 By Staff
February 21st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The province cut the public some slack in opening up things in the hospitality sector – they certainly needed a boost.
Burlington sent out an update on changes taking place at the recreational facilities as well as vaccination updates
 Capacity at gymnasiums that are used by community groups has been increased. Recreation facility capacity limits will be increased for rental, program and activity spaces, while ensuring requirements for physical distancing are maintained. Existing program providers and facility renters have been notified directly.
Drop-in recreation programs will increase capacity. Participants are still encouraged to register in advance. For schedule and online registration visit burlington.ca/dropinandplay. For information on how to register or to setup an account, visit burlington.ca/registration
Registered winter courses already in progress may open additional spots if possible, pending staffing, regulations, specific ratios, and maintaining physical distancing for example. Check liveandplay.burlington.ca for new spots.
Spectator seating areas remain at 50 per cent capacity, and change rooms and dressing room capacities remain limited. Occupancy levels are posted.
Proof of Vaccination and Screening
Proof of vaccination with an enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code is currently required for entry into City recreational facilities.
Masking and physical distancing is still required.
Those entering recreation facilities will be required to acknowledge posted screening questions at the point of entry. Pre-screening in advance of arrival is no longer required.
 Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture continues to emphasize that the “Health of participants and staff will always be a top priority. We’re looking forward to safely and carefully welcoming more people back into our facilities and programs. Increasing program capacities takes time so please be patient as we work through these changes.”
 By Jack Adams
February 23rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
As Canada’s most populated province, it is no surprise that Ontario is one of the most popular sporting areas in country. With a whole host of athletes and sports team spread across leagues in Canada and the United States, there has been some huge events in the state in recent years, with local fans enjoying the successes of their teams also. In 2019, millions of fans flooded downtown Toronto following the Toronto Raptors first ever NBA Finals triumph. Two years prior, MLS side Toronto FC beat the Seattle Sounders 2-0 in the MLS Cup final at BMO Field.
With such a rich sporting history, we can only expect more to be made in 2022. Let’s take a look at some of the best sports events yet to come in the state.
 You will never leave a hockey game thrilled – the speed, the talent and the sheer hustle of the game. Ottawa Senators vs Toronto Maple Leafs – Apr 16 2022
One of the NHL’s biggest rivalries, The Battle of Toronto is not to be missed. Dating back since before the founding of the league, the Maple Leafs, as the Toronto Arenas, and the original Senators were two of the founding teams of the NHL. It was not until the 90s however that games between the modern Senators and the Leafs played each other in the league, when the conferences and divisions were re-aligned, and Toronto was moved into the Eastern Conference’s Northeast Division. The Leafs have frequently got the better of the Senators when it has mattered in recent years, with Toronto winning all 4 series when they met in the playoffs in the early 2000s. It appears the Senators may struggle this season too, with betting odds having them at 500/1 to win the Stanley Cup.
 We call it soccer in Canada – Canadian teams are getting better and better. Is a World Cup in store – not soon but eventually. Toronto FC vs Montreal Impact – Sept 5 2022
From one rivalry into another, the ‘Canadian Classique’ also known as the 401 Derby and the Two Solitudes Derby, is Canadian soccer’s fiercest rivalry. Battled between two of Canada’s three premier MLS teams, the rivalry between both sets of supporters is intense, creating an incredible atmosphere at games. This year’s MLS fixture at the BMO Stadium will be a rematch of last season’s Canadian Championship, in which Montreal came out the victors securing their spot in the CONCACAF Champions League. However, Toronto have regularly had Montreal’s number, with a 26-16-10 record in all competitions. The fallout from last year’s Canadian Championship final is sure to spill over into this game so make sure not to miss it!
Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers – Apr 7 2022
The Raptors have had a relatively average season so far but are still on course to make it to the play-in tournament in their quest to make it 3 playoff appearances in 4 seasons. The 76ers are also hopeful of reaching their 5th appearance in as many seasons. As well as being important to both team’s journey to the playoffs, this game will also be a rematch of the 2019 Conference semi-finals in which the Raptors came out on top before heading to the finals and winning the big one. Although they may not be playing as well as previous seasons, the Raptors still hold on to their talisman Giannis Antetokounmpo. The ‘Greek Freak’ is worth the entry fee alone and with both teams relatively close together in the Eastern Conference standings, this is sure to be a crunch game for the pair.
 Rivals for decades – located at either end of the QEW – they will always turn out a great performance. Hamilton came close to taking the Grey Cup – very close, Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs Toronto Argonauts – Aug 13 2022
Make no mistake about it— physical proximity in Ontario does not equal sporting warmth. The bitter feud between these two Ontario teams is one of the best in the Canadian Football League and provides an incredible sporting display for fans. The Argonauts have been extremely successful in terms of Grey Cups with 18 to the Tiger-Cats 8. However, the pair’s Labour Day matchups have been most frequently won by the latter, who have recorded 36 wins to 13. The Toronto—Hamilton Classic is one of the components of the Harold Ballard Trophy, an award given to the winner of the season series between the Tiger-Cats and Argonauts. The trophy is named after Harold Ballard, who owned the Tiger-Cats for much of the 1980s.
 World famous Harlem Globe Trotters – more entertainment than sport – and a delight to watch. Harlem Globetrotters – March 8 2022
Ending on an entertaining note, the World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their newly reimagined Spread Game tour to Ontario this year. Described as a display of ‘Ankle-breaking moves, jaw-dropping swag, and rim-rattling dunks’ the Globetrotters are an American exhibition basketball team who combine incredible feats of athleticism with comedy and theatre. They have been committed to spreading joy and a beautiful message of social justice for nearly 100 years as they have entertained millions all around the globe. They will come to the Budweiser Gardens in London, with tickets as low as $28.75.
 By Pepper Parr
February 21st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Family Day! Great Winter weather – an opportunity to celebrate what we have going for us.
 Still on his feet at this point. We can let the pandemic protocol slide a little; everyone should be outside for as much of the day as possible.
There are all kinds of places for the kids to slide down the slopes in the ravines.
 It was a penny higher at the pumps as I drove into the office. Do however prepare for a bit of a jolt when you see the gas prices: $1.57 – don’t think the rebate they give us covers the higher prices.
 By Jonas Johansson
February 21st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
What are the top online trends in Canada this year? The internet has come a long way since its beginning and shows no signs of slowing down. Here you can read about some of the top online trends in Canada for 2022. Have you been drawn to any of them?
 Gambling is supposed to be fun. Enjoy it. 1. Gaming, casino, and betting
Gaming and gambling are hobbies that are still going strong in Canada. It involves all kinds of games, from casino and betting to classic PC games and console gaming. Online reviews by both experts and players on different levels make it easy to find good options, such as red casino 32.
Players today want the very best experience, and the gaming companies have to compete in order to attract players. A clear trend in 2022 is that mobile gaming is on the rise, with 24/7 access to apps on the go. Playing games and gambling on our smartphones have become a normal part of the digitalized world that we now live in.
2. Investing in stocks and cryptocurrency
Trading and investing are part of another trend that isn’t going away any time soon. In fact, the hobby is only getting more popular. People are investing in stocks, forex, CFDs and cryptocurrency because of the potential for high returns. Social media, online forums and news sites play their part in spreading the word. There are even specific accounts to follow on social media that share their journey on the stock market, possibly inspiring more people to try it out.
Some people are drawn to the excitement of high-risk trading, for example day traders that are buying and selling crypto and other assets actively as the market fluctuates. Others invest for long-term profit, preferring a lower risk level.
 Shopping online has now taken over from the bricks and mortar locations 3. Shopping
Whether you want to order clothes, groceries, or technology, you can be sure of finding it on the internet. Online shopping is the preferred way of buying new items for an increasing number of people in Canada. Many people agree that it’s convenient, especially since you can compare products on different websites and won’t need to travel anywhere. Also, with online banking, it’s quick and simple to check how much money there is left on the account.
In-store shopping is still popular, but online shopping has been growing rapidly in recent years. It’s predicted that the trend will continue throughout 2022 and beyond. The trend also involves ordering takeaway online through different delivery services. Staying at home has never been easier!
4. Watching TV shows and movies on streaming services
Gone are the days of checking the TV schedule in order to not miss your favorite show or movie. Nowadays, most of us tune in to one of the many available streaming services in Canada in order to watch something entertaining after work or on a lazy morning. The choice is huge and keeps growing, with new services and content being added all the time. Of course, live sports are also a popular choice included in streaming.
 It’s never quite this easy – but millions have met and married with a relationship that started online 5. Getting personal on social media platforms
Social media has revolutionized the way we live our lives and how we take part in other people’s lives. Sharing our lifestyle with others and connecting with people all over the world is now more common than not. The trend on social media has in some areas changed from perfectionism to brutal reality – today, an increasing number of users want to see the real deal. This could be seen as a response to the perfect lives that are often portrayed on social media.
Do any of these trends appeal to you or are there other online trends that interest you more? We’re yet to find out what new trends will emerge in the near future!
 By Mildred Austria
February 21st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
When it comes to casino games, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy balance, ensuring that you never get too carried away when playing. While casino games can be a lot of fun — and more accessible than ever thanks to online casino gaming — it also opens up the potential to fall into a downward spiral.
 It’s supposed to be fun – if it isn’t fun – find something different to do. Let it be known that casino games at its core are meant to be enjoyed in moderation. Many people like to throw terms around such as gambling addiction when talking about casinos, but it doesn’t mean everyone falls victim. In fact, you can maintain a perfectly healthy balance while still enjoying your favorite casino games. All you have to do is keep a few tips in mind so you can make the most out of your opportunities.
 Slot machine revenue subsidizes race track operations. 1. Understanding slot machines
Perhaps one of the most crucial aspects of casino gaming involves slot machines, as it’s one of the most popular games — while also being entirely luck-based. It’s not something you can win out with skill, which means you have to be careful when going for slot machines.
One of the best ways to maintain a balance is to set a quota for slots. You can limit yourself to a certain number of tries, ensuring that you don’t get too carried away. There are also plenty of slot simulators out there that can show you just how likely you are to lose (or win) on any given day. It’s all about trying your luck, and the crucial bit is not to push your luck too hard.
2. Want to win? Focus on a game
The thing about casino games is many of them are based on your skill and ability to read the table. Slots are the only ones that rely entirely on luck, which means it’s up to you to make the difference when trying other games. If you want to boost your chances, it’s better to focus on a single game to help increase your odds of winning. Learning the ins and outs of a game will help you learn about how to win, especially when watching the experts play. You can look into fantastic jackpot games at CasinoDays, giving you every opportunity to learn your favorite casino game.
 Is this a hand to fold on? 3. Understanding when to fold
Last but certainly not least, there’ll come a time when you’ll have to cut your losses and try again another day. The slots can teach you all about not pushing your luck, but the same thing applies to most other casino games. Even if you happen to be on a winning streak, it’s better to stop while you’re still on top. It can be tempting to go for even bigger winnings (and it’s not an impossibility), but you’re very likely to go home with nothing if you do. Learn when to fold, and you’ll have won half the battle.
Maintaining a healthy balance when playing casino games is all about maintaining discipline. There’s no need to listen to anyone warning you about the dangers of gambling if you know how to discipline yourself.
 By Pepper Parr
February 19th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Wow!
This is breaking news.
Late yesterday Jane McKenna made the following announcement:
 Jane McKenna the day she won her first election. “Today I am announcing that I have informed Premier @fordnation that I will not be seeking re-election in June.
I will continue to get things done for the people of #BurlON and #Halton by running for Regional Chair of Halton in the upcoming municipal election.
 By Pepper Parr
February 18th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
It is the development that will change for decades what the core of downtown Burlington is going to look like.
And while 110 people took part in a virtual presentation on what the issues are – there didn’t seem to be all that much in the way passionate interest.
There were more questions about parking during the virtual meeting than there were about what the impact would be of two 35 storey plus towers sitting on a five storey podium perched at the edge of Lakeshore Road and Brant Street at what the developer called Ground Zero for the city.
The city now wants feed back from the public. A recording of the February 15th meeting can be reached HERE
The survey can be found HERE
Closing date for public feedback is March 1st – not a lot of time. Get your views in now – they matter.
The Waterfront Study Plan people and the developer are far apart. The Study group is suggesting two 15 – 17 storey buildings and taking a 20 metre strip on the west side as park land along with another small patch on land on the east side at the southern end (lake side) of the site.
The developer has proposed two towers – one 30 storeys high and the other 35 storeys high – both sitting on a five story podium.
Parking for both would be underground exiting and entering off Elizabeth Street to the east.
While the study is for the area shown below – all the attention up to this point has been on the Waterfront Hotel site.
Spencer Smith Park defines Burlington. Few cities in Canada sit on the edge of the largest body of water in the country. It is host to some of the biggest public festivals in the province.
Will 40 storey structures take away from what the park offers the citizens of Burlington; will they diminish what is left of the small ton feel of Brant Street?
Do you think the big flashy buildings are what the city needs. A decision is going to be made – get your two cents in now when it matters.
 Children playing innocently – a man having snooze under a tree – the Spencer Smith Park we have today – will that change if there are 40 storey towers looming over everything?
 By Staff
February 18th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington continues to see historically low inventory and record high pricing.
The average sale price was $1,662,096. During the month of January properties sold for an incredible 120% of the listed price. Properties sold in an average of 7 days compared to 10 days the month prior.
The lack of supply and strong demand has continued to drive prices, however we are starting to see inventory grow, it just doesn’t stay on long enough to tip the scale in any way, it lists and sells before any sort of momentum is made.
 By Paul Sharman
February 17th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Meanwhile, the plan requires that 80% of all new development, to accommodate the 450,000 new residents, will be densified. The difference between urban expansion scenario and under NUBE will mean that newcomers who would otherwise like to live in Halton will be forced to move to other regions of southern Ontario. This makes it unlikely that the Region will achieve its population growth targets, which is unacceptable to the province.”
I am entirely respectful and sensitive to the many comments I have received from “Stop Sprawl Halton” and today’s delegations. Without any doubt they are passionate, highly alert, and with varying levels of being informed on the matters about which they spoke. They are also correct on many of their points. I wish to thank them for taking the time to speak to Council.
Recently I responded to an email from one of the leaders of the movement, one who might have delegated.
You may know already but allow me to tell you a little about myself. I am the Burlington Councillor who strenuously and successfully argued that climate change mitigation should be added to the City of Burlington’s 2015, 25-year, strategic plan.
 Sharman – an avid cyclist. This was 4 years before anyone declared a climate change emergency. That plan continues to act as a guiding vision for the community. I drive an electric vehicle that was used when I purchased it and I ride a pedal bicycle many km’s every week when the weather warms up. I installed a tankless water heater and a heat pump in my house along with new windows, doors, and insulation. I do not eat red meat, preferring vegetables. Between us, my partner and I have 4 children and 7 grandchildren about whose future we care passionately. Finally, I have served 11 years on the Burlington Sustainable Development Committee. All the matters that concern you with respect to sustainability also concern me.
In summary, I am highly informed and care deeply about the future of our community. My purpose is to make a contribution to the best of my ability.
Burlington’s agricultural and heritage land is dominated by Niagara Escarpment and other heritage attributes, which have been protected by the Region and Burlington Councils from development for decades. In the past the land that we live on was converted from what was previously, largely, farmland. Burlington has now essentially depleted its developable green field land.
That said, employment land is being converted to accommodate growth. Indeed, in the current IGMS plan Burlington is required to undertake massive population growth and densification as will the rest of Halton.
 Sharman: He can be impatient at times but more often that note he has figured out what the issue is and presses the point. My representation of the citizens of Burlington includes acknowledgement of their opposition to “over intensification”, which I agree has had a heavy orientation to downtown. That was the concern of 46% voters in the 2018 election. That said, most of those people do not live downtown and are generally concerned about what they consider to be excessive population growth, road congestion and not wanting to live in a highly densified community.
Any of concepts of the Region’s IGMS allocation leaves Burlington the recipient of residual population that is not allocated/accepted by other Halton lower tier municipalities. I appreciate that City staff have indicated Burlington can accommodate larger numbers of residents, but Council has not been provided any detailed analysis of location or building types required to accommodate such growth. According to a rough estimate by Mr. Benson, Halton Director of Planning, 15,500 new residents will require forty five 30 storey buildings. Because Burlington is already built out, the Hemson Consulting report of early 2021 estimated that 90% of the increase in Burlington’s population growth will have to be housed in mid to high rise buildings. 70,200 new residents allocated to Burlington under the preferred growth concept equates to 63,180 new apartment residents in 183 x 30 story buildings using Mr. Benson’s math.
If the preferred growth concept is not approved, Burlington’s allocation may increase to 85,700, of which 90% or 77,130 would likely have to live in apartments. That means Burlington will need to accommodate, perhaps 228 x 30 story towers. That is a rather daunting vision, equating to, perhaps, 5 times + the equivalent of Mississauga’s Square One neighbour hood, but in smaller spaces.
All of that said, my over-arching concern is whether there is a high probability that
a) 450,000 more people will become residents of Halton in the next 30 years
b) what the probability is that in the following 50 years another 750,000 will arrive at the same rate.
 Sharman: “… all plans, by definition, are wrong and therefore it is tough to reach finite conclusions.” In truth, I believe that all plans, by definition, are wrong and therefore it is tough to reach finite conclusions. Therefore, we have to make broad assumptions on probabilities. My sense is that Halton will, receive more than the province’s “minimum” required 450,000 new residents between now and 2051 and it will not end there because increased immigration levels and other global motivators that cause people to leave their home countries.
That leads to the question that weighs heavily on my mind: on balance between all the hard choices to be made, if municipalities fail to make the decisions that represent the best long-term outcomes for the future, then the probability of bad outcomes escalates.
 Any hope to ever own their own home locally because of incredible price increases and lack of supply is in doubt.. An example of a bad outcome is reflected in conversations I had recently with two young Burlington university graduates who both live in their parent’s homes. Neither sees any hope for them to ever own their own home locally because of incredible price increases and lack of supply. Perhaps, as many as 100,000 of Halton’s current young residents are in the same boat with them. Housing is critical to everyone. Without sufficient housing, countries get massive inequality, social injustice, and social unrest. Canada is already getting there.
While I do not want to see expansion of urban boundaries, I do want a balanced and fully informed set of decisions to be made by Council. Decisions of the past allowed 80% of current Halton residents who are older than, about, 35 to have had a chance to achieve high quality housing. Those of us who are in the much older age group of Halton homeowners live in relative luxury by the standards of many people in Canada and around the world.
Is it reasonable to suggest that the tenets of our great Canadian democracy including free speech, freedom of choice, free markets etc. will not be available, at least to some degree, to our children and grandchildren? Is it possible for Canada to decline immigrant’s entry when our economy badly needs them to overcome the effects of people living 30 years longer than when Medicare was introduced in the 1950’s. What comes next if we don’t consider all the factors.
The decisions we make today will affect the quality of life of hundreds of thousands of future Halton residents. Many will not have it as good as we have. Councils in Halton Hills and Milton are in the best position to assess all the questions raised by delegates today, to make their own informed highly informed complex decisions about how their communities should develop in future and I fully respect their insight, the professionalism of their staff and their sincerity.
There has been a lot of discussion about fighting climate change by not permitting urban expansion. Irrespective of where new population and jobs end up there will be GHG emissions, but they will be a bit less in the no urban boundary expansion (NUBE) scenario. I quote the Region’s FAQ:
 Sharman: Have your data in front of you and be prepared to be challenged. “While Concept 3A/3B was evaluated as the concept that generates the least amount of community GHG emissions, as part of its evaluation it did not score well in addressing many other important community planning and housing objectives, some of which are identified in the response in Question 1 of these FAQ’s”
It is not clear what the impact of the preferred concept will be on food security. Delegations have spent a lot of time talking about saving farmland. According to the farmers of these properties, these lands have been designated as “White Belt” or land to be developed, eventually, for decades. These farms mostly grow grain, beans and seed that is shipped to other markets elsewhere in Canada and the world. They also noted that these farms are increasingly surrounded by, and production inhibited by, the urban development encroaching around them.
Nobody talked about the total 160 million acres of farming in Canada of which .003% this change represents. Not to suggest that the 5000 acres is irrelevant, indeed the recommendation to convert the land has been the subject of a couple of years of study senior professional staff and consultants costing $100,000’s.
 Intense to the point of making delegations uncomfortable ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman does know how to drill down into the data and look for results. Meanwhile, the plan requires that 80% of all new development, to accommodate the 450,000 new residents, will be densified. The difference between urban expansion scenario and under NUBE will mean that newcomers who would otherwise like to live in Halton will be forced to move to other regions of southern Ontario. This makes it unlikely that the Region will achieve its population growth targets, which is unacceptable to the province.”
It also represents passing the buck to other Regions whose farmland will likely still be built on.
Finally, it is not clear how the province will respond to a significant variance from the directions given for preparation of the new official plan. This a tough situation for elected official to be placed in. We all want everything to be done right and in the right way. But, throughout my career I have always found that in the absence or avoidance of fact the person with the loudest mouth wins.
Paul Sharman is the ward 5 Councillor in Burlington and a Regional Councillor as well. He is serving his third term in public office. He is a huge believer in basing decisions on data and is seldom shy about making his views known
Related news story:
Two mayors flip a Regional recommendation.
By Pepper Parr
February 17th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Will the decision by Halton Regional Council yesterday to not convert farmland to commercial or residential use be seen as historic?
In a very short period of time – less than 15 days, a Preferred Growth Concept prepared by Regional planning staff, and the subject of two lengthy workshops, was flipped into a modified growth plan that would not change any of the urban boundaries and not convert farmland into housing or commercial uses.
 Some of the best farm land in the province is in the Halton Region Regional Councillors from Milton and Halton Hills were not happy – they felt they were given the short end of the stick.
The Preferred Growth Concept included:
implementing a compact and transit-supportive Regional Urban Structure by directing significant population and employment growth to strategic growth areas,
 Milton claims that it is doing the required intensification and will need farm land to meet the growth targets. including around GO Stations and planned higher order transit corridors;
accommodating more than 80 per cent of population growth (contained in more than 85 per cent of new housing units) and almost 80 per cent of employment growth between 2031 and 2051, within the Region’s existing urban areas;
a significant shift in the future housing mix of the Region towards apartments, from approximately 25 per cent to more than 50 per cent of total housing units, directed to strategic growth areas, between 2031 and 2051;
 The farmers had the climate change people behind them. a measured urban boundary expansion of 1,120 hectares of new community land in the south and east of Milton (710 hectares) and a southerly expansion of Georgetown in Halton Hills (410 hectares), for residential, commercial and institutional uses, to provide a market-based supply of ground-related housing as directed by the Province, and accommodate important community uses (i.e. hospitals, parks);
a major shift in the future employment mix of the Region towards mixed use office employment, directed to strategic growth areas, between 2031 and 2051;
a measured urban boundary expansion of 1,070 hectares of new employment land located primarily along the Highway 401 and 407 corridors in Milton (670 hectares) and Halton Hills (400 hectares), to accommodate market demand for advanced manufacturing, logistics/warehousing, and supportive uses, which require access to 400-series highways.
That is what was going to the Regional Council meeting on February16th. When it got there it was met with a motion from Mayors Burton of Oakville and Meed Ward of Burlington that took a radically different approach.
The Motion that was approved on a 15-9 vote reads as follows:
WHEREAS the Region of Halton is in the process of updating the Regional Official Plan to conform with the 2019 Growth Plan, as amended, in accordance with the Places to Grow Act, 2005, and to plan to accommodate a total population of 1.1 million and total jobs of 500,000 to 2051; and
WHEREAS the Region is committed to meeting the Provincial conformity deadline of July 1, 2022; and
 Burlington Marianne Meed Ward teamed up with Oakville Mayor Rob Burton to present a motion to flip the Staff Preferred Growth Plan WHEREAS by letter dated November 12, 2019, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing clarified that municipalities may choose to take a phased approach to their municipal comprehensive review through multiple official plan amendments; and
WHEREAS the Region is completing its municipal comprehensive review using a phased approach, including updating the Regional Urban Structure, considering a Draft Preferred Growth Concept arising from the Integrated Growth Management Strategy that has explored issues and opportunities related to growth management, and considering a Policy Directions Report to guide the development of updated official plan policies; and
WHEREAS the market for housing and employment is constantly evolving due to the COVID-19 pandemic, shifts in demographics, work from home opportunities, housing affordability, and other factors that are anticipated to significantly change the way people live, work and play in Halton; and
WHEREAS on February 8, 2022, Ontario published a report from the Housing Affordability Task Force that may have significant implications on the supply of market housing to address the housing crisis and which implications are unclear;
WHEREAS the Draft Land Needs Assessment provided in support of the Draft Preferred Growth Concept indicates that the majority of pre-2041 population and employment growth can be accommodated without expansions to the existing approved urban boundary; and
WHEREAS it would be prudent for the Region consider all relevant information that is available to it during its municipal comprehensive review exercise to make a determination on land requirements and other fundamental planning decisions that will dictate growth in Halton to 2051;
 Oakville Mayor Rob Burton put forward the motion that might be seen as historical in the future. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
THAT Halton Regional Council directs Staff to prepare a Regional Official Plan Amendment (ROPA 49) that advances a modified Preferred Growth Concept in two phases to accommodate growth pre-2041 and from 2041 to 2051:
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- For accommodating growth pre-2041, directing population and employment growth to the existing approved urban boundary;
- For accommodating growth from 2041 to 2051, providing a clear framework for when, and how planned growth should be distributed based on principles of minimizing land consumption, making the most efficient use of land and infrastructure, and achieving other principles of the Growth Plan;
AND FURTHER THAT Staff be directed to schedule a Statutory Public Meeting and Open House to obtain comments on an updated draft ROPA 49 no later than April 30, 2022;
AND FURTHER THAT Staff be directed to prepare its recommendation report and bring it forward to Regional Council such that ROPA 49 could be adopted and forwarded to the Province for approval to meet the July 1, 2022 conformity deadline, subject to being directed by the Minister to meet an alternative date, as requested the Region and other municipalities;
AND FURTHER THAT this resolution be circulated to the City of Burlington, Town of Halton Hills, Town of Milton and Town of Oakville.
Historically what will it mean? Only time will tell – what we did hear were delegations from 58 people who kept reminding the Councillors that they had all voted that there was a Climate Emergency and food sustainability was a real issue – protecting some of the best farm land in the province was vital.
There were some strong words from Milton and Halton Hills Councillors who believed their ability to meet the the provincially mandated population growth was no longer possible without building on farm land.
They argued that it was up to each municipality to decide what is best for their community and that older more mature municipalities had no right to bully smaller municipalities.
There will be a Statutory meeting on the issue sometime in April – the fight would appear to be over – but there are issues to deal with.
The Region is required to present their Growth Plan to the province on July 1st – the document from Halton will read – Modified Growth Plan – which they hope will be accepted.
By Staff
February 17th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario government has procured AECOM as the successful engineering consultant to undertake a Preliminary Design and Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Update Study for the widening of Highway 6 South in the City of Hamilton. The project will increase lane capacity from two lanes to four over a nine kilometre segment between Highway 403 and Upper James Street, as part of the government’s plan to build Ontario.
 Study area for a Hwy 6 expansion from two to four lanes. Highway 6 from Highway 403 to Upper James Street is the primary connection from John Munro Hamilton International Airport to the Greater Golden Horseshoe via Highway 403.
“The widening of Highway 6 from two lanes to four is vital to the continued growth of the John Munro Hamilton International Airport and the surrounding areas,” said Donna Skelly, MPP Flamborough-Glanbrook. “This is an important step forward in our work to ensure the safe, efficient movement of people and goods here in Hamilton and across the region.”
 Better access to the Hamilton Airport The Preliminary Design and EA Update Study will include outreach to Indigenous communities, municipalities, and stakeholders including the airport and business owners, and will commence in spring 2022, with a targeted completion of spring 2024.
Quick Facts
The province has allocated more than $21 billion in funding over the next 10 years, including approximately $2.6 billion in 2021–22, to expand and repair highways and bridges.
A four-lane highway link to the Hamilton airport was originally designed and received environment assessment approval in the late 1980s. The existing two-lane road was built in 2003.
 By Pepper Parr
February 17th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
Yesterday Premier Doug Ford said: he’s “eager to get these mandates moving.”
 It has always been about business for Doug Ford. “I hate as a government telling anyone what to do. We’ve just got to get moving forward and get out of this and protect the jobs,” Mr. Ford said at a manufacturing announcement in Hamilton.
“The world’s done with it, so let’s just move forward.”
The government intends to fully lift capacity limits on businesses and social gatherings on March 1. Its vaccine-certificate policy – which requires certain businesses only admit vaccinated patrons – is set to end the same day.
Mr. Ford said Tuesday that he was “never sold” on the proof-of-vaccination policy, but that he introduced it on the advice of the province’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kieran Moore.
 “Dr. Moore’s phenomenal, but you know something, he’s reasonable, too. He’s reasonable, he gets it, he understands the economy,” Mr. Ford said. “Thank God, on March 1, we’re moving forward out of this … I just can’t wait.”
And there you have a Premier doing a Class A hissy fit in public. The 1500 plus new infections Ontario is experiencing each day is a clear sign that we are not “done with it” yet.
 Apparently his heart was never in the fight to conquer. The comments made by the Premier are so irresponsible. He has never understood that it really isn’t all about jobs – it is about the health of the people he serves. The thousands of deaths recorded so far are a testament on just how serious this has been.
There is hope however, early in June the people of the province can decide with their votes if they are done with Doug Ford.
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
 By Pepper Parr
February 17th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The province moves into a new part of the Roadmap to Recovery with many restrictions being lifted.
Halton Regional Medical Officer of Health Hamida Meghani told Regional Council yesterday that while things are certainly a lot better than they were in January it is still important that people be vigilant – “wear your mask when you are with people who are not part of your bubble”.
Dr. Meghani displayed some graphics that show the stages this pandemic has gone through adding that the virus is still very much with us.
 The degree to which the Omicron variant impacted the province. The concern is that there could be another variant working its way towards us. The defence is ensuring that everyone is fully vaccinated. Provinc- level testing has been cut back but the Region has been testing the effluents at the waste water treatment plants in the Region and reported that the level of the virus in the community is stable with none of the waste water treatment plants showing increases.
 Testing results from waste water treatment plants Dr. Meghani stresses again and again that this virus is passed from person to person and that the most effective way to prevent that from happening is to wear a properly fitted mask.
She produced a graphic that explains it all – adding that being fully vaccinated lessens the chances of an infection taking hold.
Look at the graphic carefully – it shows the path the virus takes.
 The virus on the left and the route it takes getting to you. Related news stories:
Province eases up on restrictions February 17th and again on March 1st.
By Pepper Parr
February 17th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Three more days to Share the Love and share the food you purchase with the Burlington Food Bank.
The drive that started last Sunday has collected 350 lbs of Food and $1400 in cash and gift card donations.
.
Merrilee and Don Fraser have worked tirelessly making telephone calls and picking up food donations.
The food donations are still needed; the local economy is not yet back to normal.
Related news story.
A unique group of people making a difference.
By Pepper Parr
February 16th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The headline tells part of the story – so here it is.
 Halton Regional Council rejected a draft preferred Growth Plan for the Region and voted 15-9 to go with a motion brought forward by Mayor Burton of Oakville and Meed Ward of Burlington to put forward a modified Growth Plan that will see nothing in the way of urban boundary changes until 2041 and a review every five years to closely monitor where the growth actually took place.
In a sentence: no farmland will be used for residential or employment lands.
It was a long, long meeting that heard 58 delegations, including one from former Toronto Mayor David Crombie.
The number of delegations is believed to be a record for the Region.
There was merit on both sides of what was a very passionate argument.
Give us a day to go through our notes and look for the really important points that were made and the recognition that the issue was not so much farmland use – but climate change.
It was a great day for the Region – but there are a lot of feathers that were ruffled – some fence mending will be needed and the interests of Milton and Halton Hills will have to be given special attention.
By Staff
February 16th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
City of Burlington administrative services will be closed for Family Day, on Monday, Feb. 21. For a list of which City services and facilities are available on the Family Day holiday weekend, please see the summary below or visit burlington.ca.
*Important information regarding COVID-19: The information provided below is accurate as of Feb. 14, 2022. In the event of any changes made by the Province of Ontario to current COVID-19 public health measures, please visit burlington.ca/coronavirus for potential impacts to City services and programs.
Residents can also stay informed about city news on our social media channels: @cityburlington on Twitter and facebook.com/cityburlington.
| City Service |
Holiday Closure Information |
| Animal Services
|
To report an animal related emergency on a statutory holiday, please call 1-888-264-3135.
The Animal Shelter at 2424 Industrial St. remains closed to the public due to COVID-19, however services are ongoing. For more information, call 905-335-3030 or visit www.burlington.ca/animal. |
| Burlington Transit |
Burlington Transit will operate a Sunday schedule on Family Day. For real-time bus information and schedules visit myride.burlingtontransit.ca.
The downtown terminal at 430 John St. and Specialized Dispatch will be closed. |
| City Hall |
The Service Burlington counter, temporarily located on the second floor at City Hall (426 Brant St.), will be closed to all appointments on Monday, Feb. 21.
Many service payments are available online at burlington.ca/onlineservices. |
| Halton Court Services – Provincial Offences Office |
Court administration counter services at 4085 Palladium Way will be closed on Monday Feb. 21.
With the exception of the Family Day closure, 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. |
| Parking |
Free parking is available downtown, on the street, in municipal lots and in the parking garage (414 Locust St) on weekends and holidays.
NOTE: The Waterfront parking lots (east and west) do not provide free parking on statutory holidays.
No on-street parking is permitted during a snow event and parking exemptions are cancelled during this time. On-street parking can resume after the snow event has been declared over by Roads, Parks and Forestry. Follow burlington.ca/snow. |
| Recreation Programs and Facilities |
Indoor drop-in activities such as swimming, skating, and drop-in gym times are offered on a reduced schedule over the Family Day weekend, please visit burlington.ca/dropinandplay for program times and online registration.
Looking to plan a private skating or shinny time for your family group? There are still limited hourly ice rink rental times available at Appleby Ice Centre. For booking requests, please email rentals@burlington.ca.
Burlington has a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy with your family during the winter season including:
- disc golf at Tyandaga Golf Course, 1265 Tyandaga Park Dr.
- skating
- tobogganing
- trails and multi-use paths
- parks and playgrounds.
Find out more at burlington.ca/outdoorplay.
Our Lending Library has winter outdoor equipment available to borrow at no charge. Visit burlington.ca/playlending for details.
Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond will be open daily for outdoor skating, weather conditions permitting. Pre-registration is not required. For more information, visit burlington.ca/pond and remember to check ice conditions before leaving home by calling 905-335-7738, ext. 8587. |
| Roads, Parks and Forestry |
The administrative office will be closed on Monday, Feb. 21.
Essential services, including winter control, will be provided as required. |
Burlington is a City where people, nature and businesses thrive. As residents continue to rediscover many of their favourite spaces and activities in the city, City services may look different as we work to stop the spread of COVID-19. The City’s commitment to providing the community with essential services remains a priority. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at Burlington.ca/Enews and follow @CityBurlington on social media.
By Staff
February 15th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
With key public health and health system indicators continuing to improve, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is cautiously and gradually easing public health measures sooner, with the next phase of measures being eased on February 17, 2022 at 12:01 a.m.
“Given how well Ontario has done in the Omicron wave we are able to fast track our reopening plan,” said Premier Doug Ford. “This is great news and a sign of just how far we’ve come together in our fight against the virus. While we aren’t out of the woods just yet we are moving in the right direction.”
Effective February 17, 2022
Ontario will further ease public health measures, including, but not limited to:
Increasing social gathering limits to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors
Increasing organized public event limits to 50 people indoors, with no limit outdoors
Removing capacity limits in the following indoor public settings where proof of vaccination is required, including but not limited to:
Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments without dance facilities
Non-spectator areas of sports and recreational fitness facilities, including gyms
Cinemas
Meeting and event spaces, including conference centres or convention centres
Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments
Indoor areas of settings that choose to opt-in to proof of vaccination requirements. Allowing 50 per cent of the usual seating capacity at sports arenas
Allowing 50 percent of the usual seating capacity for concert venues and theatres
Increasing indoor capacity limits to 25 per cent in the remaining higher-risk settings where proof of vaccination is required, including nightclubs, restaurants where there is dancing, as well as bathhouses and sex clubs Increasing capacity limits for indoor weddings, funerals or religious services, rites, or ceremonies to the number of people who can maintain two metres physical distance. Capacity limits are removed if the location opts-in to use proof of vaccination or if the service, rite, or ceremony is occurring outdoors.
Capacity limits in other indoor public settings, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, retail and shopping malls, will be maintained at, or increased to, the number of people who can maintain two metres physical distance.
In addition, as of 8:00 a.m. on Friday, February 18, 2022, Ontario is expanding booster dose eligibility to youth aged 12 to 17. Appointments can be booked through the provincial booking system and the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre, as well as at select pharmacies administering the Pfizer vaccine. Appointments will be booked for approximately six months (168 days) after a second dose. To book an appointment online, individuals must be 12 years old at the time of appointment.
Effective March 1, 2022
Ontario intends to take additional steps to ease public health measures if public health and health system indicators continue to improve. This includes lifting capacity limits in all remaining indoor public settings.
Ontario will also lift proof of vaccination requirements for all settings at this time. Businesses and other settings may choose to continue to require proof of vaccination. Masking requirements will remain in place at this time, with a specific timeline to lift this measure to be communicated at a later date.
To manage COVID-19 over the long-term, public health units can deploy local and regional responses based on local context and conditions.
“Thanks to the efforts of Ontarians to help blunt the transmission of Omicron, our health care indicators suggest a general improvement in the COVID-19 situation in the province,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health.
“We are now in a position to lift more public health measures, but it is important to stay vigilant, as we don’t want to cause any further disruption to people’s everyday lives. We must continue to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in our communities by following the measures in place and by vaccinating those who have not yet received their doses.”
Quick Facts
- Due to a steady decline in COVID-19 related hospitalizations and ICU admissions, on February 10, 2022, the government lifted Directive 2 to begin a gradual and cautious resumption of non-urgent and non-emergent surgeries and procedures across the province.
- Since Ontario entered modified Step Two, over 202,000 Ontarians have received a first dose and more than 2,575,000 Ontarians have received their booster.
- To further support the province’s cautious easing of public health measures, Ontario is expanding access to free rapid tests, with 5.5 million rapid tests to be distributed each week for eight weeks through pharmacies, grocery stores, and community partners in vulnerable communities.
- Effective January 4, 2022, the use of the enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code and the Verify Ontario app must be used in settings where proof of vaccination is required.
- Download your vaccine certificate by visiting https://covid-19.ontario.ca/get-proof/.
- To have your vaccine certificate mailed to you, call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.
- On January 17, 2022, Health Canada approved the antiviral Paxlovid. Ontario received approximately 10,000 courses of treatment from the federal government in January, with additional allocations of more than 10,000 courses for February and 33,000 courses for March. Eligibility is currently focused on adults with the highest risk of severe outcomes.
- In response to the highly transmissible Omicron variant, Ontario updated its COVID-19 testing and isolation guidelines. Learn more about what to do if you have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19.
 By Pepper Parr
February 16th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
A vendor call has been put out by a group using the name: For the Love of Markets setting out selling opportunities in local short term markets.
 One is a repeat of the Holiday Market held in Burlington last December.
Hastily put together with disappointingly slim sponsor ship dollars they literally has the wind taken out of them with a winter windstorm that shut things down for a full day.
A tough break.
The events are being “curated” by Megan Madill, the woman Burlington’s Mayor called a “Rock Star”
“As we roll into 2022, we are starting with a bang! Here are not one, not two but four exciting vendor opportunities.
“Take a look at each event, see which ones suit your brand, and get your applications in early! Hint: some of our events are running early bird pricing right now. Stay tuned for more to come this year!”
Good marketing What the Gazette would like to see is some transparency and accountability on what the results were for the 2021 event as well as an explanation on just what the relationship is between the Sound of Music and the Burlington Downtown Business Association and this market.
During the Council debate on this event, it got a little boisterous at times, there was mention of a report that would be filed but then some mention of there not being any funding to prepare a report.
Funding was put in place for two years but that doesn’t mean there should not be a public report at the end of the first year.
Our reporters found that support from the vendors last year was decent – the public didn’t seem to be able to make up its mind.
Related news stories:
Market idea gets a rough ride
By Pepper Parr
February 16th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Something like this is probably coming your way.
It is labelled the 2022 Preferred Concept for the Waterfront Hotel site that was put before about 110 people that took part in a virtual presentation Wednesday evening,
 Proposed 2022 Preferred Concept – half the height of what the developer is asking for and a lot more park space. It is considerably different than the plan the developer has before the city Community Planning department; basically half the height and much more park space..
There are two towers in the concept but they are between 15 and 17 stories each rather than the 30 and 35 storeys the developer has before the Community Planning department.
The two towers rest on a 3 storey podium instead of the five storey podium the developer is asking for.
The biggest difference is a 20 metre wide piece of land on the west side of the site that runs from Lakeshore Road to the southern end of the property. It was described as a needed addition to Spencer Smith Park which was described as closes to full capacity on many occasions.
There was some additional park space to the lower right of the 2022 Preferred concept.
Evan Sugden, the Bousfields Inc., planning consultant hired by the developer was taken aback when he saw the concept and asked where the justification was for taking land to be used as park space. He wanted to know where the report was that set out the need for additional park space.
All developments are required to provide park space, either in land or cash in lieu.
 The developer wanted two soaring towers that would be 40 storeys including the podium. While well attended the virtual meeting ran out of steam at the one hour point of a meeting that was scheduled for an hour and a half.
All members of council were reported to be in attendance but other than the Mayor none had anything to say.
The Mayor did take a shot at having a straw poll done on the spot – that didn’t work out – the consultants running the event said i would not be appropriate at this point to hold a straw poll.
Next step? The city wants opinions and feed back from the public. They are fully aware that this development is going to go to the Ontario Land Tribunal for a decision and they want to build the strongest case possible.
The city wants feedback from the public no later than March 1st. For those who did not take part in the virtual meeting – the presentation was recorded and will be available on the GetInvolved section of the city web site.
By Pepper Parr
February 16th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Transparency is a word that gets used by every member of the current city council – frequently.
They pride themselves on being transparent, but saying you are transparent doesn’t mean you are.
In the past several months many have asked why there are so any Closed Sessions of Council- and why next to nothing gets said by Council when they come out of a Closed Session. At least two council members want the address of the property made public when they go into Closed to discuss property matters.
 Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte has been consistent in her efforts to bring more transparency to the business of city Council. Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte has sort of led this effort for more in the way of transparency. She has said that she would oppose going into Closed Session when it was proposed and indeed today she did just that.
While the matter they were going into wasn’t crystal clear – it may have had to do with the possible purchase of the Bateman High School from the Board of Education.
Elsewhere in the meeting there was a bylaw passed to authorize a request for the issuing of a debenture by the Regional Municipality of Halton for a Confidential Land Acquisition.
There was no mention in the bylaw what the land acquisition was nor what the amount of the debenture was; the Region handles all the raising of loans for the municipalities.
There is no evidence that the two matters are related. Many feel the public has a right to know what the money is being borrowed for and how much is being borrowed.
Outside legal Counsel was involved in this Closed Session that lasted about 25 minutes and when they voted to implement the decision that was made Stolte voted for it, which suggests Stolte was Ok with the decision that was made.
Stolte has been a strong advocate for more information in the hands of the public.
But when there was an opportunity to comment in Open Session – not a word from Stolte.
 Councillor Nisan wanted the city manager to immediately contract with a law firm for advice on going into Closed Session procedures. Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan, who doesn’t have much in the way of a getting along well with Stolte relationship (they differ on many procedural issues), put forward a motion that directed the City Manager to immediately contract with the law firm Aird and Berlis to guide the city on its procedures and policies on the matter of Closed Meetings.
There is a procedure for a citizen to complain about Closed Sessions of Council. Mayor Meed Ward said it was all set out on the city web site.
The sticking point would be appear to be with the city legal department. They appear to be asking that a Session be Closed and the Clerk goes along with it.
I don’t recall this Council or any other for that matter, being opposed to going into a Closed Session
Mayor Meed Ward then made this comment. “There are times when I work quietly behind the scene”.
THAT by any stretch of the imagination is not a definition of transparency.
Much more to this story.
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