 By Staff
March 8th, 2018.
BURLINGTON, ON
Those engaging people at ECoB are holding an information rally on Saturday, March 10th, to remind people of several meetings they feel are critical.
City Meeting March 19, 6:30pm – City Hall
Council Meeting on the Official Plan. They are hoping people will pack the Council chamber, delegate, and support neighbours who are opposed to the draft plan.
April 3rd at both 1pm and 6:30pm there will be a Committee of the Whole that will be the last time the public can address Council before a final vote is taken on the Official Plan.
April 4th; 6:30 pm City Council meeting at which the final version of the Official Plan is to be “approved” and sent along to the Regional government.
ECoB lawn signs will be available at the Saturday rally.
ECoB apparently has some “public” art that will be on display showing a model of what they think the downtown core could look like.
In their media release ECoB said
“City Council plans to vote a proposed draft Official Plan into law on April 4 2018, to govern our City Growth to 2041. They don’t have answers to these vital questions:
Question: Can’t we just say “no” to growth in Burlington?
We all know a healthy city grows, ECoB is not saying NO to growth, we are saying YES to balanced growth. We understand the need for development to accommodate increased population. We want the right type of development, by ensuring the supporting plans for the mobility hub and precinct definitions are in place first.
Question: What are we gaining in a rush for intensification and what tools are available to keep it under control?
We are told by the Mayor that “A new Official Plan means we can move away from the site by site negotiations and instead, bring clear expectations to our planning. This is what residents have been telling us, delaying the Official Plan approval would only create more instances where unexpected outcomes can occur; similar to the reaction which led to 421 Brant Street (Council approved 23-storey building across from City Hall).” Mayors Blog February 8, 2018
This was not an unexpected outcome; the Mayor did not make a case urging any Councillors to support his reduced recommendation of 17 storeys – the draft Official Plan height. An approval for 23 storeys was passed giving residents less retail, less office space and for many a broken trust. The opposite corner and many sites downtown now have applications that start at heights which are 3-4x the current permissions. The Mayor believes it is important to complete the critical work of approving the draft Official Plan, we believe it is important to get it right.
Can we trust Staff and current Council to get the supporting plans right? We are told in the same blog that the supporting plans cannot come in step until the Official Plan is adopted – we are being asked to wait and trust that the concerns expressed will be in the Downtown Area Specific Plan which is a more detailed plan that will include matters such as transportation, transit, cycling, parking and servicing.
Question: What is the Population Growth required in the Downtown Burlington core to meet intensification targets?
The City of Burlington’s Strategic Plan 2015-2040 indicates: “The city will include growth targets and their related opportunities in its Official Plan. This will be complete by the end of 2018”. There are no established minimum population growth targets for the Uptown or Downtown areas. More importantly, once development starts there is no maximum intensification target either; the sky is literally the limit for development. How will the dozens of applications for height and density far in excess of current permissions be handled if we don’t have any limits? It is not only tall buildings, but excessive density in every neighbourhood. What happens in the Urban Growth Area’s affects us all. We will simply not get affordability with this excessive density.
Question: Is Burlington using up all of its green space?
The City of Burlington’s Strategic Plan 2015-2040 indicates: “A City that Grows demonstrates density (intensification) done well. There are green design options, less sprawl, more affordable housing choices and improved public health in a vital, diverse and safe city.”
We agree with the importance of green space in all of our communities. Planned Green Space is more essential in the designated Urban Growth Centre, where people live in tall buildings. Green space should NOT be traded with developers to gain increased height. Greenspace is not a parking lot or cement view corridor.
ECoB is working with developers and has asked City Staff to collaborate with the Province to not freeze the land from any development and to explore re-designation of some of these lands to balance residential/employment use. This could help create communities within our community and take some of the pressure off over intensification in the downtown.”
 The ECoB flyer promoting the Saturday Information Rally. 
 By Staff
March 7th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington real estate market was very much like Oakville – comparing February 2017 to February 2018 is not a helpful comparison but comparing January 2018 to February 2018 sheds a lot of light on the state of the market in Burlington.
In a word – a stable, relatively balanced, leaning towards a sellers’ market. Inventory at the end of February was fairly normal at 237 freehold properties for sale and just over 330 including condos. Less than 40 listed properties have been on the market for over 60 days.
We saw 103 freehold sales in February which was up from 86 in January. Days on market have decreased significantly where we saw an average 41 days in January and 29 days in February.
The most interesting statistic for February was the sale price versus the original listing price versus which was at 97.87%. The sale price versus the final listing price was 99.12% which suggests that a large percentage of properties started out at one price, reduced and then sold for very close to the reduced price.
Something for sellers that have been on the market for a while to bear in mind.
 By Pepper Parr
March 7th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Got another note from another Gazette reader.
“I will tell you an interesting story” he said. “I was on my way into a conference yesterday in the Big Smoke. Went in by GO Train with a colleague who also lives in Burlington. We got into a discussion about the municipal election. This person isn’t particularly political, but what surprised me was how incredibly knowledgeable she was on the election, how well-versed she was about downtown redevelopment, and how passionate she felt about what was happening to the downtown.
 The Burlington that people like – at least that is what the Gazette is hearing. “As we travelled between Mimico and the CNE Station we were both aghast at the proliferation of high rises condos. All had the same look, feel and style as what is proposed for downtown Burlington. What stood out for both of us was when we saw a mid-sized building and how unique these seemed. They also seemed to fit into the character of the neighbourhood much better.
 A development idea for the south end of Brant at Lakeshore. Those two towers on the left would be opposite city hall. “Coming home I picked up my car at a GO station and drove past Speers and Kerr Street area on Oakville. I grew up about a mile away from this location. The new condos across from the mall south of the railway tracks look overwhelming. I was astounded by how they dwarfed everything around them. Then I looked at the lower level of the complex. Two proposed businesses are both hairdressing salons…in the same complex no less. Bizarre. Didn’t see a grocery store, or a mom and pop store, anywhere.”
Our reader didn’t seem too happy with what was being developed. Change is never easy to accept.
By Staff
March 7th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
 Where will the boys go if the Solid Gold adult entertainment establishment gets torn down?
The owners of the Burlington strip club have filed a development application to construct two new rental apartment buildings.
The developer, 71 Burlington Plains Inc., wants to demolish Solid Gold which spans 53 and 71 Plains Rd. E. and 1025 Cooke Blvd., and replace it with two mixed-use buildings at 10 and 12 storeys with a combined 1,208 square metres of retail and service commercial space at grade level and 450 residential units.
 Rendering of what a developer wants to build on the site of the Solid Gold adult entertainment club. The proposal will have 581 parking spaces (91 at surface, 461 underground and 29 lay-by) Accesses will be from Cooke Boulevard and Clearview Avenue.
Ward 1 Councillor Rock Craven has wanted to get the club out of Aldershot – the price he might have to pay is accepting one ten and one twelve storey structure.
Craven is reported to have said that “While some may be pleased with the redevelopment plan, the heights of the buildings are causing some concern”.
 Arial rendering of the site for an apartment development project in western Aldershot Building heights on Plains Road are generally restricted to six storeys, but city planners see this as a part of Aldershot that could handle some intensification – the Aldershot GO station will be within walking distance.
A neighbourhood public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 20 at the East Plains United Church, 375 Plains Rd. E. 7:00 pm.
People in Aldershot are not shy about telling the planners and the Council member what they think and feel about development. The set back from the street might become a major factor – and where is the playground going to be?
City staff is also looking for public feedback on the application before a recommendation is made to the planning and development committee of council. Written comments can be mailed or emailed to senior planner of development review Lola Emberson at lola.emberson@burlington.ca.
The submission deadline is April 6.
 By Staff
March 7th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
 The eastbound lanes on Prospect Street at Regency Court will be closed on Thursday, March 8, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to allow for crane activity.
Two-way traffic will be accommodated in the westbound lanes on Prospect Street.
 By Staff
March 7th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
 Spring is about to bloom!
An opportunity to jump into puddles, the sugar bush, hiking, and more during March Break from March 12 to March 16. Mountsberg and Crawford Lake are brimming with activity during Maple season. If you want to go for a quiet hike, you can check out Hilton Falls, Rattlesnake Point, Mount Nemo and Robert Edmondson. You can also take your final runs of the season at Glen Eden.
Maple Town is on at Mountsberg Conservation Area
Mountsberg is open daily during March Break from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hike out to the Sugar Bush with the kids to Maple Town. Learn how sap is tapped from the maple trees, and boiled into syrup. Sample ooey gooey maple syrup on thick pancakes at the Pancake House, or try homemade maple candy in the Sugar Shack.
Wagon rides on the Sugar Bush trail occur all day (there is an additional fee for the wagon rides). Once you’ve satisfied your sweet tooth, stop by the barn to see what new baby animals have arrived, and run off some energy in the play barn.
 Want to experience a real nose-to-beak experience? Visit the Mountsberg Raptor Centre, and walk along the Wildlife Walkway for a visit with our resident raptors, like Pip the American Kestrel, or Chomper the Great Horned Owl. During March Break, Raptor Shows will be on at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.
On March 14, you can meet the Conservation Halton Forestry Crew with cross cut saw and tree cookie branding demonstrations.
Sweet Water Season at Crawford Lake
Crawford Lake is open daily during March Break from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. During the spring, treat your taste buds to Sweet Water Season, the sweetest festival at Crawford Lake in the Iroquoian village. Explore the Turtle Clan and Deer Clan Longhouses. Learn how the Iroquoian peoples prepared ‘sweet water’, before sampling gooey maple syrup in a demonstration. After a tasty snack, feel the return of the birds and nature, and explore the Hide and Seek trail. Along the way, you’ll see complex wood carvings of Species at Risk like the Monarch Butterfly, the Hooded Warbler, and the mascot of spring: the Jefferson Salamander. You can also visit the exhibit First Harvest: Celebrating Sweet Water.
Sweet Water demonstrations will be at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and 3 p.m. Syrup Tasting flights will be at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Come and taste Taffy on Snow from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Other March Break activities
The ski and snowboard season is winding down at Glen Eden, however they still have a special event this upcoming weekend with food and live entertainment. Check out Glen Eden’s Food Truck Weekend March 10 and 11 and sample some great food from local vendors.
 The view from Rattlesnake Point Rattlesnake Point has a medley of activities during the spring. Book a campsite for the weekend, and bring the family for a back-to-nature experience on the Niagara Escarpment or hike on one of the three trails for a restorative nature walk.
Hilton Falls is an outdoor athlete’s heaven. Rushing rivers and budding greenery are a photographer’s delight. There are three mountain bike-only trails that are a mix of novice level, and technically challenging rock-gardens. Hikers, horseback riders, and families: there are still tranquil trails and water features like the Hilton Falls, or the reservoir to experience quiet nature.
 By Doug Brown
March 7th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The transit survey is not a bad idea – but is a very minor item when so much more is needed.
I believe that the City Manager and new Transit Director are committed to improving transit. However, this will require a political commitment for increased long-term transit funding. Will this be possible given that our council that has consistently cut transit and the City now spends less than one half of the GTA per capita average on transit?
 Doug Brown, a relentless advocate for better transit funding is never happier than when he sees a bus – two buses produces a smile. The analysis that James Ridge, Sue Connor and Colm Lynn presented to Council on September 7, 2017 made a very compelling case for immediate money to bring the transit system up to labour standards and provide better safety and reliability. For the first time in recent years, this council listened and approved the emergency funding.
During his September 7 presentation to council, the City Manager made clear that the emergency funding would still leave Burlington with “a crappy system” i.e. with low service levels and long wait times – but at least it would run on time and within provincial labour standards.
So what is really needed now is a comprehensive transportation study that will look at all aspects of transportation, roads, cars, transit, walking, cycling, parking, and development. This study should develop alternative options and evaluate the alternatives against economic, social and environmental criteria. Unfortunately, this is not happening as plans for transit, roads, parking, and cycling continue to be developed separately.
The City must begin to look at the cost of transit with regard to all the benefits that a robust transit system would provide – i.e. large savings in road and parking expenditures; improved air quality; improved road safety; improved social accessibility and equity; and savings in private automobile costs.
The economic benefits of transit have been documented in a number of Canadian studies. A national study of the economic benefits of transit concluded that municipalities could make no better investment than in transit with “a rate of return of at least 12% if not more.” A recent study in Hamilton showed significant economic benefits from transit investments, while in Waterloo Region, their transportation plan determined that a transit-oriented scenario would provide more economic, social, and environmental benefits than the car-oriented scenario.
The financial case for better transit has been clearly demonstrated. The question is not whether we can afford better transit, but whether we can afford not to invest more in transit.
Will “Canada’s Best Mid-Sized City” continue to have a “crappy” transit system or will we build a good transit system to provide accessibility for all our citizens, and make the City truly a liveable, walkable, community.
Doug Brown has been a transit advocate for decades and is a founding member of Bfast: Burlington for Accessible Sustainable Transit
 By Pepper Parr
March 7th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
There was a time when almost everyone in this city – except for the die-hard alternate entertainment types – even knew what a Poetry Slam was.
We first heard Tomy Bewick at the No Vacancy event at the Waterfront Hotel four years ago.
 Tomy Bewick – performing. He was different.
By the way – whatever happened to the No Vacancy event? Their first run was an astounding success – then everything went downhill from there.
The Poetry Slam used to take place at the Black Bull before it met its maker – the new Black Bull doesn’t have the parking nor the space the old location had.
Now they are in the eastern end of the city at the Windjammer By The Lake.
The Black Bull had a decent menu and the service was just fine. The social media on the Windjammer is mixed. The Gazette will try it out – one has to hear Tomy at least once a year.
The March Slam is next week – March 15th; featuring artist Gavin Russell. Cash prizes.
Last month to qualify for Finals in April, and last month of $5 cover.
March 15 at 7:30 PM
Windjammer By The Lake in Burlington, Ontario
By Staff
March 7TH, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
This news story has been revised due to an error in an earlier version. That error has been corrected.
A Gazette reader sent the following comment:
 “I’ve been advised and have confirmed that clause 8.3.3.(1)b) is actually a hold over from the 2006 Official Plan. It is inconsistent with the provisions noted by Mr. Skinner and provides a backdoor to intensification in areas in which intensification is expressly discouraged. As such, I believe that it should be eliminated and that it highlights the dangers of a rush to approval.”
Here is what Section 8.3.3.1b says.
“Notwithstanding Subsection 8.3.3(1) a) of this Plan, other forms of attached, ground-oriented dwellings may be permitted on lands designated Residential – Low Density, provided that these forms meet the density as specified in Subsection 8.3.3(1) c) of this Plan, and provided that the development form is compatible with the surrounding area and respectful of the physical character of the neighbourhood, including the provision of a functional common amenity area at grade.”
Our reader adds: “As such, it contradicts at least four (4) other clauses of the proposed new OP, as identified by Jeremy Skinner in his comments to Marianne Meed Ward’s response, that specifically discourage intensification/development in low density residential neighbourhoods. In other words, clause 8.3.3.(1)b) seems to provide a qualified backdoor to intensification in areas that are not intended to be intensified. I believe that this is a product of careless drafting (less haste, more speed) where a holdover clause from the 2006 Official Plan has unintended impacts and is inconsistent with the overall intent of the new plan. If clause 8.3.3.(1)b), as drafted, is an intentional inclusion then I believe that the new plan is not internally consistent and is providing an “open door” to development across all areas of the City.”
Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward adds: The clause states in part “other forms of attached ground-oriented dwellings may be permitted” provided the overall density is less than 25 units per net hectare. This allows townhouses and apartment walkups in single family neighbourhoods. During questions at committee about it, staff advised this was a change to the existing OP. Upon further review, however, this clause is in the existing OP. However, with the increased pressure for intensification coupled with land assembly, we will see more of these types of applications (eg. The Blue Water/Avondale application which staff, the community and council rejected and is the subject of an OMB hearing in May). The clause also isn’t in keeping with the spirit of the new OP which directs growth away from established neighbourhoods. I believe we need to take this out of the proposed Plan, or every neighbourhood in the city could fundamentally change due to the pressures of growth.
Meed Ward has said she is going to ask that the section be struck from the draft Official Plan. Hopefully she will ask how the section got past the vetting that usually gets done in the Planning department.
Our reader is quite right – let us take the time to make sure we get it right.
The Gazette doubts that never before in the history of this city have so many citizens actually read the Official Plan.
By Pepper Parr
March 7th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
A number of citizens who delegated on the draft Official Plan wanted to know what their city was going to look like if the Plan was approved.
They asked if the city could prepare a digital three dimensional rendering of the city showing each development.
Great idea – but that isn’t something the city can do.
The city has a digital representation of the city – the problem is that it is far from complete.
They bought what they have a couple of years ago. In order to create a digital image you have to have data – some of that data does not belong to the city.
The rights to the data of a piece of property belong to the person who owns the property.
When the property owner approaches the city with a development application they have to include a digital profile.
The city can then plug that digital profile into what the city already has.
City manager James Ridge is quite right – he doesn’t have what the public wants. We are told by people that use this kind of software that there are work arounds that can be put in place but Ridge does not want to do that – he doesn’t have the budget and his staff is stretched to the limit.
He did say at committee that he would try and do something but nothing was going to happen in 2018 and if it was in 2019 it would be late in the year.
But there are plucky citizens in this city. Watch how some of them make the point that there is a way to give people an idea of what their city might look like in five, ten or fifteen years into the future.
Citizens can get a sense of what we have now; click on the double headed arrow on the lower right and get a 360 degree view of city hall and the buildings across the street from city hall.
Now imagine what that same space will look like when you add what has been approved and what is in the mind of a planner and you can come up with a bit of an idea as to what lower Brant Street will look like.
Now add in what is planned for the south side of James Street.  And then add in the rendering of what is being thought about for the bottom of Brant Street.
By Pepper Parr
March 6th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
There is something good that will come out of the Program Administrative Review (PAR) that resulted in the closing of two of the city’s seven high schools – the Aldershot high school will get a complete makeover that could turn it into a place that has all the buzz and excitement that Hayden high school has today. That is not to suggest that the other high schools don’t have anything going for them.
During the PAR debates the Board administration put out the idea of re-making Aldershot into a school that would attract people from other schools as well as other jurisdictions – a covetous eye was cast toward Hamilton. The original impetus was to increase the enrollment.
The program that is being put forward will increase the enrollment and significantly improve the profile of the school.
 Steve Cussens, Aldershot resident and PAR committee member. Steve Cussens, one of the PAR members has been cultivating this idea since its inception. He was one of the PAR members pushing the idea of more in the way of educational innovation. His efforts have borne fruit.
There wasn’t a clear idea – other than to describe what might be done as a magnet school, a themed school, an alternative school, and/or an incubator school, when the plans were first talked up.
 Terri Blackwell, Superintendent of PAR implementation Stuart Miller, Director of Education assigned Terri Blackwell to the task. She took a very proactive approach and cast the net for participants on the discussion widely.
She went to the community – and they responded very positively. Her report to the trustees last week was one of those meetings where every question asked was answered and then some. It is an exciting opportunity that is now in the hands of the trustees.
If the trustees buy into what they heard Aldershot will see students enrolling in the grade 9 class of what will be an ISTEM in the fall of 2019.
Some of the ideas that came from the public. All of the themes suggested are set out in a link below.
   
The Board was shown a short video on the way education has not changed – it set out just what the ISTEM initiative is setting out to achieve. It certainly tells what advancing innovative practices is all about?
The objective is to create learning opportunities and support the development of transferable skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving; Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship; Self- Directed Learning; Collaboration, Communication, and Citizenship.
That is a tall order – but it is what education is all about. Can the Board of Education administration pull this one off?
 Graphic that sets out all the parts that come together to result in a new student program offering. If what the trustees were told in February has merit this is a project that is being done the way a project should be done. Blackwell is doing a great job working with a team that is as broad based and inclusive.
They are already thinking through how they want to market this opportunity.
They have thought through how students from across the Region can use public transit to get to Aldershot.
 Superintendents Terri Blackwell and Gord Truffen during the presentation of the ISTEM proposal. Gord Truffen, Superintendent of Education explained that the ISTEM program is a high school offering and will not impact the grade 7 and 8’s that are at Aldershot.
Aldershot parents are said to be halfway to reaching the $125,000 needed to upgrade the auditorium. They might want to reach a little further and allow for some state of the art communications for the space. If they are going to prepare students for the world they will work in – including the high end visual communication should be part of the experience.
Trustee Leah Reynolds mentioned that the Aldershot high school rent out their facilities more than any other school in Burlington –
They are looking at a budget of about $1.4 million to “repurpose” some of the rooms. The labs which are in good shape may need some upgrading.
If the questions from the trustees are any indication expect Oakville and Milton to want an ISTEM program offering in their community.
Current educational research acknowledges the need to recognize societal changes and how education addresses this landscape. The emergence of new technologies is disrupting how businesses operate and interact with their customers, how people work and the careers they pursue, and even how citizens relate to their governments. More and more, personal and national success depends on effective science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. The Halton Board has recognized this and taken a low enrollment problem and turned it into a growth opportunity.
 The process used to create new student course offerings.  The driving forces that bring new ideas and programs to the public. The ISTEM concept was refined through a consultation process which includes generating ideas, drawing on pedagogy (research and practice of teaching and learning) and looking at themes. Many of the generated ideas are reflected in the ISTEM Program Framework which draws attention to the process elements of the program.
Students will be engaged in a variety of learning processes – Project-Based Learning, Design Thinking, Entrepreneurship and Partnerships. The outer ring of the framework reflects HDSB’s current working definition of innovation as “the capacity to enhance concepts, ideas, or products to contribute new-to-the-world solutions to complex economic, social, and environmental problems”. The contentedness of the framework includes explicit connections to critical thinking and creativity in that “critical thinking and creative thinking work together to create innovation in the Design Thinking process. These thinking processes all work together to bring forth creative innovation and problem solving.”
The ISTEM program will open to all interested Grade 9 students in September, 2019. Subsequent years will see the program extend to Grades 10, 11 and 12.
The ISTEM program provides the Halton District School Board with an opportunity to explore and implement a thematic approach to a secondary school. It further allows for an evaluation of ISTEM’s efficacy and its possible expansion to other regions of the Board. Teaching and learning is an ever- evolving process. This endeavour in part reflects the nature of this evolution.
Related news story:
Themes submitted by the Aldershot community for a new course offering.
By Pepper Parr
March 6th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
You remember the Hive don’t you?
They took a neat idea, really gussied it up, held a boffo official opening event and then struggled to say alive.
The kind words from the city about how nice it was to see new high tech ideas arrive on the city but there was nothing in the way of support.
 The Hive on Elizabeth was something different – the downtown location proved to be a bit of a challenge. They struggled – and finally decided that there was no advantage in the downtown location; the rent didn’t help and parking made it less than viable. The two Smart cars parked in front of the office that was on Elizabeth Street were a nice touch.
Shaun Pennell packed it in downtown and set up shop again on Guelph Line at Harvester Road. What was the Burlington Hive became the Halton Hive.
Then the location became a construction site when the Region started laying pipes and the owner of the property was said to want to refresh the rental agreement.
Then an opportunity came Shaun’s way.
A group of property investors were preparing to purchase a well-known Burlington location and they wanted to work with someone on a new approach to office space. There was a meeting of minds and Pennell found himself heading up an operation that would ideally become a community that made space available on an as needed basis and added a number of amenities that would create a lifestyle that suited the younger set who tended to lead the high tech sector.
If Pennell’s action is equal to his words the new location will become a destination – a place where events can take place and where workers can use and pay for what the they need on an ongoing basis. Hua adds that a group will be able to scale up for a short period of time and then revert to the couple of offices they started with.
It is a concept that is being introduced in every major city in North America and throughout Europe.
The Bank of Montreal recently signed a lease for the old Sears space in the Eaton Centre in the heart of downtown Toronto. They are calling it an urban campus that will be geared to the needs of those smart as a tack techies who are creating the economy of the future that arrived yesterday.
Bank of Nova Scotia opened a “digital factory” that included a bowling alley and a speakeasy to attract talent.
No bowling alley at the Crossroads facility that is being sold – the deal is due to close on March 7th – but there is a lot of open space that is going to be converted to a totally different office concept
 Hive clients working from a desk they can just plug into and have everything they need – great wireless access and open air space  Two work stations in the upper gallery area. A number of the tenants at the Halton Hive followed Pennell to the new location. Kune Hua who is handling rentals explains that the Sound of Music will have space, Burlington Green will have space.
The new organization has yet to determine what the new corporate name is going to be – the focus right now is getting the space ready for tenants and creating a much different working environment.
The investors are currently renting the space from the Crossroads organization. The purchase of the property will see the Crossroads organization become a tenant.
Crossroads is going through a major organizational change that has resulted in a significant downsizing. The recent death of Crossroad founder David Mainse meant changes in the corporate structure and the use of the corporate assets.
The Crossroads Centre is at the North Service Road just west of Kerns Road. Loads of parking.
By Pepper Parr
March 5th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The policy wonks out there – Gazette readers are a significant part of that tribe, will have their chance to get “into the weeds” and learn just how the new Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) – it replaces the OMB – will work and what the rules and regulations are going to be.
The transition of matters that went to the OMB and will now be sent to the LPAT should a development application be appealed.
 Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) regulations will have a major difference over how developers react to development decisions city councils in Ontario make. The Gazette was advised earlier today that an update on regulations under the Planning Act related to the Building Better Communities and Conserving Watersheds Act, 2017 are to be released and will come into effect on April 3, 2018.
The new regulations under the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal Act, 2017 are expected to be finalized in the near future. Links to part of the Regulations are set out below.
Under the Planning Act, changes will be made to existing regulations to facilitate implementation of the Building Better Communities and Conserving Watersheds Act, 2017 changes to the land use planning and appeal system by:
• requiring explanations of how planning proposals are consistent/conform with provincial and local policies and clarify requirements for municipal notices;
• making technical changes, such as changing references from Ontario Municipal Board to Local Planning Appeal Tribunal, and amending cross-references; and
• establishing new transition provisions to set out rules for planning matters in process at the time of proclamation.
Ontario Regulation 67/18
“Transitional Matters – General”
Ontario Regulation 68/18 –
amending Ontario Regulation 543/06
Official Plans and Plan Amendments
Ontario Regulation 69/18 –
amending Ontario Regulation 549/06
Prescribed Time Period – Subsections 17 (44.4), 34 (24.4) and 51 (52.4) of the Act”
Ontario Regulation 70/18 –
amending Ontario Regulation 551/06 “Local Appeal Bodies”
Ontario Regulation 71/18 –
amending Ontario Regulation 200/96 “Minor Variance Applications”
Ontario Regulation 72/18 –
amending Ontario Regulation 197/96 “Consent Applications”
Ontario Regulation 73/18 –
amending Ontario Regulation 545/06 “Zoning By-Laws, Holding By-Laws and Interim Control By-Laws”
Ontario Regulation 74/18 –
amending Ontario Regulation 544/06 “Plans of Subdivision”
Ontario Regulation 75/18 –
amending Ontario Regulation 173/16 “Community Planning Permits”
 By Staff
March 5th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
This Wednesday March 7, 2018, the Burlington Handweavers & Spinners Guild is hosting their Biennial Auction Sale in the Art Gallery of Burlington.
 This is an incredible sale of all things related to fibre, weaving and spinning. There will be reference books and magazines, fibre, yarn, beading equipment, weaving equipment, spinning wheels and so much more.
All bidders must register for $2 per person at the event. This buys your bid # and a sale catalogue that will be your bid # card/paddle.
PREVIEWS 6:00pm March 7th, 2018 .
AUCTION STARTS PROMPTLY 7:00pm.
All proceeds of the sale, go to Burlington Handweavers & Spinners Guild.
Absentee bids may be arranged through the auctioneer, Bonnie S. before 4:00pm on March 7, 2018. More details about the auction, as well as arranging for absentee bids, can be found on the BHS Guild Facebook Events Page.
By Staff
March 5th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Here is more of what we got for that $14 million spent to build The Pier – bright lights – different colours from the tower that serves no purpose.
 That tower was supposed to have a small wind turbine that the city decided they didn’t want – the turbine was supposed to provide the power for all the lights on the pier.
Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward said today in her Newsletter: “You may have noticed the changing colours on the Brant Street Pier. It is lit each evening with colours that represent local activities, seasonal events and non-profit promotion.
To request a pier lighting or for more information, contact pier@burlington.ca Please book any request four months prior to your event date and consult the schedule for available dates.
The chart below indicates the meaning of upcoming colours by date.
March 1 – 7 Multiple Shows Spring Colours 6:30 p.m. – midnight
March 8 Orange World Kidney Day 6:30 p.m. – midnight
March 9 – 16 Multiple shows Spring Colours 6:30 p.m. – midnight
March 17 Green St. Patrick’s Day 6:30 p.m. – midnight
March 18 – 24 Multiple shows Spring Colours 6:30 p.m. – midnight
March 25 Green: Lights go out at 8:30 p.m., back on at 9:30 p.m. Earth Hour 6:30 p.m. – midnight
March 26 – 31 Multiple shows Spring Colours 6:30 p.m. – midnight
 By Staff
March 5th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Police have been investigating multiple criminal groups targeting women and seniors for distraction type of purse and wallet thefts. These have occurred at various grocery and retail stores in Burlington and Oakville.
Police have received 47 reports of such thefts since the beginning of November 2017 where persons targeted were female senior citizens whose purses and/or wallets were stolen from their shopping carts while the owner was not looking. In some cases multiple offenders work in teams to distract the victim, bump their carts or ask for their assistance in the store or parking lot.
Investigators have been working with area Loss Prevention Officers to identify the persons responsible which resulted in them being positively identified.
On February 22nd 2018 the following accused was arrested for multiple thefts in Burlington and Oakville and has been released on bail to appear next in Milton Court on April 3rd 2018:
Brenda STOJKOVA (20 years) of the Czech Republic, residing in Brampton is charged with:
• Theft under $5000 (Three Counts)
• Fraud Under $5000
• Unauthorized use of a credit card.
Watch the Crime Stoppers Video of purse thefts (actual footage).
Halton Regional Police are reminding residents to keep a close eye on their purses and wallets. Residents should be aware of their surroundings and be alert for distraction type thefts when shopping in the grocery stores, malls and other retail business.
Prevention Tip: Residents are reminded to only carry the necessary identification such as Driver’s Licence or Health Card, and should try to minimize this potential loss by leaving their SIN card, birth certificate and passports securely at home.
If you become a victim of a purse or wallet theft please contact your financial services providers, cancel you cards and then call the Halton Regional Police to file a report.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents or other purse thefts is asked to contact Detective Constable Derek Gray of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Vulnerable Persons and Seniors Liaison Team at 905-825-4747 ext. 2344.
 A safe, secure, confidential place to call with information that will keep our streets safe. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See something, Hear something, Say something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
March 5th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
If you do not use public transit in Burlington – the city wants to hear from you.
Burlington and transit have not always had a smooth relationship.
The city has in the recent past not put much money into transit use. They did put in $1.55 million in the 2018 budget and say they plan to put in much more.
 In a perfect world this bus would be at least 3/4 full and maybe two bikes in the front end rack. Not there yet and the city wants to find out why. Given that the city touts transit as the way of the future, that and bicycles – major dollars are going to be needed to create a transit system that people will want to use.
The voice from city hall:
Calling all Burlington Transit riders and non-riders: Help build a better Burlington Transit
The City of Burlington wants to hear from Burlington Transit riders and individuals who currently do not use Burlington Transit about their thoughts and experiences with public transit in the city.
The information gathered from the public will be used to help shape a Transit Plan for Burlington that will guide the development of a new transit network that meets the needs of the city’s growing population over the next 25 years.
Feedback can be shared by completing an online survey available until March 26.
 Sue Connor, Director of Burlington Transit Sue Connor, Director of Burlington Transit, has settled into the job quite well apparently. A report that was put in the hands of the city manager a number of months ago stunned many – the city was offside on a number of levels.
That report got the $1.55 million into the 2018 budget.
The city now appears to want to find out what it is going to take to get people out of their cars and onto transit.
Connor, in a prepared statement said: “Improving Burlington’s transit service is a priority for the City of Burlington. As our population grows, providing a variety of convenient, reliable options to help people get around the city is essential. The Transit Plan, along with other city plans like the Transportation Plan and the Cycling Plan, will help to bring this vision to life. To help develop the Transit Plan, we want to hear from Burlington Transit riders to learn more about how they currently use public transit and equally as important, we want to hear from people who do not ride the bus to find out what might encourage them to consider transit. This information will help Burlington Transit start to improve its level of service.”
 Senior staff applaud the roll out of a new bus. Some background:
The Transit Plan will be a multi-year plan that will guide new investment in a new transit network for the city that aims to:
Increase frequency and reliability of bus service
Focus service on the city’s most heavily travelled streets
Create better connections with other major transportation systems like GO rail who will increase the frequency of their service to two-way, all-day service every 15 minutes by 2025.
Improve the comfort and convenience of taking transit.
A report about Burlington’s Transit Plan is expected to be presented to Burlington City Council in May 2018.
On Jan. 29, 2018, Burlington City Council approved an investment of $1.55 million in transit as part of the city’s 2018 operating budget to provide stability to Burlington Transit’s operations and improve the reliability of the public transit service. Funding of $500,000 was also approved in the city’s 2018 capital budget for the installation of video cameras on buses.
Burlington is growing. The 2016 Census data shows Burlington grew by 7,535 people between 2011 and 2016 – a 4.3 per cent overall growth rate. Ontario’s Places to Grow Act mandates that Burlington plan for a population of 193,000 by 2031, however, the city will reach this population number within the next few years.
 By Ray Rivers
March 5th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Keeping ourselves healthy is important. Part of that involves getting well again should we get sick. Enter single payer health insurance – the only efficient way to deliver health care. John Robarts gave us OHIP back in the late sixties with a little help from the federal government. Then Bill Davis added a senior’s drug plan in 1972.
 Last year the Kathleen Wynne government introduced OHIP+, a pharmacare program to ensure that no child got left behind because of affordability. And that perhaps prompted the federal Liberals to decide the time was right for a national universal plan. In any case it was an obvious choice for Mr. Trudeau to ask Ontario’s health minister, Eric Hoskins, to head up a consultative process with the provinces, territories, health experts and communities on how best to proceed.
Canadians have one of the better health care systems anywhere, and it will only get better with the addition of a single payer drug plan. Oh sure Americans like to talk about our waiting lists for elective surgery, but at least all residents here have access to care. And if we were to double our health budget, the equivalent of what Americans pay per capita, those waiting lines would be a lot shorter. But most importantly, we sail past the US when it comes to health outcomes. We have lower infant mortality, are generally healthier and we outlive them.
 The last coal fired generating plant in Ontario The Liberal government in Ontario started to phase out dirty coal electricity plants soon after coming to power in the early 2000s. Between 2006 and 2015 smog-causing nitrogen dioxide emissions dropped by 32 per cent, sulphur dioxide by 48 per cent, carbon monoxide by 53 per cent, and fine particulate matter by 25 per cent. Despite population growth and an increase in the number of motor vehicles on Ontario’s roadways, the air above our cities, like Toronto, is cleaner than we’ve seen in our lifetimes.
According to the Ministry of Environment…“There were no smog advisories issued in 2015, compared with 2005 when there were 53 smog days. Based on the Air Quality Health Index, the province’s air quality was rated in the low risk category for 90 per cent of the year in 2015.”
And Ontario’s carbon ‘cap-and-trade’ system, which started last year, will continue to deliver that kind of good news.
The province estimates that improved air quality is saving over $4 billion annually in health care costs. But then the provincial auditor general estimates that moving to green energy has cost almost forty billion over the past decade or so. That would be a wash – except that these are all mostly hypothetical numbers, the kind accountants and economists like to fiddle with as they make their political arguments. What matters most is whether our quality of life has improved and whether we can afford this improvement in air quality in the face of increases we’ve seen in the cost of hydro.
 Smoking in public is getting harder and harder to do – unfortunately it is the younger people taking up the habit. The Liberal government also fought an uphill battle banning smoking in public places and restricting toxic lawn pesticides. We all understand the health benefits of not smoking, though pesticides are less well understood when it comes to their relationship to diseases like asthma and cancer. But a recent Conference Board report recognizes Ontario with the lowest rate of respiratory mortality in Canada, despite having the most concentrated population.
OHIP+ is estimated to cost roughly half a billion dollars a year. And the province claims to be running a balanced budget even without the kind of without additional federal finding we might expect coming out of the new federal initiative. The provincial NDP have yet to release their election platform though Andrea Horwath, supportive of OHIP+, has mused about implementing a universal program.
None of the PC leadership contenders have committed to continuing the OHIP+ program, let alone any expansion of it. The platform passed by the party last November does speak to continuation of the Liberal initiated program, but the candidates have been careful to avoid adopting a platform which also contains plans for a $4 billion dollar carbon tax.
That is troubling on a number of fronts, particularly since at least a couple of the candidates have talked about also killing the cap-and-trade program which reduces other air borne pollutants associated with the combustion of fossil fuels in addition to CO2. In fact the preoccupation of the these candidates is with the conflicting goals of tax cuts and debt reduction.
 The current cap and trade CO2 emissions program pumps tens of millions into the provincial economy. If cancelled where would funds for health care come from? And that means that money will need to be found elsewhere to satisfy these goals, most likely in the most expensive part of the budget – health care. There already was a financial hole in the Patrick Brown platform – right smack dab in health care. So it would not be unrealistic to expect Ontario to opt out of any national universal pharmacare program should the PC’s win the election later this year, and maybe even shelve OHIP+.
It’s politics too, as we witnessed by the confrontational attitudes permeating the last PC candidates debate. Why would a Tory government in Ontario agree to anything a Liberal federal government wants to do. Even if, in the case of a carbon tax, the money stays in the province. In Brown’s platform the money would have been returned in lower income tax rates for the middle classes – revenue neutral.
 The Harris government took millions and millions out of education and health care – it took decades to restore those services. We have seen this movie before. It was the late ‘90s and Ontario took Mike Harris at his word, having come to office with a promise not to touch health care, and then desperately looking at the health budget to pay for his income tax cuts. He closed hospitals, fired nurses, and threw the entire system into chaos.
Ontario moved to the back of the line in health care, owning the longest surgery wait times in Canada. Gurneys stacked up in hospital corridors as we watched our loved ones suffer in despair. Heart patients were literally dying waiting for surgery and cancer patients had to be bused to Buffalo for radiation treatment. Let us never go back to those days.
 Ray Rivers writes weekly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background links:
OHIP+
Health Report Card – Canada’s Rank – Cost Effective Care –
OHIP+ Details – Hoskins – Ontario’s Plans – Conference Board –
Ontario Climate Change – Canada vs USA – OHIP+ –
Ontario’s Cap and Trade –
By Pepper Parr
March 4th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
I frequently correspond with Gazette readers, some of whom are very critical, blunt and direct. They ask that they not be identified publicly. It’s all part of the job. There are others who are less biting and put forward ideas that they think should be in the public realm.
One reader recently said: “ I think part of the issue is that in smaller communities it is not uncommon to find people gravitating to municipal politics who come from small business backgrounds. That is natural and understandable, and the complexities in managing a smaller community are significantly less than in a larger municipal government. At some point the issues become profoundly more complex, and therefore, you need a great skill level and understanding.
 The issues are profoundly more complex, and therefore need a great skill level and understanding. “The other dynamic is that in a smaller community you have people in municipal government for whom the work is a part-time avocation. When you deal with cities the size of Burlington, Mississauga, Brampton, etc., you have a larger constituency, and that demands full-time attention. You can’t serve your constituents well if you are, simultaneously, running your health club, or doing financial planning work on the side.
“Part of the challenge is that municipal government has typically been the poor cousin in Confederation. Whatever status it has flows from the provincial government. However, you have several municipal governments in this country that are as complex or even mores than some provinces; for example PEI’s population is smaller than Toronto, or Mississauga, or Brampton.
 Expected to run in ward 3 – Rory Nisan  Expected to run in ward 3 – Gareth Williams  Expected ti run in ward 6 – Ken White “I think in Burlington part of the answer should focus on enticing retirees to run for public office. Many have the business experience, and now the time, to devote to municipal government issues. Another target audience might be persons who have sold their business, have moved here from larger municipalities, are only semi-retired, but have the acumen that would be invaluable in local administration. A third market might actually be provincial public servants who have both the education and the technical experience, and would be a useful check on municipal public servants.
“Whatever the case, we need to get better qualified people into public service at all levels.”
We are suggesting to the writer that he might well be the kind of person that should be at city hall.
Councillor Craven has, on several occasions, made the point that Burlington’s seven member city council is too small – that the job is much bigger than it was a decade ago and that it might be time to look at a larger council and think in terms of junior and senior council members, a situation where every ward would have two council members with one serving at the Regional and city level and the second serving at just the city level.
 For new members of council learning how to be a city Councillor takes time – to expect these men or women to grasp the Regional workings at the same time is a bit much.
And – Councillors need to be better paid. The approximately $110,000 they are paid annually does not attract the kind of talent needed. What it does do is attract people who are never going to earn $100,00 a year in their lifetimes but think if they can capture the public imagination and win the seat – and once there, hold the seat for a couple of decades.
These people are managing an operational budget of $160 million and a capital budget of $68.6 million, that includes a 10-year program of $688 million.
Burlington is seeing much more interest in who serves on city council. Will there be any acclamations for a city council seat in October? All seven of the current members of council were re-elected in 2014
By Staff
March 4th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
In an opinion piece published in the Saturday Hamilton Spectator, Mayor Rick Goldring said:
“The City of Burlington has had many Official Plans, but none have received as much attention as our current draft Plan that council is set to adopt in April.”
The Spectator has very limited circulation in Burlington. The Mayor has yet to post the opinion to his blog
The opinion piece set out below:
 Mayor Goldring speaking to media during the 2014 flood. It was the first time we saw the Mayor wear his Chain of Office outside the Council Chamber, “City building is constantly evolving, and we all want our city to grow thoughtfully and carefully” said the Mayor who went on to say that “ City Council is no different.”
“As mayor, I certainly want what is best for the entire community. I hear from residents that they want a more vibrant downtown and are supportive of the protection of our rural lands and those who are concerned about the future of our city.
 The high rise was approved by city council on a 5-2 with the Mayor and Councillor Meed Ward voting against the project. “This was most apparent when late last year City Council approved a 23-storey building across from City Hall at 421 Brant St. I voted against this development for three reasons; it is the wrong location for a 23-storey building, where the adjacent roads are narrow, this approval would lead to similar requests for similar height, and from a policy perspective, this was inconsistent with the proposed 17-storey limit identified in the City’s earlier draft Downtown Precinct Plan.
“While residents are trying to digest this decision, we were recently informed of the decision by the Ontario Municipal Board to approve the ADI development at Lakeshore Road and Martha Street. The board sided with the proponent on a proposed 26-storey high-rise plan. Again, in my opinion, this is the wrong location for the height of the building, and I am very disappointed that the OMB did not prefer a height that was comparable or lower to those in this area.
“It is more important than ever that we approve our new Official Plan. The city’s current Official Plan is out of date and doesn’t conform to provincial policy which is one of the significant reasons why the OMB did not agree with the city’s opposition to ADI’s 26-storey proposal. Clearly, our current Official Plan is unacceptable in planning for an Urban Growth Centre.
 409 Brant is on the south side of James street – across from city hall. They have tucked two “historical” properties on the south end – next to what will become the Downtown mobility hub to give the application some credibility. “With two tall buildings recently approved in the downtown, I understand why residents feel anxious about what is going to happen in the future. I disagree with the decisions to allow the 23 and 26-storey downtown buildings. However, I am supportive of well-planned and justified intensification in appropriately targeted areas of our city.
“Burlington is not an island unto itself. We are part of the Greater Hamilton Toronto Area that currently has 7 million people and will grow to 10 million within 23 years primarily because 40 to 50 per cent of newcomers to Canada want to live in this area. We must accommodate our share of growth.
“We also need to be realistic and acknowledge that Burlington is a highly desirable place to live with an amazing waterfront and rural areas that includes the Niagara Escarpment, great neighbourhoods, wonderful festivals and events that contribute to the creation of an inclusive and caring community. In addition, interest rates are low, undeveloped land supply is depleted, and single family house prices are high. This has made condominium apartments an attractive housing form to all demographics for different reasons.
“It is simply not true that we will have tall buildings at every corner of our downtown. It would be wonderful to protect our downtown and limit growth to exclusively low-rise buildings, but this approach is simply not realistic. By only allowing low-rise buildings, we are making downtown very exclusive to those that have significant wealth.”
“After listening and considering input from residents, Burlington City council made many important amendments to the proposed new Official Plan. We reduced permitted heights and increased building separations, and heritage building preservation is addressed.
“Once the high-level vision of our new Official Plan is approved, we can get to work completing the details to be included in area specific plans. City staff is currently working on new transportation, transit, cycling and parking plans. We will dramatically improve our transit system to provide reliable and frequent service along our key areas, including our GO stations.
 The photograph was provided by the Office of the Mayor – it was used for his 2015 Christmas card. “I am confident that Burlington will successfully evolve to meet our growing population and economic needs. We will be champions for great design and continue to give careful attention to all the important city building details that have made Burlington the city we are so proud of. We need to plan for our children and grandchildren so that Burlington is an inclusive, environmentally and fiscally sustainable city for generations to come.”
Related articles:
Meed Ward on why the draft Official Plan needs more time before it is approved.
Jack Dennison on why he is going to vote for the draft – with some changes.
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