 By Staff
February 19th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The people of Ukraine have taken the painting of Easter eggs to levels that are beautiful to look at.
Celebrate the Ukrainian contribution to Easter egg dyeing
 A cultural art form. The Easter egg dyeing practised by the Ukrainian community is called Pysanky. If you can draw lines and circles, you can make these beautiful eggs. No two eggs will ever be the same but will be your work of art.
A workshop is being given on Saturday, February 24th at the Ukrainian Banquet Hall on Pine Street.
Demo and instructions are provided by local Ukrainian egg decorating authority, If you can draw lines and circles, you can make these beautiful eggs. No two eggs will ever be the same but will be your work of art.
Register by email to:
natalienebesny@gmail.com
Space is limited.
 By Catalin Constantin
February 19th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Big data analytics is business’s closest ally and remains transformative in industries that make the most use of it.
 Loads of data out there – finding what you need and putting those information nuggets to work for you is now possible. It enables organizations to digest a lot of data in tiny pieces. It enables them to comprehend some attributes like what their clients are doing, their trends and how they interact with the enterprise.
Certainly, there are many advantages which may be received by an online casino if they can use big data for their benefit.
Personalized Services
Online casinos have used the technology to ensure they offer a level of rationalization as they look to keep players onboard due to the competitive nature of the sector. Although it is hard to pinpoint the actual number of options players have, there are thought to be thousands of sites all offering gambling activities, thus highlighting why there has been a focus on making things as personal as possible.
They can create unique experiences that are tailored to the player, as they can analyze their behaviours and playing patterns. For instance, they can create recommendations based on their location and the time they spend on the website, or even give them ways in which they can personalize their profile more, such as providing them with aesthetic features.
A customized selection of games can be offered
 While there are thousands of game – the choices are overwhelming at time – the objective for the player is to have fun – and winning helps. Although an online casino might have thousands of games available to pick and play from, they can use big data to make sure only the most relevant options are more visible to the player. Big data allows them to see which games are being enjoyed the most, which they can then ensure they continue to show on each visit.
By making the game library look more appealing because it is based on personal preferences, the casino will immediately become more appealing than other competitors that may not have any information or data about the visitor. This can help retain them and give them the competitive advantage that is so desperately needed in this saturated industry.
Personalized rewards and bonuses can be used
The online casino can also use big data analytics to allow its players to enjoy tailored bonuses and rewards. They can use the collected data to make personalized offers that they know will have a greater chance of being redeemed, thus allowing them to be more efficient and potentially increase their revenues.
An example of this might be offering a player a free spins bonus on a slot game that they have been enjoying. In doing so, a player might be more likely to use the bonus as it aligns with their interests and playing preferences. If they were offered a bonus on a game they have never shown an interest in, then it is likely they would avoid it.
Improve player and casino safety
Responsible gambling and safety have been huge areas of the online casino industry in recent years, with there having been a focus on these aspects externally. However, the use of big data analytics has allowed operators to do so much more than they were once able to, thus helping them promote a more positive experience.
 Use the data to make sure players are better protected from potential threats to player and casino safety. Big data has allowed the casino to track player trends and behaviours related to their gambling activities and their spending. They are better positioned to spot when a player may be in trouble, meaning they can act before it is too late. Additionally, they can use the data to make sure they are also better protected from potential threats to player and casino safety. They can use the data to prevent fraudulent activities, which can help to foster a sense of trust among its player base.
Big data’s highly influential impact on the online casino industry
As there are so many more aspects and elements in which big data analysis has had a positive impact in personalizing the online casino experience for players, it is clear that it is impossible to deny how crucial it has become for the industry.
With so many different options now available in the market for players to choose from, a level of personalization is needed nowadays to convince visitors that they truly value their custom. In doing this, they are better positioned to retain them and not lose them to a competitor.
 By Pepper Parr
February 18th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The City spends millions on transit.
Tens of thousands don’t use the service.
Council buys the Staff argument that transit is essential going forward.
Tough place to be.
Counsellor Paul Sharman will talk about our getting to the point where we won’t own cars but will rely on a service where you will dial up a company that will have a car at our front door that takes you to exactly where we want to go – with no one actually driving that car.
That isn’t going to happen in my lifetime nor that of Paul Sharmans.
Then where are we going to go with transit?
Two recent services done recently; one by Get Involved, a part of the city web site and Deloitte, an accounting firm hired by the city to survey public opinion on levels of satisfaction on services delivered.
What is interesting is that they ask if people use transit and if they don’t – why?
No one seems to be asking people – what do you expect to use to get around town or when you want to visit with friends in Hamilton, Guelph or Kingston. And where does the GO service fit into the thinking people do about how they are going to get around?
Let’s look at the data we do have.
No direct routes, takes too long to get where you want to go and not convenient are the leading reasons given for not using transit. Are there solutions that could attract people to using transit? Probably not in the near future.
There is no data that compares the Burlington experience with other Regions; York has made great strides and Brampton had the benefit of a very innovative transit executive that Burlington hired. She decided to retire before the job was done.
The survey work done by Deloitte had questions on transit. Their data was basically the same as the data collected by Get Involved.
What is the take away on this?
Council is committed to transit; there was a time, before Covid, when the ridership numbers were growing significantly.
What the public is not seeing are small pilot initiatives developed by Burlington Transit testing some of the options that are being used elsewhere.
One gets the sense that Council has settled into a model that provides transit for those who do not have a car. Those with cars will drive and complain regularly about grid lock without coming to terms with the fact that no new road capacity is going to be built.
At some point some innovative thinking is going to have to be applied.
Related news stories:
Wishful thinking going back to 2019
The 5 year Transit Strategic Plan took us to 2023. Needs an update – badly
By Staff
February 17th, 2023
Burlington, ON
Several years ago Andrea Battista formed a chamber music group and called it: Effusion.
 It started when she was awarded a grant from the Burlington Arts and Culture Fund to put on a concert, The Gratitude Project, just as things opened up after the pandemic. It was extremely well received by the public.
This second, concert features the work of 18 different female composers. Some are classical, some composed for musical theatre and some wrote works for television and film amounting to short selections from many different styles of music.
Local musicians, eight of them, are part of Effusion – Sunday, March 3rd at St. Christopher’s Anglican Church, Guelph Line, 3:30 pm
REMEMBER THE LADIES COMPOSER AND REPERTOIRE LIST
SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2024
Delores Claman Hockey Night in Canada theme, instrumental
Alexandra Harwood All Creatures Great and Small theme, instrumental
Fanny Mendelssohn Gondellied, voice and piano
Marianne von Martinez Sonata in E major, strings
Wanda Landowska Berceuse, instrumental
Buffy Ste Marie Until It’s Time for You to Go, voice and guitar
Mel Bonis Fughetta from Suite dans le style ancien, instrumental
Joni Mitchell River, voice, piano and guitar
Keiko Fujiie Three Pieces for Clarinet, No.1, clarinet
Lucy Simon Lily’s Eyes, from The Secret Garden, voice, instruments
Intermission
Amy Beach Waltz, instrumental
Cecile Chaminade Fleur Jetee, voice and piano
Serenade aux Etoiles, flute and piano
Carole King You’ve Got a Friend, voice and piano
Natalie Younglai Reunion, instrumental
Rebecca Clarke Prelude, viola and clarinet
Lisa Lambert I am Aldolpho, The Drowsy Chaperone, voice and piano
Florence Price Nimble Feet, piano
Consuelo Gonzalez Besame Mucho, voice, piano and guitar
Laura Nyro And When I Die, the ensemble
By Pepper Parr
February 17th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
UPDATED
It looks as if the Performing Arts Centre is going to be more involved in the 2024 Sound of Music.
Steve Cussons, Sound of Music Board Chair, has been meeting with Tammy Fox, the Executive Director of the Performing Arts Centre and have gotten to the point where they are dropping hints.
Something to keep an eye on.
Don’t recall seeing any news about Cussons being named as the Chair of Sound of Music. And we weren’t aware that
Myles Rusak was no longer the Executive Director of the organization. No loss there.
What we didn’t know was that Tammy Fox who is the Executive Director if the Performing Arts is also the Programming Director of the Sound of Music.
Lot of changes – we are beginning to see a different Tammy Fox. Her handling of the period of time where she didn’t have a Board Chair was something to observe. That issue appears to have been quietly resolved.
Pepper Parr
February 17th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Most of the people who delegate before City Council do so with some trepidation. They spend hours and hours writing what they want to say; editing to ensure that they have chosen the words that will convey what they feel and cutting things out to keep their delegations to the five or ten minutes they are given to speak.
 Irene Goodman reading her delegation to City Council They want to be heard; they want the members of Council to understand what their concern is.
More often than not, the people who delegate are talking about their homes, the streets they live on and the sense of neighbourhood that is so very important to them.
Most bring a sense of earnestness to their delegation. They want Council members to feel what they feel for their city.
They don’t understand why the members of Council don’t engage with them on what they worked so hard at saying to them.
It took the seven people who make up this City Council some time before they came up with the phrase: ‘You have made yourself perfectly clear, so much so that no one has any questions for you’, or words to that effect.
Those that have delegated for years bristle that that bit of lip service.
 Councillors Galbraith and Kearns appear to have had some urgent business to attend to while Irene Goodman was reading her delegation. On February 6th, when residents in the Shore Acres community wanted Council to listen to the concerns they had over an application to change the zoning on a piece of property that had a single detached dwelling to zoning that permitted semi-detached dwellings that would in this case permit two homes on a lot that had a single dwelling.
Do they listen?
These two didn’t listen when Irene Goodman was delegating.
 By Staff
February 17th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 Halton Black Voices are inviting the public to their upcoming event at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre this coming Tuesday, February 20th, 5pm – 7pm.
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre has included Halton Black Voices to take part in their Pay it Forward Business Networking initiative that brings together the local business community to mingle and learn more about local charitable organizations
Registration is FREE! There will be appetizers, a cash bar and amazing door prizes! Hosted in the BPAC Lobby from 5pm to 7pm
 The BPAC 5 to 7 ‘Pay it Forward’ Business Networking Session
Hosted By Mending the Chasm Inc.
in Support of Halton Black Voices
Tuesday, February 20th from 5pm to 7pm
Performing Arts – Family Lobby
 By Pepper Parr
February 16th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
Some movement on that Special Council Meeting that the public was not able to see on the webcast.
There was no information on the city website about a Special meeting of Council – even though the Mayor had advised her colleagues not to leave after the adjournment of a meeting of Council.
We waited to watch the webcast once the room has been “reset”.
When we saw nothing we reached out to Councillor Paul Sharman who assured us there was nothing much of interest.
We then reached out to the City Clerk. The answer to the questions we asked is as follows:
The meeting after Council was a continuation of the closed session meeting that was entered into on January 12, 2024, with respect to the City Manager interviews and deliberations.
As per the motion, the notice provisions are waived for this meeting. A report out in open session is forthcoming.
First question is: How long did the meeting last?
Second question is: Why do they need two days to report out on a meeting ? That level of information is usually given when the come out of the CLOSED session.
 City Manager Tim Commisso working his cell phone – Mayor Med Ward looking on – wondering perhaps? We have suspected that the meeting was related to the position of city manager. Tim Commisso is scheduled to leave at the end of June. The interviewing process is currently taking place.
The City did send us the Minutes for the February 12th meeting. How you date the minutes February 12 for a meeting that took place on the 14th is beyond us.
Those minutes are set out in their entirety:
Special Meeting of Council Minutes
Members Present:
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Kelvin Galbraith, Lisa Kearns, Rory Nisan, Paul Sharman, Angelo Bentivegna
Member Regrets: Shawna Stolte
Staff Present:Tim Commisso, Samantha Yew (Deputy Clerk), Sue Evfremidis, Richard Bellemare (Audio/Video Specialist), Debbie Hordyk
Note: This City Council meeting was conducted using a hybrid model, allowing members of Council, city staff and delegations the option of participating remotely or in- person.
- Call to Order:
- Regrets:
- Land Acknowledgement:
The Chair read the land acknowledgement.
- Approval of the Agenda:
Moved by: Councillor Sharman Seconded by: Councillor Nisan
Approve the agenda as presented.
CARRIED
- Declarations of Interest:
None.
-
-
- Delegations:
- Jim Thompson spoke regarding City Manager Recruitment (HR-02-24)
- Items to be considered at the Special Meeting of Council:
- City Manager Recruitment (HR-02-24)
Set out in blue below is the information we had to chase the Communication
Moved by: Councillor Bentivegna Seconded by: Councillor Kearns
That Council proceed into Special Council Closed Session meetings in January and February 2024, to conduct confidential interviews and deliberations related to the recruitment of the City Manager position pursuant to Municipal Act, 2001 sections:
239(2)(b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees, and
239(2)(k), a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board; and
Direct the City Clerk to schedule Special Council Closed Session meetings as required to conduct confidential interviews and deliberations for City Manager position in the months of January and February pursuant to Municipal Act, 2001 sections:
239(2)(b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees, and
239(2)(k), a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board, and;
That this resolution satisfies the Closed Session meeting requirements set out in section 239(4)(a) of the Municipal Act, 2001 and Section 27.2 of the City’s Procedure By-law for any meetings scheduled for the purpose of City Manager interviews and deliberations; and
Waive the notice and agenda provisions of the Procedure By-law including sections 22.1, 24.5, 24.6 for all meetings called for the purpose of City Manager interviews and deliberations; and
Waive the Closed Session provisions of section 27.6 of the Procedure By- law to allow the result of these meetings be reported collectively out at future meeting of Council, where Chair will accept a motion regarding the matters discussed in the closed sessions, or alternatively advise that direction had been given to staff during the closed sessions in accordance with the Municipal Act.
IN FAVOUR: (6): Mayor Meed Ward, Councillor Galbraith, Councillor Kearns, Councillor Nisan, Councillor Sharman, and Councillor Bentivegna
CARRIED (6 to 0)
- Motion to Receive and File Information Items:
Moved by: Councillor Nisan Seconded by: Councillor Galbraith
Receive and file information items, having been considered by Council:
CARRIED
Delegation notes from Jim Thomson regarding City Manager Recruitment (HR-02-24)
- Motion to Confirm Proceedings of the Council Meeting:
Moved by: Councillor Sharman Seconded by: Councillor Galbraith
Enact and pass By-law Number 01-2024 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Special Council at its meeting held January 12, 2024 being read a first, second and third time.
IN FAVOUR: (6): Mayor Meed Ward, Councillor Galbraith, Councillor Kearns, Councillor Nisan, Councillor Sharman, and Councillor Bentivegna
CARRIED (6 to 0)
Motion to Adjourn:
Moved by: Councillor Nisan Seconded by: Councillor Kearns
Adjourn this Council now to meet again at the call of the Mayor. 9:15 a.m. (recess), 9:17 a.m. (reconvene), 9:18 a.m. (adjourned)
CARRIED
Samantha Yew
Deputy Clerk
Marianne Meed Ward
Mayor
Related news story:
Councillor Sharman assures the Gazette
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
By Staff
February 16th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Toronto Star reports that more than a million Ontarians have yet to renew their licence plates and are facing fines up to $1,000 — even though doing so is now free.
 How did that happen?
In 2022, premier Doug Ford scrapped the $120 annual licence plate renewal fee. The Star reports that charges for people with expired plates have skyrocketed, from 5,341 tickets in 2022 to 15,631 in 2023, according to Ontario Provincial Police. What’s the state of your plate?
· Removing the renewal charge was a signature policy of Ford’s after he campaigned on keeping costs down — but the act would cost the provincial treasury more than $1 billion a year.
· There was some confusion after licence plate renewal stickers were scrapped alongside the annual renewal fee, leading some motorists to think they no longer have to renew at all. Others, forgetting to remove the 2022 renewal sticker from their plates, wound up getting ticketed outside the province by police thinking their plates were expired.
· Get it done: One’s licence plate expiry date is usually the birthday of the owner; motorists can check their licence plate status and renew it online. You can see here if your licence plate has expired and renew your plate online here.
By Staff
February 16th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles said the Official Opposition is heading into the upcoming legislative session ready to present practical, hopeful solutions:
 Ontario NDP Leader of the Opposition Marit Stiles whacking away at Premier Ford – every chance she gets. “People across our province are facing real challenges right now. People are waiting for hours for basic healthcare, they are stuck with sky-rocketing costs of housing, and their bills are not getting any lower. We need real solutions,” said Stiles. “But this government is too wrapped up in its never-ending scandals to come up with real solutions that matter to Ontarians.
The NDP is headed into this session focused on delivering solutions to housing, health care, and the rising cost of living.
“We’ve taken on a corrupt Conservative government and forced them to reverse course on countless bad decisions. Now, they’re under a criminal investigation for selling off the Greenbelt to the highest bidder and were forced to walk back wage-suppression policies after losing twice in court. Every climbdown and policy reversal is proof that when we work together, we can win.
“This session, we’ll keep holding Ford’s Conservatives to account, while putting forward the solutions that will make people’s lives easier.”
Stiles and the NDP will champion real solutions in the legislature, from targeting the staffing shortage in hospitals and underused public hospital resources, to expediting housing—including deeply affordable housing.
The Ford government slipped in a few goodies to draw attention away from the serious affordable housing problems with building starts far less than the province needs.
 By Pepper Parr
February 16th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
We now know why the Special Council meeting that took place on the 14th – was not webcast – the Gazette has been digging into that and we will report what we have learned later today. The way the city handled the Special Council meeting is the kind of thing that has to be taken to the Office of the Ombudsman.
The news that Hassaan Basit has been appointed the next City Manager was a bit of a surprise but also great news for the City.
What appears to have put Council into a real tizzy is that the current city manager Tim Commisso, wanted out – now. That got resolved at the Special Meeting.
The City Councillors had made up their mind on who they wanted in place and with that information in hand Tim Commisso felt he could leave the job.
He was a principled enough bureaucrat to stay on the job no matter how uncomfortable it may have been.
Mayor’s do not do what Meed Ward did to Tim – he didn’t deserve it and it wasn’t called for.
Hassaan Basit is a fine administrator. He did very good work at the Conservation Halton.
Gerry Smallegange, Chair of the Conservation Halton Board, put it perfectly when he expressed gratitude and extended congratulations to Hassaan:
“On behalf of the Conservation Halton Board, I want to congratulate Hassaan Basit on his new position with the City of Burlington. Hassaan has been an invaluable leader during his eight-year tenure as President and CEO of Conservation Halton, and nearly two decades of dedicated service with the organization. His departure is a significant loss — Hassaan is widely respected as an engaging and transformative leader, guiding Conservation Halton through challenging times, as evidenced during the complexities of the pandemic and an ever-changing regulatory landscape.
“His visionary approach has left an indelible mark. He redefined Conservation Halton’s business model, shaping two ground-breaking strategic plans that have not only elevated our business outcomes — providing financial stability and growth — but also fostered a positive organizational culture, instilling a growth and innovation mindset, collaborative problem-solving, and continuous learning.
Gerry got that right.
Related news stories:
The Mayor and the City Manager
The first look at Hassaan when he was appointed President & CAO at Conservation Halton
 By Pepper Parr
February 16th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 The next City Manager. Good choice that could turn out to be a great choice. Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, along with Burlington City Council, is pleased to announce Hassaan Basit will be joining the City of Burlington team as its next City Manager. Mr. Basit will begin his role on April 22, 2024.
Hassaan Basit has a proven track record of transforming organizations to deliver results. As CEO of Conservation Halton, he built a high performing team with an outstanding culture, reduced permit times, improved processes, brought in performance metrics and turned around relationships with the development industry, experience which will all be essential to meeting our housing pledge of enabling 29,000 homes to be built by 2031.
Additionally, he and his team are responsible for managing critical flood water infrastructure, approving development permits under the Conservation Authorities Act, carrying out environmental restoration and forest management, delivering programming to 1.5 million annual customers, and running parks, while focusing on sustainability, climate change adaptation and mitigation – key priorities outlined in the City’s recently approved four-year work plan, Vision to Focus.
He has also developed extensive relationships with all levels of government and Halton Region, including being selected by the provincial government as the chair of the Province’s Conservation Authority Working Group.
That’s the Official media release – nothing wrong with the content. Hassaan Basit has done a marvellous job running the Conservation Authority.
There is a deeper story that we will get to later in the day.
By Staff
February 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
New this spring!
Parking fees in high demand lots and all on-street metered parking spaces on will increase starting March 1st, 2024.
Drivers will need to pay for parking in three out of the 14 municipal parking lots and metered on-street spaces on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking is free after 6 p.m.
Users with a valid accessible parking permit or City-issued Veteran Parking Permit may still park in any space for free if the accessible spaces are occupied.
New Saturday parking fees
The three lots are: 1, 4 and 5. Users will need to pay for parking in these lots and metered on-street parking from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Parking is free in most other Downtown Burlington lots, including the Waterfront Parking Garage at 414 Locust St., on weekends and holidays.
Downtown parking fee increases
For the first time in 10 years, all downtown metered on-street parking spaces and lots will see a rate increase of $0.25 per hour. The rate increases will help fund lot maintenance, infrastructure and resurfacing and are:
- Hourly rate increase from $1.75 to $2 per hour
- Daily maximum parking fee increase from $14 to $18
- Monthly permits increase from $83 to $91 and from $132 to $151
Hourly and daily users can pay their parking fees through the HONK mobile app. Users do not have to download the app but can scan the QR code on parking lot signage to pay for parking. Monthly permit holders will receive a letter outlining their increases, renewal and payment options.
For downtown parking options, visit burlington.ca/downtownparking.
Visitors are encouraged to consider taking Burlington Transit, cycling, walking and leaving their cars at home.
Timing, Impacts and Basis
The City of Burlington periodically review their rates and fees for downtown parking. The last fee increase was 10 years ago in 2014.
 Part of the urban experience. Studies show that with intensification in the downtown core, many lots are approaching capacity. A rate increase will encourage turn over in these lots and help to pay for lot maintenance, infrastructure and resurfacing.
Research on neighbouring municipalities confirmed that these rates are consistent with their parking fees. For example, to park in Downtown Hamilton, user fees range from $3 to $3.25 per hour. To park in Downtown Oakville, user fees are $2 per hour.
Burlington is a City where people, nature and business thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/subscribe and follow @CityBurlington on social media.
Why are they doing this? Manager, Integrated Mobility Transportation, Kaylan Edgcumbe explains: “Parking spaces in our most popular lots are limited and the lots fill quickly. We are introducing paid parking on Saturdays to help manage the parking and traffic flow. In collaboration with the Downtown Parking Committee, we recognize that visitors come to the downtown, not only for shopping and services, but to access recreational opportunities and enjoy Spencer Smith Park and the waterfront. In order to maintain equitable access to the waterfront and recreational destinations, Saturday paid parking be extended to on-street and “premium” surface lots only. This option aims to balance parking demand by incentivizing use of the free lots for longer-duration stays that are located further away from the Brant Street retail area. We also hope that this encourages downtown visitors to look at other modes of transportation to help reduce greenhouse gases. Less automobile use within the downtown will support a more walkable community and active modes of travel.”
HONK mobile app
By Staff
February 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON. ON
Anything to get the narrative off the bad, really really bad news off the front page. Keep an eye out fpr the photo ops that will follow the announcement.
The Ontario government is keeping costs down for drivers by introducing legislation that would, if passed, ban tolls on provincial highways. This ban would apply to the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway once uploaded to the province, as well as the province’s 400-series highways.
Why would they say: “If passed” The have a clear majority of seats – they can, and have, done whatever they wanted.
 Premier Doug Ford is on a mission to keep costs down for families and businesses. “Our government under the leadership of Premier Ford is on a mission to keep costs down for families and businesses,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “First, we scrapped the tolls on Highways 412 and 418, now we’re protecting drivers from the costs of new tolls. Together with our cut in the gas tax and eliminating the licence plate sticker fee, we’re saving drivers hundreds of dollars every year.”
To further keep costs down for people, the province is also proposing to make the current freeze on driver’s licence and Ontario Photo Card fees permanent through legislation, saving drivers an estimated $66 million over the next five years. By legislating the current freeze, which was originally put in place through regulation and which has saved applicants $22 million since 2019, the government is ensuring that any future increases can only be made through legislation.
What a driver wants to know is: How much am I going to say personally. Truth – not all that much.
The province is also proposing to save drivers time by automating the licence plate renewal process starting this summer, saving vehicle owners more than 900,000 hours each year. This follows recent action by the government to eliminate the cost of renewing your vehicle permit. Until the automatic renewal process begins, drivers are still required to renew their licence plates at no cost, which can be done online or in person at ServiceOntario. The automatic renewal process will only be available to drivers in good standing who do not have outstanding fines or tickets.
These measures are part of upcoming legislation that will kick off the spring sitting of the legislature on February 20, 2024. The Get It Done Act will include a variety of measures that, if passed, would build on the government’s commitments to date to streamline approvals for major infrastructure projects and housing, keep costs down for people and businesses, and support economic growth for long-term prosperity.
Isn’t Get It Done what Ryan Amato said to the bureaucrats when moving properties out of the Greenbelt.
Ryan Amato, was chief of staff for Cabinet Minister for SteveClark, who later also resigned. Amato played a key role in choosing and opening up Greenbelt land for housing development.
With Ontario’s population expected to grow by five million people over the next decade, the province is moving forward with building Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass. These highways will bring relief to one of the most congested corridors in North America, helping commuters save 30 minutes a trip so they can spend time doing what matters most to them.
 September 2023: Long-delayed Eglinton Crosstown LRT has no target date for completion, says Metrolinx CEO Over the next ten years, Ontario is also investing more than $70 billion to transform public transit in the province, which includes the largest subway expansion in Canadian history, including the Ontario Line, the Scarborough Subway Extension, the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension and the Yonge North Subway Extension. The province is also moving forward with plans to extend the Hazel McCallion Light Rail Transit line by building the Mississauga loop and bringing the line into downtown Brampton and is calling on the federal government to join in a cost-sharing partnership to deliver two-way, all-day GO service on the Milton line.
The media release was followed by a list of people who had nice things to say about the planned legislation including:
– Todd McCarthy
Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery
– Kevin Ashe
Mayor of Pickering
– Steven Del Duca
Mayor of Vaughan
– Frank Notte
Director of Government Relations, Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario
– Teresa Di Felice
AVP, Government & Community Relations, CAA Club Group
– Stephen Laskowski
President, Ontario Trucking Association (OTA)
– Vince Accardi
President, Ontario Motor Coach Association and Motor Coach Canada
– Sara Anghel
CEO, Greater Toronto Hotel Association
By Mia Gonsaco
February 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
It has long been believed that casinos and sports betting are closely related. You can learn about many of the sacraments taking place in Pin Up casino from social networks.
Various myths often surround huge bets, cool winnings and gaming paraphernalia. Thanks to the Pin-Up Instagram page, subscribers can access the latest information about current events in the field of new gambling technologies and sports betting. Communication through social networks helps bring together gambling enthusiasts. They have a source of additional information, which is often helpful, helping to penetrate deeper into the mysteries of gambling.
Why is an Instagram page better than the official website
 Instagram followers have a new tool to receive additional incentives related to sports betting and casino games. At its core, any gaming platform is a very static resource. While providing the primary type of service at a high level, it cannot additionally act as an information portal on which administrators can post additional information related to gambling.
One of the goals of creating the Pin-Up platform on Instagram was to fill the need for more information. It is on such resources that you feel an informal atmosphere filled with a lot of useful content.
The Pin Up Canada player community is beneficial from all sides
The world of gambling entertainment is exceptionally dynamic, and innovations regularly appear in it. Bookmakers are changing the rules for calculating bets; new games are appearing, and bonus programs and user agreements are being updated. Unlike a gaming site, a page on a social network is a specialized platform where any subscriber gets access to verified information online.
With the increase in the number of users, social networks are turning into colossal marketing platforms. Thus, Pin Up CA has an influential audience at its disposal, some of which are potential clients. In turn, Instagram followers are purchasing a new tool to receive additional incentives related to sports betting and casino games. After all, through a social network, organizing some entertaining competition among subscribers and providing a prize fund for the lucky winners is relatively easy.
 Connecting with people who want to talk about what you want to talk about are out there on Instagram. Instagram is a great place for communication between game participants. Watching the successes of other subscribers, it is always easier to be inspired for further achievements. Newcomers get a chance to learn from veterans and gain confidence. Players who have gone through a serious school can reboot their imagination and get acquainted with new trends to expand their personal bet coverage.
Finally, the instant access page can be a great place for humor and jokes related to gambling. No reputable betting site can afford such content. Having cheered up and rested on such a resource, getting ready and preparing to storm new heights will be easier.
By Staff
February 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton District School Board is hosting Mental Health & Well-Being information sessions for parents/guardians
 The Halton District School Board is hosting Well-Being/Mental-Health-Well-Being-Information-Sessions for parents/guardians this Winter and Spring. Covering specific topics based on feedback from parents/guardians. Each session will be led by a mental health expert in that area who will share their knowledge and provide helpful information and resources.
Sessions include:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) & Mental Health – Wednesday, Feb. 21 from 6 – 7 p.m.
- Executive Functioning for High School Students – Tuesday, March 19 from 6 – 7 p.m.
- Healthy and Unhealthy Stress – Monday, April 15 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
*Note: These are repeated workshops offered last year. Additional sessions will be announced at a later date.
Registration is required for these sessions as limited spots are available. Parents/guardians can register by completing the Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions Registration Form. Sessions will be held on Google Meet, where closed captioning is available in various languages. Registrants will be emailed a link to access the session. Sessions will not be recorded.
Parents/guardians will have the opportunity to submit questions when completing the registration form or during the session. The HDSB’s Mental Health & Well-Being webpage has information for parents/guardians and students on mental health, ways to support positive mental health and well-being, and how to get additional support at school and in the broader community.
For additional information, contact: Amy Smith, Senior Communications Officer – Corporate communications@hdsb.ca | 905-335-3663, Toll free: 1-877-618-3456
By Pepper Parr
February 14th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
An update on that Special Council meeting that took place immediately after Council adjourned from a Council meeting yesterday.
At the time Mayor Meed Ward said – “Wait a second, don’t go anywhere yet – we have to reset the room for a Special Council meeting.”
So we waited – nothing happened. I spoke to other media people who follow what Burlington City Council does.
 We have no idea why this image appeared on our monitor. We didn’t like what we saw when we pressed Ctrl. Alt..Delete All kinds of images appeared on the computer monitor – none of them made sense
We poked around and learned from a Council member that a meeting did take place and were told that:
 Councillor Paul Sharman – explaining a view point. “The last meeting was a procedural action. Nothing of any relevance, no decisions, no information shared, all legal.”
That wasn’t really an answer.
The meeting we are told did go into a CLOSED session
We would like to know which part of which Act was used to go into a CLOSED session, how long did the CLOSED session last and what was reported when they came out of CLOSED.
These are all parts of a process that ensures a City Council is transparent – this stuff matters – and when the procedures are not followed questions are raised.
Having Councillor Sharman say:
“It was a closed meeting, Pepper. No skating, no statement nothing else I can say. You could ask the question of the clerk who will provide an official response.”
That answer isn’t good enough either.
 Marianne Meed Ward is on the other side of the podium this time – sits as the Council member for Ward 2 where a developer got a zoning change she opposed. It bothers me that this Council chooses frequently to take a pass on the process. There are very good reasons for requiring every public meeting to be webcast. This Council pays lip service to doing everything they can to ensure that the people they serve are properly informed. The processes are there for a reason.
Don’t expect the Mayor to make a comment and explain what she did and why she did it. That is not the way she operates these days. What we hear today is not what she was saying in 2018 and 2022.
By Pepper Parr
February 13th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Something very suspicious going on at the City Council level.
At just after 12:30 pm on Tuesday, Mayor Meed Ward adjourned the scheduled City Council meeting. A second after that she said:
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward Wait a second, don’t go anywhere yet – we have to reset the room for a Special Council meeting.
Huh!
They had just adjourned a Regular Council meeting. Why a Special Council meeting that was not on the City web site and for which there was no agenda that we could find?
So why would the Mayor tell her Council colleagues to stay in the room?
Got a note out to the Communications people – nothing back from them yet – but they seldom, if ever, get back promptly.
The Gazette, along with colleagues at other Burlington based media experienced what the Gazette was trying to deal with. Their calls to the Communications department were not returned. Same with the Clerk’s office.
Why would the Mayor say publicly that there was to be a Special meeting of Council when there was nothing in the calendar?
A meeting must have an agenda and that Agenda has to be public and approved before a meeting can commence.
 Are we overly suspicious? With this Council we certainly are.
Stand By
 By Pepper Parr
February 14th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Paul Sharman told his Council colleagues about an initiative that could help the most vulnerable in our city.
The U13A Blue Burlington Eagles is actively competing for the 2024 Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup and they need your help.
 The Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup seeks to inspire young Canadians to do good by transforming the positive values learned through hockey into Good Deeds within their communities. The team with the most “points” will win the cup and the money will go towards the charity of our choice.
If they win, they will donate the $100,000 grand prize to the Gift of Giving Back (GOGB)(https://giftofgivingback.ca/who-we-are/burlington/).
The competition runs from Jan 19 until March 3. After 3 weeks of the competition, the U13Blue are currently in 2nd place.
 Check out the recent news story: https://youtu.be/if8a2tsMj8k?si=DXv4fpMSi6aza96y
As City of Burlington residents, we can work together to help this team win the cup for our city.
The team gains points when ANYONE posts a photo or video of a good deed on social media.
It’s really easy to capture a good deed. It can be anything from picking up a piece of trash, writing a nice note to a team mate or friend, buying a coffee for a stranger or capturing a picture of the clothes you just donated. You don’t even have to be in the picture. It just has to showcase the act of the good deed and a description so we know what the good deed was.
 If you want to contribute a good deed, send your photos or videos to:
U13ABlueBurlingtonEagles@gmail.com and they will post it for you.
If you have a PUBLIC profile and are social media savvy, you can post on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok or YouTube, but please remember to:
- Post it on social using #GoodDeedsCup
#Contest #u13ablueburlingtoneagles and #FillTheCup
- Be sure to tag @ChevroletCanada and @U13ABlue_BurlingtonEagles to make sure your entry gets counted.
“We can do this, Burlington”
Indeed they can – and bringing home $100,000 is not chump change.
 Boys in a van on the way to a hockey game in London use the time to log in and click, click, click. A number of years ago Kraft Foods held a contest that had thousands of young hockey players across the country clicking away. BLOMA players came in second and brought in $20,000 for the league.
 It was great fun BLOMHA Executive Director on the left and John McNeil hold up the $20,000 cheque won during a drive to register clicks on the Kraft Hockey Goes On contest.
 It became a family + friends drive to get the biggest numbers of clicks when BLOMA league players took part in the Kraft Foods contest.
By Pepper Parr
February 13th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
City Council will meet today and zip through their agenda.
The folks in Shoreacres will delegate – but Council was pretty clear, the owner of the lot that has a single house on it at 366 Appleby Line wants to tear it down and put a semi-detached structure on the property which would add to housing available. The argument that housing was needed did it for this Council: from that point forward it was a done deal despite some impressive delegations. Another community lost out
The interesting thing on the agenda is in the CLOSED session stuff;
This is something you want to keep an eye on.
If the numbers were positive City Council would be letting you know real quick. When they go behind CLOSED doors – you know something is wrong. Keep that in the back of your mind going forward.
Reserves are mandated by the province – you can’t cheat.
There was a time when the Reserve balances were available – one of the gifts City Manager Tim Commisso gave the city was bundling the reserves into groups making it difficult to dig down into the numbers.
We’ll keep an eye on this one.
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