 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.
 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
 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.”
 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 
 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.
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
 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
 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.
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.
 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.
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. .
 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.
 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.”
By Pepper Parr
March 23, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
A quick summery of the provincial budget
Getting to a balanced budget was the priority.
Interim Liberal Leader John Fraser said he was “shocked” the Tories made balancing the books a priority over helping families coping with inflation.
 The Doug Ford government has opted for balancing the budget and having a huge surplus they can spend in 2026 when they will ask us to vote them them again. “They didn’t balance people’s lives,” said Fraser.
“Families are hurting right now. Rents have gone up, gas has gone up, utilities have doubled,” he said.
It will pass, and probably well before we see lower food costs.
As for that drive to build 1.5 million new homes over the next decade — the rationale for Ford’s controversial opening up of 7,400 acres of protected Greenbelt lands to development — have been dealt a setback.
Thanks to rising interest rates and other market factors, the government projects just 80,300 new housing starts this year, far below the 150,000 needed annually to achieve Ford’s target.
For next year, an estimated 79,300 new homes are expected to be built, rising to 82,700 in 2025.
 Legislative pages delivering copies of the budget to the Members.
 By Staff
March 23rd, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip left a mark on this country. The final months of his life were a demonstration of both nobility and bravery.
 Gord Downie’s remarks to the crowd included an exhortation to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who attended. People across the country are praising Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie for using his televised concert in Kingston, Ont., to campaign for Canada’s North. He also showed his esteem for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and called on the crowd to hold the PM to account. We’re in good hands, folks. Real good hands,” Downie said on Saturday, as the camera showed Trudeau in the crowd at the Rogers K-Rock Centre, clad in a Hip T-shirt. “He cares about the people way up north. That we were trained our entire lives to ignore.“ His calling out the Prime Minister at a concert in Kingston is the kind of thing not often seen. There are still hundreds of Indigenous communities that are still on water advisories.
One jet plane would cover the cost – but we Canadians don’t see the Indigenous community quite the way they see themselves.
The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF), is working with the Burlington Performance Arts Centre to put on an Indigenous Cultural Competency Training session for Educators of all grades.
Through an informative “Reconciliation in the Classroom” presentation facilitated by Lisa Prinn & Sabrina Angeconeb will include a live music performance and a speaking engagement with Tom Wilson.
Educators will learn more about the Legacy Schools program and how to incorporate the unique interests, rights, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples into everyday learning.
Monday April 24, 2023 at 10am to 12pm
All Grades
$25 (All-in)
To register for this event, contact the Education & Outreach Coordinator:
Isabelle Trask
isabelle.trask@burlington.ca
905-681-2551 ext. 6302
 By Pepper Parr
March 23rd, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
This is a very disappointing situation.
Last weekend the Hamilton Spectator published a front page feature that ran for four pages inside the newspaper on serious problems at the Joseph Brant Hospital.
Since then – not a word to the public except for this article on Dr. Douglas Belton, Chief of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging at Joseph Brant Hospital.
The hospital has hundreds of people that can be described as dedicated health practitioners who have brought their skills, empathy and care to thousands of people.
When you are in a hospital care really really matters. Hundreds of people will tell you it is there at Jo Brant in spades.
Those people deserve our respect and admiration.
At the same time the public respects a newspaper that has been published daily for far longer than Joseph Brant hospital first opened its doors.
For the Hospital Foundation to decide to tell the really interesting story about Dr. Belton yet never say a word about the newspaper story, tests the trust people have for their hospital.
 Dr. Douglas Belton, Chief of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging at Joseph Brant Hospital. Dr. Belton played Division I college basketball for Hampton University (Virginia, USA).”While it was great to play against future NBA stars such as Vince Carter and Antawn Jamison, it was obtaining firsthand knowledge of team building and creating a culture of winning” that transformed his approach to life.
“I saw firsthand how to build a team, how to nurture it to get the most of out everyone,” he said. “I have carried this over to my current role.”
It was the team and some of the innovative thinking and approaches to healthcare that inspired Dr. Belton to take on his current role at JBH.
“When I came for my interview, I saw the Pandemic Response Unit, which clearly put the community and patients first,” said Dr. Belton. “The Complete Breast Care program is another example of an innovative program that our community is lucky to have and deserves.”
For Dr. Belton, “diagnostic imaging is central to the healthcare system and provides a truly unique opportunity to work collaboratively with other departments toward the success of the entire organization.
 This hospital was built for the public, paid for by the public and has a responsibility to be forthcoming and transparent when dealing with public matters. “The vast majority of patients will require some sort of imaging during a typical hospital visit,” he says. “I want to work with my colleagues to provide the best possible care.”
There is some doubt that the hospital will ever respond to what the Spectator published. They behaved the same way when close to 100 people died at the hospital as a result of an outbreak of C difficile .
Trust is a huge factor – it is what people rely upon when they are asked by the Hospital Foundation to donate. Quite why that trust is being squandered is beyond this writer.
Related news stories:
Spectator headline “Don’t come here to die” get no reaction from hospital
The c difficile outbreak is reported to have cost the hospital $9 million
By Pepper Parr
March 22, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
A Burlington couple remind us once again about people that dump their garbage behind commercial locations in the Guelph Line – Upper Middle Road area.
 Who owns the donation bins. Security cameras would solve this problem. “Here we go …still again. This is a disgusting lack of community well being. It seems many folks will just ‘Dump” their garbage here as it costs them nothing, or they are too darned lazy to dispose of it properly.
Another selfish case of ‘“outa sight….outa mind”
Shame on them….
Turns out there just might be a way to catch the culprits. We will let you know how it might work out.
By Pepper Parr
March 22nd, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The city is now accepting applications for the 2023 temporary patio program.
 Patio takes up parking spaces – restaurant pays for that space Business owner/operators that would like to install a temporary patio on municipal property in the downtown during the 2023 patio season are encouraged to apply online at burlington.ca/patios as soon as possible.
Application fees for the 2023 temporary patio program are being waived once again this year.
City staff are committed to reviewing temporary patio program applications and working collaboratively with applicants to help local restaurants and businesses understand how they can safely operate an outdoor patio during the 2023 patio season.
At Council on Tuesday, March 21, a start date of April 15, 2023 for the continuation of the temporary patio program in 2023 was approved. The temporary patio season for 2023 will run from April 15 to Oct. 31, 2023.
The unfortunate part about his decision is that there was zip public engagement. The city and the hospitality sector could have benefited from the views of those people who get out and enjoy the restaurants. There are some that don’t think city property should be made available – but our guess is that most are pleased to see more in the way of activity on city streets.
A lost opportunity.
Jamie Tellier, Acting Director, Community Planning said: “We are happy to once again offer local restaurant owners and business operators a way to expand their outdoor dining space on public or private lands for the 2023 spring and summer season. This initiative is a great way to support our local businesses and bring customers unique outdoor dining experience that add to the vibrancy of our city.
“Whether you are a returning participant from last year’s program or a new applicant, please apply for a temporary patio permit and we will evaluate your application through a streamlined process to get back to you as soon as possible.”
In 2021, City Council approved an expedited approval process for previous temporary patio permit holders that allows for past permits to be renewed based on previous approvals.
By Staff
March 22nd, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
What is a Watershed?
A watershed is an area of land drained by a creek or stream into a river which then drains into a larger body of water such as a lake. Everything in a watershed is connected. Our actions upstream can affect conditions downstream.
 Why Measure?
Measuring helps us better understand our watershed. We can target our work determine where work is needed and track progress. We measured: Groundwater Quality, Surface Water Quality and Forest Conditions
What is a watershed report card?
Ontario’s Conservation Authorities report on watershed conditions every five years. The watershed report cards use Conservation Ontario guidelines and standards developed by Conservation Authorities and their partners.
 Conservation Halton
SURFACE WATER QUALITY – GRADE – C
Grades for surface water quality are based on chemical (phosphorus concentrations) and biological (benthic invertebrates) indicators of water quality across the watershed.
What Did We Find?
 • Grades ranged from A (Excellent) to F (Very Poor).
• Subwatersheds with lower scores (D to F) tend to be in agricultural or urban areas.
• Subwatersheds with higher scores (A to C) tend to be in areas with more natural cover, including higher amounts of forest cover.
• Ongoing efforts to improve stormwater management and increase the use of low impact
development (LID) practices will help to improve water quality.
• 9 subwatersheds saw improvements, receiving a higher grade than they had scored in the 2018 Watershed Report Card.
• 9 subwatersheds had more degraded conditions, receiving a lower grade than in 2018.
• 6 out of the 11 water chemistry stations sampled over the last 5 years had chloride concentrations above the water quality objective. These stations were within Sheldon, Fourteen Mile and Sixteen Mile Creeks.
Conservation Halton
GROUNDWATER QUALITY GRADE – A
Grades for groundwater quality are based on concentrations of nitrate + nitrite and chloride levels at 10 groundwater wells across the Conservation Halton watershed. Wells have been monitored for the past 21 years
What Did We Find?
• Grades ranged from A (Excellent) to F (Very Poor) with mostly A grades, which represent the groundwater conditions at the well locations only.
• Groundwater quality can vary significantly from site to site and be influenced by geology, land use, human activities, etc.
• Two wells (W004-1 and W030-1) exhibit naturally higher chloride concentrations due to proximity to shale bedrock.
• Two wells (W336-1 and W005-1) are showing impacts from human activities such as road salting and agricultural activities as they are higher in both chloride and nitrogen concentrations.
WHAT’S TRENDING?
As part of Conservation Halton’s Long-term Environmental Monitoring Program, staff have been collecting, analyzing, and reporting on environmental data for almost 20 years. Some of the most evident trends in our watershed include:
Water Quality:
Analysis of over 50 years of water quality data shows that chloride (salt) concentrations continue to increase across the watershed. In some watersheds, the values are more than double the limit considered safe for aquatic life. When snow melts, the salt applied to hard surfaces like roads and sidewalks in the winter enters waterways and groundwater recharge areas. Chloride can also be re-suspended during rain events, causing harmful effects into the summer months. Chloride, combined with the added stress of warming stream temperatures has an adverse impact on our streams, impacting habitat and stressing aquatic organisms. There is no current treatment for chloride removal from our environment.
Prevention is the key! Reducing salt application and protecting our waterways through streamside plantings and other nature-based climate solutions helps to reduce stream temperatures and protect water quality.
Invasive Species:
Ecosystems are under threat from invasive species. Invasive species are plants, animals, pests, and pathogens that out-compete native species when introduced to a new area. They often become predators, competitors, parasites, and carriers of disease for our native plants and animals. Analysis and results of forest health monitoring done by Conservation Halton at selected sites demonstrate that forests across the watershed are being drastically altered and damaged. Once established, invasive species are costly and difficult to remove. Planting native species, ensuring that plants and animals are not moved from one location to another and disposing of invasive species in the garbage (NOT the compost) protects biodiversity and helps to prevent spread.
WHAT IS OUR WATERSHED’S KEY ISSUE?
There are many issues affecting our environment from climate and land use changes to local habitat impairments or alterations. One concerning issue is pollution of our streams.
Pollution Of Our Streams:
• Chemical and physical pollution, including the warming of waterways, has significant impacts on water quality, and the species, including humans, that rely on clean water.
• Pollution comes from various sources across urban, residential, and agricultural landscapes and results from choices we make, such as whether to apply fertilizers to our home garden.
• During rain or snowmelt, pollutants and soils run off fields, roads, and yards and enter streams or are absorbed into the groundwater.
 Walk around a lake that is in pristine condition. When scientists explored the bottom of the lake they found evidence of early Indigenous settlements. What Actions Can You Take To Reduce Pollution In Our Streams?
• Conserve natural landscapes, especially wetlands and streamside vegetation, that naturally aid in removing pollutants.
• Reduce nutrients from entering waterways by implementing best management practices on your property.
• Prevent stormwater from entering streams by using low impact development and redirecting water to lawns and gardens.
• Get out and explore Conservation Halton parks and the natural areas around you. Appreciating and exploring nature is the first step in making wise choices to help protect it.
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
What Can your Community do?
• Support initiatives to improve stormwater management.
• Adopt low impact development practices to help reduce runoff.
• Direct development away from areas of environmental significance.
• Minimize salt use and explore new alternatives.
• Protect and connect wetlands and other natural heritage features.
• Support monitoring and restoration initiatives to track environmental change and improve conditions
What can agencies do?
• Evaluate the effectiveness of their environmental programs
and take steps to green their operations
• Work together to manage natural systems to protect and enhance connected natural habitats on the landscape
• Protect and create more urban greenspace to reduce stormwater, cool temperatures and provide healthy outdoor living and recreational opportunities for people
 By Steve Trustler
March 22, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Moving to a new home can be a daunting task, especially if you’re moving long distance. Cross country long distance moving is an exciting but challenging journey, and proper preparation is essential for making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. To help Canadians make the transition easier, here are some packing tips to keep in mind when preparing for cross country moving day.
Start Early
When it comes to cross country long distance moving, it’s best to start early. Begin by purging your home of all unnecessary items – this will help reduce the amount of things you need to pack and transport. Additionally, starting early also gives you more time to research the best movers and find the most cost-effective way of shipping your possessions across the country.
 Prepare – and have a plan Begin With A Plan
Once you have an idea of how much stuff you need to move, create a plan that outlines each step of the process. Doing so will help ensure that nothing gets overlooked or forgotten during your move. This includes making lists of what needs to be packed and creating a timeline that specifies when each item should be completed (e.g., gathering packing supplies two weeks before move day).
Choose Quality Packing Materials
Quality packing materials are essential when it comes to cross country long distance moving; after all, they will protect your belongings during transit. Invest in sturdy boxes with lids (or plastic bins with lids) that are large enough to fit all your items – but not too large that they become difficult to handle or stack on top of one another. When it comes time to pack fragile items, use bubble wrap or foam peanuts for extra protection. Additionally, consider renting plastic crates from a moving company instead – this eliminates the need for boxes altogether!
 You can a set of labels for pennies apiece online Label Your Boxes
As much as possible, label your boxes with contents and where they should go in your new home (e.g., bedroom 1). This will make unpacking much easier since you won’t have any confusion about which box belongs where once everything arrives at its destination. You can also color code boxes by room if desired – this will make it easier for movers (or yourself!) if needed on move day!
Disassemble Furniture
If Possible Furniture takes up a lot of space when transporting across the country; thus, it’s important to disassemble them as much as possible before packing them up. Make sure you keep track of all screws and bolts so that reassembly is fast and easy once everything has been delivered at its destination!
 Done! You’re in the new home and the boxes are all unpacked. Pack An Essentials Bag
On move day itself, having an essentials bag handy will make life so much easier; this bag should contain essential items such as medications, toiletries, phone chargers, snacks/water bottles etc.. Have this bag easily accessible throughout the entire process so that these important things don’t get lost amidst all the other boxes during transit!
Moving can be overwhelming – especially if you’re going across the country – but with proper planning and preparation anything is achievable! By following these simple tips for packing up your belongings prior to cross country long distance moving day like labelling boxes properly, investing in quality packing materials, disassembling furniture when possible ,and packing an essentials bag , you’ll be well on your way towards achieving an efficient and successful move!
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