 By Pepper Parr
April 18th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It was pretty simple to Griffin Gervais, a grade five student at Lakeshore Public school – just ask people how to get the ball diamond behind the school repaired and they would tell him what was needed and it would get done because he was the kind of kid that did things like that.
 Carrie Gervais and her son Griffin at Matching Fund meeting. Griffin had an occasion to meet Burlington’s MP, Karina Gould and asked her if she would help him with his plans for the ball diamond. The grounds needed a serious leveling out – they had little rises and small shallow spots. The bases needed bags that were properly anchored – third base is currently a small hole that collects water.
The back drop is close to being ready to fall down. And the benches are kind of crappy.
The ward 2 member of city council happened to be at the same event – Gould pointed Griffin to Meed Ward who was pretty sure what Griffin and his buddies wanted to do was possible under a program that was being rolled out by the city’s parks and recreation department.
 The city had created a Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund that could put up as much as $5000 into a project that is designed to improve a community.
If the success of the Neighbourhood fund depended on the effort of the Parks and Recreation people overseeing the program – the thing would be a raging success.
The purpose of the program is to get people involved in their communities by pulling together a group with a common cause.
 Home plate is the only base that has a bag – and it doesn’t line up properly with the other bases. As a school play ground it has been allowed to deteriorate badly. The Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund has Griffin Gervais’s name written all over it.
City hall staff were spending time in each ward meeting with people to explain what the program is and how it works.
They were in ward 2 last week explaining the program and taking people through the forms that have to be filled in. There are a lot of forms to be filled in.
 No base bag at third base – just an indentation in the ground where water gathers.  Was he out – Griffin Gervais didn’t think so – but there was no base bag to really know. To use the language of the retail sector – these people want your business and they will go well out of their way to make what you want to do in your community happens.
Julia Rogers, the lead contact person and the one who does the presentations, gets herself pretty wound up when she speaks. Griffin Gervais who as at the meeting with his Mom wants to see that baseball diamond at his school upgraded.
Traditionally, in Burlington at least, the school board and the city don’t cooperate all that well.
That isn’t slowing down the people running the Neighbourhood Matching Fund. They appear prepared to do whatever they have to do to get a spark going within a community that will grow into a nice flame that will ignite people in their communities to come together and do things that make Burlington a better place for everyone.
Carrie Gervais said she now has the quotes she needs from the Board of Education so “we now know what the target is. The parents added $200 to the budget for a party in the park to celebrate their success which is all part of the city’s objective. They want people to come together, work together to make their neighbourhoods better places.
 In no specific order: Sawyer Cobham. Scott Rose, Griffen Gervais, Kayden Maslanyk discuss the problems with their ball diamond The Matching fund is intended for a project people want to see done in their neighbourhood. The forms are not that difficult – everything is on line – and if you have a problem – the staff are there to help you.
The city has set aside $50,000 for the program this fiscal year.
Applications have to be in no later than April 29th – which doesn’t leave much time. Staff actually apologized for the late start – this is the first year of what they see as a multi-year effort.
There are two completed applications in hand with one coming in from Giffin and his buddies. There are six wards in the city – someone is going to be disappointed.
Every project submitted won’t need a full $5000 explained Rogers. So the $50,000 available for this year is expected to cover all the applications.
If the program works – parks and recreation staff are planning on asking for more funding for future years.
The City has been pumping out media releases to remind residents that applications are due Friday, April 29.
Chris Glenn, the city’s director of parks and recreation believes there are a lot of good ideas out there and says:. “If you have a proposal for something you think would bring your neighbourhood and community together and build strong connections, we want to hear about it. Even if you are not able to complete all of the information requested in the application form, I would encourage you to still submit it to the city by the April 29 deadline.” Glenn added that once a project is approved the sponsoring group has up to one full year to complete the work.
Griffin project is going to come in at about $11,000 – they are hoping they can get a full $5000 from the city and fund raise to pull in the balance.
The community is expected to raise half of the amount needed. That half can be cash, or in kind materials. Any work that people do on the project is counted at the rate of $17.02 for each hour worked. 50% of any professional services that are needed can be included in the budget.
Griffin’s parents set up a crowd funding account at: Gofundme.com/myzjbcwk There are no stones unturned with this group.
 Julia Rogers will guide anyone through the application process. It sounds a little complex – don’t worry about figuring out the details – Julia Rogers is a phone call away and she will take you through the application form line by line.
One of the issues on anything that involves the city or the board of education is insurance. That can be difficult to navigate. Denise Beard, Manager Community Development, said her staff will do everything they can to get you the insurance coverage you need.
Applications need to be in before the end of the month – approved projects will be announced in June.
 By Staff
April 17, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It was that kind of a weekend – the warm weather we have been waiting for blessed us and the citizens took to the streets and Spencer Smith Park and got out for walks.
Many of the sidewalk café locations were full, the Gelato location on Lakeshore Road at Brant had a line up.
 Next weekend is the annual Clean up that BurlingtonGreen organizes and supervises – hopefully the weather will cooperate again and we can pick up some of the rubbish that seems to gather in the late fall and winter months.
Buds on the trees weren’t quite ready to sprout – they’ve been fooled before.
The birds seemed pretty sure that this was the real thing – if you stopped for a moment you could hear some full throated warbling.
 Busy but not overcrowded. Rising quietly in the background is the re-developed Joseph Brant hospital. There is a group of people in the Region that are looking at the cost of burying those hydro lines. Would Burlington be Burlington without them?  A lot of relationships in this city got started at this gazebo – these folks are chowing down the way good friends do.  The pier got a good work out.  Doesn’t get much better than this – does it? Here is how some of the people spent Sunday.
 By Pepper Parr, Publisher
April 17, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It happens – let a writer out of the country and they get carried away.
The Gazette’s political columnist Ray Rivers asked for some time off to travel to the Ukraine where he wanted to do some research for his next book.
We suggested he try to write his column while he was abroad but didn’t really expect to get anything.
Then the “funny” mushroom column arrived – and we knew that Rivers was at least alive.
 There he is with his picture on the front page and his column inside for everyone to read. What will we read next about this Ukrainian adventure? This morning we find that our ace columnist is on the front page of the Kyiv Post.
Rivers, who know how to promote himself, sent the editor of the Kyiv Post a note saying they could reprint the column if they wished.
nd they wished – so there we are – Burlington’s on-line newspaper finds its political columnist on the front page of a Ukrainian newspaper.
Who owns the paper we wanted to know and how many papers are there in Kyiv?
There are three responded Rivers and I think they are all both paper and on-line: Unian and Ukraine Today are the others. No idea on circulation, nor ownership – an oligarch controls Ukraine Today.
We suggested to Rivers that given the political situation in the Ukraine that he might be “invited” to remain in the country for a while and be given a uniform.
Rivers responded: “There has been no offer of a rifle – but I’d hold out for a tank anyway. And no such luck, you don’t get rid of me that easily.”
“This Kherson ship-building town is really dead and dead poor – more Russian here than Ukrainian – one can tell – the Russkies use Da and Ukes Tak for yes.
We expect Rivers will report again and that he will have a byline of his own in the Ukrainia Kyiv Post.
Do stay tuned.
The funny mushrooms column
 By Staff
April 16, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal collision on Dundas St at Eaglesfield Dr in Burlington.
At about 6:10pm, a motorcycle carrying two passengers collided with a sport utility vehicle with one occupant. All three parties were pronounced dead at the scene. The road will be closed for several more hours.
The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
By Staff
April 16, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The public school board say they want your opinion and have created a Tell Them From Me survey that is available on line – but they forgot to say just where the survey is on their website. We will check in with these people on Monday and get that information for you.
How effective is the public school board system?
Are you getting what you feel you need for the education of your children?
What does accountability mean?
Is accountability a two way street?
The people who deliver services to the public need to know what you think – if they don’t get public input they are left to do what they think is best – which isn’t always the best. Citizens have a responsibility to advise – this is your opportunity.
 Students from across the Region took part in a Skills competition in Burlington. From April 18 until May 13, 2016, all parents/guardians with children in the Halton District School Board are invited to complete the Tell Them From Me – Our School parent survey. Parents/guardians will be emailed instructions and a link to the survey starting April 18.
Parents will be asked about issues related to learning opportunities, communication, school culture, and climate. The information gathered from the survey is being used to help schools continue to create positive school climates, to inform annual bullying intervention plans, and for parents to have a voice in creating a supportive community at their school.
Students and staff are invited to complete their own Tell Them From Me survey at school. Individual responses are always grouped together for analysis. Parents may complete their survey online from wherever Internet access is available. If you do not have Internet access, please discuss alternatives with your child’s school administrator.
If you have any questions about the surveys please contact Frank Nezavdalf, Department of Research and Accountability, (905) 335-3663 ext. 3381 or by e-mail: nezavdalf@hdsb.ca.
If you have any difficulties accessing the survey or require technical assistance please contact the HDSB Information Centre at 905-333-4372 (HDSB) or 1-888-432-4372 (HDSB), Monday to Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. or by emailing informationcentre@hdsb.ca
They both want and need you opinion – it is your children they are there to educate.
 By Pepper Parr
April 16, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
 Morgan, the axe throwing coach and instructor, points to where the axe was supposed to go. Many of the Brantford group managed to hit the bulls eye. There is a small club set up in an industrial space where people throw axes at a wall.
It’s entertainment and has grown into a business model that has expanded to eight locations in less than two years. Founder Mario Zelaya has plans to be in every major Canadian city. They say they are the #1 in Fun and Games in Toronto on Trip Advisor
The business went from a backyard hobby to a company that transformed a niche activity into one with mass appeal.
 Throwing an axe proved to be a little more difficult than expected.  Two women from Brantford throwing axes in Burlington.  The axe throwing party as held to celebrate the birthday of the gentleman on the left.  Not all the axes thrown were lodged in the targets – but they had fun learning how to throw. Friday evening a group of 13 people from Brampton came to town to celebrate a birthday. There is certainly nothing fancy or upscale about the site – it was a place people could rent and enjoy themselves. They brought their own beverages, a box of cupcakes to celebrate the birthday and the intention of having a good time.
They bring their own music which gets plugged into a speaker system.
Is it safe? Very. The instructor takes everyone through a safety lesson and watches everyone carefully to make sure no one does something stupid.
And then they begin to throw axes.
By Pepper Parr
April 15, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
There are now have 694 Insight Community members!
In a city this size there should be at least 2500 people
Insight is the service the city has to do almost instant polling of a group of people that are fully representative of the community.
 The service was not cheap – $100,000 a year – but it is a very useful and for the most part a very accurate tool to measure public opinion.
The panel is becoming more evenly spread demographically and is sitting at 53% Male, 45% Female (2% of you preferred not to answer).
It is now quite evenly split of over the six wards in the city. The numbers have grown with each and every survey put out to the public, where there has been the option of joining the community.
The Gazette has heard of people who were not accepted into the polling group and they concluded the city knew who they were and didn’t want them within the polling group.
Nothing could be further from the truth – the city knows a lot about the people within the group – except for one thing – who you actually are.
They know your age, what you earn, where you live, what kind of a home you have, if you use transit, your education – all kinds of data – but they don’t know your name.
What polling needs is a balance in the group questions are being put to – which means you might be a 42 year old male with a college education – they may have enough of those – but need women who are single with a post graduate degree.
If you are interested in being part of the panel – apply – the people who run the service will determine if you fit into the balanced panel they maintain.
Being turned down doesn’t mean they didn’t want YOU – it meant that there were already enough people like you on the panel.
If you want to follow up on this CLICK HERE and you will get to the Insight page on the city web site.
 By Staff
April 15, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Looks like a lot of people believe Spring is indeed here.
 Getting ready for golf? All those guys with the funny trousers are hauling out their bags of clubs and heading for the open spaces.
Tyandaga Golf Course will officially open for the 2016 golf season on Saturday, April 16. Golfers are invited to take advantage of a spring special on green fees which includes $45 to ride with a golf cart and $30 for golfers that are walking.
“Thanks to our maintenance crew, the course is in great condition and ready for a new golf season” so says Chris Glenn, the city’s director of parks and recreation.
Tyandaga Golf Course is located at 1265 Tyandaga Park Dr. and is one of Burlington’s most picturesque and challenging golf courses. Players wishing to book a tee time can do so online at www.tyandagagolf.com.
Tyandaga offers memberships, tournaments, clinics, private lessons, men’s and women’s league play, and in-season and off-season rentals. For more information about golfing at Tyandaga, call 905-336-0005 or visit www.tyandagagolf.com.
By Ray Rivers
April 15, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Peace and quiet – not what I expected to find in a city with three million people, the eighth largest in Europe and with a war going on only a few hundred kms away. There are no military tanks on the streets, no machine-gun toting soldiers protecting major institutions and no bombs falling from the sky. If one were looking for that kind of excitement – it’s just not here.
With an economy less than half the size of fellow slavic neighbour Poland, there are a surprising number of modern Euro sedans clogging the streets of Kyiv (Kiev) almost as badly as in the rest of the continent. But the sidewalks are cleaner than Paris and there are no obvious signs of homelessness or drunkenness, though that seems impossible. And again to my surprise, young plugged-in women and men are seen strolling about the streets in the evenings, apparently free from fear for their personal safety.
Shops, restaurants and museums abound, along with ample open spaces and parks to accommodate families and the few tourists who make it over here. The city has a subway system that could give Toronto a few lessons and the architecture is strikingly old world, except in the suburbs where Soviet styled apartment blocks still dominate the skyline. Even the newly reformed police force has been outfitted with Prius patrol cars, giving them a very mod look.
What makes this so impressive is that the country is under siege. Yes, Russia is back in full imperial dress and determined to keep Ukraine as part of its revisionist empire, even if it has to kill all the Ukrainians. Over two years and 10,000 deaths after first invading its neighbour, Russia is nowhere near willing to return the land it occupies. And to keep it’s neighbour on its toes Mr. Putin periodically threatens to occupy the entire nation.
But there is another danger lurking that should not be ignored. Ukraine is the site of the world’s worst nuclear accident, at Chernobyl, just some 100 kms from Kyiv. Opened in 1977 as Ukraine’s first nuclear power plant, and only the third of its kind and size in the Soviet Union, Chernobyl operated for less than a decade before a relatively simple test of safety procedures led to a massive explosion and melt down, spreading radioactive contamination across the globe though mostly predominantly in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine.
 The Chernobyl nuclear station after the explosion – the world is still recovering from that disaster. 2600 square kms of northern Ukraine, half the land area of PEI, is off limits because of radiation poisoning. To keep the lid on the still-emitting source, an expensive new sarcophagus is being constructed. And after 30 years there has been some environmental rebound, with reports of growing wildlife populations and the regrowth of forests in the area. These rumours have encouraged poachers to hunt animals and forage timbers for their own use, despite the inherent danger of radiation poisoning and the further spread of radioactive pollutants.
There is a long term plan to rehabilitate the area but that will not happen for another half decade. Hiroshima and Nagasaki, hit by atomic bombs in the Second World War are pretty much back to normal, though researchers are still not satisfied. Nevertheless for nations operating nuclear power plants this does beg the question of whether those facilities are more dangerous than an attack by a nuclear weapon.
And speaking of radiation, the lowly field mushroom has come under attack as well in Ukraine. Apparently fungi are particularly adept at absorbing radioactive contaminants making them unsafe to consume. Yet, there are few activities more traditional that wild mushroom gathering in this part of the world. Mushroom hunting provides a source of recreation as well as nutrition, something that has become even more important for those struggling to survive in the Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine.
 Mushroom fields – Of course there are those who brush off all of this talk of danger. A few folks who refused to leave the contaminated area are boasting they have reached a good ripe age notwithstanding – something akin to those folks who smoked all their lives but never succumbed to lung cancer. But, not me, my immune system isn’t that good. I’m avoiding the wild mushrooms that feature in just about every menu here.
I attended a choral performance to lament those victims of Chernobyl who passed some thirty years ago. Once again I was impressed with the lack of fuss over security as I carried my backpack into an assembly which included government officials and other dignitaries. Perhaps that is how it is. Perhaps one just gets numbed by what could wrong when so much has and does.
After all, this is a nation which has always known conflict and domination by other nations, including Greeks, Turks, Polish, Swedes, Russians, and Germans…. My Ukrainian grandparents had Austrian birth certificates. So it is understandable why they would not be spooked by Russia, and why they’d be totally blasé about the dangers of eating those tasty wild mushrooms.
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 a candidate for provincial office in Burlington where he ran as a Liberal against Cam Jackson in 1995, the year Mike Harris and the Common Sense Revolution swept the province. Rivers is no longer active with any political party.
Background links:
Poland and Ukraine Chernobyl
Chernobyl Disaster
European Contamination
Radioactive Deer
Mushroom Hunting –
Mushrooms – More Mushrooms
Even More Mushrooms Chernobyl Survivors More Survivors Nuked Cities More Nukes Cities –
By Staff
April 14, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
An update on the Mount Nemo Plateau Heritage Conservation District Study will be held on Monday, May 2, 2016 at Councillor John Taylor’s Ward 3 spring meeting.
While the City remains committed to protecting the special character of rural Burlington, city staff are recommending that City Council not proceed with the Mount Nemo Study.
At the meeting on May 2, city staff will:
Describe the chronology of events related to the Mount Nemo Study that have brought us to this point
Summarize the community response to the Mount Nemo Study received to date
Outline future opportunities to be involved in rural initiatives, such as the City of Burlington Official Plan Review.
 Where will the arguments to continue with the study come from? Why the shift in thinking? Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions of staff and offer comments. All questions and comments will be recorded for consideration in current and future City planning initiatives.
Date: Monday, May 2, 2016
Time: 7 – 8 p.m.
Location: Conservation Halton Auditorium, 2596 Britannia Rd, Burlington
Why the change?
Because there is a new planner running the department? Or because cuts have to be made somewhere and this isn’t worth the cost? Will not continuing with the study make any difference?
It was contentious from the beginning.
 By Staff
April 14, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Investigators have linked the April 4th 2016 robbery at the Continental Currency Exchange to a series of bank robberies in Belleville, Cobourg, Toronto and York
Region.
 Gun seized by police. Following a joint investigation with Belleville Police Service, Cobourg Police Service, Toronto Police Service and York Regional Police Service, Zak Bayfield, 40, of Whitby, was arrested on Wednesday, April 13, 2016.
 He is charged with numerous criminal offences including robbery while armed with a firearm and disguise with intent in relation to this robbery.
The accused is scheduled to appear in court at 1911 Eglinton Avenue East in Toronto on Thursday, April 14, 2016, in courtroom 412, at 10 a.m.
By Pepper Parr
April 14th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
This probably means that warmer weather is going to arrive and stay for a while.
The Cycling Committee has invited residents to attend a series of free cycling seminars to help prepare for the 2016 spring and summer cycling season.
There are four topics that will be covered during the seminars, which run at Burlington Public Library branches this spring.
 For Rob Narejko a good ride on one of his bikes is better than a night out. A passionate believer in greater use of bicycles, N has served on the city’s cycling committee for some time. He recently led a night ride that had some 20+ people out on the roads at night. Awesome Bike Gear for 2016 – Wednesday, April 27, 7 to 9 p.m. – Central Branch
A variety of local bike shops will share the latest in cool cycling gear for 2016. From stylish cycle-friendly clothing to tech/training gear, to fun and trendy bike accessories and fabulous equipment for family rides. Local bike experts will answer gear questions after the seminar.
 Bikes parked outside a Burlington school – both board of education and city hall would like to see more students biking to school and fewer parents driving their children to school. Bike Maintenance 101
Saturday, April 30, 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Central Branch
Wednesday, May 4, 7 to 8:30 p.m. – Central Branch
Saturday, May 14, 2 to 3:30 p.m. – Alton Branch
Learn about basic bike maintenance that can be done at home. Start the bike season off right with a properly maintained bike for an easier and safer ride. This includes a keynote presentation from Rolling Horse Community Cycle.
Bike Safety
Saturday, May 7, 2 to 3 p.m. – Alton Branch
Monday, May 16, 7 to 8 p.m. – Central Branch
Saturday, June 4, 10 to 11 a.m. – Central Branch
This seminar will cover the rules of the road, must-have bike accessories, the roles and responsibilities of cyclists and motorists, hazards and the proper way to ride on-road bike lanes, bike sharrows and bike paths.
Bike Infrastructure around the World – Wednesday, June 1, 7 to 9 p.m. – Central Branch
Which cities are doing cycling infrastructure right? What creations of pro-cycling design around the world could Burlington learn from? Explore cycling infrastructure projects from around the world.
The seminars are free but sign-up is required.
For more information about the Burlington Cycling Committee and these free seminars, visit www.burlington.ca/cycling. To sign up for any of the seminars, call Burlington Public Library – Central Branch at 905-639-3611, ext. 1321.
All this attention to getting bikes ready just might do something for the city’s transportation modal split – and if you don’t know what a modal split is – ask the people who tell you how to get your bike ready – this is what they are all about.
By Pepper Parr
April 14, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Police hosted a training course for new Commercial Motor Vehicle officers. Sixteen of the officers were from Halton – when they completed the three day course they were sent out with these newly acquired skills and inspected 48 commercial motor vehicles over the course of the day.
 Rigorous road inspections results in safer transport trucks on the road. Halton just completed training 16 new officers in this specialized work. Of those 48, 16 were taken out of service, a 33% failure rate. Officers laid 102 charges, seizing one license plate and vehicle which had not undergone a mandatory annual safety inspection.
The curriculum included cargo securement, hours of service limits, weight and dimension limits in Ontario, speed limiting equipment, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, hazardous material spill response, wheel detachment investigations, among others.
Drivers and operators of commercial motor vehicles are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles, as well as their loads, are inspected and safe before travel. Any defect that compromises the safe operation of a vehicle can result in it being removed from service.
The police have a Regional Commercial Motor Vehicle Unit and train their officers to have the knowledge, skills and abilities to conduct commercial vehicle safety inspections and all related commercial vehicle enforcement.
If anyone has information about any motor vehicles that are unsafe on our roads, please call 911.
By Staff
April 14, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
They did get away but not by much more than the skin of their teeth.
On Tuesday, April 12th, shortly after 4:00 am, police responded to a report of two males seen at the rear of Solid Gold along with the sound of glass breaking.
 Video taken inside the Solid Gold- one suspect is pretty clear. Police arrived at the rear of Sold Gold at which time a white pickup truck with its’ headlights off and one occupant fled east over some grass onto Plains Rd and was last seen going south on Birchwood Avenue at a high rate of speed. For public safety reasons, police did not pursue this vehicle.
Officers quickly observed the rear glass door to Solid Gold was smashed and it was believed the two persons seen walking at the rear were still inside and as a result, a perimeter was established and the business was contained.
The services of the Halton Regional Police Tactical Rescue Unit (TRU) along with Canine officers and negotiators responded to the scene and efforts were made to attempt to communicate with persons inside without success and eventually, officers entered the premise and determined that the suspects were not inside.
 By the time police actually entered the Solid Gold on Plains Road the men attempting to break into as ATM machine were long gone – police have video tape to work from. Investigators have since reviewed the CCTV from inside the business and it was determined that two suspects fled out the front door of the establishment as the first police vehicle arrived at the rear and before the second police vehicle arrived on scene. The CCTV showed the two suspects inside the business for several minutes where they attempted to break into an ATM but was unsuccessful.
Police are looking for three male suspects. No description is available for the male that fled in the truck however the two suspects that entered the establishment
were wearing hoodies, masks and gloves.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Vince Couce of 3 District Criminal Investigation Bureau at (905) 825-4747 ext 2307 or Crime Stoppers at
1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com; or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Staff
April 13, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The inaugural Leading Ladies Charitable Dinner and Speaker Series, organized by the Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington, will take place on May 3, 2016 at LIUNA Station in Hamilton. Doors open at 5:30pm.
 Former Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion What makes this a newsworthy event? Former Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion is going to take the microphone – and it should be a barn burner of a talk.
Hamilton artist, author and philanthropist Patricia Gagic, will share the stage for an engaging and inspiring evening. The evening will be a dinner and exciting silent auction, with the proceeds supporting the charitable work of the Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington.
“Part of the Junior League’s mission is to develop the potential of women.” says Stephanie Fontaine, President of The Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington Inc. (JLHB).
At 95, Hazel McCallion still outworks colleagues half her age. She is passionate about causes that benefit the community and is thrilled to support the Junior League. “My career has spanned many decades but I have consistently championed education and the development of women leaders, two priorities that I share with the Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington.”
As one of WXN (Women’s Executive Network) Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada in 2015, Patricia Gagic’s talents have touched many aspects of the arts and beyond. She is also a dedicated community advocate both locally and internationally. “As a lifetime volunteer and advocate for children around the world, I am excited to share my story in hopes it will inspire others.”
Tickets for the evening (including dinner and speakers) are $100 each (charitable donation receipt available for a portion of the ticket cost), and are available online at www.juniorleague.ca or through the office at 289-337-9526 (Tuesday and Thursday).
The JLHB’s current focus of young women affected by poverty grounds their volunteer efforts and partnerships across the Hamilton-Burlington community.
 Former Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion – she can be as tough as nails when she has to be. While the Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington may be an organization of women committed to voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers purpose may be exclusively educational and charitable they are going to get an up close and persona look about the role women can and have played in the world of politics.
Hazel is going to lay a little of that political love on them.
 By Pepper Parr
April 12, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The full detailed report is now on line – it’s a vital document – now all the city has to do is deliver on it.
Link to the document is at: www.burlington.ca/strategicplan
During council member comments last night Ward 6 Councillor Blair Lancaster said “the public reads the Strategic Plan. When the 2011 Strategic Plan was released it didn’t take long for people to go through the document and remind members of council what it was they had committed to getting done.”
 Members of city council, senior staff plus people from the Region took part in a process that lasted a full year. The 2011 plan wasn’t anywhere near as detailed as the 2015-2040. The deliverables are significant and at this point in time no one is really clear on how this is going to get accomplished.
Joan Ford, city treasurer and her team will be going through the document with a fine tooth comb and beginning to attach numbers to the deliverables. The results of that analysis will get put in front of the leadership team and collectively they will attempt to determine what can be done within a very very tight financial situation.
Burlington is looking at between 3% and 4% tax increases for the next 20 years – and that is just to pay for what is on the table now.
While staff are working on the document and the ramifications that will come out of it, the city intends to put the keep the document live in real time so that on any given day any citizen can log in and see where things stand – what has been done – what has been changed.
That kind of document maintenance in real time is a challenge to say the least – the proof will be in the pudding.
What has become evident is that City Manager Ridge tends to over reach – sets out possibilities and may not really be in touch with the realities of doing business day to day.
 From the left – the two KPMG consultants, EDC executive director Frank McKeown, Councillor Paul Sharman, planner xxx and Councillor Blair Lancaster taking part in one of the Strategic Plan workshops at Lasalle Park What has to be appreciated is that Ridge has never been a city manager before; never been the man behind the desk where the buck stops.
It is going to be interesting to see how Ridge steers his staff and then manages to feed city council the information it needs to make decisions.
Councillor Taylor said this was his 9th Strategic Plan and that it was the best he has ever seen and added that it has not been costed out yet. He added as well that he could see a lot of cherry picking going on in the minds of his fellow councillors.
Taylor pointed to a major expense waiting to land on the council table – the cost of storm water management. If you are patient enough you will see a new tax initiative appear on your tax bill – no one knows what climate change is going to do to us – we do know by now that weather is changing – and that there are quite likely to be very damaging storms – the deluge in 2014 was a massive financial hit to the city. The best way to combat what appear to be inevitable is to create a tax levy that will produce a reserve to handle future costs.
 J.C. Bourne of KPMG with City Manager James Ridge and Michelle Dwyer at the last meeting of the team that put together the final draft of the Strategic Plan Michelle Dwyer who was given credit on numerous occasions during the late stages of getting the Strategic Plan into its final form, will now oversee the implementation of the plan. She intends to make extensive use of City Talk – the magazine the city publishes on a fairly regular basis.
Problem with that communication channel is that few people actually read the magazine.
Dwyer has done some superb work – there appears to be a change in her job responsibilities in the works. Stay tuned.
By Pepper Parr
April 12, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
This isn’t the time of year for people to be out on the streets all that much – it’s still a little chilly.
For those who do venture to the edge of the lake and happen to wander east of the Waterfront hotel – they find themselves entering the early stages of a construction zone.
That lot that used to be home to the Riviera is now just mud with pieces of equipment scattered around the site.
 It could be taken for some kind o armament – but it is a drill that bores into the ground. Fencing is in place and those “must wear a hard hat” signs are beginning to go up. Earlier in the week there was a tall – maybe three storey’s high – rig on the property. Bore holes were being drilled.
Bruno Kresina, the construction project manager, wasn’t on hand to explain what was going on.
The piece of land was home to the sales office – that was torn down a couple of weeks ago. The large six foot by six foot scale model of the Bridgewater project was put in storage – it will show up again when the new sales office is opened.
For a while the use of office space in the downtown core east of Brant was close to a game of musical chairs. Mayrose Tyco owners of the five storey tower on the north edge of the Elizabeth Street parking as well as the owners of the Bridgewater development, had rented space to the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation. They were set up on the ground floor of the building while the parking lot at the Joseph Brant hospital underwent a massive re-development re-build that is costing the taxpayers $60 million – with the hospital foundation raising a second $60 million.
 A drawing setting out where the different buildings will b situated and the open space for public access. With the hospital foundation out of the space, Jeff Paikin and his New Horizons Development group can move their sales offices into the space. Not they need all that much of a sales office space – they are said to be past the 70% sold point – and that must be true because the bankers don’t release the cash until sales are at that magic 70% level.
And so now the construction begins.
 This is what the south side of Lakeshore is going to look like sometime in 2018 – there will be public access to the lake in between the hotel on the right and the condominium of the left. It won’t be a very wide opening. It’s a complex set up. The development was approved by city council in 1995 – it was to be a “legacy” project that had been in the minds of the Mayrose Tyco people before 1985. There were some land swaps that squared the assembled land – and a couple of close calls when Conservation Halton, who had grandfathered the development a long time ago but were beginning to get impatient.
Mayrose Tyco brought in the Mady Group to build what was to be a 22 storey condominium and a seven storey condominium plus a seven storey hotel that edged up to eight storeys.
The first hotel was to be a Delta – that got upgraded to a Marriott – which is some distance from the old Riviera motel.
Mady ran into financial problems – Mayrose Tyco took them off the building of the development and asked Paikin if he would take on the construction.
Paikin had already bought a unit in the seven story condominium – he was now going to build his new home.
 You are looking at what is going to be pretty close to the new street – sidewalk alignment on the south side of Lakeshore immediately east of Elizabeth street.  It will be a couple of years before the any moving vans arrive – the residents of the city have a couple of years to complain about the construction disruptions.
When it is completed – the waterfront will be a much different place.
The construction of the pier and now this luxury level hotel and some very high end condominiums, which will be described as the finest buildings to live in the GTA. Better than Oakville?
By Staff
April 12, 2016
BURLINGTON
At approximately 4:00 am on April 12th 2016, Halton Police responded to a break and enter in progress at Solid Gold on Plains Road East in Burlington.
Prior to police arrival, three suspects fled. Halton Police Tactical Rescue Unit, Canine, and Negotiators responded.
Hamilton Police assisted with their armoured vehicle and members of their Emergency Response Unit.
Police did not know that the break and enter suspects had fled as they cautiously approached the Solid Gold location on Plains Road No one was injured, no arrests have been made, however there is no danger to the public.
Members of the community can expect a police presence in the area while the incident is being investigated.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825-4747 ext. 2316 or Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes). -30-
 By Staff
April 12, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Community Foundation is proud to announce Ron Joyce as Burlington’s 2016 Philanthropist of the Year.
 Ron Joyce – Burlington’s 2016 Philanthropist of the Year. The Gazette will tell you much more about this remarkable human being who has had such a tremendous impact on the community.
 By Staff
April 12, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Will you be Carson or Cora?
Come to the April 15 meeting of the Halton British Club and have fun paying homage to your favorite Downton Abbey character. There will be prizes for the most authentic look, a quiz and a British style tea party to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday with some delicious birthday cake. Only $7 at the door.
When: 7:30 – 11 p.m. Friday, April 15
Where: Knights of Columbus Hall, 2400 Industrial St., Burlington
 Which character do you want to be? The Halton British Canadian Club Inc was established in 1984. Its purpose is to provide a setting where members can participate in social activities. The club meets on the third Friday of every month at the Knights of Columbus Hall.
For more information: hbcc.webs.com or contact
Jane or Russ Parker at: russjane2000@yahoo.ca
or (905) 465-3480.
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