 By Pepper Parr
February 21st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton, and the municipalities within the Region ar in great financial shape. How do we know that?
 Gary Carr on the campaign trail – his campaign signs were a jersey that he wore. Won by a landslide Because Regional Chair Gary Carr issued a statement today advising the public that Halton has received a Aaa credit rating for the 35th consecutive year
On February 3, 2023, Carr reported that “Moody’s Investors Service reaffirmed Halton Region’s Aaa Credit rating for another year. Achieving this rating status ensures that Halton Region and its Local Municipalities that borrow under this credit rating will continue to receive the best funding rates in the capital markets. Moody’s report praises Halton Region’s growing and diversified economy with a rising population, its fiscal management practices and institutional framework. The Region has maintained its top credit rating from Moody’s Investors Service for the last 35 years.
“Preserving Halton’s strong financial position has been an essential part of enhancing our services and critical investments, especially as we work to grow and support infrastructure for residents,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “We are proud to preserve this credit rating for the 35th consecutive year. Receiving this Aaa credit rating confirms our prudent financial planning and supports our ongoing plans to maintain a high quality of life in Halton.”
Earning a top credit rating from Moody’s Investors Service is critical to preserving Halton’s strong long-term financial position as the Region works to build and enhance infrastructure. This distinction is a key objective in the 2023 Budget and Business Plan, and allows public funds to go further when investing in essential Regional works, including road, water and wastewater projects that help build healthy, complete communities.
Moody’s report highlighted the following credit strengths as rationale for their decision:
• exceptional levels of liquidity and low debt burden;
• strong governance and management including forward looking operating and capital planning;
• diversified economy and strong population growth leads to rising tax base; and
• stable and predictable revenue sources support strong fiscal outcomes, and shelter the Region from fiscal pressures including adverse Provincial changes
In July 2022, S&P Global Ratings also upheld its top rating for Halton. Halton Region has maintained top credit ratings from S&P Global Ratings (AAA) since 2002 and Moody’s Investors Service (Aaa) since 1989.
 Regional government does all the debenture borrowing for the four municipalities. Any borrowing Halton municipalities want to do is funnelled through the Region who does the borrowing on behalf of the municipality.
While we have a good credit rating and money in the bank and Canada’s inflation fell to 5.9% in January – food prices keep on soaring
Meat prices rose by 7.4 per cent, their highest increase since 2004, while baked goods, dairy products and fresh vegetables saw double-digit increases.
The Consumer Price Index — a broad-based basket of goods and services used to measure inflation — was 5.9 per cent higher than it was at this time last year. That’s down from the 6.3 per cent inflation seen in December.
Inflation has eased somewhat since last June, when it hit a 39-year high of 8.1 per cent. But it’s still well above the Bank of Canada’s target of two per cent per year.
Meanwhile Burlington increased its spending by 5.7% over last year. The total tax increases is 7.57% with the difference between the two being what the city collects on behalf of the Region and the schools boards.
School boards did not increase their taxes this year.
 By Pepper Parr
February 21st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
We got a look today how things are likely going to go at Queen’s Park.
 Marit Stiles: Her question: “Did anyone in the Premier’s office or any other government staff have a role in making the invitation list for this family fundraiser?” Marta Stiles, speaking at the Leader of the Opposition for the first time was putting questions to Doug Ford.
We all knew what her questions were going to be about: The money that was donated for events related to the wedding of his daughter and the deals Stiles believes were made to give developers advance notice of changes in legislation that would make land that was protected from development – suddenly available for development.
The first question was related to the wedding:
The Premier responded:
Well, first of all, I welcome the first question from Leader of the Opposition regarding any family matters. My family is separate them from a political process. They aren’t involved. I had an opportunity to speak to the Integrity Commissioner Mr. Speaker, I asked him for his opinion. And he found there was no violation. Again, this event was cleared by the Integrity Commissioner.
Stiles asks a supplementary question.
 Marit Styles: “It is about the Premier’s behaviour. It’s about accountability and the integrity of the office that he holds.” Speaker I want to be clear, this is not about the Premier’s family. It is about the Premier’s behavior. It’s about accountability and the integrity of the office that he holds. Sources told reporters they felt pressured to attend and some were asked for additional donations of up to $1,000. Did anyone in the Premier’s office or any other government staff have a role in making the invitation list for this family fundraiser?
At this point the Premier stops answering questions and has Paul Calandra, Government House Leader, do the speaking:
Calandra: The Premier has already responded to that. As the commissioner also responded to that, Mr. Speaker, but at the same time, we are continuing to move forward as a Government to ensure that we continue to build a strong prosperous Ontario and it is seen throughout the province of Ontario whether you’ve travelled to the north to south east in the west, the province of Ontario is moving in a very good direction we are seeing 1000s of jobs being created Mr. Speaker, we are seeing investments come back to the province of Ontario. That is what we continue to fight for Mr. Speaker. Yes, we’re also fighting to ensure that young families can afford to get their first home something that almost everybody in this place has enjoyed reasons why families and people came to this province to this country for generations.
Speaker is because they wanted the dignity and the hope and the optimism that they could also enjoy that first home and we are going to do everything in our power to make all Ontarians can enjoy that type of optimism and success for the future.
Stiles get to ask her final supplementary question
Leader of the Opposition Marit Stiles:
Speaker It really should not be too much to ask for the premier of this province to answer the questions that Ontarians have. The premier has a close relationship with developers we know that, he’s acknowledged it, but when the guest list for a family event includes the very developers who later benefited from this government’s Ministerial Zoning Orders (MZO’s) and the Greenbelt land sales, something doesn’t sit right.
 Leader of the Opposition Marit Stiles: “something doesn’t sit right.”. The government has a history of very specific land decisions that somehow end up benefiting their friends and their donors. Does the premier understand how bad this looks not just for the premier, but for the integrity of his government?
Calanda, speaking again for the Premier:
Again, the Integrity e commissioner has responded as well as the premier Mr. Speaker
Yes, we’re making decisions that will put more of the valuable resources of the province of Ontario available for families for young Canadians who want to be able to buy that first home, but we didn’t just start last week we started from 2018 Mr. Speaker and at every step of the way, every step of the way.
The opposition has been opposed to that when we brought on transit oriented communities to build housing around the transit infrastructure, which by the way, Mr. Speaker is the largest investment in transit in the history of this province, if not the country.
Mr. Speaker, we brought in rules to build transit oriented communities. They voted against him Mr. Speaker so it is no surprise that they are against building more homes for people. It is that hope and optimism that we have been fighting for since we were elected; since the Progressive Conservative government was even formed to do that the people of this province wanted a prosperous province, but they also wanted the hope and dignity of having their first home and we are going to do everything in our power to make sure that that is affordable for everybody.
The Premier will deflect, defer or just ignore. The New Democrats are going to have to come up with some very strong evidence – get it out to the public domain and let the media pound away at it
The Auditor General and the Provincial Integrity Commissioner are investigating. No word yet on what the OPP Racket Squad has come up with – they are reported to have been nosing around.
Related news stories:
NDP leader sends investigation requests,
 By Ralph Emerson
February 21st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The vast majority of people agree that reviews are an invaluable resource when making decisions about what to buy and where. A survey conducted in 2021 has revealed that almost all buyers rely on reviews to make decisions of this type, no matter if it’s about products or services online. But, as you might expect, there are two sides to every story: online stores and other platforms are riddled with fake reviews meant to praise or even denigrate certain products and services. So, today let’s take a look at some tips on how to spot a fake review online.
 Look for a balance in the review: if it is too positive, that’s a signal and if it is too negative – that is a signal as well. Overly positive or negative reviews are dubious
There’s no such thing as the perfect product or service. If you take a look at reviews sites, no matter if they are dealing in washing machines or the perfect place for online gambling in Canada, there are always people with legitimate complaints about shortcomings of the product and service reviewed. This is especially true for gambling sites, by the way, where people complain quite often about the lack of certain game providers that they would prefer.
If you see a review that’s nothing but praise for a product or service, though, you shouldn’t trust it – neither should you trust reviews that deplores pretty much every aspect of a product or a service. Both of these types of reviews are probably paid for, either by the manufacturer/service provider or the competition. In the case of negative reviews, the reason can also be petty revenge or outrage.
As a general rule, it’s always wise to start with the bad reviews, but not the one-star ones, to get honest impressions of the product or service in question.
 Look for verification. If the review is positive – there will be or should be other positive reviews. Look for verified purchases
When it comes to products listed on webshops, it’s always a good idea to look for places that indicate if a review comes from a customer that actually bought the product, or not. It’s easy to have opinions about anything – if there’s something the internet and the talking heads on TV have taught us, it’s this – but this way, you can at least filter out the reviews that were made by people who have actually bought and used the product in question.
Look for vague, repeating statements
An honest review is almost always very specific: there are things the user liked about the product or service, and there are things they didn’t like, and they list them in their review. If the statements are vague and have wording that’s repeated almost word for word in multiple reviews, it could very well be a sign of a fake review.
Look for the reviews of a third-party site
Finally, it’s always a good idea not to rely on a single source, like the testimonials on a seller’s website or the reviews of a product on an online store page. The internet is full of sites where you can read opinions about pretty much everything, from toothbrushes to online casinos. It’s always a good idea to get a second opinion. If the opinions from more sources coincide, and they check all the boxes above, it’s pretty likely that you can make a purchase based on a pretty honest review.
 By Pepper Parr
February 21st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
 It was July 13th, 1980 when Terry Fox arrived in Burlington. There is a monument to that occasion in Spencer Smith Park, directly across from where Terry was photographed. Burlington has always had a symbiotic relationship with Terry Fox. It goes back to the day he passed through the city and stole the hearts of many.
The city had held Terry Fox runs for years and has raised millions. Each year there is a distinct Terry Fox T-short and there is a story behind the design came to be.
 Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds was very involved in the design of the 2023 T shirt. When he posted his involvement on his various social media channels his 90+ million followers began to want Terry Fox T – shirts. Orders are coming in from all over the world and, for the first time ever, the Terry Fox organization is having what they call a pre-sale now.
Reynolds made his acting debut on television in the teen drama Fifteen in 1990. Two years later, he made his feature film debut by playing an orphan raised in India, who is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi to go on a hunger strike in a small town in Canada in Ordinary Magic (1993). Reynolds had a recurring role on the television show The Odyssey (1993). He followed this with minor appearances on The X-Files (1996), and the television film Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996). His breakthrough role was as medical student Michael “Berg” Bergen in the sitcom Two Guys and a Girl.
T shirts used to be available in July, in time for the September run. Last year they were available in April – they were first available in February for this year.
Craig Gardner commented: “Crazy the power of celebrity and social media.”
Click HERE to order your T shirt
By Staff
February 21st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board values input from parents/guardians, members of the community, staff and students concerning the development of the 2023-2024 budget.
Individuals are encouraged to provide input on the budget priorities for the upcoming school year online through a questionnaire found on the Budget Input page of the HDSB’s website (hdsb.ca). Input must be received by March 6, 2023.
 Before providing input, individuals are encouraged to review the Board’s Multi-Year Plan 2020-2024, Special Education Plan and Operational Plan.
A key objective of the annual budget process is to align the Halton District School Board’s financial resources with these important documents.
Community members are also able to delegate to the Board of Trustees. Please follow the HDSB’s Delegation Procedure.
________________________________________
 By Pepper Parr
February 21st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
There is some progress on the Millcroft development issue.
The case is now at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) . A Case Management Conference will take place online on March 7th at 10:00 am.
 A community built around a gold course – settled, comfortable and now have to fight to keep what they have had for decades. The primary objective of this hearing is to obtain a list of key issues from the Parties and their experts to allow OLT to assess the complexity of the case.
The CMC will also determine the expected duration of the proceedings.
The advisors, both legal and planning experts as well as people who are experts in storm water management have advised MAD that it the CMC will likely be two to three weeks in duration and be heard at the end of 2023 or early 2024.
  Millcroft Against Bad Development (“MAD”) is one of two community organizations fighting the plans the developer has for the golf course.
MAD has been given “party status” which allows them to present evidence and to question the experts that that the developer has hired.
The City of Burlington had not taken a position on the case before the November meeting of the OLT which made it difficult to move forward.
On December 13th council unanimously rejected the portion of the application proposing development on the golf course; the City did, however, approve the proposed condominium along Dundas in principle.
 The light yellow is where the developer wants to add additional housing; the orange graphic (upper left) is where the condominium that the city will approve once there is a complete application. Consequently, the City will participate in the CMC, bringing forward a list of their issues, as well their experts to testify at the hearing. While the decision of Council has been made public, the remainder of the council meeting, as well the material provided by City staff and other experts, were all “in camera” and therefore not publicly available (which is the City’s policy whenever a matter is before OLT).
MAD has developed its issues list to present at the CMC, based upon our professional advisors’ guidance (legal counsel Weir Foulds, planner Allan Ramsey and a stormwater expert). MAD will engage experts in Planning, Stormwater, Natural Heritage, and Traffic. MAD will also receive the other parties’ issues lists and proposed experts.
MAD has said they will announce their fundraising strategy after the March 7th OLT hearing.
Related new articles:
Getting the city onside has been difficult.
 By Staff
February 20th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Make a note now of the future events you will want to take in
The Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB), home to the world’s largest collection of Canadian contemporary ceramics, releases a new line-up of exhibitions for 2023. Presenting programming across a wide range of artistic mediums and exploring themes such as iconography, Indigenous histories, ancestral knowledge, the act of remembering and belonging, legacies and literacies, each exhibition is intended to provoke critical conversations on the issues of our time. In this special year the AGB also celebrates the 40th anniversary of its permanent collection with The Weight of Clay, an exhibition series highlighting both the history and impact of the collection.
 Fausta Facciponte, Story Fragment No. 125, 2021 Fausta Facciponte: Little Tragedies and New Beginnings
December 2, 2022 – March 5, 2023
Fausta Facciponte, Story Fragment No. 125, 2021
Photograph, Inkjet print, archival pigment inks. Edition of 10, Courtesy Stephen Bulger Gallery
This tableau style exhibition positions original ceramic pieces and photographs by artist Fausta Facciponte with clay works from the AGB’s permanent collection to create narrative fragments depicting the fragile moments of life and the complexities of repair.
Caroline Monnet: Holding Up the Sky
January 13 – April 23, 2023
Caroline Monnet, Worlds Apart, 2022, Foam, OSB, 116.8 x 116.8 x 21.1 cm.
Courtesy of the artist and Blouin Division Gallery.
 The artist uses the cube, to draw attention to how different spatial relationships condition the way that we live and think. In this survey of new and recent works, multidisciplinary artist Caroline Monnet centers geometries, especially the cube, to draw attention to how different spatial relationships condition the way that we live and think. Monnet’s practice moves between textiles, photography, sculpture, and film to address the complexity of Indigenous identities and bilateral legacies, drawing from her Anishinaabe and French heritages.
 A collaborative exhibition between the Burlington Handweavers and Spinners Guild Spark! From the Collections
January 14 – April 23, 2023
DaNisha Sculpture, Starry Night, 1997. Earthenware, stains, glaze. 1998.054.0.1. Donated by Joan Bennett, 1998. Photo credit: Kat Williams. Lois Wyndham, Night Shades, 2022. Handweaving, rep weave.
This collaborative exhibition between the Burlington Handweavers and Spinners Guild and the Gallery features new textile works inspired by ceramic pieces belonging to the AGB’s permanent collection, creating a catalyst to connect craft and contemporary art mediums.
Living Library
January 2023 – December 2023
Natalie King, a soft place to daydream, 2023. Mural, dimensions variable.
Courtesy of the artist. Photo credit: Chris Blanchenot
 Living Library encourages the exchange of a broad range of human knowledge, experience, traditions, and ideas in a welcoming and supportive environment. Living Library program is a year-long initiative with rotating and overlapping artists and authors’ projects, which provides free and equitable access to events, a maker space, books, and room to sprawl. Like a library, it encourages the exchange of a broad range of human knowledge, experience, traditions, and ideas in a welcoming and supportive environment.
The Weight of Clay
From Collector to Collection
March 14 – May 28, 2023
Jim Hong Louie, Dodo #1, n.d. Stoneware, glaze.
1984.014.0.1. Donated by Mr. Herbert O. Bunt, 1984
Highlighting the inspirational donation from Herbert O. Bunt that began the AGB’s permanent collection of ceramic art, this exhibition explores both the pieces donated, and the impact the donation had on artists, curators, and the future of the Gallery itself.
All Guilds Show/23
May 6 – June 4, 2023
Opening Reception: May 6, 1 – 3:00 PM
Each year the AGB hosts an annual exhibition celebrating the guilds who make, learn, share, and teach in our spaces, including the Burlington Fine Arts Association, Burlington Handweavers and Spinners Guild, Latow Photographers Guild, Burlington Potters Guild, Burlington Hooking Craft Guild, and Burlington Sculptors and Carvers.
Akash Inbakumar: Era of the Moon: Phases
June 2 – September 17, 2023
Emerging artist Akash Inbakumar focuses on a combination of craft practises, dance, and music to explore the influences of the moon. Through their work, Akash investigates queer and BIPOC narratives intersecting with science fiction, fantasy, and metaphor. Here, they create futures where craft objects play the role of carrying family lineage, storyteller, and genetics, compared to the colonial west’s nuclear family.
 Hand-built and cast porcelain, glass, plexiglass rods. The Weight of Clay
Collecting Contemporary Ceramics
June 16 – October 8, 2023
Ying Yueh Cheung, IT BLOOMS IN THE DAY, 2005,
Hand-built and cast porcelain, glass, plexiglass rods.
Purchased with a generous donation from Maureen Charlton.
Opening Reception: June 15, 6 – 8:00 PM
40th Anniversary of the Permanent Collection Patron’s Dinner: June 22, 6 – 8:00 PM
Over the last forty years, the Art Gallery of Burlington has amassed over 4,000 unique pieces of clay-based art, culminating in the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of contemporary Canadian ceramics. Spanning spaces throughout the galleries, The Weight of Clay celebrates and chronicles the development of this historically significant collection, and honours the artists, curators, educators, donors, and volunteers who have contributed to both the AGB’s holdings and to the intellectual growth of ceramics in Canada.
Chiedza Pasipanodya
September 26, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Inspired by the architecture of termite mounds found across the Southern hemisphere, artist Chiedza Pasipanodya applies a labour-intensive process of hand building with coils of clay and burnishing with graphite. By focusing on elements related to labour, life, building, and community, the artist seeks to elevate narratives that might otherwise be forgotten or misremembered, especially the cultural productions of people of African descent.
Sybil Atteck: A Legacy Unveiled
October 20, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Sybil Atteck, Girl in Costume, 1948.
Oil On Board, 73.03 x 62.87 x 5.72 cm. Courtesy of Keith Atteck
Opening Reception: October 7, 6 – 8:00 PM
Pioneering Trinidadian artist Sybil Atteck applied her knowledge of natural history, science, craft, and various art techniques to create a body of work across painting, sculpture, and photography. In this stunning retrospective, a broad collection of Attecks’ work is brought together with catalogues, photographs, and critical reviews to reveal a woman and artist of extraordinary accomplishment.
ABOUT THE AGB – The Art Gallery of Burlington ommits to delivering programs that engage critically with contemporary art and craft practices, push the boundaries of traditional arts education, and support artists, youth, and the broader community in their personal, professional, and artistic development.
 By Pepper Parr
February 20th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
 Queen’s Park, a building that was first opened in 1893, is reported to need tens of millions to totally gut and rebuild a structure this is reported to be unsafe. Tuesday morning the Ontario government will assemble in the Legislature for a new session
The Cabinet is made up of 30 people; 73 out of 83 MPPs in the Progressive Conservative caucus have been given additional roles in the government and a $16,600 annual salary bump which is added to the $116,500 salary for a total of $133,100.
Natalie Pierre is the Progressive Conservative member for Burlington. She is the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges and Universities.
MPPs also get a monthly rental allowance for space in Toronto, which applies to all legislators who live at least 50 kilometres from the seat of government in Toronto. It rose from $1,910 to $2,300 per month, a jump of just over 20 per cent.
Add to that is the cost of the constituency office and the staff of at least three people.
 Marit Stiles will stand up in the Legislature on Tuesday as Leader of the Opposition. She will have all kinds of questions as to what the Premier has been up to. When the Legislature meets Tuesday morning the New Democrats will have a new leader who will, undoubtedly ask questions about the ticket prices for the Stag & Doe event that took place recently. Stag & Doe events are traditionally used to raise funds to pay for a wedding.
An interesting angle on the wedding itself – the wedding reception took place at Burlington’s Pearle Hotel and Spa. A premiere wedding location.
The Stag and Doe and the wedding reception are now the subject of a lot of questions. Lobbyists and developers are reported to have been invited to both events at which cash gifts are reported to have been given.
 Burlington MPP Natalie Pierre One local media podcast likened the event to a mob wedding where envelopes stuffed with cash are given to the first person in the reining line.
It’s all getting very messy and is no doubt going to be part of the legislative session that starts tomorrow.
It might be getting a little awkward for back benchers to have to explain their Premiers’ behaviour.
Some pundits think it could be serious enough to actually bring down the Ford government.
There are two investigations taking place about the way land that has, up until recently, been protected from development have been opened up to developers.
 Premier Doug Ford – heading into a very heavy week. Having just gone through a week during which the Mayor of Toronto fessed up to an inappropriate relationship with a much younger staff member that brought about his resignation the public might have stomach enough for yet another change in government leadership.
We are hearing the phrase “there is blood in the water” which in the world of politics signals that it is serious.
 By Staff
February 12, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
We are still here – find out why.
A day created for families – make the best of it.
Your kids are the best thing in your life – they should be.
The province, the level of government that established Family Day as a holiday advised today that:
This Family Day weekend, from February 18-20, Ontario families and friends can enjoy fishing anywhere in the province without having to purchase a licence or carry an Outdoors Card.
On October 12, 2007, the provincial government established Family Day as the third Monday in February. It was a Liberal government that created the holiday – not that that matters,
By Pepper Parr
February 19th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
News? Well not exactly.
A reader sent us a note about an animal they had spotted across the street from his building on Ghent Street.
It was in the property that is the object of a development application. The person who sent the picture said it was a coyote – we published the picture.
That was an Ooops!
 This is a coyote
 This a red Fox
A couple of dozen readers sent in comments to tell me a had gotten it wrong.
By Pepper Parr
February 19th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
There are two meetings that will take place in the next 90 days that will, or should, have a significant change on the way Council operates.
Later this week, on the 23rd, there is a workshop on the role of the newly minted Deputy Mayors. They are in place, but it isn’t really clear yet as to just what they are supposed to do.
Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith – Deputy Mayor for Business & Red Tape Reduction
Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns – Deputy Mayor for Community Engagement & Partnerships.
Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan – Deputy Mayor for the Environment
Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte – Deputy Mayor for Housing
Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman – Deputy Mayor for Strategy & Budgets Sharman
Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna – Deputy Mayor for Recreation and Community Services.
 This picture of Council in session was taken before Councillor Nisan returned to the Chamber. He had chosen to stay away from city hall during the pandemic. He wears a mask when he attends meetings. A couple of unknowns: Did members of Council have new business cards printed with the additional title? And will the title appear on their election signs next time out ?
Mayor Meed Ward set out what the job meant at a Council meeting during which she elaborated on the strengths each council member brought the assignment she had given them.
Sometime in April Council will take a hard look at the Procedural bylaw that governs how council is to proceed and what as members of Council they can and cannot do.
They tend get tangled up at time with the procedures that are in place.
The April meeting is an opportunity for citizens who are well informed and know quite a bit about procedure to do their thinking and to delegate at the meeting.
By Pepper Parr
February 19th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
We are still here – find out why.
 The animal isn’t exactly smiling is it?
UPDATE: Regarding the article you published on Feb 19, regarding an animal pictured at Ghent and Brant, that is obviously a FOX, not a coyote!
A very healthy looking coyote was seen and photographed enjoying time in the community garden on the west side of Brant Street at Ghent.
The location is the site of a flood plane that appears to run all the way to Lakeshore Road and is the subject of a Conservation Halton report that is creating problems for the Molinaro Group development that is planned for three of the four corners of the Brant – Ghent intersection.
The coyote is oblivious to all this.
 By John MacDairmid
February 19th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
We are still here – find out why
On Tuesday, February 14th, Burlington City Council took more steps towards improving the accessibility and attractiveness of our transportation systems in three areas: cycling & walking, transit, and improved use of public space.
 John MacDairmid delegating at city council Thanks to our advocacy, council approved a $500,000 dedicated fund for active transportation. We noted in our deputation that the council-approved cycling master plan was underfunded by tens of millions of dollars. We pointed out the existence of funds that would provide a higher impact per dollar via improved cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, which council had previously identified as a priority. We would like to thank Councillor Rory Nisan for making the motion to create this fund. This investment is a good first step towards properly funding cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, and creating a healthy and safe city.
In the near future, those aged 13-19 will be able to ride on Burlington Transit for free on evenings and weekends. This improvement, brought forward by Councillor Rory Nisan, will make transit a more attractive option for youth, increase ridership, and help to create transportation habits that the younger generation can carry into the future. We as an organization will continue to push for improvements in our transit system. One of the improvements we will continue to push for is a partnership that we have proposed between council and our local school boards. This proposed partnership would educate students on how to use transit, proper transit etiquette, and the social/environmental/economic positives of using the system.
Lastly, council has approved $100k in funding for open streets initiatives. This program will help local community groups to open their streets for programs and events, making them more accessible to people. Examples include the Appleby Line
Street Festival and the pedestrianization of Brant Street during events such as The Sound of Music. This reimagining of our public spaces will encourage passive physical activity, and increase social cohesion in our communities. We would like to thank Councillors Rory Nisan and Lisa Kearns for bringing this program forward.
We thank council for its commitment to active transportation and transit, and for showing everyone that this is a council that “puts their money where their mouth is”.
John MacDairmid is a resident of ward 4
By Staff
February 18th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Community groups looking to provide free activities, programs or events to Burlington residents can book a free Community Hub.
The activities or events can be on-going or a one-time opportunity that enhance community connections. To qualify for free use, programs and activities must be at no cost to participants.
This could include training, community meetings, support groups, clubs, gatherings, cultural activities or other neighbourhood programs.
The cost of insurance will also be covered.
Businesses, for-profits, socials or any program that generates money or future businesses can rent the space at regular rates plus the cost of insurance.
Orchard Hub – NEW
2400 Sutton Dr., Burlington, in St. Christopher’s Catholic Elementary School
• Capacity: 40 people
• Casual seating, kitchenette, fridge, microwave, washroom, projector and screen
• There will be no staff on site, and renters are required to set up and clean up the room
A community open house drop-in at the Orchard Hub is scheduled for Feb. 23 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Orchard residents and program providers are welcome to attend.
 Haber Hub
3040 Tim Dobbie Dr., Burlington in the Haber Community Centre.
Size of space, features and amenities include:
• Capacity: 15-20 people
• Two sinks and ample cabinet space
• Tables and chairs
Groups looking to learn more about the space can arrange a tour via email communityconnects@burlington.ca. Groups booking a Community Hub must complete the application form with a short summary of the details for intended use.
Emilie Cote, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture explained the program:
“There are many great, local community groups who would like to provide programming or hold events but need a bigger space or don’t always have the money to pay for a rental. The City is proud to offer two free Community Hubs to make these neighbourhood connections possible. A Community Hub can provide a chance for groups to connect people for fun, engagement or learning opportunities.”
Links and Resources
www.burlington.ca/communityhub
Burlington is now offering Community Hubs at two locations for free community-led activities.
 Official ribbon cutting with (Left to right): Adrian Bates, Adam Shaw, Jennifer Spence, Effie Triantafilopoulos, MPP Oakville North – Burlington, Councillor Paul Sharman, Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Lew Phillips, Emilie Cote, Wayne Ireland, White Eagle, San Kassiedass, Denise Beard, Lisa Crapsi
 By Pepper Parr
February 18th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The report of the Commission of Inquiry into last year’s imposition of Canada’s Emergencies Act was tabled this past Thursday. As most people expected Justin Trudeau was vindicated for invoking the legislation. His government had met the high bar required to trigger the Act.
 Demonstrators faced off with police every chance they had – and they had weeks of going toe to toe with police. Moreover as the Commissioner noted…”I determined that the measures taken by the federal government were, for the most part, appropriate and effective, and contributed to bringing a return to order without loss of life or serious injury to people or property.”
Most Canadians supported the government action so they will be relieved that this chapter is now all over and relegated to history. That is except for the 122 people who had a total of 393 charges laid against them for assault and other criminal offences. And then there are those stuck with the clean-up bill. Still, most of the occupiers escaped without so much as a parking ticket. Most of them who had been blocking traffic and jeopardizing public safety with their illegal gas cans and barbecues, just went home.
The Conservative ‘PM in-waiting’, Pierre Poilievre blamed the occupation in Ottawa on Justin Trudeau. He claimed that Trudeau had inflamed the occupiers by referring to them as a ‘fringe’ group. Trudeau sort of apologized for his undiplomatic use of language, though this was indeed a fringe group. If anything it was Poilievre himself who kept the flames of occupation burning by encouraging the occupiers, taking selfies and defending the occupation.
This was never a peaceful protest, unless blocking streets, terrorizing neighbourhoods, polluting the air with diesel exhaust, blaring their horns, and urinating on people’s lawns and war monuments could be considered peaceful. It was an unruly mob hoping to overthrow a sitting government. It was an insurrection in the making, which failed from lack of leadership and purpose, despite the assistance of some skilled ex-military and police sympathizers.
This was never about vaccine mandates for truckers at border crossings. Even if Canada had dropped its mandate the truckers would have faced the same requirement by the Americans. This was an angry mob taking out their personal frustration with two years of COVID, and for some their unfulfilled dreams of more oil pipelines, on the federal government.
It was the kind of vendetta one might expect of spoilt children being denied their regular playtime. Though they lacked a unified leadership, several occupiers presented themselves as spokespeople. And while the leadership may have included some hard core right-wingers, there were, no doubt, others just along for the ride and the excitement of it all.
 Trucks came from across the country – cheered at highway over passes as the headed to the Capitol. It is unlikely that any of these folks supported the Liberals, judging from the number of elegant ‘Fuck Trudeau’ signs stuck on the side of so many trucks. Clearly these occupiers supported the other team, the other tribe. And their love was reciprocated when Tory House leader Candice Bergen advocated against asking them to leave. Make no mistake, this was a partisan mob with a partisan mission.
The Emergencies Act might not have had to be used, the Inquiry concluded, had Ontario’s Premier done his job. While the truckers were building their barricades opposite the nation’s parliament building, Doug Ford was off snowmobiling somewhere hundreds of kilometres away. It was as if he was in denial, refusing to attend the meetings in Ottawa and even later refusing to testify at the Inquiry.
In Ontario, municipalities are children of the province, Ford had no problem arbitrarily overriding his municipalities whenever he wanted to. He trashed and slashed the size of Toronto’s elected council only days before an election. He barred municipalities from using ranked balloting; banned them adding development charges to new development, and so on.
But when it came to the security of the people of Ottawa, his government hardly raised a finger, leaving the dysfunctional Ottawa police service to fail all on their own, and leaving the job of restoring civil order to the federal government. The Emergencies Act should never have had to be invoked but for inaction by the province.
Was Ford just being partisan, under pressure from his federal party cousins to let the occupation run its course? According to interim Tory leader Bergen that would put the issue on the PM’s plate – and possibly embarrass him as an impotent figure head if he did nothing. Ford did, to his credit, eventually come out to support the federal government and the Emergencies Act. But the question is why, after he had declared a provincial emergency, he didn’t use his powers to get the OPP tactical squad to end the blockade and occupation?
 The traffic in the core of downtown Ottawa was frozen – nothing moved and people felt at risk. This occupation in Ottawa had clearly been inspired by the insurrection in Washington only a few months earlier. And it had been partially funded by some of the same folks involved in that mischief. While the Ottawa mob didn’t actually get into the Parliament buildings, they had come with a manifesto to overthrow the government and set up one under their control.
The parallels to what happened south of the border are too obvious to ignore. It’s a sad comment on our democracy when groups of people who can’t win at the ballot box choose instead the path of violence and terrorism. Partisan politics should never get in the way of overriding respect for our democratic values.
This occupation may have eventually concluded on its own and everyone gone home with just their mess left behind them. Or it may have ended up much worse with scenes like we saw at the US Capitol. We should all take a moment to consider how close we really came.
 Ray Rivers, a Gazette Contributing Editor, writes regularly applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background links:
Emergency Act Inquiry
Gazette Article on Ottawa Occupation
Candice Bergen Against Asking Occupiers to Leave
By Pepper Parr
February 18th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
We are still here: learn why
We all have personal interests. Things that we spend time on and are always wanting to know more about.
The armed services attract a lot of people.
 These were the ships that fought the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest naval battle in history. Shown here is HMCS Haida, currently tied up in Hamilton. My interest is in ships, I can’t watch enough on YouTube about different battles at sea that turned out to be turning point in a war.
I served on HMCS Haida – my first visit to Hamilton was when I arrived by train and marched from the train station to HMCS Star for a summer of training. Little did I know then that I would eventually live close to Hamilton.
The War Plane Museum at the Hamilton Airport has an offering that many who are air plane fans – the kind of people who drive out to airports to watch aircraft take off and land – will want to know more about.
It is called CASPIR – you might want to check it out.
By Pepper Parr
February 17th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The pandemic hurt everyone – and the province realized that relief was needed everywhere it was possible to provide some relief.
In 2020, the province-wide property assessment update was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 The assessed value of your property was kept at the 2020 value – bit of a break on your tax bill
As part of the Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review on November 4, 2021, the Province announced its decision to again postpone the assessment update. Property assessments for the 2023 property tax year continue to be based on January 1, 2016 assessed values.
No announcement has been made about when the next property assessment update will take place.
MPAC – Municipal Property Assessment Corporation continues to maintain an inventory of all properties and account for changes that happen each year in every property sector, across the province.
The ongoing postponement does not change the work we do to maintain the extensive property database and annual assessment rolls.
 By Staff
February 17th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Those who spend time paying close attention to local politics are getting more involved.
The Burlington Association has planned a series of Town Hall type events, the first of which will take place on Saturday the 25th.
The association is reported to have 2800 members. A Director of the association added that the significant increase in the membership was the result of the recent leadership contest that made Pierre Poilievre the leader of the party.
The EXECUTIVE: Debbie Sova – President / CEO; – Vice President: Chris Cottingham – Secretary: Robert Whittaker – Financial Agent: Jackson Carter – Executive Director: Laurie Allan – Executive Director: Nathan Zych – Executive Director: Marilyn Hunter – Past President
DIRECTORS: Wayne Brown, Norman Cheng, David Cherry, Connor Clark, Edward Dinca, Dennis Downs, Colette Ertel, Mark Fedak, Ron Finnigan, Camila Gutierrez, Dani Heroux, Kassia McLaren, Tamanna Prashar, Cailin Rodgers, Wayne Shiplo, Lorne Stewart, Christine Wei, Stephen White, Stephen Wishart, Charles Zach
Candidate of Record: Emily Brown
The association is not just a get out the vote operation – they take part in community events and have laid claim to a part of a part of Appleby Line, north of Harvester Road that they Clean up every year – been doing it since 2005.
 They have held Pints and Politics events as well as a Christmas Party.
This past few years they have held fund raising events for the Ukrainian community.
The Town Hall events are part of an initiative to raise issues that impact people directly and personally. Rental rates in Burlington are hurting people and there is no relief in sight. The federal government is bringing in more than 400,000 immigrants each year for a number of years. Those people are needed to fill the jobs that are being created – the down side is the housing they need just isn’t in place yet.
 By Pepper Parr
February 17th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The tax increase is 7.52
It is made up of:
• City 6.34%
• Region of Halton 1.18%
• Boards of Education 0.0%
Included is an Infrastructure levy. The City’s approved an Asset Management Financing Plan, that continues to include a dedicated infrastructure levy to address the renewal of the city’s $5.2 billion of assets. The 2023 Budget includes $3,065,000 equivalent to 0.79% of the total tax increase.
As for the 2022 surplus – we are going to have to wait for that number. Traditionally the figure is made public during the budget debates and usually included as motion as to where the surplus would be placed. Some time ago there was a surplus in access of $9 million – the result of staff gapping. The city manager who let that happen ‘vacated’ his office.
 Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns did try to run a tight budget meeting – her efforts were lost when the recommendation got to Council. During the budget debate we did learn that the Tax Stabilization Reserve was very low – again no number was made public – other than to hear Budget Chair Lisa Kearns say that that reserve had been raided too often and needed to be replenished.
Staff will be reporting to the March 29th CSSRA meeting with the 2022 Operating Budget Performance including the year-end financial position.
There were two consistent features in the way city council decided how they wanted to spend the taxes they expect to collect in the 2023 fiscal year.
(1) During the budget debates they couldn’t find a way to reduce the 7.08% tax increase that Staff said was necessary to continue delivering the services people expected. Council went in the other direction and added – pushing the tax increases to 7.52% – and said publicly that the same level of increase could be expected in the 2024 fiscal year.
(2) The debates part of the budget decision was a sloppy meeting that was rushed. Three days were set aside for the budget debate. This Council pushed and pushed to get it all done in a single day. They got a little “punch drunk” in the final hours and managed to vote on motions that had yet to be put before the public. The information normally appears on a screen after which the Chair asks the Clerk to call a vote.
Council was in the process of voting when the information appeared on the screen. It didn’t stay there very long.
The council vote to accept the committee recommendation said very little about the numbers they were presented with. They all focused on a “patting of the back” exercise. Staff that put the budget together deserved to be congratulated as did the City Manager and the Treasurer who are now going to have to make it all work
Translating the budget number into the tax a resident would have to pay based on the assessed value of the property was not made public during the Council meeting either.
Rough shod is an apt description of the performance.
There are three items for which funds were sought and approved that need a closer look. The Gazette will work at getting that information to its readers.
By Pepper Parr
February 17th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
No matter how you look at it – it is going to be tight.
While the public hasn’t been told all that much about the work that has to be done to get the asbestos out of the Bateman High School site – the information we have is that this is not an easy job.
In a statement from Brock University they said:
 The name of the University is on the rendering of the building – when students attend classes in the building is about as certain as the picture. “Brock University is excited about its future presence in Burlington. This is a multi-year project that will begin with a relocation to the former Lester B. Pearson High School beginning this fall. The University is working closely with the City of Burlington on requirements for the new campus located at the former Bateman High School as they redevelop the site.”
So students will attend classes at the Lester B. Pearson High School for a year, starting this fall, September of 2023, expecting to be in their new home for September of 2024.
That will be a stretch that will be closely watched by an anxious and disturbed public that thinks the city has been too tight lipped during the process of buying the property and financially irresponsible with the funds tax payers have entrusted them with.
Related news story:
Just what do we know about the asbestos problem at Bateman
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