 By Staff
March 27th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Good Morning. I’m Gary Scobie and I appreciate the opportunity to delegate to Council on this important motion.
 It is now obvious to me and many other citizens that we should have paid more attention to what was being offered to our Mayor and why. Living in a democratic country, citizens often take democracy as a given, as something no one would or should take away from us or the people who represent us in government. When the Strong Mayor Powers were offered to many municipalities of mid-range populations in Ontario last summer, most citizens of Burlington put our trust in our local Council to weigh the pros and cons of accepting these powers. We weren’t all sure what these powers entailed and when our Council unanimously approved the Strong Mayor Powers I think I speak for many citizens that we assumed the details had been competently vetted by all Council members and there was unanimous consent that they were useful to have in certain situations and not particularly dangerous to democracy and the rule of the majority.
 Scobie: “This is the time to take a stand for democracy in our City” It is now obvious to me and many other citizens that we should have paid more attention to what was being offered to our Mayor and why. The coverage at the time seemed to centre on the Provincial desire to speed up the building of homes in cities and towns.
It is now also obvious that this Council has experienced these Powers in action for seven months and that the majority of Council now has grave doubts as to the efficacy, effectiveness and use of some Powers. Three Councilors have brought a motion today to Council titled “Improving Local Democracy by Strengthening City Decision-Making” with support from a fourth Councilor, thus a majority.
The details of the Powers that can be delegated back to Council by the Mayor are in the Motion. The request is simple: Restore these powers to the Council as a whole in order to preserve total Council consideration of matters that should be under its jurisdiction, not concentrated in one person only, the Mayor of Burlington. A dangerous precedent has been set in the broadness of the Strong Mayor Powers in a municipality. Some of the Powers can be delegated by the Mayor back to the Council and Mayors in some of the other municipalities with these Powers have already done so, fearing the same over-step of democracy that can lead to dark places now and darker places in the future. With democracy in many places and levels in Canada and the world under siege, this is the time to take a stand for democracy in our City and within our Province and country. It is not the time to strengthen autocracy.
Our Council is at a fracture point, early in the second year of a four year term of office. This fracture cannot be allowed to become a total break. It must be repaired carefully so that citizens can have confidence in our representatives going forward, and it must be done today.
I am here to show there is indeed citizen support for this motion and implore our elected representatives to debate this issue today and pass this motion unanimously. Once passed, I ask our Mayor to graciously agree to the restoration of the rights to Council for this term of office. Anything short of that will only lead to a breakdown of faith in our Council by the citizens of Burlington.
By Pepper Parr
March 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
We got the following from Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan who said:
 “The restoration of majority rule on staff decisions will go a long way to improving democratic accountability at city hall.” At today’s Special Council Meeting, City Council unanimously voted to request that the mayor delegate the strong mayor powers that can be delegated according to the Ontario Municipal Act. These include the hiring and firing of the city manager being delegated to council, where the power was before the imposition of strong mayor powers. Similarly, the power to hire and fire management staff at the city is requested to be delegated to the city manager.
“I brought this motion forward, along with councillors Galbraith and Stolte, because the strong mayor powers are clearly anti-democratic and a cause of dysfunction at the city.
“The mayor has said that she does not need these powers, so I am hopeful they will be delegated expeditiously in order to restore council to its high functioning status and provide a stable atmosphere at the city.
“We are a strong council making significant progress for Burlington, but the community survey showed some gaps in accountability for council. The restoration of majority rule on staff decisions will go a long way to improving democratic accountability at city hall.
“I was elected to make decisions at the council table, not to receive them. I’m accountable to the 4988 residents who voted in my ward in 2022 and everyone who resides in Ward 3.”
What Councillor could have said is: I was elected to make decisions for the residents of my ward (even though I no longer live in the ward) at the council table, not to receive them. I’m accountable to the 4988 residents who voted in my ward in 2022 (I have since moved out of the ward) and everyone who resides in Ward 3.
Nisan has never said publicly why he chose to move out of the ward and to the best of our knowledge there is nothing on the record on why he moved. Strong democrats tend to be transparent and accountable.
By Staff
March 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
I welcome any conversation about democracy, governance and how council can continue to work together in a collaborative and consultative way.
 Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward I welcome Council to make any requests of me they feel are important, and support Council in making this request. That is why I voted in favour of the motion that was approved unanimously by Council today. I will take the time to give it the thoughtful consideration it deserves. Council has requested I respond by the April 16 Council meeting, which I will do.
It is truly unfortunate there has been misinformation, speculation, rumour and fear mongering out in the community. I will do my best to focus on the facts — what has changed and what hasn’t.
Council was briefed on the new powers, including the ability to delegate some of them. We have been governing together in this new context for eight months now.
Council still advances the business of the city by motion and majority vote. That hasn’t changed. You will see that at every committee and council meeting. Our democratic process remains strong — in fact, this year to date, Council has unanimously approved 61 motions at our meetings including this one today.
Transparency and accountability haven’t changed. All Mayoral Decisions are posted on the city’s website – that is required by legislation. Please read them to see what has been done, not what rumour, speculation or implication would suggest. There have been 17 in total, to date — the majority of which were required to approve decisions made at Council. This will continue to be required, so you will continue to see these. Here is the full list:
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- To appoint a City Manager (Council was included in the process);
- To approve bylaws at the 12, 2023 Council (actions council’s decisions);
- Confidential 9;
- To approve bylaws at the 16, 2023 Council (actions council’s decisions);
- To approve bylaws at the 12, 2023 Council (actions council’s decisions);
- To shorten the 10-day period for Mayoral Veto of amendments to the budget (there was no veto exercised; budget approved by council);
- To approve bylaws at the 28, 2023 Council (actions council’s decisions);
- To approve bylaws at the 14, 2023 Council (actions council’s decisions);
- To approve bylaws at the 2, 2023 Council (action’s council’s decisions);
- To establish standing committee chairs;
- To establish committee structure options (voted on by council);
- To approve bylaws at the Oct 17, 2023 Council (actions council’s decisions);
- To approve bylaws at the 5, 2023 Council (actions council’s decisions);
- To approve bylaws at the 26, 2023 Council (actions council’s decisions);
- Direction to draft the 2024 Budget (required under provincial legislation);
- To approve bylaws at the 14, 2023 Council (actions council’s decisions); and
- To approve bylaws at the July 11, 2023 Council (action’s council’s decisions).
City Hall’s structure hasn’t changed. The City Manager is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the city, by bylaw. Staff report to the City Manager, and the City Manager reports through committee and council.
The Mayor has always had unique roles and responsibilities under the Municipal Act, even before the new legislation. The Mayor is the “Head of Council” and “CEO” of the corporation, and the only one elected across the city. That hasn’t changed.
The recent legislation assigns additional responsibilities and duties exclusively to the Mayor. This represents a change from what we are used to.
Some of these can be delegated. It has struck me as being politically performative to delegate, as these can also be undelegated at any time. It seems to me to be more transparent and accountable to openly acknowledge the powers and duties are there and determine how we will continue to govern in a collaborative, democratic way in this new context. I believe Council has been doing that over the past 8 months in this new context, and I have no concerns we will continue to do that.
Most of these new duties cannot be delegated. They are not optional, nor was there an ability to “opt out.” Municipalities who accepted a housing pledge – that Burlington Council unanimously did in March 2023 – got them in July 2023. We accepted the pledge for all the right reasons; we did not know the Province’s strong mayor powers would be tied to the pledge. You can read my statement on the legislation when it was first introduced here: Statement from Burlington Mayor Meed Ward on Province Expanding Strong Mayor Powers to Additional Municipalities.
Each Mayor has responded based on their determination of what’s best for their community, some have delegated all, some none, and some partial, but in doing so provided additional guidelines. I will take the time to be equally thoughtful.
Though some duties can be offloaded by delegation, accountability cannot be offloaded.
I am accountable to the city and the people of Burlington to fulfill the roles assigned to me. We all are accountable – not just every four years at the ballot box, but every single day we hold these roles. Our community will be the judge of how we work together to fulfill our responsibilities in this new context.
My track record of collaboration is clear, and my focus remains on serving in the best interests of our community – building a strong city together with a high quality of life for our residents for the next seven generations.
Related news story:
Mayor stiffs her Council again.
 By Pepper Parr
March 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The decision as to what at least four members of City Council wanted the Mayor to do concerning the Strong Mayor powers she holds got put off to the next Committee of the Whole on April 16th – what members of Council really got was the Mayor’s middle finger.
Rory Nisan made it clear where he was coming from: “I was elected to make decisions at the council table not to receive those decisions and I’m accountable as well. I’m accountable to those people.”
 Councillor Shawna Stolte pressing Mayor Meed Ward for an answer. Councillor Stolte: then said: “I had wanted to wait until after your comments to be able to ask a question that I will ask – you indicated during your comments that you will give strong consideration to the request that is before you today and I would like to assume that you have taken the opportunity over the last 10 days to give serious consideration to this request. So my question to you is will you, based on majority of Council and multiple delegates, be willing to give a clear response and answer today.
Mayor Meed Ward. My answer is that I do welcome council to make requests of me and I will give it the thoughtful consideration that it deserves.
Stolte: Sorry for clarity, so not a response today though?
 Mayor Meed Ward stuck to her story: will give it the thoughtful consideration that it deserves. It requires additional thought. Mayor Meed Ward: “ That is my response today and I will give it more thought and more to come.
Stolte: Sorry, I guess I’m not being clear a response to the request to delegate. Your answer is what I’m asking for.
Mayor Meed Ward: “ I welcome council to make any requests that they wish to make of me and I will give it the thoughtful consideration that it deserves. It requires additional thought.
Stolte: “ I’d like to put forward a motion of our amendment. I gave the wording to the Clerk ahead of time not being sure whether this would be put on the floor.
Stolte?”It’s a simple amendment. That’s a motion to request the mayor to provide a clear and concrete decision on motion memorandum for improving local democracy by strengthening city decision making by the next council meeting on April 16 2024.
Councillor Kearns seconds the Motion and then speaks to it.
“I will put on my deputy mayor hat for engagement and whatever else it is, and say that this is directly in response to the community engagement that we have heard quite loudly in fact, and fairly unanimously. I’ve yet to receive anything in my inbox or in the written delegations or in the verbal delegations to say that this doesn’t seem to be the direction that the community wants to go in. So if we have those folks out there, happy to hear from you.
“But what I have heard from so far today, and what I actually know from a number of significant conversations that I hold in deep confidence, and I think everyone who has been, you know, quite open around this. This quite simply is just not working. And the sooner we move to a decision on this clear and concrete decision, I was hopeful that we would get a unanimous decision on the motion that was presented, but we are not there.
“We can at least put some timelines around it and you heard my questions to the city solicitor asking for options around the timing. With the wording called request. We cannot compel, direct, or command anything.
With that they vote on the Motion; (Place cursor over type for larger image)
Councillor Galbraith – support.
Councillor Kearns – support
Councillor Nissan – support.
Councillor Stolte – support
Counsellor Sharman – support
Counsellor Bentavegna – support
Mayor Meed Ward – support
 By Damon Wild
March 27th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
eSports, or competitive video gaming, have become a global phenomenon, attracting millions of fans, players, and sponsors. eSports are not only a form of entertainment, but also a lucrative industry, with revenues expected to reach $1.6 billion by 2024. eSports are also a cultural and social force, creating communities, identities, and careers for many people. But how did eSports reach this level of popularity and influence? What are the factors that have contributed to their growth and success? In this article, we will explore the history and evolution of eSports, and the main drivers that have brought them to this point.
The History and Evolution of eSports
 65,000 fans piled into the arena a few months ago to see the world’s greatest esports stars face off, they found Barclays transformed into a palace of cutting-edge technology. The fascinating journey of eSports traces back to the era of the 1970s and 1980s, a time when arcade games and home consoles started captivating the masses. It was during this period that the inaugural recorded video game showdown took place in 1972 at Stanford University, where eager students battled it out in the iconic Spacewar! game for the coveted prize of a year’s subscription to Rolling Stone magazine. As the gaming fever escalated, the stage was set for the grand spectacle known as the Space Invaders Championship in 1980, drawing in a staggering crowd of over 10,000 participants from across the United States. This marked the inception of what would later evolve into the eSports phenomenon.
The subsequent decades, spanning from the 1990s to the early 2000s, witnessed a pivotal shift with the emergence of PC gaming and the advent of online connectivity, heralding a new era of competitive gaming. Leading the charge was the Internet Gaming Zone, making its debut in 1996 and playing host to iconic titles like Quake, StarCraft, and Age of Empires. Among the milestones of this era was the groundbreaking Red Annihilation tournament of 1997, where 2000 contenders clashed in Quake for the ultimate prize—a gleaming Ferrari. Simultaneously, the Cyberathlete Professional League (CPL) emerged in 1997 as a beacon of competitive gaming, organising prestigious tournaments for fan-favourite titles like Counter-Strike, Unreal Tournament, and Halo.
Fast forward to the changing world of the 2010s and beyond, and eSports has transcended its niche roots to become a global phenomenon, propelled by the meteoric rise of streaming platforms, social media, and mobile gaming. The advent of Twitch in 2011 revolutionised the viewing experience, allowing enthusiasts to immerse themselves in live and recorded gameplay, engage in lively discussions, and rally behind their beloved players and teams. Concurrently, platforms like Twitter emerged as vibrant hubs for eSports enthusiasts, serving as hotspots for breaking news, spirited debates, and community interactions. Mobile gaming, epitomised by iconic titles such as Clash of Clans, Clash Royale, and PUBG Mobile, further fueled the eSports revolution, attracting millions of casual and competitive gamers alike into the fold.
 One of the few sports where gender isn’t an issue. In essence, the evolution of eSports mirrors the dynamic interplay between technological innovation, cultural shifts, and the insatiable passion of gaming aficionados. From humble beginnings to global prominence, the journey of eSports is a testament to the boundless potential of human creativity, competition, and camaraderie in the digital age.
The Main Drivers of eSports’ Popularity and Success
The surge in eSports popularity and its sustained success can be attributed to a multitude of factors, each playing a crucial role in shaping its trajectory:
Diversity and Accessibility
One of the key drivers behind the meteoric rise of eSports lies in its unparalleled diversity and accessibility. Spanning a vast array of genres, formats, and platforms, eSports cater to a broad spectrum of tastes, preferences, and skill levels. From the adrenaline-fueled battles of first-person shooters to the strategic depth of real-time strategy games, there’s something for everyone in the eSports world. What’s more, accessibility is ingrained in the very fabric of eSports, with anyone armed with an internet connection and a gaming device granted entry into this electrifying world. Unlike traditional sports, which may require specialised equipment or physical prowess, eSports embrace inclusivity, welcoming players and enthusiasts of all ages, genders, locations, and backgrounds. This inclusive nature fosters a sense of community and belonging, uniting individuals from disparate walks of life under the banner of shared passion and camaraderie.
Quality and Innovation
At the heart of eSports lies a relentless pursuit of quality and innovation, propelling the industry forward with each passing day. Fuelled by the boundless creativity and dedication of game developers, players, and organisers, eSports continually push the boundaries of what’s possible. This relentless drive for excellence is mirrored in the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and blockchain, which not only elevate the gaming experience but also pave the way for new avenues of exploration and discovery. Moreover, eSports remain keenly attuned to the pulse of the market, responding swiftly to feedback and demands with a constant stream of updates, features, and content. Such adaptability ensures that the eSports landscape remains dynamic and ever-evolving, captivating audiences with fresh experiences and thrilling encounters.
Profitability and Sustainability
Far from being a fleeting fad, eSports stand as a testament to the enduring allure of competitive gaming and its potential for profitability and sustainability. With revenue streams flowing in from sponsorships, advertising, merchandise, ticket sales, and prize pools, eSports have transformed into a bona fide economic powerhouse. This robust financial foundation is further fortified by a diverse ecosystem of stakeholders, including game publishers, leagues, teams, players, media outlets, and regulatory bodies, all united in their commitment to nurturing the growth and stability of eSports. Indeed, the allure of eSports has not gone unnoticed by investors, who recognise its immense value as both a lucrative business venture and a cultural phenomenon with far-reaching implications. The success of sports betting in Ontario and other similar platforms in the industry is closely linked to all of these financial factors.
In essence, the meteoric ascent of eSports can be attributed to a delicate interplay of factors, each contributing its unique essence to the vibrant tapestry of competitive gaming. From its inclusive ethos and relentless pursuit of excellence to its formidable economic engine, eSports stand as a shining beacon of modern entertainment, captivating audiences worldwide with its boundless energy and infectious passion.
Final Remarks
 The nicest part with eSports is the kids just have fun. In closing, the enduring popularity of eSports remains palpable, with its momentum showing no signs of abating. The journey of eSports is a fascinating one, spanning epochs from the vibrant arcade era to the dynamic landscape of online gaming. This evolution has been propelled by the advent of streaming platforms, social media integration, and the widespread adoption of mobile gaming technology.
A confluence of factors drives the continued growth of eSports, including its inherent diversity and accessibility, relentless pursuit of innovation, and robust financial viability. Beyond mere entertainment, eSports have emerged as a cultural and social phenomenon, fostering vibrant communities, forging identities, and paving pathways to professional careers. With their deep-rooted impact on both gaming culture and society at large, it’s evident that eSports are poised to remain a transformative force in the years to come.
By Pepper Parr
March 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Special meeting of City Council will be called to order with Mayor Meed Ward chairing.
The four people delegating will be given five minutes to speak. Expect some of the Councillors to ask questions of the delegators.
The Motion asking the Mayor to relinquish some of the Strong Mayor powers will be read into the record.
Council members will each take their turn about how vital democracy is and that what the Mayor is doing is not democratic.
Deborah (surname withheld) wrote to the Mayor, Councillors and City Manager:
Having listened to discussions surrounding the issue of Big Mayor Powers in Burlington, and specifically the motion tabled in yesterday’s council meeting,
please accept this email as notice that i do not, nor have I ever, agreed with Mayor Meed Ward taking on the Big Mayor Powers, which were optional from the
beginning. I support a vote by Council as soon as possible to rescind these powers on the basis that they are wholly and completely undemocratic.
Also, as this email shows, constituents have not ceased contacting or communicating our concerns, as the Mayor has said.
As to Councillor Sharman’s statement that he wants to delay this motion “to encourage the community to come and speak to us”, I take great issue. Many,
many delegates including myself have had the distinct reaction from council, and Motion Improving Local Democracy by Strengthening
City Decision-Making especially of certain Councillors, of not hearing their delegation or engaging whatsoever, rather appearing to be bored by them, resulting in the notion that there’s no point to delegating any more. Which does not mean we are not engaged and aware of the issues.
As noted by councillor Nisan, “this motion was given the standard notice required for council motions, and met the deadline that was set by the clerk for being received at counsel.”
Another resident wrote: Meed Ward is reported to have said; “I never asked for Stong Mayor powers, nor do I need them. That is my strongest message
Once all the delegations are heard and the members of Council have had their five minutes the Mayor speaks.
There are those that think she won’t budge an inch.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward in her city hall office. Mayor Meed Ward fought to keep the Motion off the Agenda at the last Council meeting on Thursday; she also fought against a Special meeting of Council as well – lost on both occasions.
She might however relinquish some of the power the province gave her – throw them a bone to shut them up sort of thing.
This game is all in the Mayor’s hands. The City Solicitor made it clear in his memorandum that the Mayor can do whatever she likes.
Is there anything on record from someone who supports the position the Mayor has taken – other than Councillor Sharman?
There is a phrase the describes what it really happening: Power reveals.
 By John Lusink
March 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Understanding the volatility of the Ontario real estate market means wrapping our heads around the many contributing factors impacting supply, demand, and, frankly, the opportunity to afford it all.
For years, the market has been characterized by dizzying highs and stomach-churning lows. From skyrocketing interest rates to band-aid government policies, the volatility has left many prospective buyers, sellers, and investors feeling apprehensive and uncertain.
Right now, it looks like we’re in an upward trend again. Sales and new listings are up as we head into a spring market, and buyer confidence has grown with the repeated Bank of Canada rate holds — and the possibility of drops in the coming months.
 Storm clouds But there are other factors that could easily pull things back down again – continued high interest rates, surging population, and housing shortages remain factors, not to mention changing policies like Toronto’s the 9.5% approved property tax hike for the GTA.
Let’s go deeper into the factors contributing to current volatility, and look at some insights on how to navigate these turbulent times.
TRREB reported 5,607 GTA home sales through the MLS® in February, an increase of 17.9% compared to February of last year. At Right at Home Realty and Property.ca, daily transaction volumes have increased to an average 80 per day, from around 60.
Average price is up slightly, and viewing requests on are way up, increasing by 42% year-over-year.
Buyers are coming back, with even greater pressure on entry-level properties as higher borrowing costs impact buying power. Once rates start to come down, demand will be driven further, especially with beleaguered renters looking to move away from record rents and into ownership.
The downside: more delinquencies, more uncertainty, more new policies.
In a recent article, the Financial Post reported that Ontario mortgage delinquencies are 135.2% above pre-pandemic levels. Pair that with tough economic times, the rising cost of living, uncertainty about borrowing rates, and a volatile political climate, and buyers are being stretched tighter than ever, with their journey to home ownership becoming increasingly complicated.
And it’s not just homeowners who are struggling. Construction companies and developers have been leaving many buyers in the lurch.
How hot is hot in real estate? Let’s look at three years of March stats.
This year, there’s a lot of chatter about the housing market getting back on track, potentially even returning to pandemic-fueled highs. Is that really where we’re headed?
March 2021 was one of the hottest months on record for home sales, with about 16,000 properties sold in the GTA.
In 2022, that number plummeted to about 11,000, and in 2023, dropped even further to about 7,000. If the trends tell us anything, we should be looking at about 8,000 sales for March 2024. So, while the market isn’t exactly “on fire” like it’s been in the past, it’s definitely warming up.
Buyers are coming to terms with elevated mortgage rates, and are taking advantage of slightly lower prices paired with more inventory. So, while supply was surging for a while there, the increased demand is likely to get through current inventory — and we’ll be back to a frenzied market, greater rural sprawl, and all the other results of a housing crisis.
Is it time for the government to step in? From capping international students to increasing taxes, governments at all levels are working to right this unsustainable situation. But they aren’t doing enough. Short-term fixes may help with immediate needs, but thoughtful, long-term solutions are needed to make a real difference.
Right now, the market is showing a lot of promise, with a spring thaw and increased confidence. But it may not be smooth sailing from here. With all the factors impacting our economy, I predict turbulent times ahead.
 John Lusink is President of RealServus Holding Corporation and its premium brokerages, Right at Home Realty and Property.ca Inc. He has close to 40 years of real estate experience including an award-winning commercial sales real estate career and ownership of a major residential real estate franchise. He has been celebrated as a RISMedia Newsmaker and Swanepoel Power 200, among other accolades, and is an active participant in supporting the industry.
By Pepper Parr
March 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Few people understand what a Development Charges is – they should – they substantially to the cost of buying a new home
 The table sets out what the consultants predict population and the residential units will be for specific time periods. Development charges are expenses developers have to pay the city to cover the cost of infrastructure needed to build new homes.
The city is embarking on determining what those development charges are going to be going forward.
This article s not going to be a deep dive into how these charges get determined other than to say they are based on data collected and then argued about
 The City recently released a 405 page document that we will work our way through.
At this point we can share with you a statement in the report.
The calculated increase in the charge for this type of development is $61.38/sq.m, or an increase in the charge of approximately 59%.
That is a whopping number that will work its way to the cost of a housing unit.
 By Staff
March 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Both U18 Bulldogs teams are playing one final exhibition game at Mainway 2 on Wednesday, March 27th at 8pm.
This is the final season of minor hockey for a number of players, as those born in 2006 will have aged out of the program at the conclusion of this season. These teams want to make their final game a memorable one, and have decided to turn it into a fundraiser for a local food bank.
 Make the final game a memorable one; turn it into a fundraiser for a local food bank. The U18 Bulldogs are inviting everyone to attend their final game on March 27th and bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the food bank.
The pre-game ceremony begins at 7:30pm and will include remarks from the coaches and a BLOMHA executive.
This is a great opportunity to see our hockey program on display, but an even better opportunity to do something good for the community while enjoying a great game. If you aren’t able to attend but would like to donate a non-perishable food item, you are more than welcome to drop it off at the BLOMHA office located at 3455 Fairview St in Burlington.
The most needed items but the food bank are:
– Cereal (hot and cold)
– Large cans/tetra packs of soup
– Juice (boxes and 1 liters)
– Granola bars (peanut free)
– Peanut butter
– Crackers
– Canned fruit
– Canned tomatoes
– Canned veggies
– Baked beans
 By Pepper Parr
March 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
It is difficult for people to have an impact at an Ontario Land Tribunal hearing.
Getting status means raising a lot of money to hire the expert witnesses.
The current Millcroft community hearing on the golf course properties is underway. Last week the City’s position on stormwater was heard.
 Adding 98 homes to this community means making changes to the storm water infrastructure – no one is certain as to what the impact will be. Millcroft Greenspace Alliance had emailed the Mayor in December 2023 expressing their concerns about the City’s position to be presented at the hearing.
The two issues that MGA encouraged the City to add to their case: the original design of the golf course for storm water mitigation purposes and the sensitive nature of the golf course lands that was evidenced during the 2014 flood, have been presented.
This information is important background that we believe the Tribunal needed to hear, said Daintry Klein, part of the MGA group.
The City’s water resource engineer also spoke to the fact that the City, and not Conservation Halton (CH) is required to respond to flooding issues.
MGA has been pressing the city to emphasize that decisions regarding the golf course lands were indicated in OPA 117 to be shared between CH and the City.
Mr. Malik, the City’s storm water engineer confirmed for the Tribunal that the City, not Conservation Halton, provides flood response.
The people at MGA are continuing to play an important role in this hearing.
There are three groups involved in the hearing: Millcroft Against Development, Millcroft Greenspace Alliance and Millcroft Greens, the developer
.
 By Pepper Parr
Match 24th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
UPDATE: Trains will stop at Exhibition, Port Credit, Oakville, Burlington, Aldershot and St. Catharines GO stations in between Union and Niagara.
You are going to hear far more than you want to hear about the April 8th eclipse.
Metrolinx, those people who get you where you want to go have put together some interesting travel package.
On Monday, April 8, Niagara Falls will be bustling with solar eclipse excitement. Toronto will also be busy with sporting enthusiasts attending the Blue Jays’ opening game and the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Pittsburgh Penguins game.
With record numbers of travellers expected, Metrolinx is rolling out special GO Transit services to accommodate this influx of travellers.
 There will be a two minute period of time when you will hear the sound of water tumbling over the falls and not be able to see what is taking place. Awesome! Niagara Falls Service
On Monday, April 8, there will be special service to and from Niagara Falls on the Lakeshore West line for customers travelling to see the solar eclipse:
- Two extra trips are being added to the Lakeshore West line from Union Station to Niagara Falls. Trains will depart at 9:02 a.m., 10:02 a.m. and 11:02 a.m., ensuring customers have enough time to get to Niagara for the solar eclipse.
- Trips are also being added and modified on the Lakeshore West line from Niagara Falls to Union Station. Return trips from Niagara Falls will depart at 4:24 p.m., 4:54 p.m., 7:21 p.m. and 10:51 p.m. to give customers more departure options.
- All trains to and from Niagara Falls will be 12 cars long to provide as much room onboard as possible.
- Regularly scheduled GO bus service will also be available for customers via Route 12 Niagara Falls/ Burlington.
Event Service for Jays’ opening game and Maple Leafs’ game
 Was the connection made? Also on Monday, April 8, there will be special event service on the Lakeshore West, Lakeshore East and Barrie lines to support customers travelling for the Jays and Leafs games in Toronto. Additional express trips, adjusted schedules and replacement buses are being implemented including:
- Lakeshore West: Two extra express eastbound trips will depart Oakville GO at 5:07 p.m. and 6:03 p.m. The 10:52 p.m. westbound trip to Niagara Falls will also depart 20 minutes earlier at 10:32 p.m. to help get customers home earlier.
Customers are encouraged to use gotransit.com or triplinx.ca to plan their trips as schedules and connection times have changed for this weekend. Customers can also check the GO Transit Service Updates page for real-time details
Transit is now more convenient and affordable with Ontario’s One Fare Program, allowing transit riders to pay only once when travelling between the TTC, GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay and York Region Transit. Learn more about One Fare here: metrolinx.com/onefare.
The Gazette sent the following to the members of city council that supported a Motion asking the amayor to relinkquish some of the power that was given to her under the Strong Mayors Act.
Is there anything you can do to settle the frayed nerves of those who care about what happens at city hall.
Is there not something you can say to your constituents about the chaos that is taking place at city hall.
While we believe that you did the right thing when you put the Motion on the table and deserve kudos for getting it, first, on the agenda while the Mayor did everything possible to keep it off the agenda. Secondly you all got a Special meeting called – give Angelo most of the credit for that win.
The firing of two of the best Executive Directors the city had was so unnecessary.
And not knowing who made the decision to remove the two woman from the payroll is disturbing.
Given that the four of you brought about the situation that has us in this mess – it is really incumbent upon you to make a statement.
Perhaps you could appoint one Councillor to speak for those who support the decision you made.
The Gazette published the attached earlier this morning:
https://burlingtongazette.ca/there-is-a-dangerous-information-vacuum-in-the-city-members-of-council-have-a-responsibility-to-communicate/
Pepper Parr, Publisher, Burlington Gazette
 By Pepper Parr
March 24th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
One of the tasks Brynn Nheiley had was to talk up all the reasons for working in Burlington.
At one point she was saying:
 Brynn Nheiley As you look through our current job openings, remember: the grass is greener at the City of Burlington. With approximately 890 full-time and 600 part-time employees, we focus on teamwork, collaboration and investing in our co-workers. It’s no wonder our employee turnover rate is less than 7 per cent (that’s good). The City of Burlington is an award winning city, filled with award winning staff. In fact, we put the “greater” in the GTA.
Brynn at one point believed every word she said – but she is no longer with the city; however, the 890 full time workers and the 600 part time workers are in place and they are talking to each other.
There is fear and apprehension among the city employees.
There is a vacuum with no on speaking on behalf of the city administration or city Council.
 Mayor Meed Ward on the porch of her house preparing to broadcast to the citizens of the city during the lock down period of the pandemic. During the pandemic the Mayor was everywhere; speaking from the porch of her house; in front of the hospital using a megaphone to tell the hospital workers that the city appreciated to work they were doing.
The Mayor organized caravans that drove through the city – she did whatever could and thought was needed to assure a worried public.
What we have now is an uninformed public getting whatever individual response Councillors are putting out. We are not aware of any special editions of newsletters being issued by individual Council members.
We are not seeing a lot of chatter on the X platform.
If there is no voice from the leadership – people create their own voice – which is often frenetic.
All of this does not bode well for the city. The chatter amongst those who work in the municipal sector is wicked. These people work together closely – they collaborate their responses to the provincial and federal government.
One can only imagine the chaos at Ontario Big City Mayors, (OBCM) , of which Meed Ward is the current chair.
 Ontario Big City Mayors family portrait – worth a thousand words Holding a position like that requires the respect of your peers
Mayor Meed Ward’s reputation is being shredded by her council members; the people she works with at the Ministry of Housing must be having quite a chuckle at Burlington’s expense.
All this is happening within a vacuum created by city council and the administration.
The Gazette has asked each member of council to show the leadership expected of them when they were elected.
By Pepper Parr
March 23rd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
What a week!
On Tuesday, as part of a Council meeting, three members of Council put forward a motion to ask the Mayor to relinquish some of the powers given to her by the Strong Mayor legislation.
Mayor Meed Ward fought to keep that Motion off the Agenda. When she failed at that effort she fought to prevent the calling of a Special Meeting of Council where the matter would be debated. The Mayor failed at that as well.
Council members learned, from the City Solicitor, that the ability to enforce their request was limited.
Then on Thursday we learned that two senior staff members were no longer on the city payroll.
Members of Council have said very little publicly, which is unfortunate for the idea of open government and keeping the public informed is critical to the functioning of a truly democratic government.
The city is at a critical point and it is going to take the best that we have to ensure that the best interests of the citizens prevail.
There are more questions than answers at this point.
Who fired the two senior executives? That would normally be a City Manager responsibility. In the statement the City Manager released there is more than a suggestion that he didn’t do the firing.
 Mayor Meed Ward presiding over a city council meeting. The only other person who could fire people is the Mayor. Assuming she made the decision there is an obligation to register that decision and make it public on the city web site. At this point there is no statement.
Not to be too crass about it – but what is it going to cost the taxpayer in terms of severance packages? Given the length of time the two have served it has been suggested that the sum might be as much as $ 1 million
Social mediate will record dozens of misguided statements. This is a time when level heads are needed and for a public to be informed as to just what the issues are.
While the current Council is challenged when it comes to responding to the people who elected; make no mistake – they read every comment that is sent to them. This is the time to flood the Mayor with what you think should be done.
 The votes that are placed in ballot boxes are the transfer of power from the individual to those they choose to lead. That power is vested in the seven elected members of council – not just the one member.
We are heading into a disruptive few days.
Let’s remember who we are and what we are – and demand that Council, not just one person make the decisions.
 By Staff
March 22, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The City announces the meeting – no context, no background.
 The Special Council meeting is regarding – Council request the Mayor to delegate to Council the powers and duties assigned to the head of council under Section 284.5 of the Municipal Act, with respect to the City Manager; and
That Council request the Mayor to delegate to the City Manager the powers and duties assigned to the head of council under Section 284.6 of the Municipal Act, with respect to:
– determining the organizational structure of the municipality; and
– hiring, dismissing, or exercising any other prescribed employment powers with respect to any division or the head of any other part of the organizational structure.
Requests to delegate to these meetings can be made by completing the online delegation registration form at www.burlington.ca/delegate or by submitting a written request by email to the Office of the City Clerk at clerks@burlington.ca by noon the day before the meeting is to be held.
If you do not wish to delegate, but would like to submit feedback, please email your comments to clerks@burlington.ca. Your comments will be circulated to committee members in advance of the meeting and will be attached to the minutes, forming part of the public record.
 By Ray Rivers
March 22nd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Despite all the noise from the official opposition on Parliament Hill, the truth is that carbon pricing contributes only a tiny fraction to the cost of inflation. Analysis shows that even when inflation peaked above eight per cent last year, carbon pricing might have accounted for a tiny one-54th of it.
 Carbon pricing does raise the cost of fossil fuels – that part is true. But even the latest round of scheduled progressive increases will have little impact on Canada’s declining inflation rate. And the carbon tax rebates are the great equalizer for Canadians facing higher food and other costs.
80% of Canadians are better off with the tax and the rebate than if the tax were axed, as Canada’s Conservatives would do were they to win the next election. In fact axing the tax would do almost nothing to lower inflation but everything to make the average Canadian worse off.
Alberta premier Smith and Saskatchewan premier Moe also support ‘axing the tax’ despite the fact that residents of those provinces receive the greatest annual carbon rebates ($1800 and $1500) while still paying some of the lowest energy prices in the country. Clearly partisanship and ideology trump economics in those prairie provinces.
 Mr. Poilievre believes he’s riding a winner with his ‘axe the tax’ campaign, a catchy though well-worn and somewhat dated slogan. His misrepresentations have started the Liberals calling him out as the liar he becomes when he speaks to the issue. But then again, his political party does not even recognize the reality of climate change, so he may just be carrying their water.
Affordability is the watch word these days. Initially Poilievre hung his hat on the mostly false claim that the federal deficit was the major cause of inflation But now he has resorted to another falsehood and set his gun sights on carbon pricing. He introduced a non-confidence motion in Parliament this past week, which could have forced an early election. But every other political party stood with the Trudeau crowd to defend carbon pricing.
Yet it is unfortunate that we are not having an election over how to mitigate Canada’s embarrassingly high carbon footprint. The politicians from every party except the one leading in the public opinion polls understand that this is the most cost-effective way to deal with one of the greatest existential threats to our planet. They get it.
 As we remember Brian Mulroney this week, we should also consider how he tried to resolve fractious public policy issues. The Charlestown referendum ultimately settled the matter of constitutional change once and for all, despite Mulroney losing. Canadians were informed on the issue and they told the PM that they preferred the status quo and a stronger federal government.
The 1988 election was largely about free trade with the US and Mulroney won that debate. There would be winners and losers but, despite the pain of adjusting to change, an informed Canadian public elected the party which supported freer trade with the Americans.
Trudeau may claim that he won the last two elections over the issue of his carbon tax – it was his signature policy after all. But not everyone agrees, including Mr. Poilievre and a significant number of provincial leaders. The sentiment among pundits is that Trudeau has failed to fully inform, sell and convince the public on the merits of carbon pricing. Even the Globe and Mail, long a strong supporter of carbon pricing, is getting ready to write off this entire experience as a failure.
So, what better way to bring the public up to speed than to put the choice directly in their hands. Mr. Trudeau should make the next election about climate change, or conduct a referendum to shut up the critics. Trudeau’s is currently light years behind in the polls. If that trend continues and the Tories win the next election climate policy including carbon pricing will all be history.
Does the PM’s miserable poll numbers mean that Canadians also disapprove of carbon pricing? Or does the Tory party’s staggering lead in public opinion polls say more about a fickle and bored public wanting to change the channel, as they did a few years ago in Ontario? That was a move which ended Ontario’s role as one of three provinces leading the fight against climate change.
Successful politicians are often those who aren’t afraid to show courage – Mulroney was one of those. Unfortunately the new leader of the provincial Liberals is playing footsie on this issue, afraid to take a stand in case she says the wrong thing before the dust has settled. She is currently the leader of a third party and sitting on the fence will rightly ensure that she stays exactly where she is.
 To end this on-going axe the tax partisan campaign Trudeau needs to answer the challenge and call the bluff. He needs to borrow a page from Mr. Mulroney’s book and make the next election a ‘climate change election’, if not now, certainly in 2025.
Following your own convictions and doing what you believe to be the right thing is not enough in a democracy. You need to have the public behind you. Trudeau needs to call Poilievre’s bluff and let an informed public finally decide on whether we need to continue with carbon pricing and the ultimate phase-out of fossil fuels in this country.
Trudeau needs to put an end to the prattling half-truths and outright lies pouring from the mouths of the opposition leader and his cabal of climate denying premiers once and for all. He needs to put the decision to fight for our future directly into the hands of an informed voting public.
 Ray Rivers, a Gazette Contributing Editor, writes regularly 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. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background content
Non-Confidence – Carbon Price Baloney – Inflation and Carbon Pricing Carbon Pricing –
 By Pepper Parr
March 22nd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Responding on behalf of Tim Commisso, City Manager – Further to your requests to Council members and Corporate Communications, I can confirm Brynn Nheiley and Sheila Jones are no longer working for the City.
 Sheila Jones was an Executive Director with the city. Brynn Nheiley Was an Executive Director with the city. As you know, it’s our policy not to comment on personnel matters, but I would like to note that the City is grateful to Brynn and Sheila for their many important contributions over the years and we wish them the very best in their future endeavours.
These two woman were amongst the very best the city had. Both will be picked up very quickly by some other municipality.
Now to find out more of the why.
At this point there is nothing on the city web site where decisions the Mayor has made under the Strong Mayor legislation would have to appear.
By Staff
March 22nd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Mayor isn’t the only person responsible for the farce taking place in the Council Chamber.
A Gazette reader commented as follows:
“I believe that the comments of several people are accurate, timely and fair. I will not belabour the point but, given the very limited engagement conducted with citizens before Council unanimously accepted Strong Mayor powers for Burlington, it is ironic that there are those who believe that more time and public interaction is needed before they are returned to Council. Equally puzzling is the need for clarification on what the Strong Mayor powers are and what it would mean to return them to Council.
 Mayor Meed Ward “If Councillors clearly understood what was being surrendered to the sole aegis (potentially) of the Mayor when they unanimously ceded those powers, then why the need for further consultation now? Did they not understand what they were voting on initially. In this light, the somewhat petulant pronouncement of Paul Sharman that he was not “prepared for this conversation” is tantamount to “I just don’t wanna”.
“If anyone watched the procedural wranglings of last Tuesday, they must shake their head at the amount of time truly wasted on empty protocol deliberations and tedious queries to the Clerk.
“Councillors – you have been sitting around the ‘horse shoe table’ for over five years and you still don’t know how things should proceed? Just do your job ladies and gentlemen and, in this case, it is to respectfully ask the Queen to return her realm from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy.”
By Pepper Parr
March 22nd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
What does this do to our Best Small City in the Country to live in?
 A screen shot from an edition of the Bay Observer. The reputation of the city and the Mayor of the city is being ravaged.
This isn’t going to help attract the talent the city needs to begin to get more shovels into the ground.
By Pepper Parr
March 22nd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 Remember the day when you could use these things for a dime? Would the Gazette reader who called us from a pay phone (we didn’t think there any pay phones left in the city) with information on certain senior staff at city hall – please get in touch?
If what you left on voice mail is anywhere near true – we would like to inform the citizens of the city.
We will keep an eye on the city web site page where the Mayor is required to publish any decisions she makes with the Strong Mayor powers she wants to keep.
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