 By Pepper Parr
July 31st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
She was the kind of civil servant who knew what the job meant and never failed to deliver.
Helen Walihura passed on Saturday, at the age of 59, leaving behind a son William, her husband Terry and hundreds of shocked staff member at City Hall.
 Helen Walihura in the middle and in the background with then General Manager Scott Stewart and Councillor Meed Ward. Helen was the person who handled the government relations work for the city. She was the person that worked to be aware of the government granting opportunities and then worked tirelessly to fill in the forms and lobby with the federal or provincial departments to ensure they had all the information they needed.
Helen was a quiet person. She tended to fuss over things wanting the work she was doing to be done just right.
During the official opening of the underpass on King Road in December of 2013, the scissors used to cut the ribbon that let the Official Opening Party drive through the underpass, that heritage fire truck leading the way, the scissors used to cut the ribbon were kept in Helen’s purse.
I was never sure if they were Helen’s scissors, something she brought from her home because the city didn’t have any scissors or if Helen was making sure the scissors didn’t get mislaid.
She loved the job she was doing; the people she worked with daily loved the way she did her work. The practice in Burlington is to lower one of the flags when a Staff member is lost. If you happen to walk by – pause and be grateful that Helen was with the city for as long as she was – the work she did benefited you.
 By Staff
July 31st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
A North Aldershot resident writes:
After years of many emails, meetings, and accidents Snake Road is finally getting a 4 way stop sign.
 North Aldershot residents have been complaining about speed in the area since Rick Craven was in office. Traffic speed and noise has become unbearable for North Aldershot residents living along or in the vicinity of Snake Rd in the Old York areas and more development coming to West Aldershot, which already use this road too Waterdown for Groceries. Very few vehicles actually obey the 50 km/hour speed limit, with most travelling at least 80-100 km/hr. on Snake Rd.
Weekends in particular, motorcycle groups and fast cars use it as a thoroughfare to Hwy 6. Noise levels are detracting from enjoyment of our outdoor spaces. The high traffic volume combined with excessive speed is a safety hazard for pedestrians including users of the Bruce Trail.
What happened with the Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) that the City received?
After years of requesting required traffic data, many accident, plenty of phone calls to police, lots of emails and meetings with both Rick and Kelvin Ward 1. They will be receiving a 4 way stop sign. Let’s hope this controls the speeding issues in North Aldershot!
The community was pushing for this sign for years. Now push for one of those cameras that will photograph the speeders – the $300 + fine will slow them down.
 By Staff
July 31st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Another post secondary institution is setting up camp in Burlington.
 Mohawk College serves more than 32,500 full-time, part-time, apprenticeship and international students at four main campuses in Hamilton. Mohawk College announced its intent to expand facilities into the City of Burlington. The college has formalized a Letter of Understanding with the City of Burlington and Burlington Economic Development to establish new Mohawk College learning hubs and campuses in Burlington.
Interestingly – there is no mention in the media release of Alinea Lands, the people developing the massive King Road property. Their long term plan for the King Road site includes educational facilities
Mohawk College has been educating and preparing highly skilled graduates since 1996.
The recent launch of Mohawk College’s School of Climate Action, the continuing shortages in Ontario’s healthcare system, and growing demand for more people and training in skilled trades and technology are all priorities for the college.
Additional classrooms, labs, shops and applied research facilities will be required to meet the demand in these growth areas. Burlington is an ideal location to achieve this growth. Many locations within the city are easy to access through public transit and it is closer to home for many Mohawk College students who commute to Hamilton campuses from other communities.
 Mohawk College – Fennell Campus – Hamilton The college already has a presence in Burlington through its partnership with Schlegel Villages, with a Living Classroom located at The Village at Tansley Woods. The site is used to deliver the Personal Support Worker (PSW), Practical Nursing (PSW to PN Bridging Stream), and the Occupational Therapy Assistant and Physiotherapy Assistant (OTA/PTA) programs.
The proposed expansion aligns with the City of Burlington’s Strategic Plan. Burlington City Council has identified the attraction of a post-secondary institution as an objective that will contribute to the overall health of the city. It supports Burlington’s goals of developing complete communities, expanding its youth population, and providing an educational environment to attract startups and grow businesses. The City is supportive of post-secondary opportunities for its residents.
 Mayor Meed Ward: “We’re partnering with Mohawk College to ensure our future is as bright, innovative, and as forward-looking as our community.” “Burlington is open for business,” said Mayor Marianne Meed Ward. “We welcome post-secondary institutions and satellite programming as one way to boost local employment and support business. We’re partnering with Mohawk College to ensure our future is as bright, innovative, and as forward-looking as our community.”
Mohawk joins the Brock University involvement where they will occupy much of the Bateman currently under massive renovation site.
“There are promising opportunities in Burlington in healthcare, in industry, and across the regional economy,” said President Armstrong. “Students are looking for rewarding, fulfilling careers in desirable communities and employers are looking for well-educated and well-trained workers. Mohawk College is excited to create pathways to employment, preparing future-ready graduates for bright careers in Burlington and beyond.”
This planned expansion will roll out in phases over several years, with a variety of programs being offered in different locations. Mohawk will work with Burlington Economic Development to explore take shape and the requisite agreements are finalized. potential locations and uses. More specific information will be provided in the coming months as plans take shape and the requisite agreements are finalized.
 Anita Cassidy, Executive Director of Burlington Economic Development Anita Cassidy, Executive Director of Burlington Economic Development sees the Mohawk College’s plan to expand their facilities into Burlington as very exciting news. “Mohawk College has supported our local business community for a long time, through access to applied research areas, experiential learning hubs, and of course connecting employers to top talent. We look forward to working with them in the coming months to find the ideal location for their students, faculty and staff to thrive here.”
Mohawk College educates and serves more than 32,500 full-time, part-time, apprenticeship and international students at four main campuses in Hamilton, Ontario and learning hubs across Hamilton through City School by Mohawk, as well as at the Mohawk College Mississauga Campus in partnership with triOS College.
The college was formed in 1966. It came out of what was once the Hamilton Institute of Technology and the Provincial Institute of Textiles.
Burlington Economic Development (Burlington EcDev) is an agency of the City of Burlington that works to attract high-value companies to Burlington, support the expansion of existing businesses, and encourage the start-up and growth of new companies.
No word yet on just where the campus will be located.
 By Staff
July 31st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The National Homes development at 484 Plains Road East will be the subject of a statutory public meeting on Monday August 7th.
 Development along Plains Road in Aldershot has, for the most part, been in the six to eight story level. No soaring 20 storeys plus towers – yet.
The application relates to phase 2 of National Homes’ development currently underway on Plains Road. The application proposes some minor technical deficiencies required to facilitate an efficient built form and building design as well as a distribution of unit types over the phase 2 lands. The amendments include:
Adjusting the overall number of stacked back-to-back townhouse units from 110 to 81; a reduction in 29 townhouse units;
Increasing the number of residential condominium units in Phase 2 from 124 to 166 units; an overall increase from 277 to 319 units.
Through the proposed reconfiguration, the proposal also provides for a larger central amenity area, increasing the ground floor amenity from 600 square metres to 780 square metres.
No changes are proposed to any of the minimum parking requirements as well as the current front, side, and rear yard setbacks.
National Homes are in the process of completing their large development on Brant. They are a very tough outfit for citizens who do not like a development to deal with. Some of the ECOB members learned that the hard way.
The August 7 meeting will take place as part of a Special City Council meeting. The staff report will be available on the Burlington Council and Committee Calendar under the August 7 Special Council Meeting agenda (Item #6.1).
 Located on Plains Road between Falcon and Sandford. Speak at the Meeting:
There are two ways to share your feedback during the Statutory Public Meeting:
Pre-register to speak by Noon the day before the meeting
You can pre-register in one of the following ways:
complete the online delegation request form at burlington.ca/delegation;
submit a written request by email to the Office of the City Clerk at clerks@burlington.ca; or
call 905-335-7600, ext. 7481.
Register to speak during the Statutory Public Meeting
If you are attending the meeting virtually, you can register to speak by emailing clerks@burlington.ca, as noted in the ticker tape that will be scrolling along the bottom of the live stream webcast of the meeting; or
If you are attending the meeting in person, you can register to speak by following the instructions provided by the Committee Chair during the meeting.
If you have presentation materials, they must be submitted to clerks@burlington.ca no later than Noon the day before the meeting to allow for their distribution and review by all members of Council. Please note the content of all submissions is considered public and will be posted to the City’s website with the meeting minutes.
Provide Written Feedback
If you do not wish to speak at the meeting, but would like to submit feedback in writing, please email it to clerks@burlington.ca. Your correspondence will be shared with all members of Council, attached to the minutes of the meeting online, and kept on file as part of the official public record.
 By Staff
July 31st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
If you plan on picnicking in LaSalle Park or Hidden Valley Park, especially as part of a larger group, please take your garbage bags and packaging home with you. Containers in parks are for litter, not entire garbage bags or packaging from newly opened items. Unfortunately, the photos show what has become commonplace at the city’s picnic parks.
 Garbage left at several locations in ward 1 parks Ward 1 City Councillor Kelvin Galbraith points out that “City staff do not have the capacity to increase servicing of the parks and will not add additional cans because is just encourages more dumping.
“If you see an overflowing litter container, please report it to city@burlington.ca for servicing.”
Galbraith has made significant changes and upgrades to his ward newsletter – I think he is now working with a new administrative assistant.
By Staff
July 31st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Long weekends are always a strain on the steady supply of blood and blood products hospital need.
Canadian Blood Services continues to see thousands of empty donor beds each week. Appointment bookings are falling short of hospital demand for blood and plasma, which could cause the national supply to dwindle. Hospitals have the blood they need today, but that could change if appointments aren’t filled.
 The Burlington donor centre at 1250 Brant Street is open Friday, Saturday and Monday this long weekend. There are 64 open appointments to fill at this location on Monday.
One in 2 Canadians are eligible to give blood, yet only 1 in 76 actually does. This dedicated, but small group of donors have been supporting patients in Canada. More new donors are needed to keep pace with the growing demand for blood and blood products. New donors of all blood types are needed but it is particularly vital that people with group O-negative, O-positive or B-negative donate as soon as they can.
Every available appointment needs to be filled this weekend and throughout the summer to ensure there is always enough blood and plasma available for patients when and where they need it.
If you’ve never donated before, there is no better time to start. Recent changes to donation criteria mean that many people who weren’t able to donate in the past, might be able to now.
You can be part of the solution. Book now on blood.ca, use the GiveBlood app or call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283). Double your impact and help grow the community by inviting a new donor to join you when you make your appointment this summer.
By Staff
July 30th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The housing problem has s significant intergenerational aspect to it.
Paul Kershaw, a Globe and Mail Opinion writer said: “We should compensate younger people for sacrificing their standard of living in return for asking them to ensure higher housing costs to protect older people who bank on current home prices for their retirement.”
Irene Galea, in an interview with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, shared that housing prices would need to drop by 50% before they would be affordable to her generation. She added that if this was unacceptable to home owners most of her generation would need to wait 18 years for their incomes to catch up while housing prices stall.
 Kershaw’s column went on to say:
“Presented with these options the Prime Minister responded as almost any politician would when home owners remain the majority of voters. He assured listeners to the interview that his government intends for home prices to retain their value because housing wealth is a “huge part of people’s potential for retirement and future nest egg.
“The Prime Minister had acknowledged that intergenerational inequity would remain. Conservative leader PierrePoilievre said that “we had a deal in this country when I grew up. You got a job. You get a house by your 20’s. That deal is broken.”
“Both leaders have named this intergenerational problem – with that the country is now better positioned to design an adequate plan to tame it.
“A political decision to protect older generations housing wealth out of concern for their retirement inflicts a nasty sacrifice on younger generations. It rules out home ownership for many while imposing expensive rents for smaller spaces often at greater distance from their jobs.
 “Housing may have been a nest egg when owners gained equity primarily by paying off their mortgages. Monthly payments functioned like enforced piggy bank savings. Over years, people shifted from debt holder to asset holder, leaving them rent free in retirement with some equity to draw down.
“But the last decades changed this cultural norm, especially in British Columbia and Ontario. Gaining equity primarily by paying off the mortgage was supplanted by the expectations that housing values would also grow exponentially.
“While preserving these wealth gains, many politicians now hope we can flood the market with new supply that will reduce rent or ownership costs for younger folks. There is little chance that this will happen in the next while without government subsidies.
“Scaling up such subsidies is how older affluent can begin to compensate younger folks for tolerating a political bargain that protects our wealth windfalls at their expense We can contribute more to scale up deeply affordable, energy efficient, family sized rental and co-op hosing and ensure post secondary and child care fees no longer cost mortgage sized payments.
“Contemporary federal and provincial budgets do the opposite. They disproportionately increase spending for retirees while leaving deficits for younger people to pay later. Correcting this age imbalance in government budgets is the least we can do to compensate younger folks for the political calculation that they must forfeit some of their standard of living to safeguard the housing wealth gained by many older Canadians.”
 Paul Kershaw Paul Kershaw is a professor at University of British Columbia and founder of Generation Squeeze, Canada’s leading voice for generational fairness.
By Staff
July 30th. 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington Museums Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of three community members to its Board of Directors; Colleen Mulholland, Morgan Scannell and Aurélie Dimandja.
 Colleen Mullholland Colleen Mulholland was the President & CEO of Burlington Foundation. During her 12-year tenure, the Foundation’s impact on the community grew significantly through increased assets under management from 5M to 25M, meaningful granting, and insightful community facilitation. Colleen’s passion for promoting healthy communities through philanthropic giving has been recognized on multiple occasions.
In addition to being honoured with the 2021 YWCA Women of Distinction Lifetime Achievement Award, in 2015, Colleen received an Outstanding Community Service Award from the City of Burlington and the Province of Ontario for her leadership in managing the 2014 Burlington Flood Disaster Relief efforts. In 2017, Colleen also received an Ontario 150 Award in honour of the substantial contributions she has made to our community and province.
 Morgan Scannell Morgan Scannell graduated from the University of Guelph with a degree in Economics and Policy. She launched her career in Finance working at a Burlington-based investment dealer and is currently pursuing her Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Morgan discovered her passion for volunteering while in university and looks forward to sharing her financial expertise with the Board.
 Aurélie Dimandja Aurélie Dimandja currently works in retail as an Assistant Manager at Famous Footwear in Burlington. Dedicated to spending time volunteering, Aurélie has volunteered on various boards, including Contact Hamilton, Community Living Burlington, and Adult Basic Education Association. During her time on these Boards, she has served on Strategic Planning Committees, Nomination Committees, and Risk Management Committees.
“We are thrilled that Colleen, Morgan and Aurélie have joined our Board,” says John Doyle, Chair of Burlington Museums Foundation. “With their dynamic backgrounds and diverse areas of expertise, we warmly welcome them to our Board of Directors and look forward to working with each of them to help advance the mission and vision of the Burlington Museums Foundation.”
These three women join Andrew Grubb (Secretary), Rob Stonehewer, Evan McDade (Treasurer) and John Doyle Chair
 Ireland House; one of the two museum locations in the city.  Rendering of the Joseph Brant Museum that underwent a major upgrade to the site and the public space inside. The Rooftop space is something you don’t want to miss.
By Staff
July 30th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
City of Burlington administrative services will be closed for the Civic holiday on Monday, Aug. 5. For a list of which City services and facilities are available on the long weekend, please see the summary below or visit burlington.ca.
Fireworks reminder
Fireworks are not permitted to be set off on the August Civic holiday. As per the City’s bylaw, family (low-hazard) fireworks can only be set off on Canada Day and Victoria Day. For more information regarding who to contact if you have a personal safety concern related to the use of fireworks, visit burlington.ca/fireworks.
| City Service |
Holiday Closure Information |
| Animal Services |
The Animal Shelter at 2424 Industrial St. will be closed to appointments on Monday, Aug. 5. To report an animal control related emergency on a holiday, please call 905-335-7777. |
| Burlington Transit |
Burlington Transit will operate on a Sunday schedule on Monday, Aug. 5. For real-time bus information and schedules, visit myride.burlingtontransit.ca.
The Downtown Transit Terminal, at 430 John St., and Specialized Dispatch will be closed on Monday, Aug. 5. |
| City Hall |
Service Burlington and the Building, Renovating and Licensing counter on the main floor of City Hall at 426 Brant St., will be closed to all appointments and walk-in service on Monday, Aug. 5.
Many service payments are available online at burlington.ca/onlineservices
For online development services, MyFiles can be used by residents who have applied for Pre-Building Approval. Check the status of Pre Building Approval applications at burlington.ca/MyFiles. |
| Halton Court Services – Provincial Offences Office |
Court administration counter services at 4085 Palladium Way will be closed on Monday, Aug. 5.
Except for the Civic holiday closures, telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. All in-person services are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Many services are also available by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or online at Halton Court Services. Payment of Provincial Offences fines is available 24/7 at www.paytickets.ca. |
| Parking |
On Sunday, Aug. 4 and Monday, Aug. 5: Free parking is available downtown, on the street, in municipal lots and in the parking garage (414 Locust St.).
 On Saturday, Aug. 3: Pay parking downtown is required in high-demand parking lots (Lots 1, 4 and 5) and all on-street metered parking spaces. A three-hour maximum is in effect for all on-street spaces. Free parking is available in the remaining municipal lots and the parking garage (414 Locust St.).
NOTE:
- The Waterfront parking lots (east and west at 1286 Lakeshore Rd.) do not provide free parking on holidays
- Parking exemptions are required to park overnight on city streets and for longer than five hours. Visit burlington.ca/parkingexemptions
- Paid parking is in effect at Beachway Park (1100 and 991 Lakeshore Rd.) on weekends only (including holidays) using HONK Mobile
- Please make an online reservation using Park Pass to visit Lowville Park on weekends. Reservations are free and available in three-hour time slots
|
| Recreation Programs and Facilities |
Drop-in swimming and other drop-in recreational activities
- Nelson Pool and Splash Park (4235 New St.), Mountainside Pool and Splash Park (2205 Mt. Forest Dr.), and LaSalle Wading Pool and Splash Park (50 North Shore Blvd. E.) are open for swimming on the Civic holiday, Monday, Aug. 5 (weather permitting)
- Access Storage presents Free Swimming Saturday, Aug. 3, from 1:05 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Tansley Woods Pool, and Monday, Aug. 5, from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at LaSalle Wading Pool and Splash Park (weather permitting)
- Outdoor pool lap swims and recreational swims are walk-in only, with no reservations
- Indoor pools are not open for drop-in swimming the Civic holiday, Monday, Aug. 5
- Appleby Ice Centre has a variety of drop-in skating programs on Saturday, Aug. 3
- Burlington Senior’s Centre has a variety of drop-in pickleball programs on Saturday, Aug. 3
Please visit burlington.ca/dropinandplay for schedules.
Splash Pads
 The City’s nine splash pads are located throughout the city and are free to use. To find a splash pad near you, visit burlington.ca/splashpads.
Outdoor Activities
Burlington has a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy with your family during the long weekend, including:
- trails and multi-use paths
- parks and playgrounds
- picnic site reservations for La Salle Park (50 North Shore Blvd E.) or Hidden Valley Park (1137 Hidden Valley Rd.)
Find out more at burlington.ca/outdoorplay.
Golf
 Tyandaga Golf Course is open for the season. Tee times can be booked online at tyandagagolf.com or by calling 905-336-0005, ext. 2.
Play Lending Library
Our Lending Library has a variety of outdoor and indoor play equipment available to borrow at no charge. Equipment pickup is on Thursdays, and return drop off is on Tuesdays at Haber Community Centre (3040 Tim Dobbie Dr.). Borrow lifejackets for the family for the long weekend, add some fun outdoor games to your Love My Neighbourhood event, or try out a variety of play equipment that we offer. Learn more at burlington.ca/playlending.
Customer Service
Recreation, Community and Culture customer service is available to assist you in person at recreation facility counters during program times.
Customer service is also available over the long weekend:
|
| Roads, Parks and Forestry |
The administrative office will be closed on Monday, Aug. 5. Essential services will be provided as required. |
 By Pepper Parr
July 30th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
We’re not getting it yet.
On July 18, 2024 Ford Motor Company announced plans to assemble F-Series Super Duty pickups at its Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada, starting in 2026, boosting production of one of the company’s most popular and profitable vehicles.
Ford is getting to the point where these trucks will be electrically powered vehicles. Is that what will come off the production line? Ford has yet to say what will power these trucks.
 Ford 150 truck production line. July 15th and 16th Burlington experienced rainfall: on the 15th that amounted to 70 mm in a single day. There was more rain on the 16th. 70mm amounts to a months worth of rain.
 That our climate has changed apparently hasn’t sunk in yet
I wonder if there are any people who happen to work at the Ford Oakville plant who wonder about the link between the announcement to build the trucks and the rain that fell on the city.
 The culvert shown in the upper left corner next to the excavator was jammed with tree limbs preventing the flow of water underneath the 407. That water backed up into the Cavendish Drive community seriously damage at least 15 homes. There is a link. What we are going to do is the challenge.
More on what can be done to cope with the climate change.
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
By Pepper Parr
July 30th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario government is breaking the stigma around period poverty by making sure schools across Ontario can offer free menstrual products to their students. Today, Todd Smith, Minister of Education, announced a new three-year agreement with Shoppers Drug Mart to expand the province’s Menstrual Equity Initiative and provide more than 23 million free menstrual products to students over the next 3 years.
This program was the result of work done by two students when they pressed the Halton District School Board to have menstrual products in every high school in the city
 Olivia Netto and Iman Nemar Olivia Netto and Iman Nemar met in each other at Nelson High school and came up with the idea of seeing if they could convince the school board to install menstrual products in high schools. Burlington City Council loved the idea and put their muscle behind what was called the Pink Project.
The Chamber of Commerce has what it calls the Mayors’ Award. Mayor Meed Ward decided to recognize Olivia and xxx
Minister Smith said: “We know that when students can’t access or afford menstrual products, it often results in them missing school, work or other activities – but we’re changing that.” “Access to products through Ontario’s Menstrual Equity Initiative is just one more way we are removing barriers for women and girls so they can reach their full potential and realize their dreams.”
In addition to free menstrual pads and tampons, Shoppers Drug Mart will provide 1,380 dispensers in the first year to facilitate the delivery of these critical health products in schools. Along with the 23 million free menstrual products – an increase of 3 million compared to the previous agreement – this represents an in-kind contribution of more than $8 million.
 Olivia Netto and Iman Nemar at the Chamber of Commerce Awards night receiving the Mayors’ Award for their Pink Project success. Free menstrual products will be available to all school boards and school authorities across Ontario, as well as the Consortium Centre Jules-Léger, which will distribute products to individual schools based on their local student needs.
- Between 2021-2024, the first provincial agreement with Shoppers Drug Mart provided 20 million free menstrual pads.
- A 2023 Plan International Canada survey found that 34 per cent of Canadians under 25 who menstruate struggle to afford menstrual products.
- Those who cannot afford menstrual products may experience a higher rate of absenteeism from school, challenges to engage fully in the classroom and negative health effects, such as infections and toxic shock syndrome. Period poverty can also affect their social and emotional well-being.
By Pepper Parr
July 29th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The province has announced plans to spend $134 million for five new helicopters to patrol the GTA and Ottawa – on the prowl for car theft, carjacking, street racing and impaired driving.
The province’s spring budget provided funding for four helicopters; this funding will allow for the purchase, not lease, of five — the additional chopper going to Ottawa — as well as to cover ongoing operating costs.
 H135 helicopter Two H135 helicopters will be purchased for the Ontario Provincial Police to use for air surveillance in Ottawa and Toronto police, and three helicopters will be purchased and operated by Durham, Halton and Peel police.
“Criminal networks have become more sophisticated, but so have we,” said Kerzner of the state-of-the-art aircraft.
“In Ontario, a car is stolen every 14 minutes — this is completely unacceptable. These helicopters will be a critical tool in helping police stay one step ahead of the criminals who are stealing cars and committing crimes on our streets.”
 Camera image of a theft taking place. Some 90,000 vehicles are stolen annually in Canada. The Insurance Bureau of Canada says that in Ontario, Toronto has the highest number of auto theft claims — up 561 per cent in five years — followed by Brampton, Mississauga, Vaughan and Markham.
The Ford government has also said that it wants car thieves to lose their driver’s licence for life, though critics said such a move would not deter criminals.
Currently in the GTA, two helicopters are in use and shared with other police forces.
By Staff
July 29th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
On Monday, August 5, 128 select Beer Store Retail locations across the Province will be open for business from 11am-6pm. The list of select stores is below.
 The 128 stores open August 5 include dozens now offering Skip The Dishes, Instacart and/or Uber Eats, where customers can have their favourite Beer Store products delivered to them on demand. Our commitment is to better service Ontarians with more value, cold beer, and more convenience with online shopping. The Beer Store’s extended hours of sale for the summer months vary at select stores. Visit https://www.thebeerstore.ca/locations/ to find specific local store hours.
 Two Burlington locations
About The Beer Store
Owned by Ontario-based brewers, The Beer Store is the largest beer retailer in Ontario. The Beer Store listed 1,107 brands, which more than 267 brewers provided in 2023. With 26 points of distribution strategically located across the province, The Beer Store proudly distributed 2.9 million hectoliters of beer in 2023.
The Beer Store claims they are also one of the greenest retailers in the world, annually collecting for reuse and recycling approximately 1.7 billion beverage alcohol containers, including beer, wine and spirits. The Beer Store employs 6500 Ontarians with well-paying full and part-time jobs.
By Staff
July 29th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Pulling in the dollars that are needed to provide food that is distributed for those who need help is a full time task for the food banks in the Region
 Big cheque will go a long way to keep the flow of fresh food getting to people who need help. Food for Life was given $33,333,000 by all Allstate Canada, the insurance provider. The grant will help Food for Life rescue more than $100,000 worth of good surplus food to serve the Hamilton and Halton regions.
Food for Life for supported the Allstate vision for everyone to have access to healthy food.
There are 565 Food for Life volunteers who show up regularly to pack the food that comes in into packages that are distributed to the more than 4000 people who are served each week
There are an additional 200 people in the community who volunteer in different ways.
Those are impressive number and well worth celebrating.
Related news story:
By Staff
July 29th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Speaking to Cavendish Drive residents Mayor Meed Ward makes mention of residents who have had to be evacuated and cannot live in their homes right now. “My heart goes out to everyone experiencing this situation.”
 An aerial view of the Cavendish Drive flooding. When water was not able to flow through the culverts because several of them were blocked, the water backed up into the community.
“My commitment is to do my best to get you the answers to the questions you asked us, to find out what happened and make sure it never happens again.
“ We are in regular contact with Highway 407 ETR staff to share information and updates on the progress of the work. Our emergency staff have advised that 407 ETR staff are on site and will be working overnight to relieve the remaining flooding in the area by cleaning debris.
“A special thank you to Hassaan Basit, Chief Administrative Officer, Enrico Scalera, Acting Commissioner, Public Works, Cary Clark, Manager, Development & Stormwater Engineering, and Councillor Nisan for stopping by and answering questions from the community. Your presence and expertise are invaluable during this challenging time.
“The City is sharing updates twice a day and I will share that information as soon as possible. You can also reach out to me directly to share your concerns at Mayor@burlington.ca ”
We don’t know if any mention was made about the four to six weeks the city needs to process a cheque for $1000 to help those people who cannot live in their homes. That length of time is unconscionable.
 By Staff
July 29th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington is working to make the city and living in Burlington more environmentally sustainable and climate resilient through both policy and action.
Better Homes Burlington
After a successful pilot program in 2023, the Better Homes Burlington program is now available to help homeowners find and understand options, available incentives and help with the cost of doing home energy upgrades to improve energy efficiency.
Homeowners can connect with City staff who will assist in finding potential green energy rebates, incentives and grants from businesses and different levels of government. Homeowners can also apply for a limited number of interest-free loans from the City of Burlington for up to $10,000 for the purchase and installation of an air-source heat pump.
To connect with City staff or learn more about funding, visit burlington.ca/betterhomes or email betterhomes@burlington.ca.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Added
Four new electric vehicle charging stations are being installed in the city, making it more convenient for EV drivers to get around. They are expected to be complete and ready for use by the end of 2024.
This will bring the total number of publicly available charging stations to 38 and charging ports to 75.
Locations of new EV charging stations
- LOT 5b – 391 Brant St. Level 3 fast charger
- LOT 8 – 523 Locust St. (Locust Street and Caroline Street)
- Beachway Park, 1100 Lakeshore Rd., near BurlingtonGreen Eco Hub
- Brant Hills Community Centre, 2255 Brant St.
Electric vehicle charging in public parking lots is free although standard parking fees apply where applicable.
For a list of all electric vehicle charging stations, visit Burlington.ca/ev.
Corporate Energy and Emissions Management Plan
The City of Burlington has a target for City operations to be net carbon neutral by 2040 to show leadership in addressing its significant energy and environmental impacts. Council has approved the updated Corporate Energy and Emissions Management Plan to provide a pathway to achieve the 2040 target.
 Mehdizadehjafari’s artwork, Soar installed in front of the new pavilion at City View Park. City staff are assessing the feasibility of deep energy retrofits of City facilities. Four studies have been completed and another four are underway. City View Park Pavilion is the City’s first building designed to be a net-carbon neutral building with solar panels. Skyway Community Centre is under construction and will include the first low-carbon arena in the City. A low carbon pathway has also been adopted to transform the Robert Bateman High school into a new climate friendly community centre. And in June, the solar panels at Fire Station 5 in Kilbride were operational (offsetting slightly more than 100 per cent of the building’s electricity usage allowing for future electrification of the heating system).
For more information on the City’s climate action initiatives, visit Burlington.ca/climatechange.
 Lynn Robichaud, Manager, Environmental Sustainability Lynn Robichaud, Manager, Environmental Sustainability put it this way:”The Better Homes Burlington program, EV charging stations, and the Corporate Energy and Emissions Management Plan all support climate action in our community. We’re working to reduce our carbon footprint while preparing ourselves for the warmer, wetter, wilder effects of climate change.”
Links and Resources
www.burlington.ca/betterhomes
www.burlington.ca/environment
www.burlington.ca/ev
www.burlington.ca/climatechange
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 By Staff
July 29th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The headline reads:
Heritage Burlington invites you to celebrate Burlington’s rich and unique heritage during Heritage Week, Aug. 3–10, 2024.
 It’s mid summer and August is approaching and of course that means Heritage work here in Burlington. It is from August 3rd to August 10.
All events are free. Events that require registration will be open for registration from July 15 to 31 or until capacity is reached.
 As part of Heritage week Don Thorpe and David Craig will be presenting a Trivia Night at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre on August 8 at 7 PM.
With all new questions, join Don Thorpe, Burlington Historical Society and David Craig, History Pix, for a fun evening of trivia about Burlington’s past and the characters that made it. Be ready to be surprised and definitely to enjoy your time as you decide whether to go with your first answer or your second answer.
Come by yourself or with friends, come for fun or just to learn. Maximum of 160 participants. Registration required.
If you prefer not to register online, send me an email (David Craig – Historypix@iCloud.com ) and I will register for you.
It is a big program – plenty to take part in. The Alton community got missed and large swath of the residential areas either side of Upper Middle Road has somew interesting features. Golf courses got missed – and – there is a story to be told about the building of New Street.
Kudos however for the historical crowd for making this happen.
 By Joseph A. Gaetan
July 29th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Taxation is a term for when a taxing authority, i.e. government, levies or imposes a financial obligation on its citizens or residents. Following is a “birds eye view” of taxation in Canada today.
Federal, Provincial and Municipal Taxation:
It is important to recognize that the real and true purpose of taxation is to pay for things the citizens cannot practically do on their own. For example none of us are going to pave a road or build a rail line between Burlington and another city or Province. We are also not going to build an airport of the type and scale that you see at Toronto Pearson or John C. Monroe in Hamilton. Nor are we going to build arenas or swimming pools or the like. There is a place for taxation.
We should all remember that governments at all levels have the ability to pad the tab to pay for things that are “likes” (i.e. $200,000 for Civic Square art). These expenditures come in the form of vanity projects or cynically can be used to bribe us with our own money so they can win the next election. In the run up to most elections, governments often fall all over themselves spending as much as they can of our money to ensure that we will feel good about them and cast our votes in their favour.
FOMO:
Council will often justify a project like Civic Square, well, because other governments are giving us a bag of money for the project and if we don’t take this free cash we will be “FOMO’d”.
“FOMO, or the fear of missing out, has become all-too prevalent over the last couple of decades. It’s an experience that many of us are familiar with. And while it’s directly related to our self-esteem and self-worth, it also has a direct effect on our physical, mental and emotional health. And how could it not? When everyone else around you is having fun without you, what can you do to feel good about where you’re at and what you’re doing on your own? Source: The Psychology Behind FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) (clevelandclinic.org) The document is referred to as Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs.
How we paid for: Civic Square, Freeman Station and Joe Brant Museum:
 City Hall isn’t facing a wave of popular support on this one. Civic Square:
Here is how your tripartite taxation dollars, actually your money, will be paying or investing in the Civic Square Renewal.
“The Government of Canada is investing over $1.9 million in this project through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan.
The Government of Ontario is providing more than $1.6 million,
while the City of Burlington is investing over $1.3 million”.
Source: Civic Square Renewal Update – Burlington Downtown
Joseph Brant Museum Renewal Project:
 The Brant Museum – not all that much about Joseph Brant in the building. Here is how tripartite taxation, you actually, paid for the renewal.
“Federal Cultural Spaces Grant: $ 4.479 million, Provincial Trillium Grant: $ 500,000, Joseph Brant Museum Foundation: $ 2.479 million, City of Burlington: $ 3.978 million (up from $2.1 million)
TOTAL: $11.437 million”
Note: The COB, Federal and Provincial portions is actually our tax money. Many thanks to the contribution of $2.479 million from The Museum Foundation.
Source: The renovation and rebuild of the Joseph Brant Museum just might be doomed. « Burlington Gazette – Local News, Politics, Community
Freeman Station:
 Fully paid for – but not open. “A city engineer actually told a Standing Committee that it couldn’t be saved. That didn’t deter a group of die-hards who were not prepared to let the station get reduced to kindling.” Source: Burlington Gazette It almost didn’t happen but Burlington citizens saved the Freeman station from destruction, The restoration can now begin. « Burlington Gazette – Local News, Politics, Community
And what the volunteer, Friends of Freeman Station (FOFS) did without much financial help from the Tripartite Taxation folks, is nothing short of amazing.
So there you have it folks, a quick primer on Tripartite Taxation and a lesson on what can be done without it.
 Joe Gaetan is a Burlington resident who delegates on occasion and is a strong believer in holding the elected accountable and expects them to be transparent while serving the public.
By Staff
July 28th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Well – there is at least one member of Council communicating with her residents on flooding problems and what is avaialable in the way of support.
Ward 4 Councillor Shawna sent the following to her constituents:
Over the past two days, we have entered into Emergency Management Stage 1 – Routine Monitoring. We understand that residents are still dealing with the aftermath and the challenges it brings. We want to let you know that recent information on city relief has been released to support you during this time.
City of Burlington Flood Relief Grant ($1,000)
You may qualify for financial assistance from The City of Burlington to help with residential flooding-related costs if the following criteria are met:
• A flooding event in your residential dwelling occurred in connection to the
 July 15 or July 16, 2024 weather event and was reported by you to 311;
• You are the owner or tenant of the residence;
• A representative of the Regional Municipality of Halton investigated the complaint and determined that:
▪ water damage occurred within a residential home due to the July 15 or July 16, 2024 extreme weather event; and
▪ The water damage was not the result of:
a blockage on any part of the wastewater system; or wastewater backup as a result of a sewer surcharge; and,
*The application for the Region of Halton Ex-Gratia Grant for Public Sewer Backup was denied for the property; and,
no outstanding orders were issued by the City of Burlington to remedy any violations of the Grading and Drainage By-law No. 052-2018, as amended, the Drainage By-law No. 017-2018, as amended, or the Site Alteration By-law No. 062-2014, as amended.City of Burlington’s Flood Relief Grant ($1,000) can help residents to either offset the cost of an insurance deductible or help with flooding-related costs that are not otherwise covered under their home insurance policy.
Due to high volumes, payments under this program may take 4-6 weeks to be processed after applications have been received.
Four to six weeks is unconscionable; there are a reported less than 700 homes damaged.
Remember:To be eligible for the Flood Relief Grant, you must immediately report the flooding to Halton Region. Halton Region Public Works staff will contact you regarding next steps.
Factors that may make you ineligible for the City of Burlington Flood Grant:
• applicants who are not registered owners or tenants of the property; and
• properties other than residential dwellings; and
• damages that are not within the residential home (e.g. water damage to landscaping, pool, deck).
By Pepper Parr
July 27th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
Was the tweet Mayor Meed Ward sent out yesterday a sign that she has realized many (the vocal ones that tend to speak up) don’t want what the public is now going to get, like it or not?
Members of Council all realize that this project is one that they are going to have to wear in the months leading up to the 2026 municipal election.
If it turns out to be something that people like – they will applaud and be pleased. If it turns out to be a clunker and gets a thumbs down – every one of them could be looking at the end of their municipal careers.
 Those trees look great – but that is not what will be in place the day they cut the ribbon to open a several million dollar upgrade to Civic Square. When the city has added 29,000 new housing units in 2051 – the public might see what is in the renderings. Upper right is what Civic Square looks like today. The problem is that there is really no one to take their place.
Meed Ward said in her tweet that: “Last week, Council received an update from staff regarding next steps on the Civic Square renewal project. We’re nearing the completion of the design work; however, Council has asked staff to report back in September so that Council and the community can get a better understanding of the design.
“We look forward to learning more about this in the fall and sharing further updates with the community.”
What’s to share? The decision has been made, the funds needed have been allocated and the design teams and doing what they do. Learning that $200,000 was going to be spent on public art was a bit of a surprise but you can’t have a refurbished Civic Square without some art. Would that include a Pride Pole?
The people that push back know that if you push long enough those that should be hearing will eventually get the message. Sometimes they will actually change – other than that – they throw out some crumbs.
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
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By Pepper Parr
