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March 3, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Taxes is one of those inevitables.
The tax forms do not get any easier. There is help available. Burlington MP Karina Gould, who is also the Minister of International Development, has arranged for tax experts to meet with anyone who needs help with completing and filing their income tax return.
March 3rd, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
A source advised the Gazette that “We get our quarterly legal update on March 10th I think …. there will be something in there at least to get the ball rolling.”  Mayor might want to re-think that “historic day for Burlington” comment when the Official Plan amendments were made. Why, one asks, is the ball not rolling much faster, especially after the Mayor said on February 27th, that the “City will share more information on the ICBL appeal process and timelines as they become available, as well as details about the nature of the appeals where we can.” The documents are public. The city Clerk was the person the documents had to be given to. The Clerk bundles the data and sends it along to the Local Planning Act Tribunal (LPAT) who schedule a Conference to get the process started. Nothing confusing about that. All the city has to do is issue a Statement setting out the facts and people can settle down and wait. It may well be that LPAT has never run into a situation quite like this – 31 people appealing the Official Plan Amendment 119 and Zoning By-law Amendment 2020.418 that were passed by council on January 30th, a date the Mayor said was an historic one for the city. We learned this morning that the city has 15 days to get the Appeals it accepts (they have to accept every appeal) into the hands of the LPAT. That means LPAT is to have the Appeal documents in hand no later than the 12th of March. Why does the Gazette have to get this information in dribs and drabs from readers? It is when information is withheld that the public gets concerned.  This is how the system works. It is important to remember that the Official Plan Amendment and the changes in the zoning bylaw came out of a Land Use Study done for the city by Dillon Consulting. That study was lengthy and full discussed and debated at Standing Committee meetings and at City Council. One of the prime objectives for the city was to come up with Official Plan Amendments that were defensible at LPAT hearings. The consultants assured Council that in their view the changes being put forward were defensible. There is no mention that the Gazette is aware of that had the city’s legal department giving an opinion on the defencibilty of the changes nor are we aware of any opinion from outside council on just how defensible the changes are. Once the LPAT hearings take place we will find out if the consultant was right.
March 3, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Many are eagerly awaiting the public release of the corporations or individuals who filed appeals against the amendments and the zoning changes approved by Council January 30th. The Gazette assumed that it was just a matter of getting the paper work done. That was until we got the following from a member of council. “I think you should be digging into why we aren’t allowed to tell who appealed and why. That’s the info I want out.” Really? No need to identify the Council member on this one – what is critical is – just why the information isn’t public and who has their thumb on it. Somewhere within either Planning or Legal (perhaps both) there is a thumb keeping the forms on their desk.  FormerWard 3 Councillor John Taylor A number of years ago there was an issue that has been discussed in public at the Region that was discussed in Closed Session of Council in Burlington. Then Councillor John Taylor said he would stand in the atrium and release the information publicly if council did not talk publicly. All it takes is for just one Council member with the courage of their convictions to stand in the atrium and read out the list of names.  Marianne Meed Ward is on the other side of the podium this time – speaking as the Council member for Ward 2 and using the word transparency. Mayor Meed Ward used to use the word “transparency” at every opportunity – it just might be tattooed somewhere on her. Could the people that voted for her not nudge here and suggest she live up to the promise made on October 18th, 2018 Related news stories: ICBL not to be repealed – it will just die March 5th. The 31 appeals are announced with a lengthy explanation.
March 2, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
In comments made when the Amendments to the Approved but-not-in-force Official Plan were passed by Council they argued that it took some time to get it right to have an Official Plan that could be defended at LPAT hearings.  Executive Director Heather MacDonald, centre, taking all the questions during discussion on changes to planning policy. In a comment attached to the Media release sent out late last week Executive Director Heather MacDonald, who handles the Planning files, said it is not unusual for there to be appeals to Official Plan changes. I don’t think she was ready for a total of 31 appeals (and counting?) Lisa Kearns the Councillor for Ward 2, where much of the planned development is to take place, slipped some comments onto her Facebook page saying it was “important that you know what’s happening at City Hall.” And added that “This week marked the close of the appeal period for the planning policies that were approved by Council on January 30th for the lands in the Interim Control By-law (ICBL) boundaries.  A detailed explanation on what has and probably will take place – didn’t hear much of this during council debates. When the amendments and the zoning changes were voted on it was hailed as an historic day for the city. “The ICBL (development freeze) will continue as a result of appeals which prevent the policies from going into effect. It is important that your Councillor provides clear and understandable information about the process. Many have keenly followed this year long process as City Hall sought to address issues of growth pressure and how transit designations affect growth Why are we here today? “We have made it clear there is no simple approach or ‘silver bullet’ to untangle the complex systems that support planning applications that are not compatible with the community vision. A technical process has delivered solid planning policy that tightens zoning controls which address height maximums and podiums, street line setbacks, active transportation elements (ie: bicycle parking, mid-block corridors, streetscaping elements), and community institutional use. “Through this process, areas within the ICBL boundaries were identified with no zoning designation, particularly near the Burlington GO. This means that the planning process everyone is familiar with through pre-consultation to statutory public meeting, and council decision do not apply to developments in these areas. “The result is no public engagement, no community benefits, and no limits beyond the Building Code; applications go straight to technical Site Plan Approval. We have brought tighter zoning controls that the community supports in the land generally being downtown and at the Burlington GO.  Councillor goes long winded then buries her remarks on a Facebook page. What does this mean to Residents? “This means residents can be confident that their elected officials are working in their best interest using the resources and tools best available. We will continue to defend these policies that represent good planning created by independent consultants.” Councillor Kearns makes no mention whatsoever about what the city is really up against. The public has yet to actually see the appeals that were filed and thus don’t know what the appeal documents say. Nor does the public know who is representing the developers. Has one law firm taken on the task of asking for the same thing in the appeals or will the city have to face 31 different lawyers? A resident who managed to have discussions with the developers, said that they are very upset and believe they have a strong case. Only time will tell.  Mayor’s claim “Burlington is Open for Business.” What we do know for certain is that nothing is going to get built inside the boundaries of the Interim Control Bylaw. And that cannot be good for business despite the Mayor’s claim that “Burlington is Open for Business.” Councillor Kearns asks if the decision to make the Official Plan amendments and the zoning changes “was rushed”. Her answer is no. Here’s why: “An interim control by-law is rarely enacted by a municipality because of the sheer magnitude of freezing development. Council voted to support Staff’s recommendation to enact this tool in the Planning Act as a response to: • Growth pressures that continue to emerge for the lands in the study area where multiple pending developments propose intensities that are significantly higher than those anticipated by the 2018 Adopted Official Plan • The role and function of the John Street Bus Terminal as a Major Transit Station Area (MTSA). Its designation as a MTSA was relied upon by the Ontario Municipal Board in its decision to allow a 26-storey development that was opposed by Council in 2016, citing that as a MTSA, the terminal could support intensities well in excess of those contained in the Official Plan.”  Everything in that dotted red line is frozen territory from a development point of view. No cranes in those parts of the city. Kearns said: “I continue to stand by this decision and appreciate the strong position Staff bought forward for consideration. In the clearest terms, Staff would have been mandated to continue accepting and processing planning applications that vastly exceed in-force planning permissions. Essentially, it would be difficult to ever conclude a planning application for final recommendation without creating a new planning precedent. This is not an effective way to manage our city’s growth intentions. “Were appeals expected?” Some yes but the 31 that came in the door in a few days must have been a shock. “Did the City decide to extend the ICBL?” No, it didn’t. The moment an appeal came in the ICBL was locked and would stay in place until every last appeal is fully heard.  A great day for all of them – now they get to sweat out the hard stuff. When the amendments were passed on January 30th, “Two scenarios were possible at the close of the appeal period on February 26th, 2020. The first would see no appeals to either the official plan amendments (OPA#119) or the zoning by-law amendment (ZBA 2020.418) that was approved by Council bringing the new policies into effect, and the subsequent lapse of the ICBL on March 5th, 2020. “At that time, all new planning applications would be reviewed against said policies, resulting in a planning recommendation report either supporting or refusing the development application. “… the second scenario has taken place. All it took was a single appeal to the zoning by-law amendment (ZBA 2020.418) approved by Council to extend the ICBL until such time the appeal(s) were dealt with by LPAT. The result is effectively extending the freeze on development for the entire land use study area. The problem with this explanation by Kearns is that the impact of an appeal was never really discussed, unless Council did so in a closed session. The level of risk Council was taking was never detailed. City staff did work diligently to meet Council’s commitment to complete the work within one year and lift the freeze on the lands within the ICBL boundary. Here’s what happens next: Transparency: “This council has committed to integrity and transparency on all issues, including the ICBL. Significant effort has been made to keep the public fully engaged and aware of each step of the process.” That doesn’t explain why Councillor Kearns published these comments on just her Facebook page. To her credit she did say something. When asked by the Gazette for comments, Councillors Nisan, Sharman, Kearns, Bentivegna and the Mayor went mute.  Councillor Stolte – listens and speaks when she knows what she is talking about – fiscally prudent as well. Councillor Stolte did send in a comment saying Councillors were informed of the appeals on the 27th and they were told then what that means – the ICBL would stay alive until all the appeals were heard. Councillor Galbraith said the original Gazette report and the clarification set out his position. This story is far from over. It will plague council and might take a hunk out of their hides. We will know more when the city releases the content of the appeals. You can bet that there is a lot of strategizing going on at city hall these days. Know too that the Legal department budget either has or will be getting a major boost.
March 2, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Metrolinx is planning to transform and modernize its rail system with the implementation of the GO Rail Expansion Program – an investment program intended to provide: More all-day service. At a well attended public meeting that was held inside the Burlington GO station the audience was told how: “This transformation will bring fundamental changes to GO Transit’s seven operating rail corridors. It will result in the implementation of over 205 km of new track and 680 km of electrified track that will be laid to allow for the more frequent and efficient movement of trains. “Metrolinx has identified infrastructure requirements (i.e. new tracks, rail facilities, bridge modifications, crossing improvements). “The organization is completing Environmental Assessments for these items. These EAs, together with their procurement, are called the OnCorridor (OnCorr) Program. “Specifically, along the Lakeshore West Corridor, Metrolinx is proposing: New tracks and track upgrades When will all this happen? Not this year. The biggest immediate concern is what will the new lay-over yard north of Fairview and west of Brant have on the city?  Those yellow lines represent tracks that trains will sit and wait until they are needed for early morning shifts into to Toronto.
March 2, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Ann Marsden has filed an appeal against the January 30th council decision to approve amendments and zoning changes to the city Official Plan and the zoning bylaws. She is one of a reported 31 appeals filed with the City Clerk. Ann Marsden is not a developer. She has been a candidate for public office on a number of occasions. When she ran for the position of Regional Chair, against Gary Carr who has held that job for a considerable amount of time she garnered 48,136 votes against the 79,775 votes Carr received.  The Marsden vote was consistent across the Region. Someone was listening to Marsden In her appeal document Marsden said in a covering letter: “The reason for my appeal is that the January 30, 2020 Special Council Meeting was known by the Clerk (Angela Morgan) and the Chief Executive Officer of Burlington (Mayor Meed Ward) to be held outside Section 240 of the Municipal Act and City of Burlington Procedure By-laws: 64-2016 – current when the meeting was called and 04-2020- current when the meeting was held and were the legal framework for calling a Special Council Meeting. Marsden will argue that the meeting was not properly called and that the Clerk took some short cuts that were just not kosher. Marsden’s document, like all appeal documents, is detailed, repetitive and at times confusing – but she does have a point – a technical one but nevertheless a point.  Ann Marsden during an election debate. It revolves around whether or not the public was properly and full aware that there was going to be a Special Meeting of Council and did the members of Council take all the steps necessary to make the calling of the meeting legal. Marsden has argued that “The Council, therefore, was without jurisdiction to make the decisions they did that lead to 31 appeals being filed before the end of day February 26, 2020.” “As I understand it an additional 30 appeals to mine were registered by February 26, 2020. Thirty appeals constitute a very large amount of taxpayer, citizen and property owner monies and time being spent before we the taxpayers of Burlington can move on and begin to enjoy our downtown as we should be able to.  Ann and David Marsden – delegating at city council. She does the talking, Dave takes copious note. They have been banned for a period of time from both the Regional Council and Burlington city hall. But they are back. “Given my appeal deals with there being no jurisdiction for Council to make the decisions on January 30, 2020 that are being appealed I believe in terms of efficiency it would be prudent to hold my appeal first and before the end of March. If I am successful in my appeal the balance of the appeals dealing with the decisions made on January 30, 2020 will be moot as there will be no decisions to appeal and an appropriate order can be made by LPAT in terms of a properly constituted meeting being held to approve the policies that support the Burlington OP. With the benefit of consideration of the points made in the appeals this may well see a better understanding of what can be mutually acceptable policies for developers and citizens that will work in Burlington. “Further, perhaps progress will have been made in dealing with the John Street MTSA improper designation and moving the boundaries of the Urban Growth Centre to one that better reflects the needs many have addressed at several public meetings and MPP Jane McKenna assured her constituents long ago, can be done. “I urge you to give immediate attention to my application and the setting of a date so I can submit a factum for the respondent and the tribunal and subpoena witnesses for an oral hearing.”  This bus terminal made it possible for the Adi Development Group to get a 24 story tower approved on a site zoned for eight storeys. The John Street bus terminal got defined as a MTSA – Major Transport Service Area, which made it possible to convince an OMB hearing (Ontario Municipal Board) hearing that the existence of a terminal with an MTSA designation justified the building of a 24 story tower on a site that was zoned for 8 stories. It is those fine, technical points that result in surprising decisions. The likelihood of Marsden winning her appeal (it may not even be heard) – slim to none – so don’t bet the mortgage money on it. But if you’re the type of person who put $3 on a Lottario 649 ticket – why not?
March 2, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Signs of spring in our garden announced Leslie Bullock earlier today. She wouldn’t stretch the truth. Could it be? Maybe no more drifting snow?
March 2, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
The tone of things related to transit has certainly changed in Burlington.
Elections are amazing things; Burlington now has a transit friendly council and a Director of Transit who has turned that organization into one that actually wants to see more buses on the streets. While the event is several months away Bfast has announced the sixth annual Forum on Saturday, May 9, 2020, from 9:15-11:45am at the Burlington Seniors’ Centre. It should be a celebration of what has been achieved in a short period of time and then take a hard look at the direction the city will go in.  A typical Bfast meeting. Electric is front and centre in the minds of Bfast and city council. The issue is when and where is the money going to come from. Electric buses are expensive and the critical charging stations come in at a Million dollars each – and just one isn’t going to cut it. Council recently held a workshop on transit and learned about what the future of electric is going to look like. Exciting times ahead for sure. Doug Brown, Chair, BFAST Steering Committee might well levitate when he calls the meeting to order. Note the date: May 9th.
March 2, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
It’s a different approach to creating a sense of community – and it could work. InMemoriam Ceremonies are usually held by churches; given the number of people who don’t attend church regularly, this might serve a purpose.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward announced today that the city now has a “ population of almost 200,000 people, Burlington loses over 1200 of our residents each year. Each person plays a part in our city’s well-being and their loss impacts many others. Burlington’s Annual “In Memoriam” Ceremony was created to help recognize members of the community who have passed away in the previous year. All residents who have lost a family member, friend, or loved one are invited to gather in Civic Square along with Mayor Meed Ward to reflect together, as a community, on those we lost. Mayor Meed Ward will say a few words of support for those in attendance. The flags at City Hall will be lowered on this day in their honour. Going forward, the annual In Memoriam Ceremony will continue to be held on the last Thursday of March. The media release from the Mayor’s office didn’t provide much more in the way of detail. Do people just show up or does one register somewhere? Follow up at: www.burlington.ca/annual-in-memoriam-ceremony Burlington’s 1st Annual In Memoriam Ceremony
March 1st, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been found in 47 countries. We may be be close to declaring a pandemic, which is when a whole country or the world is infected. China, Iran and Italy are struggling to control the spread of the disease. The disease is now being spread in the United States. Ontario has now found 19 people who are infected. There is much that is not yet known by this virus. It appears that most people do recover from an infection. The damage to the economy has been significant; the New York Stock Exchange recorded the largest drop in its history.  Biggest one day drop of New York Stock Exchange prices in its history. “The game has changed with Italy and also with the new case in California,” People have every reason to be concerned – deeply concerned. Japan has closed all its schools. It has been suggested that the Tokyo Olympics might be cancelled. None of this is said to be alarmist – however we do have a serious problem on our hands. Ontario learned a lot from the SARS outbreak – those lessons are serving us well. The provincial Medical Officer of Health and the Ministry of Health has a constant flow of information – we are informed at the federal level and the provincial level. We are not informed at the Regional level. The disease is now in Canada. It is being passed from person to person. That does not mean the ravages of the 1918 Spanish flu is about to overcome us – but it does mean things have changed and public behavior has to change. The public expects leadership from the people who we have put in place to lead. The Medical Officer of Health is a critical part of protecting us. Saying nothing is just not acceptable. In the event that the virus gets completely out of control what does the average uninfected person do? What does a person who suspects they might be infected do? What does a person who is infected do? If there are say 100 people in the Region infected – what do we do? Is there a plan in place? We have plans for people to use recreational centers when the weather is sub-zero and dangerous to be out in. The public is advised when there is a West Nile virus concern – the Gazette publishes those notices regularly as we do with an outbreak of measles.  Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton’s Medical Officer of Heath. The public has not heard a word from the Regional Medical Officer of Health on the COVID19 virus. The public deserves better. The Medical Officer of Health for the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health board told a local newspaper in that community that “It’s more of a communication event than a medical event for us.” The communications advisors at the Region said the Medical Officer of Health had no comment when the Gazette asked for a comment.  A report on Halton’s alcohol consumption took up more than 45 minutes during a Regional Council meeting The Regional Medical Officer of Health did advise Regional Council recently that Halton could well have a alcohol problem; the Regional rate of consumption is 5% higher than the provincial rate. There is something wrong with the priorities. 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.
February 27th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Starts in front of City Hall on Brant Street at 10:05 am and travels  Waiting at the finish line. north to Baldwin, west on Baldwin, south on Hurd, east on Blenheim, south on Locust, east on Elgin, south on Brant,  They come by the thousands; numbered bibs show the count. west on Lakeshore, turnaround at Maple, east on Lakeshore to Burloak, north on Burloak, turnaround at Spruce, west on Lakeshore, North on Brant to Finish.  Crossing the finish line. Bus route detours in effect Burlington Transit Routes 2, 3, 4, and 10 HSR 11 downtown Oakville 14A along Burloak Drive xxx Road Closures 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
9:55 to 10:45 a.m.
Resident Access
Supervision
February 27th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Etizolam is a synthetically manufactured benzodiazepine derivative (central nervous system depressant) similar in nature to Xanax, but far more potent. Etizolam is not approved by Health Canada for medical use. Etizolam, when combined with opioids, has contributed to an increasing number of overdoses in Ontario. Naloxone will not reverse the effects of etizolam. Nonetheless, the community is encouraged to administer naloxone in the event of any suspected overdose, as you will not know what drugs caused the overdose. If you use drugs, or have a friend or family member who uses drugs, these tips may help save a life in the event of an overdose: Know the signs. An overdose is a medical emergency. Know the signs of an overdose and call 9-1-1 right away: • difficulty walking, talking, or staying awake Don’t run. Call 9-1-1. Our frontline officers, and other first responders in Halton, carry naloxone and we want to assist. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides broad legal protections for anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose. This means citizens, including youth, will not be charged for offences such as simple possession for calling 9-1-1 in an emergency. Carry naloxone, a drug that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone is available free-of-charge in Halton at: • Halton Region Harm Reduction Services (Exchange Works) Never use alone. Don’t use drugs alone, and don’t let those around you use alone either. If you overdose when you are alone, there will be no one there to help you. If you are using with someone else, don’t use at the same time. Go slow. The quality of street drugs is unpredictable. Any drug can be cut with, or contaminated by, other agents or drugs (e.g. fentanyl), which in very small amounts can be harmful or fatal. Know your tolerance and always use a small amount of a drug first to check the strength.
February 27th,, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON Comment on just why the city has to keep the ICBL in place is set out below the city media release. In a media release from city hall it was announced that The City of Burlington continues its work to ensure land-use development is well managed as outlined in Council’s Vision to Focus 2018-2020 strategic workplan. The Interim Control Bylaw (ICBL) Land Use Study, which froze development for one year in Downtown Burlington and at the Burlington GO station, is an important action to meet these goals. On Jan. 30, 2020, Council approved the revised recommendations from the findings of the Interim Control Bylaw (ICBL) Land Use Study, including the approval of the proposed Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendments resulting from the ICBL Land Use Study. The boundaries of the Urban Growth Centre with the different precincts highlighted in different colours. City staff presented the refined ICBL study report to Council for approval in advance of the initial one-year deadline. The official plan and zoning by-law recommendations are a result of extensive technical review by the City’s external consultants and planning staff, public input including written and oral submissions from the development industry, and Council deliberation. Urban growth centre The boundaries of the Urban Growth Centre with the different precincts highlighted in different colours. The revised recommendations were based on the land-use study undertaken as a result of the ICBL, passed by City Council on March 5, 2019. The purpose of the ICBL was to restrict the development of lands within the study area for a period of one year, including the Downtown Urban Growth Centre (UGC) and lands near the Burlington GO Station to undertake a land-use study. As per the Planning Act, appeals to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) must be filed 20-days after notice is given. Notice of Decision for Official Plan Amendment 119 and Notice of Passing of Zoning By-law Amendment 2020.418 was provided on Feb. 6, 2020. The last day of appeal was Feb. 26, 2020. The City has received 31 appeals to the LPAT for both Official Plan Amendment 119 and Zoning By-law Amendment 2020.418 which have been filed with the City Clerk. As a result, the Interim Control Bylaw (ICBL) remains in effect and will not end on March 5, 2020. The ICBL will remain in effect until the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal has issued a final decision on each appeal of Zoning By-law Amendment 2020.418. The recommendations from the findings of the ICBL study include proposed amendments to Burlington’s current in-force-and-effect Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw. The staff recommendation report and proposed amendments can be viewed online at burlington.ca/icbl. The City is also working closely with Halton Region to confirm with the Province the requirements and next steps for approval of changes to the downtown UGC and Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) designations. City Council has directed the Chief City Planner to report back in May 2020 with recommendations. The City will share more information on the ICBL appeal process and timelines as they become available, as well as details about the nature of the appeals where we can. City Executive Director Heather MacDonald said at a council meeting that the Interim Control Bylaw, put in place March 5th would be allowed to expire in March 5th, 2020. That was the intention. Developers impacted by the ICBL had 20 days after the end of the one year ICBL to appeal the decision that was made in 2019. More than 30 developers chose to do just that – which meant the city could not repeal the bylaw until all the appeals were heard by the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT). How long that will take is something over which the city has no control. All the city can do is appear at the LPAT hearings and defend their original decision to put the ICBL in place back in March of 2019. With all due respect to the person who wrote the media release – it does not explain why the ICBL has to remain in force. It is not something the city actually did – the process made it necessary. Once an appeal is filed – the ICBL remains alive and whatever decisions made come from the LPAT people.
February 26th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON CLARIFICATION: City Executive Director Heather MacDonald said at a council meeting that the Interim Control Bylaw, put in place March 5th would be allowed to expire in March 5th, 2020. That was the intention. Developers impacted by the ICBL had 20 days after the end of the one year ICBL to appeal the decision that was made in 2019. More than 30 developers chose to do just that – which meant the city could not repeal the bylaw until all the appeals were heard by the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT). How long that will take is something over which the city has no control. All the city can do is appear at the LPAT hearings and defend their original decision to put the ICBL in place back in March of 2019.
The announcement that the city was not going to let the Interim Control Bylaw (ICBL) die a natural death on March 5th, surprised many.  Mayor Marianne Meed Ward in front of city hall where she is making Burlington a much different city. Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said; “Burlington remains open for business and the city honoured our commitment to complete our work within one year and lift the Interim Control Bylaw (ICBL) that affects 1% of our total land. The appeals will now extend the ICBL. We will fight vigorously to defend the policies we have created. They are founded on sound planning principles based on evidence and a one-year independent consultant study. They also reflect the vision of staff, council and our residents for the future of our city. We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring the right development in the right place at the right scale.” Executive Director Heather MacDonald at a Standing Committee with city manager Tim Commisso on the left and Jamie Tellier, a planner on the right Heather MacDonald, Executive Director of Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility said: “Given the significant level of development interest in Burlington, and in particular the Burlington downtown and lands in the vicinity of the future mobility hubs, I am not surprised by the number of appeals that have been filed. It’s not uncommon for a significant change to an Official Plan to attract a number of appeals. “After listening to the submissions made as part of the public meeting held on Jan. 14, 2020, staff did work hard to resolve issues raised and make changes to the planning instruments where possible.” Obviously the work done by staff wasn’t sufficient and they decided to fall back on the ability to extend the ICBL. Hackles will be raised within the development community – and billable hours will rise within the legal community that serves the interests of the developers. • Developments in the study area that submitted applications for site plan approval, in accordance with the approved zoning bylaw, prior to March 5, 2019, were exempt from the ICBL study area. • During the one-year “freeze” on development in the study area, the ICBL Land Use Study: o Assessed the role and function of the downtown bus terminal and the Burlington GO station on Fairview Street as Major Transit Station Areas o Examined the planning structure, land use mix and intensity for the lands identified in the study area o Proposed updates to the Official Plan and Zoning bylaw regulations as needed for the lands identified in the study area. • On Jan. 30, 2020, Council approved the revised recommendations from the findings of the Interim Control Bylaw (ICBL) Land Use Study, including the approval of the proposed Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendments resulting from the ICBL Land Use Study. • On Feb. 6, 2020, the public was notified of plans to lift the ICBL and the 20-day window for appeals. Appeals were due to be filed with the city clerk on or before Feb. 26, 2020. The avalanche of appeals appears to have been the justification for extending the ICBL deadline. No mention is made of possible exemptions for some of the developments that have been hard hit by the ICBL decision.
February 27th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
The province appeared to be ready to legalize the sale of cannabis based edibles – they wanted to get feedback from the public and specifically the municipal sector on: cannabis ‘lounges’ where people could buy and consume cannabis; and cannabis at festivals and events through the Special Occasion Permit (SOP) process, similar to how alcohol is allowed at events. Burlington approved the opening of cannabis retail stores in the city with certain limitations – the most significant being how close these establishments were to schools. At this point there are four commercial operations in the city with a fifth due to open soon. The city wanted to know what the public thought and they put a survey up on the GET INVOLVED portal the city has. The survey was open for a short period of time between February 14th and February 23rd, seeking input on the future of cannabis sale and use in consumption venues such as cannabis ‘lounges’ and at public events such as outdoor festivals and concerts and found that: 969 respondents:-50% were in favour of allowing the sale and consumption of cannabis in places like cannabis lounges and cafés (5% undecided, 45% not in favour).
57% were not in favour of allowing the sale and consumption of cannabis at festivals and events such as music or food festivals, etc. (3% undecided, 40% in favour) 67% felt that municipalities should be able to decide/govern the sale and consumption of cannabis in cafés and lounges (11% undecided, 23% not in favour)
The motion that was deferred read as follows: NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Council of the City of Burlington is open to the sale and consumption of edible cannabis products in additional locations such as cannabis lounges so long as these locations do not also permit the sale and consumption of alcohol nor conflict with our existing distance criteria for retail cannabis store locations. The City of Burlington does not support the sale or consumption of any cannabis products in public spaces or at public events such as outdoor festivals and concerts. We ask the government of Ontario to allow municipalities to make their own local decisions on these matters and permissions. We ask the government of Ontario to ensure that no additional permissions on the use of cannabis would be granted in such a manner as to contravene the Smoke-Free Ontario Act of 2017 or any HaltonRegion bylaws that exist at the time of their decision.
February 26th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has received notification from Health Canada that analysis of a drug seized in Halton by the HRPS earlier this year has been identified as a mixture of flualprazolam, fentanyl, caffeine and dimethylsuplhone. Flualprazolam is a synthetically manufactured benzodiazepine derivative (central nervous system depressant) similar in nature to Xanax, but far more potent. While the HRPS is not aware of any confirmed or suspected overdoses related to flualprazolam in our region, the potential risk of this novel substance necessitated a community alert at the earliest opportunity. Flualprazolam has been linked to deaths elsewhere in North America. According to the Centre for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), “the human toxicity of flualprazolam has not been extensively studied but recent association with drug user death leads professionals to believe this new benzodiazepine retains the potential to cause widespread harm and is of public health concern.”  Police attending to a drug user. Flualprazolam is not an opioid, meaning that naloxone may not reverse the effect of an associated overdose. Despite this, the community is encouraged to administer naloxone in the event of any suspected overdose, as you will not know what drugs caused the overdose. If you use drugs, or have a friend or family member who uses drugs, these tips may help save a life in the event of an overdose: Know the signs. An overdose is a medical emergency. Know the signs of an overdose and call 9-1-1 right away: • difficulty walking, talking, or staying awake Don’t run. Call 9-1-1. Our frontline officers, and other first responders in Halton, carry naloxone and we want to assist. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides broad legal protections for anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose. This means citizens, including youth, will not be charged for offences such as simple possession for calling 9-1-1 in an emergency. Carry naloxone, a drug that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone is available free-of-charge in Halton at: • Regional Health Clinics (in Acton, Burlington, Georgetown, Milton and Oakville) and Halton Region Needle Exchange Program (Exchange Works) • Some local pharmacies. To find a pharmacy that distributes naloxone, visit the Ontario government’s Where to get a free naloxone kit web page. Never use alone. Don’t use drugs alone, and don’t let those around you use alone either. If you overdose when you are alone, there will be no one there to help you. If you are using with someone else, don’t use at the same time. Go slow. The quality of street drugs is unpredictable. Any drug can be cut with, or contaminated by, other agents or drugs (e.g. fentanyl), which in very small amounts can be harmful or fatal. Know your tolerance and always use a small amount of a drug first to check the strength. The HRPS will not be providing further details on the occurrence in which the drug was seized.
February 26th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
This is what society is up against.
On February 26, 2020, police executed a search warrant at a residence in Kitchener and arrested a 14 year old male from Toronto. He has been charged with the following (25) offences: -Robbery with Firearm x 3 The accused has been remanded in custody until February 27, 2020. Emma Cassidy (21) of Kitchener, was also arrested during the search warrant. She has been charged with: -Uttering Forged Document Cassidy was released on an undertaking. These arrests have been made after an investigation into a series of armed robberies throughout the Greater Toronto Area. GTA Police agencies analyzed the incidents and noted an increase in armed robberies beginning in October of 2019. The robberies typically involved at least two armed suspects entering banks and retail locations and demanding cash, with a noted increase in violence by the culprits. The investigation into bank robberies in Halton and the GTA is ongoing. Police would ask residents in the community remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in the area of local banks or retail outlets. If residents witness a crime in progress, they are asked to call 911.
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.
February 26th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
At the Standing Committee meeting that heard, in some detail, what had gone terribly wrong with the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) initiative, Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman did his best to get to see the Program Management Plan that was used to direct the creation and implementation of the CRM.  Executive Director Sheila Jones, second from the right, telling Councillor Sharman that it would be inappropriate to give him what he wanted Executive Director Sheila Jones said it would be inappropriate to release that information. Sharman huffed and puffed and said he would meet with Jones privately. The decision to stop the development for as long as 18 months until there was a Program Management Plan in place that could be delivered upon was quickly agreed upon at the Committee meeting. No blame was going to be put upon anyway. Whatever lessons there were to be learned would be taken up. So – what came out of whatever meetings Sharman had? A bit of context here: The city was working on the CRM program and at the same time ramping up for the Enterprise Resource Planning ( ERP) a much more ambitious and expensive ($10 million) initiative that impacts and involves every piece of technology used by the city.  Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman. Sharman decided to move his focus, and displeasure, from CRM to ERP and brought several Staff Directions which were approved. Council was looking at an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) program update which they received and filed but not before adding the following Staff Directions: Direct the City Manager to provide the Corporate Services Strategy Risk and Accountability Committee with an overview of governance and project management structures for corporate projects, including but not limited to, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Enterprise Asset Management System (EAMS), and Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Business Intelligence (BI); and An initial review to be brought to Committee in May 2020; and Direct the City Manager to provide the Corporate Services Strategy Risk and Accountability Committee with regular reporting on project status including key deliverables and timelines, risk assessments, change management plans, and readiness assessments. Councillors Sharman and Kearns have a solid understanding of what the technology is all about – they will now be able to keep their “noses in and fingers out” of the work Staff is doing. Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte And well they should. When City Manager said that the city will be spending $35 million on technology in the next few years Councillor Shawna Stolte almost gasped – she was having difficulty with a $10 million spend.
February 26th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Milton MP Adam van Koeverden Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth and to the Minister of Canadian Heritage (Sport) ran afoul of the Speaker of the House earlier this week. The Milton riding includes parts of rural Burlington Koeverden rose to speak in the House saying:  Milton MP Adam van Koeverden chatting up people while on the campaign trail. “Madam Speaker, thank you very much to my colleague opposite for his eloquent remarks. I am impressed that he does as much as he does without ever reading. I am going to try to do the same. “I have found that many of the Conservatives’ comments regarding this topic have expressed their undying willingness to support indigenous peoples, as long as it suits their political narrative and as long as people are okay with these big resource extraction projects going on. However, I was wondering if there was one example that you could find of Conservatives being willing to stand up for indigenous rights when it did not support your narrative. “These changes are not about placating the Conservatives or making them feel okay about the oath. This is about consulting with indigenous peoples in Canada and asking them what they would like to see in this oath and responding in turn.” The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes had some concerns with the way Koeverden had wandered somewhat with his remarks and, scolding the MP said: “The hon. member went from directly to indirectly to directly to indirectly. I just want to advise the member that he needs to address all of the content to the Chair.”
February 26th, 2020 BURLINGTON, ON
Bullying in the school yard and the hallways of an elementary school has an impact that is life defining for some children. How do parents handle the problem? What is the approach that will put a stop to the behaviour? What if your child is the bully?
Lana will present What If Bunny’s Not a Bully? with crafts, treats, and her inimitable storytelling in a fun-filled event this Sunday, March 1 at 11am. Admission is free. Everyone is welcome. Please join us! What If Bunny’s Not a Bully?
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