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November 30th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
Just in case you missed it – we did – not a word to media on this event. Mayor Marianne Meed Ward is going to give anyone who wants to trot down to city hall ten minutes of her time.
Interesting to note that there is no place to register and pick a time that works for you. It’s first come – first served. Will there be line ups outside city hall stretching out to Civic Square? 
November 30th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
The ballots have been cast – they weren’t dropped into a ballot box – but they were cast and they have been ranked and on Saturday the Liberal Party of Ontario will announce who the next leader of the party will be.  Nate Erskine Smith, the federal member for Beaches- East York.  Ted Shu, currently a member of the provincial legislature (MPP) representing Kingston and the Islands. Running for the leadership are Bonnie Crombie, currently Mayor of Mississauga, Ted Shu, currently a member of the provincial legislature (MPP) representing Kingston and the Islands, Nate Erskine Smith, the federal member for Beaches- East York, and Yasir Naqvi who has served is as the MPP and then the MP for Ottawa Centre Yasir Naqvi was a member of the Wynn government that was defeated by Doug Ford in YEAR. The vote for the leadership this time around is being done on a ranked ballot basis – every member of the Ontario Liberal Party (there are more than 100,000 registered to vote0 which they did on Saturday, November 25, 2023 and Sunday, November 26, 2023. Each member of the Ontario Liberal Party named their first choice on the ballot. When those first choices are counted the person with the most votes is the leader, providing they have 50% of the votes. If not, the candidate with the fewest votes is taken off the second count and the ballots are counted again, this time they count the second choice on each ballot. It’s complex, given the way it is set up there shouldn’t be more than two counts.  Bonnie Crombie walking to the provincial Liberal convention looked more like a triumphal march; she was seen as the leader from the get go. Bonnie Crombie appears to be the leader – she was certainly a strong choice for many until she suggested that some of the Greenbelt land could be converted and used for housing. She wasn’t wrong but at the time it was not what the public wanted to hear – she began to be described is as Doug Ford Lite – not where you want to be in a race for the Liberal leadership. Nate Erskine Smith looked good, spoke about values and the need to build relationships. He was an very active federal MP – but was never seen is as a cabinet choice by the people advising Justin Trudeau. Nate didn’t seem to be able to generate the kind of buzz that was needed to win the leadership contest.  Yasir Naqvi has served is as the MPP and then the MP for Ottawa Centre. He was a member of the Wynn government that was defeated by Doug Ford in 2018. Within the last three weeks he joined forces with Yasir Naqvi asking their followers to make the other their second choice on the ballot – hoping this way to blunt the lead that most people believe Crombie had going for her. The decision was described by many is as a desperate move – which it could well have been. But they felt they had to do something. The surprise to many is Ted Shu – he came across is as a bit of a bumbler – which he certainly isn’t. There is something quiet but very steady about the man. He isn’t pushy but he is very enthusiastic. I’m not sure he was really listened to. If it is to be Crombie – she will certainly go after Doug Ford – something he isn’t looking forward to and something he doesn’t need at this point. The RCMP are investigating the deals that were made under Steve Clark who seemed to have forgotten just what a Cabinet Minister is supposed to do. Doug Ford wasn’t much at understanding what Cabinet is supposed to do. Assuming Bonnie is chosen as the leader – what is the first thing she will do? I think she should run for a seat in the Legislature and be in the Premier’s face every day. Right now Marit Stiles, the NDP leader of the opposition is doing all the talking – Crombie has to fill that space. She has a profile and she is well known across the province. She has raised a tonne of money and would appear to have support in most ridings. It is not unusual for a leadership winner to arrange for a sitting member of the party to resign which would will result in a by-election which she should win. The big question about Bonnie Crombie is – will she be there to do the job for two terms – eight years ? 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.
November 28th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
Starting this Friday, Lakeshore West rail service will run only between Union Station and Oakville to allow for critical track works and infrastructure updates. What customers need to know: Starting at approximately 10 p.m. on Friday, December 1, there will be no train service between Oakville GO and West Harbour GO stations until end of service on Sunday, December 3. Replacement GO buses will be available for customers and Oakville Transit will be running hourly shuttles to and from Oakville GO for customers wishing to access Appleby GO or Bronte GO stations. In addition, our Friday 10:50 p.m. train to Niagara Falls GO will be adjusted to start at Aldershot GO. For customers travelling to Niagara Falls from Union Station, we recommend taking the 10:17 p.m. Lakeshore West train to connect with the Niagara Falls bound train departing at Aldershot GO. Regular service will resume on Monday, December 4.
November 29th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON’ What the 4.99% TAX increase means to the average Burlingtonian. First: The average cost of housing per segment in Burlington is as follows: Condo’s – $547,739 Next: The COB website- Read More/Learn More “The City’s portion of the overall tax increase is 4.99%. When blended with Halton Region’s forecasted increase and no change to the Boards of Education, this results in an overall tax increase of 6.68%. This translates to $57.53 increase per $100,000 of urban residential assessment.” Here is what the TAX increase means to you in pocket dollars. On average, if you live in a Condo, you will be paying $315.11 more, a Condo Town $409.00 more, a Freehold $507.30 more and a Detached home $703.24 more per next year.
November 29th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
So it is done.
Tax bills will get sent out and people can then compare what their tax bill was in 2023 and compare with what they are asked to pay during 2024 This was a contentious budget – there were several dozen letters to Council and five very strong personal delegations that took Council to task.  Lydia Thomas  Dave Chapman Dave and Vera Chapman spoke to Council in a way they have not been talked to in some time. Lydia Thomas was very direct and showed Council time and again where they just plain got it wrong. Eric Stern put data before Council to point out where the mistakes were made. None of it made much in the way of a difference other than to show that there are people in the city who are prepared to speak out. The Mayor continues to maintain that she had to use the Strong Powers – she did not have to – she chose to – which is fine but don’t try to convince the public that Doug Ford made you do it. In the closing minutes of the Special Council meeting two members of Council took the Mayor to task when she set out to include the early drafts of the 2025 and 2026 budgets. Council was being asked to: Endorse a Mayoral Direction to the Chief Financial Officer for the 2025 and 2026 budget years as follows: Direct the Chief Financial Officer to prepare the draft operating and capital budgets for 2025 and 2026 whereby the city’s portion of the overall property tax increase is not to exceed 3.99% of which approximately:
 Councillors Nisan and Kearns wanted the mention of the 2025 and 2026 budget plans be discussed and not rubber stamped at a Special Council Meeting where the public had little warning that this was coming.
Councillor Nisan said: “I just want to suggest this go to committee next to next week and give the public more opportunity. We have to respond to but I think this will be better off that committee. Councillor Kearns said: “Yeah, thanks. I feel like I just said I would try to do better and this doesn’t feel like me trying to do better so I’d like this to come to committee. Mayor: “Alright, so in light of the feedback from committee and council, I withdraw the item and we will bring it through committee, having said that, the agendas for committee already are out.” For those who want to ensure that the 2025 and 2026 elections are not a repeat of what took place this year – your chance to delegate is just a couple of weeks away.
November 29th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON In their media release the City communications department said: More information about the municipal budget process under Bill 3, the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022, can be found on the Provincial website. They got that part wron The Strong Mayor legislation that applied to Burlington is set out in Bill 39 A link to that Bill is set out below along with the regulations. Bill 39 gave Mayor Meed Ward the authority to put forward a budget, which she did. However, the Mayor was not required to put forward a budget – she chose to do so
The City’s portion of the overall tax increase is 4.99%. When blended with Halton Region’s forecasted increase and no change to the Boards of Education, this results in an overall tax increase of 6.68%. This translates to $57.53 increase per $100,000 of urban residential assessment. The property tax bill is made up of three portions, the City of Burlington (50.5%), Halton Region (32.8%), and the Boards of Education (16.7%). The 2024 budget has been broken down into three categories: Essentials – This area covers projects and items the City of Burlington must address and/or have already committed to, such as cost of inflation, necessary capital projects and infrastructure renewal. Frontline Service – This area covers enhanced services that directly improves the quality of life of Burlington residents. Planning for Growth – This area plans for and prepares for the expected increase in population, our Community Investment Plan, and allow us to catch up and prepare for the future. This was the first budget under the new provincially legislated Strong Mayor Powers. The Mayor proposed the budget for 2024. The budget was based on the 2024 Financial Needs and Multi-Year Forecast Reference Document prepared by staff earlier this year. Council brought 62 changes through amendment motions to modify the budget. Of those amendments, 27 were adopted into the budget. These were presented at Committee meetings on Nov. 21 and 23 and the Special Council Meeting on Nov. 28. The budget was finalized at the Special Council Meeting on Nov. 28. Key investments
Joint statement from Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and Deputy Mayor for Strategy and Budgets Paul Sharman “We know these are difficult times for everyone with increased living and housing costs and Council had to make some difficult budget decisions. Working with each other and staff, while hearing from the community, we balanced the needs of the city with our current affordability crisis as best we could. At the end of the day, this is a Mayor and Council budget that focuses investments on essentials, frontline services and planning for future growth. It was created through a lot of hard work and learning through a new provincially-legislated budget process this year. It is our hope this budget sets us up for success in 2024 and for years to come in creating an inclusive, affordable, eco-friendly and caring community for all our neighbours. The 2024 Budget impacts people through the programs and services they receive every day in our city. Each time you have your road plowed, use a City park or trail, or cool off in a municipal pool or splash pad, you are using a City service and seeing your tax dollars at work. This budget continues to build on investments our community has asked for and needs and will only improve Burlington today and into the future.” Burlington Chief Financial Officer, Joan Ford said: “The adoption of this budget gives much needed support to essential city projects, front line services and infrastructure. As this was our first time establishing a budget under the Strong Mayor Powers, I’m thankful for the work and dedication of City staff and the collaboration with the Mayor, Deputy Mayor for Strategy and Budgets and members of Council to support this new process. Ford announced that the 2024 budget would be her last. The City’s mission continues to be to balance the needs of all residents both today and in the future while maintaining the high quality of services that residents enjoy.” In their media release the City communications department said: More information about the municipal budget process under Bill 3, the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022, can be found on the Provincial website. This is just plain not true. The Strong Mayor legislation that applied to Burlington is set out in Bill 39 A link to that Bill is set out below along with the regulations. Bill 39 gave Mayor Meed Ward the authority to put forward a budget, which she did. However, the Mayor was not required to put forward a budget – she chose to do so. Bill 3: Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022 Applies to Toronto and Ottawa
November 29th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON You aren’t going to get this kind of commentary from the newsletters that the two Burlington MP’s provide. Policy Options, a think tank produced the following which puts the housing situation in context and points to where the mistakes were made that got us into this mess. Federal strategies must not inadvertently weaken provincial incentives to act, and they need to focus on housing that wouldn’t otherwise get built. The federal government has announced considerable extra funding for housing in recent months: the GST rebate on construction of new rental units; the first beneficiaries of the $4-billion Housing Accelerator Fund; and additional low-cost financing through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (the CMHC). These recent announcements constitute a switch in government strategy from ”demand-side” measures (such as support for first-time buyers) to ”supply-side” measures – a welcome development because the former have likely buoyed property prices without addressing underlying supply issues. While there are still plenty of supply-side factors outside the federal government’s control – interest rates being chief among them – there are two issues that require federal attention: ensuring a genuine additional housing supply and encouraging provincial leadership in the field. The need for “additionality” Additionality (or “incrementality”) refers to the additional housing supply generated by new funding over and above what would have been built without the funding. For government funding to be effective – and offer good value for money – it needs to deliver this additional housing and not just subsidize units that would have been built anyway. In the context of rising federal government spending, taxpayer value-for-money cannot be ignored. The challenge for these new supply-side measures is that money isn’t the only constraint on housing supply. In particular, there are shortages in the construction labour force, as well as expensive regulatory barriers The new federal incentives do not guarantee a genuine additional or substantial increase in the housing supply. For example, both the GST rebate and the extra CMHC financing cover all new units constructed, not just those considered to be additional supply. While these initiatives could ease financial constraints for development, the risk is that the financial incentives aren’t specifically earmarked for additional units. The Housing Accelerator Fund provides more incentives because it targets funding only for proposed additional housing. Yet there are also risks with that approach. Because municipalities are tasked with projecting the hypothetical supply of new housing without funding, there is an incentive to “‘lowball” that number: the lower the hypothetical supply without funding, the greater the calculated additional supply, resulting in higher Housing Accelerator Fund contributions. Ultimately, it is impossible to say precisely what the housing supply will be without Housing Accelerator Fund contributions and it will be a challenge for the CMHC to determine what is genuine additional supply. Several approaches can help with that. Delivering additionality First, the CMHC needs to scrutinize the hypothetical (without-funding) supply projections from municipalities before agreeing to provide Housing Accelerator Fund money. There should be strong evidence that money from the fund will generate additional housing over and above the basic supply. Housing Accelerator Fund disbursements are currently running behind the original budgeted proposal. If political pressure mounts to release funding to municipalities, the CMHC must be vigilant to ensure value-for-money by delivering a genuine additional housing supply. Second, under the terms for the fund, the CMHC will make staggered payments to municipalities contingent on those municipalities reporting progress in meeting additional supply. It would be detrimental for the CMHC to set too high a bar for reporting – because that might prove a disincentive to municipalities – but there must also be a credible threat that CHMC will withhold money in the case of under-delivery. Third, additional housing supply can be encouraged through investment in other sectors. For example, in the U.S. the Department of Transportation gives higher scores in its transport grant funding assessments to jurisdictions with land-use policies that promote density. One way to implement this in Canada would be for the Canada Infrastructure Bank to favour investments that directly or indirectly support housing supply. For example, the bank recently announced a $7.9-million loan for investment in water, electricity and broadband connections in Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg, a First Nation in Northern Ontario, intended to help provide the infrastructure needed for housing development. The need for provincial leadership Federal parties are increasingly seeking to demonstrate leadership on housing. The Liberal government has issued a raft of new policies (as noted above), while the Conservatives recently announced that reversing the current “housing hell” is a headline priority. On the one hand, there is a good case for some federal engagement. Ottawa has greater spending power and holds some levers that influence the housing market, such as immigration. But ultimately, the provinces are constitutionally responsible for housing. As federal parties seek to assert control over how housing issues should be solved, that is crowding out the role of the provinces – at least in terms of political accountability – and possibly also in policy initiatives. Of course, provinces are actively engaged in many ways. For example, in 2022, Ontario issued its housing supply action plan, and more recently announced measures to increase housing for homeless populations and to speed up planning approvals. But crowding out is still a real risk. Political and public accountability creates strong incentives for governments to act, and the current federal strategies are inadvertently weakening provincial incentives by absorbing much of the political pressure. That must change. Facilitating provincial leadership First, the federal government needs to take a more balanced and consistent approach with its strategy and communications. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently appeared to “flip flop” around the federal role in housing – initially saying it was primarily a provincial responsibility, but then quickly announcing a series of significant policies. Admittedly, the media’s coverage of the prime minister’s statements exaggerated the degree to which this appeared inconsistent. For example, he also stated that “it’s not just the federal government that can solve this” and that housing is an area that the federal government “can and must help with.” Nonetheless, communications could be clearer. Ultimately, the federal government needs to remain committed to improving the housing situation but must leave ample space for the provinces to lead. Second, Canada could learn from positive examples of intergovernmental collaboration from abroad. In Australia, a National Housing Accord was recently signed to “align for the first time the efforts of all levels of government, institutional investors and the construction sector to help tackle the nation’s housing problem.” Let’s stop calling it a housing crisis Ottawa picked the dicey road to lower rents; Quebec is right not to follow Advancing a Team Canada approach to housing In Canada, there is an intergovernmental housing forum. But whereas the Australian accord presents a detailed and specific action plan, including clear commitments for national and sub-national governments, the outcome of the most recent Canadian forum was largely vague, with only this statement issued: “Ministers agreed to work together to better align supportive housing and homelessness programs and explore further solutions.” Third, for existing policies, the federal government should at least encourage provincial partnership. This is well underway for the GST rebate because the provinces have been encouraged to follow suit. However, the accelerator fund omits the provinces by design; its funds flow directly from the CMHC to municipalities. Provinces need to be kept in the loop to ensure housing actions are co-ordinated. Canada is in the throes of a housing crisis and it is no surprise that significant federal resources are being targeted to address this. But success requires genuine provincial leadership and the creation of housing that would not otherwise get built. As the political pressure mounts, cool heads are needed at the federal government to ensure that its schemes deliver value for money and avoid inadvertently crowding out provincial accountability.
This article is part of a series called How does Canada fix the housing crisis?
November 29th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
 Two people, a lap top and a cell phone – gaming on different sites at the same time.
When it comes to entertainment, locals in Burlington have more than a few memorable activities at their fingertips. Between Toronto, Hamilton, and other neighbouring areas, there’s always a holiday, restaurant opening, or similar event on the horizon. In other words, it’s hard to get bored—even during the darker winter months. But what about when Burlington locals choose to stay indoors? After all, not everyone is a social butterfly who enjoys scheduling all of their time with friends and family. It can be refreshing and rejuvenating to spend some time alone—and there are few better choices than passing the time alone than gaming. For many Canadians, not just those in the greater Toronto and Hamilton area, casino games are a popular pastime. Compared to other countries, Canada has an open and vibrant virtual casino industry. That means that players have dozens of quality options to choose from when they decide to play a game of blackjack, roulette, or slots. Still, that doesn’t mean that every casino platform is built the same. Let’s cover the top three features of Canada’s best online casinos. Innovative Games, like Live Dealer OptionsLet’s zero in on one of Canada’s most popular casinos, Wildz, to highlight what types of games Canadians should be seeking out. While every basic casino will offer table games like roulette and blackjack, only the most innovative platforms will focus on how these games are played. Live dealer games are relatively new casino games that use a live video link to stream a live dealer onto a remote player’s device.  Two people can enjoy gaming. This live dealer experience adds a dash of realism and even a social dimension to gaming. As one of the most popular new trends in casinos, it should be a feature you look for in your next casino. Keep in mind that certain platforms will push live dealer games into new territory. Wildz, the same example from above, also offers live dealer games like Football Studio. This game, from Evolution, adds a brand-new twist to traditional titles and hasn’t been seen before—which means you won’t find it at many online casinos. A High-Value Loyalty Program Some casino players mistakenly think that a loyalty program is only for those who play often. While loyalty programs are certainly geared to reward players who game more often, they deliver value to every single player. Whether or not you think that you’ll play blackjack or slots often, you can still learn about deals, bonuses, and other promotions when you sign up for a loyalty program. In fact, some of the best casino providers on the market automatically sign-up players for loyalty programs. This makes it easier for casual players to start taking advantage of time-sensitive offers, holiday bonuses, and other deals that they wouldn’t normally hear about. If you’re unsure about a casino’s loyalty program, simply head to a trusted review platform such as Trustpilot—it’s often one of the features that reviewers zero in on. Jackpot Slots & Jackpot Games  Jackpot wins have in the past payed out in the millions. A jackpot game is a slot that has maxed out its potential payout. (Though you’ll see ‘jackpot games’, these still refer to slots.) Usually, slot players are more focused on jackpots than blackjack or roulette fans, but if you ever plan on spinning the virtual wheel, it makes sense to register with casinos that offer these games. That’s because jackpot wins usually pay out in the millions. Fixed jackpots are slots that include a fixed payout amount, meaning they will never venture higher than what developers set them at. Progressive jackpots, on the other hand, will continue to balloon in terms of their potential payout. That’s because the more players, the more the jackpot total grows with each bet. Some jackpots are ‘network jackpots’ and ‘local jackpots’, meaning the total payout grows according to local players or those within a virtual network.
November 28th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
It was going to happen at some point and I suppose it made sense to do so at the point where a very difficult budget was passed by City Council. As the meeting was nearing the end City Manager Tim Commisso indicated that he wanted to say a few words – but a Council member asked, on a point of order, if that was appropriate. Why a Council member who lives in one ward and represents a different ward would take such a position was beyond most council members. Council was forced to hold a vote that required a three quarters of the council members to vote for it. That passed and Commisso got to speak.  Joan Ford: Thinking through questions when Staff used to hold “budget bazaars” He thanked Staff, was generous in his praise and said he wanted CFO Joan Ford to have the last word. Joan, taking part virtually thanked her staff, naming each Team Leader and the individual staff members and then added: “this will be my last budget.” I don’t know how man years Joan has been the CFO. When I first met her she was in the Finance department. The City had decided to part ways with the City Treasurer at the time and Joan was put in place, realizing very quickly that many of her staff we a lot smarter than she was. Jeff Fielding was the city manager at the time and he worked with Joan to get her into a classroom and earn a designation that would qualify her more clearly for the job. There was never any question is as to whether or not she could do the job – she was doing it. I’ve forgotten how long it took for her to earn the designation, don’t recall what the designation was. Do recall the conversations we have over how hard she was finding the studying. There were evening classes and the once a month weekend session when her staff, several who were half her age, would work with her on the assignments and get the course material completed. When she had earned the designation she showed me the scroll that graduates are given. It was rolled up with an elastic around it. “When are you going to have it framed” I asked. It looked is as if she wasn’t going to frame it and hang it up in her office. I think Jeff Fielding arranged to have it framed and put up in her office.  Then Director of Finance Joan Ford. Joan Ford has served Burlington very well. Several of the delegations complained about the 775 page plus budget binder that was prepared this year. Joan didn’t create that process – she did build on what came before her. There will be significant changes made in the budget process – those tasks will be carried out by team Joan Ford mentored and grew. Using the occasion to give Joan a Round of Applause the Mayor had to once again ask for a vote. They never make it easy. No word on exactly when Joan will leave her office – it is a well-earned retirement.
November 28th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
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By Pepper Parr
By Pepper Parr
The budget for 2024 is cast in stone.
Councillors Nisan and Kearns didn’t want to go along with this and suggested that the matter be sent to a Standing Committee meeting where the public would be able to comment.
At today’s Special Council Meeting, Burlington City Council finalized the 2024 budget. Next year’s budget is focused on essentials, front line services and preparing for growth.
David Jones is a policy analyst and economist. He is a fellow at the Canadian Centre for Health Economics, a Telus research fellow and is studying public policy at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto.
Winter Break Camp | Jan. 2 – 5
Millcroft Greenspace Alliance (MGA) points out that in order to speak to the issue, a technical expert must represent the case. MGA is arguing that they are the only group that has identified the potential flood risk the proposed development poses to existing homes both in Millcroft and south Burlington.
MAD, Millcroft Against Development wants a stop put to any development in the community.
By Staff
2 – Bury the details, where almost no one can find them, on page 728 of the budget book.
