 By Pepper Parr
August 21st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The list is long – we have broken it down to three articles: Ward 1, 2 and 3; followed by ward 4, 5 and 6 – then review of those running for the Office of Mayor
This is a very very different collection of people than what came forward in 2018.
There are some surprises; there is one from a jokester and one from someone who thought spending $100. to get his name in the paper was a good investment
 Ward 1 boundaries Ward 1
Robert Radway
Phone: 289-208-6474
Email: robertradway07@gmail.com
Website: robertradway.com
 Robert Radway – high school teacher running for the ward 1 Council seat
When we first learned about Radway we were told that he planned to continue working as a teacher and serve his constituents at city hall. It was clear at that point that Radway had no idea just what the role of city councillor amounts to. To be fair, Kelvin Galbraith didn’t know what he faced in terms of a work load when he was elected. He operates a gym and has people who run the place day to day.
Radway has since changed his position and will now have colleagues cover his classes when he has to be at city hall.
Radway said he was encouraged by several Board of Education Superintendents to run for public office; whoever the Superintendent are – they should think in terms of early retirement.
Teachers can apply for a leave of absence which is almost always granted. Radway missed the deadline to apply for a leave of absence this school year. He has said he will apply for a leave of absence next year.
 Kelvin Galbraith, ward 1 incumbent. Kelvin Galbraith
Phone: 905-928-4513
Email: kelvingalbraith@gmail.com
Website: kelvingalbraith-ward1.com
Galbraith has some explaining to do. There are perceived conflicts of interest that he needs to clean up. The campaign may teach him to pay more attention to the needs of the voters rather than the interests of the developers. That is not to say that Galbraith is a developer toady – it is to say that his inclination is to business rather than people
Ward 2
Keith Demoe
Phone: 289-259-0488
Email: keith@ward2burlington.ca
Website: www.keithdemoe.ca
The Gazette has not had an opportunity to talk to or interview Keith Demoe. We will get to him
 Lisa Kearns is the ward 2 incumbent.. She has been an effective councillor Lisa Kearns
Email: LisaKearnsWard2@gmail.com
Website: lisakearnsward2.com
Lisa Kearns is a very intelligent woman with a strong private sector background that gives her an understanding many Councillors don’t have of budgets and numbers. She is perceptive, quite sharp with her tongue when she relaxes. She has introduced a lot of new words to this council; some we are still trying to figure out what Kearns means – just what does she mean wen she refers to “the Delta”. She has earned every penny she is paid.
Tim O’Brien
Email: tim@timobrienforward2.com
Website: https://timobrienforward2.com
Tim O’Brien brings experience from the Catholic School Board to city hall; if one can survive in that environment – you can survive city hall. We are schedules to interview Mr O’Brien this week.
 Jennifer Hounslow – candidate for the ward 2 city council seat Ward 3
Jennifer Hounslow
Email: jenniferhounslow.ward3@gmail.com
Website: jenniferhounslow.ca
We have not yet managed to set up a meeting with Ms Hounslow. She’s on the list and at some point we will get through to her. A statement on her web site says: “I am running because we need a representative who can listen, lead, act, and execute. You deserve to have the right person on board to manage the city budget and keep us operationally and fiscally strong, impact policy, and advocate for your concerns.”
Luke McEachern
Phone: 289-941-2996
Email: lukemceachern@gmail.com
The Gazette has not been able to reach Mr. McEachern – yet
 Rory Nisan is the ward 3 incumbent. Rory Nisan
Phone: 905-464-7195
Email: info@rorynisan.ca
Website: rorynisan.ca
Rory Nisan became a member of Council in 2018 taking with him the expectations of a number of people that he would fill the shores of former Council member John Taylor who had done a good job during his 20 + years on Council. At this point those expectations have not been met.
Perhaps a stiff challenge will reveal a different Rory Nisan
The list we have set out above has yet to be certified by the City Clerk. That will be done on Monday. We don’t expect any changes in wards 1, 2 or 3.
The Gazette intends to interview each of the candidates at least once
 By Joseph Gaetan
August 20th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
If you know anyone who is thinking about buying a condominium – pass this along to them. They will thank you.
Privately Owned Public Spaces, a.k.a POPS, are spaces dedicated to public use and enjoyment, which are owned and maintained by private property owners (but not all property owners in the City of Burlington, just condo owners), in exchange for bonus floor area or waivers.
POPS agreements when in place are provided by a developer but then maintained by property owners in perpetuity in accordance with the statutes, bylaws, regulations in place and pursuant to any City approvals. POPS in part are also the result of City zoning regulations aimed at ensuring the densest areas of our city also offer a measure of open public space and greenery. Thus, POPS can be important amenities for the enjoyment of Burlington citizens, and visitors.
 The POPS that is to be part of the Core development located between Lakeshore Road and Old Lakeshore Road is a decision made by the developer that future residents will have to pay for. If you have never owned a condo that has a POPS or never plan on doing do so, you may think what is the big deal anyway? Well, the big deal is, those who do own one, end up paying for something they had little input on and something that will affect their cost of living as long as they live there. The cost of the POPS will be reflected in both the common area fees (CEF’s) that owners pay on a monthly basis as well as the monthly contribution to the Reserve Fund that is put in place for major repairs and/or replacement of the POPS assets at some point in the future.
So, imagine a situation where the parking structure is buried under a POPS. In the beginning owners will be paying for basic and ongoing yard maintenance, snow removal, pruning of trees, replacement of benches and any litigation, insurance etc. Sometime in the future (as identified in the Reserve Fund but often sooner) the underground concrete slab will have to be repaired or sections replaced. But before that, all of the overburden, all the trees, all the sidewalks, everything on top of the slab will be stripped clean and taken off-site so that the remedial work can be performed.
Upon completion of the repair/remediation work, guess what, new soil will be returned to the site, new trees planted, new sidewalks poured and after 6 to 8 months of disruption the POPS will have been restored to its original design parameters. Without exaggeration this could cost the property owners millions of dollars.
When a developer turns a property over to a not-for-profit condominium corporation the common area fees and Reserve Fund allocations are grossly understated. The principal reasons for this being, there is no cost history or Reserve Fund study to base these figures upon. A condominiums first Reserve Fund study occurs during its first year of incorporation with follow-up studies every three years afterward.
Under normal circumstances per the Condominium Act 1998, upon turnover the Condominium Corporation usually has one year to cancel any contracts made by the Declarant.
Case in point, one condo in Burlington chose to cancel the Geo-Thermal, Renewal Energy Agreement put in place by the Declarant. The corporation was able to cancel the agreement and then secured a loan to purchase the system saving residents approximately $6 million dollars over a 30-year period. This option does not apply to POPS as canceling such agreements is beyond the scope of this section of the “Act.”
Below is an excerpt from an Official Plan Amendment Rezoning Application document for a development that was approved in 2008:
Conditions of Zoning Approval
“agree to grant an easement to the City for the purpose of providing public access over the (feature details redacted) containing the (feature details redacted) at the South end of the front yard, from (address details redacted) of, and pay for all costs associated with the easement including the preparation of a reference plan legally describing the location of the landscape courtyard subject to the easement; and,
“include the following warning clause in all Offers of Purchase and Sale and in the
Condominium declaration:
“purchasers/tenants are advised that the landscape courtyard containing the (redacted) at the South end of the front yard, is for public use”
POPS were invented in New York, in 1961 via a Zoning Regulation, the purpose was to find solutions to the city’s budget gaps in providing public spaces. Mobilising private funds seemed like a good way to build public infrastructure and something a city could offer that was seemingly free (i.e., public spaces, in exchange for additional housing units).
POPS have a place in the public realm and should not be discarded in totality. The use of POPS has been successfully used throughout the world (i.e., High Line NYC) but not without issues (i.e., Autumn of 2011, a small anarchist group occupied Zuccotti Park, a public plaza in Downtown New York).
All homeowners in Burlington should expect and deserve to be treated fairly and equitably. While I there is a place for POPS, such developments that create a cost burden to one class of taxpayers and not others are simply wrong. If the City of Burlington approves POPS for additional height on a particular building, or additional housing units in a development, those costs should be spread across all taxpayers within the City of Burlington.
With an election on the horizon the subject of POPS deserves attention. When a candidate asks for your support, it is fair game to ask them if they are in favour of approving developments where the POPS will place an unfair financial burden on some taxpayers (condo owners). Residents of a building that sits on .58 hectare of land, and contributes around $1 million a year in realty taxes, should not be asked to also pay more for a POPS.
Further information regarding the issues and cost effects of POPS on condo owners can be found by reading the CCI Toronto article entitled, “Privately Owned Publicly Accessible Spaces” that may be found by visiting, CCI-T-Condovoice-Spring2019-FB19.pdf (ccitoronto.org)
Related news story:
Just what does a POPS mean
 Joe Gaetan is a Burlington resident who lives in a condominium that has a POPS.
He speaks on occasion before Council on civic issues and participates in Ontario Land Tribunal matter
 By Staff
August 19th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 This is how the races are won. This is how the races are won.Catamarans slip through the water so quickly with the boat often resting on just one of the pontoons – they are a delight to watch.
On Saturday and Sunday they will be holding a regatta to celebrate their 40th anniversary.
The races will take place off the shores of the beautiful Burlington Beach park, just east of the Lift Bridge in Burlington.
SAT. AUG. 20 & SUN. AUG. 21, 2022, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
 Lined up along the beach ready to slip into the water They are expecting 50 catamaran sailboats and about 100 sailors (2 sailors per boat) to race over these two days, mainly drawing from our own club members and other racers from clubs primarily in southern Ontario and as far away as Sarasota, Florida, USA.
There will be a lot of exciting activity on and off the beach this Saturday and Sunday.
By Staff
August 19th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
A VegFest featuring vegan products from local vendors, and welcoming any and all – from the vegan-curious to the experienced vegan.
Takes place on on August 20, 2022 at Burloak Waterfront Park from noon until 7pm
 The free, family-friendly outdoor event will have something for everyone, including kids’ activities, demos, speakers, and a live band.
Visitors can experience delicious plant-based food and drinks, as well as health, beauty, and fashion products from a wide array of vegan businesses based in Burlington and surrounding communities.
The first 200 attendees will also receive a FREE swag bag filled with samples and coupons generously donated from our vendors and sponsors. Donations to buy plant-based food for the Burlington Food Bank will be accepted with a chance to win a prize for every $10 donation. A free shuttle will run throughout the day between Appleby GO station and Burlington VegFest.
The event will run from the official ribbon cutting and opening speech by Mayor Marianne Meed Ward at noon and will end at 7pm.
Plant-based lifestyles are on the rise across the West in response to health, environmental, and ethical concerns. Activists recognize the urgent state of these crises and Burlington VegFest hopes that this event will inspire and enable more people to take action to create a kinder, healthier, equitable planet for humans and animals.
By Pepper Parr
August 19th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Roseland Community Organization (RCO) plans to host an all-candidates debate at 7 PM on October 11, in the Roseland Room within the Port Nelson United Church.
In a comment from a member of the Roseland community saying “The current trend whereby candidates think they can duck all-candidate debates is, quite frankly, disappointing: and even worse, bad for our democracy.”
This citizen went on to say “At the federal and provincial levels voters at least have party platforms upon which to base their voting decisions; but at the local level, thankfully there are no party politics. If we are to make this local democracy work, then we need more debate, not less. And certainly, less electronic spin.
 Councillor Shawna Stolte will have an opportunity to state her case in front of a fair crowd in October “It is important that the Ward 4 Council and the Mayoral candidates know they will be invited to this October 11th event. We hope area residents and candidates mark this date in their calendars.
“Prior to this debate date, all candidates will receive the same 5 questions which will be prepared by RCO. Each candidate will be given 10 minutes to answer these questions.
“After these presentations, there will be a Q and A for the audience.
“The questions will require specific answers – for example, will you support or not support a request to have the Burlington Mayor delegated so-called strong Mayor powers.
 For the first time since she was elected Mayor – Marianne Meed Ward will have to appear before citizens and answer their questions. “Or, what is the total percentage of the cost-of living increases you will approve over the next four years?
“We are hoping this format is informative and will provide insights that are helpful in reaching a decision on where to cast a ballot. We hope this will introduce a new level of accountability to our electoral system.”
What the good people of Roseland are doing is good news. They are known for summoning senior city staff to an RCO meeting and asking tough questions – and they don’t put up with wishy washy answers.
As for introducing some accountability to the crop that was elected in 2018 – good luck on that.
We ask – why give the candidates the questions in advance ? Set out categories: Finance, Climate, Bylaw,are examples, and expect the candidates to be able to answer on the spot.
The event is a much needed occasion for voters to be able to learn just who is going to make the decisions for the next four years.
 By Pepper Parr
August 18th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Call for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Artists
Deadline: Friday September 9, 2022
Award: $2,000 per design (9 design commissions available)
 Returning Home by Aaron Paquette. The City public art program invites First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists residing in Canada to propose artwork that will be installed as vinyl wraps on a series of nine large electrical boxes located in Spencer Smith Park (Burlington, Ontario).
This is a design only commission as the City of Burlington will be responsible for the fabrication and installation of the vinyl wraps. Artists may create a new artwork concept for this project or reformat an existing artwork. Artwork may be created digitally or can be a digital scans / photograph of visual art or craft (i.e. painting, photography, textiles, bead-work and pottery.
This is a really interesting approach to how ‘inclusion’ can be handled.
Indigenous art is very different than what is seen at the Art Gallery.
It has a boldness, energy, the use of strong colours.
This should be very interesting.
The Call for design submissions is national – all the artist has to do is live in Canada.
Visit the Calls for Artists page to learn more
 By Pepper Parr
August 18th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
You have to have fought a fire and realized at some point that as a fire fighter you are truly in danger.
You have to have fought a tough blaze and learned when it was over that everyone didn’t make it out of the burning building.
That is what Fire Chief Karen Roche was talking about yesterday when she welcomed 11 new graduates to the Burlington Fire department.
She put it this way at the graduation event: “Our graduation event is always a great source of pride for everyone in the Fire Department. The new recruits have put in a lot of hard work to graduate and become full time firefighters, to serve the Burlington community and keep everyone safe. On behalf of everyone within the Burlington Fire Department, I welcome them to the family and am looking forward to working with them.”
Each recruit class is named for a fallen Burlington firefighter. This year’s class is proudly named the Tim Catterall Recruit Class of 2022.
 Back row from left to right: Victor Paletta, Dan Prinsen, Tom Poliziani, Peter Dionisio, Alex Guptill, Caleb Cooze, Mike Moffat Front row from left to right: Stuart Buchanan, Matthew Manning, Lexis Ross, Zachary Tait Why the ‘fish eye’ lens was used to take the class photo wasn’t clear – that is not what a fire engine looks like
Tim Catterall proudly served the citizens of Burlington for 29 years. He was a caring and capable firefighter that gave his all on every call, and ultimately gave everything he had to the Citizens of Burlington until his passing in 2018 with his recruitment classmates at his bedside. The presence of his fellow firefighters at his bedside exemplifies the tight bond that he developed with all he worked with and the bond that all firefighters share.
Tim’s compassion for his fellow firefighters, and fellow human beings shined through by his creation of the FACE (Firefighters Against Cancer’s Existence) foundation which raised thousands of dollars for the fight against cancer, as well as raising awareness and support for firefighters suffering this disease.
Tim would have been immensely proud to know that a class of Firefighters was named after him.
The new firefighters will be placed at various fire stations across Burlington.
 By Pepper Parr
August 18, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Imagine this:
You decide to buy a condominium and learn, probably well after you the sale has closed, that some of the property is privately owned but it is public space – which means any Tom, Dick or Harry can use that space and you are responsible for the upkeep of the space and probably ensuring that it is safe.
 The Chrysler Carriage House will be integrated into the development The developer selling you the property will not have told you this but it will be included in the title document you get once the condominium is registered.
The lawyer you hired to handle the paper work may not know all that much about POPS
Privately owned public space (POPS), or alternatively, privately owned public open spaces (POPOS), are terms used to describe a type of public space that, although privately owned, is legally required to be open to the public under a city’s zoning ordinance or other land-use law.
Both terms can be used to represent either a singular or plural space or spaces. These spaces are usually the product of a deal between cities and private real estate developers in which cities grant valuable zoning concessions and developers provide in return privately owned public spaces in or near their buildings. Privately owned public spaces commonly include plazas, arcades, small parks, and atriums.
The term privately owned public space was popularized by Harvard professor Jerold S. Kayden through his 2000 book Privately Owned Public Space: The New York City Experience. The history of privately owned public space commenced in 1961 when New York City introduced an incentive zoning mechanism offering developers the right to build.
Between 1961 and 2000, 503 privately owned public spaces, scattered almost entirely in downtown, midtown, and upper east and west sides of New York City’s borough of Manhattan, were constructed at 320 buildings.
While privately owned public space as a term of art refers specifically to private property required to be usable by the public under zoning or similar regulatory arrangements, the phrase in its broadest sense can refer to places, like shopping malls and hotel lobbies, that are privately owned and open to the public, even if they are not legally required to be open to the public.
POPS is often referred to as Public Realm by a developer.
Let’s apply this concept to Burlington, and specifically to the Core development that is located on properties that are between Old Lakeshore Road and Lakeshore Road and the large Molinaro development that has towers on either side of Brant Street at Ghent.
That development has five POPS.
The Core development, in the words of the development justification report describes the development as having “ been shaped by a comprehensive landscape strategy that integrates high quality public realm improvements across the site.
 “A significant area of privately owned, publically accessible open space is provided on the west side of the development, adjacent to the proposed tower. The 19.3 metre wide space facilitates an important view corridor down to Lake Ontario from Lakeshore Road. The open space draws people towards Burlington’s waterfront serving as a connection point, while also providing an active meeting and gathering space where the whole community can interact, relax and play.
“The open space will provide a diverse and attractive green contribution to the proposed development that softens and balances the paving and the building massing. It has been designed to allow for the future expansion of the open space when the property to the west ultimately redevelops.
“Significant public realm improvements will also be integrated along the north and south sides of the site, through significant streetscape improvements. The widening of sidewalks and new paving and tree planting will bring life to both Lakeshore Road and Old Lakeshore Road, and significantly improve the setting of the heritage building.
 This rendering shows the POPS looking north from Old Lakeshore Road “The integration of these public realm improvements will create a strong sense of place, foster social interaction and support a positive pedestrian experience. The benefits will be experienced by both the residents of the development, and Burlington’s existing residents, and contribute towards the building of healthier communities for a more sustainable future.”
All well and god but the fact of the matter is that the condominium owners are responsible for that property and all the liability that entails.
We will be writing about this in more detail going forward.
 There are eight high rise developments in this photograph. Not all of them have POPS as part of the development. We have identified the eight properties; some are almost complete other are at the OLT appeal stage.
By Pepper Parr
August 18th,2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Paul Sharman at a community debate in 2018. At this point in the campaign he was pretty sure he had it in the bag
One of the things that keeps me at the keyboard is the rapid, astoundingly surprising things that happen in the world of politics.
There was “my pal Paul” on his way to coasting to an acclamation.
It would take a very strong candidate to beat him.
Well, there are now three new people – yes folks – count them – three people who have filed nomination papers for the ward 5 Council seat.
And it isn’t over yet, which is the way one Council colleague explained. People have until 2:00 pm on Friday to file papers.
 Paul Sharman at a community event where he was defending a development – the usual confidence he displays – you almost got the impression he was on the ropes. Right now Paul is emitting the sound of spit on a hot stove – just sizzling.
To be fair, in a conversation (electronically) he did say that he doesn’t count his chickens before they are hatched.
The three scalawags are:
Guy D’Alesio
Phone: 905-483-5093
Email: guydalesio@gmail.com
Andrew Hall
Phone: 289-962-2862
Email: hello@andrewhallburlington.com
Denny Pirzas
Phone: 905-484-0105
Email: pirzasdenny@gmail.com
Give Paul Sharman a call and commiserate with him
Paul Sharman
Phone: 905-320-7467
 By Stanley Nordstrom
August 18th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 When you are online – it is you and your computer – try getting together with friends and all be on line at the same casino
If you love playing casino games, then you’ve probably come across a few online casino bonuses in your time. But what are they exactly, and how can you make the most out of them?
In short, online casino bonuses are special offers that casinos give to their players in order to encourage them to keep playing. They can come in many different forms, such as free spins, match deposit bonuses, etc. Bonuses for Canadians are bonuses specifically made for Canadian players.
The best way to make the most out of an online casino bonus is to choose one that suits your gaming style.
What types of bonuses are offered by online casinos?
The most common type of bonus is the welcome bonus, which is given to new players when they sign up for an account. This bonus usually matches the player’s first deposit, up to a certain amount.
 The bonuses are real and they add some fun to the sport. Next, there are reload bonuses which are given to players who make additional deposits after their initial one.
There are also often special promotions that offer bonuses for playing certain games or meeting other requirements.
How to Find the Best Online Casino Bonuses
There are a few things to look for when trying to find the best online casino bonuses.
First, you want to make sure that the casino has a good reputation.
Second, you want to look for casinos that offer generous bonuses. A lot of casinos will offer sign-up bonuses or reload bonuses, but the best ones will offer both.
Finally, make sure that the wagering requirements on the bonus are reasonable. The best bonuses will have low wagering requirements.
Are there any disadvantages to taking an online casino bonus?
While online casino bonuses can be very beneficial, there are a few things to keep in mind.
 Make sure you understand the Terms and Conditions that apply at online casinos. First and foremost, make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the bonus before claiming it. Some bonuses may have wagering requirements, while others have time limits.
Remember that not all games contribute equally to meeting wagering requirements. If you’re primarily a slots player, it may be better to look for a bonus that has lower wagering requirements or is geared specifically towards slots players.
Finally, keep in mind that online casino bonuses are usually subject to cashout limits, so make sure you check it before claiming a bonus.
When it comes to online casino bonuses, the best way to make use of them is by playing smart.
 By Pepper Parr
August 17th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
We all have little habits, beliefs, things we stand strong on. They are part of what make up our character.
Rory Nisan appears to have a phobia with things medical.
Covid19 sent him for a bit of a loop – he wears a mask almost everywhere, he stopped attending Council meetings and was seen a number of time on the monitor with his son in his lap.
Joan Little, the Hamilton Spectator took exception to the Nisan behaviour and gave it some coverage in her column.
Rory was not impressed and responded.
The image below tells part of the story.
Nisan is right – it is a personal matter and when a personal matter gets in the way of your job you take a leave of absence.
 Burlington Councillor Rory Nisan with MP Effie Triantafilopoulos at the AMO conference The questions that come to mind are:
No word from the Mayor on the appropriateness of Nisan not being at council meetings but having his child on his lap while council debates?
The Clerk might talk about that issue as well.
If Rory Nisan wants to put his child before his job – good on him, take the time off that you need to care for the child.
Can you imagine how Nisan and the Mayor would squawk if Councillor Stolte showed up with a child on her lap.
By Pepper Parr
August 16th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The magnifying feature has been used in this article
The boundaries for each of the MTSA’s has been set.
The task now for the planners is to define what they call precincts and determine what can be built in a precinct.
A precinct is an area given a boundary.
By what can be built they mean the height, the zoning and a number of other requirements assigned to a piece of property.
While the MTSA boundaries are set, the boundaries for some of the precincts might be changed and what can be built will probably see some changes as well. Members of Council had some comments when they first saw the MTSA’s with precincts in place.
Set out below are images of each MTSA.
When you run your cursor over the image you will see a second screen pop up with a magnification of the image – which should make it easier to read the map.
The magnification applies only to the image in front of you. As you move from image to image you can enlarge at each image. You aren’t enlarging the type face.
 The Aldershot MTSA with what the planners are currently calling the “preferred precinct” boundaries”  The Burlington GO MTSA with the boundaries showing what the planners are currently calling the “the Preferred Precincts”  The Appleby Line MTSA with the boundaries showing what the planners are currently calling the “the Preferred Precincts”
By Pepper Parr
August 16th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
That would be a No! to the question – are you going to run for office.
 Calderbank posted this twitter about 24 hours ago – well before we published an opinion piece. You can watch her interviewing the next Mayor on YourTV.
The die is basically cast for the October 24th municipal election.
Couple of seats that are in contention.
Related news content:
Is she going to run?
That Linked In feature.
 By Staff
August 16th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Mountainside Pool is going to get a mural
The City is seeking Expressions of Interest from professional artists or artist teams to create a mural. The mural is for a large exterior wall as part of the Mountainside Pool Revitalization Project.
This is a two-stage competition.
In Stage One, artists will submit their qualifications and an Expression of Interest Statement.
In Stage Two, three artists will be short-listed to create a full design proposal. Shortlisted artists will be given an honorarium of $1,500 to create their design proposals.
 Architect’s rendering of the pool that is now complete – mural to be installed. A citizen advisory committee of local artists, residents and stakeholders explored project goals and themes. Artists are invited to respond to one or more aspects of the project goals determined by the Mountainside Pool Mural Steering Committee.
Who can apply?
This competition is open to professional artists or artist teams. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to oversee the design, fabrication and installation of a large-scale mural in a public space. The selected artist/artist team must be available for meetings with project staff and the Steering Committee. We encourage submissions from artists from equity seeking groups, including 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous, Black, and racialized artists, as well as deaf artists and artists with disabilities.
The Mountainside Pool Mural Project Goals:
• Create a contemporary, professional mural that is welcoming to families and pool users
• Reflect a spirit of inclusion, community building and belonging
• Demonstrate an understanding of or connection to the Mountainside community
• Celebrate the unique natural environment surrounding the facility; Mountainside is a neighbourhood in a natural setting (i.e. wood lot, connections to Niagara escarpment, etc.)
• Artists are encouraged to consider ways to incorporate community engagement into their project design (not mandatory)
 The recreation Centre was given a total makeover – use of wood through made the entrance very welcoming. Very little cinder block anywhere. Mountainside Pool Revitalization Project
Mountainside Pool revitalization project is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2023. Once the revitalization is complete, the facility will be a fun and welcoming multi-use outdoor swimming pool that invites the community to participate and experience swimming and water play while encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle.
Deadline Activity
Sept. 16 Expressions of Interest responses due
By Oct. 31 Three artists selected for shortlist (develop detailed design proposals)
Dec. 16 Detailed design proposals due
Jan 2023 Public consultation; interviews with shortlisted artists
Feb 2023 Winning proposal is selected; artist enters into a contract with the City of Burlington
May/June 2023 Mural is installed; public unveiling
Related news story:
Makeover of the Mountainside Recreation Centre
By Pepper Parr
August 16th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Is she or isn’t she?
 Charismatic, competitive – ready for big time politics locally? Is Kimberly Calderbank going to run for the office of Mayor?
If she is – and at this point we don’t know – her recent LinkedIn piece could have been read any number of ways.
Calderbank considers herself a strong strategic thinker – is her game plan to wait for the very last minute and then announce giving her some almost immediate momentum ?
The last half of August is always a quiet time; the pace will quicken as soon as the Labour Day holiday is over.
Calderbank was identified as the “developers” candidate in 2018 when she ran for the ward 2 council seat.
She wasn’t trounced but she certainly didn’t win.
The Gazette interviewed Calderbank during the 2018 election; we weren’t all that impressed.
 It could easily be taken as a political statement. We heard a young woman who certainly had career aspirations but not much more than that say she wanted to be Mayor but didn’t appear to have much in the way of a plan or a vision for the city.
She runs a successful private marketing business and has several media related jobs.
She serves as the media point person fo the Halton Region Police Services Board as well as the Ontario Police Services Board.
One of her clients is the Food4Life non-profit organization where we learned a number of months ago that they had contingency plans in place for marketing support in the event that Calderbank filed nomination papers.
We certainly got h impression from that source that Calderbank was going to be a candidate – and it wasn’t going to be for a Council seat.
She has very strong support with several families that could and would put a lot of weight behind a campaign.
She has a very good working relationship with Cogeco.
All the pieces needed to launch an election campaign exist.
It could happen – but it has to happen before 2:00 pm on Friday the 19th – that is when nominations close.
Should Calderbank run for the office of Mayor it will be one heck of a race.
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.
Related new content
Kimberly in her own words
By Pepper Parr
August 15th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Part 2 of a series
They were first called “hubs”; at first there were four of them but that got cut down to three when the thinkers realized that a bus terminal that couldn’t hold a dozen people was just that – a rinky dinky bus terminal that the transit people thought of closing at one point.
They went through a name change and are now called MTSA’s: Major Transit Station Area and have become the location where the bulk of the growth in the city will take place.
 This was the original idea – until someone realized that the xxx was a bus terminal that couldn’t hold 12 people By growth the consultant who prepared a report are talking about job growth and residential growth. The market analysis was undertaken to establish the context for understanding future residential and non-residential development potential and prospects within Burlington’s MTSAs.
They were focused on where people would live and where they would work – and what kind of work would be available.
“In planning for MTSAs and other strategic growth areas, municipalities need to have regard for target sectors and to accommodate mixed uses in these locations, developing high-quality urban environments that provide for a mix of live/work opportunities, along with high-order transit and access to amenities. There is also a need to advocate for a more flexible planning approach and stronger integration with planning and economic development perspectives.”
This is city building at its highest level. The conclusions the planners reach and present to Council will be used to create a housing strategy and the establishment of precincts – areas within the MTSA boundary that will accommodate different levels of intensification.
Included in that strategy will be what the city decides in wants in the way of Inclusionary Zoning – which is another way of saying the city will create and put in place rules that set out how much affordable housing is possible.
Add that that bit about affordable housing the phrase “attainable housing” – housing that people can afford to buy.
This article is part of a series on just what the impact of the MTSA’s is going to be for the city.
Let’s look at some of the numbers:
“The long-term outlook for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (G.G.H.) The population of the G.G.H. is forecast to increase from 9.5 million in 2016 to 14.9 million in 2051.
“This represents a population increase of 5.3 million people (153,000 annually), or 1.3% annually between 2016 and 2051.
“This represents an employment increase of 2.4 million jobs (69,000 annually), or 1.2% annually between 2016 and 2051.
 The Region of Halton leads in employment growth – that is expected to continue. Now housing has to be built for these people. “With an estimated population of 614,500 as of 2021, Halton Region is expected to grow to approximately 1.1 million people by the year 2051. Between 2021 and 2051, it is estimated that over 179,000 new households will be required across the Region, largely within existing and future urban areas.
“To accommodate future residents, there is also an increasing need to develop new and innovative approaches to housing development within areas that are pedestrian oriented and transit supportive.
“The availability of housing is a key factor in attracting and retaining people and businesses to a community. In an increasingly knowledge-based environment, the ability to cultivate, retain, and attract talented workers is increasingly important.
“Attracting and retaining people of working age and their families, which is necessary to support a broad range of employment opportunities, requires a diverse housing stock.
“Halton Region had a total of 208,601 occupied residential dwelling units. In 2021, 55% of housing was comprised of low-density dwellings (single and semi-detached) compared to 19% and 26% for medium- (townhouses, rowhouses) and high-density (condominium and rental apartments) units, respectively.
“Halton Region has a strong tradition of home ownership with approximately 76% (54,540 units) of housing units defined as owner occupied.[
“Over the 2021 to 2051 period, Halton Region’s housing base is expected to increase by 175,800 units.[12] Figure 4 provides a summary of Halton Region’s forecast growth in households by primary age of maintainer for 2021 and 2051. As shown, the primary age of household maintainer is anticipated to shift to a greater share of older households, with the strongest anticipated household growth expected for those aged 75+, accounting for 25% of household growth, followed by empty nesters/young seniors (65-74 age group). On an aggregate basis, approximately 40% of household growth over the 2021 to 2051 period is expected to be in households where the primary age of maintainer is 65 or older.”
 If these numbers hold – planners have their work cut out for them. “Growth is expected to be concentrated in the 25-44 age cohort, including couples with and without children with varying levels of income. The strong population growth in the 65+ age group is anticipated to be driven by the aging of the existing population as well as in-migration from this age group. These two demographic groups represent the strongest market segment for higher-density dwellings such as apartments and condominiums.
“Historical population growth rates for Burlington in accordance with Statistics Canada Census data. For comparative purposes, historical population growth rates have also been provided for Halton Region and the Province of Ontario. As illustrated, Burlington’s population base increased from 151,000 in 2001 to 187,000 in 2021. Over the past two decades, Burlington’s population base has increased by approximately 1,800 persons or approximately 1.20% per year, exhibiting a lower growth rate than Halton Region which increased at a rate of 2.95% annually over the same period. In contrast, the population base for the Province grew at a slower rate (1.23% annually) during the same time period.”
 Burlington’s growth compares poorly with the Regional numbers – the growth is taking place in the other municipalities “The City has experienced a steady rate of Census housing growth over the past 20 years. During this period, the City’s housing base has increased by approximately 28% from 57,340 to 73,180, which represents an increase of approximately 790 housing units per year. Figure 12 summarizes housing growth between 2001 and 2021.
“Burlington currently has approximately 23,000 housing units at various stages of the planning process to potentially meet the forecast need for the short term. Of this, approximately 43% (10,000 units) is located within Burlington’s MTSAs.
- The Downtown Burlington UGC/Burlington GO MTSA has 4,046 units, while the Aldershot GO MTSA and the Appleby GO MTSA have 16% (3,554 units) and 11% (2,476 units) housing units, respectively.
- Approximately 83% and 14% of the MTSAs’ housing units are in high-rise and mid-rise buildings, respectively. A limited share of the MTSAs’ housing unit supply is in low-rise buildings.
“Strong population growth is expected in Burlington over the next 30 years with the population forecast to increase by 38% to 265,000 by 2051, as presented in Figure 28. Over the same period, Burlington’s employment base is expected to expand to 125,000 by 2051, a 27% increase. With respect to housing growth, Burlington’s housing base is forecast to increase by 47% to 107,765 by 2051.”
“The forecast housing growth over the 2021 to 2051 period, the majority (80% representing 26,766 units) is expected to be in the form of high-density units (apartments), followed by 11% for medium density (rowhouses) and 7% for low density (singles/semis). An additional 2% of housing is expected to be in the form of accessory units.”
 Those percentages are close to astounding
“A broad range of considerations related to demographics, economics and socio- economics is anticipated to impact population and employment growth trends throughout the Region of Halton and Burlington over the coming decades. These factors will not only affect the rate and magnitude of growth but will also influence the form, density and location of residential and non-residential development.”
All the planners have to do is get it right.
Asking the people in Burlington what they think – may not be the smartest thing the planners could do. People don’t like change – asking for informed comments or putting together a focus group could work.
Whichever – the Burlington we have and know today will begin to fade away within a decade.
Part 1 of the series
By Pepper Parr
August 15th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
First in a series on the impact and change the the MTSA’s are going to have on the city.
The three MTSA’s are very different.
All kinds of development has already taken place in Aldershot NTSA (Major Transit Service Area) where the ADI Development group has done a lot of building – they seemed to have forgotten that parks are supposed to be close to where people live.
 The development sector did not get ahead of the demand that everyone knew was coming. They chose to let demand build up – then did the supplying. Burlington is the current focal point while Appleby has not seen very much in the way of development – the pressing matter in the Appleby MTSA is the Fearmans pork processing plant. The owners of the facility have grown to be a world wide pork providers – and have invested heavily. Can that kind of facility exist in a city?
 The Molinaro Group were the first to build the high towers. They chose to be close to the GO station. Sales support the decision they made. The final two towers of the five tower development are close to seeing shovels in the ground. Downtown Burlington UGC/Burlington GO MTSA – The MTSA covers an area of 102 gross ha (253 gross acres) located immediately north of Burlington Downtown. The area has access to Highway 403 and the Q.E.W. via Brant Street and Fairview Street, respectively.
The area is served by the Burlington GO train station (Lakeshore West line). The area has a significant underutilized land base and is home to a population of 1,670 and an employment base of 2,680 jobs. Major employment sectors include retail trade, manufacturing and food and accommodation. Land abutting Brant Street and Fairview Street comprises largely retail commercial uses with some recent high-density residential development along the latter.
Lands along Plains Road are largely general industrial in nature. A low-density residential area is located south of Fairview Street, east of Brant Street.
The area is intersected by two CN rail lines which separate the area into two distinct areas to the north and south. With the exception of one condominium project (Paradigm Midtown Burlington) located in proximity to the Burlington GO train station, the area has experienced limited development activity over the past decade.
Appleby GO MTSA – The Appleby MTSA is located south of the Q.E.W. at Appleby Line, with excellent access to the Q.E.W., and is served by the Appleby GO train station (Lakeshore West
 A 150 year old corporation that plays a significant role in the Burlington economy. Should a slaughterhouse be in this location? Line). The area is occupied largely by mature employment uses that exhibit a general industrial character, with residential townhouse complexes and small apartment buildings on the south side of Fairview Street.
The MTSA covers an area of 179 gross ha (443 gross acres), and is home to a population of 1,140 and an employment base of 6,390 jobs. A large share of employment is in manufacturing, professional, scientific and technical services and finance and insurance. A significant share of land in the MTSA is underutilized or vacant. The area has experienced limited development activity over the past decade and has limited development activity identified through site-plan activity.
 While it comes close to looking like “project” developments the community has yet to find itself. Aldershot GO MTSA – The Aldershot MTSA is situated immediately south of Highway 403, west of the Q.E.W. and Highway 407. The area is intersected by Plains Road and Waterdown Road which serve as the two main roadways.
The area has excellent access to Highway 403 via Waterdown Road. The MTSA is serviced by regional commuter rail (GO train Lakeshore West line). With a gross land area of 86 ha (213 acres), the MTSA has a population of approximately 1,100, an employment base of 1,090 jobs, and comprises a mix of low-, medium- and high-density residential, retail/ service commercial, industrial and institutional development.
The area has experienced significant residential and mixed-use development over the past decade.
The Appleby GO MTSA has the highest overall existing utilization of lands, both with respect to building floor space index and employment base, followed by the Downtown Burlington UGC/Burlington GO MTSA and the Aldershot GO MTSA.
While the Aldershot GO MTSA is the most underdeveloped with respect to non-residential land uses, it has the largest population base and has experienced the most development activity over the past decade (largely residential and mixed-use development).
 By Staff
August 15th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
No. 1 Side Road will be closed for through traffic between Guelph Line and Walkers Line
Monday, Aug. 15 to Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022 for storm water culvert replacement.
Local access will be maintained between the intersection entry points and 3175 No 1 Side Rd.
Signs and barricades will be up and traffic will be detoured.
By Staff
August 15th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The City is inviting community groups and local indigenous communities to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Spencer Smith Park on September 30th between 4 and 7 p.m.
 An indigenous dancer – it will be interesting to see if performances like this will take place on the 30th The city will provide free space within the park for groups to set up their own displays, interactive events, or information booths.
“This is an official open invitation to the community to set up an information booth, display or interactive event to help work towards a better understanding of the past as a way forward to a better future.” Says Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture.
Groups wanting to participate can register by contacting the Festivals and Events office HERE . There is no cost for groups hosting an event or display and there is no cost for people to attend.
Details for participating groups
- Set-up time: 2 to 4 p.m.
- Event time: 4 to 7 p.m.
- Tear-down time: 7 to 8 p.m.
- City to provide park access and insurance only
- No electrical or water hook-up will be available
- Participating groups must bring all resources/supplies such as tables, chairs, tents, stage/riser,.
- Tents must be no bigger than 10 by 10 feet
- No staking anything to the ground. Tents should be secured with weights
- No parking. Participants are to use available downtown parking. Vehicle access to the park for drop-off must be pre-arranged indicating number of vehicles entering between 2-2:30 p.m. Vehicles must be removed from park no later than 3 p.m. Tear-down begins at 7 p.m. and vehicles may be brought back into the park at that time for load in
Details and updates can be found at burlington.ca/events.
 By Staff
August 14th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Hive! at the The Art Gallery of Burlington moves into its second phase on Saturday,August 27th from 1:00 – 4:00, this free, all-ages event incorporates the organization, cooperation and energy of a beehive into an afternoon of art, activity, learning and fun.
The Hive will feature a special workshop led by Toronto’s Clay and Paper Theatre, live arts and crafts demonstrations, a screen-printing presentation, live performance, food and drink.
There are three new fall exhibitions:
The Future of Work, an exploration into how the pandemic has affected labour markets and our quality of life
 A vibrant and meaningful interpretation on the art of rangoli ਨਜਰ ਨਾ ਲੱ ਗੇ / Nazar na lage / Knock on wood, a vibrant and meaningful interpretation on the art of rangoli by artists Noni Kaur. This event opens on the 16th.
Know your Place, an exhibit of cartoon-like clay sculpture that reveal the raw emotional experiences of the artist Sami Tsang.
Guests who wish to participate with Clay and Paper Theatre should arrive early and be ready to create! Known for work inspired by oral traditions, folk songs, poems and fables, Clay and Paper Theatre will charm participants and audiences with their original multi-disciplinary performance-based production.
Visitors are invited to an interactive screen-printing demonstration led by artist Jesse Purcell and are encouraged to bring any used clothing to be transformed into a bunting display to be hung in the gallery by the artist collective Works-in-Progress.
Arts Burlington will be opening their doors to guests with arts demonstrations and the Burlington Handweavers and Spinners Guild will guide guests through a natural plant-based dying demonstration, teaching attendees what they need to know to create from home.
The spaces will be buzzing with seed-sharing, an active swap-market, and other exhibition related activities. The AGB parking lot will be free for the day.
 ABOUT THE AGB
The Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) is an award-winning, public art gallery and community art centre situated in downtown Burlington, Ontario. Founded in 1975 for the purpose of creating a professional and social space to promote, protect and grow contemporary arts and crafts in Canada, the AGB continues to be an integral part of the community, and is home to the world’s largest collection of contemporary Canadian ceramics
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