 By Staff
August 16th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington is hosting it’s third annual Food for Feedback event on Saturday, September16 between noon and 4 p.m. at Central Park (2299 New St.).
 Almost every city department and every member of Council will have a table. Was there an opportunity for advocacy groups to set up a table and get out their story? Residents can come to enjoy a free meal in exchange for sharing their thoughts on City projects. City staff, Mayor Meed Ward and members of Council will be there to listen to resident feedback.
The free drop-in event features more than 26 booths and four food trucks. There is a special area called the ‘Kidz Zone’ sponsored by Canadian Tire where children can have fun while family members provide feedback on City projects.
Feedback collected at the event will help the City continue to improve services and initiatives.
Date and Location
Residents are welcome to attend Food for Feedback on:
Saturday, Sept. 16, between noon and 4 p.m. at Central Park, 2299 New St.
If it rains, the event will move to the Burlington Senior’s Centre.
This year, the City will be seeking feedback and sharing information on topics including:
Burlington Transit
Climate resiliency
Customer experience with the City
Civic Square renewal
Future use of former Robert Bateman High School
Transportation options
Recreation
Parks
Official Plan revisions
As part of the event, the City will also be celebrating the ten-year anniversary of the Community Engagement Charter. The Charter is a tool used by residents, City staff and Members of Council. It guides and promotes active and meaningful resident engagement. Residents will also have an opportunity to provide feedback and make recommendations on how to refresh the charter at the event.
 Michelle Dwyer setting up for a previous Food for Feedback event. Michelle Dwyer, Manager of Engagement and Volunteers “wants everyone to have a voice in shaping our community. We’re excited to host Food for Feedback for the third time and bring together hundreds of community members to talk about how we can make our programs, services, and initiatives even better. Let’s have fun and make a difference in our city.”
Related news story:
Deciding when and where these Food for Feedback events were to take place took hours – the individual council member comments were memorable.
 By Pepper Parr
August 16th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
We published two articles on people who have and are having problems communicating with City Hall and members of Council.
Ann Marsden and Tom Muir have been cut off; their email is diverted to the off of the City Clerk where decisions are made on what is “actionable”.
Who cares?
The software we have that allows us to see which stories are being read – the story with the highest readership is at the top of the list. As we work our way through a day we can see what is being read.
 Ann Marsden delegating at City Hall  Tom Muir On both of the days that the Muir and Marsden stories were published each was at the top of the list from about 10:00 am and remained there through to the end of the day.
Their story was being read – what we were not seeing was very much in the way of comment from readers.
There was all kinds of comment on the “garden” story.
The data tells us that people are aware of what has been done to Muir and Marsden but the readers have chosen not to comment
As one reader put it: “We have heard nothing from no-one!!!!”
That is very telling.
Some might see Muir and Marsden as a couple of noisy cranks who have nothing better to do with their time. If the City administration can get away with doing this to them – they will in time get away with doing the same thing to you. And the people you elected are not going to stand up for you.
Related news articles:
The Ann Marsden story
The Tom Muir story
By Pepper Parr
August 15th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s an issue that impacts all of us – on two levels.
The first – the way the provincial government treats the people who voted for them.
Second – how the provincial government manipulated issues and some of the senior people on the political side and the staffing side.
 Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Housing Steve Clark trying to talk their way out of the responsibility for lands that were taken out of the Greenbelt Boundary.  During the media event in Streetsville where the Premier and the Minister of Housing were handing out provincial money to a housing development that was oriented to people who had drug and coping problems one of the reporters asked the Premier why they were throwing Ryan Amato under the bus.
In the world of journalism you don’t too many opportunities to ask questions like that; once in a career if you are lucky.
I think Minister of Housing Steve Clark gulped.
If Ryan Amato was watching the media event – not sure if he was attending, didn’t see him in the small group, but he must have shuddered when he heard the question.
The Premier has sent the issue of Amato’s behaviour along to the Integrity Commissioner letting him hold the axe that will be used to dispose of Ryan Amato. The Integrity Commissioner said “it is reviewing a request from Premier Doug Ford’s office to investigate a senior aide about his role in selecting which lands in the protected Greenbelt would be approved for housing development.”
Recall that Amato worked very closely with a number of developers who were giving him documents that suggested which properties could be taken out of the Greenbelt Boundary and made available for development to solve the hosing crisis.
Nate Erskine Smith, one of five people running for the leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party who is currently a federal politician sitting in the House of Commons where he represent a Toronto constituency – Beaches—East York said:” now I’ve been in politics long enough to know that there is no chance, there is no chance that a chief of staff takes all of these significant steps without informing the minister or the Premier’s office.
Well just what were those “significant steps”
Nate puts it this way:
The Auditor General found that the developers received preferential treatment, incredibly of the 15 sites approved for removal 14 were brought into the project by the housing Minister’s Chief of Staff and it doesn’t stop there.
92% of the acreage ultimately removed were from five land sites passed to the housing Minister’s Chief of Staff from two developers, including, by the way have a package handed to him on September 14 at a dinner function.
What has to be interesting is that the names of the developers who were passing information along to Amato are not yet named.
We do know now that most of the land is in Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy constituency Pickering—Uxbridge
On September 14, 2022 at the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD dinner, two prominent developers provide packages to the chief of staff including site nine. The next day on September 15, the sale of site nine is completed (it hadn’t even been completed when they handed the package over). The following day, September 16. The Chief of Staff communicates three priority sites for removal from the Greenbelt, including site nine.
A Toronto Star columnist puts it this way:
“The housing minister’s chief of staff, Ryan Amato was directing the process for choosing which land would be opened up.”
The senior civil service staff involved were under the impression that Amato was doing what the Minister wanted so they didn’t speak up. Also because of the tight three week timeline, and the confidentiality agreements civil servants were obligated to sign, the sites could not be fully examined by experts, nor could many alternative sites be suggested, the auditor found.
Again from the Star columnist:
“Of the 15 parcels of land that were being considered,14 were proposed by Amato, not non-partisan provincial staff tasked with the work. Of the 14,, 12 were brought to Amato by the developers themselves. During the selection process, Amato changed the rules so that these properties would be more likely to qualify.”
 NDP leader of the Opposition Marit Stiles Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk even uncovered instances where portions of emails from developers to political staff were copied and pasted and forwarded to deputy ministers for inclusion in legislation. The civil servants involved did not know the text they were writing into law had been drafted by those who the law would affect.
Premier Doug Ford and Housing Minister Steve Clark say, essentially, that they didn’t realize that’s how it went down. “The process should have been better,” Ford said.
Toronto Star columnist Reg Cohn put it this way: “The politician who first came to power alleging corruption by a previous Liberal government now presides over a corrupted political process of his own making, on his own watch.”
All this ended up with the Auditor General when NDP leader of the Opposition Marit Stiles asked the Auditor to investigate. Interestingly Stiles gets little mention for that initial step she took asking the Auditor General to investigate.
Related new story:
Follow the money.
 By Pepper Parr
August 15th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
There is something about all that property that was taken out of the Greenbelt boundaries and open to housing development that I don’t understand.
The figure of $8.3 billion is being used to express the increase in the value of the land that developers bought on which they are expected to build residential housing.
The developers are going to make a tonne of money once the housing is built and sold.
It is said that the developers are “friends” of the Premier.
The Minister of Housing, who said he has the confidence of the Premier and doesn’t appear to be all that uncomfortable with what is Chief of Staff did for the developers.
 Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs Steve Clark  Ontario Premier Doug Ford So I ask myself? Why would the Premier sign off on this in a Cabinet meeting?
Why would a Minister of Housing sign off on this after he presented a case in a Cabinet meeting?
And why would a Chief of Staff meet with these developers and accept packages of information that set out which properties they developers would like to have taken out of the Greenbelt Boundary?.
 Chief of Staff to the Minister of Housing Ryan Amato What was in it for the Premier, the Minister of Housing and his Chief of Staff?
Nothing?
Really?
I have no evidence to turn to that suggests there were payoffs.
The Provincial Police have said they are investigating.
In Ontario the Provincial Police, police at any level for that matter, tend not to put their noses into anything the politicians.
 Looks like a duck You know that phrase: If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck – it’s a duck.
We may not have much in the way of certainty as to just what to call this – but it certainly stinks.
Is there any hope of changing the decision – and putting the land back within the Greenbelt Boundary.
In the stock market business if the regulators find that there was something crooked taking place they can and order that the transaction be unwound.
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 Tom Muir
August 14th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Anne Marsden is not the only person having problems with their email going to city hall.
Let me tell you about my experience with the email I send to city hall.
On January 3, 2023 I sent an email to Kevin Arjoon, the Clerk, Tim Commisso, City Manager, Nancy Shea-Nicol, and Blake Hurley, Legal, and other Senior Managers in Burlington City.
An edited part follows to show the essence of my comment point here regarding the fate of this email, and whether all of these people are getting their mail. It is something previously sent to the Integrity Commissioner and City Council.
January 3 2023
“I should have copied the Clerk and Legal on this correspondence to the Integrity Commissioner and Council earlier, but I did not expect the bad experience I have had.
I am sending this material and information to you because I don’t know where else to send it at City, and I feel your responsibilities as Senior Staff make these issues part of your responsibilities and purview.
I have read the City web pages on Transparency and Accountability, including the City Citizen Engagement Charter among other things.
 Tom Muir at a community meeting asking questions about a development application. I note that the City says – “The City of Burlington is committed to maintaining transparency in our information and accountability in our processes.”
On the role of the Integrity Commissioner, the City says – “The role of the IC is to support the City’s ethical framework and enforce the Code of Good Governance. They provide guidance on various ethical codes and policies and investigate potential breaches of the Code.”
The following correspondence of mine provides evidence in my opinion indicating breaches of transparency, accountability, ethics and breaches of the Code that are relevant to the duties of the Clerks office as overseer of procedure and the written Codes of Conduct. This was previously sent to the Integrity Commissioner and Council.
“1. The following Investigation procedure contained in the City Code of Good Governance page 7 of 9, was not followed by the Integrity Commissioner:
Investigation
If the Integrity Commissioner determines that a formal investigation is required he or
she shall proceed in the following manner, subject to the Integrity Commissioner’s
ability to elect to exercise the powers of a commissioner under Parts I and II of the
Public Inquiries Act:
• The Integrity Commissioner shall provide a copy of the complaint and any
supporting materials to the member whose conduct is in question with a request
that a written response to the allegation be provided to the Integrity Commissioner
within ten days
• The Integrity Commissioner shall provide a copy of the response provided by the
member to the complainant with a request for a written reply within ten days.”
I did not receive the response of the Councillor.
Tom Muir I think this a serious contravention of the Code, and not keeping with the tenets of procedural fairness that Integrity Commissioner cited for providing the Councillor with my evidence. With respect to me, it amounts to the withholding of evidence that the procedural order specified as required.
The Councillor was provided with all my complaint evidence, but I was provided with none of his response. That is obviously not procedural fairness as the Code says.I asked for but did not receive any acknowledgement of receipt from the Integrity Commissioner or Council or the Clerk or any Party, nor did anyone respond.
So, nobody responded and so, apparently, nobody is responsible, transparent and accountable no matter what the City says is Policy.
Like the case of Anne Marsden, did any of the Senior and Responsible staff on my mailing list not get my mailing directly?”
The Clerk is first, as he has the responsibility and duty to respond to my point of enforcing the procedural rules of the City and the Codes of Conduct. His Office also pays the bills for the Integrity Commissioner.
I have tried to communicate with Councillor Galbraith but he sent me a message telling me flatly, with no foundation at all, that I will receive no further communication from his office.
I wrote the Mayor asking her if she was going to allow this as it transparently violated any number of the City Code policies, and Engagement Charter, Provincial polices on Councillor duties, the Councillor’s Oath of Office, and so on in common sense, shared by many friends.
The Mayor responded that the Councillor could limit interactions with someone when “deemed necessary”, but with no elaboration, allowing it to be arbitrary. I searched for any City documentation, looking for where it was written what “deemed necessary” meant, and what grounds described it, but I could not find anything.
The bottom line is: The Clerk did not respond to me regarding this failure by the Integrity Commissioner to follow this written procedure in the Code of Good Governance, and did not provide any transparency or accountability in response of explanation of this Integrity Commissioner failure and its previous failure to acknowledge my message raising it..
 Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward Further, the City Manager was copied, as were Senior Legals, and other Senior Managers with related purviews in my opinion. They stood down. The Mayor was sent this, but was silent on the procedural issue of the Integrity Commissioner.
As I said, nobody appears to be transparent or accountable for even an explanation of my issue, or my legitimate message and request for action on what is a certain and exclusive duty of the Clerk. with a certain presumption of oversight by the City Manager.that her
“In the Marsden story the City Clerk stated that her emails to Councillors and staff are diverted to the Clerk’s Office.
The reason, he claims, is so the emails can be properly actioned!”
I have to ask, was my email here diverted?
 City Clerk Kevin Arjoon Arjoon has failed to respond to what I saw as actioning his most basic duty – enforcing the procedural rules.
It looks like I am totally throttled from any communication however legitimate it appears to be, even regarding a fully legitimate and procedural regulated City public process under the oversight of the City Clerk.
It looks like Anne may be too.
 By Staff
August 14th,2023
BURLINGTON, ON
 Produce that went to the Burlington Food Bank A reader asks:
Why is the property at Ghent and Brant allowed to be left un-mowed?
This is a main artery and looks terrible.
Indeed it is – could it be because it was re-zoned in the mind of the ward Councillor as farm property?
When the Urban Farm first opened it was a busy place and produced a lot of food that went to the Food Bank. However, in the following years it wasn’t as popular. This year the site was left unkept with what were clearly weeds.
Bylaw enforcement Officers in Burlington do not visit a property unless a complaint has been made.
 The site marked A is where the Urban Farm was located It is also the site that will be developed as a high rise tower. Site B is where an almost identical tower will rise. Site C will have stacked houses in the Molinaro development. The developer let the people running use the land at no cost to them.
By Staff
August 14th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Surprising to see this advertisement.
The person a Mayor needs is someone they know well, respect and will listen to. The Chief of Staff is there in an administrative capacity as well as a strategic role.
While the title is a little on the inflated side – there are only four people in the office – it is nevertheless a critical role.
 Former city manager Tim Dobbie. In the past Burlington Mayors have had men (always men) who served them exceptionally well. Tim Dobbie worked very closely with Rob MacIsaac as City Manager – no need for a Chief of Staff Dobbie knew everything and did everything MacIssac needed.
When Cam Jackson replaced MacIssac Dobbie knew it was time to move on and set himself up as a consultant. He is never out of work.
 Frank McKeown, Mayor’s Chief of Staff, attempts to fix the clock in Council Chambers. Frank McKeown worked with Rick Goldring but left when he realized Goldring wasn’t the Mayor he had hoped he would be.
The Chief of Staff makes a Mayor look better than they are; they know the strengths and the weaknesses of the person they are working for and with.
You don’t find that person by running an advertisement.
The advertisement is no longer running – it served its purpose.
By Pepper Parr
August 14th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
It was both a tough week and a political disaster for Mayor Marianne Meed Ward. That was last week.
This week Mayor Meed Ward has a meeting with the Premier of the province (if not this week – soon) during which he will ask – where do you have shovels in the ground.
Mayor’s don’t attend events like this on their own. Meed Ward will take some weight with her – most likely City Manager Tim Commisso, who isn’t likely to add much to what the Premier will want to hear.
 Executive Director Sheila Jones. Were I the Mayor, I would take Sheila Jones, she is the most articulate presenter the city has and can explain the problem in language the Premier will understand. Not likely to happen though.
The public will probably not hear all that much about the meeting with the Premier. Mayor Meed Ward tends to not make mention of anything that doesn’t shine the bright lights on her.
Media across the country are now taking up the naturalized gardens issue – the Mayor missed that one as well. A piece in the Hamilton Spectator today makes it clear that the naturalized gardens and an issue that is not going to go away. The LINK will take you to that story.
Later in the month the Mayor will attend the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario A(MO) conference – wonder how her peers will wonder – what is it that isn’t working in Burlington.
That’s a question that is being asked more and more around town.
 By Ray Sullivan
August 14th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
This opinion piece first appeared in the Toronto Star
Housing Minister Sean Fraser is correct: housing has become a major bottleneck to economic growth in this country. But the minister is mistaken when he says that current federal budget commitments are enough to get the job done. Here’s why:
- Housing dollars don’t go as far in 2023. When rental housing developers could borrow money directly from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation at 1 to 2 per cent interest, project budgets pencilled out. Non-profit housing projects could add more affordability with CMHC grant contributions for 30 to 40 per cent of project costs.
Today, those same projects can only borrow at four to five per cent interest from CMHC, which means they can’t afford to borrow as much, and CMHC grants now only cover five per cent of costs. Plus, construction costs have risen by as much as 50 per cent.
We’re in a crisis, with homelessness, housing-induced poverty and serious economic and human impact. We need federal leadership and rather than relying on out-of-date plans, programs and commitments from five years ago, Fraser needs to see that far from being adequate to fix the problem, the federal tool box needs to be updated and replenished.
- Federal funding drops off a cliff in five years. Current federal budget commitments for housing and the National Housing Strategy end in 2028. Some of it even sooner. New housing takes four to five years from conception to completion. We have no commitments there will be federal support for affordable housing projects five years from now. It’s not just about spending faster, it’s about predictability and matching federal timelines to the development cycle.
- It’s not just about supply; it’s about the right supply. We need more homes, to keep up and to catch up with population growth. According to CMHC, we need to build 5.8 million new homes by 2030 to restore balance and affordability. But there are flaws in this simplistic supply-and-demand argument. If we double the pace of residential construction to meet that target, we add pressure to strained labour, trades and materials markets.
Following the same supply-and-demand logic tells us that doubling the pace of residential construction will drive up construction costs and the price of new homes. Clearly, increasing supply alone will not address the affordability crisis.
More than 20 per cent of households cannot afford market-rate housing. The community housing sector represents only four per cent of the total housing supply, and struggles to meet demands that are more than five times greater than the entire existing non-profit and co-op housing stock. We need to at least double the supply of community housing to come closer to meeting the housing needs of modest income households.
- We’re fighting a headwind now, so focus our energy. Recently, encouraged by low interest rates, low inflation, stable costs and a whole generation priced out of home ownership, private industry returned to rental construction. There was a tailwind and momentum that made it easy to believe that the only necessary government response was to remove barriers and unleash the capacity of the market and private industry.
The winds have changed now. With higher interest rates and high inflation, private industry is putting projects on the shelf and ramping down production. At a time when we need it most, the momentum has dropped, and federal intervention is needed to jump-start greater housing production.
Housing is a shared responsibility between all orders of government, but we need national leadership. We need a “Team Canada” industrial approach and the feds are wearing the jersey with the big “C” for captain.
The team captains can’t say “we’ve done our share,” or “leadership isn’t primarily our responsibility” — that isn’t good enough. We can no longer rely on strategies, programs and plans designed under completely different economic circumstances. The game has changed, and we need to adapt and step up to the growing challenge.
Ray Sullivan is executive director of the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association, which represents non-profit and co-operative community housing.
 By Pepper Parr
August 14th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
It is a great place to visit.
A collection of over forty aircraft maintained and preserved are housed at the Canada’s aviation history saw restoration projects that were not only great pieces of workmanship but airworthy examples are housed at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum next to the Hamilton International Airport. Some of the aircraft are show below.
 If you visit expect to spend a couple of hours.
What is really exciting is the opportunity to be a passenger on a flight.
It’s on the pricey side – but it will be the adventure of a lifetime on some of the aircraft.
Want to think about it ? Click on the link.
When the Boeing Stearman takes off it is just you and the pilot on a twenty minute flight. The illustration below is the place that you book the flight. There are people that have almost everything – this is the kind of gift for that kind of person. The illustration below is an example of where you book a flight.
By Pepper Parr
August 14th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
There was a time when a resident could send a note to their ward Councillor and get a response promptly.
This still happens – for some people – not all people.
 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith.  Tom Muir Tom Muir, an Aldershot resident was told by his ward Councillor that Muir would not get any service from ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith.
Tom Muir can be a handful at times. Burlington prefers people that are polite and the current Council now takes the view that they can cut someone off if they don’t want to respond to them. Mayor Meed Ward pointed out to citizens that Council members and Staff are not punching bags, something she appears to have forgotten or ignored when she revised a Council Agenda in order to pound away at Councillor Shawna Stolte.
Stolte is another Council member who has decided to be selective in who she responds to.
Marsden can also be a handful at times. She was like a dog with a bone when the infections at the Joseph Brant Hospital resulted in the death of 98 people. Marsden kept that situation in the public eye which resulted in a financial settlement; there has yet to be a public apology for the failure to ensure the hospital was kept clean.
Ann Marsden learned recently that the email she sends to anyone at City Hall does not get to the person it was addressed to – it instead gets routed to the Office of the City Clerk where it is reviewed and someone in that office determines what happens to it.
Marsden wanted to communicate with Councillor Stole on a matter that related to a Council meeting that was chaired by Stole in the Mayor’s absence.
 Ann Marsden reading to City Council  Councillor Shawna Stolte serving as Deputy Mayor Knowing that her email was being redirected she sent a Registered letter to Stole at her home address – expecting a response. The letter was signed for – so Marsden knows it was received – the lack of a response is both troubling and disturbing. This Council officially takes the position that they are both transparent and accountable.
The letter sent to Stole is set out below:
Deputy Mayor Shawn Stolte at Nomination Paper Address BY REGISTERED MAIL
c.c. Mr. Blake Hurley Mr. Tim Commisso
Care of Deputy Mayor Stolte August 8, 2023
Dear Deputy Mayor Stolte,
First of all our apologies for addressing you at your home by registered mail. However, as you will see from the attached Update Comment to an article that appeared in the Gazette regarding our delegation on July 11, 2023 Kevin Arjoon has confirmed that our emails to all staff and councillors, are, as suspected diverted and do not reach those intended. This happened in the past with the former Clerk, City Manager and Head of Legal but we thought such tactics to prevent our right of engagement with staff and council through email and the delegation process were a thing of the past with the retirement of the former Clerk, Head of Legal and departure of the last City Manager.
But obviously we were wrong to believe this was a thing of the past given City Clerk, Kevin Arjoon has verified that all the Marsden emails to Councillors and staff are diverted to the Clerk’s Office. The reason, he claims, is so the emails can be properly actioned! Arjoon has failed to respond to:
Who in the Clerk’s Office is receiving the emails?
Who instructed the Marsden emails to staff/council members be diverted?
The Clerk also verified this diversion of the Gazette published Marsden emails from clerks@burlington.ca was responsible for the Public and Council being informed the Marsdens had not registered for two delegations at the July 11, 2023 Council meeting that led to you calling for a motion to waive the Procedural Bylaw. Arjoon’s fix to address our delegation request not being addressed when
it should have been appears to us to be a deliberate act of deceit by the City Clerk to obtain an unnecessary vote of Council. The purpose of which was to divert attention from what was occurring with the Marsden’s timely email request of clerks@burlington.ca to delegate.
The result of the deceit, has led to two very important matters of huge public interest improperly remaining on the Consent Agenda at the July 11, 2023 Council meeting which you had the honour of chairing given the Mayor’s inability to do so. . The Marsdens were properly registered for a delegation on both these items which required their transfer to the Regular Agenda, which did not occur.
This results in a question of the legitimacy of the policy and new by-law, the first Trespass By-law the city has approved. Both of which were put in place to protect clients of the City’s recreation programmes and were long overdue. The staff review of the policy was ordered by Council to occur December 2020.
This letter is to formally ask you to:
Correct the minutes to show Council were informed, noted by yourself, that the Marsdens had registered to delegate at the July 11, 2023 Council meeting and, therefore, the Motion to Waive the Procedural By-law was applicable to only one delegate, not three.
Put forward a Motion of Reconsideration to the August 24, 2023 if held and September Council meeting if not, that will place Public Conduct Policy and Trespass By-law (CL-08-23) and Civic Square and Brant Street renewal – project initiation (ES-27-23) on the Regular Agenda of the appropriate September/October Committees and the following Council meeting.
Put a motion before Committee that:
requests a report from Clerk Kevin Arjoon that explains the delay in complying with the Council review date of December 2020 on the Public Conduct policy and other Corporate Policy review dates.
requests a report from the City Legal Director Blake Hurley as to why a Trespass By-law has not been in place to support the Public Conductcorporate policy since the policy was first introduced, given the apparent lack of authority to issue trespass notices without such a by-law.
We believe all of these actions by yourself as the Chair of the July 11, 2023 Council meeting are in the best interests of the community all members of Council have voluntarily agreed to serve and demonstrate their willingness to abide by the Procedural Bylaws each of you have approved on several occasions and the various pieces of legislation pertinent to good governance including the Municipal Act.
As our emails continue to be diverted despite our objections we would very much appreciate you sending a copy of this letter to Messrs. Hurley and Commisso and each member of council and then confirm having done so to anneandave@gmail.com.
Again we apologize for our method of communication with you and hope that it does not have to be repeated after Messrs Hurley and Commisso are made aware of the situation and do what they have to in order to restore our ability to communicate with staff and council the same as every other taxpayer expects to be able to do.
Thank you Deputy Mayor Stolte for doing what you can to restore democratic principles, earned by the sacrifice of so many, to prevail at Council and in the governance of the City of Burlington.
Anne and Dave Marsden
Pro Bono Community Health, Safety and Access Advocates 308-1425 Ghent Ave, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1X5
905-467-2860 anneandave@gmail.com
“Work for the well-being of the city to which I have sent you.“ Jeremiah 29 vs. 7 NIV Bible.
 City Manager Tim Commisso appears to have delegated the Marsden problem to the City Clerk  City Clerk Kevin Arjoon Efforts are going to have to be made by someone, ideally the City Manager, to bring to a head what is a vexing problem.
There has to be limits that are reasonable and easily understood by the average person. The City Clerk appears to have put in place a procedure that is reasonable. The decision on the part of Councillor Stolte to ignore the registered letter would appear to be avoiding a problem. That tends not to work with Ann Marsden.
This situation could be seen as a tempest in a tea pot – until it happens to you.
Related news stories:
Is City Council about to limit your rights
Has City Council become authoritarian?
By Staff
August 14th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The 2023 Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is just around the corner and Metrolinx has enhanced the CNE experience for GO customers.
To help you get to and from the CNE, Metrolinx is providing additional service on the Lakeshore West line.
 This includes:
- Late-night trips – that usually only run on Friday and Saturday – will run all week for Lakeshore East and West Line customers during the CNE.
PRESTO cardholders are also able to enjoy massive savings of up to 43% on CNE advance sale admission and ride tickets. This incredible offer is available until August 17 on the PRESTO Perks website.
In addition, veterans and a companion can ride GO and UP free to and from the CNE for the Warriors’ Day Parade this Saturday (August 19). Immediate family members of deceased veterans may also ride for free if carrying something to identify their relation to the late veteran, such as service papers or identification card.
The Canadian National Exhibition takes place from August 18 to September 4, 2023 at Exhibition Place in Toronto. Riders are encouraged to use gotransit.com or triplinx.ca to plan their trips. Customers can also check the GO Transit Service Updates page for real-time details.
Service enhancements have been made on all the GO lines.
Have a fantastic day!
 By Staff
August 13th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The New Horizons for Seniors Program is open until September 14, 2023 at 3:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time (EST)! This federal grant provides funding for projects that make a real difference in the lives of seniors and in our community of Oakville North-Burlington.
 The objectives of the program are to:
Promote volunteerism among seniors and other generations;
Engage seniors in the community through mentoring of others;
Expand awareness of elder abuse including financial abuse;
Support social participation and inclusion of seniors; and,
Provide capital assistance for new and existing community projects and programs for seniors.
For more information or to apply for this grant, visit
By Staff
August 13th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The Auxiliary to Joseph Brant Hospital is pleased to announce that they will be holding their “25th Anniversary Antique and Collectible Auction and Marketplace” on Saturday, September 16th, 2023 at St Christopher’s Anglican Church, 662 Guelph Line.
This year, along with the Auction, they will have a Marketplace.
The Marketplace will consist of items already priced and may be purchased as Cash and Carry, without a bid card or a buyers premium.
All proceeds from the sales are given to the hospital to purchase much needed medical equipment. More information
 By Melvin Davies
August 13th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Canadian Online Gambling Situation: Review of the Main Online Gambling Laws in Canada
Canadians have engaged in gambling for decades. 70% of Canadians participate in gambling, with 26% turning to online options. It generated $5.06 billion in 2020, with men (30%) more likely to participate than women (23%).
Statistics and facts about features of Canadian gambling players
On average, each person loses $619. Slot machines and casinos are the most popular, comprising over 60% of the Canadian online gambling market. Poker and casino games follow at 15% and 12%, respectively. Sports betting is increasing, now making up 8% of spending. Best online casinos in Canada with free spins, welcome bonuses, and no deposit bonuses are in special demand among players.
Key History Points: Canadian Online Gambling Laws
- Canada had an outright ban on gambling until 1969. Laws were first relaxed for horse racing and lotteries. In 1985, commercial casinos were legalized.
- In 1992, native tribes gained the right to offer casinos on reservations. In the early 2000s, provinces started online lottery ticket sales and sports betting.
- By 2010, some provinces allowed private companies to offer online casinos along with poker games. However, there were legal gray areas regarding offshore sites.
- In 2015, Bill C-290 formally legalized single-event sports betting to combat the unregulated market. Still, Canada gambling laws remain complex, varying significantly between provinces regarding the types of betting and platforms allowed.
Criminal Code of Canada: Online Gambling Laws in Canada
Each province regulates the industry for adults who are legally permitted to engage in it. The minimum age is 19, except in Quebec, Manitoba, and Alberta at 18, according to online Canada gambling laws. The Canadian Gaming Association regulates and ensures integrity.
- Section 201 prohibits illegal gaming or betting. Anyone who “unlawfully” bets or wagers is guilty of an offence punishable by summary conviction.
- Section 203 forbids illegal games along with gaming houses. Anyone who keeps a gaming house or allows illegal gaming on their premises is guilty of an indictable offense punishable by imprisonment for up to 2 years.
- Section 205 interdicts cheating at play or related. Card cheating is a serious offence that can lead to imprisonment for up to two years.
- Section 207 proscribes illegal devices used for playing to obtain money. Anyone who imports, makes, sells, or possesses such a device knowing it’s illegal is guilty of an indictable offence punishable by imprisonment for up to 2 years.
Interesting Facts About Canadian Online Gambling Laws
Canada is planning to revise its web gambling laws in 2023 due to concerning statistics. A 2019 study found that men gamble online more than women (57% vs 43%), but women are more susceptible to having an addiction (1.8% vs 1.2%). Revenue from female users increased by 160% from 2001 to 2016, which may lead to new regulations.
- While single-game sports betting is illegal, in 2021, Canadians bet $31 billion through offshore websites, circumventing prohibitions. Some lawmakers argue legalization could generate tax revenue.
- While Canada online gambling laws and rules aim to balance morality concerns with commercial interests, technology challenges regulators. Virtual reality and cryptocurrency gambling could reach over $520 billion in the US and Canada by 2023, posing a challenge for regulators to keep up with this new technology.
- In 2022, the Mohawks of Kahnawake received Canada’s first license.
- Updating new Canada gambling laws is critical as nearly 3 million Canadians bet online yearly. The impending 2023 review calls for a coherent national strategy built on facts, not fiction.
Online Gambling Laws in Canada: More Overview
Most provincial web gambling began in 2010, generating over $14 billion in 2017 revenue, 50% from a lottery, 25% from casinos, and 15% online. The Kahnawake Mohawk Territory hosts many servers but is unregulated. Efforts to expand gambling meet public health concerns.
According to online gambling laws in Canada, players must declare over $10,000 income; winnings are taxed at their top tax bracket. Promotional credits and free bets are taxable. Self-excluded players cannot deduct losses. Regulators ensure integrity, set limits, issue fines, and can bar players. While Canada has a solid regulated internet gambling market, concerns persist about problem playing and loopholes that enable underage or illicit play. Regulation and social responsibility initiatives aim to allow recreational play while preventing excess.
The Kahnawake Gaming Commission: Regulatory Body
 The Kahnawake Gaming Commission is a regulatory body in the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake, Canada. It was established in 1996 to regulate and license online gambling operators and related service providers. Canada online gambling laws and rules ensure strict fairness, security, and player protection standards. Some benefits of obtaining a license include access to a global player base, a respected regulatory framework, and a range of support services.
Main Licenses: Key Offline & Online Gambling Laws in Canada
Licenses in Canada are issued by regulatory bodies to authorize such operations and activities. The key licenses are issued by provinces and territories which oversee betting within their jurisdictions. It set the rules and regulations for formats like casinos, lotteries, and bingo.
Obtaining a license is mandatory for any operator in Canada. The licenses ensure gambling activities are conducted responsibly, transparently, and honestly. Such Canadian online gambling laws and regulations provide strict advice, guidelines for users to follow.
- Manitoba Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba regulates casinos, lotteries, bingo, and raffles. Established in 2000, it issues licenses and ensures compliance with regulations. It aims to conduct betting responsibly through public education, enforcing age restrictions, along with other standards.
- British Columbia – The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB). It has regulated it since 1997, licenses and monitors services, and investigates violations. It sets policies and standards to uphold integrity, fairness, and social responsibility. The GPEB aims to mitigate risks and prevent money laundering through compliance enforcement and audits.
- Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission licenses gambling in Alberta, including casinos, lotteries, and bars. It was established in 1993. It first offered sports betting in 2021 and web gambling in 2022.
- The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario regulates gambling in Ontario. Established in 1998, it oversees casinos, lotteries, horse racing, plus online gambling. It first permitted online casino games, and poker in 2019. Tribal casinos must follow its standards. It aims to limit underage drinking.
- Québec Gambling Commission Link and Kahnawake Gaming Commission. Established in 1993, it oversees casinos, lotteries.
- The Kahnawake Gaming Commission, based in the Mohawk territory of Kahnawake, licenses open to Canadians and internationally. Established in 1996, it was an early adopter of online gaming. It focuses on fair standards and player protection.
- Newfoundland and Labrador – Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC), offering casinos, and online betting since 1976. It aims for responsible play and donates 100% of its profits to the province. Online sports betting and casino games launched in 2021.
- Prince Edward Island Gambling. Established in 1976, it offers lotteries, bingo, horse racing, and web gambling. It aims for integrity and social responsibility.
- New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation. A crown corporation since 1970, it regulates lotteries, bingo, horse racing, and internet gambling. It focuses on social responsibility, donating 100% of its profits.
- Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA)oversees liquor, cannabis, and gaming across Saskatchewan. Established in 1996, it licenses over 5,000 businesses.
- Alcohol and Gaming Authority Nova Scotia regulates liquor and gaming. Established in 2015, it merged several regulatory bodies. It offers licenses for casinos, bars, and internet gambling. Sports wagering and online casino games were permitted in 2021.
Market Size: Ontario Online Gambling Regulation
Ontario has Canada’s largest gambling market. The Ontario Lottery with Gaming Corporation (OLG) regulates casinos, lotteries, slots, and online gaming in the province. Some key facts about the most important Canada online gambling laws:
- Ontario has 29 commercial casinos plus over 30,000 slots at venues across the province. Revenue is around $8 billion annually.
- OLG operates over 25,000 lottery ticket outlets, selling over 190 million lottery tickets yearly, generating over $3 billion in revenue.
- OLG launched PlayOLG, an online casino as well as a sportsbook, in 2015. It has over 400 games, taking in over $400 million in bets yearly.
- Ontario legalize online gambling age for betting is 19. Gamblers must provide ID to enter casinos, or register on PlayOLG.
- The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). The OLG must adhere to the Gaming Control Act, 1992, its regulations, and other provincial & federal laws. The main requirements include ensuring the integrity and fairness of games, protecting players, and preventing money laundering and other criminal activities.
- OLG contributes nearly $2 billion annually to Ontario’s government to fund public healthcare, education, and other programs. However, critics argue it has high social costs as well.
- Table games like blackjack and roulette are only permitted at commercial casinos. Private venues are restricted to slots. Poker is prohibited outside of casinos.
- Ontario has a self-exclusion program for problem betters. It spends tens of millions annually on treatment and education to promote responsible play.
- First Nations reserves in Ontario operate casinos under federal Ontario online gambling laws but must follow similar OLG regulations to be legally accessed by off-reserve patrons. Revenue benefits First Nations communities.
 OLG operates over 25,000 lottery ticket outlets, selling over 190 million lottery tickets yearly, generating over $3 billion in revenue. The OLG strictly regulates a large market in Ontario that generates substantial revenue, although not without social impacts along with policy debates. The regulation aims to limit risks while permitting private sector operators and various levels of government.
Regulators and Canadian Online Gambling Laws by Provinces
Gambling has been regulated in Canada since 1892, and it is now under provincial jurisdiction as a legal activity. In 1985, many provinces began introducing the lottery, casinos, and slot machines. 2010 Canada’s Criminal Code was amended to allow local governments to offer online gambling. As a result, it is legal in Canada. However, regulations and laws differ slightly in each province.
- Alberta. Legal gambling age – 18, regulatory body – Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission. Gambling is legal in Alberta and has been regulated since 1970. Options include slots, bingo, horse racing, and online casino/poker services.
- British Columbia. Legal gambling age – 19, regulatory body – British Columbia Lottery Corporation. Regulates casino, bingo, and horse racing. Legalized gambling in 1970. PlayNow.com offers internet gambling with slots, poker, and sports betting.
- Manitoba. Legal gambling age – 18, regulatory body – Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation. Established in 1970, it offers online casinos, poker, and limited sports betting.
- New Brunswick. Legal gambling age – 19, regulatory body – Atlantic Lottery Corporation. Atlantic Lottery Corporation has overseen gambling in New Brunswick since 1970, regulating scratch tickets, keno, poker, limited sports betting, and online casino games.
- Newfoundland and Labrador. Legal gambling age – 19, regulatory body – Atlantic Lottery Corporation.Newfoundland legalized limited gambling in 1975. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation regulates all primary gaming operations, including Canadian online gambling. The main types are a traditional lottery, scratch & win, keno, and some online casino games.
- Ontario. Legal gambling age – 19, regulatory body – Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). Regulates bingo, casinos, horse racing, and PlayOLG.ca for online gambling. Established in 1975, it offers slots, table games, poker, and limited sports betting on PlayOLG.
- Prince Edward Island. Legal gambling age – 19, regulatory body – Atlantic Lottery Corporation. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation oversees a lottery, bingo, and video lottery. Authorized gambling started in 1976, with limited virtual options like casino games and keno.
- Quebec. Legal gambling age – 18, regulatory body – Loto-Quebec. Loto-Quebec regulates gambling, including bingo, horse racing, and four casinos. Established in 1969, they offer virtual services such as casino games, poker, sports betting, and lottery through LotoQuebec.com.
- Saskatchewan. Legal gambling age – 19, regulatory body – Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority. It was legalized in 1974 and overseen by the regulatory body for physical and online casinos. Limited options include table games, slots, poker, plus sports betting.
- Yukon, Nunavut, and Northwest Territories. Legal gambling age – 18. Limited regulated internet gambling options. Residents can use offshore sites. Strong restrictions on physical casinos. Only one casino each in Yukon and Northwest Territories.
By Popular Activity Types: Online Gambling Laws in Canada
Online gambling laws in Canada are complex, varying by province. Generally, it is legal in Canada, but each province has its regulatory framework. The Criminal Code of Canada sets out federal laws related to betting, including prohibiting certain gambling activities.
- Canadian online gambling sites: Internet gambling was illegal in Canada until provinces regulated sites. British Columbia launched Canada’s first legal online casino in 2004. Others followed.
- Casinos are legal in Canada, regulated provincially since 1985. Revenues fund healthcare along with education. The industry employs 128,000, generating $16 billion annually.
- Online Slots comprise 60% of revenues in Canada’s casinos. Provinces operate slots, contributing over $2 billion yearly for social programs.
- Poker has gained popularity in Canada since 2003. Regulated online poker generated $100 million in 2019. Home games are permitted but unregulated.
- Sports Lotteries are legal in Canada. Launched in 1969, they fund amateur sports, healthcare, and education. Annual revenues exceed $10 billion, with $1 billion going to charities.
Revenues from these operations provide substantial funding for social programs, healthcare, education, and charities nationwide. The regulation aims to encourage responsible play and mitigate risks.
Secure Online Canadian Gambling: Best Online Casinos in Canada
Canadians enjoy plating, whether at land-based casinos or online. Legitimate and strictly regulated internet gambling options in Canada provide secure opportunities to play casino games or bet on sports. Licensed sites uphold high standards for fair play, financial security, and responsible betting.
- Yoju Casino is a popular one available at the best Canadian online gambling sites, offering slots, poker, and blackjack. It is licensed in Kahnawake, Quebec, to secure personal data. Welcome bonus up to C$500 for Canadians.
- SkyCrown has live dealer games and slots from trusted software providers. They follow strict responsible playing Canada gambling laws in Malta and offer a C$1,500 bonus plus free spins for those who sign up.
- Zoome Casino, licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, offers secure communication and financial transactions. Canadians can enjoy a C$1,200 welcome bonus along with 120 free spins for popular slots and live casino games.
- Tonybet is licensed in Estonia, the UK, and Canada. Live betting, poker, plus slots are available. Uses the latest technology to ensure safe transactions and responsible play. New Canadian customers receive a C$120 risk-free bet.
SUMMARY QUESTIONS:
- How is gambling regulated in Canada? Canada regulates it federally through section 207 of the Criminal Code, but each province has its regulations within its borders.
- Who regulates gambling in Canada? Provincial and territorial governments regulate it, setting Canada gambling laws and minimum age requirements, issuing licenses, and enforcing standards for safe and fair play.
- Where is gambling legal in Canada? Legal gambling in Canada is overseen by the provincial governments, not the federal government. Most provinces allow various forms, including casinos, slots, lotteries, and horse racing.
- What is the Canada online gambling license? The Kahnawake Gaming Commission licenses such sites in Canada, ensuring they operate legally and comply with regulations to protect players, prevent underage playing, and handle funds securely.
By Pepper Parr
August 12th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Correction: Bill Kelly is with CHML radio – not CHCH TV as originally reported.
A report out of Hamilton has Bill Kelly being dropped by CHML – Global New Radio 900. radio. Mr. Kelly’s last show will be Monday August 14th
That is one hell of a way for a week to end for Burlington’s Mayor who used to be able to skip over to Hamilton to chit chat with Kelly and get the softest interviews ever given to a politician on a regular basis.
 Premier Ford tells the a news conference that Burlington is not meeting its housing construction pledge. Earlier in the week the Premier told us that Mayor Marianne Meed Ward was a “good” person but her numbers weren’t good enough and he was going to meet with her and help solve the problem – which was Burlington having the lowest number of housing starts in the province; 5% of what was pledged.
 Will Mayor Meed Ward be smiling when she meets with the Premier next week? Meed Ward responded with – we have more in the pipeline. This might be an opportunity for her to point out that the Ontario Land Tribunal isn’t helping her meet the pledge the city made.
The week began with the news that City Hall Staff in the bylaw enforcement unit had sent personal information along to the holder of the mortgage on the property that was visited by the bylaw people who proceeded to weed-whack all the plants on the front lawn and rear yard that didn’t meet a city standard.
In the world of horse racing they call that a trifecta – this was a trifecta of bad news.
Related news stories:
Premier mentions Burlington – wasn’t what the Mayor wanted to hear.
City Staff descend on residential property to clear out what they called weeds.
 By Pepper Parr
August 12th,2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The Press event in Streetsville on Friday was about to ocme to an end when a reporter asked for “one more one more.”
Premier: Sure I’m I’m okay with a question. Go ahead, Joe.
The column I’m working on today’s six homicides in Kirkland Lake, drugs, bail crime.
I’ve never in my life heard of six homicides in a small town like that. It’s a crisis. It’s not headline news. I think that’s maybe your fault this week. But but it is very serious and I want to know what you’re going to do about it.
Premier: Well, first of all, my you know, my prayers and thoughts go out to the families that lost the loved ones.
I’ve been hammering this bill reform from from day one. I led the charge with all the premiers to put this forward to the federal government. I want to thank all premiers, all 12 premiers that signed off and I want to thank all the police for for sacrificing every single day going out there protecting our communities. So it’s sitting at the federal government right now in their lives.
I have all the confidence that the the new ministers Dominic LeBlanc will move this forward in a rapid fashion. But you see a lot of these people you know are out on bail. They get a slap on the wrist. Do you know what else is really ticking me off lately job or these home invasions on these car thefts to you know people are getting their car stolen and right left and center.
Now they’re so brazen. They kick kick the door in at four o’clock five o’clock in the morning imagine you being in your house and your family and you have a little one Joe, the panic, it goes through.
I have a message for these guys. We’re going to catch you and you’re going for going to jail and you’re gonna get a slap on the wrist. You aren’t going to get out on bail. We’ll do everything in our power provincially to keep you locked away as long as possible. And we’re going to put an end to that.
By Pepper Parr
August 12th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
A Gazette reader brought the picture to my attention. He makes a serious and adds:
“Seriously, MMW and Doug Ford, in the same day, trying to spin away the obvious with bafflegab and misdirection.
It would be so easy to just say “we blew it/you caught us” and just apologize – no need for professional communication staff.
By Pepper Parr
August 12, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
During an interview on the CHCH TV Morning Joe program Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward was asked about some of the development projects going on.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward – trying to explain what was meant by affordable Well, there’s there’s 25,000 units in the pipeline. That’s in various stages of review. People want to come to Burlington – we’re open for business – we welcome development. Of course we want to direct where we think it should go, which is around our GO stations and in aging retail plazas. There are 25,000 in the development pipeline; that’s part of our goal to issue permits for 29,000 homes. That’s the housing pledge that we use.
We signed up to do our part to help the province build deliver 1.2 million homes, we need more housing for people
How many of those 25,000 units would be affordable housing units?
Well, this is a question and it depends on what you define as affordable and so that is something that we’re working on the Ontario’s Big City Mayors caucus, which of course I’m the chair, 29 mayors of the largest municipalities in Ontario.
We need to have a standard definition of what affordable is. Is it 80% of income, is it 30% of your take home pay; what is it and then what about assisted housing? What about more deeply affordable housing. So you know rent geared to income, Co Op style, all of that is so desperately needed throughout the province.
And so we are working right now with Ontario Big City Mayors and with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario to suggest some standard definition so we know what we’re talking about. We also need to focus on making sure that there’s a range of housing types.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward What has been built in Burlington is mostly one bedroom bachelor that are not suitable for families. And we know that we need to build more housing for families and that’s going to be at a different price point.
Stay tuned. There’s lots more to come. We’re doing some research on this and we’re offering to work with the province to come up with some of those definitions. But in terms of the housing, the 25,000.
Some of it will be on an affordability metric, depending on how you define that.
We’re also working with Halton Region to buy some units and put it on our housing wait list for people who need assistance.
By Pepper Parr
August 11th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The comment section is doing what it is supposed to do – let people say what they feel.
I want to highlight one of the comments:
 “Burlington appears to have an authoritarian council that wants to control people, and they REACT in a heavy handed way…shame on Burlington for cutting down naturalization! I am embarrassed and apologize to Karen Barnes from all reasonable Burlingtonians.”
It was made by an architect who practices in Burlington – principled, has done excellent work
|
|
