 By Staff
February 6th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
After overwhelmingly positive feedback from last year’s initiative, Pam Damoff, MP for Oakville North-Burlington has announced the launching the Young Women in Leadership program for the second year in a row during the week of April 9-13, 2018.
 Pam Damoff, Member of Parliament for Oakville North Burlington. The program will offer young women in Halton an opportunity to job-shadow in a local business, agency, organization, or government. Damoff is seeking local businesses and organizations, as well as young women currently in high school, pursuing post-secondary education or just starting out in their careers, to participate in this year’s program.
 The Damoff Women in leadership class of 2017. Work experiences are a critical component of preparing youth for transition to adulthood. The need for a career shadow initiative for young women came out of a roundtable on women’s empowerment that I hosted on International Women’s Day in 2016. The goals of the Young Women in Leadership Program are to support young women in:
• developing an understanding of different occupations in order to make informed career choices
• increasing knowledge of specific occupational skills and workplace settings
• gaining career readiness skills, including the “soft skills” that employers look for in entry level workers
• building confidence in professional environments
The program will require commitment of one day throughout the week of April 9-13. Those interested in participating this year as a mentor, please contact the Program Coordinator, Elexa Stevenson, at pam.damoff.a3@parl.gc.ca or call the Damoff office at 613-992-1338.
If you are interested in participating this year as a mentee, please fill out this Google form. Please indicate your interest by March 16, 2018 at the latest.
 By Staff
February 6th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington is the new owner of 390 Brant St., known as Sims Square, becoming the building’s landlord and preserving key office space in downtown Burlington.
The city has been leasing space at 390 Brant St. for employee use since 2005. The city uses 21,736 square feet of the building, which is one third of the building’s leasable floor space, to house four city departments and project teams.
 The property was once a city park. City operations at 390 Brant St. include the Finance, Legal and Human Resources departments as well as some services from Capital Works and Parks and Recreation, including Festivals and Events.
The six-storey building has 61,000 square feet, a surface parking lot and underground parking.
The city will maintain the current tenants and contracts to ensure seamless operation of 390 Brant St. All existing leases in the building will remain in place with few changes to the current operation of the building.
Mary Lou Tanner, Deputy City Manager said: “Buying the building and property at 390 Brant St. positions the city to ensure that existing office tenants are maintained and that quality space continues to be available for future employment generation in the downtown.
The purchase of 390 Brant St., 17.5 million is considered a strategic acquisition. Possession took place on February 5, 2018. It will protect office use in downtown Burlington and will be a financially sustainable investment for the City of Burlington.”
The location was once a city park.
The city is committed to creating and maintaining a vibrant and active downtown with a healthy economy that includes office space.
 The building to the north is now the Queen’s Head – can anyone read the name on the hotel on the pictre? The building to the south is now Wendel Clark’s – the property in between the two was once owned by the city and used as a park – sold in the 1980’s for the construction of an office tower. The city sold the Sims Square property in the 1980s to help create office space in the downtown.
The city will manage and operate Sims Square as a distinct business unit separate from City Hall operations.
Councillor Jack Dennison has been pressing the city to buy the building for years – arguing that the amount paid in rent would have paid for the building years ago.
The city media release said the purchase “preserves key office space” – was there ever a chance that the build would be demolished? The closing date was a scant five days after the city council approved the purchase of the property.
 By Staff
February 5th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Police investigating suspected arson a Downtown Burlington Tim Horton’s have identified the two suspects sought in connection with this investigation.
 $600,000 estimated damage Both suspects have been arrested; one was released unconditionally after it was determined he was not involved with setting the fire.
The second male, Travis Donald PEDDLE (33-yrs) of Burlington was released on a Promise to Appear in Milton Court on March 7th 2018 charged with arson and fail to comply with probation.
Damage estimates are now in excess of $600,000.00
The fire was observed shortly before 2:30 AM on January 25th. Halton Regional Police and Burlington Fire Department responded to a fire call at the Tim Horton’s located at 601 Brant Street in Burlington.
The fire which originated in an exterior garbage can was extinguished but not before causing damage to the front of the building and smoke damage inside.
The investigation revealed that at approximately 1:47 AM, two suspects attended the front of the Tim Horton’s which was closed at the time. One of the suspects was observed on video surveillance tampering with the garbage can briefly before both continued to walk away. Within minutes, a large volume of smoke could be seen coming out of the same garbage bin and continued to burn and spread until eventually it was noticed by a passerby who then called 911.
Anyone with additional information regarding this arson is asked to contact Detective Constable Jacques Brunelle of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2334. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca
 By Staff
February 5th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
ECoB has announced a Municipal Election Candidate Workshop that will be held at Tansley Woods on Thursday February 22nd – starting at 7 pm
 ECoB – Engaged Citizens of Burlington – has done a lot of the early heavy lifting to raise public interest in what city council is doing. A small group – the real change makers always start out as small groups in church basements, they are still open to accepting volunteers.
There are a number of people, three we believe, that will be looking to oust Ward 3 Councillor John Taylor from his 20 year plus perch around the horseshoe.
 Councillor John Taylor All three are male; all are keeping their powder dry for the moment. All three are commendable. In the past the ward has produced some pretty pathetic candidates.
The three men are each worth serious consideration.
Pity is that the talent they offer is all in the one ward.
There is a potential candidate in ward 1 – she is going to need some coaxing – she too would bring a new look to that ward.
 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward Ward 2 has at least two strong potentials – they are waiting until the current Councillor Marianne Meed Ward makes it official and announces that she will be running for Mayor.
Wards 4 and 5 could well be headed for acclamation. Dennison will be very hard to beat, he is part of the geography. Ward 5 produced the current Mayor and the announced candidate for Mayor, Mike Wallace. No new talent has surfaced – yet. That well seems to have gone dry.
 Councillor Blair Lancaster Ward 6 has a very strong potential candidate who has served the city very well in the past. In private conversations she has expressed interest.
 Ward 4 – Jack Dennison is part of the geography.  Councillor Paul Sharman This could turn out to be a very interesting municipal election.
And of course there is the election of school board trustees – there is just one assured of a return to the School Board. Amy Collard has earned the right to be acclaimed again.
 By Staff
February 4th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
City Hall is inviting the public to share their thoughts and ideas about what would improve cycling in Burlington.
The feedback will be used to help shape the city’s new Cycling Plan which will guide the future of cycling infrastructure in the city.
Burlington is at a unique time in its history. In the past, growth has meant the development of new neighbourhoods but growth in the future looks very different for Burlington because our city has very little room left for traditional suburban-type development.
 Cycling as the city seems to want to portray it. Is it a realistic picture? Instead of growing out, Burlington City Council has made the decision to grow up and intensify in key urban areas. This direction, approved through the city’s Strategic Plan in April 2016, will enable Burlington to curb sprawl, protect the rural area and make efficient use of land and infrastructure.
The 2016 Census data shows Burlington grew by 7,535 people between 2011 and 2016 – a 4.3% overall growth rate. The provincial Places to Grow policy 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.
As the city plans for future population growth with documents like the proposed new Official Plan and Mobility Hubs, it must also plan for how people will move through the city.
Over the last 30 years, Burlington’s transportation network has accommodated growth by building more roadways. This strategy is no longer sustainable. The city does not have the space to build new roadways and the financial cost to maintain a larger network of roads is significant.
A 21st century city is built around a different transportation model, one designed to provide people of all ages and abilities with more travel choices for things like walking, transit and cycling.
Burlington’s Cycling Plan was last updated in 2009. Since that time, the following cycling investments have been made:
Implementation of over 200 kilometers of on-road and off-road cycling infrastructure
 Four metre-wide multi-use paths paved along hydro corridors
The New Street Pilot Project was an experiment to reduce road capacity and add on-road buffered bike lanes.
That idea didn’t work out; after considerable public reaction the city decided to abandon that initiative. What city hall learned was that is was going to have to be much more transparent when new initiatives are being brought forward.
Among current initiatives are:
Consideration given to include cycling facilities as part of all new road reconstruction projects with a preference for implementing on-road bike lanes
The use of bright green pavement markings at major intersections to clearly mark cycling lanes.
The new Cycling Plan will build on these successes and recommend new programs and policies that seek to provide safe, comfortable, and convenient routes for cyclists of all ages and abilities.
How do people feel about the use of bicycles. The graphic represents where public opinion was in 2009. Has it moved very much?
The Cycling Plan is now on the public engagement phase – gathering feedback that will be used to help shape the Cycling Plan.
What is confusing is the disparity between what city hall tells the public and what people see on the street. The city uses a photograph of a relatively young person on a bike in the winter.  At the same time city hall and all the members of council tell the public that Burlington is becoming a city of seniors and that the seniors population is where the population growth is taking palace.
 This citizen isn’t smiling. Was she one of the hundreds that were basically locked in their homes during the five days of heavy winter weather because streets were not cleared? Those seniors are for the most part not going to be riding bicycles. Pushing walkers is what we will see on the streets,
Opportunities to participate are available through an online survey open until Feb. 23, 2018.
https://luraconsulting.mysocialpinpoint.com/citythatcycles#/
There will be a series of Drop-In events throughout the community.
Staff will be showing up all over the city seeking input and reaction.
Monday, Feb. 5, 6:30 – 9 a.m. – Nelson Recreation Centre,
Friday, Feb. 9 6 – 8 a.m. Appleby GO Station,
Friday, Feb. 9 – 4 – 7 p.m. Mountainside Community Centre,
Tuesday, Feb. 13 – 7 – 9:30 a.m. – Tansley Woods Community Centre,
Wednesday, Feb. 14 – 6 – 8 a.m. – Aldershot GO Station,
Wednesday, Feb. 14 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Brant Hills Community Centre,
Saturday, Feb. 17 – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mainway Recreation Centre
The number of Drop In events is impressive. These began at the end of January – six have taken place so far.
What the city has to learn is just how the public views the use of bicycles – are they a form of family exercise and part of the recreational plan or are they a form of transportation that will replace the car and at times be used instead of public transit.
The city has budgeted funds for where a cycling bridge over the QEW could best be located.
The Gazette is aware of one business person who keeps her bicycle in her office and uses it for short trips in the downtown core. You are not going to see this lady biking to Hamilton.
 How heavily are the bike tacks on buses being used? The extent of bicycle use the public is prepared to live with is the issue – hopefully city hall will not come up with any surprises. The information gathering has to follow the education part – a major shift is going to take place in the way people get around their communities – the car has been the mode of choice for the past three or four decades – that is going to change and the public will have to understand why.
Failure to do that will see another uproar that will equal the reaction to the 23 storey high rise opposite city hall and the plan to turn New Street into a road that would have few lanes for cars and lanes on either side of the road for bicycles.
City Cycling Plan – 2009
The New street Road Diet kerfuffle.
By Pepper Parr
February 4th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Mike Quackenbush, understood to be running for a seat on city council, brought to our attention a map in a Metrolinx Baseline Monitoring Report dated September 2013 that has a Mobility Hub in downtown Burlington.
The report however doesn’t show a hub for Appleby or Aldershot Go stations – it does include Burlington GO as a hub.
 Mobility hubs – province wide The 2013 map shows just two hubs for Burlington – one of which is downtown. Given the rate at which things are moving – it is difficult to keep track of it all. What is clear however is that at one point there was going to be a mobility hub in downtown Burlington.
The Gazette doesn’t recall this being discussed at city council meetings.
 What is interesting is that there is no one council member on top of the mobility hub issue. During the early Strategic Plan meetings in 2015, it sounded as if Aldershot was going to be where the first hub would be developed. The ADI Group plans for Station West had a significant development taking place.
 Three of the five tower project are well underway – the one on the left will see residents moving in during 2018. The Paradigm on Fairview was beginning to get underway. Appleby was a long way off.
The former Director of Planning had just come on board and getting a feel for the department she was responsible for.
Shortly after being appointed Director a decision was made to start the Official Plan from scratch and give up on the idea of doing a re-write. That meant a significant shift in the thinking going on within the Planning department.
The going back to square one brought all kinds of ideas to the surface, the biggest of which was the new tag line for the message being sent out to the public – the planners got good public input on using the tag line Grow Bold – and bold they were.
Once the Planners got into thinking through how they wanted to craft the new Official Plan there was all kinds of hiring going on, significant increases to the base budget – $500,000 – for additional staff and community workshops that left little time for a real life for those who took an active interest in civic affairs.
It became evident that the planners were some distance ahead of the public which brought out more than 30 delegations asking the city to slow down and let the public get caught up.
 City council decided not to defer the approving of the plans for the Downtown Core setting out the battle lines for the municipal election that will take place at the end of October.
Related content.
Resident asks: How does the Downtown Mobility hub fit into the provincial plan?
 By Staff
February 5th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Martin Amis, one of Britain’s most influential writers for over forty years, is not only a brilliant satirist but an outstanding critic and essayist will be in Burlington on February 21, 7pm., Shoreline Room in The Art Gallery of Burlington.
 Martin Amis Mr. Amis visits Burlington to present his newest book The Rub of Time, a collection of wittily diverse essays showcasing his caustic, insightful intelligence.
His novel Time’s Arrow was a finalist for the Man Booker Prize; and Money: A Suicide Note won acclaim from both Time Magazine and The Guardian, cited by both as one of the best 100 novels written in English.
Leading the conversation with Mr. Amis is Richard Crouse, canny and irreverent author, broadcaster and film critic, long-time cinema correspondent for Canada AM, CTV NewsChannel and CP24.
Sponsored by The Different Drummer, Tickets are $10. Please contact us at (905) 639 0925 or diffdrum@mac.com to reserve.
By Staff
February 4th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
On January 25, 2018 8:15 PM, Bob Wilson, a Burlington resident had questions and concerns about the planned Mobility hub for the Downtown core and the hub planned for the Burlington GO station. He sent in a question to Mailbox, Grow Bold, the city site where people could ask questions.
To: Mailbox, Grow Bold; Subject: Downtown Mobility Hub
“What changes are happening to the downtown core that will make the Mobility Hub there a viable traffic network hub for all the intensification that planners are encouraging there as opposed to north Brant which already has a network hub of size and scale in the form of the GO/VIA station?”
Phil Caldwell, Senior Planner, Mobility Hubs replied on Jan 30, 2018 3:17 PM
“Hi Bob,
“Thank you for your question.
“Metrolinx’s identification of areas as Mobility Hubs is intended to not only recognize areas with significant existing transit infrastructure and service, such as the Burlington GO station, but also to recognize areas which should be a focus for future planned transit improvements. As a key growth area for the City and Region and a location with major government and public services, Downtown Burlington is recognized as an area which should be a focus for future transit planning.
 Some residents question the creation of a mobility hub on the downtown core. “At the Provincial level, Metrolinx recently released a draft of their new Regional Transportation Plan which identifies future Provincial transit projects and improvements which are being planned up to 2041. This document identifies various projects which are intended to improve transit service in Downtown and throughout Burlington and the Region. This document can be viewed here: https://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/collections/draft-plan (a word search of ‘Burlington’ may help you find the most relevant sections of the plan with respect to your question).
“At the City, there are a few initiatives underway with respect to future transit planning in the Downtown:
“Firstly, the City’s proposed New Official Plan has introduced a new ‘Frequent Transit Corridor’ concept which identifies key corridors in the City which will be prioritized for frequent transit service in the future. Corridors leading into and out of Downtown, including Brant St, Maple Ave and New St are identified as Frequent Transit Corridors.
“A link to the proposed New Official Plan is provided here: https://www.burlington.ca/en/services-for-you/Official-Plan-Review.asp (note Schedule B-2 of the Plan contains the Long-Term Frequent Transit Corridor Mapping).
 There was a time when a much larger bus termial existed 25 yards to the left of this small terminal onm John Street – it was where people met. There were fewer cars, Burlington didn’t have the wealth then that it has now. We were a smaller city, as much rural as suburban. The times have changed and transit now needs to change as well. “Secondly, the City is currently developing an Area Specific Plan (also referred to as a Secondary Plan) specifically for the Downtown. Amongst many things, the plan is looking at a variety of transportation matters in the Downtown, including identifying ways to further promote and facilitate expanded transit use in the Downtown. Work on this is currently on-going. You can find out more about this project at www.Burlington.ca/mobilityhubs
“I hope this helps answer your question. If you have any other questions please let me know.”
Bob Wilson responded on Feb 4, 2018 5:29 AM
“Thank you for the information.
Unfortunately, this did not answer my question on the Downtown Mobility Hub.
“The Metrolinx document makes no reference to downtown Burlington.
“Secondly, identifying routes is not my question. My question was about planned actions, not taxonomy.
“I am very concerned. Grow Bold appears to be a self-fulfilling prophecy regarding downtown development, without justification. Given the Official Plan (OP) policy of downtown intensification and the Provincial per hectare target, I would have expected an answer that outlines the infrastructure investment planned for the downtown hub.
“The Province has committed to investment to provincial and regional transit hubs and express corridors. The OP does not align with that, but instead makes s dangerous distracted focus to a Downtown that already lacks the infrastructure to support the growth.
“That is not “good planning”.
In a comment to the Gazette Wilson said: “City Planners have not thought this one out. Not only is the planned downtown intensification changing the character of the Downtown, (an area that should have a vision statement just like the greenfield areas have), but it lacks a complementary plan for the hub itself. This is in direct conflict with Metrolinx plans for GO station hubs and rapid transit corridors.
 “Attached is what Metrolinx has stated hubs should achieve. City is nowhere close to that. Why are we being pushed towards a future commitment for the downtown that not only is not budgeted for, but would spend taxpayer dollars at the municipal level in direct competition to how taxpayer dollars are being invested by regional and provincial transportation authorities?
“Who is forcing this? It serves no objective other than that of private sector condo developers. Is that who runs City Hall?”
 By Staff
February 4th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
There is a marked improvement on the quality of the snow removal being done by the city.
 Reporting on what has been done and where problems exist are much better and when there is a problem the city moves very quickly to resolve the problem.
Snow Update: February 4, 2018 11:00pm
Salters are currently out across the city.
Sidewalk salting will begin overnight.
Staff will continue to monitor road and weather conditions.
By Pepper Parr
February 3rd, 2018
BURLINGTON ON
It is beginning to look like the little engine that could.
 ECoB – Engaged Citizens of Burlington was formed in December to oppose the way the city approved the construction of a 23 storey tower opposite city hall.
They took on the city and the way it had approved the construction and made it known that they will appeal the city decision to the Ontario Municipal Board once the Planning department tells council that all the side issues – Section 37 benefits and site plan approvals have been completed.
Until that point there isn’t really anything ECoB can appeal.
 ECoB public meeting to set out what they wanted to see from the city on changes to the downtown core. The organization has always said they were more than a one issue operation. They might be small – and they are looking for more volunteers who can help with spreading their wings into all six wards of the city.
The have announced the holding of a Municipal Election Workshop, on Thursday, February 22nd from 7-9 pm at Tansley Woods Community Centre, 1996 Itabashi Way .
 Lisa Kierns, early member of ECoB ECoB has reached out to seasoned politicians and campaign managers to lead the workshops. Different speakers and material will be presented to help decide if running for office is right for anyone who has an interest.
The Workshop will include the distribution of information on how to organize an election campaign, whether or not they have run before.
The overall purpose of the workshop is to help all potential candidates be successful, and to encourage volunteers to come and learn how they can effectively support the candidate of their choice. We believe strongly in the democratic process.
 First open public meeting – good turn out – but it was clear they needed more bench strength. ECoB is demonstrating best practice and developing the workshop based on information from the Ontario government’s site and also using a variation of Democracy Kit’s self assessment guide,
The list of facilitators will be made public as they get closer to the event date.
Today they would like you to SAVE THE DATE and keep up to date with developments on the ECoB web site.
If you have questions – here is the contact point.
Website.
Facebook page
Background links:
Ontario government’s site
Democracy Kit’s self assessment guide
By Staff
February 3, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
 Detective Constable Jodi Richmond , Regional Police liaison with Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers has a tag line that goes: “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers.
It seems to be working.
Shortly after 4:00 PM today, the Halton Police responded to a home on Bluffs Way in Burlington for a report of a suspicious vehicle – a 2016 black Honda Civic.
Investigation determined the vehicle was stolen from another region. Officers searched the area but unfortunately, no suspect(s) were apprehended. The vehicle has been recovered.
This is how communities are kept safe.
Anyone with information regarding this incident asked to contact Detective Bale at 905-825-4747 ext. 2316. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca
By Staff
February 3rd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Tim Caddigan had a sit down with the Mayor as part of the State of the City address given by Rick Goldring.
Tim is Senior Director of Programming and Community Relations at Cogeco Cable; his role was to do an abbreviated interview with the Mayor after he had given an address that was all facts and figures. Everything was upbeat – we didn’t have any problems, which isn’t the way a number of people in the downtown core see things.
Caddigan’s role was to reveal a part of the Mayor we don’t often see. He did this by asking questions in a rapid fire approach.
How do you address traffic? Not simple.
Strongest personal trait? I listen.
 Mt Nemo Must see in Burlington? Mt Nemo and the Pier.
Careful with this one Your Worship – Best artist the city has produced? Pause; Cheryl. (His wife who is an accomplished artist.)
Best Mayors the city has had? Walter Mulkewich and Rob McIssaac
Best hockey team? The Habs
Type of car you like? Sports cars
 Mayor Goldring picking up donations in the Santa Claus parade. Kind of movie you prefer? Action movies
Cats or dogs? Cats
Chores you are best at? Cheryl does the chores.
Food preferences? Mexican, I’m not a fan of pasta.
Songs you like best? Moody Blues their ride my see saw.
The best fun experience as Mayor? When the grade 5 class visits city hall. They ask all kinds of questions; do I have a chauffeur, do I have a body guard.
Current book he is reading? Can’t remember the title – it’s on mediation.
Clothing that matters to you? My running shoes.
The childhood memory? A jacket he got with the crests of the six original NHL teams.
That is your Mayor – probably the closest look the public has had of the man and the values that make him who he is today.
By Staff
February 3rd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
An update on that Thursday bank robbery on Dundas.
This is going to be a tough one to solve – the three robbers wore masks and were heavily disguised.
The Scotiabank branch located at 4519 Dundas Street in Burlington was robbed at approximately 7:50 pm on Thursday.
 Suspects 1 and 2. Three male suspects entered the bank and approached the tellers. One of the suspects brandished a handgun, while the other two assaulted the tellers and demanded money. The bank employees complied and the suspects made off with an undisclosed amount of monies.
 Suspect 3 The suspects fled the bank and were last observed running Southbound towards Dundas Street.
A handgun was observed during the robbery and two bank employees suffered minor injuries.
This is going to be a tough one – with weapons involved our police officers are at significant risk.
Anyone with information regarding this robbery is asked to contact Detective Phil Vandenbeukel of Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Robbery Team at 905-825-4747 ext 2343. Tips can be forwarded to Crime Stoppers; “See Something, Hear Something, Say Something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.crimestoppers.ca or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
February 2nd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Regional Police Service arrested a male on January 30, 2018 in connection with child pornography and sexual assault-related offences.
 Tyler LEACH (33) of Oakville has been charged with:
• two counts of possession of child pornography;
• one count of distribution of child pornography;
• four counts of making child pornography;
• two counts of sexual assault; and
• two counts of sexual interference.
The offences are alleged to have occurred in the City of Hamilton and the Town of Oakville between June 2017 and January 2018.
The accused was held for bail and was remanded in custody with another court appearance on February 2, 2018, Milton Court.
These investigations have been funded and made possible through a grant from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.
Anyone with related information is asked to contact Detective Todd Martin of the Halton Regional Police Service, Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit at (905) 825-4747 ext. 8983.
 By Ray Rivers
February 2nd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
What could be more conservative than Doug Ford announcing his candidacy for the leadership of the provincial party, live and direct from his mother’s basement? It’s called family values and if the Fords are anything, they are family. Doug’s father, also a Doug, was an MPP under the great Mike Harris, so Doug Jr. comes to his politics honestly.
 Doug Ford in his mother’s basement announcing his candidacy Much as Justin Trudeau did, Mr. Ford is seeking to fulfill his destiny, ascending to the lofty political top rung which is his divine right. The divine right of the political elites. This is not new – it is how we practice what we like to call western democracy.
 Ivanka Trump – Rivers sees her as a future US presidential candidate South of the border there are the Bush boys, Ron and Rand Paul, the Kennedy clan and now the Donald Drumpf dynasty with Ivanka Trump lining up to become the first woman president of that country.
Back in the great white north we made Paul Martin’s son, also Paul, our 21st PM. Jack Layton’s great-granduncle, William Steeves, was a Father of Confederation. His grandfather Gilbert was a Quebec cabinet minister, his father Robert was a federal cabinet minister, his son Mike is a Toronto Councillor and his widow, Olivia Chow, was a companion MP and an also-ran just behind Doug Ford in the last election for mayor of Canada’s largest city.
Dominic Leblanc followed his father Romeo into the federal House. Then there is John Clement and his stepson Tony. Joe and his son Robert Ghiz were PEI premiers. Quebec’s premiering Daniel Johnson was succeeded by sons, Pierre-Marc and Daniel. Of course there was David and Stephen Lewis; James and Peter Lougheed; Elmer and Peter MacKay; Ernest and Preston Manning; Harry and Robert Nixon; Grant and Rachel Notley; and Jim, David and Tim Peterson, and their sister Deb Matthews.
 Christine Elliot, came in second when Patrick Brown won the PC leadership. More relevant to the PC leadership race there was the husband and wife team of Jim Flaherty and Christine Elliot. Elliot got her comeuppance running for leadership last time and was beaten by the now disgraced Patrick Brown – though there is still suspicion about how he won. And while the particulars of Brown’s departure are still pretty much of a mystery, it’s looking more and more like an inside job. Somebody or a lot of somebodies wanted him out.
No sooner had Brown left the building but his party president Rick Dykstra was also shown the door – something to do with sexual misadventures during his time with the federal party. And that has dragged the federal Tories into this mess as well.
 Caroline Mulroney – no political experience; with a name like that does she need it? Caroline Mulroney is at least a new face. And the sins of the father are not necessarily those of the daughter. But anyone who read Stevie Cameron’s ‘On The Take’ will be swallowing hard before voting for her just because of that name. Mulroney may have been a success in the business world but she can’t help but come across as an opportunistic carpet bagger, and hardly the savior to restore respectability to a party heavily mired in scandal and in-fighting.
Doug Ford was the first candidate out of the gate. Despite his own royal blood, he claims to want to represent the real Tories, the grass roots crowd – as opposed to the elites. But it really depends on how one defines elites. He may not be the brightest star in Tory heaven but nobody should count him out. He ran a close second to John Tory in the last mayoralty race, losing by only 60,000 votes in a very competitive race.
His brother Rob was loved by his followers and Doug was his puppet master, except for the crazy drug and alcohol-induced incidents, which Rob needed no help in orchestrating all on his own. So Doug can count on the full support of ‘Ford Nation’ in this race. And he knows a thing or two about business, successfully operating and expanding the label company his father started and bequeathed him.
And his entrepreneurial acumen runs deep into his more youthful days when he was reportedly a major player in Toronto’s drug scene. And that is exactly the kind of experience this province needs as it prepares to introduce legalized marijuana to the public. He might even still have his list of contacts and suppliers, who knows? He has been accused of hanging out with some pretty unsavoury criminal characters as well – hey but friends are friends.
Ford continues to deny this part of his history despite all the evidence the media has uncovered about his past as a hash supplier, and we’re not talking corned beef. But today Doug, like his brother before him, preaches law and order, tough love for all the criminals and crooks. He comes from the Mike Harris school of cutting taxes for the wealthy, privatizing public services, gutting social services, and cutting red tape.
Elliot and Mulroney have just announced they too are in the race. There may be a couple more wannabe’s announcing before the February 16th deadline and that will make it an even more interesting and exciting donkey race. But the voting will be by over before March 10th when the new PC leader will be announced.
 When the Tories have figured out who is going to lead them in the June 7th provincial election – this is the candidate they are going to have to beat. Ford has also announced that he is dropping his bid to run again in this year’s municipal elections against John Tory. And that makes sense since running against Tory, a former leader of the Ontario Tory party – and with a name like that to boot – would be strategically unwise. He doesn’t need to alienate any more conservatives than he already has.
Even so, it’s unlikely John Tory will be doing much to support him in the leadership race or even in the provincial election should he become leader. Hearing how Ford had announced his candidacy, Tory couldn’t resist quipping that he’d love to follow the Ford method of announcing his own candidacy, but his Mom lives in an apartment.
 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:
Canadian Political Families – Doug Ford – Dykstra –
On the Take – More Ford – Even More Ford –
Even More of Ford – Ford Family History – Defence of Ford’s History –
Ford’s Basement –
By Staff
February 2, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Eighty-seven new independent and large grocery stores in communities across Ontario will be authorized to sell beer and cider in April 2018.
 Burlington has three locations – two Walmart locations, 4515 Dundas St. and 2065 Fairview St. and Longo Brothers Fruit Markets at 2900 Walker’s Line.
Grocers selling beer, cider or wine must have designated sales areas and standard hours of sale, abide by limitations on package size and alcohol content, and meet staffing and social responsibility training requirements.
By Staff
February 2, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
During his address to the Burlington business community where he delivered his eight State of the City speech Mayor Rick Goldring said he read in a publication titled “Intensification: what it is and what it promises”. The document was on the Neptis Foundation website.
 Mayor explains intensification at a public meeting. “Intensification is promoted as a way to achieve several benefits.
“First, if population growth can be accommodated at higher densities, or within existing urban areas, or both, less Greenfield land will be required for new housing.
“Second, research shows that when density increases beyond a certain level, automobile use declines in favour of transit, walking and cycling.
“Third, where surplus infrastructure capacity exists in urbanized areas, adding more people to these areas make more efficient use of public urban infrastructure such as water and sewer pipes, as well as soft infrastructures including schools and social services.
“In short, development in already urbanized areas plays to the city’s strengths rather than spreading its resources over an ever-wider territory.”
Is it really that simple?
One of the ideas that came out of the Mayor’s Reverse Town Hall was to have a “character” study done on the downtown core.
 Indian Point was a mish mash of different built forms with the community divided on what they wanted the community to look like. They were never able to agree on what should be permitted but the study did show what existed and what was worth saving. The studies have been done for Roseland and Indian Point. The Roseland study was seen as a success because residents had a lot of input that they felt was listened to and heard.
There is an opportunity for the downtown residents, the Core Group would be ideal, to press the city to have a character study done which would become part of the criteria that developers have to meet.
Waiting for the Planning department to pick this up is not an effective route to take.
Delegate to Council and convince a Council member to put forward a Staff Direction.
The simplistic explanation the Mayor picked up is part of what got the city on the mess it is in.
By Staff
February 2, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The provincial government will provide the Halton Board of Education with approximately $10.9 million to renovate and provide additions to Nelson High School and approximately $4.5 million to renovate and provide additions to M.M. Robinson High School in Burlington.
This work will equip the schools with additional program spaces to improve the learning experience for students. These enhancements will accommodate the new school communities that will be coming together as a result of the Burlington Secondary School Program and Accommodation Review (PAR).
 Stuart Miller, Director of Education for the Board said: “Specifically, this funding will ensure an improved learning environment for students transitioning into new spaces. Our integration committees have been key to coordinating this important transition for Burlington students. This process is being led by our experienced staff, with input and support from dedicated parents.”
Design plans for the renovations and additions to M.M. Robinson High School and Nelson High School will be shared for community input in Spring 2018.
The Board has a commitment to implement the decisions made as a result of the Burlington Secondary School Program and Accommodation Review (PAR). Updates and current developments in the implementation process of the PAR can be viewed on the Board website (www.hdsb.ca) by searching “PAR Implementation”.
 Andréa Grebenc, Chair of the Halton District School Board conferring with Director of Education Stewart Miller In addition, the Ministry of Education will provide the Board with a total of approximately $32 million to build a new elementary school in southwest Milton (Milton SW #11) and a new elementary school in northeast Oakville (Oakville NE #2). A total of approximately $4.5 million will be provided to build a new five-room child care centre for the new elementary school in northeast Oakville and the new elementary school in southwest Milton.
Andréa Grebenc, Chair of the Halton District School Board said: “We are grateful to the Ministry of Education for their ongoing support to improve the learning environments for our students. This investment in our schools will help us support student achievement and well-being.”
By Staff
February 2nd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
On Thursday, February 01, 2018 the Scotiabank located at 4519 Dundas Street in Burlington was robbed.
 At approximately 7:50 pm, three male suspects entered the bank and approached the tellers. One of the suspects brandished a handgun, while the other two assaulted the tellers and demanded money. The bank employees complied and the suspects made off with an undisclosed amount of monies.
The suspects fled the bank and were last observed running Southbound towards Dundas Street.
A handgun was observed during the robbery and two bank employees suffered minor injuries.
Anyone with information regarding this robbery is asked to contact Detective Phil Vandenbeukel of Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Robbery Team at 905-825-4747 ext 2343. Tips can be forwarded to Crime Stoppers; “See Something, Hear Something, Say Something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.crimestoppers.ca or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Staff
February 2nd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board is holding an engagement survey: Have Your Say.
 From February 5th through to March 9th, 2018, parents/guardians with children in the Halton District School Board, students, staff and Halton community members are invited to complete the survey on line.
The Have Your Say survey will provide the Board with feedback regarding the goals and targets in the Halton District School Board’s Multi-Year Plan (2016-2020). Participation in the survey will help the Board identify opportunities to improve schools, with a focus on student achievement and well-being.
The survey will be available starting Monday, February 5, 2018 at www.HaveYourSayHDSB.ca, or via the Board’s website at www.hdsb.ca. The survey is available in six languages: Arabic, English, Hindi, Mandarin, Punjabi, and Urdu.
“With your feedback, we can help guide meaningful change to improve student learning, well-being and success,” says Stuart Miller, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. “We are committed to engaging our community and building relationships so we can continually improve the educational experience for all students. Our goal is to ensure each and every one of our students is able to pursue the pathway of their choice.”
The Have Your Say survey is completely anonymous. Individual responses will be grouped together for analysis.
The Halton District School Board is committed to sharing the results of this engagement survey with the community. A summary of the information collected will be shared with stakeholders by June 2018.
This data continues to support school and system improvement planning. If you have any questions about the survey, contact Terri Blackwell, Superintendent of Education, at 905-335-3665, ext. 3409 or via email: blackwellt@hdsb.ca.
If you have any difficulties accessing the survey or require technical assistance, contact support@engagementhq.com.
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