 By Pepper Parr
June 29th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The wheels of Justice move slowly – not at a glacial pace but there is no rush to judgement – at least not when it is the city and the Burlington Air Park sending their legal warriors into a Court Room to do battle
On April 4th, the Gazette reported that “a member of the city’s legal staff advised council that a Judge at the Court House advised the city that Justice Gibson anticipates he will be in a position to release his decision by April 30th.
April came and went, we got into May and no decision. A new date was set – a decision will be released June 30th
 Former city manager Jeff Fielding sharing an opinion with Glenn Grenier on what the Air Park was required to do while city lawyers Blake Hurley and Nancy Shea Nicol look on. The Air Park and the city have been going at it for some time. The story came to the public’s attention when the Gazette reported in 2013 on the number of trucks that were roaring up and down Appleby Line and leaving a terrible mess on the road and disturbing the peace and quiet of the country side with the clanging of truck tail gates.
 Hundreds of tucks were hauling landfill onto the Air Park property without any kind of site plan approval from the city. Residents were unhappy; city hall became livid them they became aware of the scope and scale of what was being done. Literally hundreds of trucks were taking landfill onto the Air Park property. City hall wasn’t aware of what was going on nor did anyone at the Region know very much.
When it came to the attention of people at city hall they could find no record of any permits being issued. Turns out the Air Park didn’t seek any permits – they had taken the position that the Air Park was federally regulated and they didn’t have to ask the city for permission to do anything.
The city saw it differently and one court case, and an appeal later – Justice Murphy clarified that situation. The Air park is subject to city regulation.
The city then began to press the Air Park to submit a site plan for approval and to begin providing some data on just what was in that landfill and what impact was it having on the water table. Was it polluted? Many people in northern Burlington thought is was and they wanted water and soil samples taken.
 All the key players in the Airpark libel dispute: Vanessa Warren in the second row and Monte Dennis on the right. The publisher of the Gazette is also a party to the libel case. The good folks at the Air Park were not only taking exception to the demands the city was making but they took exception to what the Gazette and its publisher had written along with the comments of two citizens: Vanessa Warren and Monte Dennis. We were all sued for libel.
The libel case is still before the courts. The defendants are asking for financial data from the Air Park; the Air Park didn’t want to give any data – a Judge has heard arguments as to why the financial data should be made available and why it shouln’t. That decision is due any day now.
Meanwhile the city is awaiting a decision on their request that a Judge compel the Air Park to submit a site plan for approval and that the landfill that was dumped on the property without any kind of permit be removed.
It is the decision on that case that everyone has been waiting for. Many believe that whatever the Judge decides the losing side will appeal and that this case could go all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada
There are those who believe that the Air Park is not in a position to move more than a couple of truck loads of fill if a Judge orders them to do so – they have already spent a reported hundreds of thousands of dollars on the various court cases – and all the bills aren’t in yet.
Might the Air Park be getting close to being tapped out?
 By Staff
June 29th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Joseph Brant Hospital Emergency Department, the biggest department in the hospital, will open in the fall of 2017.
 Trish Hamilton, Operational Readiness Coordinator. Trish Hamilton, the Operational Readiness Coordinator, sets out five things you need to know about the new ED
1. Patients will receive care faster in the new ED with the help of a new Paired Triage Registration Model. Currently, a patient moves from triage to registration when arriving at the ED. In the new ED, triage and registration will be combined at one station so that a patient is medically assessed and registered at one time.
 The patient examination rooms look a little rough right now – there will be 35 of these rooms. 2. There will be 35 private exam rooms. Each room has a bright, modern space with essential services within easy reach including technology in the head wall above the bed for medical gases; electronic charting stations inside the rooms; and supply alcoves directly outside the rooms that will store linens and cleaning supplies.
3. There will be three private trauma resuscitation rooms and an isolation trauma room featuring glass doors that have the ability to switch from transparent for patient monitoring, to opaque for instant privacy.
4. There will be a dedicated Psychiatry Emergency Services zone with security, three observation rooms, an exam room and a quiet room for families. This area will enhance privacy and dignity for patients who are experiencing a crisis.
5. The Emergency Department will be easily accessible and easy to find, located on the main level beside our new main entrance on Lakeshore Road.
 In a couple of weeks the structure is expected to be weather tight – bridge from parking garage to the hospital is under construction. Staff at the hospital currently work in an environment where an old tired building begins to make room for a shiny new structure that will have all the improvements technology has to offer.
Hopefully you won’t have to make a trip to the emergency department – but if you do – it will be a lot different than anything you have experienced in the past.
 By Staff
June 29th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Canada Day – and no fireworks to thrill and entertain my little kids? Get real.
Fire Chief Tony Bavota is getting very real – and very serious.
Remember those fires that devastated large parts of Fort McMurray – the available evidence suggests they were the result of carelessness
 Evidence to date suggests the fire in Fort McMurray, Alberta may have been the result of carelessness. Have you taken a look at the colour of most of the lawns around the city – some pretty brown looking grass.
There hasn’t been enough rain.
All the farmer’s think they are going to be lucky to get two cuts from their hay fields – three cuts are out of the questions. Soybeans are looking a little limp and who know what’s going to happen to the corn silage?
Forest fires are very dangerous – very tough to control – so if the fire chief says don’t light fire crackers given the weather we are having – he needs to be listened to.
A city council that truly leads would pass a bylaw now that gives the authority to ban fire crackers to the fire chief – and make it a stiff, stiff, STIFF fine for those who fail to adhere to the bylaw.
Don’t let your Canada Day Fireworks go up in smoke” says the Chief.
The Fire Department is reminding residents to keep safety top of mind when planning annual Canada Day celebrations, especially those with fireworks.
“With the lack of rain and dry weather lately, we’re discouraging fireworks on Canada Day,” said chief fire prevention officer Joe Wintar. “The city is hosting a full day of activities in Spencer Smith Park, including fireworks. I encourage everyone to think about enjoying this show put on by pyrotechnic professionals.”
To keep your family and property safe, follow these guidelines when setting off fireworks:
• It must be three days before or during Canada Day, on July 1.
• You are at least 18 years old. Keep fireworks and sparklers away from children so they don’t get burned or have their clothing catch fire.
• You are being safe. Read and follow the directions on label carefully.
• You are on private property.
• Keep pail of water or water hose close by for extinguishment.
• Set off fireworks outside in a clear, open area away from doors, windows, buildings, cars, trees and dry grass.
• Light one firework at a time.
• Never re-light a “dud” firework. Wait 15-30 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Never light a firework in your hand.
• Keep onlookers at a safe distance and upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged.
• If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for 5-10 minutes and seek medical attention.
 It takes but a stray spark to start this kind of fire. As with any emergency, if there is a fire and public safety concern related to fireworks, please call 9-1-1. For more firework safety information, visit www.burlington.ca/fireworks
By Pepper Parr
June 28th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Publication bans are usually put in place to protect people who have been the victims of a criminal act.
Late in May the Gazette published a story on an individual who was arrested for two separate sexual assaults committed on May 24, 2016 at a west end supermarket.
 The information came to us from the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS), Service Child Abuse and Sexual Assault (CASA) Unit.
Late yesterday we received an email telling us that a publication ban had been issued by Judge M. Barnes at the bail hearing for the person charged with the two criminal acts.
We were not aware of the publication ban, apparently the HRPS media people weren’t aware of it either. Detective Constable Matt Cunnington and Detective Constable Alanda, the arresting officers were apparently not aware of the ban either.
The Gazette would like to know why the ban was put in place.
We were advised by the police that the ban came under Sections 517.1 and 486 of the Criminal code.
We have removed the article.
 By Staff
June 27th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
They are relentless.
They do nothing but send this type of email out by the tens of thousands – all they need is one sucker to click on that link and they could be in inside your computer tapping into anything and everything you have.
If you don’t recognize the sender – don’t open it.
This on came our way a few days ago:
 This is a ZIP file – you have no idea what is in it – only that is will not be nice.
 By Pepper Parr
June 28, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Mike Spicer is already grey – and he is in the process of losing the hair that he has left. Some of that hair got pulled out in frustration the past couple of weeks.
Burlington Transit has bought into technology in a big way – they want people to know when that bus is going to arrive and then make sure it does arrive.
 Director of Transit for the city of Burlington, Mike Spicer replaces marches in the Santa Claus parade – he may be wearing an I’m sorry sign in the next parade. The Transit people bought a technology that would let a person plan their trip on their computer – sounded like a great idea – at the time
The installation of the service didn’t go all that well. They still aren’t sure that it is working the way the advertisements say it is supposed to work.
Spicer sent us a note earlier today saying:
“Our web site is live again as we have been able to fix the issues. We would encourage our customers to use the web trip planner as much as possible over the next couple of weeks in order to ensure that all of the previous issues have been resolved. We have extended our testing for a few more weeks in order to closely monitor the site and software to ensure it is meeting our customer’s needs.”
So – besides being loyal transit users – you are now a guinea pig – testing the service. Keep us informed.
By Staff
June 27th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
 Carole Castonguay – found At 10:34 pm the Halton Regional Police reported that the missing 69 year old female, Carole CASTONGUAY of Niagara Falls was found at the residence safe and sound.
The Halton Regional Police wish to thank the public for their interest and assistance in this matter.
By Staff
June 27th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Despite a 5.5 per cent increase in call volumes and a 4.4 per cent increase in patients transported compared to 2014, Halton paramedics continue to meet response time targets.
Over the past 10 years, overall emergency and non-emergency call volumes have increased 47.6 per cent in Halton, from 29,054 in 2006 to 42,881 in 2015. The number of patients transported over the same 10-year period has increased 45.5 per cent, from 19,222 to 27,959. In 2015, the Region handled 2,217 more calls and transported 1,175 more patients than in 2014.
 9-1-1 calls from Halton residents have increased every year for the past seven years, clearly showing an increased demand for emergency care in the region. The primary drivers for increased call volumes are population and employment growth, along with the impact of an aging population.
To ensure that the Region is prepared to address the various pressures related to providing paramedic services, Halton Regional Council approved the Paramedic Services 10-Year Master Plan in 2015.
As part of the Paramedic Services 10-Year Master Plan, Halton Region has taken several measures to enhance the level of emergency care available to residents, including:
• maintaining the existing population to paramedic staffing ratio;
• enhancing technology to ensure the Paramedic Services division has the tools to remain responsive and efficient;
• the approval to begin construction on two new paramedic stations: Southwest Oakville Station on Rebecca Street and East Milton Station on Fifth Line, south of Derry Road; and
• continually working with local hospitals, neighbouring paramedic services, the Central Ambulance Communications Centre (CACC), the MOHLTC and community partners.
“The Region is committed to ensuring Halton residents receive timely emergency responses and high quality care when they need it most,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “The Paramedic Services Division Annual Update shows that in 2015 our Paramedics continued to meet Council-approved response time targets in every category. The Region remains focused on achieving these important targets to ensure we support the health and well-being of all Halton residents.”
By Staff
June 27, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
So – she couldn’t live without him – and he didn’t know how to say no.
 Ted McMeekin tweeted earlier today that he was “Pleased 2be appointed Premier’s Parliamentary Assistant.
Next 2 years important as we continue to ‘build Ontario up.”
And some people thought McMeekin was going to walk quietly into the night.
 By Staff
June 27th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Ms Castonguay was found late in the evening.
It is hot out there and 69 year old Carole Castonguay is out there somewhere – in need of her medication.
Ms Castonguay was last seen in the area of Spencer Smith Park at 11:35 this morning. She is a diabetic and comes from Niagara Falls
 CASTONGUAY is described as:
Female, white
5’3″
Medium build
Short blonde hair
Wearing:
Black shorts
Black tank top
Beige sandals
White purse
Glasses
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Halton Regional Police Communications Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext 5155 or Halton Regional Police Service 3 District at 905-825-4747 ext. 2305
By Pepper Parr
June 27th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It isn’t a done deal yet – and it might not make it over the 66% needed by each of the four United Way organizations in the Region and Hamilton – but it won’t be because they didn’t give it the old college try. The vote was 61%
The result of a recent ratification vote has delayed but not derailed plans to bring together the United Ways of Burlington & Greater Hamilton, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills into a single United Way serving all of Halton Region and Greater Hamilton.
The four United Ways have been working through an extensive process of research, evaluation, consultation and planning for over a year. In May, each organization’s board of directors approved the amalgamation plan, setting the stage for ratification votes at each organization’s annual general meeting in June.
On June 20, United Way Oakville unanimously approved the recommendation, setting the stage for United Way Burlington & Greater Hamilton’s AGM on June 22 and the AGMs of United Way Halton Hills and United Way Milton on June 28.
However, the Burlington & Greater Hamilton vote to approve amalgamation achieved a majority 61% when a two-thirds majority was required. The motion was therefore defeated.
“I personally am so excited about the benefits that will come from amalgamating these four organizations,” said Anne Bermingham, United Way Burlington & Greater Hamilton Board Chair. “With the majority of board votes in favour of this direction, we need to keep working on addressing concerns and finding a way to make this happen.”
Jeff Valentin, CEO of United Way Burlington & Greater Hamilton, said that the motivation for exploring amalgamation remains clear. “This is about enhancing community impact,” he said. “With the majority of our board members, so many of our
staff and so many of our donors and community partners supporting amalgamation, I feel like we have a responsibility to our community to follow through. The work of finding the right way to do that starts today.”
Across North America, United Ways have been coming together to build stronger organizations to serve their communities as part of their strategic direction. A recent example is the merger of United Way Toronto & York Region in 2015.
“United Way Centraide Canada endorses the proposed amalgamation and strongly encourages continued work towards a successful outcome,” said Jacline Nyman, President and CEO, United Way Centraide Canada. “The four United Ways have demonstrated leadership and commitment to building a new and stronger United Way with a greater capacity to lead and engage our donors and community partners in serving the Halton and Hamilton Region.”
“If we can make it work, the amalgamation of these four United Ways will produce a more efficient, more effective and more sustainable organization,” said United Way Oakville Board chair John Armstrong. “We were excited to support the amalgamation plan at our annual general meeting in Oakville and we continue to be committed to working with our partner United Ways for the good of the communities we serve.”
 As a result of the failure, and that is what it was, the United Ways of Halton Hills and Milton will no longer ask their general memberships to vote on amalgamation on June 28, though each organization plans to present and discuss the amalgamation plan for information.
Chris Cooke, Board chair of United Way Halton Hills, sees the amalgamation as a strong combination of local focus and a larger organization. “We understand how important local support and the ability to focus close to home is to our partners, donors and agencies,” he said. “Our plan will allow us to balance that need with the benefits of a larger organization. It would be a win-win.”
“There is real potential in our plan, which is why we all need to stick with it,” said James MacAskill, United Way Milton Board chair.
“The amalgamated United Way would be able to devote greater resources to providing evidence-based information to our supporters and ultimately deliver a greater impact for the communities of the region. That’s the bottom line.”
Janet Foster, CEO of United Way Halton Hills, said, “These United Ways have a strong history of working together. It just makes sense to take our partnership to the next level.”
Brad Park, CEO of United Way Oakville, summarized the vision for the amalgamation process when he said, “The plan will give us a bigger, stronger and more versatile team that will allow us to make a real difference in terms of community outcomes. Together, we can accomplish so much more than we ever could separately.”
The bulk of the material in this article came from the United Way media staff.
The Gazette heard nothing about the meetings that led to the amalgamation attempt from any of the four media staff.
By Pepper Parr
June 27th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
There is now a new direction in place at Conservation Halton.
The Board of Directors have announced the appointment of Hassaan Basit as Chief Administrative Officer. He has, up until the appointment, served as the General Manager.
 During the past six months, Basit has worked to develop a new strategic plan (Metamorphosis 2020), rebuild Conservation Halton’s image and brand, realign budgets, refine communication with stakeholders, and contributed to the Provincial Government’s Conservation Authority Act Review.
Conservation Halton Board Chair John Vice commented, “We are all delighted and impressed by Hassaan’s accomplishments in his six months as General Manager. His commitment to staff and to the Board has been exemplary. His perseverance, optimism, integrity, compassion, discipline and executive leadership have been recognized by the CAO Review Committee and the Board of Directors.”
“I would like to thank members of the Board of Directors for this opportunity, and for their support of my vision for the organization. I’ve been humbled by the encouragement I’ve received from so many people, not just from within the organization, but also from our partners and stakeholders” said Hassaan Basit, Chief Administrative Officer. “Above all, I would like to thank my staff for their support. They have shown a renewed drive to deliver exceptional services and embrace change.”
Hassaan Basit was a biologist at the University of Toronto early in his career. He has been with Conservation Halton for 12 years, starting out as Communications Specialist, before moving to Community Engagement and then Director of Communications. His role as Director of Strategic Planning has demonstrated his commitment and skill in engaging staff, asking tough questions, building consensus and moving forward in a focused, strategic direction.
 He also served as acting Director of Lands, which has allowed him a thorough understanding of Conservation Halton from a conservation, regulation, and operations perspective.
In addition to his experience at a senior leadership level, his academic qualifications include a B.Sc in Biology from the University of Toronto, and M.Sc from Queen’s University of Belfast.
The Halton Conservation had earned the reputation of having a very intimate relationship with paperwork and a tin ear when it came to hearing what residents wanted to say.
Basit was always very strong as a communicator – his task was made difficult given the senior management he had to work with.
Now that the reigns are in his hands along with strong support from the board – there are great expectations. Let’s see how well Basit does. There is a lot of work tio get done – the Board is eager to see a more responsive organization.
 By Staff
June 27, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Bandits-Kitchener Panthers game was suspended due to rain in the bottom of the sixth inning Sunday night in Kitchener. Burlington led 7-6, and the game will be completed at a later date.
Elsewhere in the league
 Leafs blank Cardinals when Justin Marra homered and drove in five, and Dillon Mulholland threw seven scoreless innings as the Toronto Maple Leafs blanked the Hamilton Cardinals 9-0 Sunday afternoon.
Marra had three RBIs on a pair of singles before connecting for a two-run blast in the eighth.
Sean Mattson had two hits, two RBI and a run, and Damon Topolie drove in a run. Dan Marra singled twice, and Connor Lewis had two hits and scored twice.
Mulholland (3-2) scattered two hits, walking three and striking out three.
Jake Osborne and Tyler Hardie each singled and walked for the Cardinals.
Robert Wilson (1-3) allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits over five innings in the loss, striking out four and walking three.
Seventh-place Hamilton dropped to 6-17, and fifth-place Toronto improved to 10-9.
In London, the Majors beat Red Sox in an 8-3 win. The Majors pounded out 14 hits over the Brantford Red Sox Sunday afternoon.
 LeJon Baker had four of those hits (three singles and a triple) and drove in a pair of runs. Byron Reichstein and Michael Ambrose each had two hits and two RBI, and Cleveland Brownlee added a solo home run and scored twice. Keith Kandel and Humberto Ruiz had two hits and stolen bases apiece.
Cory Hammond (3-0) went seven innings and allowed one run on five hits, walking two and striking out one.
Jeff Hunt had two hits and an RBI for the Red Sox. Benjamin Bostick and Lee Delfino had the other RBIs.
Jose Vasquez (0-1) took the loss after giving up three runs on eight hits in three innings, walking one and striking out one.
Second-place London improved to 16-5, while fourth-place Brantford fell to 12-10.
Future games:
Tuesday, June 28
London at Guelph, 7:30 p.m.
Kitchener at Barrie, 7:30 p.m.
By Staff
June 27th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
The city has invited local creative organizations, venues, professionals and businesses to host events during the seventh annual Culture Days weekend that takes place from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, 2016.
Submissions are open to residents and artists of Burlington who would like to host a Culture Days event or activity, such as crafts, dance, literary arts-spoken word, media arts-film, music, theatre, visual arts and performance art.
 In 2014 the city set up a good display in Civic Square – it wasn’t quite the same in 2015 – and no one is able to say what is planned for 2016 – yet. The catch – you’ve got less than 30 days to get your act together – deadline for application is Friday, July 22, 2016.
Slide over to www.burlington.ca/culturedays – the forms and the detail are there.
Culture Days promotes free, hands-on and interactive activities. The public is invited to participate in behind-the-scenes activities to see how artists; creators; historians; architects; curators; designers; and other creative people work and contribute to culture in Burlington.
“Burlington has gotten behind the annual Culture Days program and has on occasion provided significant support.
Our most recent information was that the manager of arts and culture had something in the order of $2500 to make the program work this year.
While the city says it “wants to offer three days featuring different types of events, working closely with Doors Open, the Art Gallery of Burlington, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Burlington Libraries, Burlington Museums, Tourism Burlington and Burlington artists to make this happen” that $2500 isn’t going to take them all that far
 The BTTB has always made major events a focus – expect to see them in fine form at the end of September. Founded in 2009, the goal of Culture Days is to provide a national network of cultural connections to provide Canadians with opportunities to participate in, and appreciate, all forms of art and culture. Through a three-day national celebration each September, hundreds of thousands of artists and cultural organizations in cities and towns come together and invite Canadians to discover their cultural spirit and passion.
Burlington’s participation at the community level has been tepid at best – the smaller groups need encouragement and support – which hasn’t been forthcoming from city hall.
This national initiative aims to raise the awareness, provide accessibility and encourage the participation and engagement of residents in the arts and cultural life of Burlington.
If you need more detailed information contact Adam Belovari, culture coordinator at adam.belovari@burlington.ca or 905-335-7600, ext. 7335.
 By Staff
June 25th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Brantford Red Sox batter Benjamin Bostick scored on an error in the eighth inning for the winning run as the Sox beat the Burlington Bandits 4-3 Friday night.
 Bostick reached first on a fielder’s choice and stole second before attempting to steal third. Bandits catcher Matt McCue made a throwing error that allowed Bostick to score. Bostick also drove in a run and had two hits, Wayne Forman singled twice, and Dan Jagdeo and Nic Burdett each drove in a run.
Matt Betts (1-0) got the win, throwing a clean inning without issuing a walk or strikeout. Tanner Guindon picked up his first save after a scoreless, hitless inning. He struck out two and didn’t walk a batter.
Graham Tebbit started and gave up three runs on eight hits in 4.2 innings, striking out four and walking three. Brantford improved to 11-9.
Julian Johnson had two doubles and two RBI for Burlington, which fell to 5-14. John Whaley had a hit, RBI and run, and Justin Gideon singled twice and scored once.
Christian Hauck (2-2) took the loss after giving up a run on one hit in 1.2 innings of relief, walking one and striking out one. Starter Derek Zwolinski allowed three runs on six hits in 6.1 innings, walking seven and striking out two.
Elsewhere in the league the Kitchener Panthers won their third straight game and moved past London for first place after a 6-0 win over the Majors Friday night at Labatt Park.
Jon Interisano had a home run, double and three RBI as the Panthers (15-4) now lead London (15-5) by a half game. Interisano scored twice.
Frank Camilo Morejon had two hits and an RBI, and Tanner Nivins singled twice and scored twice.
Ian Rendon (4-1) picked up the win after going five scoreless innings and scattering four hits while walking two and striking out six.
Oscar Perez (3-2) gave up six runs (three earned) on nine hits over seven innings. Perez struck out two and didn’t issue a walk.
Cleveland Brownlee doubled for London. Defence hurt the Majors, who committed five errors.
In Hamilton Jonathan Solazzo had a big night against his former team.
The Toronto Maple Leafs third baseman homered, singled and doubled twice while driving in three and scoring three times in a 13-3 win over the Hamilton Cardinals Friday night.
Damon Topolie had three hits, two RBI and a run, Jon Waltenbury singled twice and scored three runs, while Will Richards, Dan Marra and Connor Lewis all had an RBI as the fifth-place Leafs improved to 9-9.
Justin Cicatello (3-1) went five innings for the win, allowing a run on two hits, walking one and striking out six. Mike Wagner earned a four-inning save, his first of the season, giving up two runs on five hits. Wagner struck out three without walking a batter.
Geoffrey Soto, Nate Mastervick and David Vanderby all drove in a run for the Cardinals. Lake Molleson singled twice, and Chris Beer scored twice.
Chris Lazar (1-3) took the loss, allowing nine runs (seven earned) on 12 hits in 2.2 innings. Lazar struck out one and didn’t walk a batter.
Future games:
Saturday, June 25
Hamilton at Burlington, 1 p.m.
Brantford at Guelph, 1 p.m.
Sunday, June 26
Brantford at London, 1:05 p.m.
Hamilton at Toronto, 2 p.m.
Burlington at Kitchener, 7 p.m.
Burlington MP Karina Gould is scheduled throw out the first pitch on the 30th – does she need to practice or will she get it right over the plate – and then be asked to put on a uniform – the Bandits need all the help they can get.
 By Staff
June 27th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
This just might be one of those “we are really into summer” weeks.
It will be a short week leading into a long weekend – when we celebrate the 149th year of being a country.
We will probably talk more about what we will be doing next year when we do the big 150th – there are certainly a lot of people earning a decent living working on that event.
For the 149th – this is what the day is expected to look like.
 Early, early the 5K Canada Day run takes place.
1K Start – 8:15 – 5K Start – 8:30
Race Kit Pick-up
Thursday, June 30, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Burlington Running Room, 3300 Fairview St.
Race Day (Friday, July 1) from 7:00 – 8:15 a.m. at Spencer Smith Park – by the pier
Post-race awards and Panago pizza at Spencer Smith Park!
9:30 a.m. Yoga Class Compass/West Lawn
10 a.m. Citizenship Court – Gazebo.
Looks like it will be a small court this year – but no less important – specially to those who are going to become citizens
1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. & 4 p.m. – Scholars in Collars Dog Show Gazebo
Noon – 5 p.m. Face painting with BeeBop the Clown – East Lawn
Noon – 5 p.m. Balloon animals with MD Children Entertainment on the East lawn
1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Stilt Walkers with Health Tarlin Entertainment Park
On the Main Stage
1 p.m. Opening Ceremonies featuring Burlington Teen Tour Band. The Teen Tour band parades from the Main stage to Joseph Brant Museum where hey join the hundreds that will on hand to take part in the Strawberry Social. Wonderful scoop of ice cream served to you by some of your elected officials who will be wearing funny hats.
2 p.m. Kaleidoscope Chinese Performing Arts Society
3 p.m. Alee
4:30 p.m. Bharatam Academy of Dance Arts
5:30 p.m. Jordan Haller; Winner of the Canada Day Performance Contest
6:30 p.m. Felicia McMinn
9 p.m. Symphony on the Bay
10 p.m. Fireworks presented by BUNZL Canada
 Alee will perform on the Main Stage at xxx  Felicia McMinn will perform on the Main stage at 6:30 pm A free Bike Valet is provided on Canada Day for those looking to avoid parking downtown and reduce their carbon footprint. The Bike Valet is in Spencer Smith Park at the corner of Brant Street and Lakeshore Road, beside the Waterfront Hotel.
 Jordan Haller will perform on the Main stage at 5;30 -pm – he was the winner of the Performer contest  Traffic:
Lakeshore Road from Maple Avenue to Elizabeth Street will be closed Friday, July 1, 2016 from 9 to 11 p.m for the fireworks at the Canada Day Celebration. Traffic will be redirected and the closure will be supervised by the Halton Regional Police Service.
By Staff
June 24th, 21`06
BURLINGTON, ON
Daytime break-in seem to be back in vogue for the criminal set.
The Regional police report a home on Woodview Road, in the City of Burlington was the most recent target.
The break-in took place at approximately 1:00 pm. The suspect forced open the front door and ransacked several rooms. The male fled on foot and police were called.
The area was thoroughly searched by police, but the suspect was successful in his escape.
Suspect – Male / Black, 19-20 years, slim build, 6’0 tall, short black hair, wearing a powder blue track suit and baseball cap.
Unknown: Police do not know yet if any items were stolen. The investigation is ongoing.
By Staff
June 24th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Despite a 5.5 per cent increase in call volumes and a 4.4 per cent increase in patients transported compared to 2014, Halton paramedics continue to meet response time targets.
45 vehicles in the fleet now – 69 at the end of the ten year plan. Over the past 10 years, overall emergency and non-emergency call volumes have increased 47.6 per cent in Halton, from 29,054 in 2006 to 42,881 in 2015. The number of patients transported over the same 10-year period has increased 45.5 per cent, from 19,222 to 27,959. In 2015, the Region handled 2,217 more calls and transported 1,175 more patients than in 2014.
 Response times have been maintained despite significant increases in the need for service. 9-1-1 calls from Halton residents have increased every year for the past seven years, clearly showing an increased demand for emergency care in the region. The primary drivers for increased call volumes are population and employment growth, along with the impact of an aging population.
To ensure that the Region is prepared to address the various pressures related to providing paramedic services, Halton Regional Council approved the Paramedic Services 10-Year Master Plan in 2015.
 As the Region’s population ages the demand for service from the seniors’ is going to rise – Burlington will have more seniors than any other municipality in the Region. As part of the Paramedic Services 10-Year Master Plan, Halton Region has taken several measures to enhance the level of emergency care available to residents, including:
• maintaining the existing population to paramedic staffing ratio;
• enhancing technology to ensure the Paramedic Services division has the tools to remain responsive and efficient;
• the approval to begin construction on two new paramedic stations: Southwest Oakville Station on Rebecca Street and East Milton Station on Fifth Line, south of Derry Road; and
• continually working with local hospitals, neighbouring paramedic services, the Central Ambulance Communications Centre (CACC), the MOHLTC and community partners.
The expansion of the program will require a total of $15.0 million in capital funding, $10.6 million of which is needed within the next five years. This will provide vehicles/defibrillators, IT requirements and will accommodate the centralized reporting station. Station requirements will be assessed as part of the Regional Accommodation Strategy, and the timing and funding requirements will be further refined through this process.
The capital requirements will be funded through a combination of Regional reserves, debt and development charges (DC). With respect to the capital expenditures, approximately 65% of growth-related costs will be funded from DCs, and this funding requirement will be incorporated in the next DC by-law update currently scheduled in 2016.
 A 53% increase in the number of vehicles is projected in the ten year plan. The increase in operating expenditures would total $12.6 million, with $6.0 million expected in the first five years (2016-2020) and $6.6 million in the remaining forecast period (2021-2026), driven mainly by the staff cost. The estimated operating impact includes subsidy at 48% of the cost share ratio based on funding provided in recent years. When combined with capital financing impact, the net increase in operating cost totals $3.8 million in the first five years and $3.6 million in the remaining years. This represents an average annual budget increase of $752,000 in the first five years and $596,000 in the remaining forecast period.
 Costs are going to increase by 50% by the end of the ten year plan. These services are not cheap.
The increased costs are were included in the 2015 budget forecast, at an average annual budget increase of $538,000 (2016-2020) and $404,000 (2021-2026). With these provisions taken into account, the additional incremental impact anticipated in the forecast is an average annual increase of $214,000 for the first five years and $192,000 for the remaining years. The financial impact of the staffing and capital program will be determined annually through the budget process.
 “The Region is committed to ensuring Halton residents receive timely emergency responses and high quality care when they need it most,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “The Paramedic Services Division Annual Update shows that in 2015 our Paramedics continued to meet Council-approved response time targets in every category. The Region remains focused on achieving these important targets to ensure we support the health and well-being of all Halton residents.”
 By Ray Rivers
June 24th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
 The Chanel- the history it has experienced. Now more than a body of water – a divide. The United Kingdom (UK) has just voted decisively to leave the European Economic Community (EEC) and European Union (EU), which it had first joined in 1973. The Common Market, as it was also called, was founded in 1957 in part to propel the still broken post war economies and to avoid emerging conflicts among the original six nations in the Treaty of Rome.
Two years later (1975) Britain’s membership was confirmed overwhelmingly by a referendum to resolve forever Britain’s place in Europe. UK Independence Party leader, and Brexit champion, Nigel Farage was eleven years old at the time of the referendum. And Prime Minister David Cameron, who has just announced his resignation and that of his government, was two years younger. Forever can look like a long time when you are nine.
Cameron had been generally well regarded by almost everyone, winning a respectable majority in the last British election. But he misjudged how his country felt about British sovereignty and its adherence to key EU principles. So in true Shakespearean fashion he has now fallen on his sword for this most serious error in judgement – the referendum. Brexit, as it was called, should be a lesson to all who think that administering simple polls on complicated and strategic matters to the great unwashed is the answer to anything.
British politicians of all stripes are speaking softly, urging calm, and claiming it will take years for the Brexit to take effect. But that is not how the rest of the EU see it. They have demanded a quick exit in the interests of economic and political stability for what remains of their union. That after all was the primary raison d’être for the creation of the EU.
One should always be careful of that which one wishes. Big change can be chaotic and chaos creates its own consequences. So even before the results were complete the world witnessed one of the most stable global currencies, the British pound, crash to lows not seen since 1985. The next day financial giant Morgan Stanley claimed it was heading to a safe landing on the mainland, deserting London as the former banker for the EU.
Pro-EU Scotland, in union with England since the 1600’s, is mulling a redo of its own independence referendum in order to stay in the EU. Northern Ireland is being courted to join its southern EU cousin in the main republic, something considered unthinkable only a decade ago. And now Spain is demanding a governing stake in Gibraltar. Oh what a difference a day makes as that proverbial sun sinks even further on the vestiges of a once great Britain.
 The Union flag flying in Regent street. No longer so united but still a kingdom, albeit with a potentially much simpler Union Jack. Without North Sea Oil, Irish and Scotch whiskey, and no place to vacation, the lonely English will have to content themselves with gin and tonics in Blackpool or Brighton. Even Pimms #1 is now owned by the bleedin’ Europeans. Seriously, overnight the UK economy fell from 5th to 6th place in global standing, ironically sucking up to the derrière of former arch rival, France.
Immigration was a significant part of the discussion for most Britons, notwithstanding that Cameron had wrung exceptional, and unexpected, immigration control concessions from other EU leaders. Brits will likely see an exodus of continentals, including a million or so Polish nationals vacating recessionary England for jobs back home in one of the fastest growing EU economies. And that may in some measure be balanced by the return of at least some of the Brit expats living in places like Spain and France and all those tourists now lacking an EU passport.
Canada and the US will be impacted in a number of ways. For example, there was the process of finalizing free-trade agreements with the EU, championed to a large part by the Brits, despite strong objections by Germany and others. But the UK will still be a major player in NATO, though joint military procurement is likely to suffer as the EU finally moves its much promised common defence policy to the next level.
One foot in and one out, best described the UK approach to the EU anyway. Britain wanted the benefits of the marriage but refused to get completely naked and under the covers with its bed mates. She lacked commitment to the marriage, retaining her historical trappings as a way of maintaining her distance – the pound, rules of the road, gallons and miles and so on. And there has always been a measure of upper-nose smugness, that the ‘old chaps’ are better bred and come from superior homes than those dingy quarrelsome continentals.
But rejection is the toughest part of any in a relationship. And England has just told her continental suitors to powder off, spurning their interest, consideration, tolerance, warmth and even love – turning 19 nautical miles into an ocean away. The European reaction is really yet to come, but I’d bet on a hefty dose of tough love. To paraphrase the distinguished17th English playwright, William Congreve – hell hath no fury like a partner spurned.
Ray Rivers is an economist and author who writes weekly on federal and provincial issues, applying his 25 years of involvement with federal and provincial ministries. Rivers’ involvement in city matters led to his appointment as founding chair of Burlington’s Sustainable Development Committee. He was also a candidate in the 1995 provincial election
Background links
Hell hath no Fury
Previous Referendum-
Common Market –
Scottish Referendum –
England and Scotland Act –
Implication for Brit tourists –
By Pepper Parr
June 24th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It was one of those Public Information nights – no presentations; city staff on hand to answer questions, residents dropping by to get answers to questions or clarifications on issues they were not clear on.
The issue this evening was a private tree bylaw – is Burlington going to have one or will it continue to be one of the few municipalities in this part of the province to live life without one?
 Tree on Guelph Line taken down in the afternoon – residents meet to talk about a private tree bylaw that evening. There were a few people who didn’t want a private tree bylaw. The get together, and that is what it was, was made up of people who wanted trees saved.
 Residents filling out comment sheets.  Roseland residents exchanging views on a private tree by law. The meeting was held, some felt, to keep people in the Roseland community happy. The notice of the meeting was apparently limited to that community.
It wasn’t publicly posted by city hall staff.
Councillor Dennison was on hand, the Mayor did not attend. Some felt that a private tree bylaw was his issue and having him in the room would have helped.
To be fair to the Mayor – he could, and often is, out at an event every evening of the week. He either had somewhere else to be or took a deserved evening off.
Copies of private tree bylaws were set out on tables for people to read.
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