 By Staff
July 30th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
City of Burlington administrative services will be closed for the Civic holiday on Monday, Aug. 5. For a list of which City services and facilities are available on the long weekend, please see the summary below or visit burlington.ca.
Fireworks reminder
Fireworks are not permitted to be set off on the August Civic holiday. As per the City’s bylaw, family (low-hazard) fireworks can only be set off on Canada Day and Victoria Day. For more information regarding who to contact if you have a personal safety concern related to the use of fireworks, visit burlington.ca/fireworks.
| City Service |
Holiday Closure Information |
| Animal Services |
The Animal Shelter at 2424 Industrial St. will be closed to appointments on Monday, Aug. 5. To report an animal control related emergency on a holiday, please call 905-335-7777. |
| Burlington Transit |
Burlington Transit will operate on a Sunday schedule on Monday, Aug. 5. For real-time bus information and schedules, visit myride.burlingtontransit.ca.
The Downtown Transit Terminal, at 430 John St., and Specialized Dispatch will be closed on Monday, Aug. 5. |
| City Hall |
Service Burlington and the Building, Renovating and Licensing counter on the main floor of City Hall at 426 Brant St., will be closed to all appointments and walk-in service on Monday, Aug. 5.
Many service payments are available online at burlington.ca/onlineservices
For online development services, MyFiles can be used by residents who have applied for Pre-Building Approval. Check the status of Pre Building Approval applications at burlington.ca/MyFiles. |
| Halton Court Services – Provincial Offences Office |
Court administration counter services at 4085 Palladium Way will be closed on Monday, Aug. 5.
Except for the Civic holiday closures, telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. All in-person services are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Many services are also available by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or online at Halton Court Services. Payment of Provincial Offences fines is available 24/7 at www.paytickets.ca. |
| Parking |
On Sunday, Aug. 4 and Monday, Aug. 5: Free parking is available downtown, on the street, in municipal lots and in the parking garage (414 Locust St.).
 On Saturday, Aug. 3: Pay parking downtown is required in high-demand parking lots (Lots 1, 4 and 5) and all on-street metered parking spaces. A three-hour maximum is in effect for all on-street spaces. Free parking is available in the remaining municipal lots and the parking garage (414 Locust St.).
NOTE:
- The Waterfront parking lots (east and west at 1286 Lakeshore Rd.) do not provide free parking on holidays
- Parking exemptions are required to park overnight on city streets and for longer than five hours. Visit burlington.ca/parkingexemptions
- Paid parking is in effect at Beachway Park (1100 and 991 Lakeshore Rd.) on weekends only (including holidays) using HONK Mobile
- Please make an online reservation using Park Pass to visit Lowville Park on weekends. Reservations are free and available in three-hour time slots
|
| Recreation Programs and Facilities |
Drop-in swimming and other drop-in recreational activities
- Nelson Pool and Splash Park (4235 New St.), Mountainside Pool and Splash Park (2205 Mt. Forest Dr.), and LaSalle Wading Pool and Splash Park (50 North Shore Blvd. E.) are open for swimming on the Civic holiday, Monday, Aug. 5 (weather permitting)
- Access Storage presents Free Swimming Saturday, Aug. 3, from 1:05 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Tansley Woods Pool, and Monday, Aug. 5, from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at LaSalle Wading Pool and Splash Park (weather permitting)
- Outdoor pool lap swims and recreational swims are walk-in only, with no reservations
- Indoor pools are not open for drop-in swimming the Civic holiday, Monday, Aug. 5
- Appleby Ice Centre has a variety of drop-in skating programs on Saturday, Aug. 3
- Burlington Senior’s Centre has a variety of drop-in pickleball programs on Saturday, Aug. 3
Please visit burlington.ca/dropinandplay for schedules.
Splash Pads
 The City’s nine splash pads are located throughout the city and are free to use. To find a splash pad near you, visit burlington.ca/splashpads.
Outdoor Activities
Burlington has a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy with your family during the long weekend, including:
- trails and multi-use paths
- parks and playgrounds
- picnic site reservations for La Salle Park (50 North Shore Blvd E.) or Hidden Valley Park (1137 Hidden Valley Rd.)
Find out more at burlington.ca/outdoorplay.
Golf
 Tyandaga Golf Course is open for the season. Tee times can be booked online at tyandagagolf.com or by calling 905-336-0005, ext. 2.
Play Lending Library
Our Lending Library has a variety of outdoor and indoor play equipment available to borrow at no charge. Equipment pickup is on Thursdays, and return drop off is on Tuesdays at Haber Community Centre (3040 Tim Dobbie Dr.). Borrow lifejackets for the family for the long weekend, add some fun outdoor games to your Love My Neighbourhood event, or try out a variety of play equipment that we offer. Learn more at burlington.ca/playlending.
Customer Service
Recreation, Community and Culture customer service is available to assist you in person at recreation facility counters during program times.
Customer service is also available over the long weekend:
|
| Roads, Parks and Forestry |
The administrative office will be closed on Monday, Aug. 5. Essential services will be provided as required. |
 By Pepper Parr
July 30th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
We’re not getting it yet.
On July 18, 2024 Ford Motor Company announced plans to assemble F-Series Super Duty pickups at its Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada, starting in 2026, boosting production of one of the company’s most popular and profitable vehicles.
Ford is getting to the point where these trucks will be electrically powered vehicles. Is that what will come off the production line? Ford has yet to say what will power these trucks.
 Ford 150 truck production line. July 15th and 16th Burlington experienced rainfall: on the 15th that amounted to 70 mm in a single day. There was more rain on the 16th. 70mm amounts to a months worth of rain.
 That our climate has changed apparently hasn’t sunk in yet
I wonder if there are any people who happen to work at the Ford Oakville plant who wonder about the link between the announcement to build the trucks and the rain that fell on the city.
 The culvert shown in the upper left corner next to the excavator was jammed with tree limbs preventing the flow of water underneath the 407. That water backed up into the Cavendish Drive community seriously damage at least 15 homes. There is a link. What we are going to do is the challenge.
More on what can be done to cope with the climate change.
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
 By Pepper Parr
July 30th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario government is breaking the stigma around period poverty by making sure schools across Ontario can offer free menstrual products to their students. Today, Todd Smith, Minister of Education, announced a new three-year agreement with Shoppers Drug Mart to expand the province’s Menstrual Equity Initiative and provide more than 23 million free menstrual products to students over the next 3 years.
This program was the result of work done by two students when they pressed the Halton District School Board to have menstrual products in every high school in the city
 Olivia Netto and Iman Nemar Olivia Netto and Iman Nemar met in each other at Nelson High school and came up with the idea of seeing if they could convince the school board to install menstrual products in high schools. Burlington City Council loved the idea and put their muscle behind what was called the Pink Project.
The Chamber of Commerce has what it calls the Mayors’ Award. Mayor Meed Ward decided to recognize Olivia and xxx
Minister Smith said: “We know that when students can’t access or afford menstrual products, it often results in them missing school, work or other activities – but we’re changing that.” “Access to products through Ontario’s Menstrual Equity Initiative is just one more way we are removing barriers for women and girls so they can reach their full potential and realize their dreams.”
In addition to free menstrual pads and tampons, Shoppers Drug Mart will provide 1,380 dispensers in the first year to facilitate the delivery of these critical health products in schools. Along with the 23 million free menstrual products – an increase of 3 million compared to the previous agreement – this represents an in-kind contribution of more than $8 million.
 Olivia Netto and Iman Nemar at the Chamber of Commerce Awards night receiving the Mayors’ Award for their Pink Project success. Free menstrual products will be available to all school boards and school authorities across Ontario, as well as the Consortium Centre Jules-Léger, which will distribute products to individual schools based on their local student needs.
- Between 2021-2024, the first provincial agreement with Shoppers Drug Mart provided 20 million free menstrual pads.
- A 2023 Plan International Canada survey found that 34 per cent of Canadians under 25 who menstruate struggle to afford menstrual products.
- Those who cannot afford menstrual products may experience a higher rate of absenteeism from school, challenges to engage fully in the classroom and negative health effects, such as infections and toxic shock syndrome. Period poverty can also affect their social and emotional well-being.
 By Pepper Parr
July 29th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The province has announced plans to spend $134 million for five new helicopters to patrol the GTA and Ottawa – on the prowl for car theft, carjacking, street racing and impaired driving.
The province’s spring budget provided funding for four helicopters; this funding will allow for the purchase, not lease, of five — the additional chopper going to Ottawa — as well as to cover ongoing operating costs.
 H135 helicopter Two H135 helicopters will be purchased for the Ontario Provincial Police to use for air surveillance in Ottawa and Toronto police, and three helicopters will be purchased and operated by Durham, Halton and Peel police.
“Criminal networks have become more sophisticated, but so have we,” said Kerzner of the state-of-the-art aircraft.
“In Ontario, a car is stolen every 14 minutes — this is completely unacceptable. These helicopters will be a critical tool in helping police stay one step ahead of the criminals who are stealing cars and committing crimes on our streets.”
 Camera image of a theft taking place. Some 90,000 vehicles are stolen annually in Canada. The Insurance Bureau of Canada says that in Ontario, Toronto has the highest number of auto theft claims — up 561 per cent in five years — followed by Brampton, Mississauga, Vaughan and Markham.
The Ford government has also said that it wants car thieves to lose their driver’s licence for life, though critics said such a move would not deter criminals.
Currently in the GTA, two helicopters are in use and shared with other police forces.
By Staff
July 29th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
On Monday, August 5, 128 select Beer Store Retail locations across the Province will be open for business from 11am-6pm. The list of select stores is below.
 The 128 stores open August 5 include dozens now offering Skip The Dishes, Instacart and/or Uber Eats, where customers can have their favourite Beer Store products delivered to them on demand. Our commitment is to better service Ontarians with more value, cold beer, and more convenience with online shopping. The Beer Store’s extended hours of sale for the summer months vary at select stores. Visit https://www.thebeerstore.ca/locations/ to find specific local store hours.
 Two Burlington locations
About The Beer Store
Owned by Ontario-based brewers, The Beer Store is the largest beer retailer in Ontario. The Beer Store listed 1,107 brands, which more than 267 brewers provided in 2023. With 26 points of distribution strategically located across the province, The Beer Store proudly distributed 2.9 million hectoliters of beer in 2023.
The Beer Store claims they are also one of the greenest retailers in the world, annually collecting for reuse and recycling approximately 1.7 billion beverage alcohol containers, including beer, wine and spirits. The Beer Store employs 6500 Ontarians with well-paying full and part-time jobs.
By Staff
July 29th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Pulling in the dollars that are needed to provide food that is distributed for those who need help is a full time task for the food banks in the Region
 Big cheque will go a long way to keep the flow of fresh food getting to people who need help. Food for Life was given $33,333,000 by all Allstate Canada, the insurance provider. The grant will help Food for Life rescue more than $100,000 worth of good surplus food to serve the Hamilton and Halton regions.
Food for Life for supported the Allstate vision for everyone to have access to healthy food.
There are 565 Food for Life volunteers who show up regularly to pack the food that comes in into packages that are distributed to the more than 4000 people who are served each week
There are an additional 200 people in the community who volunteer in different ways.
Those are impressive number and well worth celebrating.
Related news story:
By Staff
July 29th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Speaking to Cavendish Drive residents Mayor Meed Ward makes mention of residents who have had to be evacuated and cannot live in their homes right now. “My heart goes out to everyone experiencing this situation.”
 An aerial view of the Cavendish Drive flooding. When water was not able to flow through the culverts because several of them were blocked, the water backed up into the community.
“My commitment is to do my best to get you the answers to the questions you asked us, to find out what happened and make sure it never happens again.
“ We are in regular contact with Highway 407 ETR staff to share information and updates on the progress of the work. Our emergency staff have advised that 407 ETR staff are on site and will be working overnight to relieve the remaining flooding in the area by cleaning debris.
“A special thank you to Hassaan Basit, Chief Administrative Officer, Enrico Scalera, Acting Commissioner, Public Works, Cary Clark, Manager, Development & Stormwater Engineering, and Councillor Nisan for stopping by and answering questions from the community. Your presence and expertise are invaluable during this challenging time.
“The City is sharing updates twice a day and I will share that information as soon as possible. You can also reach out to me directly to share your concerns at Mayor@burlington.ca ”
We don’t know if any mention was made about the four to six weeks the city needs to process a cheque for $1000 to help those people who cannot live in their homes. That length of time is unconscionable.
 By Staff
July 29th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington is working to make the city and living in Burlington more environmentally sustainable and climate resilient through both policy and action.
Better Homes Burlington
After a successful pilot program in 2023, the Better Homes Burlington program is now available to help homeowners find and understand options, available incentives and help with the cost of doing home energy upgrades to improve energy efficiency.
Homeowners can connect with City staff who will assist in finding potential green energy rebates, incentives and grants from businesses and different levels of government. Homeowners can also apply for a limited number of interest-free loans from the City of Burlington for up to $10,000 for the purchase and installation of an air-source heat pump.
To connect with City staff or learn more about funding, visit burlington.ca/betterhomes or email betterhomes@burlington.ca.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Added
Four new electric vehicle charging stations are being installed in the city, making it more convenient for EV drivers to get around. They are expected to be complete and ready for use by the end of 2024.
This will bring the total number of publicly available charging stations to 38 and charging ports to 75.
Locations of new EV charging stations
- LOT 5b – 391 Brant St. Level 3 fast charger
- LOT 8 – 523 Locust St. (Locust Street and Caroline Street)
- Beachway Park, 1100 Lakeshore Rd., near BurlingtonGreen Eco Hub
- Brant Hills Community Centre, 2255 Brant St.
Electric vehicle charging in public parking lots is free although standard parking fees apply where applicable.
For a list of all electric vehicle charging stations, visit Burlington.ca/ev.
Corporate Energy and Emissions Management Plan
The City of Burlington has a target for City operations to be net carbon neutral by 2040 to show leadership in addressing its significant energy and environmental impacts. Council has approved the updated Corporate Energy and Emissions Management Plan to provide a pathway to achieve the 2040 target.
 Mehdizadehjafari’s artwork, Soar installed in front of the new pavilion at City View Park. City staff are assessing the feasibility of deep energy retrofits of City facilities. Four studies have been completed and another four are underway. City View Park Pavilion is the City’s first building designed to be a net-carbon neutral building with solar panels. Skyway Community Centre is under construction and will include the first low-carbon arena in the City. A low carbon pathway has also been adopted to transform the Robert Bateman High school into a new climate friendly community centre. And in June, the solar panels at Fire Station 5 in Kilbride were operational (offsetting slightly more than 100 per cent of the building’s electricity usage allowing for future electrification of the heating system).
For more information on the City’s climate action initiatives, visit Burlington.ca/climatechange.
 Lynn Robichaud, Manager, Environmental Sustainability Lynn Robichaud, Manager, Environmental Sustainability put it this way:”The Better Homes Burlington program, EV charging stations, and the Corporate Energy and Emissions Management Plan all support climate action in our community. We’re working to reduce our carbon footprint while preparing ourselves for the warmer, wetter, wilder effects of climate change.”
Links and Resources
www.burlington.ca/betterhomes
www.burlington.ca/environment
www.burlington.ca/ev
www.burlington.ca/climatechange
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 By Staff
July 29th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The headline reads:
Heritage Burlington invites you to celebrate Burlington’s rich and unique heritage during Heritage Week, Aug. 3–10, 2024.
 It’s mid summer and August is approaching and of course that means Heritage work here in Burlington. It is from August 3rd to August 10.
All events are free. Events that require registration will be open for registration from July 15 to 31 or until capacity is reached.
 As part of Heritage week Don Thorpe and David Craig will be presenting a Trivia Night at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre on August 8 at 7 PM.
With all new questions, join Don Thorpe, Burlington Historical Society and David Craig, History Pix, for a fun evening of trivia about Burlington’s past and the characters that made it. Be ready to be surprised and definitely to enjoy your time as you decide whether to go with your first answer or your second answer.
Come by yourself or with friends, come for fun or just to learn. Maximum of 160 participants. Registration required.
If you prefer not to register online, send me an email (David Craig – Historypix@iCloud.com ) and I will register for you.
It is a big program – plenty to take part in. The Alton community got missed and large swath of the residential areas either side of Upper Middle Road has somew interesting features. Golf courses got missed – and – there is a story to be told about the building of New Street.
Kudos however for the historical crowd for making this happen.
 By Joseph A. Gaetan
July 29th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Taxation is a term for when a taxing authority, i.e. government, levies or imposes a financial obligation on its citizens or residents. Following is a “birds eye view” of taxation in Canada today.
Federal, Provincial and Municipal Taxation:
It is important to recognize that the real and true purpose of taxation is to pay for things the citizens cannot practically do on their own. For example none of us are going to pave a road or build a rail line between Burlington and another city or Province. We are also not going to build an airport of the type and scale that you see at Toronto Pearson or John C. Monroe in Hamilton. Nor are we going to build arenas or swimming pools or the like. There is a place for taxation.
We should all remember that governments at all levels have the ability to pad the tab to pay for things that are “likes” (i.e. $200,000 for Civic Square art). These expenditures come in the form of vanity projects or cynically can be used to bribe us with our own money so they can win the next election. In the run up to most elections, governments often fall all over themselves spending as much as they can of our money to ensure that we will feel good about them and cast our votes in their favour.
FOMO:
Council will often justify a project like Civic Square, well, because other governments are giving us a bag of money for the project and if we don’t take this free cash we will be “FOMO’d”.
“FOMO, or the fear of missing out, has become all-too prevalent over the last couple of decades. It’s an experience that many of us are familiar with. And while it’s directly related to our self-esteem and self-worth, it also has a direct effect on our physical, mental and emotional health. And how could it not? When everyone else around you is having fun without you, what can you do to feel good about where you’re at and what you’re doing on your own? Source: The Psychology Behind FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) (clevelandclinic.org) The document is referred to as Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs.
How we paid for: Civic Square, Freeman Station and Joe Brant Museum:
 City Hall isn’t facing a wave of popular support on this one. Civic Square:
Here is how your tripartite taxation dollars, actually your money, will be paying or investing in the Civic Square Renewal.
“The Government of Canada is investing over $1.9 million in this project through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan.
The Government of Ontario is providing more than $1.6 million,
while the City of Burlington is investing over $1.3 million”.
Source: Civic Square Renewal Update – Burlington Downtown
Joseph Brant Museum Renewal Project:
 The Brant Museum – not all that much about Joseph Brant in the building. Here is how tripartite taxation, you actually, paid for the renewal.
“Federal Cultural Spaces Grant: $ 4.479 million, Provincial Trillium Grant: $ 500,000, Joseph Brant Museum Foundation: $ 2.479 million, City of Burlington: $ 3.978 million (up from $2.1 million)
TOTAL: $11.437 million”
Note: The COB, Federal and Provincial portions is actually our tax money. Many thanks to the contribution of $2.479 million from The Museum Foundation.
Source: The renovation and rebuild of the Joseph Brant Museum just might be doomed. « Burlington Gazette – Local News, Politics, Community
Freeman Station:
 Fully paid for – but not open. “A city engineer actually told a Standing Committee that it couldn’t be saved. That didn’t deter a group of die-hards who were not prepared to let the station get reduced to kindling.” Source: Burlington Gazette It almost didn’t happen but Burlington citizens saved the Freeman station from destruction, The restoration can now begin. « Burlington Gazette – Local News, Politics, Community
And what the volunteer, Friends of Freeman Station (FOFS) did without much financial help from the Tripartite Taxation folks, is nothing short of amazing.
So there you have it folks, a quick primer on Tripartite Taxation and a lesson on what can be done without it.
 Joe Gaetan is a Burlington resident who delegates on occasion and is a strong believer in holding the elected accountable and expects them to be transparent while serving the public.
By Staff
July 28th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Well – there is at least one member of Council communicating with her residents on flooding problems and what is avaialable in the way of support.
Ward 4 Councillor Shawna sent the following to her constituents:
Over the past two days, we have entered into Emergency Management Stage 1 – Routine Monitoring. We understand that residents are still dealing with the aftermath and the challenges it brings. We want to let you know that recent information on city relief has been released to support you during this time.
City of Burlington Flood Relief Grant ($1,000)
You may qualify for financial assistance from The City of Burlington to help with residential flooding-related costs if the following criteria are met:
• A flooding event in your residential dwelling occurred in connection to the
 July 15 or July 16, 2024 weather event and was reported by you to 311;
• You are the owner or tenant of the residence;
• A representative of the Regional Municipality of Halton investigated the complaint and determined that:
▪ water damage occurred within a residential home due to the July 15 or July 16, 2024 extreme weather event; and
▪ The water damage was not the result of:
a blockage on any part of the wastewater system; or wastewater backup as a result of a sewer surcharge; and,
*The application for the Region of Halton Ex-Gratia Grant for Public Sewer Backup was denied for the property; and,
no outstanding orders were issued by the City of Burlington to remedy any violations of the Grading and Drainage By-law No. 052-2018, as amended, the Drainage By-law No. 017-2018, as amended, or the Site Alteration By-law No. 062-2014, as amended.City of Burlington’s Flood Relief Grant ($1,000) can help residents to either offset the cost of an insurance deductible or help with flooding-related costs that are not otherwise covered under their home insurance policy.
Due to high volumes, payments under this program may take 4-6 weeks to be processed after applications have been received.
Four to six weeks is unconscionable; there are a reported less than 700 homes damaged.
Remember:To be eligible for the Flood Relief Grant, you must immediately report the flooding to Halton Region. Halton Region Public Works staff will contact you regarding next steps.
Factors that may make you ineligible for the City of Burlington Flood Grant:
• applicants who are not registered owners or tenants of the property; and
• properties other than residential dwellings; and
• damages that are not within the residential home (e.g. water damage to landscaping, pool, deck).
By Pepper Parr
July 27th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
Was the tweet Mayor Meed Ward sent out yesterday a sign that she has realized many (the vocal ones that tend to speak up) don’t want what the public is now going to get, like it or not?
Members of Council all realize that this project is one that they are going to have to wear in the months leading up to the 2026 municipal election.
If it turns out to be something that people like – they will applaud and be pleased. If it turns out to be a clunker and gets a thumbs down – every one of them could be looking at the end of their municipal careers.
 Those trees look great – but that is not what will be in place the day they cut the ribbon to open a several million dollar upgrade to Civic Square. When the city has added 29,000 new housing units in 2051 – the public might see what is in the renderings. Upper right is what Civic Square looks like today. The problem is that there is really no one to take their place.
Meed Ward said in her tweet that: “Last week, Council received an update from staff regarding next steps on the Civic Square renewal project. We’re nearing the completion of the design work; however, Council has asked staff to report back in September so that Council and the community can get a better understanding of the design.
“We look forward to learning more about this in the fall and sharing further updates with the community.”
What’s to share? The decision has been made, the funds needed have been allocated and the design teams and doing what they do. Learning that $200,000 was going to be spent on public art was a bit of a surprise but you can’t have a refurbished Civic Square without some art. Would that include a Pride Pole?
The people that push back know that if you push long enough those that should be hearing will eventually get the message. Sometimes they will actually change – other than that – they throw out some crumbs.
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
By Pepper Parr
July 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
What took them so long?
The Gazette has permitted comments from readers since the day we first published back in October of 2010.
We have an at times very robust comments section. We also have people that tend to go on and on about an issue they seem to be the only ones that care.
Then we get those people who don’t have the courage of their convictions who send in a comment from an address that doesn’t exist; the comments are usually in the scurrilous vein.
We also get some very pointed comments from people who work from the facts they are able to lay out; that’s when opposing views and opinions on the facts get very interesting.
 A note sent out by We need a good reason to not publish a comment. Many Gazette readers take great exception to Mayor Meed Wards’ practice of not publishing comments that are critical.
 By Staff
July 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 Pride pole at Lakeshore and Burlington Street. Photo op will take place soon. The city has moved from Rainbow benches and crosswalks to Pride Poles. This one has been installed at Lakeshore Road and Burlington Street.
They will certainly be cheaper than the cross walks that didn’t wear all that well.
Is it going to be one per ward with the Council member deciding where they will be located?
Which budget will the cost come out of?
Is there a point at which fully recognizing the 2SLGBTQ+ (an acronym for: Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning and additional sexual orientations and gender identities) has been met?
I’d like to see something more effective on the intimate partner relationship violence.
By Pepper Parr
July 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The idea wasn’t to create an event that would become annual. “All we wanted to do was encourage neighbours to help us collect some food and money that could be sent to the Burlington Food Bank. We asked the Food Bank to send us one bin – we ended up filling four bins: 1000 pounds of food and $3000 in cash.”
Daryl Fowler had drafted a bunch of friends who, like him, were small business entrepreneurs who donated and helped make the event work. “They knew how to put things together. Fowler operates FlasheGas, an independent HVAC operation.
“We found that we needed to ask our neighbours if we could use their drive ways.”
 Wearing an ear to ear smile Daryl Fowler with his wife Hannah stand behind four of the six bins that were filled at their first food drive event. This year the event looks like it will be bigger. Takes place on Sunday August 4th – running from noon to 4:00 pm.
Ice cream, bouncing platforms; the first one we booked didn’t work out and we had to scramble to get another operator in place.
 Tyler Fergus answering the question: Where did that rabbit come from? Face painting, a balloon artist and a magician will be part of the event. Tyler Fergus will be dazzling the kids with his magic performances.
There will be a draw for a BBQ donated by Canadian Tire.
When we were deciding when to hold the event we learned from Robin Bailey, Executive Director of the Burlington Food Bank that August was a tough month – “people are away explained Bailey and the volunteers don’t have all that much they can do. “So August it was” said Fowler who is supported by his wife Hanna and their three children.
What happens if it rains? Don’t ask
 By Staff
July 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte
Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte has put together a notice to her resident on where things stand in terms of getting financial support.
Not much good news – but kudos to Stolte for being consistent in reaching out to the people in her ward.
From her notice:
Please find below the current application process for Flooding Relief Grants:
• Residents must contact 311 to report indoor flooding
• Halton Region Public Works staff will attend the home to investigate the cause of the flooding and determine if the homeowner qualifies for a Halton Region Ex-Gratia Grant
o If yes, homeowner will receive an application for the Halton Region Ex-Gratia Grant to submit to Halton. Payments will be issued within 4-6 weeks.
o If no, as long as there is some indication of indoor flooding having occurred, the Public Works Technician will give the homeowner the New City of Burlington Ex-Gratia Grant application to submit to the City of Burlington. If eligible, payments will be issued within 4-6 weeks.
Four to six weeks? The 407ETR people were on site with funds for residents the day after the rain stopped.
o Note: Legal is still finalizing the City’s application form and eligibility criteria. Once ready, they will share with Halton Public Works who will hand out to impacted residents upon inspection. Residents who are receiving an inspection today or who have already received an inspection will be directed to contact Service Burlington for assistance. We are maintaining a list during the interim and sharing with legal who will contact these folks once the application is available.
Still finalizing? For those people still sorting through what is salvageable from their flooded basements “still finalizing” just isn’t good enough. Genuine service would be – no one goes home until these documents are done and ready to be sent out.
Information on the grants and flood prevention is available on our website @ Burlington.ca/flood however direction on the application process is not.
 By Staff
July 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Getting a Municipal Zoning Order (MZ0) from the Minister of Housing is going to be a challenge.
A request had been made for an MZO before the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) had decided that the Millcroft golf course lands could be developed and 90 high end houses be constructed with a significant number of conditions. Had the provincial government had any intention of issuing an MZO; that would have been the time to do so.
 This time around MPP Triantafilopoulos is supporting the request. Last time it was Mayor Meed Ward and Regional Chair Gary Carr – in the world of political clout an MPP trumps a Mayor and a Regional Chair
Triantafilopoulos is asking that MAD share the letter see sent to the Province requesting that they step in to stop the Millcroft Greens development.
Burlington passed a Motion requesting Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing issue a Ministerial Zoning Order to maintain the zoning permissions for Areas A to D of the proposed development of the Millcroft Golf Course as they existed prior to the June 12, 2024 OLT decision.
 Triantafilopoulos: MPP for Oakville North Burlington Triantafilopoulos said to the MAD membership: “As you know, I stand with Council in their opposition to this development as currently planned. Following the passing of Council’s Motion, I sent a letter (including a copy of the Motion) to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing requesting that he explore all tools at his disposal to stop the development from proceeding.”
Expecting a decision is a stretch – watching for something to be announced during the summer would be a pipe dream.
Triantafilopoulos is looking for 10,000 signatures on a petition. They have a reported 7000 signatures.
There are two options to do this which are as follows:
- Option 1 – Quick and Easy
o Go to our website and fill in your name and email and an email will be sent to the province on your behalf. Select the link below.
 Option 1 – Quick and Easy
- Option 2 – Write your own Email
o Send an email to:
doug.fordco@pc.ola.org,
Doug.Downey@pc.ola.org,
effie.triantafilopoulos@pc.ola.org,
Effie.triantafilopoulosco@pc.ola.org
Paul.Calandra@pc.ola.org,
Natalie.Pierre@pc.ola.org,
zee.hamid@pc.ola.org,
andrea.khanjin@pc.ola.org,
Matthew.Rae@pc.ola.org,
natalie@nataliepierrempp.ca,
navita@nataliepierrempp.ca,
Katie.Robinette@ontario.ca,
Premier@ontario.ca,
attorneygeneral@ontario.ca
stephen.crawford@pc.ola.org
MAD and the City have also requested that their local MPP’s Effie Triantafilopoulos, Natalie Pierre, Zee Hamid and Stephen Crawford each send a separate letter in support of the issuing of an MZO to the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs and to the Premier.
They are communicating with other like minded groups from all over Ontario, which want to save greenspace, asking them to participate in the email campaign and to circulate our Email letter to the Province among their supporters. We ask anyone who would like to join our fight to please contact the Admin team at admin@millcroftagainstdevelopment.ca. We are looking for local real estate agents, environmental groups, to share our email campaign with their database.
By Pepper Parr
July 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The demand for housing and a target of 29,000 units by 2031 in place created an opportunity for the developer to increase the height was something that couldn’t be resisted. The change should not surprise anyone. When the development started the northern end of the property was to have a six to eight story structure.
 28-storey mixed use building with 302 residential units At this point the development application has been submitted:
Development applications have been submitted for an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment for a 28-storey mixed use building with 302 residential units and a 6-storey above grade parking structure with a green roof adjacent to an existing 17-storey residential building bounded by Caroline Street, Elizabeth Street, Maria Street, and John Street.
There was a Pre-Application Community Meeting on April 9, 2024 in the evening. It was a virtual meeting. No word on how any people took part.
The north tower was originally going to be six stories (could have been eight – it was sometime ago) with medical offices making up a large part of the space.
By Pepper Parr
July 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Her name is Crystal – we don’t have a last name.
She is believed to live in the Cavendish Road area.
At the time these pictures were taken she was living in a motel with her family. The space was made available to her by the Red Cross.
  
Crystal was attending a Special Meeting of Council unaware that she had the right to delegate.
She didn’t have a computer she could use at the motel. Other than the clothes on her back and what she could gather up – Crystal had a crisis on her hands.
She has been in touch with another person who delegated.
The Gazette would love to talk to this woman: 905-462-1948
Ann Marsden, a woman who delegates to Council frequently is asking people whose homes were damaged by the July 15th flood to delegate at the Council meeting on August 7th and asking that they be given ten minutes to tell their story and ask questions.
Marsden feels very strongly that even at this date members of Council are not fully aware of what people are going through.
By Staff
July 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Build A Bowl/Friday Night Clay Date
This could be fun!
Thursday, August 1 and Friday, August 9
Art Gallery invites you to join them at their next Build A Bowl – Friday Night Clay Date. These beginner-friendly workshops offer a gentle hands-on introduction to pottery and make for a fun night out at the AGB –
Sign up for our next Build A Bowl on Thursday August 1, or join us for Friday Night Clay Date on August 9!
 Beginner-friendly workshop AGE: Adult
DAY: Friday
TIME: 6:30 – 9:30 pm
MEMBER COST: $60
NON-MEMBER COST: $65
INSTRUCTOR: Michelle Lynn
LOCATION: Onsite
Register HERE
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By Staff
