100% authentic vegan, gluten-free, peanut-free – the healthier choice is the way Kelly and Erinn put it and add that their business is not just a food choice but a lifestyle choice as well.
The restaurant proved there was a market for vegan food in Burlington – the cupcakes were an extension into a product that had become very very popular.
 Pink prevails in a spotless kitchen where cupcakes get produced by the thousands. Their publicist says their cupcakes are delicious, stand head to head with the fat and sugar laden varieties, but these are guilt-free – vegan, gluten-free, peanut-free – the healthier choice
Kelly has a rapidly growing on-line following; #kellystribe who follow not just for food advice but also for inspiration and to be part of a community of life minded, health conscious eaters.
Childs adds that “It’s good for the soul when we know it’s local, fair-trade and organic and kind to living things and the planet.” She adds that great food does make a difference.
Kelly and Erinn are both very savvy and walk the talk about their insights and food philosophies. All of their food is 100% authentically Vegan – not just by way of ingredients, but also in the way they think about the planet and being socially conscious – kind food.
Kelly is a “marketer” – the product happens to be something she is passionate about but the strength is that of a big picture marketer. Erinn has a degree in political science that she earned at McMaster. Her Mom lived in Toronto at the time and followed Erinn to Burlington where they are in the process of building an empire on cupcakes that are vegan.
They are working on their first cookbook which will be published by Random House in 2016. There are literally thousands of cook books out there – to have Random House pick up your book is a big big deal
To have investors in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates express a financial interest in what you are doing is also a big deal. Are there dollars on the table – not yet but Kelly and her daughter Erinn are looking far beyond the borders of Burlington.
 Exceptional marketing savvy are creating a brand that is becoming known around the world. When a small shop on Brant Street draws several thousand people on a weekend and gets written up in one of the hottest news sources you know something is happening.
The underlying product will be cupcakes but that appears to be just the beginning.
Kelly Childs, who is exceptionally fit, does yoga and appears to have tapped into all the progressive approaches to running a retail operation, is clearly on a roll.
Where does she see all this going? She wants to become the Martha Stewart of healthy food choices and the cookbook is going to be the launching pad for that world reach effort.
The Martha Stewart of vegan food eh!, from Burlington you say. Keep an eye on this one
By Staff
July 30th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
A new chapter in Burlington’s history is unfolding right before our eyes – quite literally…
The team doing the construction of the seven-storey patient care tower have installed a web camera that broadcasts live – you can see what is being done minute by minute
 Enjoy a live look at the steady progress being made to the main construction site where our new hospital will stand in 2018. You can zoom into the site by hovering over the bottom left corner of the screen and clicking + or – and you can click the arrows to move left and right or up and down. You can also get an even bigger view of the site by clicking “Full Screen.” Take a look at the construction site through the lens of the Construction Cam, CLICK HERE you can see Level 1 of our seven-storey patient care tower beginning to take shape, all in real time!
The construction changes each day. To date 180 caissons have been drilled into the ground.
80% of the foundation pile caps (footings) have been completed. The pile caps will hold the columns that will support the new patient tower.
Two crane towers are on site.
The underground mechanical and electrical work is underway and the installation of Cupolex (a mitigation system) has begun.
Construction of the structural floor slab began on July 17. Columns have been installed and the decking for level one has begun.
Current Update – July 29 to August 12, 2015
Continuing to form level one.
Excavation will be done by the end of July
Excavation begins for the bridge footings. The bridge will connect the parking garage to the main building.
Underground plumbing and electrical work continues.
Pouring concrete into sections of the ground floor continues.
The construction team want to know what you think of the project.
Find JBH on Twitter and Facebook and share your thoughts using the hashtag, #HereWeGrow.
By Pepper Parr
July 28, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Most of the problems we have as a city don’t go away.
In April of 2013 city council got into a major sweat over fatalities at railway crossings.
 It took a while but the city came up with a solution when there was an unsafe opening to railway tracks on city property. Staff were told to get fences up so that young people could not scoot across the railway tracks easily. And appropriate fencing was put up. As a result of the issue of people running across very busy railway tracks a committee was created to meet annually and keep track of where there were problems and ensure that the public was kept safe.
 Before a citizen brought this unsafe path at the end of a city street this opening existed and was used regularly by people – including Councillor Jack Dennison who said it was a quick way to get over to Harvest Road. When the fatalities were taking place in 2013 a parent who lost a child to a track crossing fatality delegated to City council, Regional council and met with the Minister of Transportation and they spoke to a group of people that had everyone who had anything to do with the rail lines sitting at the table
There was a lot of buck passing going on and then the energy that had been poured into the problem began to dissipate and the public interest moved on to the next problem.
There was another rail crossing fatality recently in the eastern end of the city – it didn’t get all that much publicity. People learned about the incident when the GO train they were on was delayed.
When there isn’t much said publicly people assume that the death was the result of a person with mental health issues – we don’t say it was a suicide – for some reason that isn’t a word the public wants to see. We know it happens – we just don’t want to talk about it.
 Graffiti on the walls beneath the railway bridge is bright and colourful – the wonder is how in blazes the artists managed to climb up and do the painting. Did they levitate? During a tour of the Sheldon Creek area where it runs through Sherwood Forest Park we came across some bold, colourful graffiti on the walks of the railway bridge – we wondered how they artist managed to get up that high.
The tour was to get a sense as to just how high the water had risen during the flood last August.
 GO train traffic is now much more frequent. This section of the tracks is not adequately fenced. The problem is not with the railway or the city – it is with the property owner – not yet identified. We made our way up the embankment to the level where the railway tracks ran over the creek and noticed that there were no barriers. The fence that was in place had been pushed down making it a snap to get to the railway tracks and cross over.
In the space along the creek there was evidence of small fires being lit; we bumped into some people sitting under the bridge, two males and one females – with one of the males on crutches walking along ground that was far from even.
We didn’t have to ask what they were doing there. The concern was the fence and how easy it was to get to the railway tracks.
 Vince Fiorito pulls pf a section of fencing along the edge of a property that borders the rail line used by both GO and Via. The racks are in the background – yards away from a part of the Sheldon Creek where younger people hang out. The small field was clearly a place where young people hang out – it is out of the way – they can make all the noise they want – no residential in the immediate area.
Drugs are used by young people – behaviour gets a little irresponsible and that’s when stupid things are done.
It’s a fence that needs repair and perhaps a little beefing up. It was clear that the fence had been down for some time which suggests there isn’t an active program on the part of either the city, the railways or the property owner to inspect the fences and ensure that they are doing what they were meant to do – keep people out of places that are dangerous.
Senior staff at city hall point out that “the responsibility for keeping fences in good repair is usually the responsibility of the property owner” – and added that “few companies walk their property line to check on the fences.
“When the media does their job and reports on these issues the vast majority of the property owners do the right thing and fix the fence.”
Background links:
The path that was the problem
The solution the city came up with
 By Pepper Parr
July 8, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Joseph Brant Hospital tag team paid a courtesy call on Council earlier this week and chit chatted about how things were coming along on the construction site; updated council on where things were with the community portion of the $120 million we have to come up with to get that refurbished hospital, large parts of which will be brand spanking new, top the point where people can use the place.
Annissa Hilborn and Eric Vandewall, she of the Hospital Foundation and he of the hospital itself, also left the city with a document that set out when and how much of the $60 million city taxpayers have been putting into a reserve fund for that rainy day when the hospital comes looking for a cheque.
The purpose of the meeting was to approve the amendments to the City’s Contribution Milestones and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute the amending agreement.
 Most recent rendering of the Joseph Brant Hospital showing the bridge from the garage. In July of 2012, Council approved a Contribution Agreement that had the city contributing $60 million towards the purchase of eligible equipment costs.
At the time there was a bit of a squabble on how the city was going to give money to the hospital. They, the hospital, wanted the city to pay for building the parking garage which Councillor Taylor objected to – unless the city was going to get the parking revenue. That idea didn’t fly.
They eventually settled on the city agreeing to pick up the tab for up to $60 million in equipment costs.
The initial cash flow from the hospital represented the their preliminary estimate of the equipment needs and cash flow requirements over the life of the JBH Redevelopment Project prior to the award of the construction Contract to Ellis Don Infrastructure JBH Inc.
 The revised schedule is now reflective of the equipment purchases required to align with the construction schedule of Ellis Don Infrastructure JBH Inc. which includes the opening of the new tower in 2017. The equipment requirements for the hospital fiscal years 2015/16 have decreased by $10.1 million. In 2016/17, the equipment requirements have increased by $22 million from the original contribution agreement. These changes are consistent with the construction project schedule and the requirement to acquire furniture, fixtures and equipment and install the same prior to the opening of the new tower in 2017.
The new tower will include a new Emergency department, three medical/surgical floors, a new ICU, new OR’s and day surgery and ambulatory care including a new Ophthalmology Clinic.
The comparison of the Revised Contribution Milestones is provided below:
 2016 is going to be a crunch year – the hospital wants a lot of the money then – and we don’t have it – so we borrow – hoping that interest rates remain low. The change in the cash flow advances the amount of debt required, but given the current favourable interest rates, the revised cash flow reduces the total levy and the length of time for the dedicated hospital levy from $62.1 million (19 years) to $59.5 million over 17 years.
The original cash flow is set out below
 The revised cash flow means the city doesn’t have to borrow quite as much as it would have under the original flow. The Contribution Agreement requires that JBH provide a Milestone Notice to the city at least three months in advance of each contribution date. This is critical in 2016 as this is the largest payment requiring a significant amount of debentures through the Region of Halton.
Each notice must contain:
• A statement confirming the application of all installments previously provided by the city to eligible costs
• A statement confirming the amount contributed by the Foundation to Local Share Plan Costs at that time (the agreement stipulates that the cumulative city contribution is not to exceed the amount contributed by the Foundation)
• A statement confirming the application of any unused funds from any prior city installment together with interest earned
• Any unused funds together with interest earned shall be used on account of the next city installment.
The city’s $60 million contribution is made up of cash payments totaling $24.1 M and debentures of $35.9 M. Debt repayment (principal and interest) amounts to $41.52 M (10 year debt at 1.951% for the 2015 issue and an assumed 3% for the 2016 debt issue). All cash and debt repayment is funded by the dedicated tax levy for the hospital.
 By Staff
June 30th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
All Sport Fields are currently open.
Please note: Ireland D3 outfield continues to experience wet patches. If inclement weather occurs please avoid use in affected areas.
Log into the Burlington Gazette daily to keep up on local news
 By Pepper Parr
June 29th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Vince Fiorito teaches and instructs people in the arcane science of information technology. He knows all about Virtual Private Networks; how to set them up and how to keep them both running and safe from the cyber bandits.
He has been around information technology since its inception and while he hasn’t invented anything or become ridiculously rich he is content with what he is able to earn.
 The Halton Hamilton Watershed Protection group and Conservation Authority issues these placards – they are prized possessions in the rural part of the region. The passion for Fiorito is the environment – and here he has become an absolute bulldog. Fiorito will see a lush green lawn and know that it was treated with some chemical that is polluting the creeks and streams that run through Burlington and into the lake – our water supply. That makes the hair on the back of his neck bristle.
When Fiorito and his wife went looking for a home in Burlington he knew that he wanted a ravine property; it was his wife who found what they were looking for. His back yard is a slope that is landscaped with stones – not as much as a blade of grass to cut but a clear view directly into the flow of Sheldon Creek that runs from the watershed in the Escarpment through the city and into Lake Ontario.
 This hunk of metal has obviously been in the creek since before the development surrounding the creek was constructed. A farmer or the developer that bought the farmland just left it; does the city not inspect the land at all during the construction phase. Getting it out is going to be a challenge. Sheldon Creek is Vince Fiorito country – he has a sign into his back yard that declares he is the Friend of Sheldon Creek. His reputation has spread throughout the city. During one of his Inspire speeches Mayor Goldring was taking questions from the audience – Vince was on his feet and asking the Mayor what his position was on the cleaning of the creeks. Goldring recognized the name and said “you’re the guy that cleans the Sheldon Creek” – not bad in terms of recognition.
Fiorito has walked every foot of the creek from Upper Middle Road to the Lake – during the summer he expects to trace the path of the creek from Upper Middle Road to its headwaters in the Escarpment
During a delegation before a city Standing Committee Fiorito upbraided council for not keeping the creeks cleaner – pointing out that they were city property.
Councillor Craven took exception to that comment and said it wasn’t city property but the property of people whose property who bordered on the flood plain. Staff corrected the Council member – it was for the most part city property they said; the decent thing to do would have been for Craven to apologize to Fiorito and listen to what the man had to say but that isn’t the currency Craven deals in.
Fiorito can recite chapter and verse on how many tonnes of garbage have been removed from Sheldon Creek and had the photographic evidence to back up his point.
 Not toxic but not the kind of thing you want adventurous boys coming across when they play in the creeks. When Fiorito came across the two 40 gallon barrels and the cans of chemicals in Sheldon Creek his first instinct was to inform the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. Easier said than done. There was no phone number; there was a form he could complete and did.
Fiorito didn’t understand why he couldn’t send a GPS marker to the Ministry so they would know exactly where to look.
 The back up here is due to a fallen tree – there is no one culling the forestry – the result is small damn that get created and catch everything flowing through the creek. There is more work to be done on the Sheldon Creek and while Fiorito gets quite cranked up about the environmental mess and isn’t the least bit shy about warning neighbours about the potential harm – the truth is Sheldon Creek is a mess and it is city property and while it will cost a pretty penny to clean it up from top to bottom there is the potential for flooding and the backing up of the spring runs offs – and there might be some junk in there that could be dangerous.
Burlington has 10 creeks that flow through the city and into the lake. They are for the most part abandoned with no one paying much in the way of attention to them. The city got a very rude awakening when the August 4th flood hit the city last summer. The practice before the flood was not to do all that much to the creeks; the natural approach, just leave everything that falls into the creek bed wherever it falls, was both cheaper and though to be environmentally sound.
That 191 mm of rain in a single day resulted in water roaring down those creeks and that harmless tree stump became a battering ram that lifted large pieces of concrete on New Street.
 It was a backed up creek that brought the flood water over this bridge Creeks got plugged and water began flowing into the streets and basements were flooded – the wonder is that some lawyer in town didn’t see the potential for a class action law suit and go after the city for tens of thousands in claims arguing that the city was negligent – which it has been.
Last week Conservation Halton held its annual awards night in Milton where it recognized those who had made significant contributions to the preservation of the environment
After the flooding brought on by Hurricane Hazel in 1954 that resulted in more than 90 deaths, flood control in Ontario and Canada as a whole became a more important issue.
Fiorito has nothing but positive words for the work BurlingtonGreen does each year when it spends the best part of a Saturday organizing thousands of people to help clean up the trash in the city – but makes this observation:
We have thousands of people helping clean up but we appear to have thousands who are littering our creeks – hundreds of vehicle tires have been pulled out the creek and they didn’t just fall of a passing car.
 Vince Firoito thinks there might be some scrap metal revenue in the creeks – is is salvageable? Part of his mission is to clean the creeks and keep them clean. Fiorito has a mission: he is the Friend of Sheldon Creek – now wants every creek in the city to have a friend and people who will serve as stewards of the creeks to oversee their environmental health.
In the fullness of time Fiorito hopes that the stewards of the city’s creeks will begin to have some influence on the city’s elected council and encourage them to put some resources into rehabilitating the creeks.
In some city’s the ravines are quiet laces for people to walk and just enjoy being outside. Burlington has been spoiled – most people are just vaguely aware that there are all those creeks running through the city. Vince Fiorito is setting out to change that perception.
By Pepper Parr
June 22, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
When they point out to you where the life boats are located – you kinda wonder what shape the ship is in.
The city of Burlington released a list of services that might be impacted if there is a work stoppage – polite word for a strike – the workers have withdrawn their services and decided they will go without a paycheque for a period of time unless their demands are met.
In the media release the city said it is “alerting residents that some city services may be affected by strike action that could take effect at 12:01 a.m. on July 2.”
The city continues to negotiate collective agreements with unions representing outside workers and arena/pool operators and Burlington Transit workers. Both CUPE (Canadian Union of Public Employees) Local 44 and CUPE Local 2723 representatives have stated that if there is no agreement by the end of June, they will begin strike action as of midnight (12:01 a.m.) on July 2.
“The city continues to seek a settlement that is fair to the unions and to the taxpayers of Burlington,” said Roy Male, executive director of Human Resources who is on the city’s bargaining team. “While we will continue to be willing to meet with the unions to discuss a settlement, regretfully, we must prepare for a strike to ensure the best possible continuity of service.”
The city has posted a list of services at www.burlington.ca/labourdisruptions that would be cancelled, reduced or continued in the event of a strike. The city has also set up a dedicated phone line for questions related to labour disruptions at 905-335-7600, ext. 7803.
“We are sharing this labour disruption information as early as we can, and in as many ways as possible, to ensure Burlington residents have the information they need to plan ahead,” said Scott Stewart, general manager of Development and Infrastructure with the city. “If the service you or your family members use is among those that would be cancelled in the event of a strike, we encourage you to try to make other arrangements, if at all possible.”
The city will resume negotiating with CUPE 44 and 2723 on June 29 and will provide updates as they become available.
Service Impacts in the Event of a Strike
Services that would be cancelled
• Conventional Burlington Transit service
• Handi-Van Transit Service
• Non-emergency tree service requests
• Street sweeping
• Programs and services offered at:
o Appleby Ice Centre
o LaSalle Wading Pool and Splash Park
o Mainway Arena
o Mountainside Outdoor Pool and Splash Park
o Nelson Arena
o Nelson Outdoor Pool and Splash Park
Services that would be reduced
• Grass-cutting and horticulture along roadside locations and in parks
• Litter and recycling in parks
Services that would continue
• Normal garbage collection, recycling (Halton Region)
• Burlington Public Library services
• Sports field rentals
• Turf maintenance
• Festivals and events
• Tyandaga Golf Course
• Forestry emergency storm response
• Arena floor rentals
o Aldershot
o Central
o Mountainside
o Skyway
• Spray pads in parks (non-fenced)
o Dofasco WaterJet Plaza at Spencer Smith Park
o Norton Community Park
o Pinemeadow Park
o Millcroft Park
o Orchard Community Park
o Hidden Valley Park
• Recreation centres
o Brant Hills
o Burlington Seniors’ Centre
o Haber
o Music Centre
o Rotary Youth Centre
o Sherwood Forest Gym
o Burlington Student Theatre
o Tansley Woods
• Indoor pools
o Aldershot
o Angela Coughlan
o Centennial
o Tansley Woods
• Banquet facilities
o LaSalle Pavilion
o Paletta Mansion
o Discovery Landing/Waterfront Centre
• Preschool, child and youth programs
• City of Burlington camps: SNAP, O2, Camp Can-Do, youth centres, LIT, youth specialty
• Adult and seniors’ programs
• All services at City Hall (includes Planning and Building, Capital Works, Finance, Transportation, Engineering)
• Playground inspections
• Cemetery service
• Road and sidewalk maintenance
• Traffic signal and street light maintenance
By Staff
June 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s all about the environment – global warming, flooding and much different weather patterns than we are used to – there is a lot of talk; the fifth State of the Environment Report (SOER) for Burlington, prepared by the Sustainable Development Committee was presented to a Council Standing Committee earlier this week. SOERs have been presented to council in 1998, 2004, 2007 and 2011.
 Does sustainability mean ensuring the Escarpment is never touched? The purpose of the document is to provide information on the state and health of Burlington’s environment and to make recommendations for improving it.
The SOER identifies eleven themes, and reported on:
Why it was measured
What was measured – indicators
What was found – indicator values and trends
What is happening to address the issue
The 2015 document points to progress is being made in certain areas of the city related to environmental sustainability:
The Cootes to Escarpment Land Strategy and Park System has partnered various levels of government, agencies, utilities, and non-government organizations to preserve and expand natural areas and engage the community on the value of these lands. The system is one of the most biologically rich areas in Canada with more than 1,580 documented species and habitat for more than 50 species at risk.
Under Places to Grow and with a firm urban and rural boundary, the city will continue to transform from a suburban community to a more urban built environment that should support a sustainable transportation network.
Support for urban agriculture and local food opportunities, such as community gardens, continues to grow.
Halton Region continues to experience success in reducing the waste diversion rate by expanding programs for local residents.
Greenhouse gas emissions from the community and city operations are decreasing.
Water efficiency efforts appear to be working as water consumption on a per capita basis appears to be decreasing (for low rise residential development). However, it is acknowledged that there are challenges facing the city and partner agencies going forward:
The uncertainty of the impacts of climate change, not just with local infrastructure, but with health, food security, the natural environment, among others. A regional adapation strategy should be considered.
The automobile is still the preferred mobility option in Burlington and changing the modal split in favour of other sustainable modes like transit, walking and cycling will require ongoing support in these areas.
The urban forest is under threat by invasive species and urban development, making the Urban Forest Master Plan an important resource.
The Sustainable Development Committee recently prioritized their top ten recommendations in the SOER:
 The use to which we put the land we have – who gets to make those decisions? LAND USE PLANNING:
1. That the city focuses on future land planning opportunities for mobility hubs, with design principles supporting energy efficient and smart development with a sustainable transportation network.
 Regional Chair Gary Carr tasting honey while on an agricultural tour. RURAL LANDS & AGRICULTURE
2. That the city expand the position and responsibilities of the Community Garden Coordinator from seasonal part time to support the local food movement in Burlington, by encouraging local food production and distribution, and supporting urban and rural agricultural programs.
TRANSPORTATION:
3. That the city undertake Transportation Modal Split surveys on a more consistent basis than the Transportation Tomorrow Survey. It is recommended that this survey include questions to detail why residents of Burlington choose their preferred mode of transportation and what steps need to be taken to encourage residents to rely on more sustainable transportation options.
ENERGY:
4. That the city continue the implementation of the Community Energy Plan with a focus on fuel and cost savings, by switching from gasoline vehicles to electric/hybrid vehicles, investigating opportunities for local sustainable generation (e.g. district and renewable energy), improving efficiency, increasing community engagement and improving the built form.
 Water – it can work for us and it can work against us. Either way it is a resource to be managed so that it can sustain the community. WATER:
5. That the city implement repairs and actions to mitigate future flooding impacts based on the results of the current study being carried out by the City of Burlington, Region of Halton and Conservation Halton in a cost effective manner. The study should include an update of the design standards for the stormwater system considering climate change impacts. That the city follow the principles (e.g. electrical boxes above flood level) required by Alberta when remediation is being carried out on residences, etc. (particularly where residences have been flooded repeatedly).
6. That the city request a geotechnical report through the development review process to ensure the proper design is applied when building construction takes place near or below the water table, particularly in low lying areas where the water table level is near the surface. Ensure the Ontario Building Code requirements are implemented, such as waterproofing of the foundation walls and measures to mitigate a reduction in the bearing capacity of the soil.
7. That the city, in partnership with Conservation Halton as appropriate, undertake a series of pilot projects on city properties using Low Impact Development stormwater management techniques to treat stormwater runoff at its source rather than conveying it through the traditional stormwater infrastructure.
CLIMATE CHANGE:
8. That the city ensure community resiliency by working with regional partners including Halton Region, Conservation Halton and the local municipalities to develop a climate change adaptation strategy.
SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS & DEVELOPMENT:
9. That the city implement green building standards to require builders to include sustainable building measures in their projects.
10. That the city continue to undertake a training program for city staff who deal with planning applications and building permits to obtain LEED accreditation and to make use of the LEED Neighbourhood checklist developed by the SDC.
The Sustainability Advisory Committee is made up of volunteers who have taken on a mammoth task. At times the city has asked them for comments they weren’t able to provide; with these periodic reports the city gets solid data but then struggles to leverage the data and inform the public.
 Tires pulled out of creeks by clean up crews – the tires got dumped there by people who should know better. Burlingtonians are particularly willing to pitch in and do what needs to be done to make the difference. Thousands turn out for the Green Up – Clean up event; hundreds trooped to the Beachway to plant trees. The task now is to get the message out – which is easier said than done. The Sustainable Development Committee plans to make their report available within the community. Copies will be distributed to the Burlington Public Libraries and local senior elementary and secondary schools as a resource document. An electronic version will be provided on the city’s website. The Committee will promote the on-line link to the SOER to minimize the number of printed copies.
It is going to take more than dropping copies off at the library and at schools to get the depth and breadth of just what sustainability is all about. On that score the committee gets a low C grade – great stuff but it has to go much further than a presentation to council and being put in the libraries.
It comes back to that leadership issue – doesn’t it?
By Staff
June 6, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Wildlife in Aldershot have more protected land to call home thanks to the City of Burlington which purchased 5 acres of natural lands on Snake Road, in the middle of the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System.
 The property is adjacent to the Clappison Escarpment Woods Environmentally Sensitive Area and builds on this important east-west corridor of natural greenspace along the Niagara Escarpment. Last fall other Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System partners purchased 25 acres along this same corridor.
This 1.3km long corridor of greenspace provides unusual forested talus slopes and deeply incised sheltered creek valleys creating unique microclimates for a diversity of plants and animals. The Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System is one of Canada’s biodiversity hotspots, home to more than 1,500 species of plants and animals, including nearly one quarter of Canada’s wild plants. The ecopark system lands are owned and managed by ten local government and non-profit partners who have committed to work together to protect, connect and restore the extraordinary natural heritage in the ecopark system area.
 “The protection of natural lands is an example of what can be achieved when we work together. It exemplifies the mission of the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System: to work together to protect, connect and restore natural lands between the Harbour and the Escarpment,” said Deborah Herbert, Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System Coordinator. “We are delighted at the progress made so far in permanently protecting natural lands in the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System and look forward to continuing this momentum.”
With this property acquisition, partners in the ecopark system have permanently protected more than 120 acres of ecologically significant land in the past two years, through purchase, donation and conservation easement.
 By Staff
June 4, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Yacking away on your cell phone while driving could cost you a fine of $1,000 and the loss of three demerit points – and probably a boost in your insurance premium.
 This kind of behaviour will cost three demerit points and a possible $1000 fine. Let’s hope judges decide not to be timid when handing out the fines An amendment to the Highway Traffic Act — one of several new road safety measures — is to become law this fall. The legislation to make this happen received unanimous support.
Before the police begin their crack down the transportation ministry will be launching an education campaign to make sure motorists get the message that distracted driving is eclipsing drunk driving for causing fatalities.
“People have to be constantly reminded that it is crucial to keep their eyes on the road,” said the Minister of Transportation, adding that what is really needed is “cultural transformation” that drives homes to motorists that driving requires 100 per cent of their attention.
Police and officials with safety organizations have been urging government for years now to toughen up the penalties for distracted driving, which currently only carries a fine.
Police have “seen a disturbing trend with needless deaths on the rise. They are totally preventable. Since distracted driving laws were introduced in 2009, 505 lives have been lost in OPP-investigated collisions in which driver distraction was a causal factor.”
Brian Patterson, president and CEO at Ontario Safety League, said distracted driving “is not just a bad habit, it’s a deadly habit,” adding there are many patients at Toronto’s Sunnybrook hospital who bear witness to that.
“As people get the message the roads will become safer,” said Patterson, adding that sometimes it also takes a ticket to get a driver’s attention.
 Fines for drivers that “door” cyclists to be increased + increase in demerit points. The Making Ontario’s Roads Safer Act will:
Increase fines for distracted driving from the current range of $60 to $500 to a range of $300 to $1,000, assign three demerit points upon conviction, and escalate sanctions for novice drivers who are convicted.
Apply current alcohol-impaired sanctions to drivers who are drug-impaired.
Require drivers to let pedestrians completely cross the road before proceeding at school crossings and pedestrian crossovers.
Increase fines and demerit points for drivers who “door” cyclists, and require all drivers to maintain a minimum distance of one metre when passing cyclists where possible, as well as allow cyclists to use the paved shoulders on unrestricted provincial highways.
Help municipalities collect unpaid fines by expanding licence plate denial for drivers who do not pay certain Provincial Offences Act fines.
Allow more qualified medical professionals to identify and report medically unfit drivers and, clarify the types of medical conditions to be reported.
The new fines and measures will come into force over the coming months, the transportation ministry says.
 By Staff
June 3rd, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
When you have Sarah Harmer addressing your audience – you get an attentive crowd.
 From back, left: Don Ford, Burlington Post, Bert Hoytema, Earthworks Landscaping, Dan Thompson, Salvation Army Community Church, Greg Alderson, Endless Possibilities Photographic Exhibition, Patrick Lee, Project Autism, Captain Ron Wickens, Salvation Army Community Church, Captain Judi Wickens, Salvation Army Community Church, Judith Lee, Project Autism, Gustav Baliko, Tetra Society of North America, Laurie Ann Correia, Longo’s Walkers Line, David Boag, Halton District School Board, Rachael Armit, Marilu’s Market, Lisa Blanchet, Multiple Scleroses Society, Halton Chapter, Kelly Scott, Burlington Challenger Baseball, Sarah Harmer, Tami Young, Burlington Super Kids Support Group, Kelly MacDonald, AMI-tv, Tricia Porkorny, Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee Vice Chairperson with Barney, David Fisher, Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee Chairperson The City of Burlington recognized 12 champions of accessibility this afternoon during the 4th Annual Burlington Accessibility Awards. Organized by the Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee, nominations are requested each spring and the awards are given to individuals, business owners, service providers and community groups that have made significant steps toward improving accessibility for people with disabilities in Burlington. Burlington recognized 12 champions of accessibility during the 4th Annual Burlington Accessibility Awards.
Sarah Harmer, singer songwriter and activist, grew up on her family farm in Burlington on the Niagara Escarpment. She co-founded PERL – Protecting Escarpment Rural Land – dedicated to the protection of land and wilderness in danger of over-development.
In her remarks Harmer said: “When residents have access to decision-making and the tools to become active citizens, it contributes greatly to our sense of personal empowerment and mental wellness,” said Harmer. “It’s wonderful to see that the City of Burlington encourages citizen involvement and recognizes individuals and businesses for their efforts.”
The awards are held in conjunction with National Access Awareness Week, which was established in 1988 following Rick Hanson’s 40,000-kilometre Man in Motion World Tour. The 2015 winners:
Education
Halton District School Board
Recreation
Kelly Scott
Employment
Marilu’s Market
Longo’s Market
Built Environment
Salvation Army Community Church
Volunteer
Gustuv Baliko
Lisa Blanchet
Tami Young
Greg Alderson
Other
Project Autism
Earthworks Landscaping
Burlington Post
By Staff
June 1, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Everyone was out on Saturday – we all stayed in on Sunday. Summer isn’’t ready to show its face yet.
 It was warm up time for the several hundred Carpenter Hospice volunteers and supporters before the took a long leisurely walk along the Waterfront Trail to the canal and back.  The weather was as good as it gets – the Carpenter House supporters in the blue T-shirts were out in force. The waterfront was the place to be on Saturday. The hundreds that support Carpenter House were out exercising and then walking the Waterfront Trail.
 While hundreds walked the Waterfront \Trail an additional 100 + planted new saplings in the environmentally fragile sand dunes.  Carefully tamping down a new sapling one of the hundred + people who put in half a day ensures the roots have a chance to growth into the sand. Close by just over 100 people dug away in the environmentally fragile sand dunes that make up a large part of the Beachway Park.
They were out there on their hands and knees making sure new saplings were firmly bedded. The Sunday gave them a solid soaking.
In the past residents in the park would be out with their pamphlets and petitions looking for support. None of that in site this Saturday. It seems as if they are resigned to what is going to eventually happen – or they are saving their energy for another day. For some the fight to keep their homes in the park will never end.
 By Ray Rivers
May 28, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It is easy to become complacent on a sunny spring day in Burlington. It is easy to ignore the cumulative effect that our lifestyle is having on the planet’s climate. But the TV news tell us about the destruction from increasing levels of tornado, storm and flash floods, as we saw recently in B.C. Then there is California experiencing its worst drought ever. It’s all so depressing that you just want to change the channel.
 Developing economies use coal because it is available and it is relatively cheap – we eventually all pay the price. Blame China, Korea and India for their dirty industrialization policies, using cheap dirty coal to fire their economies and take them out of the dark ages and perhaps into a new one. It is ironic and sad that they started burning coal in a big way just as we learned how bad these carbon emission can be for the atmosphere. Of course we in North America, Australia and even Europe still burn coal (though Ontario has eliminated coal power plants). And you can change the channel but that TV was probably made in Korea.
In the last federal budget, Mr. Harper’s election budget, as every other one of his budgets, has ignored our ever increasing contribution to climate change. And we’re not alone. US presidential contenders, Australia’s dinosauric leader and even the leader of once progressive New Zealand have allowed the global commons to slip almost completely off the political page, as they pursue today’s issues without any consideration of tomorrow..
There are people who still think there is a debate about whether climate change is real, a phenomenon psychologists call being in an echo chamber. They have pre-conceived notions that the environment is a conspiracy, constructed by a ’60’s hippie crowd, to take away their freedom… to pollute – so they just listen to themselves. Why shouldn’t we live the way we always did? These folks are watching the ‘Leave it to Beaver’ channel or something on 100 Huntley Street.
 Making a point; speaking for Canadians – is he saying what we want him to say? Canada’s environment minister pulled some imaginary emissions targets out of the air. But without a hint of a roadmap there is no hope of getting there – though perhaps that is the idea? Just like a New Year’s resolution, they’re soon to be forgotten the next day. So why even bother? And besides, these new numbers pale in comparison to the imaginary numbers the Americans and Europeans have generated.
The 21st annual United Nations Climate Change Conference takes place in Paris this coming December. But you can tune out because all expectations are that we’re looking at another failed conference. The only meaningful attempt at global climate cooperation, the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, was critically wounded when GW Bush took the US, it’s chief architect and player, out of the deal only a couple of years later. After all, he has oil in his blood. And Canada’s own wanna-be-oil-man, our PM, whited-out Canada’s signature on Kyoto as soon as he had nailed his majority government.
So this year’s meeting is featuring something called ‘intended nationally determined contributions’ (INDC). These virtually meaningless theoretical voluntary commitments will be offered up by many of the 194 nations in the global climate change game. But since the national targets will be internationally unenforcible, no party will be held to account. So this meeting in the City of Love will not have much to do with love for the environment, or for our children’s children.
It is the ‘tragedy of the commons’ that brings all these nations together once a year, to keep alive the process that requires nothing short of re-genesis. Whether a common pasture, the oceans’ fisheries or the planet’s atmosphere, the ‘tragedy’ can only be abated or avoided through more governance, not less. And that was what Kyoto was all about. Today we have ISIS and an errant Russia gone rogue to add to the mix, so don’t expect any re-runs this year.
Canada’s excuse is that, despite being one of the highest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting nations per capita, we are still a relatively small part of the global GHG contribution. That is our echo chamber and we’re sticking to it. Canada rationalizes that doing almost nothing is just OK. Inertia has become our climate change strategy. And business as usual, despite occasional lip service to the contrary, prevails, at least at the federal level.
In fairness, the previous Liberal government did little more than sign onto Kyoto with its ambitious targets, which even they would have had trouble to attain – though the Ontario and Quebec governments did. So maybe targets are important. I’ve always believed that it is better to shoot for a high goal and fail, than to have never shot at all. I mean what kind of hockey player goes out on the ice without the prospect of scoring a slap shot on his/her mind?
 But Canada’s hockey-author, our PM, is just not into the game when it comes to protecting the atmosphere. He was an ardent climate change denier in his opposition days. And his government has stayed pretty true to form on that count. So even if individual Canadians wanted to contribute to the fight against climate change they are leaderless.
If your national leader is missing in action on this matter, how does a nation mobilize? My New Zealand friend refers to sic critical lost years. We in Canada will have recorded a lost decade, perhaps it is time to change to change the channel.
Background links:
Climate Change Canada
World’s natural Disasters More Disasters Climate Change Echo More Echo
100 Huntley Street Conference Tragedy of the Commons New Zealand
 Ray Rivers writes weekly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was a candidate for provincial office in Burlington where he ran as a Liberal against Cam Jackson in 1995, the year Mike Harris and the Common Sense Revolution swept the province.
By Staff
May 8, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
Operation RISC (Reducing Intersection Safety Concerns) is a Burlington Police detachment initiative that began in February and has had some successful results since it’s inception.
The operation focuses on intersection traffic safety which, through an increased police presence, and both education and enforcement work, the number of motor vehicle collisions has been reduced.
 A strong police presence makes a difference. In a three month period, (February to April), Burlington officers conducted 1,812 traffic stops in and around intersections throughout the City of Burlington.
They issued 1,435 Provincial Offence Notices and delivered 375 verbal warnings.
In total, 886 hours has been spent patrolling Burlington intersections.
The purpose of the project is to increase awareness for intersection traffic safety and in turn reduce collisions.
Between April 28 and May 4 of last year, 2014, the Halton Regional Police responded to 1049 motor vehicle collisions and 131 personal injury collisions.
During the same time period in 2015, after two months of Operation RISC, the motor vehicle collisions dropped to 960 and the personal injury collisions also dropped to 109.
The number one infraction continues to be distracted driving followed by speeding through intersections and red light violations. (Distracted driving tends to be people using their cell phones.)
Officers will continue to be a presence in and around intersections throughout the City in hopes they serve as a gentle reminder to pay attention when driving.
 By Staff
April 28, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Community Foundation (BCF) distributed more than $897,000 in grants to charities and not-for-profit organizations, the largest amount since the Foundation was founded in 1999. Since its inception BCF has provided more than $3.18 million in grants.
 Angelo Paletta, the Honorary Chair of the BCF Gala last year with President and CEO Colleen Mulholland. The Gala is one of the major fund raising event for the Community Foundation “We are grateful to our current 74 fund holders who continue to partner with us and increase their gifts every year so we can grant to so many outstanding organizations,” says Colleen Mulholland, CEO and President of BCF. “We can attribute our increase in granting to an overall increase to BCF’s endowment fund, stewarding a wide variety of fund models to meet the various needs of our community, and to a healthy economic climate.”
In 2014 BCF’s community grants focused on needs identified in the Foundation’s Vital Signs Report. This research and subsequent report are designed to provide key data to better understand where success and progress is being had while also highlighting pressing needs. After analyzing the data contained in the Vital Signs Report grants in 2014 largely focused on mental health, poverty, and youth.
“Our role is to be a 360 degree grantor,” says Mulholland. “We take a holistic view of our community through our Vital Signs Report and aim to support to all community needs while honouring the philanthropic wishes of our donors.”
 The number of children in low income families has been at a consistent since 2006 – are we missing something here? A key part of BCF’s holistic view is hearing back from various grant recipients to better understand the impact of our grant making initiatives.
Community Development Halton presented data to the team that will create a Strategic Plan for the next four years – in that report they highlighted two critical choke points in the city – the number of children that are defined as low income and the number of people who live in poverty.
The Community Foundation addresses each of these through the funds they distribute.
By Pepper Parr
April 22, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington has struggled mightily to get a private tree bylaw in place – it wouldn’t fly with this council.
 The best argument there is for a private tree bylaw The city is now going to try the educating them route – and with that objective in mind they are going to hold an Arbor Day on Saturday, May 2, at Central Arena, 519 Drury Lane, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Almost a Trees 101 event, the city’s first Arborfest event will provide the public with an opportunity to learn more about the benefits trees bring to our community.
“Recent community surveys and public engagements have revealed a desire among residents to increase their education and awareness about trees and the value they bring to our community,” said Scott Stewart, general manager of development and infrastructure. “We are excited to invite residents to this free, fun, family event held just in time to celebrate Arbor Day.”
Arborfest 2015 will feature:
• Exhibits from local community groups, gardeners and landscape vendors who play a key role in promoting the health and benefits of Burlington’s urban forest
• Tree planting in Central Park
• Fun activities for children.
At the several public meetings to explain the why of a private tree bylaw we heard some pretty stupid arguments as well as some of the most reasoned, reasonable thinking put forward in this city. But there is still a significant – “my home is my castle and I will do whatever I want on my property” viewpoint floating around out there.
BurlingtonGreen fought mightily to persuade Council to put a private tree bylaw in place. It failed but the environmentalists just don’t give up
Who voted for the private tree bylaw and who didn’t?
Why a private tree bylaw
 By Pepper Parr
April 20, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Air Park issue is back on the table – on the hot plate actually with the heat being turned up.
In a very brief media release handed out during a city council meeting Monday evening the city said: The issue at the Air Park is of continuing concern to the residents of Burlington and there is a high degree of interest in this matter. For the purposes of informing the public the City Solicitor recommends that limited solicitor-client privilege be waives with respect to the following matters after final Council approval of this report as follows”:
Council waive solicitor client privilege with respect the advice/opinions contained in L-9-15 and its attachments strictly with respect to conveying to the public that:
 Barbara Sheldon look at 32 feet of landfill less than 50 feet from her kitchen window. All dumped without any permits because an airport is federally regulated. The city is now back in Court asking a Judge to compel the Air Park to file a site Alteration site |Plan does that mean some of the fill might get removed? Burlington city council takes the position that it has full legal Authority to enforce the provisions of its Site Alteration By-law as against Burlington Air Park Inc. and the Burlington Air Park Inc., has been given 30 days from March 20, 2015 to comply with the by-law.
This news is released April 20th – suggesting that lawyer Ian Blue will be at the County Courthouse tomorrow morning with a brief asking the Judge to order the Air Park to submit a Site Alteration plan.
The city media release goes on to say: “That in all other respects, solicitor-client privilege is maintained over all other legal advice/opinions contained in L-9-15 and its appendices.”
In other words – they aren’t going to tell us anything else.
So much for the city’s intention to communicate with the public.
City Manager James Ridge, who smiles frequently and suggests he wants to be nice added a few words to the release when asked just what it meant.
“We are asking a court to compel the Air Park to comply with the site by-law
They could have said that in one sentence and do away with all the baffle gab.
This certainly ups the ante – the Air Park has found reason after reason; excuse after excuse to not file the proper documents – they’ve been doing this for years.
The city and the Air Park sued each other over whether or not the city had the right to require a Site Alteration Plan. They lost the case. Justice Murphy said they were requires to submit a plan.
The Air Park appealed that decision – they lost the appeal.
They hired a consulting form with a good reputation for quality work – and that firm did meet with staff in the planning department – but a complete |Site Alteration plan never quite made it to the planners.
 Getting a single picture with most of the players in it is unusual. On the far left is outside counsel Ian Blue who won two court cases for the city and has been brought in to stick handle the most recent legal issue. To the rear of Blue is Blake Hurley who is with the city legal department. Scott |Stewart chats with rural Burlington residents Robert Goulet, Ken Woodruff and Montre Dennis. Vanessa Warren looks over their shoulders. Warren, Dennis and Pepper Parr, publisher of the Burlington Gazette have been sued by the Air Park. That case has yet to get to court. A month or so ago the city brought Ian Blue the lawyer who handled the two court cases, back in and sought his advice. That advice is now evident.
The city wants to hope that they appear once again in front of Justice Murphy.
In a media release put out several hours after city council adjourned a time line reflecting just how long this has been going on.
Timeline
• July 4, 2013 – The City of Burlington moved forward with a legal strategy to address concerns regarding noise and fill activities related to construction at the Burlington Airpark on Bell School Line.
• July 18, 2013 – The Burlington Airpark serves the City of Burlington with an application to take the city to court and seeks a court order to declare the city’s site alteration by-law does not apply to the airport’s operations and construction of aerodrome facilities.
• July 29, 2013 – The City of Burlington and the Burlington Airpark reach a settlement to stop fill operations at the airpark until a decision is made by the courts about whether the city has jurisdiction to regulate fill operations through its site alteration by-law.
• Nov. 13, 2013 – A Milton Superior Court rules the City of Burlington’s site alteration by-law applies to the Burlington Airpark.
• June 11, 2014 – The Court of Appeal for Ontario upholds the decision of the Milton Superior Court that the City of Burlington’s site alteration by-law applies to the Burlington Airpark.
Added to the time line was the following:
“The City of Burlington site alteration by-law 64-2014 regulates the placing, dumping, cutting and removal of fill or the alteration of grades or drainage on a piece of land. Individuals undertaking this type of work are first required to submit an application to the city for a site alteration permit.
“The Burlington Airpark Inc. has not submitted an application for a site alteration permit for the areas of the Airpark property where substantial quantities of fill were deposited between 2009 to 2014.”
“The Burlington Airpark continues to be of great interest to the residents of Burlington,” said Mayor Rick Goldring. “The requirements set out in Burlington’s site alteration by-law are necessary to help regulate impacts to the environment and drainage patterns.”
 Dump trucks taking tonnes of landfill onto the Air Park property to level out part of the 200 acre site. They did so without any permits. The requirement for a site plan isn’t the only issue. The drilling of test holes to determine what if any toxicity exists at or near the water table as a result of the fill that has been dumped on the 200 acre plus site has yet to be resolved and something more than statement released from the provincial ministry that is involved in this mess on how it is going to inform the public.
The federal government is responsible for the regulations that determine what level of adherence the airport has to respect in terms of municipal bylaws.
The noose is getting tighter.
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