 By Pepper Parr
October 11th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
We now know a little bit more about why and how the Nelson Quarry decided they were not going to be able to work with JART Joint Administrative and Review Tribunal.
Our source told us that the agencies that have to sign off on the application to extend the life of the current quarry and seek a permit to mine additional space had done their job.
The delay was at the JART – Joint Administrative Review and Tribunal – level where files were just not moving.
Move the cursor over the graphic to enlarge the type
 JART – Joint Administrative Review and Tribunal flow chart We were advised that there were additional problems, and some concerns over the support the JART was getting from outside professional groups.
 The main quarry that is reaching the end of its productive days. Once the pumps are shut off the quarry will fill and become a large lake. Apparently the JART wanted to or has brought in an Air Quality Group from California where air quality issues are a lot different than they are in Ontario; further quarry mining isn’t something that happens in California.
Nelson reached the point where they became concerned just how well the JART process was going to work
 An artists rendering of what they believe the mined out quarry cab be turned into when the pit is flooded. In order to get their situation before the Ontario Land Tribunal the company had to ask the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests to send the application to the OLT for adjudication.
Nelson Quarry has for some time told the public they they wanted to give the quarry to the city and help them turn it into a massive park.
 The shaded areas are land on which the Nelson Aggregate people want to be given an additional license. The green area will be a home for the Jefferson Salamander. That didn’t go down all that well with the people in rural Burlington, ward 3 for the most part; they see the country as their domain and don’t really want to share it.
Nelson wanted to have a park operator in place to run it when it became a park and to do the prep work that has to be done to take xxx ha of space and turn it into a park.
Once the park operator is in place the city no longer has a seat at the table when it come to the managing of the program and planning the activities.
 By Pepper Parr
October 11th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The libraries are not what they used to be.
It is a lot more than books.
 An afternoon sunset settling on the walls of the New Street Library. Burlington has an exceptionally good system, the product of good leadership backed up by a Board of Directors that is creative, not afraid of new ideas and fully aware of the role they play in the education and welfare of the wider community.
They are currently looking for new people to join the Board.
If you are interested in helping shape the future of public library service in our community as a Library Board Trustee they would like to hear from you.
This fall, the City of Burlington will invite applications for a four-year term on the Library Board, to start in January 2023. We are hosting a series of information nights for anyone interested in applying.
September 29th at Central Branch
October 17th at Tansley Woods Branch
October 20th via Zoom
What Library Board Members Do
 Lita Barrie, Chief Administrative Officer, Burlington Library The Library Board makes sure that library services are delivered efficiently and effectively – with an eye to the future. Trustees must be able to work towards a vision and think in broad, future-oriented terms while maintaining a commitment to move vision to reality.
Under the Public Libraries Act, the Board:
provides a comprehensive and efficient public library service that reflects the community’s needs
employs and evaluates the ongoing performance of the Chief Executive Officer
determines and adopts written policies to govern the operation and programs of the library
establishes and monitors long range goals and objectives for Burlington Public Library
understands the library’s programs and needs of the community in relation to the library
works with the CEO to prepare a budget to carry out the library’s goals and objectives and presents this to City Council
is aware of local and other laws that affect libraries and play a role in initiating and supporting beneficial library legislation
adheres to the Public Libraries Act, its regulations, and legislation
members attend all Board meetings, and committee meetings as assigned, along with public meetings and events
ensures accurate public records concerning finances, property, and annual reports are on file at the library
may interact with provincial library agencies. Reports regularly to governing officials and the general public.
promotes and advocates the value of public libraries in the Burlington community.
 (l-r): Shawna Stolte, Catharine Benzie, Jennifer Tarnawski, Bianca Tse, Brian Kenny, Lindsay Zalot, Nawaz Noormohamed. Absent: Jason Manayathu What you need to know about applying
The Library does not accept applications for the Library Board.
The City of Burlington will advertise in local papers for our Library Board vacancies. Applications are submitted to the City.
The City will post an online application form closer to the deadline this fall after the municipal election.
If you want to know more about the Library Board, we encourage you to attend one of our information nights. If you are unable to attend a session, you can contact BPL CEO, Lita Barrie, to learn more about our board at 905.639.3611 ext 1103 or barriel@bpl.on.ca
By Pepper Parr
October 11th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The number of really bad boards of Non Profit organizations in the city is disturbing.
Far too many of the boards don’t know what Board of Director responsibility are and make foolish mistakes.
Community Development Halton(CDH) has had its share of Board of Director problems where people were really not fit for the job and the responsibility involved.
CDH has taken a step to help resolve the problem.
They are sponsoring a 90 minute Zoom course on being a Director of a Non profit organization. Roll the cursor over the type to enlarge it for reading
The granting agencies, municipalities, Trillium, Halton Region, United Way – should make it a requirement that every director appointed has taken the course and passed a written exam.
When non profit boards are advertising for volunteers having taken a course should be a prerequisite – and don’t accept that they will take the course later – they seldom do.
Making training a prerequisite is saying that the organization is serious and wants only people that are serious and have been properly trained.
By Staff
October 10th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
After a comfortable day with family and friends – things begin to move a little more briskly as we get into the week.
 The Roseland Community Organization is hold two political events. Not debates – question and answer sessions.
The first will be with the candidates for the ward 4 council seat, it will start at 7 pm, the second, which will take place after the ward 4 candidates at approximately 8:15 – will be for the five candidates who want to be the next Mayor.
These five have been heard before at the Chamber of Commerce event – nothing new or all that interesting from the four candidates.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward stuck to her positions – nothing new – given that she is so far ahead of what the other four had to say she just has to keep her head down to cruise to victory on the 24th.
 However, in the world of politics – anything can happen. Rick Goldring blew his brains out at a debate in 2018 when he made a dumb comment that Meed Ward took and made it work for her.
The events will be moderated by Rick Burgess, a onetime candidate himself for the Office of Mayor.
The event will take place in the Roseland Room at the Port Nelson United Church where space is kind of limited.
The Gazette will be videographing the event and running it on our Facebook page. As soon as it is up, we will publish the link. Expect to see it close to noon on Wednesday. It will remain in the archives.
By Pepper Parr
October 10th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Regional level of government is not something most people understand. It plays a pivotal role in the bigger picture: where is the growth going to take place and how do we get and pay for the infrastructure that will be needed ?
 The four municipalities that make up the Regional government: the people that run the water supply system, move the waste and run the Medical Office of Health – a major accomplishment during the pandemic. They also fund the police service Water, waste removal, police service, some of the roads, planning, social service, Medical Officer of Health – something we came to appreciate during the pandemic.
Were there to be a major health issue, or a level of civic unrest the decision making would come from the Region.
Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills all have representation on the Regional Council.
The Region Chair is elected by the voters in each of the municipalities.
In order to win an election to be Regional Chair a person has to have relatively high public recognition and access to a lot of money – campaigning region wide is expensive. Regional chairs usually come from the ranks of municipal politicians who has served on Regional Council.
Gary Carr has been the Regional Chair since 2006. Jane McKenna, the former MPP for Burlington announced she was running as Regional Chair, then Andrea Grebenc announced she was also running.
Carr then announced he was going to seek re-election.
Grebenc is busy electioneering.
McKenna has a sign in the back of a pickup truck that is being see throughout the Region
Carr and McKenna have been no shows all too often which moves Grebenc to ask: “If my opponents don’t bother to show up to ask for your vote, why would you expect them to show up when you need help?” She has shown up at the three more detail here and has said she “will continue to show up again and again for you when I am in office. I just need your vote.”
 Andrea Grebenc serving as Chair of the Halton District School Board trustees Andrea Grebenc was a Halton District School Board trustee and served as trustee on two occasions.
She ran for the provincial Liberal Nomination WHEN.She was not chosen.
As a school board trustee and Chair of the HDSB she became the go to person for media who wanted comments on the issues that prevailed during the worst of the pandemic.
She brought a change to the way the trustees worked with their constituents.
Recently there were three events that were held to focus on the race for Regional Chair
An event in Nassagaweya drew just over 80 people. Grebenc was the only candidate to show up. Carr sent regrets; McKenna did not respond to the invitation. Grebenc got to “chime in on every question”.
 Andrea Grebenc: believes she can be a competent leader at the Regional level. The Oakville ward 3 all-candidates debate at Oakville Trafalgar drew an audience of between 250 and 300 people. Grebenc got, who was on her own, had five minutes with the mic and then to answer audience questions. Gary sent regrets. Jane did not respond to the invitation.
Later in the same week the debate at the QEPCCC and organized by the Bronte village residents association using the Black Box theatre was standing room only and they added a video link to the rehearsal hall for overflow which was well used. There I had a 2-minute opening, then 3 questions were chosen from those submitted before the event and a 2-minute closing statement. I was not given the questions in advance. Gary sent regrets and Jane declined.
These are the only events so far at which Regional Chair candidates have been invited to speak/debate.
It wasn’t as if Carr and McKenna were not aware of the event. Carr did not show up at the QEPCCC (Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre) event 4 years ago. The Oakville Ward 3 event is a long-standing election cycle event that has been taking place since at least 2010..
 Regional Chair incumbent Gary Carr on the campaign trail. Gary Carr has a very high public profile – when it comes to name recognition – he wins hand down. He has served as an MP in Ottawa, just for one short term, prior to that he has wan MPP, and Speaker of the Legislature for some time.
In 2006 he ran for the Office of Regional Chair and has been there every since.
When it comes to how well Carr will serve the Region if he is re-elected would be a guess at this point.
Did he want the job or was he persuaded to take it rather than let McKenna win?
 Jane McKenna at a Burlington event. Many think chaos would rule were McKenna to be elected. Those same people think some of the excellent staff at the Region would move on rather than have to work with McKenna.
Grebenc could be a risk. Her work at the school board level was excellent. She put the HDSB on the map.
Having never done much at the Regional government level she would have to rely heavily on staff. She would be fortunate to have the regional talent available to her.
Grebenc is not a walking ego. She is attentive, listens and is the demographic that is going to lead the Region in to several decades of very hard decision making.
The electorate has a choice:
between an eager, intelligent younger person who doesn’t have much of the experience needed. However, it has to be noted that the school board is a regional operation so it is not as if Grebenc doesn’t know the lay of the land.
Or McKenna, a junior provincial Cabinet Minister with no hands on experience at the provincial level and a questionable reputation for delivering for the people of Burlington.
 Jane McKenna chatting with a group of women at a Joseph Brant Hospital event. A question as well as to why a sitting member of the provincial government would choose to give up the seat and take a chance at a different level of government when re-election to the legislature was all but assured.
There is a link between the McKenna decision to run for Regional Chair and the Carr decision to run for re-election.
Gary Carr has delivered in his time as Chair. Halton is a safe community and it has room to grow; where the growth takes place is the big question. It will call for a lot of work and there is the sense, at least to this reporter, that Gary Carr may not want to take on all that work at this point in his career. He recently moved from rural Milton to downtown Burlington.
The job of Regional Chair is an important one; think about who should be doing that job given the issues that are out there.
Relayed news background:
A bigger look at Gary Carr
 By Pepper Parr
October 10th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 People were taking produce like this off the land soon after settling. At a time when there is not much that is certain and where war lords are unsheathing their swords everywhere we in Canada can be Thankful for all that we have.
We are a people that have learned how to share, how to compromise and care for those who need help.
 We do things like this in Burlington The line from that hymn that goes: “Come ye thankful people come …” comes to mind and seems to appropriate to me.
Are there readers out there who can share the words that our Indigenous, Muslim and diverse community friends would use instead.
In the recent past Denis Gibbons took this picture for the Gazette. It speaks for us
 By Staff
October 10th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The public is invited to The Artist’s Mark 2022, Burlington Fine Art Association’s annual juried exhibit.
 Burlington Fine Arts Portrait class This show celebrates the superb talent of local artists and will be in The Hub, Burlington Centre from Nov. 19th to the 27th 2022. The public can vote for their favourite painting in the “People’s Choice Award” contest. “People’s Choice Award” voters will be entered into a draw to win one of two $100 Burlington Centre gift certificates!
The Hub, located inside the Burlington Centre (you used to know it as the Mall) is one of those instances where a large retail operation has found a way to let the community use some of their space. Keep it in mind when you are looking for a palace to reach a wider audience.
We invite you to take a picture of the paintings which will be on display or we can provide promotional material to include in your public service announcement.
By Pepper Parr
October 9th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
When September 30th came and went I wondered why we had not heard anything from the city on the Bateman High property purchase. We understood that the 30th was the date the deal was to close.
 The city wants to buy the property – they don’t seem to want to say how much they will pay – until after the October 24th election. We asked around – nobody was saying a word.
Councillor Sharman first said to us that: I can say that to the best of my knowledge that the purchases process is proceeding as planned, but may take a little more time yet.
 Councillor Sharman: Not certain there ever was a date set fr any announcement. Then he amplified:
“Was there a definitive public statement that said it would be done by Sept 30th? I always understood completion would be in this approximate time period.
“Being on Council for 12 years leads me to not expect precise times. There are always other things that get in the way. On top of that, other government agencies and their lawyers are involved in finalizing the Bateman purchase/sale and approval, so it does not depend solely on the City. It is a complex transaction.
“As you know, based on the water front hotel, there is no precision when it comes to complex legal land matters.
“This is nothing to do with public statements, other that the city is purchasing the property and it will be announced when it is finalized.
“That has been my understanding from the beginning.
“Perhaps someone made an optimistic comment and that was misinterpreted.”
Back in June – the 6th to be precise, a Standing committee of Council spent a considerable amount of time explain another one of the Kwab engagement plans.
At that June meeting City Manager Tim Commisso said the following:
 City Manager Tim Commisso: Didn’t have a clear answer on just when an announcement would be made. “The bottom line on this is we are in an active transaction right now. We are moving towards making recommendations to our respective Council and also the school board, you know, to the school board.
“So right now, we’re in a position I think we’re this is this is a real estate deal. This is as we move forward. What we’re really looking at and I won’t say that the school board we’ve had some preliminary discussions about following the practice. I think the city is adopted.
“When council wants to release information it’s done. When the actual transaction is complete. It’s important that that happen. Not in advance. And it’s done in a way I think that’s communicated out, you know, pertinent information.
“My understanding is they are looking at a September 30 closing, and that’s actually when the property is transferred, monies exchanged all of that. So it’s actually deals done not in advance with the school board, I will say, we’ve had discussions with them.
“But I just want to acknowledge it has to be done jointly. We understand the interest and we understand the desire. City Council, I think you can authorize; from our standpoint, but I think we have to respect the fact that the school board and us jointly have to make the announcement.”
,Would it be unkind to come to the conclusion that both the city administration and council do not want the public to know how much is going to be spent on buying the property until after the election?
By Pepper Parr
October 8th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Can’t tell you who sent this to us other than to say it is from a source that is as good as it gets.
Knows the city, once worked there. Never ran for public office.
“I almost died laughing when I read your article about the Ward 2 Councillor and the train station events. In the old days I would have gotten a Canada Council grant to write a script and sell it the to the CBC playhouse to produce a short comedy film. Unbelievable, and I thought she was one of the good candidates.”
By Pepper Parr
October 8th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
We will hear a lot about “inclusionary zoning’ in the years ahead. The current city council sees it as a part of the solutions that are going to be used to find a way to make housing more affordable.
 News reports have said that the Premier, Doug Ford will cut development fees on affordable housing – those fees are an important funding source for the city. Without that money who is going to pay for the work the planning department has to do.
The reports are that the Doug Ford government is planning to scrap fees on “inclusionary zoning” projects immediately after the Oct. 24 municipal election in order to expedite housing construction, according to the Toronto Star.
Inclusionary zoning allows cities to mandate lower-cost housing units in new developments.
Many housing projects, however, have been thwarted by “exclusionary zoning” rules by opponents of development.
The strength of the “Not in my Neighbourhood” crowd is something few municipal councillors want to go up against.
If the homes that will be needed to house the big, big population growth we know we have to deal with – someone is going to have to make decisions – it is clear that the Premier is going to try and do what the municipalities don’t want to do.
Related news story:
Just what is inclusionary zoning?
The development sector understand what it is – they expect every level of government to buy in.
By Staff
October 7th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Eric Vandewall, President of the Joseph Brant Hospital explained just what is being done to prevent the spread of Covid19 at the hospital
With students back at school and families settling into their routines after summer holidays, I would like to encourage you to continue to take proactive measures over the weeks and months ahead to help reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and the flu within our community.
These small steps – such as washing your hands regularly, getting the COVID-19 bivalent booster and seasonal flu shot if eligible, staying home when you feel ill, and reviewing your health care options before seeking care at the Emergency Department – can make a big difference in reducing the impact both viruses can have on hospital capacity and wait times.
 Keeping ahead of Covis19 at the Joseph Brant Hospital is a 24/7 operation – and even then – new infections do happen When visiting JBH, it is also important to self-screen for COVID-19 before entering, and to follow our mandatory masking policy by changing to a hospital-provided mask upon entry and wearing it throughout your visit. This is critical to help protect everyone’s health and safety: our patients, their loved ones, and our staff, physicians and volunteers.
It is important to keep this in mind as JBH – like many other hospitals across Ontario – is continuing to experience challenges moving into flu season. In September:
• the hospital’s acute care occupancy average was 99.8%
• As of September 30, 53 healthcare workers were off due to COVID-19
• Approximately 2,321 people are waiting surgery at JBH
This time of year provides an opportunity to give thanks, and there is much to be grateful for. I would like to thank our community for your support and understanding, and to our staff, physicians and volunteers who continue to provide and support excellent and compassionate care.
 By Staff
October 7th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Nelson Aggregates filed notice of an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) abruptly abandoning the unfinished government Joint Agency Review Team (JART) review of their application for expansion of the crushed rock quarry on Mount Nemo.
Halton Region, the City of Burlington, Conservation Halton, and the Niagara Escarpment Commission, and residents all identified, through JART, serious technical issues with the quarry expansion proposal, and are not yet satisfied with the responses from Nelson. Considerable time and public expense have been invested in JART, but Nelson clearly did not want to see the process through to the end.
This part of the quarry is nearing its end of life as a source of quality aggregate. “It’s discouraging the applicant has chosen to appeal rather than continue to work through the multi-agency review process” said Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor of Burlington. “This severely limits the ability of the public to participate, unless they have significant resources to attend the tribunal as a party. This also takes decision-making out of the hands of locally elected officials, our staff, and the community and shifts it to a single, appointed tribunal member. It’s yet another example of why the Ontario Land Tribunal needs to be reformed and ultimately eliminated in favour of democratic, evidence-based decision-making, especially on matters such as these that would have permanent, lasting impacts on the rural community”, added Meed Ward.
An artists rendering of what a park could look like once the quarry pit was allowed to fill with water and become a public park Nelson Aggregates told the Gazette earlier in the month that the process was proving to be very slow and that most of the problems rested with the Burlington Planning department where responses to the numerous documents that had been filed were not getting completed in a reasonable amount of time.
 Schematic that shows existing quarry size and location and what Nelson Aggregate wants to add. Nelson was getting ready to announce who they were going to name as the operators of the park; had that happened, or when it happens would mean that the city of Burlington would be taken out of the loop and have no input on what was offered at the park, assuming it was complete.
David Donnelly, an environmental lawyer who was heavily involved in the 2012 hearings said: “Once Nelson agreed to proceed with JART, the public had every right to expect the Nelson quarry application would be put forward at a public meeting and to a vote of Councils on the JART review of the proposed Official Plan amendments. Nelson has a right to trigger this appeal and waste government time and taxpayers’ money, just as Council has the right to ask the province to now shut it down.
“Nelson lost at the Ontario Joint Board in 2012 fair and square and now they have deliberately ‘short-circuited’ the JART public review process, by filing the appeal to the OLT.”
—
By Pepper Parr
October 7th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Parents with children in Special Education classes tend to stay a lot closer to what goes on in a classroom than the average parent.
The Special Education students get lost in the shuffle very easily – their parents stay active and make sure their kids get the education they need in a worlds that is getting more and more complex and changing at an at times frantic rate.
 The Halton District School Board has a Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) that is now seeking local organizations and individuals to become members of the committee.
SEAC is an advisory group to the Board which brings forward information and recommendations regarding programs and services for exceptional pupils. The Committee makes recommendations to the Board concerning the establishment, development and delivery of special education programs and services. Two trustees and representatives from up to 12 local associations serve on SEAC, as well as up to three members at large.
Local organization required for SEAC
In order to serve on SEAC, associations or organizations must operate locally within the jurisdiction of the Board, and be affiliated with a provincial association/organization dedicated to the well-being or interests of exceptional children. The organization must meet all other requirements as outlined in Regulation 464/97 for membership to SEAC. Local organizations interested in participating on SEAC for the HDSB are asked to submit a letter explaining their interest, including their nomination for SEAC representative and alternate for the association by Nov. 30, 2022.
Community members needed for SEAC
The HDSB also requires a maximum of three “members-at-large” to serve on SEAC. For the “members-at-large” positions on SEAC, applicants must:
● be a Canadian citizen, age 18 years or older
● be a resident within the jurisdiction of the HDSB
● be a public school supporter
 By Pepper Parr
October 7th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The notice looked good to me.
 The notice did say: “Everyone welcome” Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns was going to hold a Celebration event at the Freeman Station, which she rented for the occasion.
It was worth attending – or so I thought.
The evening turned out to be filled with drama.
I arrived, found a spot to stand and watch the room – there were about 30 people – not much more than that. There was live music and donuts with coffee on a side table.
After about five, maybe 10 minutes Lisa approached me and said “I don’t want you here – please leave.”
While taken aback, I realized that Lisa and the Gazette were not on the best of terms these days. When you get bad media politicians tend to blame the media. Her blurting out confidential information during a Zoom meeting held by the Burlington Downtown Business Association was described as an “inadvertent” slip of the tongue.
Whether that is what actually happened will be determined by the Integrity Commissioner at a later date.
I told Lisa that I was there as a reporter and intended to stay. She was adamant – said she would call the police – I offered her my cell phone to make the call. After a few minutes of that – she walked to the front of the room and asked everybody to stand just where they were – not to move – just to stand where they were until I had left.
I said in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear that I was there to observe and that I did not intend to leave. I chose not to take a photograph of the small crowd standing there, some with the heads bowed. This went on for about maybe five minutes.
Lisa then said everyone was going to leave the room and meet outside until I left.
They left – I didn’t.
Two of her supporters stayed behind, a man named Dave who found it necessary to really invade my space. He was a bit taller than I am, standing there almost nose to nose. He said that his six year old son was going to be speaking and he didn’t want me reporting or taking pictures. Children are out of bounds for the Gazette when it comes to local politics and I told Dave that I would not report or take pictures of his child.
“How do I know you will not take pictures?” I responded: “Because I just told you I wouldn’t.”
After about another five minutes Dave and I began to get along – turns out he was a photographer who did some news work.
The woman was a kindergarten teacher who knew Lisa. She just wasn’t comfortable with the way things were going and in a very pleasant voice said she thought I should leave so the meeting could continue.
 This is where I sat eating my donut. It was all getting sort of silly. I am inside the room Lisa paid $300 to rent – add to that the coffee and the donuts – all for a Celebration that wasn’t going all that well.
I had made my point, Lisa I am sure felt she had made hers. I chose one of the chocolate covered donuts and left the room – sitting outside on the north side of Freeman Station eating my donut while Lisa gathered with her friends and supporters on the south side.
A couple of minutes later a fellow whose name escapes me right now sat down beside me – we chatted about why I was there and why I wasn’t prepared to leave then moved on to talk about our children and how they had grown up.
He was retired – we talked about the change in his life style and his involvement in local civic issues. His wife was inside taking part in the meeting.
After a good ten minute talk we shook hands and went our separate ways.
 Lisa doing a photo op in the Council Chamber I had plans to do an interview with Keith Demoe, a candidate for the ward 2 council seat. He thought we could meet in the parking lot of the Freeman Station.
I was comfortable with that. Lisa’s Celebration was winding down, people were beginning to leave.
Then a police cruiser arrives. Two officers talk to Lisa – she had placed the call – then walked across the parking lot to talk to me.
I asked why they were there – they said there was a report that I had been disruptive. I explained what I had done – the police officer didn’t seem to have a problem and said that he didn’t see any reason to file a report.
I continued with the Demoe interview on how he felt he could beat an incumbent. That will be a challenge.
It was late – chose to go home and leave the reporting until the morning.
Politics in Burlington – a Celebration for something that has yet to happen.
Drama, pure high school girl drama.
The Gazette make a point of trying to interview all the candidates. As an incumbent we want to interview Lisa Kearns and ask:
What she set out to do when she was campaign in 2018
What she got done during her first term in office.
What she felt she didn’t get done
And what she would work at should she be returned to office..
We will let you know how that interview goes – if it takes place.
By Pepper Parr
October 6th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The ward 2 race
Tim O’Brien is quietly going door to door in the condominium towers, sometimes taking his wife with him.
Keith Demoe is focusing on the condo towers and preparing to get some literature out.
 Lisa Kearns is holding a Campaign Celebration event this evening. One ward 2 resident said she thought that Celebrations come after the election adding that “calling her event a Campaign Celebration was odd. Certainly one has to be elected before it is called a celebration.”
Some people are finding that incumbent Kearns has taken to blocking people from her Twitter account. Why would a candidate do that?
“.. she went and completely blocked me from her facebook and twitter. Wondering if you have to agree with her to see her posts. “
 There is a small sigh war in the ward as well with Kearns and O’Brien bickering publicly in front of homes that have both the O’Brien and the Kearns sign on their lawns.
A campaign about principles, ideas and the future of the city don’t seem to be getting much in the way of traction in the ward.
What could have and should have been a ‘walk in the park’ for Kearns might be turning into a squeaker – not something Kearns will deal with very well.
 By Pepper Parr
October 6th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
There are two stories here.
First what the police are trying to do. And how that is working out at the street level. It isn’t a pretty picture.
 Most collisions are not ‘accidents’; they are generally the direct result of a conscious decision an individual driver has made.Good initiative ; The Halton Regional Police have begin their Operation Impact 2022, an annual national public awareness campaign aimed at making Canada’s roads the safest in the world. By promoting safe driving behaviours, they hope to help prevent collisions, save lives, and reduce injuries on our roads.
From October 7th to 10th, 2022, police across the country will be focused on behaviours that put drivers, passengers, and other road users at risk: impaired driving due to alcohol, drugs or fatigue, as well as aggressive driving, distracted driving, and driving without a seat belt.
Most collisions are not ‘accidents’; they are generally the direct result of a conscious decision an individual driver has made. This year, our message to residents in our community is to ‘Put your best foot forward’. Drivers are expected to do this by ‘putting the brakes on’ bad driving behaviours.
“Traffic remains a key public safety and well being concern among Halton residents, year in and year out,” said Sergeant Will Clayton of Traffic Services. “This Thanksgiving weekend, the HRPS wil be joining agencies from coast-to-coast as they seek to make our roads safer for all those who use them.”
Each year, motor vehicle collisions kill about 2,000 Canadians, seriously injure another 10,000 people, and injure about 165,000 citizens in this country.
Operation Impact is organized by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, under the leadership of the CACP Traffic Safety Committee, in support of Canada’s Road Safety Strategy 2025.
 David Barker David Barker, a resident and the owner of one of the best preserved historical residences in the city reports witnessing a very close call at the intersection of New Street and Guelph Line:
“As I approached the location from the south two cyclists and a pedestrian stepped off the sidewalk to cross from west to east. As they did lights at New Street went green in favour of north/south vehicular traffic.
One car sped away and had no regard for the pedestrian and cyclists. It did not slow or in any way consider those who had started to cross the road. The cyclists and pedestrian had to hurriedly retreat to the sidewalk to avoid being hit. A difficult maneuver for someone on a bike just starting to ride from a stationary position. One cyclist remonstrated at the car that had come close to them
 A solution would appear to be necessary. Another traffic light or a flashing light perhaps. This location is confusing and most unsafe. The existence of the centre island gives a firm impression that it is a crosswalk and so pedestrians have a right of way.
The City originally said there was no need for a pedestrian crossing, even though it had found there was a need for crossings on the quieter cross streets along the Centennial Way. Then when staff was questioned about that position, the City undertook a study and found the need certainly did exist.
On August 5th 2021 Mr. Ivosevic of the City wrote to me advising a signal would be installed “in the near future”. It is difficult to imagine any person can reasonably take that phrase to mean a timeframe of 18 months to 30 months.
In the meantime a very dangerous situation known to the City exists. Should an accident occur my correspondence with the City verifying the City was aware of the danger and the need for a crossing, together with its installation of crossings on other less busy cross streets, along with the excessive time it took the City to act would not bode well for the City in defending a claim?
This work needs to be expedited; any time in 2023 including the last quarter? That is really not acceptable.
By Staff
October 6th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Ward 4 Councillor posted a tweet yesterday that highlights a serious problem.
Why? Why? Why? She asks
 The wrapper for this chicken is similar to what Animal Control people have seen in the past. “Chicken baits” found beside the playground at Lansdown Park yesterday morning. The same type of bag to transport the food has been observed by our investigators previously.
Stolte remind people that “Last month I was successful in putting a Motion before Council asking for the maximum fines for this type of dangerous behaviour.
 Steps away from a playground. Individuals can now be fined a maximum of $100,000
Please report any suspicious behaviour to Burlington Animal Services.
Stolte adds: “The only conclusion is that this individual is clearly trying to inflame the issue of aggressive coyotes and is willing to put children in harms way to do it.”
By Luke Parker
October 6th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
We’ve all been there before. You’re standing in line at the store, debating whether or not to buy that new product you’ve been wanting. But then you remember that you have no idea what other people think of it. If only there were a way to find out…
 Luckily, in today’s day and age, there is! Thanks to online reviews, we can get an inside look into how real people feel about products, services, and businesses before we even commit to trying them out for ourselves. Here are just a few reasons why you should always take the time to read online reviews before making a purchase.
Avoid Potential Scams
We have all seen those too-good-to-be-true deals online (looking at you, $10 Louis Vuitton purses!) and oftentimes, they are just that— too good to be true. Other times, you could feel pressured into buying a service out of fear, like those people trying to reach you about your car’s extended warranty expiring.
Before you buy an extended warranty, you should read Endurance warranty reviews, and before you buy that fake Louis, check the reviews to see if it’s a scam. Reading reviews is an easy way to spot red flags before you start handing out any money.
Get Unbiased Opinions
When you are looking for an honest opinion about something, online reviews are usually your best bet. Unless you know someone who has tried out the product/service you are interested in and can trust their opinion, looking at online reviews written by strangers is often the next best thing.
People tend to be more critical in their reviews than they would be in person because they can remain anonymous, so you can trust that the reviewer is giving an unbiased account of their experience
Save Time
In our fast-paced society, time is money. And reading online reviews can help save you both! Instead of spending hours researching a product or service online or in person, reading just a few reviews can give you all of the information that you need in order to make a decision quickly and efficiently.
 Save Money
When it comes to saving money, there are a lot of different strategies that you can use. One often overlooked strategy is reading reviews before making a purchase. This can be especially helpful when buying big-ticket items, like appliances or electronics.
By reading reviews, you can get an idea of which products are more likely to break down or have other problems. This can save you a lot of money in the long run, as you’ll be less likely to have to replace items that break down quickly. In addition, reviews can also help you compare prices and find the best deals on products.
Make Better Decisions
Not sure whether you should try that new restaurant down the street? Curious about which movie to see this weekend? Wondering if the new casino in town is legit? By reading online reviews, you can get insights from other people who have already tried or experienced something so that you can make the best decision for yourself.
Get Insider Tips and Tricks
In addition to learning about other people’s experiences with a product or service, reading through reviews can also clue you in on some insider tips and tricks that you may not have otherwise known about! For example, say you want to buy a new foundation but don’t know which one to choose.
By reading some online reviewers who have already done the legwork for you, not only will you be able to learn about what other people liked and didn’t like about certain products, but you may also learn application tips (e..g which brush works best) or colour matching advice from people who have already gone through the trouble of testing out all of the products for you!
Reviews are Available for Almost Anything
No matter what kind of product or service you’re looking for, chances are good that someone has written a review about it online. From hotels and restaurants to movies and books, there’s no shortage of things to read about! All you have to do is start searching
 Voice Your Own Opinion
Have you ever had a really great (or really terrible) experience with a product or service but could not find any information about it when you went looking for it online? Leaving your own review can help discourage other people from making the same mistake (or help them have as great of an experience as you did)!
In addition to helping others, writing your own review also allows you to reflect on your own thoughts and feelings about an experience and solidify them in writing so that you can refer back to them later on if need be!
All in all, reading through online reviews before making a purchase or trying out a new experience is always beneficial— oftentimes more so than we realize! So next time you find yourself Googling a new product or service, remember these five reasons why reading them can save you time, money, and headaches down the road!
 By Julia Makarova
October 5th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Casino reviews are a great way to get an idea of what a particular casino has to offer. They can help you learn about a casino’s games, bonuses, and more. But not all casino reviews are created equal.
Here’s why you should check out online casino reviews in Canada before playing:
You’ll Get an impartial Opinion
When you’re reading an online review, you’re getting an unbiased opinion from someone who has nothing to gain or lose by recommending a particular casino. The reviewer is simply giving their honest opinion about the casino, and this can be very helpful when you’re trying to decide which one to play at.
You’ll Learn About the Games offered
One of the main reasons people play at online casinos is for the games. So it stands to reason that you’ll want to know what games are available at each casino before you make your decision. Online casino reviews will tell you all about the different games offered, which can include freeslots, roulette, poker or blackjack, so you can make sure that the casino you choose has the games that interest you most.
You’ll Discover Welcome Bonuses and Other Promotions
Most online casinos offer some sort of bonus or promotion to new players, and these can be very valuable when deciding which casino to play at. Online reviews will let you know what sort of bonuses and promotions are available, so you can take advantage of them when signing up for a new account.
You’ll Find Out About Payment Options
Another important consideration when choosing an online casino is payment options. You’ll want to make sure that the casino accepts your preferred method of payment, so that withdrawing your winnings is quick and easy.
How can I ensure that the reviews I read are accurate?
First, look for reviews from multiple sources. This will help to give you a more well-rounded view of what people think about a particular product or service.
Second, don’t just skim them; actually pay attention to what people are saying. This will help you to get a better sense of whether or not the reviewer seems credible.
Finally, use your best judgment. If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. Trust your gut and you should be able to tell if a review is accurate or not.
 What are some things I should keep in mind when choosing an online casino?
First, make sure the casino is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority. This will ensure that the casino is operating legally and that your money is safe.
Second, check out the casino’s selection of games. Make sure there are plenty of games you’re interested in playing, and that the casino offers a good variety of betting limits to suit your budget.
Third, read up on the casino’s bonus offers and promotions. These can be a great way to boost your bankroll, but first make sure you understand the terms and conditions.
The difference between Canadian and international online casinos
There are a few key differences between Canadian and international online casinos. For one, Canadian online casinos are subject to stricter regulations than their international counterparts. This means that they must meet higher standards in terms of safety and security.
Another difference is that Canadian online casinos tend to offer more payment options than international casinos. This is because the Canadian market is more diverse, so there are more methods that cater to different needs.
Where can I find the most reliable and up-to-date online casino reviews in Canada?
One way is to look for websites that specialize in Canadian online gambling. These websites will usually have a section dedicated to reviews of different online casinos.
Another way to find reliable online casino reviews is to look for forums or message boards that discuss Canadian online gambling. You can often find helpful insights and opinions from other gamblers on these types of platforms.
Finally, you can also ask around for recommendations from friends or family members who gamble online.
To sum up, it’s always a good idea to do your research on any online casino you’re thinking of playing with, and reading reviews from other players is a great way to get an idea of what to expect.
By Pepper Parr
October 5th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Does anyone wonder why September came and went and there was no announcement on the purchase of the Bateman High School property?
Given that the 30th was a federal holiday which the city administration decided would apply to all the municipal employees one could understand that there was no one available to put together one of those statements that would quote the Mayor on how much had been achieved and what to look forward.
Somewhere in that communication would be mention of the cost and the hole it is going to put in the public purse.
There was nothing on Monday. Nothing on Tuesday. Wednesday isn’t over so maybe there will be an announcement.
 At this point all the public has is a plan and a sense that the cost will come in at somewhere neat $50 million. The subject didn’t even get asked at the Chamber of Commerce event on Tuesday – that the Mayor made no mention suggest the new may not be all that good.
No word from any of the ward 5 candidates.
There is a story in there somewhere – the part of that story we know today is – they don’t want you to know.
We have reached out to Councillor Sharman and Councillor Stolte asking:
Is there anything you can say about the status of the sale/purchase of the Bateman High School property?
The public was told that the deal was to close on September 30th.
Stolte has a personal investment in the deal: The city Integrity Commissioner docked her five days’ pay for telling the public that the site was going to come in at something near $50,000,000.
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