 By Pepper Parr
October 31st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The election in wards 2, 4 and 5 were somewhat different than they were in 1, 3 and 6 – where there was thought to be a turnover.
Turned out that not one of them turned over – the incumbents got back with solid pluralities.
In wards 2 and five there was little doubt that the incumbent would hold the seat.
 Lisa Kearns, Councillor for ward 2. Don’t ask what she is handing out. One of the photo ops – that’s all you need to know. Despite Lisa Kearns’ “inadvertent” blurting out of information that was seen as highly confidential she did very well. Paul Sharman was never in doubt – he should have been acclaimed and saved everyone the bother.
The candidates that ran against him were poorly organized and didn’t manage to get any traction.
Ward 4 was a different situation. The incumbent was at risk but the polling numbers show that the three candidates did not catch any of the public imagination in the ward.
Stolte is back as the ward Councillor. The dynamics of future council meetings will be different. The shameful behaviour on the part of the Mayor and the way the rest of Council lost their tongues is not something that is going to be forgotten.
This last year of their term of office for the outgoing council was nothing to be proud of. There were failures at several levels on the administrative side – this is just not the way a civilized city council operates.
The little bit that has been heard about what might have changed is not encouraging.
The Gazette has said all it has to say about Stolte and the Integrity issues. The degree to which is impacted the opinion of those who voted.
The 73% of the voters that decided not to bother voting is not healthy; the result is they now have a council they may not have wanted once they see what things look like in a year.
 Mayor Meed Ward with what is probably the last diesel bus the city will take delivery of – the future is not known yet – electrical or hydrogen? There will be a lot of bad news, some expensive news. It is going to take a council that works as a team to get through the changes the provincial government threw at them the day after the election. It is going to take a lot of faith when the public learns how big an increase they are going to have to bear.
Transit faces some major issues. Diesel is out; is it going to be electric or hydrogen.
All the public has heard from the Mayor is that she wants to work a deal with Hamilton over the LaSalle Park property. Just extend the lease and wait for a better day to resolve an issue that isn’t going to make as much as a pinch of difference to anyone in the city.
Dealing with an Ontario Land Tribunal that is going to be given a different set of rules – none appear to offer any benefit to the municipal sector.
The beating the Conservation Authorities are taking is troubling. Does Burlington face the risk of seeing the urban boundary moved north of Hwy 5 (Dundas) and the 407?
The 25 year Strategic Plan is due for an update as well
 There was never any doubt that Lisa Kearns was going to be returned. The question is – will it be a new and improved Lisa or the same old.  The vote that Shawna Stolte had held. Olivia Duke could have done much better, perhaps run, if she had started more than a year ago. Why Burlington is made up of people who think they can put together a campaign six months before an election and win defies understanding. What is going to be carefully watched is how the relationship between the Mayor and Stolte works out.  How do you explain the results: The candidates didn’t stand a chance. Sharman can be beaten by not by last minute candidates who put up a poor campaign with no team in place. Related new story
What were the numbers like at the Mayoralty level
By Pepper Parr
October 31st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Where did the votes come from at the ward level.
With just over 27% of the xx voters showing up to vote at one of the 24 polling stations one has to wonder, first where did the ballots get cast and why was the turnout so low.
Weather wasn’t a factor; the concern over the Mayoralty level race – there really weren’t candidates who were up to the job other than the current Mayor.
The breakdown of the results for wards 1, 3 and 6 are set out below.
The results for 2, 4 and 5 will follow in a separate article.
 Some thought that Robert Radway had at least a chance. A small group were fed up with the poor engagement with the community but they didn’t have all that much in the way of traction. It wasn’t until that the incumbent Kelvin Galbraith’s meetings with the Integrity Commissioner became public that the nature of the race changed,. The publication of that news became public seven days before election day – it wasn’t enough time for Radway to capitalize on the news. Galbraith took it in a walk – now he has to deal with the Integrity Commissioner.
 Incumbent Rory Nisan was seen as unpopular. Some felt that the ward needed a better council member. Jennifer Hounslow had a solid pedigree and was thought to have an experienced campaign team. They apparently didn’t deliver. Hounslow id said to be dedicated and committed to a run in 2026.  For a guy who won the seat by less than 50 votes in 2018 Angelo Bentivegna has come a long way. His win can only be called a landslide. Bentivegna has clearly done what had to be done at the constituency level – they liked him and they returned him. Asking Bentivegna to tell the public just what he had accomplished – we were referred to his Facebook page. However, with numbers like this – Bentivegna can do whatever he wants Can one blame the incumbents for the poor voter turn out ?
If new candidates didn’t put in the work needed to run a decent campaign; if they waited too long before they went to the public – they have only themselves to blame.
Municipal politics is as close to the public as a candidate can get. Bentivegna certainly made that point. He wasn’t and is never going to be the most effective Councillor but he asks solid questions frequently and has learned that he doesn’t have to be a puppet for the Mayor. It will be interesting to see how he handles himself this term.
Don’t expect any change from Nisan. He may never show up at a Council meeting, preferring to take part virtually from his home. He has all the support he is ever going to get from the Mayor and that appears to be enough for him. That he didn’t really deliver all that much – does a splash pad count – but if that was enough for his constituents then they have what they wanted.
Luke McEachern came into the ward 3 race very late and much of what he had to say did not appear to align with the voters.
Mr Galbraith now has to deal with whatever the Integrity Commissioner decides to do with the complaints that are being sent to him. One has been delivered, another is in the works and a third is believed to be underway.
Our reading of the role Integrity Commissioners is that they do have the power to declare a seat vacant
 By Pepper Parr
October 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
On Tuesday’s and Friday the Regional Medical Officer of Health releases a report on the status of the Covid19 cases in the Region.
People are behaving as if the virus is no longer a major health issue.
No one wants to wear a mask and at some of the larger gatherings the masks are hardly in site.
 Even if you look hard – you’re not likely to see any masks. More than 500 people took part in a Chamber of Commerce event. Mayor was on hand – days later she announced that she had been infected. She either picked it up at the Chamber event or shared it with people she met. But it is still be passed from person to person – the Mayor told the public that she was infected and had to isolate herself on the night she was reelected.
The Medical Officer of Health data is consistent – the number of infections are down but they are not gone.
Staffing is now a problem. The nurses and the care givers are exhausted – they need now to care for themselves. Many have decided to leave the health sector which exacerbates the problem.
The new outbreaks are taking place at retirement homes and long term care centres.
 The infections get taken to these locations. The most vulnerable.
The hospital stay levels keep bouncing back up – with the cold weather almost upon us there is every reason to believe that infections will increase.
The continuing evolution of the Covid19 virus doesn’t help.
While many have convinced themselves that the pandemic is over – and no one has said it is – the personal protection we have to take wavers. That’s what caught the Mayor off-guard.
 By Pepper Parr
October 31st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
National Geographic’s touring speaker series, and the Burlington Performing Arts Centre have joined hands to present live on stage the “View from Above” with Terry Virts, a celebrated NASA astronaut and National Geographic author.
Virts will share his unique stories and stunning photographs taken from a place many will never visit—space. The event will take place at 7:00pm, Thursday, November 17, 2022, at Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Main Stage.
As a NASA astronaut, pilot of the space shuttle Endeavour, flight engineer on the Russian Soyuz spacecraft, and International Space Station Commander, Virts spent more than seven months in space, one of the longest continuous space missions of any NASA astronaut.
More recently, Virts directed his first film, One More Orbit (2020), a full-length documentary chronicling the 2019 mission in which he broke the world record for any aircraft circumnavigating the planet over the North and South poles. He also appeared in the 2016 IMAX film A Beautiful Planet, a breathtaking portrait of Earth from space that features stunning footage—much of it shot by Virts while aboard (and outside) the International Space Station—of our magnificent blue planet and humanity’s impact on it.
His photography, which provides incredible aerial views of Earth and the vast space that surrounds it, is featured in the National Geographic book, VIEW FROM ABOVE: An Astronaut Photographs the World (2017). His most recent book, How to Astronaut (2020), takes the reader through all aspects of space travel, both expected and unexpected.
Virts’ engaging, one-of-a-kind presentation is part of National Geographic Live’s amazing collection of events happening throughout the United States and Canada. National Geographic’s broad roster of talent, including renowned photographers, scientists, authors, filmmakers, and adventurers, share their behind-the-scenes stories from the front lines of exploration alongside stunning imagery and gripping footage.
For tickets and information, please call 905-681-000 or visit https://burlingtonpac.ca/events/view-from- above/
 By Staff
October 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 The Goblins and the Ghouls are put away for a year and the dash to the commercial side of Christmas begins.
The Port Nelson United Church in Burlington will be hosting its annual Mistletoe Mart on Saturday, November 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
They would like you to experience a true Christmas Bazaar atmosphere: artisans, jewelry, knitting, sewing, baking, crafts, books, silent auction, collectibles and more.
Adding you not miss the best Christmas lunch in town at our in-house restaurant!
If you play your cards right, you can get your Christmas shopping done without ever needing a mall, a big box store or an online delivery.
By Staff
October 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Conservative Electoral District Association (BCEDA) is hosting a second fund-raising and awareness event in support of the people of the Ukraine. You are invited; they welcome your attendance.
A war that is demolishing communities in Ukraine, ruining an economy and creating tensions that are reverberating throughout Europe and to some degree North America.
The Western world has been supporting Ukraine and its people since the terrible beginning
The Burlington Electoral District of the Conservatives is holding a fund raising event on November 19th at 2:30 – 4:30 pm pm at the Mainway Recreation Centre.
 This is not a political event; it is an event being put on by a group with a political affiliation.
The situation in Ukraine is beyond local politics.
Support is needed for a cause that impacts every one of us.
By Pepper Parr
October 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Where did the votes come from?
There were four polling stations in each ward. A voter could vote at any one of the four locations.
The first release of voting data on Monday evening old the story. All seven incumbents were leading with just the internet voting data available.
The data set out below is final as confirmed by the City Clerk
A poll by poll breakout of where the votes were cast for the Mayoralty candidates is set out below. The data for the six wards will follow in separate articles.
The first four lines show the internet and advance poll results. For a candidate who really didn’t campaign Jim Kerr did surprisingly well with the internet vote. Had he gotten into the race a year ago and created a campaign team and had a platform, 2022 would have been a different election; it would at the least have forced Meed Ward to do more than photo ops.
The mythical Marsden vote, which she did get in her race for the office of Regional chair in 2028 didn’t show up when she was running for Mayor this year.
Anyone can run for any office – why Tuck or Rieck spent $200 to be nominated is something only they know.
Meed Ward was elected because there was no other choice. The 27% voter turn out reflected just that.
Elected members of council should not be using the word landslide to describe their win. To be elected by just over a quarter of the people who were on the voters list isn’t much of a win – and it certainly isn’t isn’t what true champions would produce.
This council has a number of huge problems to face: the changes brought forward by the Premier the day after the election; a budget that is going to hurt; legal problems that look to be insurmountable are just the beginning.
The one issue that will not crop up will be time for council members to get through a learning curve. They have all been through it and we at least know where the strengths and the weaknesses are with the seven you reelected.
There is no room for any more of the smugness that has been seen.
 Back for a second round – will the behavior between the members of council improve; it couldn’t be much worse. 
 By Staff
October 29th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Many People are thinking through the way they will manage the Christmas season.
While Covid19 may not be rampant and we are not in a lockdown, the virus is still there and threatens to return with yet another new strain.
For the people at the Drury Lane Theatre it is one week away from the opening of She Loves Me which opens on November 4th and will run through to November 27th.
Tickets are on sale now and reported to be selling fast. ! Get your tickets HERE
Evening shows include November 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 25th, and 26th all at 8:00 pm.
Matinee shows include November 13th, 20th, and 27th all at 2:00 pm
 By Anne Marsden
October 28th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
When I read the advanced poll numbers on election night I knew every Burlington incumbent would be returned and I would not take second place in the Mayor’s race. Just like that the 17,000 minimum electorate support base I hoped and in many cases was assured was there, disappeared into thin air.
I immediately contacted my brother in Australia who was 12 hours ahead of us and following the results while having breakfast, to alert him these were not the results we had been expecting. Next came a call to my 14 year old grand-daughter who was more excited than me that Election Day was finally here. I told her there would be no ticker tape confetti event that evening.
 Anne and Dave Marsden: the gave it all they had – the public support she once had didn’t appear this time Dave and I went into this election with eyes fully opened that the discontent regarding issues Joe Gaeten has already well described in his Gazette encouragement article that we heard personally and through our “friends of democracy” would not necessarily mean any change in the current Burlington council.
However, neither of us expected the results we saw in that first advance poll which we knew, despite my brother’s encouragement otherwise; set the order of the final results.
Joe Gaeten’s advice is well taken. It is our hope that we can bring together all candidates who heard the unaddressed issues that resonated so loudly during the campaign. We can and will support working together to prioritize a list of family and business well-being issues and present them one at a time through the Procedure By-law petition process to ensure what we heard during the campaign does not remain unaddressed.
 Marsden is not going to go quietly into the night. She wants the city to celebrate its 150 anniversary in 2023 – the Public Library did that earlier this year . Picture is of the first public library in Burlington. This city belongs to those who live, work and play here. Twenty-twenty-three is our 150th anniversary, a very special year that we hope will see the change we expected to see at the Council table emanate from the hard work of the last six months for those who care enough about the families and businesses of this city to carry on the battle from outside the council table.
“Work for the well-being of the city to which I have sent you.” Jeremiah 29:7 remains the Marsden mandate and will until we take our dying breathe.
Anne Marsden has been a candidate for both the office of Mayor and for the Regional Chair, In the past she pulled in some remarkable numbers but this year a shift in public sentiment and shameful low turnout worked against her. Don’t expect Marsden to drop out of sight.
By Pepper Parr
October 28th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
When there is a media release late on a Friday – traditionally it is bad news that governments or corporations in trouble like to slip in before the weekend – hoping it is gone by Monday.
 Another home for The Cultured B – biotechnology company. Today, the Burlington Economic Development people announced that the L3Harris site on the North Service Road will be occupied by The Cultivated B; who are making the location its Canadian Manufacturing Facility and Innovation Hub.
The 130,000sf facility looked like it was going to be difficult to find a tenant for the building. It will become the global hub for cellular agriculture and bio-technology.
This investment will create 200 jobs in Burlington over the next two years. These jobs will be highly skilled workers, including Biotechnologists, plant scientists, chemical engineers, and others.
Burlington Economic Development looks forward to furthering the relationship with Hamid, Raphael and the rest of the team at The Cultivated B to ensure their move to Burlington is as smooth as possible, and help them become an integrated part of our community.
By Pepper Parr
October 28th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
National Geographic and the Burlington Performing Arts Centre have joined hands and will be featuring the “View from Above” with Terry Virts, a celebrated NASA astronaut and National Geographic author.
Virts will share his unique stories and stunning photographs taken from a place many will never visit—space. The event will take place at 7:00pm, Thursday, November 17, 2022, at Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Main Stage.
 Virts taking pictures from space. As a NASA astronaut, pilot of the space shuttle Endeavour, flight engineer on the Russian Soyuz spacecraft, and International Space Station Commander, Virts spent more than seven months in space, one of the longest continuous space missions of any NASA astronaut.
If your children have any interest in space – this is an event for them. The photography is stunning and Virts delivers an “I was there” story.
Virts chronicles the 2019 mission in which he broke the world record for any aircraft circumnavigating the planet over the North and South poles. He also appeared in the 2016 IMAX film A Beautiful Planet, a breathtaking portrait of Earth from space that features stunning footage—much of it shot by Virts while aboard (and outside) the International Space Station.
His photography, which provides incredible aerial views of Earth and the vast space that surrounds it, is featured in the National Geographic book, VIEW FROM ABOVE: An Astronaut Photographs the World (2017). His most recent book, How to Astronaut (2020), takes the reader through all aspects of space travel, both expected and unexpected.
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre presents NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE: View from Above Thursday, November 17, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Main Theatre
440 Locust Street, Burlington, Ontario Tickets can be purchased online or by telephone:
905-681-6000 | https://burlingtonpac.ca/events/view-from-above/ Tickets: Regular $59.50 / Members $54.50
 By Pepper Parr
October 28th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The sale of a house on Tyandaga Park Drive is an illustration of what a real estate investment can do for you.
 Tyandaga Park Drive Built in 1975 it sold in August for $1,635,000 when the asking price was $1,699,000 after 17 days on the market.
The previous selling price in October of 2019 was $1,265,000
Prior to that, in July 2017 the property was sold for $965,000
Prior to that the house sold for $255,000 in 1988
Is this kind of price growth sustainable?
 By Stephen Webster
October 28th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Though poker is often seen as a game of chance, the truth is that it’s actually a game of skill. And while luck may play a role in any given hand, the better players are those who can make the most informed decisions based on the cards they are dealt.
That’s why poker has become such a popular pastime for celebrities. Not only does it require strategy and cunning, but it also provides an opportunity for them to socialize and relax in a setting that is both competitive and fun. Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars have been known to enjoy a good game of poker from time to time, whether it’s together in some dingy backroom or playing sponsored online poker games.
Tobey Maguire
Tobey Maguire is a poker player who has earned serious cash. In 2005, he organized a series of poker games and won millions of dollars. However, in 2007, he was accused of cheating and had to give back some of his winnings.
This caused a huge controversy for him, and people began to question his reputation. Despite this, Tobey Maguire is still considered one of the best poker players in Hollywood.
 Ben Affleck – is he holding a strong hand? Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck is one of the most famous actors in Hollywood, and he has been playing poker for years. He has won a lot of money playing this game and even won the California State Poker Championship. Ben has been involved in many poker tournaments and is a frequent presence at casinos and poker tournaments. He has taken poker lessons from high-level players, including Daniel Negreanu and Amir Vahedi.
In 2004, Ben Affleck won the California State Poker Championship, taking home $356,400 at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles. He has won several awards, including Best Original Screenplay for Good Will Hunting in 1997 and Best Picture for his directing work in 2012, Argo. Ben Affleck has starred in many movies, including Batman Versus Superman: Dawn of Justice, Gone Girl, and Triple Frontier. He has also impressed poker and blackjack players by winning over $350,000 at a poker tournament.
 Shannon Elizabeth – acts and has a collection of poker chips Shannon Elizabeth
Shannon Elizabeth is a multi-talented actress. She started her career as a model in New York and later turned to acting and conservationism. Her first acting role was in the 1999 comedy American Pie, and she has appeared in a number of other films. She also played poker professionally for a few years and won many cash prizes. In 2010, she finished second in the World Series of Poker and won almost $80,000 in a charity event in Africa.
Her poker career started in 2005 when she won the Hollywood Home Game tournament. Shannon Elizabeth has also appeared in many magazines, including Playboy and Maxim. In 2009, she was named one of the most beautiful women in the world by People magazine.
Woody Harrelson
Woody Harrelson is a versatile actor who is equally comfortable playing manic psychopaths and existentially-wracked lawmen. In his upcoming movie Triangle of Sadness, the actor will play a Marxist cruise ship captain. He will also appear in Kevin Hart’s buddy comedy The Man From Toronto as an assassin. Another movie in the works is The Man With the Miraculous Hands, which stars Woody Harrelson and Johnny Depp as a couple of friends.
 Woody Harrelson, an Oscar nominee and well-known poker player who has made appearances in televised poker tournaments Harrelson has been making films for a long time. He has won an Oscar for his role in The People vs. Larry Flynt, a biopic of the founder of the notorious Hustler magazine. The movie’s success led to him getting an Oscar nomination. But he has also had a rocky time. He spent most of the 1990s in “semi-retirement,” a period when he focused on environmental activism and family. However, this did not prevent him from working on his acting career, and he still appeared in films for directors he admired.
In terms of poker, Woody Harrelson has not been as successful as some of the other actors on this list. However, he is a well-known player and has made some appearances in televised poker tournaments. He also played in the 2009 World Series of Poker Main Event, where he finished 734th out of 6,494 players.
Owen Wilson
Owen Wilson plays a strange version of poker in the film Hall Pass, which wasn’t very well received critically. However, the scene provided a glimpse behind the scenes of poker night. The scene is set in a fictional bar and is made possible through an accident. While playing poker with a friend, Owen Wilson’s character, Rick, accidentally listens to an inappropriate conversation and steps on a landmine.
While not as prolific as some on the list, Wilson has told stories of playing poker with the likes of Ben Affleck, Tom Cruise, and Matt Damon. He has also been known to play in some of the high-stakes games in Los Angeles. In 2009, he participated in a $100,000 buy-in tournament at the Bellagio casino in Las Vegas.
Jamey Johnson
The actor was one of the inspirations for the movie Poker Face. He recently tweeted that the Netflix dark comedy inspired him to write the movie. Despite the sexy title, Johnson’s poker skills are far from amateurish.
Johnson was born in 1975. He’s an actor and a singer. His most popular films include “Made in America” and “The Poker Game.” His greatest fans include country music singers George Strait and Willie Nelson, and he has released several singles.
 Denis Quaid is no stranger to playing poker. In 2009, he participated in the World Series of Poker Main Event. Dennis Quaid
The actor has been in the business for over 40 years. He has starred in some classic films, such as The Right Stuff and The Big Easy. In 2010, he had a role in the poker film Lucky You, which starred Eric Bana and Drew Barrymore. He played the part of Hank Gambini, a professional poker player.
Quaid is no stranger to playing poker. In 2009, he participated in the World Series of Poker Main Event, where he finished 594th out of 6,494 players. He has also played in some high-stakes home games with celebrities like Tobey Maguire and Ben Affleck.
Conclusion
Poker is a popular game among celebrities. It provides a way for them to blow off steam and have some fun. Many of them are also very skilled at the game. While it is possible to make some money playing poker, for most celebrities, it is simply a way to relax and have fun.
 By Pepper Parr
October 27th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The provincial government is currently debate a bill that they believe will make it possible for the building of tens of thousands of more homes.
Within the legislation they are debating are changes to existing legalization; one of which is the ONTARIO LAND TRIBUNAL ACT, 2021
The following are some of the changes being made to the Act
The bold type is our doing
Subsection 19 (1) is amended to expand the Tribunal’s powers to dismiss a proceeding without a hearing, on the basis that the party who brought the proceeding has contributed to undue delay. Section 19 of the Act is also amended to give the Tribunal the power to dismiss a proceeding entirely, if the Tribunal is of the opinion that a party has failed to comply with a Tribunal order. Section 20 is amended to give the Tribunal the power to order an unsuccessful party to pay a successful party’s costs.
The regulation-making authority in section 29 is also amended. The Lieutenant Governor in Council is given authority to make regulations requiring the Tribunal to prioritize the resolution of specified classes of proceedings. The Minister is given authority to make regulations prescribing timelines that would apply to specified steps taken by the Tribunal in specified classes of proceedings. The implications of a failure of the Tribunal to comply with the timelines prescribed by the Minister are addressed, and the Minister is given authority to require the Tribunal to report on its compliance with the timelines.
A consequential amendment is made to subsection 13 (4).
 By Pepper Parr
October 27th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Few line ups at the polling stations Of the 142,218 eligible voters in Burlington, 39,217, or 27.6 per cent, voted in the 2022 election.
Guess that pulls the rug from under that claim that the city is fully engaged.
In the 2018 municipal election, 39.79 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot.
As to what the numbers tell us more time and consideration is going to be required.
It is certainly not something to be proud of – there is some hard work to be done to get a very complacent society to take up their responsibility.
Kevin Arjoon, City Clerk said: “I am honoured to announce the names of those elected for the 2022-2026 term of office.”
Actually he is required to do just that.
By Pepper Parr
October 27th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
After an election there are often hurts to be dealt with.
In order to run as a candidate you have to put everything you have into the contest – you can never waver.
Believe as you might that you are going to win – someone has to lose.
Media play a part in this. At times opinion pieces are written – and given that it is an opinion someone is going to disagree with you.
On the matter of the Integrity Commissioner and the decision they made before the elections – the following has come our way from Kwab Ako-Adjei, the Director, Corporate Communications & Engagement
In response to the Burlington Gazette article issued Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, titled “Shawna Stolte and the Integrity Commissioner” there is an inaccuracy in the article that requires correction.
The Integrity Commissioner (IC) conducted an independent and thorough investigation of a Code of Good Governance complaint made by a City employee against a member of City Council.
With regard to the question of whether a public apology was warranted, the Integrity Commissioner in their written report on the complaint stated the following:
In the circumstances of all of the facts in this case, we believe that a public acknowledgement and apology by the Councillor at Council would reflect a reasonable and proportionate resolution.
An apology serves to publicly confirm to Council and staff that over-sharing of the private conversation, which may have unfairly been seen as a slight to your (Georgie Gartside) dedication and commitment, is a matter that should be acknowledged.
In our view, a public apology would place appropriate focus on the Councillor’s acknowledgement and remorse and it would serve as a remedy proportionate to the transgression”
The above excerpt from the IC report is shared with permission by the employee to set the record straight and correct your reporting on this matter.
While I acknowledge you are entitled to you opinions as publisher of the Burlington Gazette, your comments about a long-serving and highly respected City employee, Georgie Gartside, are misinformed and totally unwarranted. Ms. Gartside accepted the public apology provided by Councilor Stolte and I am satisfied this matter has been dealt with fully in keeping with our Procedural By-law related to reporting on Code of Good Governance complaints.
I appreciate your attention to this matter. Feel free to post this exact message, you have permission.
My response to the note from Kwab was as follows:
My view of Ms Gartside is the result of conversations that go back ten years when she was an assistant to Rick Goldring before he was elected Mayor and when she was assigned to Marianne Meed Ward as an assistant. The full story about how that came about was interesting
There have been many many conversations with Ms Gartside over that period of time, many of them very pleasant
What I believe I am seeing is an attempt to manipulate the public perception of what actually happened.
That is part of the communications mandate.
I will publish the comments you sent – quite what the context will be is something I need a bit of time to think through.
Kwab got back to me with the following:
This has nothing to do with an ‘attempt’ to manipulate the public perception of what actually happened,’ this is about setting the record straight and responding to you article.
In the article you say, “When Stolte learned of Gartside’s concern she immediately offered to apologize. Quite why she would apologize is beyond me,” and “They did say that there was no breach of the Code of Good Conduct and they should have left it at that.” Again, as we indicated below the Integrity Commissioner in their written report on the complaint stated that an apology was appropriate. So, the record needs to be corrected and facts reported, no manipulation at all. This is straight from the Integrity Commissioner.
That is true – what is also true is that the Integrity Commissioner decided that there was not a breach of the Code, which Kwab fails to mention.
My thought was: Is saying an apology was appropriate mean it is required?
The Director, Corporate Communications & Engagement for the city has the right to ask that we set the record straight.
The opinion still stands – we will add this article to the opinion and draw the attention of readers.
I find myself wondering why the manner in which the Mayor attempted to coerce Councillor Stolte to read out her apology at a point in the meeting where it could become a debatable event is not being made part of the record?
The Mayor’s behaviour was disturbing – which is putting it mildly.
Related news:
Stolte and the Integrity Commissioner.
The interview that started it all
The changes Stolte brought about and interviews she gave.
By Staff
October 27th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
That coyote who appears to have made a location at Central Park home for itself, has drawn the attention of the Animal Control people.
 They were on location and appear to have had police with them.
The animal tends to stand 20 to 25 feet away just looking at people. When it moves there is a limp. Its hide has patched where the fur no longer grows.
Clearly very unhealthy.
Looking for a report from Animal Control on what action they have taken
 By Scarlet Hobler
October 27th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s okay to believe that every casino in the country has one advantage over the majority. That’s often not true, as there are fake and unlicensed e-gaming platforms out there. To avoid getting scammed of your betting points, you need a guide to help you make the right choice. We’d share some pro-tips and hints to look out for when selecting your preferred betting platform.
Have you tried a few e-gaming sites and somehow didn’t feel comfortable with the graphics? Did their excessive promotional packages turn you off? Would you love to know how to select the right website like a professional? Read until the end to understand why it’s possible not to fall victim to scams in such an overpopulated sector. Let’s get started!
 Verify their Licenses
A casino’s legitimacy is everything in the online gambling Industry, and we aren’t talking about referrals here. Licensed online casinos have higher chances of operating under fair gameplay policies. In some cases, it goes beyond acquiring their license to practice gambling. Online gambling sites need to be regulated and vetted frequently to ensure they still play by the rules. Licensing is an essential criterion in your quest to choose an online casino as a Canadian.
Trustworthy Canadian online casinos must be licensed by the respected gambling authorities in the country. While at it, stop to verify that their licenses are indeed as valid as they claim. Slots, roulette, and blackjack players in Canada visit only legit online casinos that have been accredited by the gaming commission and reviewed by trustworthy experts. This list of legit e-gaming platforms in Canada is mostly trusted by thousands of Canadians to play casino games without worries.
Double-Check their Banking Options
Making presumptions depending on how popular a Canadian online casino is on social media wouldn’t do the trick. Players ought to be concerned about how they intend to get their real money after playing and winning. It is important to skim through the payment methods outlined on a gambling site when choosing an online casino. You can easily miss out on a good opportunity to win more money if you fail to get your deposits credited to your profile on time.
Check that they have a good lineup of payment options, credit/debit card methods, e-wallet services, and cryptocurrencies. Gambling becomes more fun and interesting when you can easily make deposits and withdrawal transactions without delays. Read through online casino reviews about the operator to see what active users have to say about payments. Platforms with one or two payment options are huge red flags. Try to avoid them as much as possible.
Preview the Games the Casinos Offer
Never choose a betting website without confirming they have real money casino games. Many often complain about playing online casino games without getting cash rewards. This is because not all card or table games come with money rewards. You have to check the game selection of a site before registering. A casino’s gaming library determines how financially buoyant they are, enough to offer multiple games.
Canadian casinos are always known to have good game selections in their libraries. Choosing the best online casino here wouldn’t be that difficult. Players looking for the best online casinos for Canadians with a wide range of games would get a nice pick if they consult with the reliable reviews. Some of the top e-gaming platforms in the country have at least 400+ games in their library to choose from. A good way to get a preview of what games online casinos offer is to read through reviews.
Gifts, Bonuses, & Promotional Offers
Bonus offers and promotions mean a lot to players that choose to make money from e-gaming. Bonuses like free spins can double your betting strength for more wins. Platforms offering higher welcome packages and bonus credits are more likely to have the finance to bankroll huge jackpot wins. They might not have the best wagering requirements for when you intend to withdraw, but you’d get your money guaranteed.
The wagering terms that come with every bonus package should be of great concern to players. Only choose websites with fair wagering conditions after reading their withdrawal policy sections. In our experience, most e-gaming promotions attract stricter wagering conditions than most people realize. We have users spend weeks on long calls with the customer support team over misinterpreting the wagering terms. You can avoid this by picking carefully.
 Ask about the Casino’s Reputation
After all is said and done, you need concrete proof that the operator truly does what it claims. One of the best ways to clear this doubt is by reading a review on the website. This would grant you access to an expert view of the operations and added features of the website. It’s like sitting back to watch a hyped movie’s trailer and film review before streaming it on your device. Another way to get ahead of this is by reading feedback from active users.
When you visit review sites, some actual users have played a few games on the website. They’ve tested first-hand how their promotional packages, games, payments, and withdrawals work. Watch out for their ratings and feedback on certain aspects of the e-gaming platform. You’d get other information on the live chat feature of the casino, and withdrawal limits, amongst others. A casino without a convincing reputation isn’t worth trying at all.
Conclusion
Before choosing a casino, there are several factors to put into consideration. There are lots of casino choices for gamers in Canada today. Most of them offer a high-performance e-gaming experience, while others do not. It’d be difficult to achieve if you do not know what factors to look out for before making a choice.
We’ve listed some hints professionals use in selecting a reputable and trusted e-gaming platform. Every casino is unique in one way or another, but reputable ones share similar qualities. Master the tips mentioned above for a much easier way to select a platform that guarantees fun and secure e-gaming. Do not forget to make available the necessary information needed for the KYC verification to get your account running.
By Scarlet Hobler
October 27th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s okay to believe that every casino in the country has one advantage over the majority. That’s often not true, as there are fake and unlicensed e-gaming platforms out there. To avoid getting scammed of your betting points, you need a guide to help you make the right choice. We’d share some pro-tips and hints to look out for when selecting your preferred betting platform.
Have you tried a few e-gaming sites and somehow didn’t feel comfortable with the graphics? Did their excessive promotional packages turn you off? Would you love to know how to select the right website like a professional? Read until the end to understand why it’s possible not to fall victim to scams in such an overpopulated sector. Let’s get started!
 Verify their Licenses
A casino’s legitimacy is everything in the online gambling Industry, and we aren’t talking about referrals here. Licensed online casinos have higher chances of operating under fair gameplay policies. In some cases, it goes beyond acquiring their license to practice gambling. Online gambling sites need to be regulated and vetted frequently to ensure they still play by the rules. Licensing is an essential criterion in your quest to choose an online casino as a Canadian.
Trustworthy Canadian online casinos must be licensed by the respected gambling authorities in the country. While at it, stop to verify that their licenses are indeed as valid as they claim. Slots, roulette, and blackjack players in Canada visit only legit online casinos that have been accredited by the gaming commission and reviewed by trustworthy experts. This list of legit e-gaming platforms in Canada is mostly trusted by thousands of Canadians to play casino games without worries.
Double-Check their Banking Options
Making presumptions depending on how popular a Canadian online casino is on social media wouldn’t do the trick. Players ought to be concerned about how they intend to get their real money after playing and winning. It is important to skim through the payment methods outlined on a gambling site when choosing an online casino. You can easily miss out on a good opportunity to win more money if you fail to get your deposits credited to your profile on time.
Check that they have a good lineup of payment options, credit/debit card methods, e-wallet services, and cryptocurrencies. Gambling becomes more fun and interesting when you can easily make deposits and withdrawal transactions without delays. Read through online casino reviews about the operator to see what active users have to say about payments. Platforms with one or two payment options are huge red flags. Try to avoid them as much as possible.
Preview the Games the Casinos Offer
Never choose a betting website without confirming they have real money casino games. Many often complain about playing online casino games without getting cash rewards. This is because not all card or table games come with money rewards. You have to check the game selection of a site before registering. A casino’s gaming library determines how financially buoyant they are, enough to offer multiple games.
Canadian casinos are always known to have good game selections in their libraries. Choosing the best online casino here wouldn’t be that difficult. Players looking for the best online casinos for Canadians with a wide range of games would get a nice pick if they consult with the reliable reviews. Some of the top e-gaming platforms in the country have at least 400+ games in their library to choose from. A good way to get a preview of what games online casinos offer is to read through reviews.
Gifts, Bonuses, & Promotional Offers
Bonus offers and promotions mean a lot to players that choose to make money from e-gaming. Bonuses like free spins can double your betting strength for more wins. Platforms offering higher welcome packages and bonus credits are more likely to have the finance to bankroll huge jackpot wins. They might not have the best wagering requirements for when you intend to withdraw, but you’d get your money guaranteed.
The wagering terms that come with every bonus package should be of great concern to players. Only choose websites with fair wagering conditions after reading their withdrawal policy sections. In our experience, most e-gaming promotions attract stricter wagering conditions than most people realize. We have users spend weeks on long calls with the customer support team over misinterpreting the wagering terms. You can avoid this by picking carefully.
 Ask about the Casino’s Reputation
After all is said and done, you need concrete proof that the operator truly does what it claims. One of the best ways to clear this doubt is by reading a review on the website. This would grant you access to an expert view of the operations and added features of the website. It’s like sitting back to watch a hyped movie’s trailer and film review before streaming it on your device. Another way to get ahead of this is by reading feedback from active users.
When you visit review sites, some actual users have played a few games on the website. They’ve tested first-hand how their promotional packages, games, payments, and withdrawals work. Watch out for their ratings and feedback on certain aspects of the e-gaming platform. You’d get other information on the live chat feature of the casino, and withdrawal limits, amongst others. A casino without a convincing reputation isn’t worth trying at all.
Conclusion
Before choosing a casino, there are several factors to put into consideration. There are lots of casino choices for gamers in Canada today. Most of them offer a high-performance e-gaming experience, while others do not. It’d be difficult to achieve if you do not know what factors to look out for before making a choice.
We’ve listed some hints professionals use in selecting a reputable and trusted e-gaming platform. Every casino is unique in one way or another, but reputable ones share similar qualities. Master the tips mentioned above for a much easier way to select a platform that guarantees fun and secure e-gaming. Do not forget to make available the necessary information needed for the KYC verification to get your account
By Pepper Parr
October 25th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
During a meeting with the Toronto Board of Trade yesterday the Premier and the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs talked about what a new piece of legislation is going to do to get more homes built.
The following are short excerpts from the 45 minute session.
 Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs Steve Clarke and Premier Doug Ford talking to member of the Toronto Board of Trade The Premier said:
“So I’ll just expand upon a bit on the gentle density. So we feel as a government that another way to unlock more housing is to allow more gentle density. And one of the ways that we propose to do this is by expanding what’s allowed to be built without further planning applications.
“Our plan would permit up to three additional residential units on most pieces of urban land, right including up to three in the main dwelling or two in the main dwelling and then one in an associated building.
“These would be as of right. That’s to say they’re not going to need a bylaw amendments, they’re not going to need any additional permits. This is going to create a broader mix of rental housing that could help homeowners pay their mortgages.
“There’s more that we’re also going to be putting some protections in for new home buyers.
“We the doubling of those maximum fines for those builders and vendors who try to make money on the backs of new homeowners. By unfairly cancelling those contracts. We have to come down hard on them. We have to allow the home construction regulatory authority to be able to use those fines to compensate those homeowners who have been treated unethically.
The Premier added:
“We need to stop doing things that aren’t working. We need to start doing things that get shovels in the ground faster.
“We need to speed up the approval process and work with partners for the first time.
“We’ve heard the municipalities as well. They have challenges as well if you don’t give them the tools to to get the permits done because it nothing’s more frustrating to a developer. And I’m sure it’s frustrating. When I was down there. I got frustrated. And I’m not telling you something that these developers if you’re out there don’t know already.
“You put your application into what I called the carousel. It gets on the carousel and it goes around for comments. It goes to transportation, it goes to parks, it goes to heritage and goes around and then it comes off the carousel. God knows when and guess what? They look at it and it goes back on the carousel again, and it just keeps going around so we have to make sure that we call it the shot clock, the shot clock, be it in football or being in basketball.
“You know we have a certain time frame for the municipalities to get an answer back because when we look around the world this becomes our number issue with our number one trading partner – the United States. We do approximately $400 billion of two way trade every year with them.
“So I like using them as an example. No matter if it’s a commercial sit,e industrial site, or housing. I’ll use Ohio for example. You can get a permanent in six months. That’s what we need to do.”
There is more – we will double back to that event and pass on what the Premier is telling the municipalities.
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