 By Staff
May 22, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Every Friday, the Burlington Offender Management Unit shares information on a wanted person hoping the public can assist in locating the individual.
 Mark AUBERTIN is described as 5’9”, 150 lbs, brown eyes and brown hair. The program is in its fifth week and to date two of the four wanted persons has been apprehended.
This week the police would like your help in locating Mark Lloyd AUBERTIN, 42 years old, of Hamilton, ON.
Facts:
– During 2013 the accused committed numerous Break and Enters in Halton and Hamilton Regions by smashing car windows and stealing items from inside
– The accused was located and arrested in possession of several Break and Enter instruments in September 2013 at which time he was released on an Appearance Notice on a plethora of charges
– The accused was investigated again in December of 2014 at which time he was found to be in possession of Break and Enter Instruments, Stolen Property and a small quantity of drugs as well as being in breach of several of his court imposed conditions of bail
– The accused was released on a Recognizance and was required to attend court on May 4th, 2015 in Burlington which he failed to do and a warrant was issued for his arrest
– The accused has previous convictions for Possession of a Prohibited Firearm, Drugs, Break and Enter Commit, Thefts, Mischief and Escape Lawful Custody and is now wanted on a total of 34 charges.
He is wanted by Halton Regional Police Service for:
Break and Enter Commit x 8
Mischief under $5000 x 8
Fail to Comply Recognizance x 6
Possession of Break and Enter Instruments x 2
Possession of Stolen Property
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Fail to Attend Court
The accused is also wanted by Hamilton Police Service for:
Fail to Comply Recognizance x 4
Fail to Re-Attend Court
Possession of Burglary Tools
Possession of Marihuana
Mark AUBERTIN is described as 5’9”, 150 lbs, brown eyes and brown hair. AUBERTIN has piercings in both ears and is known to frequent Hamilton, Burlington as well as the surrounding areas.
Anyone who may have witnessed this male or has information that would assist investigators in identifying him are encouraged to contact D/C. Bulbrook – Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Offender Management Team at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2346 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Mark Gillies
May 22, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
On Thursday May 21, 2015 at approximately 9:38 AM, I witnessed the last vestige of life from a Burlington centenarian who was executed under the legal authority of a Burlington “judge and a jury of seven”. There was only one other person to witness this sickening death; the “executioner”, who undertook the task to terminate the life of this wonderful piece of Burlington’s historical past.
The “judge and jury” I am referring to is your City Council, Mayor Rick Goldring, and Councillors, Jack Dennison, Marianne Meed Ward, Paul Sharman, John Taylor, Rick Craven,Blair Lancaster and John Taylor. The City Council found the senior “guilty as charged” for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
 The historic Hiram Alton Walker homestead stands alone moments before the “execution” was to begin. Once protected by Burlington’s Heritage Registry, this beautiful elderly “citizen” was removed from the registry about three years ago because it was designated a Heritage “B” building by the City of Burlington, and therefore expendable. That recommendation to the City of Burlington probably originated from Heritage Burlington, a citizen’s advisory committee under the dubious chairmanship of James Clemens.
I talked to the “executioner” just before he carried out his deathly act. He politely asked, “What makes a building part of heritage?” It was a good question to which I responded, “It’s many things, for example, who lived here, were they connected to historical families or events, what did they do, who built the house, when was it built, what materials were used in its construction and what significance did it have in the community.” He was interested to know, but quickly replied, “Well I have to do it, I have to feed my kids.”
The death of this heritage building was at 3292 New Street. It came down to make way for a controversial hi-rise building called Marantha Gardens. Nobody from the general public requested it, the concept and acceptance were forced down our throats.
 The “executioner” with weapon in place is about to commence the “execution”.  The “executioner” has executed one more time; the centenarian is dead, just so his kids can eat. City Council without shame, can chock up another win. Heritage conservation loses once again.
The home at 3292 New Street was built for Hiram Alton Walker (1884-1971), the son of John Henry Walker (1850-1911) and Frances Isabella Alton (1856-1938). Most likely it was a wedding present when Hiram married Florence Ann Shayler (1886-1976) on November 7 1907. The newly wedded couple gave birth to Norman Hiram Walker on July 30, 1908. Norman died in 1976. The family happily lived in this home for many years.
 Philip Walker and Susannah Cline, paternal great grandparents of Hiram Alton Walker  Hiram Walker, paternal grandfather of Hiram Alton Walker The historical connection of this home and the family goes back to the United Empire Loyalists when Philip Walker (1785-1865) and his family made their way from Hillsborough, Orange, North Carolina to Burlington. His wife was Susannah Cline (1792-1875) born in Washington, Maryland, and her family were also United Empire Loyalists, who also came to Burlington to escape the hardships imposed by the revolutionaries. Philip and Susannah were the great grandparents of Hiram Alton Walker, the man who lived at 3292 New Street.
Hiram Alton Walker’s paternal grandparents were Hiram Walker (1814-1896) and Julia Ann Cline (1820-1904). They farmed the land north of New Street and west of Walker’s Line. Walker’s Line is named after the Walker family. On May 8, 1889 Hiram and Julia celebrated 50 years of marriage at their home. The whole family attended. Unfortunately, their historic home was demolished in 1946.
 David Alton, maternal grandfather of Hiram Walton Walker  On May 8, 1889, Hiram Walker and his wife the former Julia Ann Cline celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a family gathering at their home. Most likely, one of the boys in the lower left corner was Hiram Alton Walker, who would have been five years old at the time. Hiram Alton Walker’s maternal grandparents were David Alton (1830-1884) and Mary Ann Breckon (1836-1923); his maternal great grandparents were Thomas Alton (1795-1872) and Charlotte Cleaver (1803-1876).
All of these local historic surnames Walker, Alton, Cline, Cleaver, and Breckon go back to the beginning of this community. All of these families have contributed significantly to our growth. We just keep destroying it.
 By Ray Rivers
May 21, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
FHRITP – This crude sexist expression has become some kind of rallying cry for the intellectually immature. And we’re not just talking about 14 year-old virgin boys frolicking in the locker room, bragging about things they can only dream about. This latest wave of stupidity appears to have been started, only last year, by an off-sound microphone, which wasn’t. And now social media is perpetuating this garbage, featuring some grey-bearded dude in a hoody, screaming this trash into female reporters’ microphones.
Last week a City News reporter, Shauna Hunt, became the latest victim while covering an FC soccer game in Toronto. As the fans were filing out she got heckled by a mob of youngish males. Deciding to fight back, she naively challenging the mindless mob to defend the use of their profanity.
 One of the louts, Shawn Simoes, sporting an Emirates shirt, took up the reporter’s challenge. His face was later recognized by his employer, Hydro One, and he was promptly given his walking papers. Of course, the firing gave this cycle of idiocy even more life, like gasoline on a fire, as Liberal and NDP leaders lowered themselves by chiming-in with their support for the firing.
We are reminded of the case of Jian Ghomeshi, released from the CBC for what initially appeared to be a transgression committed outside of his workplace. Later it was uncovered that the talk show radio-star’s violence against women had been a pattern, and criminal charges ensued. The voice and face of CBC radio, Mr. Ghomeshi’s conduct reflected negatively on his employer, the public broadcaster, and apparently violated the terms in his employment contract.
But that was hardly the case with the fired Hydro One engineer in this FHRITP escapade, though the company claimed that he violated the company’s code of conduct. But the only way anyone knew he even worked for the utility was when he had been publicly fired. It was just another imbecilic act of someone off premises, on his own free time, probably well-lubricated with alcohol and pre-charged with testosterone as a result of watching his favourite blood sport.
Sticks and stones can break your bones… but there was no physical violence, no criminal charges, just dumb and dumber language. How far do we allow an employer to control the personal conduct and life of an employee, one might well ask? And how will this engineer get another job with a resume including being fired for such an asinine act? Are we all better off with him facing a future of perpetual unemployment – or worse?
Maple Leaf Sports Events (MLSE) claims it will refuse future admittance to the numbskulls in this incident, once it figures out who they are. But perhaps they really need to also look at the kind of events they are hosting, and the impact of blood sports on the game and post-game behaviour of the spectators. Does watching male-dominated aggressive sporting events stimulate young males to socially mis-behave? My favourite spectator ice game is fight-free women’s hockey.
To be fair to the boys, it is not infrequent that one hears women criticize and insult men, even in sexual terms. It is a social sport to laugh at the other gender, providing it is done in good spirit. But FHRITP is different because it is mean and derogatory – intended to demean, as well as bait, women.
Hydro One may escape a wrongful dismissal law suit (and we the higher electricity rates that might entail). But even so, firing someone for something which is so remote from their workplace responsibilities is a problematic precedent. It implies that employers can dictate aspects in the personal lives of their employers, at least if they become public and/or go on social media.
 In the ever-closer Orwellian world to which we are gravitating, one wonders if it wouldn’t have been better – rather than canning him – to have Mr. Simoes sent for counselling – a visit to Hydro One’s ‘thought police’. But who is Hydro One to be setting moral standards for its employees anyway, given the recent review of the corporation by the Auditor General. Still, people in glass houses do throw stones – though at least this sends a powerful signal to the thoughtless and insensitive.
FHRITP. It’s crude, but it is nothing more than a description of the sex act. So it’s not like these dough-brained idiots have just figured out how to split the atom – and thus have earned a right to feel proud of themselves. Perhaps the best thing we could all do is to just ignore them and wait for this banality to go away.
Background links:
FHRITP Firing An Employment Trend
Toronto FC Soccer Hydro One Firing Reporter Confrontation
Female Reporter Challenges Man Apologizes Deserve Firing Calgary Man Fined
Banned From Sports Events Hydro One
 Ray Rivers writes weekly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was a candidate for provincial office in Burlington where he ran as a Liberal against Cam Jackson in 1995, the year Mike Harris and the Common Sense Revolution swept the province.
 By Pepper Parr
May 21, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The first of four public Workshops on what people want the downtown core to look like was a success – a notable success. “Destination Downtown – a conversation about our future” invited ward 2 constituents to consider this question: What if developers, businesses and residents could work together to build our downtown – finding common ground instead of fighting?
 You can almost feel the thinking taking place as theses residents discuss the information on the developments maps they were given The answer was some 125 people that included developers, residents and an impressive number of planning staff who took part in two hours of animated discussion.
Councillor Marianne Meed Ward had caught the sense of many downtown residents who wanted to be involved in the growth of their community and not be unempowered dupes who leave everything to the politicians and hope they get it right.
The Gazette asked Meed Ward what she had learned from the first experience and where was she going to go with the second Workshop which takes place at the Performing Arts Centre, May 27; at 7 pm
“I hope that we succeed in building on what we learned at the first Workshop” said Meed Ward who will be putting all the comments – and there were hundreds of them, on her web site.
Meed Ward added that the people in her ward care passionately about what happens in their community and they felt it was great to be able to participate and sit beside a developer and ask why they built what they built.
Meed Ward added that there was a willingness on the part of the residents to understand that there will be changes – they just want to be involved in determining what those changes are going to do to the city they live in
Meed Ward said it was clear that those taking part in the Workshop wanted good design and that they wanted the city’s heritage protected.
Part of the purpose was to allow developers and residents to meet each other and for the residents to get beyond the stereotype that developers are interested in profit and nothing more than profit. Meed Ward didn’t add that there are still developers who take that approach – they weren’t in the room that evening.
 Residents and planner exchanged ideas and opinions during an active two hour public meeting on downtown core development. The event was focused on ward 2 – Mayor Goldring was in the room and sat in on several of the groups that were poring over large drawings of where development was taking place – the drawing were quite a jolt for some – there are a lot of projects in various stages of development.
The second Workshop is going to focus on two separate developments – situations where there isn’t a site plan – no clear idea what will be built.
Property has been assembled – the developers are now thinking through what they want to do and measuring that against what they think the market wants.
The Molinaro’s have assembled several parcels of land on Brant at Ghent – where there happens to be quite a bit of development that is in various stages of progress
 A farmhouse once occupied by members of the Ghent family is part of a land assembly – the house has heritage value. Which comes first – a farmhouse that has been altered significantly and sits on property that is under utilized or the potential to put up a structure with the potential for eight storey? The property known as the Ghent farmhouse appears to be in play; significant expansion of Brant Square Plaza has already been put before the public – site plan approval for that development which will add four storeys to the two storey structure on the south end to Olga is expected by the end of the year.
 Robert Molinaro explains the data on a map of downtown developments to Workshop participants. When the Molinaros’ took their Brock street development that is now becoming occupied – Burlington MPP Eleanor McMahon has moved in and will hold a formal opening later this month – the 27th, they tended to buck the views of the people who took part in the public meeting. That project was eventually approved with significant height and density changes.
The Molinaro’s learned however that it is wiser to work with a community and bring as many people as possible into the tent.
When the large Fairview property next to the GO station was acquired and plans for a five tower development was proposed the first thing the Molinaro’s did was meet with the ward councillor and get the public involved.
It worked for them and the number of developers who showed up at the Workshop suggests that the Meed Ward approach may become the direction that becomes the norm for this city.
Another project that will be looked at closely is at Lakeshore and Burlington. The developers apparently want to hear what the residents think – there are no commitments that they will leave the Workshop promising to do what the residents want – that’s not quite the way residential development takes place.
While the event took place in ward 2 and was about ward 2 – the concept that Meed Ward is fashioning is applicable in every ward in the city.
It could work in Aldershot, and in the east end of the city where Councillor Sharman reigns and ward 6 as well.
 A Downtown core map setting out where development is currently taking place or planned. One would hope that the other members of council would have wanted to at least look in on what Meed Ward was trying to do and see if it might work in their wards.
Unfortunately the divide between the kind of thinking that moves Meed Ward forward and the approaches much of the rest of council take don’t suggest smooth sailing for project that the public wants input on.
If Meed Ward came up with the idea – the rest of Council won’t go near it – with the exception of Councillor Taylor and to a lesser degree Councillor Dennison.
Councillor Lancaster is focused on winning the federal nomination for the new Oakville North Burlington riding – her constituents shouldn’t expect to see much of her locally.
If she wins the nomination and goes on to win federal seat the city will have to hold a by-election to replace her. There are people in ward 6 who are lining up to file their nomination papers.
Meed Ward appears to have tapped into a public desire to take part and to be involved.
The only cautionary note is that the largest property owner in the city and the developer who took his project to the OMB were not in the room.
By Staff
May 21, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
After a lengthy investigation by the Halton Police Regional Fraud Unit, a St. Catharines man has been arrested and charged for his involvement in defrauding thirteen local condominium corporations of 4.1 million dollars between March 2009 and September 2014.
Brett Mackenzie LEAHEY, 45 yrs, acted as the owner/operator of Integrated Condominium Management (ICM), a property management firm responsible for servicing and managing the finances of ten condominium corporations in the City of Burlington and three in the City of Hamilton.
Among several of the allegations, Mr. Leahey forged property maintenance invoices and contracts, fraudulently charged the condominiums for work not completed and re-distributed assets from the corporations to his business accounts for personal use.
“Our investigation would indicate that Mr. Leahey clearly took advantage of the position entrusted to him by these corporations for his own personal gain,” stated Detective Constable Derek Wilson of the Halton Police Regional Fraud Unit.
Leahey will appear for a bail hearing at Milton Provincial Court on Thursday May 21st, in relation to the following charges:
• Defraud the Public
• Fraud Over $5,000 – 7 Counts
• Laundering Proceeds of Crime – 3 Counts
• Utter Forged Document – 11 Counts
• Possession of Proceeds of Crime – 2 Counts
The condominiums involved were not named in the police report.
 By Pepper Parr
May 21, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Community Foundation (BCF) announced today that Gary W. DeGroote has been named the 2015 Philanthropist of the Year. He will be honoured at BCF’s annual Masquerade Ball on October 24th, 2015, at the Burlington Convention Centre.
 Gary W. DeGroote, Community foundation philanthropist of the year “Gary DeGroote epitomizes what it means to be a sustainable philanthropist and we are honoured to work so closely with a man who has made such an incredible impact on Burlington and the wider community,” says Colleen Mulholland, President and CEO, Burlington Community Foundation. “Gary is a true leader who not only supports our foundation but also consistently demonstrates a passionate, caring and generous commitment to the arts, youth and recreation.”
The Philanthropist of the Year award presented by Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life offers the chance to publicly honour and thank a noted philanthropist for their positive impact on Burlington and surrounding communities. Gary and his family have a long history of sharing their time, talent and treasures.
Gary’s leadership in many endeavours will be forever noted in Burlington’s history. A passionate supporter of the arts, his Titanium Benefactor Gift helped to kick start the fundraising campaign for the renowned Burlington Performing Arts Centre. His contributions are too numerous to list as Gary and his family continue to donate countless hours of leadership and significant funding to the arts, culture, recreation, youth and education sectors in Burlington.
“It is a true honour to receive this award” says Gary DeGroote. “I hope this award encourages others to give to our community in their own way. Gestures of kindness and gifts of time and resources are what keep our communities strong and vibrant. I am very proud to support Burlington and all of the fabulous organizations that work each and every day to help make life better for others.”
DeGroote came up through the ranks of the company his Dad formed and later sold. In a Bloomberg report for 2007 Michael DeGroote was reported to have a net worth of $1.23 billion, up 6% from the previous year.
 Gary DeGroote co-chaired the fund raising committee that raised much of the $28 million it cost to construct the Performing Arts Centre DeGroote was generous to his community and plunked down $5 million to kick start the fund raising for the Performing Arts Centre.
Businessman Gary DeGroote seems to be following in the footsteps of his father, Michael — the former Laidlaw Inc. CEO turned philanthropist — with a $5-million pledge in November 2006 toward Burlington, Performing Arts Centre. He’ll still have a long way to go, though, before he tops his dad’s record-breaking $105-million donation in 2003 to Hamilton’s McMaster University, which named the DeGroote School of Business after him.
DeGroote co-chaired the fundraising committee for the $28-million Centre that was brought in on time and on budget.
 By Pepper Parr
May 20, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
There is a scene in the movie ET where the lost alien says “Home” – he just wanted to go home.
That’s the reason Brian McCurdy tendered his resignation earlier this week to the Board of the Performing Arts Centre. McCurdy’s wife remained in Kingston when McCurdy took on the job – he commuted on weekends but it go to be more than he wanted to continue doing – he will leave his office in October.
He said he has enjoyed his time in Burlington but now he wants to retire and spend more time with his wife in Kingston.
 Retiring Executive Director leaves the Burlington Performing Arts Centre in better shape than he got it it. He will be missed. McCurdy seemed prepared to stay on a little longer if that is what was needed to find and break in whoever is hired to replace him – but he will not celebrate Christmas in this city.
McCurdy has offered to serve as a talent scout for the Hiring committee the board will establish. He seems to be leaving on the best of terms
In his almost two years as the Executive Director of the Performing Arts Centre he has improved the program and gotten most of the past financial difficulties behind him.
He is proud of the three local production groups that are now making significant use of the facilities. The Todering Biped, the Koogle Theatre and Nortsur productions have each mounted performances. Some were better than others – but at least community groups are using the space.
“It takes time” said McCurdy “to build an audience for new artistic endeavours. It took time for the public to get used to the size of the subsidy the BPAC needs and will probably always need.
The Performing Arts Centre now has a solid reputation and draws audiences from Toronto – they advertise regularly in the Globe and Mail
Asked which performance was he most proud of bringing to Burlington: the Pat Metheny Unity Group.
If the Board has the good sense to involve McCurdy in the hiring process we will be well served.
The disturbing part of all this is that we had first class talent at BPAC – now we have to go looking all over again.
Home – that summed it up
By Pepper Parr
May 20, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
There was a lot of laudatory comment from municipal council members taking part in a Regional Standing committee that was going through the Regional Staff report on the matter of the Beachway Park.
All the Regional members listened politely to a detailed summary of what was called “visionary, aspirational” and just what the city needed on an underused piece of Burlington’s waterfront.
At the very end of the presentation mention was made of the houses that were still privately owned.
The Regional Councilors then turned to just how much this was going to cost and who was going to pick up the tab – and when would the work begin ?
Hold tightly to your chair.
$51 million
 Removal of the hydro towers part of the $51 million tab for Beachway Park. But that includes getting rid of the unsightly hydro towers – and you the taxpayer don’t have to pay it all at once.
Alan Elgar of Oakville, refereed to the design as Disneyland North – an unfair characterization of what is a superb park plan.
The presentation by the planner and project manager from Brooke McIlroy, the firm hired to over see the design of the park. He sounded a bit like a sales pitch from a time share salesman for a project that had yet to be built but was going to be everything you ever wanted.
The ins and outs of the discussion and debate and how the Standing Committee almost didn’t recommend the staff report until Chair Gary Carr let them know that he didn’t want a report without a recommendation going to Council.
A little bit of procedural hockey pokey and they managed to approve the Staff report and send it off to Council.
The Gazette will report on what happened in detail in a follow up report.
We just wanted you to know that your politicians are getting ready to spend $51 million to been up 27 homes from people who aren’t that keen on selling, make a nice park for you and get rid of the hydro towers that have been in place since 1909.
Capital Expenditures: 2016-2020 2021-2025 2026-2040 Total
 By Pepper Parr
May 20, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
First time authors are usually given some room from reviewers. That initial title is looked at for possible potential – maybe this is an author that has more than one story to tell.
 Janet Turpin Meyers, local author launches her first title at the end of the month. Janet Turpin Meyers published “Nightswimming” in 2013 – it was a good read; there was promise and it turned out to be a book that you would both recommend to people and give as a gift to your more discerning friends.
Then book two arrives and it is picked up with both interest and some wondering – what has she had to say this time?
“The Last Year of Confusion” is not “Nightswimming” her first title – it wasn’t supposed to be but for those who so enjoyed Meyers’ first novel there was the hope that this second book would be as pleasurable.
There aren’t as many things to identify with in this second title, at least not for this reader. I was able to identify with many of the “Nightswimming” characters and as I read through that title there was a sense of dread when I began to realize how it was going to end.
No sense of dread with Last Year of Confusion and fewer characters that I identified with – which doesn’t for a moment take away from the book.
When you find yourself with a cast of characters that includes Jesus, John Lennon, Ghandi and Elvis impersonators you know this is going to be different. There are actually two Elvis’s – but I don’t want to give the story away.
When the lead characters have names that are not exactly memorable and bring their own baggage and history to the table – it takes a little adjusting.
 Add in the aboriginal police officer with Bigcanoe as a surname and some difficulty fully comprehending the police policies and procedures and this reader settled into what was going to be a different read.
Add in the Easter Island moai and a character who both counts his blessings and write them up in scribblers he has scrounged and while writing up Blessing # 13,890 easily refers to Blessing # 232
A Time Portal and a “blue suede shoe” plus the television crew from a reality TV show – and you’ve begun to get a sense of where Meyers is going to take you.
This second title is a different read – worth the time if only because it gives you a chance to follow a growing author who is clearly going to be writing for some time.
While not yet recognized there are more books coming from Janet Turpin Meyers.
A reception celebrating the launch of The Last Year of Confusion will be held at Cedar Springs on Sunday May 24th
By Pepper Parr
May 20, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The notice that the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) s looking for a new Executive Director was brought to our attention by an observant reader.
The several hundred word notice published on the BPAC web site mentions the building and the amount of space and who the designer was and then gets to the meat of the media release.
The position of Executive Director is open
 Brian McCurdy improved the quality of the performances brought to Burlington and made a huge dent in the losses that were being incurred. His position as Executive Director of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre is being advertised as open. The release doesn’t say if Brian McCurdy resigned or if he was asked to leave or if he is suffering from poor health and has to slow down.
No one was available at this early hour – 8:00 am, to comment. The last media release on the BPAC web site was September 19, 2014.
The event to announce the fall line-up is scheduled for later this month – will McCurdy be on hand?
Did he resign, was he asked to move on? Nothing in the way of information.
McCurdy has done a fabulous job of getting the BPAC out of the financial slump it was in – the place was bleeding deficits and costing the public very close to $1 million in subsidy
He made big improvements in involving community groups – BPAC was a healthier place because of McCurdy.
McCurdy took over at BPAC in August of 2013
Losing Brian McCurdy is not good news for Burlington.
Anyone interested in the job has to get their application in no later than Friday, June 26th in confidence to: bpacjobs@burlington.ca
More when there is more to tell
By Staff
May 20, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
One down, one to go.
Alannah MARACLE was arrested on May 19th in the Peel region.
Lorne GENERAL managed to evade police and remains at large.
The Halton Regional Police Service had asked the public to assist in locating Lorne General.
The duo are wanted in connection with a residential break and enter, theft of motor vehicles, police pursuit and motor vehicle collisions which occurred in the City of Burlington on May 11th 2015.
Lorne GENERAL (28 years) is wanted for 22 charges and Alannah MARACLE (21 years) is wanted for 8 charges in relation to the incident in Burlington. Further charges are anticipated.
If a member of the public has knowledge regarding the whereabouts of GENERAL, they are encouraged to phone police. Personal safety is the #1 priority, please call police and do not approach these parties. Any person with information that can assist in this investigation is asked to call the Burlington Criminal Investigation Bureau – at 905-825 4747 ext. 2316/2312 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).
 By Staff
May 19, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Ron Foxcroft is seldom, if ever, at a loss for words.
 Queen Elizabeth II, in her capacity as Colonel-in-Chief of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, receives Honourary Colonel Ron Foxcroft at Buckingham Palace Foxcroft and his wife Along with Colonel’s Kennedy and Hatfield of the Argyle’s and their wives were presented to the Queen at Buckingham Palace earlier today. Foxcroft filed the following with us moments ago:
“Arrived at 11:30 for 12:0 meeting.
“Changing of the guards were in progress but an audience with the Queen takes presidency.
“We were whisked in to a private area of the palace. We were taken to her private apartment and briefed in the Empire room by two Equeerys and the lady in waiting.
“We were buzzed in to her apartment at 12:08.
“She was radiant in a blue floral dress and beautiful. She held out her hand we all three shook hands She offered condolences to the regiment and the Cirillo family. She said she is proud of her regiment
“She wanted an explanation of the poppy gift that was on an easel beside her. She said it will be hung permanently in Buckingham Palace.
“She talked Argyll business and I presented her with two Argyll logo whistles. She put her lips on one but did not blow it.
“After 30 minutes she buzzed for our wives. They greeted her. She took us to the window and proudly pulled back the drapes and said enjoy my beautiful little garden.
“We have a small party tomorrow for a few people. I asked how many.
“She said 8,000. I said you do a marvellous job cutting the lawn.
She laughed and said that is my John Deere lawn mower as she pointed to the machine. She said if I blow this Fox 40 will it scare the Canada Geese off my lawn.
“She said it is better than using a gun and laughed.
She said I do not like goose dirt. She said she has only seen Princess Charlotte once and was sleeping.
“She says I never wake a baby.
“The pictures that were taken are protected by copyright and will be mailed with a contract for us to sign
“We left at 1 pm.”
Ron Foxcroft will be telling this story for the next five years. Bet on that.
 By Pepper Parr
May 19, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
After numerous meetings the city finally has a draft of a Code of conduct that will have close to the force of law and which if seriously violated could result in the suspension of a member of |Council.
 Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward takes the position that she has the right and the responsibility to involve herself in any issue in any ward. Her belief is not shared by all members of Council. The most contentious issue during the discussions is whether or not a member of council can involves themselves in issues outside their wards. Ward 2 Councilor Marianne Meed Ward has taken the position that she is responsible for ward 2 issues but can involve herself in matters that are city wide and has done so in the past.
Ward 1 Councilor Rick Craven feels that ward 1 is his turf and no one should intrude on his territory. Councilor Dennison felt that as a courtesy a council member should at last inform fellow members of Council when they are involving themselves in an issue in a ward that is not their own.
The document is not what you would call an easy read. The Gazette will publish the version of the Code of Conduct that gets passed by Council on the 25th.
The portion of the draft code was revised at the Standing Committee with the removal of the part that had to do with how and when a council member can involve themselves in matters outside their ward. That section read:
General Integrity
• Members of Council are committed to performing their functions with integrity, accountability and transparency.
• Members of Council are responsible for complying with all applicable legislation, by-laws and policies pertaining to their position as an elected official.
• Members of Council recognize that the public has a right to open government and transparent decision-making.
• Members of Council shall at all times serve and be seen to serve the interests of the municipality in a conscientious and diligent manner and shall approach decision-making with an open mind.
• Members of Council shall avoid the improper use of the influence of their office.
• Members of Council shall not attempt to influence or interfere with, either directly or indirectly, financially, politically or otherwise employees, officers or other persons performing duties under the Provincial Offences Act.
• Where a member of Council is involved in an issue outside the Member’s own ward, the member will inform the ward Councillor of such involvement.
 Ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven takes the view that he is responsible for the concerns and issues in his ward and that other council members should basically mind their own business. He lost that argument. Deleting it from the code passed on a 4-3 vote.
In 2006 the Municipal Act was amended to provide municipalities with enhanced accountability powers including the ability to establish a Code of Conduct and appoint an Integrity Commissioner to administer the Code of Conduct.
Burlington’s city council began work on a Code in December 2013 as part of their governance review. Currently, there is a Code of Practice that was adopted in 1996. The Code of Conduct would replace this policy.
Any failure to comply with the code of conduct can have serious and significant consequences. “Members of Council shall adhere to the provisions of the Code of Conduct. The Municipal Act, 2001 authorizes Council, where it has received a report by its Integrity Commissioner that, in his or her opinion, there has been a violation of the Code of Conduct, may impose either of the following penalties:
• A reprimand;
• Suspension of the remuneration paid to the member in respect of his or her services as a member of Council or a local board, as the case may be, for a period of up to 90 days.”
It would be tough to get re-elected were a council member to be suspended for any period of time.
There have been four workshops held with Council to draft the code that was presented.
At the January workshop, Council received an update from the City Solicitor on Bill 8: Public Sector and MPP Accountability and Transparency Act, 2014. Bill 8 significantly expands the role of the provincially-appointed Ombudsman in the affairs of municipalities. This includes oversight over the investigations conducted in accordance with the Code of Conduct.
In some cases, municipalities may forgo the appointment of an Integrity Commissioner and leave the oversight to the Ombudsman. It is staff’s view that despite the oversight from the provincial Ombudsman, it would still be prudent to hire an Integrity Commissioner at the local level. At this point the regulations on Bill 8 have not been released. Those regulations will likely include details on procedures for investigation and any related costs to the municipality.
Following approval of the Code of Conduct, staff will retain an Integrity Commissioner on a fee for service basis. The plan is to share an Integrity Commissioner on a fee for service basis with the Town of Milton. The Town of Oakville already has an Integrity Commissioner in place. The expectation is that the cost will come in at about $20,000 a year – which of course depends on how many complaints get sent to the Commissioner and how well our Council members behave.
 Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman has in the past come perilously close to crossing some of the lines set out in the Code of Conduct. One section of the Code of Conduct spells out very clearly that:
Members of Council shall not:
• Maliciously, falsely or otherwise inappropriately injure the professional or ethical reputation, or the prospects or practice of staff;
• Compel staff to engage in partisan political activities or be subjected to threats or discrimination
for refusing to engage in such activities; or
• Use, or attempt to use, their authority or influence for the purpose of intimidating, threatening, coercing, commanding or influencing any staff member with the intent of interfering in staff’s duties.
That requirement has not always been fully met in the past.
Free tickets to events have been a problem in the past – the rules were never very clear. They will be clear when the Code of Conduct is passed by city council.
“Members of Council are expected to represent the public and the interests of the municipality and to do so with both impartiality and objectivity. The acceptance of a gift, benefit or hospitality can imply favouritism, bias or influence on the part of the Member. At times, the acceptance of a gift, benefit or hospitality occurs as part of the social protocol or community events linked to the duties of an elected official and their role in representing the municipality.
“Members of Council shall not accept gifts that would appear to be in gratitude for influence or to induce influence. For these purposes, a gift, benefit or hospitality provided with the Member’s knowledge to a family member or to a Member’s staff, that is connected directly or indirectly to the performance of the Member’s duties is deemed to be a gift to that Member.
Members of Council are not precluded from accepting:
(a) compensation authorized by law;
(b) such gifts or benefits that normally accompany the responsibilities of office and are received as an incident of protocol or social obligation;
(c) a political contribution under the Municipal Elections Act;
(d) a memento of a function honouring the member;
(e) where a member is speaking or attending an event in an official capacity, the food, lodging, transportation and entertainment provided by provincial, regional and local governments or political subdivisions of them, by the federal government or by a foreign government within a foreign country, or by a conference, seminar or event organizer;
(f) food and beverages consumed at banquets, receptions or similar events, if:
1. attendance serves a legitimate business purpose;
2. the person extending the invitation or a representative of the organization is in attendance; and
3. the value is reasonable and the invitations infrequent;
(g) communication to the offices of a member, including subscriptions to newspapers and periodicals;
(h) gifts of a nominal value (e.g. baseball cap, t-shirt, flash drive, book, etc).
 Some ward 6 residents felt their Council member, Blair Lancaster was just a little too close to the owners of the Air Park. In the case of exceptions claimed under categories b, d, e, f, g, h where the value of the gift or benefit exceeds $25, or if the total value received from any one source during the course of a calendar year exceeds $25, the Members shall within 30 days of receipt of the gift or reaching the annual limit, list the gift or benefit on a Councilor Information Statement in the prescribed form and file it with the City Clerk. This information will be posted on the website with Councilors expenses.
Members are permitted to receive up to two tickets to a dinner or a fundraising event, as long as the Member is attending only one such event as a gift from the same individual or corporation within any calendar year.
Fundraising, Community Events and Donations are also clarified in the code.
This Code recognizes that as community leaders, Members of Council may lend their support to and encourage, community donations to registered charitable organizations and not for profit groups. Monies raised through fundraising efforts shall go directly to the groups or volunteers and chapters acting as local organizers of the group. This Code recognizes the important work of Members of Council in supporting charitable causes and the need for transparency in Members involvement.
This Code sets the following additional guiding principles for Members of Council
(a) Members of Council should not directly or indirectly manage or control any monies received relating to a charitable, not for profit or community-based organization’s fundraising in their capacity as a member of Council.
(b) A Member of Council or a third party acting on behalf of the Member shall not solicit nor accept support in any form from an individual, group or corporation with a pending matter, such as but not limited to, a planning or demolition application, partnership agreement, tender or Request for Proposals before Burlington City Council.
(c) With reference to Member-Organized Community Events, Members of Council must keep a record of the names of all donors and the value of their donation that supplements the event and file it with the City Clerk.
(d) Donation cheques shall not be made out to a Member of Council. Nothing included herein affects the entitlement of a Member of Council to:
• Use their office expense budget to run or support community events subject to the terms of the Councilor Expense Policy.
• Urge constituents, businesses and other groups to support community events and advance the needs of a charitable organization;
• Play an advisory or membership role in any organization that holds community events.
Once passed the Code gives the public a process to complain. Complaint of a Violation of this Code
Any individual that has reasonable grounds to believe that a Member has breached this Code, may file a complaint with the City Clerk.
The Integrity Commissioner shall be responsible for investigating such complaints and if the parties are in agreement, the complaint may be resolved by way of mediation.
If either party does not participate in the mediation process, if the complaint is not resolved through this process, or the matter is not appropriate for referral to mediation, the Integrity Commissioner shall assume responsibility for investigating the complaint in accordance with the procedures established by Council.
In the case of a complaint of discrimination or harassment, the complainant may file a complaint directly to the Human Resources Department under the City of Burlington Respect in the Workplace Policy. The complainant will also be advised of his or her right to advance an application to the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal.
The procedure for filing a complaint includes an informal or a formal complaint
The formal procedure is as follows:
Any individual who has identified or witnessed behaviour or activity by a member that appears to be in contravention of the Code may address their concerns through the formal complaint process set out below.
1. All formal complaints must be made using the Complaints Form prepared by the City Clerk and/or Integrity Commissioner and shall be dated and signed by the Complainant.
2. The complaint must include an explanation as to why the issue raised may be a contravention of the Code and any evidence in support of the allegation must be included with the Complaints Form.
3. Any witnesses in support of the allegation must be identified on the Complaint Form.
4. The Complaint Form must include the name of the member alleged to have breached the Code, the section of the Code allegedly contravened, the date, time and location of the alleged contravention and any other information as required on the Complaint Form.
5. The complaint shall be filed with the Clerk who shall confirm that the required information is complete. The Clerk will forward the complaint form to the Integrity Commissioner who will determine whether the matter is, on its face, a complaint with respect to non-compliance with the Code and not covered by other legislation or policies.
6. The Integrity Commissioner may request additional information from the complainant.
 Councillor Jack Dennison felt it was just common decency to advise a fellow council member that he was talking to people about a project in their ward. The existence of an Integrity Commissioner gives the public some recourse to behavior they feel is wrong or unbecoming a member of a city council. However the authors of the code were aware of the possibility that someone might want to exploit the process in an election year. They covered off that possibility.
 By the end of the month of May your seven members of Council will have to adhere to a Code of Conduct that allows for the suspension of a member of r up to 90 days of they stray from the rules. The Integrity Commissioner shall not make any report to Council or any other person after the last Council meeting in June in any year in which a regular municipal election is to be held. Any reports would proceed to the first Council meeting after the Inaugural meeting of the new Council.
Any guesses as to how long it will take for someone in the city to file a complaint with the Integrity Commissioner and who the complaint will be against?
The Gazette will publish the code of Conduct in its entirety once it has been passed by Council.
By Staff
May 19, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Mark Visser, a Burlington resident since 1967, feels a technicality has left him high and dry – which was not his experience when the city was drenched with more than 190 mm of rain last August 4th.
Visser sold his house in June, 2014 and put his belongings in a storage locker until he bought a new home. The storage locker he rented was flooded August 4th.
Here is the story he tells:
Submitted original claim for $6,374.00 to replace personal property (essential and non-essential) lost in the Burlington Flood
April 7: Request for compensation denied
April 13, 2015: Re-submitted new claim of $3,302.75 for essential lost property only (dining room set, bedroom furniture and mattresses)
April 30, 2015: Received word that I would receive only $770.00
Visser believes the final settlement should be $3,302.75 and not $770.00
There was a total of 310 claims submitted of which 42 were denied. Visser points out that $ 2.97 million dollars was raised for flood relief by citizens, corporate dnations and funds from the provincial government.
He maintains “there certainly is no shortage of funds to honour my claim of #3,302.75 to replace lost essentials.”
MAY 20, 2014
Sold my home. In June my personal belongings were moved to locker #3000 at Access Storage (2177 Plains Road E. Burlington ON L7R 3T1) till I would find another home.
AUGUST 4. 2014
Heavy rains caused flooding to many parts of the city. I was away on holidays and my daughter informed me that my locker was flooded by water and mud.
AUGUST 11, 2014
I was informed that Access Storage had filed a Notice of Claim with Halton Region Legal Services, City of Burlington Legal Department, Province of Ontario Claims Management Services and CN General Claims Department
AUGUST 18, 2014
Returned to Burlington. Family and friends had cleaned out my locker. Items that could not be salvaged were deposed off and the rest was repacked into new storage boxes.
I lost most of my collectables (stuffed animals and postcards), tools, vacuum cleaner, family mementos (pictures and wedding albums), dining room set, mattresses and bedroom furniture.
AUGUST 22. 2014
I send a claim for damages in the amount of $6,374.00 to Access Storage. Claim was supported by pictures
SEPTEMBER 3. 2014
Letter from Access Storage in reply to my claim of $6,374.00 stated: “Access Storage’s Tenant Insurance does not cover damages related to flooding of water”
NOVEMBER 7(?), 2014
I attended an information meeting set up by the Burlington Community Foundation which was held at the Burlington Senior Centre located on New Street in Burlington. This Community Foundation operates under guidelines set by ODRAP (Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program)
– This meeting was held for flood victims who either were under insured or had no insurance at all.
– Many of those in attendance did not receive the information they were looking for. I was one of them. I was not your typical home owner who got flooded. I was a ‘storage locker resident’ I had sold my home in May and at the time of the flood had not yet purchased another one. I was ‘in between homes’.
– I was given a form called ‘Application for Assistance for Losses and Damages’ and told “make a list of ALL items and once completed, hand it in together with pictures and receipts”.
NOVEMBER 8, 2014
As requested I dropped off a letter at the Burlington Disaster Relief Committee that proofed that my property (or what was left of it after the flood), was still in storage at Access Storage on 2177 Plains Road East, Burlington
NOVEMBER 17, 2014
Submitted the Application for Assistance for Losses and Damages to the Disaster Relief Committee at the Burlington Community Foundation located at the North Service Road in Burlington
NOVEMBER 18, 2014
I dropped off a letter, at the Burlington Flood Disaster Relief Committee located at 3380 South Service Road in Burlington, with more info and additional pictures to support my claim for $6,374.00
NOVEMBER 24, 2014
I received an email from Cameron MacKenzie, Claims Adjuster for Cunningham & Lindsey. Attached was my Application Form for Assistance. The email informed me that the form was not properly filled out and was asked to print NA in all space that did not relate to my situation.
DECEMBER 1
Took possession of my new home. Before I could move in I had to purchase essential items lost during the flood such as a dining room set, bedroom furniture and mattresses. Total out of pocket costs: $3,302.75.
Copies of receipts were dropped off at the Burlington Community Foundation before the December 15 deadline.
EARLY DECEMBER, 2014
The Burlington Flood Relieve committee informed me that my application for financial assistance had been processed and that all claims will be forwarded to assurance adjusters Cunningham & Lindsey located in Mississauga.
APRIL 7, 2015
Received letter that my claim had been rejected based on:
– That property in a storage locker were not eligible for compensation under the ODRAP guidelines (Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program)
Visser says he checked the ODRAP website and the words ‘storage or locker’ are not mentioned in the guidelines.
– That the program is not intended to replace insurance policies provided by private insurance companies.
I provided them with proof that I was not covered by any insurance including Access Storage Inc.
APRIL 13, 2015
Received email from Burlington Community Foundation that my request to reconsider the boards decision (see April 7 letter) would be forwarded to the committee for review.
I also mentioned that I was willing to adjust my claim for $6,374.00 (essential and non-essential items) to $3,302.75 for essential lost property (dining room set, bedroom furniture and mattresses)
APRIL 30, 2015
Received word that after reviewing my claim that board decided that I would receive $770.00 if I signed and returned the enclosed Declaration. I would receive an interim payment of $385.00. The letter still listed my original claim amount for $6,374.00 and not the revised claim of $$3,302.75 as submitted on April 13, 2015
APRIL 30 or MAY 1
Under protest I signed and submitted the declaration. On the declaration I made a note that I expect that the final payment will be $2,917.75 ($3,307,55 – interim payment of $385.00).
Received copy of ODRAP guidelines (one page) from Colleen Mulholland, President and CEO, Burlington Flood Disaster Relief Committee.
NOTE: The ODRAP website has, when printed, 11 pages and nowhere is it mentioned that property held in a locker or storage unit is not eligible for compensation.
MAY 12, 2015. (My last email send to the Burlington Flood Relief Committee)
I did receive my first cheque for the amount of $385.00 as explained in the letter dated April 30, 2015.
This weekend I had some time to reflect on was has transpired over the last weeks, reread the correspondence and went online to do some research. I would like to register the following:
1 – April 7, 2015 letter stated: “Contents held in storage are not eligible under the guidelines” I did access the ODRAP website and made a copy (11 pages). I researched the site and there is NO mention of contents held in storage. And by the way, they are called guidelines, not rules carved in stone which means there is room for decisions made and based on common sense and compassion.
2- April 30. Letter stated that after reassessment of my claim it was determined that I would be compensated for the amount of $770.00. This letter mentioned also that the amount claimed was $6,374.00. This amount was to cover all items lost included non-essential items.
After I received the letter dated April 7, 2014 I resubmitted a new claim for the amount of $3,302.75 which would cover only essential items lost such as mattresses, bedroom furniture and a dining room set.
3- When I received my first cheque for the amount of $385.00 I expected a note telling me that a second and final cheque for the amount of $2917.75 would be issued at the end of April, 2015.
Visser says: “I’m convinced that the availability of money to settle claims submitted by flood victims is not an issue. The amount raised and number of claims received tells me that there is more than enough to compensate flood victims.
Burlington citizen and businesses gave generously with the understanding that their donations would help flood victims who did not have any insurance to cover items lost.
“I think that many Burlingtonian’s would be upset to know that I received $770.00 (not even enough to buy a new mattress) compensation for the loss of $3,302.75 in essentials.
“Given the fact that the Committee’s decisions were based on the ODRAP guidelines I know that you, at the local level, did everything you could do to help me. I will not trouble you again and with little time left I have decided to go public to tell my side of the story.
Colleen Mulholland headed up the local Disaster Relief Committee. She is out of the city but has said she will review the correspondence from Mark Visser and comment when she returns.
By Pepper Parr
May 19, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
He was up early, got himself cleaned up and into his uniform and headed off to meet the Queen.
 Ron Foxcroft outside his hotel in London preparing to drive to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen. Ron Foxcroft, Burlington’s most famous high school dropout, packed a bunch of his Fox40 whistles, which had been worked into a presentation he was giving the Queen and, along with his wife Marie, headed for Buckingham Palace.
 Cpl Nathan Cirillo 1989 -2014 Foxcroft is in London with Colonel Kennedy and Colonel Hatfield of the Argyll’s. The three are there representing the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s), the Canadian Army Reserve infantry battalion with a storied past, a proud present, and a bright future. The battalion lost one of its own when Nathan Cirillo who was shot to death while standing sentry duty at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on October 22nd, 2014.
Home for the Argyl’s is the Major John Weir Foote VC Armouries, Hamilton, Ontario where they have been since raised in 1903.
The Regiment fought with distinction in Canada’s major 20th Century wars, earning 34 Battle Honours. Since the 1990s, over 130 Argyll’s served overseas on Canadian military operations, including Cyprus, Bosnia and other parts of the former Republic of Yugoslavia, Sudan, and Afghanistan.
In 2013, the Regiment received its 35th Battle Honour, Afghanistan, in recognition of its contribution to that campaign.
The Queen is the Colonel-in-Chief of the Argyles. Ron Foxcroft is the Honorary Colonel of the regiment.
 A presentation piece made out of Fox 40 whistles and shaped as a Canadian poppy will become part of the collection of gifts given to the Queen. Foxcroft arrived in London a few days ago and went through the process of being told how to address the Queen by Commander Andrew Canale, who is Equerry to the Queen.
 Text on the plaque that Foxcroft will present to the queen on behalf of the regiment. When you meet the Queen Foxcroft was told, you address her as Your Majesty. After that call her Mam.
Colonel Kennedy and Colonel Hatfield were told to be relaxed and discuss Argyll Business. Later in the meeting the Queen will then buzz and our wives come in and meet the Queen. Foxcroft said the meeting is expected to last about 90 minutes.
They expect to talk at length about the murder of Corporal Cirillo and the impact that event had on the battalion.
The question everyone is asking is: Will Foxcroft get the Queen to blow one of his whistles.
By Staff
May 19, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
“Pressure, pressure, pressure that was definitely the theme this week” for the most recent Friday Fugitive.
Scottie Ryerson was arrested in Hamilton Friday evening after Halton police were able to contact him at which time he surrendered. He was under intense pressure from family and friends as a direct result of the media coverage as soon as articles were posted.
A previous Friday Fugitive, Curtis Komp remains in custody in Ottawa; he has been charged with 13 counts of False Pretences, two counts of Breach of Probation and two counts of Fail to Comply with Recognizance. Curtis is to appear in Ottawa court on May 19th where a guilty plea is anticipated.
 Raymond Lloyd French – still on the Friday Fugitive list  Kenneth Lorne Moodie – there are people who want to talk to you The count for this initiative is now two out of four back in police custody.
Still on the list are Kenneth Lorne Moodie and Raymond Lloyd French
French
Moodie
By Pepper Parr
May 18, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It used to be that Lakeshore Road was the place to be if you wanted to enjoy an outdoor patio.
Joe Dogs was further up Brant Street and there were a few places that had a couple of tables – but there was nothing that had any style or pizzaz.
 The Test Kitchen had to pay full freight for the two parking space the Pop Up Patio took up. 21 tables in that space – it’s hoot and a fun place to be. Alex Mickalow opened his Test Kitchen on Brant Street and offered a lunch that included a glass of beer or wine for $10 – the place became THE place to be seen.
There was a buzz to the place with a menu that was different for this city. Finally something that said one can do better than just a burger and beer.
Alex decided he could ratchet his operation up a notch and talked to people at city hall to see what they thought of what were being called Pop Up Patios.
 It’s not the Brant Street you are used to seeing – expect to see servers scooting back and forth across the street. It took a lot of talking – and city hall wasn’t exactly reasonable with the deal the Test Kitchen got but it did get approved much to the delight of the Burlington Downtown Business Association and Jodie Wellings, Special Business Area Coordinator responsible for making the Downtown Core Commitment real.
She unfortunately wasn’t in town for the opening.
The patio is now constructed and open – there are 21 tables in the space that used to hold two parked cars – tight but friendly.
 The Test Kitchen Pop Up Patio on Brant Street is open – and appears to work. Your menu is on an iPad which allows for instant menu upgrades and is kind of cool to use. Staff is great – they are kept busy.
City Council took to the idea and hoped there would be more applications for this type of operation. They seemed prepared to let Brant Street become one row of restaurant after restaurant – with room for other innovative commercial ideas. The street could eventually become car free – with just bicycles and people strolling along.
Does it have to be Brant Street? John Street has significant potential – the Organic Farmer’s market is now into its third year.
The Brant Street Test kitchen has proven that something upbeat, different and with some hip style to it will work. Mickalow knows he is on to something and is in the process of opening up a second Test Kitchen on Appleby Line.
Getting a table at Brant Street – make a reservation. (289) 245-1999
 By Staff
May 18, 2015
Burlington, ON
We are at that time of year when the outdoor art shows begin to take place. Burlington managed to miss out on a show that was proposed and would have taken place on the Old Lakeshore Road part of town but that got tied up in red tape and some faux pas on the part of the organizer – for some reason that sort of thing seems to happen to Burlington a little too often.
We lost the opportunity to host the pre-Olympic cycling trials a few years ago – even though the parks and recreation people did everything they could to make it happen. The policing costs were a killer and an organizer who didn’t have the depth or all that much in the way of organizational talent blew that opportunity.
 Several of the well known smaller breweries will be part of the 2015 Burlington Beer Festival Burlington’s Beer Festival, now in its second summer season is branching out and adding the arts to its event.
Wayne Brown, brought the Magic Moments to Burlington in 2013 and that was a success artistically if not financially.
Last year Brown hosted both a winter and a summer Beer Fest that went quite well. This year he is gearing up for his third Beer Fest event and is going up market and adding an art element to the three day occasion.
Brown traveled to Calgary and took in the large Beer Fest held in that city. He found it had a Hooters tinge to it and that wasn’t what he wanted.
Adding some of the arts to the event appealed to Brown and he met recently with the seven Guilds at the Art Gallery of Burlington who have agreed to take part.
 The smaller craft breweries bring character and their own interpretation of what a good beer should taste like. A pleasant way to spend a summer afternoon learning what you like and don’t like.  Wonder what this beer will taste like? Returning this year is a beer brand from Thailand which gives the event a bit of an International flavour. Beer Fests in Canada trend to focus on the local craft breweries – which is good for local business and helps them continue to make something more than just a dent in the Beer Store monopoly that exists in Ontario. That is changing but it has a long way to go before we can buy almost every craft beer made in the province.
The 2015 Summer Festival takes place from Friday the 17th through to Sunday the 19th of July: Hours are: Friday 4-11 pm; Saturday noon-11 pm and Sunday noon to 8 pm.
By Staff
May 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Detective Ellie Bale, 30 Division Criminal Investigations Bureau wants very much to meet up with two WANTED PARTIES.
The duo are wanted in connection with a residential break and enter, theft of motor vehicles, police pursuit and motor vehicle collisions which occurred in the City of Burlington on May 11th 2015.
Lorne GENERAL (28 years) is wanted for 22 charges and Alannah MARACLE (21 years) is wanted for eight charges in relation to the incident in Burlington. Further charges are anticipated.
If a member of the public has knowledge regarding the whereabouts of MARACLE and/or GENERAL, they are encouraged to phone police.
These two look like they may at some point qualify for Fugitive Friday recognition.
Personal safety is the #1 priority, please call police and do not approach these parties. Any person with information that can assist in this investigation is asked to call the Burlington Criminal Investigation Bureau – at 905-825 4747 ext. 2316/2312 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).
 By Joe Gaetan
May 16, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
By Joe Gaetan is like a dog with a bone – he just isn’t going to let it go until he has ever last bit of meat on it. Gaetan has been tracking the progress of the province’s “discussions” and Premier Kathleen Wynne’s statements on any plans to sell Hydro One.
According to a March 10, 2015 CBC report, “Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said she hasn’t made any final decisions yet on asset sales, but she did not dispute a report that she is planning to sell shares in Hydro One”.
 There are thousands of Ontarians who don’t think selling Hydro One is a very smart idea. The Premier appears to have already made up her mind. Have you? Fellow Ontarians, in spite of her waffling, Premier Wynne must have been planning something big, because it’s now called Bill 91, The Building Ontario Up Act (Budget Measures), 2015. It’s Current Status, “The Bill has been Ordered referred to Standing Committee pursuant to the Order of the House Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs”.
The purpose of the Act is to implement Budget measures and to enact and amend various Acts. If you feel like reading the lengthy document you will come across sections such as Schedule 1 that deals with making Ontario a more beer friendly province, containing folksy language such as hectoliters, standard bottles of beer, microbrewers, beer, wine and wine coolers.
To pave the way to sell off Hydro One, Wynne apparently knew she had to change a slew of acts such as, The auditor General Act, The Broader Public Sector Accountability Act, The Co-operative Corporations Act, The Financial Accountability Officer Act, The Financial Administration Act, The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, The Commodity Futures Act and most importantly The Electricity Act, 1998.
 Premier Kathleen Wynne – is she ready to say definitely where she stands on the possible sale of Hydro One? For someone who wasn’t sure on March 10, Premier Wynne sure was busy doing a lot behind the scenes in anticipation of making her final decision found in B91. The piece de resistance of B91 is, Section 48.2 subsection (5), the section that deals with Restrictions on Province’s sale, etc. and specifically where the province,” shall not sell, dispose of or otherwise divest any common shares of Hydro One Inc. if the sale, disposal or divestment would result in the Minister on behalf of Her Majesty in right of Ontario owning a number of common shares that is less than 40 per cent of the outstanding number of common shares of Hydro One Inc.
Premier Wynne “what is it you can’t face”, maybe the truth about selling 60% of Hydro One all along?
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