 By Staff
February 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Millcroft Greenspace is an early, state of the art example of Green Infrastructure for stormwater management in Burlington, Ontario.
The floodplain, known as the Millcroft Golf Course, is currently designated as Major Parks/Open Space and was engineered to integrate creeks and naturalized ponds, allowing natural drainage from the nearby escarpment. The greenspace acts as a buffer before runoff continues through southern Burlington to Lake Ontario. The fairways are designed to be 2.5 metres below the rear lot lines of the neighbouring homes, which now benefit from decades of tree coverage and vegetation growth to slow the flow through the channels.
The concern for the community is that should the proposed development proceed the millpond will disappear which changes significantly the way storm water will flow through the Millcroft community south to Lake Ontario passing through other communities where the damage could be severe.
Burlington has already seen what severe flooding does to individual homes.
 Managing of the storm water is a very real problem.  The community argues that if the storm water management infrastructure is changed it may not be possible to handle the flows they way they are now managed. The community has been struggling to convince the province that a Ministerial MZO (Ministerial Zoning Order) should be put in place. Mayor Meed Ward has said, frequently, that she is working with the provincial government to bring this about.
 The water comes very close to the edge of the house; the drainage system (seen in the bottom left in the picture on the right) works very well. Most recently the area MPP, Effie Triantafilopoulos met with MPP Matthew Rae (Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing), Hannah Anderson (Director of Stakeholder and Caucus relations) in an effort to get the issue before Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs who is kind of busy dealing with the fallout from Greenbelt scandal.
MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos, the MPP for the Millcroft community would like to see the Minister of Housing, issue a Minister’s Zoning Order to stop the Millcroft Greens development on the Millcroft Golf Course lands, or, alternatively declare a provincial interest at the Ontario Land Tribunal hearing starting on March 5.
The two organizations have made the point that the seat Triantafilopoulos holds in the provincial legislature could be at risk
The meeting was via a Zoom call, not the best circumstances the press an argument.
The Ontario Land Tribunal is scheduled to hear the Millcroft Greens, the developer that has appealed a City Council decision.
There are two community groups opposing the development; both are raising funds – about $70,000 each, to cover the cost of professional witnesses. The focus of the arguments being put forward by each group are not the same: one MGA is focused on the storm water issue while the other is focused on the 98 homes the developer wants to build.
The community is concerned that the City has not made all the information it has available which means that it is not likely to get before the OLT hearing
The OLT hearing is scheduled to begin March 5th – the sound of the clicking clock is getting louder.
Related news articles:
Community relationship with City Hall has nor been all that healthy
 By Pepper Parr
February 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
It might turn out to be the most imaginative development City Hall has seen, something that could change the focal point of the city.
Today Ground Zero for Burlington is Spencer Smith Park and the intersection of Brant and Lakeshore Road.
That just might change.
Set out below are some of the renderings that will be presented at a Council Standing Committee next week on the development plans for the lands at 1200 King Road.
Much more to come – here is where it is all going to start.
 The property sits between Hwy 403 on the north and the railway line on the south; between the Aldershot GO station on the west and King Road on the east.
 The rendering is conceptual at this point. A lot of green space. Could the Sound of Music be located here?
 By Mila Gonzales
February 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Online casinos are fun and accessible because of the huge volume of games they provide and availability 24/7. However, online platforms also attract users by providing bonuses. This article explores how casinos use bonuses for successful marketing.
It’s a well-known fact that today, many players prefer gambling at online casinos. There are several reasons for this trend when players choose platforms like PinUp casino, some of which include a wide range of games, accessibility, mobile play, and bonuses. However, it’s also because of successful marketing tactics that provide players with bonuses and loyalty programs.
This article explores how casinos, like Pin Up Casino Online, use psychological tactics to attract players with bonuses and rewards. You will learn about some interesting personalized tactics that reward players for their loyalty.
Reward System and Client Retention Marketing
We all indeed love gifts; we also enjoy it when, instead of getting exactly what we paid for, we get more. That’s why using bonuses and loyalty programs helps attract new players and retain the existing ones on gambling platforms like Pin-Up Casino.
Here are a few examples of bonuses used by gambling platforms:
 A player chooses a casino that provides the the kind of bonus the appreciate the most. A welcome bonus. It’s a promotion for creating an account and making the first deposit. It could be a deposit bonus, free spins, or other gifts, as in the example with Pin-Up online casino.
No-deposit bonus. It is one of the biggest appeals for players because you get a gift without paying money. Today, these promos have wagering requirements to dispel the so-called bonus hunters who take advantage of online platforms.
Free spins or chips. Many casinos provide free spins for slots or chips for card and table games.
Loyalty programs. These are VIP clubs with different reward systems. Some clubs focus on all loyal players and offer to complete tasks for rewards. Other clubs target high rollers and provide the best conditions so that they would keep gambling.
As a result, a player chooses a casino that provides these bonuses.
Now, all casinos offer promotions because players wouldn’t use their services. These promotions have a similar effect on our brain as gambling in general — we get a dopamine rush for getting a reward.
Personalized Marketing
 Casino offers personalization that improves your gambling experience. Suppose you have a favorite online store and a personal account. The store collects information about you whenever you visit their website and buy something. At some point, you may receive an email with offers similar to those you bought. That’s how this online store uses personalized marketing to entice you to buy more. It’s okay, because you usually get offers on things you need.
Casinos offer similarly. They analyze your behavior and patterns. If you prefer online slots, the gambling platform may send you a promo code for free spins. If you love betting, the platform will offer some bonuses on sports. Thus, the casino offers personalization that improves your gambling experience.
Conclusion
The reward-based system triggers positive signals in our brains. We all like praise and rewards, and bonuses at online casinos play into our desire to receive gifts. It’s not a bad thing that online platforms entice us with their gifts because we get a better experience when engaging in common behaviors, like gambling.
 By Pepper Parr
February 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
It is a requirement of the Municipal Act that a report be submitted to Council on remuneration and expenses paid to Councillors and appointees to local boards by March 31, of the following year.
Accordingly, under the provision of the Municipal Act, the attached itemized statement is submitted disclosing remuneration and expenses for each Member of Council and Appointed Members of our Local Boards and Committees for the year ended December 31, 2023.
 In 2023, each Councillor had a budget of $10,000 to cover expenditures such as meetings, printing, mileage, newsletters, postage, professional development, telephones, and advertising.
In 2023, the Mayor had a budget of $31,087 to cover similar expenditures to those listed above, excluding the costs of leasing a vehicle for business use.
In 2022, Council approved the implementation plan for the recommendations arising from the Council Renumeration Review Working Group. Through this report by-law 45-2022 was enacted to establish a Council Special Initiatives Reserve Fund. Annually deposits to this reserve fund are made reflecting unspent discretionary funds in the respective Mayor and Councillor budgets. These funds can be utilized by Council members for special initiatives as approved by the Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer.
In 2023, a draw of $1,630 was approved by the CFO for special initiatives in Ward 2. A year end a contribution of $23,139 was transferred to the reserve fund representing the total unspent discretionary budget of Council. The total balance of this reserve fund at the end of 2023 was $71,097.
Members of City Council are also members of Regional Council. They earn salaries from the Regional Level as well.
Regional data for 2023 is not yet available.
Regional Councillors received anywhere from $7,073 up to $71,933.
Burlington Ward 3 City and Regional Councillor Rory Nisan, who was elected as the Board of Directors’ Vice President at Large last month, took home the biggest pay among councillors at $71,933.
Burlington Ward 6 Regional Councillor Angelo Bentivegna ($69,220).
 City Council meeting
 By Pepper Parr
February 24th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Sleepless in Our Cities is a fundraising event that aims to raise awareness around the issue of poverty in our local communities, by asking participants to sleep in their cars overnight as they raise money for our friends and neighbours who need our support.
 Ten hours in the vehicle – and no the engine was not left running. Event participants will sleep overnight in their cars on Friday, February 23 from 10 PM to 8 AM the following day. This form of participation is an act and gesture intended to raise awareness of poverty in our local communities.
On Friday Matt Wickham slept in his car – no word yet on what he was able to collect in the way of donations.
Along with his day job of Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sales & Operations at Cogeco Matt is the Chair for the 2024 United Way Drive to raise $12,500,000.
That would be defined as “above and beyond”.
By Staff
February 22, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 MAD executives met with MPP Matthew Rae (Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing), Hannah Anderson (Director of Stakeholder and Caucus relations), MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos, and Millcroft Greenspace Alliance to encourage the Minister of Housing, MPP Paul Calandra, to issue a Minister’s Zoning Order to stop the Millcroft Greens development on the Millcroft Golf Course lands, or, alternatively, to participate with a provincial interest at the Ontario Land Tribunal hearing starting on March 5.
MAD provided a detailed report outlining the reasons why this development must not proceed, along with our flood and wildlife Google drive files and Community videos.
Millcroft Greenspace Alliance expanded on the stormwater issues.
We would like to thank MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos for her strong support, as well as for setting up this meeting. Effie encouraged MPP Rae to use any tools in their toolbox to stop this development.
While we are hopeful that the Province will take action, we must be prepared to participate at the OLT hearing starting March 5. To this end, Allan Ramsay, the planner MAD has hired to represent them at the OLT hearing, has submitted a Reply Witness Statement in response to the new material provided by Millcroft Greens.
In a media release MAD said: “Now that we are closer to the OLT hearings and our professional advisors have provided us with more certainty in our strategy, MAD has developed a revised budget, which requires that we increase our fundraising goal from $40,000 to $70,000. The key reasons for the increase are:
 Many feel, and their is evidence to support their concern that property values could decrease by 20% if the Millcroft Greens development is allowed to proceed. “For Allan to complete the reply witness statement and respond to the City of Burlington draft plan conditions.
“For Allan to attend Millcroft Greens’ expert witness testimonies and all other parties’ witnesses that precede him.
“For the increased costs related to Allan Ramsay’s revised witness statement.”
The meeting that MAD was able to set up is something Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said she could get done many months ago.
The support from City Council on this file has been very thin.
Related news story.
Mayor says she can get the problem solved.
By Pepper Parr
February 22, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
And just what does this mean?
The Sound of Music is a Not for Profit organization with an board that is appointed rather then elected.
The Performing Arts Centre is an arms length from the city organization that uses property owned by the city.
 More questions than answers about the joining of forces at this point. Now that we know who the players are – they seem to be on the same team.
Steve Cussons, no slouch as an entrepreneur He is the Chief for a large printing that makes significant use of technology – does much more than putting ink on paper.
He is remembered for taking several large strips off Rick Goldring when he was running for re-election in 2018.
His involvement with Sound of Music, where he is the Chair is new. The SoM Programming Director is Tammy Fox who is the Executive Director at the Performing Arts Centre.
Quite what “Presented by …” actually means isn’t clear at this point.
Tammy Fox has extensive background as agent and representative for a number of prominent people in the the music and stage performance sector.
Much more to learn about this undertaking. At this point – it seems to have more upside than downside.
 By Staff
February 22, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
At some point people serving on a Board of Directors need to move on.
It becomes essential to ensure that every Board, be it a commercial operation or a Not for Profit, have a plan in place to to replace a person who leaves a Bard after completing their term of office. Being a Board member is not a lifetime commitment.
 Board succession planning is a critical task designed to ensure the health of the Board and its ability to govern and provide leadership to the organization it serves. A well-developed board succession plan enables the nonprofit’s team to minimum negative impacts caused by departures, which helps maintain a consistent work flow during transitions.
Join presenter Heather Johnson for Succession Planning: Developing a Board Building Strategy on Tuesday February 27, 2024 at 1:00pm. The third in the CDH Educates 2024 workshop series, this workshop will walk you through how to develop a succession plan for your Board and Committees to conduct year-round recruitment for these very important roles.
This workshop is for: CEOs, Chairperson, senior leadership team members and everyone who is involved in the recruitment and orientation of new Board and Committee members.
SUCCESION PLANNING: Developing a Board Building Strategy
Tuesday February 27, 2024
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Via ZOOM
Registration is now open! Register today at cdhalton.ca/events
Registration closes on Monday February 26 at 4:00pm.
 By Staff
February 22, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
March Break – so many things to do – how do you choose?
 A library is now much much more than books. The Burlington Library has a – we don’t know how many – programs. What we can tell you is there is a place where you can use filters to find what you are interested and if it is taking place in you community,
Filter by age, location and event type.
Check out what’s on offer and sign up – they tend to go quickly.
Click here to look over what is available
 By Staff
February 21, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
We are seeing more of that SOLD OUT sigh for Performing Arts Centre events.
Fleetwood Mac is now a two performance event with one sold out. Hustle if you want a seat.
Let’s look forward a couple of weeks and see what is scheduled.
 Darcy Oake, an illusionist. February 27th in the Main Theatre: Darcy is a performance artist whose modern interpretation gratifies the hunger of audiences seeking spectacle and nail-biting feats of illusion. Inspired by classic sleight of hand techniques and large scale stage illusions, Darcy transports the crowd to another dimension with exhilarating visuals and logic-defying exploits.
Over 200 million viewers tuned in to Britain’s Got Talent to witness the birth of a phenomenon: the unveiling of an electrifying new illusionist, Darcy Oake. From sleight of hand to death-defying escapades, this master magician grabbed the world’s attention, ushering in an exciting new era of an age-old art form.
Ticket Prices
Regular: $59.50 – $79.50 (All-in)
Member: $54.50 – $74.50 (All-in)
On the 29th, in the Community Studio Theatre Dizzy & Fay with their undeniable chemistry that is Inspired by the composers of the American Songbook bring an original jazz sound to the stage.
Dizzy’s passionate piano and Fay’s romantic voice are the perfect pairing; resulting in original jazz songs that sound fresh, while also echoing timeless standards.
Their intuitive musical charm is captivating on record and on stage where audiences are fast becoming life long fans. These two songsmiths arrived on the Canadian jazz scene with their debut album ‘Songbook’, which received a glowing review from The Wholenote and made several top 20 in 2021 lists.
Now, just a year later, Dizzy & Fay have released their sophomore album Hooked. Like Songbook, it too features all original compositions, but with the addition of bass, drums, horns and a 28 piece philharmonic orchestra on selected tracks. It’s clear that with two albums in two years, the Dizzy & Fay Songbook is only just beginning.
Ticket Prices
Regular: $49.50 (All-in)
Member: $44.50 (All-in)
March 2nd, SOLO brings Bizet’s Carman to the stage of the Main Theatre
 Southern Ontario Lyric Opera Chorus and Orchestra will combine French lyricism together with Spanish rhythms are at the heart of Bizet’s popular Carmen.
Come and experience the passion of one of the most beloved operas of all time!
It will be presented fully staged.
Sabatino Vacca, Conductor
Ticket Prices
Regular: $74 (All-in)
Senior 65+: $49 (All-in)
25 and Under: $25 (All-in)
Child 12 and Under: $10 (All-in)
Show Length
Act 1: 45 mins.
Act 2: 40 mins.
Intermission: 20 min.
Act 3: 35 mins.
Act 4: 25 mins.
 A Performing Arts favourite – Classic Albums Live and its roster of A-list musicians from across the country will be performing Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours exactly as you remember hearing it, note for note, cut for cut.
Founded in 2003 by Craig Martin, Classic Albums Live takes the greatest albums and recreates them live on stage – note for note, cut for cut, using the best musicians. “Think of it as a recital,” says Martin, “these albums are historic and stand the test of time.” Forgoing costumes and impersonations, Classic Albums Live has found success in concentrating solely on the music. “We don’t dress up or wear any sort of costume. We just stand there and play. All of our energy is put into the music. We want the performance to sound exactly like the album,” says Martin.
With 100+ shows a year across North America, Classic Albums Live has seen massive success in performing arts centres and theatres. Fans in Texas, Las Vegas, Florida, New York and central and east coast Canada have all continued to support the series and make it a sustaining, successful show. “We grew while others withdrew,” says Martin, commenting on the decline of concert ticket sales, “We created something that endures and connects. These albums are sacred to people. We deliver exactly what we promote – ‘note for note, cut for cut’ accuracy.”
It’s this type of accountability that works for the series.
Wed Mar 6, 2024 at 8pm
Thu Mar 7, 2024 at 8pm – SOLD OUT!
Venue
Main Theatre
Ticket Prices
Regular: $69.50 – $89.50 (All-in)
Member: $64.50 – $84.50 (All-in)
Book tickets HERE
By Staff
February 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Region of Halton now has a new Commissioner of Health and Medical Officer of Health.
Dr. Deepika Lobo as served as an Associate Medical Officer of Health since joining Halton Region in 2019 and has been Acting Commissioner of Health since September 2023.
The job is one of the most critical in the community ; managing the pandemic was a task that, at the time, proved to be a challenge that took every skill then Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hamidah Meghani had to keep the public informed and to put in place the data collection procedures that were necessary. She was newly appointed at the time and faced a situation that shut down the world for a period of time while a full understanding of what COVID19 was and how to deal with it.
Jobs like that burn people out.
Dr. Lobo’s experience, knowledge, and leadership capabilities will keep our public health services strong and keep our residents healthy.”
 Dr. Deepika Lobo: Commissioner of Health and Medical Officer of Health. Dr. Lobo completed her residency in Public Health & Preventive Medicine through the DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University and is a Fellow with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Lobo obtained her Doctor of Medicine from Kasturba Medical College at Manipal University in India, and has the degrees of Master of Public Health and Master of Business Administration from McMaster University.
The Halton Region Health Department provides a range of accessible and effective Public Health and Paramedic Services programs. Public Health programs support the physical and mental health and well-being of residents that aim to reduce health inequities, protect and promote health, and prevent injury and disease. Paramedic Services provide advanced 24/7 pre-hospital emergency care and community paramedic programs and deliver public awareness programs, including CPR, public access defibrillation, and injury prevention.
By Pepper Parr
February 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 The property to the right of Cooke Blvd is where there are thousands of housing units. At the top left there is a proposed storm water holding area. While not clear just where park space should be they are at least indicating there should be some park space. With some creative thinking a park could be build atop of the storm water pond. It has been done elsewhere before. A public meeting has been scheduled for March 4, 2024 on an ADI Developmen Group in the Aldershot community on Masonry Road
The meeting is a Statutory meeting required under the Planning Act.
It is an occasion when the public can put question to Staff and the developer if they choose to participate.
The is an event that needs as much participation from the public is as possible – why? We will get to that in a bit.
Proposed Development
The applications propose to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to permit a mixed-use development comprising three tall buildings with retail uses at ground level and residential uses above.
In the original proposal (2022): Building A (northwest corner of site) was 36 storeys tall including a 4-storey podium. Building B (southeast) was 26 storeys tall. Building C (southwest) was 36 storeys tall. Buildings B and C shared a three-storey podium. The proposed buildings contained a total of 1,139 residential units and 231m2 of ground-level retail at the corner of Masonry Court and Cooke Blvd. 1,031 parking spaces were proposed within five levels of underground parking.
 A rendering of the additional three towers ADI wants to add to an already big development – you will have to look really hard to see where park space will be located. In the revised proposal (2023): Building A (northwest) is 33 storeys tall including a 12-storey podium. Building B (southeast) is 29 storeys including a six-storey podium that steps down to three storeys on the north side. Building C (southwest) is 31 storeys including a six-storey podium. The buildings are no longer connected to each other, and a plaza has been introduced at the ground level between Buildings B and C. The total number of residential units has increased from 1,139 to 1,165. The total amount of retail floor area has increased from 231m2 to 495m2. The total number of parking spaces has increased from 1,031 to 1,145 spaces within 6 underground parking levels.
The developer provided renderings that make the three tower development look very inviting. There was a point when much of the space was to be park space – that idea didn’t get the push it needed from the ward Councillor.
The Statutory meeting taking place March 4th is a public event and you can participate virtually and delegate to City Council. Delegating is tricky – if you need some help – pop us a note at publisher@bgzt.ca and we will take you through the steps.
 It does look inviting – but where is the park space for the 2000 families in the community. The community that ADI built is much more than the three towers they want to add. Set out below are some of the buildings. There is much in the way of community space and there doesn’t appear to be much in the way of small community organizations. The ADI people invest in building – they don’t invest in creating community nor does the ward Councillor.
 This is the eastern boundary of the Station West development that is walking distance to the GO station.  It was a big bold development set on property bought by xxx from Paletta who will tell you now that selling the property was not one of the best decisions.  This is one portion of what it a very large development that needed a small supermarket and some park space.  Another part of a very big development that has few social amenities. The Bateman Community Centre is going to provide all kinds of space for the public. The ADI development is a stiff walk to LaSalle Park
By Pepper Parr
February 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Part two of a three part series on Bateman engagement taking place
 Denise Beard: Manager of Community Development. During her lengthy outline of what had been done in terms of engagement Denise Beard, Manager Manager of Community Development made mention of a pilot program that would take place at Tansley Woods. “We want to investigate this notion of community coming together a little more. The idea of using the open community space at Tansley where people could come together really resonated with us.
“There is some space up there within the community center to really open and turn it into a space where people can connect and socialize – using the rooms that might be available if nothing’s programmed. Can we open them up to allow community to use those spaces?
The notion of social anchor, a phrase coined by Beard and her team, was something she said the community really took to – they were both loud and clear about having places where people can connect and socialize. Can we open them up to allow community to use those spaces and see what happens?
Maybe a communal kitchen where people could bring their food and then eat together and break bread together as it were.
 There is space at Tansley Wood that isn’t being used all that much – could be a pilot site for Bateman program development. “We’re looking to try to do things like that at Tansley to assess over the next couple of years what that might look like at Robert Bateman..The objective is to help guide us in the design of that space moving forward.
We’ll be striving to see just what a social anchor pilot at Tansley Woods would look like. The people we spoke to were intrigued and our team is eager to see how that takes off and hopefully we can learn how to meet the community demand we expect to see in the in the future at Bateman.
The second thing that I wanted to ask about is more of a question. It’s just been so much conversation, not so much thank goodness this winter because it’s been a little bit warmer and we haven’t had too many critically cold nights. But the idea of a warming center or possibility of overnight shelter on cold nights has that been built in at all to this idea of the pilot social anchor at Tansley and or potentially Bateman down the road.
 There are three large rooms that would serve as pilot sites. An opportunity for people to use the showers at Tansley if people had to stay overnight.
Mayor Meed Ward thought it was a brilliant idea and Council seemed to go along with it.
Beard now has a bit of a runway she can use to get back to some of the people she talked with and take the idea a little further.
Interesting approach – let’s see where they take it.
Related news story:
Engagement on Bateman programs is taking place.
By Staff
February 21, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Metrolinx wants you to remember the One Fare Program that will launch next Monday, February 26, 2024!
The province – in collaboration with Metrolinx and local transit agencies – is working to connect communities across the region. Through Ontario’s One Fare Program, transferring from one transit system to another will be simpler, more convenient and more affordable.
 It is just that simple. Ontario’s One Fare Program allows transit users to only pay once when travelling between the TTC, GO Transit and participating transit systems like Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay and York Region Transit.
When travelling between systems, the discount will be applied automatically when you tap a PRESTO card, credit or debit, or PRESTO in Google Wallet to connect between GO Transit, TTC and all participating transit systems.
What you need to know:
- Free transfers: For trips between the TTC and GO Transit, your TTC fare is free, regardless of travel direction and the cost of your TTC trip is discounted from your overall trip cost. For trips between the TTC and other local transit systems, the second fare of your trip is free.
- Transfer flexibility: Transfers are valid for two hours when trips start on local transit and three hours when you tap on a GO bus or train.
- Proof of payment: The payment method you use to tap is your proof of payment. Customers paying with PRESTO in Google Wallet, credit or debit card, must tap on and off with the same card.
 One far will get you into Toronto and almost wherever you want to go in that City. For an adult who commutes five days a week, the One Fare Program could save them up to$1,600 per year.
You can learn more about Ontario’s One Fare Program here and watch a step by step video on our YouTube channel.
Pepper Parr
February 20th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
These were questions that I had in mind when I began to write this article on the comments Denise Beard made when she addressed Council recently.
Engagement is a skill that requires innovation, patience and a skill set backed up by experience.
That said – why has the City had so much difficulty?
Was it the size of the project?
Was it a hangover from the loss of the Bateman High School?
Something made everyone react differently.
Did we know how to do Community Engagement for a project this size?
During the discussion with Council ward 2 Councillor said “we are not there yet” and wanted to defer any motions. That was the last thing the public wanted.
 Denise Beard, Senior Manager of Community Development. Denise Beard, Senior Manager of Community Development sharing the feedback she heard during her extensive community engagement on the Robert Bateman. Community Center Project told Council recently that “The community engagement was the result of hours of staff time working collaboratively.”
Beard was sharing “things we heard from the community on the visioning and on what we heard from the not for profit sector and the business sector about their visions.
“We approached groups through requests for expressions of interest. We wanted to identify if there’s any business areas or themes that committee would not like to see moving forward within the community center and have a discussion around those.
Staff are readying for the next steps around the engagement process; we wanted you to be aware of a concept that came out really loud and clear.
“A need for arts and culture space; that was a very strong theme both for creating, performing – having exhibits. The local community is really coming forward and saying we don’t have a place where we feel that we can create and showcase just minor community driven arts and culture initiatives – that kept coming up over and over during the engagement sessions.
“We held three in person sessions, where we ran through an “innovation in a box” exercises with the community. We also ran one virtual session. We had staff at booths at both at Food for Feedback and at the Appleby Line Street Festival to get more input from the community in a brainstorming opportunity for people during the festivals.
 Denise Beard giving it everything she has – was showing a media presentation some of the programs offered by the parks people. “We were generated 70 unique ideas; lots of interest from the community on the space and what they’d like to see in there. We heard expressions of interest from the arts and culture from specific not for profits wanting to have exclusive space for their creative and performing spaces.
“We had people come forward offering day cares both for preschoolers, elders and respite care with some sort of social programming to help offset daycare needs.
“Food was a major component that was seen as key with the community space;, that there’s a place that brings people together both socially and from a sharing of cultures, where people really can sit down converse and really link with each other over food.
“Mention was made of a Creative Kitchen that could be a social enterprise where people could create foods for sale and do some training programs where people could learn the hospitality trades and then offer that service within the Community Center.
“There’s lots of interest and comments about the gyms and the especially around pickle ball. Also lots of engagement around the former shops, whether that’s a Repair Cafe, woodworking classes and skills training.
“We heard lots of feedback around a link between science and technology and creative spaces and interest in some great opportunity for social programming and services.
“In our discussions something we’re calling social anchor began to become clear. People really felt like they wanted this common social space. It was a very interesting conversation with community when we were in the engagement sessions because initially we would start in conversation. Inevitably somebody said they wanted additional senior space at Bateman and then somebody else saying I would like to use Bateman where conversations not led by staff, but within the groups themselves.
 People really felt like they wanted this common social space. Discussion came to this notion “we want to community centered not segregated by age or demographic, but a place where we can all come together and learn from each other and share with each other. They really wanted a place that was welcoming, open and free for them to integrate and just ad hoc come together and enjoy each other’s company.
At this point Beard closed her remarks with there is more engagement to be done but at this point we need to hear from you. Before she did that she spoke for a few minutes about a pilot project Staff wanted to run at Tansley Woods where there is space that isn’t used all that month. The pilot project is part two of this three part series
By Staff
February 20th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition NDP, returned to Question Period after the legislative break focused on holding Ford’s Conservatives accountable for Bill 124, Ontario’s strained healthcare system, worsening housing crisis, and skyrocketing cost-of-living:
 NDP :leader of the Opposition letting the Premier know what is on her mind. “We start this new session with yet another policy reversal – Bill 124, a Bill that is and always was unconstitutional,” said Stiles.
“Will the Premier apologize to these workers for stealing their wages with Bill 124 and finally tell Ontarians how much money they spent fighting hardworking nurses, PSWs, teachers, educational assistants and all public sector workers in court?”
Stiles and the NDP refused to allow Conservatives to distract from their track record of corrupt policies, continuous backtracking and lack of real solutions.
“Our province was already struggling with rampant hallway medicine when this government came in, and their choice to target workers made things even worse. Will he admit his choices worsened the crisis facing our health care system?”
 Marit Stiles called on Ford’s Conservatives to focus their next reversal on fixing the mess they caused. Laser-focused on reversing the damage Ford’s Conservatives have done to the province’s healthcare system, Stiles called on Ford’s Conservatives to focus their next reversal on fixing the mess they caused.
“If the government is going to continue backing up the policy train this session, can they make reversing their privatization of health care the next signature policy reversal?”
 Bonnie Crombie, Leader of the few Liberals in the Legislature: It’s only a matter of time Doug; only a matter of time. It isn’t going to get any easier for Premier Ford going forward. The NDP are the only people hammering the Premier and that is likely to be the case until Bonnie Crombie gets a seat in the Legislature.
The Milton seat will become available in about 45 days when the Premier has to call a by-election. Ford does not want Bonnie Crombie buzzing about his ears – expect the by-election call to be is as far ahead is as possible.
By Staff
February 20th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Festivals and events in Burlington are a source of civic pride, social connections, an arts and culture platform and can be an economic boost.
 The Santa Claus parade, Sound of Music and Ribfest are big deal and big draw events. The Festivals people have yet to find a way to sponsor smaller events north of the QEW. The City is looking for public input in developing a Festivals and Events Policy to help ensure the best services and experiences for all,
 Angela Paparizo, Manager of Arts and Culture. Residents are invited to complete an online survey at getinvolvedburlington.ca/eventspolicy to share feedback on their satisfaction with events on City property and their wishes for future direction.
The purpose of the proposed policy is to provide a set of guidelines and criteria to assist with planning and managing events on City of Burlington property.
The survey is open now until March 5. Responses will be used to guide the discussion of criteria and components of a policy at the Committee of the Whole and City Council in April.
Angela Paparizo, Manager of Arts and Culture said “This policy will help us move towards our strategic goal of providing the best services and experiences for all. We want to find the balance between providing festivals and events of great value while ensuring we have the right locations, mix of events and timing.”
Links and Resources
getinvolvedburlington.ca/eventspolicy
By Pepper Parr
February 20th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
And so we now know who the next City Manager is going to be.
City Council chose someone local, a man who knows the community well and who has performed very well as the President and CAO of Conservation Halton.
The comments made by his peers have been the kind of thing a politician would love.
 Hassaan Basit reports to City Hall April 22nd; a cultural change comes with him. However, make no mistake about Haassan Basit – he is not a politician – he is a very focused administrator who reshaped what Conservation Halton was into an organization that has shown it knows how to listen.
Metamorphoses, his initiative to reshape the Conservation Halton (CH) relationship with the public was one of the first occasions when the public got to see what Basit’s approach would be when he as appointed President and CAO of CH.
Basit could see the changes that were coming in the demand for places to go and appreciate the outdoors. While Spencer Smith Park is a focal point for Burlington it is close to capacity. He began to figure out how Conservation Halton would accommodate the thousands of people who will want to visit the CH properties. He knew his costs were going to increase. Instead of just announcing price increases he went to the community and asked what they thought the price increase should amount to and in doing so had the people who use the CH properties buy into an increase rather than see it imposed.
There are a few things that Basit will begin thinking about from a municipal perspective rather than regional when he gets to City Hall.
 The Nelson Quarry is both a problem and a significant opportunity. What is going to happen to the Nelson Quarry site? It was never a major CH challenge other than it was basically across the road from Mt Nemo. Municipally it is a major issue politically. Basit is going to have to find a way to help the current council see what the bigger picture could be.
He also has to adapt to a new form of relationship. At CH he was the President and Chief Administrative Officer. His job was to do the long term thinking and then to carry out the conclusions he had arrived at once they had been approved at the Board level.
As City Manager, the policy part rests in the hands of city council. A City Manager certainly informs that policy and creates a civic administration that can deliver services based on the policy.
Conservation Halton was close to a sleepy organization that wasn’t known for much in the way of innovation. Basit learned during the 2014 floods just how unprepared CH was for the kind of Climate Change the city was going to have to adapt to. At the time, 2014, there was a single source of data for CH to rely upon in terms of knowing what was taking place – and that source had problems getting data from the source to the people who needed the data.
 The 2014 flood ripped through several of the creeks resulting in huge damage. Today there is a sophisticated network that collects data and feeds in into CH, an organization that now has duty officers in place 24/7.
The public began to see some very well informed people representing CH at different levels of the City and the Region.
How many of those people will Basit want to bring with him?
Haassan Basit is a listener. He will have all kinds of ideas and initiatives he will want to get started on – but he will first listen to the Executive Director level team that is in place and focus on building the trust needed to mould a team that can take on the challenges the city faces.
He is blessed with some exceptionally committed and accomplished people within City Hall. Chad MacDonald and Sheila Jones should fit in very well with the team he will create. There are others.
One of the biggest challenges will be upgrading the culture that prevails at City Hall – it is not a particularly happy ship; – the staff turnover is too high. Some regrettable hires were made; people who showed great promise realized that the professional growth they saw for themselves were not going to be met in Burlington and moved on.
 Haassan Basit addressing Conservation Authority staff In the past five years there have been a number of reports taken to council on the scope of the problem, including the identification of far too many silos within the organization.
Basit is very well connected at the provincial level. On more than one occasion he has met with Premier Ford who asked for advice that we are told was followed.
His relationship with the Minister that oversees Conservation Authorities is solid and he has played a large part in the re-shaping of Ontario Conservation Authority.
Some thought Basit would be invited to Queen’s Park as an Assistant Deputy Minister and move on to being a Deputy Minister.
That could happen yet – but please, not before Hassaan has done what needs to be done in Burlington.
By Staff
February 19th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
his event is a poverty awareness event, where fundraising is done to help support the 106 programs that United Way Halton & Hamilton supports. Many people who are experiencing poverty will need to access multiple social services supports, as poverty is a complex issue.
 When housing is unaffordable and people need the car they have to get to work – the car becomes “home” It is not a solution. The event is called Sleepless in our Cities.
EVENT OBJECTIVE
A significant number of our community members are confronted daily with challenging financial decisions, such as choosing between covering heating costs or providing food for their families. When individuals are struggling and faced with the pressures of financial instability, choices like these can seem unbearable. Many feel shame and are discouraged from seeking help, due to the stigma around poverty.
 Sleepless In Our Cities aims to bring awareness about the daily challenges faced by youth and adults living in poverty. Event participants are asked to sleep in their cars in the middle of winter as an act and gesture, as well as to raise funds to help our neighbours who need our support. By participating in this event, you are connecting with the community and showing a willingness to have open conversations about the impacts of local poverty.
Event Details
When: February 23, 2024 | 10 PM – 8 AM
 There are too many small tent communities that have become home for some people. Resources have to be found to properly house people. What: Sleepless in Our Cities is a fundraising event that aims to raise awareness around the issue of poverty in our local communities, by asking participants to sleep in their cars overnight as they raise money for our friends and neighbours who need our support.
Event participants will sleep overnight in their cars on Friday, February 23 from 10 PM to 8 AM the following day. This form of participation is an act and gesture intended to raise awareness of poverty in our local communities
People can get more information here on our website at: https://www.uwhh.ca/event/sleepless-in-our-cities/
Related news story:
Not quite there yet in the 2024 United Way Drive
By Staff
February 19th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The people of Ukraine have taken the painting of Easter eggs to levels that are beautiful to look at.
Celebrate the Ukrainian contribution to Easter egg dyeing
 A cultural art form. The Easter egg dyeing practised by the Ukrainian community is called Pysanky. If you can draw lines and circles, you can make these beautiful eggs. No two eggs will ever be the same but will be your work of art.
A workshop is being given on Saturday, February 24th at the Ukrainian Banquet Hall on Pine Street.
Demo and instructions are provided by local Ukrainian egg decorating authority, If you can draw lines and circles, you can make these beautiful eggs. No two eggs will ever be the same but will be your work of art.
Register by email to:
natalienebesny@gmail.com
Space is limited.
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