 By Pepper Parr
January 16th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Gazette readership didn’t think very much about the $21 million that the federal government delivered yesterday.
Joe Gaetan, a frequent comment contributor asked “ Exactly how is $4,200 on a $500,000 house spread over 10 years a meaningful investment when inflation at 3% will gobble up most of the benefit. This is nothing more than an attempt at vote getting for the next election.
Adding: “What a bunch of hogwash. First of all Ontario has had an intensification mandate in place going back a number of years. As well if anyone is paying attention much of the housing is along transit routes.
“Then there is the 5,000 homes at a cost of $21 million over 10 years, or $4,200 per unit that will be peanut buttered over the next 10 years at $420.00 per home per year. This propaganda is not worth the cyber space that was foisted upon us.
 Media taking notes during the federal funding announcement. “My favourite phrase has to be “ changing how cities let housing get built” fact of the matter is municipalities have been the roadblock and the feds have zero jurisdiction. How about changing how federal government spending is out of control.
Another reader who has been very influential and effective with his comments on the developments taking place on the eastern side of Spencer Smith Park asks: “Is the Trudeau government not the one that has recently facilitated record-high immigration (> 1,000,000/yr. incl. non-permanent) without planning for any additional housing or hospital beds?
“Does Karina Gould actually think that investing borrowed money now to fix a problem that the Liberals exacerbated will cause Canadians to forget her government’s gross incompetence and their personal financial pain at the next election? I’m sorry, for me it’s just “too little, too late”!
Not exactly votes of confidence. To date there hasn’t been a single positive comment on the federal funding
By Pepper Parr
January 16th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
My colleague at the Bay Observer wrote in a recent article that a Committee of the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board took part in a lengthy debate about the role of trustees in expressing opinions in public with the media regarding board policy matters.
 Under language being considered Trustees would be discouraged from expressing opinions on matters before the board prior to the matter being voted upon.
 Hamilton Wentworth District School Board Trustee Dawn Danko Trustee Dawn Danko said “individual trustees who share their opinions with the media before a vote are being “self-serving, as opposed to serving the board.” The remarks came as trustees were considering revisions to the Trustees’ Code of Conduct.
Trustee Todd White clearly disagreed with the opinion that would place restrictions on board-media interactions; but board chair Maria Felix-Miller liked Danko’s idea stating, “We’re not city councillors, so we really shouldn’t be behaving like city councillors. We are a board of — trustees is the word — essentially advisers,” she said.
 Paul Berton, Editor Hamilton Spectator In a letter written by Hamilton Spectator Editor-in-Chief Paul Berton and signed by Greg O’Brien and Scott Monich. News directors of CHCH and CHML respectively, Berton writes, “It has come to our attention that the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (“HWDSB” or the “Board”) is considering amendments to its Trustee Policy Manual that would restrict the ability of Trustees to communicate directly with members of the media. We write to voice serious concerns about this proposal.”
Berton’s view was that the proposed policy would be a violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. He wrote, “In our view, the proposed amendment to prohibit trustees communicating with the media without the prior approval/direction of the Chair would unjustifiably violate s. 2(b) of the Charter.”
 The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms – in place to protect the rights of the public. The letter concluded, “Prohibiting trustees from speaking to the media directly and from offering their personal views without prior approval would significantly hamper the media’s ability to keep the public apprised of developments in local politics, lessen the board’s public accountability, and would decrease political participation for the trustees, the press, and the public.
Berton urged the Board to “reconsider these proposals in a way that recognizes and respects the Charter right of freedom of expression and the role of the free press in reporting on local government.”
The Gazette hasn’t heard of anything like this at the Halton District School Board. We will check out what local trustees have to say.
 By Pepper Parr
January 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition NDP, joined MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto Centre), Critic for Small Business, and local business leaders to call for support as businesses face an existential threat from looming federal loan deadline amidst a growing affordability crisis.
 Leader of the NDP Opposition wants province to extend a federal loan program. What? “This should be a wake-up call for the provincial government,” said Stiles. “Ford’s Conservatives are quick to extend lifelines to billion-dollar big box stores while leaving small business owners in the lurch. We implore this government to work with small business owners – not against them – to explore other ways we can support them in this difficult economy, step in before it’s too late for Ontario’s small businesses.”
Stiles and Wong-Tam called on the province to join the NDP’s call for an extension of the CEBA loan deadline until the end of 2024.
“CEBA was a life raft for small businesses during an incredibly difficult time,” said Wong-Tam. “The province is not powerless here; let’s work together to connect small businesses to more Ontario-made supply chains to further boost our economy and keep  jobs in our province. And it’s time we start looking much more closely at commercial rent control to help save Ontario’s main streets from closure after closure after closure.”
Instead of supporting small businesses, Ford’s Conservatives are rewarding their corporate CEO friends at Shoppers, Staples, and Walmart.
On a personal note it took me mere minutes to register and by a Presto pass at a Shoppers Drug Mart.
By Staff
January 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board (HDSB) is now accepting registrations for Junior (Year 1) and Senior (Year 2) Kindergarten for September 2024.
Registration can be completed online or in-person. Parents/guardians are asked to register their child for school by Feb. 1, 2024 or as soon as possible.
 Learning to read: a skill that will be with them for the rest of their life. Imagine not being able to read – it happens. Families can learn about Kindergarten in the HDSB by visiting the Registering for Kindergarten page on the HDSB website (hdsb.ca). Parents/guardians can pre-register their child online through the Register My Child for School page. To register for school in-person, use the Find My Local School tool on the HDSB website to determine your child’s home school and contact the school for additional information.
If you are new and/or returning to Ontario, please use the Where Do I Register Tool to guide you to where to begin your registration process (e.g. your home school OR at the HDSB Welcome Centre).
Please have the following original documents when registering:
- Proof of address (any two of the following current documents): lease or deed, car registration, utility bill, residential telephone bill, moving bill, property tax bill, bank statement, credit card statement, correspondence with a government agency
- Proof of age: birth certificate or passport or baptismal/faith record for your child
- Proof of citizenship: birth certificate or passport, Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Permanent Resident card
- If you are not the child’s parent, or if you have sole custody, please bring proof of custody (court order).
To register to begin school in Fall 2024, Junior Kindergarten (Year 1) children must be four years old by Dec. 31, 2024, and Senior Kindergarten (Year 2) children must be five years old by Dec. 31, 2024.
 She just can’t wait to get into her classroom. Parents/guardians who require language assistance to register their child for school can contact the Halton Multicultural Council at (905) 842-2486.
Parents/guardians who require accessibility accommodations to register their child for school can contact the Principal/Vice Principal of the school.
Background resources
Kindergarten
Registering for Kindergarten
Calling All Three-Year Olds
 By Staff
January 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
City responds to the $21 million the Government of Canada provided to encourage more affordable homes for Burlington, built faster.
 Local and federal politicians take part in $21 million funding announcement. Representing the city at the announcement event were: the Honourable Minister Karina Gould, MP for Oakville North – Burlington Pam Damoff, Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and Deputy Mayor of Housing, Burlington Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte.
The funding is through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)’s Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). HAF is an application-based program that provides funding directly to municipalities across the country to incentivize and support initiatives that will accelerate the supply of housing.
Action Plan for this investment in Burlington
These funds will support the implementation of some of the key actions in the City’s Housing Strategy, including expanding housing opportunities for Burlington residents by cutting red tape and implementing updated zoning.
As Burlington continues to grow, this significant investment will support the development of complete, low-carbon, and climate-resilient communities that are affordable, inclusive, equitable and diverse.
The City’s HAF Action Plan includes seven initiatives:
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- Streamlining planning and building approval process.
- Implementing Major Transit Station Areas and Community Planning Permit System.
- Support and encourage the creation of additional residential units and consider opportunities to increase as of right permissions. Burlington is proposing four units as of right and a no parking minimum pilot within a specific geographic area.
- Identify opportunities to incentivize the creation of rental and non-market housing.
- Build community and partner capacity by creating a Housing Connections Centre.
- Public lands and partnerships.
One of the City’s proposed projects focuses around Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs) and the development of a new tool, the Community Planning Permit System (CPPS). This will allow for quicker approvals on high-density developments without the need for re-zoning.
Housing Connections Centre
Another key initiative to support this Action Plan is the Housing Connections Centre. This centre will provide residents and developers resources like:
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- standard unit designs
- ways to connect with partners,
- access to incentives, and
- information about
- the benefits of diverse neighbourhoods and
- how creating new housing can provide options for all Burlington residents.
- The Housing Accelerator Fund helps cut red tape and fast track at least 100,000 new homes for people in towns, cities, and Indigenous communities across the country. It asks for innovative action plans from local governments, and once approved, provides upfront funding to ensure the timely building of new homes, as well as additional funds upon delivering results. Every agreement under the Housing Accelerator Fund will require municipalities to end exclusionary zoning and encourage apartment building around public transit in order to help seniors, students, and families. Local governments are encouraged to think big and be bold in their approaches, which could include accelerating project timelines, allowing increased housing density, and encouraging affordable housing units.
- Burlington’s Housing Strategy was approved by Council in June 2022. This strategy creates a road map and acts as a guiding document for housing needs in the City of Burlington. It will help the City to work towards meeting the housing needs of the community and move us closer to reaching our Vision for housing in Burlington.
- In October, 2023, Burlington City Council unanimously approved a motion to declare its intention to allow four residential units per lot. The motion builds on the City’s recent update to the Additional Residential Unit policies of the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw to permit up to three residential units per urban residential lot which was approved by Council in September 2023. The motion also supported the City’s application to the Housing Accelerator Fund.
Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward: “This is a huge investment in building more homes, and especially more affordable homes, for our growing city. We can only do this with partnerships with all levels of government and the building industry. Together, we’re creating the Burlington of the future – a thriving community where everyone has access to a home they can afford. The funding will help us begin implementing some of the key actions identified in our City’s Housing Strategy. This is key to making sure we remain one of the most livable cities in Canada.”
 Burlington Deputy Mayor of Housing, Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte. Burlington Deputy Mayor of Housing, Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte: “The Housing Accelerator Fund is a tremendous opportunity for the City to begin to implement key actions identified in the City’s Housing Strategy. This funding is a testament to the contributions from the community and development partners who worked together to create a robust Housing Strategy to work toward our vision for housing: “Everyone is welcome in Burlington”. This program will drive systemic change and create the conditions needed to increase housing supply and affordability over both the short and long term.”
 Executive Director of Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility, Brynn Nheiley. Executive Director of Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility, Brynn Nheiley: “The Housing Accelerator Fund will allow us to focus on further streamlining our planning and building permit approvals process; implement the MTSA program; update our Zoning Bylaw and consider incentives for certain types of development. Under this funding, the City’s Action Plan includes a mix of initiatives that will result in some immediate increases in housing supply. Other projects will support improvements to the broader housing system and will take us into the future of housing in Burlington.”
By Staff
January 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington MP,Karina Gould announced today that “With federal funding and federal leadership, we are changing how cities let housing get built in their municipalities. With a greater focus on higher density housing, student housing, homes near transit and affordable housing, we are going to get more homes built for Canadians at prices they can afford.”
The Government of Canada and the City of Burlington announced that they reached an agreement to fast track more than 600 housing units over the next three years. This work will help spur the construction of more than 5,000 homes over the next decade.
The agreement under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), will provide more than $21 million to eliminate barriers to building the housing we need, faster. Burlington’s Action Plan commits to seven local initiatives that support greater density, such as permitting four units as-of-right to encourage the creation of additional housing units on existing residential lots, and exploring opportunities to incentivize the creation of rental housing that is below market housing.
Through its Action Plan, Burlington will also create the Housing Connections Centre, enabling the city to act as a connector and a partner among the various players in the housing system. It will also streamline planning and building approvals processes, explore opportunities for partnerships on public land development, and address municipal infrastructure needs.
 The transit hubs are where high density development is expected to take place. HAF is helping cut red tape and fast track at least 100,000 permitted new homes over the first three years, which cities and regions estimate will lead to the creation of almost 450,000 permitted new homes for people in towns, cities, and Indigenous communities across Canada over the next decade. It asks for innovative action plans from local governments, and once approved, provides upfront funding to ensure the timely building of new homes, as well as additional funds upon delivering results. Local governments are encouraged to think big and be bold in their approaches, which could include accelerating project timelines, allowing increased housing density, and encouraging affordable housing units.
Pam Damoff, Member of Parliament for Oakville North—Burlington and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs) explained: “We’re in a housing crisis and the only way we’re going to solve this challenge is by working together collaboratively and directly with municipalities who know the real needs of their communities. The Housing Accelerator Fund is an acknowledgement that the status quo in how we build homes is no longer acceptable. The City of Burlington has demonstrated leadership in working with our government to get more homes built for our community.”
The City of Burlington’s Action Plan will create major transit station areas; implement a community planning permit system, a land use planning tool to establish as-of-right zoning and site plan permissions that promote intensification in key areas and create more efficient and streamlined development approval process (45 days) in order to create more housing quicker; encourage and support the creation of additional residential units; and consider opportunities to allow for greater density on existing residential lots as-of-right. It will also identify opportunities to incentivize the creation of rental and housing that is below market housing, and build community and partner capacity by creating a Housing Connections Centre.
Launched in March 2023, the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) is a $4 billion initiative from the Government of Canada that will run until 2026-27.
The Housing Accelerator Fund is part of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS), an $82+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly at placetocallhome.ca. The Housing Funding Initiatives Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed.
As of September 30, 2023, the Government of Canada has committed over $38.89 billion to support the creation of almost 152,000 units and the repair of over 241,000 units. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence.
Related news story.
Downtown development
By Pepper Parr
January 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The builders like it.
Federal MPs Pam Damoff and Karina Gould announced the City of Burlington will receive $21 million in Federal Funding through the Housing Accelerator Fund.
This funding will assist Burlington with their ambitious housing pledge of building 29,000 new homes over the next decade. Through CMHC, the Housing Accelerator Fund provides incentive funding to Burlington that is tied to the number of new housing starts the municipality can facilitate.
 Downtown core development – nothing affordable about these two developments on Lakeshore Road and Martha. ADI on the right is nearing completion, Carriage Gate on the left is just a hole in the ground. CMHC states the funding is to support “the development of complete, low-carbon and climate-resilient communities that are affordable, inclusive, equitable and diverse”.
The West End Home Builder’s Association (WE HBA) welcomes this federal investment in Burlington. “The City of Burlington and the development industry have been working under a renewed close partnership to facilitate the more than doubling our current rates of housing construction with a strong focus on bringing more units from the development pipeline through to the permit process.” noted CEO Mike Collins-Williams.
“This is a monumental task that requires collaboration between all three levels of government and the private sector. WE HBA is pleased to see the federal government coming to the table a significant amount of money to help us collectively facilitate the construction of significantly more homes”.
Burlington’s housing supply crisis means too many people are unable to find a home that meets their needs and budget. Addressing this crisis means ensuring more supply is built and is readily available. The Federal Housing Accelerator Fund will help fund infrastructure and remove barriers to the construction of new housing units.
 ADI development nearing completion.  Carriage Gate development next to ADI development is just a hole on the ground. Nothing affordable about either development. “The federal dollars will enable the City of Burlington to accelerate planning and permit approvals and upgrade infrastructure for new home construction in Burlington” WE HBA CEO Mike Collins-Williams noted. “This will enable our members to deliver on the ambitious city objective of 29,000 newly constructed homes over the next ten years.” The announcement will help set Burlington on the right path for ensuring more Burlingtonians can find a place to live, work, and raise a family.
Only time will tell if the federal money (that came from the pockets of taxpayers) will make a difference. At this point Burlington doesn’t have much in the way of shovels in the ground.
Later today we expect there will be an announcement from the Mayor on how this new money will be put to work.
 By Staff
January 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 What garbage do you put out when?
Not information that is at your finger tips.
A quick click HERE will allow you to get a schedule based on where you live in the Region.
By Staff
January 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board Trustee meeting schedule has been revised for a three month trial period to determine if meeting efficiency can be improved and processes streamlined. Following the three-month trial period, the feasibility of continuing with a revised schedule will be reviewed by the Board.
Among these changes, the public session of meetings will begin at 6 p.m. The trial period will run through the months of February, March and April.
The revised meeting schedule is as follows:
February 7 – Board meeting
February 21 – Committee of the Whole meeting
March 6 – Board meeting
March 20 – Committee of the Whole meeting
April 3 – Board meeting
April 17 – Committee of the Whole meeting
For the full schedule of meetings, view the HDSB Calendar and visit the Board Agenda and Minutes webpage for additional information.
 HDS Board of trustees chair Amy Collard Board of trustees chair Amy Collard said: “As a Board of Trustees, we recognize the time commitment of the public and staff to attend Board meetings. It is important that we honour and value their time as they balance other responsibilities and priorities, both personally and professionally,”
“Through this revised schedule, we will demonstrate our respect for everyone’s time, and set the tone for proactive collaboration and engagement.”
 By James Weatherland
January 12th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
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By Pepper Parr
January 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
It is going to be a step by step opening of a Kitchen and Bar at was the former Queen’s Head location.
 Newly named 400 Brant Kitchen and Bar will open as a restaurant sometime in June. An Entertainment Room that can be rented out for groups of 40 people will be part of the June opening. First step gets taken on Thursday the 18th when the Made to Go service will open.
You go on line, place and pay for your order and pick it.
The entrance to the Made to Go service will be at the corner of Brant at Elgin – where the entrance to the former Empire Room was located. There will be a banner over the entrance – you won’t be able to miss it
For those with accessibility issues – a phone call will have someone delivering the food to your car.
 That is a sandwich. The restaurant has yet to link up with UberEats or Skip the Dishes – right now they want to get the service working smoothly while the kitchen goes through the breaking in stage.
The operators bring more than 30 years of restaurant experience to this new venture.
Click HERE for the link to the Made to Go service. The link will be live on the 18th.
The men is set out below.
 By Staff
January 14th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
It is going to be a step by step opening for the 400 Brant Kitchen and Bar
 Sandwich from the online menu. They will be opening the doors in the take out portion of our restaurant that will be at the corner of Brant and Elgin.
The menu and order form will be posted at www.400brant.ca It will go live on the 18th.
People looking for a place to pick up a sandwich and some soup will work from the Made-to-Go Menu.
Sandwiches look good – but they always do in photographs –
Opening Thursday, January 18th!
By Staff
January 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The federal government will make a housing announcement in Burlington on Monday
The Honourable Karina Gould, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for Burlington, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs) and Member of Parliament for Oakville North—Burlington,and
Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor for the City of Burlington will be speaking.
Expect to learn about major dollars flowing from the federal coffers to the city’s bank account.
Lot of numbers but no shovels in the ground this week.
 By Staff
January 14th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The War Plane Museum has an incredible program taking place during Family Day weekend.
Fun and learning blast off over three space-themed days. There’s something for everyone at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum on Family Day weekend.
Canadian Astronaut Dr. Dave Williams will be at the museum for an exciting presentation about aviation and spaceflight. NOTE: Saturday February 17 ONLY for the Williams event.
There are limited spaces – so register early. Click HERE to order tickets.
Events details:
February 17 to 19, 2024; Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Time: 9 am to 5 pm daily
Admission: Adults $20 (Age 18+), Kids $15 (Ages 6-17). LIMITED QUANTITY AVAILABLE – to guarantee your museum entry, purchase your tickets in advance. Tickets valid for only the date purchased. No exchanges or refunds. Free admission for museum members and children 5 & under.
Fun and learning blast off over three space-themed days. There’s something for everyone at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum this Family Day weekend!
Have you always wanted to meet an astronaut? This is your opportunity! Canadian Astronaut Dr. Dave Williams will be at the museum at 11 am for a presentation on aviation and spaceflight. NOTE: Astronaut Dave will be here ONLY on Saturday February 17.
Want to learn more about the stars above? Sit back and relax in Astronomy in Action’s planetarium and explore through time and space. Stunning 4K visuals of the true night sky in a professionally presented 360-degree theatre allows you to experience the universe with wonder and awe.
 By Staff
January 12th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Fashion Forward a Halton District School program that collect formal wear that isn’t going to be used again by the owners is donated to the school baord who then make it available to students that are not in a position to purchase what it very expensive fancy dress up clothing.
 In the past the selection has been very good. Donations for are being accepted until end of day Friday, Januaru 26th.
Open Houses for choosing formal dress is in held in February and May
Donations of clean, current styled formal wear for the HDSB’s Fashion Forward are being accepted until the end of the day on Friday, Jan. 26. The Halton District School Board will host Fashion Forward Open Houses in February and May for students to select, at no cost, donated formal wear for upcoming prom/graduation celebrations.
Students will have the opportunity to view and try on formal wear in a friendly and welcoming environment. Students may select from a variety of new and gently-used attire that has been donated for proms, graduations and other special events. Many different styles, colours and sizes of formal dresses will be available as well as suits, shirts, ties, shoes and accessories.
The Open Houses will be held at W.I. Dick Middle School (351 Highside Drive, Milton) from 3:30 – 8 p.m. on the following dates:
- Thursday, Feb. 22
- Monday, Feb. 26
- Thursday, May 30
An opportunity will be made available for gender diverse youth who require a more private shopping experience between the hours of 3 – 3:30 p.m. during the Open Houses.
Formal wear such as party dresses, formal gowns, formal suits, dress shirts, ties, footwear and accessories can be dropped off at the following locations (during school hours) by end of day on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024:
Oakville
- Garth Webb Secondary School (2820 Westoak Trails Blvd)
- Safetynet (166 South Service Rd East)
Burlington
- Charles R. Beaudoin Public School (4313 Clubview Dr)
- Lakeshore Public School (2243 Lakeshore Rd)
- Frank J. Hayden Secondary School (3040 Tim Dobbie Dr)
- M.M. Robinson High School (2425 Upper Middle Rd)
North Halton
- Gary Allan Learning Centres – Halton Hills (96 Guelph St, Georgetown)
- Ohana Family Salon & Boutique (238B Main St E, Milton)
By Pepper Parr
January 11th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
There is always more to the story – but you have to get out and dig out the details.
The Queen’s Head has been chopped off; the were short $12,189.12 on the rent and the property owners called in a bailiff and looked for a new tenant.
 Bailiffs sign posted on the door. The Queen’s Head is part of local history – the new name is 400 Brant Kitchen and Bar. Based on what we have learned the menu will go through an upgrade – they appear to want to be more than a pub.
 The outside has a more modern look – the inside will probably be the same. Works crews and still beavering away. Sara, the woman that is leading the team that will operate the restaurant said that the expect to open up the room that had the pool table that had certainly seen better days has been turned into an event location that will be open before the end of the month.
Sara said they have gone to great lengths to keep as much of the original decor as possible. The room will hold 30 to 40 people.
The restaurant itself won’t open until sometime in June – it won’t be as “clubby” as it used to be. They appear to have done quite a bit of work to upgrade the furniture and the fitting. More glass and light – not as dark as the Queen’s Head was. We expect to go on a tour later in the month.
If you think the space might be something you want to use for a large family or corporate event – reach out: info@400brant.ca
Related news story:
Queen’s Head to be closed
More detail on the reasons for the closing
By Pepper Parr
January 11th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Did you know there is a National Popcorn Day?
Heck – why not – there is a day set aside for just about everything.
Here is one with a bit of a difference.
Popcorn is taking centre stage across all Cineplex theatres and for the in-home movie experience
They are celebrating the day by giving away a FREE bag of buttery popcorn to movie-lovers.
 Scene+ Members who purchase a ticket to enjoy a movie in-theatre on January 19th can get a free small bag of popcorn in theatres while those enjoying a movie at home will get a free small bag with all Cineplex food delivery orders through Uber and SkipTheDishes.
They have certainly covered all the bases with this one.
Cineplex knows that nothing goes better together than movies and popcorn – whether it is for a solo night in or out or with friends and family.
In 2023, Cineplex guests nationwide enjoyed 34 billion kernels. The most popular topping being added butter, followed by a selection of seasoning flavours. Top flavours include Dill Pickle, White Cheddar, and Ketchup.
When attending a movie in person on January 19th, Scene+ members can visit the concession and scan their membership card to receive a free small bag of Cineplex’s famous popcorn to enjoy.
For those who can’t make it in person, Cineplex is offering a bonus bag of popcorn for all Uber Eats and SkipTheDishes food orders on National Popcorn Day. To claim the bag of free small popcorn, download the SkipTheDishes or Uber Eats app, search ‘Cineplex’, and order your favourite Cineplex snacks. A small bag of popcorn will automatically be added to your order. Learn more about this exclusive offer here.
By Rostov Pushkin
January 11th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
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 By Staff
January 10th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Thom Anthony singer, songwriter and James Oliver, songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist have come together to pursue and continue their shared passion for music.
 Sophia Kathe SOPHIA KATHE – Sophia is an up and coming musical artist with raw talent that shines through in the songs she writes. Drawing inspiration from rock bands like Alice in Chains and Soundgarden. She has graced local stages and theatres carving out a niche for herself with her powerful and soulful vocals and lyrics.
 Kevin Fox KEVIN FOX – Halifax native Kevin Fox is a revered multi-instrumentalist, sought-after composer/orchestral arranger/music director and innovative recording artist. Between recording and performing his own music Kevin tours the world as a member of the Steven Page Trio.
Sun Jan 28, 2024 at 4pm
Community Studio Theatre
Tickets:
Regular: $39.50 (All-in). Member: $34.50(All-in) Click HERE
 By Pepper Parr
January 10th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Included in the list of items that Council was going to discuss in a CLOSED session was the following:
Confidential verbal update regarding the city manager recruitment process
 City Manager Tim Commisso – will end his current contract with the City on June 30th. City Manager Tim Commisso advised Council last year that he was not going to seek a renewal of his contract and would leave the city on June 30th, 2024.
The decision surprised many, especially coming days after the city had awarded Commisso a $63,000 annual increase in salary.
Every City Manager brings a management approach that is theirs – they are the only person a City Council actually hires; everthing else is delegated to the City Manager who builds the staff and the administrative procedures he or she thinks best – all the while working within the policies Council has approved.
In my time covering City hall I have dealt with four men serving as City Manager. Each had their own operating style; two were dismissed and two left before their contracts were completed.
Burlington is currently experiencing significant changes on several levels. Council has committed to creating 29,000 new homes by 2031 – there are not very many shovels in the ground at this point.
Staff has grown, especially in the Planning and Information Technology departments where the demands for changes and improvements have created both tension and some disruption. Taxpayers are having difficulty with the tax increases. are
The provincial government has a Legislative Committee doing a review of the municipal structure for a number of Regions. Halton is one of them.
It has become clear that the province wants to see changes. Tim Commisso is in the tick of groups of municipal CAO’s who are trying to determine what should be done by a municipality and what should be done by a Region.
Planning is now a municipal responsibility which means that Burlington no longer has to comply is as closely is as it was required to do with Regional policies.
 Tim Commisso, City Manager explaining the big picture. Commisso would be very good at that kind of thing; the BIG picture is a comfort zone for him.
However, the new city manager might not bring the same skill sets and feel for devolving from a two tier organizational model to a single tier level of local government.
Our guess is that city council is talking to Commisso about a different contract – one that would have him being retained as a consultant to handle the evolution from the form of local government we have now to what will come out of the Legislative hearings.
On Thursday of this week Mayor Meed Ward will be delegating to the Legislative Committee on what Burlington would like to see happen to local government.
We don’t know that – but Council didn’t go into a CLOSED session to talk to Commisso about what kind of gold watch he will be given when he leaves city Hall on June 30th
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