 By Pepper Parr
June 28th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
 It took the work of a relatively small group of men and women who would not give up saving the station from being sold as kindling,. Others followed the original group and did the scrubbing and painting it took to get the building to the point where it has become a destination point for visitors to the city.
Given that this country was made coast to coast by the railways it is fitting that it too be celebrated on Canada Day.
Sir John A, Macdonald did everything legal and illegal he could to dig out the money needed to get to the point where the Last Spike was driven in on November 7, 1885, at Craigellachie, B.C, marking a momentous occasion — the completion of Canada’s trans-continental railway.
Freeman Station was a part of the railway that took produce from the farm fields around Burlington to retail locations in Belgium and elsewhere in Europe.
For the city it was more than just a railway station. It was a symbol of progress, connection, and community for the people of Burlington. For almost a century, it served as a gateway to Canadian travellers, immigrants, and workers.
This station was built in 1906 by the Grand Trunk Railway (GTR).
 Volunteers raised the funds to have the structure moved to its final resting place. There is a coin embedded in the concrete – how many people can tell where the coin was placed and what the denomination of the coin is? Put you answer in the comments section.  Today, after over a decade of fundraising and a full restoration by an all volunteer group, Friends of Freeman Station, the station stands in its relocated home on 1285 Fairview Street, open only during our public events, class visits and station rentals.
The original location of the station is but a short walk away on the other side of Brant Street.
 By Pepper Parr
June 27th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
An exceptionally good aerial of John Street (the northern part is actually a lane), Brant Street and Locus Street.
The area is currently the subject of a Heritage Planning study to determine what has and what doesn’t have the criteria to be designated.
The photograph of what we know as the Brant Plaza where the supermarket is located shows some commercial brands that no longer exist.
 The commercial world has crept into the west side of Brant – so much so that there isn’t all that much that can be designated as historical.  Was the Woolworth location the last of the five and dime stores in Burlington. And why would Loblaws give up the location ?
 By Staff
June 27th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The heritage consultant has finished preliminary heritage evaluations for the eight individual properties and six study areas. They are available below for viewing. The documents contain a short summary of research findings, a preliminary conclusion about whether or not the property merits heritage protection, and a list of tools that the City could use to protect or recognize each property or area.
The findings were reviewed with owners and stakeholders at a series of meetings starting on Monday, June 19, and the comments and input will be considered as the consultants finalize the assessments over the summer. Assessments were based on evaluation criteria and/or definitions presented in Ontario Heritage Act Regulation 9/06, 1997 Official Plan (In force), and Provincial Policy Statement (2020).
 An example of the detail in the reports prepared by consultants for the Heritage Planner 518 Brant St Evaluation
524 Brant St Evaluation
530 Brant St Evaluation
574 Brant St Evaluation
612 Brant St Evaluation
620 Brant St Evaluation
2012 Victoria Ave Evaluation
CHL- Burlington Ave and Lakeshore Rd Summary
CHL- Downtown East Summary
CHL- Foot of Brant Summary
CHL-Locust St Summary
CHL – St. Luke’s Summary
CHL- Village Square Summary
The Village Square Summery is not correct, it is shown as a repeat of the St Luke’s Summary, We have asked for a correction and will put it in place when it is available.
The preliminary heritage evaluations for the eight individual properties and six study areas in the Downtown Heritage Study are available for viewing and downloading on the project web page. The documents contain the consultant’s preliminary assessments on the area or property’s potential heritage value and in some cases discuss potential heritage protection options. Over the summer, the consultants will be further assessing the properties and study areas, integrating feedback received to date from property owners and the public, and refining study recommendations. Study recommendations have not been fully developed at this time. When recommendations are fully compiled, they will be shared with you to give you further opportunities to provide feedback.
Thank you to everyone who attended the individual and group consultation meetings between June 19th and June 26th 2023. We came away with valuable feedback to consider as we refine the research findings over the summer and begin work on developing study recommendations to be considered by Council. The meetings were not recorded, (In a previous report we had a participant report to us that the meetings were being recorded) however summaries of each meeting will be posted to the website shortly. If you have additional comments about specific properties, or questions about the project please share them with the team by June 30, 2023 by sending them to me at john.oreilly@burlington.ca.
There will be a public meeting in the fall. The consultant and O’Reilly will finalize a date and venue shortly and notify everyone well in advance using this email list and the mail-outs they have been sending throughout the project. In an earlier email O’Reilly did specify a date and venue. The date given is not final. Early September can be a busy time after summer holidays and return to school and we believe it could make sense to push it later into the fall to maximize attendance and input.
The exact timing of our report to Council has also not been finalized and will depend on the timing of the public meeting and progress over the summer.
Once the final report is ready for Council and a presentation date has been chosen, the public will be updated.
By Staff
June 27th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
An understanding of what you will see in your 2024 tax bill is set out in the following four paragraphs and two graphics.
Financial sustainability on a multi-year basis will continue to be our key strategic priority. The budget will continue to face rising pressure from inflation, infrastructure renewal costs, limited revenue growth, and completion of the 4-year work plan initiatives representing visions to meet important community needs. These factors ultimately impact property taxes and reserve fund balances to maintain / enhance existing service levels and quality of life.
 A high level look at the 2024 budget forecast Staff will prepare the 2024 budget taking into account the budget pressures and aligning them to the city’s long-term financial plan and the important policy decisions of council.
While staff will work closely with services to mitigate the tax increase for 2024, it is important to understand that our ability to respond to urgent existing and future needs across many areas is clearly and directly tied to Council’s support for additional tax funding. City treasurer Joan Ford tells tax payers where the rubber is going to hit the road.
It is also important to note that known budgetary pressures that are deferred in the proposed 2024 Budget will need to be incorporated into future years thus increasing the forecasted tax increases identified in the multi-year simulation for 2025 and beyond.
 Projected tax rate through to 2028 The Staff report was lengthy; some time will be needed to fully understand the forces the city is up against – it comes down to either raising taxes or reducing service levels and if services are to be reduced – which ones.
By Pepper Parr
June 26th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The Staff report was a post-election review of what took place and any lessons learned.
We did learn that the turnout was as bad as it could get and that the city spent $598,190.00 up from $495,543 in 2018
Part of the report included a section on ward boundaries changes. The last ward boundary review for the City of Burlington took place in 2004/2005 with implementation for the 2006 municipal election. After review six ward boundaries were redrawn and seven-member council composition was maintained. Despite the growth and development in the City, ward boundaries have not changed since then.
 There have been calls to redraw or change the boundaries of Wards 1 & 2 to include the neighbourhood of Mapleview in Ward 2.
Spot boundary changes are not feasible and require a wholesome approach of reviewing the boundaries of all wards. Key to the ward boundary review is ensuring extensive public consultation throughout the process leading up to passing of any by-laws to re-draw any existing ward boundaries.
Any by-law establishing new boundaries must be in force before January 1 of the election year which would be January of 2026
.
The by-law establishing new ward boundaries may be appealed to LPAT, and in order for the boundaries to be permanent, the notices of appeal must be withdrawn, or the Tribunal must have issued an order to affirm or amend the by-law before January 1 of the election year.
Sufficient lead time is required to be factored into any ward boundary review timeline. Staff recommends a ward boundary review to ensure that the division of wards in the City reflects widely adopted principles of effective representation.
Staff are recommending that committee/Council direct them to prepare a preliminary report. If there are additional items or aspects that need review, the direction should be amended to reflect these additions. Some municipalities have delayed undertaking their ward boundary review, due to the Regional reviews that are in progress by the Province.
In planning for the 2026 election, the team hopes to streamline processes and find efficiencies where possible, however, the planned budget must consider inflationary cost impacts and additional costs for any new initiatives undertaken.
Should the team receive direction to prepare the preliminary ward boundaries review report for Q1 2024, any costs associated will be covered by the current operating budget. Pending the approval of the proposed report in Q1 2024, staff will work with Finance to build a business case based on approved scope for the proposed ward boundary review, and municipal comparators.
Source of Funding
The source of funding for the election is the reserve fund with an annual contribution of $160,000. The Election Team will work with Finance and ensure due diligence to put forth a business case if it is determined that an increase in the contribution is required.
 Mayor Meed Ward put some expansive thinking on the table.  City is growing – shouldn’t the size of Council grow as well? Maybe – but by how much? That was what Staff put on the table. The Mayor had a bigger idea. “Why stop at looking at the ward boundaries – could we not also look at the size of Council ?” she asked.
Meed Ward said: “I thought it might be good to ask this question in public and with counsel just to see where folks heads are at and I’m wondering if the this review the boundary review would also be an opportunity to review Council size and if that’s contemplated as part of this review and if not, whether committee would like to review Council size as part of this conversation.”
City Clerk Kevin Arjoon followed saying: “That is why we put that recommendation in there – seeking direction. So if there’s anything you want us to look at that may be a little off the drawing of the lines, now’s the time to let us know so that we can start to work on that and start to conceptualize that build – this conversation is timely.”
Meed Ward then said: “I am very interested in that being at least part of the discussion we have with the community. If it requires an amendment to the report, I’m happy to insert the words and a review of council size and see where the conversation goes. So I will move that and then see what my colleagues think about that.”
 Councillor Stolte: Likes the idea of Councillors at large Councillor Stolte who had her own ideas on what a future city council might look like thanked the mayor for “bringing that up. I think that’s a great idea. Would it also be able to include wording that might indicate a new format? We have had conversations in the past about councillors at large and other options that that might be available. Would we need to have something like that in there or does Council size kind of encompass all of that?”
“Yes”, said the Mayor, “I’m open to a completely holistic conversation with the community. I think that we owe ourselves that. I would look to the clerk to determine how specific you want us to be. Maybe it’s including Council size and composition, if that’s a word that captures, how Council is constituted or some other word if you can. Council size and governance. I don’t know I’m open but if we can have another word in there, that would kind of signal we’re interested in the full range of options to come back. I’m in your hands on that and completely supportive of that.”
“I think the conversation we just had is just fine. And I think in the end the governance model could be put into the review as well.”
Councillor Sharman followed with: “My only question with this. I think it should be evaluated and I think it’s good to review. But the question is the process for that review could be quite significant, quite a bit more than what we’re looking at right now. That require additional resources, a different time frame.
 Councillor Sharman: But the question is the process for that review could be quite significant, quite a bit more than what we’re looking at right now. “How much are we opening up here and what can we look at and what would we be expecting because the public aspect would probably be quite important and not what was envisaged in the report. Maybe Kevin, that’d be a question for you.”
Clerk Arjoon responds with: “We have a bit of time so I think the one worry would have is on the staff side and the timing in terms of the deadlines.
“I think we have to have the boundary set before the election year. And then there’s also the appeal process too. So we’ll take that into consideration when we bring that report back in Q1 2024 But we needed some direction now for some preliminary research and maybe some preliminary engagement before we brought back sort of preliminary report as well.
“So I think that’s just where we’re coming from as well – resources. We’re working on that in the background for sure. In terms of the resourcing for the ward boundary review, and then staffing resources in the clerk’s office. So we are working on that and we’re mindful of that as well.”
Chair Galbraith: “Okay, sounds good – seeing no further questions I’ll just read it into the record.
“Receive and file report CL-07-23 regarding the 2022 municipal election review, and direct the office of the city clerk to prepare a report on a potential city of Burlington Ward boundary review for consideration. The report should include timelines, a proposed budget scope and a review of council size and governance model by Q1 2024.
“Any questions or comments? Seeing none, I will now call the vote – reminder to raise your hands – all those in favour. And any opposed? Seeing none that carries.”
And just what could this mean – get ready for the amount of work this is going to involve and how this council will tie itself in knots getting to the point where anything gets changed – unless of course the province comes in and does to the Region of Halton what it just did to the Region of Peel.
 By Staff
June 26th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board is proud to announce that four students are recipients of the Schulich Leader Scholarships:
Evie Bouganim, Grade 12 student at Oakville Trafalgar High School
Ella Chow, Grade 12 student at Milton District High School
Caroline Huang, Grade 12 student at Abbey Park High School
Manasva Katyal, Grade 12 student at White Oaks Secondary School
The scholarships total $440,000 to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in their post-secondary education.
Selected for their outstanding academic achievement and involvement in extracurricular activities, Bouganim, Chow, Huang and Katyal are among 100 recipients to receive this scholarship in Canada.
 Schulich Leader Scholarships are Canada’s most coveted undergraduate STEM scholarships. One hundred are awarded to entrepreneurial-minded high school graduates enrolling in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math program at 20 partner universities across Canada.
Half are valued at $120,000 for engineering scholarships and half are valued at $100,000* for science and math scholarships. Every high school in Canada can nominate one graduating student each year to apply for the scholarship.
The STEM program in the Halton District School Board got its start at the Aldershot High School – none of the scholarship recipients were from Burlington High Schools.
“On behalf of the Halton District School Board, we are so proud of the accomplishments of these four exceptional students, they represent a shining example of the excellence that permeates our Board, ” says Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. “We wish them all the best in their future endeavours and look forward to seeing all that they accomplish in their postsecondary careers.”
By Pepper Parr
June 26th 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Council received a periodic report from Principles Integrity.
In the report Janice Atwood said there were 11 occasions when the Integrity Commissioner provided confidential advice to members of council.
She also reported that there were 13 complaints filed with the Integrity Commissioner; two of which resulted in a report going to council
Given that there are only seven members of Council the numbers would appear to be on the high side.
One of the complaints was made by Councillors Nisan and Galbraith against Councillor Stolte which resulted in a five day loss of pay for her.
Another that the public is painfully aware of is the complaint that went to the Integrity Commissioner by a member of Staff who felt she had been singled out by what she saw as remarks that would reflect on her performance as an administrative assistant to a member of Council. The woman’s name was never made public until she filed the complaint.
The issue began when the Gazette published an interview with Councillor Stolte in which she spoke of the administrative staffer who told her that she was not going to be in that position for very long because she wanted to be working in the Clerk’s Office.
Stolte didn’t name the staffer who apparently felt everyone would know it was her. The Integrity Commissioner didn’t feel a report to Council was necessary. Stole, who was apparently taken aback, apologized to the staff member immediately.
 Mayor Marianne Med Ward That apparently was not enough. The Mayor took the reins on this one and revised a Council meeting agenda that called for Stolte to apologize at the beginning of the Council meeting rather than at the end during the comments section.
During 14 minutes of debate that stunned those who listened to it – the Gazette published that 14 minutes as a separate report.
Stolte refused to go along with the Mayor, who at the time was chairing the meeting remotely, while attending the graduation of her daughter from University of Western Ontario.
Stolte put up a good fight, refused to be bullied by the Mayor and walked out of the Council meeting saying to the City Manager as she did so “told you so”
This is what the city spends your money on?
The Integrity Commissioner is appointed to act in an independent manner on the application of the Code of Good Governance and other rules and procedures governing the ethical behaviour of Members of Council.
The Integrity Commissioner is responsible for providing Integrity Commissioner services on an as required basis; they include, but are not limited to, the following duties and responsibilities:
• act as an advisor to Council
• provide advice on and assist with any drafting related to the code of conduct governing members of Council
• conduct investigations regarding alleged breaches of the code of good governance governing members of Council
• provide information to Council as to obligations under the code of good governance, policies and procedures, rules and legislation governing members on ethical behaviour
• provide advice to individual members regarding specific situations as they relate to the application of the code of good governance, policies and procedures, rules and legislation governing members on ethical behaviour
• provide information to the public regarding the code of good governance and the obligations of members of Council under the code of good governance, policies and procedures, rules and legislation governing their members on ethical behaviour
• provide annual reports to Council summarizing the activities of the Integrity Commissioner
 Janice Atwood; partner with Principles Integrity The Integrity Commissioner is required to preserve secrecy in all matters that come to their knowledge in the course of their duties. At the same time, the municipality is required to ensure that reports received from the Integrity Commissioner are made available to the public.
The annual retainer for the Integrity Commissioner is $1500 with an hourly rate of $275 for advice or investigations. Funds spent to date include:
In 2021 the amount billed to the city was $ 25,205.75
In 2022 the amount billed to the city was $ 13,282.25
For 2023, year to date amounted to $ 6,194.64
That’s a total of $44,000 plus over 2 1/2 years for Councillors who need to be told how to behave.
Integrity Commissioner services is a budgeted expense through the Office of the City Clerk operating budget.
 By Pepper Parr
June 26th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Hang on real tight.
The next budget will result in a tax increase from the 7% last time out to 7.9 for 2024.
Here is the schedule that will get all the details to you.
 By Pepper Parr
June 26th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Everyone knows what stained glass is.
 A rich example of the stained glass art form. Most people relate it to churches where stained glass has been around for centuries.
 The Rose window at the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, seen as the best example of this art form. It survived the 2019 fire that destroyed much of the Cathedral. One format it has taken in the past is the rose window – which is basically a round widow.
Cathedrals throughout Europe and the United Kingdom have some truly unique rose window examples. The work at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris that was heavily damaged during the 2019 fire wasn’t destroyed; a miracle in the eyes of many Catholics.
 Siobhan Lynch Siobhan Lynch, a stained glass artist who has been working with the medium for 20 years is part of what originally was a five member group that met for dinner once a month to trade ideas and organize exhibits.
They would research possibilities and, through a process of happenstance more than anything, found themselves taking an interest in and have done some very impressive work. The most recent joint production: The Rose Window: Revisited and Reimagined.
The group describe themselves is as a Collective that has a very determined entrepreneurial streak. While the work they do is an art form that has a long, proud and noble history stained glass was always something that was seen in churches.
Organized is as the Artistic Group of Glass (ACOG) they created a new market and found that there were people who lived in older homes and wanted some stained glass in their houses.
Individually the members of the group work on commissioned assignments and say they do very well. Teresa Seaton has managed to convince people that Stained Glass can and should be used in presentations the city makes. She did the work on the “Key to the City” that Burlington presents to people from time to time; she also did the awards that were given out when the Burlington’s Best was part of the way the city recognized individual efforts.
 Perhaps the most impressive store front in the city; Teresa Seaton displays her own work and that of other stained glass artists. Seaton is a blend of “this is business” and an artist who is known for the creativity of her work. Her studio, a stones throw from the Royal Botanical Gardens (stones throw is perhaps not the best phrase to describe where her studio is located).
She can be found there when people are on art tours that she works at organizing.
 The finished work will be on display – after that no one knows where it will go. In some public institution? From the left Joe Highly and Siobhan Lynch with Teresa Seaton and John Highley on the right. Each applied their unique skill set and interpretation to the work. Siobhan Lynch is Irish; she returns to the land that are her cultural roots every three or four years. She is a dancer, teaches and a founding member of the AGOC Collective.
What this group has done is brought rose windows back into fashion as an art form and then taken the medium in a new direction.
 The ACOG group is changing the way rose window stained glass designs are used – the reimagining has taken the art form in a new direction. The current window, that is getting some much deserved attention, was a collective effort. Each person did their part. Window: Revisited and Reimagined
Joe Speck and John Highley worked on specific parts of the rose window that is on display now. It was featured at an opening last week at the Paul Elia Gallery in Hamilton
John Martin was a part of the group but moved on when he was given a long term contract with the company that is renovating the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa. That project created work for stone masons, another art form that was disappearing.
The conviction and business acumen of this group has resulted in Burlington being ground zero for stained glass in Ontario.
Siobhan has found herself wanting to paint on glass, moving away for a while from putting small pieces of coloured glass together creating an image that changes the mood of the room in which it is displayed.
By Staff
June 26th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
A Summer Reading Club
Free to join, and open to everyone, including adults.
The Burlington Library kicked this off with two launch parties.
 What’s missing in this picture ? No one is glued to a cell phone. For those who didn’t take part – you can still register online or at any library.
The Summer program for kids is something the kids should really like – the challenge is to get them there. Be a dinosaur detective or help out the turtles. Stretch like a lion, then watch a fun puppet show.
There’s so much to do at BPL this summer. Many of the programs require registration and will fill up fast, so secure your spot now!
Registration page is HERE
 By Staff
June 24th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Gun fire in downtown Burlington.
 Police cruisers and paramedics in front of the Waterfront Hotel. Two transported to hospital; a third person sought by police. The shooting are believed to have taken place in the parking lot on the east side of the Waterfront Hotel.
Two were injured with a suspect the Regional Police are searching for
The shooting took place sometime after 1:00 am. Police and emergency services responded to a parking lot on the south side of Lakeshore Road near John Street.
Police located two men with “gunshot injuries,” police said in a news release. Both victims were transported to an area hospital.
One of the victims is reported to have serious injuries while the second victim has minor injuries.
One suspect is believed to have fled on foot.
“Investigators will provide updates as this investigation progresses,” police said in the release. “Based on existing information, this is believed to be a targeted incident and there is no known or ongoing threat relating to public safety.”
 By Staff
June 24, 2023 – Time: 12:00 P.M.
BURLINGTON, ON
Conservation Halton advises that slow moving showers and imbedded thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon and continue on and off over the remainder of the day. Total accumulation could be upwards of 50 to 75mm of rainfall before the rain ends this evening.
Widespread flooding is not anticipated, however fast flowing water and flooding of low-lying areas and natural floodplains may be expected.
Conservation Halton is asking all residents and children to keep a safe distance from all watercourses and structures such as bridges, culverts, inlet & outlet structures/grates and dams. Elevated water levels, fast flowing water, and slippery conditions along stream banks continue to make these locations extremely dangerous. Please alert children in your care of these imminent dangers.
Conservation Halton will continue to monitor stream and weather conditions and will issue an update to this Watershed Condition Statement –Water Safety message as conditions warrant.
This Watershed Condition Statement will be in effect through Monday June 26, 2023.
By Pepper Parr
June 23rd, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
There is some movement on the Bateman High School file
A staff report goes to Committee on Wednesday of next week – the 28th.
There are two recommendations:
Direct the Director of Recreation, Community and Culture and the Director of Corporate Communications and Engagement to engage the community during Q3 of 2023 on naming options as outlined in recreation, community and culture department report. “Former Robert Bateman High School – Naming and Sponsorship Update” for the location formerly known as Robert Bateman High School; and
Direct the Director of Corporate Communications and Engagement and the Director of Recreation, Community and Culture to report back to council on the future of sponsorship and naming of assets by Q4 2025 inclusive of sponsorship opportunities at Former Bateman.
Not much haste on putting a name on the place
 A statement included in the Staff report: “The uncertainty of what programs and services will be offered at Bateman, as well as key decisions yet to be made about site plan development for both indoor and outdoor spaces,” should raise some eyebrows. On December 13, 2022, Council approved the overall proposed Phase 1 facility design for the adaptive reuse of Robert Bateman High School and further directed staff to report back in Q2 2023 on, among other considerations, the “process for naming and branding the new facility
The City has a naming policy that provides guidance. Sections are excerpted below. The city appears ready to take a pass on finding sponsorship for for what is going to be a hub that includes space rented by the school board; space rented by Brock University and space that will be rented by TechPlace.
A library branch will be included.
No mention of a coffee shop – but there will be gymnasiums and a swimming pool included.
Don’t make mention of parking at this point – like almost everything else, controversy surrounds parking. Best comment heard so far is – make people pay for parking.
The city has a protocol on the naming of corporate assets that may be considered:
• When honouring a person, persons, a family, person, or group;
• Educating residents about a historical figure or event;
• Providing recognition of donations, sponsorships, and joint ventures;
• Recognizing International, National, or Provincial events/ competitions/ participants
• Opening of a new corporate asset or re-opening of corporate assets following refurbishment;
• When circumstances dictate the renaming of an existing asset.” “Preference will be given to names that:
• Give a sense of place, continuity, and belonging reflecting the geographic location, community, neighbourhood, or street where the corporate asset is located and/or:
• Reflects those who have or are advancing anti-racism and equity;
• Reflects cultural, ethnic, racial and gender diversity by honouring historically under-represented groups such as women, Black and Indigenous communities, people of colour, LGBTQ2S, and other communities;
• Recognizes the historical significance of the area and/or;
• Reflects the unique characteristics of the site and/or;
• Reflects the type of service offered and/or;
• Is in keeping with a selected theme and/or;
• Honours a person, persons, a family, or group, living or deceased, who have made a significant contribution to the community.”
The City managed to get a sponsor for the Community Centre part of Alton complex xxx ; naming Haber Community Centre’s
In what the city called an “an aggressive campaign that solicited over 2,500 companies, in the end securing Haber as naming sponsor.
Our recollection is that it was Haber that was aggressive – this is something they wanted – more ego involved than anything else. They got a very good deal.
Does Burlington have 2,500 companies that would have the dollars the city was asking for?
What the city has learned is that the process represents a significant investment of time by staff. Sponsorship solicitation requires a specific skill set and the City is not well resourced in this area. It typically takes 18 months or more to secure sponsorship if one is secured at all.
In the example of Haber, despite retaining a consultant and the diligent, hard work of staff there was limited community and business interest in this significant investment.
Recently, the renaming of Ryerson Park to Sweetgrass was achieved through a process of community engagement. Public interest was high, with more than 500 names submitted and 1,650 votes cast by residents. As another example, in 2020, three trails were named though public engagement. In that case, over 300 names were submitted and an average of more than 800 votes per trail were received (more than 2,400 votes total).
A three–step process is followed when soliciting community engagement for naming:
1. The community suggests names.
2. A selection committee composed of City staff and advisory committee members create a shortlist from those submitted by the community. The committee uses City policy to guide the shortlisted options.
3. Residents vote on shortlisted names.
In the case of Bateman, staff recommend decoupling naming of Bateman from sponsorship. The timelines for naming are near term, with construction requiring a name to be agreed upon by Q4 2023. Due to the uncertainty of what will be offered at Bateman and what the final site design will consist of contrasted with typical timelines associated with securing a sponsor of this nature, staff do not believe naming and sponsorship will align.
In this section, several options are presented for naming, outlining the benefits and drawbacks of each, and a pathway forward on sponsorship is presented for consideration.
Staff recommend option 4 – community engagement – for naming the facility, this presents a positive engagement opportunity for the community and fosters a sense of place and inclusion for participants.
Recent examples of community engagement for naming illustrate that processes can be put in place to ensure City policies for naming are followed. If this recommendation is endorsed, staff will seek to engage the community during Q3 of this year, aligning the conversations around naming to the community visioning exercises for Bateman.
 The uncertainty of what programs and services will be offered at Bateman, as well as key decisions yet to be made about site plan development for both indoor and outdoor spaces, create an uncertain value proposition for sponsorship at this location. This, coupled with the generally elusive nature of municipal sponsorships causes staff to believe it will be difficult to secure sponsorship at this time.
For the approach to naming, staff recommend community engagement. For revenue generation linked to sponsorship, staff recommend reporting back to Council on the future of sponsorship by Q4 2025.
By Pepper Parr
June 23rd, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward released the following statement:
“Last Friday (June 16), I released a Statement from the Mayor after the Province of Ontario announced it will be extending the strong mayor powers it recently gave to Toronto and Ottawa, to additional municipalities, effective July 1, 2023.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward speaking to Council members from London, Ontario where she was attending the graduation of her daughter. “These new tools will be extended to every municipality that has adopted a housing pledge, including Burlington — City Council unanimously endorsed the pledge to build 29,000 homes by 2031 and we currently have 23,000 units under review.
“These tools are not something I have requested.
“My focus has always been on building a strong city and a strong collaborative Council.
“I believe the best decisions are made in collaboration with Council, City staff and the community — that will not change.
“We have always taken a “made-in Burlington” approach to changes that affect municipalities. Burlington Council works well together, and I know we will continue to do so.
The fear in the minds of many is that the Mayor is not being transparent. In remarks made during a Council meeting, intended to coerce a fellow member of Council do not reflect the operation of a “strong collaborative Council.”
It appears she will do whatever she feels she has to do to make her point. The Strong Mayor Powers she will have on July 1st allow her to do almost whatever she wishes.
Given what we have seen her do so far, there is reason to be concerned.
Strong mayor powers and duties include:
• Choosing to appoint the municipality’s chief administrative officer
• Hiring certain municipal department heads, and establishing and re-organizing departments
• Creating committees of council, assigning their functions and appointing the chairs and vice-chairs of committees of council
• Proposing the municipal budget, which would be subject to council amendments and a separate head of council veto and council override process
• Vetoing certain by-laws if the head of council is of the opinion that all or part of the by-law could potentially interfere with a provincial priority
• Bringing forward matters for council consideration if the head of council is of the opinion that considering the matter could potentially advance a provincial priority
 By Staff
June 23, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The City will celebrate Burlington’s 150th Anniversary and Canada Day in Spencer Smith Park on July 1.
The Canada Day events is as well is as the 150th anniversary of the city will officially kick off at 4 p.m. with the Burlington Teen Tour Band and remarks from Mayor Meed Ward and special guests at the opening ceremony. The opening ceremony will be hosted by Clint “Bubba” O’Neil, TV sportscaster with CHCH TV.
Mayor Meed Ward will also be presenting the Key to the City to several recipients.
 Brant Street will be car free from Caroline down to Lakeshore Road All events, except the citizenship ceremony, will be held at Spencer Smith Park. The citizenship ceremony will be held at City Hall Civic Square, 426 Brant St.
All musical special guests have called Burlington home. Performances start shortly after the opening ceremony kicking off with Rob Preuss (of The Spoons & Honeymoon Suite) and friends, and will feature some chart toping musicians that you won’t want to miss through till the fireworks.
July 1 events at Spencer Smith Park
Morning
• Yoga in the Park
• Canada Day Run, 1k and 5k hosted by VRPRO
 The only time fireworks are permitted in the city. Afternoon and evening
• Opening ceremonies and entertainment at the stage begins at 4 p.m.
• Food and marketplace vendors
• Special musical performances 6 to 10 p.m.
• Fireworks at 10 p.m.
The Canadian citizenship ceremony at Civic Square, 426 Brant St. will start at 1 p.m.
Free Canada Day Shuttle
Downtown parking is in high demand during Canada Day festivities. Residents are encouraged to consider other transportation options such as cycling, walking, car pooling or Burlington
Transit.
A fully accessible, free shuttle service will run from 2 to 11 p.m. The shuttle will make stops at the Burlington GO Station (north side) and travel to the downtown bus terminal. Free bike parking will be available near the Waterfront Hotel for cyclists to secure their bikes.
June 23, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Where in the city of Burlington is a bunch of balloons like this be put on display ?
Not the Catholic School Board.
Lobby of the Joseph Brant Hospital.
Why do two different organizations – both very important to the city – have such different approaches the the PRIDE statement ?
 By Pepper Parr
June 22, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
For those who have concerns over the way the current council manages itself – this is your time.
 City Clerk Kevin Arjoon The Office of the City Clerk is conducting a review of the Procedure By-law and is looking for community input through a community survey on the sections of the by-law pertaining to the public.
Your feedback will considered as part of the review and help us improve our meeting experience.
The Procedure Bylaw is a bylaw that rules how Council and Committee meetings are run and details the decision-making process of Council.
The Procedure Bylaw makes sure the City’s Council and Committee meetings have consistent, collaborative decision making.
It does this by establishing transparent and accountable governance and includes information about:
- membership,
- scheduling,
- agendas,
 voting and- public participation.
You may feel the city, Clerk in particular, don’t listen. You might be right – but you still need to go on record with your concerns.
Related news story:
Ward newsletter sent out late
By Pepper Parr
June 22nd, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The House of Commons has recessed until September 18th when they will resume sitting at 11:00 am.
What did they get done this session – They passed a budget that gives more than it takes at this point.
They continue to serve as the government of the country based on the agreement they have with the New Democrats.
They stumbled badly over the appointment of a former Governor General who had been appointed to look into the matter of the Chinese government investigating members of Parliament and setting up what some called “police” stations in Canada to spy on and harass Chinese nationals.
They took a big one on the chin when no one seemed to know that serial rapist and murderer Paul Bernardo was moved from a maximum security prison to a medium security prison where he will continue serving his life sentence. The families of the two woman he and Karla Hamolka murdered learned of the transfer the day it took place. Most Canadians expect Bernardo to die in prison.
The backing away from the assault weapons ban, the way the Emergency’s Act was interpreted during the Convoy event that locked the center of Ottawa down for days and how the managing of removing a Judge from the Supreme Court Bench didn’t do much to endear the Liberal Party to the public.
 Gould at her Ministry desk on Parliament Hill Where does Karina Gould, the MP for Burlington sit in all this?
For the past six, maybe seven months she has been a front line fighter; on her feet almost every time the House in in Session challenging the Conservative party to say what they would do about climate change when they cancel the carbon emission measures in place now.
She gets quite feisty and has certainly grown and matured is as a Cabinet Minister.
 Gould doesn’t sit on the front row; her Cabinet levels have been mid-level but significant nevertheless.
There have been consistent reports that there will be a Cabinet shuffle – no mention as to when that will actually happen.
The question for Burlingtonians is – will Gould remain in Cabinet – yes she will – and will she get a promotion?
 Gould’s first major media scrum. She first served is as the Minister of Democratic Institutions where she was thrown under the bus when the Prime Minister backed away from ranked ballots rather than the current first past the post procedure. The Prime Minister took the view that there was a clear view of just what Canadians wanted and so he was backing away from the ranked idea. And he left Gould to face a media scrum that was tough.
The upside on that matter was how well Gould acquitted herself – she stood up to a battering in a media scrum. It was clear then that she was a fighter.
She later became the Minister of International Development and again did well. For the youngest woman to be made a Cabinet Minister and the first Cabinet Minister to bear a child while serving in the House of Commons Canadians were watching a women grow is as a Parliamentarian.
When she became Minister of Families, Children and Social Development she had to stick handle the national child care program that was being funded by the federal government but administered by the provinces.
Gould succeeded in getting all the provinces and Territories on-board. Ontario was the hold out – and, while it took time to get an agreement with Ontario in place – she did it. Gould worked very hard to get the province onside with the daycare funding – many thought it would be in place by now
 Close but not quite there yet The province of Ontario now has to put agreements in place with the Regions – that isn’t going all that well – but that is not a problem Gould has to manage.
So – when the Cabinet shuffle is announced where will Gould stand. It would be stunning if she were dropped.
Where might she end up? Probably not as a front row Minister>; Finance, Foreign Affairs, Defence are not levels she is ready for yet.
One source we talked to suggested that she would fit in well with a portfolio that interfaced with Ontario and had a social welfare twist to it.
Gould comes across to most people is as comfortable; approachable – just a decent young mother who happens to be a Cabinet Minister.
In the Mandate letter she was given by the Prime Minister he set out the following in what was a three page letter.
We must continue to address the profound systemic inequities and disparities that remain present in the core fabric of our society, including our core institutions. To this effect, it is essential that Canadians in every region of the country see themselves reflected in our Government’s priorities and our work. As Minister, I expect you to include and collaborate with various communities, and actively seek out and incorporate in your work, the diverse views of Canadians. This includes women, Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized Canadians, newcomers, faith-based communities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2 Canadians, and, in both official languages.
As Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, your immediate priority is to build a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system that reduces parent fees, creates more high-quality spaces, recruits and retains skilled educators, and ensures all kids get off to the best possible start. At the same time, you will work with Indigenous partners to implement a culturally appropriate Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care system. You will also focus on implementing the Community Services Recovery Fund to help charities and non-profits adapt and modernize as well as ensure Service Canada provides reliable and accessible services to Canadians, regardless of where they live.
To realize these objectives, I ask that you achieve results for Canadians by delivering the following commitments.
-
 Gould meeting with an organization representative in Ottawa  Gould focused and very direct. Supported by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, continue advancing the creation and sustainability of a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system, including:
- Concluding negotiations with remaining provinces and territories and implementing agreements:
- Reducing fees for regulated child care by 50 per cent on average by the end of 2022 everywhere outside of Quebec,
- Reducing regulated child care fees to $10 a day on average by the end of fiscal year 2025-2026 everywhere outside of Quebec, and
- Building 250,000 new high-quality child care spaces and hiring 40,000 more early childhood educators by the end of fiscal year 2025-2026;
- Introducing federal child care legislation to strengthen and protect a high-quality Canada-wide child care system;
- Establishing a National Advisory Council on Early Learning and Child Care;
- Continuing to advance work with provinces and territories to reduce fees for families for before and after school care; and
- Ensuring the Federal Secretariat on Early Learning and Child Care is fully resourced and operational by early 2023.
-
 A small group of demonstrators walked into a public meeting to let the Minister know where they stood. Gould handled the event very well – she let the demonstrators speak and thanked them. Work with Indigenous partners to ensure that Indigenous children have access to a culturally appropriate Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care system that meets the needs of Indigenous families wherever they live, including ensuring more Indigenous families have access to high-quality programming, creating 3,300 new child care spaces, and continuing to support before and after school care for First Nations children on reserve.
- Advance the implementation of the Community Services Recovery Fund to help charities and non-profits adapt and modernize as they recover from the pandemic.
- Continue advancing the Social Innovation and Social Finance strategy, including fully implementing the Social Finance Fund and launching the Social Innovation Advisory Council.
- Through the delivery of Canada’s Poverty Reduction Strategy and other measures, continue leading implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the United Nations.
- Work with the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and with provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous partners and stakeholders to develop a National School Food Policy and to work toward a national school nutritious meal program.
- Work with the Minister of Seniors to provide seniors with a single point of access to a wide range of government services and benefits.
-
 Gould meeting with people in Spencer Smith Park in Burlington As the Minister responsible for Service Canada, lead the development and implementation of modern, resilient, secure and reliable services and benefit delivery systems for Canadians and ensure those services and benefits reach all Canadians regardless of where they live.
- Work with the Minister of National Revenue toward the implementation of a real-time e-payroll system, and ensure that businesses of all sizes benefit from this work.
-
 Gould in the kitchen of the Burlington Legion – she has a superb relationship with the veterans. Enhance the capacity and effectiveness of Black-led and Black-serving organizations through the continued implementation of the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative. You will be supported in this work by the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion.
- Work with the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth to ensure the voices and needs of children are represented in our Government’s agenda, as we work to make Canada the best place to grow up.
- Work with the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions to ensure mental health supports are accessible to children and youth as they recover from the impact of the pandemic.
Has Gould succeeded? That is a question that will get answered by the Prime Minister and his advisers. It will be interesting to see what comes out of the expected Cabinet shuffle.
By Pepper Parr
June 22, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The second meeting with home owners in the proposed Heritage Culture Districts (HCD) the city appears to want to create was even worse than the first.
Shouting matches between real estate agents, bewildered home owners finding they were caught in the middle of a plan coming out of city hall that isn’t that clear.
The people involved in the two meetings have asked that they not be identified and we are going to respect that wish.
In order to create a HCD at least 25% of the locations deemed to have the criteria to be identified as heritage properties. Several of those at the meeting questioned the way the city is interpreting that criteria.
A source told us that an estimated 16 to 18 people took part that includes “three or four married couples”.
“Only one person spoke up in favour of intensification, saying basically we need more people living downtown to bring the vibrancy & commerce back to the area. He was the only one to speak to that – personally agree with him but no one else seemed to.
“Two people spoke of how living in one of these nightmare older homes is privilege- I’ve run across them before the last time the city did this – they didn’t get much support – how having spent thousands on just maintaining the darned things is a privilege is beyond me.
“Another person had a good point – they were concerned that the city would single out certain properties while leaving others alone – he felt that it should be a heritage district where everyone is in the same boat or just don’t do it at all.”
 Somewhere in this area the Heritage Planners hope to find enough homes that can be designated and identified as a Heritage District. One real estate agent said “you can knock at least 30% off the value of your property if it’s singled out for designation – in general buyers don’t want anything to do with designated properties – the impact would be a bit less if all the properties in the area were designated as in a Heritage district.”
“Somewhere in the mix the issue of grants/ tax rebates came up if you agree to designate your property – but as stated John O’Reilly overstated the amount of tax rebate – he probably doesn’t know – a real estate agent set him straight on that.”
The grant – $15,000 elicited a lot of groans – that wouldn’t even cover the cost of replacing the roof on my home and mine isn’t that big. Some properties are pretty large
A person who lived on Locust Street made a very good point saying the “proposed area is so fragmented with parking lots, – with a house here or there she couldn’t see any way they could be cobbled into any kind of district – which to me just spells designate. She was quite right, it’s a dog’s breakfast.
“There was a gentleman who asked where the information was for his property on Ontario St – he was frustrated because he felt the uncertainty was affecting his ability to sell. I think it’s currently a commercial or professional property but again, first names only & not everyone identified their property so…
Interesting though that the consultant said there were a lot more addresses in the study area – she didn’t have the complete list but said John O’Reilly should have it
“Makes me wonder if they are dribbling this out a bit at a time so that people can’t meet and organize. But on the other hand they seem in a big rush to get the final report before council so probably only John O’Reilly could clarify if there are other properties – none the wiser
“I mentioned the couple that wanted to build side by side properties, one for their family & one for them. They insist they had done everything required and were told they could demolish the existing property and erect the new structures – then the city pulled the rug out from under them and they are left with a useless property. I couldn’t understand how that could be right but I said that it sounded like the city reneged on the deal and the real estate agent agreed that perhaps they had reneged on the contract.
“The husband approached me after asking if I would be interested in a class action law suit but on what grounds? He didn’t specify.
“One real estate person there – she was spitting nails at John O’Reilly openly arguing with him in front of everyone. Again I don’t have all the information as she was sitting quite far away from me but I think the property concerned was on Locust and the gist of it was she can’t sell it due to something the city will not sign off on – said she’d lost two buyers because of the city.
“All in all if anyone signs up to delegate at the public meeting that may very well descend into chaos – I do hope so
“Oh, and they made a big point of saying the meeting was being recorded every time things got a bit rowdy so I’m not sure if that will be available- this wasn’t a public meeting so not sure what that means.
There were concerns with just how much the heritage consultant hired by the city knew about the area. At one point she asked a real estate agent which side of Lakeshore Road (which she called a Boulevard) was the Waterfront Hotel located on. We reached out to the Heritage Planner for the name of the consultant. We did not get an answer.
“I fully expect them to designate my property against my will. Can’t wait for the public meeting.”
By Pepper Parr
June 21st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Blake Hurley has been appointed as the Executive Director of Legal Services & Corporate Counsel for the city of Burlongton,
 Blake Hurley, long before he arrived in Burlington. Hurley joined the City of Burlington in 2008 as an Assistant City Solicitor, where he worked closely with members of the City’s leadership team, Council and various City Committees to assist in advancing the City’s goals and strategic plans relating to growth and development. He has been the acting Executive Director of Legal Service and Corporate Counsel since the retirement of Nancy Shea Nicol in April 2023.
Following his call to the Bar of Ontario in 2004, Hurley began his legal career in private practice at WeirFoulds LLP in Toronto, where he supported the firm in the area of Municipal and Planning Law. While there, he also completed a secondment at the Town of Oakville as an Assistant Town Solicitor. Before beginning his legal career, Hurley supported the City of Kitchener as a municipal land use planner.
Hurley has extensive experience and knowledge of land use planning and municipal legislation, regulations and policy. This will allow him to ensure compliance with local, provincial, and federal requirements, and ultimately protect and assist in the guidance of the strategic long-term growth and sustainability of the broader Burlington community. As Executive Director of Legal Services & Corporate Counsel, Hurley will provide strategic advice and guidance to the City, ensuring that it meets its legal obligations and the changing needs of Burlington with integrity and efficiency. Within this portfolio, Hurley will support Legal Services, Realty Services as well as Halton Court Services.
 The development Hurley wishes he had never seen. Hurley has a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo where he specialized in Urban and Regional Planning, as well as a Bachelor of Laws from Queens University.
Hurley began in his new role on June 19, 2023.
Hurley has been given a rough ride the past few years – his role was not to lead but to follow the the courts set out by Nancy Shea Nicol who has served the city for several decades.
Hurley now has the opportunity to craft his own course – a challenge for anyone involved in the city and its legal problems.
Blake Hurley is a decent man, soft spoken, well informed and not led or driven by an ego that is bigger than his personality.
If he is given the time he will need to let people appreciate the difference he will bring to the department we can expect to see different results.
Good luck to him.
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