 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.
 By Staff
October 5th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
“It seems that the City follows the same process over and over again and expects different outcomes. This is frustrating and the residents of Burlington are tired of the “in camera” nature of the decisions. How can we assess the City’s “best” when it is secretive. Trust is now an issue. This Council was elected partly on a promise of transparency.”
Millcroft residents are deeply concerned with changes a developer wants to make to the golf course their homes are built around. The plan is to add 98 homes to the site and a small medium rise apartment building. The homes are expected to sell in the $1 million plus range.
The development application is still in review by the Planning Department – the developer has taken the application to the Ontario Land Tribunal \9olt0
There are a number of players in the game; all with similar names.
 The developers.  One of the two community groups  The other is the Millcroft Greenspace Alliance We are asking Burlington’s City Council to pass a resolution at today’s special Council meeting to enable further discussions with the Province to protect this invaluable greenspace. Allowing the Millcroft Greens development application to proceed without this public declaration is unacceptable. Greenspace does not require studies or reports and this narrative from our elected officials is unacceptable.
Proposed City Resolution
The City of Burlington resolves to protect the Millcroft Golf Course property greenspace and its zoning of Major Parks/Open Space. We commit to working with the Province of Ontario, the Government of Canada and community groups to protect this mature tree canopy and green stormwater infrastructure consistent with our Climate Policies.
A significant number of taxpayers have requested that this application be stopped and further expense through an OLT hearing would be shameful.
We trust that our politicians will act responsibly and publicly state their position before the municipal election on this October 24.
 It was to be a community built around a golf course – innovative at the time. Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, who attended the community meeting, responded to the request by the Millcroft Greenspace Alliance for a council resolution that would be sent to the provincial government.
Meed Ward responded with the following
Thank you so much for reaching out on this critically important community issue. We all appreciate the great work, research and insights that the Millcroft Greenspace Alliance and Millcroft Against Bad Development groups have provided to us. Thank you also for engaging the Millcroft community, and beyond, on the issues at stake with the Millcroft Greens application. We’ve all heard from thousands of residents, and that input and lived experience will be very valuable for us once we are in a position to take a position on this matter.
You have asked Burlington City Council to pass a resolution about the Millcroft Greens development application, specifically to adopt a resolution to preserve the golf course prior to the Ontario Lands Tribunal Case Management conference on this matter in November.
Thank you for hosting and leading the Millcroft Greenspace Alliance public meeting last week, which myself and Councillor Stolte had an opportunity to attend to listen to residents, where I first heard of this proposed resolution. As you will recall, I was asked by residents and permitted by you and the organizers to speak and answer their question about the resolution.
I provided the following comments at that meeting but restate them here with some additional information, so you have a written copy. Feel free to share this with any of your members or neighbours who may have similar questions about such a resolution.
Such a resolution would be both ineffective and damaging to the city’s case, and to community interests.
Passing a resolution now would be ineffective, because no resolution from council can legally stop the OLT process that is underway. That hearing will continue, and a decision will be made there. Additionally, current council members cannot bind future councils. Any resolution passed by this council could be undone by a future council. The new council will need to take their own position on this matter and direct staff to defend that position at the OLT.
Passing a resolution now would also be damaging to the city’s case at the Tribunal because the Tribunal doesn’t look kindly on positions that are arrived at without the benefit of completing the full review, in a fair and impartial way to all parties. Such a resolution would be seen as circumventing the review process, and would not be based on any informed reports and recommendations from our own staff, because we don’t have them yet. It would be viewed as a purely political move by incumbents in an election to save their seats.
This is not how we do planning in Burlington. Circumventing the process, giving the Tribunal reason not to support whatever position we do ultimately take, would go against community interests – not help them.
Right now, we are waiting for staff to complete a full review of the application, including all relevant studies and community feedback. That review is not yet complete given the nature of this project on a flood plain and greenspace – which is different from any other project we have received which are usually tear downs/rebuilds of existing buildings, without the same complex issues.
That is why this project has taken longer than others for our staff to properly review, and come to an informed recommendation to bring to council.
 Mayor Meed Ward: “We serve the community’s interests best by allowing staff and the independent consultant who reviewed the flood plain studies, to complete their work, and bring a recommendation to council.” We serve the community’s interests best by allowing staff and the independent consultant who reviewed the flood plain studies, to complete their work, and bring a recommendation to council. This is expected in December or more likely January of 2023. Council will then be in a position to take a well-informed position, backed by expert studies that can be defended at the Tribunal. To short circuit that process for political gain during an election period would hinder the city’s case at the Tribunal, which isn’t in anyone’s best interests.
What I can tell you, though, and what I shared at the meeting, are the principles I hold that will be front and centre in evaluating any recommendation from staff and ultimately the position I will take on this matter. Council does have the prerogative to take a position that is different from the staff recommendation.
These principles include: this is on greenspace (which we need more of in Burlington, not less); it’s on a flood plain which serves as natural storm water management (and our experience in the 2014 flood reminds us how important natural storm water management systems are); the biodiversity of plants/animals on the course; the trees that would be lost, at a time we are trying to increase our tree canopy; and the fact that this isn’t in an identified growth area of the city – we can accommodate our share of growth at GO stations, retail plazas and other strategic areas of the city, without impacting greenspace. I believe many of these issues will be central to the case at the OLT.
Finally, it’s also important to note that the case management conference isn’t the hearing. The case management conference will identify the issues to be discussed (some of which are likely the ones I’ve outlined above), what expert witnesses need to be called, and as a result how long the hearing will need to be. Then a hearing is scheduled. That hearing is unlikely to get into the Tribunal calendar before fall of next year. There is no need to rush this, to our own detriment.
My position on the OLT is that it is an undemocratic, ineffective and inefficient body that should be abolished. I brought a motion to Regional Council in 2019 to eliminate the OLT (then called the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal) which was unanimously approved, and that remains Regional Council’s position. Read more here: https://mariannemeedward.ca/halton-regional-council-unanimously-supports-resolution-from-burlington-and-halton-hills-mayors-to-eliminate-lpat/
As a delegation at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference, myself and other members of council met with Provincial Attorney General Doug Downey and advocated for reforms of the Tribunal. We will continue to do so.
I have never avoided, nor has anyone on this council, making tough development decisions. Based on the unanimous support for the resolution to abolish the OLT, we all would like the OLT to get out of our way, get out of our democratic process, and let us make these decisions, with full participation by our community and accountability by elected representatives for our decisions. I will stand behind all the decisions I’ve made, and you can see what they are because I tell people how I voted and why in my monthly newsletter, so residents can hold me to account. Decision-making should always rest with local councils, our professional and qualified staff, and the community, for maximum accountability and democracy. I will continue to fight for that and I will continue to be transparent with residents about every vote I cast on every development.
In due course, once our professional staff have completed their review and brought a recommendation forward to council, council will take a position and direct our staff to defend that position at the Ontario Lands Tribunal. The public will be aware of our position, and the rationale behind it. We will follow this process, because it’s the best way to protect community interests, your interests.
Daintry Klein followed up with
Marianne
 Daintry Klein: Millcroft Greenspace Alliance Thank you for your response. I am hearing the narrative and I am following the ongoing development outcomes in the City of Burlington.
I am also following what is happening in other municipalities to see how outcomes can be different.
It seems that the City follows the same process over and over again and expects different outcomes. This is frustrating and the residents of Burlington are tired of the “in camera” nature of the decisions. How can we assess the City’s “best” when it is secretive. Trust is now an issue. This Council was elected partly on a promise of transparency.
We cannot afford to lose another City planning decision at the OLT, particularly of such importance to our health and well being, and we are imploring you and the rest of Council to look beyond to find a positive outcome. We are asking that this Council stretch beyond its current perceptions and explore what can be possible rather than continuing to tell us what isn’t.
A previous Council enacted OPA 117 to protect our City and its residents. The current Council appears to be ignoring their responsibility to uphold it. Consideration of future Council decisions does not absolve this Council from responsibility for its (in)actions and decisions.
Our understanding from planning experts is that obtaining a political intervention such as we are looking for here is different from the “technical” process of the planning stream which ends with the OLT. A delay by this Council of making a public declaration precludes the political process of the Province assisting with a solution. We have proposed a possible solution to our MPP but she is unable to help without the City’s initiative. With the pending election and interruption of Council’s cycle of business it is more critical than ever that Council proceed with a resolution ahead of the pending OLT hearings. We have little to lose given the City’s record at the OLT.
The Millcroft Property is different from other areas which are zoned for development. It is becoming clearer by the day that the tree canopy as well as the benefits of the grass, “green infrastructure” cannot continue to be hacked and slashed. Replacement small saplings that may or may not survive, and hardened surfaces that cause further problems for climate change will have an exponentially negative impact on our City. No studies change the nature of greenspace.
Lastly, the engineering studies completed in the 1980s were definitive that this greenspace should never be built on. There should be nothing new that would lessen that impact given climate change and the severity of the weather. While the updated mapping is important, we will be reviewing the parameters closely as very recent experience is challenging the previous thinking on the 100 year storm. New precedents are looking at 200 year storm events. In addition, the parameters of studying the downstream impacts are critically important. Our City has substantial drainage and flooding issues which are the responsibility of Council and the City.
 The site has a story book setting and w storm water management program that works very well. The addition of 98 new homes would change the balance and put everything at risk. To be clear, passing a resolution could enable a possible alternative positive outcome without the costs and risks of the OLT. There is no indication that the OLT will change so that is not a concern to this file.
Regards,
Daintry Klein
Council met on Tuesday and did not pass a resolution. The matter wasn’t even on the agenda.
Related news feature
It is a big story – a community could be destroyed
 By Staff
October 5th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Fire Prevention Week is October 8th to 15th, 2022
The Burlington Fire Department is going to be
One big fact for the fire department is the importance of working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms at Canadian Tire, 2070 Appleby Line
The Fire Department will be at Canadian Tire (Millcroft Plaza, 2070 Appleby Line) throughout the week to help provide education and awareness about smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. Members of the Fire Department will be in the store to answer questions and help shoppers pick the alarm that is best suited to their home.
 The Fire department does a superb job of getting out to the community and telling their story. A fire truck will also be outside of the store for photos and tours (unless called for duty).
- Saturday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m. to noon
- Wednesday, Oct. 12, 4 to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m. to noon
Burlington Public Library Firefighter Story Time
The Fire Department will be doing a story time at select Burlington Public Library branches. Members will be reading “No Dragons for Tea” to kids and available to answer any questions about fire safety or about being a Firefighter.
New Appleby Branch, 676 Appleby Line at 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by truck tour from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
3040, Alton Village Branch, Tim Dobbie Dr. at 10:30 till 11:30 a.m. followed by truck tour 11:30 a.m. till 12:30 p.m.
While the Alton Branch has lots of seating space, New Appleby is smaller, so please arrive early if you’d like to ensure a spot.
“Just the Facts”
 Fire Chief Karen Roche accepting cookies. Karen Roche, Burlington Fire Chief
“I can’t stress enough the importance of having working alarms and checking them regularly and replacing their batteries twice a year. Fires grow quickly so you need all the time you can get, to get out of the house before your escape routes become blocked. Check your alarms and practice your escape plans. Please, call the non-emergency line if you have questions; we’re more than happy to help.”
By Staff
October 4th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
There was a layer of frost on the windshield this morning. Winter weather is getting close and that means ice rinks.
The city today announced that applications to run an outdoor neighbourhood ice rink now available
 If you want a local rink – be in touch with Parks and Recreation. Neighbours are encouraged to come together to maintain outdoor community ice rinks this winter at select locations throughout the city. Applications for the Neighbourhood Rink program are available now at burlington.ca/neighbourhoodrink and are due by Oct. 31, 2022.
Groups looking to organize a neighbourhood rink at pre-approved locations will need a minimum of six people from their community to maintain the rink. Volunteers who are approved to move forward with their rink will need to agree to the terms and conditions set out in the Neighbourhood Rinks program, agree to complete training and agree to keep maintenance records of the rink and provide their own water source.
City staff will install rink boards, hoses and tarps in each location and provide a training manual with tips on ice maintenance. As the colder weather arrives, each neighbourhood group will flood the rinks to get them ready for a first skate and then maintain them throughout the winter.
Neighbourhood rinks are open to all community members to skate for free.
 By Anne Marsden
October 3rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Click Let’s End the MMW Era
December 19, 2016 will be a Council meeting my husband Dave and I will never forget for two reasons.
1. The misrepresentation in the December 14, 2016 Audit Committee Minutes of what really happened at the Audit Committee regarding an audit of the 2014 Election Nomination Papers, was approved by all Council members regardless of having an understanding that the minutes were incorrect.
2. A without notice removal of the definitions of accountability and transparency from the 2014 Procedure By-laws proposed by a group that included Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward and a representative of the Clerk’s Office, was unanimously approved by Council.
It took five months for the definitions referenced in paragraph 2 above to form the core of an approved corporate policy covering the accountability and transparency definitions that Council unanimously removed from the Procedure. By-law.
Fast forward to the opening of nominations for the 2022 election when we heard commitments by at least one candidate and multiple members of the electorate, to end the MMW (Mayor My Way) era 2010-2022. The Burlington DownTowners in particular announced in the comments section of the Burlington Gazette, this election for the first time Anne Marsden had their vote for Mayor and offered to put up her signs if available.
After 2022 nominations opened, a better way of communicating by the City through the website was announced and implemented without any warning. The new website had huge gaps in information including committee and council webcasts and minutes of the December 14, 2016 Audit Committee and December 19, 2016 Council meeting. Further, the 2018 financial reports of incumbent members of council all running for re-election were missing.
Lisa Kearns the Marsdens Ward 2 councillor refused to address this sudden dearth of information that affected voters becoming fully informed. She claimed it was a Clerk/Marsden issue and announced to numerous email recipients that she had withdrawn from the email conversation on this matter. Strange as it seems what was not missing was the Corporate Policies which is not something the electorate would normally be checking for to determine who would get their vote.
A cursory review showed a dejavue situation the Marsdens had addressed with Council in the past. “Many corporate policies had passed their due date for review some of them expiring years earlier.”
The 2022 posted Corporate policies identifies the Council Code of Conduct was scheduled for review in October 2022 – a time known, when the date was set, that Council would not be meeting. Although requested in the past no-one has volunteered the information as to what it means when review dates of corporate policies have expired, or what the liability is attached to such expiration.
We all know however, what is behind these expiries – sheer incompetence and lack of accountability. This incompetence in my professional career world would have resulted in an immediate removal of this responsibility from my job description and a much lower salary for me to take home, at the very least.
The biggest shocker to the Marsdens, however, post nominations opening was the Review Date on the Corporate Policy headed ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY. The date was April, 2022 and the person responsible? “The City Clerk”! If the Burlington City Clerks over the past decade, two of them, have been unable to handle a simple follow up file to keep a check on such review dates, what can we expect from someone who is responsible for all the policies, legislative requirements etc. that are a part of oversight of a municipal election. An election that gives the winners the right to decide how they spend a $287 million operating budget. Further, how we undertake our responsibilities to all those we serve who put the money in the city’s budget accounts. Let’s also not forget the Clerk is responsible for the Burlington tender process and accurately recording Committee and Council meetings.
The Council approved definitions of accountability and transparency removed from the 2014 Procedure By-law state:
1.1 “Accountability” means the principle that the City of Burlington will be responsible to its stakeholders for decisions made and policies implemented, as well as its actions or inactions.
1.38 “Transparency” means the principle that the City of Burlington actively encourages and fosters stakeholder participation and openness in its decision-making processes. Additionally, transparency means that the City of Burlington’s decision making process is open and clear to the public.
My September 28, 2022 Gazette opinion piece advises my first priority is a full and thorough review of the Procedure By-law. These definitions that should never have been removed will go back into the Procedure By-law through this review with I am sure, a unanimous vote by the elected council. This will then ensure regardless of corporate policy expiry dates that these two definitions are respected as they must be.
The definitions that the MMW (Mayor My Way) era council saw fit to remove from their reference handbook that should be considered their “bible” is now, as far as anyone knows, not a legitimate part of City of Burlington corporate policies.
No wonder those we talk to on the campaign trail have the highest discontent rate Dave and I have ever heard beginning 1997. The discontent is related to lack of: integrity, accountability, transparency, public engagement, public safety, accessibility and much more! October 11 – October 24 we all have an opportunity to state at the ballot box the MMW era must come an end.
Anne Marsden is a candidate for the Office of Mayor
Content paid for by the Committee to elect Anne Marsden Mayor Burlington
 By Pepper Parr
October 3rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The time line on this story is what makes it interesting.
Media and politicians, especially those running for re-election, are a little like oil and water
On the 27th of September we wrote a story with the headline: “Two incumbents have reason to be looking over their shoulders.
The incumbents were Lisa Kearns of ward 2 and Rory Nisan of ward 3.
The two are up against tough contenders; Nisan more so than Kearns.
During the 2018 election Nisan and Kearns donated $1400. to each other’s campaign. Not on the same day. Many wondered what was going on.
During that same election Nisan got the lightest slap on the wrist for the way he handled an election fund raising event.
The day after we published the story Kearns sent out a tweet:
On the 28th, Kearns published a tweet that went like:
Her issue was with an article we did on the Truth and Reconciliation Day event that was held last Friday. The day was a federal government holiday. Unions that have contracts with the city of Burlington have clauses in their contracts that give them federal holidays.
 The city is prepared to spend up to $500,000 to defend its position on the plans to develop the Waterfront Hotel site. The story we wrote covered the holiday city hall union workers got and The word “natives” appeared in the story but had no reference to the Indigenous community, unless of course you were looking for something to deflect public interest in the “inadvertent comment made by Kearns at a virtual BDBA meeting at which she let loose lips make mention of the $500,000 the city has budgeted for a defence of the Ontario Land Tribunal matter related to the Waterfront Hotel site re-development.
Kearns knew better. She only realized she had revealed information that was discussed at a CLOSED meeting of Council when one of the participants at the virtual meeting asked how much of the $500,000 had been spent. At that point she panicked. Ran to the City Manager, talked to the City Solicitor and called the Integrity Commissioner to confess and hope that her penance was bearable.
Lisa Kearns does have a very good brain, however Common sense is a staple in the world of politics –
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
 By Pepper Parr
October 3rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The best and perhaps only debate we are going to see during this election is to take place at the Port Nelson United Church at 7:00 pm on October 11th – in the Roseland Room.
Making it happen was the product of a number of roll-up-your-sleeves and get-it-done Roseland Community Association members.
One of the event organizers assures the Gazette that it will not be “puff ball” event.
 Rick Burgess, once a candidate for Mayor, will Chair the candidate event on October 11th Rick Burgess will chair the event.
The candidates will have the opportunity to present their policy positions on the key issues which the community has identified, and hopefully, we will gain some impressions regarding their depth and style.
The candidates will receive the questions on the night of the event, and each candidate will be allowed to make introductory and closing statements.
The questions have strong introductions, and will hopefully lead the candidates into stating policy positions on these issues to be addressed during the next term of Council.
This is a neighbourhood undertaking, and the broader City wide issues need to be addressed in other forums. The headings for the questions are:
– Intensification and Established Communities
– Local Roads and Traffic
– Cost of Living and Affordability
– Governance
– Environment and Trees
– Committee of Adjustment
The audience will have copies of the questions being out to the candidates.
The RCO people are hoping that Cogeco will be able to broadcast the event
By Staff
October 3, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
While the new normal has a few iffy spots to it – the closing of two sections of the Joseph Brant Hospital where Covid19 outbreaks were declared – the Region is slowly finding its way to whatever normal is going to be as we head into that time of year where we spend more time indoors.
Conservation Halton decided it was possible for the Halton Children’s Water Festival to return to Kelso Conservation Area and welcome back over 800 students this year for an in-person program focused on protecting water in our community.
This is the fifteenth year for the festival which has educated over 50,000 elementary school students with the support of over 6,000 high school students over the years.
 The objective was to step though each of the tires and keep whatever was in the bucket – in the bucket. “Today, I’ve learned about water and the correct bins the garbage goes in,” said James, a Grade 5 student from St. Anne Elementary School, Burlington. “Right now, we’re playing a game and it’s really fun!”
The festival offered the Grade 5 students curriculum-linked environmental education programming, over three days, that gave students the opportunity to learn about water and society, water conservation and protection, water health and safety and water science and technology. Fun, themed learning activity centres such as Waterfront Quest, Garbage Juice, What’s That?, the Great pH Challenge and Beneficial Bugs allowed for hands-on learning outdoors where students could enjoy the views of Kelso Reservoir on one side and the Niagara Escarpment on the other.
“The water festival gives our students the opportunity to be stewards of the earth by investigating and participating in real-life, hands-on activities that are designed and lead with the Ontario Science and Technology expectations,” said Clare Slaven, Grade 5 teacher, St. Timothy’s Catholic Elementary School, Burlington. “It is a wonderful fun-filled day where we can show what we value and celebrate in Halton and the environment.”
 The grade 5 students were kept busy – learning how their environment works and the role water plays in everything they do. A virtual Water Festival Program will continue again this year. Since launching in April 2022 more than 1,600 students have participated in the online field trips.
The Halton Children’s Water Festival is presented by Conservation Halton and Halton Region in partnership with Halton District School Board, Halton Catholic District School Board and Conservation Halton Foundation, with the support of the Town of Oakville, Geo Morphix, City of Burlington and the Town of Halton Hills.
Conservation Halton is the community based environmental agency that protects, restores, and manages the natural resources in its watershed. The organization has staff that includes ecologists, land use planners, engineers, foresters and educators, along with a network of volunteers, who are guided by a Board of Directors comprised of municipally elected and appointed citizens. Conservation Halton is recognized for its stewardship of creeks, forests and Niagara Escarpment lands through science-based programs and services. Learn more at conservationhalton.ca.
Pepper Parr
October 3rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
We live in a time where offence is easily taken. We live in a time that has information coming at us relentlessly and we often fail to read what is said carefully. Late in September I wrote a piece that used the word “natives” when referring to staff at city hall. Some took the use of the word “natives” as a reference to the Indigenous people who are rightly called member of the First Nations.
If we have offended anyone we apologize, and, for those who were offended, we do apologize – not for what we wrote but for not writing as clearly as should have. The Gazette has been an advocate for the Indigenous community long before it became popular.
Perhaps it is my jaundiced eye.
Let’s see if you see it the way I saw it when the two events came together for me.
The Day for National Truth and Reconciliation is to be celebrated on September 30th; which is a paid holiday declared by the federal government.
Burlington decided they would give the holiday to employees as well; a clause in a union contract required the city to give the union members the holiday and the big poohbahs at city hall decided they could keep the natives from getting too restless by giving everyone the holiday.
The usual grumbling from tax payers who are neither members of the unions at city hall nor federal government employees was heard.
The 30th happens to be the day the people involved with the purchase of the Bateman High School property are said to be signing the deal.
The public has been clamouring to know just how many dollars are going to move from one side of the bargaining table to the other, but were told on numerous occasions, that there is no deal until the sale closes – which was supposed to be the 30th.
Would that make some kind of a truth and a bit of a reconciliation – truth being the public learning what the idea of turning a decommissioned high school into a community centre is going to cost? The reconciliation will come when the public realizes that there is not yet a complete plan for the site which is very big and there might be a significant asbestos removal bill to contend with.
The Mayors loves the idea of turning the school into a community centre; has been a champion of the idea before the decision to close the school was final.
Back when the Halton District School Board was working with the communities to decide which of the seven high schools would be closed – Marianne Meed Ward, at the time a mere city councillor, was very active in ensuring that Central High School was not closed. The way to keep Central open was to ensure Bateman was closed.
The matter of how much information the public was going to have resulted in a city Councillor beinmg sanctioned by the Integrity Commissioner for uttering a figure that was an approximation of what it was all going to cost.
That was enough for two Councillors to file complaints with the Integrity Commissioner that resulted in the Councillor being docked five days pay.
That Integrity Commissioner said after he had rendered his decision that had he known that the Councillor he had sanction was not truly remorseful he would have taken away 30 days pay.
The Councillor stood her ground and said if it took five days pay to get the issue of just how much information the public was going to be given when Council came out of CLOSED meetings then she saw it as money well spent or words to that effect.
A while later the city brought in legal counsel that specializes in CLOSED door council meetings and what the public should be told when the CLOSED meeting ends. They, in the most possible polite terms told the city that their practices needed improvement.
Reconciliation indeed.
Our Mayor wasn’t finished with the Councillor Sometime later she used her power to re-order a Council meeting agenda and did her best to force the Council member to publicly read an apology the Councillor had said she was prepared to give a member of city Staff at the end of the Council meeting.
The Mayor wanted the apology done during the council meeting where it could be debated – thus giving the two councillors who filed the complaint with the Integrity another opportunity to pile on.
This is the kind of stuff you see on television. Did we make it up. CLICK to listen to what Mayor Meed Ward chose to do
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
By Katelyn Goodwin
October 1st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington residents both Indigenous and non-Indigenous gathered in Spencer Smith Park Friday evening to mark National Day of Truth and Reconciliation also known as Orange Shirt Day, a day in which we honour survivors of residential schools and the children who never returned home from them, as well as their families and communities. The event contained information booths, public displays, speeches from Indigenous speakers affected by intergenerational trauma caused by the residential school system, and a reflective walk.
 The walk that celebrated the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation day in Burlington began at the Pier. There were very close to a hundred if not a few more residents participating in these events-especially the reflective walk and ceremony at Lift Bridge lighthouse following it. Those events were where most attendees were taking the chance to listen, learn, and talk amongst each other. While observing and taking part in the walk and ceremony, I caught some of the words spoken between people. Most were talking about the impacts of residential schools and the trauma left behind by them still affecting Indigenous people and communities, as well as the stories told to us from children/grandchildren of residential school survivors and non-survivors in their speeches. I think the amount of people talking about the painful but true history of these schools and those affected by them at once says a lot about the impact of this event.
 People gathered in small groups to talk about different residential. school experiences. I talked to several members from the Indigenous community; with parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles, who had been taken away from their families and put into a residential schools. While telling their almost all of them got teary-eyed and were able to share the stories in great detail.
Speaker and family member of residential school survivors Laura Suthers said that though Truth and Reconciliation Day is a day of healing that helps create awareness of the tragedies that occurred in the schools, it is also one that can bring back trauma for survivors and their families, acknowledging that my question as to what the day meant to her was quite loaded and hard to answer at first. She noted how important it is for non-indigenous people to honour residential school survivors and children who never made it home not just September 30th, but every day of the year. “While the truth can hurt” she said – “it needs to be said.’
 White Eagle, the daughter of a residential school survivor addressed the audience telling them how important it is that we not forget what was done to the Canadian Indigenous community. Event leader, speaker, and an Indigenous person affected by the intergenerational trauma of residential schools White Eagle talked who about how vital is to remember survivors of residential schools and those who didn’t return home. Honour those affected by the horrors of and do not hold back any information when talking about what went on in residential schools.
Something she told me that should be considered is that while the Truth and Reconciliation Day is meant to be one for Indigenous people and their healing journeys, they also use it to educate non-Indigenous people about residential schools while being reminded of their trauma. This is something she describes as a ‘double-edged sword.’
 The participants at the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation gathered on the Beach. Steven Paquette, an elder who works with the Halton District School Board, said the day is important for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous as it is important in relation to Canadian history and builds allyship and spreads awareness in non-Indigenous communities while acknowledging strength and prosperity in Indigenous people.
 Walking along what used to be a rail bed for trains that took produce to markets around the world those participated in xxx I left the events at Spencer Smith Park on National Day of Truth and Reconciliation realizing that through talking to people who have personal stories to tell about this tragic part of Canadian history is that both this day and events related to it are needed to both honour the voices of residential school survivors living and deceased and remind us to stand with members of the Indigenous community and listen to their experiences not just for one day, but every day.
Millcroft – it was built as a unique community – and the residents want it to stay that way.
| By Staff
September 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
They are mad as hell and don’t want to take this anymore.
Millcroft Greens has appealed their application to the Ontario Land Tribunal bypassing a public decision by Burlington City Council.
 MAD along with the City of Burlington (Mayor Marianne Meed-Ward, Councillor Angelo Bentivegna and Councilor Rory Nisan) and Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr have arranged a virtual meeting on October 4th at 6:30 P.M. with all MAD supporters to cover the following:
1.Expected Ontario Land Tribunal Process and how MAD is going to participate
2.What the City/Region is now doing on this application and how they will participate in the Ontario Land Tribunal Process
3.What MAD has done to date
4.MAD Call to Action
5.Questions from Supporters to MAD or the City
They are asking that as many people as are able to participate in this call to both get the update as well as show their support.
Please email your questions in advance to Mayor@Burlington.ca before Monday October 3rd at noon. We will endeavour to answer as many questions as possible.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 875 1631 2735
Passcode: Sqnj8d
OR
Dial in at 647 558 0588
Meeting ID: 875 1631 2735
Passcode: 626012
This meeting will be recorded for all those unable to attend.
They will only be able to accommodate 1000 attendees. Please be sure to sign on early to secure your spot. |
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By Staff
September 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
For those who thought it was over – try again.
Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) declared two inpatient unit COVID-19 outbreaks. One in Unit 5 South 200 on September 27, after three patients tested positive for COVID-19.
A second outbreak was declared on Unit 6 North 400/500 on September 29, 2022 after two patients and one healthcare worker tested positive for COVID-19.
The outbreak on Unit 6 North 400/500 is independent from the outbreak on Unit 5 South 200. All appropriate precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of patients, Essential Care Partners (ECPs), staff and physicians.
 Two outbreaks of Covid19 in different parts of the hospital JBH’s Infection Prevention and Control team and Employee Health Services are ensuring all patients on the units, along with staff and physicians who have been or may have been exposed, are being contacted, monitored, tested and self-isolating as required in keeping with Public Health guidelines. Patients on the units are in isolation as of the declared date of the outbreaks and have been instructed when discharged, to continue to monitor for symptoms for the remaining 10 days.
A number of enhanced safety measures are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of our patients, staff and physicians. ECPs and visitors are not permitted to enter the units except under limited circumstances in consultation with the patient’s care team.
Patients can still connect with their loved ones by telephone and video – both telephone and WiFi are available at no cost. Patients and their loved ones can visit the hospital website for information on how to book a video visit: www.josephbranthospital.ca/en/patients-and-visitors/visiting-hours.asp
JBH is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to work closely with Halton Region Public Health to bring a safe end to the outbreaks as soon as possible. Patients or loved ones who have questions or concerns can contact a member of the JBH Patient Relations team at 905-632-3737 ext. 4949 or by email patientrelations@josephbranthospital.ca.
JBH continues to uphold a universal mandatory masking policy, in which every person is required to wear a hospital-provided mask before entering and while in hospital. Masks are available at each entrance door.
 By Katelyn Goodwin
September 29th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Friday afternoon, from 4-7 PM, residents, indigenous or otherwise, will be gathering in Spencer Smith Park to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
 Phyllis Webstad (nee Jack) is Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band). She comes from mixed Secwepemc and Irish/French heritage and was born in Dog Creek but now lives in Williams Lake, British Columbia. Also recognized as Orange Shirt Day, Truth and Reconciliation Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative event inspired by the story of residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad who travels the country raising awareness about the impacts of Canada’s residential school system while talking about her experiences when she was at a residential school.
Both local Indigenous people and support groups will have public displays set up, interactive events, information booths, and a ceremonial gathering will take place in the park.
People are encouraged to come to the park to learn and participate in these events and displays. Participants wishing to join are encouraged to wear orange shirts.
 The path leading to the canal and the lighthouse was once a rail bed that had two tracks that brought steam engines into Burlington where they were loaded with produce that was shipped around the world. The canal is also the border between Burlington and Hamilton. An event of significance will be a reflective walk which will start at the pier at 4 p.m. and end at the Lift Bridge lighthouse where a ceremony will take place before attendees’ head back to Spencer Smith Park.
City of Burlington administration buildings will be closed. .
 By Dan Prefman
September 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Anyone who lives in Burlington knows what a great place it is and what a fabulous country Canada is. With so much natural beauty and so many interesting things to do in your spare time, it is a fabulous place to call home. While playing sports and meeting up with friends is something people all over Burlington love to do, playing online casino games is also popular with many now. This is true across many parts of Canada, where lots of people love to relax with exciting games online.
Of course, online casino gaming is loved in many other parts of the world and Russia is a prime example. Although there might be a shared love for casino gaming online between Canada and Russia, it is fair to say that the legislation both countries have in this area can differ.
But how does Canadian and Russian online casino legislation compare?
 Russia has platforms that offer awesome games alongside generous bonuses. And a no nonsense leader keeping an eye on things. Russia – What is their online casino legislation?
The situation around iGaming is a little muddled in Russia – despite it having some very clear-cut laws around online gambling! It is without doubt that legislation passed in 2006 banned online gambling across Russia and further legislation passed in 2009 banned all forms of gambling in the country apart from in four special gambling zones.
This all seems pretty straightforward until you learn that the iGaming sector in Russia remains popular and many people there gamble at online casinos regularly. There are in fact some top online casinos to game at for Russians now and platforms which offer awesome games alongside generous bonuses.
But just how can this be possible with the legislation from 2006 and 2009 in place? It all comes down to many Russians bypassing legislation by playing at offshore casino platforms. Although this is something of a grey area, there is little risk involved for players and plenty of foreign sites who accept Russian users. Of course, it is key to stay updated with any future changes to online casino legislation in Russia which could impact people’s ability to play at offshore sites.
Where does Canada stand on online casino gaming?
The Canadian online casino market is an interesting one and one that is in a period of change right now. It is estimated that up to 20 million Canadians love to game online and the local online gambling sector pulls in around $1.2bn in revenue.
While regulation from the 1970s paved the way for the first land-based casino in Winnipeg during 1989, updates to laws around online gambling have been a bit slower to emerge. This is because Canada leaves it up to each province to set their own rules around online casino gambling.
As a result, some provinces have been slow to react to the rise of online gaming across the country and slow to pass legislation which could enable people to gamble at online casinos legally in certain provinces. In places like this, many follow the lead of Russia and play at offshore casino sites instead.
Despite this, there have been recent movements in some provinces in terms of legalizing online casino gaming. Ontario’s online gambling market was launched in April 2022 for example, after legislation was passed to make this achievable. This means it is now possible for internet casinos to operate within Ontario provided they have been issued the relevant license by provincial officials.
 Ontario is professionally and responsibly regulated. One of the safest environments for on-lime gamblers. This move by Ontario has led many people to speculate whether other Canadian provinces could follow suit and pass legislation moving forward to launch legal online gambling within their borders. This could soon see Canada fully open for top casino brands to operate legally within the country and see it breaking the glass ceiling around iGaming in the country.
Canada vs Russia – How do they compare?
In essence, it is clear to see the similarities when comparing online casino legislation between the two countries. Both for example have a nation of people who love to play online casino games, and both turn something of a blind eye to people who game at offshore platforms.
There are also some clear differences between the two though. Russia for example has not passed any recent legislation in this area, while Canada seems to be in a period of change. Russia seems to have set out its stall to be completely against online gambling, whereas Canada’s stance is seeming to soften. Russia also takes a more central, federal approach to setting iGaming laws, while Canada is happy to leave it up to individual provinces.
 By Staff
September 29, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The angelic-voiced musicians of the Vienna Boys’ Choir bring their delightful program of Austrian folk songs and classical masterpieces to The Burlington Performing Arts Centre on Saturday, October 15th at 8pm. For six centuries, these young cultural ambassadors have been adored the world over for their wide range of repertoire, purity of tone and generosity of musical spirit.
The Vienna Boys’ Choir, which played to sold-out audiences in Burlington in 2015 and 2017, is the world’s foremost children’s choral group. Over the centuries, illustrious composers have written
masterpieces for the Boys’ Choir, including Mozart, Bruckner, Gluck and Schubert. This beloved touring group of alto and soprano boys between 10 and 14 years of age will take to the stage to perform both classical and more contemporary songs, from Ava Maria to more recent hits such as the Banana Boat Song.
 The Vienna Boys Choir taking a break at their residence-school “The global pandemic has badly affected all performing arts organization and artists, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir, both as a school and as artists, is no exception. They are a private organization which does not receive any government subsidies or public funding. During COVID they were forced to cancel well over 700 performances. Burlington is one of only a handful of Canadian dates on The Vienna Boys’ Choir schedule this fall – so it is an absolute delight to be able to present this incredible International group to our patrons on their current tour, aptly titled the “Together” tour, as part of our 22-23 Season,” says BPAC’s Executive Director, Tammy Fox.
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s 2022-2023 ‘BPAC Presents’ Season is sponsored by Mercedes- Benz Burlington.
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre presents
Vienna Boys’ Choir
October 15, 2022 at 8 p.m.
Main Theatre
440 Locust Street, Burlington, Ontario Tickets can be purchased online or by telephone:
905-681-6000 | https://burlingtonpac.ca/events/chilliwack/
Tickets: Regular $69.50 / Members $64.50
By Pepper Parr
September 29th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Interesting.
The map below came our way.
The black symbols are building permits that have been closed, the purple are building permits that have been issued but not yet closed
 Map used by city staff to search for the status of a building permit application  These are permits that have been issued for work on trees – black are closed files s
 Map of drainage certificates that have been issued. Each one of those dots has a fee attached to it.
By Pepper Parr
September 28th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Why was Rick Greenspoon, candidate for the ward 6 council seat left standing outside the location of the Millcroft Greenspace Alliance (MGA) yesterday having been told that politicians were not permitted to attend the meeting.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte made unexpected arrivals and no one was prepared to uninvite the two of them.
Greenspoon didn’t make it past the door; he was left standing outside holding up his campaign sign.
Daintry Klein, the person heading up the meeting, said she didn’t see the Mayor until she had started the meeting.
More than 120 people attended the meeting with 15 questions – what is happening now and what are we going to do next.
It was a community built around a golf course – seen as very progressive in the 1990’s. Millcroft Greens is a joint-venture partnership between Argo Development Corporation and Millcroft Golf Club.
The development is currently before the Ontario Land Tribunal with a Case Management session scheduled for November 7th
Klein, an original owner in the Millcroft community, has become a staunch supporter of planting more trees and doing what has to be done to end the rate at which the climate is changing.
Millcroft Greens, notified some residents and the City of their intention to submit an application to develop a portion of Millcroft Golf Club in February of 2019 and their application was accepted by the City in December 2020.
The City of Burlington has neither approved nor declined the application.
Millcroft Greens appealed to the Province of Ontario Land Tribunal for a hearing to approve their applications.
MGA is not confident the city could successfully defend the application at OLT – 97% of cases are decided in favour of developers and the City of Burlington has not successfully defended an application during this term of Council.
Through significant research and numerous meetings with experts and the Province, MGA believes that the City of Burlington should pass a resolution. Potential wording could be:
Proposed City Resolution
The City of Burlington resolves to protect the Millcroft Golf Course property greenspace and its zoning of Major Parks/Open Space. We commit to working with the Province of Ontario, the Government of Canada and community groups to protect this mature tree canopy and green stormwater infrastructure consistent with our Climate Policies.
In order to pass such a resolution the Mayor would have to call a Special Meeting of Council – there aren’t any council meetings until the election has taken place. Klein’s response to that is to “let the Mayor have at it.
As the municipal election approaches (October 24), candidates will be looking for taxpayer and resident support. Our existing Council has the opportunity to prove their support for our community by passing a resolution.
Klein points out that Glen Abbey and the Stoneridge Golf course were able to work out their differences with developers without having to go to the OLT – he hope is that Burlington can do the same.
The MGA people want the city to take the lead on this issue. There doesn’t appear to be very much confidence in ward Councillor Angelo Bentivegna’s efforts.
There are two organizations in Millcroft solidly against the plans to further develop the golf course. There is MAD – Millcroft Against Development and MGA – Millcrogt Green Alliance
Related news stories
The story behind the flooding problem.
By Pepper Parr
September 28th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The length of time it takes to get a building permit application through city hall is a contentious issue.
The builders complain but nothing seems to change.
Is there really a problem at the municipal level and if there is a problem can it be defined
The Altus Group Economic Consulting was retained by BILD (Building Industry and Land Development Association) to undertake a study of several factors that may be contributing to housing affordability issues in major housing markets across the Greater Toronto Area (“GTA”), such as municipal approval processes, resulting timelines for approvals, and government charges levied by municipalities.
The study compares approaches that municipalities have in place to deal with the approval and development of new housing. It also highlights key features (and associated benefits of those features) in promoting the approval of new housing and ultimate construction, as well as the cost implications of municipal processes and policies. The analysis presented in the study was based on research done on 16 municipalities across the GTA.
 Rankings can be misleading and some of the numbers need some clarification Burlington did not do very well in the ranking 8th out of the 16. Oakville came second and Milton was third.
Some municipalities still do not make important features of the process transparently available, such as application requirements, terms of references for technical studies, or other key planning documents available to applicants, which can hinder the quality of submissions received, and can indirectly impact municipal review timelines;
Many applicants are required to submit a wide array of technical studies, and while many are certainly necessary, our analysis has found up to 42 different possible types of studies over the range of municipalities studied. With even 10 to 20 studies being required per application, this can significantly increase the amount of time it takes to get to a complete application, adds complexity to municipalities reviewing the full submissions, and strains the resources of private-sector planning firms (and other technical experts) to fulfil application requirements;
Municipal approval timelines in the GTA are among the worst of major municipalities across Canada and have deteriorated significantly compared to the findings presented in the previous the 2020 Study. Average timelines are 27% to 51% longer than those reported in the 2020
The report is lengthy; we will complete our review and report in depth soon soon.
 By Anne Marsden
September 28th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
Burlington residents Anne and Dave Marsden, Pro Bono Health, Safety and Access Advocates are on the Burlington City Council and Committee record since the 90’s delegating on any subject that affects the well-being of city families. All their delegations are based on areas of expertise honed in Anne and Dave’s well referenced professional careers and pro-bono advocacy in and out of the Courts; see marsdens.ca.
 This opinion piece sees Anne speak out on current issues, raised by the Gazette and Ward 2 Candidate Keith Demoe. The initiating event was witnessed by Ward 2 Candidate Tim O’Brien. It is apparent that the City Clerk, City Manager and incumbent members of Council presently standing for re-election have a different perspective than the bill-payers of Burlington. The approved 2022 Budget includes a total operating budget of $284.7 million. The 2022 election is an opportunity for Demoe and O’Brien to show they are better fitted for making decisions around the budget than the Ward 2 incumbent. That’s what happens in fair, democratic elections.
The section of the Burlington Procedure Bylaw that is raising issues of Clerk/incumbent favour came into being in 2016. The Ward 2 Councillor, now the incumbent Mayor, alerted citizens that Council was proposing to reduce delegation time from 10 to 5 mins. Everyone, including the Marsdens applauded what was seen as a stand not to weaken the public engagement process. What residents did not understand, was that by-law 67-2016 weakens the Section 5 Municipal Act decision-making power of council and kisses goodbye to fulsome public engagement.
Sections 37.11 and 37.12 of 67-2016 gave a power to the City Manager that must only belong to Committee Chairs and Head of Council. It took away their authority to make a decision that a delegate’s behaviour was inappropriate or offensive and deal with it as it occurred.
The Marsdens tried hard to delay the by-law approval until it could receive public attention but sections 37.11 and 37.12 were approved and remained in the 2016 by-law until Report CL-01-20 was forwarded to Council by City Clerk, Angela Morgan. The January 2020 Report outlined multiple changes which included an update to what would be 39.11 and 39.12 in the 2020 updated Procedure By-law.
“Added “the Clerk” in addition to City Manager as someone who can deny a delegate due to unreasonable behaviour”
This wording is a huge stretch in terms of reality as denial is not based on any unreasonable behaviour but rather on the City Manager and now City Clerk being given the authority to deem a delegate’s behavior may be inappropriate and turf them from the list of delegates. This, in turn, gives the Head of Council or Committee someone to run to in order to get rid of a delegate, whose position they do not agree with, from speaking at the public lectern. Dark shades of dictatorship!
 Anne Marsden The change to delegate the elected members of Council authority to the Clerk as well as the City Manager occurred at the same time as Council was discussing significant New Official Plan issues. The Marsdens’ proposal to delay the by-law changes until residents had dealt with the urgent Official Plan issues was seen on the webcast to be vetoed by Councillor Sharman. He was later joined by the rest of Council on the by-law vote for approval and enactment.
The update to the city website after municipal election nominations closed 2022 saw the disappearance of the webcasts and minutes associated with issues Anne Marsden intended to address in her election campaign. Missing webcasts and minutes saw an inability for candidates to review the performance of the current incumbents. This past week taxpayers saw the Clerk get rid of a delegate who had information to share at the lectern on a very serious matter related to the Ward 2 incumbent councillor’s behaviours.
The Clerk, without any evidence to substantiate his position notified the Ward 2 candidate that he was likely to behave in an unreasonable/offensive manner and prohibited his attendance at the lectern of the last Council meeting of the 2018-2022 term. That he later changed his mind too late to have Demoe attend at the lectern adds insult to injury.
 Anne Marsden, perhaps the most prolific delegator in the city. There are many issues with the current Procedure By-law that need addressing immediately the new Council is formed. A thorough review and sufficient public notice/engagement to restore the Procedure By-laws to have teeth to address accountability, transparency and public engagement they had in 2010 is my first priority for the new Council. The Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns and obviously all members of Council are on the record with their 2020 vote that they support the Clerk and City Manager having these dictatorship powers. They apparently enjoy the ability to get rid of a delegate, they would rather not hear. Kearns failed to respond to her very concerned constituents when she was contacted by them personally, back in 2019 on this matter. Her lack of response was recorded in a commissioned affidavit surrounding the events.
The failure to address this issue and the Ward 2 Councillor and the Clerk washing their hands of webcasts, minutes and incumbent 2018 financial reports et al, disappearing from the city site after nominations opened sees candidate Keith Demoe’s concern, that the same Clerk is responsible for certifying the vote counts, as an absolutely valid concern. We await media uproar as this cannot be!
A top priority is clearly to remove this absolutely valid concern that has cast a very dark shadow over the 2022 Burlington Municipal Election.
The email conversation between Pepper Parr of the Gazette and Councillor Kearns asking him to remove comments known to represent the truth shows the power the incumbent believed she had to control the Gazette. She soon found out she was totally in error
Anne Marsden is a candidate for the office of Mayor.
This Opinion piece was paid for by the Committee to Elect Marsden as Mayor of the City of Burlington
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