 By Pepper Parr
June 2, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Wow – these guys can spend money like a drunken sailor.
The Regional council agreed to purchase all the homes in the Beachway community on a willing buyer – willing seller basis. During the last few years a number of homes have been purchased on this basis.
There are basically two groups in the Beachway – those who do not want to sell – the love the community they live in and want to be left along to enjoy the home and the life style they have.
There are others who are willing to sell and they want to get every last dollar that might be available to them.
With a buyer who has to buy every home in order to turn that part of the city into a park – a very large park and a well-designed park – this put the sellers in a great position.
How great?
The structure at 991 Lakeshore Road went for $535,000. It was described by a Beachway resident this way: “lot size…tiny…probably almost house foot print only…house is an absolute shack!! with no proper septic etc. Almost can’t live in it…it’s an absolute dump inside. When I say shack…I mean it.”
 All the property on Willow is now in the hands of the Regional government. Owning this part of the Beachway is critical to the long range park development plans – a new road is to be along this part of the park. The structure is one of four located on Willow Street, a very short street that runs off Lakeshore.
With prices like this being offered the owners of property in the Beachway will do what is best for them – just sit tight and watch the prices rise. Great for the property owners – brutal on the public purse.
 The house in the center is reported to have been sold for $405,000  The Regional government is in the process of changing the look and feel of the Beachway community – turning it into a park that will focus on the natural elements and make kit into something significantly different than what it is today. While the Regional real estate people pick off the homes one by one people in the Regional Planning department toil away at completing the design of the Beachway Park.
 This doesn’t look like a home that is being readied for sale to the Regional government who will eventually tear it down. Regional planners are working up a plan that will turn what was once a community that had its own newspaper and was home to hundreds of people. The plan for the park is a splendid piece of planning – but will it meet the longer terms needs of the city – and will it b a safe place?
Some of the properties in the Beachway were not much more than shacks that probably didn’t meet all the by laws. Other homes are lovely buildings carefully and lovingly maintained by their owners – and they don’t want to move.
 One of the nicest properties in the Beachway – but if the plans for the park are to be fully realized – this house can’t remain  Do homes like this have to be torn down? If the current Beachway park plans are to be realized the has has to go. There isn’t anyone thinking about changing the park plans – at this point. The Region however is run by elected officials – and plans do change but it is going to take a lot of political courage and leadership to make that happen. Some people are upgrading their homes. There will come a point where the wishes of the Region, solidly backed by the vast majority of Burlington city Councillors, will clash with the property owners. That;s many years away – but that day is coming.
 By Staff
June 2nd, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Municipalities across Ontario are asking the province to reform the Ontario Municipal Board, and severely limit its power over local planning decisions. More than 80 municipal councils have passed resolutions seeking OMB reform, including Toronto, Markham, Guelph, Newmarket, York Region, and Oakville.
 Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward thinks the Ontario Municipal Board should be abolished – it was put in place years ago for good reasons – do those reasons no longer matter? Burlington is not one of them.
The resolution began in Aurora and asks the province to “limit the jurisdiction of the OMB to questions of law or process” and to “require the OMB to uphold any planning decisions of Municipal Councils unless they are contrary to the processes and rules set out in legislation.”
Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward supports this kind of change
A resolution passed by Oakville council asks the province to: exclude the board from hearing appeals of applications for amendments to provincially approved official plans; require the OMB to show deference to the decisions of local councils subject only to the test of reasonableness; and require the board, as an appellate body, to implement the concept of precedent in its decisions.
The province has said it will look into OMB reform this year.
In May, Meed Ward joined over 100 municipal representatives (the only one from Burlington) at a Municipal Summit on OMB Reform. The consensus from the Summit was to request that the province forbid any appeals to the OMB of local Official Plans that have already been approved by the Province. This would dramatically reduce the number of appeals, save time and money, and free up time for the OMB to deal with other matters within its jurisdiction in a timely fashion.
 Councillor Jack Dennison appealed a Committee of Adjustment decision that went against his request to sever his property. The Ontario Municipal Board sided with Dennison and allowed him to sever. Another recommendation arising from the Summit was to remove appeals to the OMB for Committee of Adjustment decisions on minor variances, and instead direct local councils to create an appeal body or let the local city council be the final appeal body (which would be more time and cost effective).
These and other recommendations from the Summit will be forwarded to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the province. A representative from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario attended the summit, and AMO will discuss OMB reform at its annual conference in August.
Meed Ward said she “whole heartedly supports reform, and wouldn’t miss the OMB if it were abolished.
The OMB has become, in effect, the local planning departments for municipalities, creating duplication of services, overriding decisions of locally elected councils by an unelected tribunal, and costing hundreds of thousands of taxpayers’ dollars to defend Official Plans that have already been approved by the province and conform to growth requirements. These costs, borne both by municipalities and the development industry, are built into taxes and into the cost of housing. OMB-driven municipal planning is expensive, wasteful, time-consuming and unaccountable, and must change.”
 The ADI development group is before the OMB not because they didn’t like the decision the city made but because the city did not make a decision within the required time frame. Meed Ward wants Burlington to join the call for a change and plans to introduce a moption at Council. When? She isn’t sure. “Hard to say anything about timing at this point. Would either be July or September.
Introducing this kind of motion in July just before the August break when a lot of people are away might not be the best time to go public with something like this.
Whichever, we will be hearing from Meed Ward on the role the Ontario Municipal Board should play in the affairs of the city in the not too distant future.
 By Staff
June 1, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
A local green house has announced the Great Tomato Race – where contestants can grow their biggest tomato and enter it into the race to win a grand prize $5,000 TERRA gift card!
 This contest is open to gardeners of all skill levels.
Way back in the 1930’s, when times were tough, tough – The Mortgage Lifter Tomato was developed by a gardener who planted the four biggest tomato varieties he knew and crossed one with pollen from the other three. He did this for six seasons and created a variety that produced immense, tasty fruit. He sold the plants for $1 apiece and paid off his $6000 mortgage in 6 years.
 Will the winner of the contest bring in a tomato this big? TERRA ran this kind of a promotion 20 years ago and felt that it was time to let people get used to the idea of growing some of their own fruit and vegetables.
Climate change is going to have an even bigger impact on the way we live our lives. TERRA believes Ontario can expect to see much more of its produce gown locally.
Contestants can sign up for the Great Tomato Race which started May 14th and ends July 15th
Those entering the contest will be invited to weigh their tomatoes over three Saturday’s in August. The prizing is as follows:
– One Grand Prize of a $5,000 TERRA Gift Card
– One 2nd place prize of a Margherita Wood Pizza Oven ($2,499.99 Value)
– Five third place prizes of a Broil King BBQ one winner per store ($949.99 value)
TERRA decided to run this contest to kick start the excitement around growing your own food this summer with hopes it will lead to increased healthy lifestyles and will generate new interest for contestants and families to get out in the garden and grow your own!
 This is one big tomato! Contestants can visit their local TERRA to sign up for the Great Tomato Race
TERRA has locations in: Burlington, Hamilton, Milton and Waterdown. There is also a location in Vaughan.
 By Staff
May 30th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
Detectives from the Halton Regional Police Service Child Abuse and Sexual Assault (CASA) Unit have charged a Burlington man, Joseph Robert Angel (25 years of age) in connection with two separate sexual assaults committed on May 24, 2016.
The two incidents took place at the Longo’s grocery store located at 1225 Fairview Street in Burlington between 8:45pm and 9:30pm.
Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to contact Detective Constable Matt Cunnington at 905-825-4747 ext. 8978 or Detective Constable Alanda Prescod at 905-825-4747 ext. 8977 of the of the Halton Regional Police Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit, or Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 TIPS, or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes)
By Pepper Parr
June 1st, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Not quite sure what this means but the Mayors of Burlington, Ontario and Apeldoorn, Holland signed an Expression of Interest today at Burlington City Hall to promote economic development opportunities between the two cities.
In a media release city hall said an Expression of Interest focuses on advancing potential partnerships in three specific areas, including:
• Clean technology sector development;
• Trade partnerships;
• an exchange program for post-secondary students.
The word that matters here is “potential” for that is about all we have seen in terms of new development in the city.
The Burlington Economic Development Corporation will lead discussions on behalf of the City of Burlington.
 Apeldoorn Mayor John Berends and Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring “expressing an interest” in each other Mayor Goldring said: “Based on conversations during our visit to Apeldoorn last spring, as well as meetings this week, we have agreed on three specific areas of opportunity we are looking to pursue. Apeldoorn is a natural economic partner due to our twinning agreement, as well as its prominent clean technology sector as it relates to Burlington’s Community Energy Plan.”
The Mayor went on to say that: “Today’s signing furthers the twinning agreement established between the cities of Apeldoorn, the Netherlands and Burlington, Canada on May 6, 2005. The twinning agreement states that the cities will explore economic development and new business opportunities.”
And that is about all the two cities have been able to do “explore”.
“Apeldoorn is interested in furthering business with Burlington,” said Mayor John Berends. “Several of our companies are interested in Canadian partnerships, especially in a city like Burlington where we have already established a good working relationship.”
There has been some relationship development between Apeldoorn and Burlington but just at a mid-management staff level. Rob Peachey, Manager Parks & Open Space in the Capital Works Department, was part of the delegation that went to Holland to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Holland and he said at that time that he expected to exchange ideas and processes with his peers in Holland, particularly as it related to parks and recreation.
Holland is a country where bicycles are a large part of the movement of people. Burlington is still struggling to get to the point where bicycles are more than a form of weekend recreation.
 The Economic Development Corporation shows land that is vacant and for sale. New Regional Court House is to be built on part of the property. Burlington’s Economic Development Corporation hasn’t had much in the way of real economic development to report on – they list future conferences on their web site and, we stand to be corrected, but there hasn’t been a new business of any size or significance brought to the city since the BEDC was reorganized and new management out in place.
Fresh Insights Consulting was created to do some market research for the local business community by MBA students from McMaster University and that operation appears to percolate nicely.
If the objectives and targets in the much touted Strategic Plan are to be met there is going to have to be something significant happen in the next 25 years, which is the length of the dream contained in that document.
Both the Economic Development Corporation and the city’s Strategic Plan appear to be pretty well reflected in the image on the BEC web site – lots of colour but pretty confusing looking.
 Image on the Economic Development corporation web site, while colourful, is confusing – reflecting that state of economic development in the city. Has there been any? The development taking place in Burlington is residential – with million dollar condos on Lakeshore Road and small residential on Fairview next to the GO station – plus the ADI development on Dundas and Sutton.
The ADI development on Lakeshore and Martha street is still being actively marketed and still working to get through the Ontario Municipal Board hearing that is due to come up for air sometime in June.
Hard to see where those high-tech, high paying jobs are going to come from – if they do arrive – there should be a places for people to live.
 By Staff
May 31st, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
On Sunday June 5, 2016 Appleby Line will be closed from Fairview to New Street from noon to 6 p.m. for the “Appleby Line Street Festival” affecting detours on routes 4, 10 and 20.
Bus stops within the road closure area will be bagged. For service, please proceed to the Appleby GO station or bus stops along New Street.
By Staff
May 31st, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
On Friday, June 10, 2016, students from the Halton District School Board will participate in the 29th annual Special Athletes’ Track Meet at Craig Kielburger Secondary School, 1151 Ferguson Drive, Milton. The track meet for athletes with physical and developmental challenges will take place from 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
 When the event initially began, 29 years ago, there were only 12 special athletes participating. Coaches, school staff and home school peers, friends, family members and volunteers provided support and encouragement for the athletes. This year, more than 300 special athletes are expected to participate – a remarkable increase in participation during the event’s 29-year history.
The Special Athletes’ events will include 50m/100m/400m races, softball throw, slalom – wheelchair or ambulatory (non-wheelchair), long jump – wheelchair (independent) or ambulatory, precision throw beanbag, precision Bocce, T-ball, traditional Bocce and Frisbee.
This event provides Special Athletes with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and celebrate their successes with fellow students, friends and family.
 The Optimists Clubs of Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville and Burlington will once again be donating and serving hot dogs, hamburgers, cold drinks, and freezies at the meet.
By Staff
May 31st, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
On Sunday June 5, 2016 Appleby Line will be closed from Fairview to New Street from noon to 6 p.m. for the “Appleby Line Street Festival” affecting detours on routes 4, 10 and 20.
Bus stops within the road closure area will be bagged. For service, please proceed to the Appleby GO station or bus stops along New Street.
By Pepper Parr
May 31st, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It will be decades before people fully realize and appreciate what the planting of trees BurlingtonGreen has been doing along the Beachway.
 Plants that are known to grow in the sandy soil that make up much of the Beachway are carefully placed and then nurtured by Burlington Green volunteers. The soil is very sandy, and it shifts and because no one has been looking after the land all kinds of invasive species have settled in and gone wild.
The invasive plants often choke out the plants that should be growing in that part of the city.
Beachway has gone through a number of evolutions – it was the part of the city where Joseph Brant started building his house in 1789 and in 1803 he moved into the house which was described “commodious”. Aboriginals camped in the area. In the late 1800’s there was a pretty well defined community along that part of the lake.
It was seen as a very tony part of town. At one point there was a vibrant community with more than 200 families living in the areas.
They had their own stores and Lakeshore Road was once the way to get across the canal.
The old Grand Trunk Railway had a single line into the city – that got doubled when the amount of produce that was exported from the Vineland area and Burlington required more in the way of rail capacity.
The Freeman Station that a group of citizens work tirelessly to ensure was not cut up for kindling, is a vital part of the Beachway story.
That the station isn’t within the actual Beachway is unfortunate but at least saved from the wrecking ball.
 Grasses and shrubs that are invasive and crowd out plants that should be in the soil. The red markers define areas that are to be cleared. The Beachway is now going to begin a new phase and be developed as a large park that is being designed by the Regional government. The intention is to eventually remove all the homes left in the Beachway – 25 at this point.
The design appears to have reasonable public acceptance but the removal of the houses is still very controversial and we certainly haven’t heard the last of that argument.
 Carefully potted.  Gloria Reid pulls invasive plants. Burlington Green focuses on ripping out all the invasive stuff they can find and planting trees that will keep the soil in place. The work done for the past three years is beginning to show results.
Each year they use a half day when 100 volunteers show up to pull the unwanted plants and patiently plant new ones.
The trees going in are white oak, bur oak and trembling aspen: 125 were planted this year. Chokecherry and heart leaved willow shrubs were planted along with five different kinds of grasses.
It is hard but satisfying work – and in the years to come it will have been well worth the effort.
By Staff
May 31st, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
On Saturday June 4, 2016 Brant Street will be closed from James Street to Caroline Street from 4 – 11 p.m. for the “Moon in June” road race. Routes 3 and 5 will be detoured.
For access to stops serving these routes, please proceed to the John Street Bus Terminal or Brant Street north of Caroline Street.
 By Pepper Parr
May 31st, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It wasn’t hard to see this one coming.
At a Sustainable Committee tour of Spencer Smith Park a few weeks ago, quiet mention was made of some problems with the giant willow trees next to the Gazebo close to the foot of Brant Street.
Now comes the announcement that the trees are beyond saving and are going to be cut down.
 They lasted 70 years. Willows to be cut down.
The city announce earlier today that: “Two weeping willow trees near the gazebo in Spencer Smith Park will be removed starting June 7 to ensure public safety in the waterfront park.
The city’s arborists found significant rotting and areas of decay in the trees during a recent investigation. The city will bring tree removal equipment into the park on June 7 to remove most of the two trees. The trees’ eight-foot-high (2.4-metre-high) stumps will be removed after the Sound of Music Festival, which runs from June 16 to 19.
“The trees are beyond saving, unfortunately,” said Mary Battaglia, director of Roads and Parks Maintenance. “The trees need to be removed to ensure branches and limbs do not come down and cause injury.”
The two trees were from clippings transplanted in the 1950s by Spencer Smith, a local entrepreneur and long-time member of the Burlington Horticultural Society.
“The city recognizes the significance of the trees to the community, and to the park’s heritage,” said Mayor Rick Goldring. “I think we can be grateful that the trees have served us so well over the years.”
 Spencer Smith, the man our lakeside park is named after, planted the willow trees 70 years ago. The city will keep 70 clippings of the willow trees for rooting and replanting, one for each year of the trees’ lives. The healthy portions at the base of the trees will be kept for future art or woodworking opportunities.
“I am very sad that we are losing these willow trees that have framed so many memories in Spencer Smith Park. I am pleased we will take cuttings and are exploring ways to repurpose the wood to preserve the legacy of these trees planted from cuttings by Spencer Smith,” said Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward. “I invite everyone to join me for a goodbye ceremony to share our collective memories.”
Councillor Meed Ward will host a ceremony on Monday, June 6 at 7 p.m. near the gazebo in the east side of the park. People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.
Who was Spencer Smith?
By Pepper Parr
May 31st, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
How does a large national organization with a brand that is instantly recognized and at one point had a currency that was unique to them work with community organization to help out?
 Everyone knows about Canadian Tire and when groups in the community are looking for help and support they frequently ask Canadian Tire.
The requests can get out of hand – how do you say no?
The daughter of the founder of the Canadian Tire operation, Martha Billies came up with an idea that would raise funds to help pay for sports equipment for children whose parents could not afford the price.
She called it Jumpstart which is now in its 11th year.
Brad Gordon, general manager at the Burlington Canadian Tire, explained how it works and some of the funny quirks that crop up when people work at helping each other.
 While the focus was supposed to be on the fish in the pond – both boys kept looking at all those bicycles The store set up small play stations throughout the sprawling location and let people just bump into them. There was a free pop corn station, a fishing station and a BBQ stand.
The BBQ station was manned by volunteers from the Ontario correctional service. “These guys have been coming to this event for the past three years – this is the way they volunteer and give back to their community” said Glenn Butt, owner of the franchise who explained that every penny raised goes into the Jumspart fund. All the administrative costs are paid for by the corporation.
The distribution of the funds is done by local chapters that include organizations like the YM and YWCA, the Children’s Aid and Halton Woman’s Place. There are five intake organizations that determine where the needs are.
Harry Bell chairs the chapter that takes care of needs in the Halton – Hamilton communities.
Brad Gibson, store manager in Burlington, moves about the store on a Saturday afternoon seeing much more than most people see with his very practiced eye.
 They look pretty tough – they should be – they are officers from the Ontario Correctional Service but last Saturday they were a couple of pussy cats serving burgers to people who were donating to the Jumpstart fund. He explained that within the Canadian Tire organization there is a high level of competition between the different stores to see who can raise the most at the store level. The Burlington store placed second last year in its market area.
Commercial organizations like Canadian Tire are a focal point for the community – much of what people need to comfortably live their lives is found on their shelves. The company uses their brand to help groups raise funds and contributes in its own way to helping people who need help.
 The growth of the Jumpstart fund has been impressive – every dollar collected in the Burlington community is spent in the Burlington community – and the administrative costs are picked up by the Canadian Tire corporation. During the annual drive for Christmas gifts – The Toys for Tots – frequently referred to as “Cram a cruiser” we had people coming into the store buying a dozen hockey sticks and putting them in the police cruiser and walking back to their car – they didn’t stop to talk – they just gave. A number of people walk to that police cruiser with their arms filled with stuffed toys.”
“This is a very generous community”.
All the results for the 2016 Jumpstart haven’t been tallied yet – the traffic looked pretty good on Saturday and those correctional officers said they were doing a brisk business.
By Staff
May 31st, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
GIS mapping at Burlington city hall will be unavailable on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 from 1 to 3 p.m.
The service and the system will be down for maintenance.
 By Pat Shields
May 29, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Bandits (1-5) found themselves in tight this past weekend, with consecutive losses in heart breaking, extra inning fashion.
On May 27 Burlington relinquished a 6-4 lead in the 9th inning, and ultimately fell 7-6 to the Brantford Red Sox (4-2) in a 4 hour and 19 minute game. Just over 12 hours later, the Bandits dropped another close matchup to the defending champion Barrie Baycats (4-2) by a score of 4-3.
Despite the two tough losses against strong opponents, Bandits field manager Jeff Lounsbury felt confident with his team’s performance and execution in both games.
 “We played well – we pitched well and we hit well against two tough teams. Unfortunately, I think our next curve is to learn how to win those games,” Lounsbury said.
It took the Red Sox 12 innings to beat the Bandits on Friday night, with Brantford second baseman Benjamin Bostick singling in the winning run. After holding a 6-4 lead in the ninth inning, Brantford scored two runs on a triple by third baseman Ricky Murray to extend the game.
Ryan Beckett (0-1) got the start for the Bandits, going five innings and surrendering four earned runs on six hits. Beckett also struck out two and walked two batters before giving way to the bullpen. Reliever Alex Nolan (0-1) ultimately took the loss, following three Red Sox hits in the 12th inning.
Red Sox pitcher Tanner Guindon (2-0) notched his second victory against the Bandits this season, after pitching 2.2 innings and allowing just one hit. Although Burlington struck out a season-high 18 times on Friday, they also registered 13 hits.
Bandits’ outfielder Justin Gideon led the way, going 5/6 with two runs scored and one RBI. Following Saturday’s game Lounsbury spoke highly of Gideon’s play as of late, specifically his approach at the plate.
“He’s starting to make the adjustment that he needed to make. He made a correction and it looks like it’s showing already,” Lounsbury said.
In their Saturday afternoon matchup with the Barrie Baycats, the Bandits got an early start, scoring two runs in the 1st inning on a triple by left fielder John Whaley.
Burlington once again held a two run lead, until a 3-run homerun by Barrie third baseman Jordan Castaldo put the Baycats ahead 3-2 in the 6th inning. The Bandits rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the 9th on an infield single by pinch hitter Brad McQuinn.
 If attitude wins games and coaxing a better performance from the coach really works – the Bandits should break through any day now. We’re waiting. They are currently one place away from the bottom of the league. However, Barrie took a 4-3 lead the very next inning on a sacrifice fly by second baseman Conner Morro and didn’t look back.
Bandits reliever Brandon Hillier (0-1) took the loss despite allowing just one hit in his 2.1 innings of work. Starting pitcher Jack Dennis (0-1) looked strong in his 7.2 inning outing for the Bandits, with Castaldo’s long-ball being his only blemish on the day.
“Our starting pitching has been great and our bullpen has done a great job,” Lounsbury said. “You could tell we were a little tired today energy-wise, but that’s no excuse.”
After Baycats starting pitcher Matthew St. Kitts (1-0) left the game with an injury in the 6th inning, three Baycats’ relievers combined to limit the Bandits to just four hits, with Chris Nagorski (1-0) getting the win. The Bandits once again struggled with their plate discipline, striking out 16 times on the day.
“We’re continuing to work on it,” Lounsbury said of his team’s strikeout frequency. “We’re starting to barrel up the ball a little bit better.”
Burlington will look to break back into the win column on Thursday, June 2 when they welcome the Guelph Royals (2-5) to town.
First pitch will be at 7:30pm at Nelson Park.
The Bandits are putting on a Youth Baseball Day Saturday June 4th starting at 9:00 am
Pancake breakfast
Skills and drills with Bandits players
UPCOMING GAMES
Tuesday, May 31
Guelph at Hamilton; 7:30 pm
Barrie at London; 7:45 pm
Wednesday, June 1
Kitchener at Toronto; 7:30 pm
Barrie at Brantford; 8:00 pm
Thursday, June 2
London at Kitchener; 7:30 pm
Guelph at Burlington; 7:30 pm
By Pepper Parr
May 30th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
When the history of Burlington and its relationship with the Freeman station is written one hopes it tells of the indefatigable efforts made by a group of about 10 – maybe twelve men.
They fought the council of the city they live in to preserve the Freeman Station. They struggle with the bureaucracy to overcome some of the hurdles they have to get over – and yet – week by week one can see the Freeman station coming together – at some point it will be completed and officially opened and this group will take great pleasure in knowing that they made it happen.
 A friend of the Freeman station lowers himself from the scaffolding at the front of the building. There is never enough money. “We need about $200,000 to complete the work – some of that can be in kind – but cash is the biggest need” said Brian Aasgaard who can be found on the site whenever the doors are open.
Brian and John Mellow are two very very resourceful people; they come across artifacts and items that are part of the rail history and put it into storage.
 A major coup for the Friends of Freeman station was the acquisition of this 1959 Chrysler that serves as both a rail car and a car that can drive along streets. A recent coup was the receipt of a rail car – a vehicle that has two sets of wheels: one put on the car when it is driving along the rail line and the other when it is driving along a road.
Painted a yellow that you won’t miss with some orange trim and the letters TH&B painted on the side with the number 1 below on the door of the
1951 Chrysler Windsor Deluxe four door sedan with a set of specially-constructed steel wheels for rail travel, a six-cylinder in-line gasoline engine and an automatic transmission. It was in service from June 24, 1957 to June 24, 1977, after which it was sold to the Ontario Rail Foundation. Then eventually passed into the hands of Rod Wilson, who donated it to FOFS.
The vehicle will eventually sit on a length of railway track that will run the length of the platform of the station.
The car is said to have been used to drive the president of the railway to company meetings in Buffalo.
The FoF hope to put the car on display at the Car Free street festival on Appleby Line in June – they need a flat bed to get it to that event.
 Brian Aasgaard displays the very first Canada 150 recognition banner given to anyone in Burlington Each week the Friends of Freeman Station advance their cause. They are the very first organization in Burlington to be recognized as part of the Canada 150 event – a federal government program that is getting the country ready for its sesquicentennial – the celebration of our 150th year as a country.
The station now has gas coming into the building. Water and sewage are in the planning stage – working out where the water hook up is going to take place is still being worked out.
A pressing need right now is an experienced stone mason. There is some concrete block that has to be put in place and then some xxx stones place atop the concrete blocks.
These are part of the station platform that will run the 60 foot plus length of the platform that will reach out close to 12 feet from the station.
 How many hands – eight of them – to cut special sheets o protective plastic. A length or rail line will stretch out in front of the building. There are dreamers at the FoF who hope someday they might manage to find, restore and install a steam locomotive in front of the station. Dreams are part of the Friends of Freeman DNA – don’t sell these guys short.
If you’re as retired stone mason, an active stone mason or know someone who is a stone mason – get in touch with Brian – he will drive over and pick you up.
Aasgaard mentioned that the floor will have original maple wood put in place. They are still looking for a sponsor for the Station waiting room – $15,000 will get a corporate name on the space, which when completed is going to be something to look at. The ceiling is all wood which when painted is going to be one of those things everyone will ooh and awe about.
 The station Waiting Room is going to be quite stunning when it is complete. The oval window on the west side has been dedicated to the late Jane Irwin; one of the dozen or so people who fought against their city council to save the structure. Time for the city to provide some serious funding. The FoF see a significant part of the revenue stream coming from rental of the space. Few appreciate just how impressive this space is going to be. For those who once travelled by rail regularly you will immediately recognize the bench that is to sit directly beneath the oval window that has been dedicated to the late Jane Irwin – one of the handful of people who would not let city council abandon the Freeman station.
The Mayor is said to be a solid champion of the place – perhaps he can rent it as his 2018 re-election campaign headquarters?
By Pepper Parr
May 30th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
In a daily newspaper report Halton District school board chair Kelly Amos said she was only made aware of the report on Friday (May 27th) that was going to debate a significant shifts in the way French Immersion is managed within Halton schools.
Stewart Miller, Director of Education has been faced with a task that apparently cannot be resolved – it has to do with the number of students wanting to be enrolled in the French immersion program and the number of qualified French teachers that are very difficult to find.
 Stewart Miller – Director of Education Halton District School Board Add to those two problems the difficult this has with class sizes in some schools. Miller said several months ago that he found himself faced with situations where there were less than ten students in a regular class (a non-French immersion class) which from a teacher student ratio just wasn’t something he could afford to do.
Staff worked up a report and set out a series of motions that were published in the agenda for the boards June 1st meeting.
The Board created a Program Viability Committee (PVC) that has been in existence for just over a year to review both English and French program viability in HDSB elementary schools. Considerable stakeholder consultation was done and feedback was brought to the PVC for review, analysis and recommendations.
After careful analysis of the feedback provided, the PVC identified a number of options. The one they are recommending will provide an additional year for parents to understand their child as a learner prior to making a decision to enter French Immersion, it provides a relatively early entry point as preferred by stakeholders and provides for a greater intensity in the first two years of the program which supports French language acquisition. The recommended model also requires few if any additional boundary reviews, maintains our current dual and single track school configurations and as such will provide for a simpler and less disruptive implementation plan and transition to the new model.
The Gazette has not had an opportunity to study the report that trustees received on Friday. We are providing the outline that was published without any comment or analysis.
Be it resolved that effective in the 2014-15 school year, the Halton District School Board introduce 40 minutes/week of Primary Core French beginning in Grade 1 in 24 Halton District School Board schools, with a commitment for a full roll-out by 2017-18, with an annual review of the roll-out to be brought back to trustees each year, and;
(a) THAT schools selected for the initial phase of this program represent a variety of school organizations
(K-8, K-6, Dual Track, Single Track English, large and small enrolments) across the four geographic areas within the Halton District School Board, (Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville, Burlington).
(b) THAT students in these schools will receive the following minutes of Core French instruction between Grades 1- 8:
40 minutes / week Grades 1-3
120 minutes / week Grades 4
160 minutes/ week Grade 5
200 minutes / week Grades 6-7-8 (Appendix 5)
(c) THAT no later than June 2018, the Halton District School Board will assess the impact of this Primary Core French experience in relation to student engagement, student attitude, English proficiency and the impact on Grade 1 French Immersion uptake associated with these schools.
 (d) THAT under the leadership of the System Principal for French Second Language, School Programs and Human Resources, the Halton District School Board will develop a long-term recruitment and staff development plan to ensure the Halton District School Board hires and retains the highest quality French teachers available and that this plan is shared with the Board of Trustees.
(e) THAT the Halton District School Board continues to provide staff development programs that include teaching strategies, modifications and accommodations to address students with diverse learning needs and students who arrive in Halton without prior experiences in either French Immersion and Core French.
(f) THAT the Halton District School Board develop and implement a 5-year plan whereby all Halton District School Board elementary schools with Intermediate Divisions have one classroom dedicated for the teaching of Grade 7-8 Core French whereas if it will not require additional portables.
Be it resolved that effective in the 2014-2015 school year, wherein a triple grade configuration has been possible (due to 23 or fewer students enrolled in three consecutive grades), the School Superintendent will assess the impact on the learning environment and opportunities for students and will consider and recommend for Board approval one of the following strategies;
staff as a Grade 1-2 blended class;
staff as a Grade 1-2-3 blended class;
redirect the Grade 1 students to a neighbouring school for their program and;
Wherein a triple grade configuration has been possible (due to 23 or fewer students enrolled in three consecutive grades for two consecutive years) the School Superintendent will consider and may recommend for Board approval a boundary review.
Be it resolved that effective in the 2014-2015 school year the Halton District School Board:
a) establish and communicate a consistent Grade 1 French Immersion February registration deadline for current Halton District School Board families, with a review of the effects of this procedure be undertaken by September 2014.
b) allow students who have not been in Senior Kindergarten within the Halton District School Board, register in Grade 1 French Immersion up to the first week of school.
c) communicate and implement the assessment and admission procedure for students with French proficiency arriving in Halton after the registration deadline.
d) All elementary schools that offer Grade 1 programming must host a Grade 1 Information Evening that includes information about English program, French Immersion program and Special Education placements. If the home school does not offer French Immersion, the school their students would be directed to for French Immersion cannot host their Grade 1 Information Evening at the same time. The Special Education presentation is to be scripted by the Board’s Special Education department, to include a description of all elementary Special Education placements.
Be it resolved that the Halton District School Board present the following options for the delivery of French Immersion to the public in the Fall of 2015 for the purpose of receiving feedback, considerations and comments. Feedback will be brought to the Board for consideration in the delivery of French Immersion programming:
1. Option 1: Grade 1 (early) French immersion remains a 50% French 50% English delivery model, but entry to FI would be capped. The method of capping would be determined at a later date.
2. Option 2: Grade 1 (early) French Immersion remains at 50% French and 50% English, however all FI programs would be delivered in single track FI schools. French Immersion would be phased out of dual track schools and no new dual track schools would be considered. The location of the single track schools would be determined at a later date.
3. Option 3: French Immersion would commence at a later entry point (mid entry); Grade 4. This would result in the delivery model of FI moving from a 50% model to at least a 80% French Immersion model. In addition the delivery of FI would occur in dual track schools only.
4. Option 4: French Immersion would commence at a later entry point (mid entry); Grade 4. This would result in the delivery model of FI moving from a 50% model to at least an 80% French Immersion model. In addition the delivery of FI would occur in single track FI schools only.
The Halton district school board has approximately 63,000 students in 86 elementary and 18 secondary schools. This enrolment projection results in an overall increase of 1.5% as compared to the 2015/2016 school year.
 Board chair Kelly Amos expressed some disappointment at the short amount of time trustees have been given to review the recommendations and discuss concerns with their constituents. The trustees had less than five days to review a complex document. What the board appears to be suggesting is that the roll out of French Immersion classes be cut back to create some time for parents to think about just what it is they want to do and then allow the board the time it needs to make it all happen.
It is messy – but there is some progress.
Stewart and the trustees that direct him have their hands full. It may not be that quiet a summer on the education front.
The Board will vote on this recommendation on June 15th. The board expects there to be a number of delegations – there will be a special delegation night on June 13.
By Staff
May 29, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Maybe they took a taxi home or perhaps the police took them to the local station and booked them for their offences. Whichever, two very expensive cars are sitting in the police pound where they will remain for the next seven days.
 A Lamborghini Huracan valued by police at approximately $230,000.00 was impounded for seven days after being clocked at 135 kmh in a 60 kmh zone On May 29th 2016 at approximately 4:00 pm, a Lamborghini Huracan valued at approximately $230,000.00 and a McLaren Spider valued at approximately $260,000.00 were stopped by Police at Guelph Line and Colling Road in Burlington after HRPS #3 District Response Unit measured their speed at 135 km/hr in a posted 60 km/hr zone.
 A McLaren Spider, stunt driving with the Lamborghini was estimated to cost $230,000 it also sits in the police pound for seven days. The exotic cars were impounded for seven days and the drivers’ charged with stunt driving.
The police media report did not release any names. They did say: “If you observe a vehicle being operated in a manner which places you or anyone else in danger, please call 911 for an immediate police response.”
 Police loading $230,000 worth of car onto a flatbed truck to be taken to the police pound and held for seven days. Owner charged with stunt driving. Someone obviously made such a call.
By Staff
May 28, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
In Burlington, the Bandits forced extra innings with a ninth inning run before the Barrie Baycats scored in the 10th inning to take a 4-3 victory on Connor Morro’s sacrifice fly.
The Baycats are now win 4-2 and in a four-way tie for second place while the Bandits sit seventh at 1-5.
 Morro led the Baycats with four hits while Jordan Castaldo hit a three run homer in the sixth inning to give Barrie a 3-2 lead. Tony Hyrnkiw also added two hits.
John Whaley’s two run triple in the first gave Burlington a 2-0 lead. Jim Martin add three hits for the Bandits.
Winning pitcher Chris Nagorski (1-0) pitched the final two six innings, giving up one run on three hits with two strikeouts. Starter Matt St. Kitts went five innings, allowing only three hits with three walks and nine strikeouts.
Burlington starter Jack Dennis went 7.2 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits with three walks and four strikeouts. Reliever Brandon Hillier (0-1) took the loss, pitching 2.1 innings allowing only one hit, one walk and two strikeouts.
The Burlington Bandits are one above Hamilton in the InterCounty Baseball League.
 By Pepper Parr
May 28, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The annual Art Sale raises a lot of money. As an event is draws a piece of work from Robert Bateman – he has donated a piece of his art every year for the past 38 years.
What do they do with the funds raised?
Plenty!
In 2015..
 There was a time when art was taught in schools – not any more. If a child is to get an art education and the sense o accomplishment that goes with it – they head for the art gallery. 2,751 school’s children’s horizons were expanded
1,374 participants in course found fulfillment during 24,108 participant hours
1,383 participants delighted in art through outreach to 86 community groups
94,837 life enhancing excursions in the sanctuary of art and culture
Over 400 artists contribute to the culture of our community, while making their own dreams come true.
Important initiatives:
School outreach programs, affordable art classes and camps, art therapy for seniors with dementia and children/adults with developmental disorders
Over 20 regional, national and international exhibitions a year, as well as the world’s largest collection of Canadian contemporary ceramics.
 Former Member of Parliament Mike Wallace on a tour of the kilns at the art gallery. Add to that the Annual Soup bowl event.
And of course the Art Gallery is home to the Guilds that were the reason the place came into being. There are over 300 volunteers in a building that has had pieces added to it over time – it is quite easy to get a little lost.
 Johnathan Smith, curator of the permanent ceramics collection watches artist Peter Powning making clay impressions of artifacts. The Art Galley was the place Peter Powning took clay impressions of objects brought in by citizen that were later cast in bronze and placed on the spiral Stella that stands outside the Performing Arts Centre
The gallery is open seven days a week – and there is no admission.
The city provides just under $1 million as a grant to the Art Gallery each year.
By Staff
May 27, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
If you’re Dutch – you already know about this event.
 Lead piper of the Dutch 48th Highlanders who will perform a concert in Civic Square May 31st at 11:30 am. If you like the sound of bagpipes and military style events – you will want to know about it.
Burlington’s Mundialization Committee will host a delegation from Burlington’s twin city, Apeldoorn, the Netherlands from May 29 to 31.
 Mayor Rick Goldring in Holland with Apeldoorn Mayor John Berends during the 75th Anniversary of the liberation of Holland. The delegation includes the 48th Highlanders of Holland, Pipes and Drums, who will perform a special concert for Apeldoorn Mayor John Berends and Burlington Mayor Goldring during the farewell reception on Tuesday, May 31 at 11:30 a.m. in Civic Square.
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