 By Pepper Parr
September 28th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
There is an issue that no one on city council wants to talk about – the Councillors for wards 3 and 6 are terrified that their constituents would tar and feather them if they supported the offer the Nelson Quarry has made to give the the city title to the land which would be turned into a park.
The quarry, once it has been mined out and some work done to return the land to its original form has the potential to meet a need that is going o exist in the not too distant future.
 Nelson quarry that is near its end of life – the site will fill with water and could be turned into a park. Council members take the view during an election that it is heresy to talk about something many are against rather than explain the long term potential and why the idea of having the quarry turned into a large public park when all the useful aggregate has been mined out is a very wise long term decision.
The people managing the application for a license extension and renewal are about to announce that they will be making an announcement on a park operator.
 Rendering of what part of the quarry could look like once all the aggregate has been extracted Does this suggest that the city has lost the opportunity to be involved in the creation of parkland that is going to be needed in the not too distant future. The ability to be consistently short sighted on the part of Councillors Bentivegnia and Nissan is astonishing – both are reacting to the views of their constituents north of Hwy 407 and Dundas, forgetting that the bulk f their constituents are south of that border.
The Joint Tribunal process is winding its way towards a decision.
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 Andrea Grebenc
September 27th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
People are moving to Halton Region and expect interconnected communities. Candidate for Regional Chair Andrea Grebenc set out her position on local transit: It is long-past time for a regional public transportation model in Halton.
Burlington, Milton and Oakville each have their own public transportation system. Halton Hills public transportation does not exist. Halton is an increasingly integrated community. Residents don’t live, work and have fun only around home. They visit and commute to other parts of the region and beyond. As I’ve talked to people while canvassing on my journey to the Regional Chair role, I have noted that many people are asking for better transit. Halton is a growing region and many people are moving in from places outside Halton that have effective transit. They move to Halton and are disappointed to find that to effectively move around the region, a car is necessary. This contributes to growing gridlock and increases our carbon footprint. Living in Burlington and working in Milton(or vice versa) requires hours of convoluted public transportation commuting and involves leaving the region entirely within the journey. This is not attractive or effective.
Because of this growing interdependence of transportation between Halton communities public transportation should be uploaded to the Regional level.
 Burlington Transit getting new buses Integrated public transportation planning and interconnection not only within the Region, but between adjacent regions could make commuting a seamless endeavour across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, freeing up time and improving quality of life. This makes good economic sense for people as commuters, and for businesses looking to expand into and within Halton. This is an especially attractive concept for people and businesses who are considering how to reduce their carbon footprint and increase environmental stewardship. Some business organizations may even decide to subsidize or purchase public transportation passes for employees as a benefit to demonstrate action on environmental concerns and a way to attract employees.
Many regions in the province have moved to a regional transportation system. Let’s look for best practices on how to implement this in Halton.
 York Region is probably the most advanced transit system in the province -fully integrated Along with public transit, active transit integration across the region should be strengthened. People are looking more and more at the climate and health benefits of this mode of transportation. We need to look at providing safe ways to make this happen.
The Regional Council unanimously approved a motion to declare a climate emergency in 2019 and strong improvements to public and active transportation would align with that position.
The municipalities within Halton have grown and matured, and the province has mandated that this growth continue. Services like police, public health, wastewater, water purification are already part of the Region’s mandate. Similarly, it makes sense for the Region to have a bigger role in providing public transit across the Region.
 Andrea Grebenc: candidate for Halton Regional Chair Andrea Grebenc is a registered candidate for Halton’s Regional Chair position in the upcoming municipal election and her name will appear on all ballots in Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville. For more information about her experience, background, and platform, visit Andrea4Halton.ca.
 By Pepper Parr
September 27th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
For those running for public office for the first time name recognition is everything.
Email, lawn signs, brochures – whatever you can think if – find a way to pay for it and use it.
 Ward 3 candidate Jennifer Hounslow went for the bright lights and chose a digital sign in a very high traffic area Ward 3 Candidate Jennifer Hounslow came up with a great idea – rent some of the space on a bright digital sign on Brant Street just north of where the 403 gets you to Hamilton. It’s a great intersection.
Keith Demoe, candidate for the ward 2 Council seat decided he would create a sign that was more portable and had a 36 x 40 inch sign made up that he put in his car and hauls out wherever he see decent traffic.
 Ward 2 candidate Keith Demoe wanted something big and portable to get his name out. Keith Demoe want to take the seat Lisa Kearns hold and Jennifer Hounslow is after the council seat Rory Nisan seldom uses these days. He chooses to attend council meetings virtually from the comfort of his home.
Both incumbents Nisan and Kearns want to begin looking over their shoulders.
 By Fred Kead
September 27th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
We couldn’t agree more that Burlington is frequently ranked as one of the best cities in Canada for families. But coming here to play doesn’t have to break the bank! There are many activities for kids in Burlington right now.
Some are popular tourist destinations, while others are undiscovered gems that only locals know of. We are bringing you our picks for the best free and inexpensive family activities in Burlington.
Go to Parks
 One of the great botanical gardens in North America The most extensive botanical garden in Canada is the Royal Botanical Gardens. Possibly Burlington’s biggest attraction, the renowned Royal Botanical Gardens, are a must-see for everyone traveling to or through the city. The lovely gardens cover 900 hectares of land and are divided into various areas. It has three restaurants, a friendly gift shop, one greenhouse, four outdoor gardens, and four.
Explore the lovely gardens to discover over 1,000 different plants and flowers, including the most extensive collection of lilacs in the world. Additionally, it is an Important Bird Area.
We know that taking a family vacation is lovely; the best part is spending time together. To complete the fun, parents can exchange activities with the kids in addition to doing them together. One day, mom will have time to unwind and shop while dad has fun in the aquarium.
On the other hand, mom can go to a park, and dad can use the time to visit one of the nearby casinos, for example. Only 11 miles separate the Elements Casino Mohawk, one of Canada’s busiest attractions, from Burlington. He might even play some games online while waiting since Ontario now has laws governing online casinos.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park – Even though the park is less than a mile from the QEW, once you get inside, nature takes control. Enjoy camping and RV amenities for a day or a few nights. Get some exercise on the five hiking trails, see the farm animals at the Children’s Farm and Spruce Lane Farm House, play a game of disc golf, or take a dip in the 1.8-acre outdoor pool during the summer.
Try New Foods
 Burlington’s Spencer Smith Park holds on of the biggest Rib Fest events early in September every year Cottage Country Candies Outlet – Indulge in savory and sweet delicacies from around the world at Cottage Country Candies Outlet. With trail mixes, wrapped candies, sour sweets, and more, you may fill up for the remainder of your journey. Despite being in business since 1910, they keep up with the times by making great vegan delights and less-waste products.
Sunshine Doughnuts – There is a recognizable emblem in the center of Burlington’s downtown. Every morning, The Sunshine Doughnuts creates freshly baked goods stuffed with various delectable delicacies like caramel, cream, mint, toffee, and strawberry. Get there early because they sell out quickly, but they’re the ideal snack to grab before venturing out for a day of adventure in the downtown area.
Spencer Smith Park – From food trucks to fancy restaurants, the flavor is king. Spencer’s on the Waterfront provides upscale lakeside dining. It’s delicious meals with a view, so bring your loved one or the entire family to enjoy freshly grown veggies from their farm and sustainably sourced fish.
Burlington Food Truck Festival – Check out the Burlington Food Truck Festival if you like to sample a variety of foods while relaxing at a picnic table and listening to live music. Dishes on the menu range from tacos and Asian noodles to standard hamburgers and fries. Canada’s Largest Ribfest, which features the greatest BBQ rib producers from the U.S. and Canada, is held annually. Enjoy mouthwatering ribs while singing along to live music.
Shows and Music Festivals
 Performing Arts Centre brings world class entertainment to the city The city’s center for music and theatre arts, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC), offers a wide variety of entertainment, from solo comedic performances to elaborate theatrical plays. The 720-seat Main stage has hosted performances by Burton Cummings, Jim Cuddy, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and other international artists.
In contrast, the 165-seat Community Studio Theatre has hosted several productions that have delighted audiences for decades. Treat yourself to a show at BPAC for an evening of modern entertainment that is more personal.
Brant Street Pier
 Controversial when it was built – the Pier is now a favourite for everyone. The S-shaped Brant Street Pier juts out 137 meters over Lake Ontario. The pier offers stunning views of the lake and the coastline of Burlington. Feel the breeze in your hair as you stroll along the pier while taking in the scenery. Take the elevated deck’s spiral stairway up for the best views.
You can take in the views any time of day because the pier is open from 7 am to 11 pm. Additionally, you can go cycling or fishing from the pier.
 By Pepper Parr
September 26th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
New to municipal politics but certainly not new to Burlington.
She attended Central Public School and then Central High School. Went to Sheridan College where she studied Business Administration and Marketing.
As part of her education she worked as a co-op student for Paddy Torsney, the Liberal candidate federally at the time, and then did a work project with the Town of Milton. You could see where this career was going.
 Jennifer Hounslow – is doing her homework and building on the significant experience she has with one of the best corporate operations in North America. When she married she and her husband lived Headon Forest, moved to Waterdown and found it wasn’t quite what they expected and returned to Burlington where she now resides in ward 3, She is running for the ward seat on city Council.
They are Burlingtonians at least until the kids are off to university; with the youngest just 15 months old – the family is going to be around for some time.
With a good workforce experience at Honeywell Aerospace Hounslow was beginning to find that the Burlington she wanted wasn’t doing all that well.
Deeply unsatisfied with the level of service and community support she was getting from Councillor Nisan Hounslow had a long talk with her husband and decided that she would run for public office in ward 3.
One of her biggest concerns with this council is that they don’t monitor the decisions they make” said Hounslow. They make a decision, commit the funds and seem to expect that everything will work out. Hounslow is well aware that the world doesn’t work that way.
 Hounslow: making sure she is working with the right people where she strives to build a trusting relationship. She uses the word “execute” in one of the headline on her web site. She isn’t talking about a solution the coyote problem – based on her experience at Honeywell Hounslow knows that making a decision is one of the steps – how you carry out that decision is the bigger part of the challenge.
Hounslow puts it this way. She sees her job as a city councillor as making sure she is working with the right people where she strives to build a trusting relationship.
She wants to hear independent voices and wants to collaborate with people.
Updates to the different communities within the ward are part of how she intends to meet with people and hear what they have to say. The Gazette is mindful of a ward councillor who holds regular ward meetings that are both live and virtual and then spends the bulk of the meeting talking to (usually at) the people taking part in the meeting.
Hounslow has an issue with the cadence of council meetings – by cadence she means the flow, rhythm, tempo and tone of a meeting.
Are the councillors listening or are they off in a world of their own? she asks.
 Hounslow: the solution to getting a real grip on the climate change threat is to work at the purely local level – that is where minds can be changed. On transit – one of the biggest challenges is the optics of the service.
People are quick to say that all they see are empty buses trundling along city streets pouring diesel exhaust fumes..
Hounslow is not an advocate of the “ticking off the boxes” approach to administration and uses instead the phrase – “can we talk that out?”
If elected how long would she serve? More than one term but does not see herself on a career path that would take her to different levels of government.
She sees the solution to getting a real grip on the climate change threat is to work at the purely local level – she believes that it is at that level where minds get changed and with minds changed the needed steps can be taken. She is quick to admit that green solutions are expensive.
If you live in ward 3 – and intend to vote – Hounslow is someone you want to listen to.
Hounslow web site:
 By Pepper Parr
September 26th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Jim Kerr has been late getting into the race to become Mayor of Burlington and he has a lot of catching up to do.
He is a product of Aldershot, born, raised there and has called the community home all of his life.
He is a graduate of Western University and holds a Certified Management Accounting diploma. Active in sports when he was younger Kerr was one of the several thousands who came down with Covid19 and had to be hospitalized for longer than he expected.
His work as a corporate restructuring consultant has taken him out of the province for much of the past two decades.
 The day we interviewed Jim Kerr His work experience is extensive, his understanding of the Burlington budget and the process used to determine what the tax rate should be is surprising high for someone entering politics for the first time.
Much of the work Kerr did at the restructuring level involved municipalities that were deeply involved in restructuring industry in their community’s – Kerr may not have sat in a City Council chamber, but he appears to have a deep understanding of what Mayor’s are up against.
His vision for the city is distinct – going from moving the bus terminal out of the downtown core to somewhere closer to the QEW area to looking for ways to focus on the city’s strengths and tighten up the city’s fiscal position.
He realizes the city has to grow and he understands that up is the direction residential housing is going to go. Kerr just wants to make smarter decisions and look for opportunities that don’t result in growth that distorts the city.
Infill housing, “granny flats” and finding a way to come up with an affordable housing solution are top of mind for Kerr
You will see the word “Smart” attached to almost every statement Kerr makes.
The consistent thread through the work Kerr has done in the private sector is “restructuring”. Changing an existing situation that no longer works and adapting to new circumstances.
One gets the impression that Kerr wants to think “smarter” about everything.
His view and approach seems to bring much of the innovation coming from city council rather than staff. Were Kerr to become Mayor there would be significant changes in the way staff and Council work together. His background is in the corporate world where things are done very differently.
Accountability and delivering are prime for Kerr. In the municipal world accountability is a word that gets tossed around and delivering is not always evident.
Kerr’s understanding of the city’s financial situation is that going forward what is being done now is just not sustainable. There is far too much debt.
Kerr and what we know about the people supporting him appear to be fiscal conservatives – spend when you have the funds and don’t rely on future revenue until you have it in hand.
Respect what reserves are – don’t raid them when you have a pet project.
 Jim Kerr greet Rainer Noack Transit is a real issue that Kerr thinks is going to take decades to resolve – there is a huge swing needed in the public perception of what transit is going to mean to the average Burlingtonian.
Kerr knows that we have to become greener – that need will be part of every step he takes should he become Mayor. He is also guided by the need to be sustainable – that’s where he inserts the word smart.
This Kerr, mentions that the seed of public service was planted years ago when he met George Kerr who was the MPP for Burlington decades who. That Kerr once chose to swim in the Bay to convince people that the water was safe.
Jim Kerr is strong on inclusion – “we are all equal” he said.
He also wants better communications coming out of city hall.
Has he missed very much? The public will get to see and listen to him when he takes part in the Burlington Chamber of Commerce event on October 3rd.
 By Staff
September 26th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The 16th annual Halton Children’s Water Festival takes place at Kelso Conversation Area in Milton from Tuesday, September 27 to Thursday, September 29.
The festival is fully booked, after a two-year hiatus from the in-person events due to the pandemic. This year, the event offers a scaled down festival for grade five students with virtual offerings available to grade two students.
 The Beach is just one part of the Kelso operation. When: Wednesday, September 28, 2022
• 10 a.m. Remarks from Hassan Basit, CAO, Conservation Halton and Kiyoshi Oka, Director of Water and Wastewater Systems Services, Halton Region
• 11 a.m. Guided tour of the Halton Children’s Water Festival
Where: Kelso Conservation Area, by Boat Rentals 5234 Kelso Road, Milton, ON L9T 2X7
Parking is located at the Boat Rental Lot. Assistance is available to get up the hill from the parking lot to the event area.
What: The annual Halton Children’s Water Festival was first held in 2006 and has educated more than 50,000 students between grades two and five about the importance of water through fun, outdoor educational activities.
The festival is co-hosted by Conservation Halton and Halton Region, in partnership with the Halton District School Board, the Halton Catholic District School Board, the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills and the Town of Oakville.
 By Pepper Parr
September 26th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Is there a permit for what appears to be a significant change to the grading of the driveway at 2414 Lakeshore Road?
The work being done is certainly not minor.
 Neighbours are not happy with changes being made to a prominent Lakeshore Road home. An area resident was concerned and had asked the ward Councillor Lisa Kearns to look into the matter.
Kearns is reported to have told the resident that she could not tell him what was being done.
The owners of the property were part of a group that managed to take possession of what was once public land – a part of the waterfront that was public but at the same time not available to the public.
Certainly a story to be looked into.
 This is what the property at the rear of 2421 Lakeshore was to look like – the city gave the three properties the deal of the century when they sold the property in the centre labelled parkette to the property owners.
By Pepper Parr
September 25th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 James Kerr. has thrown his hat into the ring. Now the hard part begins. The race for the Office of Mayor for Burlington is about to get a little more exciting.
The Gazette interviewed James Kerr; while a little late to the game he does bring a lot to the table.
Personal family issues kept him out of the race for a few months.
It will take a little time to go through the notes; touch base with the people involved with the campaign and do the background work.
Getting into an election this late in the game against an incumbent with a very high profile is a challenge. However, Mayor Marianne Meed Ward has challenges of her own that are not easily overcome.
Kerr has certainly touched on all the hot buttons – the challenge for him is to tell the public how he can turn things around.
Not much yet on who is advising Kerr.
 Burlington has a lot of challenges – how they can be addressed and coped with is what will occupy whoever the Mayor is during the next term of office. The election would appear to be hers to lose at this point in the game – but elections are volatile events. Kerr deserves a closer look
 By Staff
September 23rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
On Tuesday September 20, 2022, officers with the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau executed a search warrant at Empire Auto Parts on Brant Street in Burlington. Investigators with the assistance of Equite Association (formerly Insurance Bureau of Canada) have spent three days combing through the large two-story warehouse to identify stolen parts and vehicles.
Approximately 70 stolen vehicles have been identified through engines, transmissions, hoods and doors.
All identifiable vehicle parts have been seized and transported to a secure location.
The estimated value of parts seized is $350,000 and the value of the original stolen vehicles is more than $2.5 million.
 High end car engines seized in a raid Police seized the following stolen property
- 28 fully intact, high end vehicle engines
- 15 vehicle transmissions
- 16 sets of vehicle doors
- 19 vehicle hoods
- A stolen skid steer
Ismet Bajcinca (43) of Hamilton was arrested and has been charged with:
- Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 (4 counts)
- Tampering with Vehicle Identification Number
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
Bajcinca was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2316.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
The Gazette has been advised by Samantha Smith: Barrister & Solicitor that:
Mr. Bajcinca’s charges were stayed on October 1, 2024 pursuant to s. 11(b) of the charter.
We are waiting for documentation from the lawyers.
By Staff
September 23rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 There was a fourth coyote killed earlier today.
No mention as to where the killing took place just that it was “·stalking and chasing people. It has been eliminated because it was aggressive, not afraid of humans or showing normal coyote behaviour.”
The good news is that there are now people in place and able to move quickly to solve the problems.
The question is – how many more are there behaving aggressively?
We apparently don’t know.
By Staff
September 23rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 If you have been holding an event for 42 years and people continue to show up – you must be doing something right.
Community Living, the organization that exists to enrich the quality of life and to promote full and meaningful inclusion in our community of people who have a developmental disability will hold the Walk & Role event on Saturday.
Community Living operates a number of programs including a residential, Employment and Virtual. They serve those people who need the help – this is an opportunity to help them.
Their Life Share program, also known as host family, is so much more than providing a room in your home. Being a home provider means you’re giving someone with a developmental disability “a place in your heart, a place in your home”.
People who have a developmental disability are active participants in their communities. They are athletes, artists, students, employees, advocates, community volunteers, neighbours and friends. They’re an important part of the community and contribute to the strength of our province.
 They don’t draw a crowd but they do create an opportunity for their supporters to meet and enjoy a day with the people they serve. The event takes place on Saturday – Itinerary:
9:30am – Registration opens
10:30am – Opening remarks and performances
11:00am – 1KM & 2KM walks begin around Spencer Smith Pier
11:30am – BBQ and live entertainment
By Staff
September 23, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Statutory meetings that signal the kind of development that is in the pipe line
During the Community Planning Standing Committee meeting earlier this month there were four Statutory meetings.
These are meetings that the Planning Act requires a developer to hold where city planners give a brief technical description of the proposed development after which anyone can approach the podium to talk about the development and ask questions.
The developer usually take part in the event explaining what they are setting out to do.
City Staff are on hand to ask questions from the Councillors.
Some of the meetings are pretty dry and technical.
Others are very robust with a lot of back and forth. When the developer eventually files their application they are required to report on what they heard at the Statutory meeting and how they responded to the communities concerns.
Burlingtonians know that significant intensification will take place – they tend to see what is being done in the downtown core and complain about the change those developments are going to make on the kind of city Burlington is going to become.
We will publish an article on each of the developments – for the moment we want to set out just how much development is in the pipeline – in the 11 years we have covered city hall and the development sector we have never seen four Statutory meetings at Standing Committee in a single day.
The four that were the object of Statutory meetings are
Guelph Line – south of Upper Middle Road in the decommissioned postal sorting station – at the intersection of Palmer Drive
Appleby Line – major residential.
South Service Road where Mother Tuckers was once located. Not a residential development – offices for a com[any that is in the pet services field that may partner with the university of Guelph.
Palladium Way – a site that will have a retirement residence and a long term care facility
By Pepper Parr
September 23, 2022
BURLINGTON,, ON
OPINION
This is a story that somehow just got worse and worse.
There is an old army adage that goes like this.
When you are already in a hole – stop digging.
Ward 2 candidate for a seat on city Council Keith Demoe had sent in the required application forms to delegate.
 City Clerk Kevin Arjoon The City Clerk denied the request saying:
Hi Keith – Thank you for expressing an interest in delegating at Council. Due to the nature of this item (a breach) and that it is to be discussed in closed and is subject to solicitor client privilege your delegation request is denied.
In my decision I am using rule 46.10 of the Procedure By-law to deny your request.
Section 46.10 reads: Where the City Manager or the Clerk determines that a person requesting to delegate is likely to engage in unreasonable or offensive conduct, make unreasonable or offensive statements or demands, repeatedly speak on a subject matter that is not within the City’s jurisdiction, or otherwise misuse the privilege of addressing Committee or Council, the person will not be permitted to appear as a delegate at the meeting.
Before the ink was dry on the refusal the City Clerk sent Demoe a second email saying he had reconsidered the request and Demoe could now delegate.
Unfortunately Demoe did not get the email saying he could show up and delegate – but there were conditions: Here is the email the City Clerk sent candidate Keith Demoe:
From: Arjoon, Kevin <Kevin.Arjoon@burlington.ca>
Sent: September 20, 2022 11:14 AM
To: Hordyk, Debbie <Debbie.Hordyk@burlington.ca>; kdemoe@hotmail.com <kdemoe@hotmail.com>
Cc: Meed Ward, Marianne <Marianne.MeedWard@burlington.ca>; Shea-Nicol, Nancy <Nancy.Shea-Nicol@burlington.ca>; Commisso, Tim <Tim.Commisso@burlington.ca>
Subject: Accepted: New Request to Appear as a Delegate Submitted for 9/20/2022 City Council (*New Information Only)
Hi Keith – Upon further review at Agenda Review your request to delegate has been accepted. Please advise if you are coming to delegate in person or via zoom.
Due to the sensitivity of this issue I am requesting a copy of your notes to review.
Please note that our Council meetings are administered in accordance with our Procedure By-law 031-21 as amended.
Where does the City Clerk get the authority to require a delegate to submit what they plan to say before they say it?
Does the authority to do this even exist?
 Ward 2 candidate Keith Demoe Demoe’s concern is that the person that denied him the opportunity to speak to Council is the guy that counts the votes.
Demoe is very direct, he knows what he is doing and he knows whee he wants to go. He points out that the Clerk may not like his approach but that shouldn’t be the criteria for deciding who gets to delegate.
The Gazette is of the view that this is a matter that should be investigated by the Ontario Ombudsman and will in due course will file a complaint
Related news stories.
Candidate denied a request to delegate at city council
 By Staff
September 22, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
This looks both interesting and fun – if you play an instrument and have technical requirements.
By Staff
September 22, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
A beaded hood used by Cree women during ceremonies and special occasions will be permanently returned to Eeyou Istchee from the Lachine Museum where it has been since 1948.
 A beaded hood used by Cree women during ceremonies and special occasions will be permanently returned to Eeyou Istchee from the Lachine Museum where it has been since 1948. The City of Burlington will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Friday, September 30 as a holiday.
To mark the importance of the day, City of Burlington administration buildings will be closed.
Sept. 30 is also recognized as Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day inspired by the story of Indian Residential School Survivor Phyllis Webstad.
In June 2021, the federal government passed legislation proclaiming Sept. 30 a public holiday. The holiday is one of 94 calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and is intended to honour and commemorate Indian Residential School survivors and those children that did not make it home.
 As part of Orange Shirt Day, residents can come to Spencer Smith Park where local Indigenous people and support groups will have a public display or ceremonial gathering between 4 and 7 p.m.
A reflective walk will start at the Pier at 4 p.m. and end at the Lift Bridge lighthouse where a ceremony will take place before heading back to Spencer Smith Park. Participants wishing to join are encouraged to wear orange shirts and moccasins.
We encourage residents to visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website for educational materials and resources.
 A canoe that was brought back to Canada and returned to the Indigenous Community.
City Services open and closed on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022:
City Service Holiday Closure Information
Animal Services
The Animal Shelter at 2424 Industrial St. will be closed to appointments on Friday, Sept. 30.
To report an animal control-related emergency, call 905-335-3030 or visit www.burlington.ca/animal.
Burlington Transit will operate on a regular weekday schedule on Sept. 30. For real-time bus information and schedules visit myride.burlingtontransit.ca.
The downtown terminal at 430 John St. will be open from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Specialized Dispatch will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Halton Court Services
Court administration counter services at 4085 Palladium Way will be closed on Friday, Sept. 30.
With the exception of the closure on Sept. 30, telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. All in-person services are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Many services are also available by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or online at Halton Court Services.
Parking
Paid parking will be in effect on Sept. 30.
Free parking is available downtown, on the street, in municipal lots and in the parking garage (414 Locust St.) on weekends and after 6 p.m. Monday to Friday.
NOTE:
• The Waterfront parking lots (east and west at 1286 Lakeshore Rd) do not provide free parking on statutory holidays.
• Please make an online reservation using Park Pass to visit Lowville Park. Reservations are free and available in three-hour time slots. There are no opportunities to extend reservations at this time.
Parking exemptions are required to park overnight on city streets and for longer than five hours. Visit burlington.ca/parkingexemptions.
Recreation Programs and Facilities Recreation facilities are open for scheduled programs and rentals on Sept 30.
All registered programs (e.g. swimming lessons) and all drop-in recreation programs, will run on Sept 30. Drop-in recreation program schedules are available at burlington.ca/dropinandplay.
Residents are encouraged to check with the rental organization directly for any changes to their schedule for the holiday.
Roads, Parks and Forestry The administrative office will be closed on Friday, Sept. 30. Essential services will be provided as required.
The Service Burlington counter, temporarily located on the third floor at 390 Brant St., south of City Hall, will be closed to all appointments and walk-in service on Friday, Sept. 30.
Many service payments are available online at burlington.ca/onlineservices.
By Pepper Parr
September 21st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Now that the public knows what the budget is to defend the appeal that is now before the Ontario Land Tribunal the city is opening its kimono as wide as it can; they can’t wait to tell you everything.
You can thank ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns for that. After blabbing away about a matter that was discussed in CLOSED session and therefore confidential Kearns ran to the city manager saying she was sorry.
She then read a Statement at the Council meeting on Tuesday and said it was an inadvertent mistake. What is the definition of inadvertent? “not resulting from or achieved through deliberate planning”
While Kearns may not, and probably did not set out to reveal how much money was being budgeted, how did she manage to convince herself that it was Ok to tell the BDBA Board members ? Was it because everything they did was confidential. We trust Council members to be responsible and safeguard the interests of the taxpayer. We will return to that Statement and how Council chose to handle the breach later in the week.
The city communications department put out the following:
At the Sept. 20, 2022 Burlington City Council Meeting, City Staff brought forward report L-46 -22 for Council’s consideration to waive solicitor-client privilege in order to release the initial legal budget approved by Council earlier this year related to ongoing litigation involving the appeals to the Ontario Lands Tribunal for the development applications for 2020 Lakeshore Rd.
 Director of Communications Kwab Ako-Adjei City Council voted earlier this year to refuse the applications for Official Plan Amendment and Zoning Bylaw Amendment submitted by Burlington 2020 Lakeshore Inc., proposing a mixed-use development at the site of the current Waterfront Hotel. This decision by Council led the applicant to appeal to the Ontario Lands Tribunal.
Council accepted the Staff recommendation to waive solicitor-client privilege and release the initial legal budget due to an inadvertent disclosure by Councillor Lisa Kearns of the legal budget.
The initial legal budget for this litigation has been set at $500,000. In all other respects, solicitor-client privilege continues to apply to the legal strategy concerning 2020 Lakeshore Rd.
Upon learning of the inadvertent disclosure, Councillor Kearns took immediate and proactive steps to notify City staff and Council of the breach. Councillor Kearns directly contacted the Integrity Commissioner regarding this matter.
Councillor Kearns also offered an apology to Council for the inadvertent release of this information.
City Council accepted the apology offered by Councillor Kearns.
That’s it – the communications people had nothing more to say.
While her Council colleagues may not care about what Kearns did, her constituents may see it a little differently and the Integrity Commissioner may weigh in on the breach once the election is over. The rules in place on matters of councillor integrity prevent the Integrity Commissioner from investigating the behaviour of Council members during an election. After the election – they can and should hold an investigation. The only thing that will prevent an investigation is if Kearns loses her seat.
Not over yet Ms Kearns.
By Pepper Parr
September 21st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The people hired to eliminate the coyotes that were biting residents in the south east section of the city have killed the three that were believed to be attacking people.
 Three coyotes have been killed to date. At a city Council meeting last night the public was told that the experts hired had tracked and killed three coyotes – adding that no one was certain that there were no other coyote’s out there that might harm people.
Council also approved an increase in the fine for anyone caught feeding coyotes.
It had become clear to the people tracking the animals that the coyote behaviour was the direct result of some people feeding the animals.
Council increased the ticket for feeding the animals to $300 from $150.
They also approved the ability to take people to court rather than just issue a ticket. The fines sought at court will range from a minimum of $5000 to a maximum of $100,000
By Pepper Parr
September 21st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Keith Demoe is a candidate for the ward 2 council seat. He is a pretty direct guy.
As a candidate for a council seat he was invited to attend a Board meeting of the BDBA.
 Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns: spoke when she should not have spoken During that meeting he asked a question related to the $500,000 the city had budgeted to appear at Ontario Land Tribunal related to the redevelopment plans for the Waterfront Hotel site.
He published a comment in the Burlington Gazette where he made public, information that was in fact confidential.
Lisa Kearns, the ward Councillor had made the amount public.
Realizing that she had broken the rules related to business discussed in a CLOSED session.
Keith Demoe, had learned that Kearns had drafted a Statement that she planned to read at the 20th of September Council meeting. He sent is a request to delegate – which is the process Burlington uses.
The following is the response Demoe got from the Clerk.
From: Arjoon, Kevin <Kevin.Arjoon@burlington.ca>
Sent: September 20, 2022 9:51 AM
To: Hordyk, Debbie <Debbie.Hordyk@burlington.ca>; kdemoe@hotmail.com <kdemoe@hotmail.com>
Cc: Meed Ward, Marianne <Marianne.MeedWard@burlington.ca>; Shea-Nicol, Nancy <Nancy.Shea-Nicol@burlington.ca>; Commisso, Tim <Tim.Commisso@burlington.ca>
Subject: Denied: New Request to Appear as a Delegate Submitted for 9/20/2022 City Council (*New Information Only)
Hi Keith – Thank you for expressing an interest in delegating at Council. Due to the nature of this item (a breach) and that it is to be discussed in closed and is subject to solicitor client privilege your delegation request is denied.
In my decision I am using rule 46.10 of the Procedure By-law to deny your request.
Section 46.10 reads: Where the City Manager or the Clerk determines that a person requesting to delegate is likely to engage in unreasonable or offensive conduct, make unreasonable or offensive statements or demands, repeatedly speak on a subject matter that is not within the City’s jurisdiction, or otherwise misuse the privilege of addressing Committee or Council, the person will not be permitted to appear as a delegate at the meeting.
Thank you,
Kevin Arjoon (He/Him)
Director, Office of the City Clerk/ City Clerk
City of Burlington
In a quick survey of news media colleagues – none had ever heard of anything like this being done anywhere before.
Demoe was stunned – what bothered him most was that the Clerk is the person who over sees the election and certifies the vote count.
Councillor Stolte was aware that the Clerk had denied the Demoe request to delegate and asked the Clerk at the Council meeting on Tuesday and was told that the decision to deny the request was reviewed; the Clerk told Council that he had decided to reverse the original decision and permit Demoe to delegate.
Demoe was advised of the change at 11:14. He had left his office at 11:00 to canvas and was not aware of the change and that he was permitted to delegate/
 City Clerk Kevin Arjoon While some will think that there was no problem; Demoe was permitted to delegate. But he didn’t know that he could delegate which meant there was no opportunity for any member of Council to ask what actually took place at the BDBA meeting. What caused ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns to blurt out that the city had budgeted $500,000 to cover the legal fees that would accrue once the hearing started.
Demoe who is busy campaigning and working on his election organization told the Gazette that he did not receive the notice that the decision had been reversed. Demoe added that he uses several email and the notice to reverse the denial decision may have gone to a different address.
This matter hasn’t come to an end yet.
Demoe, and the Gazette, would like to know what it was that caused City Clerk Kevin Arjoon to change his mind? Did he arrive at a new decision after reviewing the details – or did someone tell him to change his mind.
 By Pepper Parr
September 20th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Last week there was a meeting of the Burlington Downtown Business Association Board. Brian Dean, Executive Director of the BDBA had invited the candidates for the ward 2 Council see to observe the meeting.
Lisa Kearns was there as both a candidate and the city liaison to the BDBA.
 Lisa Kearns before she was elected to City Council During the meeting Lisa Kearns said that the city had budgeted $500,000 to defend the development application appeal made to the Ontario Land Tribunal by the owners of the Waterfront Hotel.
The information was confidential and Kearns new full well that it was confidential. Quite why she brought the mater up at all is not clear. The event was a virtual meeting and it is not clear if the BDBA has a copy.
What is nevertheless very very clear is that Kearns made public information that had been discussed in a CLOSED portion of a council meeting.
This matter is on the City Council agenda for tomorrow, Tuesday September 20th under the Urgent Business category.
It is important for the public what took place between the BDBA meeting and the Council meeting is to take place on Tuesday.
The following is the email traffic between Pepper Parr and Lisa Kearns on Thursday, September 16th, 2022
Lisa to Parr
Can you please NOT print anything right now about 2020 Lakeshore. Or take it down asap.
I will explain.
From: Lisa Kearns [mailto:kearns_
Sent: September 15, 2022 11:55 AM
To: Pepper Parr <publisher@bgzt.ca> Subject: KEITHS COMMENTS PEASE TAKE IT DOWN
Parr:
Keith who?
Parr to Lisa
Hey hey hey.
You can’t ask me to take down a comment made by someone running against you.
I need something in the way of a reason,
‘
I am here for the next while
905-462-1948
 Keith Demoe, candidate for ward 2 council seat Lisa to Parr
From: Lisa Kearns @hotmail.com]
Sent: September 15, 2022 12:00 PM
To: Pepper Parr <publisher@bgzt.ca> Subject: URGENT
There is a comment published under the Keith Demoe article by him
PLEASE remove it.
I swear i will explain everything just please take it down.
This email was sent after a conversation with Keith Demoe a candidate for the ward 2 council seat
The ward 2 Councillor is Lisa Kearns.
Pepper Parr to Lisa Kearns
Thursday, September 15th, 2022 12:53
My understanding is that KD attended a meeting
He was there as an observer
He heard someone say (turns out it was you) that the amount of money the city is spending on a legal matter
He wrote a comment in the gazette which I approved.
You have asked that I remove the comment because you feel that the information being public will harm the city or that the information will harm a legal situation.
I don’t think that is enough to remove a comment the man made. If the information were false – it could be removed. But it apparently isn’t false.
You want it removed because you have broken a rule. That is unfortunate but the information relates to a public matter and the public is entitled to know the information.
Counsel for us (RossMcBride) is not available – he will get back to me as soon as he is available.
I don’t understand where the damage is being done.
I don’t understand why you have not reached out to KD and explained what he has done.
Pepper
During a telephone call with Lisa Kearns that took place after her frantic emails were sent Lisa said she was with City Manager Tim Commisso. Kearns said City Solicitor Nancy Shea Nicol was also in the conversation. I did hear Commisso make a couple of remarks
From Pepper Parr to Lisa Kearns
Friday September 15th
The following is written and conveyed to you WITHOUT PREJUDICE
I have not had a chance to speak to counsel.
I am not a party to sharing information that you claim is confidential.
I published a comment made by someone who participated in a Zoom call that you were in on.
It was not a private meeting
During that call, you are reported to have said, when asked, how much of the $500k has been spent – you replied that the number is confidential.
You apparently did not say that the $500k was confidential.
We will obtain an affidavit to that effect later this week.
The wording in this most recent email from you, which is in this thread smacks of support you have received from either the City Solicitor or the City Manager.
Pepper Parr
Publisher
Burlington Gazette
publisher@bgzt.ca
From: Lisa Kearns
Sent: September 15, 2022 1:11 PM
To: Pepper Parr <publisher@bgzt.ca> Subject: Clarity.
I asked you to not be a party to sharing information that is confidential and was obtained in a confidential environment.
The other matters will be dealt with in the appropriate forums in due course.
.
There was nothing else – other than the mention of a candidate (Ward 3 Jennifer Hounslow) attending a council standing committee.
 Brian Dean After talking to Keith Demoe and Lisa Kearns, the Gazette called Brian Dean, Executive Director of the Burlington Downtown Business Association and learned that the meeting at which the $500,000 comments was made was a meeting of the BDBA board.
Dean explained that it was the practice of the BDBA bard to invite all the ward 2 Council candidates to take part in the meeting. They were there as observers in what was a Zoom call.
Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns was also taking part as the city liaison person with the BDBA
Dean said that those taking part in the virtual meeting were not cautioned that the discussions were confidential. Dean explained that the members of the Board knew that the meetings were confidential – the observers would not have known that.
Shortly after the close of the meeting, BDBA Chair of the Board Bill Wodhams, who happens to practice law at Stoner & Company Family Law Associates sent the following to Keith Demoe and Tim O’Brien.
It read:
On behalf of the Board I would like to thank all copied for attending our meeting of Wednesday September 14th, 2022.
Mr. DeMoe and Mr. O’Brien, as observers to this morning’s meeting I want to extend to you both an appreciation of the rules that govern our conduct as Board Directors. Guided by both our BDBA Constitution and Code of Conduct each Director acknowledges that the content of our Board meetings is deemed confidential until which time an approved set of meeting minutes make it a matter of public record. In other words, each Director agrees that “all discussion, presentations, motions and business before the Board as set out in the Agenda is to remain confidential until meeting minutes are ratified”.
As observers to our meeting we ascribe these same expectations to you.
None of the contents from the meeting of September 14th, 2022 are to be shared with the broader public in any way. The official meeting minutes are the sole record of board deliberations. Our Executive Director will share them with all copied as a courtesy once approved.
If you have any questions about Board policy and procedure please contact our Executive Director, Brian Dean: brian@burlingtondowntown.ca
Thank you Respectfully,
BW, Chair
BDBA Board of Directors
Both Demoe and O’Brien thought they were getting a letter from a law firm representing either the BDBA or the City of Burlington. It caused them some concern for a short period of time,
The Gazette found that there is now an item, Under Urgent Business on the Council agenda and believes it is important the citizens understand what did take place and the manner in which Councillor Kearns wanted information kept from the public that she had foolishly made public.
The Genie doesn’t get put back in the bottle.
Related news stories.
Urgent business
Ward 2 candidate Keith Demoe
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