 By Ray Rivers
April 16, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
“A politician that has been caught mishandling public funds and who then engages in political subterfuge in an attempt to cover up the error is doing a Duffster Dive”.
It is possible that the suspended senator, Mike Duffy, will avoid going to jail on any of the 31 charges against him. But, at least in the court of public opinion, he is guilty for his ambition, arrogance, avarice – and his duffster diving.
 All on the public dime? Does it really matter that Mr. Duffy, having been appointed to represent PEI, actually parks his duff in Ontario. It is not like he was elected by real PEI residents so he is accountable to no one, except possibly the PM who appointed him. But that quaint historical rule about residency allowed him to claim expenses he shouldn’t have, since Ottawa was his home, not a temporary residence. Don’t we all wish for a job with a fat salary as well as money for the groceries?
The Senate, itself, is an historical mistake – a solution searching for a problem, and in due course becoming the problem itself. And so this trial will be as much about the Senate as it is about Duffy getting a free ride at the public trough. How can there be clear rules about what one does or doesn’t legitimately do in the absence of a clear understanding of the role and purpose of that organization?
Though he has not been called to attend yet, this trial is also very much about Stephen Harper, his judgement and his back room boys. After all, the PM appointed Duffy to the Senate, when even Duffy now must doubt the legitimacy of his appointment. And a chunk of the questionable expenses were rung-up attending those Tory events, in which Duffy had proven himself to be a heavy-weight, when it came to fundraising for the PM’s party.
 Stephen Harper and Mike Duffy – pals forever? On one hand it is hard not to feel a little sorry for Duffy. He was, presumably, only doing what he thought he could get away with. A jovial fellow who now appears to understand the error of his ways and who was happy to pay back what he’d wrongly accepted, with somebody else’s money. And he must be suffering emotionally, since those whose favour he sought so badly to obtain have now turned their backs and shun him.
On the other hand Mike Duffy isn’t a decent fellow who deserves our pity. This was apparent to anyone who witnessed the fiasco which occurred on Duffy’s political broadcast during the 2008 election. Then Liberal leader Stéphane Dion, whose first language is French, was asked an illogical, possibly trick or set-up question – “If you were prime minister now, what would you have done about the economy and this crisis that Mr. Harper has not done?”
Nobody could answer that question, though Dion tried and stumbled, asking repeatedly, for the question and the interview to be restarted. Duffy aired the entire interview, including all of the false starts, and then later editorialized his view that Dion had just demonstrated his incompetence.
Duffy was playing partisan politics. The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council ruled that Duffy had violated broadcasting codes and ethics and that the interview was not fair, balanced or even-handed and, in fact, had significantly misrepresented the interview and its participant.
Though Mike Duffy had won several awards over his lifetime in broadcasting, this sad episode was unprofessional. Worse than unprofessional, it was mean and brutally unfair to Mr. Dion, sealing his fate in the 2008 election and beyond.
 Senator Mike Duffy – currently under suspension. And, of course, the destruction of Mr. Dion as a contender helped enable Mr. Harper to win the election. Duffy, if he didn’t already have the affection of the Tory leader, sure did after this little trick. And it was shortly after the 2008 election that Mr. Harper appointed Duffy to the Senate.
Background links:
Duffy Diaries Duffy and Harper Duffy Biog Duffy Realizes His Error
Senate Oversight Crown VS Harper Broadcasting Standards Rebuke
 Ray Rivers writes weekly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was a candidate for provincial office in Burlington where he ran as a Liberal against Cam Jackson in 1995, the year Mike Harris and the Common Sense Revolution swept the province.
 By Staff
April 16, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
On Wednesday April 15th 2015 between 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM, unknown culprit(s) broke into two separate homes on Glenwood Avenue in Burlington (Aldershot Community)
Culprit(s) broke a small glass door window at the rear of each home which allowed them to reach inside to unlock the door and gain entry into the home.
Once inside, culprits ransacked various areas of the home stealing cash and jewellery.
Anyone who may have observed any suspicious persons and/or vehicles in the area are asked to contact Det. Ellie Bale of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Residential Crime Team at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2312 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Police would like to remind the public to remain vigilant in spotting and reporting any activity that appear suspicious.
The Halton Regional Police Service offers the following crime prevention tips to help reduce your chance of becoming victimized:
• Lock your valuables in a safety deposit box.
• Install a loud audible house alarm.
• Secure your safes and lock boxes to the floor.
• Be cautious when allowing people you don’t know into your home.
• Report any suspicious behaviour to police.
• Keep a detailed inventory of your jewellery including photographs. This will assist officers in the event your property is stolen.
• Check with your insurance company to ensure you have adequate coverage for your valuables.
• If you encounter someone in your home, DO NOT CONFRONT THEM. Call 9-1-1 immediately.
 By Pepper Parr
April 16, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
He was young, proud and a little edgy.
 Ryan Sgro, owner of three McDonald’s franchises in Burlington is always inches away from his cell phone I was meeting with Ryan Sgro, owner of three McDonald’s franchises – between Ryan and Ralph Sgro, his Dad, they have 10 McDonald’s franchises in Burlington and Waterdown
It was McDonald’s National Hiring Day and Ryan was talking to me and keeping an eye on the shop at the same time. His eyes would dart back and forth from me to the counter where people placed their orders.
Ryan came out of Western University and went right into the family business. He and his sister are both franchise owners.
Ryan gets the word family into almost everything he says. Franchise managers talk of being with Sgro’s for ten, fifteen and twenty years.
“We hold a Family Day once a year – everyone gets their meal at half price and we take them on tours of everything; the kitchen, the storage room – the kids get to know all about the place where their parents work.
“We hand out two $500 scholarships every year” says Ryan and adds – “we might do more.”
 For thousands of high school students in Burlington – McDonald’s is their first part time job. “We used to donate to Ronald McDonald House but moved the $250,000 donation to the Joseph Brant Hospital where their donation is spread out over five years.
The national hiring target for McDonald’s was 6,500 – 2,700 of them in Ontario. Four people were hired in Burlington. Ryan Sgro does point out that they have a rosters of 101 people at their busiest location – Upper Middle Road and Guelph Line, with staff counts in the high 80’s in other locations.
“For us three things are important: how well our student employees are doing in school; how good their extracurricular life is and then McDonald’s” said Ryan.
 Getting through that first interview is always awkward. A McDonalds manager takes a high school student through the process. “We want to be the first work experience students have because we know we are providing a fun place to work where people work very hard and gain a strong work ethic.”
While the National Hiring program might be necessary in some communities – we don’t have a problem getting students to work with us. Our flexible scheduling works for the students.
Ryan Sgro is quick to add however that he could put at least for managers to work tomorrow.
 By Staff
April 15, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
You are going to get a chance to provide input into planning Burlington’s future. Some people feel that voting once every four years is input enough – but with a voter turnout of 35% a lot of people didn’t make their views known.
The Strategic Plan the city puts in place is a more focused look at what the people you elected get to do on your behalf.
 As part of public engagement for the City of Burlington’s strategic plan, the city has created a workbook to give individuals and groups an opportunity to provide input into planning Burlington’s future.
A copy of the Workbook for Planning the Future of Burlington is available until end of day April 26, 2015.
That is also the date by which you have to submit your completed workbook.
It is one of the ways the city is reaching out to residents, along with using workshops and surveys.
To help set priorities, each Burlington City Council creates a strategic plan to match with the four-year term of council. The 2015-18 City of Burlington strategic plan will result in changes to the 2011-14 strategic plan, based on community feedback and changing needs.
The workbook is available online or in hard copy and can be mailed on request. Strategic plan facilitators are on standby to help groups complete the workbook. Please contact strategicplan@burlington.ca, call 905-335-7600, ext 7378, or visit the city website for details.
 By Staff
April 15, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Members of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Robbery Team have concluded their investigation into a robbery that was reported to have taken place at the East Way Bake Shop located at 4047 New Street in Burlington.
They have determined the robbery did NOT occur.
The employee who reported the incident, Jennifer ELLIOTT (38 yrs.) of Burlington, has since been arrested and charged with public mischief and theft under $5000. She was released from custody and will appear in Milton Court on May 5th 2015.
The male depicted in a previous release is no longer considered a suspect.
The Halton Regional Police reported that on Monday March 23rd 2015 at approximately 5:35 PM, a lone male suspect armed with a black handgun, entered the East Way Bake Shop located at 4047 New Street in Burlington.
That just didn’t happen.
Report of the robbery
 By Pepper Parr
April 15, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It is always awkward to watch a community bicker and squabble over interests that are different.
Residents in the Market, St. Paul and Green Street part of the city, south of Lakeshore Road, are tossing around parts of bylaws that were passed by city council and not giving the full context.
Truths are being stretched a little more than any truth should be stretched.
 Getting the kind of Window on the Lake Staff recommended actually built is proving to be easier said than done. The interests of a few are being put before the interests of the wider community – and in the process part of the vision many people thought was bedrock for Burlington is getting eaten away at the edges.
When city council decided to not go along with the staff recommendation to not sell land on the edge of the lake between Market and St. Paul Streets – they instead opted for significant upgrades to the Windows on the Lake that were at the end of each street.
 No city signage on this piece of city owned property. Plans are in place to make a proper Window on the Lake at this location. There are people who aren’t all that keen on having Windows on the Lake – even though they say they do want them – just not as prominent as the drawings prepared by city staff suggest.
Janice Connell, who has done a remarkable job of advocating for the sale of the land refers to a motion passed by the city:
Our concern at the public meeting is the discrepancy between the wording of Council’s approved motion and what was actually presented and discussed. Council invested considerable time (including visiting the properties) researching this issue and they were clear in their motion …”minimalistic manner (bench and signage) at St Paul and Market St.” and the “enhancement of Port Nelson Park with available funds.”
In the presentation, Staff was asked about the motion including “enhancing Port Nelson Park with available funds.” Staff replied that this was not part of the motion. This statement differs from the wording in the motion.
Some of the dissension could have been alleviated if a copy of the approved motion had been available at the presentation for the public to refer to. The wording of the approved motion is …”develop Windows-to-the-Lake at St Paul and Market St in a minimalistic manner (benches and signage).”
Over the past few years we have had ongoing concerns over misrepresentation of the facts regarding the Water St parcel as presented to the public. This has caused dissension and hard feelings amongst residents. We attended the public meeting hoping it would be an opportunity to connect with our neighbours in a positive setting. Needless to say the meeting caused further dissension amongst many residents.
Local parks should bring residents together. When less than truthful statements are given to the public it causes further dissension amongst residents. And unlike the simple correction of a misspelled name, it is not easy to correct the negative relationships amongst neighbours or the reputation of residents.
Brian Rose, an area resident, reminds people what was in the Staff report that had the three options. They chose option 3 on a 6-1 vote.
 A concept drawing for the St. Paul Window on the Lake that city staff presented to residents at a public meeting. Option Three – Dispose of Water Street Parcel and develop Windows-to-the-Lake. This option would involve:
• Selling the city and MNR water lots between St Paul Street and Market Street to the adjacent land owners
• Creation of Windows-to-the-Lake on the existing St. Paul Street and Market Street road allowances
• Proceeds from sale of property could finance a portion of the Windows to-the-
Lake implementation. Clear demarcation of land ownership with the formalization of the Windows-to-
the-Lake. Issues of encroachments would be resolved. Development of Windows-to-the-Lake is a clear message to residents of the opportunity to enjoy the waterfront.
Definition of windows to the lake as defined in the adopted report
Windows-to-the-Lake are described as small public areas located on city road allowances next to Lake Ontario or Burlington Bay; established to increase public access to the waterfront.
Windows-to-the-Lake typically are developed with the following amenities:
• Seating area(s)
• Walkway connections to the community
• Bike racks and refuse containers
• Fencing or barriers to control access to the water
• Parking located in the widow or on street depending on size, existing vegetation
and configuration
• Bollards or railings to keep vehicles on the road allowance
• Signage to identify as Windows-to-the-Lake.
The fact is that the people on St. Paul Street have been encroaching on city property and deliberately blocking public access to the lake.
Planners, parks and recreation people and the office of the city solicitor are preparing a team that will look into the encroachments that have been taking place throughout the city; none of their work will impact the mess we are looking at on the old Water Street road allowance.
All this will get discussed at city council meetings in June.
In the meantime a survey is being planned to get the views of those who live in the immediate area.
Is this the way people behave in Canada’s best mid-sized city?
 By Pepper Parr
April 15, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Dave Conrath is no slouch.
He has served as the Dean of a Faculty at Stanford University; he also served as the dean of a Faculty at the University of Waterloo.
Retired from the academic world now, he currently serves as a member of the Board at Royal Botanical Gardens, he sits on the Board of Burlington’s Economic Development Corporation and serves as a volunteer on the Burlington Waterfront Committee.
 It went for more than half a million dollars – gives new meaning to the words: “location, location, location”. Conrath has very strong views on what he thinks the city and the city and the Region are doing to the people who live on the Beachway. “This is spurious action” on the part of the Region” he said. To refer to a plan that has been sitting around for more than forty years and drag it out and treat it as a policy that has to be followed now is just plain wrong, he added.
“These people need to lawyer up” and get the help they need to ensure they are treated fairly.
Conrath lives in one of the lakeshore condos – is a big fan of the downtown core. During our interview with Conrath, Brian Dean, president of the Burlington Downtown Business Association happened along and joined us for a few minutes. Conrath began to talk about just what it is to live downtown. Dean was so impressed that he asked for a testimonial.
 A close up view of the 30 homes that the Region wants to demolish to develop the park. The residents in the Beachway are discouraged, dispirited and depressed. They don’t feel they are listened to; they turn in a petition with more than 3000 signatures of people who walk through the Beachway on the old railway bed who want to see the homes remain – the petition gets the “receive and file” treatment at a council meeting.
They are told again and again that they will not be expropriated – that if their property changes hands it will be on a willing buyer/willing seller basis.
There is only one buyer – the Region and except for a few who see the chance to get a great price for their homes – there are few sellers.
Three homes have sold in the past three years – two of them were Estate sales. The other sale was to the Region by a person who worked for the Region. One can imagine the dynamic in play when that sale was made.
 This is the park the region has designed – views are mixed on whether or not this is the best way to develop the Beachway. This plan calls for the removal of all the homes. A couple of hundred people have seen the plan. The Region has to either expropriate these people or move on says Conrath. They can’t continue to diminish these people this way, he added
There are some people in the expropriation field who will tell you that the home owners have rights that are recognized under the Expropriation Act.
Expect to see some professionals coming forward to advise the Beachway community.
By James Smith
April 14, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
On Tuesday, Justin Trudeau toured the Burlington Senior Centre, shook more than a hundred hands, made a brief speech and made more than a few converts to the Liberal cause.
Accompanied by Burlington’s Liberal Candidate Karina Gould and Oakville’s John Oliver, who also both made some brief remarks, Mr. Trudeau spent more than an hour touring the Centre, took in a game of pool, and even had a turn at Gypsy Dancing.
 Justin Trudeau chats up a senior at a Seniors’ Centre reception in Burlington He also expressed his disappointed there wasn’t any Sangria to go along with the dancing! In attendance at the centre to welcome Mr. Trudeau in addition to Mr Oliver and Ms Gould was Oakville Town Councillor Pam Damoff and Burlington City Councillors Marianne Meed Ward, Blair Lancaster and Halton School board trustee Leah Reynolds.
Curiously Ms Lancaster, who has announced her intention to seek the Conservative nomination for Oakville-North Burlington in this autumn’s election, had a brief chat with Mr. Trudeau, and stayed to listen to Mr. Trudeau’s remarks.
In his remarks, Mr. Trudeau complemented those present on the Senior Centre, and the suggested Burlington’s centre is a model for many other communities and it should be replicated across the country. In thanking the many seniors present for their contribution to Canada, Mr. Trudeau at the same time accused the present government as dismantling what those present helped to build.
Trudeau suggested the present government was implementing a policy of division that was pitting groups and regions against one another. He also suggested that an outcome of the present government’s policies has been to produce the first generation in Canadian History that will not do as well as their parent’s generation. Based on the reaction to this statement, this fact seemed to alarm some in the audience.
The crowed seemed impressed with Trudeau and his approach, although some wanted more substance and policy. To that complaint of a lack of tangible policies, Trudeau was heard to say, “It’s too early for that” and “you’ll see lots of policy soon enough”. When asked for his thoughts on the event after speaking to Mr Trudeau, Senior Centre member, and “long time lakeshore road resident” Jim Frohlick said it was “refreshing to hear such positive things from a politician. I think some minds were changed today, I know that Mr Trudeau won over more than a few of my Conservative friends just now.”
When asked about the upcoming campaign and her chances, Ms Gould let it be known that she’s not taking anything for granted and has been knocking on doors for months now to connect with Burlingtonians.
The election isn’t officially underway and one leader’s visit doesn’t make a campaign however; judging on the mood of this crowd, for this leader it should be a very interesting election here in Burlington. If one can draw any parallels from the 2014 provincial election in Burlington, it also started unofficially with a Liberal Leader touring a senior facility with a candidate who made a big impression on those seniors who were at that event.
MP Mike Wallace may be hoping that what was seen today at the Burlington Seniors Centre was not similar to the trend started by MPP Eleanor McMahon.
James Smith is a well known political activist who has campaigned for more than one Liberal
 By Staff
April 15, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington is giving residents the chance to help decide which movies will be played this summer at Movies Under the Stars through online polls.
“For this summer’s program we’re asking residents to help us pick from a list of movies to be shown in their neighbourhood parks.” Said Director of Parks and Recreation Chris Glenn
 Make it a Family Night – take pop corn and a blanket. Movies Under the Stars, a city movie series supported by Tim Hortons, allows families to enjoy movies in City of Burlington parks. The series will run this summer on Thursdays at dusk from July 9 to Aug. 20 and feature a different movie each week, shown on a 7.62 by 4.27 metre (25 by 14 foot) outdoor screen.
An online poll is available on the City of Burlington’s website that offers a choice from three movies. Each poll will be open for seven days, and will give voters a choice among three movies. The city has made the waiting a little easier on voters by instantly showing which movie currently has the most votes. The poll can be found at www.burlington.ca/movies.
The poll to decide the movie for July 16, 2015, in Aldershot Park is now open. Voters have until April 15 to pick their first choice. Watch the votes climb and join the City of Burlington in thinking ahead to the warm days of summer. Residents are encouraged to visit the city website to vote each week:
Voting Poll dates Movie date and park
April 16 to 22 July 23, Civic Square
April 23 to 29 July 30, Emerson Park
April 30 to May 6 Aug. 6, Kilbride Park
May 7 to 13 Aug. 13, Mohawk Park
May 14 to 20 Aug. 20, Spencer Smith Park
Bring your own pop corn
 By Staff
April 13, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
On Sunday April 12th 2015 approximately 10:00 PM, police responded to a break and enter at a Hydro One compound on Cumberland Road in Burlington.
Upon arrival, police observed a lone male fleeing the premise who after a brief foot chase, was taken into custody without incident.
Further investigation at the compound revealed the male had been concealed inside an outbuilding where he was stripping copper wire.
Arrested and held for bail is:
Ian SILVERTHORN (48 yrs) of Proctor Bv. in Hamilton.
Charges:
• Break, Enter and commit theft
• Possession of break-in instruments
Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
April 13, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
On April 12th 2015 at approximately 9:53 PM, Halton Regional Police and the Burlington Fire Department responded to a fire inside Kay Motors Inc. at 1227 Plains Rd. E. in Burlington.
The fire was quickly extinguished and contained to a rear office. The business was closed that the time and investigation at the scene pointed towards arson. The extent of the damages appears minor, the value of which is not yet known.
Police are looking to identify a male seen lingering around the business several hours prior to the fire.
This male is described as being 6 feet tall, average build, wearing blue jeans, a red shirt and a suit like jacket with an orange bandana covering his face and head.
The male was seen leaving the area in a white vehicle similar to a Lincoln Town car or a Crown Victoria.
Anyone who may have witnessed this male or has information that would assist investigators in identifying him are encouraged to contact Detective Constable Dave Ardrey – Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Commercial Crime Team at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2306 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Staff
April 13, 20/5
BURLINGTON, ON
On Saturday April 11th 2015 at approximately 10:58 PM, police responded to 5111 New Street in Burlington in response to a report of a group of youths fighting.
Upon police arrival, it was learned that a group of three male youths jumped another youth and stole his 13” Macbook Air laptop, watch and cell phone before fleeing the area. The victim sustained only minor injuries.
Police later located and arrested the three youths on Longmoor Rd. near Chamberland Rd.
The youths were still in possession of the victims watch and cell phone however the laptop valued at $1500 has not been recovered.
Three young offenders who cannot be named are charged with robbery and possession of property obtained by Crime.
Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Pepper Parr
April 13, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
There are some differences about what is meant by minimal – those differences appear to have feathers ruffled.
With the city having sold its parcels of land to the three property owners who abut what has been public land, the concern now moves to just what the Windows on the Lake will look like.
A public meeting in March didn’t go all that well.
 Janice Connell after delegating to city council committee – She thinks she just might have nailed it! Janice Connell apparently made life difficult for a city staffer – so much so that a complaint has worked its way up to the office of the city manager.
Connell was the sole delegator for the three property owners who wanted to buy the portion of the old Water Street allowance that was at the edge of the lake. She was very effective; she did her homework but seemed to need to tangle with ward 2 Councillor Meed Ward.
 Windows to the Lake were designed for three streets: Market, St. Paul and Green. The intention at the public meeting in March was to have feedback from the public and then a Staff Report that would go to the Community and Corporate Services Standing Committee on June 16 and then along to Council on June 22nd for approval.
 Market Street has the most direct line of sight to the Lake – but at this point is the hardest to realize is public space. The design shown will make it very clear that this is public property – which is what has those living on the street upset. No mention was made of any signage. Once approved, staff would prepare construction drawings, send the work out for tender after which construction will begin.
Somehow – we don’t think it is going to be quite that easy.
 St Paul Street has the longest stretch of public property which at this point has obstacles in place that make it pretty clear it is private property – which it isn’t. The design allows the public to get deep into the lot and appreciate one of the finest views in the city. When the decision was made to sell the land Council agreed that there would be Windows to the Lake at the foot of Market and St. Paul streets – Green Street has been added.
Councillor Dennison was quite vocal at the time when he described what he meant by minimal – a bench and a can for garbage was what he appeared to have in mind.
Staff obviously didn’t get the message – their designs go quite a bit further – however they don’t appear to include any lighting.
The Burlington Waterfront Committee, a collection of citizens with representation from every ward have been tracking the discussion and comment on just what will be built on the road allowances that reach to the waters edge of Lake Ontario.
The group is what is left of the Waterfront Advisory Committee that originally brought up the problems surrounding the Windows on the Lake.
Rob Peachey, currently a manager in the Capital works department attended that meeting in 2012 and commented then that this wasn’t his “favourite file” The people who have private access to the lake aren’t at all keen on sharing it.
In an earlier article on that March meeting, which the Gazette did not attend, we reported that “The owners of property in the streets that lead to the windows are wondering just how much pedestrian traffic there will be and will people be sitting close to the edge of the lake at all hours of the day and how much noise will there be?
Discussions amongst the people who live on Market and St. Paul have taken place and they apparently now want to know just how minimalist are these windows on the lake going to be.
Will it be just a bench and a waste container? Welso reported that: “Some people are getting the sense that there is a push to get rid of the windows all together or to make them so inaccessible that no one will want to go near the things.
In that article we mispelled Janice Connell’s name and corrected that error.
In a response to us about the correction we made Ms Connell adds:
The mis-spelling of my name is not the only information that is incorrect.
The truth is we support the Windows-t0-the Lake at St.Paul and Market Street and have done so since our very first discussion with Ward 2 Councillor Meed Ward. in July 2012. At this meeting, one of the three owners offered to engage landscapers to clean up the area at end of Market St., enhance it as a Window-to-the -Lake for the public and maintain it at his expense. The public was never informed of this offer.
Our concern at the public meeting is the discrepancy between the wording of Council’s approved motion and what was actually presented and discussed. Council invested considerable time (including visiting the properties) researching this issue and they were clear in their motion …”minimalistic manner (bench and signage) at St Paul and Market St.”and the “enhancement of Port Nelson Park with available funds.”
In the presentation, Staff was asked about the motion including “enhancing Port Nelson Park with available funds.” Staff replied that this was not part of the motion. This statement differs from the wording in the motion.
 You wouldn’t know it – but this is public property and anyone can walk out to the end and look over the lake. City will now put signage indicating that the land is public. A portion of a driveway is apparently going to be taken – was that portion on public property? Other residents had different concerns…locals from Green St. area were upset as they had no prior notification of the proposed Windows -to- the -Lake at the end of Green St. (Green St. Windows was not part of the approved motion.). There was heated discussions amongst residents as to what the “Windows- to -the- Lake” should consist of…bike racks, bench under trees in the sun, bench under trees in the afternoon shade, lighting, fences, garbage bins, walkways and shrub plantings .
One of the proposals for St. Paul included removing a portion of an elderly residents driveway.
Some of the dissension could have been alleviated if a copy of the approved motion had been available at the presentation for the public to refer to. The wording of the approved motion is …”develop Windows-to-the-Lake at St Paul and Market St in a minimalistic manner(benches and signage).”
Over the past few years we have had ongoing concerns over misrepresentation of the facts regarding the Water St parcel as presented to the public. This has caused dissension and hard feelings amongst residents. We attended the public meeting hoping it would be an opportunity to connect with our neighbours in a positive setting. Needless to say the meeting caused further dissension amongst many residents.
As you were not at the meeting, the information in your article is second hand information and is not accurate as it relates to information in the approved motion. Also the information given to you by your informed observer about the three property owners is not truthful. The property owners support the approved motion as to the development of the two Windows to the Lake. We have not and will not “try to get council to change their mind.”
Local parks should bring residents together. When less than truthful statements are given to the public it causes further dissension amongst residents. And unlike the simple correction of a misspelled name, it is not easy to correct the negative relationships amongst neighbours or the reputation of residents.
In reporting on the March meeting the Gazette spoke independently to four people who were at the meeting.
 By Pepper Parr
April 13, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Region is picking them off one by one – in this most recent case they got two at the same time.
109 and 115 Willow Street were bought from the Estate of Clarence Junior Craddock and Adeline Y.M. Craddock for a princely sum.
 Willow Street in the Beachway. Regional Staff was authorized to conclude the acquisition of lands municipally known as 115 Willow Street and 109 Willow Street in the City of Burlington for what was described as Regional purposes. The properties are part of the assembly of all the lands within the Beachway.
The sale of these two units makes a total of three that have been acquired by the Region.
This will come as a shock to many Burlington tax payers is the cost which is to come out of the capital project budget for Burlington Waterfront – Land Acquisition. The numbers in the report are far from clear – it asks that the funding be increased by $640,000 from $624,250 to $1,264,250 and that this additional funding required be financed from the Green Fund Reserve.
Burlington’s ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward asked that the vote at the full be recorded and the results are as follows:
Yeas: Carr, Adams, Bonnette, Burton, Craven, Duddeck, Elgar, Fogal, Gittings, Goldring, Knoll, Krantz, Lancaster, O’Meara, Sharman, Somerville (16).
Nays: Best, Cluett, Dennison, Meed Ward, Taylor (5).
The voted to approve the acquisition and the funding carried.
The report was so deeply buried in the Regional minutes that one had to be a hound dog to find them – then numbers appear to say that the price paid for the two homes was $1,264,250
Regional staff were not available for clarification
These two structures are not much more than old summer cottages at the end of a lane way that abuts the QEW.
 By Staff
April 13, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
 The Burlington Performing Arts Centre is accepting nominations for the third inductee of its Hall of Fame. Established in 2013, The Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s Hall of Fame recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the performing arts in Burlington. Recipients of this award demonstrate the diversity of artistic accomplishment that comprises the rich cultural tapestry of the City of Burlington. The Hall of Fame award will be presented to the inductee at the 2015-2016 Season Launch event held at The Centre on Thursday, May 28.
Nomination applications must be submitted on or before Friday, May 8th, 2015. The nomination form can be downloaded from The Centre’s website
 Hall of Fame’s 2nd inductee, Rainer Noack The Burlington Performing Arts Centre recognizes that the individual and group artists are paramount and fundamental to cultural development.
These individuals and groups contribute to Burlington’s reputation as a city with a strong and sustained commitment toward the development of cultural excellence.
 Gordie Tapp was onsite almost every day during the construction of the Pier. He chats with Project Manager Craig Stevens. Tapp was the first inductee into the Performing Arts Center Hall of Famwe At the 2014 Cabaret, the Hall of Fame’s 2nd inductee, Rainer Noack, Founder and Program Director of Burlington Student Theatre, was recognized for providing training, camps and arts opportunities for children and youth in the Burlington area since 1978.
The Hall of Fame’s 1st inductee, was Burlington’s own, Gordie Tapp.
By Pepper Parr
April 13, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
When Brian Dean, president of the Burlington Downtown Business Association asked the city to expand his boundaries local merchants in the expanded territory didn’t exactly line up to fill out membership forms. On the contrary – a couple wrote letter and one delegated at city council saying they didn’t like the idea at all.
 View of the Plaza, looking north, as it stands today – the front will be opened up considerably.  Councillor Meed Ward can see a stunning outdoor patio on this stretch of the property that will undergo a significant upgrade – all within the existing zoning. This view looks south.
Then Jeff Usher came along and announced that Burlington Square Plaza (BSP) was so keen on the idea that they were going to expand the Plaza and add a four storey structure to the south end and make major changes to the retail level in the core structure.
In doing so – Cherishome Living, the company that owns the apartment tower, might well create a new anchor for the expanded BDBA territory. There isn’t an awful lot to choose from when a person wanting to get out for a meal or a chance to sit out on a patio and just enjoy the city.
Usher sees a significant opportunity for a restaurant to set up a sizable plaza area outside the new addition.
 This structure which faces Brant and runs south to Olga will be demolished and become the four storey commercial residential part of the upgrade to the Plaza property. Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward was all a flutter over the development because it was going to build within the applicable zoning and not ask city council for additional height.
 Because the development is within all the rules – all they have to do is take their application to city hall, file all the papers, pay the fees and they get their building permit.
Meed Ward will be holding a public meeting on the 15th to tell everyone about it and show off the architects rendering.
Cherishome Living was formerly McArthur Properties. The rental agent for the Burlington Square apartments will changed – the firm being brought in has more experience with commercial and residential
 The space to the right will be demolished and become part of the new four storey structure that will have rental on the top four floors and retail on the lower level The commercial side of the Plaza has not done as well as hoped – much of the ground floor space is vacant.
Burlington MPP Eleanor McMahon has space on the lower level but has decided to mover her office to a location with more exposure.
By Pepper Parr
April 12, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
City Council voted to sell small portions of land it owned that bordered on the edge of Lake Ontario to the three property owners whose homes abutted the city property.
Along with the city property there was a strip of land owned by the province.
 The portion of the property marked as “parkette” is being old to the owners of the three properties that abut the land. Some of the land belongs to the city – the rest belongs to the province. The Market and St.Paul street properties belong to the city and are to be made into fully accessible Windows to the Lake. The province said it would also sell its portion of the land but only once the city portion had been sold.
At the time, for reasons which were not all clear, council also said the price paid for the property would not be released until the part of the strip of land that was owned by the province had also been sold.
 This is a scene to die for. Prime location with a view that can’t be excelled. It used to belong to the citizens of the city. The sale was contentious – many did not agree with the decision and even more did not agree with the way the city had informed the public. Those people who lived in the immediate area knew about the sale – those who were a kilometre away had no idea the sale was taking place.
The city seemed to almost go out of its way to not inform the public.
The sale of the city owned portion of the land sold for close to peanuts given the location and the value that the strip of land adds the property they already hold.
The city council decision came out of a Staff report that set out three options: Do nothing with the property, lease it to the property owners whose homes abutted the land or sell it.
Staff recommended against selling the property.
Whatever vision city council had for a Waterfront Trail got lost when they voted to sell the land.
The sale of the city portion of the land was sold February 10th to Michael Swartz, who paid $81,994 for his portion of the city land; Ray Khanna who paid $46,004 for his portion and Ralph Williams who paid $85,988 for his portion.
The information comes from the Registry office where anyone can access it. Quite why the city decided that it was not going to release the information is curious. Why no transparency on a file that a lot of people scratching their heads?
With the city portion sold the provincial government now does its due diligence and when they are satisfied that everything is in order the sale of their land will close – and the idea of a Waterfront Trail in that part of the city is lost for a long long time.
 This is the view from the southern end of the St. Paul Window on the Lake. It could become an incredible location – providing those who are lobbying against it don’t prevail. The plan is for two Windows on the Lake to be kept – even though there is apparently some lobbying going on to change that decision.
By Staff
April 13, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
More than 400 of the city’s business community gathered at the Convention Center last week for the annual Chamber of Commerce business gala that brought together business, government and industry leaders from all over the area to join in celebrating the business community’s achievements.
 Back Row (L toR): Bernie Meuller, Gerry Smallegange Front Row (L to R): Tom Flannery, Juliet Aurora, Colleen Mulholland, Dave McSporran, Fred Bennink The Chamber presents a number of business excellence awards in a variety of categories. In 2002, awards from the Burlington Economic Development Corporation were added to the Gala. In 2003, the Tourism Burlington Award was added and Mayor Rick Goldring presents his Community Service Awards at the Gala.
To be eligible for a Business Excellence Award, a company must be a member of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce or be located in the City of Burlington. More than 50 nominations were recieved for the 2014 awards.
Finalists and winners are chosen by the Chamber’s Business Awards Task Force through a series of questionnaires and interviews. Winners are companies that have demonstrated excellence in business leadership, community contributions, entrepreneurship, employee welfare, innovation, and growth.
A new evaluation criterion that was used for all companies beginning with the 2009 awards was environmental practices.
Service (Large)
Finalists:
Burlington Hydro Electric Inc.
Emma’s Back Porch
Sodexo Canada Ltd.
Winner: Burlington Hydro Electric Inc.
The Task Force was impressed with Burlington Hydro’s commitment to customer service and the fact that its responsiveness to customers’ needs has been an important factor in other companies locating in Burlington.
Service (Small)
Finalists:
AIS Solutions Inc.
Dodsworth & Brown Funeral Home
OrthoEvidence Inc.
StanMech Technologies Inc.
Winner: AIS Solutions Inc.
The Task Force was impressed with the fact that AIS Solutions has been asked by Intuit Canada to help improve future versions and to share their knowledge throughout Canada and the US.
Manufacturer
Finalists:
CPC Pumps
Zip Signs
Winner: Zip Signs
The Task Force was impressed with Zip Signs’ ability to provide quality, innovative, turnkey solutions anywhere in Canada while maintaining a family-focused business that cares about its employees.
Retail / Wholesale
Finalists:
Christy’s Gourmet Gifts
Dr. Tracy Brodie & Associates, Optometrists
Winner: Christy’s Gourmet Gifts
The Task Force was impressed with how this small, family business recognized a niche market and, with quality, innovative products, has become an international success.
Young Entrepreneur
Finalists:
Dave McSporran, Bottled Media
Waqar Malik, InBold Media
Winner: Dave McSporran, Bottled Media
The Task Force was impressed with how Dave has developed a childhood passion and a desire to tell his clients’ stories as they have never been told before, into a solid, stable business.
Not-for-Profit
Finalists:
Burlington Community Foundation
Burlington Green Environmental Association
Camelot Centre
Winner: Burlington Community Foundation
The Task Force was impressed with the broad impact the Foundation has had and its ability to respond rapidly to our community’s needs, such as it did this past year following the August flood.
Heritage Award
Winner: Dodsworth & Brown Funeral Home
Dodsworth & Brown’s is awarded this year’s Heritage Award because of their long history of doing business in Burlington, a remarkable 50 years. They have served the residents of Burlington with class, understanding and professionalism
Mayor’s Sustainable Green Business Award
Burlington Mall, RioCan Management Inc.
The Mayor’s Sustainable Green Business Award was announced prior to the Gala.
BEDC Business Export Award
Cogent Power Inc.
The BEDC Business Export Award was announced prior to the Gala.
Tourism Burlington Ambassador Award
Burlington Teen Tour Band
 Burlington Chamber of Commerce President Keith Hoey, who does a pretty good job as a stand up comic, is also quite a promoter. The Burlington Chamber of Commerce, formed in 1947 will hold its Annual General Meeting at the Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel, 3063 south Service Rd. TIME: 4:45 Registration Begins
5:00 Annual General Meeting
The Chamber is the voice of business in Burlington and advocates at the local, regional, provincial and federal level on behalf of over 1,000 companies representing 30,000 employees.
By Staff
April 12, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Two world class marathoner’s who ran in the 2014 Chilly Half Marathon last February just might be on their way to the 2016 Rio Olympics.
 Reid Coolsaet crossing the finish line at the Chilly Half Marathon in Burlington. Reid Coolsaet and Krista DuChene both headed to the Netherlands in search of what they hoped would be an Olympic qualifying time, as well as a shot a Canadian record.
The two appear to have qualified for Olympic berths at Rotterdam today. Both took part in Burlington’s Chilly Half Marathon last March.
 Krista DuChene being carried after finishing a race on Montreal just over a year ago with a broken femur. One year ago, DuChene, the Mother of two children, broke her femur running a half-marathon in Montreal.
On Sunday in Rotterdam, she flirted with the Canadian record, and finished with her second fastest ever marathon time in 2:29:37.
 Although the 2016 Rio Olympic qualifying times have yet to be formally announced, the women’s time has historically been 2:29:55. This will be DuChene’s first Olympics.
Coolsaet also came to the Rotterdam course in the hunt for the Canadian record (2:10:09). He ended up with a strong seventh place finish in a tough field, finishing in 2:11:23. In previous years, the Canadian Olympic standard for the men’s marathon has been 2:11:29.
Is Burlington’s Chilly Half about to become the accepted training ground for Olympic level runners?
 By Staff
April 10, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
We got this late in the day –
Due to a mechanical issue at Angela Coughlan Pool, the scheduled Leisure Swim from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. is cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Swimmers are encouraged to attend the 7:30 to 9 p.m. Family Swim at Burlington Centennial Pool or 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Fun Swim at Tansley Woods Pool.
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