News « Burlington Gazette - Local News, Politics, Community

Ontario plans to increasing protections for Condo Owners; little late for the $4 million that was taken from a number of Burlington condo corporations

By Staff

May 27, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Ontario is introducing new legislation to increase protections for condominium owners, improve how condo corporations are run, and ensure that condo boards are governed professionally.

Four stoey buildings are what Stephen Chen thought the Official Plan was all about - he reads about 17 and 22 stoey builldings and asks if this is the kind of "high rise jungle" citizens want.

One of the many condominiums in Burlington. The rental unit market is, to a large degree, made up of condo’s bought as investments and rented out.

The proposed Protecting Condominium Owners Act marks the first major overhaul of the province’s condominium laws in more than 16 years. It is based on more than 2,200 consultation submissions from condo owners, developers, managers and industry experts during a public review of the Condominium Act.

If passed, the proposed legislation would establish:

• Clearer, more comprehensive rules to prevent owners from being surprised by unexpected costs after buying a newly-built condo
• A new Condominium Authority to provide quicker, lower-cost dispute resolution and help prevent common disputes
• Strong financial management rules for condo corporations to help prevent financial and organizational mismanagement
• Better governance requirements for condo boards, including training for condo directors
• Mandatory licensing and education requirements for condominium managers.

The Brock, controversial when it was proposed, now fits nicely into its neighbourhood.

More than 1.3 million Ontarians live in condos – a number greater than the populations of Saskatchewan or Manitoba.
More than 50 per cent of new homes being built in Ontario are condos.
There are currently 700,000 condo units in Ontario, up from 270,000 units in 2001. – 51,000 units are currently under construction.
The government received about 200 recommendations for updating the Condominium Act through its public consultation process.

Transit detours during Car Free Sunday May 31st.

By Staff

May 27, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

If you use the transit service on Sunday, May 31, 2015 from 12 to 6 p.m. be prepared for Route Detours

On Sunday, May 31, 2015 from 12 to 6 p.m., during the Car Free Sunday event along Appleby Line, routes 10 East and West, 4 East and West and 20 will detour as follows:

Route 10 West Leaving Appleby GO

• Leave the Appleby Go and proceed along Fairview St to Inverary Rd
• Left on Inverary Rd
• Left on Longmoor Dr
• Right on Tipperary Dr
• Right on New St
• Resume regular routing

Route 20 Leaving Appleby GO

• Leave the Appleby Go and proceed along Fairview St to Inverary Rd
• Left on Inverary Rd
• Left on Longmoor Dr
• Right on Tipperary Dr
• Left on New St to Appleby Line
• Resume regular routing

Route 10 East approaching Appleby GO

• Regular routing until New St and Tipperary Dr
• Left on Tipperary Dr
• Left on Longmoor Dr
• Right on Inverary Rd
• Right on Fairview St and proceed to the Appleby Go

Route 20 approaching Appleby GO

• Regular routing until New St and Appleby Line
• 20A will continue on New St to Tipperary Dr
• 20B will turn left from Appleby Line onto New St and continue to Tipperary Dr
• Right on Tipperary Dr
• Left on Longmoor Dr
• Right on Inverary Rd
• Right on Fairview St and proceed to the Appleby Go

Route 4 East

• Regular routing until Longmoor Dr and Shannon Cr
• Right on Shannon Cr
• Left on New St
• Left on Timber Lane
• Right on Pinedale Av
• Right on Wedgewood Dr
• Right on New St
• Right on Tipperary Dr
• Left on Longmoor Dr
• Right on Inverary Rd
• Right on Fairview St and proceed to the Appleby Go

Route 4 West Leaving Appleby GO

• Leave the Appleby Go and proceed along Fairview St to Inverary Rd
• Left on Inverary Rd
• Right on Longmoor Dr
• Regular routing resumes.

Complex – but at least they are telling you a couple o days in advance.

One of the routes is used by the current Mayor when he isn’t riding his bike to work.

Regional police will lose both deputy chief's by the end of 2016; Police Services Board decides to do both an external and an internal search.

By Staff

May 28, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

There will be new brass to polish at Regional Police headquarters in Oakville.

The two deputy chiefs will have either turned in their badges or will be doing so in the not too distant future.
Deputy Chief Andrew Fletcher retired earlier this year to take on the role of Deputy Chief for the South Simcoe Police Service. Deputy Chief Bob Percy announced he will not be seeking reappointment at the end of his current contract which expires in 2016.

Deputy Chief Andrew Fletcher and Detective Donna Whittaker answer media questions during the display of all the cash and other valuable recovered during a bank break-in where the bad guys almost got away.

Deputy Chief Andrew Fletcher on the left and Detective Donna Whittaker answer media questions. Fletcher leaves Halton for Simcoe in the near future.

The Halton Regional Police Services Board is embarking on a search for two Deputy Chiefs of Police. Deputy Chief Andrew Fletcher retired earlier this year to take on the role of Deputy Chief for the South Simcoe Police Service. Deputy Chief Bob Percy announced he will not be seeking reappointment at the end of his current contract which expires in 2016.

The Halton Police Services Board decided that to ensure the Police Service continues to be led by innovative and progressive leaders, and the community continues to receive excellent and efficient service, applications from both internal and external candidates will be sought for these two positions.

“The Board recognizes the outstanding strength of leadership experience and expertise which currently exists internally in the Service. The Board believes only by undertaking a full internal/external search can the public be certain the very best are chosen, and a full internal and external search will give the successful candidates the greatest credibility in these positions as they will have been measured against a larger pool of candidates,” Mayor Rob Burton, Police Services Board Chair said.

The selection process will revolve around skills and abilities of candidates in continuing the successful implementation of the Service’s Business Plan and Goals and Themes. This is important to the Board in ensuring the current and future needs of the Service and the community are met.

Deputy Chief Bob Percy has handled some tricky situations in Burlington while he did his best to bring competive cycling to the Region. He currently runs the Operations side of the Regional Police Service.

Deputy Chief Bob Percy has handled some tricky situations in Burlington He did his best to bring competitive cycling to the Region a number of years ago. He has announced that he will leave the Halton Police |Service in 2016.

To assist the Board in the selection process, the consulting firm Odgers Berndtson has been engaged. Burton noted they are highly qualified and have considerable experience in the selection of senior police executives across Canada”. The selection process will begin immediately with successors being identified by early fall.

The Halton Regional Police Services Board is a seven member civilian Board that oversees the Halton Regional Police. Under the Police Services Act, the Board is responsible for the Police Service operating and capital budgets; strategic planning; policies and priorities.

The Police Board’s fundamental responsibility is to ensure adequate and effective police services are provided to the citizens of Halton Region.

The Police Services Board now has an opportunity to place female police officers into senior positions. Chief Tanner, who holds a degree in psychology, sits on the Board. How influential will he be in directing the choice of the two new deputies?

School board doesn't give the city the answer it was looking for: Can schools hold PD days when elections are taking place?

By Walter Byj

May 27, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

For reasons that few journalists understand bureaucrats frequently put difficult or contentious items at the end of their agendas. Haltion Public School Director of Education Euale discussed with the board a resolution that was passed by the City of Burlington directing the Mayor to begin corresponding with Ted McMeekin, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to look into options for amendments to the Municipal Elections Act that allow the use of schools for election purposes while ensuring compliance with the Safe Schools Act.

The City of Burlington offered two options;

Moving Election Day to the last Saturday in October
Mandate all school boards to hold a professional development day on Election Day.

Every politician within a stone’s throw was brought into the picture. And the trustees had comments as well.

Vice-Chair Amy Collard(Burlington) initiated the discussion by stating that PD days timing are a huge undertaking and suggested that if this was also applied to provincial and federal elections there could be chaos.
She was not a fan of Saturday voting as it would have a lower turnout and expressed safety concerns with the public walking thru schools in order to vote. She would not endorse the letter.

Andrea Grebenc (Burlington) followed by stating that Saturday might be a good day as Burlington has many who work outside the city and this would allow them time to vote.

Trustee Harvey-Hope (Oakville) followed by stating that the next municipal election would be Monday October 22nd and with the current lead time a PD day could be scheduled around that time. She did state that this would not solve a provincial/federal Election Day issue. Trustee Oliver (Oakville) followed by concurring with Harvey Hope and she expressed concerns on having provincial/federal elections on a Saturday.

Trustee Gray (Halton Hills) asked if there have been any major problems with voting taking place in schools; she also felt showcasing the voting process in the schools would a positive sign for our students.

Both Director Eaule and Assistant Director Miller stated that there were some concerns, but nothing major. Vice- Chair once again reiterated her concern for the safety of our students with strangers in our schools during this process.

This brought on further discussion of using other facilities such as church halls before using school property. Once again the issue of federal/provincial elections surfaced. And on it went. Chair Amos (Oakville) suggested the board put some thought behind this resolution and discuss at the next meeting. Not good enough for Vice-Chair Collard as it does not address the issue.

Burlington Board of Education trustee Amy Collard isn’t keen on the idea of PD days being held so that schools can be used for election purposes.

So the board passed a motion (unanimously) directing the chair to meet with all the recipients of this letter to meet and discuss the options and concerns regarding polling stations at schools.

A letter from the city offering the Ministry some solution to avoid voting at schools during the school hours during municipal elections quickly escalated to federal/provincial elections, school safety and budgeting for security. And meetings with dozens of people.

What was odd is that the people who will be in the schools voting or often the parents on the children in the schools – has the matter of safety been blown out of proportion?

Citizen comments in the polling research city had done reflect much of the reality - the city just isn't very good at listening and either isn't interested or doesn't know how to listen.

By Staff

May 27, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Does city council know how to listen?

Forum Research asked the 771 people they interviewed a number of questions about how people relate to the city they pay taxes to.

Citizen delegating before his municipal council – their advice is seldom taken.

Respondents were given an opportunity to identify any other priorities for the City of Burlington to focus on that were not addressed throughout the questionnaire. Specifically, they were asked: “Is there anything else that you feel should be a priority that perhaps we’ve overlooked?” The large majority of respondents did not offer any additional input. For this reason, the results have not been included in this report.

However Forum Research provided a list of the kinds of comments that were made to the question:

Is there anything else that you feel should be a priority that perhaps we’ve overlooked? Forum Research recorded all that was said.

A: Those who were asked the general statement: I would like to provide input to the City of Burlington for the purpose of influencing decision- making about city projects and services made the following responses:
B: Those who were given the following general statement: Residents have enough opportunities to provide input into decision-making about city projects and services, responded with.

C. Those who were given the following general statement; The city does a good job of engaging residents in decision-making about city projects and services responded with.

D. Those who were given the following general statement; “The city uses input from residents in decision-making about city projects and services”, responded with:

E. Those who were given the following general statement; “The city’s decision-making about projects and services is reflective of the voice of a majority of residents”, responded with.

F. Those who were given the following general statement; “The city would welcome my opinion when making decisions about city projects and services that impact me”, responded with:

The tone and content of these remarks just don’t align with the statements members of Council are making. These are not the words of happy campers.

Council appears to looked for the parts of the report that back up what they want to think and pass along to their constituents – it’s not what is in the report.

MP Mike Wallace petitions House of Commons to take flavours out of cigarettes and help local farmers.

By Staff

May 27, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

You can tell there is an election coming.

The politicians are putting petitions in front of their colleagues in the House of Commons. Burlington’s MP Mike Wallace had two this week.

The first petition was for the removal of all flavours of all tobacco products. This petition came from “youth” in the riding. Wallace didn’t identify them.

Burlington MP Mike Wallace giving Rotary a hand to raise funds for flood relief last August. Wallace’s home was one of the thousands that were severely damaged by flood waters.

The responsible thing for the MP to have done would be to move that it be made illegal to even sell tobacco products or use taxes to price them out of the market. Tobacco kills people; adds to our health costs.

The second petition Wallace put forward was to “adopt international aid policies to support small family farms, especially women farmers, and recognize their vital role in the struggle against hunger and poverty, and to ensure that Canadian policies and programs are developed in consultation with small family farms to protect the right of small family farms in the global south to preserve and use friendly exchanged seeds.”

Burlington has a small agriculture sector that grows hay and some other agricultural products. When will we see people seeking permission to grow cannabis – which could then become something the government could tax and give cigarette smokers a different product to use.

The House of Commons will rise soon for the summer break and is not expected to return until after the federal election expected to take placed October 19th.

Will Burlington choose to return Mike Wallace to Ottawa or will they decide that Karina Gould can do a better job for them?

Singer songwriter Sarah Harmer to speak at fourth annual accessibility awards in Burlington June 2

By Staff

May 27, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Here is a coup for you.

Canadian singer-songwriter and activist Sarah Harmer will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Accessibility Awards at The Burlington Performing Arts Centre on Tuesday, June 2, 2015, at 2 p.m.

Sarah Harmer

“Sarah Harmer is an award-winning artist with strong ties to our community,” said Judi Lytle, the city’s accessibility co-ordinator. ”We are thrilled that she will join us and deliver the keynote address as we celebrate accessibility in Burlington.”

The Burlington Accessibility Awards are hosted by the Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee as part of the city’s National Access Awareness activities. Emcee for the afternoon event will be Kelly MacDonald, a reporter for Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) and host of AMI-tv’s original program, AMI Blind Sighted. The awards celebrate the work being done by individuals, businesses and organizations to make Burlington more accessible for people with disabilities.

“We are making great strides in Burlington, not only to help remove existing barriers but also to prevent new barriers from being created,” said David Fisher, chair of the Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee. “Each year we see great leaders in our community who are making our city a more accessible place to live, work and play.”

Admission to the awards ceremony is free, but attendees must pre-register. Call 905-335-7600, ext. 7865.

Established in 1994, the Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee is a volunteer citizen’s advisory committee to Burlington City Council. The BAAC provides advice on the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to people with disabilities in the municipality’s bylaws, policies, programs and services.

Strategic Plan team listens to stakeholders - culture seemed to be the common thread in their thinking. No one asked for better roads.

By Pepper Parr

May 26, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

It is starting out as a different Strategic Plan review exercise.

Each term of office city council reviews the Strategic Plan and fine tunes the document to determine if any changes are needed.

In the past – prior to 2010 – the Strategic Plan was a collection of pretty pictures and bland statements. The current Mayor had at that time a Chief of Staff who thought the Strategic Plan should actually mean something and after more than eleven half days of meetings the city came out with a strategic Plan that set out three priorities:

Vibrant Neighbourhoods
Prosperity
Excellence in government

Ideas and points made floated around the room like confetti at a wedding when the 2011 Strategic Plan was crafted – expect this next team to be as active with the flip charts.

Those three, as limited as they were, amounted to the best council could do at that time. They were led by one of the best Strategic Plan facilitators in the country who asked them at their first meeting what they had as a BHAG – the room was silent.

BHAG – a Big Hairy Audacious Goal – the city didn’t have one and the best the team that was crafting the Strategic Plan could do was talk about the things they wanted the city they ran to be able to do and achieve.

Magi McKeowen Lancaster look at day's poster work

Making sense of all the notes and the different ideas left a lot on the table – crafting a strategic plan of this scale was a first time event for several members of council.

Be friendly, be prosperous and have decent government. At the session Tuesday the staff and members of council talking part in crafting the 2015-2018 plan heard that we aren’t as friendly as we would like to be and that the prosperity isn’t all that well distributed.

How good a government are they? They all got re-elected – that must mean something – that the majority of the people surveyed did not think their government listens to them says something else.

This Council now has a full term under their belts and they know a lot more about civic government than when they started crafting the 2011 – 2014 Strategic Plan.

The Tuesday session was listening to numerous stakeholders – all the way from the Cycling Committee to the Art Gallery of Burlington and more than a handful in between.

The trend in most of the thinking is that being a “smart” community making use of technology and ensuring there was a strong cultural base was the best way to reach the goal that everyone wanted – even though that goal was never spelled out.

Culture was the brightest thread seen during the Strategic Plan session that listened to the Stakeholders.

The “automobile” and good roads and lower taxes didn’t get very many mentions. The tone was that if we can become more diverse, have a strong sense of cultural well-being people will want to move to Burlington and corporations will want to locate here – and if those two things can happen – we will be a prosperous community.

The delegations made were for the most part very solid. There were a few that said they got very short notice which suggests there are some snags to be worked out in the flow of things – but they crew setting out the Strategy for the next three years is off to a good start.

Georgina Black of KPMG facilitated the 2011 Strategic Plan workshops and grew this council much more than they expected. Bringing her back would be a smart corporate move.

The delegations need some thought before they can be reported on in any depth – we will get back to you with that.

No BHAG yet – and this |Council may not yet have one on them. Time will tell that part of the story.

As yet there is no facilitator in place – staff report that they are negotiating with someone – they said that more than a month ago.

Gas being pumped into vehicles with stolen plates - driver pulls away without paying.

By Staff

May 26, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Now there is an interesting – even if criminal idea.

You steal the license plate off a car.

You put the stolen license plate on your car just before you drive in to fill your gas tank.

When the tank is full you drive off without paying for the gas you took.

Looks pretty relaxed doesn’t he? Recognize him – call it in.

The plates on the car you are using might get caught on camera – not to worry – the plates are not yours. You might get caught on the camera as well but it wouldn’t be too hard to effect a disguise

The Regional police have run into this problem – early in April a suspect in a suspect was driving a grey Pontiac Grand Prix GT with stolen licence plates attached to it. The suspect filled the tank and fled without paying for the fuel.

The most recent case was at the Petro Canada Gas Station located at 5600 Mainway in the City of Burlington; a quick flip to the QEW where traffic will hide you.

Any person who may have information that would assist police in identifying this suspect (PHOTOS Attached) are asked to contact D/Cst. Dave Ardrey of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2306 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800 222 8477 (TIPS), or through the internet at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).

Learn how to manage the collection agencies and set up a budget to get out of debt.

By Staff

May 25, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Burlingtonians don’t like to talk about poverty or personal debt. It doesn’t fit with the way the city sees itself.

We don’t see poverty on the streets – I was stunned when a fellow going through a tough time asked if I could give him bus money – he assured me he wasn’t a drinker.

I was stunned for a moment and admit to fumbling through my pockets for some money. It was close to the last thing I expected to experience on a Burlington street.

In Burlington? Definitely.

I do see a number of people who make the rounds on garbage days looking for beer bottles and aluminum cans that they redeem.

There are other levels of poverty that we don’t see on the streets – personal debt hounds more people than we are prepared to admit and the collection agencies are merciless. While they are regulated – that doesn’t stop the more rapacious debt collectors.

Banks don’t work out debt problems with their clients – they send the debt along to collection agencies and you work it out with them.
Those $300 for $20 pay day Loan companies that are located throughout the city are close to usurious with their interest rates. But they are often a last resort for some people.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is now accepting clients who live in Burlington. CA:P is part of a national charity that works with a household to work out a five step debt reduction plan for people who are in way over their heads.

5 Step Plan to be DEBT FREE

1. Home Visits
After you make the call CAP, a Debt Coach and Support Worker from the local CAP Debt Centre will visit you in your own home.

2. An effective budget
Our trained Debt Coaches then work out a realistic budget for you, negotiating affordable payments with each creditor.

3. CAP Plan
You will get a FREE CAP Plan. You make regular payments into it and CAP will then distribute this on your behalf.

4. Severe Debt
If you are in severe debt then we can support you through insolvency options.

5. Debt free.

You use your CAP Plan to pay your bills and debt repayments and you will be supported by CAP until you are debt free.

You can call the organization at their toll free number – 1-855-214-9191. Their service is confidential and it is free.

They are not going to pay your bills for you but they will help you work out something with your creditors and teach you how to better manage the money you have.

Vote on Code of Conduct deferred - Dennison wasn't able to attend the meeting.

By Staff

May 25, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

The Code of Conduct that was debated at a Standing Committee week before last was to be approved by city council Monday evening but was referred to the next cycle of Council so that Ward 4 Councillor Jack Dennison, who had sent his regrets about not being able to attend council Monday evening.

Will a code of Conduct make any difference on how these seven elected officials behave?

Dennison had some comments he wanted to make before the Code was put to a vote.

It will come up on June 22, 2015

Nelson pool will not be amongst those opening for the summer - city announces splash pad dates.

By Staff

May 25, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

There will be water in city operated swimming pools – but the pool at Nelson will not be one that opens – this year.

Beats the heat doesn’t it? Your tax dollars at work.

Nelson Outdoor Pool was scheduled to open for the 2015 summer season. As part of preparing for the summer opening, city staff conducted a pool inspection after the winter season. The pool structure has been deemed unsafe for public use by a structural engineer.

Attempts were made to see if any short term solutions could be found for this summer season however, repairs measures are too extensive. As a result, Nelson Pool will not open for the summer 2015 season.

“The pool was to reopen June 13, but with two severe winter seasons back-to-back, the steel tank at Nelson Pool has seen an accelerated rate of deterioration.” said Glenn. “Ensuring public safety is our top priority, and thus the need to keep Nelson Pool closed. Plans have been made to accommodate program participants and renters at other city pools.”

With the bad news out of the way the Director of Parks and Recreation Chris Glenn sang a happier tune and said the City of Burlington wants to help residents splash into summer and that all the city’s splash pads, including the Dofasco Waterjet Park at Discovery Landing, are open for the summer.

“With the warm weather, we’re pleased to have splash pads around Burlington open for the season earlier than usual. There are splash pads in parks across the city for families to enjoy the outdoors and cool off throughout the summer.”

Mountainside Outdoor Pool and La Salle Splash Pad will open on Saturday, June 13 to the public for the summer swimming season.

Mountainsides bran new pool will see its first customers Saturday June 13th

The Tim Hortons free swims scheduled for July 6 and Aug. 9 at Nelson Pool will be relocated to Centennial Pool, 5151 New St.

The July 6 swim will run from 1:30 to 4 p.m. and the Aug. 9 swim will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Air park gets $3500 of city's money for including some wording in an affidavit; plus a six month delay for a constitutional issue.

By Pepper Parr

May 25, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

City hall kept getting the feeling that they were being jerked around by the owners of the Air Park on Appleby Line where tonnes of landfill, much of it from sources unknown, had been illegally dumped putting significant sums into the coffers of the Air Park.

Vince Rossi, president of the Burlington Executive Air PArk and beleived to be the sole shareholder of the private company, met with north Burlington residents. He took all the comments made "under advisement"..

Vince Rossi, president of the Burlington Executive Air Park and believed to be the sole shareholder of the private company, met with north Burlington residents. He took all the comments made “under advisement”..

It took a court case to determine that the city had some regulatory authority over the air park and the winning of an appeal to drive that point home.

The city then asked the Air Park to submit a site plan for the work they had been doing on the property.

The Burlington Executive Airpark was given 30 days, from March 20, 2015, to comply with the city’s site alteration bylaw 64-2014 after months of discussion between officials at the city and the Airpark failed to produce the required application.

The City of Burlington site alteration bylaw 64-2014 regulates the placing, dumping, cutting and removal of fill or the alteration of grades or drainage on a piece of land. Individuals undertaking this type of work are first required to submit an application to the city for a site alteration permit.

Trucks dumping fill on air park property.

The Burlington Airpark Inc. has not submitted an application for a site alteration permit for the entire area of the Airpark property where substantial quantities of fill were deposited between 2008 and 2014.

The hearing that was to take place on the 28th was to have a judge compel the Air Park to file the site plan.

On May 21, last Thursday, the Ontario Court of Justice heard a motion from Burlington Airpark Inc. to remove paragraphs from a City of Burlington affidavit supporting the city’s application. Burlington Airpark Inc. argued these paragraphs contain an improper reference to “without prejudice” discussions between the city and the Airpark.

The Ontario Court of Justice granted the motion to remove the paragraphs from the affidavit and awarded Burlington Airpark Inc. $3,500 in costs to be paid by the city.

The court date to hear the city’s application regarding Burlington Airpark Inc. was rescheduled from May 28, 2015, to Nov. 10, 2015, before a judge of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

Burlington Air Park with two runways.

The November date is the earliest the Court has sufficient time to hear the city’s application and a Notice of Constitutional Question filed by Burlington Airpark Inc.

The notice challenges the constitutional validity of the city’s site alteration bylaw 64-2014.

Most people thought that question had been answered by the Ontario Court of Appeal – this matter is going to go around and around – the Air Park wants – perhaps needs, to buy some time. Drug dealers and other criminals do that kind of thing all the time.

Hearings for discovery of the tree people being sued by the Air Park for saying things President Vince Rossi didn’t like are to take place in June.

Wonder how they should go about getting a delay – is there a constitutional remedy for them ?

Ron Foxcroft and his wife Marie charm the Queen who now owns two Classic Fox40 whistles.

By Pepper Parr

May 25, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Ron and Marie Foxcroft went to London to see the Queen. More correctly Ron went as the Honorary Colonel of the Argyll’s to be presented to the Queen who is the Honorary Commander in Chief of the Argyll’s.

Queen Elizabeth II, in her capacity as Colonel-in-Chief of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, receives Colonel Ronald Foxcroft (Honorary Colonel) at Buckingham Palace in London.

Foxcroft was there to accept the condolences from the Queen on behalf of the Regiment over the dearth of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo last year in front of the National Memorial in Ottawa.

Being presented to the Queen is a very formal affair – for most people. Ron Foxcroft is not most people.

He and the Queen just hit it off is the best way to put it. What is normally a five minute event spun out to more than 40 minutes during which the Queen told Foxcroft that she believed the Canadian reserve troops were the best their was and that her regiment, the Argyll’s were as good as it gets.

The Day the Foxcroft’s met the Queen started out with Ron and Marie leaving their hotel in a taxi for Buckingham Palace which a short trip away.

Traffic was heavy and it looked as if they were going to be late so they got out of their cab and began walking to the gates of the Palace where there were long line ups.

They got to the guards and explained they were there to be presented to the Queen and were let through and told to head for a second barrier.

Marie Foxcroft explained that there were a number of barriers they had to get through and the guards at one barrier would call forward to the next until they found themselves in front of a door that let them into the Palace

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace was taking place at the same time which meant large crowds.

“We were just directed from one barrier to the next until we were in front of a door and we went in – and there we were inside Buckingham Palace where everything was so spacious” said Marie

The rooms were massive with one room leading into another – it was easy to get lost.

One of the spaces was the size of a football field with these huge rooms everywhere.

Marie noticed that there wasn’t much in the way of vegetation but the grounds outside were spotless. One of the large outdoor areas they had to walk though was covered with small stones – almost like gravel that was raked several times each day.

Queen Elizabeth II, in her capacity as Colonel-in-Chief of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, receives Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence Hatfield (Commanding Officer) at Buckingham Palace in London.

The purpose of the visit was to present Foxcroft and Colonel’s Kennedy and Hatfield to the Queen and accept her condolences over the death of Cpl Nathan Cirillo. These two officers were, as Foxcroft described them “lifers” were there with their wives as well.

“The Queen didn’t look a day over 70 said Marie Foxcroft – she is very quick and at times there was a devilish look in her periwinkle blue eyes.”

The procedure followed had the “officers” of the Regiment meeting with the Queen in a private audience while their wives waited in the Empire Room to be “buzzed” in.

The rooms were massive – the Lady in Waiting said she often got lost in the place,

The wives spent the time with one of the Queen’s six ladies in waiting who chit chatted with them and explained that the Palace was so big that she at times got lost in the place.

The Queen asked where they were staying while they were in London and Foxcroft replied that they were at the Goring – to which the Queen replied “lawteedaw” which wasn’t language Marie Foxcroft wasn’t expecting from a lady she had curtsied before when she was introduced.

Then the Queen added that she was going to an event that evening and would meet Big Dave Goring – at which point the Queen put her arms out to indicate the Mr. Goring was a man of considerable girth.

“She was just so normal” said Marie –“it was if I was talking with my Mother.” “She has these periwinkle blue eyes and is so elegantly dressed” added Marie. The Queen’s two Corgis were in the room during the close to an hour visit “and she didn’t sit down once”.

Royal gardens at the rear of the Palace – Queen has her own John Deere grass cutter and Canadian geese who foul her lawns and hiss at her Corgis.

Queen Elizabeth II, in her capacity as Colonel-in-Chief of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, receives (from left) Colonel Ronald Foxcroft (Honorary Colonel), Lieutenant Richard Kennedy (Honorary Lieutenant Colonel) and Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence Hatfield (Commanding Officer) at Buckingham Palace in London. Marie Foxcroft commented on the numerous framed pictures on the tables.

At one point the Queen pulled back the drapes and showed the group the garden she would use to host a garden party. Foxcroft asked how many people would be at the garden party – 8000 replied the Queen who then pointed out her John Deere grass cutter.

The Queen then pointed to the Canada geese that fouled her gardens at which point Foxcroft produced two of his Foxcroft whistles and said he thought these would help.

The framed replica of a |Canadian poppy was set out on an easel during the presentation to the Queen.

The Queen accepted the whistles – which seldom happens – and while she didn’t blow one at the time – Foxcroft is pretty sure she will eventually use what is part of a special production run of the Fox40 Classic whistle that has the crest of the Argyll’s stamped on the side. The Queen thought the men that rode what she called scooters beside her car should have these – scooters were where what we would call motor cycles

The Palace wakes up at 6:00 am but you never see any of the staff explained Marie. There is very ornate furniture all over the place and the rooms for the most part are very large – except for the room they met the Queen in.

What both Ron and Marie spotted was a table with dozens of framed pictures of family members.

Foxcroft asked if he queen had seen the new baby and she responded that she has “seen Charlotte the once but she was sleeping and I never wake a sleeping baby”.

I expected that Marie Foxcroft would have curtsied before her Queen – and wondered how elegant a curtsy it would have been. It took a little prodding but Marie Foxcroft, looking elegant in a pair of jeans, did her curtsy and immediately began to blush.

The day she married Ron Foxcroft she had no idea that she would one day stand with him before her Monarch.

Queen Elizabeth II, in her capacity as Colonel-in-Chief of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, receives Colonel Ronald Foxcroft (Honorary Colonel) at Buckingham Palace in London. Foxcroft steps right up to shake the hand of his Monarch.

The protocol is for people meeting the Queen to first address her as Your Majesty and after that you refer to her as Mam. “Ron couldn’t get it right said Marie – he kept calling her Your Majesty.

“I was terrified that I was going to screw it up” added Foxcroft who said “there was perspiration dripping down his arms.” Ron wasn’t the only one nervous yet during the interview with the Foxcroft’s in their home Marie referred to her time as “kibitzing” with the Queen. Ron certainly got her going – they were having a fine time talking about ”her” regiment and how proud she was of the way they had served in Afghanistan.

When the audience with the Queen was over, Commander Andrew Canale, who is Equerry to the Queen wondered “what were you talking about” Audiences with the queen do not last very long. Ron Foxcroft seemed to have gotten through to her.

When asked if he managed to make a mention of his Fluke Trucking fleet – Foxcroft dropped his head a bit and said: No, I didn’t.

Queen Elizabeth has long fond memories of Canada and the Canadian she met last week certainly made an impression on her.

It was the trip and experience of a life time “but you know” said Marie, “it is nice to be home.”

Air Park gets a delay in the hearing to compel them to file a site plan - they raise a constitutional issue. Can you believe that?

By Staff

May 25, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Air Park hearing moved back from late May to November 2015 – why so long?

The Air Park has raised a constitutional issue.

More detail to follow

Regional police cracking down on distracted drivers - asking for public to help.

News 100 blue By Staff

May 25, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

On Friday May 22, 2015 between 6:00am and 6:00pm, officers from the three regional District Response Teams collectively worked together to target the Big 4 driving behaviours that are responsible for placing road users at most risk, namely;

impaired driving
distracted driving
aggressive driving
failure to wear a seatbelt

Officers focused their efforts along the Dundas Street commuter route in the City of Burlington and the Town of Oakville.

During the one-day education and enforcement project, a total of 197 Provincial Offence Notices were laid. The majority of these charges consisted of speeding and distracted driving offences.

Officers also provided several warnings and cautions regarding driving behavior.

Halton Regional Police would like to remind motorists that holding a cell phone when driving a motor vehicle is likely to become the leading cause of traffic fatalities by 2016. As such our Service remains committed to targeting motorists who commit this offence and doing all that is possible to ensure a safe commute.

The next Regional Safe Commute initiative will take place in the Towns of Milton and Halton Hills.

Anyone can report a traffic or driving concern by visiting our website and making a ROAD WATCH complaint.

ROAD WATCH is a community driven program encouraging anonymous reporting of incidents involving dangerous and/or aggressive driving. This program is an opportunity to bring an aggressive driver to our attention. Be the extra eyes and ears and learn more here:

Two of the city's unions tell their negotiators - we will strike if we have to: outside workers and transit are not happy workers.

By Staff

May 25, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Two of the unions the city works with held strike votes which gave their union leaders the go ahead to meet with the city and attempt to resolve the local issues.

Bus terminal John Street 4 busses in-out

Transit workers and the city’s outside workers have told their union leaders they are prepared to strike for a better deal.

The city Roads and Parks Maintenance union voted by 97% in favour of a strike last week and Burlington Transit Local 2723 voted in favour of strike action Sunday by 96%.

Getting a strike vote from the union membership does not mean there is going to be a strike – what it does mean is that the union negotiators have a mandate to begin negotiations.

The next step is for a conciliator to be brought in and determine if the issues can be settled.

Meeting with the conciliator can last half a day or many days.

At some point the Conciliator has to produce a report – at times the conciliator is unable to produce a report and the situation is in what is referred to as a “no board report”.

A union has to wait for a minimum of 30 days after a no board report is issued before they can call a strike.

It is a situation that does have to be watched’ 96 and 97 per cent mandates are not to be trifled with.

MPP opens new office - decorates the space with local art.

By Staff

May 24, 2014

BURLINGTON, ON

Don Graves gets around – he paints. He has shown his work in many shows and is off to Port Credit to take part in an event there – and didn’t take part in the official opening of the new office MPP Eleanor McMahon opening this Friday afternoon.

Don Graves painting of Grindstone Creek decorates the walls of the constituency office of Eleanor McMahon.

When Don learned that MPP Eleanor McMahon was officially opening her new constituency office he felt some original Canadian art would be needed to decorate the walls.

And he just happened to have what he felt was perfect for an office.

So – Don’s painting was unveiled on Friday at the office opening without the artist being on hand to take a well-deserved bow.

Graves doesn’t know if our MPP is purchasing the painting or if it is just going to hang on the wall for a period of time and be returned.
Cheryl Goldring, wife of the Mayor, will have a piece of her art on the walls as well.

Sign goes up on the office of Burlington’s MPP

The new digs for the MPP are several steps up from what she had on Brant Street. The washroom in the new location is bigger than the office McMahon had previously.

There is a small boardroom with all the office space walls done in glass.

Nothing to fear? One writer didn't think that was the case.

By Pepper Parr

May 24, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

The Gazette got a telephone call from a reader who had made a comment a number of months ago and wanted to know if we could delete the comment.

We asked why. The caller explained that the person was looking for a job and was worried that someone would do an online search and come across the comment and that it would reflect negatively on that person.

We agreed to delete the comment and did so. Here is the comment that was made.

This article confirms that the current leadership has failed to acknowledge and identify that there is a real problem facing not only the business owners/operators in the downtown area but to residents as well.

The optics of the current situation downtown and leadership model are certainly troubling and the statistics all but confirm, in my opinion, that the current leadership is not up to the task. The failure to adapt has put the future and potential of the downtown area on a disturbing path.

The size of the problem and the associated failure of leadership is extraordinary. I can only hope that those who vote can identify this and make the right decision.

As mentioned before this is my opinion.

When the leadership of a community invokes this kind of fear – the whole community is in trouble. Leading is best done by consent.

They are going to do the shebang or be the shebang? Who the shebang knows - Sunday the 7th is when its taking place.

By Staff

May 24, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

A Shebang? A what? You’re calling it close encounters of the creatively collective conscious? Really.

AKA as a cool art event happening at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre with Burlington/Hamilton based professional writers, musicians, dance artists, singers, actors, costume designers and media artists.

And they are known as the shebangs?

Is this dancer doing the shebang?

The Ten Tour BAnd won't be in the FAmily room at the Performing Arts Centre but there will be kids running all over the place. Some will get to tickle the keys on the Grand Piano in the Main Theatre.

Does it mean the whole shebang showed up?

Collectively they form The Burlington Shebang and their first public encounter is June 7, 2015 from 3:30-5:00 pm.

Does that help?. It didn’t – did it ? Here are some clues Trevor Copp, Tomy Bewick, Leslie Gray Shannon Kitchings, Bridget Alanna Bezanson and Lisa Ann will be doing the shebang – did I get that right.

It’s a Sunday afternoon gig or is it a shebang ? Is that like West Indian dance ?

I think you’re just going to have to go and take your chances.

There was no mention of prices – sounds as if it is free.

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