 By Staff
November 4th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 Heather Rath. Ligonier Valley Writers began in 1986 as the Friends of Ligonier, who were searching for a way to enhance residents’ lives and generate income for local businesses. One of their first projects was a writers’ conference. It was so successful that the Friends became the Ligonier Valley Writers.
The Flash Fiction Contest began in 2005. Winning stories are performed at Halloween events, so the subjects are always scary. The first year called for ghost stories, the next year vampire stories, and later stories about everything from witches to dragons to haunted objects. Dozens of entries come in from all over the United States and Europe.
The first prize winner this year was Burlington resident Heather Rath.
This is the story she wrote.
I love reptiles.
My parents hate them.
They warned me—repeatedly—no snakes, frogs, or other reptiles in this house … ever!
If I brought one home, I’m sure my parents would kill me.
I’m allergic to fur. As a developing artist at 15, I need to study—and draw—real, live animals and people. Only it’s hard to find people to pose. They don’t like sitting or standing still for a long time.
Was hanging around a pet shop in our neighborhood. I spy this sign speaking directly to me: “Allergic to fur? We have the right pet for you!”
Donning my facemask against germs, I enter. Masked salesman quickly approaches. Toady- looking guy with a croaky throat. Waves me over to a small section of the shop by the fish.
Points out a large aquarium. Home to various scaly, creepy-looking creatures doing nothing much but hanging out on a hot rock.
Salamanders, bug-eyed red toads, fancy-bearded dragon, leopard gecko, veiled chameleon, Bahaman anole, Pacman frog, long-tailed lizard.
And then, this beauty. In an aquarium all by himself. Caught my eye with just the slightest move. A green iguana from some tropical forest.
Depending on where you looked, his green skin changed different shades. Awesome. You’d never find any magnificent creature like this in Ohio.
Fell in love immediately. Called him Drako. Stunning. With his long tail, he easily measured three feet. Flicked his tongue while I looked him over carefully.
“What’s he eat?” I ask the toady guy.
“He’s a vegetarian, kid. Likes to nibble on lettuce, grapes, even houseplant leaves … easy to feed him. Jist gotta watch he won’t escape. Fast like lightning.” He pauses. “Thinkin’ of getting’ him?”
“Ah, man, love to. Gotta check my finances first. Only have a part-time job at Food Basics.
Need an aquarium, too?”
“Yep. And them’s expensive, kid. Gotta get one large enough for the critter. And a hot rock, too. These fellas need heat. Specially here up north.”
I nod. “Expect to sell him fast?”
“Ya never know these days. What with this virus and all, people are doin’ strange things. We can’t keep puppies in stock. Gone as soon’s we get ‘em. But this here iguana? Somehow don’t think too many folks are lookin’ for this green guy. Can’t cuddle him. But he’s neat to watch.”
“And he’s beautiful,” I add. “Look at the different colours of green on his skin.” “Uh-huh,” says Toady-man. Not convinced, I can tell.
How much?”
“One hundred dollars. Plus his aquarium.”
“Look, man, I’ve been lookin’ all over for a pet like this. I can afford him. Take good care of him, too.”
“Ya want I should mark him sold?” “Uh-huh.” I nod.
Jog home. My two bros are on screens. Dad not home yet. Mom in kitchen. I’ll work on her first.
“Just found this neatest pet. A mini-dragon.”
No reaction. She’s watching the small countertop TV. Looking at ingredients for a Mexican recipe. Eating South of the Border for some reason lately.
“Hmmmm?” she says, pulling her head in my direction. Cigarette hangs out of her red lipstick mouth.
“Found a non-consequential pet for me. No trouble for you. He’s even vegetarian.” “Sounds good to me, Rory-kins. He big?” She turns back to the mini-TV.
“No. He fits in an aquarium, and I’ll clean it.” “Can’t be too big, then.”
“He’s not.”
“Uh-huh.” Still concentrating on the TV recipe.
I go through a similar conversation with my dad. When he comes home, he’s tired of wearing a mask all day, mixes a cocktail of some kind, sinks in a stupor into his favorite living room chair.
“What’s your mom say?” He squints through his glasses at his smartphone as he half listens to me.
“As long as I clean the aquarium, she says no problem.” “Okay, then. What is it? A fish?”
Just then his smartphone rings. I disappear.
Jog back to the pet shop. Tell Toadman. “Help me choose the right aquarium for him.”
That night I hop with excitement in my bedroom. Find a suitable place atop my desk and sit there thinking … wow! Tomorrow! Finally! A pet! Of my own choosing! Sooo excited.
Next day everyone’s busy doing whatever it is they do each day. No one’s paying attention to me. This time bike to the pet shop with my backpack and a carrier. Bike home again with the goods.
Haul the extra-large aquarium with the hot rock and the Drako container to my bedroom. Set up the tank. Plug in the hot rock. Close my bedroom door.
Carefully carry the Drako box to the tank. Coax him gently into the aquarium. Watch him flick his tongue. Explore.
Am ecstatic. He fascinates.
Sometime later, I decide to slowly remove the aquarium top. Touch his cool skin and marvel.
Like lightning, Drako leaps from the hot rock to the log in the aquarium to the top of the tank. He’s out!
I know he’s arboreal, so I look up.
Scan top of the curtained windows. He’s there! Thinks he’s hiding but his long tail hangs down. Already I love his personality.
He scurries along the wooden curtain rod. Sudden steps on the stairs. Panic!
Mom enters my room.
“Rory … what the hell?” she raises her voice. Sees the aquarium. Looks up. Sees Drako.
Screams.
Mom still screaming. Dad rushes in. “What the ….?”
Looks up. Spies Drako. Mouth opens wide. Grabs my baseball bat in the corner. Raises his arm and takes aim.
“No!” I yell.
He swings the bat with great force. Misses Drako. Hits me bull’s-eye on the head. More screaming.
Told you my parents would kill me.
Author Bio: An award-winning writer, Heather Rath edited a weekly newspaper and monthly business magazine before heading communications at a multinational company.
 By Staff
November 4th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health released a statement yesterday afternoon.
To the Halton community,
On November 3, 2020, the provincial government announced the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework.
 Burlington is at the PROTECT level of the five level Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework. The framework takes a graduated approach that allows for additional public health measures to be introduced and removed incrementally. Each public health unit is placed in one of five levels (Prevent, Protect, Restrict, Control, and Lockdown) based on defined criteria, including weekly incidence rate and % positivity. The framework outlines public health and workplace safety measures for businesses and organizations, for each level.
Halton Region is currently listed in the Protect level within the framework, based on data for the week of October 26, 2020.
Levels will be confirmed by the province on Friday, November 6, 2020 and become effective on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.
Halton residents and organizations will need to follow the public health measures outlined in the framework, effective November 7, 2020. Please note that the framework includes public health measures for fitness classes and team sports, and that the measures in the framework will replace the recommendations I provided on October 19, 2020 in my letter to the Halton community.
 Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health I continue to recommend:
• Limiting close contact to household members, and
• Limiting non-essential activities outside of the home.
Thank you again to everyone for taking public health measures seriously, and above all for being kind to one another. It is important to stay vigilant, and to consider the risks to yourself and your household as you plan your daily activities.
 By Staff
November 4th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Hamilton Aerial Group will be putting on free performance/parade this Friday in Spencer Smith Park at 6:30.
 All the performers are on stilts – dancing to Samba music They will light up their costumes and be led by a Samba band.
This is supported by The City of Burlington Community Fund. We just finished a show this past Saturday at Dundurn Park.
We will be dressed in costume and be on stilts.
They appeared in Hamilton ast week. Will dig out where in Spencer Smith Park they will perform
By Pepper Parr
November 4th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
What now?
 The vast majority of our production goes south. Photo by Jason Kryk/The Canadian Press/File That is our best customer. In 2016 we were stunned with the US presidential results.
Stunned again this morning even though it isn’t over yet.
But if Donald Trump is returned we know what to expect.
And how do you deal with that?
By Andre Malt
November 4th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is creating new challenges and opportunities for Canada’s gambling industry. While many of the country’s land casinos were closed, a growing number of Canadians engaged in online gambling — at home.
This is an exciting time for casino enthusiasts and for an online casino like Betnero, a licensed offshore site positioned to leverage its loyalty programs and welcome bonuses and attract new players.
Online Gambling and Social Gaming
Revenue gained by online casino gambling has helped to offset revenue lost by the decrease in offline gambling. With increased website traffic comes increased marketing data, growth and a younger demographic of casino customers.
 Pandemic issues have resulted in most casinos in Canada being shut down. When the pandemic forced 114 land casinos in Canada to close over a 72-hour period in March, online gambling was a popular component of the global social gaming market.
The availability of online games and use of smartphones, improved advanced technology and skilled game developers are contributing to an industry of innovators.
Among the many challenges faced by land and online casinos is responsibility and sustainability.
From Crisis to Innovation and Sustainability
Research shows that because more people are at home, they’re spending more time playing games. However, the highest numbers point towards the youngest demographic: Generation Z.
Largely unemployed and living with their parents, Gen Z is an extremely active online customer who enjoys adding new streaming services to access new digital content, trying new media options that are now free as a result of the pandemic.
 Younger people are very comfortable wagering on line. Younger players demand ethical business practices. Moving forward, the competitive advantage of an online casino will depend on delivering on its promise to put player health first.
It makes sense that business has been particularly good for large companies within the online gaming industry.
With operating revenues showing increase by 48 percent, reports of global expansion and “major new initiatives” to be launched in the near future, the pressure is on for other companies to up the ante.
Online Gambling with Enhanced User Experience?
The online gambling market is highly competitive. Success in the long term will come to those companies who embrace change and invest in enhanced user experience.
The uncertainties surrounding COVID-19 play a huge role in the health of the country and its economy. If the pandemic were to last another year, what will the land casinos and online casinos do for their customers?
The response of the gaming industry towards the increase in revenue now may determine its success in the long run.
By Pepper Parr
November 3rd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he will ease restrictions on the province’s COVID-19 hot spots, hours after health authorities reported a single-day record (1050) in new cases and in contrast with Quebec’s recent extension of “red-zone” measures.
Ontario rolled out a new colour-coded system Tuesday that will determine when and to what extent coronavirus restrictions are placed on parts of the province.
 This five part colour coded template may help the provincial get out a consistent message. Up until now the messaging has been to broad in its application. Time will tell if it can be put to effective use. Areas with the lowest case counts, positivity rates and community transmission levels will fall into a green category, with the most permissive rules. The system then moves upward through yellow, orange and red categories, with increasingly strict measures, topped off by a grey “lockdown” level where maximum measures would be implemented.
The framework goes into effect this weekend, allowing restrictions previously placed on hot spots including Toronto, Peel Region and Ottawa to lighten. The softer rules mean gyms and cinemas can reopen and indoor dining will resume — with capacity limits — following closures under “modified Stage 2” measures imposed on Oct. 10.
About 80 per cent of the new 1050 cases were in the hot spots of Toronto and the surrounding regions of Peel, Halton, York and Durham.
The numbers for Burlington, which are collected by the Public Heath Unit for Halton Region stand at 53 active cases with 15 death to date.
 The numbers began to climb when students went back to school and some people began to return to work. The colder weather has increased the infections – and the really cold weather is not yet upon us. In other new: The town of Aylmer, Ont., has declared a state of emergency ahead of a planned demonstration against COVID-19 restrictions this weekend.
Mayor Mary French moved the town of nearly 7,500 people to high alert this week in anticipation of what local police described as an “anti-masking freedom march” on Saturday.
Whatever the message is today – it doesn’t appear to be getting through,
 By David Barker
November 3rd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
On October 14th, I attended via Zoom as a member a meeting of the City’s Heritage Advisory Committee; a meeting that is open to the public and whose activities are published on the City’s website. One of the topics on the agenda for discussion pertained to the almost certain removal of a monument located in LaSalle Park which commemorates the first landing of a non-indigenous person (LaSalle) in this area.
A number of what I call “spoof” reasons were provided by staff to the committee to justify its removal. Here for your review is the written information provided by staff to the committee along with these three pictures.
 A plaque put in place in 1923 tells part of the story about how LaSalle Park got its name. The language used represents the time – someone apparently has a problem with the word “white man”. LaSalle Park Plaque Removal
• Heritage Burlington is advised that a plaque is to be removed from LaSalle Park.
• LaSalle Park is owned by the City of Hamilton and is operated by the City of Burlington. The plaque in question was erected in 1923 by the Wentworth Historical Society, when Aldershot was still in East Flamborough Township, several decades before Burlington assumed operational responsibility for the park.
 The provincial plaque tells more of the story. • The 1923 plaque does not add much value or significance to the park, namely as it does not provide much detail, and there is a provincial plaque in the parking lot near the North Shore Blvd East driveway entrance to the park. The provincial plaque is in a more prominent area, provides greater detail, and uses more inclusive language.
• Further, the 1923 plaque is in an inaccessible low-traffic area of the park. For accessibility reasons, this is not an area where Burlington staff would recommend putting any new plaque or interpretive display.
• Following formal contact with Hamilton, the City intends to proceed with the removal of this plaque. The plaque will be documented before it is removed
So you can see it looks to be pretty much a done deal.
The second plaque at LaSalle Park providing information about the park and its origins is at the entrance of North Shore Boulevard. That plaque in my view is awful in that a number of words are hyphenated due to poor layout of the text. You judge from the picture provided.
Tucked away at the end of the third bullet point given by staff is in my view the real reason for the plaque’s removal manifested in the words extolling the virtues of the plaque at the entrance specifically “and uses more inclusive language”. It seems the issue with the original plaque and monument has absolutely nothing to do with its location but has everything to do with the fact that it describes the Frenchman who set foot there as being a “white man”.
 Tough to find fault with the wording. Not “politically correct” by today’s skewered standards but certainly not offensive. Other than the fact that the plaque and monument was installed in 1923, almost one hundred years ago, when times were different and society was different, what on earth is wrong with referring to a Caucasian as a white man. I am a white man and proud of it. Just as black people are proud of being black (Black Lives Matter). It would seem the City has received a complaint (we were let to believe just one person complaining) suggesting the verbiage is non-inclusive. In my view, that is, as probably a white Anglo Saxon protestants from the UK might likely say, “a load of old cobblers!”.
This to me is an example of history cancellation. If you feel that way too, please let your councilor know how you feel.”
 David Barker, a retired insurance executive, is a member of the Heritage Advisory Board and a frequent commentator on public issues
By Pepper Parr
November 3rd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Joseph Brant Hospital is making changes to its COVID-19 testing operations to better serve the Burlington community in colder weather.
 This is the entrance for Covid testing appointments. Starting November 3, drive-through testing will be discontinued due to the cold weather and all COVID-19 testing will be conducted indoors at our Assessment Centre. This will help protect the health and safety of both the public and our staff as we continue to provide this important service over the winter months.
The Assessment Centre is easily accessed from the entrance on North Shore Boulevard, with signs directing visitors to the orange entrance doors and designated parking area. We ask that you arrive at your schedule time as parking is limited, and wait in your vehicle until the time of your appointment.
If you arrive without a vehicle, we ask that you approach the door at the time of your scheduled appointment and wait outside until a staff member greets you.
Please bring your Ontario health card and the heath cards of any family members who will be tested. You must wear a mask indoors that covers your nose and mouth, clean your hands and physically distance (2 metres or 6 feet) from others when waiting for your test.
Testing is by appointment only, and only for individuals who meet the provincial testing criteria. Please visit covid-19.ontario.ca for more information. Children under one year should go to their family health-care provider for COVID-19 testing.
Appointments can be made by visiting covidtesting.josephbranthospital.ca. Individuals using our online booking platform can now schedule their appointment from the available dates and times, as well as booking appointments for up to 3 family members who meet the provincial criteria. Instructions on how to access the Assessment Centre will be provided in a confirmation email. Please note that you will not be able to schedule appointments from 6 p.m. on Nov. 2 to 6 a.m. on Nov. 3 as we transition to our new online platform.
Appointments can also be made by calling 905-632-3737, extension 6550. We ask those individuals with accessibility needs to make their appointments by phone, so we can understand their specific needs and plan their visit accordingly. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Some pharmacies are also providing COVID-19 testing for individuals who are not showing symptoms and are eligible for testing as part of a targeted initiative as determined by the government or public health, such as residents, workers or visitors of long-term care homes.
About Joseph Brant Hospital
 It is the hospital the city waited years to to begin – then the citizens had to pay half of the cost which is normally a provincial responsibility. Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) is a full service community teaching hospital serving more than 185,000 residents in the communities of Halton and Hamilton, including Burlington, Waterdown, Flamborough, Milton and Stoney Creek, with a skilled staff of 194 physicians, 1,911 full- and part-time staff and more than 700 volunteers.
In conjunction with McMaster University, JBH is a Clinical Education site, and designated as an Academic Community Teaching Hospital with an expanded campus which includes the seven-storey state-of-art Michael Lee-Chin & Family Patient Tower which features a new Emergency Department, 172 acute inpatient beds, 9 new Operating Rooms and post-anaesthetic care unit to support expanded medical, surgical and outpatient services. JBH is also a partner member of the Burlington Ontario Health Team.
orporate Communications
905-632-3737 ext. 2157
corporatecommunications@josephbranthospital.ca
By Pepper Parr
November 3rd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Parks and Recreation is scrambling to stay ahead of the wave – a wave that keeps changing its shape and direction.
 Chris Glenn, on the right, leads the Parks and Recreation department as Director. On his right is Denise Beard. Director of Parks and Recreation Chris Glenn told council on Monday that his staff was preparing some ideas that they would be running by the Regional Public Health Unit and the other Halton municipalities hoping to be able roll out a slightly different set of rules that would allow for more recreation and program improvements that are Stage 2 compliant. The Region of Halton is in Stage 2 of its Emergency Control Group mandate.
Several council members and the Mayor said they were getting questions from residents asking why some of the recreational programs were changed – they wanted to see real data behind the decisions that were being made.
Glenn explained that he was working to make sure he was compliant with what the Medical Officer of Health was prescribing.
Behind all that trying to pull together was the threat of being pushed back to stage 2.
Glenn wants to see less of the sports that call for a lot of exertions – hockey was one example and move the effort to having physically softer programs – like yoga.
The objective was to permit recreational activities that kept people apart and not exerting themselves all that much.
More when the Parks and Recreation department comes back to the Standing Committee.
By Pepper Parr
November 2nd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The closing date for parents to decide if their child was going to stay in virtual or return to a classroom – or move out of a classroom into virtual within the Halton District School Board – closed on October 27th
 A significant number of high school students have opted for a virtual classroom. Principals and teachers now have to create classes for these students. The Board of Education now has to rebuild its student allocation set up.
 David Boag, Associate Director of Education HDSB David Boag, Associate Director of Education, explains that there is a tremendous amount of work that has to get done at the school level where the principal and the individual teachers re-build the structure and population of a class. Board Superintendents are on hand to pitch in and help.
There are now 1500 high school students being educated in virtual classrooms. The number at the elementary level is low relative to the secondary level. The precise numbers will be available at the HDSB trustee meeting on Wednesday.
The Gazette does not have a break down yet on the distribution between the four Halton municipalities.
The actual move from one model to the other will take place on November 30th.
 By Pepper Parr
November 2nd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s just the kind of city we live in.
Here’s the way Robin Bailey, Executive Director of the Burlington Food Bank tells the story:
“Three hockey players and a soccer player showed up at the Food Bank on the first Thursday of October and dropped off a bin full of food.
“They didn’t give us their names but did allow us to take a photo. The anonymous athletes came back the next Thursday night in the rain with another bin. Then last week they came in again on Thursday and had more food donations than ever before.
“Through posting this online with Burlington Together and with Burlington Dads we were able to learn more about who they were. We just felt that they were obviously not doing this for fame and fortune but to help families that needed the support right now.
“The final totals to date were 250 lbs / 88 lbs / 270 lbs / and tonight 379 lbs for a grand total of 987 lbs. Jokingly, the boys said they should go back for 13 lbs just to make it an even 1,000 but right behind them with her own donation drop-off tonight was Jessica Kennedy who brought in 195 lbs. herself. Jessica met the boys as they were leaving tonight and she told us that it was the three hockey players and a soccer player who inspired and motivated her to run a food drive at her company. And she said the boys were welcome to 13 lbs from her donations.
 In no particular order – George, Tristan, Jason and Nathan with Robin Bailey who finally learned who they are. “Between the athletes and Jessica their total was 1,182 lbs which translates at a dollar value of $2.60 per pound making it a donation value of over $3,000. But who’s counting. They told us that it was just fun to be together and to work together on Thursday nights to help out the community. I hope they all feel great! We are very proud of them, they are really great young men. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts GEORGE, TRISTAN, JASON and NATHAN you showed us all how special true friendship is and what a little teamwork can accomplish. We will never forget you guys!”
By Pepper Parr
November 2nd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Few have any idea just how Christmas is going to work out.
There isn’t going to be a Santa Claus parade and while the seasonal lighting will be going up in Spencer Smith Park there is concern about social distancing.
Will we still be in Stage 3, where we are now or will the province have to clamp down and put us back into Stage 2.
The report of a certain MPP attenuating a party with 50 mask-less people isn’t going to help us remain in Stage 3.
 The Burlington Cougars however have already set out their Christmas Challenge.
The year they will again be helping families in need in our community with their annual Holiday Toy Drive at Toys “R” Us, in collaboration with our community partners – Burlington Professional Firefighters Association and the Salvation Army.
 Simply bring your new, unwrapped toys to donate and say a socially-distanced hello to the Burlington Cougars players, coaches, staff and other community members!
Saturday, November 7th, 2020
11am to 3pm
Toys “R” Us (outside)
3051 Appleby Line, Burlington, ON
We appreciate all of your contributions – every donation counts to help families struggling to make ends meet this holiday season.
A special thank you to Papa John’s Burlington and Tim Hortons (Appleby and Dundas) for supporting our volunteers with refreshments during the event. We look forward to seeing you soon, #CougarCountry
By Pepper Parr
November 2nd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
A Special meeting of City Council will take place this afternoon to decide if the temporary use of public property for restaurant patios should be extended to October 31st, 2021
The Covid19 pandemic has been disastrous for the hospitality and retail sectors – more so for the restaurants in the city.
Would allowing them to uses what is public space through the winter month’s help bring customers out?
Council will be considering a Staff Direction to:
Authorize Executive Director of Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility, working in consultation with Director of Transportation, to approve extension of temporary restaurant patios and/or temporary retail space permissions on public property in connection with COVID-19 recovery to October 31,2021, subject to such criteria and conditions staff deem appropriate.
Currently, 40 patios have been approved on private property and 13 patios on City property in the Downtown.
 This Elizabeth Street destination created space at the front of the restaurant. Clearing snow from the street will be a challenge. Many restaurant owners have purchased or rented tents to provide covered dining experiences for their customers. Staff will provide a verbal update to Council on whether the 13 temporary patios on City owned lands intend to continue use of their patio and/or tent during the winter season. Halton Region is currently in Stage 3 of the Provincial COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
If the Province requires Halton Region to revert to Stage 2 business the result could have restaurants being restricted to only serving patrons outdoors until further notice from the Province.
In light of this risk, and with the winter months approaching, many restaurants have indicated intentions to operate their temporary outdoor patios throughout the winter months (November to April, inclusive).
Determining just what the risks are will be the focus of the debate. Snow clearing is another part of issue council has to face.
 The city is required to keep the streets clear of ice and snow. Municipalities are required to maintain sidewalks and roads within their jurisdiction in a reasonable state of repair. There is a legislated Minimum Maintenance Standards that has to be met in regards to winter maintenance of sidewalks and roadways that includes monitoring and inspecting snow and ice accumulation on all sidewalks and roadways and deploying resources to ensure they are cleared within specified time limits.
The current patio configurations that were approved and put in place do not allow for mechanical snow clearing. It is strongly recommended that the current roadway set ups that block parking or the roadway be removed after Nov 15th. There is insufficient room for snow storage (the windrow of snow that comes off of the plow blade) and significant risk of damage to fencing and other structures in place.
Suggested time frame for removals is Nov 16thto 19th.Staff have also recommended that all sidewalks be open for mechanical snow clearing to meet the city’s obligations and reduce liability.
This is consistent with the both Oakville and Hamilton’s policy framework. Currently there are tents that have been erected on the edge of the sidewalk. This is problematic as there needs to be room for snow storage. It is recommended that 1 m or 3 ft of clearance be established
 By Pepper Parr
October 30th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
It was three years ago.
I was communicating with the then Director of Planning and making sure that she was kept in the loop on those occasions when I was following up on development projects with staff.
I chose to send an email to Mary Lou Tanner which was deemed to be offensive – for which the then city manager, James Ridge, chose to ban me from being in city hall.
I sued.
I am apparently allowed to attend events at city hall.
I am still publishing the Gazette.
Marianne Meed Ward and her council fired James Ridge, the city manager that banned me, the day after they were sworn in.
The current city manager revised the organizational structure and there wasn’t a place for Mary Lou Tanner who had been elevated to Deputy City Manager.
The content of the email, which may have been inappropriate, is set out below.
 On Halloween Eve I sent the then Director of Planning Mary Lou Tanner an email responding to her note that she was out of the office and would return in a few days. i responded in what I thought was jest-fully, amusing. The then city manager didn’t see it that way.  Mary Lou Tanner Her job as Deputy Mayor was taken off the org chart. Left with a hefty settlement  James Ridge, city manager. Became the first decision of a new city council. They fired him.
I thought it was funny.
James Ridge did not share my view and sent me a letter, a portion of which is set out below:
“…a number of restrictions were imposed on your access to city hall and city hall staff under the Trespass to Property Act, R.S.O. 1991, c. T.21.
“Despite the actions taken by the City, those actions appear to have been ineffective in preventing your further harassment of female staff. On the 30th of October this year, I was contacted by the Director of Planning and Building, Ms. Tanner, who provided me with a copy of an e-mail that you had sent to her that was both offensive and misogynistic in nature.
Ms. Tanner was very disturbed by your action in this regard. The City simply cannot and will not permit you to continue to harass our staff and in particular our female staff.
As a direct result of your actions, I have decided that the restrictions placed on your access to City Hall functions and contact with staff pursuant to the Trespass to Property Act as set out in my September 8, 2016 correspondence will continue indefinitely…”
You decide.
By Pepper Parr
October 30th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The original headline for this story has been replaced.
She did it again.
Wrote another letter.
To the Premier this time – and the Minister of Municipal Affairs.
The recent announcement by the provincial government in Bill 218, Supporting Ontario’s Recovery and Municipal Elections Act, to revoke the power for Ontario municipalities to conduct ranked ballot votes for municipal elections has come as a surprise.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward chatting up Premier Doug Ford at an event in the lobby of the Joseph Brant Hospital. This change eliminates local choice in elections and was inserted into the legislation with no consultation with municipalities, even though several have begun the process of consulting the public, have held referenda receiving majority support, or, in the case of London, Ont., have adopted the system.
Burlington City Council passed a motion Sept. 28, 2020 directing staff to begin public consultation on the use of ranked ballots in future municipal elections in our city. Council was looking forward to hearing directly from residents whether or not they want to retain the current first–past–the–post system, or adopt ranked ballots. Their voice, and choice, are eliminated with this proposed bill.
In addition, a motion from Burlington City Councillors Shawna Stolte and Rory Nisan is being presented at a special meeting of Burlington City Council on Monday, Nov. 2 asking your government to retain the option for local choice.
Regardless of one’s views on ranked ballots, the issue is local choice. Municipalities are an independent and responsible order of government, and the one closest to the people. Our residents should choose for themselves which system they prefer.
The provincial government is respectfully requested:
* to amend Bill 218 to retain local choice on electoral systems; and
* to meaningfully consult with municipalities on municipal issues before introducing legislative changes of this magnitude.
Sincerely,
 By Ray Rivers
October 30th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
It’s Justin’s own fault. Unlike some other world leaders, notably GW Bush, Mr. Trudeau’s name became synonymous with ‘I’m sorry’.
Another day, another mea culpa. Residential schools, LGBT discrimination, turning away refugees – those were the easy ones. Somebody else was responsible for those mistakes. Justin even apologized for the Pope not apologizing over the role Catholics played in the residential school disgrace.
 Was this the object of the first apology or was that the trip to India? And then there were the occasions he goofed up: that vacation with the Aga Khan, brown-face gate, and the WE fiasco. And some would say he should have even apologized for his choice of costume while visiting India. But he balked when Jody Wilson-Rayboult (JWR) demanded he apologize for clarifying her place in the political pecking order. Instead he got rid of her and also her mutinous buddy Jane Philpott, who wanted him to apologize for not apologizing to JWR.
So Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet has asked Justin to also apologize for the War Measures Act, which his father reluctantly imposed to rout and eliminate Canada’s homegrown terrorist organization, the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ). Well heck, Brian Mulroney had apologized for correcting an earlier War Measures action, the internment of Japanese Canadians during WWII. In fact, he paid out $21,000 per internee and re-instated the citizenship of those deported.
Perhaps Blanchet is also looking for compensation for the 500 or so FLQ suspects who were later released without charge – or those who weren’t? Who knows? So even the opposition Conservatives are not giving him any encouragement.
Blanchet was five years old at the time the War Measures Act (WMA) was imposed for the very first time in peacetime, and for the last time before it was re-labelled the Emergencies Act. So perhaps he doesn’t clearly remember all the events of that period.
There was this reign of terror going back to 1963. The FLQ blew up mail boxes and buildings, attacked military bases to steal weapons, attempted to sabotage a train carrying former PM John Diefenbaker and robbed banks to finance themselves. There was Soviet KGB involvement, and FLQ operatives had been trained in military camps by the Palestinian PLO and other organizations deemed terrorist back then.
 Troops were on the streets in Montreal with close to 500 arrested without a warrant. The tension was very high in the province of Quebec By 1970 the FLQ had 7 deaths on their hands including a Minister in the government of Robert Bourassa. Before they were eliminated they had rung up an impressive list of violent acts, (see link below). In all there were more than 200 bombings and dozens of robberies by this dis-aggregated, but well organized and highly motivated, group with a single goal in mind.
Pierre Trudeau only reluctantly imposed the War Measures Act, and only after Quebec’s premier and the mayor of Montreal had formally requested that the federal government to do so. Trudeau then took the decision to Parliament where it received near unanimous approval, including support from the major opposition party leaders.
Almost all Canadians supported the action which wiped out the FLQ, including 86% of Quebecers. The measures abrogated Canada’s Bill of Rights and included unwarranted search and arrests. But it was effective and ended only a few months later, in early 1971. And there were no documented casualties as a result of the Canadian military and police actions.
But most important, the FLQ and its reign of terror had been completely eliminated. So which Quebecers in Mr. Blanchet’s mind should Mr. Trudeau be apologizing to? Though perhaps someone needs to apologize to those who became victims of the FLQ’s reign of terror.
Background links:
Trudeau’s Mea Culpas Blanchet’s Request – FLQ Timeline –
History of War Measures Act – Opinion in Retrospect – Read My Book –
No Need to Apologize –
 Ray Rivers writes frequently 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
By Staff
October 30th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has announced the launch of their first ever Youth Advisory Council.
 Recognizing that youth interactions and engagement present a unique and exciting opportunity for law enforcement, our police service has developed this council for the purpose of increasing connectivity and to better understand the needs of the youth living in the Region of Halton. In recent years, youth have assumed an increased role within the community and have used their voices to effect change. Through the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion office, we have identified the need to enhance our service delivery model as it relates to youth and their involvement in driving change within the police service and our community.
The goal of the Youth Advisory Council is to:
• Advise our Police Service on how our policies, programs and outreach initiatives are impacting youth living in the Region of Halton.
• Understand how our current programs and initiatives can be enhanced to better support and serve our youth and the community.
• Assist in the development of future programs and initiatives to meet the changing needs of our community.
The concept for the Youth Advisory Council was developed in consultation with our police service, local youth and community stakeholders who felt that there was a critical gap in how we engage youth living in the Region of Halton. The HRPS has recognized that all citizens, including youth, have a role to play in ensuring we live in the safest and most inclusive Region in Canada.
“We recognize that youth are our future and today more than ever, their voices must be heard and have an impact on how we as a Police Service develop programs and initiatives to enhance community safety and well-being. This Youth Advisory Council will be a great addition to our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy by ensuring we have a point of contact between our Police Service and the diverse youth living in the Region of Halton” says Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie.
The HRPS is looking for youth aged 14-18 who want to inspire change and employ their diverse perspectives and experiences to ensure that our police service is more inclusive and meets the needs of youth living in the Region of Halton. Applications are open as of Friday, October 30, 2020.
The actual selection of the Youth Committee has some interesting criteria. The HRPS deserve credit for being truly inclusive. It was more than this reporter expected. Check it out.
More information about this initiative and the application process can be found here:
 By Pepper Parr
October 29th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Mayor has written another letter to a Member of the Doug Ford Cabinet – this time it was the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson.
The issue is serious enough –about the mobility hub CN Rail wants to build in Milton. If the hub is built it will have a major impact on a Milton community.
Rural Burlington will be impacted – not to the same degree as Milton however.
So why didn’t the letter come from Gord Krantz, Town of Milton Mayor? He wasn’t even copied in the letter.
For what it’s worth here is what the Mayor of Burlington had to say:
 The proposed facility is contrary to Halton’s planning strategy developed over 20 years ago—planning that is irreversible at this stage. Dear Hon. Minister Wilkinson,
I am writing to you today to ask for your support in protecting the health of Canadians as it relates to the proposed CN intermodal project in Milton, Ontario.
As part of Halton Region along with Milton, Oakville and Halton Hills, Burlington stands in solidarity against this proposal due to the significant adverse health impact it will have on our communities, our infrastructure and our finances.
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) panel found that this project will expose our communities’ residents to harmful toxic substances that are unsafe at any level. The impacts to air quality and human health as a result of CN’s project are unprecedented and put Halton citizens at serious risk. In the more than 100 Panel reviews since 1973, no Panel has made a finding of significant adverse effects on human health – nor has any federal decision maker concluded that significant adverse effects on human health are justified.
If this project were to advance, there are serious risks to the health and safety of some of our most vulnerable residents, given the proximity to 34,000 current and future residents, 12 schools, 2 long-term care homes, and 1 hospital to the proposed CN Milton site.
The mitigation measures recommended by the CEAA panel cannot presently be enforced by federal enforcement officers as most of the measures fall outside of federal jurisdiction. Placing conditions in to mitigate the negative environmental impact is insufficient when there is no clarity around who will be able to enforce those conditions.
Further to our environmental concerns are those related to infrastructure and safety. The surrounding rural roads, including those in Burlington, are not designed for the level of truck traffic that would result if the project moves ahead. A significant increase in truck traffic on our rural roads will also negatively impact farm operations as their vehicles are large and move at slow speeds on already busy roads. More traffic means less viability for our farming operations.
These roads have no shoulders and are rural farming roads, creating a significant safety hazard for the many motorists and avid cyclists who use them. If we are required to enhance the roads, there will be a substantial cost. Such projects are not built into our current infrastructure planning and therefore municipal funding is not earmarked for such an initiative, leaving the alternative of raising taxes – something we are not willing to do especially given the current COVID-19 situation where many people have already lost their jobs and are struggling to make ends meet.
Compounding that financial burden would be the loss in property tax revenue from the residential population growth and jobs that were expected to be placed in the same area. That growth was counted into our long-term financial projections.
As our colleagues at Halton Region have requested, we urge you to prioritize human and environmental health as you complete your review of the CEAA panel’s findings and ensure you uphold the important values and vision for protecting the health of all Canadians and working towards a green recovery as expressed in the Speech from the Throne.
The demonstrated negative health impacts on our community as detailed by the CEAA report should be sufficient reason to reject this project. The additional negative impacts on our rural community, road safety, infrastructure and financial well-being are even more reason for this expansion to be denied.
Sincerely,
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
City of Burlington
Everybody the Mayor knows was copied on this letter.
Cc: The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
The Honourable Michael Chong, MP Wellington-Halton Hills
Adam van Koeverden, MP, Milton
Pam Damoff, MP, Oakville North-Burlington
Parm Gill, MPP, Milton
The Honourable Ted Arnott, MPP, Wellington-Halton Hills
Jane McKenna, MPP, Burlington
Stephen Crawford, MPP, Oakville
Effie Triantafilopoulos, MPP, Oakville North-Burlington
Halton Regional Council
Burlington City Council
Tim Commisso, City Manager, City of Burlington
By Pepper Parr
October 29th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The city has a boundary that is referred to as the Urban Growth Centre. It was put in place back in 2006 and has been the subject of much debate.
The developers were comfortable with the boundary but when the city put in an Interim Control Bylaw that froze everything for a year those same developers were very unhappy.
When the developers took their case to the Local Planning Act Tribunal (LPAT) that put any discussion over development plans on hold until LPAT has finished with them.
The city has put a proposal before Regional Council asking that the boundaries of the Urban growth Centre be re-drawn, arguing that the boundaries put in place way back in 2006 have served their purpose and it is time to reshape them.
In a lengthy report to the public the Region is asking for input – we will share the coordinates to get the documents below.
Our question is this – just what are the proposed new boundaries?
We asked the people at the Planning department – they don’t appear to be picking up the phones these days.
Here is what we have at this point – the graphics are not as clear as they should be.
 The blue boundary line is what was approved by the City Council in place in 2017 The red boundary is what the current city council has in the adopted but not yet approved or in force Official Plan  What is understood to be the UGC boundary the city wants the Region to approve. The lower point appears to be at Prospect.
By Staff
October 29th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Each year a Burlington high school is chosen as the collection point for the annual Gift of Giving Back (GGB).
 Students placing food in the bins during the annual Gift of Giving Back event One a specific day high school students from around the city drive up to the school with food that will get distributed to the food banks and organizations that take care of those who need help.
It’s an annual thing – they’ve been doing it for ten years.
But 2020 has not been kind to very many people.
The traditional format for the event has had to change.
 Jean Longfield keeping a secret Jean Longfield and her team have been working through some ideas and will talk to the citizens of the city early in December about how the GGB is going to do what they have been doing this years – collecting food.
Longfield has been pretty tight lipped about the plans. All we know is that the how part is going to be different.
This is the time of year that the City of Burlington raises the Gift of Giving Back flag at city hall to kick off a time of giving, teamwork and volunteering. The flag will still go up, of course.
Each year in the past, three gymnasiums at the chosen school are filled with metal bins that get put in place with a fork lift truck that takes them out the next day and puts them on transport trucks and taken to a distribution center where it is then distributed to the Food Bank, the Compassion Society, Food4Life, Salvation Army and the Women’s shelter.
What is equally impressive is the involvement of the students – they troop in with cases of juice, canned goods, toiletries – you name it – they bring it on.
 Kavanaugh putting up the totals. It is run in part as a competitive event with what the students bring in weighed and then tallied on a blackboard for all to see.
Many of the students who took part in the collection side of the event also make the time to work as volunteers in some of the food distribution organizations.
Due to COVID-19, some people having to self-quarantine for 14 days, needed support in getting food. The Food Bank was delivering food parcels to those who couldn’t leave the house.
Something is coming in early December and it will be a GIFT to the whole community.
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