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November 23rd, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
There is beauty within all that snow. The small path of red – the Canadian flag – waiting for a whiff of wind to flutter.
Getting outside, making a snow man with immediate family and the people in your bubble is Staying Safe. 
November 23rd, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
That almost balmy weather we all enjoyed has been replaced by the winter that is part of our DNA. At the same time parts of the city are lit up to help celebrate a Festive Season that will soon be upon us.  Locomotive at Freeman station – waiting for a caboose to be attached. Photo by Allan Harrington Freeman Station has a Lit Loco on display at their site on Fairview. This creation has about 4,000 lamps with chasers to give it a sense of movement. Grand Trunk is spelled out in letters for the Grand Trunk Railway who built the Burlington Junction Station in 1906. If the group can capture a total of $500 in donations on line by November 27 2020, a lit up red caboose will be installed along with the existing Locomotive and Coal Car.  BTTB sentries standing guard at Spencer Smith Park. Lakeshore Road at Brant now has the Burlington Teen Tour Band back on duty as sentries at Spencer Smith Park. Great for an early evening get out for some fresh air event. This is the 25th Festival of Lights. Running now through to January 8, 2021 – it’s FREE and visitors can walk among the displays. The Freeman lights and those at Spencer Smith are all the result of volunteer efforts. Royal Botanical Gardens opened up their winter wonderland with the Hendrie Garden bursting with lights. The Royal Botanical Gardens colourful outdoor stroll along the the pathway tells us how plants like mistletoe and ivy are part of the yule season, along with cinnamon and mint giving us festive flavours. Not just plants, but local winter animals are part of the whole nature package.  Hendrie Garden at the RBG – a winter wonderland.  It isn’t all outdoors at the RBG. A big TV projection screen TV outside shows a short movie with a “Mouse” but it’s NOT Mickey. Wednesdays to Sundays, Nov 18 to Dec 23. Additional Dates: Dec 27-30, Jan 2, 3 5 to 10 p.m Admission fee for non-members, and everyone must wear a mask and maintain social distancing
November 20th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
The news that there was a Covid19 outbreak in part of the Joseph Brant Hospital earlier this week has resulted in some people cancelling their medical procedures. The hospital Chief of Staff, Dr. Ian Preyra, said in a video message that the hospital is doing everything possible to keep everyone safe. Some patients are starting to cancel or delay their medical procedures, which can pose a serious risk to their health. The hospital “would like to assure our community that our hospital is still safe to visit and we continue to perform surgical and out-patient clinical care, including urgent, life-saving procedures and other emergency care.” There was no word on the condition of those who contracted Covid19. Related news story:
November 20th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington spends quite a bit of money on public art. They want to refresh and add to the jury list they have to help with the judging of what merits funding.  The placing of public art in the city: Most people don’t understand why the sculpture, a modernistic interpretation of orchids was installed in the middle of a busy road.  Public Art: Plains Road at Waterdown Road If you love art and your community, help make your mark on the City of Burlington’s Public Art program by participating on a public art jury. The City is looking for local artists, creative professionals and residents to evaluate public art applications throughout the year. No experience is necessary! Each jury is made up of a mix of arts professionals and residents that represent a broad cross-section of the community. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out a brief online application form at Burlington.ca/publicart or fill out the online application directly by clicking here.
November 19th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Your help is needed! November 22nd 11am-1pm Burlington Food Bank one day Neighbourhood Covid-19:FOOD DRIVE at 21 locations & counting! Covid-safe Porch Drop off of non-perishable food, gift card or monetary donations at any of the neighbourhood porch drop offs to help support the many in our community who are in need. If you think you can help – and be part of this event be in touch with either: Chania Allen chania@razmataz.ca or Lisa Kearns <Lisa.Kearns@burlington.ca> In April, this event brought in 2.2 TONS of food and over $1000 in donations. Let’s try to do even better in preparation for the holidays. Covid-safe Porch Drop off of non-perishable food, gift card or monetary donations at any of the neighbourhood porch drop offs to help support the many in our community who are in need. Here are the current Top Ten Most Needed Items:
At the same time: If you are in need or know of someone who could use our help PLEASE have them email us at info@burlingtonfoodbank.ca or call 905-637-2273 to make arrangements to have food dropped at their door or make arrangements to pick it up through our curb-side pickup option. If you live in Burlington, we are here to help. Don’t struggle – give us a call.
November 19th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Victims of this fraud transferred money believing that they were investing in a legitimate stock market investment program. Victims initially received small returns from funds obtained by new investors. This type of fraud is commonly referred to as a ‘Ponzi Scheme’. Money invested by victims was then used for the personal and financial gain of the accused. Police have arrested and charged Francesco Perre (AKA Frank Perre), 56 years of age of Burlington. Perre has been charged with six counts of fraud over $5000 and misappropriation of funds. He is scheduled to appear in court in Milton on December 23, 2020. Police believe there may be additional victims of this fraud and would encourage them to contact Detective Constable Garry Hans of the Regional Fraud Unit at 905 825 4747 ext. 8742. The HRPS encourages members of the public to conduct due diligence prior to making investments and to be wary of investments that sound too good to be true.
November 19th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Different development news: a two tower project that isn’t in the downtown core and isn’t on Brant Street.
Location is 5041 Fairvew, east of Appleby Line. There will be the now required pre-application virtual meeting on December 3rd, 2020 at 7 pm. We will provide the links few days before.
November 19th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
At last night’s Board of Trustee meeting (Nov. 18, 2020) Stuart Miller, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board, officially announced his retirement, effective Aug. 11, 2021.  Stuart Miller, Director of education HDSB resigns – why now? Miller, who has been the HDSB Director of Education since 2015 says the decision was difficult but he will always look back on his career in Halton with the fondest of memories. “Although there have been many challenging moments, especially this year as we navigate through the pandemic, they are far outweighed by those times that brought me joy and a sense of purpose,” Miller says. “I only hope that I was able to do the same for all those staff, parents and especially students I have had the pleasure to work with and for. I would very much like to thank the current Board of Trustees and all those former trustees who entrusted me to lead the Board. Your faith in public education and confidence in me will never leave my thoughts.” In her remarks, Halton District School Board Chair Andréa Grebenc says: “On behalf of all the Trustees, we thank Stuart for all he has done for the students, staff, Halton community and beyond. Stuart has inspired his team to do amazing, innovative things.” “Stuart has reached into schools to develop personal, encouraging relationships with students and frontline staff. He has been an amazing relationship-builder with a wonderful sense of humour. His fiery oration has energized and galvanized, but it has also invoked empathy and a sense of duty and focus. Stuart looks for ways to both improve the system and himself, and he has accomplished so much in his long career with the Halton District School Board.” Miller joined the HDSB in 1984 as a secondary school science and math teacher. His teaching career included teaching in Scotland and in Malawi, East Africa. In addition to being a Principal and Vice-principal in the HDSB, he also coached hockey and soccer, coordinated science fairs, and initiated and organized social justice conferences for students. In 2009, Miller was appointed to the position of Superintendent of Education, and moved into the role of Associate Director in 2014. Prior to becoming the Director of Education, Miller had been instrumental in creating the Welcome Centre for students new to Canada and implementing an expansion of the international student program within the Board. “I want to thank the senior team, both current and past,” Miller says. “You have been an endless source of inspiration to and for me. Your dedication to the welfare and success of our students and staff are unparalleled.” The Board of Trustees will begin a comprehensive search process for a new Director of Education in the new year.
November 19th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Three health care workers and one patient on 7 South 100 (7S100) at Joseph Brant Hospital have tested positive for COVID-19. In consultation with Halton Public Health, a COVID-19 outbreak has been declared on this Medicine inpatient unit.  Covid19 outbreak on the 7 South wing Joseph Brant Hospital’s Infection Prevention and Control team and Employee Health Services are working closely with Halton Public Health to monitor all patients, staff and physicians who had direct contact with those infected with COVID-19. All patients on the units, along with staff and physicians who have been exposed, are being contacted and tested. The affected health care workers are currently in isolation at home, and will not return to work until they have completed the self-isolation period and are asymptomatic. Additional important measures have been taken to protect the health and safety of our patients, families or care providers, staff and physicians, including: • Enhanced daily deep cleaning on the unit These enhanced protocols will remain in place for the duration of the declared outbreak, then reassessed on an ongoing basis with Halton Public Health to minimize further risks in the hospital and throughout our community.
November 19th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
It was the day for the Regional Council to hear delegations on the five reports that were background for the current Review of the Official Plan. The papers were serious stuff; well written, very well illustrated. The community has said it wishes it had had more time to review and prepare comments. But that window has closed. Curt Benson, told Regional Council that there had been more than 200 written reports sent to his office on the papers. In late January perhaps February the Region will be releasing four growth concept and waiting 100 days for responses and community engagement. That will be followed by a preferred concept probably in the Fall of 2021. The Region is moving on two levels that are attached to each other at the same time.  The two bottom circles relate to the Burlington MTSA and UGC issues. While part of the Regional Official Plan they will be processed separately and then wrapped into the Region’s OP The Burlington MTSA and Urban Growth Centre (UGC) issues are being dealt with separately but are still a part of the Regional Official Plan Review. Whatever decision gets made on the MTSA and UGC from a Burlington perspective will be included in the next version of the Official Plan that is released. There will be a Statutory meeting on the Regional Official Plan in the fall of 2021. The expectation is that the MTSA in Burlington will be removed. The focus for the Regional Planning department is: What has been heard to date? Did we hear you? Is this what you are saying? The listening exercise is an ongoing process. The delegations started with remarks from Sofina Foods which operates 11 pork processing plants in Canada and maintain that they cannot keep up with the demand for pork from the market which they export around the world. They have major plans to develop and expand the Fearman’s operation on Harvester Road and Appleby Line and are concerned that the boundary in place for the Appleby Line GO station (which was at one time called a hub but is now an MTSA. The Sofina spokesperson said there are 150 family farms within a three hour drive of the plant that meet some of the need but that in the not too distant future they want to expand that operation. The question is – will an even bigger food processing operation fit into that part of Burlington? Sofina wants to be certain that they are part of the economic development of Burlington. They are a major employer and the demand for pork grows steadily. What was interesting was that the several people who talked about the problems the farming community has none made any mention of the part that Sofina play in the agricultural sector. We learned that close to half the agricultural land is believed to be owned by interest other than induvial farmers; that most of the land is being banked by the development community. The agricultural community wants a ban on the conversation of agricultural land. Climate change was the base of close to half of the delegations – these were for the most part coming from community based organizations who advocate and lobby for more in the way of climate change efforts.  Vanessa Warren, delegates with conviction, passionate and firmer grip on the facts that the vast majority of the Regional Councillors. Vanessa Warren, who always delegates with conviction, passionate and firmer grip on the facts that the vast majority of the Regional Councillors said that the framework the agricultural sector has to work within cannot be fixed, “we have to bring it down”. Warren said that a farmer can grow turnips but that they cannot process those turnips on their land under the current conditions. Agricultural Tourism was said to need some help. Prince Edward County has figured out how that can be done very effectively – Halton isn’t there yet. The Evergreen development that is in Burlington with the Oakville border on the other side of the road at Tremaine and Dundas was described by Burlington Mayor Meed Ward as the poster boy of the developer’s world.  The Evergreen development would go through two phases with employment offices fronting onto the street on the east side. They must be blushing at the corporate offices in Milton. That project started in 2007 and will consist of 1945 residences whenever it is completed.  The land assembly has been in the works for some time. Whatever development plans there are have yet to hit city hall. with the Aldershot GO station a very short walk away the land is primed for growth. The IBI Group representative brought forward concerns with a property development that includes abutting lands owned by four different corporations that is on the west side of Waterdown Road – north side of Plains Road. They are looking for employment land conversions that would occur simultaneously with MTSA delineation, through phased ROPA. There is much more to learn about this development. It is big with the Emshie interests and St. Mary’s Cement involved. The Station West development that is underway now with a number of units occupied. When completed Station West will become a community unto itself and will need services and access to good retail. Aldershot has wanted some strong retail – this development just might bring it to their doorstep. The Development plans for the east side of Waterdown are inching forward. Solid Gold, Aldershot’s ongoing embarrassment, is planned as the site for a decent coffee shop and a small supermarket if the ward Councillor can convince the Solid Gold owner that it can be made to work. What the area is not going to have is very much in the way of parkland in the immediate area. LaSalle Park to the south is a decent walk away. It will be under considerable pressure. The swimming pool at Aldershot high school will see increased pressure. There were no clashes, no major points being made by the bigger interests. For the most part they weren’t involved in the virtual event The Regional Clerk was pressed to keep all the balls in the air – he pulled it off. Chair Carr thought Graham Milne might have a future as an air traffic controller in Chicago.
November 19th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON’
It was a one hour virtual meeting with about 35 people taking part – at least five were city staff. City Clerk Kevin Arjoon explained the basics of what City Advisory Committees are all about. He listed most of the committees. The Cycling Committee needs 14 new members – that seems very high unless all the previous members all left at the same time.  Members of the Community Engagement Team do a debrief after their Council Workshop session. Chris Walker is in the center. The closing date for new applications is November 27th – that closing date has been extended in the past – expect it to be extended again this year. The intention is to announce the appointments at a Council meeting in January or February. Arjoon is a big fan of citizen advisory committees – he has seen them work well in the five different municipalities where he has served as Clerk. However, shortly before Arjoon arrived in Burlington a report from citizens on problems with the way the Advisory committees were created was debated at a City Standing Committee. It was a lengthy report with perhaps too much data. It has one central point: that was set out in a Historical Note.  It was a major piece of work for the citizens – didn’t get past the printing machine. Historical Note On each occasion, while the recommendations have differed since 1997, the initial conclusions were similar. Advisory committees far too often did not work as intended and were not properly integrated into the decision-making process. Poor structure, poor terms of reference, misunderstandings, lack of relevant training, and selection methods open to influence all worked to undermine the role advisory committees should have in establishing citizen voices with appropriate input at the centre of City Hall. We therefore encourage council to adopt our recommendations, recognizing the very longstanding need for change and the ongoing need for flexible, collaborative and insightful resident voices as trusted partners at City Hall and with staff and Council. Until the issues set out in the Advisory Committee review Team are resolved Citizen Engagement will be less than robust.
November 18th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
The Port Nelson United Church had to cancel their Mirth and Music event; the Burlington Performing Arts Centre has had to close for the 28 days they are going to be in the Red zone of the provinces colour coded behaviour chart.
“It’s disappointing, but fortunately we’ve been here before this time around we are much better prepared to cope.” All isn’t lost for the Performing Arts people. The huge wreaths that go up each year in the windows will be up next week, the huge tree on the plaza area will go up and the Festival of Trees will take place – limited however to just ten sponsored trees. They will be up on the 25th “We will get through this!” said Fox. Related news story:
November 18th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Application for a 16th cannabis retail store in Burlington WAS received by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario: Written comments are due to Province by Dec. 2 Nova Cannabis proposes to locate at 1235 Fairview St. The application does meet the City of Burlington Council approved guidelines. Written comments about the proposed location will be received by the AGCO until Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020 and may be submitted online at www.agco.ca/iAGCO. The AGCO will accept submissions from: • A resident of the municipality in which the proposed store is located After Dec. 2, the AGCO will consider all written comments and available information to decide whether the application for the proposed store location will be approved. Currently there are ten licensed cannabis retail stores in Burlington since the ACGO moved to an open licensing system for cannabis retail store applications earlier this year. The ten stores include: • Relm Cannabis Co. 4031 Fairview St. Suite 103 Five additional cannabis retail stores are under review by the AGCO and one is out for comment, including this one. Sixteen cannabis stores gives a whole different view of the statement: Burlington is ranked as Canada’s best community and best place to raise a family. It is a City where people, nature and businesses thrive. As residents continue to rediscover many of their favourite spaces and activities in the city, City services may look different as we work to stop the spread of COVID-19. The City’s commitment to providing the community with essential services remains a priority. Quick Facts The existence of th retail operations doesn’t appear to have resulted in fewer drug busts> Related news stories. Brass knuckles, switch blade and drugs – arrest made
November 18th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON OPINION Will we soon be known as the peacock province? A province of many colours, political ones that is. Rumour is that there may be a new provincial party on the horizon, the Blue party. And why not? There is already a Green Party, Liberals have always been identified as reds and the NDP orange. So what does this mean for the governing Doug Ford provincial Tories? They are supposed to be the blue party, claiming to be descendants from the former premier Bill Davis’ Big Blue Machine. Heck Mr. Ford even started turning our licence plates blue.  Cambridge MPP Belinda Karahalio But Cambridge MPP Belinda Karahalios doesn’t think Ford’s crowd is blue enough. She was kicked out of Doug Ford’s caucus last July for refusing to support his Bill 195, the so-called emergency law on COVID. She knew this so-called emergency legislation was just a power grab by Ford so he could ram his retro agenda down our throats. Being able to act without challenge is every tyrant’s dream. Not that I’d call our PM a tyrant, but Mr. Trudeau tried something similar in Ottawa, only to be stopped by an observant media and an wide-awake opposition party. Not so in Toronto. An Act to enact the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Re-sponse to COVID-19) Act, 2020 allows the government of Premier Doug Ford to extend or amend emergency orders a month at a time for up to two years without consulting the legislature. For Karahalios this was an “unnecessary overreach” taking away “the legislature’s ability to vote on the use of extraordinary emergency powers on Ontarians for the next year… Bill 195 essentially silences every single Ontario MPP on the most important issue facing our legislature today”.  A government that attempt to stiff nurses usually regrets the decision. The Nurses Association (ONA) and other labour organizations are upset to say the least. The premier has given himself the power to override existing labour legislation and collective agreements. It is no secret that Mr. Ford regards organized labour as the enemy, but antagonizing Ontario’s front line work-ers in this time of the COVID epidemic is totally uncalled for. One might think that America’s Mr. Trump had shifted his residence into the premier’s office at Queen’s Park. Well except that Karahlios doesn’t think Ford is far enough to the right. She thinks he’s not blue enough to represent real conservative-minded voters like her – claiming Ford has moved to the political left and is now in common territory with the other main Ontario parties. So one has to wonder what it takes to make one a real conservative. Was it the deficit? Conservatives have long opposed budgetary deficits, except when they get into office, as was the case with former PM Mulroney. And even Mr. Harper ran record deficits during 2009-2011 period in an effort to stimulate a recessionary economy. So would it be fair to attack Mr. Ford’s record setting COVID deficit and use that to boot him out of the conservative club.  The issue for Doug Ford has always been money. And surely Ford qualifies when it comes to tax cuts for the wealthiest, perhaps the most common of currencies among conservatives. His carefully camouflaged middle income tax cuts have turned out to be a Trojan horse, as predicted, and a bonanza for the wealthiest. The provincial Financial Accountability Office (FAO) has calculated that Doug Ford’s tax breaks are benefiting Ontario’s highest earners. “The top 20 per cent, with incomes over $123,400, are getting 43 per cent of tax benefits, including 75 per cent of deductions, which adds up to over $7 billion every year.” When it comes to the environment the ultra conservative former PM, Mr. Harper, pulled Canada out of the international Kyoto agreement on climate change and pursued a fossil fuel agenda as Conservative PM. If that is real conservatism then Mr. Ford certainly qualifies as well, having mothballed almost all of Ontario’s emission reduction programs including renewable energy projects. Further he has sued the federal government over imposition of the national carbon tax. And now the second shoe is dropping as he moves to further please the land development and other business lobbies who seem to have captured his attention. Ford’s most recent retro-legislative initiative, Bill 229, attacks the historical role of conservation authorities in land use planning, one of their primary purposes since their establishment back in 1946, by then PC Premier George Drew. What could be more conservative than conservation? So it’s uncertain just where and how far Karahalios would like to see Mr. Ford go to prove he is a real conservative? He is already on a clear path to eliminate everything represented by the word progressive in Progressive Conservative. Ford has turned the clock back three or four decades in many regards and especially the environment. And that will create a headache for the next government which will have to clean up the mess. Perhaps there is more to this story? After all it is no secret that Belinda’s husband, Jim Karahalios, a long time deep Tory, had tried on more than one occasion to become a party president for either/both the federal and provincial parties, only to be foiled by some kind of alleged intra-party conspiracy. It’s easy to see how that can make one bitter and twisted. In fact he sued the federal party at one point and won. And of course, there is no better way to win friends and influence people than with a law suit. So perhaps this plan to hatch a new Blue party is a case of sour grapes, or even revenge to draw right wing voters away from Mr. Ford’s party. Splitting the right even more beyond the Heritage, Libertarian, Family Coalition fringe party platforms might be a more serious threat. And unlike these two bit political efforts, the Blue’s would have a seat in the house (Cambridge) at least until the next election. And Jim, who was the creative genius behind ‘Axe the Tax’ anti-carbon tax campaign, presumably is qualified in Belinda’s mind and has the chops to help her lead her new Blue party. It could happen. After all, Preston Manning’s Reform Party grew almost overnight to become Her Maj-esty’s Loyal Opposition after a lot of conservatives felt Kim Campbell wasn’t quite blue enough for them. It was an act of courage to stand apart from the familiar crowd of mindless desk-thumping seals at Queens Park and speak up when something stinks. And on that note she deserves a vote of appreciation.
Background links Blue Party – Nurses Association – FAO – Bill 229 –
November 18th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
In a letter from Regional Director of Planning Curt Benson to Burlington’s Director of Planning, Heather MacDonald, he told her that:
The letter covers a number of issues but the gist of it all is that what city council asked of the Region it is going to get. Just another step in this city council meeting a large large part of its election mandate. Much more to follow, There is a 360+ page document to be waded through.
November 17th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Robert Missen announced yesterday that the November 21st Mirth and Music concert until has been postponed. Halton County is now under a red alert. Missen, the man who put the show together and was going to perform as well, said “As soon as we can reschedule it we will do so, patrons will of course have first refusal for future tickets. Related news story: Mirth and Music to be heard at Port Nelson United Church
November 17th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON The dates and Zoom participation information is at the end of this article. What began as the core and defining issue during the 2018 municipal election has become a review of the Region’s Official Plan. The people that supported candidate Marianne Meed Ward were not in favour of the kind of development they were seeing take place in the city. In the 20 months since winning the election the Mayor has worked to bring about two important objectives.  Marianne Meed Ward was always crystal clear on what she wanted to achieve. She did not believe that the John Street bus terminal was an MTSA -Major Transit Station Area and she did not believe the boundary in place for the Urban Growth Centre was the right boundary for the city. The bus terminal situation was almost funny. Most kitchens in decent sized homes are bigger than the bus terminal – how it got the label of an MTSA attached to it was never really clear.  The Nautique – a condominium under construction at the intersection of Lakeshore Road and Martha Street. That terminal and its labeling as an MTSA is basically the reason the Nautique is now under construction at Martha and Lakeshore Road. There is a sad tale to be told about how all that came about. There are still planners out there arguing that the existence of the bus terminal, with its designation, is justification for building more than 20 storey’s in height. The Mayor worked every angle she could find to rid the city of the John Street bus terminal designation and to get the Urban Growth Boundary moved. She is close to getting what is the biggest part of her election platform Curt Benson, the Director of Planning for the Region delegated to Council last week explaining what the Region is doing and the role the public can play in helping to arrive at a decision. He covered a lot of ground and answered a lot of questions. Surprisingly three Councillors didn’t say a word: Councillors Bentivegna, Nisan and Stolte didn’t ask questions. Stolte was chair of the meeting but that has never stopped her from asking questions in the past.  Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman Councillor Sharman was very pointed with many of his questions. The Mayor was as supportive as she could be but made a point of asking the kind of question that supported her long term political objective. If what Meed Ward set out to do when running for the office of Mayor is achieved it will become a significant part of the development history in the city and result in a major shift in how the city grows and where the growth takes place.  We tend to see elected and administrative people on video screens. See here are Mayor Meed Ward on the left with Regional Director of Planning Curt Benson and Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan What Curt Benson had to say to Council will be covered in a separate article. What he said that is important to people who follow this kind of municipal stuff is the two Public Information Centres (whoever came up with that name) that are taking place. One is on the 19th of November and the other on the 25th. Both are virtual. The information you need to take part in these virtual events is as follows: November 19, 2020 For Wednesday, November 25, 2020 The same material will be covered in each event. This is important stuff and Curt Benson is a good presenter.
November 17th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
We sometimes wonder how money moves around in this city. Burlington is a very wealthy city with small pockets of poverty and people who struggle to meet their basic needs. Rents are very high. The plus side of wealth is the people that have it in Burlington are very good about sharing it. The Burlington Foundation handles many of the endowments that families have created. The Foundation is good at spotting where needs are and going back to those who can donate and asking for funds. One of the recent asks resulted in a Pandemic Response Fund that handed out the second phase of their planned program.
The Nature Friendly Burlington initiative will connect more of the community to stewardship opportunities and to a multitude of benefits nature experiences provide. With the program structure in place the folks at Burlington Green want to hear from you They want to know how you’ve been connecting with nature during COVID. These are stressful time – there are more questions than answers on the minds of most people. We are moving into a significant festive season – and it is going to be very different. How do we cope- what supports are there out there for every demographic. Burlington Green likes using a contest approach to draw responses from the community. There is a chance to win an eco-prize – you are automatically entered into a draw when you let them know how you’ve been connecting with nature during COVID. You get to the question and the opportunity to tell them what you do by CLICKING here.
November 17th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington is looking for community members to volunteer on a city committee or board and play a key role in providing advice and feedback to City Council and staff on a variety of city issues. Applications are now being accepted online at burlington.ca/committees until Friday, Nov 27.  An Action Lab – one of the events that took place when the city was determining the role that Advisory Committees would play in bringing you new ideas to the table. Residents over 18 years of age, representing the diverse backgrounds of our community are encouraged to apply. Participating on a city committee provides a unique opportunity to: • Lend your voice and expertise to help shape decisions and services that impact our community There have been Advisory Committees that have served the city very well in the past. The Heritage Advisory is one. Attend a Virtual Information Session A recording of the Nov. 17 virtual information session will be posted to burlington.ca/committees following the event. Kevin Arjoon, City Clerk who oversees the administration side of the Advisory Committees will tell you that: “Sitting on a local board or committee provides a unique opportunity to directly impact the future of our city. We are looking for volunteers who represent the diversity in our community to lend us their expertise and ideas to help make a difference in our community.” Quick Facts Here is where the problem exists: Many people who have served on Advisory Committees have come away disappointed and unsatisfied with what they were able to achieve. They didn’t feel that they were really listened to and that members of council play too big a role in how the Advisory Committee operates. Many would like to see the Council members left outside the room. Many more feel that the members of Council play far to large a role in determining who sits on the Advisory Committees. Until these issues are worked out – the problems of the past few years are not going to go away. Which is unfortunate because in events this reporter has taken part in there have been some very smart, dedicated people who want to see and are committed to citizen participation.
November 16th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Didn’t the Coughlan pool just open?  The upgrade to the facilities was exceptional. Angela Coughlan Pool service will be disrupted for one week starting Monday, Dec. 7 through to Friday, Dec. 11, and on Dec. 14 to Dec. 15 from 5 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Follow-up maintenance from the recent pool upgrade is necessary to ensure that the pool is in proper working condition. Maintenance is scheduled from 5 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weekdays. Evenings and weekends are not impacted. Daytime programs before 4:30 p.m. will be cancelled: • Lap Swim  Photograph was taken before the upgrades. Alternate swim times are available at Tansley Woods and Centennial Pool and additional morning lap swims at Tansley Woods will be offered. For aquatic programming information and alternate pool options, go to www.burlington.ca/swimming.
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Your help is needed! November 22nd 11am-1pm – Burlington Food Bank one day Neighbourhood Covid-19:FOOD DRIVE at 21 locations & counting!
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) Regional Fraud Unit has completed a three year investigation into a Ponzi scheme operating in the region that defrauded victims out of approximately 1.3 million dollars.
The proposed development would consist of a mixed-use development consisting of two 20-storey residential towers, with commercial and office space provided on the first two storeys. A total of 2,982.4 square metres of commercial space is proposed and a total of 390 residential units.
Tammy Fox, Executive Director explains: “We’ve been forced to cancel all live performances while we are in this 28 day ‘red zone’.
Ray Rivers writes regularly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers
With the proposed modifications to the New Official Plan described above, and identified in Attachment #1, I am of the opinion that the City of Burlington New Official Plan conforms to, or does not conflict with,the Regional Official Plan, is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement 2020, and conforms to, or does not conflict with,the applicable Provincial Plans and policies.
Burlington Green was the recipient of one of the grants. They have used the funds they were given to put together a program: Nature Friendly Burlington initiative that will connect more of the community to local green space.