 By DENIS GIBBONS
December 11, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Nothing good occurs during a pandemic, yet some of its side effects could bring positive changes.
The NHL, for instance, has decided to create an all-Canadian division for the 2020-21 season so that players do not have to cross the U.S. border, potentially leading to a spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets will play only in their own group.
 I’m suggesting they take things a step further and award the Stanley Cup to the champion of the Canadian division.
Only the goals scored by Canadian players should count, except those scored against Canadian goalies, which would not!
However, the goalies who surrendered those goals would issue a coupon entitling the shooter to one free penalty shot.
That shot, if successful, would count as a goal.
Canadian networks, alone, should have the rights to telecast the games. And to steal a page, in reverse, from Donald Trump’s notebook, commercials should promote just Canadian-made products.
Before the season starts in January, each of the seven Canadian clubs would be allowed to draft five Canadian-born players from the rosters of the other 24 American teams. In return, each American club losing a player would be compensated with their choice of either two Europeans or three Americans.
That is deemed to be fair market value, according to the results of the last two Olympics and last two World Cups of Hockey, all of which have been won by Canada.
The champagne, traditionally sipped out of the Cup, would be replaced by Canadian Club whiskey, for those who imbibe. Tee-totallers could use maple syrup harvested from a Canadian bush.
Let’s make this a genuine Canuck Stanley Cup final by having the final series played in Ottawa, the nation’s capital, where the Ottawa Silver Seven defeated the Dawson City Nuggets to win Lord Stanley’s mug in 1905.
  Much has been written about the 1905 Stanley Cup Challenge when the Silver Seven played host to the Nuggets, a team with no league that traveled 4,000 miles from the Yukon by dogsled, ship and train to compete for the Cup.
It took them a month and, naturally, exhausted, they suffered humiliating losses by scores of 9-2 and 23-2. One-eyed Frank McGee, who lost the use of his left eye during an amateur game for a local Canadian Pacific Railway team scored 14 goals for Ottawa in the second game.
Sadly, McGee was killed fighting during the First World War in France. He was among the original inductees of the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1945.
Since the Dey’s Rink, which hosted the 1905 games, no longer exists, I recommend the series be played in the ornate Aberdeen Pavilion, the steel and glass structure at Lansdowne Park that was the site of the 1904 Stanley Cup challenge, also won by the Ottawa Silver Seven.
The pavilion was designated a national historic site because it is the only large-scale exhibition building in Canada surviving from the 19th century.
There are plenty of good reasons to exclude American teams from competing for the Stanley Cup.
When the Cup first was awarded to the Montreal Hockey Club in 1893, it was designated for Canadian amateur teams only. That was 24 years before the NHL even began.
Professional clubs did not become eligible to compete for the Cup, which was donated by Canada’s Governor General at the time, Lord Stanley of Preston, until 1906.
Besides Lord Stanley, who was born in England, authorized the construction of an outdoor rink on the grounds of Rideau Hall and was a benefactor of the Ottawa Hockey Club.
Two of his sons, Arthur and Algernon, were teammates of James Creighton on the Rideau Rebels team.
It was Creighton who organized the first official indoor game of hockey at the Victoria Skating Rink in Montreal in 1875.
Lord Stanley’s daughter, Isobel, participated in the first recorded women’s ice hockey match, which took place on the Rideau rink on February 10, 1891.
This old blusterball welcomes the comments of all readers of The Burlington Gazette.
Denis Gibbons, a former editor of the Burlington Post has written frequently about hockey at both a local and international level. He learned to speak Russian at McMaster University and served as a translator during several of the international contest.
Related news story:
He was once an alter boy
 By Pepper Parr
December 11th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
We got another one.
This is the third or fourth – maybe the fifth time people within city hall have chosen not to respond to questions for basic information. They do this because they are told not to respond.
The City Clerk who is mandated to ensure that citizens can access city documents and arrange to delegate to City Council as well as answer questions on procedure and process.
Earlier in the week there was a report delivered to Council about the contract with ADR Chambers being renewed for a three year period.
ADR Chambers serves as the Ombudsman for the city.
I was a little confused and asked the Clerk the following:
“Would you explain to me the different roles that ADR Chambers and Principles Integrity play and the service they provide your office.
“I don’t think I have a clear picture. ADR is the Ombudsman – what then does Principles Integrity do?”
Kevin Arjoon, the City Clerk replied:
“Hi Pepper, as you know the protocol is that all media requests go through communications. I’m sending this to Sharon Will my Communications rep.”
Two things:
The protocol that Arjoon mentions is not something I have seen. There have been requests that I work with the Communications Advisors in the past and I have on occasion done that.
On those occasions when the information I need is complex, often requiring a follow up – I choose to work directly with the person who has the information.
Communications Advisors are not journalists. They are employees of the city in place to first and foremost protect the interests of the city.
They issue media releases that set out the city’s side of the story.
That is not how a public is properly informed.
The organization that provides us with our credentials has a mantra that it uses to explain what journalism is and why we have a free press.
At this point, my experience with the city is that they have chosen to manage the flow of information.
Completely unacceptable.
 By Pepper Parr
December 11th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Premier did not put any additional Regions in lockdown.
Toronto and Peel are the only two in that status.
The Mayor of Windsor asked the Premier to put his city in a lock down. The Provincial Medical Officer of Health and the Windsor Region Medical Officer of Health conferred and decided that a lock down for Windsor was not necessary.
 Those in the red or grey zones should only leave their homes for essential purposes, such as work, school, grocery shopping, exercise, and medical appointments, the government says.
With different rules and restrictions flying around, it’s important to know which rules apply to certain regions. Residents from grey or red zones should not be entering other zones, especially when the province is asking that they limit trips outside of the home.
Let us hope that they have got this right.
During the media conference this afternoon General Hillier assured everyone that the vaccine intended for Ontario will arrive at Pearson airport on Monday and be sent to Toronto and Ottawa hospitals where inoculations will take place.
An additional 90,000 doses will be distributed to 14 hospitals late in January; they will arrange for public vaccination.
Related news story:
By Staff
December 11, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 A rendition of what a Terry Fox $5 bill could look like. There are still a couple of weeks left – to sign the Petition that has been created supporting the idea of having Terry Fox on the next version of the $5 bill.
Burlington and Terry Fox have a long standing, very tight relationship.
Oakville North Burlington MP Pam Damoff has joined forces with Canadian Football great, Tony Gabriel, urging people to slip over to the web site that has the petition.
Craig Gardner, who stage-managed the Terry Fox Run for Cancer in September, which set a new donation level despite the COVID circumstances, would very much like to see the petition go viral.
 Tony Gabriel with Oakville North Burlington MP Pam Damoff in front of the Terry Fox Monument at Spencer Smith Park. We can do it.
Link to the Petition is HERE
Log and share the link with your Facebook friends.
 By Staff
December 11th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
UPDATE: Due to heavy rain forecasted and exposure to the elements for Santa and his volunteer firefighter driver, Santa’s Holiday Magic Trail for Saturday, Dec. 12, has been rescheduled to Sunday, Dec. 20, weather permitting.
Affected neighbourhoods are Alton Village, the Orchard, Corporate, Pinedale and Elizabeth Gardens. Santa will be back on the trail on Sunday, Dec. 13.
When Santa’s Holiday Magic Trail resumes, follow along or post his whereabouts using the hashtag #SpotSantaBurlON.
The Parks and Recreation people pulled a chestnut out of the fire and came up with a way to get Santa in front of the people.
The traditional annual Santa parade became a COVID victim.
 Santa stepping into his “Sleigh” for his Magical Tour of Burlington. The brain trust at Parks and Recreation sat around a table and looked for a way to provide a way for Santa to get to the children.
Pumper #4 got a mention – that was all it took.
The antique Studebaker Fire truck was hauled out of storage in Kilbride and became the “sleigh” that Santa would use to tour the city.
He has already waved at the children in Rural Burlington, Tyandaga, Brant Hills and Mountainside as well as Headon Forest, Palmer, Tansley and Millcroft
 Families gathered on street corners waiting for the fire truck with Santa waving. On Saturday he is scheduled to be in Alton Village, the Orchard, Corporate, Pinedale and Elizabeth Gardens. The weather people are talking about rain much of Saturday – not to worry – there is a rain day in the schedule.
On Sunday, the 13th the fire truck will tour Longmoor, Shoreacres, Roseland and Dynes.
When you spot Santa use the hash tag: #SpotSantaBurlON to tell your friends and neighbours where he is.
The city is not releasing the route the fire truck will be taking – they don’t want to encourage crowds of people lining the street and spreading that nasty little virus that has really spooked Christmas for so many.
December 19th, Santa and the fire truck will be touring Aldershot, Central and Plains.
December 20th has been set aside as a Make-up inclement weather date, if needed.
By Pepper Parr
December 12th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
UPDATE: The Premier did not announce a lockdown for Halton Region
Sometime today Premier Ford is going to hold another media event.
Premier Doug Ford will be joined by Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Solicitor General Sylvia Jones and General Rick Hillier (retired), Chair of the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force, to make an announcement.
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Date:
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Friday, December 11, 2020
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Time:
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Remarks at 3:00 p.m.
A media availability will follow, via teleconference only.
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Location:
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Room 247, Legislative Building
Queen’s Park
Toronto, ON
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It will be one of the hardest things he has had to do – there are knowledgeable, respected medical practitioners who are saying much of the province should be put into a lock-down.
One doctor was saying – Toronto, York, Peel, Halton, Hamilton, Windsor-Essex and perhaps even Kitchener Waterloo.
 Ontario Premier Doug Ford The argument is that people are crossing regional borders making a tough situation much harder and creating situations where people who need surgery will not be able to get the critical attention they need.
This is very very serious. The announcement that a vaccine is on the way does not mean we are out of this crisis.
The Premier will speak today.
It is going to be a tough day for him.
The hope is that the Premier has the strength of character to do what appears to be needed.
This is the time for leadership, statesmanship and not political considerations.
 By Staff
December 11th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Data and commentary from the Rocca Sisters Team sets out where they believe the Real Estate market in Burlington is going.
At the end of November, the Burlington market saw 100 freehold properties for sale – less than half as many as were active at the end of November 2019. There were 156 sales during the month of November 2020 which means that these active listings theoretically would be absorbed in just over 19 days (active listings divided by last month’s sales). Again, to put that into perspective, a balanced market would include inventory levels that would take a minimum of 120 days to absorb. What this means is, in order to achieve a balanced market, inventory levels would have to grow by at least 4 times!
During the month of November, on average, sales prices were up 13.4%, sales were up 20.2% and days on market were down 44.1% (properties sold in under 15 days, on average) as compared to November 2020. Year to date, on average, sale prices were up 14.4%, sales were up 10.1% and days on market were down 36.1% as compared to the same period in 2019. Just under ⅔ of November sales sold for the asking price or more with a list to sale ratio of 102.40.
A couple of very notable sales include a property that was listed on Irena in Alton Village. It was listed at $1,250,000 and in 3 days sold for 5% below the asking price. A property on Coventry Way was listed at $835,000 and within 6 days it sold for 3.3% below the asking price. At the other end of the spectrum, a 1033 sq. ft. bungalow on Mountain Grove was listed at $749,000, offers were held off for one week and the property sold for 20% over the asking price.
The condominium market has its own data.
Inventory levels are slightly higher than average for this time of year, up by almost double when compared to the end of November 2019. During the month of November, sale prices were up 6.7%, price per square foot was up 1.8%, sales were up 20.8% and days on market were up 7.7%. List to sale ratio was 98.69 and about 25% of condos sold for the asking price or more. Older buildings with higher condo fees tended to take longer to sell.
By Pepper Parr
December 10th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 When the plans that worked wonderfully in the past can’t be used this year – what do you do?
You pivot and get creative.
The Gift of Giving Back, one of the most effective programs for collecting food and involving young people in the process – had ten years of success behind them. They were looking forward to another year – when BAM – COVID hit the world and everything was turned upside down.
Jean Longfield and her team at The Gift knew that food was going to be needed even more this year – they also knew that the food drives that has tonnes of food arriving at a selected high school in the city wasn’t going to be possible.
 Volunteers are the backbone of the people that have in the past collected tonnes of food. Above, a volunteer digs out a blue bag while the woman on the right stands by waiting to weigh the food that arrives.  They needed to find a place that was easy to get to – storage space would be nice but they could get by with just enough space to hold what came in each day.
 Burlington Centre came through for them. (Have you noticed how often Burlington Centre has come through for those groups that are out there helping the community?)
The Gift people put together a program that would stretch out for several weeks and placed an order for hundreds of those iconic blue bags that get dropped off at houses throughout the city. People are asked to fill the bags and drop them off at the Burlington Centre.
So far it is working – there is the odd hiccup – but they seem to be able to overcome the small problems.
Hours of operation are set out below. If you don’t have a blue bag – put what you want to give in a box and drop it off.
 Best entrance to the Centre to get to the Gift of Giving Back is the main entrance on the Guelph Line side – lots of parking.
Walk in through the main doors – turn right when you get to the elevator and walk 50 yards or so – you can’t miss the place.
Be generous – there are a lot of people out there hurting about now.
 By Pepper Parr
December 10, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
When I talked to my doctor last he mentioned that I would probably get my Covid vaccination around June or July.
I fully expected to visit my doctor when I was told to and get a needle stuck in my arm.
Turns out that is probably not the way vaccinations will be done.
 This could well be the location for some of the mass – public vaccinations. During a Council Standing committee earlier today we learned that there will likely be mass – public vaccinations at Nelson Arena and the Haber recreation centre,
When the vaccine has arrived the public will be told where to go to be vaccinated.
City Manager Tim Commisso said he expected this would probably be a top down process; the federal government will let the provinces know when the vaccine is available and the municipalities will handle the administrative part of the mass vaccination process under the guidance of the Regional Public Health Unit.
 By Pepper Parr
December 10th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
There are some things that you don’t want to miss watching.
The tearing down of the Berlin Wall in Germany.
President Obama speaking to the students at Notre Dame University.
There are others of course.
This evening Burlington Green has arranged for a screening of the film I am Greta. Her story is one parents will want their high school level students exposed to – great stuff.
 Greta Thunberg’s international crusade to bring climate justice to the forefront is an important story, the film explore the behind-the-scenes journey about how she become a force of nature.
Registrants will be sent a confirmation email with a ZOOM link to the event.
REGISTER HERE TODAY!
 By Staff
December 10th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington Foundation announced it has awarded $141,000 in funding to 10 charities through the second round of the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF), funded by
the Government of Canada.
Echoing the previous round, this funding supports charities who are addressing
critical needs affecting vulnerable community members in Burlington greatly impacted by COVID-19. Through the first round, the Foundation was pleased to deliver $335,370 to 18 front-line charities serving Burlington, bringing the total funding delivered between Rounds 1 and 2 to over $476,000.
With the second wave of Covid-19 striking communities and driving an unrelenting demand for emergency relief, the second round of the ECSF has been a critical way that support has continued to flow to charities serving our most vulnerable.
Established by the Government of Canada as a $350 million fund in May, the fund
has been implemented with Community Foundations of Canada, in partnership with local foundations across the country, the Canadian Red Cross and United Way Centraide Canada.
 Colleen Mulholland, President and CEO of Burlington Foundation. “It is anticipated that one-third of charities may not survive the financial destruction of this pandemic,” says Colleen Mulholland, President and CEO of Burlington Foundation.
“That distressing potential reflects why Burlington Foundation continues to monitor community closely and is committed to bringing vital, rapid relief to our charities and the most vulnerable community members they serve.”
Charities Awarded Round 2 Funding:
Imagine Canada, an advocacy and research group that aims to strengthen the charitable sector, released a report earlier in the pandemic that vividly describes the devastating impact that Covid-19 is having on our charitable sector, with many charities struggling to stay open while having to rapidly pivot services and programs. As reported in May, 69% of charities have experienced decreased revenues with nearly three quarters of charities (73%) reporting that donations are down. In September, Imagine Canada shared that our charitable sector is expected to suffer a loss that could reach upwards of $15 billion in revenues this year.
“The staggering loss of revenues that we have experienced is likely to continue well into the immediate future – and at a time when the need for the services of many charities is on a steep rise, “says Colleen. “Since the start of this pandemic, Burlington Foundation has been honoured to partner with generous fundholders, donors and our federal government to deliver rapid relief – providing $783,540 to 65 charities working tirelessly to support
our community.
“As this challenging year comes to a close, we continue to monitor our most pressing needs and are pleased to currently have $150,000 in remaining Pandemic Response Funds for a further granting initiative early in the new year. Never has the support of community been more important than right now. Please considering giving what you can – 100% of your gift supports our local charities.”
 By Pepper Parr
December 9th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
In a couple of weeks the kids will be coming home for the holidays.
I know of at least one student who expects to be on the plane on the 21st arriving from the Maritimes where the virus spread has been pretty limited relative to the rest of the country.
Her brother will be coming home from an Ontario university west of Burlington.
 Given the rules these students will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. Count them – December 21st + 14 days gets them to January 2nd or third.
What are the chances of that actually happening ? These are decent people in the process of becoming adults.
They come from good families with parents who are going to want them to do the right thing.
Checking in with friends, getting together for coffee because there is nowhere they are able to scoot off to for a drink is what you do when you are home from school.
This kind of getting caught up doesn’t get done on the telephone but it does get done.
Expecting the rules to be rigidly adhered to is a huge stretch; the outcome will be a rises in the number of infections both in every town in the province and in the communities to which these students return.
Something to think about.
 How much higher will that blue line go once the students return to the universities and colleges? Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
By Pepper Parr
December 9th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Transit was showing some very impressive ridership increases; city council was impressed – it looked as if a service that was costing the city a bundle was in the process of turning a corner.
 Ridership was growing – senior use grew by 40% + The new Director of Transit brought a depth of experience to the job and knew the business of moving people better than anyone the city had running that service in a decade.
Then Covid 19 became a reality and for months the transit people didn’t see a dime – transit was free so that people could get to work.
The plans to look seriously at a fleet of electric buses is underway – but the kind of money needed isn’t readily available.
The transit people and council learned during a workshop that a transit fleet could not be a combination of diesel and electric – it had to be one or the other. The cost of running the two systems side by side was prohibitive.
 From the left: Councillors Stolte, Kearns and Nisan at a traditional photo op. Then along came a grant from the federal government for six buses – all diesel – looked like a step backward.
Tuesday morning council got a look at a transit five year plan that showed promise.
A brisk, smartly delivered presentation where transit staff had most of the answers at their fingertips covered the following:
Service Strategy and delivery
Mobility Management
Customer Experience
Travel Demand Management
 Director of Transit Sue Connors run a happy shop that is creating a service the city is going to need. There are challenges:The first step was to get people back to work and using transit. Then determine what is involved with an electric fleet and at the same time consider if hydrogen is a possibility.
CUTRIC (The Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium had been engaged to model the transit service to determine just what would be needed were Burlington to take the electrification plunge.
The first report from CUTRIC was a disappointment, reported Director of Transit Sue Connor. The distance between the stops was a problem.
Electric buses need to be charged and the locations of those charging stations is critical – and at a million a pop there were limits as to just how many Burlington could afford.
The current fleet consists of 63 buses scheduled to grow to 73 in the next four years.
Operating the system day in – day out is job one – figuring out where the growth is going to come from and how it was going to be paid for was job two.
 Arterial routes, particularly when arranged as a grid, are easy to remember and the roads used are better-known by the wider community, reducing barriers for new customers. The September 2019 route modifications have already moved in this direction, and the plan is to move in this direction for all future services. A grid -based system also allows for convenient transfers between routes at intersections, providing greater connectivity to more destinations than a single local route could. Where gaps are left in the network, alternative service delivery options such as on-demand transit services will be explored as a more cost-effective solution. Besides new buses – transit was going to need a second campus with a larger garage to accommodate the vehicles. They are squeezed very tight right now.
 Don’t leave home without it – and don’t lose it. The fare box – something that doesn’t get used anymore (do they even have the things on buses now?) are replaced by the Presto cards.
If Mayor Meed Ward has her way they won’t be needed either. She is of the view that transit should be free.
Connors had said to Council that she was meeting with the Finance people to go through the financial challenges later in the day. In a very telling comment Meed Ward said to Sue Connors: “Regardless of what Finance does, I’ll put it there.”
Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman, who has never been a true fan of transit, has seen the writing on the wall. He said he was impressed with the data but that he was reading it a little differently than the Mayor and the rest of his council colleagues. He also said that he has seen three transit business plans – the “first two didn’t hold water”. He is quite correct – the quality of the work delivered by consultants in the past was not very high.
Transit is going to need a lot of money.
 Putting WiFi on the buses will cost $90,000 a year. Driving the need for more buses is the fact that population growth is not being matched by any new roads – those days are basically over for Burlington. In order to get around people are going to have to use transit. The elected officials are going to have to deliver a service that is comfortable and reliable; making this happen will call for a major cultural shift.
 There are a lot of passengers who will use the bus at no cost. Burlington Transit is going through a lengthy and detailed Business Plan that sets out much of what they are going to have to deal with going forward.
 The reality transit has to deal with was set out in the Business Plan:In September 2019, Burlington Transit introduced a new service model, based on a grid-based system and increased service frequency. The early results of this service enhancement showed that ridership had increased over 14 percent from September 2019 to February 2020, compared to the same time a year prior. When the pandemic shut down businesses and lock down began in March 2020, ridership dropped by 75 percent. The pandemic has identified the need to review the numbers and adjust the forecast.
Strong leadership at transit, a staff that is motivated and capable of finding creative and innovative solutions should get Burlington to the point where there is a system that people will want t use.
Can Mayor Meed Ward make it a totally free system? And is it something she really wants to spend a lot of her political capital on is a question only she can answer.
 By Staff
December 8th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington Community Planning Department is in receipt of the information package, dated, October 27, 2020 as circulated electronically by the proponent’s consultant planner.
The ARA package included an Agency Utility Letter, including copies of all technical reports/studies and plans related to the Application, a copy of the Notice of Application for a License (Form 1), and Notice of Public Information Session (Form 2).
The Community Planning Department is actively engaged in the review of applicable land use development applications, including amendments to the Niagara Escarpment Plan, Region of Halton Official Plan and City of Burlington Official Plan as well as the application for Aggregate Resources Act (ARA) License, as it relates to the proposed extension of the Burlington Nelson Quarry.
A coordinated review through a Joint Agency Review Team (JART)(established in 2020) involves cross-consultation with agency partners (including, NEC, MNRF, Halton Region and Conservation Halton) and the applications remain in the early stages of review. It should also be noted that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) cannot issue an Aggregate License without approval from the Niagara Escarpment Commission.
For these reasons, it is the opinion of the City of Burlington Community Planning Department that to review and comment on the specifics of the ARA License Application is premature given the anticipated duration of the review process and the relative early stage of analysis at this time. We therefore object to any form of ARA approval prior to a further evaluation and decision regarding land use impact, compatibility and appropriateness of the proposed development in the context of provincial and municipal (Region and City) policy.
In its initial review of the applications, City of Burlington staff and peer review consultants have also identified several areas concerning the proposal where either there has not been sufficient information or data provided; where analyses are not sufficiently coordinated with other key areas of review; or, where methodological bases of the information presented in the submitted plans, studies/reports remains undetermined or is inconsistent.
Five general theme areas of concern related to this information have been identified, as follows:
Effects on Surface Water Quantity and Quality
Improved coordination and cross-referencing between the applicant’s various disciplines is needed to perform a holistic review and analysis of issues related to groundwater, hydrology (quality and quantity) and impacts on surface water. This includes, but is not limited to, assessment and reporting on any/all water quality issues;
Confirmation of the suitability of the analytical tools selected by the applicant to simulate the existing and proposed drainage conditions and the accuracy of modeling techniques, assumptions and interpretation of results. This may include additional QA/QC of the monitoring data collected from gauging stations and clarity on the selection of locations for the gauging stations, as the data collected at these stations is applicable to the overall study;
Further assessment by the applicant of potential impacts to the municipal infrastructure and mitigate measures (roadside ditches along Colling Road) and predicted impacts to the surface water features resulting from the proposed quarry extension is needed;
A number of hydrologic features will essentially be lost, including an existing pond within the west expansion, as a result of the proposal and additional assessment is required by the applicant to demonstrate that the lost functions are appropriately replicated in the post-development conditions; Further review is needed by the applicant of the potential impacts to the Willoughby Creek flow regime and the effects on Medad Valley, as well as new surface water.
The conveyance features proposed within the subject lands and their impact on municipal infrastructure as a result of the expansion of quarry operations.
A mutually agreed upon Adaptive Management Plan is needed that addresses the technical comments of the Joint Agency Review Team (JART)(including a schedule for updating the plan), as are details also needed about the long-term rehabilitation plan and potential financial liabilities related to ongoing and future operations.
Natural Heritage Effects
There have been several natural heritage features with potential for impacts noted in the proponent’s submission that have been identified for further scoping within the study area.
These include provincially significant wetlands (outside of the 120 metre buffer for adjacent lands); significant wildlife habitat; significant woodlands; fish habitat (zone of influence to be confirmed); and landscape connectivity. Additional need for the evaluation of Species at Risk was also identified. The further consideration and analyses of these matters may involve the coordination and review of other technical studies and reports in the context of natural heritage, including potential and/or indirect impacts that may result from the proposed development (i.e. connections and linkages between natural heritage features, surface water features and groundwater).
Additional information is required to ensure the protection and reduced impacts of the proposed development on significant natural heritage resource areas, features and functions; particularly as it relates to mitigation and monitoring.
The assessment of long-term, cumulative impacts of future uses and long-term rehabilitation (after-use) plans may require additional clarification and data support.
Agricultural Effects and Existing Farming Practices
The Agricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) submitted by the applicant concludes that the permanent loss of the subject agricultural lands is inconsequential, yet the analysis is not systematic and does not examine impacts relative to pressures on the agricultural system at a broader scale (i.e. climate change, demand for settlement area boundary expansions, aggregate extraction, cemetery lands etc.), nor does it address the cumulative effect of the incremental loss of a finite resource over time;
The agricultural lands within the southern study area have been characterized in the AIA as fragmented, implying lower value/viability. However, the overlapping natural features, limited rural residential uses, and passive recreational uses within the area are generally considered compatible and complementary uses in relation to agriculture. Further, in terms of land use designation, the area is contiguously mapped as prime agricultural lands. Therefore, a comprehensive AIA is required for these lands.
The AIA notes that the average parcel sizes are indicative of smaller, ‘hobby-sized’ farms, implying lower value/viability. The PPS, 2020 does not make a distinction for ‘hobby’ farms and section 2.3.3.2 notes that “In prime agricultural areas, all types, sizes and intensities of agricultural uses and normal farm practices shall be promoted and protected in accordance with provincial standards”.
The extent of soil disturbance within the western study area is presumed as beyond rehabilitation, according to the study. Insufficient information has been provided to validate this claim. The AIA speaks to the consideration of “another property located farther away” but does not provide any detail with respect to the evaluation of this alternative site in relation to the proposal.
The AIA notes that an expansion to an existing site is less detrimental to agriculture than a new site, based on the use of existing haul routes. Yet it does not assess the impacts associated with an intensification of the existing aggregate use, i.e. increased quarry traffic on existing haul routes, as well as the extension of the life of the quarry and the long-term disturbance to agricultural operations within the area.
The AIA notes that an open-water feature can provide benefits to the agricultural area by providing flood attenuation and fresh water for irrigation purposes, yet does not present supporting evidence identifying a need/demand for flood attenuation or irrigation within the subject lands.
Human Health (Air Quality)
A technical peer review of the applicant’s Air Quality Study, as included with the application submission is ongoing, with particular focus on matters related to methodology, findings and conclusions associated with any potential air quality impacts of the proposed quarry extension.
Operational/Coordination
The City of Burlington expresses concern with the planned future for existing industrial land uses (i.e. processing facility) on the quarry lands and the prospect of the continuation of those activities in the context of an expanded quarry operation. There has not been consistent or adequate detail pertaining to the use of the existing quarry lands for an industrial use in the event that aggregate resource extraction ceases (or is substantially reduced) on that portion of the quarry operation and its resultant conformity with applicable legislation and policy related to the Niagara Escarpment Area. It should be noted that concerns have been raised by stakeholders with respect to the timelines of the receipt, review and comment on the ARA License Application and the change in format.
A Public Information Session (PIS) required as a component of the review process.
While the City recognizes and appreciates the rigour of provincial regulation pertaining to public consultation and the restrictions on public gatherings implemented to contain the spread of COVID-19 (as documented in the August 2020 Aggregate Resources Program Bulletin: Resuming Aggregate Application Timelines and Public Consultation under the Aggregate Resources Act (Post COVID-19)), issues of public access to this process persist.
While the City Community Planning Department understands that the prescribed format for information sessions is not established through regulation and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) has provided guidance on alternate virtual public information sessions to facilitate verbal exchange between parties, the City Community Planning Department reasserts that maximum public disclosure and access is paramount.
At present, the format of the consultation described in the Notice of Public Information Session appears focused on a format that may solicit direct communication between the proponent and an interested individual rather than among and between the larger stakeholder community and the proponent.
A virtual public information session in a format that is widely available for a public exchange between all parties (simultaneously), and which is initiated and coordinated by the proponent, is technically possible, and should be a minimum requirement. The City of Burlington Community Planning Department appreciates the opportunity to provide comments in response to the circulation of the ARA License Application, and requests notification of any future meetings or updates on the review of this file.
The City of Burlington reserves the right to raise further issues as the review of these applications progresses.
 By Staff
December 8th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Nelson Aggregate application for licenses to expand their quarry operation in rural Burlington is getting a lot of attention.
The city of Burlington earlier today recommended the sending of a letter of objection to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry registering their objections at this time while the Region is sponsoring a Virtual meeting Thursday evening that CORE makes sound like an occasion to beat up on the quarry operators.
The meeting is to give people an opportunity to put their questions and concerns directly to Nelson and do so publicly.
The official Public Information Session with Nelson Aggregates (ZOOM Meeting) is happening this Thursday December 10th, 6:00pm – 8:00pm.
CORE in their announcement said: While this is short notice , we are grateful for the efforts of Halton Region Council (with support from their staff) who voted unanimously to contact Nelson Aggregate to schedule and support the delivery of a virtual public information session.
 Turnout for a CORE meeting on the west end site Without their work, the public consultation required by the Aggregate Resources Act would have been limited to one-on-one telephone conversations with a Nelson aggregate representative.
Here’s the link: https://www.halton.ca/The-Region/Events/2020/Virtual-Public-Consultation-Expansion-of-Burling
Again from CORE: “This meeting is your chance to voice your opposition to Nelson Aggregate’s plans to blast two more gravel-pits out of Burlington’s escarpment DIRECTLY to representatives of Nelson Aggregate. It is SO important that there are a high number of participants at the meeting. We wouldn’t want the folks at Nelson to make the case that the community is losing interest in the ‘No Quarry’ fight. So, this coming Thursday (at supper time) plate your dinner and bring it with you to wherever you’re zooming in from…BUT please, don’t miss this meeting.
Questions will be entered in the ‘chat room’ throughout the meeting and presented to Nelson’s reps by the moderator, so if you’re shy about speaking in the public, no worries: you won’t have to do so in this zoom-meeting format.
Related news story:
City sends Ministry a letter
 By Staff
December 8th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police have arrested and laid charges against one male and one female in relation to a series of purse thefts in the City of Burlington and Town of Oakville.
Between August and October of 2020, these thieves targeted older adult females shopping in grocery stores and retail spaces. These thieves waited for the victims to lose sight of their purses then proceeded to steal them before fleeing the scene.
In two of the incidents, thieves attempted to use the stolen credit cards for cash withdrawals at local banks. The estimated loss is projected to be over $10,000 including purses, cash, cell phones, key fobs and personal items.
Investigation by the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau led to the charges against the following individuals;
Zaneta STOJKOVA (39 year old female from Brampton)
- Theft Under $5,000 (7 counts)
- Fraud Under $5,000 (2 counts)
- Use of Disguise with Intent
- Breach of Probation
Rene STOJKA (39 year old male from Brampton)
- Theft Under $5,000 (4 counts)
- Fraud Under $5,000
- Fail to Comply with Release Order
 Evidence recovered by Regional Police. On December 4th 2020, Investigators from Burlington and Oakville executed a search warrant at a residence in the City of Brampton. As a result; the following items were seized
- 12 Purses
- Various Items of Clothing used to Disguise
- Various perfumes
- 2 Cellular Telephones
- $700.00 in Canadian, American and European Currency
Both STOJKOVA and STOJKA were held for a bail hearing.
The public is reminded to reduce their risk when shopping and only bring your driver’s licence, health card and a few financial cards. Protect your personal identification number at all times and use TAP whenever possible. Don’t let your belongings out of sight and become distracted while shopping.
Any fraudulent activity on your financial cards should be reported immediately to your bank and to police.
 Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Derek Gray of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Older Adult Abuse Investigator at 905-825-4747 ext. 2344.
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.
By Staff
December 8th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Metrolinx had to pivot and change its mind twice before it landed in the site for the new layover location that will be needed to accommodate the 15 minute service that is in the works.
The GO service operation had chosen a site to the west of the Burlington GO station where tracks would be put in to be used for the nine trains would be located overnight.
The blow back from several of the stakeholders meant Metrolinx looking for a new location.
 Rendering of the line from the GO tracks looking south. Layover trains sitting on a siding The thought they had found a suitable location on Harvester Road near Walkers Line.
That didn’t work – turns out the Sobeys supermarket operation had eyes on the site for the location of a structure that would employ 300+ people.
Fortunately for Metrolinx there was space a lot away that was owned and used by the Attridge transportation people.
They didn’t need all the space they owned and came to an agreement with Metrolinx that would have GO and the student bus company sharing the land.
 School buses sharing the lot with the GO train operators GO needs space for the train crews to park their cars and for some light maintenance including he cleaning of the trains.
Additional trackage will be put in place for the trains to layover when not in use at night.
It was essential for GO to have trains in place for the early morning traffic.
Time line for all this: It could stretch out to as late as 2028. Metrolinx just wants to be sure that they are ready for the new train schedule and the eventual electrification of the Lakeshore West line.
 During discussion Metrolinx staff did say that the upgrades could take until 2028ntom be fully completed.
By Pepper Parr
December 8th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Running of Council business in Burlington is done using a Standing Committee structure.
Burlington has three such committee with two additional committees: Budget and Audit
 Ward 1 Councillor Kevin Galbraith chairing a Standing committee The name of a Chair for each committee is put forward by the Mayor. Those nomination are put before Council where any council member can nominate someone else for the job.
The nominations are put to a vote. The results of that vote then go to a Council meeting where they are confirmed. The practice in Burlington has been to put a new committee chair in place each year.
The current council took its place for the first time in December of 2018; just two of the seven had any municipal council experience. The Mayor had to look at what she had and choose what she thought at the time was best for the city. Some worked out very well, others not so well.
 Councillor Paul Sharman: Not a happy camper for much of the Monday Standing Committee meeting. In that first year she did not put Councillor Sharman in a chairmanship role deciding to give the newbies a chance to learn. Sharman appears not to have accepted the Mayor’s wisdom or forgiven her for what he saw as a personal slight. Some of that came out at the Monday meeting.
The nominations for new Chairs/Vice-Chairs for 2021 are as follows:
EICS: Environment, Infrastructure & Community Services Committee
Chair: Councillor Paul Sharman Vice-Chair: Councillor Kelvin Galbraith
CPRM: Community Planning, Regulation & Mobility
Committee Chair: Councillor Kelvin Galbraith, Vice-Chair: Councillor Shawna Stolte
CSSRA: Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability
Committee Chair: Councillor Lisa Kearns, Vice-Chair: Councillor Rory Nisan
Council Workshop: Chair: Councillor Angelo Bentivegna, Vice-Chair: Councillor Paul Sharman
The role of Deputy Mayor was a different matter. Mayor Meed Ward decided to take a much different approach. Yesterday’s Standing Committee moved into a Workshop mode where there was considerable discussion on just what a Deputy Mayor is and how the role would be carried out.
There was some fascinating discussion which the Gazette will report on in a separate article. In order to cover the month of January next the Mayor appointed the Councillor for ward 1 as the Deputy and the Councillor for ward 3 as the Alternate.
By Pepper Parr
December 7th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Why the city could not say they were grateful for the initiative and the money that the Burlington Seniors’ Community Initiatives (BSCI) put up to refurbish a bus shelter and install the fittings to make it heated is hard to understand.
What we got was notice of a photo opportunity where the Ward Councillor, perhaps even the Mayor, will strut their stuff and talk about the how great the city is.
The Burlington leadership team, referred to as the BLT, will also be on hand for the photo op.
The people who raised the money were at one time the operators of many of the services that were provided at the Seniors Centre.
 The Bistro, the heart of the Seniors’ Centre. The Bistro, which is a very profitable operation, was an idea the seniors came up with.
They were unceremoniously pushed out when the City Manager at the time sent one of his threatening letters telling them their time had come to an end.
There is a reason for the bus shelter being across the street from the entrance to the seniors’ shelter where the bus could pull up – no one has said just what that reason is.
Hopefully the recognition of Burlington Seniors’ Community Initiatives contribution towards the purchase and installation of the City of Burlington’s first heated transit shelter is full-throated and heartfelt. Not a lot of respect of the one group for the other.
Will there come a time when the seniors get to have more direct involvement in their affairs?
 Regional Chair Gary Carr getting a workout on a piece of equipment while Mayor Meed Ward does her Hallelujah while peddling away on equipment paid for by a senior citizen group. BSCI put up the money for the sports equipment at Burloak Park; they recently put $5000 into the Meal Bag program at Wellington Square and paid for some much needed PPE at another church – the Baptist church got funds to do an upgrade of their kitchen.
Hopefully some of that remarkable history will get a mention at the photo op on Friday: 1:15 pm at Transit Stop 45 on Burlington Teen Tour Band Way.
By Pepper Parr
December 7th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
City Council meeting as a Standing Committee on Monday went through a very heavy agenda.
They had information coming at them from half a dozen directions – some critical decision will end up being made based on what they heard.
One can reasonably wonder if the diet was a little too rich.
 Rendering of the view from Harvester looking north – GO tracks are at the top. The property is currently owned by the Attridge school bus people who have come to an arrangement with GO There was a good presentation from Metrolinx on where the layover facility is going to be located. On Harvester at Walkers Line.
Executive Director Sheila Jones orchestrated a review of the kind of corporate organization the city would like to end up with when they have completed the reviews and the high level thinking.
In terms of a management development session it was as good as it gets – the one fly in the ointment was that council members were asked to hold their questions to the end of the presentation – when they got to that point they were tuckered out and had very little in the way of questions.
 An early look at the future functional design of the city organization. The presentation deck they were given is well worth more time from the members of Council – hopefully they will be able to find the time to think through and reflect on what they learned.
The Gazette will have a fuller story on this for you later in the week – for the moment – take a look at the development of the org chart – loads on information in there and lots of questions.
In a related story we look at the decision to put the culture file back in in with Parks and Recreation; it didn’t work very well when it was within that department last time and there is not much to suggest it will work this time either.
 Councillor Sharma n speaking to Angela Paparizo At the risk of using a pun, the issue is one of vastly different cultures.
There was a lot of time spent on the role of a Deputy Mayor. Mayor Meed Ward put forward a memorandum what she felt was a serious flaw in the governance of the city.
Some very good work done on that file. More on that issue soon.
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