 By Pepper
January 22nd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
If you are involved in any way with a Not for Profit organization there is a Zoom course you need to take.
The price is peanuts ($30.00)
The rules for NFP’s have changed and you should get an update.
More importantly – if you are involved as a Board member, a committee member with administrative responsibilities – this is for you.
If you are thinking that you might want to be a Board ember for a NFP – they will, or should, require that you take the course.
Ben Miller is top notch at this stuff.
Something local: Rick Burgess, a retired Burlington lawyer, was one of the people that advised the provincial government on the changes that were made
 By Ray Rivers
January 22nd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
If you are a taxpayer in Ontario and have checked your bank account recently you should see a deposit. That is your quarterly carbon tax rebate. It may or not be shown as CAIP (climate action incentive payment) depending on the banking institution. But it is tax-free money from your federal government and intended to offset the so called federal carbon tax.
 The federal government argues that it’s not properly a tax since, as a kind of revolving fund, the carbon levy is revenue neutral. Everything collected is returned to tax filers less some small amount for administration. The point of the tax is to make the costs of fossil fuels increasingly more costly so Canadians will switch to non-carbon alternative energy sources.
Though the carbon levy was originally introduced as a climate change policy, it has in fact also turned out to be a good income equity measure. The carbon tax rebate, which, in Ontario is now approaching one thousand dollars a family annually, makes Mr. Trudeau look like Robin Hood.
According to a 2023 Statistics Canada report, 94 per cent of households with incomes below $50,000 received carbon tax rebates that exceeded their carbon-tax costs in 2023. About half of these households netted out between $20 and $40 per month.
Increasing the cost of fossil fuels is a step in the right direction towards rectifying the historical distortion in resource pricing. The federal and provincial governments have been subsidizing the petroleum sector with the handouts of tax payers’ money for at least half a century, and that hides the true cost of your gasoline and heating fuel.
Ontario, for example, is now spending millions of our tax payer dollars to cap its legacy oil wells which continue to leak methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. The landscape of Alberta and Saskatchewan is dotted with old unused orphan wells. Some 170,000 or almost 40% of all the wells are in Alberta need to be capped. And it has been left up to governments to clean up this mess.
Alberta was the first jurisdiction in the country to impose a carbon tax of sorts on its industries, back in March 2007. Quebec followed with a broader consumer tax and B.C. brought in an even broader one, covering roughly 70% of provincial greenhouse gas emissions. Quebec and Ontario then had implemented a cap-and-trade emissions program which exempted them from the federal carbon tax, but Doug Ford axed Ontario’s along with all new renewable energy projects as one of his government’s first acts.
The Canadian federal carbon tax was implemented in 2019. It is a progressive tax, similar to the programs in Quebec and B.C.,and increases each year in hopes that the consumers get the message. This year it’ll be 17 cents per litre of gasoline and 15 cents per cubic metre of natural gas. That works out to roughly $80 per tonne of CO2. But, the tax will more than double by 2030.
 Mr. Trudeau dealt the credibility of carbon pricing a blow when his government decided to help homeowners by removing the carbon tax from heating oil. This lapse in policy stinks of partisan politics. Moreover, that has given Mr. Poilievre ammunition in his quest to completely axe the carbon tax should he win the next election. And given the polls that is exactly what will happen in 2025 if not sooner.
 Pierre Poilievre hammering the Trudeau government in the House of Commons. Most folks I’ve asked recently have not noticed receiving their clean air incentive (CAIP) in their bank accounts, even though they likely have. And that ignorance, may be why Mr. Poilievre is gaining so much traction with his misinformation campaign about the carbon tax.
Perhaps the federal government needs to reconsider using less expensive direct deposit for the CAIP. After all, nothing communicates the truth to taxpayers better than a government cheque in their hands.
 Ray Rivers, a Gazette Contributing Editor, writes regularly applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background links”
Climate Action Pricing – Carbon Rebate – Lower Incomers – Industry Legacy –
By Pepper Parr
January 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
After two city council meetings; one that heard 13 delegations, who for the most part were opposed to a Staff report that called for placing sidewalks on one side of several streets in a community that wanted nothing to do with sidewalks.
The community was well organized – better than the city. They met as neighbours – they got petitions signed and they went door to door asking people what they wanted. The chart below is pretty clear.
 Tough numbers to argue with – nevertheless City Staff stuck to their guns and a majority of Council went along with the policy. One Street that was exempted from the final decision was Maureen Ct, a street with two houses on it that led into Bromley Park.
 A Court leading to a small park has just two houses. Council decided to exempt the Court from the policy. The City’s Bromley Road Area Reconstruction project is estimated at $4,335,000. This includes:
- Bromley Road, Linwood Crescent and Maureen Court, as mentioned plus
- road reconstruction to:
- Broughton Crescent – this road has sidewalks, both sides
- Verhoeven Road – this road has sidewalks, both sides
- Brewer Court
If the project was not approved there was a possible additional $1,170,000 if there were delays that meant the work that had to be done by the Region could not be done when the city work was being done.
The driving force in the Staff report was IMP
The recently approved Integrated Mobility Plan (IMP) recognizes that everyone is a pedestrian at some point in their trip, if only between their bus stop or parking place and their front door. This makes walking or using a mobility device a critical activity, both as a stand-alone mode and as a connection to other modes of transportation. The IMP sets the walking mode share target at 9.0% by 2051. Achieving this target will require improvements to pedestrian facilities and environments across the city. Policy direction through the IMP supports:
- The creation of a complete and connected pedestrian network;
- Improving pedestrian safety;
- Enhancements to the pedestrian experience; and
- The City’s commitment to building a walkable
Policy 2.1 of the IMP requires that the City examine every opportunity to fill in gaps in the existing pedestrian system and work with partners to extend the pedestrian network to new areas when the opportunity is presented. Implementation and expansion of the pedestrian network is to be achieved through the following approaches, as applicable:
- As part of new development, through the development review process;
- As part of street construction/reconstruction projects;
- As part of a retrofit project to fill in “missing links” of an existing pedestrian network; and
- As part of other capital
It is through the lens of the Council-approved IMP that staff have recommended the inclusion of sidewalk infill as part of this capital project.
The city’s existing Sidewalk Warrant and Installation Policy has been in place and utilized by Transportation Services and Engineering Department staff for over 15 years. Its purpose is to determine the need for sidewalks based on a number of technical factors, then provide a recommendation with respect to the need and placement of sidewalks.
Three critical factors are assessed to determine if a sidewalk is warranted along a local street:
- Traffic Volume
- Number of Dwellings; and
- Pedestrian Volume
Council didn’t seem to be able to accept the wishes of the residents: Every vote taken was a 4 wanting sidewalks put in and 3 not wanting sidewalks put in.
The arguments for no sidewalks were sound; the Policy was the problem.
 The residents didn’t want sidewalks and there was never enough evidence put forward to justify the need for sidewalks. Policy beat what the residents wanted. When it got to voting on a decision things got acrimonious. Unfortunately ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns didn’t understand the question that was being voted on – that vote was struck. When the vote was taken a second time the result was a 4-3 vote not to install to install sidewalks on Linwood Crescent.
Councillors Galbraith, Kearns, Nisan and Stolte voted for the Staff Direction.
 This is the community that residents didn’t think needed sidewalks. It is as good as suburbia gets. Two things surprised us. The number of delegations that made their views and wishes very clear. And that fact that the Councillors, except for Stolte, were not anywhere near the community.
Traditionally municipal councillors tend to go with the wishes of the ward Councillor.
Councillor Galbraith, who represents the Aldershot community where there are miles of streets that do not have side walks was nevertheless prepared to vote for sidewalks.
This was a very hard loss for Councillor Sharman. A bit less so for the Mayor. Councillor Bentivegna tends to go along with Sharman on the rights and wishes of residents.
It is an even harder loss for the citizens who live in the community who thought their views would prevail. Isn’t that what local government is all about?
 By Staff
January 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Getting to the point where a performing artist stands in the middle of a big stage with hundreds, sometimes thousands of people in the audience takes time and a lot of hard, hard work.
Tammy Fox, the Executive Director of the Performing Arts centre, has worked both sides of the business: she marketed talent and grew performers from promising beginners to the point where they were the main attraction.
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre (‘BPAC’) is invested in nurturing and supporting emerging artists in our community through our artist development initiatives. BPAC’s ‘Live & Local’ Artist Development Initiative supports the development of local artists by providing them with professional support and performance opportunities in our world-class venue, while also offering mentorship by connecting them with established industry professionals.
 Emm Gryner part of the Live and Local program at the Performing Arts Centre Emm Gryner appears at the Community Theatre on January 26th, is part of the ‘Live & Local’ Artist Development Initiative that Fox has made part of the operation saying: “BPAC is committed to taking the lead in supporting the growth of local artists and arts organizations as part of our mandate. Many of these groups are unable to afford the high costs of facility rentals and their attendant production costs, so a more flexible and creative partnership is necessary to support this critical type of community cultural development.
She adds: “BPAC plays a major role in supporting the development of local performing arts organizations and artists. By providing a state-of-the-art facility, superior customer service, organizational infrastructure and technical expertise, we provide an opportunity for Burlington’s arts organizations to grow artistically and to develop audiences. BPAC also takes an active role in supporting local organizations by offering marketing support as well as more targeted artistic development initiatives.
“BPAC has had a profound impact on the artistic growth and development of our local performing arts community. BPAC’s LIVE & LOCAL series allows local performers to increase their creative capacity, reach new heights of artistic excellence, deliver richer and more diverse performances and ultimately grow their audience.
Gryner will be on stage in the Community Studio Theatre on Friday Jan 26, 2024 at 7:30pm. Ticket Prices:Regular: $39.50(All-in); Member: $34.50(All-in)
As part of BPAC’s mission to nurture and support local arts producers we have launched an Artist Development Initiative which will provide performance opportunities for local artists and arts organizations to showcase their talents to BPAC’s established and growing audience base by including them in our Presents Series programming under the ‘Live & Local’ banner.
Many local emerging professional and non-professional arts organizations are looking for opportunities to perform at The Burlington Performing Arts Centre, but cannot afford the rent and production costs, and may not attract an audience large enough to financially sustain a performance in the theatre. The creation of alternative performing spaces such as the Community Stage in the Lobby, and use of the outdoor plaza for programming opportunities, enhances the experience of audiences and provides increased exposure for local artists.
BPAC’s 23/24 Live & Local Series is sponsored by Daniel Durst of Desjardins Insurance.
By Staff
January 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Excerpts from an excellent interview by Toronto Star reporter Susan Delacourt who met with the Prime Minister in Guelph on January 12, 2024.
Who does Trudeau seek out when times get tough, as they have so often over the past year?
“Define ‘tough times,’ because that sounds like Monday to me,” Trudeau said when he sat down with me for a wide-ranging, one-on-one interview last week. “Every day is tough. We’re running a country in a really, really complex time.”
Canada is in the midst of a housing and affordability crisis, which Trudeau’s critics — and there are many of them — are all too eager to pin on him.
Trudeau has said repeatedly that he doesn’t intend to walk away from his job or any of these challenges, so we didn’t waste a lot of time in this interview talking about whether he would — or should — pack it in.
Trudeau is concerned about where the Canadian consensus on immigration is headed, for instance, as people start to make connections between the influx of newcomers and demands on an already overloaded housing market and health-care system.
“I’ve long said that one of the most important responsibilities of any Canadian prime minister of government is to protect that consensus,” he said. “We are facing a real challenge around that right now.”
This is why Poilievre has been talking about tying immigration levels to housing, and why Immigration Minister Marc Miller has been talking about putting more stringent conditions on the inflow of foreign students and temporary workers.
However, Trudeau added, “One of the challenges around getting more housing built is having more construction workers. And one of the challenges we have around wait times in our health-care system is getting more health-care workers. We know that shutting down immigration would not even be a theoretical answer to that.”
In other words, it’s complicated.
Last spring, Trudeau made a remarkable admission — or, at least, one you don’t hear prime ministers make that often. He acknowledged that there are Canadians out there who aren’t going to take his word for anything, no matter what he says.
So in this interview, I asked him what he was going to do about that — or whether, in fact, there was anything he could do about it.
“First of all, there are people who don’t listen to anything any politician is going to say, and that is certainly increasing,” he said. It goes hand in hand, Trudeau believes, with the fragmentation of the media landscape and the decline in traditional journalism. “If you don’t believe politicians, you don’t believe a prime minister, you don’t believe all the assembled newspapers and media outlets that are recording what the prime minister is doing. It becomes harder and harder to break through.”
A thoughtful long-time Liberal said to me last year that Trudeau and his team had a full grasp on all the antagonism out there toward them. How could they not? Trudeau is dogged by those angry protests everywhere he goes.
This Liberal, however, was worried Trudeau doesn’t appreciate the apathy and indifference toward the government and how people may be tuning out whatever they say after eight long years in office.
“I certainly get the indifference,” Trudeau said. “The challenge of the Liberal party as a centrist, a centre-left party, is that we don’t have those fringes within the party on the far left, or on the far right, that are mobilized and activated about politics all the time.”
It’s the old dilemma of being in the middle — it’s hard to fire people up about standing in the centre. Trudeau does believe, however, that Liberals are up against something relatively new in this climate, which he calls opinion-as-identity politics.
“I don’t think that was a feature too much of other times in politics–where what you think about something actually creates the circles and the people that you actually associate with, and it defines who you are.”
He also believes that there’s a worldwide shift under way within conservatism and on the right, both in Canada and on the larger world stage. Traditional conservatism leaned a lot on respect for institutions and expertise and authority, Trudeau said, but “this particular brand of conservatism that seems to be spreading … doesn’t seem to be much about respecting institutions or protecting institutions … It’s almost anti-institutionalism; it’s anti-expertise, it’s anti-authority.”
Many prime ministers, especially the longer they serve in office, say they pay no attention to the media or the polls. Jean Chrétien, for instance, said he never watched the news before bed and Stephen Harper made no secret of his antipathy to the parliamentary press gallery.
Trudeau says he still is a consumer of the media, although he counsels all newcomers to politics to pay little attention to social media.
“But it really is important to be aware of how people are feeling out there … because it does impact your ability to do the job — not how you feel about the job, but how you’re able to actually succeed in the projects that you’re putting forward.”
He said he is not too fussed about all the talk of his unpopularity. “I think there’s a lot of people who are just rightly grumpy at the world right now … I think there’s all sorts of things that are happening that are difficult, (so) it’s got to be the prime minister’s fault.”
Trudeau also notes that he’s had a lifetime of training in ignoring personal attacks — and flattery. “I grew up in a situation where I had to brush aside people who hated me because they didn’t like my dad. But I also had to learn how to brush off people who loved me, because they loved my dad. Neither of those are necessarily real.”
 Delacourt writes a regular column in the Toronto Star. An online subscription is available at:
Burlington, Ontario
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 By Miranda Hough
January 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
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 By Pepper Parr
January 19th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
This will be a quieter news day.
Life got in the way.
The first of the two cataract surgeries I was to undergo took place this morning.
Up at 5:30- to be at the Same Day Surgery Centre; St. Joseph Community Health Centre in Stoney Creek f0r 7:30.
The intake was incredibly smooth.
They wanted all kinds of information – the file needed to be updated and the needed to know what I was on in the way of medications and what the dosages were.
I don’t know who males of the names for these drugs – I think they spend too much time on Wordle. I know them by their size and colour.
But that got worked out.
My son drove me out and because I thought it would be hours before anything happened I suggested he go home and I would give him a call when I was ready.
This piece is about the quality of the service and the way I was taken from station to station. Most people who read the Gazette know how I feel about Joseph Brant Hospital – I will leave it at that.
 No worse for the surgery – better than the picture on my passport Someone calls my name out after a 15 minute wait and within half an hour four different people were asking questions clarifying information.
Half an hour after that there I was flat on my back staring into the face of Dr. Ann Beattie, my ophthalmologist. She looked different behind that mask.
A squirt of something to freeze the area around my right eye and in she went to cut open a space above my eye and insert a new lens that actually has a serial number. Less than half an hour and I was out of the operating room and twenty minutes after that they were ready to let me go.
They called my son and he came to pick me up.
The scope of the medical health we have in this country is astounding. Why the Americans can’t make something like this happen in their country is beyond me.
We grouch,, bitch and complain – pause for a bit and figure out what we would all do if we didn’t have the public health system we have now,
Yes, we have a government that would like to privatize much of what we have.
I don’t there is enough public support for the Ford government to pull that off.
The biggest impression I got was the tone and the attitude of the staff. They were more than pleasant, they were polite and they knew how to slow you down and ask if you’d like a few minutes.
There was never any sense if being rushed.
I had to go back in the mid afternoon to have someone check the eye and make sure there was no swelling. They did a pressure check on the eyeball and said I could go home and report to Dr. Beattie’s clinic next week for a full post op checkup.
Dr. Beattie has an office in Hamilton. If cataract surgery is in your life – remember her name. She hails from Picton and is a Habs fan. You won’t get a better deal than that.
If you want to know just how good a deal I got – we had to get a parking ticket from the machine but we never had to actually pay for parking. Not a dime.
Let me know when you get a deal like that at Jo Brant.
 By Staff
January 18th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
They have been doing it for a long time.
Operating as a registered charitable community choir, founded in 1994, the Burlington Civic Chorale is 35 voice SATB community choir, with volunteer singers of all ages and backgrounds from the region.
Under Artistic Director and Conductor Gary Fisher, and Accompanist Jennifer Goodine, the choir annually presents an exciting variety of concerts in the classical, baroque, operatic and contemporary folk music genre. The Burlington Civic Chorale is a member of Choirs Ontario.
 Burlington Civic Chorale in rehearsal The Chorale is celebrating its 30th season of presenting high-quality performances from its home base at St. Christopher’s Anglican Church in the City of Burlington. The choir’s repertoire is often accompanied by professional soloists and/or a chamber ensemble. The informal post-concert reception gives patrons and members an opportunity to socialize after each concert. Ticket prices are always kept affordable for families to enjoy the choral experience.
Over the years, funding has been provided by Performing Arts Burlington, City of Burlington, Burlington Community Foundation, the Trillium Foundation, the Leggat Foundation, Hager Industries, the Scott Family Foundation, the United Way of Burlington & Hamilton and from patrons, members and business donors. The choir presents a Valentine Cabaret and Silent Auction fundraising concert each season.
 By Staff
January 18th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
With all of us now in the grip of winter – time to remember as Canadians we love the outdoors.
The rink at the edge of the lake is something to keep in mind when you want to get the kids out or just go for a skate yourself.
 Great for small children – not enough room for people to speed skate. Ice Conditions Hotline: 905-335-7738, ext. 8587. This line will be updated when regular hours of operation are altered due to ice conditions.
Skating Hours (weather conditions permitting):
- Daily, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Skate Lending Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m.
- Friday, 5 to 10 p.m.
- Saturday, Sunday and during school breaks, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sizes and styles are subject to availability. First come, first served. Skate aids are available.
 By Staff
January 18th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington is relaunching its Street-Side Tree Planting program for the 2024 year. Burlington residents can now submit a request to the City to have a tree planted on the right-of-way in front of their house, on City property.
 A street with a right of way that already has a tree. Getting involved in the Street-Side Tree Planting program is easy, hassle-free and just three steps:
- Contact us! Residents can call the City at 905-335-7777 or email city@burlington.ca and mention that they would like to participate in the program.
- Forestry Investigator Visit: An investigator will visit to assess the property and help select the right tree.
- Planting: If the right-of-way is a good candidate for a tree, staff will add the address to the list of planting locations for the upcoming planting season.
Requests for 2024 tree plantings are accepted between January and April. Residents can indicate the tree species preference at the time of submission. Staff will try to accommodate resident requests; however, species choice is not guaranteed.
Scheduling of tree planting will be determined by the location, suitability and availability of the chosen tree species, as well as the current number of requests.
To learn more about the City’s program and other forestry initiatives, visit: getinvolvedburlington.ca/urban-forestry
- Protecting and improving the natural environment and taking action on climate change is one of the four main focus areas in Burlington’s Plan from Vision to Focus 2022-2026. The Street-Side Tree Planting program supports the City’s objective to establish sustainable, low-carbon and climate resilient communities through growing and sustaining a healthy tree canopy. This program is a great way to integrate more tree canopy coverage in existing neighbourhoods and is one of the ways the City is working towards it’s goal of increasing Burlington’s tree canopy to 35 per cent by 2060.
- In 2022, the City of Burlington planted over 4,000 trees, with 2,450 trees being planted through Community Supported planting Initiatives.
- In 2023, the City of Burlington planted approximately 3,600 trees, with 2,100 through the City’s Street-Side Tree Planting program and 1,500 trees being planted through community supported planting initiatives.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward adds her comment: “Protecting and improving the natural environment and taking action on climate change is a focus area in the City’s Vision to Focus four-year work plan. The City is committed to using a climate lens for our work. City programs like the Street-Side Tree Planting program are a great way to support this focus area. This program helps us engage residents in a collective way to build a greener and more climate resilient community for today and for future generations.”
Can’t wait for the photo op; the Mayor planting a tree outside her house.
 By Pepper Parr
January 18th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
 Mayor Meed Ward made a structural change to the way council meeting are run – no clear reason why – the explanation she gives what a crock. Mayor Meed Ward once spoke of the 17 platforms she has to reach the public. Add in the photo – ops and you have a well exposed politician with great reach into the community.
In her Mail Bag platform she posed the following question:
QUESTION:
“Three Burlington standing committees were merged into a single Committee of the Whole – why the change?”
Her answer was about as self serving as it could get and nowhere near the truth.
Why Mayor Meed Ward Merged the Standing Committees into the Committee of the Whole she created is something we don’t have an answer for. It was something she was able to do given the Strong Mayor powers that were given to many Mayors last July.
The Mayor maintains the City of Burlington’s Committee of the Whole meeting is part of a new standing committee structure intended to help streamline Council business.
The change does not streamline the structure; if anything it makes the process awkward and leaves the Chairs of the Standing Committees look like bumbling idiots as they figure out where they are supposed to sit.
The Chair of a Committee sits in the seat intended for the person leading the meeting.
Committee of the Whole is chaired by the Mayor who opens the meeting and closes the meeting.
 Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns taking her seat as Chair of a Standing Committee, while a committee staffer (on the left) removes her name plate. This is stream-lined? The three previous standing committees: the Community Planning, Regulation, and Mobility (CPRM) Committee; the Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk, and Accountability (CSSRA) Committee; and the Environment, Infrastructure, and Community Services (EICS) Committee are now tucked into the Committee of the Whole but doing exactly what they did previously.
Meed Ward explains that the Committee of the Whole meetings will be comprised of distinct sections reflecting the previous three standing committees.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward will open the meeting, oversee any delegations, complete all consent items, and then pass the gavel to the Councillors who continue to serve as Chairs of the segments of the meeting dealing with CSSRA, CPRM and EICS regular agenda items.
True enough but before the gavel can be passed the “room has to be reset”, which means the person serving as the Chair has to move from their seat to the Chair position while the Committee Clerk moves the name plates that identify members of Council and senior staff.
 Mayor gets to sit beside the City Manager during the Standing Committee part of Committee of the Whole meetings. The Mayor has to find a seat for herself – to date she has chosen to sit beside the City Manager.
The A/V people have to reset the software that records the meetings and allows for the projection of reports and illustrations that are part of every meeting onto the several large screens set up in the Council Chamber.. The software the city uses for its hybrid meeting approach never seems to be up to the challenge – but that is another issue.
There is nothing streamlined about Rory Nisan leaving his council seat with papers, cell phone and coffee cup in hand and making his way to the Chair seat while the Committee moves his name plate to where he is now sitting. Same thing happens to each of the Standing Committee Chairs.
There appears to be a reason for the change. The explanation the Mayors gives doesn’t make the reason clear.
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 Staff
January 18th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The most recent Local Artist Program is open for submissions until February 16.
This program commissions local artists to create a variety of small to medium scale murals throughout Burlington. The City is inviting local artists to submit their design ideas for three unique locations:
 Odd location for public art. Lampman Park, 1691 Lampman Ave.
Award: $1,000
This mural will be printed on a vinyl wrap that will cover a small water system safety cover box. The artwork must cover all four sides plus the top of the box.
 Great location fr the right message. It will be interesting to see what comes in in terms of messages. How creative are the independent artists in the city? Waterfront Parking Garage, 414 Locust St. exterior wall
Award: $1,000
This mural will replace the large exterior banner facing Lakeshore Road. The artwork will act as a “Welcome to Burlington” sign and will be reproduced on a large-format vinyl banner.
Waterfront Parking Garage, 414 Locust St. interior wall
Award: $6,500
A new mural is being commissioned for the interior of the parking garage on the ground floor. The artwork will be reproduced and printed on a vinyl wrap.
 This location will be a challenge. Driver are more concerned about negotiating the tight space. All three projects are design only commissions: the City of Burlington will be responsible for the fabrication and installation of the vinyl wraps. Burlington artists may create a new artwork concept for this project or reformat an existing artwork. Successful artists will need to submit a high-resolution digital file of their artwork concept (help is available upon request). Applicants must be a resident of Burlington, Ont.
Applications are due by Friday, February 16, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. For more information and to apply online, please visit the Calls for Artists page.
By Ralph newsome
January 18th. 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
In the era of surging online betting popularity, prioritizing the safety and security of your betting experience is of utmost importance. The expansive digital landscape is teeming with a plethora of betting platforms, making it imperative for enthusiasts to discern secure and reliable websites from potential pitfalls.
 With the proliferation of online betting options, verifying the legitimacy of platforms becomes a critical step in safeguarding financial transactions and personal information. As the industry evolves, maintaining a vigilant approach to choosing reputable and secure online betting platforms ensures a seamless and worry-free betting experience for enthusiasts.
Licensing and Regulation
When you’re diving into the world of online betting, one key sign that you’re on a secure platform is checking for proper licensing and regulation. Trustworthy betting websites operate under the watchful eye of well-known gambling authorities. Keep an eye out for licenses from reputable organizations like the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, or the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority.
These regulatory bodies play a crucial role in making sure that the betting site sticks to rigorous standards, creating a safe and fair space for users. For more detailed insights, you might want to check out this handy guide on betting sites for 2024—it could clear up any lingering questions and help you navigate the exciting realm of online betting.
SSL Encryption for Data Protection
 Secure betting websites prioritize the protection of user data through the implementation of Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption. You can identify SSL-secured websites by the presence of “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar. This encryption technology safeguards your personal and financial information, ensuring that it remains confidential and inaccessible to unauthorized entities.
Transparent Terms and Conditions
A trustworthy betting website is transparent about its terms and conditions. Before signing up, carefully review these terms to understand the rules governing the platform. Pay attention to aspects such as withdrawal policies, bonus terms and any restrictions on user activities. Transparent and clear terms contribute to a positive user experience and indicate a commitment to fair and honest dealings.
Secure Payment Options
Secure betting websites offer a variety of reliable and secure payment options. Look for platforms that support reputable methods such as credit/debit cards, e-wallets (e.g., PayPal, Neteller) and bank transfers. Additionally, the inclusion of cryptocurrencies adds an extra layer of privacy to transactions. A diverse range of secure payment options reflects the platform’s commitment to providing users with flexible and secure financial transactions.
Comprehensive Customer Support
Quality customer support is a hallmark of secure betting websites. Reliable platforms offer multiple channels for customer assistance, including live chat, email and phone support. A responsive customer support team addresses queries promptly and efficiently, ensuring that users have a positive and trouble-free experience on the platform.
Positive User Reviews and Reputation
 User reviews and the overall reputation of a betting website are valuable indicators of its security. Explore independent review platforms, forums and social media to gauge the experiences of other users. Consistent positive reviews, timely payouts and a solid reputation in the online betting community signal that the platform is trustworthy and reliable.
Industry Partnerships and Certifications
Secure betting websites often form partnerships with reputable industry organizations and obtain certifications that vouch for their integrity. Look for certifications from independent auditing bodies such as eCOGRA (eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance). These certifications validate the fairness and security of the platform’s operations.
Responsible Gambling Measures
A commitment to responsible gambling is a crucial aspect of a secure betting website. Look for platforms that provide tools for users to manage their gambling activities, including options for setting deposit limits, self-exclusion and access to resources for responsible gambling. This proactive approach demonstrates the platform’s dedication to promoting a safe and enjoyable betting environment.
 Multifactor Authentication for Account Security
Enhanced account security is a key feature of secure betting websites. Platforms that offer multifactor authentication (MFA) provide an extra layer of protection for user accounts. MFA typically involves a combination of passwords and additional verification methods, such as one-time codes sent to mobile devices, adding an extra barrier against unauthorized access.
Regular Audits and Security Updates
Secure betting websites prioritize the ongoing security of their platforms. Regular security audits and updates ensure that the website is resilient against evolving cyber threats. Look for platforms that communicate their commitment to security through regular updates on implemented measures and improvements made to fortify the website against potential vulnerabilities.
Accessible Privacy Policy
A secure betting website has a clear and accessible privacy policy that outlines how user data is collected, processed and stored. Before registering, review the privacy policy to understand how the platform handles your personal information. A commitment to user privacy is a positive sign of a platform’s dedication to maintaining a secure online environment.
Educational Resources on Safe Betting
Secure betting websites often provide educational resources on safe betting practices. These resources may include information on recognizing signs of problem gambling, tips for responsible betting and links to external support organizations. A platform that prioritizes user well-being by offering such resources contributes to a safer and healthier betting community.
By Pepper Parr
January 17th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s a one minute video, done by Tony Hill.
The screen changes so fast – you look for a pause button to slow it down.
This is your city and you want to enjoy it.
For those who want to tell other people, family and relatives, where you live this is the best post card you are going to get your hands on
Click HERE – and enjoy.
Share it widely.
By Staff
January 17th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board (HDSB) and the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) jointly announce that the Professional Activity (PA) Day initially scheduled for Monday, April 22, 2024 has been rescheduled to Monday, April 8, 2024. This decision was made in consultation with Halton Student Transportation Services.
 This change is due to a total solar eclipse taking place on Monday, April 8. The eclipse is expected to begin at approximately 2 p.m. and end around 4:30 p.m., coinciding with student dismissal times and blocking all sunlight during this time.
By rescheduling the PA Day to coincide with the eclipse, we mitigate possible transportation and safety concerns and challenges for families that could arise as a result of the darkness that would be experienced during school dismissal time. As noted on the Government of Canada’s website, there are risks associated with viewing a solar eclipse. Directly looking at the sun, even during an eclipse, without appropriate protection can lead to severe eye damage or loss of eyesight.
While we recognize the inconvenience this rescheduling may cause, both HCDSB and HDSB are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our students. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of our students, families and staff.
More Information
By Pepper Parr
January 16th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 The good folks in the Bromley – Linwood neighbourhoods of ward 5 for the most part did not want sidewalks on their streets.
Despite the efforts of the ward Councillor Paul Sharman there will be sidewalks in the communities UNLESS the Mayor decides, during the lunch break they are currently on, to use her Strong Mayor powers – which she can do.
Let’s see how that goes later today.
This evening and tomorrow we will prepare news reports on what kept council at their desks for close to four hours in this one issue.
By Staff
January 16, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The National Rent Report charts and analyzes monthly, quarterly and annual rates and trends in the rental market on a national, provincial, and municipal level.
 Average asking rents for all residential property types in Canada increased by 9% in 2023.- The average asking rent reached a record high of $2,178 in December 2023, showing an 8.6% increase from the previous year.
- Traditional purpose-built rental apartments experienced the fastest growth, with a 12.8% increase in 2023.
- Alberta had the fastest-growing rents for purpose-built and condominium apartments, recording a 15.6% annual increase.
Mississauga finished 4th out of 35 cities in the month of December. The average 1 bedroom rent was $2371, which was a 2.1% increase month-over-month, and 10.5% increase year-over-year, while the average 2 bedroom rent was $2749, which was a -2.9% decrease month-over-month, and a 7.5% increase year-over-year.
Burlington finished 6th out of 35 cities in the month of December. The average 1 bedroom rent was $2211, which was a 0.4% increase month-over-month, and 3.6% increase year-over-year, while the average 2 bedroom rent was $2523, which was a -0.4% decrease month-over-month, and a -0.9% decrease year-over-year.
Click HERE to see all the data. Click on the graphic when it appears
By Pepper Parr
January 16th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives started the new year with a bang: On January 2nd they launched their annual CEO pay report, Canada’s New Gilded Age, which reveals that Canada’s highest-paid 100 CEOs make 246 times more than the average worker.
Those 100 CEOs were paid an average of $14.9 million—setting a new all-time high. Top CEOs are making $7,162 per hour, meaning it only takes eight hours to make what the average worker earns after an entire year’s worth of work.
To look at the details click HERE.
That data is outrageous.
Certainly outrageous but also very dangerous. The number of people earning those exceptionally high salaries while thousands are not certain they are going to be able to keep the homes they have been making mortgage payments on for a decade. A society can’t function with this kind of imbalance.
The tax system gives the federal government the power to create a more level distribution of money.
But the government hasn’t been doing that.
Nor has the federal government been keeping the promises it made.
When Rogers took over Shaw the public was told that internet access and cell phone costs would not increase.
Remember when the federal government summoned all the heads of the supermarkets to Ottawa to demand that changes be made to the way food was being priced?
Have you seen anything positive done on either of those issues?
There comes a point when the public doesn’t want to put up with the failed promise delivery. Trust in government is diminishing.
If you want to understand what can happen when that trust disappears – just look south.
The CCPA report dominated the media market, garnering 2,195 media mentions in the first two weeks of January alone. That’s 48 per cent higher than last year.
Among those thousands of media hits, CCPA Senior Economist David Macdonald spoke with the CBC’s As It Happens and continues responding to interview requests even today.
The CCPA maintain they are not just making an impact in the media, they argue that their research feeds movements: both the Council of Canadians and Lead Now have launched campaigns mobilizing Canadians to pressure the government for measures that would disincentivize extreme CEO compensation.
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 Staff
January 16th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 From left to right: Joseph Brant Hospital CEO Eric Vandewall, Michael Paletta, Laura Paletta and Anissa Hilborn, Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation President & CEO. “Our family has felt firsthand the impact of mental illness, and understands the value of innovative and lifesaving care,” said Michael. “Laura and I firmly believe that this campaign has the ability to transform lives and help make Joseph Brant Hospital a world-class provider of mental health and addictions care right here in Burlington.”
This gift recognizes an urgent and growing need to redevelop JBH’s Mental Health and Addictions (MHA) program space to create therapeutic facilities that ensure a dignified, respectful, person-centred experience.
The three core elements of the redevelopment project include a relocation and expansion of the Inpatient Mental Health and Addictions Unit with the addition of a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), a relocation of some of the Outpatient Mental Health Unit, and the addition of a new Child and Youth Mental Health Day Hospital.
“We are truly honoured and grateful to have received this gift. Michael and Laura’s support, passion and commitment to improving mental health and addictions care in our community is inspiring,” said Anissa Hilborn, Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation President & CEO. “In recognition of this transformational gift, once complete the new unit will be named the Michael & Laura Paletta Mental Health & Addictions Unit.”
Mental illness affects all Canadians at some time either through their own experience, or that of a family member, friend or colleague. In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health illness, and by age 40, about 50% of the population will have had or being living with a mental illness.
JBH has a vision to build a modern, person-centred facility that is purposefully designed to instill hope and support healing, and that is consistent with the program philosophy to provide the safest and most dignified care to patients.
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