The Burlington Performing Arts Centre announced the following nine people as Directors bring the Board size to 13 people.
Stephen Bell, Anna Danielova, Carrie Gervais, Max Honiball, Kari Pimentel, Jim Sweetlove, and Jim Thompson. Youth Ambassador Mark Mazuco was also announced.
Detailed bios appears below.
This Board now has to tackle some serious problems. They have to upgrade their strategic plan; they have to hire a new Executive Director after experiencing the very abrupt resignation of Tammy Fox and determine just what the relationship with the Sound of Music is going to be.
In the past two years BPAC has been financially successful. The Governance issues that plagued the previous Board have been resolved; unfortunately the report that was produced has yet to be made public.
The inclusion of a student on the Board was a good idea. If he proves to be as effective as some of the Student members of the Halton District School Board it will be a positive contribution.
Unfortunately there were no stage performers added to the Board; these are the men and women that are why we have a Performing Arts Centre
One would hope that Chair Ken Smithard will stress the need for both transparency and accountability and ensure that they deliver on the promise.
Ken Smithard, a recent retiree from his role as President of Cogeco Connexion in Burlington. Ken has over 25 years of Business experience of which 19 of them have been spent in the Telecom and Cable industries. Ken led a Senior Management team of professionals focused on planning and performance, process improvement, enterprise project office and information technology (Internal systems support, development, infrastructure, operations and project delivery).A longtime resident of the Burlington/Hamilton region, Ken has also served on the Board of Directors Cable 14 Board since 2009. He’s also been involved in fundraising for the Paws for Cause charity which raises funds for a cure for canine cancer. Ken has a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University and Masters Business Administration from Concordia.
Peter W. Van Dyk is a third generation Insurance Broker with PV&V Insurance Centre, a Burlington based brokerage. Born and raised in Burlington, Peter spent time performing music locally and touring around Ontario & Canada prior to starting his career in insurance. Peter currently serves as Vice Chair of YEP Hamilton, as a member of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Committee, and is involved with volunteer initiatives at YWCA Hamilton, and his local church. Peter graduated from Mohawk College in 2010 and spent 3 years with Aviva Canada prior to joining PV&V in 2014.
Deirdre Flynn is a hands-on, results oriented leader who is now enjoying early retirement and is working freelance. Deirdre’s career path led her to become a Senior Retail Executive with cross-functional expertise across multiple core business including Marketing, Merchandising, and Operations. Most recently, she held the position of Senior Director, Canadian Retail at Crate and Barrel Canada Inc. for a nine year term, ending in 2017. Deirdre is a strong believer in achieving success through collaboration, and recognizes the power of an engaged team working towards common goals.
Stephen Bell is the hard-working owner of Pepperwood Bistro in Burlington, and has been a proud sponsor of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre for many years. Stephen has over 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry, in both restaurants and hotels, and has owned and operated multiple restaurants and catering companies in and around the Burlington area.A longtime resident of Burlington, Stephen serves on the Boards of Directors for both Tourism Burlington and Burlington Downtown Business Association. Pepperwood Bistro’s charity efforts have raised thousands of dollars for Cystic Fibrosis of Canada as well as other local charities.
Angelo Bentivegna and his family have lived in Ward 6 for over 35 years. Educated in Montreal at Loyola University and McGill University. Angelo had a successful career as a self-employed executive and consultant in the hospitality industry. His family owns and operates a very successful gift and gourmet business in Burlington.
He was first elected as Burlington’s Ward 6 City & Regional Councillor in 2018 and re-elected for a second term in 2022. During his first term of office, Angelo served on various City Committees and Boards including Accessibility, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Inclusivity, and the Art Gallery of Burlington.
In his second term of office, Angelo has been appointed to the role of Deputy Mayor for Recreation and Community Services, and the City’s Board representative at Joseph Brant Hospital. These responsibilities build on his decades of volunteerism in our community, including with the hospital, sports clubs, and the Gift of Giving Back. This also builds on his experience with the Accessibility and Inclusivity Advisory Committees.
When Angelo is not in Council, he spends as much time as possible with his growing family, loves the outdoors and hockey. He supports and attends many local community events and activities. In 2022 he was a recipient of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Community Service Award.
Kelly Gleeson is a Senior Wealth Advisor with CIBC Wood Gundy in downtown Burlington where she and her team manages over $250 million of clients’ wealth. She has over 29 years of business and investment experience, and entered the investment industry in 1993 with one of CIBC’s predecessor firms. Kelly provides wealth management and planning expertise to a select group of clients and their families. She and her team believe in “giving back” and are actively involved in fundraising efforts for local and national charities. Kelly moved to Burlington in 1992 with her husband and they have two children who are 23 and 20.
Emilie Cote: As the director of Recreation, Community and Culture, our team works to provide inclusive recreational and cultural programs for all ages and abilities. Over the last 15 years, I have worked in number of operating departments within the City, including Manager of Business Services and Manager of Recreation Services in RCC, and Manager of Fleet, in Roads, Parks and Forestry. I am consistently energized and honored to work with such passionate staff. They inspire me to “show up every day.” To me, leadership is about empowering people to become the best version of themselves. As Ralph Waldo Emerson says in one of my favourite quotes about leadership: “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” In my free time, I like to stay active doing yoga, skiing, and spending as much time outdoors as possible with my kids.
Dr. Anna Danielova is currently the Associate Dean, Faculty Affairs and Accreditation at the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University. Previously she has held many different teaching and research positions in financial management, corporate finance, investments and valuation at McMaster as well as prominent universities in the US and Armenia. She has also served as a journalist and editor. Among her long list of awards and accomplishments, Anna was honoured with the prestigious McMaster University President’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teaching and Learning in 2017. She has contributed to many peer-reviewed journal articles.Anna holds a Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Business, Master of Arts, Master of Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Diploma in Technical Translation. She is a Member of the American Finance Association, Financial Management Association, Western Finance Association an Southern Finance Association.
Carrie Gervais is an experienced financial executive, with a focus on accounting and finance,. She is currently the VP of Finance at MetriCan Group of Companies, where she has worked for the better part of two decades. With a solid reputation for providing strategic financial solutions to assist business growth, Carrie is a trusted advisor and leader, with a focus on building relationships and effectively collaborating with senior executives. An exceptional communicator who uses integrity, credibility and experience to work effectively with all levels of an organization, Carrie is able to adapt quickly in dynamic business environments, while maintaining her focus to meet and exceed strategic goals and objectives. Throughout her career, Carrie has demonstrated an ability to build, lead and support a team by motivating and coaching.Carrie holds a CPA and a CGA from CPA Canada, an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Laurentian, as well as HR Management and Business Accounting and Managerial Economics certificates from McMaster, Mohawk College and University of Guelph respectively.Max Honiball is an Associate Lawyer at Frederikse Law, practicing across all of the Firm’s practice areas. Max was born and raised in Buckinghamshire, England and moved to Exeter in the south-west of the country for his undergraduate studies. After a rigorous dual law degree studying both the British LLB in Exeter and the French ‘Maîtrise en Droit Européen I’ in Rennes, he continued his legal studies with a Master’s Degree in International Law, Conflict and Security.While enjoying extra-curricular activities in University, Max became involved with the University Rifle Club, Army Officer Training Corps, and the University Big Band. After falling in love with Canada after five summers working for Ontario Camping Ministries in Huntsville, Max emigrated to the province in 2020, and completed the National Committee on Accreditation’s ‘challenge exams’ for foreign-educated law graduates while quarantining from the COVID-19 pandemic.Max loves travel and is an avid musician; two hobbies which are serendipitously supported by his role as a British Army Reserve Musician. Since moving to Canada, Max has obtained a foreign detachment to the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry band, and looks forward to representing both his home and adoptive nations in public performances.Kari Pimentel is an Associate Vice President, Human Resources at TD Bank. In this role, she leads a team of HR professionals in reinforcing strong company culture, building talent development strategies and creating large-scale employee engagement initiatives that support the achievement of business goals and objectives. A 25-year HR veteran, Kari is known as a strategic and pragmatic leader, adept at balancing business realities and employee experience while cultivating strong and collaborative relationships. Passionate about diversity and inclusion, she shares her views with conviction and confidence. Kari sets a positive example by putting words into action as an effective change champion, supporting organizations as they change and evolve. Before her current role at TD, she honed her skills in HR at Bell, Rogers and Ford.Kari holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, a Bachelor of Commerce and a Masters in Employee Relations.
Jim Sweetlove and his family have called Burlington home for over 50 years. Formerly a lawyer with Ross & McBride, Jim’s practice focused primarily in the areas of estate administration, planning and litigation. Jim was also an instructor with the Law Society of Upper Canada and an Examiner and Instructor, Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario for Estates Law.Jim holds a law degree from Western ad was called to the bar in 1972. He retired in 2015. Formerly he was a Member of the Ontario Bar Association, Estates and Trusts Section as well as a Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.Since his retirement Jim has put his skills to good use and loves to volunteer in his community. As such, he has Chaired, Vice-Chaired and currently sits on a number of Boards, including Burlington Community Foundation (Founding Member and Former Board of Directors Member), Halton Women’s Place, Conservation Halton, Aldershot Community Recreation Association, Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation, Anglican Church Ministries, Niagara Foundation, Burlington Public Library, Burlington Museums Board and Burlington Curling Club among others.Jim Thompson and his family have lived in Burlington for over 30 years. A retired executive business leader, Jim spent 40 years working in management, operations and real estate for the world’s #1 retailer, Walmart. Jim’s experience working in North America, Central America and Asia has provided him with a unique and broad global perspective. A balanced and influential leader, Jim is known as a trailblazer who spearheaded Walmart Canada’s biggest year of expansion and growth, developing and launching the Supercentre one-stop shopping experience and heading its successful roll-out North of the border. Jim is known as a kind, inspiring and collaborative leader, consistently reminding his team that the customer is the one they are all working for. He has a reputation of high values and integrity, and was recognized as a Corporate Cultural Champion by his peers.Jim has stayed busy in his retirement and it is clear he has a passion for working collaboratively. He is currently a Board Member, Consultant, Mentor and Speaker. Jim’s Not-for-Profit activities keep him very busy – he sits on the Boards of Children’s Miracle Network, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Foundation, President’s Advisory Council for Toronto Habitat for Humanity, and for the last seven years he has been the Executive In Residence for Ivey Business School IFP.Mark Mazuco has been named BPAC Youth Ambassador, Burlington’s Youth Voice for the Arts. A 13-year-old student, Mark brings a youthful perspective and a vibrant energy to BPAC. His passion for the arts is evident through his dedication to music and dance for the last seven years. Beyond his artistic talents, Mark demonstrates a strong commitment to his community: Through his online presence, Mark engages with local issues, focusing on current events and topics that impact Burlington and the Halton region. He isn’t afraid to be a vocal advocate for positive change, sparking important conversation and fostering dialogue.Mark’s leadership potential has been recognized through his participation in the Canadian Cadets program, as well as his selection to represent Burlington at the 2024 Ontario Model Parliament. These experiences honed his teamwork, communication, and diplomacy – all important skills he will bring to the Youth Ambassador role.Mark is dedicated to working hard on behalf of Burlington’s youth, particularly in driving the agenda of development and growth in the arts. He understands the importance of a thriving arts scene for fostering creativity, self-expression, and a sense of community. His youthful perspective and passion for making a difference will make him a valuable asset to BPAC. He is excited to work collaboratively to ensure Burlington’s vibrant arts scene continues to flourish for generations to come.This group has the potential to change the quality of the way the Performing Arts Centre is governed. The next challenge is to find an Executive Director that has the skill set Tammy Fox had, but with a better understanding of just where the lines that should not be crossed are located.
That is what voters in the by-election in Toronto St-Paul on June 24th will be handed when they head for the voting booth.
We are thrilled to announce that the Longest Ballot Committee has broken the record for the most candidates on a single ballot for a Canadian federal election. Elections Canada has confirmed that there will be 84 candidates in byelection in Toronto St-Paul on June 24th. This breaks the previous record of 48 candidates (Winnipeg South Centre, 2023).
To achieve this, volunteers collected 12,543 candidate nomination signatures from Toronto-St.Paul’s voters who were eager to help us send an amusing message for democratic reform.
There are a number of links attached to the list. They make for interesting reading.
“Elections Canada has gone all out and designed this 84 candidate ballot to be absolutely gigantic. Voters in the Toronto-St.Paul’s by-election in for a good chuckle at the polling booth, and perhaps, a moment to reflect on how our democracy and MPs could be made to better serve all Canadians.
“We hope as many eligible voters as possible get the chance to hold this piece of history in their own hands and encourage them to exercise their right to vote on Election Day, Monday June 24th.” – Kieran & Tomas Szuchewycz, Longest Ballot organizers
It is a beautifully designed building that is going to have some interesting public art and will be accessible as well.
The build has a long frontage, with an accessible ramp and a lot of glass. The southern part is on the right.
Completion is expected before the end of the year.
There was some controversy around the decision to start tear down the existing structure and rebuild. The ice making equipment did not meet thr required standards and there was no viewing gallery.
At the time the city thought there was some grant money available- it didn’t come through so the city decided to borrow the funds.
The Skyway Arena had to undergo significant upgrades before it could be used. There was a lot of land space and the opportunity to do something significant.
The Parks and Recreation people decided a while ago that the city need 11 ice pads – which meant that the Skyway Arena was going to continue to be part of the total ice pad compliment.
The thinking at the time was to create a pathway from the recreation center through the high rise development on to the park that was planned for the edge of Lake Ontario. The park has been built, the arena is under construction – the high rises are on hold.
The first early stage design concepts for the shopping plaza included the city owned park and ice rink in the design. The thinking in the early stages was that the park north of the development and the then planned park south of the development could be tied together.
There is a proposal to erect seven towers on the site which at this point is a bedraggled location with very little in the way of commercial activity. The last update was March of 2023 which included the following: The initial application proposed an overall redevelopment that included a mix of single storey, mid-rise and high-rise buildings that provided900 new residential units, 2,700 square metres of office space and 11,955 square metres of service commercial and retail uses. A revised redevelopment plan that addresses technical and community comments is being prepared by the applicant’s project team.
A very early design included a lot of trees and a walkway to the then proposed Burloak Park. The park is now complete and will be the location of a Food Truck Festival. The housing development is a handful of renderings at this point.
The seven tower development proposal was not what the community wanted.
It is interesting to note how development has taken place at the east end of the city and at the west end.
The Station West Adi development had nothing in the way of community involvement whereas in the east end there were several very large community meetings.
There is precious little park space in the west end and nothing in the way of community facilities and no public art. The east end has what is going to be a magnificent community facility that will include ice pads and meeting space.
The public art that will be located in front of the northern part of the Skyway Arena.
Free admission for museum members and children 5 & under.
View from the cockpit of the aircraft Alan Harrington flew on.
To make the day really different you could book a flight. The only place in the world where you can fly in a Lancaster and many more including the Tiger Moth biplane, B-25 Mitchell bomber, D-Day veteran Dakota and PBY Canso. Whether reminiscing about days gone by or looking for that unique adventure, a flight in a Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum aircraft is certainly a thrill of a lifetime!
In today’s global economy, the ability to convertmoney efficiently and without losing value is more important than ever. Whether traveling, investing, or managing international transactions, understanding how to convert your funds can save you from unnecessary losses. This guide outlines 5 practical strategies to help you maintain the value of your money during conversion.
Use Online Currency Converters for Comparison
Before you convert currency, comparing rates using online currency converters is wise. These tools provide up-to-date exchange rates, allowing you to see which service offers the best deal. You can choose the most favorable rate by comparing rates across multiple platforms, ensuring you get more for your money.
Additionally, be aware of any hidden fees or charges that might apply. Some services offer attractive exchange rates but make up for it with high transaction fees. Always look at the total cost of the conversion before making a decision.
Western Union states, “Convert popular currencies at effective exchange rates with our currency converter calculator.”
Opt for Multi-Currency Bank Accounts
Multi-currency bank accounts allow you to hold, manage, and convert money in several currencies without needing to convert into your home currency first. This can be particularly useful for frequent travellers or those conducting business in multiple countries. By keeping funds in the currency of your destination country, you can avoid conversion fees and take advantage of favourable exchange rates.
Moreover, these accounts often offer competitive exchange rates compared to traditional banks. They can be a convenient and cost-effective way to manage and access your money in different currencies.
Utilize Peer-to-Peer Exchange Services
Peer-to-peer (P2P) exchange services match individuals looking to convert currency in opposite directions, bypassing traditional financial intermediaries. This can result in more favourable exchange rates and lower fees since you’re effectively swapping currencies with another person.
P2P platforms also offer transparency in rates and fees, so you know exactly how much you’re getting. However, ensure you use reputable platforms to mitigate the risk of fraud.
Take Advantage of Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees are a boon for international travellers. These cards allow you to purchase abroad without the additional cost typically associated with currency conversion. Furthermore, they often provide better exchange rates than cash exchanges or ATM withdrawals.
It’s important to pay off your balance in full to avoid interest charges, which can negate the benefits of no foreign transaction fees. Also, inform your bank of your travel plans to prevent your card from being flagged for suspicious activity.
Monitor Exchange Rates Regularly
Keeping an eye on exchange rates can help you time your currency conversion to maximize value. Exchange rates fluctuate due to various factors, so monitoring them can help you identify patterns or trends. When you notice your home currency strengthening, it might be a good time to convert some of your funds.
Several apps and websites provide real-time exchange rate information and alerts when rates reach your desired level. These tools can help you decide when to convert your money.
Converting funds without losing value requires a bit of research and strategy. By using online currency converters for comparison, opting for multi-currency bank accounts, utilizing peer-to-peer exchange services, taking advantage of no foreign transaction fee credit cards, and monitoring exchange rates regularly, you can ensure you’re getting the most out of your money conversions. Remember, the key is to stay informed and choose the option that best suits your needs. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to converting your funds efficiently and effectively.
Average asking rents for all residential property types in Canada have reached a record high of $2,202 per month, with a 9.3% year-over-year increase in May.
This growth trend is consistent with the past three years, showing an average annual growth of 9.1%. The rental market is strong, with cities like Vancouver and Toronto stabilizing near record highs.
Key points:
– Average asking rents in Canada surpassed $2,200 in May, marking a 9.3% year-over-year increase.
– The rental market is entering the peak summer season with continued strength as Canadian interest rates begin to decrease.
– Vancouver and Toronto are stabilizing near record highs, while mid- and small-sized cities are seeing double-digit rent increases.
– All provinces in Canada recorded annual increases in apartment rents for purpose-built and condo rentals in May.
Two events sharing the main floor of city hall last night was a first I think.
Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns decided a number of months ago that people needed to know more about the services that were available to people who needed help and the people who were in place to help people needed to know how the public saw the service they were providing, to a large degree on a volunteer basis.
Kearns had taken part in Safety Forum and decided the format that event used could work for a Community Cares Forum.
There were tables spread all over city hall with people asking questions and staff and volunteers answering.
Sixteen organizations, some volunteer, some commercial, some Not for Profit took part in a Community Forum that was well attended.
There was some risk. Kearns had to reach out to the numerous organizations that provide services that run the gamut from how we feed people, how we care for people with various accessibility or mental health needs.
Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns doing an interview during a Community Cares Forum that went very well.
Woodview supports families with autistic children.
There are students that need help getting through school when the household income just doesn’t cover the expense?
Resident listening to the work that Goodwill does in the community.
Food4Life staff member listening carefully to a citizen. Food4Life is a Not for Profit organization that collects food and delivers it to thousand in the Region.
There are people in hospital about to be released and need help getting home.
There are households that cannot afford the food the family needs. That food has to be found and then delivered – not a small task.
Kearns and her administrative assistant knew how to use social media. The used every platform they could find.
Would it work? Would it all come together? It did.
Pickle Ball has become the rage for those who want exercise and fun with their friends.
The Burlington Pickel Ball Association is hosting an open house Learn to Play Pickleball drop-in for youth and their family members this summer! We invite ages 8 to 14 to come out and learn how to play the world’s fastest growing sport.
Paddles provided, but we encourage you to bring your own. All youth must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
The event is on July 14th, (yes this is early notice) at the Haber Community Centre in gyms 5/6 from 10:00 am through to noon.
Pickel ball isn’t as challenging as tennis.
Those between 8 to 14 are invited to to come out and learn how to play the world’s fastest growing sport.
Paddles provided, but we encourage you to bring your own.
All youth must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
An article in the New York Times provides some background on the growth of the sport.
Pickleball, often described as a combination of tennis, Ping-Pong and badminton, grew nearly 40 percent between 2019 and 2021, making it America’s fastest-growing sport.
The sport is now attracting younger people as well.
Joanne Miller picked up pickleball two years ago after a friend needed to round out a foursome. Now she plays twice a week and hopes to play even more once her backyard court is complete. “We know if we have people over and we have paddles, everyone can go out and hit the ball,” she said. “Not everyone’s going to put a swimsuit on at 60.”
The sport has trended older in the past — half of all serious pickleball players (those who play eight or more times a year) in 2021 were 55 and older, according to the USA Pickleball Association. But the vast majority of casual players are under 55, and the fastest-growing segment of all pickleball players are under 24.
How is the sport able to appeal to both retirees and younger devotees? And regardless of your age, can you actually work up a sweat? Here’s what the experts say.
Many municipalities are adding new pickel ball courts; Burlington finds that it can’t keep up with the demand.
Many racket sports have a steep learning curve, even at the beginner level. “In tennis, the balls are all over the place,” said Ernie Medina Jr., an assistant professor of public health at Loma Linda University and pickleball coach who was introduced to the game in 2016 by his mother.
Bigger paddle, shorter handle and a ball that does fly through the air as fast nor does it bounce all over the place.
“In pickleball, you’re hitting a plastic wiffle-like ball, so it’s less bouncy and doesn’t fly as fast through the air. And the paddle is much easier to handle because it’s shorter and lighter than a tennis racket.” You also serve underhand in pickleball, and underhand serves are easier to hit and return.
Besides being easier to learn than tennis, pickleball is also slower paced and there’s less ground to cover; you could almost fit four pickleball courts onto one tennis court, and most picklers play doubles. Some research suggests that it may be safer than tennis for people with heart issues as well.
There were two event at City Hall last night. One was about the building, City Hall, and the other about caring for the people in the city. Except for one exception, Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns, who was the host of the Community event, there wasn’t a politician to be seen or heard.
This is really two separate stories that took place in the same space – so let’s do them separately.
There was an opportunity to talk to the people who did much of the early design work of Civic Square. They were not staff members – they are staff from Spruce Lab, a planning, landscape architecture and urban design consultancy that is Indigenous and women-owned.
Their services include landscape design and green infrastructure, urban design, urban and rural planning, engagement (Indigenous, community and stakeholder engagement), integrated project delivery (IPD), public art collaboration, and related education / training.
Gary Scobie talking to a staff member about the designs for Civic Square that were on display last night.
One of the designs suggests the Clock could be moved to Elgin Street
We will be doing more on how Spruce Lab worked with the Indigenous community and the impact that has had on the design work they are doing.
The development is at the reviewing what has been proposed so far.
There were some people, not really all that many – certainly not more than 50 taking part. Those who did take part got a solid briefing.
There are now three designs for public consideration: 1) the Canopy design; 2) the Portal design, 3) the Atrium design.
The canopy design would have the entrance to City Hall basically where it is off Brant Street with a canopy wrapped around part of the street level.
The Portal and the Atrium design would be from the Civic Square we have no one version would have an atrium built into the entrance, the other would not have the Atrium.
Citizens looking over the proposed designs while the consultant takes notes.
One of the Spruce Lab consultants taking several people through each of the three proposed designs.
Nothing has been determined. City Hall wants feedback. They have done a survey and made an interactive computer application that lets people move parts of one design to another.
One of the proposed designs would orient the entrance to city hall to the right hand side of the line shown.
For example one design moves the Clock to Elgin Street close to the entrance to City Hall. My personal view is that the Clock gets lost on Elgin.
A Spruce Lab consultant pointing to where the entrance to city hall would be located
One man suggested that wherever the entrance is located that it include an entrance for people who have accessibility issues and a different entrance for everyone else; they would be side by side.
How much of this will be reflected in the final design, hard to tell – but it was clear that a lot f notes were being taken.
There is nothing final about anything at this point. The city and the consultants want to hear what people think about what has been suggested. The turn out Wednesday evening was not impressive.
It is difficult for consultants to respond to what a community wants when so very few people show up.
While the Civic Square designs were being explained on one side of the main floor at city hall another group on the other side had four times as many people taking part in a Community Cares event.
Summer Reading Club runs June 22 to August 18 and is open to kids from birth to 18. It’s totally FREE—and you can earn prizes for reading!
Registration opens June 22
Sign up at any branch or online anytime starting June 22. Then, keep reading all summer long and check in with us every week to be entered into our weekly and end-of-summer prize draws.
Parents & caregivers, read our handy tips to help your kids have the best reading and learning experiences this summer, setting them up for a stellar start to the school year.
SRC Kick-Off Party
Blast-off on a reading adventure, get registered for SRC, and enjoy games and activities for the whole family! Join us on Saturday, June 22 from 1pm to 4pm at all BPL branches.
It is described as a tree walk in Millcroft – it could be described as the scene of the crime.
Beneath the golf course there is a irrigation system that has managed the flow of water – any additional development would disrupt that system with flooding a serious possibility.
The Millcroft community is now waiting for a Ontario Land Tribunal decision that is expected in about four months after the extensive hearing.
Those who watched the hearings came away with the view that the lawyers representing the community had the stronger argument and that the development proposed should not proceed. And so they wait.
The proposed development will add 90+ homes to the golf course and seriously disrupt the irrigation system in place. Two of the holes on the 18 hole course would be shortened.
In the meantime the MGA (Millcroft Greenspace Alliance has focused on the biggest concern: educating the public on just how vital trees are for their community.
They have organized a walk that will be led by City arborist, Kyle McLoughlin
When and Where: Thursday, June 6 from 10 – 11:30 am meet near the splash pad in Millcroft Park. The forecast for tomorrow is looking perfect for a tree walk; Bring your sunglasses and a friend for this community event.
The City’s trees are a critical aspect of our lives and climate adaptation. This is evidenced by the Government of Canada’s goal of planting 2 billion trees.
The Pump House and the pond beside it could be removed should the Tribunal approve the development.
Walk in the Millcroft Neighbourhood and connect with others to learn about the City’s urban forest and its management. McLoughlin will talk along the walk offering some of his incredible knowledge of our City’s trees and their importance in our Community. He will highlight various trees and their features and benefits as well as offering tips on tree care and the importance of trees on our private properties. This will be an interactive session where you can ask your questions.
Kyle will raffle off five trees, as part of the City’s reforestation efforts to reach our goal of 35% tree canopy.
Pre-register by emailing millcroftgreenspace@gmail.com space is limited.
I’ve come to hate flying, mostly all the hassles and, of course, the impact on our climate. But I have family spread across northern Ontario and into Manitoba and thought I should visit them while I had the chance. Plus I had just bought a new battery electric car (EV) with a driving range of over 400 kms, so why not?
I drove over 4400 kms in less than two weeks – visiting family in Thunder Bay, Ear Falls and Winnipeg. Driving in my new EV was sheer delight but re-charging the car was another matter. For one thing it takes time to re-charge. Instead of 10 or 15 minutes it can take a hour or more before hitting the road again. I used the charging time for well deserved bathroom and meal breaks and an occasional well deserved nod off after some three or four hours of driving. And fortunately I was always able to locate an empty charging station.
Eat Falls, Ontario – population of less than 1000
There were no commercial charging facilities when my voyage took me to Ear Falls, a small community of fewer than a thousand people near road’s end in northern Ontario. So I connected the portable charger which came with the car, plugging into my cousin’s 120 volt outlet. An overnight charge was enough to give me the 70 or 80 kms I needed to get me comfortably to the next high speed commercial charger.
There are three levels of charging for an EV. Besides the slow 120 volt mode I used in Ear Falls, my regular home charger operates on 240 volts, much like the plug you have for your clothes dryer. And then there are fast commercial chargers which require direct current and can offer various rates of fast charging. However, fast charging is not considered a battery’s best friend, so other than when I’m travelling, my home 240 volt unit is the way to go.
This is not my first rodeo with an EV. Before my Ford Mustang I had driven a Nissan Leaf, with a much more limited 240 km range, which gave me chronic range anxiety for all but local travel. Still, over those six years that Nissan was entirely trouble free with zero maintenance cost other than a cabin fresh air air filter and a set of windshield wipers. It was dependable, quiet and almost free driving. And though I charged it at home 95% of the time, I never noticed any change in my energy bill.
Tesla has the most complete and easiest charging system but uses its own connection system which automatically charges your credit card as well as your car.
Commercial charging is still problematic. Tesla has the most complete and easiest charging system but uses its own connection system which automatically charges your credit card as well as your car. This system is almost mindless and will most likely become the industry standard. There are two other high speed charging connection systems for the non-Tesla folks to complicate the picture. And there are a multitude of companies offering these charging services, almost all of which insist that drivers have an app and account and use an internet connection to connect. In my experience these systems are troublesome and a huge disincentive for the average driver.
Petro Canada was the exception and it became my favourite on-the-road charger. They advertise a Canada wide electrical charging highway and were mostly accurate in that claim. Just like the gas pumps, one only needs to swipe a credit card to activate and get charged up. Unlike the others, they charge by the minute rather than by the quantity of electricity delivered to your car, but in my experience Petro Can was comparable in overall charging cost to the other companies.
Ontario Power Generation and Hydro One have been given the On Route road side station concessions with their system, which is called IVY. Unfortunately their pumps, which look like they were installed 30 years ago, require one of those nasty online accounts and an app to activate it. I couldn’t help thinking that these are agencies of a government which ripped out all of the chargers the previous government had installed at Ontario’s GO stations. Once I receive the Tesla adaptor for my car I’ll be relying on Elon Musk or Suncor’s Petro Canada for my future on-the-road needs.
The magnificent views of the north shore of Lake Superior, the glorious mountains of granite and the verdant forests along the way made it a wonderful road trip.
It was a long journey and there were moments when I almost regretted not taking the plane, though I would have had to rent a car anyway to get to Ear Falls. And I would have missed those magnificent views of the north shore of Lake Superior, the glorious mountains of granite and the verdant forests along the way. The ride was quiet in the EV with only tire road noise to let you know you are travelling.
And these cars are almost perfectly reliable since they contain only 10 percent of the moving parts of a regular gas guzzler and so less likely to break down. Oh, and did I mention how fast all the EV’s are compared to their usual gas guzzler predecessors. Electric motors provide instant torque compared to guzzlers. This is something very useful should you need to pass a slower vehicle safely on a two lane highway.
I kept an eye on the gauge sporting my estimated driving range as I drove along and found, much as with gas powered cars, that staying within the posted speed limits and avoiding the temptation to race from point A to B, vastly improve driving range and mileage. And in addition slower driving made the long journey that much safer and more interesting. But when I needed to speed up, this car was a rocket.
There weren’t many other EV’s on the long road I took to Winnipeg and back. In fact I never had to wait my turn to use a charging station. But that could change once people better understand the value proposition of going electric. So even though commercial chargers were relatively rare on this trip locating a charging station was not really a problem. Shell has also started installing chargers and even ESSO, the global chief climate denier, has announced that it too will be moving in that direction. Hopefully they will take a page out of Petro Canada’s book and implement charging pay-at-the-pump.
When I needed to speed up, this car was a rocket.
It’s been a decade since EV’s have appeared in a showroom and two decades since the first hybrid electric made it’s debut. So I continue to be amazed at the ignorance of the general public on something so essential to our lives as the private automobile. Everywhere I went people were curious about the car and almost nobody knew what a charging station was or where I could find one.
When I ran the numbers on the cost of driving there and back I was a little disappointed, since I was used to essentially driving for next to nothing for the last six years. Driving back from Winnipeg cost me $242.99 in charging costs. By comparison a more modest gasoline car would have cost me twice as much in fuel alone. But then the commercial charging networks need to make money too. I’m still glad I decided to drive rather than fly but I’m unlikely to do that long a road trip again.
Lisa Kearns, ward 2 Councillor, is holding a Community Cares Forum event on Wednesday from 7:00 to 9:00 pm in the City Hall Atrium
Community Caring is a big deal.
You might want to make an evening of it and take part in the Civic Square renewal plans that are being shown on the main floor of city hall and then scoot up to the second floor and watch Lisa talk about the 20 some odd groups that are taking part in the event.
She knows her stuff and at times can be wickedly funny with some of her one-liners.
Community Caring is a big deal – there are people who need help and there are people who have a lot of time on their hands and want to help.
At this dynamic forum, local service organizations will present their services, engage directly with community members, and collaborate to collectively improve Burlington’s quality of life. Whether you’re looking for support, wanting to volunteer, or considering donating, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with the heart of our community.
Why Attend?
Connect with Local Organizations: Discover the range of services available in your community and learn how they can support you.
Engage and Network: Meet service oriented individuals and organizations passionate about enhancing Burlington’s well-being.
Support Your Community: Explore opportunities to support local organizations through volunteer or involvement efforts.
“We often receive inquiries about wellness and support services,” said Councillor Kearns. “This forum is designed to connect our residents with the valuable resources and support available right here in Burlington. Many residents are also looking to reconnect with community and seek out a meaningful cause to give of their time, talents and treasures – this forum will help them learn about all the great work being done right here in Burlington”
Don’t miss this opportunity to make valuable connections and learn more about the resources available in our community. Register now to secure your spot! Drop-in attendees are also welcome.
For further inquiries, please contact the Ward 2 office at Ward2@burlington.ca or call 905-208-7998.
Some stability is settling in at the Performing Arts Centre.
Ken Smithard, BPAC Board Chair,
Ken Smithard, Board Chair, said there will be an announcement “later this week on the new Board members; their Bio’s will be posted on the BPAC web site shortly.
“There will be an announcement later this week on the new Board members, and their Bio’s will be posted on the BPAC web site shortly.”
Smithhard also said “The search for a new Executive Director is underway” and confirmed that Tammy Fox tendered her resignation which was effective immediately.
Volunteer Halton has introduced VolunteerConnector, a cutting-edge tool that simplifies finding and managing volunteer opportunities.
This platform is now live, connecting volunteers with meaningful roles across the Halton region.
Volunteer Halton is a pillar program of Community Development Halton (CDH). Through research, community development, planning and promotion volunteerism, Community Development Halton and Volunteer Halton strive to improve the quality of life for all residents of Halton.
Why VolunteerConnector?
Easy to Use: Find and apply for volunteer positions that match your skills and interests.
Wide Variety: Access numerous opportunities from various local organizations.
Stay Updated: Get real-time updates on the latest volunteer needs and events.
Active volunteers results in a happier, healthier community.
We urge organizations and individuals to explore VolunteerConnector and enhance their community engagement.
Help Spread the Word: We need your help to inform the community. Share this announcement through your channels and support our mission to boost volunteerism in Halton.
To search for volunteer opportunities or create a personal or organizational profile, visit:
As of 2023, municipalities in Ontario prepare their budgets on a cash basis, while financial statements are prepared using the accrual-based accounting framework required by the Public Sector Accounting Standards, PSAS for all public sector entities.
Very few understood the budget when it was put forward, many felt the city was not transparent when they said what the tax increase amounted to
This is financial lingo that some may not fully understand. If the plans work out it should be easier to understand city budgets when they are put forward.
Accounting standards to require municipal budgets and financial statements to align and connect with each other
On January 11, 2021, the Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) released 2 updates to public sector accounting standards for comment to respond to the need for understandable financial statements and improving accountability to the public, including the following changes:
Relocating the net debt indicator to its own statement, providing the opportunity to better explain it.
Separating liabilities into two categories: financial and non-financial. This would remove the liabilities that were muddying up the net debt indicator from the calculation and return the indicator to its original meaning – future financial resource requirements.
Restructuring the statement of financial position to have a more familiar look to the public, reporting all assets together and all liabilities together.
Removing the statement of change in net debt as a required statement, as it’s not well understood.
Allowing the option to present the change in net debt along with the calculation of net debt if it provides good accountability information and can be made understandable. An explanation of what net debt means is also required.
Requiring the budget amounts on the financial statements to be presented using the same basis of accounting, same accounting principles, for the same scope of activities, and using the same classifications as the actual amounts.
Requiring that the reconciliation of the budget numbers reported on the operating statement with the approved budget, be understandable, if the actual and budget numbers are not prepared using the same basis of accounting, same accounting principles, for the same scope of activities, and using the same classifications.
The city at one time held budget review meetings that drew 50 people at times. New rules should result in a more informed public.
PSAB also introduced new presentation concepts to promote the preparation of understandable financial statements, including:
presenting complex items, transactions and other events as simply as possible
demonstrating the relationship between different pieces of information
evaluating presentation choices based on whether they add to or support the accountability value of the financial statements
giving higher profile to matters of importance
providing information at the appropriate level of detail
Cash-based vs Accrual-based accounting
Early adoption of these standards is optional, or mandatory in 2026
They will become effective for fiscal years beginning on or after April 1, 2026, but earlier adoption is optional.
There is science and chance behind succeeding in these games.
Slot machine games are found everywhere you look in the casino gambling world. Many think playing slots involves only pure-chance wins. However, these popular games of luck are not as random as you may think. There is science and chance behind succeeding in these games, and of course, like any other casino games, there are surefire ways to get the upper edge and payouts from them. This article will explore the tested tactics professional players use to their advantage in the odds, slot mechanics, and bankroll management that ensures optimal play.
The Operations of Slot Machines
The random number generator (RNG) in slot machines is an algorithm
The random number generator (RNG) in slot machines is an algorithm that runs through a list of hundreds and even thousands of randomly numbered combinations per second. When you hit the spin button, the RNG stops at any randomly predetermined combination, which is then converted into symbols that appear on the reels.
Payouts are determined by the winning combinations of reel symbols appearing in specific configurations. Because the RNG operates so rapidly and continuously, the outcome of every spin is independent of any other spin.
Although completely random, slot machines are configured by the house to pay out a certain percentage of money bet on them over the long term in regular play. This percentage is the return to player (RTP) rate and typically ranges between 90% and 98% for regulated online slots.
So, if a slot machine has an RTP of 95% for every $100 bet on it, it will pay out $95 in dividends over a sufficient period. This average payout rate, however, can change drastically over short runs when players experience runs of wins or losses. The RTP only reveals what to expect over tens of thousands, if not millions, of spins.
Paylines and Hit Frequency
Most, if not all, modern slot machines, such as those online slot games at BETMGM Casino, offer more than one pay line — the paths that qualifying symbols must land on to form a winning combination. Paylines directly influence hit frequency, which is the expectation of how often you can expect to hit a winning combination when you spin a particular slot machine.
The more paylines there are, the more ways to win on every single spin. This improves your chances of winning, thereby increasing hit frequency. The trade-off is that the more paylines there are, the more you bet to cover all paylines on every spin to take full advantage of the additional win ways. So, in proportion, paylines decrease payouts.
High and Low Variance Slots
Variance indicates how frequent and how large the payouts of a particular game will be.
Variance indicates how frequent and how large the payouts of a particular game will be. Low variance slot machines pay out smaller but more frequent dividends – you will encounter a decent hit rate of smaller winning combinations but fewer huge jackpot combinations. This allows you to play slots longer without burning through your bankroll.
High-variance slot machines pay out less frequently but are significantly bigger when they hit. With these machines, you can burn through your bankroll rather quickly while you wait for the big combination that may take many spins to hit.
Slot variance is a statistical element that should be part of the game’s rules, so check it out. Play low variance slots if you are the type that prefers to play consistently with more minor risks over more extended periods. Play high variance if you are eager to take on more significant risks while waiting for the combination that will eventually pay greater dividends.
Bet Size and Denomination Affect Payouts
In slot games, the machine’s bet size and denomination directly affect the payouts you will get as a winner. For example, a $1 slot machine will typically pay out proportionally double the payout amounts of a 50-cent slot machine, assuming all other parameters are the same.
Of course, you should always check these details on the particular game rules since RTP and hit frequency may vary according to the denomination and bet size. When you play slots for the big jackpots, you will typically need to activate all paylines and bet the maximum amount allowed, which will also determine higher-tiered payouts.
Employ Strategies To Increase Your Odds
Although randomly generated numbers determine a slot’s outcome, there are strategies you can use to maximize payouts. One of these tips is to practice responsible bankroll management. Decide how much you will gamble and adhere to this budget as tightly as possible. Limit your potential losses by walking away once this budget has been exhausted.
You can also check the variance — choose low-variance games that offer smaller but more frequent payouts and increase gameplay. Conversely, try your hand at high variance slots if you can wait for the combinations that eventually pay out the vast amounts. Take advantage of bonuses and promotions online gambling sites offer for additional funds that extend playing time. Finally, know when to quit – always cash out and stop playing once you have reached your set loss or win limit for any given session.
Some of the comments made by people who move their lips when they read are close to the most disgusting I have seen on this web site. There are serious problems that are going to take decades to resolve. Our practice has been to permit opposing views. Comments on this issue are not going to be published.
UPDATE: The spokesperson for the M.M. Robinson High School student group sent us the following statement after the article was first published.
” Our walkout is being put in place to call upon a ceasefire. We must make it clear that we are not pro terror, anti semitic, or otherwise. All we ask is for an end in the fighting, and the atrocities that have been committed since October 7th. We are here to support the innocent Palestinians being caught in the crossfire, and to call upon an end in this war.”
A student led team from M.M. Robinson High School will be holding a walk out on June 6th at 1:30 pm
The walk out is to support a pro-Palestinian position.
The walkout/protest will take place near the intersection of Guelph Line and Upper Middle. The high school is to the west of the intersection
A student spokesperson said: “This initiative has been carefully orchestrated by a large team, extremely passionate on defending and protecting human/Palestinian rights.
There have been numerous protests on university campuses across the country. This event is the first we have heard of in the Halton Region.
The note I got from the lawyers representing the seven members of the 2014 city council that I had sued was a note saying:
Although you have taken no steps to pursue the action you commenced against the City, your action remains technically alive. Given that there are no restrictions on you and there have not been for over 4.5 years, we request that you agree to a dismissal of the action on a without costs basis. We would be pleased to send a full and final release, consent and draft dismissal order for your review.
Interestingly, the note said the action was commenced against the city. The action was commenced against seven individuals who were not employees of the city; they were city council members.
Sometime in September 2017 City Council went into a CLOSED session to discuss a Human Resources matter related to a named individual. I was in the Council Chamber at the time and mentioned to Joan Little, the Hamilton Spectator columnist, who was with me in the Council Chamber as well, that I wondered who it was this time.
Little did I know it was me?
Members of the 2014-2018 City Council Just two of the seven were returned to office in the 2018 municipal election.
Complaints were said to have been made about my behaviour; an investigation done and the results in the hands of the city manager who took it to Council.
This was at a time when the #Metoo movement was close to its peak.
James Ridge, former City Manager, at a Council meeting.
It was also at a time when I did not have a very good working relationship with then City Manager James Ridge.
On or about September 20, Ridge asked to meet with me, which was unusual. I asked that he set out what the subject matter was to be. He wasn’t prepared to do that but said he would mail it to me. The subject matter was a Notice of Trespass which banned from me from attending events at City Hall.
I was effectively banned from City Hall for one year, if I chose to be in city hall, I was to be escorted by a security officer.
I was stunned. I know who I am; I know what I have done and not done. I spoke to a number of people for advice; sought advice from legal counsel and looked into what my legal options were.
The legal issue was “due process” which requires that legal matters be resolved according to established rules and principles and that individuals be treated fairly.
One of the rules is that you get to see the evidence that has been gathered. There was an investigation into the complaints the city said were made the Human Resources.
I was not interviewed by the investigators meaning they did not have my side of whatever story there was.
Dealing with and determining just what the issue was took time; – Given that by this time I was more than halfway through the 12 month banning, decided that I would wait the year out.
During that year I learned where at least a part of the complaint came from; that information has yet to be dealt with. It amounts to a Criminal Code offence that I have yet to move on. In Canada there are no statute of limitation on Criminal Code matters – so there is plenty of time to scrape together the funds to retain good criminal counsel.
At the end of the year I asked the local counsel I had at that time,what steps I should take. Do I just walk back into City Hall as if nothing had happened? The advice I was given was to wait and see what the city chose to do.
Before that could happen a second notice of Trespass was served on me. That Notice gave specific reasons for the ban, which when read, were ludicrous. The second Notice of Trespass was a forever ban The details of the second notice of trespass was a forever ban.
We were now into the 2018 election which resulted in Meed Ward being elected Mayor and Paul Sharman returned to office. Five new people were elected to office as well.
With the advice of Counsel I decided to sue the seven members of the 2014-2018 City Council, namely Rick Craven, Marianne Meed Ward, John Taylor, Jack Dennison, Paul Sharman, Blair Lancaster and Mayor Rick Goldring.
A Statement of Claim was prepared, filed with the Court House in Hamilton. I personally served the seven members of Council.
Matters of due process amount to what are referred to as Charter issues are complex and expensive to fight in court. There were not many lawyers in the community with experience in this field.
The woman representing me at that time had decided to move from Burlington to Northern Ontario which meant finding new legal counsel. That proved to be a daunting task.
I interviewed 23 different lawyers. Several weren’t at all interested. Five were – the lowest retainer required was $45,000. My tax return doesn’t have a figure of that size on it.
We thought we had something going with a law student organization at one of the universities was led by well qualified faculty who were members of the Law Society of Upper Canada; the administrator of the group decided a Charter issue case was not what the students needed.
In June of last year, 2023, I learned that those two Notices of Trespass the city issued in 2017 and 2018 were illegal. In order to issue a Notice of Trespass the city was required to have a bylaw in place. At the time there was no bylaw in place. The City Solicitor and the City Manager at the time either knew or should have known that there was no bylaw in place.
Learning that what the city had done was illegal didn’t help in getting the legal counsel we needed.
Earlier this year I did get a note from the lawyers (which you as taxpayers are paying for) representing the seven members of the 2024-2028 Council advising us that then City Manager Tim Commisso had sent us an email in 2019 saying I was allowed to return to city hall, adding, that that if there were any further complaints about my behaviour the city would issue another Notice of Trespass, which they could now do because there is a by law in place. Commisso also said the city could use the report they had, which I have yet to see, to support the issuing of any future Notice of Trespass.
The July 2019 note from Commisso was sent to me by email. I did not receive that email. For a matter as important as this the notice should have been sent to me by registered mail
Unfortunately for me the clock had run out on my Statement of Claim. These claims must be on the court calendar within five years from the date they have been served. That time is up and so I have to sign the Full and Final Release the lawyers have prepared. I managed to have several unacceptable clauses removed.
I was advised by the lawyers that if I have not signed and delivered the document by the end of today, June 3rd, they will seek an order requiring me to pay all the costs the city has incurred to date. They can do that.
James Ridge took the tweet down shortly after it was posted.
The city had directed the lawyer representing the 2014-2018 council to do whatever it takes to get rid of the Statement of Claim.
There is an upside to all this. The Mayor did get rid of the then City Manager James Ridge; she called a Special Meeting of Council to vote on her wish to fire Ridge. The ink had yet to dry on the business cards the new council members were handing out to everyone they knew. They had yet to see a pay cheque.
I am almost inclined to let that happen; that is the only way you, the public, will learn just how much the City has spent on a matter that was illegal, unfair and a violation of my rights under the Charter.
The following is the document prepared by the lawyers the city hired to defend the members of the 2014-2018 City Council.
FULL AND FINAL RELEASE
IN CONSIDERATION OF the consent to a dismissal on a without costs basis of the action which bears Court File No. 18-67591 in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, I, W.H. Pepper Parr, the Plaintiff in the action on behalf of myself and my successors, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, servants and agents, hereby release and forever discharge Rick Goldring, Rick Craven, Marianne Meed Ward, John Taylor, Jack Dennison, Paul Sharman and Blair Lancaster and their successors, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, servants and agents, from any and all actions, causes of action, suits, debts, dues, accounts, bonds, covenants, contracts, proceedings, complaints, claims, demands and rights whatsoever, whether or not known or anticipated, which I or my successors, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, servants and agents, or any of them, ever had, now have or may in the future have against Rick Goldring, Rick Craven, Marianne Meed Ward, John Taylor, Jack Dennison, Paul Sharman and Blair Lancaster arising as a consequence of the matters relevant to the action as described above, including allegations which could have been raised in the action described above.
IT IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED that the above-described consideration is not an admission of liability on the part of Rick Goldring, Rick Craven, Marianne Meed Ward, John Taylor, Jack Dennison, Paul Sharman and Blair Lancaster, and further, that such liability is expressly denied.
IT IS FURTHER UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED that I will not make any claim or take any proceeding, either in my own name or in names of entities I control, either directly or indirectly, against any person, corporation, partnership or other entity which may or does claim contribution or indemnity by statute or otherwise from Rick Goldring, Rick Craven, Marianne Meed Ward, John Taylor, Jack Dennison, Paul Sharman and Blair Lancaster or their successors, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, servants and agents with respect to any of the matters to which this Release applies.
IT IS FURTHER UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED that in the event that I do make any claim or take any proceeding in violation of the paragraphs above, this Release may be raised as an estoppel to any such claim or proceeding, and I undertake and agree to indemnify Rick Goldring, Rick Craven, Marianne Meed Ward, John Taylor, Jack Dennison, Paul Sharman and Blair Lancaster on a substantial indemnity basis in respect of any defence costs incurred by or on behalf of Rick Goldring, Rick Craven, Marianne Meed Ward, John Taylor, Jack Dennison, Paul Sharman and Blair Lancaster in relation to such claim or proceeding.
AS PART OF THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED CONSIDERATION, I agree to keep all of the terms of this settlement and all documents disclosed to me in the action, including the terms of this Release, strictly confidential and not to voluntarily disclose any of them, except for the purpose of receiving confidential professional advice, or as may be required or authorized by laws or regulations or by compulsion of law, and I further acknowledge and agree that any voluntary breach of this agreement of confidentiality by me will result in the immediate forfeiture of any and all consideration given to me or on behalf of Rick Goldring, Rick Craven, Marianne Meed Ward, John Taylor, Jack Dennison, Paul Sharman and Blair Lancaster under the terms of this Release.
IT IS FURTHER UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED that each of the paragraphs of the within Release is severable from the document and an action may be commenced upon individual clauses without altering the force and effect of the remaining clauses in the Release.
IT IS ACKNOWLEDGED AND CONFIRMED that I have received, or have had the opportunity to receive, independent legal advice with respect to the terms of the settlement of the above-described action, including the terms of this Release.
IT IS FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGED AND CONFIRMED that I have read this Release carefully and have signed it voluntarily and freely and without any form of duress being exerted upon me by Rick Goldring, Rick Craven, Marianne Meed Ward, John Taylor, Jack Dennison, Paul Sharman and Blair Lancaster, or anyone acting on their behalf and with the express purpose of making full and final compromise, adjustment and settlement with respect to all of the matters to which this Release applies.
I HEREBY DIRECT my lawyers to consent to the dismissal of the above-described action as against Rick Goldring, Rick Craven, Marianne Meed Ward, John Taylor, Jack Dennison, Paul Sharman and Blair Lancaster, and confirm that I am not a party under a disability.
From May 13 to October 31, 2024, Halton Region Public Health will be conducting a mosquito larviciding program under the direction of Dr. Deepika Lobo, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health, to reduce the incidence of West Nile virus (WNV) in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton and the Town of Oakville.
Larviciding in standing water
The biological larvicide, VectoBac 200G (PCP# 18158, granular) or VectoBac 1200L (PCP# 21062, liquid), will be applied to affected standing water on public lands in urban areas, where monitoring indicates that mosquito larvae are present. Signs will be posted at each location indicating when and where the larvicide has been applied.
Larviciding in catch basins
Where monitoring indicates that mosquito larvae are present, the larvicide Altosid Pellets (PCP# 21809, pellet), *Altosid Granules (PCP # 22676), Altosid XR Briquets (PCP# 27694, ingot) or Vectolex WSP (PCP# 28009, pouch) will be placed by hand into catch basins.
All larvicides will be applied by Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks licensed applicators or technicians.
By Pepper Parr
Ken Smithard, a recent retiree from his role as President of Cogeco Connexion in Burlington. Ken has over 25 years of Business experience of which 19 of them have been spent in the Telecom and Cable industries. Ken led a Senior Management team of professionals focused on planning and performance, process improvement, enterprise project office and information technology (Internal systems support, development, infrastructure, operations and project delivery).A longtime resident of the Burlington/Hamilton region, Ken has also served on the Board of Directors Cable 14 Board since 2009. He’s also been involved in fundraising for the Paws for Cause charity which raises funds for a cure for canine cancer. Ken has a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University and Masters Business Administration from Concordia.
Peter W. Van Dyk is a third generation Insurance Broker with PV&V Insurance Centre, a Burlington based brokerage. Born and raised in Burlington, Peter spent time performing music locally and touring around Ontario & Canada prior to starting his career in insurance. Peter currently serves as Vice Chair of YEP Hamilton, as a member of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Committee, and is involved with volunteer initiatives at YWCA Hamilton, and his local church. Peter graduated from Mohawk College in 2010 and spent 3 years with Aviva Canada prior to joining PV&V in 2014.
Deirdre Flynn is a hands-on, results oriented leader who is now enjoying early retirement and is working freelance. Deirdre’s career path led her to become a Senior Retail Executive with cross-functional expertise across multiple core business including Marketing, Merchandising, and Operations. Most recently, she held the position of Senior Director, Canadian Retail at Crate and Barrel Canada Inc. for a nine year term, ending in 2017. Deirdre is a strong believer in achieving success through collaboration, and recognizes the power of an engaged team working towards common goals.
Stephen Bell is the hard-working owner of Pepperwood Bistro in Burlington, and has been a proud sponsor of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre for many years. Stephen has over 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry, in both restaurants and hotels, and has owned and operated multiple restaurants and catering companies in and around the Burlington area.A longtime resident of Burlington, Stephen serves on the Boards of Directors for both Tourism Burlington and Burlington Downtown Business Association. Pepperwood Bistro’s charity efforts have raised thousands of dollars for Cystic Fibrosis of Canada as well as other local charities.
Angelo Bentivegna and his family have lived in Ward 6 for over 35 years. Educated in Montreal at Loyola University and McGill University. Angelo had a successful career as a self-employed executive and consultant in the hospitality industry. His family owns and operates a very successful gift and gourmet business in Burlington.
Kelly Gleeson is a Senior Wealth Advisor with CIBC Wood Gundy in downtown Burlington where she and her team manages over $250 million of clients’ wealth. She has over 29 years of business and investment experience, and entered the investment industry in 1993 with one of CIBC’s predecessor firms. Kelly provides wealth management and planning expertise to a select group of clients and their families. She and her team believe in “giving back” and are actively involved in fundraising efforts for local and national charities. Kelly moved to Burlington in 1992 with her husband and they have two children who are 23 and 20.
Emilie Cote: As the director of Recreation, Community and Culture, our team works to provide inclusive recreational and cultural programs for all ages and abilities. Over the last 15 years, I have worked in number of operating departments within the City, including Manager of Business Services and Manager of Recreation Services in RCC, and Manager of Fleet, in Roads, Parks and Forestry. I am consistently energized and honored to work with such passionate staff. They inspire me to “show up every day.” To me, leadership is about empowering people to become the best version of themselves. As Ralph Waldo Emerson says in one of my favourite quotes about leadership: “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” In my free time, I like to stay active doing yoga, skiing, and spending as much time outdoors as possible with my kids.
Dr. Anna Danielova is currently the Associate Dean, Faculty Affairs and Accreditation at the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University. Previously she has held many different teaching and research positions in financial management, corporate finance, investments and valuation at McMaster as well as prominent universities in the US and Armenia. She has also served as a journalist and editor. Among her long list of awards and accomplishments, Anna was honoured with the prestigious McMaster University President’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teaching and Learning in 2017. She has contributed to many peer-reviewed journal articles.Anna holds a Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Business, Master of Arts, Master of Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Diploma in Technical Translation. She is a Member of the American Finance Association, Financial Management Association, Western Finance Association an Southern Finance Association.
Carrie Gervais is an experienced financial executive, with a focus on accounting and finance,. She is currently the VP of Finance at MetriCan Group of Companies, where she has worked for the better part of two decades. With a solid reputation for providing strategic financial solutions to assist business growth, Carrie is a trusted advisor and leader, with a focus on building relationships and effectively collaborating with senior executives. An exceptional communicator who uses integrity, credibility and experience to work effectively with all levels of an organization, Carrie is able to adapt quickly in dynamic business environments, while maintaining her focus to meet and exceed strategic goals and objectives. Throughout her career, Carrie has demonstrated an ability to build, lead and support a team by motivating and coaching.Carrie holds a CPA and a CGA from CPA Canada, an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Laurentian, as well as HR Management and Business Accounting and Managerial Economics certificates from McMaster, Mohawk College and University of Guelph respectively.
