 By Staff
January 3rd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The New Democrats, serve as the Official Opposition at Queen’s Park. They have been on top of the Greenbelt land mess from day 1.
 Marat Stiles letting the Premier know that she has his number. It was their initiative that resulted in a report from the then Auditor Bonnie Lysak that laid out a sad story and eventually resulted in the provincial government accepting the resignation of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing after the Integrity Commissioner found all kinds of problems. Leader of the Opposition Marat Stiles would rise in the Legislature, point her finger at the Premier again and again.
The RCMP are currently investigating who knew what when and who whispered in whose ear.
In the meantime the New Democrats keeping finding new bones.
 Ford has claimed he isn’t ‘immediately familiar’ with Manchia, despite the Integrity Commissioner’s report revealing six meetings between the pair. Newly obtained emails show that in 2021, Ford’s then-chief of staff said he would “check with officials” about removing lands from the Greenbelt.The Premier and his government have said repeatedly that Ford was first briefed on the Greenbelt plan in November 2022, but these latest emails make it even more clear that Ford’s inner circle were discussing these plans years in advance – and kept them quiet when Ford ran for re-election. Marit Stiles and the Ontario NDP have repeatedly asked Ford about these discrepancies in testimony and timelines – and Ford’s Conservatives have continued to duck accountability.
“When exactly did Ford know about the Greenbelt plan – and why can’t he just come clean with it?” asked MPP Sandy Shaw (Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas), Official Opposition NDP critic for Environment, Conservation, and Parks. “With the Greenbelt scandal, it seems like all roads keep leading back to the Premier’s office. And while he keeps trying to cover his tracks, we keep falling further behind on our housing targets when we desperately need affordable places to live.”
 Sergio Manchia and Darko Vranich both admit to giving more money to local election candidates than allowed under the law, but they argue the violations were honest mistakes. “Hopefully Ford can get his story straight when the RCMP come to call.”
Background
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These new emails reveal even more correspondence between Ford’s senior staff and Sergio Manchia’s staff, a prominent Hamilton developer
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Ford has claimed he isn’t ‘immediately familiar’ with Manchia, despite the Integrity Commissioner’s report revealing six meetings between the pair.
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By Staff
January 4th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Many people have wondered just where is the City Clerk.
 There were occasions when Arjoon seemed to have difficulty managing Council and letting the Mayor know she was not quite on script. Kevin Arjoon has not been seen for some time. The Holiday Season was upon us – thot was he was on vacation.
Don’t know if Arjoon left or if he was asked to leave.
Position Overview
The salary is nothing to sneeze at: $146,616-$183,270
We are seeking a high performing individual to be responsible for the leadership and administration of the Clerk’s department. As the City Clerk you will provide leadership and direction in the areas of citizen and council committee support, information management and FOI requests, municipal elections, and act as a corporate signing officer for the Corporation. You will provide advice to the City Manager and Council on administrative matters, and all statutory functions related to the Clerk’s position, ensuring all documents relating to Council are managed appropriately.
Responsibilities
You will ensure that appropriate systems (both manual and electronic) are in place to manage the corporation’s records and protect vital information in accordance with established by-laws and policies. You will act in the capacity as the Designated “Head” for Freedom of Information requests. Digital transformation of the City’s records is a key upcoming project and you will play a vital leadership role in this project.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Community Relations and Engagement, the City Clerk is a member of the Burlington Leadership Team and in this capacity participates in the overall strategic and collaborative stewardship of the municipality.
 By Staff
January 3rd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
What does it mean to understand a person, a land or even a historical narrative?
The Art Gallery of Burlington(AGB) is asking the question How can I know you? in their newest spring exhibition. The exhibition curated by artist, curator, and scholar, Suzanne Morrissette will open on January 19th and run until April 28th. It features the work of Anong Beam, Dana Prieto, KC Adams, Krista Belle Stewart, Melissa General, and Panya Clark Espinal.
 Morrissette holds a PhD from York University in Social and Political Thought. She currently holds the position of Assistant Professor and Graduate Program Director for two programs at OCAD University: Criticism and Curatorial Practices (MFA) and Contemporary Art, Design, and New Media Art Histories (MA). “The exhibition aims to open a conversation about how we perceive the connections between people and the complex social and political circumstances that affect us and it all begins with a single question,” says curator Suzanne Morrissette. “In this exhibition, artists use materials from the land to weave narratives that encourage the audience to learn about the world around them. By delving into histories and understanding people, we can develop a greater sense of empathy and connection.”
Using materials sourced from the earth, the artists in How can I know you? work to share site-specific knowledge about kinship and generational relations, industry and settlement, social and political histories tied to settler nationalism and institutions, and about Indigenous territories in dialogue with one another.
 AGB curator Suzanne Morrissette How can I know you? is a question that comes from a comment artist Panya Clark Espinal shared during a studio visit with curator Suzanne Morrissette. It is a question that Clark Espinal asks of her materials, both as a way of coming to know them, as well as coming to know people, place, and history through the act of engaging with materials.
Both the exhibition and extended programming supports Morrissette’s ongoing research into and representations of colonial power and the intersections of contemporary art with geopolitics, decolonization, and social justice. How can I know you? is accompanied by a rich public program featuring talks, workshops, and performances in connection with a range of citywide collaborators and partners.
Exhibition Details
Lee-Chin Family Gallery
January 19–April 28, 2024
 Founded in 1975 ABOUT THE AGB
The Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) is an award-winning, public art gallery and community art centre situated in downtown Burlington, Ontario. Founded in 1975 for the purpose of creating a professional and social space to promote, protect and grow arts and crafts in Canada, the AGB continues to be an integral part of the community, and is home to the world’s largest collection of contemporary Canadian ceramics.
 By Trevor Hurry
January 3rd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Navigating the Web Safely:
Strategies for Avoiding Scams and Online Menaces
 Once a scammer has access to your data they can pick and choose what they want to take: your bank account, other online services you use. Then they can sell your ID to others who will do the same thing. In the ever-expanding digital universe, the internet has become a fundamental part of our daily lives. It offers a wealth of information, facilitates global communication, and provides endless entertainment. However, this vast network is also a breeding ground for scams and online menaces. From phishing emails to identity theft, the risks are ever-present. Thus, it’s crucial to arm ourselves with knowledge and tools to navigate this digital landscape safely. This blog post aims to provide comprehensive strategies to help you avoid scams and protect yourself online.
Understanding the Threats
Before diving into protective measures, it’s essential to understand the common types of online scams. Phishing scams, where fraudsters impersonate legitimate entities to steal sensitive information, are increasingly sophisticated. Malware, which includes viruses and ransomware, can infiltrate systems and compromise data. Identity theft, often resulting from data breaches, can have long-lasting impacts. Lastly, online shopping scams exploit consumers through fake websites and fraudulent offers. Awareness of these threats is the first step in defence.
Strong Passwords: Your First Line of Defence
 A group of consecutive numbers is not a password; it is an invitation for scammers to steal your data. Strong passwords are one of the easiest yet most effective ways to safeguard your online accounts. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols instead of common words and phrases. Password managers and other similar tools are useful for creating and safely storing complicated passwords. To add a degree of protection, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever it is feasible.
Regular Software Updates: Closing Security Loopholes
Keeping your software updated is a critical defense against cyber threats. Cybercriminals often target vulnerabilities in outdated software, making it imperative to update your operating system, browsers, and applications regularly. These updates frequently include patches for security loopholes that hackers exploit. To ensure you don’t miss these crucial updates, enable automatic updates on your devices. This ensures that you’re always using the latest, most secure versions without having to remember to manually update each time. Additionally, it’s advisable to regularly check for updates on software that doesn’t update automatically, as this maintains a robust defense against emerging cyber threats.
Be Skeptical of Emails and Links
 Password security is something you need to pay attention to; the cost if you don’t could clean you out. When it comes to digital communication, having a healthy skepticism might work wonders for you. Phishing schemes, which deceive people into disclosing private information, are getting more sophisticated. Emails and texts that look strange or request personal information should be avoided, especially if they instill a sense of urgency or offer extraordinary rewards. It is advisable to confirm the sender’s identity before replying or opening any links. Don’t download attachments from unidentified or suspicious sources as they can be infected with malware. Always keep in mind that if an email or link looks shady or too good to be true, it probably is. When in doubt, go with your gut and use care.
Protect Your Domestic Network
Your home Wi-Fi network is a gateway to your personal and financial information. Ensure it’s secured with a strong password and WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection, especially when using public Wi-Fi.
Educate Yourself and Others
In today’s digital age, staying updated about online threats is crucial for internet safety. Regularly following reputable technology news sources and cybersecurity blogs can keep you informed about the latest scams and protection strategies. Participation in cybersecurity awareness programs, either online or in your community, can further enhance your understanding and preparedness. Additionally, sharing this knowledge with family and friends, particularly those who are less familiar with digital nuances, is vital. This includes educating them about recognizing phishing emails, the importance of secure passwords, and avoiding suspicious links. By spreading awareness, you contribute to creating a safer online environment for everyone.
Use Trusted Payment Methods for Online Shopping
Online shopping, including activities like playing online slots, requires cautious financial transactions. To ensure safety, always opt for secure and trusted payment methods. Credit cards are generally a safer choice compared to debit cards due to their fraud protection features. Be vigilant about where you input your card details, whether purchasing goods or engaging in online slots; look for signs of website security such as HTTPS in the URL and a padlock symbol. Avoid payment methods that lack transparency or traceability, such as wire transfers or gift cards. Additionally, consider using payment platforms that offer additional layers of security. Remember, cautiousness in payment methods is a key defense against financial fraud in online shopping.
Backup Your Data Regularly
Regular data backup is an essential practice in safeguarding against digital threats. In the face of malware attacks, such as ransomware, having a backup of your essential files can mitigate the damage. Utilize reliable cloud services or external storage devices for backups. This should be done consistently; set a schedule for regular updates of your backup. Cloud services often offer automated solutions, while external hard drives provide physical copies. These backups are not just a shield against cyber-attacks; they also protect against data loss due to hardware malfunctions or accidental deletions. Remember, regular data backup is a critical step in comprehensive digital security.
 You want to understand what Identity Theft can do to you and take appropriate action to protect yourself. Conclusion
Navigating the internet safely requires a proactive approach. By understanding the risks, using strong passwords, updating software, being cautious of suspicious emails and links, securing your network, staying informed, using trusted payment methods, and regularly backing up data, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability to online scams and menaces. Remember, in the digital world, your best defence is your awareness and preparedness. Stay safe and explore the internet with confidence, knowing you’re well protected against lurking dangers.
 By Pepper Parr
January 3rd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
There wasn’t much in the way of notice.
The last print edition of the Burlington Post was printed on September 15th. The public got the news a day before. The Post is one of 70 local newspapers that are part of Metroland.
What does all this mean to Burlington?
 John Best, a colleague who publishes the Bay Observer put it very well when he said: “Locally, the biggest danger is in a community like Burlington, where on a good day there would have been one or two people at the media table at City Council or Board of Education meetings—now maybe none.
“Burlington Council with only seven members is already more or less devoid of any real debate, its seven members apparently in broad agreement on almost everything, or if they don’t, they hash it out somewhere else. The small size of the council is a factor that makes it easier to keep members in line, and the lack of media scrutiny outside of online disruptors like the Burlington Gazette have led to a country-club atmosphere. This is a council that put its heads together in 2022 and decided to keep the $100 million cost of the Bateman Community Centre Project a secret until after they were all safely re-elected. Media scrutiny has diminished in Burlington right at the time when a whole lot more is needed.”
Loosing a print media is significant and a clear understanding of just what happened to the Post and the other Metroland newspapers matters
Nordstar Capital LP owns the Toronto Star which is struggling. The Toronto Star owned Metroland. “Metroland was losing money; working furiously to find a solution but realized they were at a point where they simply couldn’t pay their expenses. Torstar chief executive officer Neil Oliver said at a creditor meeting held in November. That “Metroland is not out of the woods with the proposal, we believe it gives the remaining team and properties the opportunity to be viable for the long term.”
 Metroland cited the challenging economic environment for newspapers – particularly the steep decline in print advertising revenue – for its financial troubles. The company’s papers have faced a “sizable loss of readership” and revenue has fallen more than 10 per cent each year for the past three years, according to Grant Thornton, an accounting firm.
Metroland said in mid-September that it planned to make a proposal pursuant to Canada’s Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, and it followed up in mid-October with the plan.
In his report to creditors, Grant Thornton trustee Jonathan Krieger recommends a “Yes” for the vote scheduled for Tuesday, which would give unsecured creditors 13 cents on the dollar for their claims. Key to this analysis, of course, is just how much Metroland’s assets are worth.
 The news business has changed. Among those creditors were the news reporters who no longer have jobs.
“There was no discernible enterprise value for a business that has lost $10-million in the past year alone” adding that Metroland “held numerous M&A discussions with prospective buyers over the past year and could not procure a successful cash bid for any of the newspapers,” he said. The $20-million in equity stakes are undisclosed because they are “subject to confidentiality provisions.”
However, unlike other corporate reorganizations where the stockholders get wiped out in order to pay creditors, Torstar will emerge from this process maintaining its 100-per-cent ownership of Metroland, with all of its assets.
It would not be incorrect to say that there are some shady issues surrounding how the Star managed to dump the Metroland employees, offer them pennies on the dollar and try to get some federal money for them.
If the creditors had said No to the proposal that was before them they would have been given five cents on the dollar, not 13 but Metroland would have been bankrupt – dead. But because the offer was accepted by the creditors Metroland is in receivership which means it is still operating.
The plan was recommended by an independent trustee employed by Grant Thornton, charged with operating in the interest of all the stakeholders in the matter. Some observers felt the trustee’s report was thin on details to make creditors wonder whether they have enough information to make an informed decision.
Creditors of insolvent newspaper chain Metroland Media Group Ltd. voted to approve a proposal on Monday that would see the company pay pennies on the dollar to restructure its debt and avoid bankruptcy.
Metroland sought creditor protection on Sept. 15 with liabilities totalling more than $78-million. The publisher laid off 605 employees, nearly two-thirds of its work force, without paying severance or termination pay, while other employees who took voluntary buyout packages earlier this year had their salary continuance payments cut off.
A restructuring proposal like the one filed by Metroland allows a troubled company to address its debt and avoid a bankruptcy filing. Had creditors voted against Metroland’s proposal, the company would have been deemed bankrupt under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
Accepting the proposal meant that Metroland was kept alive while the 600+ employees looked at empty wallets.
The amount to be paid to creditors is not finalized. Metroland intends to apply to the federal government’s Wage Earner Protection Program, (WEPP) which offers payment to former employees stemming from a bankruptcy or receivership.
If WEPP is approved, former employees will receive 17 cents on the dollar for the balance of their claims, in addition to other payments. Other unsecured creditors would receive the same repayment percentage.
Lawyers for Metroland scheduled a court date to seek WEPP in late November, but the Department of Justice indicated it would oppose the motion. Metroland is still an operating company, and not in bankruptcy. The company then arranged to have a receiver appointed over its inventory, which could aid in its WEPP application.
“We believe that the likelihood of WEPP being eligible for this company is likely enhanced by virtue of that receivership,” Grant Thornton partner Jonathan Krieger said at the creditor meeting on Monday.
What does this mean to the communities across the province that relied on their local newspaper for news on current events..
Burlington had to decide recently where it would place notices they are required to publish under both the Municipal Act and the Planning Act.
Burlington is currently served by four online newspapers. The Gazette, which was the first online paper to be recognized by what was then the Ontario Press Council in 2010. The Post has become an online newspaper, the Bay Observer serves the Burlington market as does Burlington Today, a recent addition to the Burlington market.
The ceasing of the print publication of The Burlington Post has multi-faceted impacts on how the City provides public notice.
Whereas the Municipal Act, 2001 allows municipalities for more flexibility, other legislation is very specific as to the manner in which notice is given.
Staff have undertaken a review of the City’s Public Notice Policy and are seeking to make amendments where publication in a newspaper is not a prescribed requirement under the Municipal Act, 2001. Amendments to the Public Notice Policy are based on the findings summarized below:
Based on the above definition and the definition included in the policy, The Hamilton Spectator has been determined as the paper of record for the City of Burlington in the absence of a local newspaper such as The Burlington Post. The Hamilton Spectator is a daily newspaper with 4,673 subscribers in Burlington compared to The Toronto Star at 1,152 subscribers.
The Public Notice Policy provides minimum notice standards and encourages the public notice authors to consult with Corporate Communications & Engagement staff to ensure all appropriate tactics are used when providing notice to the public. The City has a dedicated News and Notices section with 1,065 current subscribers, where all City notices are posted in one centralized location.
By removing the requirement for printed media notices, where not statutorily required, the policy provides more flexibility while ensuring legislative requirements are met. In instances where newspaper notices are required, such as the Publication of Financial Statements, election notices, or notices required under other legislation including the Planning Act, the City will use The Hamilton Spectator based on the general circulation requirement, in addition to notices posted to the City’s website and digital publications. Many other municipalities have moved towards the publication of notices on their websites either exclusively or with a hybrid approach given the changing media landscape.
What this really amounts to is the city walking away from the concept that they really want to keep the public informed. Transparency and accountability took another punch in the head.
Financial Matters:
Costs will be incurred depending on the type and frequency of notice. If a legislative requirement to post notice in print media exists, the associated cost is unavoidable. Below is a cost comparison for comparable ads in The Hamilton Spectator versus The Burlington Post. These are the preferred rates for the City as provided by Communications staff. This price list is not extensive and meant to show cost differences.
| Approximate size of ad |
Burlington Post |
The Hamilton Spectator |
| 5” x 5” |
$372.50 |
$895 |
| 10” x 5” |
$696 |
$1,650 |
Whereas the cost to post notices in the Hamilton Spectator are nearly triple than The Burlington Post, the frequency of the required notices under the Municipal Act, 2001 can be expected to decrease. In some instances of notices required under the Planning Act, those costs are forwarded onto the applicants.
Total Financial Impact
On average, there have been 250 ads placed throughout the year, but that number does fluctuate. In 2022 the print costs totalled $131,103 with the Burlington Post. Staff will monitor the increased advertising costs closely in 2024 and mitigate the financial impact where possible. Should an increase to the City’s advertising budget be required, staff will identify the need as part of the 2025 Financial needs and Multi-year Forecast for the Mayor to consider for inclusion in the 2025 Proposed Budget.
 By Staff
January 3rd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington is inviting artists to apply for the 2024 Burlington Arts and Culture Fund (BACF).
This is an annual grant program that provides $75,000 of total available funding to local artists, multicultural groups and arts and culture organizations to foster creativity and enrich how Burlington residents experience and engage with arts and culture.
Applications will be accepted until noon on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024 and will fund projects from April 2024 to March 2025. Successful grant applicants will be announced at the beginning of April 2024.
To be eligible for BACF funding, applicants must be located in Burlington and must be:
- An incorporated not-for-profit arts and culture organization or a charitable arts and culture organization;
- An individual artist or arts and cultural collective (defined as three or more individuals) that exhibit high achievement in arts and culture programming;
- A multicultural group that fulfills a significant role in the Burlington community through the arts and culture.
Grants will be evaluated in part by a peer jury for artistic merit and by City staff for program merit and strategic initiative, citywide and community impact and economic impact.
To learn more about this fund, the jury opportunity and the application process join City staff and arts and culture professionals for a virtual information session on:
Date: Monday, Jan. 15, 2024
Time: 7 to 8 p.m.
Location: Microsoft Teams
Applications can be completed and submitted online at burlington.ca/artsandculturefund.
For more information, contact Angela Paparizo, Manager of Arts and Culture, 905-335-7600, ext. 7352 or email angela.paparizo@burlington.ca.
Burlington is a city where people, nature and businesses thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/subscribe and follow @CityBurlington on social media.
 Emilie Cote, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture Emilie Cote, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture
“Burlington’s Arts and Culture Fund fosters creativity at all levels and enriches how Burlington residents engage with arts and culture. It is important that diverse identities, perspectives, languages, cultures and various artistic practices be recognized, experienced and supported and this fund helps to do so. Since 2019, this grant benefits a variety of arts and cultural activities, adding vibrancy across Burlington.
Our city’s growing creative and culturally diverse community continues to create projects and evolve through this process. We invite any Burlington-based artists thinking about applying for the grant on Jan. 15, hearing about their ideas and receiving their applications.”
Links and Resources
Burlington.ca/artsandculturefund
 By Ewan Webb
January 3rd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington, Ontario, is a hockey-crazed city just outside Toronto and a mere few miles west of the United States border. Burlington is known for its enthusiastic fandom of the Toronto Maple Leafs, a city that is home to many National Hockey League greats. These include Dale Hawerchuk, owner of 1409 points. However, it is essential to remember some hockey players that came out of Burlington specifically, not just the greater Toronto area. This article will look at the five best professional hockey players from Burlington.
5 | Shane Wright
 Wright signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Kraken and has already made waves. The topic of professional hockey players from Burlington may be buzzing more than usual, thanks to Shane Wright. The 19-year-old center from Burlington could be an NHL odds favorite to top this list in a few years. A gold medalist for the Canadian under-18 team in 2021, Wright was projected to be the #1 overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry draft by many experts. However, he fell to the #4 overall pick, eclipsing Adam Creighton as the highest pick out of Burlington. Wright signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Kraken and has already made waves.
Wright was one of the last players cut from Kraken training camp and scored four goals and six points overall in his first seven games with Seattle’s top minor league affiliate. This included a streak of three consecutive games with a goal. He’s good enough that he needed an exception to avoid playing in juniors this season because his play was too advanced for the fellow teenagers he’d face in the Ontario Hockey League. He may not be a factor at the NHL level yet, but he will be soon.
 Mark Reeds, known for his post-playing coaching career. 4| Mark Reeds
Known more for his post-playing coaching career, Reeds was born in Toronto but grew up in Burlington. He played his junior hockey with the Toronto Marlboros before moving on to the Peterborough Petes. The St. Louis Blues eventually drafted him in the 5th round of the 1979 NHL Entry draft.
Reeds spent nearly three full seasons with the Salt Lake Golden Eagles in the Central Hockey League before getting his shot in St. Louis, making the most of it. In four full seasons with the Blues, Reeds averaged a respectable 31 points per season, including a career-high 39 in 1984-85. After retiring, he spent 15 seasons as a coach between minor league hockey teams before being named head coach of the Owen Sound Attack. He won the J. Ross Robertson Cup in his final season before joining the Ottawa Senators as an assistant.
3| Ron Sedlbauer
 Sedlbauer jumped between Vancouver, the Seattle Totems, and the Tulsa Oilers for nearly five seasons, even as he played at almost a full-time level in Vancouver. No player on this list had a roller coaster career like Ron Sedlbauer. Born in Burlington in 1954 and drafted 23rd overall by the Vancouver Canucks 20 years later, Sedlbauer jumped between Vancouver, the Seattle Totems, and the Tulsa Oilers for nearly five seasons, even as he played at almost a full-time level in Vancouver. Despite his constant changes of scenery, Sedlbauer had a breakout season in 1978-79, scoring 56 points and 40 goals for the Canucks. He went on to play for the Chicago Black Hawks and Toronto Maple Leafs before calling it a career. He still lives in Burlington and is the Burlington Cougars Jr. A hockey club president.
2 | Josh Anderson
 Columbus Blue Jackets took Anderson in the 4th round of the 2012 NHL Entry draft, where he spent six seasons. The only current player on this list, Anderson was born in 1994 and spent his early days playing both hockey and baseball. He was eligible to be drafted in the 2010 Ontario Hockey League Entry Draft, but every team passed over the undersized 16-year-old. Two years later, the Columbus Blue Jackets took Anderson in the 4th round of the 2012 NHL Entry draft, where he spent six seasons. Since 2016-17, he has averaged 59 games per season and scored 208 points, including 126 goals. He had a career year in 2018-19 for a playoff-bound Blue Jackets team, scoring 47 points, the 4th most on the team.
1 | Adam Creighton
 Adam Creighton had hockey in his blood. Until Wright’s selection in the 2022 draft, no player from Burlington had been selected higher in the NHL Entry draft than Creighton, and for good reason. Born in 1965 to former NHL center Dave Creighton, Adam had hockey in his blood. Taking after his father, Creighton played center well enough to be drafted #11 overall in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. Creighton immediately found his way onto the ice as an 18-year-old, playing seven games the year he was drafted and scoring two goals. By 1988, he had become a regular, but Buffalo traded him to Chicago that same year. The following season, he played in all 80 games and scored a career-high 70 points with 34 goals.
To date, no player from Burlington has scored more points than Creighton. After his last professional tournaments in 1999, Creighton became a scout for the Boston Bruins.
What Kind Of Hockey Town Is Burlington?
Toronto is known for the Maple Leafs, and while it’s a suburb, Burlington shares that identity. The hockey pedigree of this town is strong, with Creighton leading the charge and Wright moving up the ranks. Burlington should continue to grow that resume. Look out for Wright in Seattle these next few seasons, and expect to hear more about Burlington when he begins to make an impact.
 Somewhere in that crowd you can bet there are people from Burlington.
By Staff
January 3rd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Canal Lift Bridge will close Jan. 2 to all car, bike and walking traffic and is not expected to reopen until late March.
The closure will allow ongoing rehabilitation of the bridge, which lifts to allow shipping traffic into the harbour and also provides a road link across the canal between Hamilton’s beach strip and Burlington.
 Typical day at the Canal that separates Burlington from Hamilton The latest $21-million overhaul is meant to extend the life of the lift bridge for decades, with major work including replacement of the bridge deck.
The bridge is supposed to reopen March 20, a few days before the 2024 edition of the Around the Bay road race that runs along the waterfront.
The race is slated for March 24.
By Pepper Parr
January 27th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
You got here when you clicked on the Essential Reading graphic. Let me make the decision you made to click worthwhile.
When people ask me what the Gazette is, I tell them it is Essential Reading for people who live in Burlington and want to know what’s going on and what your City Council is doing. We make that point when we say: Informed people can make informed decisions.
Ensuring that the people you elected are kept transparent and accountable happens when there is fact based media, supported by informed opinion keeping an eye on them.
 Who is out there helping you understand what is happening?. Recall the people who spoke bluntly about the tax increase the city put in place? You would have read about their delegations in the Gazette
There is a major change in the patio program the city has put in place; what started out as three patios has grown to more than 20 that will pop up on the streets of the city. They are changing the city streetscape with little comment from the public.
The Gazette has been publishing for 12 years. We are members of the National Newsmedia Council; an organization we are accountable to.
We are experimenting with different ways for readers to interact with the news and opinion we publish because that is what Essential Reading is all about.
 By Pepper Parr
January 1st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
New York scored the first goal against Toronto – then added three more in the first game for the new PWHL
It was history in the making as the first game of the Professional Woman’s Hockey League, (PWHL) faced off at the Mattamy Athletic Centre in the Maple Leaf Gardens that used to be home to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Toronto, one of the six teams in the PWHL, was playing against New York. The other teams are Ottawa, Boston, Montreal and Minnesota.
First goal scored was against Toronto, same with the first penalty.
Billie Jean King dropped the ceremonial puck.
The play-by-play is different, the talent on the ice is professional.
It has been a long time coming.
 It was 1-0 against Toronto – here in the second half Toronto misses a chance to even up the game. There is a Burlington angle to this story. Two of the women who play in the league are Burlington natives. But more importantly, sitting in the stands were a number of current and former Barracudas watching this monumental moment for women’s hockey.
Will Short, president of the Burlington Girls Hockey Club said: “It is incredibly important for girls to see women playing hockey at the professional level and to be able to aspire to one day do the same.” He added that he is looking forward to “working with the City of Burlington to balance the ice allocation between the boys and girls hockey associations and to improve existing facilities and build new state of the art multi use facilities to give all Burlington kids a better recreational experience.”
 By Pepper Parr
January 1st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s now ours – 2024. What are we going to do with it?
Much of it is up to us but let’s start the year with people we care about.
Use the day to reflect on what we have managed to get done and what we can achieve during the year we are into.
Look at our relationships and figure out how we can make them stronger.
Covid seems to have taught us one thing – we need each other.
 They served a purpose at the time – but this isn’t the way people were meant to gather.
 By Pepper Parr
December 30th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
While what is local impacts us the most there is a bigger picture that needs to be understood and reacted to.
The top news story in 2023 from Policy Options, a Canadian Think Tank, is disturbing.
The causes of the low productivity of Canadian companies are well known and documented: they invest little, spend less on research and development than those in other rich countries, and have a low propensity to innovate. These behaviours tend to limit their productivity gains and, consequently, restrict the growth of the Canadian economy.
It is difficult to understand why our companies are reluctant to engage in activities that are central to success in comparable countries, or why the federal government continues to let it happen when the result is that the Canadian economy has fallen behind.
There is an urgent need to act because the consequences of inaction are enormous. In 1981, Canadians enjoyed a $3,000 higher per capita standard of living than the major Western economies (adjusted for inflation and currency fluctuations). Forty years later, Canada was $5,000 below that same average. If the trajectory continues, the gap will be nearly $18,000 by 2060. Canada’s Department of Finance has also reported these alarming projections.
In examining why Canadian businesses are so reluctant to invest and innovate, the Centre for Productivity and Prosperity – Walter J. Somers Foundation (CPP) concluded that the problem is a lack of internal competition. Competition among Canadian companies is too weak and simply does not generate the incentives that would normally boost their competitiveness.
Canadian firms operate in small, highly dispersed markets that are very segmented economically and legislatively. They therefore compete much less with each other than American or European firms, which operate in two large, highly unified and integrated domestic markets that provide an adequate level of competitive pressure. This is not the case here: Canadian companies do not need to invest and innovate as much to stand out and maintain their market share. As a result, they are not competitive enough to compete in foreign markets. Growth suffers and the country’s economy stalls.
What makes this problem particularly embarrassing is that the Macdonald Commission clearly identified it in the early 1980s. It even proposed viable solutions – many of which are still applicable.
A free trade agreement, and then… nothing
Unfortunately, our policymakers chose only one solution: a free trade agreement with the United States. Once that agreement was in place, interest in the other options quickly faded and the government of Canada failed to move forward with the required reforms. The consequences of this inaction have been particularly damaging to Canada’s competitiveness and its ability to make the economy grow.
While Canadian exports benefited greatly from the free trade agreement with the United States in the 1990s, this “success” was largely due to the depreciation of the Canadian dollar rather than to the quality and quantity of Canadian investment and innovation. And in the early 2000s, when the Canadian currency began to appreciate against the U.S. dollar, companies from emerging economies quickly outperformed Canadian ones. Our country, inadequately prepared for competition, began its downward spiral, unable to take advantage of global market integration.
 Is this what Canadians expect their standard of living to provide? And can this be done with the current competitive policy – protecting business first. Canada now remains stuck in an interventionist logic dedicated to protecting the immediate interests of Canadian companies. Successive governments have failed to move on from protectionist reflexes and impose the necessary reforms: they should have adjusted the regulatory framework to stimulate the competitiveness of Canadian companies in the domestic market. Instead, Canadian companies continue to operate within an outdated institutional framework that does not value competitive forces.
An OECD index, which assesses the impact of government policies on competition, shows how outdated Canada’s regulatory framework is: Canadian government intervention in economic activity causes more distortion than elsewhere in the West. In addition, barriers to entry in Canada are more numerous and significantly more constraining, and the overall regulatory framework is more restrictive. In other words, Canada will have to work twice as hard to make up for lost time and establish a true competitive culture.
To reverse this downward spiral, the federal government should put competition back at the heart of Canada’s economic strategy. The priority should be to tackle whatever is holding back the development of a strong and resilient domestic market. There are too many regulatory barriers to inter-provincial trade.
When making decisions on competition, Canada should prioritize the interests of consumers rather than the interests of business. That statement should be made twice. If you are a member of the Chamber of Commerce make sure they get the message
No matter how many trade agreements our governments make, growth will remain inadequate and our standard of living will continue to quietly decline unless we put competition back at the heart of Canada’s economic strategy.
 By Pepper Parr
December 30th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
As we get ready to close out the year what can we point to as an achievement other than saying we got through the year?
COVID has become a member of the family, the young adults, the people who were expected to be the future leaders, are beginning to realize that unless their parents can help with the down payment on a house, their chances of owning a home are limited.
We have two wars taking place. Everyone is entitled to an opinion on what is taking place in Ukraine, but I know whose side I am on; everyone is aghast at the tragedy taking place in Gaza.
 Think the public was looking for a little more than a Declaration And we aren’t exactly winning on the Climate Change Challenge. Former Liberal Cabinet Minister Catherine McKenna said: We are 6 years out from 2030 when we need to have reduced emissions by half and we are far off track. But hard things are hard. And we have the solutions.
So – what do we want to do is as we slip into 2024?
I want to be local and look at the challenge we face at the food banks.
Food4Life recently appointed a new Executive Director; she came to Burlington via Hamilton Share, a food distribution network that is partially funded by the City of Hamilton.
The Burlington Food Bank and Food4Life don’t get a nickel from the City of Burlington. Those organizations are seen is as part of the social support system we have that is the responsibility of the Regional government. Explain that to the people who have empty shelves in the cupboards.
I don’t recall every hearing Burlington City Council talk about financial support for the food banks nor have I ever heard then speak as a group about the need for support from the Regional government.
 This food was the result of what one citizen decided to do. Daryl & Hannah Fowler standing behind the bins. He operates Flashe Gas – check him out We seem to have chosen to be glum about the challenges we face rather than reaching down for the boot straps and pulling them up.
We tend to look to government for the answers, not fully realizing that we are the government. The power to make changes is our – we give that power to those we elect and expect them to discern the will of the people and make the choices.
 You can watch the first ever game of a professional womans’ hockey league game on Monday. Streamed on CBC GEM – free Creating the rainbow sidewalks was a good decision but we didn’t have to put them all in place in a single year. Flag raising is important – in Burlington we seem to do a different flag each week. They have become photo ops for Council members.
If you want to really start 2024 on a positive note tune into the first-ever regular season Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) game will kick off on January 1 between Toronto and New York. It is being streamed on the CBC Gem channel – free
 By Pepper Parr
December 29th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
 What is the one thing you learned so far this year that fascinated you the most?
While listening to Bob McDonald of Quirks and Quarks on CBC Radio I heard a population expert say that the first person to reach the age of 150 in Canada has already been born.
Use the comments section to share what you learned.
By Staff
December 28th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The New Year is just a few days away.
Food4Life sums up what they have managed to get done before they say goodbye to 2023.
 Food4Life Executive Director. Karen Randell The appointment of a new Executive Director. Karen Randell, who was interim CAO at Hamilton Share before replacing Graham Hill. She is a graduate of George Brown College who sums up what she has learned in her first six weeks at Food4Life is the talented team they have and the number of volunteers working with them. “We have a different group in here every day” she said.
The Food4Life mission is to rescue as much food as possible from being wasted. They have equipment on site that converts food that cannot be eaten that converts it to high grade compost.
Ensuring access to healthy, fresh food to neighbours across Hamilton and Halton they have
- Supported 4,000+ households each week through Food for Life programs and agency partners helping many of our neighbours feel more food secure and live with reduced stress.
- Prioritized the well-being of people and the planet by ensuring that quality GOOD food is rescued and redirected to people, diverting 7 million kgs of greenhouse gas to protect the planet.
- Collaborated for deeper impact alongside community and agency partners to align resources, strengthen partnerships, and ensure neighbours are well supported with the resources they need to better their lives.
These are just three of the many impacts you helped make possible in 2023.
All this happens because people support Good for Life financially. Every $10 donated allow them to rescue and share $62 worth of good food and groceries
Plus, The Sprott Foundation will match all donations made by December 31, 2023 up to $100,000. That means you will have 2X the impact!
By Pepper Parr
December 29th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
They are back at it on the 8th of January.
City Council will be sitting for the most part as a Committee of the Whole with the Mayor in the Chair.
It isn’t all that clear as to how the Committee will handle what used to be done by the three Standing Committees that were in place.
 Not a smile on the faces of any of them Council as they adjourned at the last meeting of 2023. Several of them didn’t say a word during the comments part of the meeting; their opportunity to wish their constituents well as they went into the holidays. It looks as if the Committee of the Whole will hear from the Chairs of the former Standing Committees – and sort of morph into a Standing Committee that is rolling Staff reports up to the Committee of the Whole.
Question then is – what will a City Council meeting do?
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward Will the mayor use her Strong Mayor powers and approve what was done at Committee of the Whole?
This new process will do nothing to encourage people to delegate – who will they be appearing before.
Again – something from the Mayor or an individual Council member would be useful.
Sound confusing? It is – and there hasn’t been a word, not a single word from any of the former chairs of those Standing Committees is as to how this is going to work out.
What we do know is that the Committee of the Whole will meet for two days – January 8th and 9th. They have cut the meetings down to two days each cycle. I suspect they will have difficulty with that but I think we are going to have to wait and see how it works out is as we get into the New Year.
 Oanh Kasperski: Director of Corporate Communications and Engagement. Not a word from the Mayor – so far she hasn’t made a year end statement, which is unusual for her.
There hasn’t been anything from the City Communications department – also unusual given that they recently appointed Oanh Kasperski as the new Director of Corporate Communications and Engagement. She started her job on December 11th. No word yet from her.
This Council did not cover itself with is as much is as a fig leaf in 2023. The last meeting of Council early in December dismal – I’ve never seen such a glum looking group of people in the 12 years I have been cover Burlington’s City Council.
Under the new legislation, O. Reg 180/23 as of July 1, 2023, the Mayor’s powers include:
- Appoint and dismiss the City Manager as well as the head of any division or the head of any other part of the organizational structure (except statutory municipal officers i.e. City Clerk or Deputy, Treasurer or Deputy, Chief Building Officer and Fire Chief); *
- Determining the organization structure of the City; *
- Create committees of Council, assign their functions, and appoint the Chairs and Vice Chairs of committees of Council; *
- Propose the City’s budget subject to Council amendments, a Mayoral veto, and a Council override process;
- Submit matters for Council’s consideration, or veto by-laws, if the Mayor believes it will advance a prescribed Provincial Priority; and
- Direct City staff in writing.
Decision # 7 made on 31st day of October 2023.
Under Bill 3, the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022, which amended the
Municipal Act, 2001,
Effective January 1, 2024, in accordance with subsection 226.6 of the Act, I Marianne
Meed Ward, Mayor of the City of Burlington, herby dissolve the following standing
committees as prescribed in the City’s Procedure By-law no. 31 -2021, as amended:
• Committee of the Whole
• Community Planning , Regulation & Mobility Committee
• Environment, Infrastructure & Community Services Committee
• Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk & Accountability Committee; and
Effective January 1, 2024, in accordance with subsection 226.6 of the Act, I Marianne
Meed Ward, Mayor of the City of Burlington, hereby establish a Committee of the Whole
and Budget Committee with functions assigned as follows:
Committee of the Whole
I. Responsibilities
The Committee of the Whole shall be responsible for considering all matters that
do not properly fall under the jurisdiction of any other existing Standing
Committees. The Committee of the Whole agendas are divided into the following
sections, with a Chair and Vice Chair assigned to each section:
Community Planning, Regulation & Mobility
The Community Planning, Regulation & Mobility section will include matters
relating to:
a) Matters under the jurisdiction of Community Planning, Regulation and
Mobility including; Community Planning, Building, By-law Compliance,
Transit, and Transportation departments;
b) Public hearings pursuant to the Planning Act, RSO 1990, c. P.13, as
amended;
c) Matters arising from the following boards and advisory committees:
• Aldershot BIA
• Burlington Chamber of Commerce
• Burlington Downtown Business Association
• Burlington Economic Development Corporation (BEDC)
• Committee of Adjustment
• Heritage Burlington Advisory Committee
• Integrated Transportation Advisory Committee (ITAC)
• Burlington Cycling Advisory Committee
• Burlington Agricultural and Rural Affairs Advisory Committee (BARAAC)
• Downtown Parking Advisory Committee
• Property Standards Committee
Environment, Infrastructure & Community Services
The Environment, Infrastructure & Community Services section will include
matters relating to:
a) Matters under the jurisdiction of the Environment, Infrastructure and
Community Services including; Engineering Services, Recreation,
Community and Culture, Roads, Parks & Forestry, and Fire, Assets and
Sustainability departments;
b) Matters arising from the following boards, committees and advisory
committees:
• Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee (BMC)
• Burlington Sustainable Development Committee (SOC)
• Art Gallery of Burlington Board (AGB)
• Burlington Mundialization Committee
• Burlington Museums Board
• Burlington Performing Arts Centre
• Burlington Public Library Board (BPL)
• Burlington Seniors’ Advisory Committee {BSAC)
• Tourism Burlington
Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk & Accountability
The Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk & Accountability section will include
matters relating to:
a) Matters under the jurisdiction of the City Manager’s Office, Office of the
City Clerk, Corporate Communications and Engagement, Strategy, Risk
and Accountability, Customer Experience, Finance, Human Resources,
Burlington Digital Services, and Corporate Legal Services departments;
b) All public meetings under the Development Charges Act, 1997, S.O. 1997,
c. 27;
c) Burlington Strategic Plan and Vision to Focus workplan;
d) Matters arising from the following board and advisory committee:
• Burlington Hydro Electric Inc. (SHEi)
• Burlington lnclusivity Advisory Committee (BIAC)
II. Composition
The Committee of the Whole shall be comprised of all members of Council.
Ill. Reporting
The Committee of the Whole reports directly to Council.
Budget Committee
I. Responsibilities
The Budget Committee is responsible for hearing public presentations, receiving
financial reports from staff, and providing advice to the Mayor on the operating
and capital budgets; and making recommendations to Council on any operating
or capital budgets in which the Mayor has a pecuniary interest.
II. Composition
The Budget Committee shall be comprised of all members of Council.
Ill. Reporting
The Budget Committee reports directly to Council.
Dated at Burlington, this 31st day of October 2023.
Original Signed by
Mayor Meed Ward
Decision # 8 , 31st day of October 2023.
References: MO-03-22 – Appointments to standing committees, boards , committees, agencies and Deputy Mayors , December 13, 2022 *with changes
CL–18–23 – Standing Committee Structure Options, October 17, 2023
Mayoral Decision 07-23 – To establish a Committee of the Whole and Budget Committee
Under Bill 3, the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022, which amended the
Municipal Act, 2001 (the Act); and
Effective January 1, 2024, in accordance with subsection 226.6 of the Act, I Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor of the City of Burlington, hereby appoint the following Councillors as rotating chairs of Committee of the Whole and Budget Committee for remainder of the 2022-2026 Term of Council as established by report MO-03-22: ** Chair changes are bolded, they align the Deputy Mayor of Strategy and Budgets portfolio to the Chair of Budget, with subsequent position changes to ensure equity.
Committee of the Whole
The Mayor shall preside as the Chair for Committee of the Whole for all agenda sections, with rotating Councillors appointed as section chairs and section vice chairs for Community Planning, Regulation & Mobility Environment, Infrastructure & Community Services and Corporate Services, Strategy , Risk & Accountability regular items.
| Committee of the Whole – Community Planning Regulation & Mobility
Regular Agenda |
| Year |
Chair |
Vice Chair |
| 2024 |
Shawna Stolte |
Lisa Kearns |
| 2025 |
Lisa Kearns |
Kelvin Galbraith |
| 2026 |
Kelvin Galbraith |
Rory Nisan |
| Committee of the Whole – Environment Infrastructure & Community Services Regular Agenda |
| Year |
Chair |
Vice Chair |
| 2024 |
Lisa Kearns |
Kelvin Galbraith |
| 2025 |
Kelvin Galbraith |
Shawna Stolte |
| 2026 |
Shawna Stolte |
Kelvin Galbraith |
| Committee of the Whole – Corporate Services Strategy Risk &
Accountability Regular Agenda |
| Year |
Chair |
Vice Chair |
| 2024 |
Rory Nisan |
Kelvin Galbraith |
| 2025 |
Kelvin Galbraith |
Paul Sharman |
| 2026 |
Rory Nisan |
Lisa Kearns |
| Budget Committee |
| Year |
Chair |
Vice Chair |
| 2024 |
Paul Sharman |
Kelvin Galbraith |
| 2025 |
Paul Sharman |
Rory Nisan |
| 2026 |
Paul Sharman |
Shawna Stolte |
Dated at Burlington, this 31st day of October 2023.
Original Signed by
Mayor Meed Ward
 By Pepper Parr
December 29th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Fact:
In 2022, there were 219,942 homes completed, according to federal data. That same year, according to the Immigration Department, 437,539 permanent residents were admitted.
That single paragraph explains the mess we are in – when you add to it the steps the federal government took to get us through Covid (making money cheap) which drove up demand.
One has to wonder – do the different departments at the federal level not talk to each other? Nothing wrong with increasing immigration – but ask – where these people are going to live ?
A degree in rocket science isn’t needed to figure this stuff out.
Bad enough that the federal government didn’t look around at what the impact of their decisions would be – where were the provinces – they needed to be standing on their hind legs and barking.
 Ontario’s Big City Mayors Meet with Regional Chairs and Provincial Ministers at Association of Municipalities of Ontario event. They are all on the public payroll. And – what did the municipal sector do? Basically nothing. Mayor Meed Ward prides herself on being Chair of the Ontario Big City Mayors – a group of people who have made the photo op a skill set.
These are the people that didn’t have to go anywhere near their offices from basically Christmas Eve until the 2nd or 3rd of January. A significant number won’t show up in the office until January 8th.
We are not getting value for money.
We elected them – we need to learn how to look for better candidates.
 By Staff
December 29th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The government isn’t going to do it – not unless we push them.
Doug Ford’s government doesn’t have a Climate Change policy. They seem to think the Climate isn’t changing.
There can be all kinds of world level conferences – but most people realize the change is going to be made by US – doing what we now know has to be done.
Stop burning coal, use less oil and look for every possible alternate source of energy: wind, solar – we know about these.
Some places have found they can harness the tide to generate energy.
 The EV’s will be what we will use – just make sure the charging stations are in place. We know what direction the automotive sector is going in – the challenge seems to be ensuring that there are enough charging stations in place for the EV’s we are going to be driving.
Believe it or not there are developers today that have plans on the drafting board or shovels in the ground that have not included roughing in the electrical lines that will allow charging stations to be installed in the underground garages at a later date.
Do you think maybe the current city council will find a way to make this necessary and maybe push the province to upgrade the building code to ensure that the electrical part is in place.
| Ontario is finally ready to feel the power of the sun and the wind once more. Five years after tearing up 758 renewable energy project contracts, the Ford Government has announced that it is going to join the rest of the world in tapping into our lowest cost sources of new electricity supply – wind and solar.
There is an organization – Ontario Clean Air Alliance – that is pushing the provincial government to to make sure that it prioritizes the cleanest and lowest cost options to keep our lights on, instead of polluting gas and high-cost nuclear power.
 Some people don’t like them – but they work and they are part of the solution. Not so sure they have got it right when it comes to nuclear – but let’s at least have the debate.
There is plenty of evidence that the Ford Government is not a big fan of renewable energy. Can a leopard change its spots?
That is going to depend a lot on our ability to demand a level playing field for themost intelligent energy solutions. Which is why your support for the Ontario Clean Air Alliance matters: We made the Ford Government’s refusal to consider renewable energy an issue the government could no longer ignore.
Let’s make next year the start of something great in Ontario. Work to ensure Ontario goes green – and goes big.
|
By Pepper Parr
December 29th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Pam Damoff, the MP for Oakville North Burlington puts out a media release almost every week. The most recent had two pieces that we wanted to pass on. One on a National Action Plan to end Gender Based violence. The other was on creating safe places for young people involved in sports.
Burlington City Council was debating these issues last June. One of the participants in the discussion was Deputy Chief Jeff Hill who made a stunning comment when he took part in a virtual council meeting.
He explained that Councillor Angelo Bentivegna that he wasn’t a social media type he has at times advocated for prevention and made the point that when he does the number of people who follow him on social media drops off. “. It’s like people don’t want to speak about it. And it’s something that we have to bring to the forefront, the entire community has to bring it to the forefront. We have to watch out for our neighbours.
 Deputy Chief Jeff Hill of the Halton Police Service Deputy Chief Jeff Hill of the Halton Police Service spoke virtually saying: “I very much wanted to be a part of this discussion and humbly submit is of the utmost importance, and needed desperately to help combat and intimate partner violence.
“I’m going to be concise, and paint the picture from a policing perspective of the surveillance of intimate partner violence in the city of Burlington. Regionally speaking to the rise, in intimate partner violence in 2015 we responded to 2757 calls and laid 1145 charges.
“Last year we responded to 3500 calls and doubled our charges, laying 2141 charges.
“That’s effectively responding to 10 incidents of intimate partner violence a day. Specifically speaking to the city of Burlington, of those 3500 occurrences 1346 of them were in the city of Burlington. Stemming from those occurrences we made 341 arrests; that’s basically an arrest a day.
“As of last week, we have already attended 544 incidents of IPV in Burlington.
“I’ve seen the statistics and I’m aware that this is largely an under reported crime. We believe that only 30% is actually reported to us.
“Halton police has a dedicated 24 members, intimate partner violence unit, that partners with such entities as Women’s Place and the mentoring members of the Halton Violence Prevention Council. We’re doing everything we can in the areas of risk intervention, incident response prevention and social disorder, social development. Our Victim Support Unit reaches out to every victim of intimate partner violence that is reported to us. Even with all those resources being dedicated, the number of incidents that we respond to has remained steady since 2020, with a number of arrests rising year after year.
“Let me be clear, however, that the police alone are not the solution to this issue and we will not arrest our way out of this epidemic. If we don’t do something different, the problem will continue to grow. Intimate partner violence cannot be a private issue. We cannot be silent about the violence that is occurring. The resolution before you is a start but we must do something to raise community awareness and education on the surveillance of the issue with the necessity for a holistic approach from the community as a whole; one entity cannot do this alone. As you heard from Dr. Kagan, every six days in Canada, a woman is murdered by her partner.
“I want to leave you with this final statistic, the last 40 years the Region alone has seen 22 women murdered at the hands of their partner, a woman murdered every other year in our region alone. This absolutely has to stop.”
Damoff, in speaking of the National Action Plan to end gender based violence, said:
More than 11 million people in Canada aged 15 and over have experienced intimate partner violence at least once and, gender-based violence disproportionately affects Indigenous women and girls; Black and racialized women; immigrant and refugee women; Two-Spirit and 2SLGBTQI+ people; people with disabilities; and women living in northern, rural, and remote communities.
Since 2021, the Government of Canada has committed $1.14 billion to advance the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, including $539.3 million over five years to support provinces and territories in their efforts to implement the National Action Plan. This funding will help frontline workers, prevent violence from happening in the first place, and provide culturally relevant support to survivors of gender-based violence.
Last Friday, Parliamentary Secretary Hepfner, on behalf of Women and Gender Equality Minister Marci Len, made the 13th and last announcement of agreements to be signed under the National Action Plan. This historic milestone signifies that all 13 provinces and territories have signed their agreements to help advance ending gender-based violence in Canada.
Our government made a promise to help women and children fleeing violence – and we have delivered on that promise by signing agreements with every province and territory to get support to those who need it most. Gender-based violence has devastating impacts on individuals, families, communities, and society, and we will continue working to end it.
 Oakville North Burlington MP Pam Damoff Damoff had more news to pass along – we have all read about abuse in the sports world. A program to build places that are safe is part of another federal government initiative.
Sport builds communities, stimulates economies and contributes to the overall well-being of Canadians and our country. It’s also a source of national pride and resilience. However, without sufficient safeguards and accountability, sport can also do harm. This is why, last week, Sport and Physical Activity Minister Qualtrough announced actions our government is taking to continue addressing maltreatment in sport and to ensure all participants enjoy a safe, inclusive, and welcoming experience.
This includes the creation of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission that will conduct an independent and forward-looking review of Canada’s sport system. Over the course of 18 months, it will engage and seek input from a broad array of stakeholders, including survivors and victims of maltreatment in sport, to bring to light lived experiences, support healing and engage broadly on how to improve the sport system in Canada. This process will be trauma-informed, survivor-centered and human rights-based. Further details regarding the composition of the Commission will be announced early in the New Year.
Government intervention at the federal, provincial and municipal levels is important. What is really important is keeping a watchful eye and when you think there is a problem give the 24 member police unit that is dedicated to putting an end to behaviour that just isn’t acceptable.
Question now is – how many people stopped reading when they got to the words “Gender Based violence “ in the first paragraph?
By Staff
December 27th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Update on what brought all the fire trucks and police vehicles to the edge of Lake Ontario Spencer Smith Park.
 Firemen and HRPS Tactical Unit, Hamilton Police Service’s Marine Unit pull a suspect out of the water where he had concealed himself inside a pipe. On Wednesday, December 27 at approximately 9:30 am, Halton Regional Police Service received a call regarding a 35-year-old male, allegedly, in breach of court conditions and having possession of a stolen vehicle in the area of Spencer Smith Park in Burlington.
As officers arrived, the male attempted to evade police by jumping into Lake Ontario and concealing himself within a pipe. With the assistance of the HRPS Tactical Unit, Hamilton Police Service’s Marine Unit, Burlington Fire Department, and Halton EMS, the individual was safely removed from the water, placed under arrest, and transported to a nearby hospital to be treated for hypothermia.
The incident was concluded at approximately 12:00 pm and the area remains open to the public.
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