 By Pepper Parr
October 3rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The time line on this story is what makes it interesting.
Media and politicians, especially those running for re-election, are a little like oil and water
On the 27th of September we wrote a story with the headline: “Two incumbents have reason to be looking over their shoulders.
The incumbents were Lisa Kearns of ward 2 and Rory Nisan of ward 3.
The two are up against tough contenders; Nisan more so than Kearns.
During the 2018 election Nisan and Kearns donated $1400. to each other’s campaign. Not on the same day. Many wondered what was going on.
During that same election Nisan got the lightest slap on the wrist for the way he handled an election fund raising event.
The day after we published the story Kearns sent out a tweet:
On the 28th, Kearns published a tweet that went like:
Her issue was with an article we did on the Truth and Reconciliation Day event that was held last Friday. The day was a federal government holiday. Unions that have contracts with the city of Burlington have clauses in their contracts that give them federal holidays.
 The city is prepared to spend up to $500,000 to defend its position on the plans to develop the Waterfront Hotel site. The story we wrote covered the holiday city hall union workers got and The word “natives” appeared in the story but had no reference to the Indigenous community, unless of course you were looking for something to deflect public interest in the “inadvertent comment made by Kearns at a virtual BDBA meeting at which she let loose lips make mention of the $500,000 the city has budgeted for a defence of the Ontario Land Tribunal matter related to the Waterfront Hotel site re-development.
Kearns knew better. She only realized she had revealed information that was discussed at a CLOSED meeting of Council when one of the participants at the virtual meeting asked how much of the $500,000 had been spent. At that point she panicked. Ran to the City Manager, talked to the City Solicitor and called the Integrity Commissioner to confess and hope that her penance was bearable.
Lisa Kearns does have a very good brain, however Common sense is a staple in the world of politics –
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
October 3rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The best and perhaps only debate we are going to see during this election is to take place at the Port Nelson United Church at 7:00 pm on October 11th – in the Roseland Room.
Making it happen was the product of a number of roll-up-your-sleeves and get-it-done Roseland Community Association members.
One of the event organizers assures the Gazette that it will not be “puff ball” event.
 Rick Burgess, once a candidate for Mayor, will Chair the candidate event on October 11th Rick Burgess will chair the event.
The candidates will have the opportunity to present their policy positions on the key issues which the community has identified, and hopefully, we will gain some impressions regarding their depth and style.
The candidates will receive the questions on the night of the event, and each candidate will be allowed to make introductory and closing statements.
The questions have strong introductions, and will hopefully lead the candidates into stating policy positions on these issues to be addressed during the next term of Council.
This is a neighbourhood undertaking, and the broader City wide issues need to be addressed in other forums. The headings for the questions are:
– Intensification and Established Communities
– Local Roads and Traffic
– Cost of Living and Affordability
– Governance
– Environment and Trees
– Committee of Adjustment
The audience will have copies of the questions being out to the candidates.
The RCO people are hoping that Cogeco will be able to broadcast the event
 By Staff
October 3, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
While the new normal has a few iffy spots to it – the closing of two sections of the Joseph Brant Hospital where Covid19 outbreaks were declared – the Region is slowly finding its way to whatever normal is going to be as we head into that time of year where we spend more time indoors.
Conservation Halton decided it was possible for the Halton Children’s Water Festival to return to Kelso Conservation Area and welcome back over 800 students this year for an in-person program focused on protecting water in our community.
This is the fifteenth year for the festival which has educated over 50,000 elementary school students with the support of over 6,000 high school students over the years.
 The objective was to step though each of the tires and keep whatever was in the bucket – in the bucket. “Today, I’ve learned about water and the correct bins the garbage goes in,” said James, a Grade 5 student from St. Anne Elementary School, Burlington. “Right now, we’re playing a game and it’s really fun!”
The festival offered the Grade 5 students curriculum-linked environmental education programming, over three days, that gave students the opportunity to learn about water and society, water conservation and protection, water health and safety and water science and technology. Fun, themed learning activity centres such as Waterfront Quest, Garbage Juice, What’s That?, the Great pH Challenge and Beneficial Bugs allowed for hands-on learning outdoors where students could enjoy the views of Kelso Reservoir on one side and the Niagara Escarpment on the other.
“The water festival gives our students the opportunity to be stewards of the earth by investigating and participating in real-life, hands-on activities that are designed and lead with the Ontario Science and Technology expectations,” said Clare Slaven, Grade 5 teacher, St. Timothy’s Catholic Elementary School, Burlington. “It is a wonderful fun-filled day where we can show what we value and celebrate in Halton and the environment.”
 The grade 5 students were kept busy – learning how their environment works and the role water plays in everything they do. A virtual Water Festival Program will continue again this year. Since launching in April 2022 more than 1,600 students have participated in the online field trips.
The Halton Children’s Water Festival is presented by Conservation Halton and Halton Region in partnership with Halton District School Board, Halton Catholic District School Board and Conservation Halton Foundation, with the support of the Town of Oakville, Geo Morphix, City of Burlington and the Town of Halton Hills.
Conservation Halton is the community based environmental agency that protects, restores, and manages the natural resources in its watershed. The organization has staff that includes ecologists, land use planners, engineers, foresters and educators, along with a network of volunteers, who are guided by a Board of Directors comprised of municipally elected and appointed citizens. Conservation Halton is recognized for its stewardship of creeks, forests and Niagara Escarpment lands through science-based programs and services. Learn more at conservationhalton.ca.
Pepper Parr
October 3rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
We live in a time where offence is easily taken. We live in a time that has information coming at us relentlessly and we often fail to read what is said carefully. Late in September I wrote a piece that used the word “natives” when referring to staff at city hall. Some took the use of the word “natives” as a reference to the Indigenous people who are rightly called member of the First Nations.
If we have offended anyone we apologize, and, for those who were offended, we do apologize – not for what we wrote but for not writing as clearly as should have. The Gazette has been an advocate for the Indigenous community long before it became popular.
Perhaps it is my jaundiced eye.
Let’s see if you see it the way I saw it when the two events came together for me.
The Day for National Truth and Reconciliation is to be celebrated on September 30th; which is a paid holiday declared by the federal government.
Burlington decided they would give the holiday to employees as well; a clause in a union contract required the city to give the union members the holiday and the big poohbahs at city hall decided they could keep the natives from getting too restless by giving everyone the holiday.
The usual grumbling from tax payers who are neither members of the unions at city hall nor federal government employees was heard.
The 30th happens to be the day the people involved with the purchase of the Bateman High School property are said to be signing the deal.
The public has been clamouring to know just how many dollars are going to move from one side of the bargaining table to the other, but were told on numerous occasions, that there is no deal until the sale closes – which was supposed to be the 30th.
Would that make some kind of a truth and a bit of a reconciliation – truth being the public learning what the idea of turning a decommissioned high school into a community centre is going to cost? The reconciliation will come when the public realizes that there is not yet a complete plan for the site which is very big and there might be a significant asbestos removal bill to contend with.
The Mayors loves the idea of turning the school into a community centre; has been a champion of the idea before the decision to close the school was final.
Back when the Halton District School Board was working with the communities to decide which of the seven high schools would be closed – Marianne Meed Ward, at the time a mere city councillor, was very active in ensuring that Central High School was not closed. The way to keep Central open was to ensure Bateman was closed.
The matter of how much information the public was going to have resulted in a city Councillor beinmg sanctioned by the Integrity Commissioner for uttering a figure that was an approximation of what it was all going to cost.
That was enough for two Councillors to file complaints with the Integrity Commissioner that resulted in the Councillor being docked five days pay.
That Integrity Commissioner said after he had rendered his decision that had he known that the Councillor he had sanction was not truly remorseful he would have taken away 30 days pay.
The Councillor stood her ground and said if it took five days pay to get the issue of just how much information the public was going to be given when Council came out of CLOSED meetings then she saw it as money well spent or words to that effect.
A while later the city brought in legal counsel that specializes in CLOSED door council meetings and what the public should be told when the CLOSED meeting ends. They, in the most possible polite terms told the city that their practices needed improvement.
Reconciliation indeed.
Our Mayor wasn’t finished with the Councillor Sometime later she used her power to re-order a Council meeting agenda and did her best to force the Council member to publicly read an apology the Councillor had said she was prepared to give a member of city Staff at the end of the Council meeting.
The Mayor wanted the apology done during the council meeting where it could be debated – thus giving the two councillors who filed the complaint with the Integrity another opportunity to pile on.
This is the kind of stuff you see on television. Did we make it up. CLICK to listen to what Mayor Meed Ward chose to do
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 Katelyn Goodwin
October 1st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington residents both Indigenous and non-Indigenous gathered in Spencer Smith Park Friday evening to mark National Day of Truth and Reconciliation also known as Orange Shirt Day, a day in which we honour survivors of residential schools and the children who never returned home from them, as well as their families and communities. The event contained information booths, public displays, speeches from Indigenous speakers affected by intergenerational trauma caused by the residential school system, and a reflective walk.
 The walk that celebrated the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation day in Burlington began at the Pier. There were very close to a hundred if not a few more residents participating in these events-especially the reflective walk and ceremony at Lift Bridge lighthouse following it. Those events were where most attendees were taking the chance to listen, learn, and talk amongst each other. While observing and taking part in the walk and ceremony, I caught some of the words spoken between people. Most were talking about the impacts of residential schools and the trauma left behind by them still affecting Indigenous people and communities, as well as the stories told to us from children/grandchildren of residential school survivors and non-survivors in their speeches. I think the amount of people talking about the painful but true history of these schools and those affected by them at once says a lot about the impact of this event.
 People gathered in small groups to talk about different residential. school experiences. I talked to several members from the Indigenous community; with parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles, who had been taken away from their families and put into a residential schools. While telling their almost all of them got teary-eyed and were able to share the stories in great detail.
Speaker and family member of residential school survivors Laura Suthers said that though Truth and Reconciliation Day is a day of healing that helps create awareness of the tragedies that occurred in the schools, it is also one that can bring back trauma for survivors and their families, acknowledging that my question as to what the day meant to her was quite loaded and hard to answer at first. She noted how important it is for non-indigenous people to honour residential school survivors and children who never made it home not just September 30th, but every day of the year. “While the truth can hurt” she said – “it needs to be said.’
 White Eagle, the daughter of a residential school survivor addressed the audience telling them how important it is that we not forget what was done to the Canadian Indigenous community. Event leader, speaker, and an Indigenous person affected by the intergenerational trauma of residential schools White Eagle talked who about how vital is to remember survivors of residential schools and those who didn’t return home. Honour those affected by the horrors of and do not hold back any information when talking about what went on in residential schools.
Something she told me that should be considered is that while the Truth and Reconciliation Day is meant to be one for Indigenous people and their healing journeys, they also use it to educate non-Indigenous people about residential schools while being reminded of their trauma. This is something she describes as a ‘double-edged sword.’
 The participants at the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation gathered on the Beach. Steven Paquette, an elder who works with the Halton District School Board, said the day is important for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous as it is important in relation to Canadian history and builds allyship and spreads awareness in non-Indigenous communities while acknowledging strength and prosperity in Indigenous people.
 Walking along what used to be a rail bed for trains that took produce to markets around the world those participated in xxx I left the events at Spencer Smith Park on National Day of Truth and Reconciliation realizing that through talking to people who have personal stories to tell about this tragic part of Canadian history is that both this day and events related to it are needed to both honour the voices of residential school survivors living and deceased and remind us to stand with members of the Indigenous community and listen to their experiences not just for one day, but every day.
 Millcroft – it was built as a unique community – and the residents want it to stay that way.
 By Staff
September 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
They are mad as hell and don’t want to take this anymore.
Millcroft Greens has appealed their application to the Ontario Land Tribunal bypassing a public decision by Burlington City Council.
 MAD along with the City of Burlington (Mayor Marianne Meed-Ward, Councillor Angelo Bentivegna and Councilor Rory Nisan) and Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr have arranged a virtual meeting on October 4th at 6:30 P.M. with all MAD supporters to cover the following:
1.Expected Ontario Land Tribunal Process and how MAD is going to participate
2.What the City/Region is now doing on this application and how they will participate in the Ontario Land Tribunal Process
3.What MAD has done to date
4.MAD Call to Action
5.Questions from Supporters to MAD or the City
They are asking that as many people as are able to participate in this call to both get the update as well as show their support.
Please email your questions in advance to Mayor@Burlington.ca before Monday October 3rd at noon. We will endeavour to answer as many questions as possible.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 875 1631 2735
Passcode: Sqnj8d
OR
Dial in at 647 558 0588
Meeting ID: 875 1631 2735
Passcode: 626012
This meeting will be recorded for all those unable to attend.
They will only be able to accommodate 1000 attendees. Please be sure to sign on early to secure your spot. |
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By Staff
September 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
For those who thought it was over – try again.
Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) declared two inpatient unit COVID-19 outbreaks. One in Unit 5 South 200 on September 27, after three patients tested positive for COVID-19.
A second outbreak was declared on Unit 6 North 400/500 on September 29, 2022 after two patients and one healthcare worker tested positive for COVID-19.
The outbreak on Unit 6 North 400/500 is independent from the outbreak on Unit 5 South 200. All appropriate precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of patients, Essential Care Partners (ECPs), staff and physicians.
 Two outbreaks of Covid19 in different parts of the hospital JBH’s Infection Prevention and Control team and Employee Health Services are ensuring all patients on the units, along with staff and physicians who have been or may have been exposed, are being contacted, monitored, tested and self-isolating as required in keeping with Public Health guidelines. Patients on the units are in isolation as of the declared date of the outbreaks and have been instructed when discharged, to continue to monitor for symptoms for the remaining 10 days.
A number of enhanced safety measures are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of our patients, staff and physicians. ECPs and visitors are not permitted to enter the units except under limited circumstances in consultation with the patient’s care team.
Patients can still connect with their loved ones by telephone and video – both telephone and WiFi are available at no cost. Patients and their loved ones can visit the hospital website for information on how to book a video visit: www.josephbranthospital.ca/en/patients-and-visitors/visiting-hours.asp
JBH is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to work closely with Halton Region Public Health to bring a safe end to the outbreaks as soon as possible. Patients or loved ones who have questions or concerns can contact a member of the JBH Patient Relations team at 905-632-3737 ext. 4949 or by email patientrelations@josephbranthospital.ca.
JBH continues to uphold a universal mandatory masking policy, in which every person is required to wear a hospital-provided mask before entering and while in hospital. Masks are available at each entrance door.
 By Katelyn Goodwin
September 29th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Friday afternoon, from 4-7 PM, residents, indigenous or otherwise, will be gathering in Spencer Smith Park to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
 Phyllis Webstad (nee Jack) is Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band). She comes from mixed Secwepemc and Irish/French heritage and was born in Dog Creek but now lives in Williams Lake, British Columbia. Also recognized as Orange Shirt Day, Truth and Reconciliation Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative event inspired by the story of residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad who travels the country raising awareness about the impacts of Canada’s residential school system while talking about her experiences when she was at a residential school.
Both local Indigenous people and support groups will have public displays set up, interactive events, information booths, and a ceremonial gathering will take place in the park.
People are encouraged to come to the park to learn and participate in these events and displays. Participants wishing to join are encouraged to wear orange shirts.
 The path leading to the canal and the lighthouse was once a rail bed that had two tracks that brought steam engines into Burlington where they were loaded with produce that was shipped around the world. The canal is also the border between Burlington and Hamilton. An event of significance will be a reflective walk which will start at the pier at 4 p.m. and end at the Lift Bridge lighthouse where a ceremony will take place before attendees’ head back to Spencer Smith Park.
City of Burlington administration buildings will be closed. .
 By Dan Prefman
September 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Anyone who lives in Burlington knows what a great place it is and what a fabulous country Canada is. With so much natural beauty and so many interesting things to do in your spare time, it is a fabulous place to call home. While playing sports and meeting up with friends is something people all over Burlington love to do, playing online casino games is also popular with many now. This is true across many parts of Canada, where lots of people love to relax with exciting games online.
Of course, online casino gaming is loved in many other parts of the world and Russia is a prime example. Although there might be a shared love for casino gaming online between Canada and Russia, it is fair to say that the legislation both countries have in this area can differ.
But how does Canadian and Russian online casino legislation compare?
 Russia has platforms that offer awesome games alongside generous bonuses. And a no nonsense leader keeping an eye on things. Russia – What is their online casino legislation?
The situation around iGaming is a little muddled in Russia – despite it having some very clear-cut laws around online gambling! It is without doubt that legislation passed in 2006 banned online gambling across Russia and further legislation passed in 2009 banned all forms of gambling in the country apart from in four special gambling zones.
This all seems pretty straightforward until you learn that the iGaming sector in Russia remains popular and many people there gamble at online casinos regularly. There are in fact some top online casinos to game at for Russians now and platforms which offer awesome games alongside generous bonuses.
But just how can this be possible with the legislation from 2006 and 2009 in place? It all comes down to many Russians bypassing legislation by playing at offshore casino platforms. Although this is something of a grey area, there is little risk involved for players and plenty of foreign sites who accept Russian users. Of course, it is key to stay updated with any future changes to online casino legislation in Russia which could impact people’s ability to play at offshore sites.
Where does Canada stand on online casino gaming?
The Canadian online casino market is an interesting one and one that is in a period of change right now. It is estimated that up to 20 million Canadians love to game online and the local online gambling sector pulls in around $1.2bn in revenue.
While regulation from the 1970s paved the way for the first land-based casino in Winnipeg during 1989, updates to laws around online gambling have been a bit slower to emerge. This is because Canada leaves it up to each province to set their own rules around online casino gambling.
As a result, some provinces have been slow to react to the rise of online gaming across the country and slow to pass legislation which could enable people to gamble at online casinos legally in certain provinces. In places like this, many follow the lead of Russia and play at offshore casino sites instead.
Despite this, there have been recent movements in some provinces in terms of legalizing online casino gaming. Ontario’s online gambling market was launched in April 2022 for example, after legislation was passed to make this achievable. This means it is now possible for internet casinos to operate within Ontario provided they have been issued the relevant license by provincial officials.
 Ontario is professionally and responsibly regulated. One of the safest environments for on-lime gamblers. This move by Ontario has led many people to speculate whether other Canadian provinces could follow suit and pass legislation moving forward to launch legal online gambling within their borders. This could soon see Canada fully open for top casino brands to operate legally within the country and see it breaking the glass ceiling around iGaming in the country.
Canada vs Russia – How do they compare?
In essence, it is clear to see the similarities when comparing online casino legislation between the two countries. Both for example have a nation of people who love to play online casino games, and both turn something of a blind eye to people who game at offshore platforms.
There are also some clear differences between the two though. Russia for example has not passed any recent legislation in this area, while Canada seems to be in a period of change. Russia seems to have set out its stall to be completely against online gambling, whereas Canada’s stance is seeming to soften. Russia also takes a more central, federal approach to setting iGaming laws, while Canada is happy to leave it up to individual provinces.
 By Staff
September 29, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The angelic-voiced musicians of the Vienna Boys’ Choir bring their delightful program of Austrian folk songs and classical masterpieces to The Burlington Performing Arts Centre on Saturday, October 15th at 8pm. For six centuries, these young cultural ambassadors have been adored the world over for their wide range of repertoire, purity of tone and generosity of musical spirit.
The Vienna Boys’ Choir, which played to sold-out audiences in Burlington in 2015 and 2017, is the world’s foremost children’s choral group. Over the centuries, illustrious composers have written
masterpieces for the Boys’ Choir, including Mozart, Bruckner, Gluck and Schubert. This beloved touring group of alto and soprano boys between 10 and 14 years of age will take to the stage to perform both classical and more contemporary songs, from Ava Maria to more recent hits such as the Banana Boat Song.
 The Vienna Boys Choir taking a break at their residence-school “The global pandemic has badly affected all performing arts organization and artists, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir, both as a school and as artists, is no exception. They are a private organization which does not receive any government subsidies or public funding. During COVID they were forced to cancel well over 700 performances. Burlington is one of only a handful of Canadian dates on The Vienna Boys’ Choir schedule this fall – so it is an absolute delight to be able to present this incredible International group to our patrons on their current tour, aptly titled the “Together” tour, as part of our 22-23 Season,” says BPAC’s Executive Director, Tammy Fox.
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s 2022-2023 ‘BPAC Presents’ Season is sponsored by Mercedes- Benz Burlington.
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre presents
Vienna Boys’ Choir
October 15, 2022 at 8 p.m.
Main Theatre
440 Locust Street, Burlington, Ontario Tickets can be purchased online or by telephone:
905-681-6000 | https://burlingtonpac.ca/events/chilliwack/
Tickets: Regular $69.50 / Members $64.50
By Pepper Parr
September 29th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Interesting.
The map below came our way.
The black symbols are building permits that have been closed, the purple are building permits that have been issued but not yet closed
 Map used by city staff to search for the status of a building permit application  These are permits that have been issued for work on trees – black are closed files s
 Map of drainage certificates that have been issued. Each one of those dots has a fee attached to it.
By Pepper Parr
September 28th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Why was Rick Greenspoon, candidate for the ward 6 council seat left standing outside the location of the Millcroft Greenspace Alliance (MGA) yesterday having been told that politicians were not permitted to attend the meeting.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte made unexpected arrivals and no one was prepared to uninvite the two of them.
Greenspoon didn’t make it past the door; he was left standing outside holding up his campaign sign.
Daintry Klein, the person heading up the meeting, said she didn’t see the Mayor until she had started the meeting.
More than 120 people attended the meeting with 15 questions – what is happening now and what are we going to do next.
It was a community built around a golf course – seen as very progressive in the 1990’s. Millcroft Greens is a joint-venture partnership between Argo Development Corporation and Millcroft Golf Club.
The development is currently before the Ontario Land Tribunal with a Case Management session scheduled for November 7th
Klein, an original owner in the Millcroft community, has become a staunch supporter of planting more trees and doing what has to be done to end the rate at which the climate is changing.
Millcroft Greens, notified some residents and the City of their intention to submit an application to develop a portion of Millcroft Golf Club in February of 2019 and their application was accepted by the City in December 2020.
The City of Burlington has neither approved nor declined the application.
Millcroft Greens appealed to the Province of Ontario Land Tribunal for a hearing to approve their applications.
MGA is not confident the city could successfully defend the application at OLT – 97% of cases are decided in favour of developers and the City of Burlington has not successfully defended an application during this term of Council.
Through significant research and numerous meetings with experts and the Province, MGA believes that the City of Burlington should pass a resolution. Potential wording could be:
Proposed City Resolution
The City of Burlington resolves to protect the Millcroft Golf Course property greenspace and its zoning of Major Parks/Open Space. We commit to working with the Province of Ontario, the Government of Canada and community groups to protect this mature tree canopy and green stormwater infrastructure consistent with our Climate Policies.
In order to pass such a resolution the Mayor would have to call a Special Meeting of Council – there aren’t any council meetings until the election has taken place. Klein’s response to that is to “let the Mayor have at it.
As the municipal election approaches (October 24), candidates will be looking for taxpayer and resident support. Our existing Council has the opportunity to prove their support for our community by passing a resolution.
Klein points out that Glen Abbey and the Stoneridge Golf course were able to work out their differences with developers without having to go to the OLT – he hope is that Burlington can do the same.
The MGA people want the city to take the lead on this issue. There doesn’t appear to be very much confidence in ward Councillor Angelo Bentivegna’s efforts.
There are two organizations in Millcroft solidly against the plans to further develop the golf course. There is MAD – Millcroft Against Development and MGA – Millcrogt Green Alliance
Related news stories
The story behind the flooding problem.
By Pepper Parr
September 28th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The length of time it takes to get a building permit application through city hall is a contentious issue.
The builders complain but nothing seems to change.
Is there really a problem at the municipal level and if there is a problem can it be defined
The Altus Group Economic Consulting was retained by BILD (Building Industry and Land Development Association) to undertake a study of several factors that may be contributing to housing affordability issues in major housing markets across the Greater Toronto Area (“GTA”), such as municipal approval processes, resulting timelines for approvals, and government charges levied by municipalities.
The study compares approaches that municipalities have in place to deal with the approval and development of new housing. It also highlights key features (and associated benefits of those features) in promoting the approval of new housing and ultimate construction, as well as the cost implications of municipal processes and policies. The analysis presented in the study was based on research done on 16 municipalities across the GTA.
 Rankings can be misleading and some of the numbers need some clarification Burlington did not do very well in the ranking 8th out of the 16. Oakville came second and Milton was third.
Some municipalities still do not make important features of the process transparently available, such as application requirements, terms of references for technical studies, or other key planning documents available to applicants, which can hinder the quality of submissions received, and can indirectly impact municipal review timelines;
Many applicants are required to submit a wide array of technical studies, and while many are certainly necessary, our analysis has found up to 42 different possible types of studies over the range of municipalities studied. With even 10 to 20 studies being required per application, this can significantly increase the amount of time it takes to get to a complete application, adds complexity to municipalities reviewing the full submissions, and strains the resources of private-sector planning firms (and other technical experts) to fulfil application requirements;
Municipal approval timelines in the GTA are among the worst of major municipalities across Canada and have deteriorated significantly compared to the findings presented in the previous the 2020 Study. Average timelines are 27% to 51% longer than those reported in the 2020
The report is lengthy; we will complete our review and report in depth soon soon.
 By Anne Marsden
September 28th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
Burlington residents Anne and Dave Marsden, Pro Bono Health, Safety and Access Advocates are on the Burlington City Council and Committee record since the 90’s delegating on any subject that affects the well-being of city families. All their delegations are based on areas of expertise honed in Anne and Dave’s well referenced professional careers and pro-bono advocacy in and out of the Courts; see marsdens.ca.
 This opinion piece sees Anne speak out on current issues, raised by the Gazette and Ward 2 Candidate Keith Demoe. The initiating event was witnessed by Ward 2 Candidate Tim O’Brien. It is apparent that the City Clerk, City Manager and incumbent members of Council presently standing for re-election have a different perspective than the bill-payers of Burlington. The approved 2022 Budget includes a total operating budget of $284.7 million. The 2022 election is an opportunity for Demoe and O’Brien to show they are better fitted for making decisions around the budget than the Ward 2 incumbent. That’s what happens in fair, democratic elections.
The section of the Burlington Procedure Bylaw that is raising issues of Clerk/incumbent favour came into being in 2016. The Ward 2 Councillor, now the incumbent Mayor, alerted citizens that Council was proposing to reduce delegation time from 10 to 5 mins. Everyone, including the Marsdens applauded what was seen as a stand not to weaken the public engagement process. What residents did not understand, was that by-law 67-2016 weakens the Section 5 Municipal Act decision-making power of council and kisses goodbye to fulsome public engagement.
Sections 37.11 and 37.12 of 67-2016 gave a power to the City Manager that must only belong to Committee Chairs and Head of Council. It took away their authority to make a decision that a delegate’s behaviour was inappropriate or offensive and deal with it as it occurred.
The Marsdens tried hard to delay the by-law approval until it could receive public attention but sections 37.11 and 37.12 were approved and remained in the 2016 by-law until Report CL-01-20 was forwarded to Council by City Clerk, Angela Morgan. The January 2020 Report outlined multiple changes which included an update to what would be 39.11 and 39.12 in the 2020 updated Procedure By-law.
“Added “the Clerk” in addition to City Manager as someone who can deny a delegate due to unreasonable behaviour”
This wording is a huge stretch in terms of reality as denial is not based on any unreasonable behaviour but rather on the City Manager and now City Clerk being given the authority to deem a delegate’s behavior may be inappropriate and turf them from the list of delegates. This, in turn, gives the Head of Council or Committee someone to run to in order to get rid of a delegate, whose position they do not agree with, from speaking at the public lectern. Dark shades of dictatorship!
 Anne Marsden The change to delegate the elected members of Council authority to the Clerk as well as the City Manager occurred at the same time as Council was discussing significant New Official Plan issues. The Marsdens’ proposal to delay the by-law changes until residents had dealt with the urgent Official Plan issues was seen on the webcast to be vetoed by Councillor Sharman. He was later joined by the rest of Council on the by-law vote for approval and enactment.
The update to the city website after municipal election nominations closed 2022 saw the disappearance of the webcasts and minutes associated with issues Anne Marsden intended to address in her election campaign. Missing webcasts and minutes saw an inability for candidates to review the performance of the current incumbents. This past week taxpayers saw the Clerk get rid of a delegate who had information to share at the lectern on a very serious matter related to the Ward 2 incumbent councillor’s behaviours.
The Clerk, without any evidence to substantiate his position notified the Ward 2 candidate that he was likely to behave in an unreasonable/offensive manner and prohibited his attendance at the lectern of the last Council meeting of the 2018-2022 term. That he later changed his mind too late to have Demoe attend at the lectern adds insult to injury.
 Anne Marsden, perhaps the most prolific delegator in the city. There are many issues with the current Procedure By-law that need addressing immediately the new Council is formed. A thorough review and sufficient public notice/engagement to restore the Procedure By-laws to have teeth to address accountability, transparency and public engagement they had in 2010 is my first priority for the new Council. The Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns and obviously all members of Council are on the record with their 2020 vote that they support the Clerk and City Manager having these dictatorship powers. They apparently enjoy the ability to get rid of a delegate, they would rather not hear. Kearns failed to respond to her very concerned constituents when she was contacted by them personally, back in 2019 on this matter. Her lack of response was recorded in a commissioned affidavit surrounding the events.
The failure to address this issue and the Ward 2 Councillor and the Clerk washing their hands of webcasts, minutes and incumbent 2018 financial reports et al, disappearing from the city site after nominations opened sees candidate Keith Demoe’s concern, that the same Clerk is responsible for certifying the vote counts, as an absolutely valid concern. We await media uproar as this cannot be!
A top priority is clearly to remove this absolutely valid concern that has cast a very dark shadow over the 2022 Burlington Municipal Election.
The email conversation between Pepper Parr of the Gazette and Councillor Kearns asking him to remove comments known to represent the truth shows the power the incumbent believed she had to control the Gazette. She soon found out she was totally in error
Anne Marsden is a candidate for the office of Mayor.
This Opinion piece was paid for by the Committee to Elect Marsden as Mayor of the City of Burlington
By Pepper Parr
September 28th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
There is an issue that no one on city council wants to talk about – the Councillors for wards 3 and 6 are terrified that their constituents would tar and feather them if they supported the offer the Nelson Quarry has made to give the the city title to the land which would be turned into a park.
The quarry, once it has been mined out and some work done to return the land to its original form has the potential to meet a need that is going o exist in the not too distant future.
 Nelson quarry that is near its end of life – the site will fill with water and could be turned into a park. Council members take the view during an election that it is heresy to talk about something many are against rather than explain the long term potential and why the idea of having the quarry turned into a large public park when all the useful aggregate has been mined out is a very wise long term decision.
The people managing the application for a license extension and renewal are about to announce that they will be making an announcement on a park operator.
 Rendering of what part of the quarry could look like once all the aggregate has been extracted Does this suggest that the city has lost the opportunity to be involved in the creation of parkland that is going to be needed in the not too distant future. The ability to be consistently short sighted on the part of Councillors Bentivegnia and Nissan is astonishing – both are reacting to the views of their constituents north of Hwy 407 and Dundas, forgetting that the bulk f their constituents are south of that border.
The Joint Tribunal process is winding its way towards a decision.
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 Andrea Grebenc
September 27th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
People are moving to Halton Region and expect interconnected communities. Candidate for Regional Chair Andrea Grebenc set out her position on local transit: It is long-past time for a regional public transportation model in Halton.
Burlington, Milton and Oakville each have their own public transportation system. Halton Hills public transportation does not exist. Halton is an increasingly integrated community. Residents don’t live, work and have fun only around home. They visit and commute to other parts of the region and beyond. As I’ve talked to people while canvassing on my journey to the Regional Chair role, I have noted that many people are asking for better transit. Halton is a growing region and many people are moving in from places outside Halton that have effective transit. They move to Halton and are disappointed to find that to effectively move around the region, a car is necessary. This contributes to growing gridlock and increases our carbon footprint. Living in Burlington and working in Milton(or vice versa) requires hours of convoluted public transportation commuting and involves leaving the region entirely within the journey. This is not attractive or effective.
Because of this growing interdependence of transportation between Halton communities public transportation should be uploaded to the Regional level.
 Burlington Transit getting new buses Integrated public transportation planning and interconnection not only within the Region, but between adjacent regions could make commuting a seamless endeavour across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, freeing up time and improving quality of life. This makes good economic sense for people as commuters, and for businesses looking to expand into and within Halton. This is an especially attractive concept for people and businesses who are considering how to reduce their carbon footprint and increase environmental stewardship. Some business organizations may even decide to subsidize or purchase public transportation passes for employees as a benefit to demonstrate action on environmental concerns and a way to attract employees.
Many regions in the province have moved to a regional transportation system. Let’s look for best practices on how to implement this in Halton.
 York Region is probably the most advanced transit system in the province -fully integrated Along with public transit, active transit integration across the region should be strengthened. People are looking more and more at the climate and health benefits of this mode of transportation. We need to look at providing safe ways to make this happen.
The Regional Council unanimously approved a motion to declare a climate emergency in 2019 and strong improvements to public and active transportation would align with that position.
The municipalities within Halton have grown and matured, and the province has mandated that this growth continue. Services like police, public health, wastewater, water purification are already part of the Region’s mandate. Similarly, it makes sense for the Region to have a bigger role in providing public transit across the Region.
 Andrea Grebenc: candidate for Halton Regional Chair Andrea Grebenc is a registered candidate for Halton’s Regional Chair position in the upcoming municipal election and her name will appear on all ballots in Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville. For more information about her experience, background, and platform, visit Andrea4Halton.ca.
 By Pepper Parr
September 27th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
For those running for public office for the first time name recognition is everything.
Email, lawn signs, brochures – whatever you can think if – find a way to pay for it and use it.
 Ward 3 candidate Jennifer Hounslow went for the bright lights and chose a digital sign in a very high traffic area Ward 3 Candidate Jennifer Hounslow came up with a great idea – rent some of the space on a bright digital sign on Brant Street just north of where the 403 gets you to Hamilton. It’s a great intersection.
Keith Demoe, candidate for the ward 2 Council seat decided he would create a sign that was more portable and had a 36 x 40 inch sign made up that he put in his car and hauls out wherever he see decent traffic.
 Ward 2 candidate Keith Demoe wanted something big and portable to get his name out. Keith Demoe want to take the seat Lisa Kearns hold and Jennifer Hounslow is after the council seat Rory Nisan seldom uses these days. He chooses to attend council meetings virtually from the comfort of his home.
Both incumbents Nisan and Kearns want to begin looking over their shoulders.
 By Fred Kead
September 27th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
We couldn’t agree more that Burlington is frequently ranked as one of the best cities in Canada for families. But coming here to play doesn’t have to break the bank! There are many activities for kids in Burlington right now.
Some are popular tourist destinations, while others are undiscovered gems that only locals know of. We are bringing you our picks for the best free and inexpensive family activities in Burlington.
Go to Parks
 One of the great botanical gardens in North America The most extensive botanical garden in Canada is the Royal Botanical Gardens. Possibly Burlington’s biggest attraction, the renowned Royal Botanical Gardens, are a must-see for everyone traveling to or through the city. The lovely gardens cover 900 hectares of land and are divided into various areas. It has three restaurants, a friendly gift shop, one greenhouse, four outdoor gardens, and four.
Explore the lovely gardens to discover over 1,000 different plants and flowers, including the most extensive collection of lilacs in the world. Additionally, it is an Important Bird Area.
We know that taking a family vacation is lovely; the best part is spending time together. To complete the fun, parents can exchange activities with the kids in addition to doing them together. One day, mom will have time to unwind and shop while dad has fun in the aquarium.
On the other hand, mom can go to a park, and dad can use the time to visit one of the nearby casinos, for example. Only 11 miles separate the Elements Casino Mohawk, one of Canada’s busiest attractions, from Burlington. He might even play some games online while waiting since Ontario now has laws governing online casinos.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park – Even though the park is less than a mile from the QEW, once you get inside, nature takes control. Enjoy camping and RV amenities for a day or a few nights. Get some exercise on the five hiking trails, see the farm animals at the Children’s Farm and Spruce Lane Farm House, play a game of disc golf, or take a dip in the 1.8-acre outdoor pool during the summer.
Try New Foods
 Burlington’s Spencer Smith Park holds on of the biggest Rib Fest events early in September every year Cottage Country Candies Outlet – Indulge in savory and sweet delicacies from around the world at Cottage Country Candies Outlet. With trail mixes, wrapped candies, sour sweets, and more, you may fill up for the remainder of your journey. Despite being in business since 1910, they keep up with the times by making great vegan delights and less-waste products.
Sunshine Doughnuts – There is a recognizable emblem in the center of Burlington’s downtown. Every morning, The Sunshine Doughnuts creates freshly baked goods stuffed with various delectable delicacies like caramel, cream, mint, toffee, and strawberry. Get there early because they sell out quickly, but they’re the ideal snack to grab before venturing out for a day of adventure in the downtown area.
Spencer Smith Park – From food trucks to fancy restaurants, the flavor is king. Spencer’s on the Waterfront provides upscale lakeside dining. It’s delicious meals with a view, so bring your loved one or the entire family to enjoy freshly grown veggies from their farm and sustainably sourced fish.
Burlington Food Truck Festival – Check out the Burlington Food Truck Festival if you like to sample a variety of foods while relaxing at a picnic table and listening to live music. Dishes on the menu range from tacos and Asian noodles to standard hamburgers and fries. Canada’s Largest Ribfest, which features the greatest BBQ rib producers from the U.S. and Canada, is held annually. Enjoy mouthwatering ribs while singing along to live music.
Shows and Music Festivals
 Performing Arts Centre brings world class entertainment to the city The city’s center for music and theatre arts, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC), offers a wide variety of entertainment, from solo comedic performances to elaborate theatrical plays. The 720-seat Main stage has hosted performances by Burton Cummings, Jim Cuddy, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and other international artists.
In contrast, the 165-seat Community Studio Theatre has hosted several productions that have delighted audiences for decades. Treat yourself to a show at BPAC for an evening of modern entertainment that is more personal.
Brant Street Pier
 Controversial when it was built – the Pier is now a favourite for everyone. The S-shaped Brant Street Pier juts out 137 meters over Lake Ontario. The pier offers stunning views of the lake and the coastline of Burlington. Feel the breeze in your hair as you stroll along the pier while taking in the scenery. Take the elevated deck’s spiral stairway up for the best views.
You can take in the views any time of day because the pier is open from 7 am to 11 pm. Additionally, you can go cycling or fishing from the pier.
By Pepper Parr
September 26th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
New to municipal politics but certainly not new to Burlington.
She attended Central Public School and then Central High School. Went to Sheridan College where she studied Business Administration and Marketing.
As part of her education she worked as a co-op student for Paddy Torsney, the Liberal candidate federally at the time, and then did a work project with the Town of Milton. You could see where this career was going.
 Jennifer Hounslow – is doing her homework and building on the significant experience she has with one of the best corporate operations in North America. When she married she and her husband lived Headon Forest, moved to Waterdown and found it wasn’t quite what they expected and returned to Burlington where she now resides in ward 3, She is running for the ward seat on city Council.
They are Burlingtonians at least until the kids are off to university; with the youngest just 15 months old – the family is going to be around for some time.
With a good workforce experience at Honeywell Aerospace Hounslow was beginning to find that the Burlington she wanted wasn’t doing all that well.
Deeply unsatisfied with the level of service and community support she was getting from Councillor Nisan Hounslow had a long talk with her husband and decided that she would run for public office in ward 3.
One of her biggest concerns with this council is that they don’t monitor the decisions they make” said Hounslow. They make a decision, commit the funds and seem to expect that everything will work out. Hounslow is well aware that the world doesn’t work that way.
 Hounslow: making sure she is working with the right people where she strives to build a trusting relationship. She uses the word “execute” in one of the headline on her web site. She isn’t talking about a solution the coyote problem – based on her experience at Honeywell Hounslow knows that making a decision is one of the steps – how you carry out that decision is the bigger part of the challenge.
Hounslow puts it this way. She sees her job as a city councillor as making sure she is working with the right people where she strives to build a trusting relationship.
She wants to hear independent voices and wants to collaborate with people.
Updates to the different communities within the ward are part of how she intends to meet with people and hear what they have to say. The Gazette is mindful of a ward councillor who holds regular ward meetings that are both live and virtual and then spends the bulk of the meeting talking to (usually at) the people taking part in the meeting.
Hounslow has an issue with the cadence of council meetings – by cadence she means the flow, rhythm, tempo and tone of a meeting.
Are the councillors listening or are they off in a world of their own? she asks.
 Hounslow: the solution to getting a real grip on the climate change threat is to work at the purely local level – that is where minds can be changed. On transit – one of the biggest challenges is the optics of the service.
People are quick to say that all they see are empty buses trundling along city streets pouring diesel exhaust fumes..
Hounslow is not an advocate of the “ticking off the boxes” approach to administration and uses instead the phrase – “can we talk that out?”
If elected how long would she serve? More than one term but does not see herself on a career path that would take her to different levels of government.
She sees the solution to getting a real grip on the climate change threat is to work at the purely local level – she believes that it is at that level where minds get changed and with minds changed the needed steps can be taken. She is quick to admit that green solutions are expensive.
If you live in ward 3 – and intend to vote – Hounslow is someone you want to listen to.
Hounslow web site:
By Pepper Parr
September 26th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Jim Kerr has been late getting into the race to become Mayor of Burlington and he has a lot of catching up to do.
He is a product of Aldershot, born, raised there and has called the community home all of his life.
He is a graduate of Western University and holds a Certified Management Accounting diploma. Active in sports when he was younger Kerr was one of the several thousands who came down with Covid19 and had to be hospitalized for longer than he expected.
His work as a corporate restructuring consultant has taken him out of the province for much of the past two decades.
 The day we interviewed Jim Kerr His work experience is extensive, his understanding of the Burlington budget and the process used to determine what the tax rate should be is surprising high for someone entering politics for the first time.
Much of the work Kerr did at the restructuring level involved municipalities that were deeply involved in restructuring industry in their community’s – Kerr may not have sat in a City Council chamber, but he appears to have a deep understanding of what Mayor’s are up against.
His vision for the city is distinct – going from moving the bus terminal out of the downtown core to somewhere closer to the QEW area to looking for ways to focus on the city’s strengths and tighten up the city’s fiscal position.
He realizes the city has to grow and he understands that up is the direction residential housing is going to go. Kerr just wants to make smarter decisions and look for opportunities that don’t result in growth that distorts the city.
Infill housing, “granny flats” and finding a way to come up with an affordable housing solution are top of mind for Kerr
You will see the word “Smart” attached to almost every statement Kerr makes.
The consistent thread through the work Kerr has done in the private sector is “restructuring”. Changing an existing situation that no longer works and adapting to new circumstances.
One gets the impression that Kerr wants to think “smarter” about everything.
His view and approach seems to bring much of the innovation coming from city council rather than staff. Were Kerr to become Mayor there would be significant changes in the way staff and Council work together. His background is in the corporate world where things are done very differently.
Accountability and delivering are prime for Kerr. In the municipal world accountability is a word that gets tossed around and delivering is not always evident.
Kerr’s understanding of the city’s financial situation is that going forward what is being done now is just not sustainable. There is far too much debt.
Kerr and what we know about the people supporting him appear to be fiscal conservatives – spend when you have the funds and don’t rely on future revenue until you have it in hand.
Respect what reserves are – don’t raid them when you have a pet project.
 Jim Kerr greet Rainer Noack Transit is a real issue that Kerr thinks is going to take decades to resolve – there is a huge swing needed in the public perception of what transit is going to mean to the average Burlingtonian.
Kerr knows that we have to become greener – that need will be part of every step he takes should he become Mayor. He is also guided by the need to be sustainable – that’s where he inserts the word smart.
This Kerr, mentions that the seed of public service was planted years ago when he met George Kerr who was the MPP for Burlington decades who. That Kerr once chose to swim in the Bay to convince people that the water was safe.
Jim Kerr is strong on inclusion – “we are all equal” he said.
He also wants better communications coming out of city hall.
Has he missed very much? The public will get to see and listen to him when he takes part in the Burlington Chamber of Commerce event on October 3rd.
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