 By Pepper Parr
August 1st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
An article came to us via a trusted source yesterday. It was about what owners of large malls are doing to change their business model. Are there opportunities for the owners of malls and some plazas in Burlington?
For more than 60 years, a beige and brown — and bland, by today’s standards — one-storey shopping centre has stood nestled at the corner of Highway 427 and Dundas Street West in Etobicoke. Set on 32 acres, the mall hosts flagship tenants like Winners, an abundance of mom-and-pop shops and a food court.
Cloverdale Mall has served the surrounding community well — but it won’t be around much longer, not in its current form, anyway.
Over the next decade — assuming the city of Toronto approves its development application — the mall is slated to undergo a massive transformation, with the introduction of 10 residential towers ranging from 17 to 48 storeys, 185,000 square feet of retail space, some 23,500 square feet of community amenities (including a daycare and community centre) and 3.8 acres of parkland.
 Massive change expected to take place at the Cloverdale mall. Where could that work in Burlington. There are two malls; Burlington Centre and Mapleview Mall. Both are going through some changes. Both have large parking lots.
There are a number of plazas that offer some opportunity for a change in the model they use.
Mapleview has very large spaces waiting for cars to park. And there are occasions when you can’t find a spot to park. There is little doubt that the people responsible for the profitability and the return earned on the asset are being carefully monitored.
The plaza at New and Guelph Line has potential is as well, however the units are individually owned and it would take a lot of work to get every one of them to sign on.
 Not just hats – check out those gloves. Change is afoot. Take a second look at those women wearing those hats. Can you even imagine something like that today?
What do the people of Burlington imagine will take place at the two large malls? And are there any opportunities for changes at some of the smaller plazas?
 Parking spots waiting for cars – seldom filled. 
 By Staff
July 31st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The first mention of the Better Homes Burlington (BHB) pilot program to help homeowners understand options, available incentives and with the cost of doing home energy upgrades to improve energy efficiency was on June 12th when a Standing committee debated the issue. The next day Council approved it
To connect with City staff or learn more about funding, visit burlington.ca/betterhomes or email betterhomes@burlington.ca.
Homes that are more energy efficient use less energy, save the homeowner money and produce less greenhouse gases.
Starting in September, homeowners will be able to apply for an interest-free loan from the City of Burlington for up to $10,000 for the purchase and installation of an air-source heat pump. This is a pilot program with just 20 loans available. The application process will be open until January (unless the maximum number of loans have been approved prior to January).
 An air pump. In summer, a heat pump will move heat out of your home and release it outdoors. In fall and winter, it brings heat into your home from outside, even when it’s cold outside. What is an air-source heat pump?
Acting as a high-efficiency air conditioner in the summer, and a heater in the winter, an air-source heat pump uses a refrigerant that responds to temperature. In summer, a heat pump will move heat out of your home and release it outdoors. In fall and winter, it brings heat into your home from outside, even when it’s cold outside.
Air-source heat pumps are more energy efficient than air conditioners.
 Lynn Robichaud, Manager, Environmental Sustainability Lynn Robichaud, Manager, Environmental Sustainability explains:
“The Better Homes Burlington pilot program is one of the many ways the City is working with residents to reduce our collective greenhouse gas emissions. Making your home more energy efficient is a win for everyone. Our coordinator is ready to help you with the process and including applying for the various financial incentives available.”
Links and Resources
www.burlington.ca/betterhomes
www.burlington.ca/environment
Related news story:
Heat pumps were a logical alternative.
 By Staff
July 31st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
City of Burlington administrative services will be closed for the Civic holiday on Monday, Aug. 7. For a list of which City services and facilities are available on the long weekend, please see the summary below or visit burlington.ca.
Fireworks reminder
Fireworks are not permitted to be set off on the August Civic holiday. As per the City’s bylaw, family (low-hazard) fireworks can only be set off on Canada Day and Victoria Day. For more information regarding who to contact if you have a personal safety concern related to the use of fireworks, visit burlington.ca/fireworks.
City Service Holiday Closure Information
Animal Services The Animal Shelter at 2424 Industrial St. will be closed to appointments on Monday, Aug. 7. To report an animal control related emergency on a holiday, please call 905-335-7777.
 Transit on the Sunday Schedule for the 7th Burlington Transit Burlington Transit will operate on a Sunday schedule on Monday, Aug. 7. For real-time bus information and schedules, visit myride.burlingtontransit.ca.
The Downtown Transit Terminal, at 430 John St., and Specialized Dispatch will be closed on Monday, Aug. 7.
City Hall Service Burlington and the Building, Renovating and Licensing counter on the main floor of City Hall at 426 Brant St., will be closed to all appointments and walk-in service on Monday, Aug. 7.
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 after April 24, 2023. Once an account has been created, applicants can check the status of their files at burlington.ca/MyFiles.
Halton Court Services – Provincial Offences Office Court administration counter services at 4085 Palladium Way will be closed on Monday, Aug. 7.
Except for the Civic holiday closures, telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. All in-person services are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Many services are also available by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or online at Halton Court Services. Payment of Provincial Offences fines is available 24/7 at www.paytickets.ca.
 You now have to pay for parking at the Beachway on weekends. You get a permit if you live in the Region. Parking Free parking is available downtown, on the street, in municipal lots and in the parking garage (414 Locust St.) on weekends and holidays, including the Civic holiday on Monday, Aug. 7.
NOTE:
• The Waterfront parking lots (east and west at 1286 Lakeshore Rd.) do not provide free parking on holidays
• Parking exemptions are required to park overnight on city streets and for longer than five hours. Visit burlington.ca/parkingexemptions
• Paid parking is in effect at Beachway Park (1100 and 991 Lakeshore Rd.) on weekends only (including holidays) using HONK Mobile
• Please make an online reservation using Park Pass to visit Lowville Park on weekends. Reservations are free and available in three-hour time slots
Recreation Programs and Facilities Drop-In Swimming
Nelson Pool and Splash Park, Mountainside Pool and Splash Park, and LaSalle Wading Pool and Splash Park are open for swimming through the weekend and on the Civic holiday (weather permitting). Outdoor pool lap swims and recreational swims are walk-in only, with no reservations.
Indoor pools swims vary over the weekend, including a free swim presented by Access Storage on Saturday, Aug. 5, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at Centennial Pool (5151 News St.). Pre-registration is recommended. Registration opens online at burlington.ca/dropinandplay for residents seven days in advance. Walk-ups are welcome if capacity remains.
Drop-In Skating
Appleby Ice Centre is open on Saturday, Aug. 5 for drop-in skating and recreational hockey programs. For schedules and registration please visit burlington.ca/dropinandplay.
 This is a large part of what Burlington is about. Easy evenings at the Band shell listening to music. Now if taxes can be kept reasonable – you might be able to continue living in the city. Concerts in the Park
Head over to the Central Park Bandshell on Sunday, Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m. to enjoy an entertaining evening of music. Bring your own lawn chair and blanket. The concert series runs each Wednesday and Sunday evening from 7:30 to 9 p.m. (weather permitting). For more information including performer listings visit burlington.ca/concerts.
Splash Pads
The City’s nine splash pads are located throughout the city and are free to use. To find a splash pad near you visit burlington.ca/splashpads.
Outdoor Activities
Burlington has a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy with your family during the long weekend including:
• trails and multi-use paths
• parks and playgrounds.
• picnic site reservations for La Salle or Hidden Valley Park
Find out more at burlington.ca/outdoorplay.
 Good golf course – but why is the city paying for some of the upkeep? Link to that story https://burlingtongazette.ca/taxpayer-funds-are-expected-to-support-the-golf-course-going-forward/ Golf
Tyandaga Golf Course is open for the season and tee times can be booked online at tyandagagolf.com or by calling 905-336-0005, ext. 2.
Play Lending Library
Our Lending Library has a variety of outdoor and indoor play equipment available to borrow in time for the long weekend at no charge. From archery to wiffle ball, and Kanjam to pickleball. Lifejackets in various sizes are also available for your next outing on the water. Check out burlington.ca/playlending for details.
Customer Service
Recreation, Community and Culture customer service is available to assist you in person at recreation facility counters during program times.
Customer service is also available:
• By email at liveandplay@burlington.ca
• By phone at 905-335-7738, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (including Aug. 5, 6, 7).
Roads, Parks and Forestry The administrative office will be closed on Monday, Aug. 7. Essential services will be provided as required.
Links to related stories:
Public money paying for maintenance of the golf course
 By Pepper Parr
July 31st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Community Development Halton has moved. The organization has been providing social planning and volunteer centre services and capacity building support in Halton for almost 40 years.
 Rishia Burke with Ted McKeekin. A former Ontario government Cabinet Minister and a leader in the creation and early growth of Community Development Halton. Burke is the Executive Director of Community Development Halton. On July 1, 2023, the staff team moved out of the location on the South Service Road in Burlington to two anchor locations, one in the south and the other in the northern portion of Halton.
They are now at:
St. Christopher’s Anglican Church, 662 Guelph Line, Burlington on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and
The Roxy Center, 6 Mill Street E, Acton on Mondays, and Wednesdays
As a community development organization focused on social research, dialogue and action on social justice issues and civic engagement, being present and connected with the community they strive to walk alongside is now core to they way they want to work.
With this move they will experience a renewed opportunity for connection and partnership with the many non-profit organizations, grass roots groups and citizens of Halton.
Although addresses are changing, their email addresses and phone numbers have not. You can reach them at their general mailbox at office@cdhalton.ca and by calling toll-free 1 (855) 395-8807 or locally at 905-632-1975.
 Rishia Burke – thinking it through. For more information about Community Development Halton please see www.cdhalton.ca or follow us on social media @ComDevHalton (Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIN) and @cdhalton (Instagram).
Rishia Burke, Executive Director Community Development Halton
rburke@cdhalton.ca
How does this relate to Burlington city council?
CDH stopped spending money it didn’t have.
It chose to go out to the community and listen whereas Burlington city council has chosen to spend millions of dollars it doesn’t have, moving the borrowing past the limit put in place.
By Staff
July 31st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Conservation Halton(CH) completed a East Burlington Creeks Flood Hazard Mapping Study.
 Millcroft Against Development (MAD) said the “Observational information from residents helped “ground-truth” the study findings and strengthen CH’s understanding of the flood hazard in the Millcroft Golf Club area.
CH staff reviewed the information provided in MAD’s July 6th, 2023 report as well as emails with observations and feedback from 2022 and 2021 when the study commenced. Specifically, engineers from CH’s floodplain mapping team have evaluated the comprehensive feedback from Millcroft residents relative to the draft flood hazard modelling and mapping from the study.
Only riverine flooding that is associated with a flood hazard of a watercourse is regulated by CH and was mapped as part of CH’s study. The reported observations of riverine flooding in this area are generally consistent with study modelling, which considered flooding associated with a range of storm events including more frequent storms to very rare events such as the August 4, 2014 storm, the 1:100 year storm, and the Hurricane Hazel Regional Storm.
 However, in the area around Hole 3, a reported observation of flooding along a fence does not align with the draft flood hazard modelling and mapping from CH’s study. To confirm whether this observation may be related to riverine flooding, CH floodplain mapping program staff would appreciate an opportunity to meet with any residents who provided flood observations related to the Hole 3 area on their properties, to gain a clearer understanding of their observations.
The Millcroft Against Development (MAD) Admin team would appreciate your assistance in connecting residents who provided the observations related to flooding around Hole 3/Berwick with Conservation Halton.
Please email the Admin team at admin@millcroftagainstdevelopment.ca with your contact information.
By Staff
July 31st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Mapleview Shopping Centre, in collaboration with Micro Habitat, has transformed its rooftop into an urban garden oasis – an initiative aimed to reduce the shopping centre’s environmental footprint and promote local biodiversity.
 From the roof top to the table. Micro Habitat, the organization the mall is partnered with on this initiative, installs urban farms across properties in North America. In this case, Mapleview worked with Micro Habitat to introduce a garden full of vegetables, herbs and flowers directly on the rooftop of the mall.
These vegetables and herbs from the mall will then be donated weekly to the Burlington Food Bank.
The rooftop garden boasts an assortment of vegetables, flowers and herbs, which are harvested on a weekly basis throughout the summer and fall seasons. As part of Mapleview’s commitment to giving back, all the fresh produce harvested each week is donated to the Burlington Food Bank and proceeds from each urban farm developed contribute to supporting the Breakfast Club of Canada.
In addition to this sustainability initiative, Mapleview will unveil a captivating visual art installation this August, managed by public art consultant Cobalt Connects, featuring talented local artist Stylo Starr kicking off the series. Stylo Starr is a Jamaican-Canadian collage artist whose work centers nature, fantasy, and notions of the Afrofuture.
 Stylo Starr is a Jamaican-Canadian collage artist whose work centers on nature and fantasy. Located in the North Wing across from Sporting Life, the art pieces will revolve around themes of community, diversity and inclusion, providing guests with an enriching visual experience during their visit to the centre that showcases the vibrant artistic community in Burlington.
“We are deeply committed to implementing community-driven and environmentally conscious programs,” said Rita Donnelly, General Manager, Mapleview. “Through these summer initiatives and together with our partners, we hope to inspire our guests, nurture local talent, and create a positive impact on our community.”
Mapleview Shopping Centre has implemented sustainability initiatives year-round to reduce its ecological footprint. The shopping centre has received accreditation from the BOMA BEST program, offers 19 electric vehicle charging stations on its premises, utilizes energy-efficient LED lighting contributing to reduced energy consumption, and provides tenants, retailers and guests with convenient recycling options, among other ongoing programs.
 By Pepper Parr
July 31st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
This is not a nice story.
The information set out is disturbing. There are two parts to this story. One about the belief that email to the City Clerks office is being diverted. The other is that the city is using authority it does not have when it comes to the matter of Trespassing on city property.
Let’s go through the details we have about email being diverted. The first email sent by Ann Marsden to the Clerk’s office is set out below:
First email
———- Forwarded message ———
From: Anne Marsden <anneandave@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 10 Jul 2023 at 09:57
Subject: COUNCIL DELEGATION JULY 11, 2023
To: <clerks@burlington.ca>
Please register Anne and Dave Marsden Health, Safety and Access Advocates to speak in Council Chambers to:
12.2 Public Conduct Policy and Trespass By-law Office of the City Clerk.
12.4 Civic Square
We are travelling home from up North and will not have internet/email access for most of today after 12 noon so please confirm as soon as possible and provide a contact phone number in case we hit any snags travelling home.
Anne and Dave Marsden
308-1425 Ghent Ave
Burlington
Ontario
L7S 1X5
905-467-2860
anneandave@gmail.com
This was Ann Marsden seeking permission to delegate to city Council. She had asked for confirmation.
 City Clerk Kevin Arjoon did not respond to the request for confirmation that Ann Marsden was going to be delegating.. Email # 2
———- Forwarded message ———
From: Anne Marsden <anneandave@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 10 Jul 2023 at 10:59
Subject: URGENT REQUEST FOR DELEGATIONS CONFIRMATION FOR COUNCIL TOMORROW
To: Arjoon, Kevin <Kevin.Arjoon@burlington.ca>, <clerks@burlington.ca>
Kevin and Clerks – can you please provide this confirmation asap as we will lose our email connection as previously explained In Council delegations.
12.2 Public Conduct Policy
12.4 (f) Civic Square
Anne and Dave Marsden
Health Safety and Access Advocates
308-1425 Ghent Avenue
Burlington
Ontario
L7S 1X5
905-467-2860
anneandave@gmail.com
This was the second email requesting permission to delegate. While they did not get a confirmation Ann decided to go to city hall prepared to delegate.
They showed up ready to delegate with a prepared script Ann would read and give a copy to the Committee Clerk to ensure they met all the Procedural By-law delegation requirements.
Dave goes for an agenda – there were none left. They beckon to Debbie Hordyk, the Committee Clerk, who gets them a copy of the agenda. Ann notices that they are not listed on the agenda. She asks Hordyk why they did not receive the confirmation requested and gives her a copy of the first email addressed to: clerks@burlington.ca
They also question whether they are on the delegation list. The Clerk did not respond to this question and instead commented “I wonder why I did not get this” ?
Hordyk advised she only needed the one email sent at 09:57 and left the Marsdens to return to the Council Table
 Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte, serving as a Deputy Mayor, in the absence of the Mayor Chairs the Council meeting. Deputy Mayor Stolte approaches them and thanks them for attending and confirms she is chairing the Council meeting.
The Marsdens presumed they were on the delegation list especially after the Deputy Mayor thanked them for coming. They were shocked and resisted the urge to correct what was happening.
 Councillors Bentivegna and Stolte move the Motion to accept what they understood to be unregistered delegations. The Council meeting gets to the point where delegations are going to be heard and Chair Stolte says there is some delegation management to be done and that she needed a Motion to waive provision in the procedure bylaw to permit people who were not registered to delegate to do so. She asked for a Motion to allow three unregistered delegations to speak to Council which included Anne and Dave Marsden.
A three second pause and Councillor Bentivegna moves the Motion which Councillor Kearns seconds. The motion to waive the procedural by-law passes unanimously.
Anne, with Dave by her side, read heir first delegation. After their first delegation was read into the record and while getting her papers ready for their second delegation she commented to Stolte: “I did understand that I had registered to delegate before noon yesterday. “ to which Deputy Mayor Stolte responded “Noted”. What is not yet known is if Stolte brought the matter up with the City Clerk and if she did what the City Clerk had to say in the way of response.
It takes guts for the Marsdens to go before Council and say what they expect will likely be ignored by council and print media as well.
So – what happened? Was this just an example of sloppy work in the Clerk’s Office? Anne and Dave Marsden don’t see it that way. They believe emails to the City Clerk, City Manager Tim Commisso and City Solicitor Blake Hurley are not getting to them directly.
 Ann Marsden making her delegation related to the Public Behaviour Trespass by law that was listed as a Consent item and approved by Council without a word of debate. They believe they are being diverted.
If the Marsdens are correct – there is a very serious problem at City Hall.
Ward 1 Councillor, Kelvin Galbraith, decided he didn’t like what ward 1 resident Tom Muir was legitimately saying and doing and advised Muir that he would not receive any service from Galbraith’s office in the future.
What is becoming evident is the level of rot that has set in at City Hall.
It gets worse. Tomorrow – city decides to use authority it does not have
Related news story.
The Marsden delegation.
The Public Behaviour Trespass Bylaw
 By Pepper Parr
July 31st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Phil lives close to Nelson High School. He and his wife are retired and they don’t understand why the Mayor is raising taxes the way she is, nor does he understand why all this money is being spent on the Bateman High School re-purposing, or why so much on the refurbishing of Civic Square.
He sent a note to the Mayor and the members of council and then, at his wife’s urging, sent a copy along to us.
Hi Marianne, I saw in The Burlington Post that you are putting forward a plan to renew Burlington’s Civic Square.
 East end resident doesn’t see the need for a new Civic Square. How much will this cost Burlington taxpayers?
I would have thought after dinging Burlington’s residents with a 7%+ tax increase this year and possibly like increases in the years going forward, you would be a little more responsible with our tax dollars, especially in these times of high inflation and interest rates.
 The $100 million price tag was too much for Phil and his wife Kim. With the Brock University/Bateman plan, that you have been less than honest about the costs, do we really need to be wasting tax dollars on Civic Square right now?
The original $29,000,000 cost to convert Bateman are now rumoured to be in the neighbourhood of $100,000,000.
Can you please give us an honest accounting of the conversion please?
Why do our spendthrift Mayors always think they need to build a monument to themselves?
 Reader thinks building the Pier was a dumb idea – does he know that it ended up costing twice the original amount? I remember Rob McIssac’s famous Burlington Pier monument to stupidity. Are you trying to follow his example?
Perhaps the Civic Square renewal should wait until residents weather the economic upheavals being experienced from the Covid-19 strains, the poor economy, high inflation/interest rates, this year’s tax increases and the Carbon Tax imposed on residents by the Federal Government. Also, wasn’t City Hall’s interior just renovated?
Burlington residents are looking for elected leaders to tackle problems, including affordability and keeping taxes low, not expensive make-work vanity projects that result in higher taxes for residents.
Burlington needs an austerity council not a bunch of spendthrifts. Please feel free to share with your fellow City Councillors.
Phil Steinberg, Kim Berry
Burlington, Ontario.
We gave Phil a call – he had more to say.
“This city hall is out of touch”. He wants to know what city hall has done to cut costs. He wants the pain that people are experiencing to be felt at city hall as well and he wants to see an austerity budget. He feels there is a lot of mismanagement as well.
Asked what his neighbours felt, Phil was quick to say “He is blown away by it all.”
Phil understands that population growth is going to have to take place but “this council seems to just spend and spend.” There is a new Civic Square, a new Bateman, a new Skyway arena that will need borrowed funds to complete.
Phil explained that he and his wife don’t go downtown all that often – “we are east enders” he said.
By Staff
July 30th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, issued the following statement:
 Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, “Today, our government implemented the first set of regulations following the passage of The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act. These new measures will focus on getting back to the basics of education: strengthening reading, writing and math, and other STEM disciplines.
We are following through on our commitment to parents through new measures that will better refocus school boards on academic achievement and the development of life and job skills.
 Students keying data into computers during a survey. These reforms include the new authority for our government to set binding priorities on school boards that focus on boosting student achievement focused on reading, writing and math. This sends a clear signal to Ontario’s school boards we’ve listened to the priorities of parents putting common sense at the centre of our education system.
To improve school board transparency, school board plans will be benchmarked against system-wide performance indicators.
I am confident that this first set of measures will better focus Ontario schools on student achievement, offer greater accountability and transparency to families, improve safety and create more opportunities to hire highly qualified teacher candidates to support student success.”
 By Staff
July 29th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
This article had material added after it was first published.
A reader has advised us that: The U.S. Department of Labor as well as the U.S. EPA and Oregon DEQ define an ACM as “any material containing more than 1% asbestos.”
An update on the work being done at the former Bateman High School site.
Some readers will recall the difficulty Alan Magi had speaking the words “asbestos removal”, – suggesting, we thought at the time, that it wasn’t that big a problem.
 The builder who won the contract to refurbish the former high school and the company that is removing the asbestos have their signs at the entrance gate.  Well the signage on the site now makes it pretty clear that the removal of the asbestos is a dangerous job and everyone is warned to Keep Out.
Construction seems to be well underway but we didn’t actually see anyone doing any work. There were some people gathered around jury-rigged drafting table and there were a bunch of very large white bags with the letters ACM in red. Anyone know what might be in those bags?
 The lettering on the bags suggests it could have something to do with the asbestos removal.  Site is a cancer and lung disease hazard. Keep out  The city has located its Sign Production Services in one of the spaces that will eventually be leased by the Halton District School Board.
There are signs at almost every entrance to the work site warning of the dangers from asbestos – cause cancer and lung damage. During Standing Committee meetings the words asbestos was basically verboten.
 What used to be the entrance to the high school  Eastern end of the site  At a cost of $100 million, according to the Mayor, this is what the community hub, that has yet to be given a name, will look like. Related news content:
Some tough questions asked by Sharman on how decisions were made.
By Staff
July 29th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Date: July 29, 2023
Time: 11:00 A.M.
Conservation Halton advises that up to 50 mm of rainfall has fallen within parts our jurisdiction this morning, with the heaviest amounts located within the City of Burlington.
Environment Canada has issued a further rainfall warning for our watershed area indicating that rain, heavy at times, will continue until this afternoon before ending.
Widespread flooding is not anticipated, however fast flowing water and flooding of low-lying areas and natural floodplains may be expected. Intense rainfall may also cause water pooling on roads and underpasses.
 When heavy rains fall creek water flow rises, and on occasion overflows the natural bank. Conservation Halton is asking all residents and children to keep a safe distance from all watercourses and structures such as bridges, culverts and dams. Elevated water levels, fast flowing water, and slippery conditions along stream banks continue to make these locations extremely dangerous. Please alert children in your care of these imminent dangers.
This flood message replaces the current Watershed Condition Statement – Water Safety that was previously issued on July 26, 2023. Conservation Halton will continue to monitor stream and weather conditions and will issue an update to this Watershed Condition Statement – Flood Outlook message as conditions warrant.
This Watershed Condition Statement will be in effect through Sunday July 30, 2023.
By Pepper Parr
July 27th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
In 1962 a man named Murray Koffler, a pharmacist opened up a drug store named Shoppers Drug Mart; he went on to create a national organization of pharmacies without sacrificing the personalized service of the local community pharmacist.
 Murray Koffler with his. wife Marvelle Koffler passed away in 2017 but the belief that personalized service was both important and possible took another step forward on Thursday when the Pharmacy Care Clinic opened at the Headon Road location.
Shoppers has led the way in creating a a national organization; there are now more than 1300 locations in Canada. They stopped selling tobacco products in 1921; they entered into a contract with Canada Post to set up postal stations inside many of the Shoppers locations.
They automated the delivery of pharmaceuticals and created a service that allowed doctors to send prescriptions directly to the pharmacy. When a prescription was ready for pick up Shoppers would send an email to the customer.
Pharmacists are taking on roles that doctors used to handle. It was more efficient and cost effective to have a pharmacy giving Covid19 vaccinations.
The provincial health Ministry now works closely with the senior Shoppers executive team to create services that can be done at the local level, almost on a walk-in basis.
 The sign direct people and makes the point that this is a Clinic. They use some pretty slick language – Check In is referred to as Customer Concierge; an effort to make the point that the customer is the focus. The signage is good – this new service is right beside the pharmacy with comfortable seating space and people who are there to listen to you.
The Clinic can often resolve a problem or a concern, or if there is a serious situation be on to the doctor’s office immediately.
 The Clinic was a place where an anxious child could be taken to for a vaccination. Vaccinations will now be done at Pharmacy based Clinics. There are a lot of parents who have gone through a trip to the doctors office with a child that is terrified of that needle. Shoppers decided that problem could be resolved if the child could be distracted. There is a television set with videos that cater to the interests of the child. They went one step better. To the left of the TV screen there is a small panel with six buttons, each a different colour. The pharmacist will ask the child who is still looking at that needle if they would like to change the colour of the lights in the room. The child presses one of the button and the light colour changes – to blue, to green, or to red. The pharmacist now has a distracted child who stops crying and gets vaccinated.
In most pharmacists there is a Drop Off counter where you drop off the prescription you want to have filled and another that you Pick Up your prescription. The Pharmacy Care Clinics will have just the one counter, a bigger one where tere are several people to serve you. The counter is also quite a bit lower. No more two line set ups.
 Designed for better service delivery; lockers are being tried to see if they can save time. Another interesting approach. If you use the app that Shoppers created and have indicated you would like your medication put in a locker where you can pick them up you get an email giving you a code or when you get to the locker you use your cell phone to read the QR code and then enter the number you were given and a door opens and you take your prescription. The billing is already done because they have the information they need on file.
The intention is to save time wherever possible.
Nitu Singh, Senior Director of Pharmacy and Operations, who is a pharmacist and at one time operated on the Shoppers pharmacy, explains that the two new Care Clinics, with one more to be opened, will be carefully monitored to learn what is working and what isn’t working.
 The focus of the Care Clinic is to allow people to talk to a pharmacist about ailments and approaches to better health. We now have an aging population who rely more on medications and fewer doctors. Shoppers has a strong trusting relationship with the Health Ministry. On occasion Shoppers will take an idea to the Ministry or the Ministry will ask Shoppers to suggest some approaches that can take the load of the doctors offices.
The Covid19 vaccine booster are nor done at the pharmacy level; expect the same with flu shots.
The public now has a place they can turn to for advice from people who are well qualified and know when there is a problem that needs to be taken to a doctor.
Murray Koffler knew what he was doing when he formed the chain of pharmacies, he may have had no idea just how involved it would become with the customers but he would smile when he saw what was being done. Koffler was made a member of the Order of Canada.
Shoppers is now owned by the Loblaws organization.
 By Staff
July 28th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The City is getting ready to renew the playgrounds at Nelson Park and Millcroft Park.
First step will be to look for neighbourhood and city-wide input on the types of playground equipment residents would like to see in the two parks.
Online survey for both parks are open until Sept. 1. Each member of the household is encouraged to submit their own survey.
 City staff will be collecting feedback at 8 p.m. in Nelson Park on Aug. 6 for Movies in the Park with Councillor Stolte before the movie begins at approximately 9 p.m. The movie playing will be Turning Red.
 City staff will be at a Park Pop-up at Millcroft Park on Aug. 17, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. with Councillor Bentivegna to collect community feedback on the types of playground equipment residents would like.
A final concept will be created with the input gathered from the surveys and in-person feedback opportunities. Construction is expected to begin and be completed in 2024.
For more information on park renewals, or to complete the surveys, visit getinvolvedburlington.ca/yourparks.
By Staff
July 28th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
Telling a story is a combination of what is written, the photographs that accompany the content and the headline.
Editorial cartoons often make the point immediately and frequently in an entertaining fashion.
The Gazette has used editorial caricatures provided by Cartoon Bob – that feature will return.
 A City Clerk: as a wizard in a virtual faerie tale world. We want to go a step further and have engaged with a well-known ceramic artist to create images of what has been described is as an “entitled, tone-deaf, self-absorbed paternalistic city Council.
These pieces are the creation of a well-known Ceramicist, Doug Fey, who has had his studio in Longmont Colorado for several decades. He produces a number of fanciful creatures as his unique contribution to the art form. We asked Doug to produce several custom pieces and are well pleased with the special creations that resulted.
It is our belief that since 2018 we have been living in a virtual faerie tale with fables, empty prophesies and closed rituals abounding.
However, in our kingdom the three most powerful wizards are, respectively, the Mayor, The City Manager and the City Clerk.
We have captured, in a ceramic display, the power triad of our faerie realm:
 A City Manager as a wizard in a virtual faerie tale world  A Mayor as a wizard in a virtual faerie tale world
We will display them whenever we believe our Council has become particularly blind to its social contract with Burlington’s citizens or has imposed its will unfairly and against the public interest.
We hope that this is the first and last time that you will see the three – but we fear not.
By Pepper Parr
July 28th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Is this scene something that we will see in Burlington? Anywhere within the Region for that matter.
We have the forests, we have been getting more than enough rain – but is there a plan in place to fight a fire in the event that lightning strikes and flames start?
Fire departments are local matters – there are agreements in place for the fire departments to support each other.
Has the Burlington fire department have a plan to get to and extinguish a fire should one start in the Escarpment where all that lush forest we have exists.
Is there a group at the Region looking at a plan should a fire start?
Are there communities that now need to begin thinking what they would do should there be a fire that gets out of control.
Saying that can’t happen here is the equivalent to burying your head in the sane.
This is the time to be asking the questions and hopefully hearing that there are plans and then getting some
The Regional government always publishes detailed instructions to the public when there are West Nile reports; they do the same with excessive heat warnings.
This might be an occasion to think about how the public is going to be informed about the changes that have to be made given the new environment we have to deal with.
It is going to be with us for decades.
By Staff
July 27th, 2027,
BURLINGTON, ON
Ontario has selected a third party to audit the finances of six municipalities as part of its ongoing work to build 1.5 million homes by 2031, a target that looks is as if it is not going to be met.
Following a competitive procurement process, Ernst & Young LLP has been retained to examine the finances of the City of Toronto, Peel Region, Mississauga, Caledon, Brampton, and Newmarket. The first phase of the audits is expected to conclude around the end of 2023.
In making the announcement the province said: “The audits will help provide a clear and shared understanding of the impacts of changes to development-related fees and charges included in the More Homes Built Faster Act.
In response to recommendations from the Housing Affordability Task Force, and to make housing available to people who need it most, Ontario is eliminating development-related charges on affordable housing units and has also eliminated charges on non-profit housing units.
Development charges for family-friendly purpose-built rentals were also reduced by up to 25 per cent, in order to spur the construction of this much-needed type of housing. Development charges can continue to be levied on most market housing. The impacts of these changes will be a central area of focus for the audits.
 Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “This next step in the audit process is a critical part of our work to rein in the soaring cost of housing across Ontario, particularly when it comes to affordable, non-profit and family-friendly purpose-built rental housing,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
“We want to ensure development-related charges and fees are being used in a manner that supports increased housing supply and critical housing-related infrastructure, but which does not unduly raise the cost of finding a home for hardworking Ontarians.”
Lessons learned from these audits will inform future provincial policies and programs supporting long-term municipal financial sustainability and housing-related infrastructure investments.
Development charges are typically levied by municipalities on new homes in order to pay for the cost of roads, water and wastewater facilities, and other infrastructure.
However, the Housing Affordability Task Force found these charges, which have increased in some municipalities by as much as 900 per cent in less than 20 years, are a significant part of the reason housing costs have increased in many parts of the province and concluded they could create “a disincentive to build housing that is more affordable.” The province’s changes balance these concerns by leaving development-related charges in place for most types of housing while prioritizing their reduction or elimination for affordable, non-profit and family-friendly purpose-built rental housing.
Quick Facts
The third-party audits will examine the impact of More Homes Built Faster Act on municipal finances, provided they meet or exceed their provincial housing targets, as well as municipal financial management practices.
 A September 2022 study by the Altus Group found municipal fees added $116,900 to the cost of an average single-family home in the Greater Toronto Area in 2022, and around $100,000 to the cost of an average condo in the City of Toronto.
Province-wide, municipalities have reported development charge reserves of nearly $9 billion at the end of 2021.
Ontario has made significant progress in tackling the housing supply crisis with a range of innovative actions to increase housing supply. In 2022, housing starts in the province surpassed 96,000 – the second-highest number since 1988 and 30 per cent higher than the annual average for the past 20 years. All true – but the target was for 150,000 new homes.
Related news stories:
Municipal Sector not meeting the pledges they made to build new housing.
By Staff
July 27th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Victoria Grzybowski is a Petty Officer Second Class of 65 Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Iron Duke, located in Burlington She is also a staff cadet at Connaught Cadet Training Center near Ottawa, Ont where she is on an Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor course this summer.
Grzybowski said: “It’s a great summer experience to be a teenager placed in a position of leadership, being responsible for managing over 30 of your fellow cadets.
Grzybowski is platoon staff responsible for the safety and supervision of their cadets ensuring their cadets make it to meals on time, checking bunks, resolving small issues between cadets, and ensuring they are all having a good and fun summer.
 Petty Officer Second Class Victoria Grzybowski (middle with clipboard) from 65 Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Iron Duke informs Cadet (left, right) Bardia Jamalifar, Sergeant James Murdoch and Cadet Lilirose Guilmetle about their schedule for the day. Photo credit: Petty Officer First Class Isabelle Georgeadis, Cadet Correspondent She describes summer training as an “awesome experience” that helps her overcome different barriers and make new friends.
“Cadets has helped me come out of my shell,” and learn new skills and has given her unique opportunities. The program is “ important for youth and teaches you things that you wouldn’t get the chance to learn anywhere else. “
The Cadet Program is open to all youth between the ages of 12-18 years old who get to develop confidence and who form lasting friendships and engage in their communities while promoting physical fitness, healthy living, and fostering an interest in the activities of the Canadian Armed Forces. If you are ready for the challenge, visit www.canada.ca/join-cadets.
By Pepper Parr
July 27th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
How did the idea of a bigger city council end up on the table?
It started with the report on the post-election review of what took place and any lessons learned.
We did learn that the turnout was as bad as it could get and that the city spent $598,190.00 up from $495,543 in 2018
Part of the report included a section on ward boundaries changes.
The last ward boundary review for the City of Burlington took place in 2004/2005 with implementation for the 2006 municipal election. After review six ward boundaries were redrawn and seven-member council composition was maintained. Despite the growth and development in the City, ward boundaries have not changed since then.
There have been calls to redraw or change the boundaries of Wards 1 & 2 to include the neighbourhood of Mapleview in Ward 2.
 City Clerk Kevin Arjoon will be looking for additional funding. Spot boundary changes are not feasible and require a wholesome approach of reviewing the boundaries of all wards. Key to the ward boundary review is ensuring extensive public consultation throughout the process leading up to passing of any by-laws to re-draw any existing ward boundaries.
Any by-law establishing new boundaries must be in force before January 1 of the election year which would be January of 2026
.
The by-law establishing new ward boundaries may be appealed to LPAT, and in order for the boundaries to be permanent, the notices of appeal must be withdrawn, or the Tribunal must have issued an order to affirm or amend the by-law before January 1 of the election year.
Sufficient lead time is required to be factored into any ward boundary review timeline. Staff recommends a ward boundary review to ensure that the division of wards in the City reflects widely adopted principles of effective representation.
Staff are recommending that committee/Council direct them to prepare a preliminary report. If there are additional items or aspects that need review, the direction should be amended to reflect these additions. Some municipalities have delayed undertaking their ward boundary review, due to the Regional reviews that are in progress by the Province.
In planning for the 2026 election, the team hopes to streamline processes and find efficiencies where possible, however, the planned budget must consider inflationary cost impacts and additional costs for any new initiatives undertaken.
Should the team receive direction to prepare the preliminary ward boundaries review report for Q1 2024, any costs associated will be covered by the current operating budget. Pending the approval of the proposed report in Q1 2024, staff will work with Finance to build a business case based on approved scope for the proposed ward boundary review, and municipal comparators.
Source of Funding
The source of funding for the election is the reserve fund with an annual contribution of $160,000. The Election Team will work with Finance and ensure due diligence to put forth a business case if it is determined that an increase in the contribution is required.
That was what Staff put on the table. The Mayor had a bigger idea. Why stop at looking at the ward boundaries – could we not also look at the size of Council.
 Mayor Meed Ward: “I thought it might be good to ask this question in public.” Meed Ward said: “I thought it might be good to ask this question in public and with counsel just to see where folks heads are at and I’m wondering if the boundary review would also be an opportunity to review Council size and if that’s contemplated as part of this review and if not, whether committee would like to review Council size as part of this conversation.
City Clerk Kevin Arjoon followed saying: “That is why we put that recommendation in there – seeking direction. So if there’s anything you want us to look at that may be a little off the drawing of the lines, now’s the time to let us know so that we can start to work on that and start to conceptualize that build – this conversation is timely.
Meed Ward then said: “I am very interested in that being at least part of the discussion we have with the community. If it requires an amendment to the report, I’m happy to insert the words and a review of council size and see where the conversation goes. So I will move that and then see what my colleagues think about that.
Councillor Stolte who had her own ideas on what a future city council might look like thanked the mayor for “bringing that up. I think that’s a great idea. Would it also be able to include wording that might indicate a new format? We have had conversations in the past about counsellors at large and other options that that might be available. Would we need to have something like that in there or does Council size kind of encompass all of that?
“Yes”, said the Mayor, “I’m open to a completely holistic conversation with the community. I think that we owe ourselves that. I would look to the clerk to determine how specific you want us to be. Maybe it’s including Council size and composition, if that’s a word that captures, how Council is constituted or some other word if you can. Council size and governance. I don’t know I’m open but if we can have another word in there, that would kind of signal we’re interested in the full range of options to come back. I’m in your hands on that and completely supportive of that.”
City Clerk Arjoon:I think the conversation we just had is just fine. And I think in the end the governance model could be put into the review as well.
 Counsellor Sharman: How much are we opening up here ? Councillor Sharman followed with: “My only question with this. I think it should be evaluated and I think it’s good to review. But the question is the process for that review could be quite significant, quite a bit more than what we’re looking at right now. That require additional resources, a different timeframe.
“How much are we opening up here and what can we look at and what would we be expecting because the public aspect would probably be quite important and not what was envisaged in the report. Maybe Kevin, that’d be a question for you.
Clerk Arjoon responds with: “We have a bit of time so I think the one worry would have is on the staff side and the timing in terms of the deadlines.
“I think we have to have the boundary set before the election year. And then there’s also the appeal process too. So we’ll take that into consideration when we bring that report back in Q1 2024 But we need some direction now for some preliminary research and maybe some preliminary engagement before we brought back sort of preliminary report as well.
So I think that’s just where we’re coming from as well – resources. We’re working on that in the background for sure. In terms of the resourcing for the ward boundary review, and then staffing resources in the clerk’s office. So we are working on that and we’re mindful of that as well.
Chair Galbraith: “Okay, sounds good – seeing no further questions
I’ll just read it into the record.
“Receive and file report regarding the 2022 municipal election review, and direct the office of the city clerk to prepare a report on a potential city of Burlington Ward boundary review for consideration. The report should include timelines, a proposed budget scope and a review of council size and governance model by Q1 2024.
“Any questions or comments? Seeing none, I will now call the vote – reminder to raise your hands – all those in favour. And any opposed? Seeing none that carries.”
And what does it all mean?
Get ready for the amount of work this is going to involve and how this council will tie itself in knots getting to the point where anything gets changed – unless of course the province comes in and does to the Region of Halton what it just did to the Region of Peel.
When this got to Council – there were no delegations.
The public is still asleep at the wheel.
Part 1 of the series
By Staff
July 27th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
There will not be a closure of Niagara-bound traffic lanes on the QEW Burlington Skyway this weekend as originally scheduled. This is due to recent weather affecting the necessary pre-work.
The next 12-hour closure is scheduled for August 11.
Advance signing and notification will be provided to motorists so they can plan an alternate route.
Travellers can visit http://511on.ca/ or @511Ontario for updates on work and traffic impacts.
Please note the QEW Burlington Skyway will remain open during the August long weekend.
By Staff
July 26th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce values the time and contributions of their member volunteers. The Chamber has numerous opportunities for members who would like to become more involved in supporting the Chamber team.
The following volunteer opportunities are available
 Members of the commercial community gather at the Burlington Convention Centre to celebrate and recognize each other during the Chamber of Commerce Awards evening.
• Policy and Advocacy Committee
• Business Awards Task Force
• Women Leader & Allies Event Task force
• Event Ambassador
• New Member Recruitment
• Golf Tournament Task Force
• Event Support and Review
If you are already a member of an existing Task Force, Committee, or are an Event Ambassador, please complete the application form.
Link to the Application form is HERE
|
|
