 By Pepper Parr
September 21st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Now that the public knows what the budget is to defend the appeal that is now before the Ontario Land Tribunal the city is opening its kimono as wide as it can; they can’t wait to tell you everything.
You can thank ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns for that. After blabbing away about a matter that was discussed in CLOSED session and therefore confidential Kearns ran to the city manager saying she was sorry.
She then read a Statement at the Council meeting on Tuesday and said it was an inadvertent mistake. What is the definition of inadvertent? “not resulting from or achieved through deliberate planning”
While Kearns may not, and probably did not set out to reveal how much money was being budgeted, how did she manage to convince herself that it was Ok to tell the BDBA Board members ? Was it because everything they did was confidential. We trust Council members to be responsible and safeguard the interests of the taxpayer. We will return to that Statement and how Council chose to handle the breach later in the week.
The city communications department put out the following:
At the Sept. 20, 2022 Burlington City Council Meeting, City Staff brought forward report L-46 -22 for Council’s consideration to waive solicitor-client privilege in order to release the initial legal budget approved by Council earlier this year related to ongoing litigation involving the appeals to the Ontario Lands Tribunal for the development applications for 2020 Lakeshore Rd.
 Director of Communications Kwab Ako-Adjei City Council voted earlier this year to refuse the applications for Official Plan Amendment and Zoning Bylaw Amendment submitted by Burlington 2020 Lakeshore Inc., proposing a mixed-use development at the site of the current Waterfront Hotel. This decision by Council led the applicant to appeal to the Ontario Lands Tribunal.
Council accepted the Staff recommendation to waive solicitor-client privilege and release the initial legal budget due to an inadvertent disclosure by Councillor Lisa Kearns of the legal budget.
The initial legal budget for this litigation has been set at $500,000. In all other respects, solicitor-client privilege continues to apply to the legal strategy concerning 2020 Lakeshore Rd.
Upon learning of the inadvertent disclosure, Councillor Kearns took immediate and proactive steps to notify City staff and Council of the breach. Councillor Kearns directly contacted the Integrity Commissioner regarding this matter.
Councillor Kearns also offered an apology to Council for the inadvertent release of this information.
City Council accepted the apology offered by Councillor Kearns.
That’s it – the communications people had nothing more to say.
While her Council colleagues may not care about what Kearns did, her constituents may see it a little differently and the Integrity Commissioner may weigh in on the breach once the election is over. The rules in place on matters of councillor integrity prevent the Integrity Commissioner from investigating the behaviour of Council members during an election. After the election – they can and should hold an investigation. The only thing that will prevent an investigation is if Kearns loses her seat.
Not over yet Ms Kearns.
By Pepper Parr
September 21st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The people hired to eliminate the coyotes that were biting residents in the south east section of the city have killed the three that were believed to be attacking people.
 Three coyotes have been killed to date. At a city Council meeting last night the public was told that the experts hired had tracked and killed three coyotes – adding that no one was certain that there were no other coyote’s out there that might harm people.
Council also approved an increase in the fine for anyone caught feeding coyotes.
It had become clear to the people tracking the animals that the coyote behaviour was the direct result of some people feeding the animals.
Council increased the ticket for feeding the animals to $300 from $150.
They also approved the ability to take people to court rather than just issue a ticket. The fines sought at court will range from a minimum of $5000 to a maximum of $100,000
By Pepper Parr
September 21st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Keith Demoe is a candidate for the ward 2 council seat. He is a pretty direct guy.
As a candidate for a council seat he was invited to attend a Board meeting of the BDBA.
 Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns: spoke when she should not have spoken During that meeting he asked a question related to the $500,000 the city had budgeted to appear at Ontario Land Tribunal related to the redevelopment plans for the Waterfront Hotel site.
He published a comment in the Burlington Gazette where he made public, information that was in fact confidential.
Lisa Kearns, the ward Councillor had made the amount public.
Realizing that she had broken the rules related to business discussed in a CLOSED session.
Keith Demoe, had learned that Kearns had drafted a Statement that she planned to read at the 20th of September Council meeting. He sent is a request to delegate – which is the process Burlington uses.
The following is the response Demoe got from the Clerk.
From: Arjoon, Kevin <Kevin.Arjoon@burlington.ca>
Sent: September 20, 2022 9:51 AM
To: Hordyk, Debbie <Debbie.Hordyk@burlington.ca>; kdemoe@hotmail.com <kdemoe@hotmail.com>
Cc: Meed Ward, Marianne <Marianne.MeedWard@burlington.ca>; Shea-Nicol, Nancy <Nancy.Shea-Nicol@burlington.ca>; Commisso, Tim <Tim.Commisso@burlington.ca>
Subject: Denied: New Request to Appear as a Delegate Submitted for 9/20/2022 City Council (*New Information Only)
Hi Keith – Thank you for expressing an interest in delegating at Council. Due to the nature of this item (a breach) and that it is to be discussed in closed and is subject to solicitor client privilege your delegation request is denied.
In my decision I am using rule 46.10 of the Procedure By-law to deny your request.
Section 46.10 reads: Where the City Manager or the Clerk determines that a person requesting to delegate is likely to engage in unreasonable or offensive conduct, make unreasonable or offensive statements or demands, repeatedly speak on a subject matter that is not within the City’s jurisdiction, or otherwise misuse the privilege of addressing Committee or Council, the person will not be permitted to appear as a delegate at the meeting.
Thank you,
Kevin Arjoon (He/Him)
Director, Office of the City Clerk/ City Clerk
City of Burlington
In a quick survey of news media colleagues – none had ever heard of anything like this being done anywhere before.
Demoe was stunned – what bothered him most was that the Clerk is the person who over sees the election and certifies the vote count.
Councillor Stolte was aware that the Clerk had denied the Demoe request to delegate and asked the Clerk at the Council meeting on Tuesday and was told that the decision to deny the request was reviewed; the Clerk told Council that he had decided to reverse the original decision and permit Demoe to delegate.
Demoe was advised of the change at 11:14. He had left his office at 11:00 to canvas and was not aware of the change and that he was permitted to delegate/
 City Clerk Kevin Arjoon While some will think that there was no problem; Demoe was permitted to delegate. But he didn’t know that he could delegate which meant there was no opportunity for any member of Council to ask what actually took place at the BDBA meeting. What caused ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns to blurt out that the city had budgeted $500,000 to cover the legal fees that would accrue once the hearing started.
Demoe who is busy campaigning and working on his election organization told the Gazette that he did not receive the notice that the decision had been reversed. Demoe added that he uses several email and the notice to reverse the denial decision may have gone to a different address.
This matter hasn’t come to an end yet.
Demoe, and the Gazette, would like to know what it was that caused City Clerk Kevin Arjoon to change his mind? Did he arrive at a new decision after reviewing the details – or did someone tell him to change his mind.
 By Pepper Parr
September 20th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Last week there was a meeting of the Burlington Downtown Business Association Board. Brian Dean, Executive Director of the BDBA had invited the candidates for the ward 2 Council see to observe the meeting.
Lisa Kearns was there as both a candidate and the city liaison to the BDBA.
 Lisa Kearns before she was elected to City Council During the meeting Lisa Kearns said that the city had budgeted $500,000 to defend the development application appeal made to the Ontario Land Tribunal by the owners of the Waterfront Hotel.
The information was confidential and Kearns new full well that it was confidential. Quite why she brought the mater up at all is not clear. The event was a virtual meeting and it is not clear if the BDBA has a copy.
What is nevertheless very very clear is that Kearns made public information that had been discussed in a CLOSED portion of a council meeting.
This matter is on the City Council agenda for tomorrow, Tuesday September 20th under the Urgent Business category.
It is important for the public what took place between the BDBA meeting and the Council meeting is to take place on Tuesday.
The following is the email traffic between Pepper Parr and Lisa Kearns on Thursday, September 16th, 2022
Lisa to Parr
Can you please NOT print anything right now about 2020 Lakeshore. Or take it down asap.
I will explain.
From: Lisa Kearns [mailto:kearns_
Sent: September 15, 2022 11:55 AM
To: Pepper Parr <publisher@bgzt.ca> Subject: KEITHS COMMENTS PEASE TAKE IT DOWN
Parr:
Keith who?
Parr to Lisa
Hey hey hey.
You can’t ask me to take down a comment made by someone running against you.
I need something in the way of a reason,
‘
I am here for the next while
905-462-1948
 Keith Demoe, candidate for ward 2 council seat Lisa to Parr
From: Lisa Kearns @hotmail.com]
Sent: September 15, 2022 12:00 PM
To: Pepper Parr <publisher@bgzt.ca> Subject: URGENT
There is a comment published under the Keith Demoe article by him
PLEASE remove it.
I swear i will explain everything just please take it down.
This email was sent after a conversation with Keith Demoe a candidate for the ward 2 council seat
The ward 2 Councillor is Lisa Kearns.
Pepper Parr to Lisa Kearns
Thursday, September 15th, 2022 12:53
My understanding is that KD attended a meeting
He was there as an observer
He heard someone say (turns out it was you) that the amount of money the city is spending on a legal matter
He wrote a comment in the gazette which I approved.
You have asked that I remove the comment because you feel that the information being public will harm the city or that the information will harm a legal situation.
I don’t think that is enough to remove a comment the man made. If the information were false – it could be removed. But it apparently isn’t false.
You want it removed because you have broken a rule. That is unfortunate but the information relates to a public matter and the public is entitled to know the information.
Counsel for us (RossMcBride) is not available – he will get back to me as soon as he is available.
I don’t understand where the damage is being done.
I don’t understand why you have not reached out to KD and explained what he has done.
Pepper
During a telephone call with Lisa Kearns that took place after her frantic emails were sent Lisa said she was with City Manager Tim Commisso. Kearns said City Solicitor Nancy Shea Nicol was also in the conversation. I did hear Commisso make a couple of remarks
From Pepper Parr to Lisa Kearns
Friday September 15th
The following is written and conveyed to you WITHOUT PREJUDICE
I have not had a chance to speak to counsel.
I am not a party to sharing information that you claim is confidential.
I published a comment made by someone who participated in a Zoom call that you were in on.
It was not a private meeting
During that call, you are reported to have said, when asked, how much of the $500k has been spent – you replied that the number is confidential.
You apparently did not say that the $500k was confidential.
We will obtain an affidavit to that effect later this week.
The wording in this most recent email from you, which is in this thread smacks of support you have received from either the City Solicitor or the City Manager.
Pepper Parr
Publisher
Burlington Gazette
publisher@bgzt.ca
From: Lisa Kearns
Sent: September 15, 2022 1:11 PM
To: Pepper Parr <publisher@bgzt.ca> Subject: Clarity.
I asked you to not be a party to sharing information that is confidential and was obtained in a confidential environment.
The other matters will be dealt with in the appropriate forums in due course.
.
There was nothing else – other than the mention of a candidate (Ward 3 Jennifer Hounslow) attending a council standing committee.
 Brian Dean After talking to Keith Demoe and Lisa Kearns, the Gazette called Brian Dean, Executive Director of the Burlington Downtown Business Association and learned that the meeting at which the $500,000 comments was made was a meeting of the BDBA board.
Dean explained that it was the practice of the BDBA bard to invite all the ward 2 Council candidates to take part in the meeting. They were there as observers in what was a Zoom call.
Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns was also taking part as the city liaison person with the BDBA
Dean said that those taking part in the virtual meeting were not cautioned that the discussions were confidential. Dean explained that the members of the Board knew that the meetings were confidential – the observers would not have known that.
Shortly after the close of the meeting, BDBA Chair of the Board Bill Wodhams, who happens to practice law at Stoner & Company Family Law Associates sent the following to Keith Demoe and Tim O’Brien.
It read:
On behalf of the Board I would like to thank all copied for attending our meeting of Wednesday September 14th, 2022.
Mr. DeMoe and Mr. O’Brien, as observers to this morning’s meeting I want to extend to you both an appreciation of the rules that govern our conduct as Board Directors. Guided by both our BDBA Constitution and Code of Conduct each Director acknowledges that the content of our Board meetings is deemed confidential until which time an approved set of meeting minutes make it a matter of public record. In other words, each Director agrees that “all discussion, presentations, motions and business before the Board as set out in the Agenda is to remain confidential until meeting minutes are ratified”.
As observers to our meeting we ascribe these same expectations to you.
None of the contents from the meeting of September 14th, 2022 are to be shared with the broader public in any way. The official meeting minutes are the sole record of board deliberations. Our Executive Director will share them with all copied as a courtesy once approved.
If you have any questions about Board policy and procedure please contact our Executive Director, Brian Dean: brian@burlingtondowntown.ca
Thank you Respectfully,
BW, Chair
BDBA Board of Directors
Both Demoe and O’Brien thought they were getting a letter from a law firm representing either the BDBA or the City of Burlington. It caused them some concern for a short period of time,
The Gazette found that there is now an item, Under Urgent Business on the Council agenda and believes it is important the citizens understand what did take place and the manner in which Councillor Kearns wanted information kept from the public that she had foolishly made public.
The Genie doesn’t get put back in the bottle.
Related news stories.
Urgent business
Ward 2 candidate Keith Demoe
Why is this item on the Tuesday Council meeting:
Breach of Solicitor-Client Privileged Information involving an On-going Litigation Matter.
Does the Breach have anything to do with the the remarks ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns made during a Burlington Downtown Business Association (BDBA) regular Board meeting?
 Lisa Kearns, Councillor ward 2  Tim O’Brien, candidate ward 2  Keith Demoe, candidate ward 2 The Gazette is aware that Kearns reported what she had done to the Integrity Commissioner. The Gazette is also aware that Keith Demoe, a candidate for the ward 2 seat spoke to the Integrity Commissioner inquiring about how he could file a complaint about confidential information being made public by Kearns.
Demoe told the Gazette that he was told by the Integrity Commissioner that nothing could or would be done by his office until the election was over.
That being the case – why is this matter before city Council as urgent business. Any urgency was destroyed the moment Kearns opened her mouth.
Is the city going to see a performance similar to the one done by the Mayor when she decided she needed to re-order the Agenda of a Council meeting.
That event has become a part of Burlington’s political history. If you missed it – click HERE to see just how vindictive our Mayor can be. She is asking to be re-elected.
 By Pepper Parr
September 19th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Running for public office in these times means a web site, a social media presence, some money that isn’t already committed to something else, a couple of good pairs of shoes and the ability to go from door to door and convince people you have their best interests at heart and you know enough to be able to make wise decisions about a sector that you know relatively little about.
During our interview with Guy D’Alesio, a department head with the Halton District School Board, who has committed to resigning as a teacher at the end of December we learned two things:
 Guy D’Alesio: Don’t tell me no – tell me why. This man can get quite emotional about some things – students and the unmet needs they have and a statement he said he uses often: Don’t tell me no – tell me why.
He sees his strength as his ability to pull a group together and achieve an objective. Talking it through until the objective is clear and everyone is on board.
He wants to see more of the cultural events spread out through the city – asking does everything have to be downtown. He wants at least a part of the major events held in the northern, eastern and western parts of the city.
How he gets Sound of Music out of Spencer Smith Park is something many people want to hear about – Rib Fest has the same problem.
Transit – he likes what Uber can offer to resolving at least some of the getting around the city issues.
D’Alesio is a big supporter of the redevelopment of the Skyway arena but didn’t have a solution on how the $39 million undertaking is going to be met. He sees the walking track that will be part of the new structure is a must. Other than ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte who voted against spending every member of Council saw this as something the city was going to do.
D’Alesio sees Burlington as two cities – north and south of the QEW – few would disagree with him – but no one has put forward much in the way of viable solutions.
He leaves people with the impression that he has a solution but there wasn’t much of it put on the table during the extensive interview other than new solutions.
When Mike Wallace gave up his council seat to run for federal office Council decided to interview people to replace Wallace for the balance of the term of office. D’Alesio was interviewed by Rob MacIssacc. Guy appeared to like the look of city some time ago.
The D’Alesio family came out of Hamilton where his parents ran a grocery store. He has lived in the east end of the city for more than 32 years and claims that the worst traffic jams are in the Burloak area; he might get some argument from fellow citizens on that.
 Ward 5 boundaries After high school (Assumption and Aldershot HS) Guy D’Alesio attended Ryerson where he studied Mechanical Engineering, decided that was not a sector he wanted to work in and enrolled at the University of Guelph where his focus was on philosophy and history. He then attended Brock University where he earned his Teaching certificate.
D’Alesio was in no rush to file nomination papers. He was one of three people who showed up on the list of candidates on the day nominations closed. He had made the appoint back in July but was away for much of August.
The team that is going to get him elected is made up of family, friends and people from his football past. He was always involved in school sports events as a teacher
There are three children in the family: a girl and two boys.
Still an employee of the school Board, D’Alesio will need to take quite a bit of time off, should he be elected, if he is to take part in the orientation meetings that will begin the minute he is sworn in – some of the orientation will take place before that date.
Guy D’Alesio is one of three candidates running against incumbent Paul Sharman. Andrew Hall, one of the three, is a former student of D’Alesio.
By Staff
September 19th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington, with the expertise of a Certified Wildlife Control Professional, have eliminated a second coyote identified by its victims in recent unprovoked attacks on humans in south central Burlington.
The City would like to thank the support of the Halton Regional Police Services (HRPS) who were present to ensure public safety and were ready to assist, if needed.
A third coyote of concern is still at-large.
In the past several weeks, there has been seven unprovoked attacks on humans reported to the City. Animal Services staff have played a key role in tracking the coyotes identified as being responsible for all of the attacks.
The coyote is described as having the same characteristics, a smaller sandy colored coyote, as the sixth and seventh coyote attacks on Sept. 10 and Sept. 17. The City is asking residents to continue to be vigilant in and around the areas noted on the updated map attached below and report coyote sightings using the form at burlington.ca/coyotes.
City of Burlington Animal Services staff have been conducting ongoing joint operations with the HRPS and the Certified Wildlife Control Professional in the areas of attack to track down and eliminate the coyotes. Residents may see this multi agency taskforce in their neighbourhood and it is critical that residents do not interfere with these operations.
 Map of coyote sightings and where rogue animals were killed
 By Pepper Parr
September 19th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Not what I expected.
I really thought every one of the 730 seats in the Performing Arts Centre would be filled and that after the viewing of the funeral for Queen Elizabeth II, they would all flood into the large Family Room and mingle and chit chat.
The camera man from Cogeco thought the same thing.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward was the first to arrive and for a good fifteen minutes she was by herself tending to her email.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward was the first person to arrive at the Performing Arts Centre to watch the funeral for Queen Elizabeth II – she was one of ten people to do so. She is sitting – upper right corner. By the time the funeral started there was a total of ten people in the audience.
Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte was the only other member of Council.
Meed Ward, who is an American by birth, is believed to have come to Canada at about the age of ten.
The funeral was quite something. It reminded all those who watched what a Christian nation the Monarchy sees itself as.
 The quality of the image was as good as it gets – there was one glitch when the signal was lost – lasted a couple of seconds. The service itself was quite formal.
For the first time since Henry the VIII there was a Roam Catholic taking part in the numerous prayers that were recited. The Archbishop of Canterbury pointed out that Westminster Abbey is where Elizabeth was baptized, Confirmed, Married, Crowned, attended her husband’s funeral, spoke to the Nation about overcoming the Covid 19 lockdown – and today she was celebrated as the Monarch who was no longer with us.
The almost last event of the funeral was the singing of God Save the King. In my time, when we went to the movies the practice was for the audience to stand up when the Anthem was sung.
Not a single person stood to sing that Anthem this morning. I did, my Oath to the Crown at the age of 17 when I was made a part of the Royal Canadian Navy required me to do so and I did so proudly.
The last item was a Lament played by the Queen’s Piper who stood in a gallery high up in Westminster Abbey.
The pall bearers then lifted the casket, slowed marched it to the gun carriage where it was transported to the next event.
What does the total failure on the part of the citizens of Burlington to show up mean?
There were two rows reserved for the dignitaries. Someone thought they were going to show up.
Is this a sign of what the municipal election turn out is going to be?
By Staff
September 18th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
There has been another unprovoked coyote attack was reported to the City of Burlington from a personal residence on Lakeshore Rd. near Tuck Creek.
The unprovoked coyote attack occurred Saturday, Sept. 17 around 12 p.m. at a residence on Lakeshore Road east of the Roseland area. The victim was resting in the rear yard when a coyote bit her in the knee.
The victim was taken to hospital and treated.
The coyote is described as having the same characteristics, a smaller sandy colored coyote, as the sixth coyote attack on an elderly resident at a local retirement home on Sept. 10.
The City is asking residents to continue to be vigilant in and around the areas noted on the updated map attached below and report coyote sightings using the form at burlington.ca/coyotes.
City of Burlington Animal Services staff have been conducting ongoing joint operations with the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) and the Certified Wildlife Control Professional in the areas of attack to track down and eliminate the coyotes.
Residents may see this multi agency taskforce in their neighbourhood and it is critical that residents do not interfere with these operations.
Due to the fluidity of the situation, it may not always be possible for residents to be notified of the operations occurring in the surrounding community. It is important that crowds not gather during these operations. This is important for both the safety of residents and so crowds do not scare off the coyotes being tracked. The increasing challenge is that coyotes are no longer denning at this time of year and are more mobile.
The priority of this multi agency taskforce is to eliminate the aggressive coyotes based on our approved City of Burlington Coyote Response Strategy protocol.
The City of Burlington met with senior officials of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Provincial Services Division this week to gain expert advice on the current situation and confirm further immediate steps to deal with a family of aggressive coyotes in south central Burlington. MNRF staff experts shared that under no circumstances should coyotes be fed by humans. When people feed coyotes, intentionally or unintentionally, coyotes become familiar with humans, are no longer afraid of humans and show more and more aggressive behaviour, as is happening now in south central Burlington.
From what City staff shared with MNRF scientific and veterinary experts, the experts are convinced these localized attacks are coming from coyotes who have been conditioned to see humans as providing a food source. This learned behaviour creates an environment where wildlife is conditioned to be comfortable with direct human interaction and may come to depend on humans for food. Once a coyote crosses the boundary of acceptable interaction with humans, the coyote must be eliminated for public safety reasons, due to a situation they did not initiate.
Anyone attacked by a coyote is advised to seek immediate medical attention and report the attack to the Halton Region Health Department and to the City of Burlington Animal Services at animalservices@burlington.ca or 905-335-3030.
Municipalities are responsible for taking appropriate actions to manage resident coyote sightings, encounters and attacks and take appropriate action. If a coyote attacks a person, the City has a Council approved Coyote Response Strategy in place that is currently being followed to prioritize and deal with this situation.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward in prepared remarks said: “This is the news we were hoping we would never hear again. Our hearts go out to this 7th victim of a coyote attack. We are pulling in every resource we have with help from the Ministry to locate and eliminate the coyotes responsible for these attacks. We won’t rest until public safety is restored.”
 By Staff
September 18th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
October 4th, 6:30 pm
 Virtual meeting to be led by MAD along with the City of Burlington (Mayor Marianne Meed-Ward, Councillors Angelo Bentivegna and Rory Nisan) have arranged a virtual meeting on October 4th at 6:30 P.M. with all MAD supporters to cover the following:
1. Expected Ontario Land Tribunal Process and how MAD is going to participate
2. What the City is now doing on this application and how they will participate in the Ontario Land Tribunal Process
3. What MAD has done to date
4. MAD Call to Action
5. Questions from Supporters to MAD or the City
 Designed and sold to residents as a community built around a golf course. Developer saw a way to squeeze in 98 new houses and a mid rise tower – took the case to the Ontario Land Tribunal The organizers of the event want as many people as are able to participate in this call to both get the update as well show their support.
Details in respect of how to participate will be provided to everyone closer to the call.
This is a major issue: maintaining the integrity of a community matters.
Related news stories:
Last of a 4 part series on what the issue really is: flooding
The first three parts are appended to the 4th part.
 By Staff
September 18th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Coffin being moved to Westminster Hall The City of Burlington invites residents mourning Queen Elizabeth II to take part in City organized tributes. Residents are invited to send a message of condolence through the National Electronic Condolence Book (bit.ly/3TWAcoN).
Residents may also sign a Book of Condolence in person at City Hall (426 Brant St.) from 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., until Friday, Sept. 16.
On September 19, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) will host a public viewing of the Queen’s funeral. Doors at BPAC will open at 5 a.m. with the funeral scheduled to start at 6 a.m.
The Book of Condolence will again be made available at BPAC on Monday, Sept. 19 for signing.
 By Staff
September 16th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Community organizations can now submit applications to the Halton Region Community Investment Fund (HRCIF) for 2023 funding. The HRCIF supports non-profit human service programs and initiatives that enhance the health, safety and well-being of Halton residents. Approximately $2.1 million is available for new grants in 2023.
Funding is available in single year and multi-year grants through two categories:
Category One: Provides up to one year of funding, for a maximum of $30,000. Non-profit, charitable or unincorporated community organizations can apply to fund short-term, small capital and/or innovative projects.
Category Two:Provides up to three years of funding to registered charities for programs and initiatives.
Organizations that meet eligibility criteria may submit one application in each funding category. The initial application deadline for both categories is Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Additional opportunities to apply for HRCIF funding will be available in 2023 for programs and initiatives that help respond to emerging community needs.
Virtual information sessions will be held for community organizations looking to learn more about the HRCIF and the application process on:
• Friday, September 23 from 10 a.m. to noon
• Wednesday, September 28 from 2 to 4 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 4 from 6 to 8 p.m.
To learn more about HRCIF guidelines, upcoming virtual information sessions or the application process, please visit the HRCIF webpage on halton.ca or call 311.
 By Staff
September 16th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Some people have a problem with a surveillance society – where almost every intersection in cities has camera posted that are monitored 24/7.
 The technology is now at a point where anything anywhere can be under surveillance. Does it every get abused – Sometimes. Ontario Investing in Video Surveillance Systems and funding for new equipment and improved technology that will enhance police efforts to prevent crime, especially gun and gang violence.
The moment police mention gun and gang violence – the public all too often says – how much do you need?
The Ontario government is investing almost $1.8 million to help 20 police services across the province expand video surveillance systems and better protect communities from the threat of gun and gang violence.
The Region of Halton isn’t getting any of that money – it already has some of the most sophisticated technology – but they don’t appear to be making much use of street level cameras (CCTV)
The funding is being delivered through the Ontario Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Grant Program and will be used to replace outdated equipment, expand or enhance current technology, and install new or additional CCTV surveillance cameras in areas where gun and gang violence and correlated crimes, such as drug and human trafficking, are most prevalent.
“Our government is determined to provide police services with the tools and resources they need to keep Ontarians safe,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “CCTV surveillance systems are an important part of local police work to detect, prevent and deter criminal activity, especially in areas of gun and gang violence and other serious crimes. This funding will help police services strengthen CCTV capacity and improve crime prevention efforts to better protect communities.”
 By Pepper Parr
September 16th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
What a screw up.
The folks that make the wheels go around at the Performing Arts Centre put together a top notch season.
That one of the best bands on stage for the Season Opener.
 Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock, who formed the band Air Supply in 1975 Air Supply – the duo who have been playing together for more than xx years had made Burlington one of their three Canadian performances.
The event was close to sold out – 95% of the tickets were purchased – all they had left were singles spread out through the 730 seat theatre.
At 4 pm Tammy Fox and her team were advised that the gear Air Supply uses had not arrived. That was cutting it a little close – at 6 pm still no show from the cargo company.
The problem was with Canada Customs
 Chris Murphy – Sloan – came to the rescue. Fox was able to call in a big favour and have Chris Murphy of Sloan take to the stage and serve as the opening act.
The show was supposed to start at 7:30
After the Sloan performance at about 8 pm Tammy Fox had to walk out on the stage and announce that the event had to be cancelled and invited everyone to gather in the huge lobby and enjoy a free drink at the bar and meet Russell and Hitchcock and commiserate.
What a tough way to start a season.
The show will take place on Sunday at 2:00 pm – all the tickets sold will be honoured.
There were some cancellations – looking on the bright side – there is a chance for people to get tickets to a great duo that BETTER HERE.
On their Face Book page Air Supply had this to say:
 The Air Supply “Lost in Love VIP Experience” wasn’t consummated on the 14th – you can still have that experience on the 18th “.So here we were at our show tonight … Due to screw ups by our cargo company and Air Canada, our gear didn’t arrive at all … We went onstage and explained what happened … You all blew us away with how understanding you were … Tonight’s show has been moved to Sunday, September 18th at 2:00 pm and all tickets for the show will be honored for the rescheduled date … Once again, THANK YOU from the deepest part of our hearts, for your patience and understanding … It was nice to get to meet most of the audience in the lobby after the show and connect … We look forward to seeing you all on Sunday.”
Stuff happens. Check with the box office – some really good seats now available
Performing Arts Box office has extended their hours.
Call the Box Office: (905) 681-6000
By Staff
September 16, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Citizens are going to get a chance to at least see all the people who want to be Mayor, well almost all: William Tuck did not provide a photograph and it does not appear certain that he will attend
The Chamber of Commerce holds these events which are not actual debates.
Each candidate gets to say who they are and what they want to do as Mayor and then there are questing from the audience.
The questions are vetted by the Chamber of Commerce. So don’t expect any fire works.
Event starts at 7:30 breakfast is part of the deal and it s free.
Expect a pretty full house.
 By Staff
September 16th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Residents are invited to join local artists, cultural professionals and creative organizations to attend free, interactive in-person or online events and activities during the 13th annual Culture Days.
Culture Days will take place from Sept. 23 to Oct. 16, 2022. This year, it is extending beyond its traditional weekend format to a more inclusive and interactive three-week schedule of programs and events.
Canada is ready for a re-emergence of arts and culture and so is Culture Days. As the world navigates to past norms and designs new solutions for everyday life, arts, culture, and expression play a vital role in a healthy, thriving society. This year’s theme RE: emergence, explores new ideas and innovation in arts and culture while committing to building tangible change in the sector and society. As we learn to live with COVID-19, the Ontario Culture Days Festival will offer a hybrid of in-person events as well as digital and self-guided programming. Attendees are asked to make sure they are following any municipal, regional, provincial and public health guidelines in their area. Ontario Culture Days has created event pages for attendees and ways to discover arts and culture across Ontario.
Angela Paparizo, Manager, Arts and Culture said: ““This year, Burlington artists and cultural organizations’ are offering residents and visitors creative and innovative events and programs. I invite everyone to see what Burlington artists and cultural organizations are offering during the 13th annual Culture Days. This is a great opportunity to see our local talent perform and showcase their creativity.”
Some of the events:
BPAC opens it’s doors for free performances and demonstrations in our Family Lobby and Main Theatre! General Admission seating – no ticket required!
From 12–4pm: Visit local performing arts organizations in the BPAC Lobby, including:
- Burlington Student Theatre
- Burlington Symphony Orchestra
- Burlington New Millennium Orchestra
- The Burlington Footnotes Senior Performing Troupe, Inc.
- Southern Ontario Lyric Opera
FREE Performances
Burlington Footnotes Dance Demonstration
1:30pm in the Lobby
The Burlington Footnotes will be doing a jazz dance called Some Silly 60’s Songs from their Gotta SING, Gotta DANCE! June show. They will also demonstrate a dance called Snap Clap and invite audience members to join them – it’s a lot of fun! Visit the Footnotes at their table for a chance to win a Footnotes bag filled with goodies.
Website: burlingtonfootnotes.com
Southern Ontario Lyric Opera Performance
2pm – 2:30pm in the Main Theatre
Southern Ontario Lyric Opera (SOLO), is a young, vibrant and dynamic Opera company with a dual goal of preserving and cultivating the multi-faceted art of opera for the dedicated aficionado, while also acquainting and educating those who are new to this exquisite and refined art form, through community outreach.
Under the baton of Founder and Artistic Director, Sabatino Vacca, SOLO made its debut in September of 2015 with “A Grand Night for Opera”, a celebration of opera favourites, at Burlington Performing Arts Centre. Since then we have mounted productions of La Traviata, Tosca, Rigoletto, Don Giovanni, a special concert featuring Adrianne Pieczonka, and more.
SOLO’s Artistic Director delivers opera presentations at Burlington Central Library, seniors’ residences, and to other local groups. Popular topics are “Opera 101” and dialogues focused on specific operas in SOLO’s repertoire. These events usually feature an artist who performs excerpts from an upcoming opera which has proven very popular for those in attendance as it gives them an opportunity to interact and ask questions, and to learn more about opera singers and their craft.
Burlington Symphony Orchestra Performance
3pm – 3:30pm in the Main Theatre
The Burlington Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Denis Mastromonaco, is celebrating 50 years of making music. We are a full-size community orchestra serving Burlington, Hamilton and the surrounding area. The BSO is proud to fulfill an important cultural role within our city and add to the vitality of our growing community. As part of Culture Days, on September 24th the full BSO will perform several light favourites including the Main Theme from Star Wars and the Colonel Bogey March.
Website: burlingtonsymphony.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/burlingtonsymphonyorchestra
Twitter: twitter.com/burlingtonSO
Burlington Student Theatre Performance
4pm – 4:30pm in the Main Theatre
Learn, grow and belong to the Burlington Student Theatre, established in 1979. Children and youth ages 4–18 can participate in a range of performing Arts opportunities. We offer programs year-round with 4 performances annually at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre and have produced over 50 performances since the Centre opening in 2011. All tickets on sale beginning November for all Performances at Burlingtonpac.ca. Our team of passionate professionals will help build self-esteem, confidence, critical thinking and transferable skills. This afternoon, members of the Senior company age 14-17 will perform “Cell Block Tango” from their musical Chicago, performed right here in May, 2022. We are grateful for the support of the Burlington Community.
Website: burlington.ca/theatre
Dates & Times
Sat Sep 24, 2022 from 12-4:30pm
Venue
BPAC Family Lobby
Main Theatre
Ticket Prices
 The hunt is on.
A crew of at least two people armed with rifles are in the Shore Acres area close to the Paletta Mansion out to kill the coyotes that are believed to have been terrorizing the community.
Police are in the area limiting access and ensuring the public is nowhere near.
The city has gotten serious – finally
 By Staff
September 15th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
This is a little short on the notice side but …
On Saturday, September 17th, Burlington Public Library will celebrate 150 years of service to the community.
The Library is marking its sesquicentennial with a big birthday bash at its Central Branch on New St.
“We are so excited to be able to celebrate with the community,” says CEO, Lita Barrie. “The pandemic put so many things on hold, and we are grateful that we get a chance to acknowledge this incredible milestone with a great big party.”
 Designed by Hamilton architect Charles Mills and built in 1906-1907 on the west side of Brant Street, south of Ontario Street. Its construction was funded by a $1000 donation by John Waldie, Burlington’s first Reeve and former Member of Parliament. Waldie had moved to Toronto after the death in 1884 of his wife Mary Ann (and the mother of their 13 children), following childbirth. As the founder of the Victoria Harbour Lumber Company, Waldie became immensely wealthy, building a Rosedale mansion for his family, but he did not forget Burlington. On opening day, the new library was stocked with 6,000 books, purchased by Waldie. The Library was demolished for the construction of a new Town Hall in 1964., 150 years of history
The library was founded in 1872 when villagers and public-school trustees joined forces to establish a public library service.
It began in a Central Public School hallway, where villagers could stop by for an hour every Friday afternoon to borrow a book.
Thanks to the fundraising efforts of the townspeople, the growing collection soon became too big for its location. For many years, local folks took turns hosting over 2,000 books in their homes and businesses until the first permanent library site opened in 1907.
Since then, the system has grown to seven branches across the city and offers programs, books, and community space to more than 100,000 members.
Bring the whole family
The celebration will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. this Saturday. It will feature live music, games, treats, and more. Formal remarks will take place at 11 a.m.
Attendees will also have a chance to contribute to a community art project that will be installed on the third floor of Central Branch later this year.
Where and when:
2331 New St. Burlington
Saturday, September 17th
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
By Staff
September 15th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Lakeshore Public School Community information Meeting
Sunday September 18, 2022
3:30-5:30pm
Location: TO BE DETERMINED.
Jane Cooper-Kelly, Lakeshore Public School Ratepayers Association
The meeting will apparently not be held on school property – liability issues
By Staff
September 15th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 When you see the coyote – report what you saw. It was made very clear during the Council Standing Committee yesterday that Animal Control know where the coyotes are wandering about is important information
The help the public with this important information gathering the city has created a form that can be filled in.
That form can be accessed by clicking HERE.
You can also call Animal Control – Burlington Animal Services at 905-335-3030.
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