 By Staff
December 6th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Gazette has partnered with the Performing Arts Centre, the My Pop Choir and the Southern Ontario Lyric Opera (SOLO) to sponsor an afternoon of Christmas Music at the Performing Arts Centre on December 10th.
 The 20 member Choir from SOLO will be performing at 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm and doing two sets.
 The 33 member My Pop Choir will perform between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm and do two sets.
This is Christmas at its very best – the popular music and some of the hymns that we all recall.
Make the time to stroll through the Family Lobby , look at the trees and listen to the choirs.
This is a free event
 By Staff
December 6th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Compassion Society has been serving the needs of those who need a hand for a decade. Times are tough for many – here is an opportunity to help out.
 By John Palliser
December 5th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
A buyer or a new investor, waiting to make their first ever property purchase, has one concern; “how much do the prices fall during the recession in Canada?”
With the financial crisis that Canadians faced in 2008, followed by the harsh times during 2020 (due to the pandemic), people are concerned about their finances more than ever.
Investors, who have had real estate holdings in their portfolio have been concerned about this as well. If the current economic condition persists, i.e. recession, how will it impact the housing market?
Moreover, if the situation resolves but a recession hits back within the next 6 months, what shall one expect? An assessment of the situation is crucial, to develop strategies that can help the housing businesses and investors sustain through these times.
 Recession affects the prices of the housing market by an average of about -10.0%. You can look at different predictions by financial experts. But predictions without data are not worth it and have no value.
According to the data of the previous years, it is concluded that recession affects the prices of the housing market by an average of about -10.0%. Moreover, the prices of the nominal houses also decreased by almost -14%.
Setting aside the 2020 time period, as it was a global health emergency, if we assess the condition of the housing market during the recession; it has had a very negative effect overall.
A Recession impact homeowners wealth in Canada
Housing prices fall during recessions. In the worst cases, according to strawhomes.com your home’s value could drop 25%.
But Not necessarily.
Canada’s housing market has been less volatile. Since 2008-09, the housing market has recovered well. Home prices are near 2008 highs. Housing starts aren’t meeting demand.
Rising interest rates force home buyers to save for mortgage payments. Mortgage lenders are warier. This could affect consumer loans and credit card debt.
With more renters, prices rise. Consumers may reduce spending to avoid debt, hurting the real economy.
Western Canada housing prices have been strong for a decade. Recent years have seen new competitors. Recession and falling commodity prices caused a correction.
2008 Canadian Housing Market Recession
Canada avoided the worst of the last recession. A more regulated, government-backed financial system helped housing consumers weather the crisis.
Housing has recovered. Prices are near 2008 highs. The economy is still struggling. In coming years, the economy will slow. The Bank of Canada expects a recession in Canada in 2022.
Housing prices contribute to negative wealth, according to the Bank of Canada. This will reduce GDP growth by 2.5%. Low borrowing costs also fuel pent-up demand.
The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation predicts a 5% drop in home prices by mid-2023. Model includes scenarios. Worst case, prices drop 25%.
Canadian recession may crash housing market. The recovery is strong but temporary.
Will a recession drive down house prices?
The Canadian housing market is affected by several factors. Near-record home prices. Recessions change the housing market.
Recessions lower home prices. Increased home sales are expected. Increased foreclosures. This means fewer buyers and longer listings.
Interest rates rise during a recession. This will make mortgage payments harder. If you’re considering buying a home, you should know the costs involved.
Home buyers need a stable job. Unstable employment can make a cheap home purchase difficult.
High unemployment marks recessions. Recessions increase foreclosures. This can create more affordable homes.
Rising rates can also lower home prices. The Bank of Canada is hawkish amid high inflation.
Now, based on the data collected through the previous recessions, can we understand the impact it will have in future recessions? Yes. As of now, experts state that future recessions can impact the market till a -24.2% decline and a nominal decline of 11.7% can be experienced. The best scenario that the investors or anyone in the market can pull off, would be 12% real appreciation and 9% nominal appreciation.
Although we cannot and should not make decisions based on uncertain happenings, preparing for the worst case situation is always a smart choice to make. Planning a risk management strategy for the recession period can be extremely helpful and therefore, understanding the impact recession has had in the previous scenarios is important.
Should I Buy a House in a Recession in Canada?
During a recession, buying a home can be difficult. Before deciding, weigh the pros and cons.
The recession isn’t a one-time event. Unemployment will rise in the coming years. Recessions reduce home buyers, lowering prices.
Recessions lower interest rates. Prime rate is 0.25 percent, which can help you get a better mortgage rate. This can lower prices and boost ROI.
Recessions make lenders tighten loan requirements. This lowers default risk. Home buyers can rejoice.
If you’re buying a home, check your credit. You’ll want a stable job before moving. You should also know how much home ownership will cost. Including down payment and closing costs.
Interest rates are still rising
Canada’s interest rates are rising despite recession fears. The Bank of Canada is trying to control inflation. They’re raising rates by a half-point. This may be the beginning, depending on the economy.
Canada’s rising rates are cause for concern. They affect savings, investment, and borrowing rates. They can slow the economy. If inflation rises, Canadian wages may fall.
Higher interest rates cause higher inflation, says the Bank of Canada. It’s important to monitor how these changes affect your savings and investments. Avoid making large purchases.
The BoC aims for 2% inflation. The bank may take stronger action if inflation rises. If inflation falls, the Fed won’t need to raise rates further.
Home Prices Fell At The Fastest Rate Ever in 2022
During Canada’s 1990s housing boom, prices soared. Rich people with mortgages wanted bigger homes as prices rose. Low rates fueled the boom. Sub-prime mortgage crisis caused 2008 financial crash.
Canada is recessionary. Most of Canada’s major cities are seeing falling home sales, according to CREA. Housing market stabilization will slow the decline.
Rising interest rates are cooling Canada’s frothy housing market. Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal have cooled. Increasing interest rates limit affordable housing in the GTA, where the 30-year fixed mortgage rate hit a 20-year high in late October.
September GTA home prices fell 3.0%. Toronto’s benchmark home price is C$1.12 million. Still 7.7% above last year.
Will the housing market crash if there’s recession?
You need to know how a recession will affect your real estate investment, whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seller. Recessions can lower demand and prices. Recessions can affect interest rates, making it hard for home buyers to afford mortgages.
The economy is the biggest predictor of recession home effects. A recession is a slow economic decline that hurts consumer spending. Slowing growth will raise interest rates.
Market supply and demand can also predict a crash’s effects on your home. When supply is low, home buyers drop. This won’t crash a healthy market. When demand drops, sellers must lower prices to sell.
CMHC and OECD reported on house prices during four recessions. The worst-case house price crash scenario is a 25% drop.
 Market supply and demand can also predict a crash’s effects on your home Recession or a coming financial crisis?
Investors must stay calm during a recession or financial crisis. Large-scale economic imbalances cause most recessions.
Recessions last 2-18 months. They can last years, affecting consumer confidence, stock prices, credit scores, and unemployment.
The Federal Reserve will tighten monetary policy aggressively. Inflation and economic growth are expected to rise. The effects will hit U.S. consumers and businesses.
Two-thirds of economists predict a recession in 2023, per the Financial Times. IMF forecasts global recession.
IMF Economic Counsellor Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas says the US faces a global recession. War in Ukraine, a pandemic, and China’s economic slowdown are major causes, he says.
A recession is two or more consecutive quarters of declining GDP, according to the NBER. Recessions last between two and 18 months, according to experts.
Conclusion
To conclude, the longer the recession period, the more the economy suffers. As investors, it is critical that you develop strategies to mitigate risks and manage the recession period efficiently.
 By Katelyn Goodwin
December 5th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Performing Art Centre’s 6th Annual Festival of Trees is on now.
On Saturday, the 10th, there will be two choirs performing at a free event. Not something you want to miss.
Hair salon Bubbles and Blow is one of the local businesses sponsoring a Christmas tree this year. Owner and tree sponsor Nikki had quite a bit to say about her company’s involvement this year. Inspired by her love of hair.
Nikki’s salon Bubbles and Blow offers the healthier alternative to traditional extensions of the Habit Hand-Tied Method and is the first salon in the GTA to use this method.
She opened the salon after immigrating to Canada from New York, during the pandemic and found the people in downtown Burlington were very supportive.
 Nikki does as much as she can for the community including taking part in the Festival of Trees which she thinks will draw people to the Performing Arts Centre.
This will be her business’s first year sponsoring and decorating a tree for the festival, with Nikki being inspired to do it this year by her visit to the 5th annual festival last year. She said she enjoyed seeing all the cute trees with their own unique themes and decorations and saw sponsoring one herself this year as an opportunity to further contribute to and be an even bigger part of the community.
With Bubbles and Blow offering a friendly, laid-back experience for clients complete with an atmosphere of pastel hues, the tree being decorated by them will aim to give off such a friendly, upbeat, and relaxing vibe. The theme will be pink and gold with champagne pieces used to decorate it reminiscent of the glasses of bubbly served to clients during their appointments as part of their relaxing services.
Related news story:
Seasonal music – the best you will hear in Burlington
The Burlington Gazette has partnered with the Performing Arts Centre, the My Pop Choir and the Southern Ontario Lyric Opera (SOLO) to sponsor an afternoon of Christmas Music at the Performing Arts Centre on December 10th.
 The 20 member Choir from SOLO will be performing at 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm and doing two sets.
 The 33 member My Pop Choir will perform between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm and do two sets.
This is Christmas at its very best – the popular music and some of the hymns that we all recall.
 More than 30 trees have been sponsored and decorated by Burlington retail and services organizations. Make the time to stroll through the Family Lobby, look at the trees and listen to the choirs.
This is a free event
 By Staff
December 5th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
A big big sound.
On stage at the Performing Arts Centre on December 7th
The Southern Ontario Lyric Opera company will be featuring Seasonal music along with two short classic operettas by Measha Brueggergosman-Lee
Seldom does Burlington get an opportunity to exceptional voices supported by a very large orchestra. For those who want to nibble at opera – this is an event worth the time.
In May La Traviata (The Fallen Woman) an opera in three acts by Giuseppe Verdi set to an Italian libretto by Francesco Maria Piave will be presented.
It is based on La dame aux Camélias (1852), a play adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas.
 Tickets at the Box Office
The event is produced by the Southern Ontario Lyric Opera
 By Pepper Parr
December 5th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
One of the pleasures of the life I live is a newspaper that gets dropped off at the lane way of the house I live in. The Sunday New York Times is, in my world, about as good as it gets.
There was an opinion column that I want to share with you. It was written by Ross Douthat, a regular NYT columnist
“La Maison Simons, commonly known as Simons, is a prominent Canadian fashion retailer. In late October it released a three-minute film: a moody, watery, mystical tribute. Its subject was the suicide of a 37-year-old British Columbia woman, Jennyfer Hatch, who was approved for what Canadian law calls “Medical Assistance in Dying” amid suffering associated with Ehlers Danlos syndrome, a group of disorders that affect the body’s connective tissues.
 “In an interview quoted in Canada’s National Post, the chief merchant of Simons stated that the film was “obviously not a commercial campaign.” Instead it was a signifier of a public-spirited desire to “build the communities that we want to live in tomorrow, and leave to our children.”
“For those communities and children, the video’s message is clear: They should believe in the holiness of euthanasia.
“In recent years, Canada has established some of the world’s most permissive euthanasia laws, allowing adults to seek either physician-assisted suicide or direct euthanasia for many different forms of serious suffering, not just terminal disease. In 2021, over 10,000 people ended their lives this way, just over 3 percent of all deaths in Canada. A further expansion, allowing euthanasia for mental-health conditions, will go into effect in March 2023; permitting euthanasia for “mature” minors is also being considered.
“In the era of populism there is a lively debate about when a democracy ceases to be liberal. But the advance of euthanasia presents a different question: What if a society remains liberal but ceases to be civilized?
“The rules of civilization necessarily include gray areas. It is not barbaric for the law to acknowledge hard choices in end-of-life care, about when to withdraw life support or how aggressively to manage agonizing pain.
 “It is barbaric, however, to establish a bureaucratic system that offers death as a reliable treatment for suffering and enlists the healing profession in delivering this “cure.” And while there may be worse evils ahead, this isn’t a slippery slope argument: When 10,000 people are availing themselves of your euthanasia system every year, you have already entered the dystopia.
“Indeed, according to a lengthy report by Maria Cheng of The Associated Press, the Canadian system shows exactly the corrosive features that critics of assisted suicide anticipated, from health care workers allegedly suggesting euthanasia to their patients to sick people seeking a quietus for reasons linked to financial stress.
“In these issues you can see the dark ways euthanasia interacts with other late-modern problems — the isolation imposed by family breakdown, the spread of chronic illness and depression, the pressure on aging, low-birthrate societies to cut their health care costs.
 Final moments “But the evil isn’t just in these interactions; it’s there in the foundation. The idea that human rights encompass a right to self-destruction, the conceit that people in a state of terrible suffering and vulnerability are really “free” to make a choice that ends all choices, the idea that a healing profession should include death in its battery of treatments — these are inherently destructive ideas. Left unchecked, they will forge a cruel brave new world, a dehumanizing final chapter for the liberal story.
“For anyone on the right opposed to Donald Trump and the foulness around him (most recently at his Mar-a-Lago dinner table), the last six years have forced hard questions about when it makes sense to identify with conservatism, to care about its direction and survival.
“One answer turns on which dystopian future you fear most. Among those NeverTrumpers who have left the right entirely, the overwhelming fear is of an authoritarian or fascist future, a right-wing threat to democracy requiring all possible resistance.
“But in the Canadian experience you can see what America might look like with real right-wing power broken and a tamed conservatism offering minimal resistance to social liberalism. And the dystopian danger there seems not just more immediate than any right-authoritarian scenario, but also harder to resist — because its features are congruent with so many other trends, its path smoothed by so many powerful institutions.
“Yes, there are liberals, Canadian and American, who can see what’s wrong with euthanasia. Yes, the most explicit cheerleading for quietus can still inspire backlash: Twitter reactions to the Simons video have been harsh, and it’s vanished from the company’s website.
“But without a potent conservatism, the cultural balance tilts too much against these doubts. And the further de-Christianization proceeds, the stronger the impulse to go where the Simons video already went — to rationalize the new order with implicit reassurances that it’s what some higher power wants.
“It’s often treated as a defense of euthanasia that the most intense objections come from biblical religion. But spiritual arguments never really disappear, and the liberal order in a dystopian twilight will still be infused by some kind of religious faith.
“So I remain a conservative, unhappily but determinedly, because only conservatism seems to offer a stubborn obstacle to that dystopia — and I would rather not discover the full nature of its faith.”
To put this in a Canadian perspective the following CBC news report.
Four — perhaps even five — Canadian military veterans were given the option of medically-assisted death (MAID) by a now-suspended Veterans Affairs Canada caseworker, the country’s veterans minister told a House of Commons committee late Thursday.
Lawrence MacAulay said the matter is now being turned over to the RCMP for investigation and his department’s internal review is ongoing.
“We expect all Veterans Affairs candidate employees to interact with veterans with care, compassion and respect and the actions of this one employee is simply disgusting,” MacAulay told the veterans affairs committee. “And I condemn this behaviour in the strongest terms.”
MAID has become a handy procedure for removing from society those who are to expensive to care for. That wasn’t the intention when MAID was first introduced.
 By Ray Rivers
December 5th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
A promise made is a promise kept is Premier Doug Ford’s mantra. Back in 2018, Mr. Ford promised a bunch of developers that if elected he would break up its boundaries and allow development in the Greenbelt. With that, the most popular premier in Ontario’s history, Bill Davis, must have turned in his grave.
Former Premier Davis, after all, was the father of Ontario’s Greenbelt. Back in 1973 he created the Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act. Even back then he was determined to preserve Ontario’s valuable natural land from the threat of exploitative development, mainly quarry activity and urban sprawl.
 Ontario’s Greenbelt, the world’s largest permanently protected green space. Even Mike Harris, who nobody could mistake for an environmentalist, created the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan in 2001, protecting 90% of the moraine. That included almost a half million acres of land protected from development activity of one sort or another. Ultimately the government of Dalton McGuinty folded both of these tracts and another million acres of prime farmland into Ontario’s Greenbelt, the world’s largest permanently protected green space.
 Premier Doug Ford. As Ford got into his 2018 election campaign, he must have forgotten what he had promised the developers because he made another election promise to Ontario’s voters that he would keep the Greenbelt intact. And he must have meant it because he repeated that promise four years later as he breezed into his second election victory.
But it seems that all promises are not equal. Because less than six months, after winning his last majority government, he passed an act to fracture the integrity of the Greenbelt, thereby green lighting more urban sprawl. In fact some of the developers had purchased even more acreage in the Greenbelt in anticipation of the inevitable. After all, a promise made is a promise kept.
Ford’s not apologizing for any of this. Justin Trudeau had proclaimed that half a million immigrants would be coming to Canada annually. And that became Mr. Ford’s get-out-of-jail card, he thought. The province forecasts as many as 300,000 immigrants a year will be coming here and they’ll all live in the Greenbelt, or so it seems.
Of course Mr. Ford could take a page out of fellow Quebec Premier Legault’s book and say no to the PM, whose immigration policies will create so much more disruption to Ontario’s housing market. But Ford has embraced the immigration numbers as proof that he needs to open up the Greenbelt.
And to add insult to injury and further confuse the public, Ford is playing a shell game with the Greenbelt – adding new replacement land which is not under development threat. Robbing Peter is still theft even if Paul gets paid.
 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcoming newcomers to Canada In the end what is most likely to be built are more multi-million dollar estate homes. What else would one build so far from main trunk sewers, water mains, transit and employment? That is exactly the kind of urban sprawl the Greenbelt was created to prevent. And that will hardly make a dent in the supply of more housing, affordable housing least of all.
Do the math on Ford’s deal. He’s taking out 7400 acres of previously undeveloped land. That would build 740 ten acre estate homes, or 7400 one-acre homes, the minimum development tract for most rural municipalities. That is a long way from the 1.5 million homes the Premier is talking about. None of this makes sense – it just stinks to high heaven.
People keep pointing out that there is all kinds of underdeveloped land in the current urban footprint. Ford, if he was serious about satisfying the demand for housing, could consider all the empty brownfields in the GTA for a starter. And that land already has sewer, water, hydro and road infrastructure.
Schools are sitting vacant in old established areas that are ripe for redevelopment. Research conducted by the CBC confirms that a great deal of land is already available in both Halton Region and Toronto; for example 6,000 and 118,610 housing units, respectively, have been approved but not built. But the easy money is in developing virgin land.
It is difficult to see what Ford is doing as anything but catering to the economic interests of the developers, many of whom are also significant political donors. What is it called when a politician in a position of power changes the rules to help associates, contacts and/or friends to make big money? And it was Mr Ford who had falsely accused Premier Wynne of corruption.
In short, Ford has prioritized the economic interests of a handful of land developers over the rights of the rest of us to preserve our living environment for future generations. That says a lot about the Premier. There may be good reasons for a politician to break his trust with the public. But lining the pockets of the developers he knows should not be one of them.
 Ray Rivers is a contributing editor who from time to time writes on matters of significant public interest. A former federal government economist, Rivers has run for public office and has served on advisory committees at both the municipal, provincial and federal levels.
By Craig Lebrau
December 4th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
With so many options available, choosing the right technology to bring along on your next trip can be overwhelming. Whether you are looking for Vik hotels or just scrolling through social media deciding on your next destination. Fortunately, by following these six essential tips, you’ll know exactly what you need to know about travelling with technology for your next trip anywhere in the world.
 Photo by Héctor Martínez Six essential Tips For Travelling With Technology
1) Bring Extra Cables and Power Adapters
Bring extra cables and power adapters. The more you have, the better. You never know what will happen to your device while travelling, and having an extra cable or power adapter can be a lifesaver. However, some countries may have different plug types so make sure you know what type of plug your devices use before you leave home.
2) Get Travel Insurance
If you’re travelling with technology, it’s important to be prepared for the worst. That means having a plan in place for when your device breaks or gets stolen and for how you’ll get home if you don’t have any of your belongings with you. Luckily, there are travel insurance plans that can help protect you from some of these potential disasters. You’ll want to carefully review your coverage limits and think about what level of protection is right for you before buying anything.
3) Create backups of important files
 It’s always a good idea to backup your important files before travelling with technology. A good way to do that is by using an online storage service like Dropbox or Google Drive. Backup any information you’ll need while travelling and save the file on the computer and in the cloud. When it comes time to leave, pack up the device with its charger, cords, cables and all other related items so it will be ready for when you return home.
4) Use encryption
Use encryption to protect your data. This is a key step for any traveller, but especially those who travel with their technology. Whether you’re using a laptop, tablet or smartphone, encrypting your device and the data on it can help prevent your information from being accessed by others in the event that your device is lost or stolen. There are plenty of different encryption tools available for both personal and business use; some are more complicated than others, so do some research before choosing one that’s right for you. Protect yourself online when using public WiFi connections. Public WiFi connections can be convenient when travelling but also present a security risk due to the lack of protection they offer you against hackers looking to steal your data and identity.
5) Keep devices charged
 Different procedures exist in different countries when it comes to charging your electronic devices Make sure your devices are charged and have enough battery life for the duration of your trip. Bring a charger with you if you’re going to be away from an outlet for an extended period of time. This is especially important when travelling internationally, as many countries use different types of plugs and outlets. If you’re bringing a tablet or laptop, make sure it has enough memory space and storage available for storing photos, videos, music and other media files while you travel.
6) Be aware of local laws and customs
Understand the laws and customs of your destination country, as they can vary widely from region to region. You may be tempted to share your vacation on social media, but in some countries this can violate local laws. Keep in mind that different countries have different restrictions on what you are able to take into or out of their borders. If you are visiting a country with an airport, it is essential that you know what items you are and are not allowed to bring through security screening checkpoints. It’s important to note that these rules and regulations change often, so be sure to check the current guidelines before travelling.
 By Pepper Parr
December 4th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
In a recent newsletter Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns set out for her constituents the job she has undertaken for this first year of her second term as a city Councillor.
It is both impressive and daunting and, one might ask, possible?
 Lisa Kearns is :
Deputy Mayor for Community Engagement & Partnerships: Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns
The portfolio will include:
• Reviewing our current community engagement models, including our advisory committee structure, with a view to community capacity building.
• Liaising with our partner agencies/boards/committees on governance, and ensuring strong connections with the city, and council
• Co-sponsor with the Deputy Mayor for Recreation & Community Services on community funding opportunities at the City and Region and private sponsorship opportunities for city projects.
City level appointments:
Deputy Mayor, Jan – April 2023
Chair, Budget
Vice Chair, Environment Infrastructure & Community Services
Downtown Parking Advisory Committee
Audit Standing Committee
Art Gallery of Burlington
Burlington Downtown Business Association
Burlington Sound of Music Festival
Burlington Public Library
 We emphasize the budget chair – the city is facing a very challenging year financially as a result of changes the provincial government has made in park land dedication and development charges issues. Kearns certainly has the smarts to handle the job – she has the sharpest mind on the current council, but like the rest of us all she has is 24 hours in any one day.
Yet to be determined is the role she will play at the Regional level.
Add in – the two children.
Can one person do all this ?
Should one person even attempt to do all this?
And if the answer to both is yes – the third questions is: Effectively?
And let us not forget all those photo ops that are seen as so necessary for Councillor Kearns.
By Staff
December 3rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The following was posted on the Molinaro Group web site.
There was a time when the Molinaro’s had a very strong, positive working relationship with the Mayor, most of city council and the planning department. They were seen as one of the more responsible developers in the city – the group that gave Lakeshore Road the look it has when they built Buntins Wharf, Harbour View and 360 Pearl. Things appear to have changed.
How Paradigm Grand became an Underdog Story
The original vision behind Paradigm Grand can be condensed into a few simple concepts, all of which now seem prescient in retrospect. The Molinaro Group saw underdeveloped land in an underrated midtown area of a still unheralded mid-sized city, and believed a master-planned lifestyle community was the right fit. Very few people agreed, at first.
With 2023 on the horizon, a swirl of emotions is coursing through the leadership team at the Molinaro Group as they prepare to flip the calendar and watch The Grand Finale of the Paradigm project march toward completion.
 Putting the base in place called for tonnes of re bar and concrete. The cost of both has created a serious sales and marketing problems. “We’re feeling joy, excitement, gratitude, and perhaps the slightest hint of redemption,” said Sam DiSanto, Managing Director of the Group.
While most of those emotions are obvious, “Redemption” requires some background.
Sam continues: “Back in 2008, apart from us, there were very few believers in a residential project on Fairview. That whole area was meant to be big box land. We had a vision for something entirely different. But it took a lot of work to get others to see it, too.”
And as Group President Vince Molinaro has shared, “We definitely saw something other developers, and even the city, just didn’t see… but we knew our concept would work. So, it feels great to know how well buyers and the city, as a whole, have gotten behind our concept at this location.”
 Site supervisor keeping an eye on the pouring of concrete as the Paradigm development reaches grade level. Location, in this case, was more than just a piece of land. It was also the site for a massive investment to create a transit hub, including GO trains and bus service.
“The transit element is a very European approach, and because all three of us have travelled throughout Europe together, we saw this kind of residential development in a lot of cities,” said Robert Molinaro, Executive VP at Molinaro. “It just made sense to bring this idea to Burlington.”
Even Great Ideas Face Opposition
Despite its being an ambitious, long-term, high value development, the likes of which the city had never seen before, Paradigm faced various degrees of resistance; what some might call NIMBYism. Oddly, the backyard for Paradigm was a railway corridor.
“Objections often come from being ill-informed or misinformed so, we made a huge effort to share the vision and to detail its many benefits to the city,” said DiSanto. “And even that wasn’t always enough.”
Now, almost 14 years since inception, it feels strange to see the real estate industry and governments at all levels, under fire for not building enough housing of all kinds to satisfy the demands and needs of buyers.
“We have pent-up demand from new Canadians and the frustrated offspring of current homeowners anxious to fulfill their own dream of home ownership, pinched by a market with too little inventory and daunting prices throughout the Golden Horseshoe and beyond,” said Linda Davies, Founding Broker of Davies Condos, the Molinaro’s long time exclusive broker for Paradigm.
“We’re the last people to say ‘we told you so,’” said Robert Molinaro. “Far from it; but we were convinced Burlington was a diamond in the rough with untapped potential as a vibrant, desirable place to live, work and raise a family.”
And it would be on a vacant lot, in what the Molinaro Group actually named ‘midtown,’ that the perfect spot existed to execute a grand vision. One that would see an ultra-modern condominium development that would come to be a new standard for Burlington.
Sam DiSanto says the driving force behind the origins of Paradigm can be distilled to a single word: patience.
“When we started looking at that property it was 2007. We knew transit was going to be extremely important,” he said. “So, we strongly encouraged the landowners to have the site re-zoned for mixed use and residential. At first, they disagreed but eventually took our advice. And when the zoning was in place, they reached back to us and we jumped on the deal. The rest is history.”
A Done Deal, Almost Undone
 The three towers at the back of the development were sold out very quickly. Delays have kept construction starts low – with costs and mortgage increases creating a difficult situation. History had to wait. As the first Phase of Paradigm sold out, consisting of three towers at the north end of the property, plans were already well underway – and mostly approved – to begin the launch of the remaining two towers that would front onto Fairview.
But the election cycle in local politics took over and more delays were put in place that delayed the launch of Paradigm Grand for over two years.
It’s pure speculation, but one has to wonder how that delay impacted the market of eager buyers then who are now facing higher prices and equally higher financing costs.
“These things happen and while they are frustrating, we stayed focused on the future and kept working with the city to move the final phase forward,” said Robert. “And that patience paid off when we got the green light to move ahead about a year ago.”
Solving the current housing crisis will take even more resolve and imagination in the years ahead. Based on today’s media headlines, it seems certain demand will only rise.
“The vision we had 15 years ago wasn’t based on a precise prediction about what’s going on today,” said Vince. “But we always look ahead, so our concept at Paradigm was right back then and now, with Paradigm Grand moving forward, it’s even more so now.”
By Pepper Parr
December 4th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
At the beginning of each term, the Mayor provides recommendations to Committee and Council for appointments for Committee Chair & Vice Chair; Deputy Mayor rotation; and Agencies, Boards & Committees.
This term Mayor Meed Ward has found a way to allow members of council to grow their skill sets. In the past she had some difficulty getting her colleagues on side with a plan to make the role of Deputy Mayor more than what was a ceremonial fill in for the Mayor.
She has created the role of Deputy Mayor with portfolio, to leverage the skills, backgrounds and interests of council in specific areas of focus that align with the city’s Vision to Focus Strategic Plan and ongoing initiatives and priorities.
There will still be a need for the regular Deputy Mayor rotation for ceremonial events and emergencies, should the Mayor not be available.
Outlined below are:
1. Deputy Mayor with Portfolio proposals for the term
2. Deputy Mayor for Emergencies/Ceremonial rotation for the term
3. Chair/Vice Chair rotations for the term
4. Proposed appointments to Agencies, Boards and Committees for the term.
1. Deputy Mayor with Portfolio:
The Deputy Mayor with Portfolio is a new model of governance for this council.
The roles will evolve as the term progresses. Each member is encouraged to make the role their own and build on it, in conversation with the Mayor. The Deputy Mayor will lead on initiatives and work closely with the Mayor and the Mayor’s Office on the areas of focus in their portfolio, and with other Deputy Mayors where their portfolios include complementary activities.
Whatever the Deputy Mayors propose it is clearly going to have to meet the Mayor’s agenda – nothing new there.
All roles will include:
• being the point person for community liaison on these items
• leading on motions or resolutions to committee & council
• participating in intergovernmental meetings & delegations
 Kelvin Galbraith Deputy Mayor for Business & Red Tape Reduction: Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith
This assignment builds on Councillor Galbraith’s extensive experience as a business owner, and the Co-Chair with the Mayor of the Red Tape Red Carpet Task Force established in the last term of council. The portfolio will include:
• Reviewing progress from the Red Tape Red Carpet Task Force – those meetings have already begun
• Co-sponsor on planning process improvements & legislative changes (with the Deputy Mayor for Housing), to get more housing, built faster at our strategic areas like aging retail plazas and our GO stations
• Cutting red tape for all businesses, and our rural area, to ensure a robust agricultural economy.
• Participating in intergovernmental advocacy on planning and legislative changes related to housing, economic development and quarries.
 Lisa Kearns Deputy Mayor for Community Engagement & Partnerships. Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns
This assignment builds on Councillor Kearns’ experience in resident’s groups even before being elected, her professional experience in corporate stakeholder management, and her Institute of Corporate Directors governance designation. The portfolio will include:
• Reviewing our current community engagement models, including our advisory committee structure, with a view to community capacity building.
• Liaising with our partner agencies/boards/committees on governance, and ensuring strong connections with the city, and council
• Co-sponsor with the Deputy Mayor for Recreation & Community Services on community funding opportunities at the City and Region and private sponsorship opportunities for city projects.
 Rory Nisan Deputy Mayor for the Environment: Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan
This assignment builds on Councillor Nisan’s experience bringing the Climate Change Emergency Declaration last term of council, and his advocacy on transit. The portfolio will include:
• Implementation of our Climate Action Plans
• Implementation of our Integrated Mobility Plans, including transit, cycling and walking
• Restarting discussions with the school boards on free transit for students, which was put on hold during COVID.
• Participating in intergovernmental advocacy on transit and quarries.
 Shawna Stolte Deputy Mayor for Housing: Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte
This assignment builds on Councillor Stolte’s passion for attainable housing, and her experience as Chair of the community Working Group on Housing this past term. The portfolio will include:
• Implementation of our housing strategy which includes affordable and attainable housing
• Building on the work of the Burlington Lands Partnership to leverage new land acquisition for housing, where appropriate, including surplus school sites
• Liaison with Halton Region on assisted housing
• Co-sponsor on planning process improvements & legislative changes (with the Deputy Mayor for Business & Red Tape Reduction), to get more housing, built faster
 Paul Sharman Deputy Mayor for Strategy & Budgets: Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman
This assignment builds on Councillor Sharman’s extensive experience as a professional accountant and internationally known instructor for strategy and business process improvements. The portfolio will include:
• Oversight of implementation of our Vision to Focus strategic plan
• Development of Key Performance Indicators and progress reports so we know how we’re doing
• Guidance on process improvements and culture change across departments
• Expert advice and assistance with multi-year budget preparation
 Angelo Bentivegna Deputy Mayor for Recreation and Community Services: Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna
This assignment builds on Councillor Bentivegna’s decades of volunteerism in our community, including with the hospital, sports clubs, and the Gift of Giving Back – Canada’s largest youth-led food drive. This also builds on his work on our Accessibility Advisory Committee and Inclusivity Advisory Committee. This portfolio will include:
• Involvement in the review and implementation of our Recreation and Cultural Master Plan, which will occur this term. This review will determine park needs and community amenity needs going forward
• Liaising and support to the charitable sector, and connecting non-profit organizations with City Hall and City Council
• Promoting community pride and inclusion. This includes new ways to support all our diverse communities and cultures within our city and region
• Co-sponsor with the Deputy Mayor for Community Engagement & Partnerships on community funding opportunities at the City and Region and private sponsorship opportunities for city projects.
 By Pepper Parr
December 4th, 2022
BURLINGTON, O N
OPINION
Here is how it worked in Toronto.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward – already a strong Mayor. As Councillor Stolte if you have any doubts. In his first substantive use of the expanded powers granted his office by the province, John Tory has used his “strong-mayor” authority to appoint a new city manager.
The city announced Friday that Paul Johnson will be Toronto’s top bureaucrat, effective immediately.
Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward has said she is not interested in having strong Mayor powers and so we take her at her word at this point.
But if she ever acquires those powers – this is what the city has to look forward to.
Not to worry – Mayor Meed Ward already has a city manager that will do he bidding plus a communications department that gets her message out.
 By Staff
December 3rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board is hosting the fourth annual Human Rights Symposium on Thursday, Dec. 8 and Friday, Dec. 9, 2022 to engage in vital conversations and challenge thinking.
This year’s theme is Environmental Rights, which explores the interconnectedness of globalization, environment, Indigenous Rights, human rights and our collective responsibility to protect our planet.
The symposiums were introduced when Stuart Miller was the Director of Education; they had a bumpy start with Covid19 interesuptions – the event is niw a important part of the zzz that the Board of Education delivers to the community.
The Human Rights Symposium will feature two keynote speakers and will be a virtual event for HDSB students (Grade 7-12) and staff. Registration is not required and information on how to access the event will be shared with students and staff.
 Sheila Watt-Cloutier a member of the indigenous Inuit of Arctic Canada, Watt-Cloutier began her career working for social institutions that served Inuit communities. This led to a lifetime of activism and advocacy for the rights of Inuit people, and the realization that the survival of Inuit people and culture is inexorably linked to the survival of their Arctic environment, especially its cold climate. Keynote speaker on Dec. 8 (9 – 10:30 a.m.): Sheila Watt-Cloutier is a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, climate change and human rights advocate, TEDx speaker, author, former Canadian President and International Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council. Sheila speaks with passion and urgency on the issues of today — the environment, the economy, foreign policy, global health and sustainability — not as separate concerns, but as a deeply interconnected whole.
 Kehkashan Basu, founder of the Green Hope Foundation, says the transition to renewables creates opportunities to provide electricity to countries and communities that are not well served by existing utilities and grids. “It’s just kind of logical to use clean energy as a tool to help empower them instead of going the usual route of fossil-fuel powered electricity,” she says. “In this way, we’re leaving no one behind and we are creating a positive impact on the planet. Keynote speaker on Dec. 10 (9:30 – 10:30 a.m.): Kehkashan Basu, global influencer, educator, environmentalist, champion of women and children’s rights, TEDx speaker, Climate Reality Mentor, author, musician, peace and sustainability campaigner. Kehkashan is the
Founder-President of global social innovation enterprise Green Hope Foundation, which works at a grassroots level in 26 countries, empowering over 400,000 young people and women in the sustainable development process through education.
Throughout the week, students and staff are encouraged to share what they are learning on social media with the hashtag: #EnvironmentalRightsHDSB.
“The Human Rights Symposium supports the Board’s Environmental Leadership and Indigenous Perspectives and Awareness work, two key areas of focus in the HDSB Multi-Year Strategic Plan 2020-2024 and our Human Rights Equity Action & Accountability Plan: The Way Forward,” says Curtis
Ennis, Director of Education for the HDSB. “The important work underway at the annual Human Rights Symposium serves as a reminder of the value of bringing students, staff and community partners together to address common issues.”
“The HDSB is proud to celebrate and recognize Environmental Rights at the Human Rights Symposium,” says Margo Shuttleworth, Chair of the HDSB. “The Trustees are honoured and excited to encourage you to engage, question and reflect on conversations surrounding environmental rights. Through proactive engagement in vital conversations, we are able to challenge traditional thinking and engage in focused learning about environmental rights and sustainability.”
“Environmental Rights and protection is our collective responsibility,” says Jennie Petko, Superintendent of Education with responsibility for Human Rights, Equity, Inclusive Education and Indigenous Rights. “This year’s Human Rights Symposium provides an opportunity for our HDSB community to discuss issues related to environmental preservation, Indigenous Rights and the interconnectedness of our planet.”
“We recognize the importance of participating in vital discussions to challenge our thinking. The Human Rights Symposium provides an opportunity for educators and students to come together to examine important issues and drive actionable change.”
 Trent University students on an environmental field trip The HDSB Human Rights Symposium (Dec. 8-9, 2022) aligns with Human Rights Day on Dec. 10, which is observed annually to recognize the day on which the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The principles originally enshrined in the Declaration are still relevant today.
If you want to follow up on this event reach out to the Board at symposium@hdsb.ca.
 By Staff
December 2nd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Lita Barrie, Chief Executive Officer Lita Barrie wants your help in helping her and her Board shape the future of the library!
They have chosen a public survey approach with a survey that they say will take two minutes
Barrie adds: “We have made some changes based on your feedback from our last Customer Satisfaction Survey. Let us know if we are heading in the right direction.
“Whether you’re a frequent user, only visit occasionally, or haven’t checked out a book in years, your opinion matters to us.
This survey closes December 14th.
Take survey now
 By Staff
December 29th,2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Is there a relationship between mental health and regular exercise – the pro’s say there is and they list the five types of exercise that will contribute to better mental health and why.
The five mental fitness strategies and workouts:
 1. Primal movements are based on actions humans had to do to survive over the centuries – pull, push, squat, lunge, hinge, rotate and walk. They build strength and stamina that can boost confidence, clear your mind and generate endorphins improve mood.
2. Boxing and martial arts help release tension, pent-up anger and negative emotions. Punching and kicking plus footwork is good for mind-muscle connection and reinforcing memory and brain power.
 3. Hot yoga, Pilates, yoga-fusion. Focusing on your breathing while you hold poses is good for stress release, as well as muscle strength and flexibility. This kind of focus increases mindfulness, helping you disconnect from stressful thoughts and ground yourself in your body movements.
4. Dance-inspired fitness helps improve neuroplasticity and activates the part of the brain responsible for emotions and memory. Most kinds of dancing help build strength and flexibility, plus cardiovascular endurance.
5. Low-intensity training (LIIT) workouts have all the cardio and strength benefits but without the bouncing and jumping that can damage your joints and ligaments.
 By Staff
December 1st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Hundreds of charges have been laid across Ontario, a snapshot of the work done by investigators and analysts that make up the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet (Provincial Strategy).
The results of the investigations completed in October, named Project MAVERICK, were announced in a video release showcasing members of the Provincial Strategy. During the month, the 27 policing partners conducted 255 investigations, completed 168 search warrants and seized 1,032 devices. In total, 428 charges were laid against 107 people. During the investigations, 61 victims were identified and referred to appropriate community-based resources for assistance, while an additional 60 children were safeguarded. There are 175 ongoing investigations where additional charges may be laid.
The Provincial Strategy includes two ministries (Attorney General and Solicitor General) and 27 participating police agencies: Barrie, Belleville, Brantford, Chatham-Kent, Cornwall, Durham, Greater Sudbury, Guelph, Halton, Hamilton, Kingston, London, Niagara, North Bay, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Ottawa, Peel, Peterborough, Sarnia, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, Timmins, Toronto, Waterloo, Windsor, Woodstock and York.
Additional partners that participated in these investigations included OPP Digital Forensics, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security. The BOOST Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, the Children’s Aid Society and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection provided victims’ support and education.
Since the Provincial Strategy began in 2006, it has completed 65,564 investigations and laid 24,608 charges against 6,540 people. A total of 3,470 victims have been identified worldwide.
The video outlining the investigation is available on Twitter (@OPP_News) and Facebook (@ontarioprovincialpolice).
A full list of charges for Project MAVERICK is HERE.
The investigations continue and anyone with information on these or any child exploitation investigations are asked to contact their local police. Report any instances of online child abuse to police or cybertip.ca. If a child is being harmed, call 9-1-1.
QUOTES
 “The Halton Regional Police Service is committed to working closely with our partner agencies to continue the fight against child exploitation. It remains our utmost priority to protect those most vulnerable, and lead them to safety while holding those responsible for these crimes accountable. I’m extremely proud of the tremendous work done by our officers as part of Project Maverick.”
-Halton Regional Police Service Inspector Chris Newcombe, Regional Investigative Services
OPP Chief Superintendent Kari Dart, OPP Investigation and Support Bureau said “These numbers are shocking, but they provide hope by showing the lengths our teams are willing to go to protect children. I would like to express gratitude for the hard work of the Provincial Strategy members, and our partners, in keeping children in this province safe and holding those who want to harm them accountable.”
OPP Detective Sergeant Jamie King, Provincial Strategy Lead added: “The work done by the Provincial Strategy members take us to some of the darkest corners of society and exposes the horrific crimes committed every day against children. This is not a crime that can be combatted by our members alone and we ask that everyone out there recognize the importance they play in protecting children. Report these crimes, remain vigilant and educate yourself.”
Who was arrested?
By Staff
December 1, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The following is the Integrity Commissioners disposition of a complaint made by Tom Muir against Councillor Kelvin Galbraith
Mr. Muir,
Re: Conflict of Interest Complaint against Councillor Kelvin Galbraith
We are writing in response to your complaint to us filed on October 25, 2022. You have complained that Councillor Galbraith had, on multiple occasions, participated in consideration of certain planning matters before Council and its committees while in a conflict of interest contrary to the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act (the ‘MCIA’). You have asserted that the interest arose because of four non-residential properties he owns, and have alleged as a result that the Councillor breached the MCIA.
The allegations particularized in your complaint can be summarized as follows:
- during 2018, you specifically asked the Councillor how he would manage his potential interest (his ‘conflict of interest’) because of his ownership of several properties located within the Aldershot/GO MTSA area
- the Councillor advised that he would seek guidance and advice from the Integrity Commissioner as required
- in March 2019, the Councillor failed to declare an interest with respect to the Interim Control By-Law for the Burlington GO Station Study Area and opposed that By-law
- between 2019 – 2022, the Councillor failed to declare an interest with respect to four separate planning applications for properties located with the MTSA, where development approvals on these properties would potentially influence future development decisions within the MTSA, and thus affect the Councillor’s other properties in the area
- between 2019 – 2021 on the numerous occasions when the Councillor did declare an interest with respect to planning applications for properties within the Aldershot GO/MTSA, he only referenced proximity to his personal residence as the basis for his interest, and failed to identify that ownership of multiple properties within the MTSA which also gave rise to an interest
- in declaring his interest, the Councillor characterized the nature of his interest as based on “proximity”, rather than identifying it as a pecuniary interest
 Kelvin Galbraith being sworn in for his second term of office As part of our review process, and in accordance with the tenets of procedural fairness, we forwarded your complaint to the Councillor for his response. We have now had an opportunity to obtain and review that response and your additional submissions and supplementary materials. We have conducted a detailed review of materials, Council minutes and archived meetings, the City’s Conflict Registry, and other relevant documentation.
Background:
In the circumstances of Councillor Galbraith, the 3 properties he owns (aside from his own residence) are adjacent and abutting, at the northwest corner of Plains Rd. West and Waterdown Rd. The Councillor has declared an interest each time there has been a planning matter before Council or its committees involving a property within 120 m of his residence and each time a planning matter involved a property located within 120 m of any of his Plains Rd. or Waterdown Rd. properties.
He did not declare an interest on planning matters before Council or its committees involving properties within the general vicinity in the Aldershot GO/MTSA area but beyond 120 m. of his properties
In February 2022 the Councillor sought our advice regarding managing perceived interests created by his ownership of the Plains Rd./Waterdown Rd. properties. Our advice can be summarized as follows:
- if a matter before Council may potentially impact the Councillor’s property, this raises a pecuniary interest; the planning notice distance of 120 m can be used as a proxy (a rule of thumb) for when this interest arises
- in the context of the Aldershot GO/MTSA discussions, in which the Councillor owns properties, a potential conflict of interest is triggered when proposed changes in land use come before Council which could affect the potential redevelopment of these properties
Analysis
While our analysis focuses on the MCIA provisions, we note that the Burlington Code of Good Governance quite properly also mandates Members to avoid conflicts of interest. Therefore, even though your complaint was filed beyond the 6-week statutory deadline under the MCIA, we have considered the matter in a robust and comprehensive manner, recognizing that conflicts of interest are appropriately prohibited by the Code. Given the recent public attention generated by this particular matter, it was important to give the matter due consideration and full explanation.
The relevant provision of the MCIA states as follows:
- (1) Where a member … has any pecuniary interest … in any matter and is present at a meeting of the council … at which the matter is the subject of consideration, the member,
- shall, prior to any consideration of the matter at the meeting, disclose the interest and the general nature thereof;
- shall not take part in the discussion of, or vote on any question in respect of the matter; and
- shall not attempt in any way whether before, during or after the meeting to influence the voting on any such question.
A pecuniary interest, although not defined, is understood to mean a financial impact. Any matter which has likely financial impact (positive or negative) on the Member’s own property constitutes a pecuniary interest to the Member.
The MCIA does not provide guidance on how to recognize an interest arising on planning applications in relation to the Member’s own properties. Each conflict of interest must be assessed on its own merits, and such assessment requires a close review of the facts. There is a significant body of case law which guides Integrity Commissioners on the proper interpretation.
One of the leading cases dealing with recognizing a pecuniary interest in circumstances of property ownership is Greene and Borins1.
Greene and Borins references the Planning Act notice distance of 120 m as a proxy for potential financial impacts on a Member’s property interest. In that case, the court found that where the Member’s father and family had been assembling properties for some years, in anticipation of redevelopment (along Yonge Street in North York), the Member’s participation on large and comprehensive development proposals in the vicinity – even beyond 120 m – triggered a conflict of interest for the Member for which he failed to obtain advice and failed to declare an interest.
The 120 m distance is somewhat arbitrary and although it is relied on as a ‘rule of thumb’, much depends on the particular facts of a situation: certainly, where a Member has a significant investment in a land assembly awaiting redevelopment (as in Greene and Borins), the potential affect of a large and comprehensive development application must be considered to extend beyond 120 m.
In Greene and Borins, the closest of the Member’s father’s properties to the developments proposed before Council was 220 m. The nine (9) properties acquired over the preceding years stood to be significantly impacted by redevelopment of the adjacent Yonge Street corridor.
By contrast, with respect to Councillor Galbraith’s three properties, one which is his fitness business, the distances to the planning applications in which he participated are well beyond 120 m and beyond the 220 m. which the court found significant in Greene and Borins:
40-70 Plains Rd. 240 m
53-71 Plains Rd. 350 m
92 Plains Rd.W. 450 m
1120 Cooke Blvd. 650 m
In our view, the Councillor did not breach the MCIA in participating on consideration of these planning applications. In our opinion, he did not have a conflict of interest merely because the
1 Greene v. Borins (1985), 1985 CanLII 2137 (ON SC), 50 O.R. (2d) 513, 18 D.L.R. (4th)
planning applications pertain to properties within the MTSA. As we advised, where matters before Council or committees pertain to changes of land use affecting his own properties (such as changes to land use designations applicable to his properties), his interest will be triggered. The planning applications in which he participated do not trigger his interest because Council’s decision regarding those applications does not, in and of itself, affect his own properties.
We also find that, though individual planning applications in the general vicinity might cumulatively encourage increased redevelopment in the area, individually, no single one of these planning applications raised a conflict of interest for the Member merely because he owns properties in the general vicinity. They are not sufficiently proximate to his properties to trigger his interest.
With respect to the Interim Control By-law for the Burlington GO Study Area, there was no conflict of interest when the Member participated in this matter. None of his properties are located within this study area. You have provided supplementary material to indicate that the Member’s failure to bring a motion (or indicate support for a motion) to extend the Interim Control By-law to include the Aldershot GO/MTSA is evidence of further conflict of interest. Given that no such motion was made, it is merely speculative. That said, in our view, the effect of such a motion being to pause all planning applications on every property within a large defined area, and given that no applications by the Member on any of his properties were in the works and ‘paused’ by such theoretical Interim Control By-law, it would be reasonable to consider the Member’s interest (in such circumstances) to be an interest in common, in which case he would not be precluded from participating.
 Kelvin Galbraith You have raised concerns alleging that the Member has not conducted himself with transparency. It is important to recognize that Members are not required to report to constituents when they have consulted with Integrity Commissioner or obtained advice, nor are they required to share advice provided. The Municipal Act encourages Members to obtain advice, and provides the assurance of confidentiality around that communications. The sole exception to that confidentiality occurs if a Member releases part of the advice, but not the advice in its entirety, in which case the Integrity Commissioner may release the advice.
We are satisfied that the Member conducted himself with integrity, sought advice when required, followed that advice, and in fact released a copy of our advice to him in its entirety.
Accordingly, we will be closing our file. Our disposition will be shared with the Member. Thank you nevertheless for bringing this matter to our attention.
Sincerely,
Principles Integrity,
Integrity Commissioner for the City of Burlington
By Staff
November 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Reproduced from the Toronto Star
Ontario’s embattled Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister, Steve Clark, insisted proper procedures were followed but refused to say “no” when repeatedly asked if developers were tipped to the opening of more Greenbelt lands for housing.
The question from New Democrat MPP Jessica Bell followed an investigation by the Toronto Star and the Narwhal that found eight of the 15 areas of the Greenbelt where development will soon be allowed have been purchased since Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives were elected in 2018.
 A growing furor over the controversial plan to build more housing on protected lands prompted Green Leader Mike Schreiner to file a complaint with the provincial integrity commissioner seeking an investigation into the property deals.
“Over half the parcels of land being opened for development in the Greenbelt were purchased after Premier Ford was elected and some of those parcels of land were purchased as recently as September of this year,” Schreiner said.
“This doesn’t pass the smell test … we need to clear the air.”
Schreiner’s complaint came three days after New Democrat MPP Marit Stiles (Davenport) wrote the provincial auditor general requesting a probe of the land deals. Neither the auditor nor integrity commissioner have commented specifically on the requests.
Clark was under pressure in the legislature again Tuesday.
“I asked the minister very clearly three times if they talked to developers in advance and gave them a heads up,” Bell (University-Rosedale), her party’s housing critic, said after the daily question period.
 Environmental Defence provides a map showing where the hot spots are.
By Staff
November 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Adi Developments announce today that a settlement of all outstanding regulatory issues has been reached with the HCRA. Tariq Adi, CEO of Adi Developments, said, “We are happy to have this behind us and look forward to completing our existing projects and bringing more high-quality homes and communities to the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA) market.”
Adi Developments, a developer with a 15-year record of building successful housing projects in the GTHA, was notified of the HCRA’s intent to revoke Adi’s building and vending licences on August 25th, 2022. Adi appealed this to the Ontario License Appeal Tribunal.
At the same time, Adi initiated discussions with the HCRA aimed at resolving the issues outside of the appeal process. Today’s announced agreement is the culmination of those discussions.
The settlement encompasses the following key elements:
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(i) The resolution of all issues in the HCRA’s proposal to the satisfaction of all parties.
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(ii) No findings or admissions as to any Adi entity having provided altered or false information or documents to the HCRA nor as to any Adi
entity having obstructed any HCRA inspection or investigation.
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(iii) An admission by one of the Adi entities, Adi Lakeshore, that it failed to return purchaser deposits within 10 days of cancellation as it was
required to do under its licence and applicable legislation. As a result, Adi Lakeshore will be levied an administrative penalty of $60,000
which will also include an additional approximately $2,500,000 monetary benefit component to be returned to affected purchasers. This
benefit component represents the total amount of interest that Adi Lakeshore had already begun paying to affected purchasers starting in
May 2022.
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(iv) The return of all deposits to affected purchasers, which Adi Lakeshore completed on November 14, 2022.
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(v) Most importantly, all current and future Adi companies licensed by the HCRA can operate as builders/vendors subject only to mutually agreed upon conditions on their licences.
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 The Nautique: currently under construction The Lakeshore project at the centre of the HCRA’s action was the first cancellation in Adi’s 15-year history, driven by a dramatic increase in construction costs which seriously jeopardized the project.
“These are unprecedented times for the development industry,” said Tariq Adi. “We were facing cost escalations in the range of $43M which the project simply could not absorb. As a result, we had to seek additional financing and reconfigure the project in order to be in a position to complete it. Regrettably, however, the situation forced us to cancel purchase agreements, which we hated to do because our customers are the most important part of our business.”
For purchasers who opted to stay with the Lakeshore project, Adi mitigated the impact of the cancellations by allowing them to re-purchase their units at approximately 20% below market prices and crediting them with $10,000 per unit in décor dollar upgrades. The project is currently 85% sold with construction actively underway and going strong.
For purchasers who opted not to enter into a new purchase agreement, Adi, as a gesture of goodwill, began paying them 6% interest on their deposits in May 2022, something Adi did not have to do. This will result in more than $2,500,000 being paid directly to affected purchasers.
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