 By Connor Fraser
August 11th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
We have allowed powerful firms to created wasteful narratives. It’s time to push back.
How many times per week do you poo?
This past winter, I happened upon a regular schedule, nearly every day. Oh, and by “poo” I mean shampoo.
In December, my hairdresser recommended a new set of shampoo, conditioner and product specific to my hair style – instead of generic soaps found at the grocery store. I suppose it was more excitement at the prospect of taking better care and ownership of my body that caused me to embrace this daily routine. Recently, it has propelled me to think about how often I wash, and whether soaps are even necessary every time. They are not.
Proponents of the moderately famous “no poo” movement will argue that abstention from all commercial soaps is possible. There are people all over the internet who claim to have done so for 5+ years. While those claims are more than a bit ridiculous and I don’t plan to jump on their boat anytime soon, recently I have experimented with lathering up only every third day, and (maybe) rinsing for the remainder. And I haven’t noticed any difference. If anything, my hair is healthier than before.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Europeans get away with much less – they shampoo roughly half as often as North Americans. My friends and family who recently returned from vacation in France, Spain or Italy all reported a great experience. They didn’t mention anything about slippery streets or having to throw out clothes after brushing into someone’s head on the subway.
 The push to have long flowing curly hair is a feature of advertising in North America In fact, regular use of shampoo arrived only in the 20th century, when large-scale advertising campaigns “showered” people with the idea. They painted an image whereby buying and using their product was a ticket to gaining social acceptance. Those who remained on fringe were medieval.
As a student of business, I appreciate that firms exist to harness (hopefully for good) the most basic human instinct which is self-interest. Optimally, appropriate checks and balances would be in place to control the worst impulses of owners to, among endless possibilities, commit fraud or abuse their employees. But there is nothing illegal about pushing a product which people don’t really need, or at a greater frequency than is actually necessary.
I wonder whether Canadians are guilty of sleep walking into this trap. People, myself included, love stories. We crave simplification and narratives, and marketing departments at most large multinationals have evolved into history’s most successful storytellers. The problem arises, however, when the stories we are told do not end up creating value for consumers. Business, like politics and life, is a game. We must be vigilant to keep competitors honest and fight tooth and nail to avoid being coaxed out of our hard earned savings of real and social capital.
Over-usage of shampoo is but one example. What about laundry & dishwasher detergent? For the past year, I have washed my clothes with Tide. Despite always pouring the smallest suggested measure of detergent, even for heavy loads, I have never experienced dirty clothes. Moreover, my family always splits the bar of dishwasher detergent in half. Literally zero difference.
What about cellphones? Is it fate that everyone on the planet should have a portable phone, or rather did executives in Silicon Valley conspire to cook up another great narrative which we have all embraced without an afterthought? While I’m being crude, there is plenty of truth here.
 You’ve seen a lot of these. Because we live in an increasingly digital age where advanced marketing tactics have given firms the upper hand, so too must we arm consumers, and particularly young consumers, with the tools they need to defend themselves. When I was in elementary school, I recall my teacher briefly explaining to the class why it’s important to constantly question the messages behind advertisements.
That was one lesson, in 4th grade. For the most part, myself and my classmates were left to fend for ourselves. One opportunity might be to revitalize Ontario’s media literacy curriculum such that it rigorously prepares tomorrow’s generation to become more responsible and critical consumers. Additionally, consumer protection groups might accelerate verification of claims made by companies to ascertain whether they are backed by objectivity and science. Perhaps there is a rationale for increased funding towards federal watchdogs such as the Office of Consumer Affairs.
In the meantime, I encourage you to think about what products and services you consume as part of your routine, with an eye for identifying which are truly adding value, and which are freeloading. Consider sharing your findings and perspective with a comment below – I’m excited to learn what you discover!
 Connor Fraser is a long-time resident of Aldershot.
In 2020, he completed undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, with a B.A.Sc. in Engineering Science and a major in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
He has returned to U of T to enroll in the dual Master of Global Affairs and Master of Business Administration program.
 By Staff
August 10th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
When there is a change in the way business is done the thieves in the world will find a way to exploit the change and take advantage of people who are not fully aware of the change.
Try hiring a trades person. They just aren’t available. What happens – Home Renovation Fraud takes place.
 The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is issuing a warning to residents about a home repair fraud believed to be operating in the region.
Police believe these suspects may be intentionally targeting older adults.
The fraud involves contractors travelling door-to-door selling services that are unsolicited by a consumer. The suspect will provide quotes with prices lower than market value and once a deal is reached, will request a large cash payment. Based on complaints, initial work may start, however the work will be sub-par and/or incomplete.
After this initial work, the consumer may be approached to provide more money for supplies or to complete payment for the project. Once this additional or final payment is received, the contractor disappears and phone calls and text messages will go unanswered leaving the consumer with a damaged or partially completed project.
 If in doubt DON’T And ask questions There have been two complaints with this similar mode of operation and suspects in Halton. Police believe there may be additional victims in Halton, as well as outside of our region.
The suspects are described as two white males with Irish or possibly Scottish accents.
Suspect 1 is 25-35 years old, approximately 5’9” – 6’0” tall with a heavy build and dark black hair.
Suspect 2 is also 25-35 years old approximately 5’9” – 6’0” tall with a heavy build and short light blonde or light brown hair. This suspect was also wearing a moustache.
In both cases the suspects had a younger man with them claiming to be a son of one of the suspects.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Regional Fraud Unit at 905-465-8741.
 Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
The “contractor” or suspects that traditionally perpetrate these types of scams can be aggressive and eager to acquire an initial cash deposit from victims. A series of business cards, pamphlets, and printed contracts may also accompany door-to-door sales pitches.
The following consumer protection tips and information are being shared to help consumers when hiring a contractor for their home.
• Get recommendations from people you trust.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
• Do your research.
• Don’t be pressured to make a quick decision.
• Ensure the contractor is insured.
• Get multiple written estimates.
• Check references.
• Be cautious of unsolicited offers via the phone, or door to door.
Put it on Paper
• Work requested and agreed upon.
• Dates – Start, benchmarks, and finish.
• Exact Cost of the project.
• Acquire a receipt.
• Acquire a guarantee / warranty information.
 By Staff
August 10th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 If we think Fall – will the Summer change? Is city hall giving us the “bums” rush – talking about the fall recreation program while we are enjoying wonderful summer weather.
The City of Burlington’s fall recreation programs will open for online registration on Saturday, August 20. Adult program registration begins at 9 a.m. and swimming and youth program registrations begin at 11 a.m.
All programs are currently available for viewing online at burlington.ca/recreation.
 These two are pleased as punch with their effort. Adult programs include sports, games, fitness, craft and art activities, social events, discussion and learning options and more for adults of all ages and skill levels. In-person and virtual courses are offered.
Aquatics offers a variety of programs including youth, adult and private swim lessons and leadership courses. There are also preschool, school age, youth, or leadership programs.
If you are interested in joining the Junior Redcoats or Burlington Teen Tour Band, email bttb@burlington.ca for more information.
Programs open for non-residents to register on Friday, Aug. 26, at 9 a.m.
Assisted Registration
Residents who need extra support or do not have online access to register for programs, can call 905-335-7738 for staff-assisted telephone registrations.
The customer service team is available through email at liveandplay@burlington.ca or 905-335-7738, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Recreation Fee Assistance
Recreation is for all, regardless of financial situation. Recreation Fee Assistance is funding made available to Burlington residents or families who need help to pay for City of Burlington recreation programs. For more information, or to apply, visit burlington.ca/feeassistance.
Two thins of concern:
The registration assistance – it is no longer a one on one situation – the help is at the end of a telephone line and getting through is said to be a challenge.
Add to the the price increases: No mention that the increases are steep.
By Pepper Parr
August 10th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington has amazing residents that do incredible work to support the community.
Through the years, the City has had a variety of programs designed to celebrate and recognize community champions. In 1965, a program called Civic Recognition was started and evolved most recently into Burlington’s Best, where individuals were nominated by the community and recognized in several categories. A volunteer committee assisted in evaluating the nominations and determining the recipient of the award in each category.
 As the City continues to evolve, we are looking for your input about the best way to celebrate and recognize the significant contributions of those who do work to support our community.
The city administration is looking for community input on what this new initiative could look like.
Click HERE to get the survey. Share your thoughts and ideas. It will take approximately five minutes.
Having monitored and attended these events for years the Gazette would like to make the following suggestions.
Parents should not be allowed to nominate and have their children accepted as worthy of recognition, the person nominating cannot be related tto the nominee.
The event should be free.
There should be a lot of food available.
It should be held in a location where hundreds can show up
Don’t have members of council involved in the decision making process – let them approve the program and then get out of thee way – Oh – maybe a photo op if they insist (they will) and let it go at that.
 Gordon Schottlander – D Day landing survivor who came to Canada at the end of the ward and has served his community ever since. The closest event we have seen that got close to what can and should take place is the recent Jubilee awards that were handed out to 73 people. The problem there was people asked others to nominate them and a lot of people that seem to “collect” awards were once again recognized. At the Jubilee event there was a single standing ovation given to 104 year old Gordon Schottlander .
Everyone who stood knew what they were standing up for – it was a wonderful moment.
These events are important but they should not become stepping stones into a political life.
For those who do complete the survey – think about what can be done.
 By Staff
August 9th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The announcement today from the Performing Arts Centre must have taken a lot of weight off the shoulders of people who have had to sit and wait for the lock-downs to be lifted.
There have been events at the Performing Arts Centre but it was far from the “show business” they were supposed to be doing.
The curtain for the Season will rise on September 15th. Air Supply will be first on the programme.
The announcement read: “After a long couple of years of pandemic closures, re-openings, and restrictions, The Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) is thrilled to be reopening our doors and sharing our 2022/2023 Season which begins September 15th, 2022.
 Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell’s mutual air zodiac signs, spent a decade at the top of the charts and released nearly an album per year for almost 20 years September 15th Air Supply, the iconic Australian pop band that was founded in 1976 is back in Canada and kicks off our 2022/2023 Season. The band that was named for both Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell’s mutual air zodiac signs, spent a decade at the top of the charts and released nearly an album per year for almost 20 years leaving a long legacy of love songs. Russell and Hitchcock will be gracing our stage, performing hits such as “All out of Love”, “Lost in Love”, and “Without You” on Thursday September 15th at 8:00pm.
September 20th, We are excited to welcome Tom Cochrane with Red Rider back to BPAC again this year on Tuesday September 20th at 8:00pm. Cochrane’s contribution to the Canadian music scene is immense and spans over 4 decades. Even after releasing 17 albums over the course of his career, filling larger arenas, theatres and festival stages, Tom Cochrane says those early days that built character and helped him find the content for many of his songs that he performs to this day, never leave him.
 Tom Cochrane Tom is one of only 3 male singer songwriters to have a diamond certified album in Canada, selling over a million copies. Songs such as “Life is a Highway” and “Lunatic Fringe” have made it to the international charts and will possibly be performed on our stage next month!
 Johnny Reid Our first SOLD OUT show of the Season is Love Someone – An Intimate Evening with Johnny Reid. Performing on Thursday September 29th and Friday September 30th at 8:00pm, there are only a few single seats available for purchase online. What a wonderful sign for the performing arts that everyone is ready to be back in the theatre!
 Glass Tiger Rounding out our first month of the Season is Glass Tiger on Friday October, 14th at 8:00pm. Enjoy iconic cuts like the 1986 release “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)” to their recently released album “33”. The new album takes the classic Glass Tiger sound with a new, raw, maturity that the band says is them coming back to their original roots of picking up a guitar and starting a band!
This is a show not to miss!
 By Pepper Parr
August 9th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
In ten days we will know who the candidates for city council are going to be and have a pretty good idea what the next council is going to look like as well.
 Kelvin Galbraith: Could be in trouble Ward 1 was a given. Kelvin Galbraith has a high school teacher campaigning against him thinking that he can continue as a high school teacher and serve as a council member at the same time.
There appears to be a change. Robert Radway now realizes that he can get a leave of absence from the Board of Education but that will not apply to his first year as a Councillor. Radway said he has a plan in place that will allow him to perhaps do some teaching and still serve as a member of Council.
 Lisa Kearns: Probably has the finest mind on this council – needs to work on some issues. Lisa Kearns should prevail in ward 2 – candidates do keep coming out of the wood work but Kearns has earned the right to a second term. A real race for the seat will test Kearns in a way that will make her very uncomfortable but she will be better for it.
Rory Nisan has proven to be a disappointment for many – apparently not those working with him for re-election and certainly not for the Mayor. She now has a new lap dog.
 Rory Nisan: biggest disappointment Jennifer Hounslow has a chance but she is pushing a rock up a hill – but Councillors that disappoint consistently do lose. and on that level Rory Nisan has proven to be a disappointment. The Gazette supported Nisan in 2018 – mentored him a little, urged him to get a copy of the Procedural bylaw and know it well. He certainly did that – took a complaint to the Integrity Commissioner that found Stolte had broken a rule.
 Shawna Stolte should retain her seat. There are those who have issues with the Integrity Commissioners reports and the sanctions they handed out – the Gazette will comment on just what that is all about in the near future.
Paul Sharman will be acclaimed in ward 5.
 Angelo Bentivegna faces a stiff contender. His less than 50 seat plurality in 2018 and the serious dissatisfaction on the part of a lot of people in Millcroft over the attempts to build on golf course land have not helped.
Rick Greenspoon has his work cut out for him but he seems more than able to take the seat.
While there are many that don’t like what Mayor Meed Ward has delivered – Anne Marsden just does not have what it takes to be a Mayor.
What she might manage to do is significantly reduce the Meed Ward vote enough to smarten up Marianne.
 These are the people you elected in 2018. Time to think about how many you want to serve you again. So what will that deliver?
Meed Ward as Mayor
Galbraith in ward 1
Kearns in ward 2
Ward 3 could be a surprise
Stolte in Ward 4
Sharman in ward 5
Greenspoon in ward 6
We might want to revise these suggestions after nominations close.
In the weeks ahead we will interview and spend time with each of the candidates.
The options will be clearer on the 19th which is when nominations close.
There is a hope out there that Kimberly Calderbank will take a run at the Office of Mayor. Calderbank is a strong strategist and there are some very respectable people who will support her.
The process of filing a nomination is cluttered – you have to make an appointment with the city Clerk. Should Calderbank file papers the news will have been flashed to the Mayor before the ink is dry on her papers.
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
 By Pepper Parr
August 9th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
In a statement released by Mayor Meed Ward recently she said:
Burlington Council is very cohesive and collaborative, with more than 90% of our votes being unanimous, and the balance of votes with strong consensus around options. We work well together and I know that will continue regardless of whatever changes are made to the role and function of the mayor.
There is an opportunity to see just how well Mayor Meed Ward has worked with her council.
CLICK for the link.
 By Pepper Parr
August 8th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 We had heard there would be changes in the structure of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce Volunteer committees – they were to be reduced to two from the seven that were in place.
There were those with the view that the Volunteer groups had far too much clout and that changes were necessary.
In a statement put out today Terry Caddo is confirming that changes have been made and invited people to volunteer within the new structure.
He said:
 Burlington Chamber of Commerce President Terry Caddo “Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to the Chamber and the local Burlington Community. We would like to express our gratitude and thank our volunteers from our current and historical committees, who have selflessly contributed their time to drive Chamber initiatives.
“As we implement our new strategic plan, there will be a few changes with the composition and structure of our committees moving forward.
“As we align with our strategic pillars of; Connecting Leaders, Active Advocacy and Creating Opportunities, we will be reducing the number of committees to the following:
Membership Experience and Engagement, and Policy and Advocacy. This restructuring will result in increased diversity within the two committees to allow for a greater representation of the Burlington business community.
The Burlington Chamber will be able to create impactful opportunities for our members, as we will be able to have committees that are truly reflective of our membership.
The Member Experience and Engagement committee will provide insight and support to the Burlington Chamber of Commerce on membership recruitment, engagement, and retention, and serve as the organizing centre for Chamber events. This committee will directly align with the strategic plan pillars: Connecting Leaders and Creating Opportunities.
Taskforces will be created within the committee as needed to help support with signature events such as the Business Excellence Awards, Wonder Women Conference, and the annual Golf Tournament.
The Policy and Advocacy committee will actively advocate and influence on local, regional, provincial, and federal issues and policy affecting Burlington businesses and will directly align with the Active Advocacy pillar. This committee will be the go-to source for business discussions in the community and be successful in creating a strong community of businesses and other agencies that support each other.
As we move forward, we ask that you complete the below application to participate in these new committees. We encourage current and past volunteers to re-apply. Please use the link below to complete your application.
Link: https://bit.ly/3BMHFjG.
 By Staff
August 8th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 We all know how hot it is – and we might be running out of places we can visit where it is cool.
Apply COOL to the All Guilds annual exhibition that celebrates the guilds who make, learn, share, and teach at the Art Gallery of Burlington
There is the Burlington Fine Arts Association,
 Some work done by a member of the Burlington Sculptors and Carvers, Burlington Handweavers and Spinners Guild,
Latow Photographers Guild,
Burlington Potters Guild,
Burlington Hooking Craft Guild,
Burlington Sculptors and Carvers,
and the Digital Arts Guild of Burlington.
AGB Hours
Tuesday & Wednesday 10 AM – 9 PM
Thursday – Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday & Monday CLOSED
By Pepper Parr
August 8th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna has for the most part taken a different approach to looking at the city’s financial matters.
 He inevitably has questions – some which make it evident he doesn’t fully understand what the issue is.
But on a number of occasions he has asked THE critical question: How much ?
Some of that confusion with just what the issue is came out during the debate on the $39 million the city is going to spend building a new Skyway arena which is in ward 5.
“My question has to do with the incremental budget impact. On page six of the Staff report”. Bentivegna points to the “program and rental revenues of $100,000 which obviously becomes a credit to the whole process.”
Bentivegna is referring to revenues – the debate is about a capital cost and who is going to pay for the building.
Due a number of factors, set out in an accompanying article the tax payer is going to have to cover $2 million of that cost that will be raised by the issuing of a 15 year debenture that will carry a 4.5% interest rate.
In referring to the $100,000 incremental revenue. Bentivegna said he found that “number actually extremely low. From my experience being in hockey rinks. My calculations give me almost four and a half times that. Can you explain how we got to the $100,000, please?
A financial department staff member responds: “I’m not certain as the dollar quantum that was arrived at; it was probably done through our parks and recreation area. But that $100,000 was included in our multi year simulation and that number will be updated obviously as part of our proposed 2023 budget, if there are any changes or in increases to that.
 Bentivegna frequently requires an explanation from other members of Council. The $100,000 was a figure that was based on what the Skyway was bringing in before the decision was made to demolish the building. It was almost a place holder.
Bentivegna comes back: “Okay, so is it possible we can still get some sort of report even in the next days or whatever, from Parks and Rec as to how we got to that 100. So at least from my stand point, I could do some homework and email back with Parks and Rec so thank you for that answer.
Staff respond: “I believe the number that is shown there is just that it’s an incremental number. It’s not the total number. So this is in addition to revenue that we would have received for the old arena, the basic arena that was there before – so this is showing the difference, I believe. And so these numbers that are presented in the operating cost impacts, they will not impact the capital costs that we’re talking about today with respect to the tender award.
These are meant to be here to reflect the ongoing sort of net operating costs once the facility is built. And it’s really the difference between this sort of new facility which is expanded has other features, community rooms, walking track, etc. In comparison to what the old facility would have cost us.
 The increase in the cost of building a new Skyway arena stunned everyone – despite the rise Council decided to proceed taking the position that the prices were not going to come down in the near future
 That tax supported debt will show up on the tax bill once the budget for 2023 is set sometime after the election. Bentivegna isn’t about to give up: “I appreciate that. But at the end of the day, it’s the incremental budget impact will affect our multi year budget simulation and if we’re using numbers – we’re obviously looking forward here and I think the numbers, if you work from a 40 hour week, which is minimal, I come up with $450,000. (Which would be revenue once the arena is built, open, operating and generating revenue)
Bentivegna is stuck on the “multi year budget simulation moving forward, which is really what we’re looking at here is going to be affected. So I think we should know, really we should have known previously what those impacts would have been but I’ll go with the flow here.
 My second question is, “again in the report it talks about user obligations. Ice users were asked to participate as they have in the past many, many times and unfortunately have some commitments to the city and cannot participate in this project. My question is, again, maybe it’s a little premature but what is the commitment from the ice users presently with regards to Appleby in terms of when those numbers fall off the chart for debt, charges and how will that affect the tax supported number once those numbers fall off?
Staff respond: “With respect to affecting the tax numbers, they’ve all been included within the updated cost before you here today. The impact of the Appleby ice debt is taken into consider into consideration
Bentivegna comes back with: “I do want to remind us all that this was budgeted and approved. The reason why we’re here today is because we are over that budget and we have to determine how we are going to raise the $7 million shortfall.
“And I want to make sure that residents are aware that not all that money is going into tax supported dollars. We do have infrastructure renewal of $4.7 million. We do have a corporate accessibility of $400,000.
“So my question was originally the $2 million tax supported because this has been discussed for about four or five years now in terms of getting this project up and running now.
 Doesn’t have the look of a hockey arena – it will be much more than that: meeting rooms, walking track, pickle ball courts all placed in a park like setting that is just north of a 6 tower residential development that is north of Burloak park. A big, much needed boost to part of south eastern Burlington. “ I’m convinced that over time, with revenues of this particular Skyway arena and its amenities, it is going to be a first class facility. And I think this community is looking forward to having this open and it will support the fund the financing through the revenues that it will receive and I know we don’t always see that front row center but I am convinced of that.
So I will be supporting this today.
One could almost feel the sigh of relief.
Related news story:
Spending $39 million when you are $7 million short
 By Staff
August 8th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
We are a little late with this notice – our apologies.
 The Repair Café will take place Tuesday – tomorrow at the Aldershot BIA on Plains Road – they are located on the north side of Plains Road – can’t miss it – there will be all kinds of white tents along the side of the road.
This event will be the last outdoor event of the year for the Repair Café.
They go indoors on September 10th at Port Nelson United Church.
This is also the end of the municipal funding they were able to get last year.
From this point forward the Café will rely on donations.
 Lawson Hunter – the guy who organizes the event with the help of a solid team admits that the donations route is a bad business model but that it is really good Community service.
Hours are:
By Pepper Parr
August 8th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
This is a long article. It focuses on one new arena but sets out how this council is going to spend to provide the infrastructure it thinks the city needs. See it as a cautionary tale.
Council met on Thursday to decide if they were going to go forward with the construction of a new Skyway arena in ward 5.
Referred to as the Skyway Arena – the structure in place now was taken out of commission WHEN because it no longer met the rules related to Freon.
The rink was small.
 The city did a lot of planning on this project – it was to be carbon free, solar panels on the roof, two regular size ice pads, pickle ball courts, community rooms and a walking track.
 The new Skyway arena will be to the north of the proposed 6 story Lakeside Plaza development. Not a word was said about the development plans during the decision to spend $37 million Way back when Councillor Paul Sharman was first elected he tried, in vain at the time, to get in touch with the owner of the plaza that had seen better days. It took a couple of years but eventually there was a development proposal that included eight structures.
During that time the Burloaks Park was completed – it is one of the better parks in the city that is seldom crowed that way Spencer Smith Park is.
The community amenities will include pickle ball courts, meeting rooms and a Walking Track.
This is the background behind the decision to spend twice as much as was originally planned on the Skyway arena.
The decision was to a contract for the construction of the new arena to Norlon Builders London Limited for $37,021,769.55
Staff asked that Council
Approve the revised total budget of $39,433,100 with revised financing proposed.
Authorize the additional funding of $2,000,000 from Tax Supported Debt; $403,000 from the Corporate Accessibility Implementation Project and $4,710,100 from the infrastructure renewal reserve fund.
 Significantly looking structure for an arena – walking track, community meeting rooms and pickle ball courts make it more of a community hub. Something badly needed in the community. What makes the development awkward is that it is a 1.4 km and a quarter away from the Bateman high school site that the city is in the process of buying – the public will not know much about the cost until sometime in September when the deal is expected to close.
The figure of $500 million was mentioned by Councillor Stolte, who was sanctioned by the Integrity Commissioner for revealing information that was discussed in a closed session of Council. The figure Stolte made public was, as she explained it, an approximation.
The Bateman and the Skyway arena are all about creating more in the way of space for a growth in population that will add three new communities to the city around the GO stations.
The Bateman and the Skyway development are in the south east sector
Lisa Kearns Councillor for ward 2 asked a procurement question, wanting to know how far into the process was the tender?
Staff had already decided who should be getting the job – all they needed was approval from Council to go forward.
 Jennifer Johnson on the left, listening to a resident when public feedback was being gathered about the residential plans. Jennifer Johnson, the staff member who oversaw the redevelopment of the WHICH ONE explained that three compliant bids and were ready to give the contract to Nolan for $37 million plus.
Given that Councillors are in the middle of an election Kearns wanted to be seen as being on top of everything said: “I’m looking to understand or hear what within the bid tender document and or agreed upon by those compliant bids would potentially help the city in a situation where the vendors work fell short or compliance with specs was not met. Those types of things. I want to understand what our insurance plans are, so to speak, so that we can be very much guaranteed that we have the best quality for our you know, the best quality when this work gets undertaken?
Johnson explained that “through our pre-qualification, we went through two rounds for general contractors where we asked them to qualify, electrical, mechanical and landscape because those were a very big component of the project. So they actually had to name the consultants they were using and had to close the bid with them. So through the pre-qualification process, we knew who those trades were, they were local trades, good trades. And basically, we pre-qualified five general contractors prior to even releasing the tender documents.
 Solar panels on the roof will cover a lot of the electricity costs? “Our specifications were very tight, because we tried our best to include designs that were all locally sourced. We also went through a review process with the consultants to ensure that all the equipment that we included in the design and specifications were still able to be sourced without you know, extended lead times. Contractors, are obligated to fulfill their contract under that lump sum.
The Skyway arena is in ward 5, Sharman territory. He said: Just slightly more than half of this cost is more than the city expected, but this is not a unique situation- that’s happening to everything. The question raised from time to time is should we wait for things to get better? The Staff report concludes that it’s going to be at least five years before the current pressure on costs decreases.This is not going to get better. If we don’t do it now.
It’ll just get worse and where does that leave us? It raises all sorts of concerns about improving the infrastructure in the city and increasing the infrastructure in the city. And we’ll have to cross that bridge when we come to it. But for now, I believe that we’re doing something that is badly needed by the city. We need the ice pads and the community rooms and the walking track.
Bateman won’t solve the ice pad problem, it won’t provide the walking track for the seniors who live in the immediate arena. And the pressure to build the pickle ball courts. So we’re going to be there. This is a wonderful addition to our recreation facilities in Burlington. Much needed, much appreciated. And we can just hope that cost isn’t going to be with us as a problem for ever.
Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte took a much different position. “I’ve certainly brought up concerns before about the commitment to projects located 1.4 kilometers away from each other. We’ve made a huge commitment to debate and project and I just feel very uncomfortable with as Councillor Sherman has brought up the increasing cost of this which I know is realistic. I know that costs are going up across the country. We’re all aware of that. But the reality is too is that by utilizing the limited funds that we have available to us and the limited room that we have in our debt capacity limit, we’re committing most of our eggs into two baskets that are in the southeast corner of Burlington and I’m just not convinced that that’s an appropriate decision for us to be making at this time.
 That walking track and a community rooms would be nice. I think that we could scale this project back to ensure that we have the ice rinks and I think that we could make sure that we have transportation options available to seniors to get them up to the proposed community rooms that we hope to have at the maintenance project. And that would leave us some funding available to ensure that we are able to take care of other infrastructure projects and that we have other opportunities to use our debt capacity limit because there certainly are a lot of a lot of other projects around the city that need attention. I wasn’t in support of this before. I’m still not. I know that it would be a great project if money were no object, but money is an object and I won’t be able to support this today.
Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan said: “This is a higher price than we anticipated. No doubt about it. We’ve made the Skyway a priority for a long time. I believe we can still pursue upper level government funding and I’m sure we will but we can’t just bring everything to a standstill.
Ward 1 Councilor Kelvin Galbraith said: “I’m in support of this. I am part of the ice user group that knows there is a big need for another ice rink. It’s the ice users have been hurt for the last couple of years now that Skyway has been taken out of the inventory and replacing it with a full size rink is very important and will be very valuable to the ice user groups.
“I think the city needs more of these type of facilities and the longer we wait, the more expensive it will get. I think the time is now and I’m prepared to support this today.
 Lisa Kearns put her financial concern, chase down the details spin on the building of a new arena. Lisa Kearns joined what was now a majority of Council and said: “I think the whole conversation we’re having here is really reflective of the petulance that I’m starting to see around some of these really, really big ticket items. We know that we’ve already committed to prioritizing Skyway community centre and it feels a lot like this is one of those projects that we’re so far into that is difficult to turn around in, in response to escalating prices. Now, in my view, there are two things to look at here. One is of course the community value which we can’t put a price tag on it’s clear we do need more ice rinks. And in fact, we need the type of ice rinks that can host and hold tournaments and things of that nature so that we can really capitalize on those additional tourism dollars especially in light of having our municipal accommodation tax now ushered in so we do need to look at this really big picture.
“It’s one thing to award a tender. It’s another thing to award a tender with really strong terms that despite escalating costs still puts the city in the driver’s seat around ensuring the diligence used around those funds. Those are many types of causes like clawback clauses, there’s the dispute resolution, there’s payment terms certainty of terms limitations of liability. I want to be really really sure that when we are embarking on projects this high visibility and this high of a price tag we have covered all our bases.
 The table below shows the change to the Total Project Cost over the last three years. The lowest compliant bid has resulted in an increased construction cost to $36.7 million, including soft costs, and project contingency, the new total project cost is estimated at $39.4 million (including the parks revitalization component). This is an increase of 22% from the Class A, most recently completed in March 2022 or $7.1 million. It’s really important that we don’t have bumps along the way from today’s meeting where we’re proving this to when we can actually open the doors and welcome our residents across the city into a facility like this. I do want to also put on record and echo the comments of Councillor salty in that I am worried about our debt limit and our debt threshold. We still have a really big ticket in very similar proximity that hasn’t even had its capital costs disclose to the public yet. And that will no doubt require some support from our tax base and of course from our infrastructure renewal reserve fund so that fun will quickly be dwindling and it’s I’m hopeful that they’ll be a lot left for some of the other areas where we are really putting a focus on growth.
I am supporting this today with caution. And you know putting everyone involved in this in this project on notice that we want it to be an absolute and true success and we want it to be handled with the greatest level of diligence as possible.
 The project was short 7 million – they dug into reserves and pushed $2 million onto the backs of the taxpayers – by taking out a 15 years debenture at 4.5%. Don’t you wish you could get that interest from your bank Councillor Sharman added later in the meeting before the vote saying he recognized that his comments about money were made the way they were said because I think that it’s just a fact of life that cost is increasing. The arena had to be closed because the Freon system became illegal. Otherwise, we would have continued to have Skyway arena open, but it was grossly inadequate. It was built in the 60s. It was no longer up to standard in terms of installation and efficiency and effectiveness and it was undersized so it needed to go. So it’s going to be built. I think that’s one point with respect to money or No, I have a fairly reasonable understanding of money and my view of the world is very oriented towards future cash flow and where it’s coming from.
 Paul Sharman: “I have no concerns about money.” “I have no concerns about money, it will be resolved and especially in Parkland dedication, even if I do think it’s a bit rich it’s going to pay for a lot of stuff. We will still be building within the urban boundary. We will have the cash to pay for the facilities we need for another 70,000 people in the course of the next 30 years. And if anybody’s thinking differently than I ask you to talk to me, because planning and cash flow forecasting is an important way of thinking and I have no concerns about the money. And that’s about it for me. I’m delighted that we’re getting on with this.
Mayor Meed Ward decided it was her turn to take a kick at the can. “I am really looking forward to the ground-breaking in October. We know that we need more community facilities for our growing population period full stop – we are at capacity, we are bursting at the seams. This will be a facility that is used and loved by people from across Burlington the ice pads the community meeting space the parkour out front and also it will be really the future of how we build community facilities in Burlington. It will have solar panels on the roof. It will be a low carbon building, that is the future and we are not done yet. Our community amenities our parks or community centers have not kept up with the growth that we have seen in population in Burlington – this is one more opportunity to not only refresh what was there before, but expand it. The Walking Track is was really important.
It’s not so much about what we spend, it’s what we spend on and this there’s no question in my mind that this has been a priority. And so we just need to get on with it. We need to because the price isn’t gonna get any cheaper. And the cost escalation that we have seen is due to factors that are outside of the city’s control for sure and there’s no time like the present to get going.
This will put us at 11% debt ratio, our city imposed ratio is 12 and a half so we’re still well below that. The province imposes a debt ratio of 25%. Tax supported debt is only one of many sources of funding. We have reserved funds – revenue from users that will come back to us. I know the pickle ball courts will be very well used and played.
We have just increased and really level set the development charges that we will be charging for new growth and our Parkland dedication fees we were way behind, leaving money substantial amounts of money on the table.
I’m enthusiastic about finally getting on with this centre and we will mean we need more we’re not done we are not done yet with parks and community centres. Because we still have a lot more growth coming and we still have some catching up to do. And we have the money. We have the money to do it.
We do need a recorded vote on this. So I will turn it over to our clerk to take the recorded vote.
Councillor Bentivegna had some interesting questions and concerns about what was going to happen to the taxpayer. His views will be covered in a seperate article later in the week.
Councillor stuck to her guns; the only Council member to talk about fiscal prudence.
City Manager Tim Commisso sat in on the meeting – didn’t say a word
 By Pepper Parr
August 7th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
I almost forgot.
Thursday of last week was the eighth anniversary of the flood.
 At what point did the vehicle just stop. It didn’t get a mention anywhere.
Lot’s of talk about Climate Change – which is basically the message the gods were sending us in 2014
I wonder how many people are still recovering from that disaster – and how many lives were changed forever because of the flood that devastated some neighbourhoods and left others bone dry.
By Staff
August 6, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The 7th wave of Covid19 is reported to have peaked.
Monkey pox infections have increased
Rabid bats have been found in Oakville
West Nile virus has retuened
And it is blistering hot.
A batch of mosquitoes trapped this week in Oakville has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). This is the first batch of WNV positive mosquitoes for Halton this year.
Urban areas are more likely to have mosquitoes that carry WNV. The types of mosquitoes that transmit WNV to humans most commonly breed in urban areas such as bird baths, plant pots, old toys and tires that hold water.
Most individuals infected with WNV do not develop any symptoms while some may develop fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. The majority of these individuals will recover completely but a few of them can go on to develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord). Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and individuals over 50 years of age are at higher risk for severe disease.
Residents can take the following steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes:
• Cover up when going outside between the hours of dusk and dawn (when most mosquitoes feed). Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants with tightly-woven fabric.
• Reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home by getting rid of all water-filled containers and objects, where possible. Change the water in bird baths at least once per week.
• Use an approved insect repellent, such as one containing DEET or Icaridin.
• Make sure your window and door screens are tight and without holes, cuts or other openings.
Locations of standing water sites that have had larvicide applied this year is available on the West Nile Virus page on halton.ca.
 By Staff
April 6th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
On August 6, 2022 at approximately 3:09pm Halton Regional Police attended the area of Waterdown Road and Craven Avenue in the City of Burlington for a motor vehicle collision.
A motorcycle travelling southbound on Waterdown Road struck a northbound Honda SUV. The motorcycle rider was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Collision Reconstruction Unit has taken carriage of the investigation.
Any witnesses to the collision who have not yet spoken with police are asked to contact the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 5065.
Read this article on our website.
By Staff
August 5th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Open Doors at St. Christopher’s is kicking off their yearly backpack program in partnership with Food4Kids Halton, Compassion Society and Burlington Together.
 What in heavens name do they put in those back packs? Do they carry that many books? The backpack program provides new backpacks and supplies to students from JK to grade 12 to help Burlington families reduce the financial strain of back-to-school season.
 Beth Martin, Resource and Communications Coordinator at Open Doors. “This year, we are aiming to be able to support 300 students with new backpacks that include hygiene products and high-quality supplies,” said Beth Martin, Resource and Communications Coordinator at Open Doors.
“Because our focus is on the more expensive – but necessary – items like reusable lunch bags, metal water bottles and scientific calculators, we are asking the community to support if they can by donating to the program.
We would be thrilled to receive a fully-packed backpack, but are also very happy to receive donations of individual supplies.
Every little bit helps set students up for success.”
Open Doors is most in need of new, high-quality backpacks for JK – grade 12 students, hygiene products and high-quality reusable water and lunch containers. Grade-level shopping lists, posters and up-to-date info can be found on the Open Doors website at opendoorscommunity.ca/backpacks.
 Donations can be dropped off throughout Burlington at St. Christopher’s Anglican Church, Sims Square, Rocca Sisters Team offices, Chickadee Kids Company and Happy Beginnings Daycare.
Drop off locations are constantly being added, so please check the interactive map on the website for a location near you.
Additionally, Open Doors is partnered with Rocca Sisters to ensure donations can be made on Saturday, August 13th at any of the three Kids’ Fest locations – Brant Hills Park, Cumberland Park and Millcroft Park.
The last day for donations is Sunday, August 14th. Find up-to-date information on the program at www.opendoorscommunity.ca/backpacks
By Pepper Parr
August 5th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
On the matter of it getting harder to get public information from city hall – try this one.
A citizen who is active in civic matters; has delegated at city hall, appeared at Ontario Municipal Hearings and knows his way around public issues.
 He wanted to check on something related to a former development application; there was some information related to wind studies and traffic projections that he wanted to review again. That information was online at the old city web site. Is there a reason why the same information wasn’t on the new web site? And if there is a reason, when is the public going to get wind of it?
The city communications people have explained that: “we are still in the process of updating these development webpages and configuring our website. Some site configurations, like the development projects pages, can’t be fully completed in a staging\testing environment so they need to be done on the live site. We are in the process of migrating supporting documents for applications, this is a extensive process as there are almost 60 application pages with at times over 20 large documents for each application.
“If you require specific documents please reach out if you do not yet see on the site.”
What we are getting from the communications people is reasonable – it would have been more professional of them to have alerted both the media and the public on what to expect as the changeover to a new web site design takes place.
What we are getting from the communications people however is not what the public is getting when they call their friends in the planning department.
In the back and forth communications set out below we are not identifying the city planner or the Gazette reader.
We don’t believe the planner is telling people on his own that the public should use FOI’s to get information. Our belief is that the planners have been told to explain this to the public
Our reader put in a call to a planner that he thought he had a decent working relationship with – and finished the call wondering what was going on.
In a nut shell he was told that if he wanted information on a development he could file a Freedom of Information request.
 His comments about the state of engagement with city hall were blunt and direct – “It’s a sham.”
From the planner who was explaining how to use the FOI process.
https://www.burlington.ca/en/council-and-city-administration/freedom-of-information.aspx
The Gazette reader learned from the old city web site that: Most requests for information can be resolved without the formal use of the Act. We release certain types of records in response to an informal request as part of our routine disclosure. Fees for requests for information under routine disclosure are based on our Rates and Fees Bylaw (By-law 061-2021).
The Gazette reader wonders if the by-law and ” Fees for request for information under routine disclosure has been changed and adds that “If you follow the suggested process to find readily available planning docs you get the following:
“Information and material that is required to be provided to the City under the Ontario Planning Act is available to the public.
“You can request records with the Committee of Adjustment by phone at 905-335-7777, ext. 7629. You can direct all other planning record requests to 905-335-7777, ext. 7642 or planning@burlington.ca.
“Applicable fees will apply.
The Gazette reader: “I think this may give you everything you may need without me sharing my source. The question that comes to mind immediately is: Who is telling planners to stop being helpful and direct them somewhere else?
“Does this mean that public data is going to require an FOI request – for which I will pay a fee?’
 It had a very very short term impact: City Hall didn’t like it and wanted changed made. Council voted unanimously to Receive and File the report Burlington has been down this path before. In 2010 former Mayor Walter Mulkewich and the late John Boich wrote a report that was called Shape Burlington.
Current Councillor Paul Sharman was on the committee that wrote the report.
A link to the report is set out below.
The issues in 2010 were about city hall not providing the information the public wanted. Nothing changes – there is a mindset within the municipal sector that has them believing that they do not have to respond to what the public wants. And with Council members that do not make it clear to the city manager that staff are in place to serve the public nothing is ever going to change.
Link to the Shape Burlington Report – 2010
 By Pepper Parr
August 5th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Lots to do in the weekend ahead of us.
 Station will be open on Saturday The Freeman Station is going to be open from 10 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday. They will be accepting Food items for the Food bank; keep that in mind when you do your shopping.
Heritage week is coming to a close – the collection of signs depicting the city’s past will be up all weekend – word is they might be around for part of next week as well.
When David Craig came up with the idea for the large posters few thought they would be so popular.
When awards are being handed out for the bright ideas one has to go to Craig.
 One of the best ideas in some time. The public got to see the historical routes of the city.
 By Staff
August 4th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is seeking the public’s assistance is locating Jeffrey Graham (56) of Burlington. He was last seen at approximately 9:00 am on August 3, 2022 in the area of Torrance Street and Lakeshore Road in Burlington.
 Jeffrey Graham – missing Jeffrey was driving a white Dodge Ram at the time he was last seen.
Jeffrey is described as:
• Male
• White
• Approximately 5’7” tall, 170 lbs. (slim build)
• Dark grey hair (buzz cut) with a beard
• Wearing a white or grey shirt, beige shorts, black baseball hat, thick/round glasses and blue and white New Balance running shoes.
Police and his family are concerned for his well-being and are asking anyone with information about him or his possible location to contact police through 9-1-1 or via the non-emergency line at 905 825 4777.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
A person can be reported missing at any time – there is no 24 hour waiting period. If you are concerned for someone’s immediate safety, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, you can report a person as missing to the Halton Regional Police Service by calling the non-emergency number 905-825-4777.
By Staff
August 4th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Covid19, then Monkey Pox, then close to unbearable weather and now bats have been found in Oakville with rabies.
 Just seeing one of these would case death by fright Halton Region Public Health confirmed that a bat tested positive for rabies. The bat was found in the West Oakville neighbourhood, south of Speers Road and east of Fourth Line. This is the first confirmed case of animal rabies in Halton Region this year.
Rabies is a viral disease that causes severe damage to the brain and spinal cord and, if untreated before symptoms appear, can lead to death.
The virus is spread through the saliva of an infected animal such as a raccoon, skunk, bat, dog, fox, or other wild animal, usually through a bite or scratch. Rabies illness in humans can be prevented by the use of a rabies vaccine, which is extremely effective, but only if it is administered before symptoms occur.
Although rabies in bats is rare, bites from rabid bats have caused almost all human cases of rabies in Canada over the past several years. Bats have small, needle-like teeth, and their bites easily go undetected. If you have been bitten, scratched or exposed to bat saliva, wash any wounds thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
It is not always possible to identify if a bat has rabies, however rabid bats may move slowly, lose the ability to fly, remain active during daylight hours or be unresponsive to loud noises. If you find a bat in your home, do not attempt to move it and contact your local Animal Control Services.
There are a number of ways you can protect your family and pets from rabies:
• Wash bite or scratch wounds from any animal with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
• Report all animal bites or scratches to Halton Region Public Health by calling 311.
• Warn your children to stay away from any wild, stray or aggressive animals.
• Do not touch, feed or move wildlife, including young, sick or injured animals.
• Avoid animals that are behaving strangely.
• Do not keep wild animals as pets.
• Do not touch dead or sick animals.
• If you find a stray animal, report it to your local Animal Control Services.
• Make sure your pet’s rabies vaccinations are up to date.
• Keep your pet on a leash when off your property.
• Have your pet seen by a veterinarian if it has come in contact with a bat or other wild animal.
• Animal-proof your home by filling any holes that could allow animals to enter.
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