Beachway Park Master Plan updated - five homes yet to be acquired and a lot more studying to be done

By Pepper Parr

October 22nd, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Region issued an update on changes that have been made or will be made on the Beachway Waterfront Park.

The report covered the ongoing implementation of the Master Plan for the Burlington Beach Regional Waterfront Park, and sought Council’s approval of modifications to the Master Plan as well as next stages of implementation.

The first look the public got of the long range plan.

The latest stage of work involved the completion of a comprehensive set of technical feasibility studies to define constraints and opportunities relative to the natural environment that will inform detailed design and construction plans. The Feasibility Study process is now complete and has resulted in nine specific modifications to the Master Plan that are being recommended for approval by Council through this Report.

These row houses are part of the holdouts – they have no interest or desire to move and have their homes town down.

The report also provides includes an update on the status of the 2015 Acquisition Strategy. Of the privately owned lands identified for acquisition to accommodate the Burlington Beach Master Plan, six properties remain in private ownership.

Both homes were acquired by the Region, rented to the owners for a few years and then torn down.

The next stage of the project is the design and construction planning phase. Activities will be focused on detailed design of amenities as well as the environmental restoration and this work will be initiated in the Fall of 2023.

Background

This report provides an update on the implementation of the Burlington Beach Regional Waterfront Park approved Master Plan, and seeks Council’s direction on amendments of the Master Plan that have resulted from the Master Plan Feasibility Studies as well as direction on the Hydro Tower relocation. The last update on the Burlington Beach Regional Waterfront Park, commonly referred to as Beachway Park, was provided in October 2020 through Report No. LPS88-20 re: “Burlington Beach Regional Waterfront Park Update”.

The Master Plan for the Burlington Beach Regional Waterfront Park was developed in partnership with the City of Burlington and Conservation Halton and was approved by Regional Council in May 2015, which established a plan for securing the necessary lands needed to implement the Master Plan based on a willing buyer/willing seller program.

As part of the 2016 Budget and Forecast, Regional Council approved a detailed financial plan to implement the Master Plan and the Acquisition Strategy that budgeted $51.8 million over a 20-year period. Through the 2019 Budget and Business Plan, the financial plan was adjusted to $62.0 million to reflect revised market conditions and support an accelerated property acquisition strategy allocated as follows;

$23.8 million for park development, $12.2 million for hydro tower relocation and $26.0 million for property acquisition. Through the 2021 Budget process, the Hydro Tower component was adjusted to reflect the mid-level cost estimate identified of $23.0 million.

The 2015 Master Plan is divided into six distinct park character areas.

The specific timing and staging of works was envisioned to focus on implementation of Areas 1 through 4 in the first 5-10 years, followed by Areas 5 and 6 once property acquisition was completed.

Since the Master Plan was approved in 2015, activities to implement the Master Plan have been focused on Halton’s efforts to:

Advance enhancements in the Spencer Smith portion of the park that received Federal funding under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program;
Complete of a set of feasibility studies for Beachway Park.

The next stage of the project is the design and construction planning phase, activities will be focused on design of amenities and will include building resilience of Beachway Park to the impacts of flooding and erosion. The design and construction planning phase will be initiated in the Fall of 2023.

Flooding and erosion were subjects that got little in the way of discussion in 2015 – today both are top of mind.

Technical feasibility studies have been underway over the last several years which were completed in May of 2023, and are now at a point to provide recommendations for updates to the Master Plan.

Feasibility Studies

The latest stage of work involved the completion of a comprehensive set of technical feasibility studies to define constraints and opportunities relative to the natural environment that will inform detailed design and construction plans. These studies were required to identify and mitigate potential construction and long-term maintenance risks, inform the preparation of detailed design documents, and position the project to obtain relevant permits and approvals for construction.

Collectively, the findings of the studies confirmed whether the features of the 2015 Master Plan can feasibly be implemented and provide a road map for how best to restore the natural environment and improve Beachway Park as intended.

The Master Plan as it stands today – more work to be done – more spending as well.

In coordination with the project steering team, the consultant for the project developed an Indigenous Peoples Engagement Plan. The Indigenous Peoples Engagement Plan identifies relevant Indigenous and First Nations stakeholders and proposes an engagement strategy to involve these communities in the development and implementation of Burlington Beach. The Indigenous Peoples Engagement Plan is meant to remain a living document throughout the project and may need adjustments from time to time as the overall project progresses. Engagement will ensure meaningful engagement with the key Indigenous stakeholders identified.

It is locations like this at Beachway Park where the vegetation is sparse and the sands constantly shift that shrubs and flora native to the sands will be planted Saturday April 20th. Flooding concerns are going to require some re-thinking.

A key finding of the feasibility studies is the susceptibility of Beachway Park to increasing flooding and erosion. The natural beach and dune environment of Beachway Park is a rare ecosystem and without appropriate management approaches, it will remain extremely sensitive to disturbance, and ultimately habitat loss.

The Park shoreline occurs along Lake Ontario, known to have large storm events (1972) and extreme water levels (2017, 2019) which have impacted adjacent development periodically.

The spatial extent of the Flood Hazard Limit for existing conditions was mapped at Beachway Park. The results of the flooding analysis highlight the flood vulnerability of not only the beach and dune environment at the park, but also Lakeshore Road and the interior lands proposed for the park expansion.

*The term “XX-year flood ” is used to describe the recurrence interval of floods. The 100-year recurrence interval means that a flood of that magnitude has a one percent chance of occurring in any given year. A 100-year flood, although less frequent than a 10-year flood, is deeper and far more destructive. For this reason, the 100-year flood is now more commonly used as a baseline for risk planning.

The foundation for the implementation of the Master Plan includes physical works to restore, and protect from future impacts, beach and dune areas as well as restoring vegetation to secure the beach and dune ecosystems. The Beach and Dune Restoration Plan provides the details of a nature-based solution to restore the foredunes at Beachway Park and along with engineered headlands at the north end of the park.

Restoring the dune system can build the necessary resiliency of the Park against erosive forces that occur during periods of high lake levels and severe storm events. Dune rehabilitation can also generate multiple co-benefits, including protecting infrastructure from coastal hazards, reducing maintenance costs associated with wind-blown sand, enhancing the beach for recreation, enhancing the ecosystem and maintaining beach width during periods of high lake levels. The flood risk was re-evaluated based on the dune restoration in the beach management plan. The 100-year flood is contained on the beach and the interior flood risk is significantly reduced, as seen in Figure 2.

Feasibility of the Features of the 2015 Master Plan:

To assist in advancing elements of the 2015 Master Plan to detailed design, the technical feasibility of planned improvements to Beachway Park have been assessed. There are modifications to the approved Master Plan that are necessary to address feasibility challenges that have been identified as summarized below. The modifications proposed for the Burlington Beach Master Plan are included as Attachment # 2. Through this report, staff are seeking Council’s approval of the proposed modifications to the Master Plan.

Burlington Green, using saplings paid for by the federal and provincial governments, planted what will grow into the trees needed to improve the resiliency of the dunes.

Although the proposed modifications alter the positioning of some features, the intent of the 2015 Master Plan in terms of intent and function is maintained. For this reason, staff recommend that the Master Plan be modified as described below:

Implementation of Master Plan Features & Next Steps:

Similar to other Regional waterfront parks, a phased approach is proposed, where Master Plan Features will be bundled into a number of work packages for detailed design and construction. The work packages will have a spatial focus and align with the five zones within the 2015 Master Plan.

The Cobble Beach Feature (formerly ‘The Living Shoreline’):

The construction of the armour stone engineered headlands is proposed to be advanced first as this work underpins and supports restoration of the beach and the backdune areas and could take multiple construction seasons to complete. The headlands are a stone feature which are engineered to prevent beach erosion and is consistent with the shoreline to the north including Spencer Smith Park which is almost entirely armoured. Detailed design is expected to begin in 2024. The anticipated construction schedule will be informed by input from the Region and Partners and consider the current use of the Park.

The Strand and the Wind Beach Features:

The construction of Master Plan elements associated with The Strand and Wind Beach are proposed to be advanced together given similarities in the physical works to be advanced and the integrated nature of such works. Detailed design could take place in between 2024 and 2025. A schedule for The Strand and Wind Beach will require further development.

The Commons Features:

The schedule for advancing key Master Plan elements associated with the Commons, in particular a re-aligned Lakeshore Road, is contingent on acquiring properties to support proposed works. Given that the road re-alignment will influence how other Master Plan elements in this area are designed and constructed, it is assumed that design of Master Plan elements associated with The Commons, are not advanced until property acquisition is sufficiently complete.

The Skyway and Federal Pier Features:

Advancing the Master Plan key elements associated with the Skyway (i.e., pier upgrades and new road from the Skyway to the Canada Centre for Inland Waters (CCIW) is contingent on the development of an agreement with Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority and acquisition of remaining land needed to build the road.
As such, the schedule for implementing The Skyway identifies efforts focused on land acquisition and the development of an agreement with Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority. It is assumed that, pending resolution of access considerations, a schedule for the design and construction of specific Master Plan elements associated with The Skyway, will be developed and the Master Plan Implementation Schedule updated accordingly.

A preliminary location of the southern terminal junction has been identified within the Wind Beach character area in the 2015 Master Plan. This area is envisioned to be a passive naturalized area, showcasing the natural dune environment and trails. The 2015 Master Plan would need to be revised to accommodate a terminal junction in a manner that responds to the objectives of the Master Plan.

This would result in the loss of 4900 square metres from the park and Master Plan features intended for this area. Further, easements around the structures and underground transmission cables will be required along the entire beach corridor and are still to be determined. In order to pursue this option with these significant easement requirements, the Master Plan would require significant revisions to reflect a potential underground route while competing with planned park amenities. HONI has indicated its willingness to work with the Region to ensure there is due consideration for park activities that can reasonably occur within the easement area, with considerations for safety, operational and maintenance access needs, however the amount of area required for the easements is substantial.

The location of the northern terminal junction at the intersection of Elgin Street and Brock Avenue is dependent on the availability of the land owned by the City of Burlington, which is currently used to support public parking and a small park. Should it not be possible to acquire a suitable off-site location, the park would have to further accommodate the second terminal junction with the same space and buffer requirements identified above.

Timing: Initiatives to support Master Plan Implementation such as the Feasibility Studies, and Acquisition Strategy have advanced to a stage where the detailed design and construction phase of Master Plan features can begin.

The first phase of Master Plan implementation will focus on increasing the resilience of Beachway Park to erosion and flooding impacts. In advance of detailed design, gaining closure with respect to the alignment of the HONI transmission corridor becomes critical. Should Regional Council decide to pursue under-grounding the transmission lines the work will be subject to a multi-year approval and construction process.

Based on the complexity of this project, the approval and construction process of two and a half to over four years can be expected. Given that under grounding of this infrastructure would impact the entire length of the park, Master Plan implementation would largely be paused during this time.

Following extensive work and investigation, the underground option has been identified as the only potentially feasible option available to reduce the visual impact of the HONI towers at Beachway Park.

Given the barriers identified through the study completed, staff are recommending that Council no longer pursue the relocation of the hydro towers.

Alternatives for Relocating the Hydro Towers in the Long-term:

Through the review of the “Hamilton Sub-Region Integrated Regional Resource Plan” prepared by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) dated February 25, 2019, it was identified that as part of the Middleport Area Bulk Transmission Planning Study, replacement options for the Beach Transformer Station autotransformers will be investigated. The Beach Transformer Station autotransformers are located in Hamilton and provide power transfer between the 230kV and 115kV transmission systems. Since the study will be considering the bulk system in the area, including the transmission corridor through Beachway Park, there is a possibility that it could result in a change to the requirements of the existing alignment.

The study is intended to be initiated in 2027 (as per the 2019 IESO plan) and is unlikely to result in the implementation of the alignment options studied to date. However, if an opportunity exists for optimizing a transmission corridor such that it would make this waterfront section redundant this could be pursued at that time.

Update on Other Initiatives and Activities at Burlington Beach

While the Feasibility Studies and Master Plan Implementation Plan were being developed, there have been other initiatives and activities that have continued to advance at Burlington Beach. This section provides an update on those initiatives and activities.

• Status of Property Acquisition Strategy: As outlined in the Burlington Beach Acquisition Strategy, staff estimated that the original market value estimate for the properties identified by the program would experience year over year market growth. The actual market growth seen in the Burlington area was notably higher than anticipated year over year which has led to acquisition costs being higher than anticipated. The 2015 Acquisition Strategy has led to the successful acquisition of 21 properties in the Burlington Beach area.

Federal Pier: The City of Burlington is working with the Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority towards an agreement for public access of the pier. Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority’s position is that they will carry out repairs, and the City will assume subsequent repairs, along with all operations. Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority will be undertaking a navigational dredging program at the Burlington Canal adjacent to Burlington Beach Regional Waterfront Park in 2023. Dredged material will be transported and disposed in the water adjacent to Burlington Beach and will help replenish the eroded beach area.

Once the use agreement for public access to the pier between the City and Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority is finalized, the design and construction of pier features can be planned as part of the Skyway work, as mentioned above.

• Parking: A request was made for Halton Region and City of Burlington staff to coordinate to provide additional parking options in the Burlington Beach Waterfront Park area to address historical deficiencies. These discussions were initiated in the Spring of 2023, and identified an option to temporarily assign parking ahead of the design and construction of the park features that are identified for these locations. As this is a short term solution to increase parking, this may result in the need to identify long term options to increase parking at Burlington Beach. Regional and City staff will work in partnership to support an assessment of long term options which can be completed as part of detailed design stages. Any proposed modifications to the Master Plan will be brought forward for Regional Council consideration.

• Archaeological Field Work: One of the key deliverables of the project was to create a Cultural Heritage Assessment and Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment. In accordance with the 2011 Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists, the Stage 1 assessment determined that the study area included areas of archaeological potential, areas of no archaeological potential and previously assessed lands of no further concern. All identified areas of archaeological potential proposed to be disturbed as part of park development were subject to a Stage 2 property assessment. Completion of fieldwork to support the Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment began in Fall 2021 and resumed in Spring 2022.

• As a result of the Stage 2 assessment, one site was identified to be of further cultural heritage value or interest and will require Stage 3 site-specific assessment. The procurement process to initiate a Stage 3 assessment closed in May of 2023, with field work to commence in 2023

• Dune Grass Pilot: The beach features a pilot sand dune restoration site where native grass species have been planted to aid in the stabilization of the foredune from erosion. In late May 2023, four concrete base sign holders were installed in front of the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 foredune restoration sites. The beachgrass is surviving as anticipated and sand is accumulating in the foredune as desired to restore the dune structures. Further work on this pilot study will continue into Fall 2023.

Where are they now:

Since the last update report to Regional Council in July of 2022, staff and project partners have been working to finalize the feasibility studies and lay the groundwork for key Council decisions which will direct the next stage of work on the implementation of the Burlington Beach Regional Waterfront Park Master Plan. With technical feasibility studies complete, work will focus on design and construction of the restoration of the natural environment. From there, the design and development of the park features and amenities will begin. Once direction is provided by Council on the hydro tower relocation option, staff will advance the next stages of work on this project.

Financial/program implications

Staff will continue to monitor and provide updates on the financial requirements of the implementation of the Burlington Beach Regional Waterfront Park Master Plan.

When it comes to land acquisition, staff will continue to secure the necessary lands required to implement the Master Plan as identified through Report No. CA 09-23 / CS 09-23 – re: “Burlington Beach Regional Waterfront Park Update”.

As a result of the proposed modifications and changes, including what was budgeted for the removal of the Hydro Tower Relocation, it is proposed that the 2024 Budget and forecast be updated as follows:

 Staff will address and further refine capital and operating impacts related to the Burlington Beach Waterfront Park Master Plan and land securement through the 2024 Budget process and future staff reports if required.

This is a project that seems to have lost its way.

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A fix is needed at the municipal level – fast.

By Pepper Parr

October21st, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

To make inroads in the housing crisis plaguing our cities, we must focus squarely on systemic issues, particularly at the municipal level.

Getting construction crews to this point – the paper work has to get through municipal planning departments – a challenge that is not being met.

Some of the best minds in the province are doing their best to get the message out – those messages seem to get stalled at the door to municipal Council Chambers across the province.

Richard Lyall told participants at a recent Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) event that in order “to make inroads into the housing supply and affordability crisis plaguing our cities, we must address and focus squarely on systemic issues, particularly at the municipal level.

He went on to say: “Lengthy wait times for residential development applications are stymieing the building of new homes and condos. It has become increasingly difficult for developers to put shovels in the ground on projects.

Jamie Tellier, Director of Community Planning in Burlington has managed to make some changes in the way planning staff handle their projects – pushing them to take some risks and make decisions.  So far he has only been able to apply that on small development projects. 

“Building departments are behind the times. Our permitting system must be digitized, standardized and streamlined across the province. Presently, up to 45 different government bodies and agencies can be involved in the decision-making process on a new project. Far too many. It only gums up the wheels of progress and leads to lengthy and unnecessary delays on projects.

“Our country ranks 34th out of 35 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in the average time it takes to obtain regulatory approval for a construction project.

“Obtaining a building permit in Canada is often a protracted process. We are demonstrably behind the times. One could grow old waiting for the bureaucracy to approve a building permit in this country.

“The disturbing reality, though, is that housing starts are trending in the wrong direction. CMHC reported that the annual pace of housing starts in Canada edged down 1% in August compared with July.”

An Ontario leader in the thinking being done on how the problem at the municipal level commented on the issues as she saw them in Burlington said: The problem in Burlington is that there is little in the way of creative thinking at the Council level and a City Manager more concerned with creating an organization and a Strategic Plan.  The person asked that she not be identified saying “I have to work with these people.

Mike Moffatt, Senior Director of Policy and Innovation at the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Mike Moffatt, an economist and Senior Director of Policy and Innovation at the Smart Prosperity Institute, spoke at a housing summit and indicated that “Ontario needs to build 170,000 homes a year over the next decade, but without substantial reforms, the province will likely see 100,000 or less built a year”. He said we won’t get where we need to be with minor tweaks.

Municipalities in the GTA are among the lowest-ranked regions in Canada when it comes to the approvals process, time it takes to get a project approved, and government charges per square foot on new low- and high-rise housing.

Marlon Bray, Senior Director of Cost Consulting at Altus Group.

Marlon Bray, Senior Director of Cost Consulting at Altus Group, told the housing summit that there is no use nibbling at the edges as we are in immediate need of big plans and reforms. He stressed the need for quick action as 65% of new housing construction is high-rise, which takes years to build.

We are at the crossroads of a generational crisis in housing, one that is unprecedented. When you get to the point that the middle class can’t afford housing, you know that you have a serious problem.

Fixes must be found.

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Regional business gets very little attention

By Pepper Parr

October 21st, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

What do they do at Regional Council meetings?

The tend to zip through their agenda pretty quickly.

Their were items on the agenda that were not discussed.

– no one asked any questions or made a comment.

Chair Carr, reading from the Agenda :

Next one is item three is – the Fall debenture issue. Any questions or comments? Seeing none Chair Carr moves on

The Region had just approved the borrowing of $20 million on behalf of the city of Burlington at an interest rate of 5.4% over 1-15 years.

The Region does the borrowing for the four municipalities.

The chart sets out the amount the Region has the authority to negotiate the interest rate and the terms of a debenture. It sets out what was actually borrowed during the Spring and Fall debt that was issued. Burlington borrowed $54,740,000

In the Staff report that didn’t get discussed the comment was:,

Bond yields have moved sharply higher (more than 100 basis points since April), increasing the attractiveness of bond investments. In this context, there was solid investor interest for the Region’s serial debenture issue. The Region’s last debenture issue was completed in May 2023 for a 1- 15 year serial debenture at an average net borrowing cost of 3.954%.

Apparently – no one from Burlington wanted to comment on the debt they racked up – letting taxpayers carry that one.

 

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Get rid of the stuff you don't need and get stuff that needs a fix up at the Repair Cafe

By Staff

October 21st, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Fix it guys –

Today –  Saturday – an opportunity to take the stuff you want to get rid of but aren’t quite sure where to take it.

And while you are there – you might want to take advantage of an opportunity to get some of the things you have and want to keep – that need a small repair.

The Repair Cafe will be setting up inside the Burlington Centre just out side the Hub – a space that the Centre administration make available for public use.

 

The Repair Cafe will be open as well.

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Designed as a complete community with everything within walking distance - including the GO Station

By Pepper Parr

October 19th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It is a whopper of a development. Eight high rise, some going up to 30 storeys.

Despite the height the development is designed as a place where all the amenities are provided; lots of room for people to move around, lots of retail space and a short walk to the GO station.

Several of the towers will be 30storeys high

Yards away from the Appleby GO station, the development settled the case that was before the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).

The development application was before the OLT ; a settlement offer was made and accepted by the City at its meeting on October 17, 2023

As part of this approval, Council approved the recommendation that the planning analysis be released publicly and posted on the City’s webpage while retaining solicitor/client privilege over the balance of this matter in its entirety.

When the province says squeeze then in – you make home a high rise.

The settlement between the City and Branthaven resolves the issues in dispute between the City and Branthaven on the basis these parties will seek OLT approval of a revised development proposal and related Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment for the site. The revised development proposes the following:

        1. Remove the extension of Oval Court to the north;
        2. Removed the Oval Court Plaza from within limits of Sherwood Forest Park;
        3. Increased the setback from below grade parking structures to the east lot line to ensure the protection of the cedar hedge located in Sherwood Forest Park;
        4. Increased the stepback above the 3rd storey to 3 metres for buildings fronting on to Fairview Street;
        5. Establishes a pedestrian promenade linking Sherwood Forest Park to the proposed development; and
        6. Provide design flexibility of the proposed towers while limiting height and location of towers abutting Sherwood Forest Park
        7. Establishes Urban Design Guidelines for the site.

      Use the cursor to enlarge the right hand image

No firm dates on when each phase will begin.

No vehicular traffic – but provision for fire trucks.

 

A copy of the planning analysis of the revised proposal is available on the development application webpage, along with a copy of the conceptual site plan for the revised development.

How does this impact the hearing scheduled to commence on November 20, 2023?

The Parties to the hearing will be requesting that the OLT convert the hearing that is scheduled to commence on November 20, 2023 to a settlement hearing should all parties reach a settlement with Branthaven.

If the hearing is converted to a settlement hearing, the Parties will be requesting that that the OLT approve the revised Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments to permit the revised development plan.

The internal walking traffic areas are large – meant for people – not cars.

The development will be home – a place that includes space for people to congregate.

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Burloak Waterfront Park - a gem

By Pepper Parr

October 20th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The city of Burlington has two Regional Parks – the Beachway, which is very much in the development stage and the Burloak Waterfront Park that is close to completion.

A quiet part of the park where you can sit and watch the sun rise or set and chat with a friend.

The Burloak Park, way over in the east end of the city, is a very pleasant place.  Compares very favourably with Spencer Smith Park that is a Burlington city park that blends into the Beachway Park that is going through a bit of a design change.

Climate change has meant paying more attention to Lake Ontario water levels.

That storey is covered elsewhere in the Gazette.

City Council did its best to convince the Food Truck Festival to move from Spencer Smith to Burloak – the Festival organizers looked at the space – said it didn’t meet their needs and decided that they would take their event to an adjacent community.

That story is covered elsewhere in the Gazette.

For those interested in a quieter park – a trip to Burloak is worth the drive.

A layout of the park and its amenities is set out below.  Move cursor over the image to enlarge.

 

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Which highway are you talking about ? Where does it go?

By Pepper Parr

October 20th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

There are so many highways that are planned it’s difficult to keep up.

The map set out below makes it pretty clear.

It was prepared by the people at Narwhal – an aggressive not for profit on-line newspaper that you might want to have a look at.  Click HERE for a look at what they are doing.  Some really good stuff.

 

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First four new Armoured Combat Support Vehicles were officially accepted by the Canadian Army

By Pepper Parr

October 19th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

No matter how they describe it – it is an ugly machine.  Army will take possession of 360 of the things.

Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, and General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff, visited Garrison Petawawa where the first four new Armoured Combat Support Vehicles (ACSVs) were officially accepted by the Canadian Army.

 

Minister Blair and General Eyre toured the newly-arrived armoured vehicles, which represent the first of 360 Armoured Combat Support Vehicles that will be delivered to the Canadian Army over the coming years.

These first four vehicles are the ambulance variant, which will be equipped with medical supplies and an internal layout that will allow for the treatment of a wide range of injuries.

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Halton Region Public Health confirms rabies in a bat found in Burlington

By Staff

October 19th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Halton Region Public Health has confirmed that a bat found at LaSalle Park in Burlington on October 9, 2023 has tested positive for rabies. Any Halton resident or their pet who may have had direct contact with this bat or another suspicious wild animal around this location and date should seek medical or veterinarian attention immediately.

Rabies in bats is uncommon, bites from rabid bats have caused almost all human cases of rabies in Canada.

Rabies is a viral disease that causes severe damage to the brain and spinal cord and, if untreated before symptoms appear, can lead to death. The virus is spread through the saliva of an infected animal such as a raccoon, skunk, bat, dog, cat, fox, or other wild animal, usually through a bite or scratch. Rabies illness in humans is exceedingly rare, and can be prevented by the use of a rabies vaccine following exposure, which is extremely effective, but only if it is administered before symptoms occur.

Although rabies in bats is uncommon, bites from rabid bats have caused almost all human cases of rabies in Canada. Bats have small, needle-like teeth, and their bites easily go undetected. If you have been bitten, scratched or exposed to bat saliva, wash any wounds thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.

It is not always possible to identify if a bat has rabies, as rabid bats may move slowly, lose the ability to fly, remain active during daylight hours or be unresponsive to loud noises. If you find a bat in your home, do not attempt to move it and contact your local Animal Control Services. To report a wild animal that you suspect may have rabies, follow the steps on ontario.ca/rabies.

There are a number of ways you can protect your family and pets from rabies:

  • Know what to do when exposed to a bat or any other animal:
    • Call Animal Control Services. Do not touch dead or sick animals with bare hands.
    • Collect the contact information of the animal’s owner/custodian where applicable (their name, address and phone number).
    • Immediately wash all bite or scratch wounds with soap and water and seek medical attention.
    • Report all animal bites or scratches to Halton Region Public Health by calling 311.
  • Other prevention and safety measures include:
    • Educate children to stay away from any wild, stray or aggressive animals.
    • Do not touch, feed or move wildlife, including young, sick or injured animals.
    • Avoid animals that are behaving strangely.
    • If you find a stray animal, report it to your local Animal Control Services.
    • Do not keep wild animals as pets.
    • Make sure your pet’s rabies vaccinations are up to date.
    • Keep your pet on a leash when off your property.
    • Have your pet seen by a veterinarian if it has come in contact with a bat or other wild animal.
    • Animal-proof your home by filling any holes that could allow animals to enter.

For more information on rabies, visit halton.ca or contact Halton Region Public Health by calling 311.

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Community Development Halton on the edge of rebuilding its board - is a new more effective organization in the works ?

By Pepper Parr

October 19th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Community Development Halton (CDH) is looking for new Board members.

The organization doesn’t have a big public profile – it isn’t a Burlington based organization anymore; its office is located in Acton and consists of very little space.

CDH is a nonprofit, charitable organization focused on the impact of economic, political, social and cultural forces on individuals, families and stakeholders in Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville.

That is a big job – it is one of those organizations that asks: What if?

It could and should be the equivalent of a think tank engaging with the  the community through social research work, community dialogue and community development initiatives to improve the quality of life in the Halton community.

It has been through a tough time in the past five years. Some of the past Board choices were not what was needed.

The staff lost their way and the Board wasn’t able to find the kind of Executive Director that was needed.

Within the last year the organization did a significant pivot; found a new President who brought sterling credentials to the task she had taken on.

Risha Burke with Ted McMeekin

The Board then hired Risha Burke as the Executive Director; Burke was one of those ‘get into the trenches’ types who certainly knows how to write a report – but you tend to find her in the community working directly with community groups.

I once watched Burke appear before Burlington City Council with a young woman of colour; a single parent who had never delegated before but was very impressive – she more than made her point with the help of people who work with the disadvantaged.

Burke attended an event and found herself talking to Ted McMeekan who, at the time was an MP, serving in the Kathleen Wynne Cabinet.  Ted was the first CDH Executive Director.  It was called the Social Planning Council at the time.

The Gazette hasn’t yet had an opportunity to interview  Joanne McKiernan, President of CDH, to get a sense as to how she intends to add some weight to the Board she has and what they will create in the way of a Strategic Plan and a work list for the next three years.

Joanne McKiernan, President of CDH

The Region of Halton needs what a community development organization can do.

Up until now they have had a very strong working relationship with Alex Sarchuk – Commissioner of Social and Community Services and there is every reason to believe that can continue and become even stronger.

Related article:

Search for a new board.

 

 

 

 

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The Courts and Environmental Policy - clean electricity; oil and gas emission caps ? Not right away

By Ray Rivers

October 19th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Last week Canada’s Supreme Court ruled that the Trudeau government had over reached its constitutional rights in implementing the 2019 federal Impact Assessment Act.  Former Alberta premier Jason Kenny had appealed the implementation of this legislation, derisively titling it the ‘no more pipelines act’.  In its five to two decision the court ruled with Kenny that, in fact, portions of the act intruded into provincial jurisdiction. 

Danielle Smith, went rabid, trashing Trudeau and calling on anyone interested in investing in resource projects in her province to bring it on.

In barely a heartbeat following that decision, the current premier, Danielle Smith, went rabid, trashing Trudeau and calling on anyone interested in investing in resource projects in her province to bring it on.   She warned Ottawa about her 2023 Alberta Sovereignty Act as she channeled her hatred of the current federal government, warning Trudeau to stay the hell out of Alberta.  1960’s era Quebec separatists in the FLQ couldn’t have held a candle to her.

But the message from the court wasn’t the slam dunk Smith was making it out to be.  The feds say they’ll only need to fine tune the impact assessment act and they’ll be ready to keep rolling with those very climate friendly initiatives which Smith most objects to: clean electricity; oil and gas emission caps; and of course, no more oil or gas pipelines.  

Ironically, this was the very same Supreme Court which took the Harper government to task for its own milk-toast attempt at Impact Act.  Still, the feds know they have an important precedent in their back pocket with the Court’s earlier support of the federal right to tax carbon emissions to combat climate change.  Besides the feds have other tricks in their bag like the Environmental Protection Act, the Fisheries Act and of course the Criminal Code.

Canada has been a leading international advocate for curbing climate change emissions but all of that seems like hypocritical preaching given that this country is also planning to undertake more fossil fuel development than just about anyone else in the world.  And much of that growth will be in Alberta if Premier Smith has her way.  While the dotted lines are a little blurry there is no doubt about Alberta’s legacy emissions and the role they have played contributing to the changes in our climate which we are seeing today.

Alberta is by far the largest source of carbon emissions in Canada having emitted over 256 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO₂e) in 2021 alone.  And we know that the consequences of global heating/warming are not confined to the oil producing provinces but manifest their impacts – floods, drought, fires, dirty air – in every province and territory. 

When people in one province are placed in jeopardy because of the actions of another they have a right and obligation to seek redress.  That is, in large part, why we have a federal government – to deal with the cross border consequences of a province’s economic activity.  And when it comes to carbon emissions and climate change the atmosphere has no provincial boundary.

Alberta has experienced forest fires that wiped out communities.

And that is perhaps what Premier Smith doesn’t get.  She shouldn’t be allowed to get away with burying her head in the (oil) sands as she promotes expanded fossil fuel extraction activities which threaten the lives and livelihood of the rest of us in the rest of Canada – as well as those in Alberta itself.   And if the Supreme Court won’t allow the federal government the necessary constitutional overreach to protect Canadians then other courts and legal processes will have to fill the void,

The state of California recently filed a lawsuit against some of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, including ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, ConocoPhillips and BP.  In the suit the state contends these companies knew full well about the dangers of the poisons they were/are developing and selling.  Their scientists and engineers had reportedly made amazingly accurate climatic predictions, going back to the 1950’s, which bear up well with what we are seeing in our climate today.

Those companies, possibly in cahoots with the auto companies and energy utilities, knowingly and deliberately misled and deceived the public about the risks of fossil fuels for decades in order to protect their commercial interests.  The state is suing them to establish a compensation fund to pay for future damages caused by climate-related disasters in California.  This is not the first legal action taken against big oil, but coming from the largest state in the union, it is perhaps the most powerful to date – actually putting the ‘polluter pay’ principle into play.

Taking the culprits to court is a well-worn path, mimicking cases where compensation claims were awarded against the narcotic drug industry (OxyContin), and most significantly, big tobacco.  Except that government is also up to its neck and complicit in the extraction of fossil fuels; issuing authorities/approvals for mining/drilling and then collecting energy royalties. 

Some provinces, such as Alberta or even Ontario have adopted policies which promote the development and/or use of fossil fuels at a time when the climate experts are saying STOP.  Moreover, in the case of those two provinces they have shut down clean energy alternative programs.  So it’s a logical next step for concerned citizens to sue the very governments which are responsible for failing to protect the environment. 

Seven young Ontario residents did just that, suing the Ford government for cancelling the previous (Liberal) climate program.  And this time they were indeed given their day in court.  Previous attempts at suing the government over environmental misdeeds, such as the law suit against the Harper government for pulling Canada out of the Kyoto climate accord, have generally been dismissed without a hearing.  The courts generally prefer to rule on legislation rather than government policies.

For that reason, the judge in the Ontario suit also ruled against the plaintiffs but not before agreeing with the youth applicants on several key points, concluding that ….”By not taking steps to reduce GHG (greenhouse gases) in the province further, Ontario is contributing to an increase in the risk of death and in the risks faced by the Applicants and others”. 

When Premier Smith gets her day in court.

Climate change is a serious concern and there will inevitably be even more law suits against governments as they continue to deliberately fail to protect their citizenry.   And eventually one of these will succeed in forcing the hand of those governments led by climate deniers to do their job.  So when Premier Smith gets her day in court, perhaps she’ll also end her campaign of hatred against our Prime Minister… and her ridiculous advocacy for an independent Alberta.

Ray Rivers, a Gazette Contributing Editor, writes regularly applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking.  Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington.  He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject.   Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa.  Tweet @rayzrivers

 

Background links:

Legal case     Hypocrisy?    California   Ontario

Ontario Decision  Federal/Provincial cooperation

 

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Community Development Halton seeking applicants for Board Members  

By Staff

October 19th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Community Development Halton (CDH) Board of Directors are people who live and/or work in the Halton community and who participate as unpaid, volunteers to help CDH achieve the stated Mission: Through research, community development, planning and promoting volunteerism Community Development Halton strives to improve the quality of life for all residents of Halton.

CDH is a nonprofit, charitable organization focused on the impact of economic, political, social and cultural forces on individuals, families and stakeholders in Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville. CDH supports two programs:

The Social Planning program engages with the community through social research work, community dialogue and community development initiatives to improve the quality of life in the Halton community.

Volunteer Halton provides residents and nonprofit agencies with volunteer opportunity matching services, as well as building the capacity of nonprofits through training, consulting, and resources.

Visit www.cdhalton.ca for more information about CDH.

Directors serve on the Board for a term of three years with options to renew. Board meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Directors also participate in ad hoc committees, with the total average time commitment of approximately 50-60 hours per year.

The CDH Board strives to reflect the strengths and diversity of the Halton community CDH welcomes applications from people with disabilities and encourages people to make requests for accommodations at any point in the process. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate that they are committed to equity and social justice and have a passion for and/or experience with the following:

  • Community needs in Halton Region;
  • Human services and nonprofit organizations;
  • Accounting and financial practices;
  • Communications and marketing;
  • Legal knowledge and expertise;
  • Citizen engagement and collective impact

Interested Candidates are asked to please email your letter and resume to the Nominating Committee: CDH Board of Directors at office@cdhalton.ca. by Friday November 3, 2023 at 5:00pm

All applicants will be contacted. Selected applicants will be invited to a virtual interview using Zoom.

Related content.

What is CDH all about?

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Leader of the opposition asks Premier Ford: why not disclose the records from the personal phone he himself admitted he uses regularly

By Pepper Parr

October 19th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

NDP Leader of the Opposition Marit Stiles

She said she was going to keep going after him – true to her word she did just that when she tabled a motion that, if passed, would force the Ford Conservatives to stop their appeal to the province’s Information and Privacy Commissioner and finally disclose the Premier’s phone and email records. NDP Leader Marit Stiles issued the following statement: 

“The more we learn about the Ford government’s preferential treatment to speculators and personal friends, the more the Premier appears to hide. 

If Mr. Ford truly did nothing wrong, why not disclose the records from the personal phone he himself admitted he uses regularly for government business?  

While he’s at it, why not release his emails? 

This government is under a cloud of suspicion; it is being investigated by the RCMP. People deserve to know who their Premier is talking to and what he’s saying.” 

BACKGROUND 

  • The motion will be debated Monday, Oct. 23.  
  • Guidance from the Information and Privacy Commissioner advises that the government and political staff only use government devices and platforms. 
  • In the Auditor General’s Special Report on Changes to the Greenbelt, she indicated: “It is important to note that any communication between lobbyists and political staff about government business is still subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and is not excluded from this act even if the communication occurred on a personal email account.” 

MOTION 

Whereas the Government is under criminal investigation by the RCMP for their removal of lands from the Greenbelt; and 

Whereas the Auditor General is in the process of reviewing whether there has been mismanagement and abuse of Ministerial Zoning Orders; and

Whereas there are outstanding questions about an inappropriate relationship between a former Government Minister and a land speculator, and incorrect information provided to the Integrity Commissioner about this relationship; and

Whereas there are outstanding questions about whether there was preferential treatment given to a foreign company to build a private spa on public land at Ontario Place; and

Whereas there are outstanding questions about preferential treatment given to government donors and personal friends of the Premier with respect to the building of Highway 413; and

Whereas there are outstanding questions about unqualified patronage appointments to public agencies, boards, and commissions; and

Whereas the Premier has admitted that he regularly uses his personal phone to conduct government business and those communications might be relevant to these inquiries;

Therefore the Legislative Assembly calls on the Premier to cease his access to information appeal and disclose the contents of his personal phone and email accounts to the Information and Privacy Commissioner. 

The Motion will be defeated because Premier Ford’s government has a clear majority of member of the Legislature.  But the question has been asked.

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November is Financial Literacy Month at the Library

By Staff

October 19th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

November is Finance month.

Several good programs

 

 

Car buying registration HERE

Ten Healthy Habits registration HERE

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Celebration of authors, books, and creativity runs the full month of November at the Library

By Staff

October 19th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

BurlLITFest is back!

Our annual celebration of authors, books, and creativity runs the full month of November—and all events are FREE to attend.

Register now to avoid disappointment!

Register HERE
 

Full Lineup of BurlLITFest events.

Click on the program you want to take part in.  Some of the items are slow to load – be patient,

Author Talks
Women of Crime with Melodie Campbell, Vicki Delany, Jennifer Hillier & Hannah Mary McKinnon, November 8
R.H. Thomson with Ian Brown, November 10

Historical Fiction with Jennifer Robson, November 13

Climate Justice in So-Called Canada, November 14

Cozy Mystery Queen, Melodie Campbell, November 15

Why Representation Matters in Writing with Sarah Raughley, November 16

In Conversation with Alicia Elliott, November 20

Art of Screenwriting with Chandler Levack, November 22

The Truth About Migrant Work with Gabriel Allahdua, November 23

Author & Athlete Perdita Felicien, November 26

Is AI the End of Real Authors? with Navneet Alang, November 27Writing Workshops for Adults

The Writers Room with Brian Henry, November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Writing a Memoir with Impact with Samra Zafar, November 7

Journaling for Creativity & Wellness with Lynda Monk, November 21

The Aspiring Author’s Guide to Self-Publishing with Karl Mamer, November 26

BurlLITFest Open Mic, November 30Writing Workshops for Kids

From Idea to Story with Sylvia McNicoll, November 4

Draw with Feeling! with Jennifer Faria, November 11

Prescription for Descriptions with Jennifer Maruno, November 18

Writing in Rhyme with Lana Button, November 25

Finish Strong! How to Write Endings with Jennifer Mook-Sang, November 26

 

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If you have ever wondered why development applications take so long to get approved - do read on

By Pepper Parr

October 19th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

A standing Committee recommended accepting the Staff report on an Appleby Line development application for a single story building that was adjacent to a Regional water pumping station.

The number of reports required for what isn’t a complex development is stunning.

The project was approved at a special meeting of Council earlier this week

Supporting Documents

The applicant has submitted the following materials in support of the subject applications:

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City Services Survey closing Oct 20 - Share your feedback

By Staff

October 19th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The City is collecting public feedback on City services through the 2023 Community Survey.  The feedback helps guide future actions and decisions on City services. It also helps City staff and City Council better understand resident satisfaction with City services. The Community Survey is statistically valid. It has been conducted on a regular basis since 1998.

The goal is to measure and continuously improve on resident well-being and satisfaction with City services. 

How to give your feedback 

The telephone surveys have now been completed but an online version of the survey is open until this Friday Oct 20. This online survey gives residents whose telephone numbers were not chosen an opportunity to provide input. Residents are encouraged to take part online.

 

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Moving the hydro towers from the Beachway not in the cards - far too expensive

By Staff

October 18th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

On July 13, 2022, Regional Council endorsed staff to identify an overhead relocation option for the hydro towers between Lakeshore Road and Eastport Drive; and that a detailed feasibility analysis be conducted on this option.

Staff from Halton Region, City of Burlington, Conservation Halton and Hydro One Networks Inc. have continued work on assessing options relating to the Hydro Towers. The detailed analysis has concluded that no above ground relocation options have been identified as feasible.

Hydro towers along the Beachway are going to be in place for a long time.

An underground alignment is the only relocation option remaining that could meet the objective to relocate the towers, although there would be significant impacts to some Master Plan features.

Rory Nisan

The underground alignment option would result in removing nine towers along the beach by relocating the transmission line underground, however the cost to relocate the existing towers to underground is significant and substantially more than the overall park master plan implementation costs. As a result staff recommend that this option no longer be pursued.

Burlington Ward 2 resident Rory Nisan, representing ward 3 residents, commented that a possible option would be to move the towers to the Hamilton Harbour area.

Hydro Tower Relocation Options and Technical Report Summary

The consultant retained to conduct a preliminary technical review of the various hydro tower relocation options has advanced six different options from ‘sketch’ to ‘preliminary plan’ in order to better inform discussions and next steps in this initiative. The technical assessment reviewed each option from a variety of perspectives including technical feasibility; impact to the power grid; safety; environmental impacts; estimated capital cost; construction feasibility; regulatory considerations; and real estate availability.

Graphics on each of the options are set out at the end of this article.

This level of detail was vital to understanding the spatial requirements of each option, and gaining a better understanding of how the options could impact the natural environmental and implementation of the features identified in the 2015 Master Plan.

Following the completion of the Preliminary Technical Report, project partner staff (Hydro One, Halton Region, City of Burlington and Conservation Halton) held a workshop to review the results and identify, based on the technical components, which options were feasible for continued consideration.

Six Options Investigated: Technical Feasibility Summary

Option 1: Underground

The consultant’s report explored two potential underground alignments.

The primary challenge associated with any underground option relates to the requirement of additional infrastructure (terminal junctions) which are necessary to transition the existing overhead system to an underground system. Two, 70 metre by 70 metre terminal junctions at the north and south end of Beachway Park would be required to transition the overhead system to an underground system. The addition of terminal junctions at either end of the park would create new unintended visual impacts within the park and would limit implementation of the features of the Living Shoreline character area as envisioned in the 2015 Master Plan. The cost estimates for this option exceed the budget currently allocated for this project.

While the underground option has been Council’s preferred option to explore, this option results in major changes to the Living Shoreline character area and also has significant cost implications. This option is feasible from a technical perspective.

Option 2: Overhead Relocation East Side of Eastport Drive / QEW

Option 2 proposes to relocate six tower structures westward to the east side of Eastport Drive. The key challenge associated with any option to relocate towers is the presence of existing structures or infrastructure in the area. Through discussion with Project Partners it was clarified that in order to meet operational requirements (i.e., to facilitate access to overhead transmission lines requiring repair in case of service interruption) land below new transmission lines is required to be unencumbered by existing structures. Locating the transmission line in proximity to Eastport Drive also creates challenges with respect to maintaining Ministry of Transportation setback requirements from Eastport

Drive and the Queen Elizabeth Way. Option 2 also faces challenges in terms of finding vacant land that would also result in a viable design from a technical perspective. Option 2 is not feasible from a technical perspective.

Option 3: Overhead Relocation West Side of QEW

Option 3 proposes to relocate a portion of the transmission line to the west side of the Queen Elizabeth Way. As with Option 2, the key challenge relates to the presence of existing structures or infrastructure in the area, in this case, crossing a Provincial highway has been identified as a significant barrier. It would necessitate highway closures in the event repairs are required, or other safety risks. On the basis that the resulting alignment does not meet operational and technical requirements, Option 3 is considered not feasible.

Option 4: Overhead Relocation within the Park

Option 4 proposes to relocate the transmission line slightly westward on the backside of the existing dunes. Implementation of Option 4 would result in substantial negative impacts to the natural environment (dune) and would significantly limit Halton Region’s ability to enhance the park with the features identified in the 2015 Master Plan. Further, the resulting alignment does not respond to Regional Council’s objective to minimize the visual impact of the transmission line, given that the transmission line will remain visible within Beachway Park. Given that the resulting alignment does not respond to Regional Council’s objective to minimize the visual impact of the transmission line and will serve to undermine objectives to protect and enhance the natural heritage system, the Project Partners recommend not moving forward with consideration of Option 4.

Option 5: Submarine Cable

Option 5 proposes to remove the tower structures and install a transmission line cable on the lakebed. As with Option 1, two, 70 metre by 70 metre terminal junctions would be required to transition the overhead system to an underground system, along with the addition of three to five lattice towers, creating new visual obstructions within the park. In addition, it was identified that submarine cables have a shorter overall estimated asset life, by as much as half, even when properly maintained. Further, regulatory complexities associated with Option 5 would result in a lengthy approval and implementation process. The Project Partners recommend not moving forward with consideration of Option 5.

Option 6: Enhancement

Option 6 suggests that the transmission line and towers to remain in situ, with visual enhancements added to the towers. Although Option 6 would not address Regional Council’s objective to minimize the overall visual impact of the transmission line, the option does provide an opportunity to improve the appearance of towers. Given that Option 6 would not result in a lessened visual impact, Project Partners recommend not moving forward with Option 6.

Impact Matrix of the 6 Options Explored in the Technical Report:

 

 In order to ensure a broad range of options and opportunities have been explored, the consultant retained to provide commentary on the potential to have the transmission line removed from Beachway Park area entirely through alternate means, by removing and relocating the existing transmission line and towers around Hamilton as shown in Figure 1, below. The challenges associated with each of these options are outlined below.

Bypass Option

The Consultant identified that there is a strong likelihood that the majority of the existing towers cannot handle additional overhead circuits; therefore, an additional transmission line system will be required to carry the existing four circuits. Relocating the transmission lines around Hamilton would be very costly due to the transmission line’s total length. The existing 115kV lines from Beach Transformer Station to Burlington Transformer Station around the City of Hamilton are approximately 23 kilometres. The existing 230kV lines between Beach Transformer Station and Burlington Transformer Station, which run west of Hamilton via Middleport Transformer Station, are over 40 kilometres long.

Hamilton Burlington Area Transmission System

Based on the capital cost estimates completed for Concepts 2, 3, and 4, the average cost to install 2.3 kilometres of a new transmission line system was estimated to be approximately $23 million. This equates to $10 million per kilometre. Based on the approximate unit rate of $10 million per kilometre, assuming an overhead transmission line throughout, the base implementation costs would be $230 million for the 115kV Line bypass and $400 million for the 230kV Line bypass. This cost does not include the value of real estate procurement costs that would be required to widen existing rights-of-way that have been in place for decades and are generally surrounded by developed land.

 

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How can so many Palestinians support an act that much of the world has condemned as a terrorist outrage? 'We couldn’t take it anymore'

By Staff

October 18th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

Republished from the Christian Monitor

 

A mood of shock and inevitability has spread over the West Bank and the Gaza Strip as residents find themselves plunged into a war that has caught everybody off guard.

But even as the Gaza Strip braces for an Israeli ground assault, a large majority of Palestinians appear to support Hamas militants’ brutal weekend attack on Israel.

How can so many Palestinians support an act that much of the world has condemned as a terrorist outrage?

Hamas’ popularity is built on profound frustration with the failure of peace talks with Israel.

On Saturday, news of the surprise Hamas eruption prompted celebrations on the streets of Ramallah, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, where people distributed sweets to gathering crowds.

Many saw the attack, in which more than 1,000 Israelis – mostly civilians – died, as retribution for the deaths of Palestinian civilians in earlier rounds of conflict and in daily life. Two hundred have been killed by Israeli soldiers or settlers in the occupied West Bank this year, a record high.

Frustrations have been running especially high in the Hamas-governed Gaza Strip, whose 2 million residents have been forbidden by the Israeli authorities to leave for 16 years.

“The situation is very devastating, and we couldn’t take it anymore,” says local journalist Hind Khoudary, describing deteriorating living conditions in Gaza. The assault on Israel “may not be aligned with international law,” she adds, “but, for the first time, Palestinians here in Gaza do not feel helpless.”

 

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Stiles going after Kaleed Rasheed - wants to know where he gets his pedicure when he was in Las Vegas

By Staff

October 18th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Marit Stiles, the Leader of the Official Opposition NDP, submitted a request to the Integrity Commissioner this morning, asking him to investigate whether former Conservative cabinet minister Kaleed Rasheed broke the Members’ Integrity Act when he and two of Ford’s senior advisors jetted off to Las Vegas with a Greenbelt land speculator.

Kaleed Rasheed. former Cabinet Minister

“Mr. Rasheed’s story on what happened in Las Vegas has changed many times,” Stiles said. “And every new piece of information raises more questions than answers, but all suggest a pattern of preferential treatment.”

Rasheed gave up his cabinet post and resigned from the Conservative caucus after reports surfaced that he and Ford’s advisors provided incorrect testimony to the Integrity Commissioner on their now-infamous trip to Las Vegas with developer Shakir Rehmatullah. Knowingly lying under oath is known as perjury in Canada’s Criminal Code.

“People are frustrated with how expensive life has become and with a government that is choosing not to do a thing about it,” Stiles said. “They’re angry that Ontario has a corrupt government that has brought back a cash-for-access culture at Queen’s Park.”

“Step by step, we’re going to put an end to it.”

BACKGROUND: 

THE BOYS ARE (BACK IN) IN VEGAS

  • In June 2023, an investigation from The Trillium revealed that former Conservative Minister and MPP for Mississauga East—Cooksville went to Las Vegas with Greenbelt developer Shakir Remtullah
  • In August 2023, the Office of the Integrity Commissioner reviewed this trip as a part of his larger investigation into former Conservative Housing Minister Steve Clark, who resigned the following month after the report concluded he violated the Member’s Integrity Act.
  • Khaleed Rasheed’s trip to Las Vegas included prominent developer Shakir Rehmatullah, former Conservative Principal Secretary, Amin Massoudi, and Jae Truesdell, the government’s former housing policy
  • Rasheed, Massoudi, and Truesdell all provided incorrect testimonies on the dates of this trip; they all said the trip was in 2019, when it really was in
  • All three corrected their record with the integrity commissioner once the media reported evidence to the contrary, which raises serious concerns.
  • Rasheed claimed to the Integrity Commissioner that he was only in Vegas once since being elected – in December, 2019. However, reports later showed that not only was he not there in 2019 (he was in fact there in 2020), but also that he had another trip in February, 2023.
  • Rasheed provided banking records to show proof of repayment for the trip show a deposit of $2,000 on December 20, 2019, which would have been prior to the trip and prior to any reported repayments from either Mr. Massoudi or Mr. Truesdell. The amount does not match the amounts that Mr. Massoudi and Mr. Truesdell indicated they provided to Mr. Rasheed. This was also documented by media reports. This raises more questions.
  • Rehmatullah has a documented history of preferential treatment from the Ford government. As the developer who made one of the most significant gains in the now reversed Greenbelt grab, the details of this trip is necessary to understand whether Mr. Rehmatullah received or provided information that led to government policy changes for his own material benefit.
  • Page 106, paragraph 421 of the Integrity Commissioner’s report on former Housing Minister Steve Clark: “On the evidence, I am unable to make a definitive finding as to what or who prompted Rehmatullah in the Fall of 2022 to take the steps he did to request that his small piece of land and the land of two of his fellow members of a landowners group be removed from the Greenbelt. But I find it is more likely than not that someone did.”
  • Did a sitting Conservative Minister intentionally lie to the Office of the Integrity Commissioner? Was there patronage or inappropriate gifting in this Vegas trip? And what does it reveal about the Greenbelt land swap?

 

 

 

 

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