 By Pepper Parr
December 23, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
This is one of those – on again – off again stories about a parking lot.
In July of 2021 Carriage Gate had not yet started construction of what was planned for the southern part of the site. They eventually put shovels into the ground and named the condominium the Berkeley.
It was one of three structures on a block bound by Caroline on the north, John on the West and Elizabeth on the East. The City recently announced that there was now a new “temporary” parking lot on John Street. That space was north of the Berkeley which was completed and occupied.
No word from anyone is as to who approached who to turn what was a pretty rough patch of ground used by trades people who were working on the Berkeley and the garage that was underground
 The proposed medical building on the right, the garage in the middle and what is now the Berkeley condominium on the left. There was to be a parking garage in the middle and an eight storey building on the north end. First mention was that it was to be a medical building.
 It was space used by trades people to park their pickups and for construction material delivery. With the Berkeley complete there was no need for the parking lot. New parking lot at 515 John St.! This new, temporary lot only takes mobile payments using HONK. Officers will check that you’ve paid using your license plate. Please pay for weekday parking b/w 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Free after 6 p.m., on weekends & holidays!
 A thick layer of asphalt turns unused space into a parking lot with a revenue stream. Not a word about the several story parking lot that was planned. Who approached who with the idea of turning the space into a temporary parking lot – and how long is temporary?
Will the City share the parking lot revenue with Carriage Gate; who will get how much. the city?
Related news story:
The Carriage Gate development had problems from the very beginning
 By Staff
December 22nd, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
An east-end Toronto consultant, thinks her smartphone use is basically under control. There are, however, a few aspects of her use that concern her.
In the daytime, the consultant spends time on her smartphone to avoid unhappy thoughts. At night, if she’s woken up by a nightmare, she uses games to chase the bad dream away.
 Designs like this on a cell phone? “I pick up my phone and design a room on Design Home,” she said. “I get the bad thought out of my head and I go back to sleep.”
The University of Toronto did a study on cell phone usage and learned that women report more problematic smartphone use than men.
The research, which involved more than 50,000 participants — the largest study of global problematic smartphone use to date — shows that, across the board, women report more problematic smartphone use than men.
The researchers also discovered a correlation between this type of use and mood disorders — such as anxiety and depression — but it’s far from clear that the smartphones are causing the disorders.
“If women are experiencing more depression and more anxiety and are trying to avoid these feelings by using their phone as a pacifier, that might be partly why we see gender differences in problematic smartphone use,” said Jay Olson, lead author of the study “Sex, Age and Smartphone Addiction Across 41 Countries.”
The “adult pacifier” theory of mindless overuse of our phones is an increasingly popular hypothesis, thanks to research by Shiri Melumad, PhD and assistant professor of marketing at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. Melumad’s research found that people seeking ways to cope with stress or avoid negative feelings used their smartphones as “attachment objects,” similar to the way a child uses a security blanket or favourite toy.
In addition to the idea that women might turn to their phones as a coping mechanism, Olson says that problematic usage could stem from the fact that women are more likely to use their phones for messaging and social media than men.
A study found that people often used their smartphones as “attachment objects,” similar to the way a child uses a security blanket or favourite toy.
 Excessive cell phone use has little to do with technology. The upshot of this research is that it underlines the need to offer different solutions for people who want to curb excessive smartphone use according to demographics (there were also differences observed according to age and geographical region). The hard part, though, is that it flicks at the very reasons many women have trouble putting the phone down in the first place — reasons that have nothing to do with technology.
“I think it’s because the societal expectations of women to bond with others and seek out social support are so ingrained,” said Taryn Grieder, who has a PhD in medical neuroscience and is an assistant professor in psychology at the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine. “The main driver of increased usage is likely that we’re just more likely to spend time connecting with other people.”
There may also be biological factors at play, such as oxytocin and estrogen, which Grieder said make women more likely to “tend and befriend.”
Hormones aside, if asked, plenty of women will gladly explain that it’s hard to turn off the phone (or even switch to airplane mode) if you’re the emergency contact for a half-dozen people.
“There’s definitely a cultural and societal expectation that women will be available and are going to be the ones to contact for support,” said Grieder, “Who do you call when you need help? You call your mom.”
 The notifications might not wake us, but the brain is aware of the pings. Between feeling the need to always be “on call,” needing phones to chase away nightmares or simply using phones as an alarm clock, a lot of smartphones wind up in the bedroom which, Olson said, can interfere with our ability to achieve deep sleep. The notifications might not wake us, but the brain is aware of the pings.
That’s why one of the recommendations for healthier smartphone use at Healthy Screens (a resource that Olson and colleagues launched) is kicking the phone out of bed. There’s also a “Smartphone Addiction Scale” test and other tips for curbing problematic use, including setting the screen to grey-scale, reducing notifications and leaving the phone at home.
If the thought of doing that made you panic, you’re not alone.
“Come on,” said Grieder, a mother of three, “I would feel like I lost my arm if I left my phone at home.
“I just couldn’t do it.”
By Pepper Parr
December 21st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Different view on the housing issue.
Desperate situations for many people, not much in the way of hope for those who want to buy a home and intense pressure on those who rent.
A greater share of Canadians are barred from home ownership as affordability hits near-worst levels for most markets amid soaring prices and interest rates, according to a recent RBC report.
 Robert Hogue, RBC economist: “The impact on affordability has been amplified by soaring interest rates and home prices, resulting in much larger mortgage payments,” The significant loss of affordability during the pandemic has shrunk the pool of homebuyers in Canada, said Robert Hogue, RBC economist and report author. In 2019, close to 60 per cent of all households could afford to own at least a condo apartment based on their income. That share has plummeted to 45 per cent in 2023. And just 26 per cent can afford a single-family home.
“The impact on affordability has been amplified by soaring interest rates and home prices, resulting in much larger mortgage payments,” he said, “meaning a much higher household income is needed to carry those costs. These soaring costs have reduced the number of people who can afford a property.”
Ontario and B.C. had the highest incomes needed to afford a home, the report said. Using RBC’s housing affordability measures, which calculates how much of a household’s pre-tax income is needed to cover home ownership costs such as mortgage, utilities, and property tax, Toronto’s affordability measure rose to 84 per cent (meaning it takes 84 per cent of a Toronto median household income to cover housing costs) and Vancouver’s reached 102 per cent. Housing is considered affordable when 30 per cent or less of a household’s income is used to cover housing costs.
While home prices in Toronto have fallen by almost 20 per cent since the February 2022 peak, home prices remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels. The average price of a home in November was $1.08 million compared to $843,600 in the same month in 2019, according to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board.
With fewer people able to buy condos, which are seen as starter homes for many as they’re cheaper than single-family homes, more pressure will be placed on the rental market, said David Macdonald, senior economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
The affordability of home ownership affects the rental market for two reasons, he said. Renters won’t be financially able to move out of the market, increasing rental demand; and landlords facing costly mortgage increases will off-load the expenses to renters.
“Not only has housing affordability become worse for home ownership, but it’s also become worse for the renter,” he added.
 The good news is that housing affordability’s recent rapid deterioration has likely run its course. The good news is that housing affordability’s recent rapid deterioration has likely run its course, said Hogue, as home prices drift lower or stabilize in most markets, household income grows at a solid pace, and there’s clear indication from the Bank of Canada that rate cuts are coming in 2024.
“Nonetheless, there’s a very long way to go before affordability is meaningfully restored,” Hogue said in his report. “Buyers in many of Canada’s large markets will contend with extremely difficult conditions for some time. We expect home resale activity to stay especially quiet in Ontario and British Columbia until interest rates fall materially. And then, the recovery that will follow is likely to be gradual at first.”
In Toronto, it’s unlikely home ownership will be affordable, but there are ways to ensure the city can create more varied housing stock, Hogue said, especially for renters. Building more purpose-built rental and subsidized housing is necessary to boost affordable supply. Removing GST from new rental construction has also been seen as a positive step to incentivize more rental new-builds from developers, he added.
“There is a lot of potential to make things more affordable, especially on the rental side,” said Hogue. “But Toronto is not unique. Like most major global cities, it has affordability issues. While we have a long way to go in terms of supply, there is a lot that can be done to give people more affordable options.”
 Storey; an online source of news on the housing markets had this to say:
This year, more than any other in recent history, saw real estate make its way into the every day conversations of Canadians, discussing mortgage rates around the dinner table and rapidly rising home prices with friends. And, for better or worse, 2023 had no shortage of important real estate stories to be told.
We began the year with yet another rate hike, setting the tone for the crushing rate pain and affordability struggles that were to follow throughout 2023. This year saw home sales drop off as buyers moved to the sidelines, rent prices skyrocket, sale prices start to slip (though not enough to be helpful), and developers hold off, sell off, or, in some cases, even go bankrupt, as they struggled with the uncertain market.
The issue that ties it all together is interest rates.
Interest rates on insured five-year fixed mortgages are dropping to levels not seen since May due to strong indication from central banks that monetary tightening is likely over as inflation falls closer to target.
Most fixed-rate mortgages are tied to the five-year bond yield, meaning when the bond yield goes up so does the interest on fixed-rate mortgages. Because the Bank of Canada and U.S. Federal Reserve are holding their respective rates and inflation has lowered, bond yields fell as markets began pricing in the possibility of rate cuts in the first half of 2024.
In the wake of this optimism, said Victor Tran, Ratesdotca mortgage and real estate expert, lenders have lowered their published five-year fixed rates below five per cent for the first time since May.
“We are seeing rates in the high fours, around 4.99 per cent, for five-year insured fixed rates, and roughly 5.59 per cent for uninsured,” he said. “We haven’t seen fixed rates this low since the spring. If bond yields continue to dip, we may see lenders lowering rates more in the coming weeks. These lower rates combined with falling home prices may help spur interest in the housing market ahead of the seasonal spring rush in 2024.”
An insured mortgage applies to buyers who put down less than 20 per cent for their down payment — the less money put down on the mortgage the higher the liability for the lender.
 Royce Mendes, managing director and head of macro strategy at Desjardins. Since the end of October, 10-year Canadian bond yields have fallen by 95 basis points, which is a “big fall,” said Royce Mendes, managing director and head of macro strategy at Desjardins. The fall can be attributed to the combined result of decelerating inflation and more “dovish” commentary from central bankers, meaning the bank is unlikely to make aggressive moves on interest rates in the future.
“Anyone with a mortgage up for renewal is no doubt pleased to see mortgage rates falling,” he said. “Assuming further progress on taming inflation in the new year, it’s likely that bond yields, and by extension mortgage rates, continue on this downward trajectory. That said, progress rarely occurs in a straight line and there are likely to be some temporary increases in yields along the way.”
 Tran evaluated published interest rates from TD, Scotiabank and HSBC but noted that not all the banks will publish their “absolute best” rates. Sometimes better deals can be won on a case-by-case basis.
“The strength of the deal matters, such as the size of the mortgage, the down payment,” said Tran, “and from there banks can offer lower interest rates; they make you fight for the lowest rate.”
Currently, mortgage broker Ron Butler is offering interest of 4.89 per cent for five-year fixed mortgages at his practice.
“Five-year bonds come down first, which will be followed by four-year and three-year,” said Butler. “Fixed-rates went up before variable and now we’re seeing the reverse.”
And even though fixed-year mortgage rates are coming down first, variable-rate mortgages are gaining popularity, he said, as people don’t want to lock into a five-year fixed rate if the Bank of Canada drops rates in 2024.
“If the five-year fixed rate will be one per cent lower this time next year, people won’t want to lock into that mortgage product now,” Butler said. “They’d rather go for the variable based on the high chance the prime rate comes down.”
Recently, the majority of Tran’s clients have opted for a variable-rate mortgage because they don’t want to “lock in” too high. Even with current variable rates in the six to seven per cent range at the Big Five banks, buyers are willing to “ride it out” if the Bank of Canada cuts rates soon.
BoC Governor Tiff Macklem on getting to 2%:
 Macklem: This strength in shelter price inflation appears to be related to the structural lack of supply of housing. “This was our second year of monetary policy tightening, and that work is paying off”.
“The 2% inflation target is now in sight,” Bank of Canada (BoC) Governor Tiff Macklem said in his year-end remarks on Friday. “And while we’re not there yet, the conditions increasingly appear to be in place to get us there.”
Macklem delivered his remarks before the Canadian Club Toronto last week, where he spoke on the inflation outlook for 2024, as well as what Canadians can expect from the BoC in the year to come.
“We’ve come a long way toward restoring price stability. This was our second year of monetary policy tightening, and that work is paying off. The economy is no longer overheated, and that is relieving inflationary pressures. Inflation has come down from just over 8% in the middle of last year to 3.1% in October. That’s significant progress,” Macklem said.
 Shelter price inflation will prove to be more stubborn in 2024, Macklem warned. “Looking ahead, I expect 2024 to be a year of transition. The effects of past interest rate increases will continue to work through the economy, restraining spending, and limiting growth and employment. Unfortunately, this is what’s needed to take the remaining steam out of inflation. But this period of weakness will pave the way to a more balanced economy.”
We’re going into 2024 with relatively healthy inflation for durable and semi-durable goods (things like furniture and appliances, and clothing and footwear), Macklem also noted.
“Increases in the cost of services excluding shelter is just over 2%. That’s pretty normal. What’s not normal is inflation in the prices of food and non-durable goods and in shelter costs.”
While food price inflation (at about 5.5%), and non-durable goods inflation (at about 4.5%) are still swinging high, they “show some promise,” according to the BoC Governor. Food price inflation is expected to trend lower “as lower agriculture prices and transportation costs get passed through to the prices of groceries” and non-durable goods price inflation is anticipated to level off as consumer demand slows.
However, shelter price inflation will prove to be more stubborn in 2024, Macklem warned.
“Part of the reason is that our higher policy interest rate is increasing mortgage interest costs. This is not unexpected nor unusual,” he said. “What is unusual is that the other components of shelter costs — like rent and maintenance — are also high, with rent up 8.2% in October. This strength in shelter price inflation appears to be related to the structural lack of supply of housing.”
Macklem expressed — as he has before — that housing supply shortfalls, magnified by immigration, are keeping prices elevated even though buying activity has indeed dropped off in the face of higher rates.
“We do expect shelter price inflation to moderate over time, but predicting the timing is difficult,” he said.
With many unknowns remaining, Macklem told reporters on Friday that Governing Council has not yet taken further rate increases “off the table” or begun to discuss rate cuts. Inflation won’t have to be at its target in order for the bank to consider lowering its policy rate, “but it does need to be clearly headed to 2%,” Macklem explained in his speech.
 Imagine if we parents had taught our children to be financially responsible and learned to save – those desperately needed down payments would be in the bank today. “It’s still too early to consider cutting our policy rate. Until we see evidence that we are clearly on a path back to 2% inflation, I expect Governing Council will continue to debate whether monetary policy is restrictive enough and how long it needs to remain restrictive to restore price stability. In a world with increased macroeconomic volatility, we are also conscious that we may need to be nimble, and we should be humble about our forecasts.”
Everyone needs to be nimble.
And every parents needs to ensure that their children have strong financial literacy skills. Teach them to save – at the age of three isn’t too early.
This article includes material from an RBC report, material from a Storeys columns and material from other media.
 By Pepper Parr
December 22nd, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Stand By.
We don’t make this stuff up.
An email scooted across my screen while I was tidying things up and hoping I could call it a day.
Dania Thurman has a new job.
 Thurman and Kearns go back some distance. Saying: “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Community Liaison & Councillor Assistant at City of Burlington!” I came close to choking on the good Belgian beer and Stilton cheese that I am able to enjoy from time to time. This evening was one of those times.
Which ward will Dania serve in?
Her home ward of course – where she will help Lisa Kearns get the job done.
Kearns, who had, probably, the best Councillor Assistant in City hall, Francine Grimshire, who may have retired. She kept Kearns between the ditches on more than one occasion.
Thurman has spent the last four or five years working in the sector that provided breakfasts for students where she moved from agency to agency, complaining frequently on social media about the boss that was difficult to work with.
Our understanding was that City hall had a group of woman who worked for the members of Council. They were selected by a Senior staff member who ensured they were capable of doing the job and had been properly vetted. The Thurman social media announcement suggests that Staff may not be in the loop.
 Dania Thurman working as a volunteer at an elementary school with a breakfast program.
By Pepper Parr
December 21st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
 This is not a good number. It never really went away – it just got less intensive for a period of time.
It seems to have returned with a bit of a vengeance – at that time of year when people gather with family. Make masks mandatory – you won’t regret it.
The winter flu adds to the problems we face. If you have not had the most recent vaccine – get it done.
The best information local health authorities have is testing waste water on a regular basis. The graph below shows what the testing tells us.
 The trend tells the health authorities what waste water testing tells them. There hasn’t been anything from the Regional Health department – disappointing.
American media have been broadcasting on a regular basis – yes they tend to overdo it – but the evidence is there. Link to what the Americans are broadcasting.
The Gazette will track what we learn from the Regional web site. We’ve been through this before – we know what to do – just do it.
City hall has experienced at least one mild outbreak with members of Council experiencing some discomfort – something they don’t make any mention of – the last meeting of the year for Council was a virtual event.
By Pepper Parr
December 21st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
McMaster University released their University Campus Plan; it is their blueprint for the development of the Hamilton properties which collectively were an expression of McMaster’s vision. They imagined places and spaces that would be ideal for creating impact, fostering ambition and inspiring transformation through excellence, inclusion and community. They envisioned ways to help transform the campus into a living laboratory for advancing human and societal health and well-being.
 Early thinking on what can be added to the Burlington campus. The Burlington campus vision was much more limited; the South Service Road location cuts the campus off from the city limiting the opportunities.
Development at McMaster’s Burlington campus should support the ongoing success of the DeGroote School of Business, providing complementary facilities and public realm improvements to enhance the experience of those teaching and learning at this location.
McMaster’s Burlington Campus is located adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) in the city of Burlington and is surrounded by a range of largely industrial and commercial premises. The Burlington Campus is home to the Ron Joyce Centre, part of the DeGroote School of Business, offering MBA and executive education programs. There is a small portion of developable land adjacent to the Ron Joyce Centre, which could complement existing facilities on the site.
Situated next to a major highway, the range of new uses that would be appropriate on the Burlington Campus must be carefully considered.
Due to its location, which is remote from the main campus, the site should only be considered for complementary Faculty of Business programming, interdisciplinary programming joined to the Faculty of Business, or for hotel / short-stay development along with related amenities like food & beverage, leisure and workspace. The university could also look at opportunities to work with the City of Burlington to review zoning laws, creating opportunities to diversify the potential uses at the Burlington Campus and consider complementary uses such as student accommodation.
 The bottom part of the campus is where additional growth could take place. Opportunities for new development at the Burlington Campus include the potential for a developer-led hotel and leisure scheme, which could serve students, faculty, staff, Indigenous communities and equity-deserving groups at the DeGroote School of Business, alongside the general public and other local businesses in the area, as well as business-led partnerships in mixed-use spaces, providing opportunities for students to work directly with emerging businesses in start-up and incubator spaces. This could complement existing business partnerships at MIP, providing opportunities for interdisciplinary work between the Faculties of Business, Science and Engineering.
Given its location, access to the Burlington Campus is mainly by private vehicle. A shuttle service provides a link to the university’s main campus.
In recognition of the remote nature of the Burlington Campus, consideration should be given to creating some outdoor amenity space between the existing DeGroote School of Business and any new development. Efforts to enhance and naturalize the stormwater creek to the rear of lot should also be considered to improve the natural quality of the area and create a positive feature on the site.
Not all that exciting. With just a little more in the way of imagination the possibilities of integrating the stormwater creek might be given some attention. The campus is where it is because someone made the land available.
 Rendering of a possible building to the west of the Ron Joyce building
 By Pepper Parr
December 21st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
There is something cruel about this notice.
Burlington Seniors’ Centre
The Burlington Seniors’ Centre at New St. will close Dec. 23, 2023, for building maintenance, and re-open on Jan. 2, 2024.
Seniors’ are the demographic that find themselves alone far to often.
 Bistro at the Seniors’ Centre The Christmas holiday for these people is often cruel – to close one of the few places they can gather is just plain wrong. Of course the building has to be maintained – but this work doesn’t have to be done over the Christmas holiday.
Why a member of City Council didn’t spot this and direct the administration to keep the building open – reduce some of the programs – perhaps.
Would it have been too much to ask that the programs be increased?
Had it been kept open it would have made an excellent photo op for the ward Council member or the Mayor.
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
 By Pepper Parr
December 20th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
A couple more days and we can put our feet up, relax knowing that we have done everything we could to prepare for the holidays.
The younger children will be excited, close to unable to wait for Christmas day
The Burlington Library has expanded their seasonal offering from books and videos to some advice on how to handle the holidays. Keep it in mind when you are thinking about others in the days ahead.
Let’s face it. Despite the twinkling lights, peppermint drinks, and supercharged cheerfulness, this time of year can be tough to cope with—especially if you feel alone. During the pandemic lockdowns, we embraced changes such as takeout meals, online shopping, streaming movies, and reading eBooks. These are now conveniences that keep us comfortably at home. But as a result of having fewer interactions or meaningful connections with others, loneliness is on the rise.
 This person is just a phone call away. Last month, the World Health Organization announced loneliness and social isolation may soon reach epidemic proportions. They identified serious health risks linked to loneliness, such as dementia, stroke, and heart disease. But along with this dire news, the WHO’s leading health experts also suggested a simple prescription to combat loneliness—getting in touch with others by phone, online, and in-person; doing things you enjoy; and reaching out to local services that can connect you with others.
Connect With Others in a Third Place
Your local public library is a great place to start.
Last year, Burlington Public Library took part in a research project based out of McMaster University about how libraries can support connections and successful aging. This ongoing project explores the role public libraries play in strengthening social inclusion for older adults in the community. While this study focuses on older adults, the library offers opportunities for connection to people of all ages.
“We want everyone to feel welcome and included when they visit Burlington Public Library in person and online,” says David Quezada, Manager of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Burlington Public Library (BPL). “We care deeply about providing an accessible communal space for all.”
Libraries are sometimes called a “third place.” This sociology term refers to familiar and welcoming surroundings separate from the two places where most people spend most of their time—work and home. Spending time in a “third place” can increase your social connections and sense of belonging.
Whether visiting for a few minutes or lingering for hours—you’re always welcome at Burlington Public Library. Pop in to chat with staff while you browse the displays. Or, if you’re looking to socialize and meet people with similar interests, perhaps you’d enjoy attending an interactive program such as Knit ‘n’ Natter or BPL Book Club. And don’t forget about the library’s comfy seats where you can read newspapers and magazines in a friendly space away from home.
Get the Jump on Seasonal Affective Disorder
The Library also offers a chance to brighten up your day, quite literally. A form of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may cause changes in your feeling of well-being during the late fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter.
If you’re experiencing mild, temporary “winter blues,” increasing your exposure to natural or artificial daylight can help reduce seasonal doldrums. Come into BPL’s branches for a mood boost under a light therapy floor lamp. The Library offers these at all locations except for Kilbride. The lamp’s bright UV-filtered light mimics natural sunlight. (Sorry, tropical heat is not included!)
Talk to Local Support Services
While simply getting out of the house can be enough to kick a mild case of loneliness, some folks need more support.
If you’re not sure where to turn, caring library staff can refer you to people and places in the community that can support you. You can call 905.639.3611 during library open hours to speak to a staff member or reach out by email to infoburlington@bpl.on.ca.
 Is this leading by example? “Connecting people with community resources is an important part of what we do at the library,” says Quezada. “We can provide guidance to help you find the services you need.”
The Library also hosts free drop-in sessions where you can talk to specialists from local support organizations.
You Have a Friendly Face to Turn To
The Library is open every day, except statutory holidays so you always have somewhere to turn. If you’re ever feeling lonely, know that you can find a friendly face and a warm hello at your local library.
People who need a helping hand often don’t know how to reach out.
Those who have a supporting family and a great circle of friends have the most to give – reach out and invite people to share what you have.
By Staff
December 20th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
 Picture is better than 1000 words Hospitals need fresh blood everyday – you may know someone who needed a transfusion –
If you can find a way to donate blood this holiday season, you will make all the difference for patients in your community and across the country.
It is typically more challenging to collect blood during the last two weeks of December, but that is when donations are especially needed. With the timing of statutory holidays, regular collections schedules are interrupted, so it is important that every available appointment is filled on the days when donation centres are open.
In Burlington, there are approximately 440 appointments to fill during the holidays.
Burlington donor centre, 1250 Brant St.
Open over the holidays: December 26: 1-7 p.m. and January 1: 1-7 p.m.
Think about pulling together half a dozen friends and making it an occasion when you can do something for someone else.
The Donour Clinic will gladly take your appointment.
To book the next available blood or plasma donation appointment, visit blood.ca, download the GiveBlood app, or call 1-888-2DONATE (1-888-236-6283). Same day appointments are often available.
 By Ray Rivers
December 20th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
“transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science.” (COP28)
 Journalists collecting hot air in Dubai at COP conference Close to 100,000 people attended this year’s Congress of the Parties (COP) 28 extravaganza in Dubai to discus climate change. They came from around the globe but air travel from New York is estimated to be the equivalent in carbon emissions of not eating meat for almost 3 years according to one emissions site.
In fact one of those delegates could have taken the train 6.3 times around the globe for all the carbon emissions in that flight. So a lot of hot air was emitted just for people to attend and listen to much of what they’d heard at the 27 previous COP meetings. A more cynical person would say they could have helped the planet better by just staying home.
For decades, even before the first COP, Big Oil has been telling us that climate change is just a hoax – or at least nothing to worry about. So getting a real live oil sheik to say that the oil industry should transition away from fossil fuels is a big deal. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, who chaired the COP meeting, is president of the one of the world’s largest energy companies. He is also the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change.
Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault, who had spent much of pre-parliamentary life as an environmental activist, praised the results of this COP and claimed that Canada had played a solidifying role in the final release. And it has become the perfect jumping off point for the Trudeau government to further reduce the country’s carbon footprint.
Light motor vehicles only account directly for about 11 percent of Canadian GHG emissions. However the production of oil and gas to fill gas tanks accounts for another 22%, though some is also exported. That brings vehicle related emissions up to at least a full quarter of Canada’s climate related emissions. And eliminating those emissions all comes down to changing how we power our national vehicle fleet.
 Can this problem be solved? If they were all electric cars – maybe? After nearly a decade of failed policy on the environment, virtually all jurisdictions in the country (except Sask.) agreed to implement carbon pricing following the 2015 federal election. Carbon pricing increases the cost of fossil fuels such that smart consumers will be motivated to trade in their guzzlers for a more efficient ride, for example. Moreover, rising pump prices are a powerful signal to the auto industry to increase the availability of alternatively powered automobiles, something the industry dinosaurs have been reluctant to do.
So this week the federal government has introduced regulations with penalties and incentives for the auto sector that will require all new cars and light trucks to achieve zero emission by 2035. In a press conference Mr. Guilbeault, pointed out that Quebec and BC already have an equivalent 20% 2026 interim goal. And both jurisdictions have almost met that goal three years ahead of schedule.
 Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault Guilbeaut noted that China’s new EV sales are currently running around 40% of all vehicles with 10 million EVs already on its roads. EV sales in Norway, another northern country, now amount to 87%. Ontario’s EV sales got off to a good start but were stymied by the policies of the Ford government with its hostility to electrification. He eliminated all incentives for EV purchases shortly after coming to power in 2018.
Ford also removed a $2.5 million incentive program which helped homeowners install their own charging equipment, deleted electric vehicle charging station requirements in Ontario’s building code and ripped out public vehicle charging stations. Ironically, the vast majority of Canadian EV manufacturing is targeted for this province. One has to wonder how much of those lucrative Ontario and federal government industry subsidies had to do with compensating for the provincial anti-EV policy.
These new EV regulations go hand-in-hand with the environmental carbon tax. The Trudeau crowd has also drafted regulations to achieve zero emissions in electricity generation and to cap oil and gas production emissions. Finally, federal subsidies to big oil and gas are supposed to be terminated by the end of this year. Mind you, governments have been promising that as far back as when Mr. Harper was first PM in the early 2000’s, so don’t hold your breath.
Nailing down exactly how much of our public funds are wasted on fattening big oil’s coffers is a complicated business it seems. However, Environmental Defence figures that the federal government provided more than $20 billion in loans and financial support to oil and gas companies in 2022, including $12 billion for the TransMountain pipeline and $500 million for the Coastal GasLink Pipeline.
Federal Conservative Party leader, Pierre Poilievre is leading the charge to ‘axe the (carbon) tax’. He continues to argue that the carbon tax hurts those with lower incomes, when according to a recent study “94 per cent of households with incomes below $50,000 receive carbon tax rebates that exceed their carbon tax costs this year”. In fact about half of the households in this income category realize a net gain of between $20 and $40 a month.
 Federal Conservative Party leader, Pierre Poilievre Mr. Poilievre, in his time, has been a vocal critic of every environmental law or regulation the Trudeau government has brought forward, including, more recently, ones as benign as transitioning to green jobs and modernizing the rules governing green energy in Atlantic Canada. He voted against a free trade bill with Ukraine because of the mere mention of carbon pricing.
Voter fatigue with Kathleen Wynne and the other parties, as much as anything, gave us Mr. Ford, not only once but twice. And Mr Trudeau is seeing that in spades. According to a recent Nanos poll Canada’s Conservative Party is on track to decimate the Trudeau Liberals, winning a full majority if the election were held right now,
If Mr. Poilievre, is elected in the next election, would he bring the environmental house down as he implies he would? Would he tear up all of Canada’s climate change legislation, pretty much as Doug Ford did in Ontario? And what message would he take to his first COP meeting as PM?
 Ray Rivers is an economist and author who writes weekly on federal and provincial issues, applying his 25 years of involvement with federal and provincial ministries. Rivers’ involvement in city matters led to his appointment as founding chair of Burlington’s Sustainable Development Committee. He was also a candidate in a past provincial election. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background links:
Carbon Tax –
Emission from Flying –
PP and Climate Gains –
Nanos Poll –
 By Pepper Parr
December 20th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The darkest day is close at hand.
The Winter Solstice will be celebrated, recognized and maybe even understood on the 21st.
The people in Lowville have celebrated this event for the past ten years.
It is an experience worth having. Click here for details
 Pepper Parr
December 20th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Just who are the people who serve as volunteers with the Halton-Hamilton United Way.
They come from a number of sources. Some are from the corporate sector; a bank or a large corporation will second a staff member to the United Way as an opportunity to widen their experience – and come away with an understand as to how a community works to take care of those who need help.
 Jenna Baird – a United Way volunteer sponsored by the City of Hamilton Jenna Baird, was a volunteer from the City of Hamilton. She saw a posting on the Hamilton city web site asking if there were people who would be interested in being a United Way volunteer.
They would remain on the city payroll but show up for work at whatever task the United Way gave them.
 United Way Plane Pull 2023 We first met Jenna at the Airplane Pull – and yes she was on that rope pulling with the others.
We asked Jenna to talk about her experience:
“Working at a non-profit United Way Hamilton Halton, is different than working in the private sector and the public service. Everyone here has a drive to help others and put forth the effort to achieve their goals. Everyone helps one another on different projects or discussing ideas.
“I’ve had a positive experience with my time at UWHH, from attending fundraising events (like the Plane Pull), collecting donations at a municipal compost day or raising awareness at a school or farmer’s market. It’s all very different from my regular position.
“I wish that more people knew about 211 and how much information is available to assist people. If people contact 211 either by phone or online, they can find local resources to assist with a variety of topics regardless where they are in the Province. https://211ontario.ca/
“I’ve enjoyed working at UWHH, and believe in the positive impact that UWHH has, so much so that I’ve volunteered to be on the Community Impact Cabinet https://www.uwhh.ca/investments/
By Pepper Parr
December 20th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
There is a lot of chatter about who the next leader of the Federal Liberal Party should be.
There are polls suggesting that Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland have good numbers from a recent reliable poll.
But Justin Trudeau made it clear that he has another election in him
 Justin Trudeau & Terry DiMonte’s held their Annual Holiday Chat. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau & Terry DiMonte’s, a retired broadcaster, held their Annual Holiday Chat. It runs for about an hour – worth the time to see where the PM is coming from and his views on the job he has been doing.
It wasn’t a hard hitting interview; it was a conversation between two men who have known each other for years. It wasn’t a puff piece either.
Click HERE
Worth the time.
By Staff
December 20th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Communicating is more than two people talking at each other. It requires some listening as well.
Anne and Dave Marsden have been frequent delegators at City Hall who have found that they are not being heard and have run into hurdles on a number of cases when they want to make a point.
 City Manager Tim Commisso along with City Solicitor Blake Hurley will meet with Ann and Dave Marsden in an attempt to resolve a number of issues – one being the diverting of their email to the Office of the City Clerk instead of the person the email was addressed to.  After considerable effort on their part they have managed to arrange a meeting with senior staff members.
The Gazette was recently informed that Anne and Dave Marsden have been advised that City Manager Tim Commisso, City Solicitor Blake Hurley and interim Executive Director Human Resources Ms Evfremidis, are prepared to meet with them by end of January, 2024.
 The meeting is to try to resolve significant complaints affecting city and council transparency and accountability, with a financial impact of millions of public resources.
Resolution would mean avoiding an expensive Ombudsman complaint.
The Marsdens are asking the city, as an act of good faith, to end, before the New Year, the practice admitted by Clerk Kevin Arjoon in August of 2023, of having all their emails to staff and council diverted to the Clerk’s office for their actioning of a response.
By Pepper Parr
December 19, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Ontario sees a record increase in the value of property inventory with $42 billion in new assessments
 On December 12, 2023, MPAC – Municipal Property Assessment Corporation – delivered the 2023 assessment roll to municipalities across Ontario and shared insights on how Ontario’s property landscape changed this year.
 Ontario’s property inventory grew by more than $42 billion through new construction and property improvements in 2023. Residential homes, including condominiums, accounted for more than $31 billion of this increase, while commercial and industrial properties contributed more than $6 billion, which is an increase of 31.5 per cent from 2022.
The assessed value of more than 5.6 million properties in Ontario is now estimated to be approximately $3.14 trillion. MPAC summarized these changes in the annual assessment rolls that were delivered to Ontario’s 444 municipalities last week.
Across Ontario, 10 municipalities accounted for more than 44 per cent of new property value. Toronto led the way for another year at $9.93 billion, followed by Ottawa at $3.37 billion. Vaughan, Oakville and Brampton rounded out the top five.
Important: The MPAC property assessment is not the same as your tax rate. The tax rate is based on the class of property and what its assessment is.
The Gazette will be doing an article on how the assessment and the tax rate are worked out.
By Staff
December 19th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for the 2024 – 2025 BCC Board of Directors.
The Chamber Board meets approximately 6-8 times per year with additional board subcommittee participation. The Burlington Chamber of Commerce board of directors is appointed annually at the Annual General meeting. The directors shall hold office for a term of one year to a maximum of six terms.
While all nominations will be considered, the Committee is particularly interested in receiving nominations of senior-level individuals who bring board experience, current/prior engagement with the Burlington Chamber Community, and who would be representative of the following attributes: Financial, IT, Large and Small Business and Corporate Communications.
If you are interested in being a Burlington Chamber of Commerce board member and be part of a progressive, results-oriented and fiscally responsible Board of Directors – we wish to hear from you. Your resume and/or cover letter must clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the position.
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce is committed to diversity and inclusion, and we encourage applications from all designated group members. Our goal is a diverse, inclusive membership, board and staff that reflects the Burlington community.
Please complete your Application Form by no later than January 12, 2024, and email your resume and/or cover letter to info@burlingtonchamber.com for the Committee’s consideration.
 The Chamber Board meets approximately 6-8 times per year with additional board subcommittee participation. The Burlington Chamber of Commerce board of directors is appointed annually at the Annual General meeting. The directors shall hold office for a term of one year to a maximum of six terms.
While all nominations will be considered, the Committee is particularly interested in receiving nominations of senior-level individuals who bring board experience, current/prior engagement with the Burlington Chamber Community, and who would be representative of the following attributes: Financial, IT, Large and Small Business and Corporate Communications.
If you are interested in being a Burlington Chamber of Commerce board member and be part of a progressive, results-oriented and fiscally responsible Board of Directors – we wish to hear from you. Your resume and/or cover letter must clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the position.
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce is committed to diversity and inclusion, and we encourage applications from all designated group members. Our goal is a diverse, inclusive membership, board and staff that reflects the Burlington community.
Please complete your Application Form by no later than January 12, 2024, and email your resume and/or cover letter to info@burlingtonchamber.com for the Committee’s consideration.
By Pepper Parr
December 19th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
There is no cure
It was a blunt statement, that hit hard is as I reads it on a Facebook page.
Russ Campbell had been struggling for the past 2 years, dealing with an aggressive form of bladder cancer “that has now spread outside my bladder.”
“Unfortunately, there is no cure and, given my age and other health issues, any further treatment is high risk and if successful would only add a few months to my life expectancy.
“My plan is to make the best of the time I do have and what will be will be. For the most part, life has been good and I have very few regrets so don’t feel sorry for me – I don’t.
“But do do the things that are important to you NOW, today if possible, and don’t put them off to some distant date.”
 Russell G. Campbell with his wife, Denise and his grandson Kia. Things are tough for Russ – but he doesn’t see it that way. He knows what is going to happen and he is prepared.
He is on dialysis, doesn’t have a bladder but is no longer on radiation – 34 bouts of that was enough for him.
Russ was born in Jamaica, moved to Canada with his parents and settled in Burlington. Says with a chuckle that he “married the girl next door”.
Russ finished high school and went to work – soon realized that he needed more in the way of an education and took accounting courses at night and earned a CGA – Certified General Accountant.
I crossed his path when I read the blog that he wrote. Russ was a strong conservative and I was looking for someone to bring a small c conservative viewpoint to the Gazette. He wrote a few columns and reminded me that “I don’t think you were all that happy with me and I decided I would stick to the blog I was writing.” We kept in touch.
Russ doesn’t have much time for the conservatism he is seeing south of the border. He doesn’t have the energy he would like to have – but he can still start cooking some of the meals – when he gets tired Denise takes over.
Cancer has been a part of the family for a long time. Denise had cancer on three occasions – each time she was able to overcome the disease.
We are going to stay with Russ as he completes his journey. ” I know I am going to die and I’m prepared”, he said. “I will miss the people in my life.” The family unit is 13 people strong: two sons and their children.
He doesn’t have very much in the way of stamina – but the courage that gets him through a day is remarkable.
Stoic.
By Staff
December 19th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
In a year marked by surges in inflation, economic pressures, heightened poverty rates, and escalating mental health challenges, many in our community are grappling with increased needs this holiday season.
 RBC Team part of the Helping Hand project. United Way Halton & Hamilton’s (UWHH) Holiday Helping Hand program brought together 14 local social service agencies, working collectively to make the season brighter for those in need. United Way successfully engaged community members in volunteer opportunities, fulfilled holiday wish lists, and gathered essential items such as toys, clothing, and non- perishable food items for individuals and families facing challenges.
 Brad Park: President and CEO of United Way Halton & Hamilton. “This past holiday season posed unprecedented challenges for many families and individuals in our community,” emphasized Brad Park, President and CEO of United Way Halton & Hamilton. “The weight of economic challenges, housing and food insecurity, and mental health struggles have deepened the need in our community, putting our agency partners under significant strain.”
Thanks to generous community members, UWHH supported 12 holiday projects that included over 105 volunteer opportunities through the Holiday Helping Hand program. Community members rallied together to help fill volunteer opportunities such as sorting and packing community food bags for Food For Life Halton & Hamilton and stuffing holiday stockings for Community Living Burlington.
Over 112 families and individuals across Burlington, Halton Hills, Hamilton, Milton, and Oakville were sponsored through the program, ensuring they received the support they needed during the holidays. The program supports community members from young families with infants, to single elderly individuals, and all ages in between, including community members living with disabilities and newcomers.
 OPP Toy Drive, was held at Toys R Us on Hamilton Mountain. This year’s toy drive raised over $32,500 worth of toys. One of the volunteer opportunities for this year, the OPP Toy Drive, was held at Toys R Us on Hamilton Mountain. The OPP mobile command center was on-site, encouraging the community to fill it with toys in support of United Way’s Holiday Helping Hand program. This year’s toy drive raised over $32,500 worth of toys. Energetic volunteers collected toys and added them to the cruiser, urging shoppers to purchase toys for families in need. Toys will be distributed to children across Hamilton & Halton.
“This year’s program was a tremendous success, thanks to the support of our generous community members. Their contributions not only supported the most vulnerable but also assisted our agency partners in meeting the growing demand,” said Brad Park. “We are immensely grateful for the dedication and compassion shown by our community volunteers. This program would not be possible without them.”
As a community, it is critical that we acknowledge that the need for social services remains urgent. Over 68% of the 106 United Way-supported programs have reported a substantial surge in demand, underscoring the pressing nature of the challenges faced by our community members. The fact that nearly half of United Way-supported programs currently maintain waitlists highlights the ongoing struggle for individuals and families seeking crucial support.
 With the gifts put together – the task now is to deliver them.  It is not too late to make a difference. This year, we urge you to consider giving to United Way Halton & Hamilton. Whether you’ve been giving for years or are considering your first gift, now is the time to join this journey and create lasting change. And this year, your gift holds even more power with our Local Love Community Match.
For every $4 you donate, an additional $1 will be added to your gift by generous community members and organizations. This amplifies your impact, addressing local challenges, supporting families, and empowering individuals in Halton & Hamilton.
Please visit us online to learn more and to donate, www.uwhh.ca.
About United Way Halton & Hamilton
United Way Halton & Hamilton (UWHH) is committed to leading measurable, impactful change by identifying the most challenging issues in our community, and bringing together people and resources to address those issues. We connect volunteers with local needs, and offer training and operational support to local charities. Along with our network of partners and experts, UWHH conducts research and works with key stakeholders to generate support for the not-for- profit sector. Each dollar raised is invested right back into the community to address the long- term recovery of its vital social safety net. Last year, UWHH helped 143,562 residents across Halton and Hamilton, who relied on 106 United Way-supported programs for life changing services.
By Staff
December 19th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The Animal Shelter at 2424 Industrial St. will be operate as follows:
- Sunday, Dec. 24 and Monday, Dec. 25 – closed to appointments
- Tuesday, Dec. 26 – Saturday, Dec. 30 – open to appointments
- Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 – closed to appointments
To report an animal control related emergency on a holiday, please call 905-335-7777.
 Levels of transit service Burlington Transit will operate as scheduled over the holidays:
- Sunday, Dec. 24 – modified Sunday service, ending at 8 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 25 – Sunday/holiday service
- Tuesday, Dec. 26 – Sunday/holiday service
- Wednesday, Dec. 27 to Friday, Dec. 29 – regular weekday service
- Saturday, Dec. 30 – regular Saturday service
- Sunday, Dec. 31 – regular Sunday service and extended late night service on Routes 1, 50, 51 and 52
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- Route 1 Plains-Fairview will provide service every 30 minutes, with the last bus departing Hamilton at 1 a.m. and Appleby GO at 1:15 a.m.
- Route 50 Burlington South, 51 Burlington Northeast and 52 Burlington Northwest will leave Burlington GO every 60 minutes, from 8:56 p.m. to 12:56 a.m.
- Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 – Sunday/holiday service
For real-time bus information and schedules, visit myride.burlingtontransit.ca.
 Downtown Transit Terminal, at 430 John St. Schedule for the Downtown Transit Terminal, at 430 John St:
- Tuesday, Dec. 26 – open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 27 to Friday, Dec. 29 – open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 30 – open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 31 and Monday, Jan. 1 – closed
- Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024 – open from 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The Specialized Dispatch is open Wednesday, Dec. 27 – Friday, 29, and Tuesday, Jan. 2, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Service Burlington and the Building, Renovating and Licensing counter on the main floor of City Hall at 426 Brant St., will close at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, and reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, at 8:30 a.m.
Many service payments are available online at burlington.ca/onlineservices.
For online development services, MyFiles can be used by residents who have applied for Pre-Building Approval. Check the status of Pre Building Approval applications at burlington.ca/MyFiles.
Halton Court Services
Court administration counter services at 4085 Palladium Way will operate as follows:
• Monday, Dec. 25 – Wednesday, Dec. 27 – closed
• Thursday, Dec. 28 – Friday, Dec. 29 – open, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 – closed
On days when the court administration counter is open, telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Many services are also available by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or online at Halton Court Services. Payment of Provincial Offences fines is available 24/7 at www.paytickets.ca.
Parking
Free parking is available downtown, on the street, in municipal lots and in the parking garage after 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays, including Dec. 25, 26 and Jan. 1, 2024.
NOTE: The Waterfront parking lots (east and west at 1286 Lakeshore Rd) do not provide free parking on statutory holidays.
Parking exemptions are required to park overnight on city streets and for longer than five hours. If you have family and friends staying with you that require street parking, please visit burlington.ca/parkingexemptions to register for a parking exemption. Please note: parking exemptions are not valid during declared snow events, to assist with snow removal.
Please make an online reservation using Park Pass to visit Lowville Park on weekends. Reservations are free and available in three-hour time slots.
Recreation Programs and Facilities
Burlington Seniors’ Centre
The Burlington Seniors’ Centre at New St. will close Dec. 23, 2023, for building maintenance, and re-open on Jan. 2, 2024.
Recreation, Community and Culture customer service is available to assist you over the holiday:
- In person at recreation facility counters during program times
- By email at liveandplay@burlington.ca
- By phone at 905-335-7738, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Phone and email service are closed Dec. 24, 25, 26 and Jan. 1, 2024.
Between Dec. 27 – 29, phone and email service hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Dec. 31, the hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cogeco Skating at Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond
Located at Spencer Smith Park at 1400 Lakeshore Rd, the pond is open daily, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. but closed at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day. Registration is not required. For more information, including skating times, visit burlington.ca/pond.
Residents are encouraged to call the ice conditions hotline at 905-335-7738, ext. 8587 before leaving their house, to make sure the pond is open.
The free skate lending program at the Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond is available Monday to Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m., and Fridays, from 5 to 10 p.m. On Saturdays, Sundays, PA days and holiday school breaks, it is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
 Free skating – Check the link to schedules Tim Hortons Free Skating
Thanks to Tim Hortons, Burlington residents can enjoy another holiday season of free skating, from Dec. 23, 2023, to Jan. 6, 2024. A reservation is not needed. Skating is first come, first served until capacity is reached. For dates and locations, visit burlington.ca/timsfreeskate.
Drop-In Recreation Programs
Swimming, skating, fitness and other drop-in program times vary over the holiday period. Drop in or reserve in advance. For schedules, visit burlington.ca/dropinandplay.
Play Equipment Lending Library
If you need some indoor or outdoor play equipment or want to try something new without having to buy it, try the Play Equipment Lending Library. The last day to borrow the play equipment in 2023 is on Tuesday, Dec. 19. Items need to be picked up from Central Arena and returned to Haber Community Centre on Jan. 9, 2024. To borrow, visit burlington.ca/playlending
Holiday ice and gym rentals
Stay active this holiday with family and friends by renting ice or a gym at a special discount. This holiday season, ice and gym rentals are available at a reduced rate for booking dates up to Jan. 7, 2023. Residents can view facility availability and complete the rental 24 hours in advance through their online Live & Play account. Learn more about how to rent at burlington.ca/rentals
Outdoor Fun
Head outside and play in our parks with trails, disc golf, tobogganing and more. Explore all the options at burlington.ca/outdoorplay.
By Staff
December 19th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
When a $30,000 donation to local food banks is announced – people listen. This donation represents Sylvite’s third consecutive year helping communities meet the challenges they face.
The donation will be distributed directly to the communities where Sylvite operates. Each branch will select preferred local food banks, guaranteeing that the contribution directly supports neighbors in need.
 In 1983, Hugh Loomans, B.S.A. ’76, purchased Sylvite, a fertilizer distribution business focused primarily on agricultural products, from Alex Henry and Don Rutherford OAC ‘51. Today the company has four divisions: agri services for direct to farmer sales; wholesale agricultural supply; transportation and logistic services across North America; and an industrial chemical division. Now Cassandra is shadowing her father in his role as Sylvite President and CEO. Hugh Loomans, President and CEO of Sylvite, expressed the company’s dedication to making a meaningful impact, sharing, “in our role within the agriculture supply chain, we believe it’s our responsibility to help feed the communities we serve. Supporting the 15 communities where we operate is not just a duty—it’s a privilege. And by doing so, we’re planting seeds for a stronger, more resilient community.”
Sylvite is in the business of transporting, warehousing and distribution for the agriculture supply chain.
 Sylvite warehouse on Corporate Drive “In a year that saw a 40% rise in visits to Hamilton food banks, with an astonishing 34% of users being completely new to the emergency food network, the demand for assistance can’t be ignored,” highlights Radhika Subramanyan, CEO of Hamilton Food Share. “As we observe a growing need to provide for families in Hamilton, contributions like Sylvite’s are essential—they enhance our capacity, allowing us to meet these challenges head-on.”
Emphasizing the vital role of local food banks, Robin Bailey, Executive Director of the Burlington Food Bank, stressed, “As the need for food support continues to rise, it’s essential for local businesses to take action. Even full-time, employed families are grappling with providing the basics. Sylvite’s continued support is rooted in the understanding that every contribution plays a vital role in ensuring food security for those encountering difficulties in our communities.”
Sylvite continues to uphold its commitment to the belief that collaborative efforts are vital for fostering positive change within the communities where we operate.
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