Branthaven Oval Court Subdivision. Status has been upgraded to Approved.
Eight towers to be developed in seven phases. It will be a decade under development.
Application for Draft Plan of Subdivision to accommodate seven (7) mixed use blocks varying in size from 4,028 m2 to 8,913 m2 and one creek block of 3,438 m.
Seven blocks make up the subdivision.
This is a huge development. It is bounded by Fairview and the GO rail tracks. Links to previous news reports are attached.
It will be developed in stages GET the image.
In a comment from Mayor Meed Ward she said: “The subject property is zoned ‘Mixed-Use Transit Station Area – Hold (MXT-H)’ with site exception 532.
The holding provision on the property is to ensure the completion of the creek and hazard alterations and Fairview Street crossing upgrades and the completion of the Record of Site Condition and any remedial work required. The exception number established the permitted uses, with a number of site-specific provisions to facilitate the overall development of the site.
Habitat for Humanity announced that they were “thrilled to be partnering with Branthaven Homes on the development of the OVAL Court – a new smart growth community in Burlington.”
There were just four
No new public streets are planned.
A prefabricated bridge will be put in place across Appleby Creek.
There will be a pedestrian bridge from the site to the Appleby Line GO station. The bridge will be pre-fabricated and lifted into place when the time comes. The bridge will be 43 metres in length and 5 metres wide. It will not be covered but it will have lighting
Related news story:
It was a whopper of an application that was cleared by the OLT
In her letter of resignation, Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland said:
Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland
“For the past number of weeks, you and I have found ourselves at odds about the best path forward for Canada.
“Our country today faces a grave challenge. The incoming administration in the United States is pursuing a policy of aggressive economic nationalism, including a threat of 25 per cent tariffs.
“We need to take that threat extremely seriously. That means keeping our fiscal powder dry today, so we have the reserves we may need for a coming tariff war. That means eschewing costly political gimmicks, which we can ill afford and which make Canadians doubt that we recognize the gravity of the moment.”
“… costly political gimmicks,…”
That’s about as damning as it can get.
Prime Minister Trudeau met with the Minister of Financne to tell her that she was being removed as Minister of Finance but he would give her a different Cabinet seat. Freeland chose to resign as a member of Cabinet.
The complete letter:
Dear Prime Minister.
It has been the honour of my life to serve in government, working for Canada and Canadians. We have accomplished a lot together.
On Friday, you told me you no longer want me to serve as your Finance Minister and offered me another position in the Cabinet.
Upon reflection, I have concluded that the only honest and viable path is for me to resign from the Cabinet.
To be effective, a Minister must speak on behalf of the Prime Minister and with his full confidence. In making your decision, you made clear that I no longer credibly enjoy that confidence and possess the authority that comes with it.
For the past number of weeks, you and I have found ourselves at odds about the best path forward for Canada.
Our country today faces a grave challenge. The incoming administration in the United States is pursuing a policy of aggressive economic nationalism, including a threat of 25 per cent tariffs.
We need to take that threat extremely seriously. That means keeping our fiscal powder dry today, so we have the reserves we may need for a coming tariff war. That means eschewing costly political gimmicks, which we can ill afford and which make Canadians doubt that we recognize the gravity of the moment.
That means pushing back against ‘America First’ economic nationalism with a determined effort to fight for capital and investment and the jobs they bring. That means working in good faith and humility with the Premiers of the provinces and territories of our great and diverse country, and building a true Team Canada response.
I know Canadians would recognize and respect such an approach. They know when we are working for them, and they equally know when we are focused on ourselves. Inevitably, our time in government will come to an end. But how we deal with the threat our country currently faces will define us for a generation, and perhaps longer. Canada will win if we are strong, smart and united.
It is this conviction which has driven my strenuous efforts this fall to manage our spending in ways that will give us the flexibility we will need to meet the serious challenges presented by the United States.
I will always be grateful for the chance to have served in government and I will always be proud of our government’s work for Canada and Canadians.
I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues as a Liberal Member of Parliament, and I am committed to running again for my seat in Toronto in the next federal election.
The financial statement expected later today won’t be read by the Minister of Finance – she resigned.
The postal workers are expected to return to work on Tuesday and the Minister of Finance is going to report today on its financial books heading into the new year, and Canadians get to shop amidst a GST holiday.
The Angus Reid Institute reports that there are signs the financial burdens on Canadian households have eased but not fully abated.
New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds fewer Canadians expressing concerns about the state of their finances as inflation has cooled, but still many who are feeling the burden of the increased cost of living.
Two-in-five (38%) Canadians say they are worse off now than they were 12 months ago. This is the lowest this measure has been since 2021 but is still much higher than data seen in ARI’s 14 years of tracking those data.
One-quarter (26%) express pessimism about where their finances will be by the end of 2025. This, too, is a lower proportion of Canadians expressing negativity about their economic future than at any point since 2021.
But there is still concern about the cost of food, which has continued to outpace overall inflation. Half (48%) describe feeding their household as “difficult” (36%) or “very difficult” (12%).
Food and housing costs are also elevated concerns for new Canadians as the federal government changes tact on its immigration policies heading into the new year. Canadians who have been in the country for less than a decade are more likely than to find their grocery bills challenging (63%) than those who were born here (47%). And more recent immigrants also report more difficulties with their rent or mortgage (61% vs. 39% for those born in Canada).
Andrea Grebenc will be the Liberal candidate for Burlington in the provincial election that might take place early in January.
Andrea Grebenc is now the Liberal candidate in the next provincial election.
Grebenc defeated Oliver Parker who was new to politics.
Grebenc has been politically active for some time.
She served as Chair of the Halton District School Board trustees and was the go to person for media on education issues for a significant period of time.
Right now the Progressive Conservative party does not have a candidate for the next election. The incumbent, Natalie Pierre announced recently that she would not be running again.
Grebenc now has an opportunity to build up a strong team.
What Eric Stern reports is complex but it isn’t rocket science. It is the story of how the city Council you elected is telling you how much they are going to tax you. If you’re happy with what they are telling you – re-elect them. Until then keep an eye on them
Eric Stern delegated to City Council on November 25th.
On December 10th, Mayor Marian Meed Ward had a Letter to the Editor published in the Hamilton Spectator in which she was very critical of two of the delegations that were made when she was not in the Council Chamber – she was at the Joseph Brant Hospital getting her picture taken with Premier Ford who was announcing new funding. The Mayor was not given the opportunity to speak at the event.
The Gazette invited Eric Stern to write about his experience.
My name is Eric Stern and I delegated to the Burlington City Council on November 25th, 2024. The mayor missed my delegation, choosing instead to attend a provincial funding announcement at Joseph Brant Hospital. Despite not being at the Council meeting, the mayor had something to say about one of the questions I asked in my delegation on her social media in which the Mayor said: “attacking the personal integrity of anyone – whether a council member, staff, or another member of the community – is not welcome.”
What Happened? Let’s start with a timeline.
October 25th, 2024 – Burlington releases the 2025 budget, stating “The projected overall tax increase for 2025 is now 4.97 percent”. Page 13 and page 27 of the 2025 budget show Burlington’s portion of our tax bill is increasing by 7.5%.
The numbers being used are a little fuzzy. I have always maintained that, when discussing the Burlington budget, the increase in the tax rate is what matters to taxpayers, which at this point was 7.50%.
The city prefers the 4.97% number which is an average of the four numbers in the Increase% column. Of course they would, it is a smaller number.
October 30th, 2024 – Halton Police Services releases their 2025 Budget. The 5.65% shown above is now 11.84%, shown below. The projected overall tax increase for 2025 is now 5.76%.
November 4th, 2024 – Staff presents the Burlington budget to Council.
You can see on this screenshot, taken from minute mark 2:54:12, that Mr. Basit, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) presented the “Projected property tax increase is 4.97%”. Note that Basit is using the outdated and lower averaged number.
What did I say to cause the mayor’s comments on social media?
“It was interesting to watch Mr. Basit present a 4.97% on November 4th when the Halton Police budget had been made public on October 30th. Did Mr. Basit knowingly misrepresent the truth?”
There are other explanations for the CAO telling the council and the public “the property tax increase is 4.97%” – that averaged number again, when it was known to be 5.76%. Perhaps staff, including the CAO didn’t realize the Police Services budget change would impact the overall tax increase. It is confusing the way other budgets, not related to Burlington’s, cause the overall Burlington number to change.
Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns represents the City on the Police Services Board. She is with Halton Police Chief Tanner and has to approve the more than $400,000 he is paid annually.
Perhaps the council member who sits on the Halton Police Services Board didn’t understand the impact.
We elect a mayor and Councillors to be our representatives. If a staff member presents incorrect information council must raise an objection. When council fails in this responsibility is it wrong for a taxpayer to step in and challenge staff? Which is what I did.
In Burlington, staff presenting incorrect information is not an attack on residents but a resident questioning the information is an attack on the personal integrity of staff.
In 2022 the city began using that “averaged” number, because it is lower, instead of the number that represents the actual tax increase over the previous year. When changes from other levels of government impact the overall increase the very least the city can do is tell us.
My rhetoric aside, now that all the various boards and governments have approved their budgets the tax increase will be 7.51% over the previous year. That 5.82 number is the average of the increases made by all three levels of government. The Police Services increases are included in the Regional budget.
The tax increase that the Burlington City Council controls stands at 7.51%
Should the city explain why staff presented a 4.97% increase number to council and the public on November 4th, 2024 instead of the known overall number of 5.76%?
Should Burlington stop talking about an averaged number and stick to their budget increase of 7.51% when talking about the budget?
Was I wrong in asking for honest, accurate information or is the mayor correct that we can’t question what staff tell us at the risk of “attacking their personal integrity”?
Premier Doug Ford announced the creation of Ontario Corps, a group of skilled professionals and volunteers that the province can deploy to help communities respond to natural disasters and other emergencies, while promoting civic engagement and community participation.
“I’ve seen firsthand the incredible community spirit and dedication to volunteerism that we share throughout Ontario,” said Premier Doug Ford. “With the launch of Ontario Corps, we’re harnessing the Ontario spirit to help communities and neighbours in need deal with natural disasters and other emergencies, while providing additional resources to keep our communities safe. I encourage everyone across Ontario who is interested and able to consider volunteering by signing up for Ontario Corps today!”
At the very bottom of the announcement we learn that the Ontario Corps is part of the government’s $110 million investment over three years to strengthen emergency preparedness and response in Ontario.
That’s lower than chump change.
The initiative was inspired by successful models like AmeriCorps, Ontario Corps will work with non-governmental organizations and First Nations partners to help coordinate specialized personnel and volunteers to respond to emergencies. Ontario Corps can mobilize to provide on-the-ground assistance such as emergency shelter, debris management, food services and flood protection. Ontario Corps partner organizations include groups such as Feed Ontario, Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association, Salvation Army, GlobalMedic and Team Rubicon Canada.
To support Ontario Corps emergency response efforts, the province has procured flood mitigation barriers, drones, water pumps, chain saws, air purifiers and other supplies to support communities impacted by emergencies. All equipment and volunteers can be deployed anywhere across Ontario within 24 to 72 hours to help support community response efforts. Partner organizations could also help prepare the province by training volunteers and educating the public on how they can plan for and respond to emergencies.
“Being safe, practiced and prepared starts with having the resources, trained volunteers and specialized equipment ready when the next emergency impacts Ontario,” said Trevor Jones, Associate Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “Neighbours helping neighbours – that is the true essence of Ontario Corps, which will guide our efforts to ensure our province remains a leader in emergency management for decades to come.”
People of all skill levels and professional backgrounds are encouraged to volunteer for Ontario Corps to help their communities during emergencies. Volunteers from all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome to apply. They will be provided with initial training and matched with partner organizations based on their skill levels, interests and availability.
The province is also establishing an Ontario Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters that will support a quicker and more coordinated response. Located on surplus government property on Disco Road in Etobicoke near Toronto Pearson International Airport, this state-of-the-art complex would be a multifaceted centre for coordinated and enhanced responses to emergencies. A secure facility with dedicated training rooms, storage, warehousing and aviation infrastructure, the new headquarters would be built to withstand all types of disasters including earthquakes, tornadoes and floods, capable of serving Ontario 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
The government is also partnering with Northern College on a regional emergency hub in Timmins to bolster local on-the-ground response and enhance emergency readiness in northern Ontario. The hub, located at the college, could be set up to serve as an emergency operations centre, a meeting point for emergency partners to coordinate responses or a training centre for partners and volunteers in the north. Four additional emergency hubs will be established at strategic locations in northeast, northwest, southwest and southeast Ontario. These new hubs will store equipment to help support local efforts, providing timelier support to areas affected by emergencies.
Emily Brown had the nomination in the bag when Shaheryar Mian wasn’t cleared as a possible candidate. Connor Fraser, also ran for the nomination. He hadn’t learned that you earn your stripes.
With Emily Brown now nominated as the Conservative candidate for Burling the association can now get on with preparing for the next federal election – which can’t start soon enough for them
With the Nomination Process behind them, the association is “glad to have access once again to our membership information. Now we are able to reach out to new members, as well as our long-time members and supporters.”
The Association now knows just how many members Shaheryar Mian brought to the Association; their challenge will be to see if any of them can be made real members who will help win the election.
It was a jubilant crowd; they believe they have nominated a winner.
“The federal Election 45 could be called at any time in 2025 and for most, it can’t come soon enough! Emily & the BCA are election ready and we hope you will join us in turning Burlington BLUE again!
“Lots of help is needed to win an election! We’d like to continue to grow our membership and find disillusioned members of other parties that would like to be part of a majority Conservative government led by Prime Minister Pierre Poilievre.”
It was standing room only at the Nominating meeting.
The members are really pumped; they can taste the victory they believe is ahead of them.
This information is not professional investment advice. Investors are advised to do their own research into individual stocks before making an investment decision.
The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider acquisitions in the public market are:
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-10-24
1,857,143
$0.14
$260,000.02
The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider dispositions in the public market are:
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce —–Sell Quantity: -404,850 Average cost: $94.42 Total: -$38,224,134.98 Options Issued: 404,742 Average cost: $55.79 Total: $22,579,993.89
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
Culham, Harry Kenneth
7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6)
51 – Exercise of options
12-10-24
108,800
$55.75
$6,065,600.00
Culham, Harry Kenneth
7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6)
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-10-24
-108,800
$94.20
-$10,248,709.76
Culham, Harry Kenneth
7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6)
51 – Exercise of options
12-11-24
87,042
$55.31
$4,814,578.27
Culham, Harry Kenneth
7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6)
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-11-24
-87,042
$94.97
-$8,266,782.20
Dodig, Victor George
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
51 – Exercise of options
12-10-24
150,000
$55.85
$8,377,500.00
Dodig, Victor George
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-10-24
-150,000
$94.22
-$14,132,865.00
Dodig, Victor George
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
51 – Exercise of options
12-11-24
22,750
$55.85
$1,270,587.50
Dodig, Victor George
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-11-24
-22,750
$94.87
-$2,158,383.50
Guse, Frank
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
51 – Exercise of options
12-09-24
15,498
$58.57
$907,710.58
Guse, Frank
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-09-24
-15,498
$93.30
-$1,446,033.37
Sedran, Robert
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-09-24
-108
$93.83
-$10,133.64
Sedran, Robert
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
51 – Exercise of options
12-12-24
20,652
$55.40
$1,144,017.54
Sedran, Robert
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-12-24
-20,652
$94.97
-$1,961,227.51
TC Energy Corporation —–Sell Quantity: -267,435 Average cost: $66.51 Total: -$17,785,898.39 Options Issued: 267,435 Average cost: $53.93 Total: $14,421,662.71
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
Chapman III, Stanley G.
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
51 – Exercise of options
12-12-24
267,435
$53.93
$14,421,662.71
Chapman III, Stanley G.
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-12-24
-267,435
$66.51
-$17,785,898.39
Sol Strategies Inc. (formerly, Cypherpunk Holdings Inc.) —–Sell Quantity: -3,000,000 Average cost: $2.39 Total: -$7,172,861.40
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
Guoga, Antanas (Tony)
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-10-24
-1,263,000
$2.28
-$2,876,694.61
Guoga, Antanas (Tony)
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-11-24
-787,300
$2.55
-$2,005,876.70
Guoga, Antanas (Tony)
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-12-24
-949,700
$2.41
-$2,290,290.09
SilverCrest Metals Inc —–Sell Quantity: -126,331 Average cost: $15.99 Total: -$2,019,475.24 Options Issued: 43,666 Average cost: $10.09 Total: $440,450.14
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
Beaudoin, Pierre
4 – Director of Issuer
51 – Exercise of options
12-09-24
43,666
$10.09
$440,450.14
Beaudoin, Pierre
4 – Director of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-09-24
-35,331
$16.10
-$568,875.24
Fier, Nathan Eric
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-09-24
-75,000
$15.96
-$1,197,000.00
Fier, Nathan Eric
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-10-24
-16,000
$15.85
-$253,600.00
TransAlta Corporation —–Sell Quantity: -28,338 Average cost: $18.82 Total: -$533,393.20 Options Issued: 28,338 Average cost: $12.59 Total: $356,701.16
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
Fedoretz, Jane Nyla
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
51 – Exercise of options
12-11-24
28,338
$12.59
$356,701.16
Fedoretz, Jane Nyla
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
Mayor Meed Ward recently submitted a Letter to the Editor of the Hamilton Spectator which went as follows:
Democracy is not dead. But we can never take it for granted
There goes democracy. It was nice while it lasted Dec. 5
It would be tempting to give in to despair and give up on democracy, after reading Joan Little’s bleak column of Dec. 5.
But I’m appealing to everyone not to give up. Democracy hasn’t left us — but it doesn’t happen on its own. We have to fight for the democracy we want and believe in.
That means learning about the issues from credible sources, though this is harder than ever to come by in an ocean of information and often misinformation.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward presiding over a council meeting.
Despite assertions in the column, mayors do not have “absolute autonomy” on operating and capital budgets. In fact, local councils have the last word.
Under new provincial legislation, mayors are now required to either produce a budget or direct staff to do so. In both Burlington and Hamilton, mayors chose to direct staff to prepare a budget.
Councils, by majority vote, can amend the budget. This is democracy — and a voice and a vote on budgets for councillors and the people they represent is retained.
Mayors can override any council amendments.
Council meeting during the pandemic.
But the last word goes to councils — by a two-thirds majority, councils can override any mayoral veto. In Burlington, that means persuading just one more colleague of the merits of your position.
Certainly, it can be debated whether a higher vote threshold to override a veto is appropriate, although there is a long democratic tradition of some votes requiring a two-thirds majority; for example, to reconsider previous votes of council.
These are important debates to have; but we won’t be able to have them in a thoughtful and informed manner if everyone has already thrown in the towel due to misinformation or misperception of what is — and isn’t — at stake.
This isn’t a defence of the new legislation, simply an acknowledgment that until and unless it is changed, it’s the law, and we are all required to do our best to preserve a public voice and council input into budgets.
So let’s turn our minds to that.
The columnist muses “why even elect councils — councils have been emasculated.”
Except they haven’t. The business of the city still proceeds by way of majority vote — including, as noted above, on budgets. In Burlington, city council voted this week on more than 31 motions that advance city business, on everything from fare-free transit, Sound of Music festival funding, flood mitigation strategies, projects for the Municipal Accommodation Tax, seasonal patios, council size and ward boundary reviews, and several residential and commercial development applications. That’s just one month of business at the city.
The two biggest threats to democracy are misinformation and voter apathy. So take the time to learn about the issues at the municipal, provincial and federal levels, from credible sources, and from a variety of perspectives. Verify assertions. Engage in the debate.
Most importantly, get involved in elections. There are likely two next year — provincial and federal — with the municipal election a year after that. Volunteer for a campaign, donate, attend a debate and most importantly — vote.
Unlike the sky is falling assertions in the column, democracy is not dead. But we can never take our democracy for granted.
While I share some of the concerns raised about provincial, and even federal, overreach into municipal matters, the solution isn’t to conclude democracy is dead, but to fight for the government — and representatives — we want.
We must remain vigilant and involved. We don’t live in a dictatorship and you get to vote for who you want to represent your interests. You’ll have multiple opportunities in the next 24 months. Make them count. Otherwise, the voices of others speak for you.
Voices of others eh!:
Here is an example, written by Stephen White, which goes some distance in explaining why people don’t vote and how poorly the current council is performing.
The Mayor and Councillor Nisan talk about “respect”. In their rarefied and genteel environment, respect is characterized by universal agreement, nuanced communications, tacit agreement and blind acquiescence. What they can’t comprehend is that respect cuts two ways.
Stephen White
“Respect” also means acknowledging and recognizing that not everyone will agree with you 100% of the time. It means actually listening to what is being said during delegations, and not paying “lip service”. It means hearing not just the words but the intent of what is being said by those delegating. It means Councillors who actually look at those delegating rather than texting on their phones. It means city officials who actually check information to ensure it is accurate before releasing it to the public.
It is being transparent enough, and open enough, to acknowledge that there is a clear and distinct difference between a blended property tax rate and the rate of increase that the city is directly responsible for.
It means responding in a timely manner to citizen questions, and not having to be constantly reminded repeatedly of the need to do so (remember Jim Barnett’s delegation? I do. Of course, I and others were actually listening).
Lost in this maelstrom is the fact that Eric Stern presented 14 pages of costs savings and possible reductions that the city could initiate. Who at city hall is investigating that, and who is following up to see if any of these ideas are researched and investigated? Answer: probably no one. Silence. Crickets. Something else is falling through the cracks.
If MMW and this Council want “respect” they might actually try practicing it first and setting an example before preaching about it so sanctimoniously and upbraiding those with the courage to disagree.
The Angus Reid Institute, a public polling organization that is multi-national in its out-reach reported this morning that:
Percentage saying they’re ‘very proud’ to be Canadian has dropped from 78% to 34% since 1985
The years since the onset of COVID-19 have been a well-documented period of division and discord in this country, with Canadians expressing concerns about the weakening compassion and growing space between Canadians.
New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute find two broad trends underscoring these changes and signalling a challenge for national unity.
In 2016, 62 per cent of Canadians said they had a deep emotional attachment to Canada. In 1991 that mark was three points higher (65%). Now in 2024 it is 13 points lower at 49 per cent.
Even more dramatic is a drop in a sense of pride among Canadians. In 1985, 78 per cent said they were “very proud” to be Canadian. This dropped to 52 per cent in 2016 and now by another 18 points to 34 per cent.
The proportion who say they are either proud or very proud of their nationality has dropped precipitously from 79 per cent to 58 per cent over the past eight years.
This data puts the Trump comment about Canada becoming a 51st state in a different light.
Someone is going to take home a lot of money and Food4Kids will feed more kids.
Food4Kids Ontario launched the Food for Kids, Cash for You 50/50 Raffle almost a month ago. They are one week away from the jackpot draw (December 19) with a current take home prize of $700,000. The jackpot is growing by $40,000 every day.
1 in 4 kids live in a household without enough access to food.
27% increase in Food4Kids programs in 2023.
Food4Kids receives no government funding as part of student nutrition funding.
$500,000 in ticket sales in first four days for a chance at Taylor Swift tickets.
What does this money mean for Food4Kids:
Every $39,000 feeds another 50 kids every weekend all year long.
$500,000 adds 12 more schools and 600 more kids to our program.
Grow Food4Kids by an additional two Chapters in Ontario.
School nutrition programs feed kids during the school day, but there is a clear gap: Kids living in deep poverty go hungry on the weekends. Since 2012, Food4Kids has been filling this gap with the Weekends Without Hunger and Summer programs to keep kids fed all year round.
There are now chapters in Halton, Hamilton, Mississauga, Muskoka, Niagara, and Toronto providing healthy food packages to more than 4,100 children.
We tripped over Peter J. Van Dyk and his son Peter W. Van Dyk Both are part of PV&V Insurance Centre Ltd., a family owned and operated insurance brokerage based in Burlington, Ontario.
Peter J. Van Dykwas was at one time actively involved in Sound of Music. Peter W. Van Dyk has never been involved with the Sound of Music organization. He is however a musician.
Our apologies to Peter W – we missed the differences.
Peter W. Van Dyk
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre Board of Directors named Peter W. Van Dyk their new Board Chair by acclamation at their meeting on November 28, 2024. Van Dyk replaces Ken Smithard, who has served on the Board since 2016 and whose term concluded at the end of November. Van Dyk was born and raised in Burlington and is an insurance professional with PV&V Insurance Centre Ltd. Prior to starting his career in insurance, he was active as a musician locally and toured Ontario and Canada.
Ken Smithard,
“On behalf of the Board, staff, and volunteers, I want to thank Ken for his dedicated service on the Board over the past eight years, and especially for his steady guidance through the transitions of the past year. He leaves the Board well positioned for 2025 and will be missed. BPAC has an amazing team of staff and volunteers, and I look forward to announcing our new Executive Director early in the New Year, to lead BPAC into its next chapter,” says Van Dyk.
In addition, Jim Thompson has been acclaimed to the position of Vice Chair and Chair of the Governance, Ethics and Human Resources Committee; James Sweetlove has been appointed to the position of Corporate Secretary; Deirdre Flynn has been appointed Recording Secretary; Carrie Gervais has been appointed Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, and Stephen Bell has been appointed Chair of the Development and Relationship Committee.
The Board, staff and volunteers at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre look forward to welcoming patrons from the Burlington community and beyond to our holiday concerts and the second half of our season in 2025.
Lucy White, is in place serving as Interim Executive Director.
Peter W. Van Dyk has in the past served on the Board of the Sound of Music. We have not been able to reach Mr. Van Dyk for comment.
The Gazette has heard from people who are volunteers. The comments they made in the Gazette are set out below.
Hundreds of volunteers make the Sound of Music Festival work – two of them mark the location for a vendor.
This was never more true than in 2018 when a mass exodus of volunteers, staff (and all of their collective knowledge) occurred because a corrupt board fired the long serving ED who was running a very successful and fiscally responsible festival. That entire group could not bring ourselves to bust our collective @$$es all year long for the clowns who took over the BoD. We tried to bring this forward by writing a very detailed letter to council and the mayor back then, but they either said that it was too big to fail, we were blowing it all out of proportion, or flat out ignored us. 6 years later, none of us are surprised by this. We are all sad for what has become of a festival that we all loved.
Interesting…none of this was an issue when Dave Miller was Executive Director, before he was canned by the board.
The Toronto Star reported today that “Municipal politicians could be fired for serious misconduct — and barred from running for four years — under new legislation introduced by the province.
The move comes in light of efforts by non-partisan advocacy group The Women of Ontario Say No, which brought more than 200 municipalities on board in asking for help to deal with code of conduct violations.
“We had to make sure we got this right, which is why we worked with Ontario’s Integrity Commissioner to find the best path forward to create a standardized code of conduct process across the province,” Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Paul Calandra said in a written statement on introducing the new bill.
“This process will support consistent accountability across our municipalities.”
Can this lot be considered the “usual suspects”? The legislation will give them reason to at least pause.
Those found in “serious violation” of the code of conduct could be fired if the municipal integrity commissioner has investigated, and both the local and the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario recommend the move, along with a unanimous vote of all other Councilors.
The act will apply when local politicians’ conduct “that is the subject of the inquiry has resulted in harm to the health, safety or well-being of persons … and the existing penalties are insufficient to address the contravention or ensure that the contravention is not repeated,” the ministry said in a news release.
The Municipal Accountability Act will help set out code of conduct rules, how to handle Integrity Commissioner inquiries and require Councillors and other local elected officials to undergo training.
Last January, the province promised “airtight” legislation to address an issue that municipalities have struggled to deal with, after Progressive Conservative MPPs previously voted down a private member’s bill from Liberal MPP Stephen Blais (Orléans) last year.
Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Paul Calandra
At the time, Calandra had said he needed to “ensure that it’s constitutional, that it does what it’s supposed to do.”
“I don’t want to do something or bring something forward that can, in any way, make it harder for somebody to get the justice that they are seeking, ” he said.
As it now stands, local politicians can be removed from office for campaign finance violations but not for harassing staff, leaving municipalities with no options to address egregious behaviour.
Blais introduced his bill after serving on Ottawa council with Rick Chiarelli, who former staffers said made inappropriate comments, urged them to go braless and shared sexually explicit stories. In the end, Chiarelli was docked pay, but could not be ousted.
Emily McIntosh of The Women of Ontario Say No had said “this is really about workplace safety,” noting that staff in any other sector who harass others can be fired. “We’re talking about people that have the most power in communities held to a lower standard than any other workers in Ontario,” she said.
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Ontario Big City Mayors and the Rural Ontario Municipal Association had all asked for help on code of conduct compliance.
Leaders of all opposition parties had also said such legislation is needed
Trevor Copp writes: “A Stag Hunter and his prey, a young man and his lover, an old man and his dog, a woman, a bench, a lamppost, and an umbrella.”
“These are the puzzle pieces that await in ‘Sometimes It Snows in April’ – the result of a rare, deeply satisfying process shot through with chain reactions of creativity.
“Director Ric Knowles (if you saw ‘Bulfinch’s Mythology’ – that’s Ric, one of the best things that’s ever happened to TBT) was handed three stories that started as Mime pieces, the remarkable talent of Actor and Opera singer Bó Bárdos, and the universe of a bench and a lamppost. This piece has come together to create its own tiny, luminous world that opens tomorrow.
“I wish I could take each person who knows us from our larger works like the summer Shakespeare series and let them see what is possible in original work. If you’ve never been to a workshop presentation of ours – you won’t regret it. Come watch us stumble towards something beautiful.”
Shows are tomorrow/Friday Dec. 13 and Saturday Dec. 14 at 7pm at the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts. For tickets:
Parking! So the Conservatory is in a tricky spot for parking – they have lots of space, but it helps to know how to find it. Click on THIS PAGE and scroll down for directions on the best parking.
This article first appeared in the Comments section of the Gazette.
The Mayor and Councillor Nisan talk about “respect”. In their rarefied and genteel environment, respect is characterized by universal agreement, nuanced communications, tacit agreement and blind acquiescence. What they can’t comprehend is that respect cuts two ways.
Stephen White at a public event.
“Respect” also means acknowledging and recognizing that not everyone will agree with you 100% of the time. It means actually listening to what is being said during delegations, and not paying “lip service”. It means hearing not just the words but the intent of what is being said by those delegating. It means Councillors who actually look at those delegating rather than texting on their phones. It means city officials who actually check information to ensure it is accurate before releasing it to the public.
It is being transparent enough, and open enough, to acknowledge that there is a clear and distinct difference between a blended property tax rate and the rate of increase that the city is directly responsible for.
It means responding in a timely manner to citizen questions, and not having to be constantly reminded repeatedly of the need to do so (remember Jim Barnett’s delegation? I do. Of course, I and others were actually listening).
Stephen White speaking to an audience on a local issue
Lost in this maelstrom is the fact that Eric Stern presented 14 pages of costs savings and possible reductions that the city could initiate. Who at city hall is investigating that, and who is following up to see if any of these ideas are researched and investigated? Answer: probably no one. Silence. Crickets. Something else is falling through the cracks.
If MMW and this Council want “respect” they might actually try practicing it first and setting an example before preaching about it so sanctimoniously and upbraiding those with the courage to disagree.
Stephen White teaches at a community college and has been active in the community for decades.
BRAG has watched the City of Burlington present a 7.51% Burlington tax increase as 4.97%, 5.76% and now, after the regional and police increases have been approved, 5.82%
The marketing technique used to present a 7.51% Burlington only increase as an ever-changing series of lower numbers, does residents a disservice. Terms like impact and overall are not well understood by the community.
When Burlington talks about the Burlington budget and Burlington taxes the conversation should be about Burington’s 8.3% total property tax increase and 7.51% increase to existing taxpayers.
Communications about the impact on the overall bill should wait until all the other levels of government involved in the overall bill have passed their own budget increases.
Halton Regional Council completed its tax rate deliberations on Wednesday. The vote was 15-9 for the increase.
The point of contention was an increase in the Police budget from 13.8 % to 14.3%.
This results in a regional increase of 6.18%, up from the originally forecast 6%
The regional government added half a million to their budget and then adjourned for a little celebration to recognize the Regional CAO who is retiring.
As a result of the budget approval by Halton Regional Council today, the overall tax increase for Burlington in 2025 will now be 5.82 %, up from the projected 5.76% presented at the November 25th Special Council meeting, and the 4.97% presented on November 4th.
Burlington property tax bills are made up of three parts:
51 per cent goes to the City of Burlington to fund local services like transit, roads, parks, and public safety.
33 per cent goes to Halton Region for regional services like Halton Regional Police Service, waste management, water, and public health.
16 per cent goes to the Boards of Education to support local schools.
City Hall will always use the 5.82 number because it is lower. What matters is the top line 7.51%
What taxpayers care about is: How much are my taxes increasing?
The increase from 2025 to 2025 is 7.51%
City Hall added the following to their media release:
Work on the City of Burlington’s 2025 budget began in May. Residents, businesses, partners, staff, and all members of council were invited to provide feedback at getinvolvedburlington.ca/2025budget, the Food for Feedback event, at six in-person consultation meetings in each ward, at a telephone town hall, and during committee and council meetings. This feedback was presented to City Council to allow them to provide feedback on the proposed priority projects and services.
Public feedback centered on concerns with tax affordability, reducing taxes and prioritizing services such as roads, infrastructure, climate change/environment and affordable housing.
In June 2024, the 2025 Financial Needs and Multi-Year Forecast Report was presented at Committee of the Whole. Preliminary discussions began in July 2024, and throughout summer, among staff, Council, and the community to help with information sharing and collaboration early on in the process.
Under new provincial legislation, the city budget process has changed. Mayors are now required to either prepare a budget or direct staff to do so. Councils can amend the proposed budget; Mayors have the option to veto amendments; and councils can override a Mayoral veto by a two-thirds vote. After this process is complete, the budget is deemed approved.
In Burlington, the Mayor issued a Mayoral Decision in July to direct staff to prepare the budget. This was unanimously endorsed by council.
Following in-person consultation meetings in September and October, the City published its Proposed Budget on Oct. 25 and presented it to Committee of the Whole Nov. 4 for feedback and public delegationCouncil presented amendments to the budget at a special Budget meeting on Nov. 18, at which time public delegations were again received. The amendments were approved at a Special Council meeting Nov. 25.
The Mayor did not exercise the veto option and issued a Mayoral Decision, ending the veto period, and as a result the staff-presented, council-amended budget was deemed approved after the Special Council meeting of Nov. 25.
For Halton Region budgets, staff presented a budget to Regional Council at meetings on Dec. 4 and 11. Regional councillors can bring amendments, as happened today regarding the police budget. Council votes as a whole to approve the budget and any amendments. That work is now complete.
The Mayor and all six Burlington Councillors sit on the 24-member Halton Regional Council, which includes representatives from Burlington, Halton Hills, Oakville, and Milton.
Halton Region provides services such as: police, paramedics, health and social services (including housing), services for seniors, water and wastewater, regional roads, waste management, and contributions to Conservation Authorities.
Steve Robinson, Manager of Burlington’s Urban Forest, reports that he had the unique opportunity to present alongside Tyler Searls and Ben Kuttner today at the 2024 Ontario Urban Forest Council (OUFC)conference. We presented on the merits of Managing Urban Woodlands as Assets, using the City of BNurlington’s Woodland Management Strategy as a case study.
Starting in 2025, the City will be implementing the City’s Woodland Management Strategy and 37 Forest Management Plans. These plans are integral for the purpose of mitigating tree related risk, addressing invasive species, providing a means for reforestation, and supporting the maintenance of other critical infrastructure like storm water conveyance within our creek block
This information is not professional investment advice. Investors are advised to do their own research into individual stocks before making an investment decision.
The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider acquisitions in the public market are:
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-09-24
500,000
$12.88
$6,438,901.50
Tang, Kevin
4 – Director of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-06-24
400,000
$12.76
$5,105,786.80
Tang, Kevin
4 – Director of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-05-24
300,000
$12.62
$3,786,839.10
ATCO LTD —–Buy Quantity: 162,000 Average cost: $49.20 Total: $7,969,966.00
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
Sentgraf Enterprises Ltd.
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-09-24
18,100
$49.07
$888,146.50
Southern-Heathcott, Linda A.
4 – Director of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-09-24
18,100
$49.07
$888,146.50
Southern, Margaret E
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-09-24
18,100
$49.07
$888,146.50
Southern, Nancy C.
4 – Director of Issuer, 6 – Director or Senior Officer of 10% Security Holder, 7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6), 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-09-24
18,100
$49.07
$888,146.50
Sentgraf Enterprises Ltd.
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-06-24
22,400
$49.30
$1,104,345.00
Southern-Heathcott, Linda A.
4 – Director of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-06-24
22,400
$49.30
$1,104,345.00
Southern, Margaret E
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
12-06-24
22,400
$49.30
$1,104,345.00
Southern, Nancy C.
4 – Director of Issuer, 6 – Director or Senior Officer of 10% Security Holder, 7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6), 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
By Pepper Parr
