 By Pepper Parr
August 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Progressive Conservative Party president Michael Diamond sent to MPPs and riding association presidents on Wednesday looking to line up their slate for the next election — whenever it happens to be.
 Natalie Pierre – is she in or out. Sitting MPPs are feeling the pressure and being asked if they’re in or out. That tracks with what insiders previously said: that PC nominations will ramp up in the fall — don’t be surprised if we start seeing more incumbents jump ship to make way for fresh-blooded candidates.
There are a few veterans who may want to retire — same goes for the other parties, which are also kicking nominations into high gear.
Will this nominating activity turn into an early election call? Has Doug Ford decided that it is better to go now and get ahead of whatever the RCMP investigations reveal?
Natalie Pierre will have to respond to the notice from the PC party president. The Liberals will have to dig deeper than they have in the past to come up with a credible candidate.
The New Democrats have a leader who is doing a great job – can they find a local candidate who can win in Burlington?
 By Staff
August 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
September 15, 2024 marks the 79th anniversary of Battle of Britain Day and to commemorate this historic day, author Ted Barris returns to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum for a presentation on his latest book, Battle of Britain: Canadian Airmen In Their Finest Hour.
 “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few,” are Churchill’s words that set the 113 days of the Battle of Britain in the summer of 1940 apart from all others, as the greatest aerial battle in history. As the German Luftwaffe sought to destroy the Royal Air Force, gain air superiority, and invade the British Isles, Commonwealth fighter pilots scrambled from UK airfields day after day and flew Hurricane and Spitfire fighter aircraft to thwart Hitler’s plan.
They won, but paid dearly.
In his 22nd book of non-fiction, Ted Barris has assembled unknown stories of Canadian airmen, ground crew, as well as engineers, aeronautical designers, medical officers and civilians, who answered the call and turned back the very real threat of Nazi invasion. You know the outcome of the Battle of Britain, but now you’ll meet the Canadians who helped secure victory in the first last-stand of World War II.
September 15, 2024 – Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum – Time: 1:00 pm
Admission: Presentation is FREE with admission. Regular admission rates are Adult (18 – 64) $16, Senior (65+) $14, Student (13 – 17) $14, Youth (6 – 12) $11. Free admission for museum members and children 5 & under.
After Ted’s presentation, he will be available for a meet-and-greet. Books will be available for sale.
To purchase book in advance:
 By Tom Muir
August 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
It’s disturbing when I see some people who keep repeating that climate change does not matter in our latest storm events. They really don’t know what they are talking about. The science matters, so bring it to the table.
 Flood water streaming from the Cavendish Road community down onto the 407 highway. Ontario is currently experiencing significant increases in stream and urban flooding thanks to climate change and inadequate provincial action, especially when these and other watershed-level impacts from climate change have been well known for years, and facts show that the Ontario government has known about and virtually ignored these issues for 25 years!
Most recent projections show Ontario warming is in the range of 3 to 5 C warmer in the mid-2000s than in the 1971 – 1990 period. Rain events are likely to become more intense, and we should prepare for greater variability of climate and occasional flood years.
Canadian models suggest that return periods will be halved; i.e a 20 year storm will become a 10 year event. We can expect longer, more drought events, punctuated by La Nina wet weather conditions sometimes leading to flooding. We are right in the later part of that warming period, and the predicted weather is just what we have been experiencing now.
The province has not updated their storm water design standards for 25 years. Further, they now appear to be backtracking, to support their housing growth plan, by not recognizing the reality that climate change weather is here. The City and residents have been getting financially soaked.
The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) hearings on the Millcroft golf course development made clear – developer planners do not have to design storm water design systems for the real climate flood risk world, but only for what the province will allow them, which are the old guidelines.
We have been in a steadily warming state, and you cannot separate climate change, which is the new reality of the Earth, from how we choose to interact with how it affects us.
The recent peak rainfall rate and duration was far in excess of the design storm average rainfall rate peak and duration. July 15 reported 50 mm in 1 hour, and 65 to 80 mm in only 3 hours, with much more later on July 15 into July 16.
In a recent Gazette four part series, David Barker points to record rainfalls at Pearson and Mississauga – of almost 100 mm on July 16 and 122.9 on July 15.
 Toronto Star report on the damage and loss of life from Hurricane Hazel in 1954 If the 100 year Hurricane Hazel (1954) event, that too many use to wrongly excuse climate change as not bad enough, is 200 mm in 24 hours, this recent three hour storm intensity is far in excess – 6.6 times – of any practical design capacity.
The flooding consequences and the locations, raise questions about the adequacy of in place excess volume and discharge controls, to see how the design storm water management actually constructed reduced the peak runoff, and lengthened the time of concentration, to an adequate design to reduce the post development runoff conditions to the pre development levels.
As a specific location of flooding consequences, the 407 is a location with a physical construct and urban context particularly at risk of extreme flooding events, such as this one.
More generally, the City is intent on rapid development in many places, building high density, with an intensification commitment to a large number of high rise condos and other housing forms. Storm water drivers include: the development catchment imperviousness; development driven increase in impervious surface; natural retention loss; and groundwater level impacts.
Concerns of Council, and the City as a whole, are the very large cost of getting the risk and flood damage costs in control. The Provincial control standards are not adequate and need updating and changing.
Since the July storm extremes are attributed to climate change, and are a signature event of such, of note that the atmosphere can hold 8% more moisture for every 1 degree C increase in temperature. The City says it is an emergency, but I see nothing in effective policy to seriously face this.
So to get to my point here, was the 407 storm water management designed and constructed adequately to control the July 15/16 storm intensity, duration, and amount featured by the direct rainfall onto the 407 large highly impervious catchment surface of asphalt and concrete with (runoff coefficients (85% – 95%), and steep soil side berm slopes (15-20%).
It is good engineering practice to modify these hydrology and hydrograph designs to adjust to deviations from typical rainfall excesses, intensities, duration, increase in percent of impervious surface, and other means. The City is entirely capable of doing all of this.
However, I get the impression that the City thinks it can’t afford to do it, and I see no visible efforts on the part of the City to go after private owners, the 407, and the Province to fully scope the details of the inadequate state of their storm water design standards to get with the reality of climate.
 Is this enough? Further, what is the City doing in general to face the reality of the storm water infrastructure, and existing combined sewers that contributed so much damage with this latest storm. And the need to review the general engineering practice – what is “standard practice”- and is it enough?
Given the accelerated development intensification plans in a climate change state, that just showed some small sample of what that means, this seems essential.
Somebody responsible needs to do this engineering and policy work.
 Tom Muir is an Aldershot resident and former federal government researcher..
 By Julieta Belen Correa
August 26th. 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Originally launched in 2000 in the UK, Bet365 is among the earliest and most popular online betting platforms worldwide. The leading online bookmaker was among the first operators to be legally available in Canada, officially going live in Ontario on 4th April 2022. But while Bet365 works in a grey area outside Ontario, that hasn’t stopped the operator from delivering a Canadian-centric gambling experience with competitive odds and generous offers.
Here are five reasons why online bettors in Canada fancy Bet365 over their competitors.
Top 5 reasons why Bet365 ranks among the favourites for Canadians
Straightforward sign-up process
Registering a new betting account with Bet365 Canada is a straightforward process. You only need to open the Bet365 landing page and enter some personal information for identification and account security, including name, email, and home address. You also need to choose a username and password to secure your account before making your first deposit.
Lucrative offers
Bet365 Canada welcomes all its new customers with a generous bonus for registering a new account and depositing at least $10 to gamble on sports. This matched deposit sit bonus gives players the perfect mix of value and affordability. Players can claim the Bet365 joining offer within 30 days of registering a new account.
Enhanced security
 A safe and trustworthy betting experience. Be365 Canada uses a sophisticated information security management system to protect the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of their customer’s information. This leading online sportsbook also uses industry-certified data encryption technology to ensure that your data is secure and hidden from cyber criminals. That gives Canadian players a safe and trustworthy betting experience.
Plenty of live betting markets
One of the strongest features of Bet365 Canada is its live betting platform, arguably the best of its kind in the region. The platform allows sports bettors to stream games live straight from their mobile app while placing bets on different markets. That’s something that few betting applications in Canada can offer and it helps punters make informed betting decisions without missing a minute of the action.
Smooth and intuitive user interface
Both the Bet365 website and mobile apps have a high-quality design that allows users to effortlessly access different betting markets and other features. By looking at their user interface, it’s easy to tell that this online sportsbook has spent decades redefining its product to make it as easy as possible for players to use. While the interface isn’t flashy, it comes with a logical layout, and navigating through different betting markets is efficient.
Myriad banking options
Another key strength that Makes Bet365 the premier destination for Canadian gamblers is the plenty of banking options it presents. That includes Interac, a popular and trustworthy financial transaction system in Canada. Besides Interac, there are several niche options for Canadian players, including Instadebit and Paysafe cards. That allows punters to make quick deposits and withdrawals directly to and from their bank accounts. However, most payouts may take 24-48 hours, depending on which method you choose.
 By Pepper Parr
August 23, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Toronto Star has report that:
Rail workers pushed back hard Friday against the federal government’s move to get them back on the job, with a new strike notice and a regulatory challenge making it unclear when freight traffic will fully resume.
At Canadian National Railway Co., trains began to move again Friday morning as workers started to trickle back to work — even as the Teamsters union issued a 72-hour strike notice against CN shortly before 10 a.m. EDT.
And at Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd., the union has challenged a directive for binding arbitration issued by Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon to the country’s labour board.
 Metrolinks reported that the 10,000 people who use the Milton GO service were stranded – Metrolinks understood rail service would be continued. It wasn’t.
A work stoppage at both national railways prompted MacKinnon to ask the Canada Industrial Relations Board on Thursday to use the mechanism, aimed at resolving an impasse that has halted freight shipments and snarled commuter lines across the country.
The labour board summoned the parties to a meeting Thursday night, followed by a hearing Friday morning.
The tribunal said in an email it is addressing the issue “with utmost urgency.” A decision is expected later in the day.
 Rail yards are filling up – getting the rolling stock to the point where they can get to their destinations takes time – a lot of time. Francois Laporte, the national president of Teamsters Canada and Sean O’Brien, the general president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters arrived at picket lines in a black semi truck, its horns blaring, with Teamsters written on the side.
O’Brien called the lockouts by both rail companies “a disgrace.” “This is not over. I’m telling you this is not over. The struggle continues,” Laporte said to about 70 people who were on hand.
At a Thursday news conference, MacKinnon said the government is “committed totally to collective bargaining,” but said the impacts of the shutdown are being felt by all Canadians.
The government gave the negotiations “every possible opportunity to succeed,” he said.
Each side had accused the other of failing to negotiate seriously, with wages and scheduling as key sticking points. The union had said it rejected binding arbitration, framing Ottawa’s decision as a move to “sidestep” it.
“Despite claiming to value and honour the collective bargaining process, the federal government quickly used its authority to suspend it, mere hours after an employer-imposed work stoppage,” said Paul Boucher, president of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, in a release Thursday evening.
 Teamsters on strike watch a train at a railway crossing. This strike is now out of control. The union has said both companies are pushing to weaken protections around rest periods and scheduling. It says CN also seeks a scheme that would see some employees move to far-flung locations for several months at a time to fill labour gaps.
CN pushed back on Friday, saying the Teamsters are “holding Canada hostage to their demands.”
“CN is focused on recovery in order to resume powering the economy. The Teamsters are focused on returning to the pickets and shutting everything down again,” said spokesman Jonathan Abecassis in a phone interview.
In Calgary, Laporte said he understood that the Teamsters at CN gave 72 hours strike notice this morning and as far as he’s concerned the dispute will continue.
“Our people are still on strike. We’re still on the streets so our operation will not resume. It is not going to be business as usual for both companies.”
O’Brien said the International Teamsters fully support their Canadian colleagues.
“Corporate greed is running rampant,” he told reporters at a picket outside CPKC headquarters in Calgary on Friday morning. “Reward these workers with what they have earned. But also don’t try to diminish safety.”
“What’s important here is not to lose sight of the fact of who caused this problem right now. They chose to lock these workers out,” O’Brien said.
“We got your backs 100 per cent.”
 By Ray Rivers
August 23, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
“You deserve a government that tells the truth. That cares about regular people and does right by them. A government that isn’t under criminal investigation,” (Opposition Leader Marit Stiles)
At the entrance to the Milton Heritage Park, which hosted the annual Ford Fest on a recent Friday, there were a handful of protesters holding placards opposing Mr. Ford’s attempted Green Belt land grab and his highway #413 project. The provincial and local police at the site outnumbered the well-behaved protesters.
 Premier Doug Ford with the largest Cabinet in the history of the province – 38 members – at a Ford Fest event in Milton. There were no red-coats around, though we know they are coming – the mounties always get their man. They have begun questioning witnesses about Ford’s Greenbelt giveaway to his developer friends and who actually was pulling the strings in that drama. Ford has apologized and promised once again to keep his hands off the Greenbelt.
But it was a stupid move. Putting utility services into Greenbelt lands would have been limited by the capacity downstream to accept more waste and provide more water. And while always possible, it would have been prohibitively expensive, such that only the well heeled would have been able to afford those homes. So much for affordable housing. So much for meeting the province’s housing targets.
And then there is Ford’s other gift to the developers – his planned highway #413. The reasons previous governments had rejected building that road are just as valid today as they were a decade ago. An internal study by Ford’s own people has confirmed that this road would have an almost negligible effect on current traffic gridlock in the GTA, and most likely just add to the problem.
 Ford’s big argument that the #413 would save GTA commuters a half hour commuting time is rubbish. His own people have shown that that would only be true for as few as 1200 commuters. But to make matters worse, the #403 will add additional car-dependent development and cars – and that would only add even further to the gridlock.
In fact Ford’s own people note that GTA gridlock is here to stay. The best shorter term solution would be to allow people to use the relatively empty #407. And that would mean subsidizing the #407 for drivers or buying it back. After all, we taxpayers have already built and paid for the road to reduce our traffic congestion.
 Traffic on the 407 toll highway It may be history, but it’s instructive to recall that Mr. Ford’s Tory predecessor gave the #407 away to a foreign consortium in a 99 year lease for a measly $3 billion, just so he could say he’d balanced an election-year budget. The lease he signed is apparently unbreakable and entitles the owners to engage in highway robbery – literally. As a result that highway is now worth over ten times what Harris got for it – more than $30 billion today. That is one heck-of-a-return-on-investment for the buyers but was a really idiotic move for taxpayers by Mr. Harris, as it turns out.
As if Mr. Ford had not learned anything, the proposed #413 will still carve out sections of Ontario’s Greenbelt. The #413 will cross three parcels of conservation land north of Toronto, and also take up prime farmland. As of 2022, the Ontario government found 11 species at risk along its proposed path.
 Proposed route of Hwy 414 The #413 project is reportedly moving rapidly from planning to shovels in the ground, yet we, the taxpayers, have no idea how much this road will end up costing us. Some say $4 billion, some say $10 billion – but most say more. Ford needs to come clean. Previous governments have ruled against building this project and the next government is just as likely to make it an election issue – and if elected, kill it.
Other premiers have also made poor decisions without adequately consulting the public – McGuinty’s expensive election promise to move the gas plants; Wynne’s sell-off of Hydro One, Harris breaking up Ontario Hydro. But Bill Davis showed courage and foresight when he responded to the public by killing the community-destroying Spadina Expressway, now Allen Road.
Harris cheated us of our birthright when he gave away lease rights to the #407 for 99 years in a backroom deal. It’s a good thing Mr. Ford’s spa deal at Ontario Place is only for 95 years.
Background links:
Ford Fest – Gridlock Forever – RCMP – Harris #407
 Ray Rivers, a Gazette Contributing Editor, writes regularly applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers
 By Staff
August 23, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ultimate Art Bash that was reported as a great success the first time it was held was enough to convince the folks that run the show at the Art Galley are going to do it again – but this time it will be different – how different – the reveal of the REVEL will be explained in mailings for those who register.
 ‘unique, transformative and vivacious’ The REVEL is back Friday, November 8 with its unique blend of transformative and vivacious elements. From one-night-only site-specific art installations to vibrant music, a provocative ambiance, three distinct cocktail bars, and cuisine by some of Burlington’s top chefs, this is an experience like no other.
You don’t want to miss this ambitious fundraising initiative that generates vital funds for exhibitions and public programs at the Art Gallery of Burlington.
Tickets go on sale soon – watch your inbox and follow us on Facebook or Instagram to get the latest announcements.
Send a note to: info@agb.life and ask to have your name put on their mailing list. Or keep up to date on what is happening in Burlington – read the Gazette – www.burlingtongazette.ca
 By Joe Gaetan
August 23, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Like millions of Americans I followed the Democratic National Convention (DNC) that nominated Kamala Harris as their candidate for President of the United States. Why did I do so? Because unlike other elections the prospect of having Donald J. Trump re-elected as President of the United States is beyond scary.
Having watched the debate between Joe Biden and Trump it became crystal clear that the Democrats would not win the election under President Biden. And then President Biden put his country ahead of his personal ambitions. He then doubled down and endorsed Kamala Harris as his successor, who at the time I did not believe was the best candidate to beat Trump.
 Many were not sure the two of them could pull it off – they did it. Both did superb jobs in accepting their nominations. Now the worlds waits to see how well they will govern. Unless something catastrophic happens – and in the world of politics it does happen – they will be the President and Vice President of the United States There is no doubt in my mind that Donald Trump has single handedly ruined the Republican Party. During the DNC, like Biden, numerous Republicans also put their country first and supported Kamala’s nomination. Something I did not believe was possible and is worth emulating here as well.
The Republicans in question came to the convention not necessarily because they believe in everything the Democratic Party stands for, but because they want Trump gone, once and for all so they can start the process of rebuilding the Republican Party.
Do I think either candidate will be good for Canada. No, but neither will they be bad, and whichever party wins they will continue to look after their political self interest on issues like softwood lumber.
Like many others I did not believe Kamala Harris was the best candidate and would have liked to have heard what other candidates had to say and offer. When President Biden made his decision to not run on July 21st, the country was 108 days from election day.
Harris and Walz have shown they are the right candidates.
Are there any lessons here for Canadians? Yes, of the non-partisan nature. Starting with lessons for our Prime Minster and the Liberal Party of Canada (LPC). One last thing, many self-interested people here in Canda would have us believe the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) are Canada’s version of the Republican Party, they are not.
We won’t let them.
 Joe Gaetan is a Burlington resident who delegates on occasion and is a strong believer in holding the elected accountable and expects them to be transparent while serving the public.
 By Staff
August 23, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Somehow transportation is now in the business of selling tickets to sporting events.
Metrolinx, the people who run the GO train service are offering PRESTO cardholders exclusive discounts on sports events.
Toronto Blue Jays™ September Home Games: Receive 15% off on select September home game tickets. For a limited time only, you can save on tickets for sections 100L Bases, 200L Bases & 500L Bases with promo code: PRESTO2024. Promo code is only valid between June 24 to September 29th, 2024, 5 PM EDT. Buy tickets here and save.
Toronto FC Home Matches: Customers can cheer on the Reds with up to 20% off ticket prices to Toronto FC home matches at BMO Field during the 2024 season! Use code PRESTOTFC at checkout. Offer ends October 5, 2024.
Toronto Argos Home Games: The Boatmen are back at BMO Field and are ready for another exciting CFL season! PRESTO card holders save up to 20% off ticket prices to Toronto Argos home games during the 2024 season with this exclusive PRESTO Perks offer!
Offer ends October 19, 2024.
 “Oskie Wee Wee, Oskie Waa Waa, Holy Mackinaw, Tigers… Eat ’em Raw!” Hamilton Tiger Cats Home Games: Catch the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in CFL action live from Tim Hortons Field! PRESTO cardholders can save 20% off home game tickets for Canada’s professional league. Offer ends October 25, 2024.
Hamilton Comic Con: Get ready for an epic weekend celebrating all things pop culture and comics! Hamilton Comic Con takes place September 21 & 22, 2024 at the Hamilton Convention Centre, featuring over 100,000 square feet of exhibitors, artists, comic books, cosplay contests, celebrity guests, photo-ops, and so much more! Use code PRESTO20 at checkout to save 20% off tickets (before taxes and services fees). Offer ends September 20, 2024.
Don’t miss out on these incredible opportunities to save on some of the most unforgettable experiences this season! Customers can see all the exciting offers and events PRESTO cardholders receive discounts to HERE.
By Staff
August 22, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Canadian Housing and Mortgage Corporation (CMHC), said recently that the City of Burlington has seen the second highest total number of housing starts in the past decade. Between January and the end of July, Burlington has started construction on 546 new homes.
With the construction of housing of all types slowing down across Ontario, Burlington seeing a significant rise in new housing starts during a time of economic headwinds is a testament to the City’s renewed focus and leadership on housing.
The City has adopted a housing pledge of building 29,000 units by 2031 as its share of the provincial goal to build 1.5 million homes over the next decade. The City also received $21 million dollars in Housing Accelerator Fund money from the Federal Government to accelerate the construction of new homes in Burlington. Additionally, in May of 2024, City of Burlington Council unanimously endorsed a City-wide reduction in Development Charges (taxes on new housing), in response to the housing crisis.
 The CMHC numbers don’t appear on the Pipeline to Permit dashboard which is touted as one of the best collections of housing data at the municipal level in the country. CMHC counts a start as the point at which the building is at the grade level. “The City of Burlington has shown they are serious about addressing the housing crisis by committing to a number of new initiatives designed to spur construction of new housing, including a reduction of development charges, enabling the use of Surety Bonds, and working towards the modernization of their zoning by-law.” said  Mike Collins-Williams, CEO of the West End Home Builders’ Association. “The market for new condominium construction across Ontario is the worst it’s been in nearly three decades, so it is good to see that when a City like Burlington takes decisive action to reduce taxes on new housing, construction of new homes follows”.
 Burlington’s leadership on the housing file is well regarded by both the federal and provincial governments. Both the federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser, and provincial Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Paul Calandra, commended Burlington for their leadership at this year’s Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference. WE HBA is pleased to see Burlington continue to take the housing crisis seriously and work in partnership with the home building industry to ensure Burlington is a place where everyone is welcome.
Burlington was not always in the good graces of the province. There was a time when the Premier had to have a quiet with Mayor Meed Ward ands ask what the problem was with the housing starts numbers.
Burlington’s leadership builds on the recognition at all levels of government that new housing supply will significantly help to alleviate our housing crisis.
Related news story:
Housing starts number – nothing to write home about
About West End HBA: Since 1942, the West End Home Builders’ Association (WE HBA) has been the voice of the local residential construction industry. WE HBA provides an effective voice for the land development, home building and renovation industries, as well as for new home buyers. WE HBA is actively engaged in working to ensure its members’ interests are represented at all three levels of government and advocates on behalf of consumers for choice, affordability, and sufficient supply.
 By Pepper Parr
August 22nd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Preparation for the 2025 budget is underway.
Residents and business owners are invited to provide their input. The City’s public engagement opportunities include pre-budget consultation sessions hosted by Mayor Meed Ward, an online survey, a telephone town hall, Council and Committee of the Whole meetings, a Get Involved Burlington webpage, and the Food for Feedback event on Sept 14, 2024.
Each year, the City of Burlington reviews the annual budget to make sure the City has the funds needed for city operations, programs and services. These investments maintain a high quality of life for Burlington residents and businesses.
The four main principles to help balance today’s expenses while investing in our future are:
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 The document that set out the strategy the city has in place. Several significant changes make the document less than relevant: Climate Change Flooding and the commitment to adding 29,000 housing units by 20231 Affordability
There will be a Food for Feedback on September 14th. Residents and business owners are also invited to share their input at the in-person Food for Feedback event on Sept. 14, 2024.
Mayor Meed Ward will be holding consultations to give feedback on the budget in person. All are welcome.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward: has a lot to think about. Wednesday, Sept. 11, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Port Nelson United Church, 3132 South Dr.
Monday, Sept. 23, 7 to 8:30 p.m., La Salle Park Pavilion, 50 North Shore Blvd. E.
Tuesday, Sept. 24, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Haber Recreation Centre, 3040 Tim Dobbie Dr., Room 1
Wednesday, Sept. 25, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Central Arena, 519 Drury Ln., Auditorium
Thursday, Oct. 3, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Appleby Ice Centre, 1201 Appleby Line, Community Room 1
Tuesday, Oct. 8, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Brant Hills Community Centre, 2255 Brant St., Community Room 1
Residents and business owners can share their feedback through the 2025 Budget Survey. This feedback will help the City to understand how they prioritize and value City services. The survey is open until Oct. 9, 2024.
Key dates:
June 10 – Committee of the Whole meeting
Staff presented the 2025 Financial Needs and Multi-Year Forecast Reference Document to Committee of the Whole. The Mayor will refer to this document as she develops her budget.
The Gazette will publish as much as we can of that Multi-Year Forecast before the weekend and make reference to it frequently.
That document however will not have had any content related to the July floods. It became clear during the July Council meetings that more money is going to be needed. That money will come out of your pocket – assuming the city has learned that the reserve funds are not there to be raided.
 Chief Administrative Officer Hassaan Basit Residents learn sometime in October just what Chief Administrative Officer Hassaan Basit thinks will be needed, which puts a question mark beside that September meeting. Will enough be known by that date?
Keep in mind that the budget that will be debated is the Mayor’s budget – there will be all kinds of information from the Finance department – which will be delivered in a much different format – they promised that the 700+ page budget document is a thing of the past.
No word yet on who the head honcho at Finance is going to be. That job is being shared by several people.
Sept. 13 – Draft 2025 Budget
City provides summary of the draft 2025 budget for public consultation and input.
Oct. 25 – Mayor’s Proposed Budget Report posted
Nov. 4 – Burlington City Council Meeting
The Mayor, under the Strong Mayors legislation, will present the 2025 proposed budget to Burlington City Council. Council members can bring amendments to the budget for a council vote. The public will be given time to review and provide input on the proposed budget.
Nov. 7 – Budget Telephone Town Hall
Residents can join the call starting at 7 p.m. to ask questions about the 2025 proposed budget. The telephone town will be hosted by Mayor Meed Ward and run until 8:30 p.m.
Visit www.getinvolvedburlington.ca/2025-budget for more detail.
Nov. 18 and 21 – Budget Committee Meetings
Nov. 25 – Special Council Meeting for budget approval.
Mayor Meed Ward said: “It’s vital to hear from residents as we prepare the 2025 budget. The annual budget reflects our priorities as a community. Your views help shape how council will amend and ultimately vote. As I prepare the budget for consideration by the public and council, my plan is to focus on four key areas: Affordability, Livability, Sustainability and Transparency. I encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities to share your input.”
There are many that would disagree strongly with that statement
 Eric Stern Eric Stern said in a Gazette comment: “I certainly felt heard. I delegated about how misleading the Mayor’s 4.99% tax impact statements were at about 2:00pm and less than 3 hours later the Mayor’s communication team posted on X about her 4.99% tax impact. I may as well have stayed home and talked to my wife. A good reminder that we have one opportunity to be heard and that’s on October 26th, 2026.
 The evidence he put forward on how the city was presenting information was classic citizen involvement.
 Stephen White Stephen White was just as blunt: “Burlington has an operating budget of over $350 million, and something like 1,500 employees. Burlington isn’t a “mom and pop” operation, and it sure isn’t Dog River, Saskatchewan from “Corner Gas”. We need Councillors with the skills and experience who understand managerial basics. A big part of that is setting clear goals and objectives, and holding staff responsible for delivering same. As for the public servants, if they don’t get clear direction they’ll just keep doing what they’ve always done.
Links and Resources
· Visit burlington.ca/budget for information about the 2025 budget
· To take the 2025 Budget Survey, getinvolvedburlington.ca/2025-budget.
By Staff
August 22, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The work stoppage that has resulted from the union failure to negotiate a new contract with the two national railways will impact the Metrolinx’s Milton line and the Lakeshore line’s Hamilton GO station.
 Metrolinx said: “The only impacts we will have during the labour disruption are to the Milton line and Hamilton GO station. The rest of the Lakeshore West line is not impacted by the labour disruption.
As a result of the ongoing labour disruption, GO train services on the Milton line and at Hamilton GO station are temporarily suspended due to the interruption of rail traffic services provided by Canadian Pacific Kansas City. All other GO lines, the UP Express and Lakeshore West line stations are not impacted. The Canadian National Railway Company labour disruption does not affect any GO or UP Express services.
Hamilton GO station customers are able to access services at West Harbour GO (approximately 1.5 km from Hamilton GO), Aldershot GO or use normally scheduled GO Bus service on Route 16.
Customers on the Milton line are encouraged to consider local transit options or access GO Transit services on the Lakeshore West or Kitchener lines as an alternative.
 By Staff
August 22nd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Part 1 of this story is about the 55 road closures scheduled n provincial highways in Toronto on Aug. 22, 2024. They are set out below.
Part 2 is how this story was put together. This story was automatically generated using open data from Ontario 511. The closures are scheduled by the Ministry of Transportation for short-term or emergency repairs and maintenance. The disruptions may be intermittent or ongoing and can change due to weather, emergencies and other factors. The Torstar Open Data Team is a collaborative of editorial, data and technical staff who work with public open data sources to provide useful and actionable stories for readers. Topics covered to date include scheduled roadworks, restaurant food inspections and water quality at public beaches.
This is the way news is going to be gathered and made available to the public. It’s going to take a little getting used to.
 Getting from place to place is going to be awkward for some drivers. Check the list of highway locations.
- Highway 427 northbound on-ramp at Highway 401,: all lanes closed from Aug. 23 at 11:59 p.m. until Aug. 26 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 westbound express between Avenue Road and Jane St, Toronto: all lanes closed from Aug. 26 at 11 p.m. until Aug. 30 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 eastbound between Neilson Road and Morningside Ave, Toronto: three alternating lanes closed from Aug. 26 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 30 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 westbound between Morningside Avenue and Highway 400, Toronto: one alternating lane closed from Aug. 23 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 30 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 427 southbound on-ramp at Burnhamthorpe Road, Toronto: all lanes closed from Aug. 18 at 11 p.m. until Aug. 25 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 eastbound express between Highway 400 and Morningside Ave, Toronto: one alternating lane closed from Aug. 23 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 30 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 427 northbound off-ramp at Campus Road / Fasken Drive, Toronto: all lanes closed from Aug. 1 at 11 p.m. until Aug. 31 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 427 southbound between Finch Avenue and Highway 409, Toronto: one left lane closed from Aug. 18 at 11 p.m. until Aug. 24 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 eastbound between Highway 404 and Warden Ave, Toronto: two right lanes closed from Aug. 23 at 11 p.m. until Aug. 26 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 westbound express between Avenue Road and Dufferin Street, Toronto: one right lane closed from April 26 at 5 a.m. until Dec. 31 at 5 a.m.
- Queen Elizabeth Way Fort Erie bound off-ramp at Brown’s Line, Toronto: all lanes closed from Aug. 19 at 11 p.m. until Aug. 24 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 westbound express between Allen Road and Jane St, Toronto: two alternating lanes closed from Aug. 19 at 9 p.m. until Aug. 24 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 eastbound between Highway 427 and Highway 427, Toronto: three alternating lanes closed from Aug. 21 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 24 at 8 a.m.
- Highway 401 westbound on-ramp at Dixon Road / Martin Grove Rd, Toronto: all lanes closed from April 2 at 8 p.m. until Oct. 24 at 6 a.m.
- Highway 401 eastbound between Highway 400 and Morningside Ave, Toronto: one alternating lane closed from Aug. 23 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 30 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 westbound between Markham Road and Brimley Road, Toronto: all lanes closed from Aug. 23 at 11 p.m. until Aug. 25 at 7:30 a.m.
- Highway 401 eastbound between Highway 427 and Highway 427, Toronto: two alternating lanes closed from Aug. 26 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 28 at 6 a.m.
- Highway 401 eastbound express between Highway 400 and Morningside Ave, Toronto: one alternating lane closed from Aug. 26 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 30 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 eastbound between Highway 427 and Kipling Ave, Toronto: four alternating lanes closed from Aug. 21 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 24 at 8 a.m.
- Highway 401 westbound express between Avenue Road and Allen Road, Toronto: one alternating lane closed from Aug. 19 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 24 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 westbound between Morningside Avenue and Highway 400, Toronto: one right lane closed from Aug. 19 at 10:30 p.m. until Aug. 23 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 427 northbound between Dixon Road / Airport Road and Dixon Road / Airport Road, Toronto: three alternating lanes closed from Aug. 21 at 8 p.m. until Aug. 24 at 6 a.m.
- Highway 401 eastbound between Highway 400 and Morningside Ave, Toronto: one alternating lane closed from Aug. 26 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 30 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 eastbound between Highway 404 and Highway 404, Toronto: all lanes closed from Aug. 20 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 23 at 6 a.m.
- Highway 427 southbound between Finch Avenue and Highway 409, Toronto: one left lane closed from Aug. 25 at 11 p.m. until Aug. 30 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 eastbound between Highway 427 and Kipling Ave, Toronto: three alternating lanes closed from Aug. 26 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 28 at 6 a.m.
- Highway 401 westbound between Morningside Avenue and Highway 400, Toronto: one alternating lane closed from Aug. 26 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 30 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 eastbound on-ramp at Meadowvale Road, Toronto: all lanes closed from Aug. 8 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 29 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 westbound express between Morningside Avenue and Highway 400, Toronto: one alternating lane closed from Aug. 23 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 30 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 eastbound between Morningside Avenue and Meadowvale Road, Toronto: all lanes closed from Aug. 25 at 11 p.m. until Aug. 26 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 westbound on-ramp at Allen Road, Toronto: all lanes closed from April 8 at 10 p.m. until Dec. 6 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 eastbound between Avenue Road and Bayview Ave, Toronto: all lanes closed from Aug. 19 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 23 at 6 a.m.
- Highway 401 westbound between Kipling Avenue and Highway 427, Toronto: three alternating lanes closed from Aug. 19 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 24 at 8 a.m.
- Highway 401 westbound off-ramp at Highway 400, Toronto: one left lane closed from Aug. 26 at 11 p.m. until Aug. 27 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 427 southbound between Finch Avenue and Highway 409, Toronto: one left lane closed from Aug. 21 at 11 p.m. until Aug. 23 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 westbound transfer at Jane St, Toronto: all lanes closed from Aug. 19 at 9 p.m. until Aug. 24 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 westbound between Avenue Road and Jane St, Toronto: one alternating lane closed from Aug. 19 at 9 p.m. until Aug. 24 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 eastbound between Highway 400 and Morningside Ave, Toronto: one right lane closed from Aug. 19 at 10:30 p.m. until Aug. 23 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 eastbound express off-ramp at Highway 404, Toronto: all lanes closed from Aug. 19 at 10:30 p.m. until Aug. 23 at 5:30 a.m.
- Queen Elizabeth Way Fort Erie bound between East Mall and West Mall / Evans Ave, Toronto: two alternating lanes closed from Aug. 18 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 23 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 eastbound between Meadowvale Road and Port Union Road, Toronto: three alternating lanes closed from Aug. 26 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 30 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 westbound between Morningside Avenue and Brimley Road, Toronto: all lanes closed from Aug. 19 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 23 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 eastbound off-ramp at Meadowvale Road, Toronto: all lanes closed from Aug. 22 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 23 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 427 northbound on-ramp at Eglinton Ave, Toronto: all lanes closed from Aug. 25 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 26 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 427 southbound off-ramp at Finch Avenue, Toronto: all lanes closed from Aug. 18 at 11 p.m. until Aug. 25 at 5 a.m.
- Queen Elizabeth Way Fort Erie bound between East Mall, Toronto and Dixie Road, Mississauga: one alternating lane closed from Aug. 19 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 23 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 427 northbound between Finch Avenue and Major Mackenzie Dr, Toronto: one left lane closed from Aug. 18 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 23 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 427 northbound between Eglinton Avenue and Eglinton Avenue, Toronto: one alternating lane closed from Aug. 25 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 26 at 6 a.m.
- Highway 401 westbound between Islington Ave, Toronto and Creditview Rd, Mississauga: one alternating lane closed from Aug. 18 at 11 p.m. until Aug. 23 at 4 a.m.
- Highway 404 northbound between Highway 401, Toronto and John St, Markham: one right lane closed from Aug. 19 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 23 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 eastbound on-ramp at Leslie Street, Toronto: all lanes closed from March 17 at 10 p.m. until Dec. 2 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 eastbound between Morningside Avenue and Meadowvale Road, Toronto: two alternating lanes closed from Aug. 26 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 30 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 westbound between Markham Road and Brimley Road, Toronto: all lanes closed from Aug. 26 at 8 p.m. until Aug. 30 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 401 westbound express between Morningside Avenue and Highway 400, Toronto: one alternating lane closed from Aug. 26 at 10 p.m. until Aug. 30 at 5 a.m.
- Highway 427 northbound on-ramp at Eglinton Avenue, Toronto: one right lane closed from Aug. 23 at 11:59 p.m. until Aug. 24 at 5 a.m.
 Expect situations like this.
By Mila Roy
August 22nd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 Being on or near the water is as relaxing as it gets. Part of the Burlington scene Burlington, Ontario, is a picturesque travel destination between the countryside and the city. It is located on the northern shores of Lake Ontario. Choosing the right hotel is crucial if tourists are to capture the true essence of Burlington and its natural beauty. Owing to these many Burlington hotels, big or small, expensive or cheap, there is a place for everyone. Having a hotel in this area will leave you ideally situated to explore everything this and other places nearby offer.
| Hotel Name |
Address |
Short Description |
| Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel & Conference Centre |
3063 South Service Rd, Burlington, ON |
Pool, conference space, near shops. Starts at $110/night. |
| Great Canadian Casino Resort |
1280 Dundas St, Burlington, ON |
Luxury with casino, dining. From $180/night. |
| Best Western Plus Burlington Inn & Suites |
2412 Queensway Drive, Burlington, ON |
Free breakfast, WiFi. Family-friendly. $85/night. |
| Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington |
2020 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, ON |
Lakeside, spa, downtown access. Starts at $164/night. |
| Quality Hotel Burlington |
950 Walkers Line, Burlington, ON |
Gym, pool, budget-friendly. From $80/night. |
Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel & Conference Center
The Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel & Conference Centre is perfect for business and leisure travellers. Guests appreciate that it is close to the main points of interest, like the Royal Botanical Gardens and downtown.
Fitness amenities involve at least a gym inside the hotel for guests to maintain their workouts. Among other hotels, the Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel & Conference Center is one of the best accommodations for travelers. It is centrally located and has many facilities that appeal to all guests or visitors.
Great Canadian Casino Resort
 Everything from slots to table games, perfect for those ready to test their luck. The Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto is a popular tourist spot for people seeking fun and games. It’s only a short drive from Burlington. This lodge is not only close to Burlington, but it also has many fun things to do. Inside, the casino proposes everything from slots to table games, perfect for those ready to test their luck. The resort features various eating options, from quick snacks to gourmet meals, turning each dining into a special event.
If you want to amp up the emotion, watch the live entertainment; the hotel schedules live music and stand-up comedy. For visitors interested in learning more about gambling or finding the best deals, visiting Gamblizard can improve your background. Whether you’re a first-time or frequent visitor to casinos, the Great Canadian Casino Resort offers a mix of fun just minutes from Burlington.
Best Western Plus Burlington Inn & Suites
The Best Western Plus Burlington Inn & Suites provided luxurious accommodation that is a perfect fit for families and business people. Being in one of the most prosperous locations, it is one of the most preferred hotels in Burlington Ontario.
This premise provides comfortable and oversized guestrooms with everything that can make a guest relaxing. Each morning, the hotel provides complimentary breakfast, so you do not need to pay extra just to fill your tummy while touring around the beautiful city. The indoor pool is also one of the key features that will provide that families can have some fun time or businessmen and women can find some quiet time after a busy day in meetings. However, that is where the company has had to compromise to achieve its goal of making the car affordable. This does not mean that these features are substandard. The hotel is located in an area that is perfect for such a visit, as it provides comfortable facilities for the guests and other necessities that may be needed for the stay without causing discomfort.
Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington
 One of the many walking trails a very short drive from the city hotels. The Waterfront Hotel Downtown boasts a prime location right by Lake Ontario, providing stunning lakefront views and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a favourite among tourists who cherish scenery and serenity during their stay. In this area, there are many ways to enjoy nature, making it a perfect spot for those looking to explore the natural beauty surrounding them.
 Spencer Smith Park stretches along the edge of Lake Ontario – minutes away from the downtown hotels. You should be able to see the lake directly from your room, meaning you can wake up to the lake every morning. Adjacent to it, Spencer Smith Park can easily accommodate leisurely walks or even morning jogs in tandem with the shoreline. There are also restaurants and other places to eat, ranging from cafes to luxurious restaurants neighbouring the area. It is suitably located for any visitors seeking a relaxing place to stay but still near of the town’s amenities, bars, and restaurants.
Quality Hotel Burlington
Quality Hotel is near the central business district and major arteries, making it conveniently accessible for tourists using the city or intending to tour the region. The hotel recently remodelled its rooms, enhancing comfort for visitors. For guests who wish to keep themselves fit, the hotel provides a fully equipped gym. This also provides a venue for hosting events. It makes the hotel convenient for business persons or anyone who wants to organize an event. It is perfect for those travelling on a tight budget but wish to maintain the quality of their accommodation. It is an ideal location; almost all the facilities are recently renovated, and it is not costly.
 Minutes away from downtown hotels – these cherry trees bloom every Spring. Conclusion
Modern Burlington hotels provide a fair choice for guests of all types, starting with those who expect a touch of glamour and ending with those who expect to find comfortable and affordable accommodations within the shortest time. Do you want a casino like the Great Canadian Casino Resort or the simple comfort of Quality Hotel Burlington, then there is always a place for everyone. Each hotel around Ontario provides unique benefits, so picking one that aligns with your needs can make your stay much more pleasant.
By Julieta Belen Correa
August 22nd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
After leading the organization for almost four years, Martha Otton has announced her impending retirement, which will be effective at the end of the year. As the inaugural Chief Executive of iGaming Ontario, she’s been in charge of regulating Ontario’s online gambling market and ensuring casino operators abide by the industry standards.
 Martha Otton: iGaming Ontario to retire Considering the size and potential of the gambling market in this area, she’s had her hands full. Ontario is home to crypto casinos and no KYC sites, which generally offer fast payouts, ensuring Canadian gamblers have plenty of options at their disposal. These sites allow players to have their winnings in their accounts almost instantly in some cases, or at least within a day.
Clearly, as iGaming Ontario’s CEO, Otton is the one with the biggest responsibility when it comes to player safety and satisfaction.
Now that she is stepping down from a leadership position, the Board of Directors will be tasked with finding a successor who will follow in her footsteps and do as good of a job at managing and developing Ontario’s iGaming market.
Otton has achieved impressive results during her 4-year career at iGaming Ontario. Not only did she oversee the regulation of online gaming in Ontario but she also contributed to the province’s iGaming market growth, which resulted in even bigger revenue for the government.
 OLG – Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation has been a leader in research on gaming practices. One of the most notable accomplishments during her tenure is the establishment of the Ontario Gambling Research Center—a research facility that’s tasked with learning about the impacts of gambling on society. This center has yielded many studies that have helped shape the online gambling industry and its regulatory decisions.
Otton’s career will not only be remembered for her work on responsible gambling initiatives, which have transformed how people view gambling but it will also be marked by her efforts in expanding iGaming Ontario’s reach to worldwide markets. Due to her initiative, expertise, and guidance, the organization was able to launch a number of new online gambling platforms in different parts of the world, thus boosting revenue beyond all proportions.
Speaking of Otton’s career, she’s had quite an impressive run even before becoming the head of iGaming Ontario. She’s spent several decades working for numerous sectors within Ontario, including alcohol and gaming.
Before her job at iGaming Ontario, Otton was the CSO at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Her responsibilities within the organization varied, but her main role was to be a part of strategic planning. Likewise, she helped with the expansion of AGCO’s regulatory responsibilities, which later went on to include horse racing and cannabis.
 There’s no telling how Otton’s departure is going to affect the industry, but the lack of her presence will surely be felt. She has pledged her full support to whoever happens to be her successor, as she wishes for a smooth transition in leadership. However, it’s her vision that has been key to iGaming Ontario’s growth and success, and her legacy will undoubtedly be remembered in the years to come. The timing of her retirement might also make it harder for her successor to adjust, as there’s a lot of activity happening in Ontario’s iGaming industry, including new casino operators joining the province.
By Staff
August 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Seems everything about the Bay of Quinte seat is rushed. Todd Smith the MP for the constituency was appointed as the Minister of Education June 6th and on the 16tn of August advised the Premier that he was resigning effective immediately. That meant that a by-election had to be called within six months.
 Tod Smith, former member for Quinte Bay Earlier today a writ was issued under Section 9.1 of the Election Act for a by-election in the electoral district of Bay of Quinte.
Under the Election Act, elections must be called on a Wednesday and held the fifth Thursday after the date of the issue of the writ. Election Day will be September 19, 2024.
What was the rush? The decision might put to rest the rumours that there would be an election sometime in the fall.
The riding is close to as to a Tory stronghold as there is in the province.
Nevertheless, it could be seen as an opportunity for Bonnie Crombie – she needs some good news – to put a top notch team into the riding and take the seat. There does not appear to be an evident Tory candidate in place.
 By Staff
August 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 Flowers and a photograph of an unidentified male rest close to the Pier. The body of a male was pulled from Lake Ontario off Burlington on Friday afternoon but police say the death is not deemed to be suspicious.
Const. Jeff Dillon, spokesperson for Halton Regional Police, said in an email on Friday the body was seen floating in the water near the pier at the Burlington waterfront shortly before 4 p.m.
Burlington firefighters removed the body from the water.
The coroner attended the scene, he added.
By Pepper Parr
August 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The politicians love handing out awards; Certificates saying you were at an event – anything to get some ink.
The Gazette has created an award that we are calling the Blair K. Smith Political Maudit Prize.
We expect that there will be more than one award each year – the city and its people are rife with award opportunities.
Maudit is a French word – Quebec French to be precise
An award for:
 The Team that made Marianne Meed Ward the Mayor in 2018 The 2018 MMW Core Campaign Team for not becoming the 2022 MMW Core Campaign Team and probably becoming the 2026 anyone but Marianne core campaign team.
 Stephen White Stephen White for consistently holding Burlington Council to account with direct, precise and unbiased commentary. A fine example is this on how Council discussed the July floods: “What struck me about the interaction between the Mayor, the Councillors and public servants in another Gazette article is that we are a month after the flood, and the questions being asked are inordinately procedural, mundane and lacking in specificity. I guess if you live in a world characterized by abstracts and the theoretical a predisposition to action isn’t in your DNA.”
Eric Stern Eric Stern and Lydia Thomas for exposing the Bros. Grimm faerie tale of Burlington’s tax increase communications. Stern wrote: “Given that the City of Burlington employs people with serious communication skills it’s really surprising that, quoting the mayor, “misinformation, speculation and rumour” cannot simply be explained by someone, anyone, from the city providing “accurate and fact-based” information. As a taxpayer, I have to wonder if the communications department is nothing but a taxpayer-funded PR organization for the mayor.”
 Lydia Thomas Lydia Thomas was as direct: “During the 2024 budget process, there were many residents including myself who identified the need to stop property tax increases and accelerate cost cutting.
“Despite the fact that more than 40 motions were brought forward and some were passed, the budget increase miraculously remained the same at 10.2%. Some quotes from the mayor which I found discouraging were we can “use savings of $1M to fund new Full Time Employees in IT department” and in another instance – that is a good way to “save to help fund the transformation” project.
“The end result was that the 10.2% increase remained the same despite the cost savings motions that were passed. It was clear to me that there was absolutely no intent in trying to reduce resident’s property taxes despite the public outcry for prudence. This tells me that we the public need to get involved earlier and more frequently.”
No actual prize this year.
By Staff
August 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
For those already active in the Volunteer sector this may have already gotten to you by email.
For those interested in finding a different place to hang their hates – this might be of interest to you.
For those who expect to be involved in future election campaigns – this is close to a must attend event.
By Pepper Parr
August 20th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Pot holes and recreation services are a large part of what a municipality is about – has been until population intensification got to the top of the municipal news hit parade.
The municipality you live in provides the services that matter most on a day to day basis. And usually your municipal councillor is someone you pass on the street or see in the supermarkets – the exception for Burlington being ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan who moved from where he was elected into ward 2.
The federal government issues your passport and collects taxes, the province is expected to ensure there is a robust economy that provides the good paying jobs that leaves enough to pay the taxes.
From time to time a citizen will have a concern with something a level of government has done and they want more in the way of information.
 Freedom of Information request have been the process uses at every level of government.
A front page article yesterday the Globe & Mail published a report based on work done by the Secret Canada, Globe & Mail national investigation on how well the Freedom of Information process was working – the consensus – not all that well.
Much like their federal and provincial counterparts, municipalities across the country must adhere to freedom of information (FOI) laws, which are intended to promote transparency by allowing individuals to request documents from public institutions. These laws require institutions to disclose requested information with limited exceptions.
A Globe and Mail audit of Canada’s 53 largest municipalities (from which most of this article was sourced) has found vast differences in how local governments perform on FOI. While they completed access requests in 25 days, on average – twice as fast as provincial and territorial ministries, and more than three times as quickly as federal departments – some cities still took much longer, including Edmonton (69 days), Hamilton (66) and Greater Sudbury (50).
The audit also reveals that some municipalities apply redactions much more heavily than others. Mississauga, for instance, released 78 per cent of its files in full – that is, without any redactions whatsoever. Halifax, by comparison, released just 2 per cent of its files in full.
To assemble this national picture of municipal access performance, The Globe filed requests to every municipality in Canada with a population of at least 100,000 people, asking for data on FOIs completed between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023. The findings reflect the performance of 53 municipalities across eight provinces. (Three additional cities – Thunder Bay, Lévis, Que., and Ajax, Ont. – were excluded from the analysis because they said they had no FOI tracking system, claimed they could not produce the requested information or provided incomplete data.)
 Burlington ranks in the top half – doing better than Hamilton which isn’t a metric you want to be measured by. Kevin Walby, a criminology professor at the University of Winnipeg who also studies freedom of information, said some of the audited municipalities’ performance was “just abysmal – like, their FOI offices should be put into receivership, or something like that.”
 “Some of the lack of compliance is just totally wild,” he continues. “There aren’t a lot of sites where you get great compliance. Great compliance, I think, would be where you have most of the records released in full, and most of the disclosures released within 30 days, or in a reasonable time.” Prof. Walby says the findings are evidence that some municipalities haven’t adequately resourced their FOI offices. “It’s a really contradictory message for an apparatus of the state to be sending: You guys comply with all these other laws, but we don’t have to follow the laws that pertain to us.”
“How do they expect Canadians to want to believe in the legitimacy of the state and believe in these kinds of transparency initiatives when you see this kind of lack of compliance across the board?”
Kristan Cook, a former FOI director for Edmonton, says municipalities make decisions that “actually affect” people’s day-today lives. “It’s people wanting to know, why is my bus route changing? How much did this bridge cost? Why is the train going through my yard?”
Ms. Cook, who is now the director of privacy at PBC Solutions, a health benefits technology company, says that Canada has thousands of municipal governments across the country, and despite their varying sizes, they follow the same access rules as higher levels of government. “Whether you’re a government administration of three people or 300, that three-person government administration still has to provide the same service under FOI.”
Municipalities handle FOI very differently from provincial or federal governments: City clerks usually act as ranking officials on FOI matters, and local governments tend to have fewer layers of review – that is, fewer people who need to approve the release of a document – before an FOI response goes out the door, which likely speeds up the process, Ms. Cook says.
The FOI requests received by municipalities are also very different from those going to the provinces or federal government. “So many dog bites, like, an incredible number of dog bites,” Ms. Cook says. “Fire inspections, that’s a big one. And then requests about infrastructure, things like bridges and buildings and mass transit – those have a very municipal flavour.”
Ms. Cook says that these contrasts in timeliness often come down to records management practices.
“If you don’t know where your records are, then you can’t locate them and you can’t respond to an FOI request,” she says.
“Organizations of a significant size have hundreds of systems that store records. Some of these systems talk to each other, and some of them don’t. So it really depends on where the information is stored and how easy it is to gather the information and put it into the form that an applicant is seeking.”
After assembling the documents relevant to a request, FOI offices read through the records to identify information that must be redacted under access law. Some responses are released as-is, without redactions, while others can be withheld in their entirety. The final status of an FOI package, also known as its “disposition,” is a useful indicator of how much information a public institution is actually releasing.
Mississauga released 78 per cent of its FOI responses without any redactions whatsoever, the highest full disclosure rating for any major Canadian municipality. Halifax, meanwhile, released just 2 per cent of its files in full.
(Some of these disclosure statistics are complicated by the types of FOIs they are processing. Winnipeg, for instance, also processes files for the Winnipeg Police Service, and police requests often carry personal information redactions. The Globe’s analysis aimed to measure how municipalities were responding to their requests, so it kept the request data it received mostly as-is, removing only FOIs that were abandoned or transferred to another public institution.)
Ms. Cook says that the variation in how extensively local governments redact records could be read many ways. Take a city that has high full disclosure rates: “Maybe it’s an organization that believes in transparency, or maybe it’s an organization that isn’t paying attention,” she says. Meanwhile, a municipality with high redaction rates may be “more on the cautious side of releasing information.”
Over all, municipal governments outperformed federal, provincial and territorial ministries across all FOI metrics in the audit. They closed requests more rapidly – 25 days on average, compared with 47 provincially/territorially and 83 federally – and completed the lion’s share of their files within 30 days. Municipalities also released files in full much more frequently: 38 per cent of the time, compared with 20 per cent provincially and 24 per cent federally.
To Ms. Cook, these differences can be explained in large part by the complexity of a public institution’s bureaucracy. People empowered to make final FOI decisions – the ones given “delegations of authority” – often have more levels of oversight at the provincial and federal level, she says, slowing down the process considerably.
“In some delegations, the people who are actually the people that you’re talking to when you’re doing the access request, they have the authority to sign something and send it out to you themselves,” she says. “In other places, they don’t. So, any time you have that – more people, more levels – the amount of time that it’s going to take for you to get something is going to increase. That’s a really important difference between municipal, provincial and federal.”
While several municipalities fared well in this audit, some stood out for how quickly and fulsomely they responded to requests. Red Deer, Alta., and Mississauga released more than 70 per cent of their files in full, and managed to do so while keeping FOI responses to an average of 22 and 23 days, respectively.
Nearly every request completed by Longueuil, Que., within the audit window was closed within 30 days – despite the municipality having completed more than 1,500 requests during the period.
Several Quebec municipalities achieved exceedingly fast completion times. Montreal wrapped up FOIs in an average of 15 days; Gatineau closed files in 13 days, on average, and Quebec City and Longueuil averaged 12 days.
Hamilton had the second slowest average response time (behind Edmonton), but it also ranked poorly across other metrics: It closed 40 per cent of its files within 30 days (third-worst, after Richmond, B.C., and Saguenay, Que.) and released 19 per cent of its files in full (13th-worst).
In a e-mailed statement, Hamilton city clerk Matthew Trennum said the municipality “takes its role as a steward and guardian of personal and confidential information very seriously,” and that Hamilton is “looking to invest in modernized freedom of information request tracking software to assist in managing timelines and more generally for project management.”
 Marianne Meed Ward made transparency the watch word that got her elected – the phrase fell out of use when she was elected Mayor. During the 2018 municipal election Burlington Council member Marianne Meed Ward running for the Office of Mayor began to suspect some of the information that was coming their way.
A member of the campaign team filed a Freedom of Information request related to correspondence between the then Director of Planning and to some degree the then City Manger. Shortly after the FOI was filed the city said they required a deposit of $700 to do all the work that was required.
While stunned at the amount the individual paid the deposit. We expect to have more detail on thus later in the month – we do know that some of the deposit was refunded.
We have been advised of another Burlington situation where the person filing the FOI request was asked to pay a deposit of more than $1000. They gave up at that point.
Burlington position on the list is at about the midpoint – better that Hamilton, which isn’t saying very much.
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