Early Morning Drug Warrants Net Cocaine and Steriods

Crime 100By Staff

April 16, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

The Halton Regional Police Service, Drug, Gun and Gang Unit executed five (5) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrants throughout Burlington (4 locations) and Hamilton (1 location).

One of the warrants executed was at the Venus Tanning Salon situated at 1035 Brant Street, Burlington. The search warrants were a result of a four month investigation into suspected cocaine traffickers in the City of Burlington.

Police have arrested five (5) individuals for drug related offences and seized the following evidence:

100 grams of cocaine • Scales • Packaging materials

$13,000.00 Canadian Currency •

5 grams of cannabis marihuana

500 ml of GHB

14 grams of MDMA

5 grams of methamphetamine

 An Anabolic Steroid Production Lab

 A GHB Production Lab

 Large quantity of anabolic steroids

Police have charged the following individuals:

Jovan MASIREVIC (26 years of age) of Burlington is charged with:

Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine •

Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine

Andrew TEIXEIRA (27 years of age) of Burlington is charged with:

• Possession of Cannabis Marihuana

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine  

Sukhvinder SINGH (44 years of age) of Hamilton is charged with:

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – MDMA

• Production of a Controlled Substance- Anabolic Steroid

• Production of a Controlled Substance- GHB

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Anabolic Steroid

• Possession of a Controlled Substance- Cannabis Marihuana

• Possession of a Controlled Substance- Oxycodone

Breach of Recognizance 

Possession of a Controlled Substance- Methamphetamine 

Possession of a Controlled Substance- Amphetamine

Laura SZOKE (27 years of age) of Hamilton is charged with:

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – MDMA 

Production of a Controlled Substance- Anabolic Steroid • Production of a Controlled Substance- GHB

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Anabolic Steroid • Possession of a Controlled Substance- Cannabis Marihuana •

Possession of a Controlled Substance- Oxycodone •

Breach of Recognizance •

Possession of a Controlled Substance- Methamphetamine •

Possession of a Controlled Substance- Amphetamine

Brian SLAGTER (44 years of age) Burlington is charged with: •

Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine

SINGH, SZOKE and MASIREVIC were held for a bail hearing and will appear in Milton Court on April 16th 2015.

TEIXEIRA and SLAGTER will appear in Milton Court on June 2nd 2015.

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Volunteers - the people who are there when you need them and ask for nothing in return are recognized.

News 100 yellowBy Pepper Parr

April 16, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Would the world continue to turn without volunteers? There are a lot of people in the Burlington whose lives are better because of the many volunteers – and the lives of those volunteers are richer because of the work they do.

At about this time last year Community Development Halton created an award in the name of former Burlington Mayor Walter Mulkewich to recognize the work volunteers do.

Ann Coburn’s Director of Volunteer Halton, in handing out the awards made these comments:
We are witness this morning to the recognition of the work, generosity and impact of individual volunteers across Halton’s four communities. You and other extraordinary volunteers have said to us repeatedly, “it isn’t really me, it is about the group, it’s about the energy and commitment of my neighbours”.

This rippled through us at Community Development Halton that we created an award to celebrate those amazing and dedicated people who come together to take collective action and generate solutions to common problems in their community.

Mulkewich llistening

Walter Mulkewich, taking in a political speech on a sunny summer afternoon.

This award honours a citizen of Burlington, a citizen of Halton, Walter Mulkewich, who has worked and is working tirelessly to influence evolution and advancement in sectors such as the environment, economic development, social development, mental health, and the arts and culture. Walter epitomizes the characteristics of leadership: honesty, integrity, courage, and inclusion. He is a man graced by the passion for fairness, for social justice, and for human well-being.

In 2015, the committee is honouring, T.E.A.C.H., with the Mulkewich award.
T.E.A.C.H. is an acronym meaning Teach, Empower, Advocate for Community Health. T.E.A.C.H. is a Consumer Survivor initiative operating across Halton that provides peer support and advocacy to individuals experiencing mental health and substance use. All thirty+ volunteers have lived experience with the mental health and addictions system. Volunteers have been actively involved in numerous facets of education, support, training, counselling, outreach and promotion, even back office and administrative duties, marketing and event planning.

T.E.A.C.H. is an organization whose foundation has been built on the effort and inspiration of community volunteers. T.E.A.C.H. is guided by the “Recovery Philosophy”, which affirms that all people experiencing challenges have inherent strengths, and that they can – and will – get better.

Joseph Kiss - volunteer

Joseph Kiss, Rolling Horse Community Cycle. Joseph provides free bicycle repair and basic bike mechanics for children and adults in neighbourhoods across Burlington.

Having an organization such as T.E.A.C.H. has allowed individuals and their families to start a dialogue in the community surrounding mental health and addictions. T.E.A.C.H. assists us to better understand mental health and additions so that we can be supportive and inclusive. T.E.A.C.H. partners and collaborates with numerous social and health agencies building their collective capacity to support the growing needs of our citizens suffering from mental health and addictions.

For example, T.E.A.C.H. works with our local hospitals, P.O.S.S.E. (Peer Outreach Support Services & Education) , Halton A.D.A.P.T. (Alcohol Drug and Gambling Assessment Prevention and Treatment), Summit Housing, S.T.R.I.D.E. (Supported Training & Rehabilitation in Diverse Environments) and the Region of Halton, to name a few.

Yvonne Kato volunteer

Yvonne Kato is a holistic therapy volunteer at Breast Cancer Support Services, offering Reiki to members. Breast Cancer Support Services provides a variety of healing modalities to women living cancer, to help them ease the stress and side effects of treatment.

While much of the audience was made up of Volunteers taking part in the Breakfast event, Joey Edwardh, was not just speaking to the converted when she said: “The theme this year for National Volunteer Week is the ripple effect of volunteerism. A volunteer action is like a stone thrown in a lake: its effect has a direct impact. At the same time, like ripples, volunteer efforts reach out far and wide to improve communities..

Quoting Christine Mason Miller, Edwardh said: “When we focus our energy towards constructing a passionate meaningful life, we are tossing a pebble into the world creating a beautiful ripple of inspiration. When one person follows a dream , tries something new, or takes a daring leap, everyone feels that energy and before too long they are making their own daring leaps and inspiring yet another circle. “

Cavan Cook volunteer John Howard

Cavan Cook, John Howard Society, Burlington & Area. Cavan is a Mentor for Youth At Risk Development (YARD) program. He provides individual support to a young person focused on setting up and achieving positive goals.

She added: Like a pebble thrown into the water, volunteer action creates many ripples of inspiration and encouragement . Volunteers reach out beyond themselves to engage in kindness and caring for others. They are special people, with busy lives, who make time for others. They see and respect the dignity of their fellow men and women. In a thousand different ways they lighten the load for those who are burdened by illness, troubles or disadvantage.

Volunteerism has always been with us, we call it neighbours helping neighbours, supporting one another when affected by disaster, concerned citizens see a need in their community, form groups of like-minded individuals to address the need and create change.

Our Governor General, his Excellency The Right Honourable David Johnston, said the third pillar of Canada will be encouraging philanthropy and volunteerism. He went on to say that “Canadians have a long history of coming together and helping one another. Service to country shaped us, service to family and community sustains us, and this tradition of service will carry us forward into the future”

The Ripple Effect! Throughout history we can trace back to organizations that were formed to address areas of injustice and the social needs of society. In Canada, organizations emerged in direct response to a need in community all of which involved Volunteers as founders, supporters and front line workers.

Linda McKay with Mayor and Searles

Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring on the left with John Searles and Linda McKay who is with the Burlington Public Library. Linda McKay is a dedicated Visiting Library Service Volunteer at the Burlington Public Library. She delivers books to several customers, who are unable to travel to the library themselves, and they think the world of Linda.

One such as example , as it happened in our neighbouring community of Hamilton. In the 1950’s a group of mothers desperate to find a cure for polio, which was an epidemic at that time, formed the Marching Mothers and went door to door in their neighourhoods, collecting dimes for research. The Marching Mothers were instrumental in supporting the research of Dr. Jonas Salk, whose polio vaccine was released in 1955, putting an end to the epidemic. The Marching Mothers movement today is known as the March of Dimes.

This is only one example of an organization that made a significant difference in the lives of Canadians and exemplifies the Ripple effect of how the action of a few can and do change the lives of many.

Senior-connectors-Volunteer-Halton

The Seniors Ambassador Connector Program was pilot project in Burlington and the ripple effect is that it is now expanding to Halton Hills. Shown here are the Burlington Ambassadors.

The Seniors Ambassador Connector Program was pilot project in Burlington and the ripple effect is that it is now expanding to Halton Hills.
Volunteer Halton is privileged to work on a daily basis with like-minded individuals and groups who identify a need and move into action. We see every day individuals who answer the call for change, come together as strangers, connect through a cause and end up with lasting friendships. When asked volunteers always mention that they could not do the work without the support of their Coordinator, Manager of Volunteers.

These professionals dedicate long hours organizing, preparing and supporting the work of volunteers and volunteers themselves.  Today we recognize and celebrate the wonderful volunteers who come from all walks of life, different experiences and from all ages to create the ripple effect that changes lives and communities!

Edwardh chose to leave her audience with a pungent thought to ponder.

Noah’s Ark was built by volunteers
The Titanic was built by professionals.

That sort of sums it up – doesn’t it?

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Publisher gets his chain pulled - city loses a decent Director - better parking meters are in the works.

SwP thumbnail graphicBy Pepper Parr

April 16th, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

We don’t get it right all the time – and when we get it wrong we let you know as soon as we can.

Last week we published comments on the resignation of Bruce Zvaniga. Bruce; the Director of Transportation had sent out a note announcing his decision to leave Burlington. There was no referenced as to where he was going – and he was leaving on relatively short notice.

It was the weekend – we couldn’t reach Bruce. We talked to two sources – both were surprised.

We ran with the story on the Monday. Where we erred, and we have apologized to Bruce, was in not calling him on the Monday for comment.
Later in the week we picked up comments from others who found the departure to be sudden.

At the end of the week we ran the story Bruce sent us a note. It follows:

The material on this blog of yours reminds me of the old adage, “Don’t believe everything you hear, don’t believe everything you read and only believe half of what you see.”

I’m deeply disappointed that you didn’t have the journalistic integrity to even speak to me about this article. Your speculation is wrong.
Spreading this type of negativity does a disservice to the people of this great City and those who have the honour to serve it. In the future, I urge you to report factually, honestly and objectively. In so doing, you will be of value to this community.

Zvaniga

Bruce Zvaniga – heading for Halifax – they’ll love him

I arranged to apologize to Bruce and had a good conversation with him and learned that when he resigned he wasn’t certain as to where he was going to go. He explained that he was at that point in his life where he wanted some adventure. The kids were grown up and he and his wife wanted to do something different.

There was a private sector opportunity Bruce was exploring as well as an opportunity in the same field with another municipality. Bruce was not able to say which municipality. Later in the day he sent me a copy of the media release announcing his new job and his new home.

Halifax release
Following a national search, I’m very pleased to announce that Bruce Zvaniga has accepted the position of Director, Transportation & Public Works for the Halifax Regional Municipality effective May 11, 2015.

With a career in transportation services spanning 30 years, and experience leading transformational change, Bruce will play a critical role in delivering on the municipality’s renewed commitment to better connect roles to results. As part of the recent realignment of key operations business units, Transportation & Public Works now has more business accountability for the movement of people and goods and asset stewardship of all roadway infrastructure and traffic control.

Bruce has led many innovative transportation projects and initiatives in Ontario, most recently as the Director of Transportation Services Department for the City of Burlington. While working for the City of Toronto, he held various leadership roles including Acting Director of the Traffic Management Centre and Manager of Urban Traffic Control Systems.

A graduate of the University of Waterloo, Bruce holds a degree in Civil Engineering, specializing in transportation engineering. He is a fellow of the Institute of Transportation Engineers and has served on the boards of the Intelligent Transportation Systems Canada (Vice Chairman) and the Transportation Research Board.

We’re looking forward to welcoming Bruce to the team in the coming weeks and working with him to continue moving the dial on two primary goals: providing better recommendations to Council and delivering better outcomes for residents of Halifax.

During my “apology” discussion with Bruce he quickly moved on to what was getting done in Burlington and assured me that we are close to having some high tech parking meters of the city.

Bruce was a delight to work with – he seldom avoided answering a question and he knew how to pull my chain when it needed pulling.

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The Duffer - someone who did something stupid or made a stupid mistake. Rivers on the Duffy trial.

Rivers 100x100By Ray Rivers

April 16, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

“A politician that has been caught mishandling public funds and who then engages in political subterfuge in an attempt to cover up the error is doing a Duffster Dive”.

It is possible that the suspended senator, Mike Duffy, will avoid going to jail on any of the 31 charges against him. But, at least in the court of public opinion, he is guilty for his ambition, arrogance, avarice – and his duffster diving.

Duffy Mike

All on the public dime?

Does it really matter that Mr. Duffy, having been appointed to represent PEI, actually parks his duff in Ontario. It is not like he was elected by real PEI residents so he is accountable to no one, except possibly the PM who appointed him. But that quaint historical rule about residency allowed him to claim expenses he shouldn’t have, since Ottawa was his home, not a temporary residence. Don’t we all wish for a job with a fat salary as well as money for the groceries?

The Senate, itself, is an historical mistake – a solution searching for a problem, and in due course becoming the problem itself. And so this trial will be as much about the Senate as it is about Duffy getting a free ride at the public trough. How can there be clear rules about what one does or doesn’t legitimately do in the absence of a clear understanding of the role and purpose of that organization?

Though he has not been called to attend yet, this trial is also very much about Stephen Harper, his judgement and his back room boys. After all, the PM appointed Duffy to the Senate, when even Duffy now must doubt the legitimacy of his appointment. And a chunk of the questionable expenses were rung-up attending those Tory events, in which Duffy had proven himself to be a heavy-weight, when it came to fundraising for the PM’s party.

Harper and Duffy

Stephen Harper and Mike Duffy – pals forever?

On one hand it is hard not to feel a little sorry for Duffy. He was, presumably, only doing what he thought he could get away with. A jovial fellow who now appears to understand the error of his ways and who was happy to pay back what he’d wrongly accepted, with somebody else’s money. And he must be suffering emotionally, since those whose favour he sought so badly to obtain have now turned their backs and shun him.

On the other hand Mike Duffy isn’t a decent fellow who deserves our pity. This was apparent to anyone who witnessed the fiasco which occurred on Duffy’s political broadcast during the 2008 election. Then Liberal leader Stéphane Dion, whose first language is French, was asked an illogical, possibly trick or set-up question – “If you were prime minister now, what would you have done about the economy and this crisis that Mr. Harper has not done?”

Nobody could answer that question, though Dion tried and stumbled, asking repeatedly, for the question and the interview to be restarted. Duffy aired the entire interview, including all of the false starts, and then later editorialized his view that Dion had just demonstrated his incompetence.

Duffy was playing partisan politics. The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council ruled that Duffy had violated broadcasting codes and ethics and that the interview was not fair, balanced or even-handed and, in fact, had significantly misrepresented the interview and its participant.

Though Mike Duffy had won several awards over his lifetime in broadcasting, this sad episode was unprofessional. Worse than unprofessional, it was mean and brutally unfair to Mr. Dion, sealing his fate in the 2008 election and beyond.

Duffy in the Senate

Senator Mike Duffy – currently under suspension.

And, of course, the destruction of Mr. Dion as a contender helped enable Mr. Harper to win the election. Duffy, if he didn’t already have the affection of the Tory leader, sure did after this little trick. And it was shortly after the 2008 election that Mr. Harper appointed Duffy to the Senate.

Background links:

Duffy Diaries      Duffy and Harper      Duffy Biog      Duffy Realizes His Error

Senate Oversight       Crown VS Harper      Broadcasting Standards Rebuke

 

Rivers-direct-into-camera1-173x300Ray Rivers writes weekly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was a candidate for provincial office in Burlington where he ran as a Liberal against Cam Jackson in 1995, the year Mike Harris and the Common Sense Revolution swept the province.

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Daytime residential break and enters in Aldershot community

Crime 100By Staff

April 16, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

On Wednesday April 15th 2015 between 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM, unknown culprit(s) broke into two separate homes on Glenwood Avenue in Burlington (Aldershot Community)

Culprit(s) broke a small glass door window at the rear of each home which allowed them to reach inside to unlock the door and gain entry into the home.

Once inside, culprits ransacked various areas of the home stealing cash and jewellery.

Anyone who may have observed any suspicious persons and/or vehicles in the area are asked to contact Det. Ellie Bale of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Residential Crime Team at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2312 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Police would like to remind the public to remain vigilant in spotting and reporting any activity that appear suspicious.

The Halton Regional Police Service offers the following crime prevention tips to help reduce your chance of becoming victimized:

Lock your valuables in a safety deposit box.
• Install a loud audible house alarm.
• Secure your safes and lock boxes to the floor.
• Be cautious when allowing people you don’t know into your home.
• Report any suspicious behaviour to police.
• Keep a detailed inventory of your jewellery including photographs. This will assist officers in the event your property is stolen.
• Check with your insurance company to ensure you have adequate coverage for your valuables.
• If you encounter someone in your home, DO NOT CONFRONT THEM. Call 9-1-1 immediately.

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Local McDonald's franchise owner adds four new people during national hiring day.

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

April 16, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

He was young, proud and a little edgy.

Ryan Sgro

Ryan Sgro, owner of three McDonald’s franchises in Burlington is always inches away from his cell phone

I was meeting with Ryan Sgro, owner of three McDonald’s franchises – between Ryan and Ralph Sgro, his Dad, they have 10 McDonald’s franchises in Burlington and Waterdown

It was McDonald’s National Hiring Day and Ryan was talking to me and keeping an eye on the shop at the same time. His eyes would dart back and forth from me to the counter where people placed their orders.

Ryan came out of Western University and went right into the family business. He and his sister are both franchise owners.

Ryan gets the word family into almost everything he says. Franchise managers talk of being with Sgro’s for ten, fifteen and twenty years.

“We hold a Family Day once a year – everyone gets their meal at half price and we take them on tours of everything; the kitchen, the storage room – the kids get to know all about the place where their parents work.

“We hand out two $500 scholarships every year” says Ryan and adds – “we might do more.”

McDonalds - sales counter

For thousands of high school students in Burlington – McDonald’s is their first part time job.

“We used to donate to Ronald McDonald House but moved the $250,000 donation to the Joseph Brant Hospital where their donation is spread out over five years.

The national hiring target for McDonald’s was 6,500 – 2,700 of them in Ontario. Four people were hired in Burlington. Ryan Sgro does point out that they have a rosters of 101 people at their busiest location – Upper Middle Road and Guelph Line, with staff counts in the high 80’s in other locations.

“For us three things are important: how well our student employees are doing in school; how good their extracurricular life is and then McDonald’s” said Ryan.

McDonalds - first job interview

Getting through that first interview is always awkward. A McDonalds manager takes a high school student through the process.

“We want to be the first work experience students have because we know we are providing a fun place to work where people work very hard and gain a strong work ethic.”

While the National Hiring program might be necessary in some communities – we don’t have a problem getting students to work with us.  Our flexible scheduling works for the students.

Ryan Sgro is quick to add however that he could put at least for managers to work tomorrow.

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Workbook for planning the future of Burlington available until April 26

element_strategic_planBy Staff

April 15, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

You are going to get a chance to provide input into planning Burlington’s future. Some people feel that voting once every four years is input enough – but with a voter turnout of 35% a lot of people didn’t make their views known.

The Strategic Plan the city puts in place is a more focused look at what the people you elected get to do on your behalf.

Strategic Plan WorkbookAs part of public engagement for the City of Burlington’s strategic plan, the city has created a workbook to give individuals and groups an opportunity to provide input into planning Burlington’s future.

A copy of the Workbook for Planning the Future of Burlington is available until end of day April 26, 2015.

That is also the date by which you have to submit your completed workbook.

It is one of the ways the city is reaching out to residents, along with using workshops and surveys.

To help set priorities, each Burlington City Council creates a strategic plan to match with the four-year term of council. The 2015-18 City of Burlington strategic plan will result in changes to the 2011-14 strategic plan, based on community feedback and changing needs.

The workbook is available online or in hard copy and can be mailed on request. Strategic plan facilitators are on standby to help groups complete the workbook. Please contact strategicplan@burlington.ca, call 905-335-7600, ext 7378, or visit the city website for details.

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The robbery that didn't take place - the employee of the bakery that was arrested.

News 100 redBy Staff

April 15, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Members of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Robbery Team have concluded their investigation into a robbery that was reported to have taken place at the East Way Bake Shop located at 4047 New Street in Burlington.

They have determined the robbery did NOT occur.

The employee who reported the incident, Jennifer ELLIOTT (38 yrs.) of Burlington, has since been arrested and charged with public mischief and theft under $5000. She was released from custody and will appear in Milton Court on May 5th 2015.

The male depicted in a previous release is no longer considered a suspect.

The Halton Regional Police reported that on Monday March 23rd 2015 at approximately 5:35 PM, a lone male suspect armed with a black handgun, entered the East Way Bake Shop located at 4047 New Street in Burlington.

That just didn’t happen.

Report of the robbery

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There is your truth and then there is my truth - which one is THE truth? Residents quibble over details on design of Windows on the Lake.

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

April 15, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

It is always awkward to watch a community bicker and squabble over interests that are different.

Residents in the Market, St. Paul and Green Street part of the city, south of Lakeshore Road, are tossing around parts of bylaws that were passed by city council and not giving the full context.

Truths are being stretched a little more than any truth should be stretched.

Market-and-St-Paul-Street-LAkeshore-Rd2

Getting the kind of Window on the Lake Staff recommended actually built is proving to be easier said than done.

The interests of a few are being put before the interests of the wider community – and in the process part of the vision many people thought was bedrock for Burlington is getting eaten away at the edges.

When city council decided to not go along with the staff recommendation to not sell land on the edge of the lake between Market and St. Paul Streets – they instead opted for significant upgrades to the Windows on the Lake that were at the end of each street.

No city signage on this piece of city owned property.  Plans are in place to make a proper Window on the Lake at this location.

No city signage on this piece of city owned property. Plans are in place to make a proper Window on the Lake at this location.

There are people who aren’t all that keen on having Windows on the Lake – even though they say they do want them – just not as prominent as the drawings prepared by city staff suggest.

Janice Connell, who has done a remarkable job of advocating for the sale of the land refers to a motion passed by the city:

 Our concern at the public meeting is the discrepancy between the wording of Council’s approved motion and what was actually presented and discussed. Council invested considerable time (including visiting the properties) researching this issue and they were clear in their motion …”minimalistic manner (bench and signage) at St Paul and Market St.” and the “enhancement of Port Nelson Park with available funds.”

In the presentation, Staff was asked about the motion including “enhancing Port Nelson Park with available funds.” Staff replied that this was not part of the motion. This statement differs from the wording in the motion.
Some of the dissension could have been alleviated if a copy of the approved motion had been available at the presentation for the public to refer to. The wording of the approved motion is …”develop Windows-to-the-Lake at St Paul and Market St in a minimalistic manner (benches and signage).”

Over the past few years we have had ongoing concerns over misrepresentation of the facts regarding the Water St parcel as presented to the public. This has caused dissension and hard feelings amongst residents. We attended the public meeting hoping it would be an opportunity to connect with our neighbours in a positive setting. Needless to say the meeting caused further dissension amongst many residents.

Local parks should bring residents together. When less than truthful statements are given to the public it causes further dissension amongst residents. And unlike the simple correction of a misspelled name, it is not easy to correct the negative relationships amongst neighbours or the reputation of residents.

Brian Rose, an area resident,  reminds people what was in the Staff report that had the three options. They chose option 3 on a 6-1 vote.

Windows St Paul concept 2

A concept drawing for the St. Paul Window on the Lake that city staff presented to residents at a public meeting.

Option Three – Dispose of Water Street Parcel and develop Windows-to-the-Lake. This option would involve:
• Selling the city and MNR water lots between St Paul Street and Market Street to the adjacent land owners
• Creation of Windows-to-the-Lake on the existing St. Paul Street and Market Street road allowances

• Proceeds from sale of property could finance a portion of the Windows to-the-
Lake implementation. Clear demarcation of land ownership with the formalization of the Windows-to-
the-Lake. Issues of encroachments would be resolved. Development of Windows-to-the-Lake is a clear message to residents of the opportunity to enjoy the waterfront.
Definition of windows to the lake as defined in the adopted report
Windows-to-the-Lake are described as small public areas located on city road allowances next to Lake Ontario or Burlington Bay; established to increase public access to the waterfront.
Windows-to-the-Lake typically are developed with the following amenities:
• Seating area(s)
• Walkway connections to the community
• Bike racks and refuse containers
• Fencing or barriers to control access to the water
• Parking located in the widow or on street depending on size, existing vegetation
and configuration
• Bollards or railings to keep vehicles on the road allowance
• Signage to identify as Windows-to-the-Lake.

The fact is that the people on St. Paul Street have been encroaching on city property and deliberately blocking public access to the lake.

Planners, parks and recreation people and the office of the city solicitor are preparing a team that will look into the encroachments that have been taking place throughout the city; none of their work will impact the mess we are looking at on the old Water Street road allowance.
All this will get discussed at city council meetings in June.

In the meantime a survey is being planned to get the views of those who live in the immediate area.

Is this the way people behave in Canada’s best mid-sized city?

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Conrath says: These people need to lawyer up and get the help they need to ensure they are treated fairly.

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

April 15, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Dave Conrath is no slouch.

He has served as the Dean of a Faculty at Stanford University; he also served as the dean of a Faculty at the University of Waterloo.
Retired from the academic world now, he currently serves as a member of the Board at Royal Botanical Gardens, he sits on the Board of Burlington’s Economic Development Corporation and serves as a volunteer on the Burlington Waterfront Committee.

Beachway 109 Willow

It went for more than half a million dollars – gives new meaning to the words: “location, location, location”.

Conrath has very strong views on what he thinks the city and the city and the Region are doing to the people who live on the Beachway. “This is spurious action” on the part of the Region” he said. To refer to a plan that has been sitting around for more than forty years and drag it out and treat it as a policy that has to be followed now is just plain wrong, he added.

“These people need to lawyer up” and get the help they need to ensure they are treated fairly.

Conrath lives in one of the lakeshore condos – is a big fan of the downtown core. During our interview with Conrath, Brian Dean, president of the Burlington Downtown Business Association happened along and joined us for a few minutes. Conrath began to talk about just what it is to live downtown. Dean was so impressed that he asked for a testimonial.

A close up view of the 30 homes that are xxx

A close up view of the 30 homes that the Region wants to demolish to develop the park.

The residents in the Beachway are discouraged, dispirited and depressed. They don’t feel they are listened to; they turn in a petition with more than 3000 signatures of people who walk through the Beachway on the old railway bed who want to see the homes remain – the petition gets the “receive and file” treatment at a council meeting.

They are told again and again that they will not be expropriated – that if their property changes hands it will be on a willing buyer/willing seller basis.

There is only one buyer – the Region and except for a few who see the chance to get a great price for their homes – there are few sellers.
Three homes have sold in the past three years – two of them were Estate sales. The other sale was to the Region by a person who worked for the Region. One can imagine the dynamic in play when that sale was made.

Beachway - Full park

This is the park the region has designed – views are mixed on whether or not this is the best way to develop the Beachway. This plan calls for the removal of all the homes. A couple of hundred people have seen the plan.

The Region has to either expropriate these people or move on says Conrath. They can’t continue to diminish these people this way, he added
There are some people in the expropriation field who will tell you that the home owners have rights that are recognized under the Expropriation Act.

Expect to see some professionals coming forward to advise the Beachway community.

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Justin Trudeau tours Seniors' picks up votes and dances like a Gypsy.

News 100 redBy James Smith

April 14, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

On Tuesday,  Justin Trudeau toured the Burlington Senior Centre, shook more than a hundred hands, made a brief speech and made more than a few converts to the Liberal cause.

Accompanied by Burlington’s Liberal Candidate Karina Gould and Oakville’s John Oliver, who also both made some brief remarks, Mr. Trudeau spent more than an hour touring the Centre, took in a game of pool, and even had a turn at Gypsy Dancing.

Trudeau at Seniors Apr 14-15

Justin Trudeau chats up a senior at a Seniors’ Centre reception in Burlington

He also expressed his disappointed there wasn’t any Sangria to go along with the dancing! In attendance at the centre to welcome Mr. Trudeau in addition to Mr Oliver and Ms Gould was Oakville Town Councillor Pam Damoff and Burlington City Councillors Marianne Meed Ward, Blair Lancaster and Halton School board trustee Leah Reynolds.

Curiously Ms Lancaster, who has announced her intention to seek the Conservative nomination for Oakville-North Burlington in this autumn’s election, had a brief chat with Mr. Trudeau, and stayed to listen to Mr. Trudeau’s remarks.

In his remarks, Mr. Trudeau complemented those present on the Senior Centre, and the suggested Burlington’s centre is a model for many other communities and it should be replicated across the country. In thanking the many seniors present for their contribution to Canada, Mr. Trudeau at the same time accused the present government as dismantling what those present helped to build.

Trudeau suggested the present government was implementing a policy of division that was pitting groups and regions against one another. He also suggested that an outcome of the present government’s policies has been to produce the first generation in Canadian History that will not do as well as their parent’s generation. Based on the reaction to this statement, this fact seemed to alarm some in the audience.

The crowed seemed impressed with Trudeau and his approach, although some wanted more substance and policy. To that complaint of a lack of tangible policies, Trudeau was heard to say, “It’s too early for that” and “you’ll see lots of policy soon enough”. When asked for his thoughts on the event after speaking to Mr Trudeau, Senior Centre member, and “long time lakeshore road resident” Jim Frohlick said it was “refreshing to hear such positive things from a politician. I think some minds were changed today, I know that Mr Trudeau won over more than a few of my Conservative friends just now.”

When asked about the upcoming campaign and her chances, Ms Gould let it be known that she’s not taking anything for granted and has been knocking on doors for months now to connect with Burlingtonians.

The election isn’t officially underway and one leader’s visit doesn’t make a campaign however; judging on the mood of this crowd, for this leader it should be a very interesting election here in Burlington. If one can draw any parallels from the 2014 provincial election in Burlington, it also started unofficially with a Liberal Leader touring a senior facility with a candidate who made a big impression on those seniors who were at that event.

MP Mike Wallace may be hoping that what was seen today at the Burlington Seniors Centre was not similar to the trend started by MPP Eleanor McMahon.

James Smith is a well known political activist who has campaigned for more than one Liberal

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Free movies in the park - and you get to take part in choosing the movies.

News 100 blueBy Staff

April 15, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Burlington is giving residents the chance to help decide which movies will be played this summer at Movies Under the Stars through online polls.

“For this summer’s program we’re asking residents to help us pick from a list of movies to be shown in their neighbourhood parks.” Said Director of Parks and Recreation Chris Glenn

movies in the park

Make it a Family Night – take pop corn and a blanket.

Movies Under the Stars, a city movie series supported by Tim Hortons, allows families to enjoy movies in City of Burlington parks. The series will run this summer on Thursdays at dusk from July 9 to Aug. 20 and feature a different movie each week, shown on a 7.62 by 4.27 metre (25 by 14 foot) outdoor screen.

An online poll is available on the City of Burlington’s website that offers a choice from three movies. Each poll will be open for seven days, and will give voters a choice among three movies. The city has made the waiting a little easier on voters by instantly showing which movie currently has the most votes. The poll can be found at www.burlington.ca/movies.

The poll to decide the movie for July 16, 2015, in Aldershot Park is now open. Voters have until April 15 to pick their first choice. Watch the votes climb and join the City of Burlington in thinking ahead to the warm days of summer. Residents are encouraged to visit the city website to vote each week:

Voting Poll dates     Movie date and park

April 16 to 22         July 23, Civic Square

April 23 to 29         July 30, Emerson Park

April 30 to May 6    Aug. 6, Kilbride Park

May 7 to 13           Aug. 13, Mohawk Park

May 14 to 20        Aug. 20, Spencer Smith Park

Bring your own pop corn

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Man arrested in Hydro One compound – was apparently stripping copper wire.

Crime 100By Staff

April 13, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

On Sunday April 12th 2015 approximately 10:00 PM, police responded to a break and enter at a Hydro One compound on Cumberland Road in Burlington.

Upon arrival, police observed a lone male fleeing the premise who after a brief foot chase, was taken into custody without incident.
Further investigation at the compound revealed the male had been concealed inside an outbuilding where he was stripping copper wire.

Arrested and held for bail is:
Ian SILVERTHORN (48 yrs) of Proctor Bv. in Hamilton.

Charges:
• Break, Enter and commit theft
• Possession of break-in instruments

Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).

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Arson suspected in Plains Road commercial garage: police looking for suspect driving a white vehicle.

Crime 100By Staff

April 13, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

On April 12th 2015 at approximately 9:53 PM, Halton Regional Police and the Burlington Fire Department responded to a fire inside Kay Motors Inc. at 1227 Plains Rd. E. in Burlington.

The fire was quickly extinguished and contained to a rear office. The business was closed that the time and investigation at the scene pointed towards arson. The extent of the damages appears minor, the value of which is not yet known.

Police are looking to identify a male seen lingering around the business several hours prior to the fire.

This male is described as being 6 feet tall, average build, wearing blue jeans, a red shirt and a suit like jacket with an orange bandana covering his face and head.

The male was seen leaving the area in a white vehicle similar to a Lincoln Town car or a Crown Victoria.

Anyone who may have witnessed this male or has information that would assist investigators in identifying him are encouraged to contact Detective Constable Dave Ardrey – Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Commercial Crime Team at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2306 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).

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Three Youths Charged with Robbery; $1500 laptop not recovered.

Crime 100By Staff

April 13, 20/5

BURLINGTON, ON

On Saturday April 11th 2015 at approximately 10:58 PM, police responded to 5111 New Street in Burlington in response to a report of a group of youths fighting.

Upon police arrival, it was learned that a group of three male youths jumped another youth and stole his 13” Macbook Air laptop, watch and cell phone before fleeing the area. The victim sustained only minor injuries.

Police later located and arrested the three youths on Longmoor Rd. near Chamberland Rd.

The youths were still in possession of the victims watch and cell phone however the laptop valued at $1500 has not been recovered.

Three young offenders who cannot be named are charged with robbery and possession of property obtained by Crime.

Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).

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Early designs for the Windows on the Lake appear to get public support - local residents don't seem to be as impressed.

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

April 13, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

There are some differences about what is meant by minimal – those differences appear to have feathers ruffled.

With the city having sold its parcels of land to the three property owners who abut what has been public land,  the concern now moves to just what the Windows on the Lake will look like.

A public meeting in March didn’t go all that well.

Janice Connell after delegating to city council i committee - She thinks she just might have nailed it!

Janice Connell after delegating to city council  committee – She thinks she just might have nailed it!

Janice Connell apparently made life difficult for a city staffer – so much so that a complaint has worked its way up to the office of the city manager.

Connell was the sole delegator for the three property owners who wanted to buy the portion of the old Water Street allowance that was at the edge of the lake.  She was very effective; she did her homework but seemed to need to tangle with ward 2 Councillor Meed Ward.

Windows map - Market-St paul-Green

Windows to the Lake were designed for three streets: Market, St. Paul and Green.

The intention at the public meeting in March was to have feedback from the public and then a Staff Report that would go to the Community and Corporate Services Standing Committee on June 16 and then along to Council on June 22nd for approval.

Windows Market st concept

Market Street has the most direct line of sight to the Lake – but at this point is the hardest to realize is public space. The design shown will make it very clear that this is public property – which is what has those living on the street upset. No mention was made of any signage.

Once approved, staff would prepare construction drawings, send the work out for tender after which construction will begin.

Somehow – we don’t think it is going to be quite that easy.

Windows St. Paul concept 1

St Paul Street has the longest stretch of public property which at this point has obstacles in place that make it pretty clear it is private property – which it isn’t. The design allows the public to get deep into the lot and appreciate one of the finest views in the city.

When the decision was made to sell the land Council agreed that there would be Windows to the Lake at the foot of Market and St. Paul streets – Green Street has been added.

Councillor Dennison was quite vocal at the time when he described what he meant by minimal – a bench and a can for garbage was what he appeared to have in mind.

Staff obviously didn’t get the message – their designs go quite a bit further – however they don’t appear to include any lighting.

The Burlington Waterfront Committee, a collection of citizens with representation from every ward have been tracking the discussion and comment on just what will be built on the road allowances that reach to the waters edge of Lake Ontario.

The group is what is left of the Waterfront Advisory Committee that originally brought up the problems surrounding the Windows on the Lake.

Rob Peachey, currently a manager in the Capital works department  attended that meeting  in 2012 and commented then  that this wasn’t his “favourite file”  The people who have private access to the lake aren’t at all keen on sharing it.

In an earlier article on that March meeting, which the Gazette did not attend, we reported that “The owners of property in the streets that lead to the windows are wondering just how much pedestrian traffic there will be and will people be sitting close to the edge of the lake at all hours of the day and how much noise will there be?

Discussions amongst the people who live on Market and St. Paul have taken place and they apparently now want to know just how minimalist are these windows on the lake going to be.

Will it be just a bench and a waste container? Welso reported that: “Some people are getting the sense that there is a push to get rid of the windows all together or to make them so inaccessible that no one will want to go near the things.

In that article we mispelled Janice Connell’s name and corrected that error.

In a response to us about the correction we made Ms Connell adds:

The mis-spelling of my name is not the only information that is incorrect.

The truth is we support the Windows-t0-the Lake at St.Paul and Market Street and have done so since our very first discussion with Ward 2 Councillor Meed Ward. in July 2012. At this meeting, one of the three owners offered to engage landscapers to clean up the area at end of Market St., enhance it as a Window-to-the -Lake for the public and maintain it at his expense. The public was never informed of this offer.

Our concern at the public meeting is the discrepancy between the wording of Council’s approved motion and what was actually presented and discussed. Council invested considerable time (including visiting the properties) researching this issue and they were clear in their motion …”minimalistic manner (bench and signage) at St Paul and Market St.”and the “enhancement of Port Nelson Park with available funds.”

In the presentation, Staff was asked about the motion including “enhancing Port Nelson Park with available funds.” Staff replied that this was not part of the motion. This statement differs from the wording in the motion.

You wouldn't know it - but this is public property and anyone can walk out to the end and look over the lake.  City will now put signage indicating that the land is public.  Great views.

You wouldn’t know it – but this is public property and anyone can walk out to the end and look over the lake. City will now put signage indicating that the land is public.   A portion of a driveway is apparently going to be taken – was that portion on public property?

Other residents had different concerns…locals from Green St. area were upset as they had no prior notification of the proposed Windows -to- the -Lake at the end of Green St. (Green St. Windows was not part of the approved motion.). There was heated discussions amongst residents as to what the “Windows- to -the- Lake” should consist of…bike racks, bench under trees in the sun, bench under trees in the afternoon shade, lighting, fences, garbage bins, walkways and shrub plantings .

One of the proposals for  St. Paul  included removing a portion of an elderly residents driveway.

Some of the dissension could have been alleviated if a copy of the approved motion had been available at the presentation for the public to refer to. The wording of the approved motion is …”develop Windows-to-the-Lake at St Paul and Market St in a minimalistic manner(benches and signage).”

Over the past few years we have had ongoing concerns over misrepresentation of the facts regarding the Water St parcel as presented to the public. This has caused dissension and hard feelings amongst residents. We attended the public meeting hoping it would be an opportunity to connect with our neighbours in a positive setting. Needless to say the meeting caused further dissension amongst many residents.

As you were not at the meeting, the information in your article is second hand information and is not accurate as it relates to information in the approved motion. Also the information given to you by your informed observer about the three property owners is not truthful. The property owners support the approved motion as to the development of the two Windows to the Lake. We have not and will not “try to get council to change their mind.”

Local parks should bring residents together. When less than truthful statements are given to the public it causes further dissension amongst residents. And unlike the simple correction of a misspelled name, it is not easy to correct the negative relationships amongst neighbours or the reputation of residents.

In reporting on the March meeting the Gazette spoke independently to four people who were at the meeting.

 

 

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Two more Beachway houses sold; prices are getting better.

News 100 blackBy Pepper Parr

April 13, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

The Region is picking them off one by one – in this most recent case they got two at the same time.
109 and 115 Willow Street were bought from the Estate of Clarence Junior Craddock and Adeline Y.M. Craddock for a princely sum.

Beachway - Willow Street residences

Willow Street in the Beachway.

Regional Staff was authorized to conclude the acquisition of lands municipally known as 115 Willow Street and 109 Willow Street in the City of Burlington for what was described as Regional purposes. The properties are part of the assembly of all the lands within the Beachway.
The sale of these two units makes a total of three that have been acquired by the Region.

This will come as a shock to many Burlington tax payers is the cost which is to come out of the capital project budget for Burlington Waterfront – Land Acquisition. The numbers in the report are far from clear – it asks that the funding be increased by $640,000 from $624,250 to $1,264,250 and that this additional funding required be financed from the Green Fund Reserve.

Burlington’s ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward asked that the vote at the full be recorded and the results are as follows:

Yeas: Carr, Adams, Bonnette, Burton, Craven, Duddeck, Elgar, Fogal, Gittings, Goldring, Knoll, Krantz, Lancaster, O’Meara, Sharman, Somerville (16).

Nays: Best, Cluett, Dennison, Meed Ward, Taylor (5).

The voted to approve the acquisition and the funding carried.

The report was so deeply buried in the Regional minutes that one had to be a hound dog to find them – then numbers appear to say that the price paid for the two homes was $1,264,250

Regional staff were not available for clarification

These two structures are not much more than old summer cottages at the end of a lane way that abuts the QEW.

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Who gets to join Tapp and Noack at the Performing Arts Centre Hall of Fame?

News 100 yellowBy Staff

April 13, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

BPAC at nightThe Burlington Performing Arts Centre is accepting nominations for the third inductee of its Hall of Fame. Established in 2013, The Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s Hall of Fame recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the performing arts in Burlington. Recipients of this award demonstrate the diversity of artistic accomplishment that comprises the rich cultural tapestry of the City of Burlington. The Hall of Fame award will be presented to the inductee at the 2015-2016 Season Launch event held at The Centre on Thursday, May 28.

Nomination applications must be submitted on or before Friday, May 8th, 2015. The nomination form can be downloaded from The Centre’s website

RAINER NOACK 2

Hall of Fame’s 2nd inductee, Rainer Noack

The Burlington Performing Arts Centre recognizes that the individual and group artists are paramount and fundamental to cultural development.

These individuals and groups contribute to Burlington’s reputation as a city with a strong and sustained commitment toward the development of cultural excellence.

On site almost daily is Burlington's Jimmy Tapp checking on the progress.  Here he talks with Pier Project Manager Craig Stevens.

Gordie  Tapp was onsite almost every day during the construction of the Pier.  He chats with Project Manager Craig Stevens.  Tapp was the first inductee into the Performing Arts Center Hall of Famwe

At the 2014 Cabaret, the Hall of Fame’s 2nd inductee, Rainer Noack, Founder and Program Director of Burlington Student Theatre, was recognized for providing training, camps and arts opportunities for children and youth in the Burlington area since 1978.

The Hall of Fame’s 1st inductee, was Burlington’s own, Gordie Tapp.

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Commercial growth at Brant and Ghent - look for outdoor patio space and a smarter look to the location

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

April 13, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

When Brian Dean, president of the Burlington Downtown Business Association asked the city to expand his boundaries local merchants in the expanded territory didn’t exactly line up to fill out membership forms. On the contrary – a couple wrote letter and one delegated at city council saying they didn’t like the idea at all.

Brant Square looking north

View of the Plaza, looking north, as it stands today – the front will be opened up considerably.

Brant Square outside looking south

Councillor Meed Ward can see a stunning outdoor patio on this stretch of the property that will undergo a significant upgrade – all within the existing zoning. This view looks south.

Then Jeff Usher came along and announced that Burlington Square Plaza (BSP) was so keen on the idea that they were going to expand the Plaza and add a four storey structure to the south end and make major changes to the retail level in the core structure.

In doing so – Cherishome Living, the company that owns the apartment tower, might well create a new anchor for the expanded BDBA territory. There isn’t an awful lot to choose from when a person wanting to get out for a meal or a chance to sit out on a patio and just enjoy the city.

Usher sees a significant opportunity for a restaurant to set up a sizable plaza area outside the new addition.

Brant Square outside looking east - bldg right to come down

This structure which faces Brant and runs south to Olga will be demolished and become the four storey commercial residential part of the upgrade to the Plaza property.

Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward was all a flutter over the development because it was going to build within the applicable zoning and not ask city council for additional height.

WO dark greenBecause the development is within all the rules – all they have to do is take their application to city hall, file all the papers, pay the fees and they get their building permit.

Meed Ward will be holding a public meeting on the 15th to tell everyone about it and show off the architects rendering.

Cherishome Living was formerly McArthur Properties. The rental agent for the Burlington Square apartments will changed – the firm being brought in has more experience with commercial and residential

Brant Square inside - right part to go

The space to the right will be demolished and become part of the new four storey structure that will have rental on the top four floors and retail on the lower level

The commercial side of the Plaza has not done as well as hoped – much of the ground floor space is vacant.

Burlington MPP Eleanor McMahon has space on the lower level but has decided to mover her office to a location with more exposure.

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Three people got a great deal on city owned waterfront property: views of the lake to die for.

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

April 12, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

City Council voted to sell small portions of land it owned that bordered on the edge of Lake Ontario to the three property owners whose homes abutted the city property.

Along with the city property there was a strip of land owned by the province.

Market-and-St-Paul-Street-LAkeshore-Rd2

The portion of the property marked as “parkette” is being old to the owners of the three properties that abut the land. Some of the land belongs to the city – the rest belongs to the province. The Market and St.Paul street properties belong to the city and are to be made into fully accessible Windows to the Lake.

The province said it would also sell its portion of the land but only once the city portion had been sold.

At the time, for reasons which were not all clear, council also said the price paid for the property would not be released until the part of the strip of land that was owned by the province had also been sold.

Market-Lakeshore-foot-of-St-Paul-looking-west3-1024x6821

This is a scene to die for. Prime location with a view that can’t be excelled. It used to belong to the citizens of the city.

The sale was contentious – many did not agree with the decision and even more did not agree with the way the city had informed the public. Those people who lived in the immediate area knew about the sale – those who were a kilometre away had no idea the sale was taking place.

The city seemed to almost go out of its way to not inform the public.

The sale of the city owned portion of the land sold for close to peanuts given the location and the value that the strip of land adds the property they already hold.

The city council decision came out of a Staff report that set out three options: Do nothing with the property, lease it to the property owners whose homes abutted the land or sell it.

Staff recommended against selling the property.

Whatever vision city council had for a Waterfront Trail got lost when they voted to sell the land.

The sale of the city portion of the land was sold February 10th to Michael Swartz, who paid $81,994 for his portion of the city land; Ray Khanna who paid $46,004 for his portion and Ralph Williams who paid $85,988 for his portion.

The information comes from the Registry office where anyone can access it. Quite why the city decided that it was not going to release the information is curious. Why no transparency on a file that a lot of people scratching their heads?

With the city portion sold the provincial government now does its due diligence and when they are satisfied that everything is in order the sale of their land will close – and the idea of a Waterfront Trail in that part of the city is lost for a long long time.

Market-Lakefront-Foot-of-St.-Paul-730x1024

This is the view from the southern end of the St. Paul Window on the Lake. It could become an incredible location – providing those who are lobbying against it don’t prevail.

The plan is for two Windows on the Lake to be kept – even though there is apparently some lobbying going on to change that decision.

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