 By Staff
July 28th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Well – there is at least one member of Council communicating with her residents on flooding problems and what is avaialable in the way of support.
Ward 4 Councillor Shawna sent the following to her constituents:
Over the past two days, we have entered into Emergency Management Stage 1 – Routine Monitoring. We understand that residents are still dealing with the aftermath and the challenges it brings. We want to let you know that recent information on city relief has been released to support you during this time.
City of Burlington Flood Relief Grant ($1,000)
You may qualify for financial assistance from The City of Burlington to help with residential flooding-related costs if the following criteria are met:
• A flooding event in your residential dwelling occurred in connection to the
 July 15 or July 16, 2024 weather event and was reported by you to 311;
• You are the owner or tenant of the residence;
• A representative of the Regional Municipality of Halton investigated the complaint and determined that:
▪ water damage occurred within a residential home due to the July 15 or July 16, 2024 extreme weather event; and
▪ The water damage was not the result of:
a blockage on any part of the wastewater system; or wastewater backup as a result of a sewer surcharge; and,
*The application for the Region of Halton Ex-Gratia Grant for Public Sewer Backup was denied for the property; and,
no outstanding orders were issued by the City of Burlington to remedy any violations of the Grading and Drainage By-law No. 052-2018, as amended, the Drainage By-law No. 017-2018, as amended, or the Site Alteration By-law No. 062-2014, as amended.City of Burlington’s Flood Relief Grant ($1,000) can help residents to either offset the cost of an insurance deductible or help with flooding-related costs that are not otherwise covered under their home insurance policy.
Due to high volumes, payments under this program may take 4-6 weeks to be processed after applications have been received.
Four to six weeks is unconscionable; there are a reported less than 700 homes damaged.
Remember:To be eligible for the Flood Relief Grant, you must immediately report the flooding to Halton Region. Halton Region Public Works staff will contact you regarding next steps.
Factors that may make you ineligible for the City of Burlington Flood Grant:
• applicants who are not registered owners or tenants of the property; and
• properties other than residential dwellings; and
• damages that are not within the residential home (e.g. water damage to landscaping, pool, deck).
 By Pepper Parr
July 27th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
Was the tweet Mayor Meed Ward sent out yesterday a sign that she has realized many (the vocal ones that tend to speak up) don’t want what the public is now going to get, like it or not?
Members of Council all realize that this project is one that they are going to have to wear in the months leading up to the 2026 municipal election.
If it turns out to be something that people like – they will applaud and be pleased. If it turns out to be a clunker and gets a thumbs down – every one of them could be looking at the end of their municipal careers.
 Those trees look great – but that is not what will be in place the day they cut the ribbon to open a several million dollar upgrade to Civic Square. When the city has added 29,000 new housing units in 2051 – the public might see what is in the renderings. Upper right is what Civic Square looks like today. The problem is that there is really no one to take their place.
Meed Ward said in her tweet that: “Last week, Council received an update from staff regarding next steps on the Civic Square renewal project. We’re nearing the completion of the design work; however, Council has asked staff to report back in September so that Council and the community can get a better understanding of the design.
“We look forward to learning more about this in the fall and sharing further updates with the community.”
What’s to share? The decision has been made, the funds needed have been allocated and the design teams and doing what they do. Learning that $200,000 was going to be spent on public art was a bit of a surprise but you can’t have a refurbished Civic Square without some art. Would that include a Pride Pole?
The people that push back know that if you push long enough those that should be hearing will eventually get the message. Sometimes they will actually change – other than that – they throw out some crumbs.
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
July 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
What took them so long?
The Gazette has permitted comments from readers since the day we first published back in October of 2010.
We have an at times very robust comments section. We also have people that tend to go on and on about an issue they seem to be the only ones that care.
Then we get those people who don’t have the courage of their convictions who send in a comment from an address that doesn’t exist; the comments are usually in the scurrilous vein.
We also get some very pointed comments from people who work from the facts they are able to lay out; that’s when opposing views and opinions on the facts get very interesting.
 A note sent out by We need a good reason to not publish a comment. Many Gazette readers take great exception to Mayor Meed Wards’ practice of not publishing comments that are critical.
 By Staff
July 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 Pride pole at Lakeshore and Burlington Street. Photo op will take place soon. The city has moved from Rainbow benches and crosswalks to Pride Poles. This one has been installed at Lakeshore Road and Burlington Street.
They will certainly be cheaper than the cross walks that didn’t wear all that well.
Is it going to be one per ward with the Council member deciding where they will be located?
Which budget will the cost come out of?
Is there a point at which fully recognizing the 2SLGBTQ+ (an acronym for: Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning and additional sexual orientations and gender identities) has been met?
I’d like to see something more effective on the intimate partner relationship violence.
 By Pepper Parr
July 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The idea wasn’t to create an event that would become annual. “All we wanted to do was encourage neighbours to help us collect some food and money that could be sent to the Burlington Food Bank. We asked the Food Bank to send us one bin – we ended up filling four bins: 1000 pounds of food and $3000 in cash.”
Daryl Fowler had drafted a bunch of friends who, like him, were small business entrepreneurs who donated and helped make the event work. “They knew how to put things together. Fowler operates FlasheGas, an independent HVAC operation.
“We found that we needed to ask our neighbours if we could use their drive ways.”
 Wearing an ear to ear smile Daryl Fowler with his wife Hannah stand behind four of the six bins that were filled at their first food drive event. This year the event looks like it will be bigger. Takes place on Sunday August 4th – running from noon to 4:00 pm.
Ice cream, bouncing platforms; the first one we booked didn’t work out and we had to scramble to get another operator in place.
 Tyler Fergus answering the question: Where did that rabbit come from? Face painting, a balloon artist and a magician will be part of the event. Tyler Fergus will be dazzling the kids with his magic performances.
There will be a draw for a BBQ donated by Canadian Tire.
When we were deciding when to hold the event we learned from Robin Bailey, Executive Director of the Burlington Food Bank that August was a tough month – “people are away explained Bailey and the volunteers don’t have all that much they can do. “So August it was” said Fowler who is supported by his wife Hanna and their three children.
What happens if it rains? Don’t ask
 By Staff
July 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte
Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte has put together a notice to her resident on where things stand in terms of getting financial support.
Not much good news – but kudos to Stolte for being consistent in reaching out to the people in her ward.
From her notice:
Please find below the current application process for Flooding Relief Grants:
• Residents must contact 311 to report indoor flooding
• Halton Region Public Works staff will attend the home to investigate the cause of the flooding and determine if the homeowner qualifies for a Halton Region Ex-Gratia Grant
o If yes, homeowner will receive an application for the Halton Region Ex-Gratia Grant to submit to Halton. Payments will be issued within 4-6 weeks.
o If no, as long as there is some indication of indoor flooding having occurred, the Public Works Technician will give the homeowner the New City of Burlington Ex-Gratia Grant application to submit to the City of Burlington. If eligible, payments will be issued within 4-6 weeks.
Four to six weeks? The 407ETR people were on site with funds for residents the day after the rain stopped.
o Note: Legal is still finalizing the City’s application form and eligibility criteria. Once ready, they will share with Halton Public Works who will hand out to impacted residents upon inspection. Residents who are receiving an inspection today or who have already received an inspection will be directed to contact Service Burlington for assistance. We are maintaining a list during the interim and sharing with legal who will contact these folks once the application is available.
Still finalizing? For those people still sorting through what is salvageable from their flooded basements “still finalizing” just isn’t good enough. Genuine service would be – no one goes home until these documents are done and ready to be sent out.
Information on the grants and flood prevention is available on our website @ Burlington.ca/flood however direction on the application process is not.
 By Staff
July 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Getting a Municipal Zoning Order (MZ0) from the Minister of Housing is going to be a challenge.
A request had been made for an MZO before the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) had decided that the Millcroft golf course lands could be developed and 90 high end houses be constructed with a significant number of conditions. Had the provincial government had any intention of issuing an MZO; that would have been the time to do so.
 This time around MPP Triantafilopoulos is supporting the request. Last time it was Mayor Meed Ward and Regional Chair Gary Carr – in the world of political clout an MPP trumps a Mayor and a Regional Chair
Triantafilopoulos is asking that MAD share the letter see sent to the Province requesting that they step in to stop the Millcroft Greens development.
Burlington passed a Motion requesting Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing issue a Ministerial Zoning Order to maintain the zoning permissions for Areas A to D of the proposed development of the Millcroft Golf Course as they existed prior to the June 12, 2024 OLT decision.
 Triantafilopoulos: MPP for Oakville North Burlington Triantafilopoulos said to the MAD membership: “As you know, I stand with Council in their opposition to this development as currently planned. Following the passing of Council’s Motion, I sent a letter (including a copy of the Motion) to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing requesting that he explore all tools at his disposal to stop the development from proceeding.”
Expecting a decision is a stretch – watching for something to be announced during the summer would be a pipe dream.
Triantafilopoulos is looking for 10,000 signatures on a petition. They have a reported 7000 signatures.
There are two options to do this which are as follows:
- Option 1 – Quick and Easy
o Go to our website and fill in your name and email and an email will be sent to the province on your behalf. Select the link below.
 Option 1 – Quick and Easy
- Option 2 – Write your own Email
o Send an email to:
doug.fordco@pc.ola.org,
Doug.Downey@pc.ola.org,
effie.triantafilopoulos@pc.ola.org,
Effie.triantafilopoulosco@pc.ola.org
Paul.Calandra@pc.ola.org,
Natalie.Pierre@pc.ola.org,
zee.hamid@pc.ola.org,
andrea.khanjin@pc.ola.org,
Matthew.Rae@pc.ola.org,
natalie@nataliepierrempp.ca,
navita@nataliepierrempp.ca,
Katie.Robinette@ontario.ca,
Premier@ontario.ca,
attorneygeneral@ontario.ca
stephen.crawford@pc.ola.org
MAD and the City have also requested that their local MPP’s Effie Triantafilopoulos, Natalie Pierre, Zee Hamid and Stephen Crawford each send a separate letter in support of the issuing of an MZO to the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs and to the Premier.
They are communicating with other like minded groups from all over Ontario, which want to save greenspace, asking them to participate in the email campaign and to circulate our Email letter to the Province among their supporters. We ask anyone who would like to join our fight to please contact the Admin team at admin@millcroftagainstdevelopment.ca. We are looking for local real estate agents, environmental groups, to share our email campaign with their database.
By Pepper Parr
July 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The demand for housing and a target of 29,000 units by 2031 in place created an opportunity for the developer to increase the height was something that couldn’t be resisted. The change should not surprise anyone. When the development started the northern end of the property was to have a six to eight story structure.
 28-storey mixed use building with 302 residential units At this point the development application has been submitted:
Development applications have been submitted for an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment for a 28-storey mixed use building with 302 residential units and a 6-storey above grade parking structure with a green roof adjacent to an existing 17-storey residential building bounded by Caroline Street, Elizabeth Street, Maria Street, and John Street.
There was a Pre-Application Community Meeting on April 9, 2024 in the evening. It was a virtual meeting. No word on how any people took part.
The north tower was originally going to be six stories (could have been eight – it was sometime ago) with medical offices making up a large part of the space.
By Pepper Parr
July 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Her name is Crystal – we don’t have a last name.
She is believed to live in the Cavendish Road area.
At the time these pictures were taken she was living in a motel with her family. The space was made available to her by the Red Cross.
  
Crystal was attending a Special Meeting of Council unaware that she had the right to delegate.
She didn’t have a computer she could use at the motel. Other than the clothes on her back and what she could gather up – Crystal had a crisis on her hands.
She has been in touch with another person who delegated.
The Gazette would love to talk to this woman: 905-462-1948
Ann Marsden, a woman who delegates to Council frequently is asking people whose homes were damaged by the July 15th flood to delegate at the Council meeting on August 7th and asking that they be given ten minutes to tell their story and ask questions.
Marsden feels very strongly that even at this date members of Council are not fully aware of what people are going through.
By Staff
July 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Build A Bowl/Friday Night Clay Date
This could be fun!
Thursday, August 1 and Friday, August 9
Art Gallery invites you to join them at their next Build A Bowl – Friday Night Clay Date. These beginner-friendly workshops offer a gentle hands-on introduction to pottery and make for a fun night out at the AGB –
Sign up for our next Build A Bowl on Thursday August 1, or join us for Friday Night Clay Date on August 9!
 Beginner-friendly workshop AGE: Adult
DAY: Friday
TIME: 6:30 – 9:30 pm
MEMBER COST: $60
NON-MEMBER COST: $65
INSTRUCTOR: Michelle Lynn
LOCATION: Onsite
Register HERE
By Staff
July 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The following came to us from a law firm that is one of the top five in the country:
On January 24, 2024, Kelby Carter and Alana Scotchmer of our Financial Services Group wrote about the federal government’s overhaul of the Criminal Code‘s criminal interest rate provisions. They noted that as part of the 2023 budget the federal government proposed several sweeping changes to the criminal interest rate rules, including:
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- Changing from an effective annual rate (EAR) to an annual percentage rate (APR) method of calculating criminal interest.
- Lowering the criminal interest rate from 45 percent APR (60 percent on an EAR basis) to 35 per cent APR.
- Capping the cost of payday loans (defined as “an advancement of money in exchange for a post-dated cheque, a pre-authorized debit or a future payment of a similar nature”) at $14 per $100 borrowed.
- Introducing several exemptions for commercial loans over $10,000.00 and for pawn loans.
The federal government proposed that these changes would take effect through a change to the wording of the Criminal Code itself, as well as through a new set of regulations called the Criminal Interest Rate Regulations. However, the federal government had not previously announced when these changes would come into force.
Announcement of effective date for rules
 As part of its 2024 budget, the federal government announced its intention to push forward with implementing the proposed changes to the Criminal Code’s criminal interest rate provisions. Accordingly, after a period of regulatory review and consultation the federal government has announced that the criminal interest rate changes will come into effect on January 1, 2025.
We expect that these measures will reduce uncertainty for lenders and increase access to more flexible loan structures for commercial borrowers (borrowers other than natural persons). Commercial borrowers and lenders will now be able to structure loans with up to a 48 per cent APR interest rate for loans between $10,000 and $500,000.00. Further, commercial loans over $500,000.00 will be able to be structured with no cap on the interest rate, allowing for more flexibility for commercial borrowers who may present a more difficult credit risk.
Budget 2024: Further efforts
Though the changes introduced in 2023 and coming into force in 2025 represent the Liberal government’s main efforts to adjust the criminal interest rate provisions of the Criminal Code, the government is not done with this topic yet. As part of its 2024 budget, the government announced further changes to the Code’s criminal interest rate provisions. In particular, the government has introduced the following material changes:
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- A new offence of “entering, offering to enter, or advertising an offer to enter” an agreement that provides for the receipt of interest at the criminal rate.
- The government has repealed section 347(7) of the Code, which required the attorney general to consent to any prosecution in respect of criminal interest rates.
- New definitions for “interest” and “credit advanced,” which incorporate language to capture the new “entering, offering to enter, or advertising an offer to enter” offence.
The federal government passed its 2024 budget on June 20, 2024. However, these changes will come into force on a date to be fixed by cabinet.
In its promotional materials for the budget the government described these changes as “empowering law enforcement” to “protect vulnerable Canadians from harmful illegal lenders.” The materials also note that the federal government intends to work with the provinces to consider other methods of fighting predatory lending, such as enhancing transparency, disclosure, and marketing practices for payday loans.
Lenders and borrowers will need to keep an eye out to watch for the effective date of the new “entering, offering to enter, or advertising an offer to enter” offence, and can expect that the federal and provincial governments will make more changes to interest rate and lending regulations in the future.
Summary
January 1, 2025 is the date the new changes to the criminal interest rate provisions of the Criminal Code come into force. Accordingly, lenders and borrowers of all stripes should be proactive in adjusting their documentation and policies to account for the new changes. Our team of financial services and lending professionals is ready to help with any questions you may have about the new changes and how they may affect your lending and borrowing practices.
By Staff
July 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington is starting its New Zoning Bylaw Project that will make it easier for residents planning home renovations, developers building new homes and businesses looking to open in Burlington. This updated zoning bylaw will:
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 be easy to use;- reflect modern zoning practices;
- streamline development review and approvals; and
- implement the objectives and policies of the new Official Plan (Burlington Official Plan, 2020).
This project will create a new Zoning Bylaw that will provide an updated set of rules for land use planning and development across Burlington.
Burlington’s new Zoning Bylaw will be done in phases. Phase 1 will focus on supporting more housing options in Burlington neighbourhoods. Residents are invited to take a quick survey until Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
Phase 1 – Residential Zones is part of an ongoing conversation about Burlington’s community housing needs and will support:
- Housing Strategy actions,
- Council’s direction to implement four units as-of-right and
- The Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan
The City’s Official Plan Amendment to Increase Housing Options is being worked on at the same time as the New Zoning Bylaw Project and will inform Phase 1 – Residential Zones. It will focus on using planning tools including the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw. These new policies and regulations will benefit current and future residents and get us closer to the vision for housing in Burlington.
City Council passed a resolution:
be it resolved that; Burlington City Council declare its intention to allow four units as-of-right
Staff was directed to engage with the community to implement four units as-of-right and the other actions identified in the Housing Strategy including implementing opportunities to increase the range of housing options available.
By Pepper Parr
July 24th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON.
I have written extensively on the difficulty in getting information from the politicians, City Hall and the Regional governments to keep the public informed.
We were aware of a report that listed the names of streets on which houses were flooded and the number of homes that were flooded; not the address of the homes – just the number of homes on the street.
The data in the report came from the information the Region collected through their 311 service.
The data wasn’t providing the actual address of the homes – just the number of homes on each street.
Over a period of five days we bantered back and forth with the Regional media people.
We managed to get some of the information from material ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman had sent out to his constituents (but not the Gazette) which had most of the information we were looking for.
Hours after publishing that data we got the following from the Region.
“Neighbourhoods who have been impacted by the recent floods continue to recover, and out of respect for their situations right now, we are not sharing impacted street information at this time.”
What a piece of crap: And we rely on these people to keep us fully informed?
Statements like this get approved at a higher level which at the Region would probably mean Jane McCaskill, the Chief Administration Officer . The decision not to make the data available might be for liability reasons – lawyers would want that information
Related news stories:
Withholding data.
Flooding very heavy in ward 3
By Pepper Parr
July 24th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Bromley Road resident Heather A send us an email asking why we were not publishing the notices sent out by all the Members of City Council
We had published much of what Councillor Kearns sent out because it had the most useful information.
Except for Councillor Stolte – we didn’t see anything from the other members of Council.
Mayor Meed Ward has forgotten we exist – except for the occasion she wanted to file a complaint and then she spent hours writing out an 11 page document that wasn’t submitted on time and was filled with errors. A graduate of Carleton University where she studied journalism and describes herself as a journalist who put forward a Motion at City Council affirming the rights of media – Meed Ward doesn’t walk her talk.
Heather sent us a list of the emails that were sent out by each Council member saying: “I am on the mailing list for all Councillors and the Mayor. Perhaps you would be interested in the newsletters sent out since July 15, 2024:
Shawna Stolte July 15 at 4:32pm
Paul Sharman July 16 at 5:11 am
 Councillor Kearns is the best Councillor at keeping people informed; Councillor Sharman is a little iffy at times.  Mayor July 16 at 5:02 pm
Paul Sharman July 16 at 6:04 pm
Paul Sharman July 17 at 2:00 pm
Lisa Kearns July 18 at 11:43 am
Paul Sharman July 18 at 12:09 pm
Shawna Stolte July 18 at 2.07
Nothing on this list from Galbraith, Nisan or Bentivegna.
We sent our email address to every member of Council, including the Mayor. Sometimes we get something – more often what the public gets doesn’t seem to get to us.
Material from Kearns, Stolte and sometimes Sharman do get through. We’ve not seen anything from Galbraith, Nisan and Bentivegna.
Somebody somewhere is playing with the names on the list. The most recent issue was the notice Stephen White got from Councillor Sharman – we didn’t get that. Link to that story is HERE. When we published that story we were not aware that Sharman did not include the Gazette in the list of people he distributed the information to.
 That the members of the current council feel they can get away with this is intolerable. They seem to have taken the view that shooting the messenger will work for them – that if the Gazette doesn’t know they, the municipal politicians, are safe.
By Staff
July 24th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
This was all we needed. And we can’t blame this one on anybody.
On July 23, 2024, Halton Region Public Health confirmed that a bat tested positive for rabies. The bat was found in a Central neighborhood, in Burlington. This is the first confirmed case of rabies in a bat in Halton Region this year.
Rabies is a viral disease that causes severe damage to the brain and spinal cord and, if untreated before symptoms appear, can lead to death. The virus is spread through the saliva of an infected animal such as a raccoon, skunk, bat, dog, fox, or other wild animal, usually through a bite or scratch. Rabies illness in humans can be prevented with a rabies vaccine, which is extremely effective, but only if it is administered before symptoms occur.
 Although rabies in bats is rare, bites from rabid bats have caused almost all human cases of rabies in Canada. Bats have small, needle-like teeth, and their bites easily go undetected. If you have been bitten, scratched or exposed to bat saliva, wash any wounds thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately. If your healthcare provider recommends that you receive the rabies vaccine, make sure to stick with the schedule, and not miss any doses or take them on the wrong day.
It is not always possible to identify if a bat has rabies, however rabid bats may move slowly, lose the ability to fly, remain active during daylight hours or be unresponsive to loud noises. If you find a bat in your home, do not attempt to move it and contact your local Animal Control Services.
To report a wild animal that you suspect may have rabies, follow the steps on ontario.ca/rabies.
Protect your family and pets from rabies:
- Know what to do when exposed to a bat or any other animal:
o Call animal control services. Do not touch dead or sick animals with bare hands.
o Collect the contact information of the animal’s owner/custodian where applicable (their name, address and phone number).
o Immediately wash all bite or scratch wounds with soap and water and seek medical attention.
o Report all animal bites or scratches to Halton Region Public Health by calling 311.
- Take other prevention and safety measures:
o Teach children to stay away from any wild, stray or aggressive animals.
o Do not touch, feed or move wildlife, including young, sick or injured animals.
o Avoid animals that are behaving strangely.
o If you find a stray animal, report it to your local Animal Control Services.
o Do not keep wild animals as pets.
o Make sure your pet’s rabies vaccinations are up to date.
o Keep your pet on a leash when off your property.
o Bring your pet to a veterinarian if it has come in contact with a bat or other wild animal.
o Animal-proof your home by filling any holes that could allow animals to enter.
For more information on rabies, visit halton.ca or contact Halton Region Public Health by calling 311.
By Pepper Parr
July 24th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
If you can figure out what was achieved when the “300 influential leaders” met at the 2024 Bay Area Economic Summit at the Royal Botanical Garden on June 25th; let us know.
 The Bay Area Economic Summit, that was a combination effort by the Burlington Economic Development, Hamilton Economic Development, The Burlington Chamber of Commerce and The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. They met at the Royal Botanical Gardens site for the one day event. The Premeir was a headline speaker.
“The Economic Summit focused on spotlighting our cities’ collective value, fostering collaboration and transformative actions that drive progress, innovation, and growth. This collective action creates an environment of growth and innovation and is crucial to accommodate our projected population growth and retain top talent in the face of global competition.
“We had the privilege of joining over 300 influential leaders from business, academia, government, and non-profit sectors, all converging to drive innovation and growth in the Hamilton & Burlington region.
 Premier Ford addressing “influential people” “The day started with Ontario Premier Doug Ford being our keynote speaker and kicking things off with a focus on moving Ontario forward with clean energy and supporting manufacturing in the province. Followed by two panel discussions as well as the mayoral fireside chat with Burlington mayor Marianne Meed Ward and Hamilton mayor Andrea Horwath.”
This is what happens when an organization reports on itself – no warts or wrinkles – everything squeaky clean – amount to pablum being fed to the public
 Some of the 300 influential leaders at the Bay Area Economic Summit.  Mayors Horvath and Meed Ward doing a Fireside Chat – not much in the way of flames.
By Jordan Linkletter
July 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
In today’s rapidly evolving digital age, manufacturers must leverage innovative digital marketing strategies to stay competitive and grow their businesses. The shift from traditional marketing methods to digital platforms has opened up a plethora of opportunities for manufacturers to connect with their target audiences, streamline operations, and enhance their brand presence. Here’s a comprehensive guide to mastering the digital landscape for manufacturers.
Understanding the Digital Landscape
 Being seen is critical – getting your name and your product is your objective. The digital landscape encompasses all online platforms and tools available to marketers, including websites, social media, email marketing, search engines, and digital advertising. For manufacturers, this means not only having a presence on these platforms but also understanding how to use them effectively to reach and engage their audience.
Developing a Robust Online Presence
A strong online presence starts with a professional, user-friendly website. Your website serves as the digital face of your company and should provide valuable information about your products, services, and company history digital marketing agency for small business. Ensure your website is optimized for search engines (SEO) to increase visibility. This involves using relevant keywords, creating high-quality content, and ensuring your site is mobile-friendly.
Leveraging Social Media
Social media platforms are powerful tools for manufacturers to connect with customers, industry partners, and influencers. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook allow you to share industry insights, company news, and engage with your audience in real-time. Develop a social media strategy that includes regular posting, engaging with followers, and using analytics to measure success.
Utilizing Email Marketing
Email marketing remains one of the most effective digital marketing strategies. For manufacturers, it’s an excellent way to keep in touch with customers, share updates, and promote new products. Personalize your emails and segment your audience to ensure your messages are relevant and engaging. Use email automation tools to streamline your campaigns and track performance metrics.
Implementing Content Marketing
Content marketing involves creating and sharing valuable content to attract and engage your target audience. For manufacturers, this could include blog posts, white papers, case studies, and videos. High-quality content not only positions your company as an industry leader but also improves your search engine rankings and drives traffic to your website.
 In the digital world there are all kinds of options. The challenge is to choose those that are most effective for you. Investing in Paid Advertising
Paid advertising, such as Google Ads and social media ads, can significantly boost your online visibility and reach. For manufacturers, targeted ads can help attract potential customers looking for specific products or services. Use analytics to monitor the performance of your ads and adjust your strategy accordingly to maximize ROI.
Embracing Video Marketing
Video content is increasingly popular and can be a highly effective way to showcase your products, explain complex processes, and tell your brand story. Create product demos, behind-the-scenes videos, and customer testimonials to engage your audience. Share these videos on your website, social media channels, and video platforms like YouTube.
Optimizing for Mobile
With more people accessing the internet via mobile devices, it’s crucial that your digital marketing strategies are mobile-friendly. Ensure your website is responsive and loads quickly on mobile devices. Optimize your content for mobile consumption and consider using mobile-specific marketing tactics such as SMS marketing and mobile ads.
Utilizing Data Analytics
Data analytics is essential for understanding the effectiveness of your digital marketing efforts. Use tools like Google Analytics to track website traffic, user behaviour, and conversion rates s.s marketing. Analyze this data to identify trends, measure the success of your campaigns, and make informed decisions to improve your strategies.
 Making it happen! Getting answers to important questions is the first step. Staying Ahead of Digital Trends
The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies and trends emerging regularly. Stay informed about the latest developments in digital marketing and be willing to adapt your strategies accordingly. Attend industry conferences, participate in webinars, and follow thought leaders to stay ahead of the curve.
Conclusion
Mastering the digital landscape is crucial for manufacturers looking to thrive in today’s competitive market. By developing a robust online presence, leveraging social media, utilizing email and content marketing, investing in paid advertising, embracing video marketing, optimizing for mobile, utilizing data analytics, and staying ahead of digital trends, manufacturers can effectively reach and engage their target audience, drive growth, and enhance their brand presence. Digital marketing offers endless opportunities for manufacturers willing to innovate and adapt. By implementing these strategies, you can position your company for long-term success in the digital age.
By Pepper Parr
July 24th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Why is it that the barn door gets closed when the horses are already out?
Message from city on social media:
City crews are continuing to clean out catch basin grates and culvert inlets as a result of last week’s storm. More rain is forecasted this week.
If you notice a blocked drain or inlet, call the City at 905-335-7777, and we will send out a crew to clear it.
 City sends staff out to clear a catch basin. Is there any reason why people can’t clean their own catch basins? You don’t have to be a rocket science to take a broom or a shovel and remove anything covering a catch basin.
 Clearing the catch basin isn’t very hard; a little tougher in the winter; make it part of clearing the side walk.  People have to take some responsibility for their own welfare and safety.
We tell people to change the batteries in their smoke alarms. Send out instructions to every household showing people with good graphics how to clear the drains.
Vancouver took an interesting approach to the catch basin problem. That city has 45,000 catch basins. They came up with a neat idea – they asked people to adopt their catch basins.
Burlington spends a lot of time and money baby-sitting its citizens.
How is that working so far?
By Pepper Parr
July 23rd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Sooner or later what they don’t want you to know comes to the surface.
Paul Sharman sent data out to some of the people in his ward ( we aren’t sure if everyone got it – if it was a newsletter – we didn’t get it)
A constituent made mention of the data and we asked where it came from.
Here is what Sharman made available:
 Sharman performs an important public service. What would appear to be clear from the data made available and the Sharman comments is that if sump pumps and back water valves are installed and the creeks are inspected regularly with everyone being vigilant in this endeavour much of what the people in the city are going through can be eliminated next time – and there will be a next time.
Why the Region and the City have been sitting on this data is a little clearer – we didn’t fully learn the lessons form the 2014 flood
 By Pepper Parr
July 23rd, 2024
BURLINGTON. ON
There is a report created by the Regional government using data that resulted from 311 calls.
In order to be considered for an Ex Gratia grant from the Region people were required to report the flooding to their residence.
The report has been distributed to some of the members of Council and we would assume to City Hall.
 The red blobs are locations where flooding took place We have been reaching out to a Regional media contact who has assured us that she will get it to us.
We reached out to the city to see if the Communications people could get us – they sent us back to the Region.
 Whenever information is withheld – you can bet more than your lunch money there is something they don’t want you to know.
The report is said to be a list of all the streets that experienced flooding along with the number of houses on each street that were flooded. Our understanding is that it is the number of houses and not the number of the house. So they can’t use privacy as an excuse.
Our sense is that the city doesn’t want the public to know where the flooding was concentrated because it might point to where there were failures on the part of either the city administration or the Regional administration – maybe both.
 Ward 3 experienced the most flooding – much of it the result of failures to clear grates at the end of culverts. Information always gets out. What surprises us a little is that the Region has already let the public know where the flooding took place. Admittedly the data provided is at a macro level – not at a micro street by street level.
When they withhold information – you might want to withhold your breath.
In the meantime local business people are helping out every way they can. One hospitality organization gave a person we would rather not name a big bunch of gift cards and asked that they be handed out.
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July 15 or July 16, 2024 weather event and was reported by you to 311;
