By Pepper Parr

May 21^st, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

There were two delegation on the Nelson Quarry this morning. Gord Pinard representing Conserving Our Rural Ecosystems (CORE); an incorporated public interest group with 1200 active supporters, that has been opposed to the Quarry.

Gord Pinard representing Conserving Our Rural Ecosystems (CORE)

Pinard was speaking to a Motion that had been put forward and send the province a resolution asking that the province stop the Nelson aggregate expansion plans once and for all

He was there to share some additional information “that we will we hope will help to secure your support for this resolution.”

“There is a long list of technical issues that are the basis for the case being adjudicated at the Ontario Land Tribunal. And we sincerely appreciate the City of Burlington.

Unfortunately, the Ontario land Tribunal has no mechanism to stop Nelson from making future applications for this expansion after this one is denied.  Despite the unanimous Joint Board decision in 2012, denying the application for this reason CORE Burlington is supportive of a Niagara Escarpment plan amendment to expand the already existing designations of escarpment, natural and escarpment protection, which would prevent future applications for extraction.

A project of this magnitude requires a much more robust assessment than that provided in the application studies. Limiting the study areas to just the license boundaries, as was done in the Nelson studies does not adequately assess the impacts.  Identifying natural heritage features is tough work, and it requires technical expertise, dedication, perseverance, and a will to find these features. We’ve talked about the Jefferson salamanders previously, their elusive nature and the narrow window when they can be found in breeding ponds. It’s easy to miss the window or to look in the wrong ponds and conclude that they don’t exist.

But in Mt Nemo, we know they exist; three new regulated habitats were recently added because of the perseverance of CORE Burlington and our technical experts. But the story is bigger than just Jefferson salamanders, the ecologist retained by CORE Burlington continue to find information not included in the Nelson studies.

You can find all kinds of Jefferson Salamanders if you look in the right ponds at the right time.

They found new and expanded provincially significant wetlands and woodlands. They found more habitats confirmed and potential and more species than were reported in the Nelson studies. The bottom line is that the ecologists are finding provincially significant areas of natural and scientific interest. One of the criteria for re designation to escarpment natural and escarpment protection and the more they look, the more they find.

Pinard: “We’ve talked about the Jefferson salamanders previously, their elusive nature makes it difficult to track where they are and what they are doing. But they are there..

In Milton and 2020 Premier Ford made a commitment to government for the people. And he said if the community doesn’t want it and the city council doesn’t want it, it won’t happen. Well in Burlington the community doesn’t want the Nelson quarry expansion City Council’s voted against it. So it’s time to make sure it doesn’t happen.

On May 2, Zee Hameed was elected as the new MPP for Milton. In his previous role as a regional Councillor, he voted against the Nelson expansion and during his campaign, when he met with us he committed to stop the Nelson expansion.

Your motion asking the province of Ontario to protect Mt Nemo and stop the Nelson aggregate expansion plans once and for all is a powerful message of support to the community.

Councillor Nisan asked: Do you have any other requests from us beyond this after we approve this.

Pinard said: “This quarry expansion does not just affect the people who are neighbours of the quarry. It affects all of Burlington, the people who use the area, it’s the air quality, it’s the water; and we think it is important to bring additional voices to the conversation to raise their awareness and ask for their support.

During the Council debate it was pointed out that a 60 day hearing is planned for the Nelson aggregate issue and as as the delegates have said quite eloquently today, the Premier said if people don’t want these, they don’t have to have them. Well, it’s not just the people it’s really the environment that’s calling for this. This is Niagara Escarpment land.

The Resolution was a request for the province of Ontario to deny Nelson aggregates expansion into Mount Nemo.  The Council vote was unanimous.

By Pepper Parr

May 21st, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

City Council meetings tend to be quick, to the point and done within half an hour.

Today wasn’t that different except when Mayor Meed Ward turned to the Recognitions and Achievements part of the agenda saying:

“I am so proud to extend my deepest gratitude and admiration on behalf of all of Council and staff and the community to the extraordinary individuals whose swift and courageous actions led to the successful rescues of three individuals in distress at three of our local pools. in moments of crisis.

Those who were involved at the rescues at three different swimming pool locations were asked to stand.

“It is the selflessness and bravery of individuals that truly shine and I’m immensely proud to acknowledge the exceptional efforts of our staff and citizens who rose to the occasion with unwavering resolve to our dedicated pool staff many of whom are here with us today. Your professionalism and quick response undoubtedly saved lives. Your commitment to ensuring the safety and well being of all patrons is commendable and deeply appreciated your decisive actions in administering CPR defibrillation and first aid and initiating rescue protocols are a testament to your unwavering commitment to safety. And to the team members who extended their support to the pool staff following the rescues your assistance in assuring ensuring the well being of our staff is deeply appreciated. Furthermore, extend my heartfelt heartfelt gratitude to the citizens including two paramedics who demonstrated remarkable courage and compassion in assisting with these rescues.

“Your willingness to lend a hand in a moment of crisis embodies the spirit of our community. And serves as an inspiring example to all of us. On behalf of my colleagues on Burlington city council, city staff and all residents in Burlington. I extend my sincerest thanks to each and every individual involved. Your actions exemplify the best of our community. And I’m profoundly grateful for your contributions to keeping our city safe.

At that point there was going to be the Mother of all photo ops.  It was a squueze – but they made it happen,

There was hardly enough room for everyone involved to squeeze into thje space available – but they made it work.

The gentleman standing was one of the people saved by the fast action of people on the scene.

Fire Chief Karen Roach made a really important point: spoke reflecting on the importance of remaining vigilant and proactive in promoting water safety. Learn to swim, learn CPR and First Aid.  It is through continued education, preparedness and cooperation that we can work together to ensure that the well being of all who visit our pools are safe. Whether through accidents or unexpected medical issues visitors to our pools we can enjoy their time knowing that they are in good hands. Our jobs as emergency responders are a lot easier when we know that there are highly trained and prepared staff on scene ready to jump in into action before we even arrive.

On behalf of everyone at the Burlington Fire Department. Well done. Congratulations and thank you to all of you.

By Scot Armstrong

May 21st, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

Despite Burlington only being, according to a 2021 census, Canada’s 28th biggest city, many top-class Canuck sporting heroes from several sporting codes hail from within its borders. Although the City hasn’t any professional sports teams, it is a sporting hub for many aspiring young athletes seeking to break into the big leagues.

As a result of Burlington’s sporting tradition of nurturing potential future stars and supporting its home-grown talent as they establish their careers within pro sporting circles is unquestioned. This support includes wagering on these sports stars and their teams through the best sports betting sites Canada offers.

With Ontario being a pathfinder in Canada’s online gambling landscape, Burlington natives were some of the first to experience the country’s now-thriving regulated sports betting industry, which allows for wagering in a variety of betting markets, with online payments quick and easy to carry out through a wide-ranging selection of traditional methods.

As Betting Expert Neil Roarty of BestSportsBetting Canada explains: “The most popular traditional accepted payment methods at Canadian bookmakers are Interac, Instadebit, iDebit, Visa and MasterCard. Those options have always been available at grey market betting sites, and they are also available at the locally regulated new betting sites that have launched in Ontario over the past year. You should be able to use them for instant deposits and quick withdrawals, with no fees charged.”

As a result, Burlington residents can use these quick and efficient payment methods to back their favorite sporting sons, daughters, and the teams they represent without any fuss. Let’s look at three Burlingtonites who have done the city proud in their chosen professional sporting codes after breaking through as youngsters born and bred in the City.

The drive to lead can almost be felt in this thrilling photograph.

We’ll start with Mark Oldershaw, who has distinguished himself as one of Canada’s top sprint canoeists.  Born into a family with deep roots in the sport, Oldershaw is a third-generation Canadian Olympic canoeist and the fifth family member to participate in an Olympic Games.

Mark became the first member of his family to win an Olympic medal when he claimed bronze in the C-1 1000m event at the 2012 London Games, adding two further third places at the Duisburg World Championships the following year. With these medals, Mark Oldershaw has earned a position as one of Burlington’s most celebrated athletes.

Melanie Booth debuted for the Canadian Women’s National Soccer team at 17 years old and progressed to earn 65 caps for her country. In 2007, she represented Canada at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in China before earning selection to the Olympic squad that won the bronze medal at the 2012 London Games.

Domestically, Melanie represented the Ottawa Fury, the Toronto Inferno, and Sky Blue FC, among others. However, it was her defensive prowess and leadership within the Canadian National team that stood out and has formed the inspiration for aspiring soccer players in Burlington and beyond.

Despite his underdeveloped frame as a teenager, Josh Anderson displayed the tenacity to earn selection to the junior ice hockey side, the London Knights’ roster in 2011/12. The following year, he was drafted by the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, signing a three-year contract. Despite incessant injuries, Anderson rallied to help the Blue Jackets to its first Stanley Cup second-round appearance in franchise history in 2018/19.

Josh Anderson – watching the puck.

Following a 2020 trade to the Montreal Canadiens, the now-191 cm right winger earned the moniker “Powerhouse” due to his ability to perform in “big” games. Still on the Canadiens’ roster, Josh has represented the franchise 268 times while also earning ten Canadian international caps. Through all of his trials and tribulations on the ice, Josh Anderson has tasted success and served as a role model for Burlington youth to succeed despite any perceived limitations.

Many other Burlington natives are instantly familiar in Canadian professional sporting circles, drawing support from the City’s fans and sports bettors alike. Burlington’s tradition as a breeding ground for some of Canada’s best looks set to continue long into the country’s sporting future.

By Pepper Parr

May 21^st, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

When the popularity, the general public support for a politician begins to slide; when the people who were ardent supporters walk away – it is time to reconsider the strategy to bring those supporters back into the fold.

Victory was sweet – it always is on election day. The challenge is to solidify the support and grow it.

Marianne Meed Ward was elected she was representing the very serious concerns that people had about the kind of development that was taking place in the downtown core.  Her election also represented a change from a City Council that made her life extremely difficult.  At the time Councillors Craven and Sharman actually colluded to prevent her from insisting that Council be transparent and accountable.

Today Councillor Sharman is the strongest supporter Meed Ward has on a council that is seriously fractured.

Based on information from people involved in her campaigns the followers fall into three categories:

1. 1. 1. completely disillusioned and in vocal opposition
      2. still supportive, or
      3. have not disclosed

These are people who contributed a great deal of time and effort, some contributing financially as well.

The list we were given had 30 names, we were advised that there were at least another 25 names.

Of those in the Continue to be in Support category six – (20%).

Undisclosed: 2 of 30 or 7%

Disillusioned and Opposed 22 of 30 or 73%

Inner Team Disposition

 Still Support – 3 of 10 or 30%

Opposed – 7 of 10 or 70%

A rather shocking result,.

Names, not even initials are being shown.  There are those who have experienced the backlash when you cross Meed Ward.

Marianne Meed Ward being sworn in as Mayor the first time

What is it that is behind this shift in support from a group of people who worked hard to elect Marianne as Mayor?  One reader said: “… she alienates all supporters every time.  Look at her own council of former allies!  She always needs a new team, new staff, had nobody after two terms of council on side to come to city hall with her – hadn’t done any networking?

It’s like she’s a professional campaigner and that’s still all she is.  Can’t lead and can’t work with anyone.  Those of us who believed in her and her message turned when we saw it wasn’t true and when she turned nasty on Shawna (Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte) after complaining of being a victim of nasty behaviour by her former colleagues.  That was really it for me.  And the litany of broken promises. Totally opposite of what she always used to say she stood for. “ That 14 minute rant was stunning – that a Mayor would make time while attending the graduation of her daughter to make the comments she made was more than many could take.

By Pepper Parr

May 20^th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

Council held a Special Council meeting last week. It was a CLOSED meeting and one of the shortest on record.

It was to receive a report on Burlington Enterprises Inc., which is part of the Burlington Hydro operation.

There was no detail on just what the organization does other than it is part of Burlington Hydro.

Burlington hydro has one shareholder – that is the City of Burlington.

The CLOSED meeting approved the following:

All by-laws, resolutions, contracts, proceedings, elections and appointments, enacted, passed, made or taken by the shareholders, directors or officers of the Corporation, at any time since the completion of the last fiscal year of the Corporation (hereinafter collectively called “the corporate proceedings”) as the same are set forth or referred to in the minutes of the shareholders and directors for the Corporation and in the other records of the corporate proceedings, and all acts and proceedings taken by the directors, officers, agents or employees of the Corporation under the authority of or pursuant to any of the corporate proceedings be and the same are hereby ratified and confirmed with the effect stated in such corporate proceedings; and insofar as any such corporate proceeding shall not have been validly enacted, passed, sanctioned, confirmed, authorized or made, the same is hereby for greater certainty enacted, passed, sanctioned, confirmed, authorized or made, with retroactive effect, and in all other respects with the effect stated in the minutes and records of the Corporation.

The firm of KPMG LLP be hereby appointed to serve as the Corporation’s auditors until a replacement is selected and appointed by the Shareholder at remuneration to be determined by the directors.

There are five directors including Mayor Meed Ward and City Manager Hassaan Basit

Burlington Hydro Operations Room. Burlington also managed the Milton Hydro operations.

The only thing we recall Burlington Hydro doing was paying the fees for Mayor Meed Ward to attend an Institute of Corporate Directors course at the McMaster University DeGroote School of Business where Meed Ward earned the ICD designation; which she includes on just about every media she sends out.

In order to maintain the designation a holder must  be a current member in good standing of the Institute of Corporate Directors and to commit to a minimum of 14 hours of ongoing governance education annually.

When the Gazette first inquired as to who paid for the education we were told that it was a private matter – turns out Burlington Enterprises cover the coast which is understood to be in excess of $20,000.

These courses are designed by the Institute of Corporate Directors and delivered by several top ranked universities.

Burlington Hydro meetings are not open to the public.

There was something Council didn’t want the public to know.

We did learn that Burlington Enterprises decided to continue with the same auditor.

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Sharman; Mayor said she was taking a family member to a hospital appointment.

There is much more behind that statement than a “hospital appointment”.

By Pepper Parr

May 18th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

The increase in rental prices has done unimaginable damage to individuals and the economy of the country. We can’t roll back the stupid mistakes that were made by the federal and provincial governments. And we are currently living with problems that the municipal sector can’t deal with. Storey an online publication that serves the property markets and doesn’t appear to be a friend of the Premier of Ontario, which is surprising – the two – property and the Premier, are often joined at the hip.  The following was published by Storey.

Written by Zakiya Kassam the article draws heavily on data from Urbanation and Rentals.ca – the people doing the best data collection we have been able to find.

Average Canadian Rent Has Shot Up 32% Since ‘Pandemic Low’

In his analysis of the latest data, Urbanation President Shaun Hildebrand remarks that “the rental market in Canada has become increasingly fragmented, with expensive cities seeing rents soften and affordable markets experiencing a continued rapid escalation.”

Average Canadian rent continued to chug steadily upwards last month — something we’ve more or less come to expect from the segment as would-be homeowners hold out for interest rate cuts, leaving the rental market to soak up that demand.

According to the latest national rent report from Rentals.ca and Urbanation, the monthly asking average across all residential property types clocked in at $2,188 in April, marking a ‘near-record high,’ as well as a 9.3% increase year over year and a 0.3% uptick month over month. The month-over-month increase in particular represented “the first monthly increase in rents since January 2024.”

“However, rents were down slightly by 0.4% over the past three months, illustrating an ongoing moderation in rent growth following the sharp acceleration that occurred during the spring and summer of 2023,” Friday’s report also says.

Still, when you compare April 2024 to the “COVID-19 low” of April 2021, Canadian rent has shot up by a staggering 32%, or by an additional $526 per month.

The report highlights that there was significant nuance between average purpose-built rental and condo rents, with the former spiking 13.1% to $2,124, and the latter edging up just 3.8% to $2,331.

With affordability still remarkably pressed across the country — thank you so much, inflation — it was the smaller and (relatively) more affordable units that saw the greatest price appreciation in April. Namely: purpose-built studios, rents for which saw a steep, 17.2% rise to an average of $1,575.

Rental Market “Increasingly Fragmented”

In his analysis of Friday’s data, Urbanation President Shaun Hildebrand remarks that “the rental market in Canada has become increasingly fragmented, with expensive cities seeing rents soften and affordable markets experiencing a continued rapid escalation.” (This is something Hildebrand has drawn attention to in past reports as well.)

“Without a sufficient supply response, those affordable markets are at risk of quickly becoming unaffordable, leaving renters nowhere to turn,” Hildebrand adds.

As Hildebrand alludes to, average asking rents for apartments continued to slip in April in Canada’s major rental markets: Toronto and Vancouver.

In Toronto, rents fell 2.3% year over year and 0.9% month over month to an average of $2,757, continuing a trend that began in September 2023. In a similar fashion, rents in Vancouver dipped 7.8% year over year and 0.4% month over month to an average of $2,982.

“Apartment rents in Toronto have declined 5.4% from their peak in November 2023 ($2,913), while Vancouver rents have fallen 10.7% since reaching their high in July 2023 ($3,340),” the report also notes.

Meanwhile in Edmonton — a major Canadian city that has historically been known to be affordable for renters — rents surged 13.3% annually to an average of $1,507. In Calgary, the annual pace of rent growth clocked in at 8.6%, putting the average rate at $2,089. In Ottawa and Montreal, rents were up 2.5% and 8.6%, respectively, in the month.

Similar trends were observed on the roommate rent front last month, with Toronto seeing a 5% year-over-year decline for shared accommodations, putting the average at $1,269. In Vancouver, those same two metrics came in at 1% and $1,450, respectively. By comparison, roommate rents in Calgary jumped up 10%, while Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal saw increases of 8%, 3%, and 3% year over year.

Nonetheless, asking rents for shared accommodations managed a 9% annual uptick across the four provinces tracked for this type of rental — Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec — to an average of $996 per month.

By Staff

May 17th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

Lisa Kearns has made it to the big screen.

Kearns on TV – Sound of music is a BIG deal

A spot on the CHCH TV red couch that has been taken up by Mayor Meed Ward much of the time has now featured Kearns who was there to exude what the Sound of Music means to the city.

The interesting news was that there is a free shuttle bus service from the Burlington Centre (formerly the Mall) parking lot to downtown Burlington.

More on the shuttle service:

School buses will be used to transport people

Shuttle Stops: 

Hudson’s Bay @ Burlington Centre 777 Guelph Ln. 

Downtown Burlington @ Lakeshore Rd. & Elizabeth St.

Free transportation, free event – all this has put Burlington on a national map as the site of the largest music festival in the country.  And it got Kearns on TV

Expect to see more of that as Kearns, currently the Councillor for ward 2, positions herself for a run as Mayor of the city – you heard it hear first.

By Staff

May17th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

The City of Burlington’s updated draft Community Engagement Charter is now ready for review before being finalized.

The team heading up this project report that they have used public feedback on the original Charter to create this draft and that they have engaged with a variety of groups and individuals.

City staff, Members of Council, community groups, local businesses, Council appointed Committees, faith-based groups, youth, newcomers and past members of the Charter Action Team have been involved.

Citizens have an opportunity to review some of the proposed changes or updates based on what we heard before reviewing the draft document.

Public Engagement Opportunities

There will be three in-person public sessions and one online session.

Session 1: Tuesday, June 4, Burlington Seniors’ Centre, 2285 New St. 7 to 9 p.m. register

Session 2: Tuesday, June 11, Tansley Woods Community Centre, 1996 Itabashi Way, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. register

Session 3: Wednesday, June 12. Online. 7 to 9 p.m. register

Session 4: Wednesday, June 19, Tansley Woods Community Centre, 1996 Itabashi Way, 7 to 9 p.m.  All are welcomed; however, this session is in partnership with the Halton Multicultural Council (HMC). HMC will provide translation services for anyone who requests the service. Anyone registering for this session will be asked which language they would prefer. register

Check out the quick poll and tell us what word (Resident, Citizen or Community Member) should be used in the Engagement Charter and Framework.

During the engagement, we heard a lot of great ideas on how to make engagement better in Burlington. Take a quick survey and tell us your top 5 ideas you think the City should consider.

By Staff

May 16th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

After losing their Executive Director  Food4Kids Halton put together a search team and have found the person they believe will lead the organization very effectively.

Jennifer Sully-Ferraro appointed Executive Director of Food4 Kids

Jennifer Sully-Ferraro brings to the role over 15 years of leadership experience in the non-profit sector, focused on addressing poverty and homelessness. She has been instrumental in building partnerships across community groups, governmental agencies, and private sector entities to foster innovative solutions and impactful programs.

“Jennifer’s commitment to social change and her proven track record in non-profit leadership will be invaluable to Food4Kids Halton as we continue our mission to fight child hunger,” said Terri-Lynn Puckerin, Chair of the Board. “Her innovative approach and ability to unite various stakeholders will enhance our efforts to provide accessible, nutritious food to children across our region.”

Sully-Ferraro has been the Senior Director of Programs and Client Care at Evangel Hall Mission for the past eight years. Before that, she was the assistant director of The Open Door. Jennifer is a graduate of McMaster University and holds an MA in Public Policy and Administration from Toronto Metropolitan University. She is the 2023 recipient of the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association’s Sybil Frenette Award for Outstanding Leadership.

“Food is a human right and I’m thrilled to join Food4Kids Halton and contribute to the great work that is already being done. Ensuring that every child has access to nutritious food is not just a job—it’s a commitment to fostering healthier futures,” Sully-Ferraro stated regarding her new role. “We know that food insecurity is becoming a reality faced by more and more families every day, and filling the gap when schools are closed is a vital role.”

As Executive Director, Sully-Ferraro aims to expand the reach and deepen the impact of Food4Kids Halton, ensuring that no child in the region goes hungry.

About Food4Kids Halton:
Food4Kids Halton provides packages of healthy food for elementary school students with limited or no access to food each weekend and throughout the summer. Last year, Food4KidsHalton distributed more than 41,000 food packages to over 1,000 children at 100 schools in Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville. A Food4Kids bag typically contains breakfast, lunch and snacks for the weekend consisting of fruits, vegetables, bread and other ready to eat easy open products. Our work is made possible by collaborating with schools, volunteers, and community partners. Food4Kids Halton is one of six Chapters across Ontario supporting more than 4,000 children. Visit www.food4kidshalton.ca.