 By Pepper Parr
June 1st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Tomorrow, June 2nd, we come out of the Stay at Home order the province put in place April 7, 2021.
 Social distancing was observed in most places. However, all the other public health and workplace measures remain in place provincewide until Ontario enters Step One of the Roadmap to Reopen, at which point some restrictions will ease with an initial focus on outdoor settings.
The Roadmap to re-opening is a complex document with specific changes that are linked to the number of people who have been vaccinated.
Details on that Roadmap will follow in a separate article.
“With the Stay-At-Home order set to expire, we need to provide people with certainty so that they can continue to follow public health guidance. Doing so will help us to meet our goal of starting to gradually lift some restrictions when we enter Step One of the Roadmap when it is safe to do so.”
In a concentrated effort to reduce mobility and opportunities for transmission, the Stay-At-Home order required Ontarians to remain at home except for the purposes set out in the order, such as exercise, going to the grocery store or pharmacy, or accessing health care services. Once the Stay-at-Home order expires on June 2, these restrictions will no longer be in effect.
However, all other existing measures will remain in place provincewide, including restrictions on gatherings, businesses, services and activities.
This includes limiting indoor gatherings to households only and outdoor gatherings of up to five people, subject to limited exceptions, maintaining a cap of 25 per cent capacity for essential retail where only certain goods are permitted to be sold, restricting non-essential retail to curbside pickup and delivery only, as well as limiting short-term rentals to individuals in need of housing and allowing Ontario parks and campgrounds on public lands to be used for day-use only, subject to limited exceptions.
Ontarians will be able to leave home to travel within the province to a secondary residence for any reason however, they are not be permitted to host members of another household indoors except for a person from another household who lives alone or with a caregiver.
A simple, easy-to-understand summary of restrictions can be found on the province’s “Reopening Ontario” webpage, which provides details on what public health measures are in place before the province enters Step One of the Roadmap to Reopen. As always, anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19 or who may be exhibiting symptoms of the virus should use the province’s self-assessment tool to determine what they should do next, including getting a test and isolating if necessary.
 One has to wonder why a Stay at Home order was put in place. With the expiry of the Stay-at-Home order, emergency order O. Reg 266/21 (Residential Evictions) will also expire on June 2, 2021.
Emergency orders currently in effect under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act have been extended until June 16, 2021.
No word yet on what the Premier wants to do with schools. He is looking for a consensus: should something go wrong the blame can be shared by everyone.
 By Staff
June 1, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Robin Bailey, Executive Director of the Burlington Food Bank got to meet with new Garden Coordinator Samantha (Sam) LeGrand on site this week.
The seedlings are beginning to sprout – Sam expects them to begin to produce in about a month.
 Samantha (Sam) LeGrand on site this week. There is some lettuce, sage and rhubarb to harvest today along with the garlic greens and garlic heads that were planted last season.
Canadian Tire gave Sam a collection of seeds (sunflowers among others) they could not sell and now we are sending some seeds (that we could not use in our own garden plots) along to our clients.
The Food Bank was allotted seven plots at the Maple Gardens, found Sam as the woman who would lead the operation and find the volunteers needed to make it all come together and produce fresh vegetables.
 Without the volunteers we wouldn’t have gotten this operation off the ground said LeGrand. There is someone on site everyday watering and making sure the plants are in good shape. Please contact Sam at garden@burlingtonfoodbank.ca if you are interested in helping out over the summer.
If you are in need or know of someone who could use our help, PLEASE have them email us at info@burlingtonfoodbank.ca or call 905-637-2273 to make arrangements to have food dropped at their door or make arrangements to pick it up through our curb-side pickup option. If you are a resident in Burlington, we are all here to help. Don’t struggle – give us a call.
 By Pepper Parr
June 1st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Mariam Manaa said she knew the day she sat in on a House of Commons committee meeting that the world of politics was definitely for her.
 Mariam Manaa Manaa had worked as a summer intern with Oakville North Burlington MP Pam Damoff; it was a four month gig but it was enough at the time to learn just what a politician does.
Mariam returned to school, she had been attending high school in Oakville where the family lived. She continued her studies in community planning and keeping busy with the Muslim Association of Canada work she and her Mother did.
The family, Mom and Dad and two brothers came to Canada when Mariam was eight years old. They lived in the Gaza part of Palestine. While Mariam doesn’t remember all that much she does know that it was a trying time for the family.
The Israelis had occupied the country and then withdrawn but kept a very tight security ring around Gaza.
The parents wanted something better for their children and immigrated to Canada.
Her Mother worked in a bakery, her Dad worked as a handyman and the children went to school.
It was a huge emotional and psychological change for the family.
“Sitting in that House of Commons committee room with my notebook in hand listening intently to everything that was being said I couldn’t believe how fortunate I was” said Manaa.
A few years later Mariam applied for a job with Burlington MP Karina Gould who was also a Cabinet Minister. She was hired and spent more than three years with Minister Gould.
In her mind Mariam said she was in basic training to become a politician. She knew she was a Liberal – and she fully understood the different levels of responsibility that the federal politicians had and the role the provincial government played in the lives of ordinary people.
“I wanted to be doing things that made a difference in the lives of normal people.
“Education was really important to me; health and the environment mattered to me.” Manaa said she learned something new everyday she was on the job.
“I had gotten myself to the point where I knew I needed to pick up additional skill sets.
I was always involved with the Muslim community and got a chance to work for the Muslim Association doing public relations work.
 A community advocate from an early age Mariam Manaa now wants to represent Burlington in the provincial legislature. Mariam now wears the traditional Muslim hijab but didn’t wear it during her high school years.
“My cultural views and learning more about what it really meant to be Muslim were aspects of my life that I grew into when I had completed high school.
Respecting the cultural and religious part of her community led to Mariam, working with the Muslim Association, to holding a pop-up vaccination station where Muslim women could be vaccinated in private. Muslim women do not display their bodies the way western woman do.
Getting vaccinated meant lowering the burqa sleeve which is something that is just not done in a public setting.
“We got a great turnout from the women in the Muslim community” said Manaa.
She has come to learn that one of Canada’s strengths is its diversity.
“People respect those that are different in the way they dress and the lifestyle they live – but they are accepted and invited to take part in the fostering and developing of the community.
“Giving back is such a fundamental part of who my family is – we see the news on television at night and know how terrible it is in the land that I came from – where I was raised as a child.” Mariam spends her days on the telephone talking to people one-on-one. I try to get to between 30 and 40 people each day building support for my nomination.”
The Burlington Liberal Association will decide on June 26th who the Liberal candidate will be. It is not certain yet if the event will be virtual.
 By Pepper Parr
May 31st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
So – what did happen?
We learn that ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns had decided to accept a suggestion that she seek the nomination for the Burlington seat in the Legislature.
We were never able to get that confirmed directly from the Burlington Liberal Association but we were able to get confirmation from a reliable party source.
Mariam Manaa – seeking the Liberal nomination. We were unaware that there was a already a Miriam Manass, woman who had expressed an interest and was running a personal campaign to seek the nomination.
All we had was Lisa Kearns filling her social media with everything she had. Today it was pairs of children’s shoes at the foot of the flag poles outside city hall in support of the 200+ children who were buried on the grounds of a Residential School used to house Indigenous Children who had been taken from their parents.
 Lisa Kearns during a Facebook moment at the foot of the flag poles outside city hall Kearns informed us that she wrote a university thesis on just that issue. We asked for a copy of the thesis thinking it would be interesting to read what a student had to say about the shameful past that had churches being responsible for the welfare of children and then abusing them. Not all the churches but far too many of them. “Don’t have the document anymore” advised Kearns. Most people hang on to the work they do at the university level.
Then out of the blue we learn that Andrea Grebenc has decided to seek the nomination for the Burlington seat. We thought that she would be a very good candidate for the ward 3 council seat. She has credibility.
 Andrea Grebenc during a virtual school board meeting. The faster than you can say “Jack Rabbit” Kearns announces that she likes the look of Grebenc and has decided to drop out of the race and support Grebenc.
What really happened?
And also – what happened to the woman who was being “groomed” to replace Kearns on city Council once she had won the provincial seat?
She appears to have been thrown under the bus.
Kearns and Grebenc were not close to each other. I doubt that they actually met – but could be wrong on that.
Our belief is that Kearns found there was a sudden need for a change of clothing when she learned of the Grebenc announcement and did what she could to give herself political coverage.
No need to take a look at the other candidate – Grebenc would fill the bill.
As much as we admire the work Grebenc has done at the school board she would have been better advised to solicit Kearns’ vote and take a pass on an endorsement.
The joint media release the two woman put out was pretty self-serving – no one came out of that looking very good.
The lingering question is – how much damage has Kearns done to her brand and image? She has made herself vulnerable. The mind of the policy wonk failed her – when there was a personal threat – back away. There has always been a skittishness to Lisa Kearns.
Kearns said both personal and professional matters brought about the decision to withdraw. She should have said that and moved on
Courage of your convictions wouldn’t apply here.
What then does apply? That is something the voters will get to decide in 2021. Does Kearns think time will wash this all away?
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.
Related news stories
Lisa Kearns announces
Grebenc announces
Mariam Manaa announcement
Joint media release
 By Staff
May 31st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) is doing work on North Shore Boulevard East, between QEW Toronto and QEW Niagara on-ramps
All lanes will be closed except for one lane in this section of North Shore Boulevard
Tuesday, June 1 to Friday, June 4, 2021
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
MTO Traffic Control personnel will maintain two-way traffic and provide priority right-of-way for emergency vehicles when needed.
 By Pepper Parr
May 31st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
Earlier today Karina Gould, Burlington MP and member of the Trudeau Cabinet where she serves as Minister of International Development, sent out her May Newsletter in which she said:
 MP Karina Gould talking to a citizen after one of the last public debates that took place during the last federal election. “While the COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for all of us, it has highlighted barriers that many individuals and sectors face disproportionately.
“This month, I hosted roundtables to discuss issues facing seniors and individuals living with disabilities.
“I heard from service providers and community advocates on how to continue building a community that is inclusive by design and that enables an environment of belonging for all Canadians. It was important to hear their perspectives as we work with the provinces and territories on improving supports for Canadians living with disabilities, create dignified employment opportunities, and support accessible spaces here in Burlington and across the country.’
First let us applaud the Member of Parliament for holding the RoundTables. These are important – the elected need to hear from the electors.
There is however a larger audience that hasn’t a clue what the various advocates think is important and how the MP responds to them.
These RoundTables, as important as they are, should be open to media. Not to participate but to observe and report and then to follow up with the voice of different community groups and the MP as well.
It’s known as transparency – a word used by the elected when it suits their purpose.
By Pepper Parr
May 31st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
A Gazette reader asked:
“Tell me why I see this all the time. Shouldn’t they be spread out so that those parking at any given time all along the Beachway can easily find one…or is it like when you go to a big box store and you can’t find an employee in the aisle ?”
 Park Ambassadors on duty on the weekend – they are in place to answer questions and help people with parking issues. Fair question. Unfortunately a number of weeks ago a city staff member (we are calling them Park Ambassadors) was accosted and felt their personal safety was at risk.
City Manager Tim Commisso had been adamant that he is not going to see his staff put at risk – the Ambassador’s were to work in pairs. (And yes the picture we got shows three people who appear to be working together). This is the price we pay for those who feel they have a right to abuses civil servants.
 By Pepper Parr
May 29th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
That didn’t take her very long.
 Andrea Grebenc seeking the Liberal nomination for the 2022 provincial election. District School Board Chair Andrea Grebenc announced her intention to seek the Liberal nomination as the candidate for the 2022 provincial election
The Gazette did an interview, published it earlier today.
Then we get an announcement that Grebenc will be holding a Zoom Town Hall Sunday evening 7:00 pm.
Registration:
https://forms.gle/Y1ATWiR9tR2wS5fm9
 Miriam Manaa – also seeking the Liberal nomination. Glad she chose Sunday – watching the Habs take the Leafs in a critical game is my Saturday night priority.
The Gazette has been in touch with the other candidate for the nomination Miriam Manaa and will be interviewing her as soon as possible.
 By Eugene Katrell
May 29th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Despite all the economic chaos of the last year, there are certain industries that are enjoying more success than ever.
This is particularly true of the online casino sector, which has posted industry records for the last year, including increases in revenue and the number of new users signing up to online gambling platforms.
 The preferences for online casino gamers seems to be the more fast-paced games. Online casinos have become particularly popular as many of us wait for society to open up again in the summer months.
As more and more individuals sign up to online casino platforms for the first time, a new generation of online casino goers is discovering the enjoyment of playing classic games in an online format.
What is interesting about the preferences of online casino gamers, however, is that it seems to be the more fast-paced games that are proving to be the games of choice for these new players.
Of the many games enthralling this new wave of online casino goers, blackjack is proving to be particularly popular. This is certainly true of SuperSeven Casino, where new players have been flocking to the many blackjack variations they have on offer.
Although one of the oldest casino games around – with roots stretching all the way back to the French casinos of the 1700s – blackjack has proved to be consistently popular among casino fans. Part of this popularity is to do with the pace of the gameplay. With shorter rounds and a higher rate of turnover between games, it is a popular choice for those players looking to hop in and out of a game.
But what really helps to make blackjack a popular choice among players is the fact that it has one of the lowest house edges out of all the most popular casino games. In most standard blackjack game types, players will benefit from a house edge of just 1%, which gives you a decent possibility of seeing a return on your stake over time.
With this in mind, what are the best strategies for players looking to increase their chances? Are there any concrete steps you can take or is it truly all in the hands of Lady Luck?
To answer this question, we first need to acknowledge the fact that there are not necessarily any strategies you can follow or adopt that will assure you of victory. Just like many other casino games, as a game of chance – where you have no control over what cards you or your tablemates get dealt – there is not a lot you can do to sway the odds in your favour.
Nevertheless, there are some tips, strategies and approaches you can take that might help nudge the odds in your favour over time. While not guaranteeing a victory, they might help you to see a return on your stake over the course of a few rounds.
Know the basic blackjack strategy
One of the most popular strategies is what is known as basic blackjack strategy. Adopting this approach allows you to chip away at the house edge and to reduce it to as low as 0.5%.
 Knowing the value of each card is vital – if you haven’t got these memorized – perhaps you shouldn’t be playing the game. It entails sticking to a few basic rules:
• Stand when your hand is 12 to 16 or the dealer has a 2 to 6.
• Take a hit when your hand is 12 to 16 and the dealer has a 7 to Ace.
• Always ask to split Aces and 8s.
• Go double on 11 when the dealer has a 2 to 10.
• Ask for a hit or double on Aces to 6.
Pay attention to the dealer’s up card
Although it seems obvious, newer players tend to be too focused on their own hand and forget what the dealer is working with. Always pay attention to the dealer’s up card and try to gauge what sort of hand they might have. Bad hands for the dealer will generally fall between 2 and 6, while a decent hand will be a 7 card through to an Ace.
Ignore your tablemates
When you’re playing at a crowded table, you need to remember that the only two hands that matter are your own hand and that of the dealer. Anything else is superfluous.
Don’t get caught up worrying whether the person beside you has a more competitive hand – focus on what your hand is and what you think the dealer might have to work with.
Avoid progressive betting strategies
Unlike games like roulette where there is a decent statistical chance of them paying off in the long run, progressive betting strategies don’t tend to work in a blackjack setting.
Rather than ramping up your bets in response to a win or a loss, focus on intelligent bankroll management. Blackjack is a game that rewards over the long run, so try and stay at the table for as long as possible to increase the chances of a return on your stake.
By Staff
May 29th, 2031
BURLINGTON, ON
The LaSalle Park Marina Association (LPMA) and the Burlington Sailing and Boating Club, the LaSalle Park Community Marina will be ready to open the public boat launch on June 1.
 Marina at sunset  The new normal – parking fees New Parking Fees
Anyone parking their boat trailer at the LaSalle Park Community Marina or in the upper parking lot will now be required to pay a trailer parking fee. Trailer parking payments are required seven days a week, including holidays. It is a daily flat rate of $20 for trailer parking; there is no fee to use the public boat launch.
The parking lot has often had traffic flow problems caused by too many trailers and/or improper parking. The new paid parking requirements are intended to create more order in the lots, improve traffic flow and reduce frustrations.
Residents and visitors can use the HonkMobile app or scan the QR code found on signage at the marina to search, pay for, and top-up parking payments directly from their smartphone, tablet or computer
Users can scan the QR Code found on signage at the marina or download the HonkMobile app.
Dashboard tickets are not required as every payment is linked with a trailer licence plate number.
For more information about parking at LaSalle Park Community Marina or elsewhere, visit burlington.ca/parking.
About the LaSalle Park Community Marina
The Marina is a beautiful location for residents and tourists to launch their boats and enjoy the crisp waters of Lake Ontario and Burlington’s breathtaking lakefront views. The Marina has 219 docking spaces and is protected by a floating wave break. The Burlington Sailing and Boating Club (BS&BC) and the Able Sail program offer sailing programs at the Marina. In addition, the City has a public boat launch at the Marina that is protected by the floating wave break.
For more information about the marina, visit burlington.ca/marina.
By Pepper Parr
May 29th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
She won handily in 2014 against three other candidates for a seat as a trustee with the Halton District School Board. She used the first two years to get a feel for the job she eventually became exceptionally good at. Her colleagues thought enough of her ability to make her chair of the Board during her first term.
Listening carefully In her second term she was acclaimed and served as the Chair of the Board every year.
In her first term she made the difficult decision to vote for the closing of two of the seven Burlington high schools one of which was in her ward. It was also the high school from which she graduated.
As the Trustee for 10 elementary schools and two high schools she busied herself with getting to know the schools, the student population and the problems. Grebenc has an open, engaging personality that says how can I help without using the words.
She is a problem solver who grew into an advocate with the strength of character to challenge the province and the way it was handling what Grebenc saw as serious flaws in the way education was being both delivered and funded. School board trustees often seem to be a little timid, more into the fluffier parts of being an elected official. Timid is not a word that gets used to describe Andrea Grebenc.
 Andrea Grebenc on the right at a major public meeting with fellow trustee Jeanne Gray. A life long Burlington resident, the child of parents who immigrated to Canada and chose Burlington as home. Grebenc was once in the Burlington Teen Tour Band and worked as a Sound of Music volunteer – both touch points for young people experiencing the city.
School started at St. Mark’s Catholic elementary school after which she went on to Lester B Pearson high school and then attended Wilfred Laurier University earning an Honours Bachelor Science degree.
The mother of three children she formed her own company offering communications and IT services.
As a trustee she took a year to get the understanding she needed to be effective.
When the province began to consult with the public on increasing class sizes and imposing mandatory e-learning courses Grebenc worked with her fellow trustees and spearheaded, the Halton Education Action team of HDSB Trustees to find out what Halton parents, guardians, and community members thought of these changes. The trustees organized, formed and ran in-person regional focus groups, surveyed the community, analyzed the data, and wrote a comprehensive report that was used as evidence against the changes.
The Halton community consultation proved to be a more robust consultation than that of the Ministry. The Halton submissions, almost 7,000 in-person and surveyed, amounted to more than the Ministry received from the rest of the province combined.
The trustees are currently advocating for evidence-based collaborative decision-making surrounding the issue of permanently expanding online and remote learning.
 Andrea Grebenc: speaks directly and is usually on point. She seldom ducks a question. She is forthright about her opinions on how Provincial decisions and directives affect students and Ontario’s education system.
As a trustee she has made the province her constituency and has focused on improving education through her work as a school board trustee.
The Grebenc profile became one that was recognized beyond the Region.
In July of 2020 it was “Whereas” after “Whereas” in the motion Grebenc put before her trustees. They were followed by the resolution:
“Be it resolved that the Chair ask the Minister of Education for clarification about who the decision maker is for the September school year start up.”
Grebenc had the support of her trustees. In comments made after the motion was tabled Grebenc said that “there are in excess of 36,000 elementary students within the Halton Board – where are those children going to be cared for should they have to distant learn ?”
“What will we get – quickly formed day care centre’s that are not regulated, not inspected with other children coming from who knows where ? The bubbles that most families created to ensure their kids were safe would not be feasible.”
Grebenc had made her mark.
 Andrea Grebenc has a strong working relationship with the Director of Education Stuart Miller. Grebenc tends to be a listener and problem solver; drama and grandstanding are tools she leaves behind.
The capacity to get things done spills over into her community work. One of her most recent projects was forming “Masks for COVID -Burlington”. In April 2020, she recruited and organized 80+ people throughout Burlington into a living, caring and productive mask-making machine. Andrea organized material procurers, cutters, sewers, and distributors, making daily rounds to transport materials and masks to Long Term Care and Retirement Homes early in the pandemic when PPE was scarce.
The original mandate was 2,000 masks, but due to the dedication of the volunteers, 3,000 masks were completed and distributed and the group was able to expand their mandate to include some local food banks.
Andrea currently sits on the Mayor’s COVID task force and provides status updates on behalf of the Halton District School Board.
Grebenc is one of two women seeking the nomination to be the Liberal candidate in the provincial election set for June of 2022. Given the current political climate in the province there are a number of reasons to believe the Premier will call a snap election if his support firms up once inoculation levels reach the 60 or 70% levels and new infection reports are consistently below 1000.
By Staff
May 29th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Forestry department will be overseeing the application of the second and final application of a bio-pesticide on Tuesday, June 1 and Wednesday, June 2
 Public risk is very very limited. Low-flying helicopters will be used to apply the pesticide over four wooded areas to control gypsy moth (lymantria dispar dispar, LDD) populations.
Gypsy moth caterpillars eat the leaves of trees, causing significant defoliation and potential long-term impact to the City’s urban forest.
The first application was successfully completed on May 25.
The final application of the pesticide will be completed between 5 and 9 a.m. and is expected to take 5-10 minutes for each park.
The areas identified for spraying include:
• City View Park
• Kilbride Park
• LaSalle Park
• Zimmerman Park
City staff will be temporarily preventing vehicles from using roads nearest the spray areas as the helicopter passes. The stoppage will take less than 15 minutes.
An interactive map is available on burlington.ca/gypsymoth that allows residents to enter an address so they can see where the address is in relation to the spray areas.
By Staff
May 28th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
A statement, jointly released by Lisa Kearns, Councillor for ward 2 and a candidate for the Burlington Provincial Liberal Association and Andrea Grebenc, Chair of the Halton District School Board and also a candidate for the Liberal nomination, said:
Burlington is the best place to live, raise a family, start a business or age in place. Ontario’s general election is just over a year away. It will be an election focused on fighting to strengthen public health care, deliver quality education, grow our economy, and protect our environment for generations to come.
Burlington needs an exceptionally strong candidate to go on the ballot for the June 2022 provincial election. There were two elected officials for the Ontario Liberal nomination: Lisa Kearns, City and Regional Councillor Ward 2 and Andrea Grebenc, Halton District School Board Chair and Trustee for Wards 3 & 6.
 Ward 2 city councilor Lisa Kearns announces decision to withdraw from seeking the Liberal nomination. Lisa Kearns has withdrawn her nomination after due consideration and will seek municipal re-election. She states, “when Ms Grenbenc put forth her interest in running I was happy that there was another candidate that I felt that was a good strong choice for this position, which would allow me to stay in my role as Ward 2 Councillor and continue my passionate work for the ward that I work and live in. There is still so much work to be done here, especially on matters of planning and development. All the recent advancements we have achieved could become undone without the continued watch of a seasoned councillor who is up to date and understands planning matters. I am happy to work alongside Ms Grebenc and give her my support in solidly positioning Burlington for community supported growth, not over-development.”
As a life-long Burlington resident, Ms Grebenc has successfully competed in two municipal elections for Halton District School Board Trustee and runs an IT consultation business. The second-largest area of provincial oversight is education.
By the time the provincial election is called she will have been working directly for that sector – approving budgets, advocating, and setting policy for nearly 8 years.
Burlington is fortunate to have nomination candidates truly focused on serving constituents so we can make a better tomorrow for Burlington residents and the citizens of Ontario.
Andrea Grebenc, Chair of the Halton District School Board chairing a meeting virtually. Grebenc, speaking about Kearns said: “Lisa’s work as a councillor both at the city and regional level is impactful and shows a deep concern for the future of the City of Burlington. The conversations I’ve had with Lisa surrounding municipal issues where she has advocated for critical changes at the provincial level include the Land Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) and policies that prioritize the health & well-being of our families and loved ones.
“These are issues I am happy to carry forward into the candidacy and ultimately to Queens Park as MPP for Burlington.” .
Kearns who didn’t know Grebenc previously said: “Andrea’s proven leadership and tenacity for advancing provincial matters are widely recognized. Her elected and professional roles demonstrate a keen interest in community well-being and navigating complex issues with political acuity. She will be a strong champion for Burlington’s values as we seek greater autonomy at the provincial level.”
By Pepper Parr
May 28th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 Lisa Kearns currently the Councillor for ward 2 Unconfirmed report that Lisa Kearns has withdrawn as a candidate for nomination as the Liberal candidate for the Burlington Provincial Liberal Association.
Appears to have gotten a little skittish.
We will follow up on this later in the day.
By Eric Vandewall
May 28th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Last week, the Government of Ontario unveiled a three-stage reopening plan that relies on vaccination rates, critical care occupancy, and other criteria to allow the gradual easing of current restrictions as well as the re[1]opening of businesses and activities. This news follows a very encouraging decline in acute care hospitalizations cases and decline in the number of daily new COVID 19 cases.
At JBH, we are starting to see some relief from the intense pressure on our critical care beds, and are currently at 86% capacity. As of today, we are caring for 4 confirmed COVID-19 positive patients, with 1 confirmed case in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), along with 16 recovered patients who continue to require our care in the ICU and acute care units.
 Rendering of what the now completed hospital was to look like in its immediate neighbourhood. While we are seeing positive signs that we nearing an end to the third wave of this pandemic, we are still some time away from being able to say we are in the post-pandemic recovery phase. We must remain vigilant and continue to be patient – we will get there, it will take time.
Last week, the province lifted the restrictions in place since April that paused scheduled and non-urgent procedures to help manage the sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 patients across the province. This means that hospitals can begin resuming these services if they can do so while still maintaining COVID-19 care capacity.
 This was the day the citizens of the city tried really hard to make it into the Guinness Book of Records. It was a wet day and the number of people fell a little short of what was needed. It is however certainly a testament to what people will do for their hospital We know how important resuming this care is to our patients and their families. At JBH, we are starting to move in that direction and are working with our clinical teams and regional hospital partners to ramp up surgical care as quickly and as safely as possible. However, it is important that we continue to preserve critical care capacity for COVID-19 care, so this may take time to complete. If you are awaiting a surgery or other procedure, your doctor will contact you directly with more information.
This week, we reached a significant milestone in having administered over 25,000 vaccinations at our Halton Region Vaccination Clinic. It was a proud moment for our teams and a testament to the hard work of our staff, volunteers and partners in public health. Across Halton, over 300,000 people have now received either a first or second dose. We are very grateful to everyone in the community who has received the vaccine, booked an appointment, or are planning to do so once it is their turn.
It is important to remember that regardless of your vaccination status, public health experts recommend that we should continue to follow safety measures such as wearing masks in public, physical distancing, and regular hand washing.
I hope that you have found these community updates helpful in keeping you informed about our work at JBH.
Thank you so much for your ongoing support
By Pepper Parr
May 28th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The back and forth debate over sending students back to school for the three weeks in June that are the balance of this school term seems to forge what everyone says they want – the best thing for the students.
 While due to retire in August, current Director of education for the Halton District School Board Stuart Miller could lead a drive to get students vaccinated before September. Students have been jerked around for the past 18 months.
The pandemic that we are now beginning to admit was something we should have been more aware of did throw a monkey wrench into the way we educated students.
Teachers went into shock when they were asked to teach their students by telephone, which is basically what virtual teaching is. There were no programs to help the teachers overcome the problems.
The equipment needed didn’t exist. The Halton District school Board has put more than “2000 pieces of hardware” into the hands of students.
Some teachers had difficulty adapting to teaching virtually.
The public doesn’t yet understand just how big a challenge students faced. The idea of thinking about teaching kindergarten virtually boggles the mind.
Significant damage has been done, much of it unavoidable.
But surely we don’t have to continue damaging these students.
We appear to be on our way out of the pandemic. Vaccinations are taking place and the Ontario government seems too to have learned to communicate with its citizens.
It looks, as well, that the federal government has vaccine supply lines that are holding.
Could we not now commit to having every student and every teacher vaccinated before school classes begin again in September?
There is an organization called CODE – Committee of Directors of Education. These men and women have clout – have them use that clout and work with the local Medical Officers of Health and get the job done.
It’s possible – what it appears to be missing is the will.
Find it – the students deserve to be back in the classrooms and the teachers have to be able to do what they do best.
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 Staff
May 28, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Five days a week the volunteers show up. And the donations arrive – sometimes with nothing in the way of notice.
 The first time they showed up there was just the three of them. Next time they arrived there were four of them. That’s what makes the Food Bank the community success it is. The Food Bank is very thankful for donations of any kind however please make sure that any food donations are dropped off during normal business hours which are
Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 11:45 am
Thursday evenings 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Donations can also be dropped off at any local fire hall and/or local grocery store – our drivers make sure to pick up regularly.
With warmer weather approaching they don’t want any donation to go to waste or get damaged, as might be the case in wet weather.
They want to do their best to ensure donations remain safe. People needing food support need to know that anything we send them is in date, well protected and healthy/fresh as can be. Thanks everyone!
If you are in need or know of someone who could use their help, PLEASE have them email info@burlingtonfoodbank.ca or call 905-637-2273 to make arrangements to have food dropped at their door or make arrangements to pick it up through the curb-side pickup option. “If you are a resident in Burlington, we are all here to help. Don’t struggle – give us a call.”
 By Staff
May 27th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Real Estate agent sends in a news tip along with a photo of a house he sold for $420,000 over asking.
 Agent reports that the property sold for $420,000 over asking. That’s not really news in Burlington. What is going to be news is the impact these sky high property prices are going to do to the makeup of the city in the long-term.
Great for the people who sold. The people who bought might feel that they got in before prices got even higher.
Real estate prices can’t keep rising at this rate. It is no longer a stable market and at some point someone will intervene: Federal government; CMHC, or the banks, and when the contraction takes place it will be painful.
Everyone will be hurt.
By Pepper Parr
May 27th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 Another one!
Andrea Grebenc, the Chair of the Halton District School announced today that she too will seek the provincial Liberal nomination.
Lisa Kearns, ward 2 city councillor, Miriam Manaa and now Grebenc are in the race
More on Grebenc later this week.
 By Staff
May 27th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
June is the Month of Play – Get Outside and Play.
That is the message coming out of city hall.
Heard in households across the city are the words: “ Can we go outside and play”
The terribly mixed messages coming from the province are being ignored. In Burlington most of the rules are being followed – some more responsibly than others.
Vaccination rates are climbing creating the sense that we are almost out of this aren’t we?
To kick off June, Mayor Meed Ward has proclaimed June as the Month of Play and the City of Burlington is encouraging residents to get outside, play, have fun, stay safe and be active with a variety of options.
 First piece of summer cake at LaSalle Park Straight from the desk of the Mayor: “June is the time of year where the City’s parks, trails, outdoor pools, splash pads and events come to life. Being active is a powerful way for residents to maintain or improve mental and physical health. As we celebrate June as the Month of Play, we encouraged residents to get active indoors or outdoors and enjoy options the City offers, safely.”
Get Outside and Play Challenge
The Get Outside and Play Challenge begins on June 1 and continues until June 30. The Challenge is a fun way to learn more about Burlington while completing the activities.
• Download the app from burlington.ca/playoutside
• Search for the Get Outside and Play Challenge (Game code ZDB8GE)
• Create login as a family or a group
Let’s Fly a Kite – Presented by the Rocca Sisters Team
Let’s fly a kite on Father’s Day, June 20.
Together, let’s celebrate play and fill the sky with colour starting Father’s Day, June 20. This June, the City will be offering a limited supply of FREE Kite Kits to Burlington residents. Registration is required and will open on June 7, 2021. Learn more at burlington.ca/kitefestival.
 Picnics – with the weather we are having – great idea. Recreation and Parks Month
June is also Recreation and Parks Month, so Parks and Recreation Ontario has provided a list of fun activities for everyone.
Splash Pads and City Outdoor Pools
The City has 9 splash pads, including a new splash pad location, Brant Hills Park Splash Pad 2300 Duncaster Dr. All splash pads are now open. For a list of locations, visit burlington.ca/outdoorplay.
LaSalle Splash Park and the outdoor pools, Mountainside Outdoor Pool and Splash Park and Nelson Pool and Splash Park are expected to open June 14, also pending Provincial regulations and public health restrictions.
Learn more at burlington.ca/waterplay.
Tim Hortons Free Summer Swimming
 There are always swimming pools. Check out the available programs and register for a spot. Tim Hortons Free Swims will be offered from June 19 to Sept. 5, 2021, pending Provincial regulations and public health restrictions. Registration will be required. Learn more at Burlington.ca/timsfreeswims.
Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture might be beginning to think that he is close to being able to operate a normal recreation program and comes close to bursting when he says: “June is the month of play is a big kick-off to the summer. Everyone is eager to get outside and play, to explore our city and we’ve got so many great opportunities for families, individuals and people of all abilities.”
Links and Resources
burlington.ca/timsfreeswims
burlington.ca/waterplay
burlington.ca/playoutside
burlington.ca/kitefestival
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