 By Staff
April 18, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Just before 7 pm Friday evening a male and a female walked into the St George Pharmacy located at 5295 Lakeshore Road in Burlington and headed for the rear of the drugstore.
The male is reported to have been wearing a mask.
When the pharmacist began interacting with the male, (those are the words in the police report) the bandit pulled up his shirt to reveal his waistband.
The pharmacist quickly fled outside.
The male and the female suspects did the same thing – they were last seen fleeing northbound on Kenwood Avenue. No injuries were sustained during the robbery.
The male suspect is described as white, approximately 5’6”, thin, wearing a black mask, red/orange t-shirt and black pants.
The female is described as white, approximately 5”7’, wearing black tights, a black Columbia winter jacket and black toque.
Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has information that would assist investigators in identifying the suspects are asked to contact Detective Phil Vandenbeukel – Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2343 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 Pepper Parr
April 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
There are numbers and then there are numbers and it’s hard to determine which ones to rely on. Earlier in the week we reported on some numbers relating to the purchase of two properties on Willow Street in the Beachway.
 115 on the left sold for $255,000 and 109 on the right is reported to have sold for $150,000 We reported that a total of $1,264,250 had been added to what the Region calls the Green fund and that these figures related to the purchase of the two willow Street properties.
The totals might relate to the purchase of the properties but that apparently isn’t what the Estate that owned the houses got. Lawyers, real estate agents, valuators and various other professionals were included. Not that it matters – it is all supplied by taxpayers.
When we reported we did say “numbers in the report are far from clear”
We have since been advised that the price shown on Registry records is 115 Willow Avenue; $255,000.00; 109 Willow Avenue: $150,000.00.
109 Willow was not much more than an Insulbrick shack.
 The Insulbrick is peeling away from the outside walls at the 109 willow property One wonders how quickly these two homes will have their appointment with a bulldozer. One of them, 115 Willow could be added to the affordable housing inventory.
 By Staff
April 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The SPRING POPUP; work of contemporary artists and makers from within a 50km radius. Pick up an original piece of art from an emerging local artist or buy some funky handmade one-of-a-kind things.
 SPRINGPOP
Art & Maker Mart
Location: 408 John Street, Burlington, ON, L7R 2K4
(Downtown: SW corner of John + Pine Street)
Dates: April 17th, 18th, and 19th
SpringPop Hours:
Friday: Opening Shop ‘n’ Party 6pm – 9pm
Saturday: 10am – 6pm
Sunday: 12pm – 5pm
 By Staff
April 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
On Thursday April 16th 2015 at about 3:50 PM, a citizen observed a male entering unlocked vehicles in a parking lot on John Street in downtown Burlington.
 Proceeds of crime Police responded to the area, located and arrested the male a short distance away. The male was found to have a small quantity of Canadian Tire money and a cell phone in his possession which is believed to be stolen property.
Arrested and held for bail is:
Wayne Gordon PUNTER (38 yrs) of Burlington
Charges:
• Theft under $5000
• Breach Probation
Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call 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 Pepper Parr
April 16, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a sign of the way she would run the city if she ever gets to wear the chain of office.
Marianne Meed Ward, Councillor for ward 2 was presiding over a community meeting related to a projected that needed nothing more than an application for a Building Permit and the required fee to begin construction of the significant remake of Burlington Square Plaza a the corner of Brant and Ghent.
 It was a standing room only crowd = albeit – it was a small room – to get a first look at the plans for a significant upgrade to the Burlington square Plaza at Brant and Ghent. Meed Ward is not a fan of developers who come to Council looking for significant increases to height and density and changes to zoning and the Official Plan.
So when Cherishome Living talked to her about putting up a four storey add on to the property they own Meed Ward was delighted – these were her kind of guys.
There was no need for a public meeting but when there is a change being made to the neighbourhood – Meed Ward wants big input from as many people as she can reach.
Wednesday evening the room they booked was a standing room only situation; which Meed War apologized for and explained that they reserved space for those who registered and then some. She should do so well at the polls in 2018
There were no real issues with the project – just a lot of common sense questions for the property owner.
 Architect’s rendering of the new four storey upgrade to the south end of the project. This is the view from the corner of Brant and Olga. There is nothing wrong with the design – Cherishome has found that the large swaths of retail space in the building just weren’t getting rented and they knew there was a demand for residential rental space.
Jeff Usher, the Cherishome VP for development took the audience through a straightforward presentation. Decent looking buildings – he described the façade of the building as having a Frank Lloyd Wright look to it – that was a bit of a stretch. The land however is being put to much better use.
One of the things the upgrade could do is create a solid anchor for the new north end of the Burlington Downtown Business Association boundary. The design will still have the nice wide setback from the street that is about as good as it gets for an outdoor patio. The seven retail units were to be 1200 sq. ft. which should do it for a restaurant.
There will be 253 parking spaces – the rules call for just 240.
The 146 rental units, which will be registered as condominiums, will consist of 844 sq. ft. two bedroom units and 621 sq. ft. one bedroom units.
Amenities will be located on the roof of the parking space. There will be a community garden at the back of the building
Jodie Wellings, the woman at city hall responsible for making the downtown the vibrant place most people want it to be was listening to the presentation quietly as was planner Jamie Tellier.
 Everything on the right side will be demolished – the design emphasis will be on the street. Usher told the Gazette in an earlier interview that he had met with the people at the Region and talked about including a number of “affordable” units in the complex.
Mention was made of some problems tenants were having that were Landlord Tenant related – Meed Ward explained that these are not municipal issues and provided information tenants could use to follow up on.
Usher hopes to get site plan approval from the city by the end of the year; demolition will get done next Spring – the hope is to have the project ready for 2018
 By Staff
April 17, 2015
BURLINGTON,ON
Burlington has gone from being the best mid-sized city in Canada to one of the top 10 “Small American Cities of the Future” for Business Friendliness.
You know what this means – for the next several months you will hear this touted by every member of Council with the Mayor becoming the biggest booster.
 Prime Minister checks out the product at Ecysynthetix, one of the high tech manufacturers in the city. CEO John van Leeuwen is on the left. MP Mike Wallace is on the far right. On Monday, fDi Magazine announced the winners of this award: For the Business Friendliness category, Burlington was evaluated using criteria such as the number of companies in the advanced manufacturing and technology sectors, the number of days needed to start a business, ease of doing business, economic freedom, credit rating and annual jobs creation.
Data was collected from more than 400 regions throughout North America and compared using the categories of Economic Potential, Business Friendliness, Human Capital, Cost Effectiveness and Connectivity.
“Burlington is well positioned as an economic centre with its prime location in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area,” said Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring. “We also have a talent pool of approximately two million people to draw from within a 45-minute commute. Those factors, combined with the recent redevelopment of the Burlington Economic Development Corporation, add up to a bright future for economic development in our city.”
 Dave McPhail looks over a data collection device that Memmex created to change the way data is collected on a shop floor and placed in the hands of management in real time. “Burlington Economic Development Corporation is committed to bringing real value to our business community. Support for relocation and expansion is critical as is our active and connected business culture,” said Frank McKeown, Executive Director of the Burlington Economic Development Corporation. “Burlington is already recognized as one of the best places to live and raise a family in Canada and we will continue to work to make Burlington one of the very best places to do business. Hopefully this recognition is the first of many.”
Windsor, Waterloo and Cambridge were also named in the top 10 “Small American Cities of the Future.” Reflecting the strong business sectors in the province, a number of other Ontario communities also received recognition in other categories.
fDi Intelligence is a dedicated unit of The Financial Times that provides industry leading insight and analysis on foreign direct investment. The winners of the “American Cities of the Future” were published in fDi Magazine as part of the “Locations of the Future” series, which is presented by fDi Magazine to showcase the most promising locations for foreign direct investment.
This is all really good stuff – but we have to stop talking about it and actually doing it.
 Thordon Bearings Inc., operates a state-of-the-art polymer processing plant as well as in-house design, CAD and New Product Development facilities in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. There are some exceptionally good ideas coming out of the Economic development Corporation and the work they are doing with McMaster University and the Fraunhofer Institute that is working closely with both the university and the city.
More on that next week when the Gazette publishes an exclusive feature on the economic development potential – think in terms of 20,000 additional jobs – yes, that is the number that was used. Stay tuned
By Walter Byj
April 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board was in a longer than usual Closed Session – close to an hour this time. No sword on what they talked about – the sense I got was that they may have been talking about a possible high school strike for Halton.
Once the doors opened the meeting moved briskly through a number of issues. The school calendar for the 2015/2016 was approved unanimously.
 Are there too many high schools in the eastern side of the city? The board then passed a motion that has the Halton Student Transportation Services hiring consultants to undertake a bell time analysis for both secondary and elementary students in an effort to find efficiencies and cost savings. Bell time is the buzz word for when schools start their day.
This program is awaiting the Catholic board approval on the same motion next week. The parameters and cost of the study would then be determined.
A motion to have time set aside for recognition of excellent achievement within the Halton board, student or staff, was forwarded to the next meeting pending further clarification.
The Long Term Accommodation Plan was then presented by Domenico Renzella, Senior Manager of Planning and Lucy Veerman, Superintendent of Business Services. The LTAP, references what the board is going to need in terms of facilities based on enrollment projections. The enrollment projections from 2015 to 2024 and the identifying of new capital project initiatives for the Board from 2016/17 to 2019/2020 were part of the report which the Gazette will cover in more detail soon.
The key takeaway was the explosion of enrolment and new schools in the Milton area and northeast Oakville with the corresponding decline in enrolment in Burlington and parts of Oakville. This could lead to potential school consolidations in the near future. The trustees were advised that there would be public consultation.
The Halton Student Transportation Services annual report for the fiscal year of 2013/14, said there were a total of 448 routes which covered 34,058 daily kilometres and transported 29,268 students for the Halton board and the Catholic board combined. The Halton board transported 18,834 students at a cost of slightly more than $19 million.
Mark Zonneveld, Superintendent of Education (Student Services), presented the Gifted Screening Interim Report which outlined the procedures of identifying, nominating and then accepting students into the gifted program within Halton.
Of the students that are initially identified as gifted, only 35% enter the program after further testing. Over the past five years, the number of students identified as gifted by grade four has risen to 4.3% For the 2013/14 year, 61 students were placed in the Gifted Programme in East Halton, 29 in the West and 30 in the North
The meeting concluded with Stuart Miller, Associate Director of Education, giving a Program Viability update. Over the past years, the French Immersion program has impacted somewhat negatively on the English program and the Program Viability Committee was formed to study this matter.
The committee has met three times to date and is reviewing the situation within the Halton area along with studying how other boards are affected along with potential solutions. The committee will meet again on April 20th, hopefully a more detailed report will be available to the next board meeting. The public is not invited to take part in these meetings,
 By Staff
April 16, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service, Drug, Gun and Gang Unit executed five (5) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrants throughout Burlington (4 locations) and Hamilton (1 location).
One of the warrants executed was at the Venus Tanning Salon situated at 1035 Brant Street, Burlington. The search warrants were a result of a four month investigation into suspected cocaine traffickers in the City of Burlington.
Police have arrested five (5) individuals for drug related offences and seized the following evidence:
100 grams of cocaine • Scales • Packaging materials
$13,000.00 Canadian Currency •
5 grams of cannabis marihuana
500 ml of GHB
14 grams of MDMA
5 grams of methamphetamine
An Anabolic Steroid Production Lab
A GHB Production Lab
Large quantity of anabolic steroids
Police have charged the following individuals:
Jovan MASIREVIC (26 years of age) of Burlington is charged with:
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine •
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
Andrew TEIXEIRA (27 years of age) of Burlington is charged with:
• Possession of Cannabis Marihuana
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
Sukhvinder SINGH (44 years of age) of Hamilton is charged with:
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – MDMA
• Production of a Controlled Substance- Anabolic Steroid
• Production of a Controlled Substance- GHB
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Anabolic Steroid
• Possession of a Controlled Substance- Cannabis Marihuana
• Possession of a Controlled Substance- Oxycodone
Breach of Recognizance
Possession of a Controlled Substance- Methamphetamine
Possession of a Controlled Substance- Amphetamine
Laura SZOKE (27 years of age) of Hamilton is charged with:
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – MDMA
Production of a Controlled Substance- Anabolic Steroid • Production of a Controlled Substance- GHB
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Anabolic Steroid • Possession of a Controlled Substance- Cannabis Marihuana •
Possession of a Controlled Substance- Oxycodone •
Breach of Recognizance •
Possession of a Controlled Substance- Methamphetamine •
Possession of a Controlled Substance- Amphetamine
Brian SLAGTER (44 years of age) Burlington is charged with: •
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
SINGH, SZOKE and MASIREVIC were held for a bail hearing and will appear in Milton Court on April 16th 2015.
TEIXEIRA and SLAGTER will appear in Milton Court on June 2nd 2015.
 By Pepper Parr
April 16, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Would the world continue to turn without volunteers? There are a lot of people in the Burlington whose lives are better because of the many volunteers – and the lives of those volunteers are richer because of the work they do.
At about this time last year Community Development Halton created an award in the name of former Burlington Mayor Walter Mulkewich to recognize the work volunteers do.
Ann Coburn’s Director of Volunteer Halton, in handing out the awards made these comments:
We are witness this morning to the recognition of the work, generosity and impact of individual volunteers across Halton’s four communities. You and other extraordinary volunteers have said to us repeatedly, “it isn’t really me, it is about the group, it’s about the energy and commitment of my neighbours”.
This rippled through us at Community Development Halton that we created an award to celebrate those amazing and dedicated people who come together to take collective action and generate solutions to common problems in their community.
 Walter Mulkewich, taking in a political speech on a sunny summer afternoon. This award honours a citizen of Burlington, a citizen of Halton, Walter Mulkewich, who has worked and is working tirelessly to influence evolution and advancement in sectors such as the environment, economic development, social development, mental health, and the arts and culture. Walter epitomizes the characteristics of leadership: honesty, integrity, courage, and inclusion. He is a man graced by the passion for fairness, for social justice, and for human well-being.
In 2015, the committee is honouring, T.E.A.C.H., with the Mulkewich award.
T.E.A.C.H. is an acronym meaning Teach, Empower, Advocate for Community Health. T.E.A.C.H. is a Consumer Survivor initiative operating across Halton that provides peer support and advocacy to individuals experiencing mental health and substance use. All thirty+ volunteers have lived experience with the mental health and addictions system. Volunteers have been actively involved in numerous facets of education, support, training, counselling, outreach and promotion, even back office and administrative duties, marketing and event planning.
T.E.A.C.H. is an organization whose foundation has been built on the effort and inspiration of community volunteers. T.E.A.C.H. is guided by the “Recovery Philosophy”, which affirms that all people experiencing challenges have inherent strengths, and that they can – and will – get better.
 Joseph Kiss, Rolling Horse Community Cycle. Joseph provides free bicycle repair and basic bike mechanics for children and adults in neighbourhoods across Burlington. Having an organization such as T.E.A.C.H. has allowed individuals and their families to start a dialogue in the community surrounding mental health and addictions. T.E.A.C.H. assists us to better understand mental health and additions so that we can be supportive and inclusive. T.E.A.C.H. partners and collaborates with numerous social and health agencies building their collective capacity to support the growing needs of our citizens suffering from mental health and addictions.
For example, T.E.A.C.H. works with our local hospitals, P.O.S.S.E. (Peer Outreach Support Services & Education) , Halton A.D.A.P.T. (Alcohol Drug and Gambling Assessment Prevention and Treatment), Summit Housing, S.T.R.I.D.E. (Supported Training & Rehabilitation in Diverse Environments) and the Region of Halton, to name a few.
 Yvonne Kato is a holistic therapy volunteer at Breast Cancer Support Services, offering Reiki to members. Breast Cancer Support Services provides a variety of healing modalities to women living cancer, to help them ease the stress and side effects of treatment. While much of the audience was made up of Volunteers taking part in the Breakfast event, Joey Edwardh, was not just speaking to the converted when she said: “The theme this year for National Volunteer Week is the ripple effect of volunteerism. A volunteer action is like a stone thrown in a lake: its effect has a direct impact. At the same time, like ripples, volunteer efforts reach out far and wide to improve communities..
Quoting Christine Mason Miller, Edwardh said: “When we focus our energy towards constructing a passionate meaningful life, we are tossing a pebble into the world creating a beautiful ripple of inspiration. When one person follows a dream , tries something new, or takes a daring leap, everyone feels that energy and before too long they are making their own daring leaps and inspiring yet another circle. “
 Cavan Cook, John Howard Society, Burlington & Area. Cavan is a Mentor for Youth At Risk Development (YARD) program. He provides individual support to a young person focused on setting up and achieving positive goals. She added: Like a pebble thrown into the water, volunteer action creates many ripples of inspiration and encouragement . Volunteers reach out beyond themselves to engage in kindness and caring for others. They are special people, with busy lives, who make time for others. They see and respect the dignity of their fellow men and women. In a thousand different ways they lighten the load for those who are burdened by illness, troubles or disadvantage.
Volunteerism has always been with us, we call it neighbours helping neighbours, supporting one another when affected by disaster, concerned citizens see a need in their community, form groups of like-minded individuals to address the need and create change.
Our Governor General, his Excellency The Right Honourable David Johnston, said the third pillar of Canada will be encouraging philanthropy and volunteerism. He went on to say that “Canadians have a long history of coming together and helping one another. Service to country shaped us, service to family and community sustains us, and this tradition of service will carry us forward into the future”
The Ripple Effect! Throughout history we can trace back to organizations that were formed to address areas of injustice and the social needs of society. In Canada, organizations emerged in direct response to a need in community all of which involved Volunteers as founders, supporters and front line workers.
 Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring on the left with John Searles and Linda McKay who is with the Burlington Public Library. Linda McKay is a dedicated Visiting Library Service Volunteer at the Burlington Public Library. She delivers books to several customers, who are unable to travel to the library themselves, and they think the world of Linda. One such as example , as it happened in our neighbouring community of Hamilton. In the 1950’s a group of mothers desperate to find a cure for polio, which was an epidemic at that time, formed the Marching Mothers and went door to door in their neighourhoods, collecting dimes for research. The Marching Mothers were instrumental in supporting the research of Dr. Jonas Salk, whose polio vaccine was released in 1955, putting an end to the epidemic. The Marching Mothers movement today is known as the March of Dimes.
This is only one example of an organization that made a significant difference in the lives of Canadians and exemplifies the Ripple effect of how the action of a few can and do change the lives of many.
 The Seniors Ambassador Connector Program was pilot project in Burlington and the ripple effect is that it is now expanding to Halton Hills. Shown here are the Burlington Ambassadors. The Seniors Ambassador Connector Program was pilot project in Burlington and the ripple effect is that it is now expanding to Halton Hills.
Volunteer Halton is privileged to work on a daily basis with like-minded individuals and groups who identify a need and move into action. We see every day individuals who answer the call for change, come together as strangers, connect through a cause and end up with lasting friendships. When asked volunteers always mention that they could not do the work without the support of their Coordinator, Manager of Volunteers.
These professionals dedicate long hours organizing, preparing and supporting the work of volunteers and volunteers themselves. Today we recognize and celebrate the wonderful volunteers who come from all walks of life, different experiences and from all ages to create the ripple effect that changes lives and communities!
Edwardh chose to leave her audience with a pungent thought to ponder.
Noah’s Ark was built by volunteers
The Titanic was built by professionals.
That sort of sums it up – doesn’t it?
 By Pepper Parr
April 16th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
We don’t get it right all the time – and when we get it wrong we let you know as soon as we can.
Last week we published comments on the resignation of Bruce Zvaniga. Bruce; the Director of Transportation had sent out a note announcing his decision to leave Burlington. There was no referenced as to where he was going – and he was leaving on relatively short notice.
It was the weekend – we couldn’t reach Bruce. We talked to two sources – both were surprised.
We ran with the story on the Monday. Where we erred, and we have apologized to Bruce, was in not calling him on the Monday for comment.
Later in the week we picked up comments from others who found the departure to be sudden.
At the end of the week we ran the story Bruce sent us a note. It follows:
The material on this blog of yours reminds me of the old adage, “Don’t believe everything you hear, don’t believe everything you read and only believe half of what you see.”
I’m deeply disappointed that you didn’t have the journalistic integrity to even speak to me about this article. Your speculation is wrong.
Spreading this type of negativity does a disservice to the people of this great City and those who have the honour to serve it. In the future, I urge you to report factually, honestly and objectively. In so doing, you will be of value to this community.
 Bruce Zvaniga – heading for Halifax – they’ll love him I arranged to apologize to Bruce and had a good conversation with him and learned that when he resigned he wasn’t certain as to where he was going to go. He explained that he was at that point in his life where he wanted some adventure. The kids were grown up and he and his wife wanted to do something different.
There was a private sector opportunity Bruce was exploring as well as an opportunity in the same field with another municipality. Bruce was not able to say which municipality. Later in the day he sent me a copy of the media release announcing his new job and his new home.
Halifax release
Following a national search, I’m very pleased to announce that Bruce Zvaniga has accepted the position of Director, Transportation & Public Works for the Halifax Regional Municipality effective May 11, 2015.
With a career in transportation services spanning 30 years, and experience leading transformational change, Bruce will play a critical role in delivering on the municipality’s renewed commitment to better connect roles to results. As part of the recent realignment of key operations business units, Transportation & Public Works now has more business accountability for the movement of people and goods and asset stewardship of all roadway infrastructure and traffic control.
Bruce has led many innovative transportation projects and initiatives in Ontario, most recently as the Director of Transportation Services Department for the City of Burlington. While working for the City of Toronto, he held various leadership roles including Acting Director of the Traffic Management Centre and Manager of Urban Traffic Control Systems.
A graduate of the University of Waterloo, Bruce holds a degree in Civil Engineering, specializing in transportation engineering. He is a fellow of the Institute of Transportation Engineers and has served on the boards of the Intelligent Transportation Systems Canada (Vice Chairman) and the Transportation Research Board.
We’re looking forward to welcoming Bruce to the team in the coming weeks and working with him to continue moving the dial on two primary goals: providing better recommendations to Council and delivering better outcomes for residents of Halifax.
During my “apology” discussion with Bruce he quickly moved on to what was getting done in Burlington and assured me that we are close to having some high tech parking meters of the city.
Bruce was a delight to work with – he seldom avoided answering a question and he knew how to pull my chain when it needed pulling.
 By Ray Rivers
April 16, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
“A politician that has been caught mishandling public funds and who then engages in political subterfuge in an attempt to cover up the error is doing a Duffster Dive”.
It is possible that the suspended senator, Mike Duffy, will avoid going to jail on any of the 31 charges against him. But, at least in the court of public opinion, he is guilty for his ambition, arrogance, avarice – and his duffster diving.
 All on the public dime? Does it really matter that Mr. Duffy, having been appointed to represent PEI, actually parks his duff in Ontario. It is not like he was elected by real PEI residents so he is accountable to no one, except possibly the PM who appointed him. But that quaint historical rule about residency allowed him to claim expenses he shouldn’t have, since Ottawa was his home, not a temporary residence. Don’t we all wish for a job with a fat salary as well as money for the groceries?
The Senate, itself, is an historical mistake – a solution searching for a problem, and in due course becoming the problem itself. And so this trial will be as much about the Senate as it is about Duffy getting a free ride at the public trough. How can there be clear rules about what one does or doesn’t legitimately do in the absence of a clear understanding of the role and purpose of that organization?
Though he has not been called to attend yet, this trial is also very much about Stephen Harper, his judgement and his back room boys. After all, the PM appointed Duffy to the Senate, when even Duffy now must doubt the legitimacy of his appointment. And a chunk of the questionable expenses were rung-up attending those Tory events, in which Duffy had proven himself to be a heavy-weight, when it came to fundraising for the PM’s party.
 Stephen Harper and Mike Duffy – pals forever? On one hand it is hard not to feel a little sorry for Duffy. He was, presumably, only doing what he thought he could get away with. A jovial fellow who now appears to understand the error of his ways and who was happy to pay back what he’d wrongly accepted, with somebody else’s money. And he must be suffering emotionally, since those whose favour he sought so badly to obtain have now turned their backs and shun him.
On the other hand Mike Duffy isn’t a decent fellow who deserves our pity. This was apparent to anyone who witnessed the fiasco which occurred on Duffy’s political broadcast during the 2008 election. Then Liberal leader Stéphane Dion, whose first language is French, was asked an illogical, possibly trick or set-up question – “If you were prime minister now, what would you have done about the economy and this crisis that Mr. Harper has not done?”
Nobody could answer that question, though Dion tried and stumbled, asking repeatedly, for the question and the interview to be restarted. Duffy aired the entire interview, including all of the false starts, and then later editorialized his view that Dion had just demonstrated his incompetence.
Duffy was playing partisan politics. The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council ruled that Duffy had violated broadcasting codes and ethics and that the interview was not fair, balanced or even-handed and, in fact, had significantly misrepresented the interview and its participant.
Though Mike Duffy had won several awards over his lifetime in broadcasting, this sad episode was unprofessional. Worse than unprofessional, it was mean and brutally unfair to Mr. Dion, sealing his fate in the 2008 election and beyond.
 Senator Mike Duffy – currently under suspension. And, of course, the destruction of Mr. Dion as a contender helped enable Mr. Harper to win the election. Duffy, if he didn’t already have the affection of the Tory leader, sure did after this little trick. And it was shortly after the 2008 election that Mr. Harper appointed Duffy to the Senate.
Background links:
Duffy Diaries Duffy and Harper Duffy Biog Duffy Realizes His Error
Senate Oversight Crown VS Harper Broadcasting Standards Rebuke
 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 Staff
April 16, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
On Wednesday April 15th 2015 between 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM, unknown culprit(s) broke into two separate homes on Glenwood Avenue in Burlington (Aldershot Community)
Culprit(s) broke a small glass door window at the rear of each home which allowed them to reach inside to unlock the door and gain entry into the home.
Once inside, culprits ransacked various areas of the home stealing cash and jewellery.
Anyone who may have observed any suspicious persons and/or vehicles in the area are asked to contact Det. Ellie Bale of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Residential Crime Team at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2312 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Police would like to remind the public to remain vigilant in spotting and reporting any activity that appear suspicious.
The Halton Regional Police Service offers the following crime prevention tips to help reduce your chance of becoming victimized:
• Lock your valuables in a safety deposit box.
• Install a loud audible house alarm.
• Secure your safes and lock boxes to the floor.
• Be cautious when allowing people you don’t know into your home.
• Report any suspicious behaviour to police.
• Keep a detailed inventory of your jewellery including photographs. This will assist officers in the event your property is stolen.
• Check with your insurance company to ensure you have adequate coverage for your valuables.
• If you encounter someone in your home, DO NOT CONFRONT THEM. Call 9-1-1 immediately.
 By Pepper Parr
April 16, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
He was young, proud and a little edgy.
 Ryan Sgro, owner of three McDonald’s franchises in Burlington is always inches away from his cell phone I was meeting with Ryan Sgro, owner of three McDonald’s franchises – between Ryan and Ralph Sgro, his Dad, they have 10 McDonald’s franchises in Burlington and Waterdown
It was McDonald’s National Hiring Day and Ryan was talking to me and keeping an eye on the shop at the same time. His eyes would dart back and forth from me to the counter where people placed their orders.
Ryan came out of Western University and went right into the family business. He and his sister are both franchise owners.
Ryan gets the word family into almost everything he says. Franchise managers talk of being with Sgro’s for ten, fifteen and twenty years.
“We hold a Family Day once a year – everyone gets their meal at half price and we take them on tours of everything; the kitchen, the storage room – the kids get to know all about the place where their parents work.
“We hand out two $500 scholarships every year” says Ryan and adds – “we might do more.”
 For thousands of high school students in Burlington – McDonald’s is their first part time job. “We used to donate to Ronald McDonald House but moved the $250,000 donation to the Joseph Brant Hospital where their donation is spread out over five years.
The national hiring target for McDonald’s was 6,500 – 2,700 of them in Ontario. Four people were hired in Burlington. Ryan Sgro does point out that they have a rosters of 101 people at their busiest location – Upper Middle Road and Guelph Line, with staff counts in the high 80’s in other locations.
“For us three things are important: how well our student employees are doing in school; how good their extracurricular life is and then McDonald’s” said Ryan.
 Getting through that first interview is always awkward. A McDonalds manager takes a high school student through the process. “We want to be the first work experience students have because we know we are providing a fun place to work where people work very hard and gain a strong work ethic.”
While the National Hiring program might be necessary in some communities – we don’t have a problem getting students to work with us. Our flexible scheduling works for the students.
Ryan Sgro is quick to add however that he could put at least for managers to work tomorrow.
 By Staff
April 15, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
You are going to get a chance to provide input into planning Burlington’s future. Some people feel that voting once every four years is input enough – but with a voter turnout of 35% a lot of people didn’t make their views known.
The Strategic Plan the city puts in place is a more focused look at what the people you elected get to do on your behalf.
 As part of public engagement for the City of Burlington’s strategic plan, the city has created a workbook to give individuals and groups an opportunity to provide input into planning Burlington’s future.
A copy of the Workbook for Planning the Future of Burlington is available until end of day April 26, 2015.
That is also the date by which you have to submit your completed workbook.
It is one of the ways the city is reaching out to residents, along with using workshops and surveys.
To help set priorities, each Burlington City Council creates a strategic plan to match with the four-year term of council. The 2015-18 City of Burlington strategic plan will result in changes to the 2011-14 strategic plan, based on community feedback and changing needs.
The workbook is available online or in hard copy and can be mailed on request. Strategic plan facilitators are on standby to help groups complete the workbook. Please contact strategicplan@burlington.ca, call 905-335-7600, ext 7378, or visit the city website for details.
 By Staff
April 15, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Members of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Robbery Team have concluded their investigation into a robbery that was reported to have taken place at the East Way Bake Shop located at 4047 New Street in Burlington.
They have determined the robbery did NOT occur.
The employee who reported the incident, Jennifer ELLIOTT (38 yrs.) of Burlington, has since been arrested and charged with public mischief and theft under $5000. She was released from custody and will appear in Milton Court on May 5th 2015.
The male depicted in a previous release is no longer considered a suspect.
The Halton Regional Police reported that on Monday March 23rd 2015 at approximately 5:35 PM, a lone male suspect armed with a black handgun, entered the East Way Bake Shop located at 4047 New Street in Burlington.
That just didn’t happen.
Report of the robbery
 By Pepper Parr
April 15, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It is always awkward to watch a community bicker and squabble over interests that are different.
Residents in the Market, St. Paul and Green Street part of the city, south of Lakeshore Road, are tossing around parts of bylaws that were passed by city council and not giving the full context.
Truths are being stretched a little more than any truth should be stretched.
 Getting the kind of Window on the Lake Staff recommended actually built is proving to be easier said than done. The interests of a few are being put before the interests of the wider community – and in the process part of the vision many people thought was bedrock for Burlington is getting eaten away at the edges.
When city council decided to not go along with the staff recommendation to not sell land on the edge of the lake between Market and St. Paul Streets – they instead opted for significant upgrades to the Windows on the Lake that were at the end of each street.
 No city signage on this piece of city owned property. Plans are in place to make a proper Window on the Lake at this location. There are people who aren’t all that keen on having Windows on the Lake – even though they say they do want them – just not as prominent as the drawings prepared by city staff suggest.
Janice Connell, who has done a remarkable job of advocating for the sale of the land refers to a motion passed by the city:
Our concern at the public meeting is the discrepancy between the wording of Council’s approved motion and what was actually presented and discussed. Council invested considerable time (including visiting the properties) researching this issue and they were clear in their motion …”minimalistic manner (bench and signage) at St Paul and Market St.” and the “enhancement of Port Nelson Park with available funds.”
In the presentation, Staff was asked about the motion including “enhancing Port Nelson Park with available funds.” Staff replied that this was not part of the motion. This statement differs from the wording in the motion.
Some of the dissension could have been alleviated if a copy of the approved motion had been available at the presentation for the public to refer to. The wording of the approved motion is …”develop Windows-to-the-Lake at St Paul and Market St in a minimalistic manner (benches and signage).”
Over the past few years we have had ongoing concerns over misrepresentation of the facts regarding the Water St parcel as presented to the public. This has caused dissension and hard feelings amongst residents. We attended the public meeting hoping it would be an opportunity to connect with our neighbours in a positive setting. Needless to say the meeting caused further dissension amongst many residents.
Local parks should bring residents together. When less than truthful statements are given to the public it causes further dissension amongst residents. And unlike the simple correction of a misspelled name, it is not easy to correct the negative relationships amongst neighbours or the reputation of residents.
Brian Rose, an area resident, reminds people what was in the Staff report that had the three options. They chose option 3 on a 6-1 vote.
 A concept drawing for the St. Paul Window on the Lake that city staff presented to residents at a public meeting. Option Three – Dispose of Water Street Parcel and develop Windows-to-the-Lake. This option would involve:
• Selling the city and MNR water lots between St Paul Street and Market Street to the adjacent land owners
• Creation of Windows-to-the-Lake on the existing St. Paul Street and Market Street road allowances
• Proceeds from sale of property could finance a portion of the Windows to-the-
Lake implementation. Clear demarcation of land ownership with the formalization of the Windows-to-
the-Lake. Issues of encroachments would be resolved. Development of Windows-to-the-Lake is a clear message to residents of the opportunity to enjoy the waterfront.
Definition of windows to the lake as defined in the adopted report
Windows-to-the-Lake are described as small public areas located on city road allowances next to Lake Ontario or Burlington Bay; established to increase public access to the waterfront.
Windows-to-the-Lake typically are developed with the following amenities:
• Seating area(s)
• Walkway connections to the community
• Bike racks and refuse containers
• Fencing or barriers to control access to the water
• Parking located in the widow or on street depending on size, existing vegetation
and configuration
• Bollards or railings to keep vehicles on the road allowance
• Signage to identify as Windows-to-the-Lake.
The fact is that the people on St. Paul Street have been encroaching on city property and deliberately blocking public access to the lake.
Planners, parks and recreation people and the office of the city solicitor are preparing a team that will look into the encroachments that have been taking place throughout the city; none of their work will impact the mess we are looking at on the old Water Street road allowance.
All this will get discussed at city council meetings in June.
In the meantime a survey is being planned to get the views of those who live in the immediate area.
Is this the way people behave in Canada’s best mid-sized city?
 By Pepper Parr
April 15, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Dave Conrath is no slouch.
He has served as the Dean of a Faculty at Stanford University; he also served as the dean of a Faculty at the University of Waterloo.
Retired from the academic world now, he currently serves as a member of the Board at Royal Botanical Gardens, he sits on the Board of Burlington’s Economic Development Corporation and serves as a volunteer on the Burlington Waterfront Committee.
 It went for more than half a million dollars – gives new meaning to the words: “location, location, location”. Conrath has very strong views on what he thinks the city and the city and the Region are doing to the people who live on the Beachway. “This is spurious action” on the part of the Region” he said. To refer to a plan that has been sitting around for more than forty years and drag it out and treat it as a policy that has to be followed now is just plain wrong, he added.
“These people need to lawyer up” and get the help they need to ensure they are treated fairly.
Conrath lives in one of the lakeshore condos – is a big fan of the downtown core. During our interview with Conrath, Brian Dean, president of the Burlington Downtown Business Association happened along and joined us for a few minutes. Conrath began to talk about just what it is to live downtown. Dean was so impressed that he asked for a testimonial.
 A close up view of the 30 homes that the Region wants to demolish to develop the park. The residents in the Beachway are discouraged, dispirited and depressed. They don’t feel they are listened to; they turn in a petition with more than 3000 signatures of people who walk through the Beachway on the old railway bed who want to see the homes remain – the petition gets the “receive and file” treatment at a council meeting.
They are told again and again that they will not be expropriated – that if their property changes hands it will be on a willing buyer/willing seller basis.
There is only one buyer – the Region and except for a few who see the chance to get a great price for their homes – there are few sellers.
Three homes have sold in the past three years – two of them were Estate sales. The other sale was to the Region by a person who worked for the Region. One can imagine the dynamic in play when that sale was made.
 This is the park the region has designed – views are mixed on whether or not this is the best way to develop the Beachway. This plan calls for the removal of all the homes. A couple of hundred people have seen the plan. The Region has to either expropriate these people or move on says Conrath. They can’t continue to diminish these people this way, he added
There are some people in the expropriation field who will tell you that the home owners have rights that are recognized under the Expropriation Act.
Expect to see some professionals coming forward to advise the Beachway community.
By James Smith
April 14, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
On Tuesday, Justin Trudeau toured the Burlington Senior Centre, shook more than a hundred hands, made a brief speech and made more than a few converts to the Liberal cause.
Accompanied by Burlington’s Liberal Candidate Karina Gould and Oakville’s John Oliver, who also both made some brief remarks, Mr. Trudeau spent more than an hour touring the Centre, took in a game of pool, and even had a turn at Gypsy Dancing.
 Justin Trudeau chats up a senior at a Seniors’ Centre reception in Burlington He also expressed his disappointed there wasn’t any Sangria to go along with the dancing! In attendance at the centre to welcome Mr. Trudeau in addition to Mr Oliver and Ms Gould was Oakville Town Councillor Pam Damoff and Burlington City Councillors Marianne Meed Ward, Blair Lancaster and Halton School board trustee Leah Reynolds.
Curiously Ms Lancaster, who has announced her intention to seek the Conservative nomination for Oakville-North Burlington in this autumn’s election, had a brief chat with Mr. Trudeau, and stayed to listen to Mr. Trudeau’s remarks.
In his remarks, Mr. Trudeau complemented those present on the Senior Centre, and the suggested Burlington’s centre is a model for many other communities and it should be replicated across the country. In thanking the many seniors present for their contribution to Canada, Mr. Trudeau at the same time accused the present government as dismantling what those present helped to build.
Trudeau suggested the present government was implementing a policy of division that was pitting groups and regions against one another. He also suggested that an outcome of the present government’s policies has been to produce the first generation in Canadian History that will not do as well as their parent’s generation. Based on the reaction to this statement, this fact seemed to alarm some in the audience.
The crowed seemed impressed with Trudeau and his approach, although some wanted more substance and policy. To that complaint of a lack of tangible policies, Trudeau was heard to say, “It’s too early for that” and “you’ll see lots of policy soon enough”. When asked for his thoughts on the event after speaking to Mr Trudeau, Senior Centre member, and “long time lakeshore road resident” Jim Frohlick said it was “refreshing to hear such positive things from a politician. I think some minds were changed today, I know that Mr Trudeau won over more than a few of my Conservative friends just now.”
When asked about the upcoming campaign and her chances, Ms Gould let it be known that she’s not taking anything for granted and has been knocking on doors for months now to connect with Burlingtonians.
The election isn’t officially underway and one leader’s visit doesn’t make a campaign however; judging on the mood of this crowd, for this leader it should be a very interesting election here in Burlington. If one can draw any parallels from the 2014 provincial election in Burlington, it also started unofficially with a Liberal Leader touring a senior facility with a candidate who made a big impression on those seniors who were at that event.
MP Mike Wallace may be hoping that what was seen today at the Burlington Seniors Centre was not similar to the trend started by MPP Eleanor McMahon.
James Smith is a well known political activist who has campaigned for more than one Liberal
By Staff
April 15, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington is giving residents the chance to help decide which movies will be played this summer at Movies Under the Stars through online polls.
“For this summer’s program we’re asking residents to help us pick from a list of movies to be shown in their neighbourhood parks.” Said Director of Parks and Recreation Chris Glenn
 Make it a Family Night – take pop corn and a blanket. Movies Under the Stars, a city movie series supported by Tim Hortons, allows families to enjoy movies in City of Burlington parks. The series will run this summer on Thursdays at dusk from July 9 to Aug. 20 and feature a different movie each week, shown on a 7.62 by 4.27 metre (25 by 14 foot) outdoor screen.
An online poll is available on the City of Burlington’s website that offers a choice from three movies. Each poll will be open for seven days, and will give voters a choice among three movies. The city has made the waiting a little easier on voters by instantly showing which movie currently has the most votes. The poll can be found at www.burlington.ca/movies.
The poll to decide the movie for July 16, 2015, in Aldershot Park is now open. Voters have until April 15 to pick their first choice. Watch the votes climb and join the City of Burlington in thinking ahead to the warm days of summer. Residents are encouraged to visit the city website to vote each week:
Voting Poll dates Movie date and park
April 16 to 22 July 23, Civic Square
April 23 to 29 July 30, Emerson Park
April 30 to May 6 Aug. 6, Kilbride Park
May 7 to 13 Aug. 13, Mohawk Park
May 14 to 20 Aug. 20, Spencer Smith Park
Bring your own pop corn
By Staff
April 13, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
On Sunday April 12th 2015 approximately 10:00 PM, police responded to a break and enter at a Hydro One compound on Cumberland Road in Burlington.
Upon arrival, police observed a lone male fleeing the premise who after a brief foot chase, was taken into custody without incident.
Further investigation at the compound revealed the male had been concealed inside an outbuilding where he was stripping copper wire.
Arrested and held for bail is:
Ian SILVERTHORN (48 yrs) of Proctor Bv. in Hamilton.
Charges:
• Break, Enter and commit theft
• Possession of break-in instruments
Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call 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).
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