Council wants to consider licensing rentals as a way to control AirBnB situations: Aldershot resident would love to see that happen

By Pepper Parr

March 29th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Getting on the agenda at Tuesday’s Standing Committee took a special motion but Aldershot resident Chris Regan did get a chance to tell his story – it was not a pretty picture – the system failed him at several steps along the way.

Chris Regan – has an AirBnB residence next to his house which has five cameras capturing every visitor to his door

Chris Regan wanted to speak to an item regarding development and implementation of a city wide short term accommodation compliance and licensing program

Chris and his wife lived on Danforth Place, a quiet neighbourhood where the street slopes towards the lake.

A large six bedrooms, six bath, house next door had been recently sold.  Regan and his wife and one of their neighbours met with the new residents a day or so after they moved in

When he first met his new neighbour they had taken possession of the house. My wife and I met them, along with our neighbours to welcome to the neighbourhood. They were very nice they told us they were very excited to be moving in. They had I believe three children and they were very excited to have them go skate on the bay. We found out later on that they’ve never had any intention of moving in, they marketed it for what they’re using it for today.

I had a second chance to greet him. I was going to my car in my driveway he was in his, they were cleaning out the property after some renters that come in and we basically just exchanged pleasantries. I certainly wasn’t in any position to confront him. Knowing what they were doing with the property, I felt that it wasn’t the right way to do it. The right way to do it was to go to our counsellor and to take action from that point.

I hate to stand up and complain about things. I’ve owned a business in Burlington for the last 22 years.  Regan has been a Burlington resident for the last 60 odd years. We currently reside on Danforth Place and have been there for the last 12 years. When the property was sold in December the new owner immediately turned it into an Airbnb. They advertise it as an “event center”.

I understand that everybody has a right to operate a business providing they are doing it legally and without disruption to the rest of the community.  On 11 different occasions since they’ve rented it out we have personally had people come to our door thinking our house was the Airbnb location.

“We have all of this on cameras. We have five cameras around our home. The neighbour on the other side of us also has cameras on their home

Homes on Danforth Place in Aldershot

“It’s basically a party place and the disruption to our neighbourhood and to our security. On eight different occasions, we have had cleaners, food delivery people and UPS or Amazon people show up at our door, leave food, leave packages, leave parcels – we have all this on camera.

We’ve literally had to walk to our neighbour’s home to tell them it was delivered to our home.

We’re perfectly prepared to offer the video evidence that we have from our home and from our neighbour’s home as well, to back up the claims that I’m making here today.

Councillor Stolte, who faced a similar situation in ward 4 started out by saying: “ I feel your pain”.

Adding that “we’re looking at for short term accommodations solution that will help to negate situations like what you’re dealing with.  Yours is something that can be dealt with through a different opportunity that may resolve it sooner than what we’re able to get to through this with the Short Term Accommodation Licensing program that is being considered.

Regan explains that “we have been advised to go through the bylaw department and register complaints about the noise activity and the open bonfires outside that has embers and the ashes are hitting my wooden deck.

“I called the fire department first – they told me to call the city – I call the city. The city told me to call the bylaw department. But to answer your question I don’t believe I’ve been informed of another way of bringing this to anybody’s attention and that’s why I’m here today.

Councillor Galbraith asked: “ Can you let us know how they are marketing this? This house says is it just an Airbnb? Are they going sort of beyond that and and marketing it as an event center?

Regan explains: “I’m not sure whether they currently been marketing as an event center. They started marketing as an event center. We saw the ads. It did go through Airbnb. I’ve just gotten back into the country to come to this meeting. So I I’m not sure I haven’t even had a chance to look at the current ads and how they’re running it. But you know what, five and six cars in their driveway at any given time. It appears to me that for the most part it’s being run as an event center or to hold meetings. And again, I can’t verify that but I can just see from what I’ve seen.

We’ve called bylaw on several occasions have not heard back yet. We’ve told that there’s a long wait for the bylaw people who are very busy. Our neighbours on the other side of the home  called the police department three times on

Our neighbours, Diane and Colin, have had people, renters, walk into their home without even knocking on the door and asking where the party is. Diane and Colin had their neighbours over at the house at the time, that can corroborate and confirm how people, not even knocking on the door, but literally walking into the home thinking okay.  It was as if they were walking into a convention center and didn’t need to knock on anybody’s door. We can just come into their home. That’s happened to them twice.

It’s never happened to us, we always keep our door locked even when we’re in the home.

Mayor Meed Ward thanks Regan for sharing “what is undoubtedly a very stressful situation then asked Regan if he had been in touch with AirBnB – I know they do have some regulations to try to prevent party houses, have you complained to them? What did they say?

Regan: Yes, we have registered a complaint to Airbnb. The response was basically a standard response to saying that they’re not taking any further action against what we’ve registered as a complaint.  It was basically a boilerplate letter back saying okay, we we’ve got your complaint, and we’re basically not going to do anything about it.

The Mayor asks a second question around the zoning and “whether you’ve had any questions or discussion with staff, I’m quite certain a residential area is zoned for commercial Event Center activity.  We can ask stuff about this.  But has that come up in any of your discussion? Would that be an opportunity?

Regan: It has come up in discussions with Councillor Galbraith and he was of the opinion that nowadays, you know that it is a residential neighborhood and it shouldn’t be marketed and advertised as an event type center. That to my knowledge is the extent of the discussions I’ve had.

Councillor Bentivegna adds that come the summer it is probably going to be busier than in winter. How often do you have these circumstances ?

“How often over a 30 period would that happen?

I believe they started marketing it as Airbnb in December, I think if it happens more than twice a month, which I know it has it.

You know it? It seems to be a lot. And you’re absolutely right. That concern with us really has not been now but what’s going to happen?

They have a beautiful property. And we know that it’s a fairly big property. We know that when summer comes it’s it will be more people coming and going coming and going all all the time.

Again, I’m not here to shut his business down or any business down. But I do believe that the the rights of the security and the privacy of their neighbours is being severely compromised here.

Councillor Sharman asks: “I’m a little uncertain about your comments about the fire department and by law  – can you tell us about the nature of the fire? Is it an open fire,

It was an open bonfire. And it was on their property. My property sits very close to their property. And this was an uncontained bonfire.  We have properties where we had bonfires on, we knew it’s illegal.  When we lived up in Cedar Springs we had one and the fire department showed up so we knew it was illegal.

I phoned the fire department that night because the embers were literally coming up to our main floor deck and our second floor deck is as well – we own an elevated home overlooking the bay, and the wind was blowing in our direction. Of course the smoke was blowing in our directions as well.

Sharman: The critical point was it was an open fire. Did anyone from the fire department come out ?

No the fire department did not come out. They said we had to phone the bylaw department.

Did you call by law ?

My wife called by law once and Diane and Colin brown have called them three times. Mostly for the noise by law and obviously once for them going right into their homes.

Bentivegna  – Just a quick follow up – have you written them and emailed the council and asked them to engage the buyer on a review of the zoning circumstances?

Councillor Sharman said to Regan: “I really appreciate you being here this morning. Thank you so much for your time and I’m very sympathetic to your cause.

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Suggesting that trees could be a bond between developers and those who want the Millcroft golf course property just as it is

By Pepper Parr

March 28th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Daintry Klein

Daintry Klein, delegating before a Standing Committee this morning decided to see the developers as allies rather than a sector she had to do battle with.

“ To BILD and the West End Home Builders Association” she said, “ we understand that a complete and balanced, liveable community is as important to your prospective clients and your business as it is to existing residents.

“ The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s report released on March 20 details that we are likely to reach or surpass 1.5 degrees of warming by 2040. Canada’s goal, as established at COP 15 in Montreal last December to conserve 30 % of land and oceans by 2030 is meant to address this urgent situation.

“It is recognized that protection can’t just be reserved for vast open spaces; it needs to be a part of our cities and the everyday lives of more people. There is a substantial gap between the goal of 30% and the parkland dedication percentage reality that we face. The more frequent high winds and storms are an ongoing reminder of the effects of climate change.

Royal Botanical Gardens – trees, plants and birds.

“Last week, The Royal Botanical Gardens presented a lecture on Prescribing Nature. Details of important health benefits of 30% tree cover and 2 to 3 hours/week of walking in City parks include reduction of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, psychological distress, poor sleep and loneliness.

Dr. Myles Sergeant of Hamilton and Executive Director of the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care is actively involved in planting trees consistent with the goal of improving health outcomes. He highlighted for the audience the effects of urban heat islands. Higher density development with less greenspace and tree cover directly correlates to cardiac arrests. Long story short, parkland and tree coverage are critical to sustainability of life as we know it.

“Dr. Sergeant spoke of the three resources needed to meet his organization’s goals. Money to purchase trees, volunteers to plant and space to achieve their goal of 800,000 trees. He indicated that the first two resources were plentiful but the biggest challenge is the required space to plant the trees.

“Given the 1500 trees that were planted but two feet apart in our Millcroft Park last year, the similarities were strikingly similar.

“If we in the City of Burlington are serious about mitigating the climate emergency, we must be more thoughtful about preserving decade’s old mature trees as well as planting new ones. The benefits of maximizing the tree canopy should be ensured with a better opportunity for survival and space to achieve their potential. The city’s trees, including in our parks, provide shade, cooling, erosion control, stormwater management and green house gas mitigation for our residents. As power outages become more frequent with potentially longer duration, trees may become the only refuge available in excessive heat situations.

Every tree on this street is on private property. Every property owner has the right to cut down the tree on their property. If one comes down – so what? If five come down will those five people have lessened the value of the properties on the street? If they all come down – would anyone want to buy property on this street.

“Let’s look for viable locations in our parks that can better accommodate this important goal of expanding the tree canopy and providing shade for walkers, spectators and simple enjoyment of outdoor spaces.

“Two days ago CNN provided important reporting on Cities designed to work with, not against water as flooding increases. Laura Paddison comments that cities have tended to focus on trying to keep water out, often turning to concrete: building up walls, dams and other gray infrastructure. She writes that as the climate crisis continues to threaten cities and reshape coastlines, vulnerable urban areas are looking to work with, rather than against water by soaking it up within the fabric of the city.

“Greenspace, such as natural vegetation and tree canopy are the sponges working in Bangkok. That city is vulnerable to flooding as it was constructed on a floodplain and sinking due to the growing urbanization. Perhaps this is worth consideration here in Burlington.

“Burlington, the Region of Halton and the World are in a climate emergency. The important work on the city’s parks acknowledges this. However, let’s not let the brief paragraph dealing with climate considerations within this report be overwhelmed by the extensive analysis.

“Millcroft Greenspace Alliance is currently focussed on preserving the Millcroft Golf Course property with its mature tree canopy, natural vegetation, and creative stormwater design. There is space on this property for many additional trees. It is an example of a privately owned public space that is currently under threat of development rather than the intent of permanent open space.

“City Council publicly opposed the proposed development in December of 2022; we urge the City to preserve this valuable resource. To quote this Parks Provisioning Master Plan report, “the City will need to be proactive in the acquisition of land and look potentially to new or rarely used tools to acquire parkland in order to meet its service needs”

This what the Millcroft Greenspace Alliance wants to protect – and with very good reason

Asking the developers to plant trees on the golf course property rather than build additional housing was novel as an approach – good on Daintry Klein for making the point.

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Long term plan for recreation and culture: how to factor in climate change and major population growth

By Pepper Parr

March 28th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It goes back to 2009, long time for a Master Plan to be developed and presented to Council. The document providing a 20-year strategic framework for the development and enhancement of parks, recreation and cultural facilities and services has been used to guide city capital budgets, development charge studies, and overall, to enhance our services and meet the needs of our growing and changing community.

The document is a solid look at where Parks, Recreation and Culture staff think has to be done.   Document is riddled with acronyms.

Excellent progress has been made in the implementation of the 2009 plan.
Notable projects completed over the last twelve years include:

The Skyway Arena in the east end of the city is under construction.

Recreation Facilities
Haber Community Centre
Mountainside Recreation Centre Revitalization
Angela Coughlan, Centennial and Aldershot Major Pool Renewals
Nelson Outdoor Pool and Splash Park Re-Build
Central Arena Renovations and Accessibility Upgrades
Skyway Community Centre and Arena Re-Build (in progress)
Mountainside Outdoor Pool Re-Build (in progress)
New Community Centre (former Bateman H.S. – in progress)

Parks

A first look at what was being proposed as a Beachway Master Plan. It meant a community would be destroyed and perfectly good houses demolished.

City View Park Development Phase 1
Sherwood Forest Park Renewal Phase 1
Norton Park and Alton Neighbourhood Park Developments
Burloak Park Re-development (ongoing)
Lowville Park Enhancements
New Splash Pads, Skateparks, Leash Free Parks and Community Gardens
Community Trails Strategy and Implementation
Beachway Park Master Plan
LaSalle Park Marina Wavebreak

Joseph Brant Museum: The house got lifted up and put on top of a little hill with the museum under the hill.

Cultural Facilities
New Haber Branch Library
Appleby Branch Library Relocation to new Community Centre (former Bateman H.S. – in progress)
Joseph Brant Museum Expansion
Cultural Action Plan
Public Art Initiatives

Strategy/process
Over the past year, staff have worked on the Parks Provisioning Master Plan which is now complete and tabled for Council’s consideration. The next important piece of work is the update of the 2009 PRCAMP. Both initiatives are critical in shaping the future of parks, recreation and cultural services. The table below explains the difference between the two master plans at a high level.

Initiative Focus Timeline
Parks Provisioning Master Plan (PPMP) Parkland service level (land base needs). Goal to ensure adequate public greenspace for future generations. Completed March 2023
PRCAMP Update Determine long term needs for new recreational facilities as well as revitalization and enhancement of existing assets. Q2 2023 to
Q2 2024

Overall, the goal of the PRCAMP update is:

To provide a 20-30 year strategic framework for the development and enhancement of city parks, recreation and leisure services that will contribute to the health, well-being and quality of life for all citizens of Burlington. The plan will be driven by existing and forecasted data, influenced by community needs, and informed by industry leading best practices.

Strategic Context for the PRCAMP Update
to re-evaluate community needs and priorities for parks, recreation and cultural services for the next 20-30 years. The biggest change is the projected growth: the city will grow to over 260,000 by 2051. In comparison, the 2009 PRCAMP was based on a build out population of under 200,000 by 2031 as per the Region’s “Best Planning Estimates” at the time. This projected growth will have a significant impact on parks, recreation and cultural services.

Other strategic factors that will be considered

Lawn Bowling Club is right beside the Seniors Centre.

Shifting demographics and a desire for an age friendly and inclusive community
New trends and needs for recreation and leisure services
Impacts of new provincial legislation on funding for recreation services
Land availability for more facilities and services
Optimizing the capacity and functionality of existing assets and resources
Striving for accessible and affordable services
Achieving a balanced array of recreational opportunities and services
Financial pressure of maintaining existing assets while planning for new facilities
Changing attitudes on recreation participation due to pandemic and economic factors
Exploring partnerships and available community resources to meet community recreational needs
Establishing appropriate and achievable service levels to meet community needs and expectations
Assessing the involvement of the private sector in recreation service delivery
Alignment to other corporate policies and plans including the Framework for Community Recreation, Parks Provisioning Master Plan, Urban Forest Master Plan, Integrated Mobility Plan, Climate Action Plan, Asset Management Plan, Cycling Master Plan, Community Trails Strategy, Vision to Focus.
Provision of services in the Aldershot, Burlington and Appleby Major Transit Station Areas (MTSA’s). These new compact urban communities will account for a large portion of the city’s overall growth and will require creative new ways of integrating meaningful and accessible recreational services for residents and employees. Convenient access to high quality local parks and diverse recreational opportunities is a key attribute of the “complete and healthy community” concept which is our vision for the MTSA’s. This will be a significant focus for the PRCAMP Update.

PRCAMP Scope
The PRCAMP Update will determine the need for new city recreation and leisure facilities as well as revitalization of existing assets for a 20-30 year period. The facility types that will be reviewed as part of the master plan study are listed in the table below, however other needs may be identified.

Indoor Facilities Outdoor Facilities
Recreation:
Arenas/Ice Pads
Indoor Pools
Multi-Use Community Centres (gymnasiums and multi-purpose rooms)
Age-Specific Program Centres (Seniors and Youth Centres)

Culture:
Smaller Cultural Program Centres (Music Centre, Student Theatre)
Integrated cultural components & uses within multi-use community centres Parks:
Sports Fields
Playgrounds
Tennis Courts
Pickleball Courts
Basketball/Multi-Purpose Courts
Skate Parks (major and minor)
Splash Pads (major and minor)
Outdoor Pools

Outdoor Skating
Leash Free Dog Parks
Community Gardens
Bocce
Disc/Frisbee Sports
Fitness Equipment
Park Amenities (water fountains, shade, seating, washrooms, and park lighting)

Event/Festival spaces
Casual open spaces
Other emerging needs (Cricket)

Types of Recommendations
Service Level Targets (e.g., 1 ice pad per x thousand residents)
New Facility Needs (location, timing, cost, prioritization)
Major Renewal/Revitalization/Expansion (timing, cost, prioritization)
Facility Re-Purposing (timing, cost, prioritization)
Partnership Initiatives
Facility Consolidations (e.g., arena twinning, library/community centre mergers)
Facility Leases
Leveraging available community resources and assets
Strategic Acquisitions (land and facilities)
New policies, strategies, and standards

While the PRCAMP Update will be a comprehensive study, there are a number of items that will be out of scope since these items have their own focused planning and business processes.

Out of Scope:

The trail from Spencer Smith Park that leads to the canal is something every Burlington resident treasures.

Routine life cycle renewal (e.g., flooring, roof, mechanical components).
Trails – Community Trails Strategy will be refreshed in 2025.
Cycling – Cycling Master Plan recently approved.
Major Cultural Venues – The city is well served in this area through significant investments over the past 10-15 years.
Municipal Golf Course – Subject to specific business reviews
Heritage Buildings – E.g., LaSalle Pavilion, Paletta Mansion. Require focused business reviews.
Joint Ventures – These community driven initiatives accommodate specialized recreational interests and programming, over and above the City’s typical service provisions. Joint Venture initiatives are evaluated on a case- by-case basis. The City will be undertaking a broad governance accountability review of city-affiliated service organizations including Joint Ventures (JV) and Agencies, Boards and Commissions (ABC).

PRCAMP Work Plan
The following table provides a high level workplan for the PRCAMP Update.

Phase Work Activities
Project Planning
Q1 2023 o Data collection
Project Structure – Steering Committee, Project Team
RFP – Hire Planning Consultant

Situation Analysis
Q2 2023 o Review relevant policies and plans
Review current levels of service and benchmark with other municipalities
Assess non-municipal recreation services in the city
Assess functionality, capacity and utilization of existing city facilities
Review current demographic profile
Review development and population growth forecasts
Review trends in recreation and leisure participation and facility development
Understand partnership models that support service delivery

Phase Work Activities
Community Engagement
Q3 to Q4 2023 o Community and user group surveys
Stakeholder focus groups
Public Information Centres
Council interviews, workshop
Identification of key findings and strategic themes

Q4 2023 to Q2 2024 o Develop recommendations and strategies
Internal review and consultation
Prepare reports
Opportunity for public review and comment
Seek Council approval


As a head start to this project, work has already started on various tasks in the Situation Analysis Phase including data collection and an analysis of current service levels, capacity, utilization, and distribution of existing recreational assets.

Next Steps
Staff are in the process of retaining a multi-disciplinary consulting team to lead this project. The award of the contract is anticipated in early April. All data and background research work completed to date will be handed over to the new consultant.

Total Financial Impact
The will determine the need for new city recreation and leisure facilities and revitalization of existing facilities needs over a long-term horizon of 20-30 years.
The Master Plan team will come forward in 2024 with a prioritization of capital needs, associated costing, and timing.

Staff will be reporting back on the City’s multi-year community investment plan in Q4 2023 to include completed master plans to date:  Integrated Mobility Plan, Fire Master Plan, Transit Master Plan), and overview of funding options resulting from Health report, Bill 23 Impact Analysis, new park dedication by-law, CBC and DC updates, etc. The MCIP will provide a preliminary financing strategy to assist in meeting the objectives of the master plans completed to date and will set the stage for financing future master plans, such as the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan which is scheduled for completion in 2024.

The MCIP will continue to be refined to encompass changes to investment opportunities subject to completion of master plans, funding opportunities and city priorities.

Source of Funding
The PRCAMP Update has an approved budget of $200,000 in capital account PR0205 (Parks and Open Space). Most of the budget will be used for consultant fees. Other minor expenses include advertising, mail-outs, printing, and meeting expenses.

Other Resource Impacts
The master plan will involve staff from many Departments on various committees and teams including:
Recreation, Community and Culture (*Lead Department)
Engineering Services (Parks Design and Construction, Asset Planning, Geomatics)
Finance
Roads, Parks and Forestry
Corporate Communications and Engagement
Community Planning

Climate Implications
New weather patterns are certainly affecting recreational services including more rain and extreme storms, heat waves, higher UV index, and milder winters.

The need for more shade and shelters, water fountains, water play features to cool off, better field drainage, more reliable playing surfaces like artificial turf, and refrigerated outdoor skating surfaces are potential responses to climate change.

Finally, the protection and enhancement of green spaces and vegetation is also critical in reducing the urban heat island effect, slowing stormwater runoff and erosion, improving air quality, supporting local biodiversity and urban wildlife.

Engagement Matters:
A robust community engagement program will be implemented to get the broadest community perspectives on sport, recreation and cultural service needs. The engagement program will be finalized once the successful consultant is selected.

A communication plan will be developed to support the engagement program and ensure a high level of community awareness of the master plan initiative and opportunities for getting involved.

Council will be made aware of all community engagement opportunities before the public is notified. The community engagement will also help to inform the programmatic direction, use and functional design of the former Bateman H.S. Community Centre, and ensure that it aligns with broader community needs for recreation, arts and cultural programs and services.

Conclusion:
Once completed, the updated master plan will inform our multi-year community investment plan, future capital budgets and development charge reviews.

The recommendation from the Standing Committee will go to Council April 18th

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Ward 1 community meeting - a bit on the bumpy side for the Council member

By Staff

March 27, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith

And just how did things go for Councillor Galbraith last week at his meeting with his constituents ?

He had an audience of about 20 people – some that were very unhappy. Those that seemed to have slept during the election that returned him to office and are now ‘aroused’ and asking very direct questions.

The event was live at the East Plains Road United Church and virtual as well. No numbers on how many took part virtually other than they didn’t ask a single question.

That might be enough to convince Galbraith to stick with the virtual format and forget pressing the flesh.

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Everything you need to know about how the coyote problem is being managed - including sponsoring one of them if they are collared.

By Pepper Parr

March 27th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The strategy and plans to manage the coyote problem in Burlington will be in front of Council on Tuesday

A very attractive animal that tends to steer clear of people but will come very close and on occasion threaten people when it has not been able to find the food it needs.

While Coyote sightings are common in Burlington, the 7 unprovoked attacks of that took place in 2022 had people frightened and angry and wanting better management of the problem.

The Burlington & Oakville Coyote Management (BOCM) prepared a report and gave it to the city manager who, for reasons that were never clear, sat on it. Several Council members fumed over that. The city manager did eventually meet with the BOCM people; the city adopted a number of the recommendations, showing that citizens can make valuable contributions if staff would learn to listen to and take on ideas that make sense and compliment what Staff have done.

Dr. Dennis Murray, associate professor of biology at Trent University, said in a CBC program that “, the rapid rise in the coyote’s range and urban population is due to the intersection of many different ecological issues. Climate change plays a part. Coyotes do better when there’s less snow and so have been able to expand their range northwards. The absence of bigger predators like wolves has meant less competition for prey animals. And, Murray adds, the way we’ve built cities has changed to incorporate more parkland and green space, which is ideal coyote habitat.”

Police successfully tranquilized this bear and then caught it when it fell to the ground.

Wildlife control is a function of the Province with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry overseeing the issue. They say “Wildlife such as coyotes, wolves, and other fur bearing mammals sometimes come into conflict with people. Municipalities are responsible for deciding on and taking appropriate actions when human-wildlife encounters create ongoing conflict situations on municipal property and can also take action on private property with the permission of the landowner.

The province supports municipalities by providing advice and expertise on actions they can take to resolve such situations.

However, when prevention fails, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act allows municipalities to protect their property by harassing, capturing or dispatching a variety of wildlife species, including coyotes, or to hire a licensed hunter or trapper to do so on their behalf. Municipalities may also take action to address human-wildlife conflicts on private property with the permission of the landowner. No approval or authorization is required from the province in these cases.

Municipalities may pay licensed hunters or trappers to hunt or trap fur bearing mammals within their municipal boundaries. The municipality determines the terms of any such arrangement, including the species of fur bearing mammals, the hunters or trappers involved, the number of animals, and the locations and time periods that apply.”

Burlington Animal Services recently completed the contract staff (2) hiring process for the CAAP (Coyote Action and Awareness Program) and the Animal Services team is now currently staffed with one supervisor, six animal control officers and four animal care and licensing attendants. Animal control officers are directly responsible for administering and enforcing applicable animal laws and regulations of the Province of Ontario and City by-laws pertaining to animals.

In the provision of the services, Burlington residents are assisted with stray animals, rabies mitigation, dangerous animal investigations, animal nuisances, loose livestock, injured animals and deceased animal pickup with these requests being related to domestic and/or wildlife.

While coyotes represent an increasingly difficult challenge, an increased demand has also been placed on Animal Services to deal with domestic animal issues; namely aggressive dogs in City-owned public parks and open space. Domestic animal bites alone account for almost 1 incident per week over the past 2 years 2021/2022.

Animal control officers are responsible for providing public education related to co- existing with coyotes including hazing techniques, assessing properties for known coyote attractants, investigations into encounters and attacks, investigating and issuing fines for illegally feeding coyotes and other wildlife, monitoring known coyote dens, and locating and eliminating coyotes involved in attacks on residents.

CAAP – Coyote Action and Awareness Program

The city installed signs in the parts of the city where coyote sighting were very high and where people had been bitten or nudged.

The seven physical coyote attacks on residents in 2022 during a 9-week period from July 30th to September 20th, 2022, Resulted in the activation of the Level II Crisis Management Team and followed the Coyote Response Strategy Escalation Protocol approved by Council. The Animal Services team focused their resources on locating and tracking the coyotes responsible and collaborated with a Certified Wildlife Professional (CWP) in their elimination.

A city manager’s office report estimated 2022 one-time cost of $22,850.

The Manager of Procurement Services was authorized to sign a multi-year agreement with the CWP for the remainder of 2022 and the duration of 2023, with the option to renew for three additional one year terms.

One of the results of the coyote experience was the consideration on the establishment of the proposed new Bylaw Compliance Department inclusive of an enhanced coyote response model as part of the Animal Services function.

That would mean the hiring of a new Director of Bylaw Compliance, to undertake a full review and update of the current City of Burlington Animal Services Bylaw (By-law 60-2005) and Coyote Response Strategy by Q4 2023.

Many of the recommendations of the community association – Burlington & Oakville Coyote Management (BOCM) were taken up and implemented by Staff.

The City Manager will be directed to initiate meetings, as required, with the Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of Oakville and senior staff of both Burlington and Oakville to develop and implement a coordinated work-plan related to both the BOCM recommendations as well as other City/Town coyote response initiatives including, but not limited to, joint procurement of external professional wildlife management services, joint coyote related data collection, research and analysis and public educational and awareness programs and possible mutual coyote response service agreements.

Roads, Parks and Forestry will be directed to procure and install lids for non-decorative garbage cans in the immediate area of coyote concern, to an upset limit of $15,000 in 2022; and

Building and Bylaw will be instructed to adopt a pro-active coyote response strategy model including adding two additional contract Bylaw Enforcement Officers, and engage appropriate coyote specialist resources to assist with investigations, canine response team, training staff and members of the public.

Direct the Mayor and Government Relations Manager to connect with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and other ministries as needed, to formally request emergency funding, and staffing support, to help the City respond to coyote attacks in Burlington; and

The Executive Director of Legal Services and Corporation Counsel and the Director of Building and Bylaw reviewed the current fine structure for illegal dumping contained in the Lot Maintenance By-law and bring back options to increase the fines for ticketing offences, Part I and the maximum fine for Part III offences for the feeding of wildlife.

A city-wide mailing and social media communication plan was implemented that focused solely on the fact that the recent crisis of aggressive wildlife attacks is the direct result of illegal dumping and/or feeding of wildlife.

The Senior leadership, via implementation of the ECG (Emergency Control Group) identified immediate needs to have resources on hand and available for immediate deployment; Burlington has continued the procurement of a roster of CWPs (Certified Wildlife Professionals) trained and accredited to use lethal and non-lethal measures in Coyote control and mitigation tactics.

Interesting that the city hasn’t issued any reports on the size of the coyote population and where they have taken up residence. Do we know anything about the possible size of the pups born in the Spring ?

Trained and certified wild life experts knew how to find coyote dens.

City staff are able to assess potential den locations to either mitigate or remove the location prior to it becoming a public safety threat. To date a number of property audits have already been completed with highly positive feedback from the community.

Increased community visibility, signs  and coyote education programs, via town halls, school pop-ups and proactive patrols are the continued focus of the CAAP team in 2023 and 2024 based on the two-year pilot time frame.

The education and enforcement regarding feeding of wildlife continues to be the foundational basis for the program, which also expands into proactive park patrols for domestic animals off-leash as well as the failure to remove domestic animal waste. This provides the community with multiple channels for relaying information to officers, either via email, telephone, or personal conversation with an officer patrolling a specific park or ward. This amplifies community engagement as well adds an additional layer of security by officers being readily available for any coyote-related issues which may arise.

A number of the 11 recommendations in the BOCM report were used by the city. There are joint meetings of Oakville and Burlington Animal Services staff where opportunities to work together to advance the recommendations provided by BOCM. Staff appreciate the efforts of BOCM and acknowledge that while all of the recommendations have been fully considered, not all of the recommendations have been supported.

When confronted by an angry coyote citizens were told to back away slowly – not to run and to report the sighting immediately.

The traumatic physical attacks have changed the dynamics of coyote-human co- existence within Burlington. While the City’s approved Coyote Strategy protocols addressed how unprovoked and provoked physical attacks would and in fact should be handled, those incidents have demonstrated the need for ongoing proactive response tactics, the implementation and endorsement of the CAAP program is achieving positive results.

Consideration is being given to the ability to track, tag and potentially collar urban coyotes. This program could potentially have revenue streams attached in the capacity of base donations or sponsorships of the animals being digitally monitored similar to the Yellowstone Wolf Program (State of Montana).

The costs incurred during 2022 were $88,190. These costs were not budgeted and therefore absorbed as part of the 2022 yea rend financial position

Total Financial Impact
The 2023 budget included a one-time funding in the amount of $580,488.00 for a two- year coyote response strategy. The two-year program includes two contract animal control officers, communication and literature costs as well as purchased services of CWPs and veterinary expenses.

Coyote pouncing on a spot where it has senses there is a small animal.

Coyotes have existed within the City of Burlington for decades and will continue to thrive in this current climate. Recent aggressive behaviour including the 2022 physical attacks on residents brought about the urgent need to enhance our response strategy and implement a rapid action team (CAAP) to deal with these urgent issues. Our ability to coexist with these animals is dependent on public understanding and controlled interactions which reduce the level of fear and increase the aversion conditioning tactics required to maintain that balance.

Council’s unequivocal support of the additional tactics and resources proposed will ensure that the Animal Services team is equipped to address escalated coyote situations in an expeditious manner.

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The housing development sector likes the provincial budget

By Staff

March 27th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The West End Home Builders’ Association likes the provincial budget.

“We warmly welcome the number the important investments within the budget today aimed at filling labour gaps and supporting critical infrastructure, so we can deliver keys to more families, faster,” noted West End Home Builders’ Association (WE HBA) President Terri Johns. “The residential construction industry is encouraged by today’s budget because it means the provincial government recognizes the need to build a strong foundation to construct the 1.5 million homes we need over the next decade, essential to restoring housing attainability in Ontario.

Training construction workers to build the 29,000 units Burlington is expected to build by 2031 was part of the provincial budget.

“Investments of an additional $75 million for the Skills Development Fund (SDF) will make it easier for our province to build the skilled workforce of tomorrow. The Ontario Home Builder’ Association’s highly successful Job Ready program that helps introduce young people to rewarding careers in the skilled trades has been supported by the SDF in the past and we will continue to push for this support in the future. Furthermore, an investment of over $20 billion dollars towards vital highway, transit and infrastructure projects will also create new links throughout our province, help connect people and underpin more housing options. Finally, we are pleased to hear the provincial government is continuing conversations with the federal government on exempting the GST/HST on new housing and rental.

WE HBA CEO Mike Collins-Williams

“Today’s provincial budget takes important steps forward to help accelerate the delivery of housing supply in communities big and small across Ontario,” noted WE HBA CEO Mike Collins-Williams. “Making it easier to get into the skilled trades and investing in crucial highway infrastructure will help make it possible for awaiting families to get the keys to their new home sooner and increase the volume and variety of housing options our province needs.

“Whether it is the millennial first time home buyer, working adult, young family or retiree, Ontarians need more attainable housing. Without the right mix of home ownership, including rental options, Ontario risks economic damage as opportunities, investments and businesses will leave in search of jurisdictions that provide greater housing choice and supply. Significantly increasing housing supply and variety is critical to ensuring Ontario can remain the economic engine of Canada. We will continue to champion investments and initiatives that increase housing supply and choice so that more Ontarians can find a place where they can live, work and raise a family.

About West End HBA: Since 1942, the West End Home Builders’ Association (WE HBA) has been the voice of the local residential construction industry. WE HBA provides an effective voice for the land development, home building and renovation industries, as well as for new home buyers. WE HBA is actively engaged in working to ensure its members’ interests are represented at all three levels of government and advocates on behalf of consumers for choice, affordability, and sufficient supply.

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Around the Bay road race drew 6000 participants

By Staff

March 27th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

A long-awaited pause that refreshes for Toronto’s Breanna Power.

The oldest road running race, Around the Bay, took place on Sunday with 6,000 runners involved.

Haichu Du of Mississauga (left) and Holger Kleinke (right) of Waterloo chase the rabbit in Aldershot.

The 2023 edition of the Around the Bay Road Race had 5K, 30K and relays.

Ottawa runner Blair Morgan and Toronto’s Sasha Gollish were the top men’s and women’s finishers in the 30K, both grabbing the first ATB wins of their careers. Morgan finished in a winning time of 1:37:46, and Gollish crossed the line in 1:48:03 for the women’s win and eighth overall.

Photographs by Denis Gibbons

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Burlington Blast U16 Ringette players at the countdown stage for the National Championships in Regina

By Pepper Parr

March 26th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Burlington Blast will be in Regina early in April for the National Championship games in the U16 category.

They are nonpracticing hard on and off the ice as they prepare for the National Championships that will take up 7 days.

The Bake Sale went well

Prior to heading out to Regina they were fund raising and using GO Fund Me to raise funds.

The Bake Sale on March 25th went well as did the Clothing Drive.

The Team has their Go Fund Me page going. Link: https://gofund.me/dfcc44b8

Ankles and thighs need to be in top shape if you are going to play at the National Championship level.

Erin O’Grady-Bimm, Assistant Coach/Trainer is working with the players regularly getting them to the point where they will be at the top of their game when they head for Regina.

The 7-day event will take place from April 9-15th, 2023, and will crown national champions in U16, U19 and National Ringette League divisions.

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Designing Complete Communities for a Future Burlington

By Pepper Parr

March 27th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

City Council will meet in a Workshop setting on Thursday the 30th  to begin its work on the next version of its multi-year workplan Vision to Focus (V2F).

The agenda for the meeting makes the point that as the City continues to grow, a strategic response to emerging economic and demographic changes is needed.. The strategic approaches provide guidance and priorities for the decisions made that impact the future of the city.

The picture was taken before the Pier was completed and before the Bridgewater development was started.

In the last year, municipalities have experienced some of the most significant changes to planning processes ever seen.

Some of the legislative changes and decisions have immediate and time sensitive impacts to our work and outcomes for Burlington.

The V2F (Vision to Focus)and Strategic Plan work creates opportunities to explore and consider new organizational focus areas and strategic directions to support a comprehensive approach to designing complete communities for the future.

The goal of the Workshop is to explore opportunities for

Shaping the organization’s strategic directions and focus

Bringing awareness to transforming related decision-making processes within the organization to achieve the provincial housing pledge and accommodate the anticipated population growth in Burlington; 29,000 new homes by 2031.

Designing Complete Communities for the Future of Burlington becoming a comprehensive and holistic approach for the City

Inspiring the community, Council, and staff about the future of Burlington

Michael Moffatt, Senior Director of Policy and Innovation will speak about Setting the Context for Designing Complete Communities.  He will be followed by Scott Pickles, Principal & Senior Vice President, Canada Consulting Leader at Avison Young Global who will speak on Placemaking Today and Strategies for Designing Complete Communities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ford government ends a health program on very short notice - ending a crucial, long-standing gap in health coverage now, is 'devastatingly cruel'

By Staff

March 26th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Ontario government is bringing to a close a program that would pay hospital and physician costs for the uninsured, a move some argue will leave vulnerable residents without necessary medical care.

The Physician and Hospital Services for Uninsured Persons program started in March 2020. Under the plan, hospitals and doctors were allowed to bill the government for “medically necessary” treatments provided to patients without OHIP coverage.

Dr. Andrew Boozary

The program was timed to COVID, but it was never COVID-specific; all medically necessary care was eligible for reimbursement.

Advocates who deal with the undocumented and the homeless say it closed a crucial, long-standing gap in Ontario health coverage. Shutting it down now, they argue, is “devastatingly cruel.”

“We are now talking about a health system in Ontario where unhoused, newly landed permanent residents, temporary workers and international students run the risk of major medical bills and debt,” said Dr. Andrew Boozary, a primary care physician and executive director of population health and social medicine at Toronto’s University Health Network on Twitter. “The mirage of universality is over.”

Ontario hospitals were informed of the coming change, effective April 1, in a Ministry of Health memo. Many physicians only learned of it Friday night when the Ontario Medical Association sent out a note to its membership.

“It was a shocking Friday evening email,” Boozary said.

The ministry memo described the program as an effort “to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by allowing uninsured persons in Ontario, including those without Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage or other health insurance, to access medically necessary physician and hospital services.”

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Millcroft Greenspace Alliance begins its fund raising drive

By Staff

March 26th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Millcroft Greenspace Alliance will hold its second community meeting on Monday May 8, 2023 at 7pm at Grace United Church (Millcroft Park Drive and Walkers Line).

As part of our commitment to transparency and community engagement, we look forward to bringing our neighbours together to:

Recap the success our community achieved from the September meeting
Learn about MGA’s ongoing initiatives to preserve the Millcroft Greenspace
Discover how you can get involved in saving the Millcroft Greenspace
Provide an overview of key dates of the OLT process leading up to the hearing
Connect with neighbours and friends!

The infrastructure which should not be disturbed drains away water from heavy rain

Millcroft Greenspace Alliance has formed a partnership with Small Change Fund, a registered charity. Your tax-deductible contributions to our project will allow Millcroft Greenspace Alliance to hire an experienced lawyer, and subsequently technical experts to argue our case against development on the Millcroft floodplain. Our need is urgent the professional talent is needed before the OLT meeting. Please click below to donate today!

Click HERE to donate – Tax receipt provided

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Halton Region seeking public input on key priorities for 2023-2026

By Pepper Parr

March 26th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Think through the really important issues – the attempt on the part of the provincial government to tear up the Green belt, the very significant growth the province is expecting the municipal sector to deliver on.

The province has actually asked the municipalities to sign a pledge to deliver a specific number of new homes – for Burlington it is 29,000 by 2031.
Municipalities don’t built homes – the developers do that. What the province wants the municipalities to do is make the process development applications have to go through as easy as possible – easier said than done.

Burlington has a two tier form of government. It is part of the Region of Halton which is made up of Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills.

The Region handles Waste Management, water services, police services, public health and social welfare. Some roads are deemed to be Regional Roads – Dundas is an example.
When municipalities have to borrow large sums debentures are issued by the Region on behalf of the municipality.

Halton Regional Council is developing a Strategic Business Plan that will guide the Region’s work over the next four years. To seek input from the public, the Region has prepared a Consultation Document that outlines four key themes with proposed goals, actions and measures. Once approved, the 2023-2026 Plan will set the strategic direction and priorities for the four-year term of office.

Environment and Climate Change

Waste management

Police Services

“From clean drinking water to resilient infrastructure, public health programs, financial assistance and family supports, our services contribute to a high quality of life in the Halton community,” said Gary Carr, Halton Regional Chair. “With Halton expected to grow to 1.1 million residents by 2051, our priorities must reflect the needs of the community to preserve this high quality of life. Public participation in our strategic planning process is important, and I look forward to hearing the priorities from our community.”

Between March 23 and May 4, 2023, Halton Region is asking residents, businesses and stakeholders, as well as Indigenous People, Communities and First Nations, to participate in consultation activities and provide feedback on the Consultation Document. The community can visit halton.ca/strategicplan to:

take a short online survey; and/or
• attend a virtual public meeting through Zoom or by phone on the following dates:
o Wednesday, April 12, 2023 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
o Tuesday, April 25, 2023 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Community input will inform the final version of the 2023-2026 Strategic Business Plan, which will be presented to Regional Council for approval in July.

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Applications for Cohort 2 of the i.d.e.a. Fund program are now open!

By Staff

March 25th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

They call it seed money – the cash needed to get an idea from concept to the point where it can be shown to be financially viable.

The people behind these ideas are almost always young – they have incredible energy and the are very very smart.

But they don’t have any money – the need cash and support from people who have gone down this road and succeeded.

That’s where the federal government (Ontario also has similar programs.)

With funding from Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, six Regional Innovation Centres, including Haltech, have combined efforts to offer selected businesses the opportunity to re-work their products, services, processes and technologies to focus on reducing impact on the environment. This includes mentorship support to grow and accelerate their business.

If you’re an incorporated business located in southern Ontario, with high growth potential, and have fewer than 500 employees, you might qualify.

What can your business receive if you are selected?

Seed Funding & Support

• Non-repayable seed funding of up to $30,000 with matching funds
• Up to 40 hours of fully funded, targeted support from business leaders

Expert Help

Our experts have the knowledge and experience to help you address challenges and move your business forward in all areas including:

Having access to people who have been down the road you are about to go down is essential.

• Growth plans and strategies
• Talent attraction
• Raising follow-on investment
• Market diversification
• Product development
• Quantification of product benefits
• Market value propositions
• Commercialization of intellectual property

Who can Apply?

We’re looking for 120 companies that are:

• High potential businesses that have growth potential
• Committed to reducing their impact on the environment by developing new or redesigning:
• Products
• Services
• Processes
• Technologies

Learn More & Apply

The numbers are important – you want access to someone who has the experience you do not yet have.

The first cohort of this program concluded on February 28, 2023. Cohort 2 will begin in June 2023 and continues to December 31, 2023.

If you’re unsure of your eligibility, consult the i.d.e.a. Fund Program Guide for full selection criteria.

Still not sure if your company is a fit?
Join us for any one of three info sessions

Info Session 1
March 28 | 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Register Here

Info Session 2
April 5 | 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Register Here

Info Session 3
April 13 | 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.

Register Here

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The BPAC Season comes to an end - three performances left + the BTTB

By Pepper Parr

March 25th.2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Well 2023 was a lot better for the Performing Arts Centre than the two previous years.

Tammy Fox, the Executive Director of the Performing Arts Centre has theatre in her DNA and blood that flows faster when there is applause had a very tough time dealing with stages that were dark.

Tammy Fox and her team celebrating the opening of the Season that did have hiccups – the band that arrived – but their equipment didn’t.

Tammy Fox, Executive Director put it this way when she said: “It is hard to believe that the 2022/2023 Season at The Burlington Performing Arts Centre is coming to a close! It has been a wonderful Season, coming out from shutdowns and limitation, and performances have been selling out, showing us all that the arts is not just needed but embraced, particularly in these post pandemic times when we all need a little extra joy and escape.

“This Season, BPAC has once again been able to present many tremendous artists. We have featured holiday favourites, lively comedians, spectacular illusionists, iconic rock legends, family fun and supported local talent on our stages and outdoor plaza. The final three shows of our Season, appealing to a wide variety of patrons, include the return of the award-winning Indigenous music of TWIN FLAMES, the quirky comedy of SEAN CULLEN and his surprise guests and an engaging performance of Lightwire Theater’s THE UGLY DUCKLING for our next generation of theatre-goers.”

This husband and wife duo bring an Indigenous richness, combining the language and culture from Métis, Algonquin Cree, Inuk and Mohawk

Back by popular demand, Twin Flames, sponsored by Mending the Chasm, will be at BPAC for one night, performing in the intimate Community Studio Theatre.

This husband and wife duo bring an Indigenous richness, combining the language and culture from Métis, Algonquin Cree, Inuk and Mohawk as well as French culture and language in their music and storytelling. Twin Flames has been long-celebrated for building bridges across cultures, styles and continents and have 41 awards and nominations to their name.

Enjoy their Grace Too, nod to Gord Downie and the work he did to increase awareness and understanding toward reconciliation.  The band will be in Burlington on March 30th, at 7:30pm and there are limited tickets available so do not wait to secure your seat!

Twin Flames
Thursday, March 30, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
Community Studio Theatre
440 Locust Street, Burlington, Ontario
Tickets can be purchased online or by telephone:
905-681-6000 | https://burlingtonpac.ca/events/twin-flames/
Tickets: Regular $39.50 / Members $34.50

Good Friday, April 7th, at 4pm enjoy the last our Family programming with Lightwire Theater: THE UGLY DUCKLING. Gaining popularity as semi finalists on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Lightwire Theater combines theatre, dance, and technology to bring stories to life in complete darkness. They have been internationally recognized for their electroluminescent artistry and creativity. Each character in the performance takes nearly 200 hours to create and runs off batteries, there are no cords or cables restricting the movement of the characters. Bringing life to the classic tale of The Ugly Duckling, vibrant colours, poignant choreography and the creative use of music from classical to pop, this production will leave you wanting more.

Lightwire Theater: The Ugly Duckling
Friday April 7, 2023 at 4 p.m.
Main Theatre
440 Locust Street, Burlington, Ontario
Tickets can be purchased online or by telephone:
905-681-6000 | https://burlingtonpac.ca/events/the-ugly-duckling/
Tickets: Regular $35 / Members $30

The final installment of Sean Cullen’s Comedy Cocktail, sponsored by Joe Apps Technology – Comedy Series Sponsor, will leave us laughing until next Season! Resident comedian Sean Cullen brings his guest comedians and ties together humour and music in a fantastically funny performance in our Community Studio Theatre, a perfect spot for a comedy show. On April 12th at 7:30pm in our Community Studio Theatre, a perfect spot for a comedy show you will find Sean, Nigel Grinstead, Jackie Pirico and musical talent Loverboat.

Comedian Nigel Grinstead’s laid back charm and absurd takes on life has earned him the reputation of being one of the most imaginative comics in Canada. A staff writer on CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Grinstead kick started his career winning multiple comedy competitions, including Just For Laughs. He has performed in festivals across the country and has the distinct honour of taping three sets at Just For Laughs to air on The Comedy Network.

Jackie Pirico has been named by Exclaim! Magazine as a quickly rising force in comedy and an “adept comic scene stealer” by the Hollywood Reporter. She was also received a Juno nomination for her comedy album Splash Pad this year. Pirico’s oddball material and disarming style will delight the BPAC audience. Catch her in the feature film Sundowners, Viceland TV and the new mockumentary series New Eden, found on Crave.

Musical interludes offered by Loverboat, the musical duo of Meher Steinberg and Ian Good featuring yacht rock themed music but waaaay spacier. Enjoy their new genre “Space Yacht”, available for all occasions.

 

Sean Cullen

Sean Cullen’s Comedy Cocktail
Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
Community Studio Theatre
440 Locust Street, Burlington, Ontario
Tickets can be purchased online or by telephone:
905-681-6000 | https://burlingtonpac.ca/events/sean-cullens-comedy-cocktail-apr/
Tickets: Regular $39.50 / Members $34.50

The full schedule of BPAC Presents events is available HERE

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BTTB to perform twice on April 2, at Performing Arts Centre

By Staff

March 25th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

They will return to the city that is their home after a fabulous tour in Ireland where they won top prize as Best Band in both Dublin and Limerick, Ireland – that last one in driving rain.

The sliding glass doors on the east side of the Performing Arts Centre are opened wide allowing the BTTB to flow into the building celebrating the day they officially took up residence.

The Band will perform at the Performing Arts Centre on Sunday April 2nd, at both 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm.

The Band was formed in 1947 and has a very large alumni association; many members met while in the band, married fellow band members and raised kids that became band members as well.  It is something the city is very proud of – rightfully so.

 

There isn’t a major parade in North America the BTTB hasn’t taken part in.  They have performed around the world and serve as the true Ambassadors for the city.

 

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Ford Conservatives plan to reduce eye exam eligibility for seniors

 By Pepper Parr

March 25th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

It was almost is as if the government was doing some pay-back to the optometrist sector.

Specialized equipment is expensive – optometrist were finding they were losing money on each examination – the result of not have a change in the rate paid by the government for 17 years.

Recall that a while back they stopped making appointments for people who wanted their eyes examined because they claimed the province was not paying them enough to cover all their costs.

After months of bickering the optometrists and the provincial government came to terms and appointments were being made.  Seniors were entitled to one examination every 12 months.

In the budget tables on Thursday the government got rid of an examination every 12 months to an examination every 18 months.

Looks like pay-back to me.

Marit Stiles. Leader of the Opposition at Queen’s Park said: “Seniors are having a hard enough time right now without having to go longer between eye exams, which are critical to seniors’ health.

“The Ford government reducing OHIP-covered eye check-ups for people 65 and older to every 18 months instead of annually will hurt seniors—preventative eye care is important to catching issues early and could impact seniors’ ability to live independently.

“Only seniors who can afford to pay out-of-pocket will be able to get more frequent eye exams. This announcement is yet another example of Doug Ford funnelling money out of our public health care system into private, for-profit care.”

Will this hurt the senior’s vote?  In three years many people will have forgotten what was done – and by that time the government will have a massive surplus and be able to spend like crazy.

 

 

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Jim Thomson to the Mayor: 'you are so full of it.'

By Jim Thomson

March 24, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

To: Mayor Marianne Meed Ward cc: City Council
Re: Due Process under the Procedures Bylaw

The following is a machine transcription of your remarks following the lunch break at the Council Meeting on March 21.

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward: “We need to have flexibility along with our rules.

“For process preparation and advance notice to the degree possible, recognizing that we always want to be flexible for new issues that arise in committee and council. But I will note that this report was available to us 13 days prior to the discussion at committee. We had quite a discussion at committee on this item. There was another almost week between that committee and today’s council meeting. And we got the amendment actually during this council meeting at 1130, just before the break for lunch. So sometimes that happens. We’ve all been there.

“But to the degree possible, I strongly encourage council members to prepare their amendments so that they can be brought to the committee meeting for discussion, so that they can be circulated primarily to the public in advance, so the public can delegate and speak to them. We don’t have anyone able to speak to it today because the public was not aware of this. Again, that does occasionally happen.

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward: “respectful to your colleagues, to staff, it is also respectful to the public and our process.”

“We need to have flexibility along with our rules. But to the degree possible, I strongly encourage folks that’s also respectful to your colleagues. It would not have necessitated the need for a recess. It’s also respectful to our staff. We didn’t have all the staff needed, we had to pull into the meeting. So, again, as much advanced notice as people are able to provide, that is much appreciated, that is respectful to your colleagues, to staff, it is also respectful to the public and our process.

“So, I just want to put in a little plug that whenever we are able, recognizing things arise in committee, things arise based on delegations. And that is okay.”

Mayor you are so full of it.

It was you that introduced the staff directions under discussion at committee on the March 2nd with no opportunity for the public to comment on them.

You also introduced the amended calendar at the December 5th committee meeting in violation of the Rules of Procedure and the Public Notice Procedure. There were no written records in the December 5th meeting for the public to comment on at the subsequent council meeting.

It appears that it is good to be the Mayor, no need to follow the rules.

Good to also be a friend of the Mayor. Councillor Nissan introduced his amendment with no advanced warning to the public. Why wasn’t he given a lecture about procedure?

Councillors Stolte, ward 4 and Kearns ward 2

I want to thank Councillors Stolte, Kearns and Sharman for crafting the amendment so that the public finally gets to find out what the process for Engagement on Bateman is going to look like.  I would also like to thank Councillors Kearns and Sharman for the amendment to the report from the workshop, that will ensure that there is also public engagement on the Procedures Bylaw.

Jim Thomson is an Aldershot resident who has delegated frequently in the past couple of years.

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The Jaundiced Eye

Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy commenting to Premier Ford on their way into the Legislature on March 23rd to deliver the 2023 budget.

 

Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy commenting to Premier Ford on their way into the Legislature to deliver the 2023 budget.

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The support this part of the universe gets isn't anything to be proud of - individually we have work to do

By Pepper Parr

March 24th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Communities around the world are expected to support Earth Hour on Saturday, March 25 from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. Every year, since the inaugural event in Australia in 2007, at 8:30 p.m. on the last Saturday of March, people across the world unite, taking action on and raising awareness of the issues facing our planet.

Will things get to the point where human beings as we know them will not be able to live on the earth?

Earth Hour draws attention to biodiversity loss, climate change and the need for cooperation to secure a bright tomorrow for all people and the environment. HDSB schools are encouraged to spend at least 60 minutes on Friday, March 24 doing something positive leading into Earth Hour , including:

• Learning about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including #7 – Affordable & Clean Energy, #6 – Clean Water and Sanitation and #13 Climate Action
• Exploring the connection between climate and social justice
• Exploring water issues, using the UN Conference on Water as a starting point
• Commit to taking action on ensuring clean water access and water conservation
• Planning campaigns around sustainable transportation, energy use and litter clean-ups leading into April and Earth Day

Participation in Earth Hour supports the Halton District School Board’s continued commitment to environmental leadership and taking action for a sustainable world ⎼ one of the five areas of focus in the Halton District School Board’s 2020-2024 Multi-Year Plan.

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It is ugly, despicable, life destroying behaviour and it takes places in our community – to our children.

By Pepper Parr

March 24th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It is ugly, despicable, life destroying behaviour and it takes places in our community – to our children.

The Halton District School Board (HDSB) is now providing families with information and resources to address and prevent sex trafficking.

Students live on their cell phones where they can be manipulated.

The vast majority of sex trafficking victims are under 24 years of age and approximately 30 per cent are reported to fall between 13-18 years of age. This is why the Ontario Ministry of Education is requiring school boards to educate students and staff about sex trafficking and promote safety by taking meaningful, culturally-responsive and consistent action to prevent and respond to issues of safety and inappropriate behaviours.

Teachers are in touch with their students every day – they spot changes in behaviour – the first sign that something could be wrong.

Due to almost daily contact with students, teachers and other education staff are well placed to educate on prevention and promote healthy relationships, notice troubling changes in behaviour, and connect with students as caring adults. By training staff to recognize the signs of sex trafficking, they will be better equipped to identify the cues and safely intervene if they suspect a student is being trafficked or involved in trafficking. Education can also serve as a key factor in helping survivors of trafficking heal and rebuild their lives, helping to prevent re-victimization and resetting students on a healing trajectory towards positive outcomes.

The HDSB’s Anti-Sex Trafficking webpage has resources and information about the important steps being taken in our Board to recognize, prevent and respond to sex trafficking. Families can find video resources that cover three important topics:

• Anti-Sex Trafficking Awareness for Parents/Guardians
• Interview with Parent of an Anti-Sex Trafficking Survivor
• Student Personal Devices and Online Safety

The webpage also includes the Halton Anti-Sex Trafficking School Board Protocol, Administrative Procedure: Anti-Sex Trafficking and information about annual staff training and education in the HDSB.

The Gazette urges parents to be part of educating your children.  It is an ugly subject – help your children understand and save them from that experience.

Jennifer Fowler, Superintendent of Education – Safe Schools.

“The HDSB is committed to upholding and championing human rights and this is embedded in so much of what we do every day. Through the HDSB’s 2020-2024 Strategic Multi-Year Plan, we incorporate principles of equity and inclusive education into all aspects of our operations, structures, policies, procedures, guidelines and practices, consistent with the principles of the Ontario Human Rights Code,” says Jennifer Fowler, Superintendent of Education – Safe Schools.

“As a Board, we have been actively partnering with community groups and school boards across the region to address the unique and specific needs of our Halton community. Action by schools, families and community partners together will help prevent, identify and recognize sex trafficking to act quickly to ensure appropriate interventions.”

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