 By Staff
July 22nd, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The Canadian Blood Service is asking donors to book and keep their appointments – inventory has reached levels of concern
They are asking Canadians to come together this weekend and book appointments to donate blood.
 Giving back in a very real way – donations are needed now – inventory is low. The latest blood inventory levels going into the weekend are concerning, and many blood types are needed, especially O-Negative, O-Positive, B-Negative, A-Negative and A-Positive.
Current inventory levels can be tracked on www.blood.ca. The need for blood products never stops, and we’re asking Canadians to make all the difference by booking and keeping lifesaving appointments to donate blood.
Ontario currently needs to fill 5,000 appointments to meet sufficient inventory levels for the rest of July.
Cancer patients, accident victims, and people with immunodeficiency, autoimmune and neurological disorders rely on blood, platelets, and plasma donations every day.
Appointments are required. Same day appointments are available every day at many donor centres and community events across the country.
Book now on blood.ca, use the GiveBlood app or call 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236-6283).
New and returning donors are asked to book and keep their donation appointments.
If you are unable to make it to your appointment, please cancel it so that someone can take your place or re-book into the following month.
 By Pepper Parr
July 21st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
There are two things to look for and be aware of during the coming weekend.
 This ramp, along with others, will be closed for the weekend. The full closure of Niagara-bound traffic on the QEW Burlington Skyway for critical repairs, beginning Saturday, July 22 at 10 p.m. to Sunday, July 23 at 11:30 a.m.
Advance signing and notification will be provided to motorists so they can plan an alternate route.
Travellers can visit http://511on.ca/ or @511Ontario for updates on work and traffic impacts.
The QEW Burlington Skyway will remain open during the August long weekend.
 Expect good crowds at the Food Trucks set up in Spencer Smith Park this weekend. Then – there are 30 Food Trucks that will set up in Spencer Smith Park this weekend.
Burlington Food Truck Festival is BACK FOR 3 DAYS! 30 Food Trucks will be serving up some of the best food from the country, this is a festival you won’t want to miss! Show some of your Burlington love by bringing your friends and family. Oh and don’t forget, there will be FREE ADMISSION, cold beer, delicious food, and local performers.
Jul 21: 5pm – 10pm
Jul 22: 12pm – 10pm
Jul 23: 12pm – 8pm
By Staff
July 21st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
 Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition NDP, calls for support for the eight known emergency rooms (ERs) being forced to temporarily close or limit services this weekend across the province due to the Ford Conservative’s staffing crisis.
“We’ve seen closure after closure of Ontario’s emergency rooms this year. This weekend is no exception,” said Stiles. “From Durham to Nipigon to Walkerton, this week, there will be eight ERs across Ontario that will need to close or limit services due to a lack of resources. That’s eight communities and thousands of people that may be left with limited access to timely, nearby care. That’s completely unacceptable—but Ford wants you to think its normal.”
Emergency rooms that are facing temporary closures or limitations this weekend include:
• Chesley ER CLOSED Thursday, July 20—Monday, July 24
• Durham ER CLOSED Friday, July 21—Monday, July 24
• Hamilton General Hospital is diverting ICU patients.
• Kapuskasing’s Sensenbrenner Hospital is seeking urgent ER locum for Tuesday, July 25—Sunday, July 30
• Mount Forest’s Louise Marshall ER CLOSED overnight Thursday, July 20—Friday, July 21
• Nipigon District Memorial Hospital’s Urgent Care Centre CLOSED Wednesday, July 19—Tuesday, July 25
• South Bruce Grey Health Centre is undertaking ambulance by-pass to divert patients
• Walkerton ER CLOSED Saturday, July 22—Sunday, July 23
The Ford government’s systemic starving of the public health care system is leading to longer wait times for emergency rooms and ambulance offload times. In May, just 28% of Ontario patients were admitted within an 8-hour target time. In Ottawa, ambulance code zeroes (no ambulances available) more than doubled in 2022. Essex County declared a state of emergency in 2022 over no ambulances available.
“We are calling on the Ford government to stop privatizing our health care and to instead invest in the public system,” said France Gelinas (Nickel Belt), NDP Health critic. “Our dedicated health care workers are overwhelmed and burnt out. They’re doing their best to keep the lights on, but the situation is just not sustainable.”
 Wow! What a stretch. Incredible statement. Among the Ontario NDP’s solutions to reduce wait times and keep ERs fully resourced:
• Stabilize the workforce by stopping the appeal repealing Bill 124
• Respect health care workers
• Fund our public hospitals to keep operating rooms and ERs running on evenings and weekends
Yesterday, Ford’s Conservatives announced $44 million for 165 high-volume and smaller emergency departments—break it down, and that’s an average of less than $267,000 per hospital.
“That’s a drop in a very leaky bucket,” Stiles said. “Ford’s stashed away $22 billion in ‘excess funds’—public money—while denying Ontarians access to the health care they need.”
 By Pepper Parr
July 21st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
As people we seem to have problems discussing and facing issues that we find uncomfortable.
There are four that I want to put in front of you –
The Mounties
Intimate Personal Violence
The women who are believed to be buried in a garbage dump
The refugees sleeping on the streets of downtown Toronto.
Nothing pretty about any of them.
In Easter Canada we applaud the RCMP when they perform their musical ride and show up in the thousands when watch the Sunset Ceremony; The time-honoured tradition features an impressive flag lowering ceremony at sunset, and a participatory singing of the national anthem.
 RCMP Musical Ride on its way to Parliament Hill. The 32 member cavalry perform the Music Ride at events across the country.
In western Canada where the RCMP serve as the provincial police the picture is very different. The municipality of Surrey, BC is planning on creating its own police service and dumping the Mounties. And far too many female RCMP officers report sexual assaults and harassment that involved officers from the highest ranks of the RCMP, including the GET THIS
Halton Regional Deputy Chief Wilkie told a city Council meeting that every time he mentions Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)his social media the readership drops off. No one wants to talk about the women who get punched in the face by their husbands. Those women have in the past not gone to the police – fearing that nothing will happen – and they will end up getting punched in the face again.
Polite society doesn’t want to talk about stuff like this. Premier Ford chose not to declare an IPV Emergency and do something.
Toronto’s new Mayor Olivia Chow chose to be very public and talked about the violence her father rained down on her mother that didn’t come to an end until Chow was able to move her mother into the basement apartment she had.
Men have to begin talking to men who are violent and push them into therapy where they can come to terms with their violent behaviour.
 The sign is a crying out – while governments squabble over who will pick up the cost. Did your heart not cry out when you heard family members say publicly she didn’t think children should have to stand at the edge of a garbage dump to visit and pay their respects to their mothers.
The Premier of Manitoba said digging through those dumps to see if there are bodies buried there was too expensive.
So much for the Truth and Reconciliation deal we have with the Indigenous people – we aren’t prepared to help them respectfully bury their dead.
When Air India Flight 182 crashed into the Atlantic in 1985 with 268 Canadians aboard $130 million was spent on investigations and prosecutions that lasted almost twenty years. It was the most expensive trial in Canadian history,
Why are the Indigenous people not getting the same level of care, concern and understanding?
 They came to Canada looking for a better life – we need them to fill the jobs that will be created as we build a million and a half new homes – it hasn’t been a particularly warm welcome. Lastly, do you remember the pictures of the Prime Minister greeting refugees from Syria that Canada accepted? There was the Prime Minister with toys and winter coats and hugs for all of them. It made for a great photo op.
Those refugees camped out in downtown Toronto with nothing but green garbage bags to protect them from the rain didn’t get much in the way of help until it became public.
Is this who we are?
Apparently.
 By Patricia Lee
July 20th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
It takes time, patience, and perseverance to build money, but the road is worthwhile in the end. It is mainly something people with children constantly think about and try to achieve. However, it takes a lot of discipline to achieve this, from sacrificing that cup of coffee to controlling your moments of impulse buying. The duration required to reach a stage where you witness the rewards relies on your income and your proficiency in the endeavour. Below is a concise compilation of actions that can aid in wealth accumulation and attaining financial stability.
 Setting and reviewing goals Set Financial Goals
Without clear objectives, it becomes challenging to recognize when you exceed your spending limits or make or unwise decisions. Moreover, the potential for entering a perpetual debt crisis, characterized by escalating credit card debt, looms large. While the future remains unpredictable, devising a plan to navigate unforeseen circumstances is possible. Establish both short-term and long-term goals to solidify your financial standing. Regularly reviewing these goals, whether every few months or annually, ensures you remain on track and enables necessary adjustments.
Reduce Expenses
Your capacity to put off gratification by cutting back on expenses is one of the essential tactics for increasing your wealth and securing your financial future. By transitioning to solar power for your home, you can effectively reduce your expenses. Invest in tools and learning skills to help you maintain your home. Repairs and handymen come at a hefty cost, especially if the repairs are minor. You can learn how to do most minor repairs and only call in a professional when necessary.
 It is imperative that you ensure timely payments for your credit card and mortgage – have a back up access to cash. Plan for Possible Late Payments
Sometimes, things can happen that can drain your finances more than you expect, and these can delay critical payments like your mortgage, credit card or other loans. It is imperative to ensure timely payments for your credit card and mortgage to safeguard your credit score, which proves beneficial during challenging periods.
Establishing a strategy can be advantageous in promptly repaying debts while awaiting your paycheck. One clever method to achieve this is to have a location where you can apply for a payday loan, like My Canada Payday, but you must be eligible. This means that you must have a good online banking record, an income so they can plan for it, and the required documents.
Invest What You Save
You have to invest what you save in opportunities to ensure it grows faster than the rate it is losing value. You need to reach a point where your money is working for you even while you sleep. Each time you save, you are getting closer to your objective. Stocks and real estate are two areas you might invest in that do not require regular monitoring, allowing you to continue concentrating on your job. When investing, you must understand the risk involved, as more profits usually mean higher risk.
 Explore Opportunities With YouTube
YouTube is the largest online video platform, with billions of videos, users, and creators, which means it is teaming with opportunity. Despite the distinct niche you intend to explore, the enormous number of artists implies that you will probably face competition.
You can stand out from the competition by making an investment in the creation of your content. With a solid strategy, compelling content, and superior video quality, you can captivate subscribers and accumulate views, eventually leading to substantial returns within a few years. One simple hack to break into the industry is creating content on something you know well.
Endnote
Building wealth and getting to financial stability is a journey that requires you to be committed to your financial plan. You have to take steps to manage your monthly and daily expenditures and plan for tough times. You must also invest what you save to grow your money and then look for other alternative sources of income like a YouTube channel or freelance writing.
By Pepper Parr
July 21st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
We don’t hear about problems in ensuring that public school children are not properly fed a breakfast each day.
However, Burlington MP Karina Gould, who is also the Minister of Families, appears to be having problems with the Breakfast Club of Canada
 Burlington MP Karina Gould with Breakfast Clubs of Canada leadership “We are hoping to maintain that rhythm for the rest of the year,” said Judith Barry co-founder and director of government relations for the Breakfast Club of Canada. “What we’ve been discussing so far, since January, is really the need for the federal government to not only advance the development of a national school food policy, but invest in the … program implementation for that policy.”
The Breakfast Club of Canada, which co-ordinates approximately 3,500 school nutrition programs across the country, took the top spot as the most active organization in federal lobbying between January and June.
During that time, the club filed 228 communication reports, based on a search of the federal lobbyists’ registry on July 20. That number of communication reports nearly reaches the club’s total for all of 2022, which was 233.
Driving the heavy lobbying activity for the club is a push for the federal government to follow through on a promise to implement a pan-Canadian policy to help more children receive nutritious food at school. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) made a commitment in the 2021 federal election campaign to invest $1-billion over five years towards a national school nutritious meal program, but the Liberals “still haven’t invested anything,” according to Barry.
 Breakfast being readied for students at a Burlington public school. We have not seen, or heard of any problems in Burlington, let’s see what the Gazette readership has to say.
Related news story:
Kids are getting good breakfasts
By Pepper Parr
July 21st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
On Tuesday of this week I sent a note to Blake Hurley, the newly minted City Solicitor. I had some concerns with just how a very draconian by law was passed without a Staff report on the document and nothing in the way of questions from members of Council.
I wrote:
 City Solicitor Blake Hurley The Trespass Act gives school boards the right to issue Trespass notices. It also gives the City of Toronto the right to issue Trespass notices on Nathan Phillips Square, which is land I believe is held in Trust by the City of Toronto.
Did the province ever give Burlington the right to issue Trespass Notices, and if it did, when was that right given?
Also, when the Public Conduct Policy bylaw was before the Corporate Services Strategy Risk and Accountability Standing Committee on June 26th Staff did not make a presentation. While the report came out of the Clerk’s Office, it was written by a member of your department. Is there a reason why there was no public presentation of the bylaw?
Finally, as Corporate counsel, did you review a draft of the bylaw before it was passed along to the City Clerk?
Pepper Parr, Publisher Burlington Gazette
We didn’t get a response from Hurley but we did get a response from the Communications department.
Kwab said
 Kwab Ako- Adjei Director of Communications and Community Engagement Pepper – Report CL-08-23 that recommends approval of the Public Conduct Policy and Trespass By-law was a report written by the City Clerk, not City Legal staff, and was on the regular agenda and approved by Committee and Council in public session. However, all reports are reviewed by Legal Services. And not all reports have staff presentations.
Kwab is correct – it was on the June 26th Standing Committee Agenda where it got less than three minutes of air time. When it got to the City Council meeting on July 11th, it was listed as a Consent item and not a word was said. It was passed along with a number of other items.
What both the Communications people, that being Kwab Ako- Adjei and the Legal department, now under the command of Blake Hurley were not aware of is that at the June 26th Standing Committee City Clerk Kevin Arjoon said:
 Burlington City Clerk Kevin Arjoon “ I just want to say that clerk’s office has six reports on this agenda. We outsource this one. So Robert Ryan in legal services, he’s one of the solicitors there, did a lot of the drafting for this. a lot of the work, a lot of the consultation internally with staff as well. He’s done a lot of great work and you can see that in this report. So I just want to take a shout out for Robert. He did the balance of the most of those reports. So it wasn’t clerks really but just want to clarify that. Thank you, Robert.
We reported recently on just what that bylaw does. A link to that report is set out below as well as a scathing delegation by Anne Marsden.
Say what you will about Marsden, she has been on more than one occasion been very right in the past.
Related news stories:
Marsden delegates – scathing comments.
What does the Public Conduct Policy mean ?
 By Staff
July 20, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
 Besides being a destination for events and running an active programs for young people the Burlington Museum offers a series of courses, taking place at Ireland House on things you might find interesting.
Check out the opportunities – the kind of thing that is a little out of the ordinary and a chance to meet and make new friends. Click HERE to get started
 By Staff
July 20th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
With all day free transit for seniors starting August 1st, people will need to get a Presto card.
Here is how you do that:
 Burlington Transit is giving Seniors 65+ and youth 13-19 free PRESTO cards while supplies last. The cards can be picked up and activated at the Downtown Transit Terminal, 430 John St.
The terminal is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Adult and child PRESTO cards are available for $6. Customers should bring ID so staff can give them the correct PRESTO card with the right age category assigned to it.
PRESTO cards are available for children, youth, adults and seniors for $6 at:
• all Shopper’s Drug Mart locations in Burlington
• vending machines at the GO Stations: these are issued as adult cards. Anyone purchasing a PRESTO card at one of the PRESTO vending machines will need to stop by the Downtown Transit Terminal or a Shoppers Drug Mart location to have the correct age category put on their card, if not an adult.
 Tap the card – that’s all it takes To use the PRESTO card, tap the PRESTO card as you board the bus, the same way you would tap a credit or debit card. Burlington Transit bus drivers are able to help if passengers have any questions.
For new riders, Burlington Transit is partnering with the Burlington Public Library to offer Learn to Ride sessions at various library branches this fall. Watch for information about those sessions soon.
By Staff
July 19th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Now I think we know what it is Council chose to discuss in a closed session of both a Standing Committee and Council.
At the time the only information the public was given was that one of the items was related to a known name working for the city or one of its agencies. Council met on the 11th and Rob Bennett Managing Director of the Burlington Teen Tour Band was let go on the 14th.
 Burlington Teen Tour Band Managing Director during better days is seen with Mayor Meed Ward receiving a key to the city. On July 14th Burlington Teen Tour Band members and staff received an email advising them that Bennett was no longer a member of staff.
Bennett was described as “an extremely hard-working individual, despite his sometimes intimidating demeanour he was loved and cherished by all band members.”
He joined the Peanuts band in 1977, then moving up to Teen Tour’s percussion section in 1979.
After his retirement as a band member in 1989, Rob was still involved in the band, as he took up the position of a band instructor.
In 1998 he was appointed to the position of full-time Managing Director of the Band and Music Programs Manager for the City of Burlington’s Parks and Recreation Department. Bennett held his position as Managing director for 25 years.
By Pepper Parr
July 19th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
Let’s take a look at three women who are part of the Burlington political world.
 Mayor Meed Ward once said she has 17 points of contact with her constituents – and she uses every one of them regularly. Marianne Meed Ward has served the city as a Councillor and as Mayor now in her second term. In 2026 she will have served the city for 16 years which will result in a very decent pension. Will she run again? Will she be opposed by a member of Council; two that we are aware of harbour hopes of wearing the chain of office.
Shawna Stolte has been the Councillor for ward 4 since 2018. Her Integrity Commissioner problems made her first term very difficult and many were not certain she would run again. But she did and was the Deputy Mayor for the Council meeting July 11th. Watching how she handled the meeting one got the sense that she liked the role; perhaps chairing Council meetings on a regular basis was even more appealing than when we had a conversation with her about wearing the Chain of Office.
Daintry Klein, the woman who advocates for green space and has been a tireless advocate for the Millcroft community and doing everything she can to prevent any future development on the golf course properties.
A recent community meeting was to urge resident of Millcroft to donate the funds needed to hire the experts that will get the organizations leads through the Ontario Land Tribunal hearing that is working its way through the bureaucracy.
 The shaded areas show where the 98 additional houses will be built. Klein did a good job of explaining why the funds were needed and how much was needed.
 Angelo Bentivegna – has no problem in ignoring groups in his ward. Was absent at the most recent meeting of Millcroft Green Alliance  The ward Councillor Angelo Bentivegna was absent – he appears to have decided to keep his distance from the Millcroft Greenspace Alliance.
What made the meeting awkward for Klein was that Mayor Meed Ward attended and told the audience that she didn’t want to see the case now at the OLT take place. She told the audience that she was going to work the telephones and get a decision from the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs to put an end to the development application.
Given that the Mayor now has Strong Mayor powers she could put a stop to it in minutes. Is that in the offing?
Last week, Klein delegated to a Statutory meeting on a development in the ward that she felt created some risk from an environmental perspective.
She learned to her surprise that the planner speaking for the people who owned the property told council that they did not yet have a client because the people they wanted to offer the property to needed more in the way of certainty on just what they could and could not do.
Despite the surprise Klein continued until Councillor Sharman, who was chairing the Statutory meeting, asked her to speak to the specific issue. Taken aback Kline did a quick pivot and talked about the need to keep environmental issues a close to the top issue when it came time to make a decision.
There was no strong reason for Klein to be doing a delegation other than to maintain the profile she has in the community.
A working relationship with ward Councillor Angelo Bentivegna hardly exists and Klein would not be taking all that much of a risk should decide she could do a better job as the Councillor for ward 6.
 Shawna Stolte has weathered everything the Mayor has thrown at her and has managed to hold her own. The dynamic between the three women is interesting. Stolte took a very unfair drubbing from Meed Ward when she attempted to revise a Council meeting agenda and force Stolte to issue a public apology who was once her administrative assistant. Stole did a fine job of turning the tables and calling out the Mayor for what really was atrocious behaviour. We once again share that behaviour – here is the link.
Mayor Meed Ward did herself no favours when she told the audience of a meeting Klein had called that there was no reason to raise funds because she, the Mayor, was going to do everything in her power to prevent the matter of developing some of the golf course lands – where the developer wants to build 98 high end houses on a very desirable location – even if they are shoe horning them in at some of the locations Those homes will sell just is as soon is as the developer knows his appeal to the OLT come out with a decision in their favour.
.
The Mayor does not have a strong working relationship with the Millcroft Greenspace Alliance and she certainly doesn’t have a quality working relationship with Stolte.
The interesting scenario is we have a Mayor who doesn’t have a strong, positive working relationship with at least one member of her council, has another member who isn’t interested in serving parts of his constituency and appears to be blunting the efforts of a community that needs all the help it can get to prevent a radical change.
 Daintry Klein has worked tirelessly to keep the interest of her community in the public eye. Is she ready to sit at the table where the decisions are made. She would be at positive addition. Daintry Kline has a strong background in the finance sector and has been more than diligent in working for her community. Does that translate into running for public office – Klein has said she has no interest – they all do that until they announce that they want to serve their community and would be honoured to do just that.
Stolte and Klein would get along well – the have that “community first” in their DNA.
Keep an eye on both of them.
As for the Mayor – she will let you know what she is up to.
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
 By Staff
July 19th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington Green has had a significant and important impact during the past 15 years.
 A rendering of what the tower part of the Pier was to look like with the wind turbine. . Pressures from growth, climate change impacts, biodiversity loss, and more, all require immediate and effective ACTION. A greener future needs a plan, a dedicated focus, leadership, and of course, contributions from everyone.
The development of their next 5-year strategic plan (2024-2028) is underway and they are inviting people to share their views to help the organization be a more effective organization. They would like you to help shape their future focus.
About the survey:
– It should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete, depending on your responses.
– The survey is anonymous and is accessible to anyone who would like to complete and submit it.
– Optional: All Halton residents that submit a survey may be entered into a draw for a chance to win a BG Eco-Prize Pack, that we will deliver to you (in Halton). After completing the survey, a link will be provided for you to share your contact information, so your survey feedback remains anonymous.
This is important – Burlington Green has standing in the community – they are respected is as an organization. The Gazette would like to see them holding the decision makers accountable. The leadership pride themselves on being non-partisan but are often on the timid side when it comes to hold special interests accountable.
 Burlington Green has a very strong following – they turn out for the Annual Clean Up – Green Up event – which is important. Right now Climate Change is the most important issue. In the 12 years I have been following the organization I have yet to hear them say a word about what the development community has done to the city.
Burlington Green personifies the Burlington trait of being polite. Ruffling feathers is not part of what they do.
 The original plan was to build the tower and put a wind turbine on the top. Without the turbine – there was no need for the tower – which would have saved close to a million dollars. What the public has now is a tower that with lights that can be programmed. When the pier was being built – it was supposed to have a small windmill on the top of the tower that would create energy to power the lights. The only reason the tower part of the Pier was built was to have the windmill. I recall so clearly the conversation Amy had with the Mayor at the time. He offered to put up some solar panels that would generate the power.
 Burlington Green Executive Director Amy Schnurr That never happened. It would have been so very useful had Amy expressed her disappointment.
Hearing her say: “Your Worship, I am truly disappointed that you have not understood the point we are trying to make.” That would have been enough – when they know they are going to be called to account – the decision makers tend to make better decisions.
Keep that in mind when you are doing the survey – You can access it HERE
By Staff
July 19th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The work that has to be done on the Skyway Bridge is disrupting.
Here is the latest update.
 Closed to Skyway traffic most weekends through to at least mid-August On Saturday, July 22, one lane will be closed starting at 8:30 p.m., with full closure at 10 p.m.
The lanes will remain closed until Sunday, July 23 at 11:30 a.m.
Here is the full schedule:
Saturday, July 22
8:30 p.m. – one lane closed
10 p.m. – full closure
Sunday, July 23, 11:30 a.m. – all lanes reopen
Friday, July 28*
8:30 p.m. – one lane closed
10 p.m. – full closure
Saturday, July 29, 10 a.m. – all lanes reopen
*rain date – Saturday, July 29
Friday, Aug. 11*
8:30 p.m. – one lane closed
10 p.m. – full closure
Saturday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m. – all lanes reopen
*rain date – Saturday, Aug. 12
Friday, Aug. 18*
8:30 p.m. – one lane closed
10 p.m. – full closure
Saturday, Aug. 19, 10 a.m. – all lanes reopen
*rain date – Saturday, Aug. 19
On ramps closed
At these times, the QEW Niagara bound on ramps at:
• Northshore Boulevard,
• Plains Road and
• Fairview Street
will be closed.
By Staff
July 18th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington MP Karina Gould spoke today at the United Nations in New York.
She was speaking about Sustainable Development before a High Level Political Forum
 Burlington MP Karina Gould at the United Nations podium in New York City earlier today.
By Staff
July 18th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, David Piccini, issued the following statement on Healthy Parks Healthy People Day.
“On July 21, 2023, Ontario Parks is once again offering free day-use access to provincial parks to celebrate Healthy Parks Healthy People Day.
This annual celebration is part of a global movement to promote the incredible health benefits of getting outside in nature. Studies show spending time in nature can improve our mental, physical, and social well-being, including lower blood pressure, increased self-esteem and reduced anxiety.
 This is a large part of what Ontario is all about. Ontario’s provincial parks have always been a place of comfort, relaxation and adventure for families, individuals and communities alike, making memories that last a lifetime. As the largest operator of outdoor recreational opportunities in the province, Ontario Parks offers programs and facilities to enjoy nature year-round, regardless of your outdoor experience. In most parks, you can go hiking, cycling, paddling, swimming and more! These activities promote physical health and contribute to our overall well-being and happiness.
I’m proud that Ontario Parks is a Healthy Parks Healthy People leader, offering numerous ways to engage with nature, including the following upcoming events:
The 30×30 Challenge to encourage people to spend 30 minutes in nature for 30 days during the month of August
Take a Hike Day on August 9, a brand-new event this year offering guided hikes at provincial parks around the province.
 First new all-season, full-service provincial park in over 40 years, located at Bigwind Lake Provincial Park near Bracebridge. Our government is also expanding recreational opportunities for families by creating the first new all-season, full-service provincial park in over 40 years, located at Bigwind Lake Provincial Park near Bracebridge. We are also exploring the creation of a new urban provincial park near Uxbridge and recently announced Ontario’s first new conservation reserve in over a decade.
As the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, I encourage all Ontarians to take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, immerse themselves in the splendour of nature, and experience first-hand the restorative power of our provincial parks.
I hope you’ll join us at Ontario Parks on July 21. See you out on the trails!”
Additional Resources
To guarantee access, visitors are strongly encouraged to obtain a daily vehicle permit up to five days in advance of the July 21 celebration at no charge for the 57 parks offering this service.
Visitors can join in on one of the many events happening across the province to celebrate spending time in nature.
Ontarians can comment on the design features for Ontario’s new operating park and share their thoughts and ideas on the proposed new urban park. Both surveys are available until September 4.
Learn more about the benefits of spending time in nature.
Use the Ontario Parks locator tool to find a provincial park near you.
 By Staff
July 18th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
What’s a nurdle? And what do you do with it should you find one?
Nurdles are small pellets that are the first step in the process of making any plastic thing. Your plastic containers, bags, and bottles were all once nurdles.
By Staff
July 18th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The plans Premier Ford had to move lands out of the Greenbelt and replaced by lands he would put into the Greenbelt are giving him grief galore.
Marit Stiles, leader of the Opposition at Queen’s Park asked the Auditor General to do a Value for Money investigation.
 Bonnie Lysyk, Ontario’s current Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk, Ontario’s current Auditor General thought about it and took on the task.
One of the things she wanted to do was interview Ontario developer Silvio De Gasperis of the TACC Group of companies that owns one of the properties.
In a controversial move by the Ford government, nearly 3,000 hectares of land were removed from Ontario’s Greenbelt — a two-million-acre stretch of protected farmland, forests, and wetlands in Southern Ontario — so that tens of thousands of homes could be built. The removal drew backlash from a variety of camps — those concerned over the environmental implications, and those raising an eyebrow at developers with connections to Ford having purchased now-freed-up Greenbelt land in the years immediately preceding its removal.
One such developer is TACC, who, in 2021, acquired a property in Vaughan with then-protected Greenbelt land for $50M. This was added to a growing collection of Greenbelt lands De Gasperis owned, which also included parcels of farmland in north Pickering that he previously tried to transform into subdivisions.
 Once protected Greenbelt Land – slated for housing developments. In January of this year, Lysyk announced an audit of the financial and environmental impacts of the Greenbelt lands removal, filing a summons on June 26 requiring De Gasperis to attend an examination. In a response filed with the court De Gasperis asks the court to quash the summons, which the documents note was not the Auditor General’s first attempt to obtain information from De Gasperis.
Ten days before the summons was filed, Lysyk sent a letter to De Gasperis requesting a meeting regarding TACC Group’s lands in the Duffins Rouges Agricultural Preserve in Pickering that were no longer subject to Greenbelt restrictions, court documents say. The letter reportedly noted an interest in discussing, among other topics, how the Ontario government identified TACC’s lands for removal from the Greenbelt.
The summons itself required De Gasperis to appear at the Auditor General’s office on June 30 and bring “any and all relevant records, correspondence, notes and documents in connection with the examination under oath regarding TACC Development’s properties removed from the Greater Toronto Area Greenbelt.”
De Gasperis’ response provides a laundry list of reasons for wanting to quash the summons, including a claim that Lysyk is seeking to examine De Gasperis “on matters on which he has no information beyond that of someone who is generally knowledgeable about the housing and development industry.”
The response also states De Gasperis “does not have relevant information to provide with respect to matters within the jurisdiction of the Auditor general, whose mandate generally is to determine if government money has been well spent, rather than how Greenbelt boundaries were redrawn by the Ontario government.” It then goes on to call the summons an “abuse of process.”
Neil Wilson, Partner at Stevenson Whelton LLP and legal representative for De Gasperis, provided a statement on behalf of TACC, highlighting the developer’s issue with the Auditor General requesting “information on a number of very broad topic areas on planning and government process.”
 Rural Ontario as we know it today will be very different in a decade. The change begs the question – where is the food going to come from – are we going to truck it all in from California or from South America? “TACC is not the best source of information on these broad subject matters. However, as TACC appreciates that the Auditor General is attempting to understand a complex subject matter, we responded with a list of more appropriate and knowledgeable sources,” the statement reads. “At this point, the scope and goal of the Auditor General’s investigation are unclear.”
Wilson also notes that “the vast majority” of TACC’s Greenbelt land holdings “were acquired over twenty years ago prior to the existence of the Greenbelt and [the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Act].” TACC believes the Auditor General is “considering clarifying to TACC what information is being sought.”
 The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has amended the Greenbelt Area boundary regulation to add 13 new Urban River Valley areas and lands in the Paris Galt Moraine in Wellington County and remove 15 areas of land. Add lands in the Paris Galt Moraine in Wellington County to the Greenbelt Area Remove or re designate 15 areas of land totalling approximately 7,400 acres from the edge of the Greenbelt Area that are serviced or adjacent to services and will be used to build housing in the near term. The investigative reporters want to learn more about who bought the lands that are being taken out of the Greenbelt and how much did they know before they bought ? It is more than just the TACC properties – the land involved, as identified in the image above, is extensive.
The Auditor General’s office confirmed that the results of the audit are expected to be released by September, although an exact release date has not yet been determined.
Bonnie Lysyk’s term of office comes to end on September 3rd.
Can you see the play that is taking place ?
Crafty folks they are indeed.
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Doug explains the plan.
By Staff
July 18th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
This is an interesting service – good on the provincial government in making the service available. Fees are nominal – nothing over $50.
In the world we live in a lot of stuff is phony – Artificial Intelligence has made all kinds of mayhem possible.
The Ontario government is making it easier and more convenient for people and businesses to authenticate documents such as birth certificates, corporate powers of attorney and diplomas for use outside of Canada.
The province is expanding this vital service to four additional ServiceOntario locations across the province.
In-person document authentication services are now available in:
• Ottawa: 110 Laurier Avenue West
• Sault Ste. Marie: 101-420 Queen Street East
• Thunder Bay: 113-435 James Street South
• Windsor: 205-400 City Hall Square East
“Whether someone is preparing for a major life event, a new job or an adventure abroad, authenticating documents for international use is often a crucial and time-sensitive matter,” said Kaleed Rasheed, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery. “Expanding this service to four additional ServiceOntario locations across the province is yet another example of our government putting customers first and saving people time and money.”
When a public document is to be used in another country, proof of authentication for documents such as birth and marriage certificates, educational diplomas and corporate documents is often required for people doing business, studying, or travelling abroad, people applying for international visas or people participating in international adoptions.
This expansion of authentication services adds to the services already available in-person and by mail at the Official Documents Services office located at 222 Jarvis Street in Toronto, and helps better serve the millions of Ontarians who live outside of the Greater Toronto Area.
This change enables more individuals and businesses to have their documents authenticated via same-day service in addition to our standard mail-in options which often require up to 15 business days to complete.
Expanding services also lays the groundwork to respond to an anticipated surge of document authentication requests as a result of Canada joining the Hague Apostille Convention in January 2024. Once the Convention comes into effect, the province will be solely responsible for authenticating Ontario-issued public documents.
Customers can use the online document authentication portal to check if their document is eligible for authentication at any in-person location or by mail before proceeding.
Between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023, the Official Documents Services office processed nearly 67,000 document authentications and served more than 29,000 in-person clients.
Additional Resources
Learn how to get an Ontario-issued public document authenticated for use abroad.
 By Pepper Parr
July 18th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
 For those who want a bite to eat – Curb Side will be there.
It is the best summer event deal in the city. Might not draw the mobs that Sound of Music pulls in but for a great entertainment day – ‘Jazz on the Plaza’ is tops
Highly anticipated annual community event, showcases a series of emerging and established Canadian musicians in an al fresco setting.
Tammy Fox, Executive Director of the operation has taken it all a step further with the inclusion of a Food Truck. Curbside will be on hand for those that want a little more than the bar offers.
The performers for each of the two day event are:
Saturday August 12th
 Elise LeGrow – a Canadian vocal powerhouse ELISE LEGROW
Sat Aug 12, 2023 at 2pm
With a raspy, spellbinding style and elegant, dynamic mystique, Elise LeGrow is the Canadian powerhouse defying pop culture chronology, wowing Questlove, Betty Wright, and a crew of R&B legends along the way.
 Heather Bambrick Sat Aug 12, 2023 at 4pm
Heather Bambrick, one of Canada’s top Jazz vocalists, has collaborated with some of the best around and has appeared as a guest performer with numerous Jazz ensembles. If you’re a CBC listener you will know her well
Sunday August 13th
 Ori Dagan ORI DAGAN
Sun Aug 13, 2023 at 2pm
Award-winning jazz singer-songwriter Ori Dagan has attracted a dedicated and growing audience, both in his native Toronto and internationally.
 Micah Barnes and Billy Newton Davis Micah Barnes and Billy Newton Davis: Former Nylons in Concert
Sun Aug 13, 2023 at 4pm
This show features Billy Newton Davis performing “Sammy & Me” about his real-life experience working with Sammy Davis Jr., and Micah Barnes taking you on the roller coaster ride of his career in “Micah at The Sands Hotel”!
By Staff
July 18th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
 Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith is inviting his constituents to drop by LaSalle Park on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm to share your thoughts with him about Ward 1 matters.
 Will Tom Muir be allowed to take part in the Pop Up in the Park? Our immediate question to the Councillor is – Will Tom Muir be allowed to attend and put questions to you? Recall that you advised Muir some months ago that your office would not be dealing with him in the future – going so far as to take him off your newsletter distribution.
We are hoping that some of the people who attend will ask where you stand on the development that is at the OLT right now but is expected to win its appeal. Given that it is directly across the two small Waterdown Road properties you own – you will most certainly be in a conflict. who will speak for the residents at Council meetings and in CLOSED sessions of Council.
Do understand Councillor; we have no problems with your land holdings – you’ve worked hard to get to where to you are – but there are something that just cannot be done at the same time.
The Pop Up in the Park is your occasion to be frank and direct with the people who put you in that Council seat.
Related news articles:
Integrity advises Councillor he is in a Conflict of Interest
Aldershot residents were not informed; the 19th is an opportunity to get informed and hold their Councillor accountable.
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