Five people running for school board seats - more expected

By Pepper Parr

April 3rd, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

There are now five candidates running for the Burlington Wards 1&2 trustee seat on the Halton District School Board.

We are told there are others who took part in the Information session the city held for anyone who was thinking of being a candidate.

Often when there is an election for a single seat on the Board of trustees one person comes forward and is acclaimed.

The candidate elected last October had to resign for personal reasons – which meant calling an election which is an expensive process

That isn’t the cases with the trustee for wards 1&2 in Burlington where there are xx trustees representing the city.

Nominated to date are:

Michael James Duhacek

Website:

 

Chris Goff

Website:

 

Anthony Hoyes

Website:

 

Daniel Warren Oke

Website:

 

Robbie Brydon

Facebook page

The public school board has some significant issues to deal with. The awkwardly handled issue of an Oakville teacher who appeared to be struggling with some personal identity issues infuriated parents with children attending the high school.

The teacher is on at home leave – no resolution on that issue yet.

The Board is currently getting ready to debate their budget – they are currently waiting for feedback and comment from the public.

Online voting will be available from May 15 to 19, 2023. In-person voting will take place at advance polls on Wednesday, May 24 and on Election Day, Monday, May 29, 2023.

Related news story:

Brydon announces candidacy

 

 

 

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Major development in the east end of the city back on the table; revised proposal to be presented at community meeting

By Pepper Parr

April 3, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

The Gazette has been advised that this meeting is not for the general public – it is a meeting at which the focus group will be meeting with the developers planning consultant.  There will be a meeting for the public at a later date.

The development is back on the table.

Dana Andrews, the Planning Consultant who is shepherding the application to develop the Lakeside Village Plaza wants to reconnect with the community and will be hosting an upcoming meeting with City Staff, the Mayor and Ward Councillor together with the community focus group.

Stephen White

Stephen White, part of a Community Focus group that converged on the previous developer to express concerns on the redevelopment proposal. That meeting was very well attended.

There is no formal structure, although Bob Hilton and Frank Attardo seem to be the guiding force.

They live in the condo on the south side of Lakeshore Road across the street from the plaza. That building was swamped during the 2014 flood. 43 cars in the underground parking lot were flooded and totalled. They obviously have a strong interest in what goes on that site. The big issue is the water table. Many stores in the mall such as the Bowling Alley and the theatre had underground rooms, and they were constantly battling flooding.

The intention was to develop the site in stages. Skyway Arena, immediately to the north of the proposed development is currently under construction.

Since the December 2019 meeting,  the community focus group recognizes that a lot of time has passed due to the pandemic; there have been a number of stops and restarts to their work. Over the last several months the group has been reviewing updated concept plans and looks forward to presenting those plans to the City and the public Thursday April 27th, 2023.
prior to a re-submission by the developer to the City.

The meeting location – Hearthstone – 100 Burloak Drive, Time: 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Light refreshments will be available.
An agenda will be distributed prior to meeting date.

Related news stories:

Development met with significant community blow back.

Statutory meeting didn’t change many minds.

 

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Council extends the maximum delegation time limit to 15 minutes on April 1st

By The Usual Suspects

April 1st, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

In a surprise move, Burlington City Council voted unanimously to revise its procedural bylaw following a motion by Ward 1 Councillor, Kelvin Galbraith.

Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith

Galbraith, who is known for his advocacy concerning constituent engagement and governance transparency, led the Horseshoe Circle in the vote which allows citizen delegates to be able to question Councillors on any or all matters before Council and extends the maximum delegation time limit to 15 minutes.

Mayor Meed Ward said that Councillor Galbraith’s approved amendments were an “eye opener”.

For those who may have missed the date check the calendar  – April 1st.

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A sound that makes the start of a day really nice

By Pepper Parr

April 1st, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Have you heard this guy chirping away as you stepped out of the house to get into your car. ?

If you learn how to mimic the chirping the cardinal will actually engage with you.  Really nice way to start a day.

A really welcome sound – the weather will be nicer and, unless our changing climate decides to dump another foot of snow on us – it should be a nice month.

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Award winning short haul carrier has begun to think about how they will upgrade their 100 truck fleet to EV

By Pepper Parr

April 1st, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

We all know about it.

Those who believe it want to do something about it.

Those who don’t believe there is a climate problem are beyond the pale.

The issue for most people is: What can I do on a daily basis? I put my blue box out, I do what I can to conserve energy. An electric car doesn’t fit in with my budget this year and probably not next year as well.

Thousands of years of ice accumulation are now beginning to melt and in the process changing water temperature that impacts the environment around the world.

The corporate sector know something has to be done. When we see film clips of those huge glaciers calving and dumping tonnes of ice into Antarctic waters we know that the climate is getting a lot warmer and that we are close to the point where we won’t be able to maintain that 1.5 C increase if we don’t take action now.  And so far we aren’t doing all that well.

The United Nations report on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) tells us we are closer than we should be to that tipping point. The Report underscores the urgency of taking more ambitious action and shows that, “if we act now, we can still secure a livable sustainable future for all.”

The federal government keeps pushing back the date at which we will succeed in limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius

This decade is seen as our last window of opportunity to turn things around. We’ve developed the science, models and action scenarios that give us the power to make a critical impact through our daily actions. We’ve made the ending of the climate crisis a game that anyone can play and together, as a critical mass of individuals can win.

2030 is seen as the date by which we have to have begun to lower green house gas emissions to the point where the 1.5 C increase is met.

There is a trucking company: “If it’s on time – it’s a Fluke” that has a fleet of 100 tractor trailers that focus on the shorty haul part of the logistics business  Steve Foxcroft, President of Fluke said recently that their clients are asking them when they will begin using trucks powered by electricity from batteries rather than the diesel fuel they use now.

Converting a fleet of 100 trucks is not a task that gets done quickly – the capital costs are huge.

“We would like to do that tomorrow” said Steve Foxcroft, President of Fluke Transportation, “but the costs of converting are not small. An electric tractor costs 3 times is as much as a diesel tractor and the charging stations are not cheap”

“We will eventually buy our first electric tractor and install a charging station but it will be a long time before our fleet is fully electric.”

Steve Foxcroft, President of Fluke Transport.

Foxcroft explained to the Gazette the problem he faces with the 100 tractor trailer fleet he operates that all run on diesel fuel. “We train our drivers to idle their engines as little is as possible and we instruct them on how to drive their trucks to get the best they can out of the fuel they use”

One of the concerns the logistics sector has is the availability of charging stations within their market area. “The last thing we need” said Foxcroft, “is to have a trailer with a load of time sensitive product running out of energy and not close to a charging station. Think about those gas stations you see on some highways with 25 trucks parked while the  driver has stopped for a meal – is that location going to have 20 charging stations for trucks to use ?”

“We are going to need charging stations in our yard with the capacity to charge every tractor overnight – the capital costs are scary.”

Fluke was chosen as short haul carrier of the year in 2019 by Coca Cola, “It is corporate giants like Coca Cola that want to see us begin using electric tractors – they understand that the public wants to see environmental related changes taking place. – so it is coming”, said Foxcroft,  “and I will be a proud executive the day that first tractor rolls into our yard but it isn’t going to be this year.

So we aren’t out there kicking tires yet, but we will eventually and I’d like to see us as a leader in this change. When that happens said Steve – it won’t be a Fluke; change will come about by corporations that do the long term planning..

 

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I just had to share this. What a way to do breakfast - yards from the edge of the lake

By Pepper Parr

March 31st, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Pancakes on a Sunday morning has always been an idea that I liked – but I wanted someone to make the pancakes for me.

My daughter in law gave me a small bottle of Maple Syrup with a blue berry flavour. It was labelled Maple Syrup with Forgotten Lake Blue Berry.

I didn’t or couldn’t understand why anyone would do anything to the flavour of Maple Syrup. I tried some on my bowl of oatmeal – I preferred the brown sugar and cinnamon that I sprinkled on the long flake oatmeal

I have box of pancake mix but have yet to open it. Might never do that after seeing the picture below.

Lettuce Love didn’t pay for the plug. It just looked like a scrumptious breakfast opportunity that I wanted to share.

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Four foot tree giveaway on the 29th of April - Register now the supply is limited

By Staff

March 31st, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The City of Burlington and BurlingtonGreen are hosting Earth Day activities at various locations throughout the city.

More trees – less flooding

Earth Day Tree Planting Event
In partnership with BurlingtonGreen, a tree planting event will take place at Millcroft Park, April 22 starting at 9:30 a.m., rain or shine. Advance registration at burlingtongreen.org is required. Space is limited.

Celebrate Earth Day with BurlingtonGreen
Residents can visit the BurlingtonGreen Eco-Hub at Burlington Beach Saturday, April 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. where a variety of fun and family-friendly eco-activities will be taking place: pollinator seed ball making, cycling resources and giveaways, a guided tree walk, shoreline clean up, a repair café and a -bike raffle opportunity.

Tree Giveaway
The City of Burlington is giving away 500 trees to residents. To receive a free, four-to-five-foot tree, you must register in advance and have a vehicle able to safely transport the tree. There are several types of trees available. Quantities and types are limited.

Date: Saturday, April 29, 2023
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pick up time is dependent on the species selected.

Location: Roads, Parks and Forestry Operation Centre Parking Lot, 897 Cumberland Ave., Burlington

Registration is open now until April 18, 2023. To register for a tree, go to Get Involved Burlington. Quantities and tree species are limited. Click HERE to Register

Gloria Reid: Not just a member of the Board – she gets right in there with the 15,000 people they want to help CleanUp and GreenUp

BurlingtonGreen’s Annual Clean Up Green Up
Celebrating their 15-year anniversary, BurlingtonGreen is aiming to see 15,000 people participate in their annual Clean Up Green Up this year. Residents, schools, groups and businesses are invited to be a part of this city-wide event cleaning up litter from Burlington’s parks, school yards and neighbourhoods.

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A Poetry Pop Up outside city hall on Saturday

By Staff

March 31st, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Burlington Public Library is hosting a Poetry Pop-up outside of Burlington City Hall tomorrow to kick off Poetry Month.

Take the children – explain to them that the thing they are looking at is the way we used to write letters. Expect them to be amazed.

They will be there with typewriters, ready to create custom poems on the spot for passersby.

Typewriters? Some of the younger people won’t know what a typewriter is.

There will be two at the event.  One will be active with the second one a backup.

Event takes place between 10 and noon on Saturday.

Library staff will be in front of City Hall with fingers poised over their typewriters at 10 a.m. on April 1st. You can visit their pop-up and request a free, custom poem, typewritten on the spot. They will be pecking out creative verses inspired by prompts provided by passersby.  

“We are hoping to create a little spark of delight for people,” says Elise Copps, BPL’s Manager of Marketing & Communications. “The idea is to introduce poetry in an accessible way and inspire people to appreciate the small moments of joy that poetry can create.”  

Visitors will be able to take home their personalized poem as a keepsake.  

 

 

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Robbie Brydon declares as a candidate for the Wards 1&2 seat on public school board

By Staff

March 31st, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Robbie Brydon has announced his candidacy for School Board Trustee in Burlington Wards 1 and 2. Brydon is an experienced policy researcher, community volunteer and dedicated father of two young children. He resides in Ward 2 and looks forward to serving his community in the role of Trustee.

Robbie Brydon, candidate for Wards 1 & 2 Halton District School Board

Brydon is committed to ensuring strong public schools where all students have the resources to thrive. He is passionate about supporting youth leadership and listening to student voices, recognizing that students are the heart of the education system.

As an economic and social policy researcher, Brydon is focused on evidence-based solutions that have a positive impact on the community. He brings experience in policy governance and collaborative decision-making approaches, which will help him to make informed decisions that benefit students, classrooms, and the wider community.

In addition to his policy expertise, Brydon has a wealth of experience in fiscal management, having supervised organizational budgets and the investment of multi-million dollar funds. He holds two degrees in economics, a valuable asset in making responsible financial decisions that prioritize the education and well-being of all students. He understands the importance of bilingualism and is fluent in French, making him an ideal candidate to promote opportunities for bilingualism in the education system.

Brydon is a proud father of an HDSB student, with another entering school soon, and lives with his wife, Joanna Oda, in Ward 2. “As an HDSB parent living in the area, I understand the importance of strong public schools that provide all students with the resources to succeed,” said Robbie Brydon. “I am committed to working collaboratively with my fellow trustees, students, staff, other levels of government, and the wider community to make informed decisions that benefit students in Burlington and Halton Region.”

Online voting will be available from May 15 to 19, 2023. In-person voting will take place at advance polls on Wednesday, May 24 and on Election Day, Monday, May 29, 2023.

 

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Burlington Teen Tour Band doing a two performance Concert on Sunday

By Staff

March 31st, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

They are the Toast of the Town.

They take the name of the city wherever they go and they go almost everywhere in the world.

The Band performed in Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day

They recently returned from a very successful tour of Ireland where they won awards for BEST in Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day and in Limerick the day after.

The Performing Arts Centre is their Home Base in the City – and that is where they will be performing on Sunday April 2nd at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm.

Some tickets are available for both performances.

Dates & Times: Sun Apr 2, 2023 at 2pm and Sun Apr 2, 2023 at 7pm
Venue: Main Theatre
Ticket Prices
Regular: $32 (All-in)

Online Box Office

 

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Blood Services asking donors to make an appointment -supplies tend to run low during holidays

By Staff

March 30th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Come the day that you need a blood transfusion – that is the day you will appreciate what blood donors do.

Become one of them.

The need for blood products never stops, especially during a long weekend and with the Easter public holiday just around the corner, we’re reminding Canadians to make all the difference by booking and keeping lifesaving appointments to donate blood, platelets and plasma.

Canadian Blood Services is grateful to the donors who help ensure the supply of lifesaving blood and plasma remains strong to help patients like ten-year-old Olivia Blundon from Beaverton, Ontario.

Olivia was diagnosed with aplastic anemia and in the months that followed, she needed more than 100 blood and platelet transfusions. She has since required a stem cell transplant, has been diagnosed with thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) and will eventually need a kidney transplant. Olivia’s condition is closely monitored and the possibility of future transfusions remains high. Her family is counting on donors to maintain the blood supply so that she can get the blood she needs when she needs it.

Donors are needed now to grow the plasma supply and restock the reserve of blood. Cancer patients, accident victims, and people with immunodeficiency, autoimmune and neurological disorders rely on blood, platelets, and plasma donations every day.

While there is a continuous need for all blood types, there is a greater need for donors who have O-negative blood. O-negative blood donors are especially needed because this blood type can be transfused to any patient. In times of emergency or for newborn patients, O-negative blood, the universal blood type, makes a lifesaving difference.

Appointments are required. Same day appointments are available every day at many donor centres and community events across the country.

Book now on blood.ca, use the GiveBlood app or call 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236-6283).

New and returning donors are asked to book and keep their donation appointments. If you are unable to make it to your appointment, please cancel it so that someone can take your place or re-book into the following month.

 

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You didn't need to know about why they said nothing that the public could understand.

By Pepper Parr

March 30th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

That quickie that was really quick – under nine minutes.

City Council was faced with a number of items that had been discussed in a CLOSED session– so there isn’t much in the way of detail.

There were no questions but the Mayor and Councillor Stolte did not vote for one of the matters.

The Agenda doesn’t provide all that much in the way of information either.

This one day after Council listen to a report from the Director of Engagement on hoe engaging and open the city has been.

Recommendations from Standing Committees:
Community Planning, Regulation & Mobility meeting of March 28, 2023

Recommendation pending Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility meeting of March 28, 2023 Agenda
a.
Delivery of support services for people with disabilities participating in recreation programs (RCC-05-23)

Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk & Accountability meeting of March 29, 2023
Recommendations pending Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability meeting of March 29, 2023 Agenda
Confidential insurance renewal report (L-05-23)
Confidential triannual litigation update (L-06-23)
Confidential legal department update on a litigation matter regarding 401-417 Martha Street (L-21-23)

The concern with the way Council chooses to handle these situations is that there is not even an attempt to inform the public.

The insurance renewal report – people sue the city for almost anything and the city frequently pays up smaller amount because it would cost more to fight the claim.  Why doesn’t someone say something like that?

The sense this council seems to take is ‘you don’t really need to know what this is about.’

What they need to know is that the public is supposed to know to ensure that they are accountable and transparent.

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Make Magic: Turn a $10 donation into creating $125 worth of food that gets distributed to those in need.

By Pepper Parr

March 30th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

This is a tough one to turn down.

If helping out those who need to use a Food Bank the opportunity to double what you’re giving at no expense yo you  – look at this one.

The Sprott Foundation has told the Food for Life people that they will match $ for $ donations made.

What you get is the satisfaction of knowing that your $10 became $125.00 – and you got a tax receipt – but just for the $10.

Graham Hill – Executive Director Food 4 Life

There is a lot of GOOD in the world. While rising costs and global challenges dominate the news cycle, we see the GOOD that is happening in neighbourhoods right here at home in Halton and Hamilton. A smile, a small gesture of kindness and support – they’re all part of the Circle of GOOD.

And each day, GOOD surplus food is being shared with friends and neighbours whose budget doesn’t stretch as far as it used to, allowing them to cover other essential costs like rent, hydro or gas.

Graham Hill, the Executive Director of the Not for Profit Food for Life puts it this way: “GOOD people like you, our amazing supporters, have already helped more than 39,000 households this year alone!

“Normally, every $10 gift means Food for Life can share $62.50 of GOOD food and groceries.

“But right now, every $10 will be doubled, providing an incredible $125 of GOOD food and groceries for people in our community.

“There are many reasons why people in our community need to access food programs. Besides inflation, precarious work and a lack of affordable housing are also factors.

“It’s a privilege to be able to lend a helping hand to a neighbour when they need it, knowing they would do the same for us.”

Double the GOOD!  Click HERE to make it happen.

 

 

 

 

 

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Mayor calls it an eye opener: A $36 million dollar hit on development charges and a $335 million hit on parkland dedication

By Pepper Parr

March 29th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

There are a number of issues in play that will have a massive impact on how Burlington grows: development charges, money developers are required to give the city when they are putting up a new high rise tower, parkland dedication, land that a developer is required to give a city – in Burlington many developers gave cash in lieu.

A number of new laws have been put in place by the provincial government that are throwing wrench into what municipalities have done in the past. Council listened to a report on the Building Homes Faster Act and what the impact would be on Burlington that has made building affordable and attainable housing it prime focus. The city recently signed a pledge with the province to build 29,000 new residences by 2031.

It also planned on using at least 3 hectares of parkland for every 1000 new residents. Where that land is going to come from was not at all clear.
City Manager Tim Commisso who realized some time ago that there isn’t all that much land available is casting a keen eye on school board properties that he expects to become available. That could solve part of the problem the city faces in finding the amount of land that is needed to meet the 3 hectares per 1000 people criteria – a pledge to build 29,000 by 2031 would work out to 3 x 29 = 87 hectares of land.

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward: This is an eye opener>

After hearing the Watson report Mayor Meed Ward said:

“This is an incredible eye opener.

“When I hear that we won’t be able to achieve the three per 1000.

“That’s, shocking. And it just shows the challenges that we’re up against because we simply can’t build housing alone. That’s not a complete community. We have to think of not only what happens inside a home, but when people step out their front door, what’s their experience, what do they what do?”

She had some difficulty responding to a situation where the city would take a $36 million hit on the development charges it expected to receive added to the $335 million hit on the parkland dedication.

“And that’s based on what we think we know right now which is ever changing. And it’ll get worse once we actually start looking at the real housing pledge numbers.

“So this is an eye opener for us and for the community and it just shows us the hole that has been created by Bill 23 and other pieces of legislation that really it can’t be filled.

The new look for Burlington

“It can’t be filled by the province. They don’t have the money and they should be spending it on homelessness and mental health and addictions and health care and schools and social services and a whole array of other things.

“We had a system that was working but it has been broken for reasons that still escaped me. That being said, that’s not the only issue and we have to turn our mind to getting as much accurate data as we can and refreshing it as often as we can to make sure that when we come back with our multiyear investment strategy that we’ve accounted properly for what we need to put aside to make sure that we’re building livable communities, not just housing but places where people actually want to live, work, play, recreate.

“So this really lays another tool to use to meet the challenges ahead. I’m up for it. I know we are as a council. We’re ready. We’re ready to dig in and meet those challenges. We will figure it out. I have no doubt about that. I also understand the magnitude of the challenge.”

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How to Use a Credit Card to Your Advantage

By Staff

March 29th, 2023

BURLINGTON,ON

 

Using a credit card to your advantage can be a great way to build up your credit score, as long as you make sure to use it responsibly. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your credit card.

Used responsibly, a credit cards has a lot of advantages.

The benefits of having a credit card

Credit cards offer a variety of benefits that can help you manage your finances and build your credit score. One of the main advantages of having a credit card is convenience. With a credit card, you don’t have to carry around cash or worry about writing checks. You can also use it to make purchases online or over the phone, which makes shopping much easier. Additionally, many credit cards offer rewards programs that allow you to earn points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases. These points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, travel miles and more.

Credit cards also provide an additional layer of protection when making purchases since they are backed by the issuing bank or financial institution. This means that if something goes wrong with your purchase – such as if it never arrives or is damaged – you may be able to dispute the charge and get your money back from the issuer.

Finally, using a credit card responsibly can help you build good credit history over time, which will make it easier for you to qualify for loans in the future. Canadians interested in getting their first credit card or opening a new line of credit should check out this list of the best cards on Finances.ca to find the best cash back or low-interest card.

Things to know about credit cards before getting one

Before you decide to get a credit card, it’s important to understand the basics of how they work. Credit cards are essentially a form of loan that allows you to borrow money from the issuer and pay it back over time with interest. The amount of money you can borrow is determined by your credit limit, which is set by the issuer based on your credit score and other factors.

Remember that when using a credit card, you should always pay off your balance in full each month to avoid paying interest charges. Additionally, be aware of any fees associated with the card, such as annual fees or late payment fees. Finally, be sure to read all terms and conditions carefully before signing up for a new card so that you know exactly what kind of benefits and rewards it offers.

Understanding credit card reward programs

There is a very wide selection of different credit cards – with different options

Credit card reward programs are a great way to get something back for your spending. Depending on the type of credit card you have, you can earn rewards in the form of cashback, points, miles or even discounts. Before signing up for a card, check to see what kind of rewards the card offers. Some cards offer higher rewards for certain purchases, such as groceries or gas, while others may offer a flat rate across all purchases.

You should also find out if there is an expiration date on the rewards and, if so, when it is. Knowing this information will help you plan and maximize your rewards before they expire. Finally, be aware of any fees associated with redeeming your rewards as well as any restrictions that may apply to them. By understanding these details about your credit card reward program, you can ensure that you’re making the most out of every purchase.

Tips for managing your credit card debt wisely

Managing credit card debt can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips for managing your credit card debt wisely:

1. Make sure you pay at least the minimum payment each month. This will help you avoid late fees and keep your credit score in good standing.

2. Try to pay more than the minimum payment if possible. Paying off your balance faster will save you money in interest payments over time.

3. Consider transferring your balance to a lower-interest rate card if available, as this could save you money on interest payments as well.

4. Avoid taking out cash advances from your credit cards, as these typically come with higher interest rates and fees than regular purchases do.

5. Create a budget and stick to it so that you don’t end up spending more than you can afford to pay back each month.

6. If necessary, consider speaking with a financial advisor or debt counselor who can help you create a plan for paying off your debts in an efficient manner while still allowing for other expenses, such as rent or groceries.

Use your credit card as a budgeting tool

To conclude, always remember to use your credit card responsibly and pay off your balance in full each month. Regularly review your credit card statements to ensure accuracy and take advantage of any rewards or cashback programs the card may offer.

Doing so can help you build a solid credit history while reaping the rewards of using a credit card.

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The number of unfavourable year-end revenue losses part of the year end report

By Pepper Parr

March 29th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

How did the treasurer keep the city’s financial situation above water.

A statement put out by the Treasurer said:

This report provides Committee and Council with the City’s preliminary unaudited 2022 year-end position. The City’s unfavourable year-end revenue losses were fully mitigated from a combination of business as usual savings, Transfers from Reserve Funds and the use of Safe Restart Funding.

Use your cursor to enlarge the type for easier reading

Explanations for the numerous unfavourable variations on the funding side

Council will debate and discuss the reports today.

 

 

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Council wants to consider licensing rentals as a way to control AirBnB situations: Aldershot resident would love to see that happen

By Pepper Parr

March 29th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Getting on the agenda at Tuesday’s Standing Committee took a special motion but Aldershot resident Chris Regan did get a chance to tell his story – it was not a pretty picture – the system failed him at several steps along the way.

Chris Regan – has an AirBnB residence next to his house which has five cameras capturing every visitor to his door

Chris Regan wanted to speak to an item regarding development and implementation of a city wide short term accommodation compliance and licensing program

Chris and his wife lived on Danforth Place, a quiet neighbourhood where the street slopes towards the lake.

A large six bedrooms, six bath, house next door had been recently sold.  Regan and his wife and one of their neighbours met with the new residents a day or so after they moved in

When he first met his new neighbour they had taken possession of the house. My wife and I met them, along with our neighbours to welcome to the neighbourhood. They were very nice they told us they were very excited to be moving in. They had I believe three children and they were very excited to have them go skate on the bay. We found out later on that they’ve never had any intention of moving in, they marketed it for what they’re using it for today.

I had a second chance to greet him. I was going to my car in my driveway he was in his, they were cleaning out the property after some renters that come in and we basically just exchanged pleasantries. I certainly wasn’t in any position to confront him. Knowing what they were doing with the property, I felt that it wasn’t the right way to do it. The right way to do it was to go to our counsellor and to take action from that point.

I hate to stand up and complain about things. I’ve owned a business in Burlington for the last 22 years.  Regan has been a Burlington resident for the last 60 odd years. We currently reside on Danforth Place and have been there for the last 12 years. When the property was sold in December the new owner immediately turned it into an Airbnb. They advertise it as an “event center”.

I understand that everybody has a right to operate a business providing they are doing it legally and without disruption to the rest of the community.  On 11 different occasions since they’ve rented it out we have personally had people come to our door thinking our house was the Airbnb location.

“We have all of this on cameras. We have five cameras around our home. The neighbour on the other side of us also has cameras on their home

Homes on Danforth Place in Aldershot

“It’s basically a party place and the disruption to our neighbourhood and to our security. On eight different occasions, we have had cleaners, food delivery people and UPS or Amazon people show up at our door, leave food, leave packages, leave parcels – we have all this on camera.

We’ve literally had to walk to our neighbour’s home to tell them it was delivered to our home.

We’re perfectly prepared to offer the video evidence that we have from our home and from our neighbour’s home as well, to back up the claims that I’m making here today.

Councillor Stolte, who faced a similar situation in ward 4 started out by saying: “ I feel your pain”.

Adding that “we’re looking at for short term accommodations solution that will help to negate situations like what you’re dealing with.  Yours is something that can be dealt with through a different opportunity that may resolve it sooner than what we’re able to get to through this with the Short Term Accommodation Licensing program that is being considered.

Regan explains that “we have been advised to go through the bylaw department and register complaints about the noise activity and the open bonfires outside that has embers and the ashes are hitting my wooden deck.

“I called the fire department first – they told me to call the city – I call the city. The city told me to call the bylaw department. But to answer your question I don’t believe I’ve been informed of another way of bringing this to anybody’s attention and that’s why I’m here today.

Councillor Galbraith asked: “ Can you let us know how they are marketing this? This house says is it just an Airbnb? Are they going sort of beyond that and and marketing it as an event center?

Regan explains: “I’m not sure whether they currently been marketing as an event center. They started marketing as an event center. We saw the ads. It did go through Airbnb. I’ve just gotten back into the country to come to this meeting. So I I’m not sure I haven’t even had a chance to look at the current ads and how they’re running it. But you know what, five and six cars in their driveway at any given time. It appears to me that for the most part it’s being run as an event center or to hold meetings. And again, I can’t verify that but I can just see from what I’ve seen.

We’ve called bylaw on several occasions have not heard back yet. We’ve told that there’s a long wait for the bylaw people who are very busy. Our neighbours on the other side of the home  called the police department three times on

Our neighbours, Diane and Colin, have had people, renters, walk into their home without even knocking on the door and asking where the party is. Diane and Colin had their neighbours over at the house at the time, that can corroborate and confirm how people, not even knocking on the door, but literally walking into the home thinking okay.  It was as if they were walking into a convention center and didn’t need to knock on anybody’s door. We can just come into their home. That’s happened to them twice.

It’s never happened to us, we always keep our door locked even when we’re in the home.

Mayor Meed Ward thanks Regan for sharing “what is undoubtedly a very stressful situation then asked Regan if he had been in touch with AirBnB – I know they do have some regulations to try to prevent party houses, have you complained to them? What did they say?

Regan: Yes, we have registered a complaint to Airbnb. The response was basically a standard response to saying that they’re not taking any further action against what we’ve registered as a complaint.  It was basically a boilerplate letter back saying okay, we we’ve got your complaint, and we’re basically not going to do anything about it.

The Mayor asks a second question around the zoning and “whether you’ve had any questions or discussion with staff, I’m quite certain a residential area is zoned for commercial Event Center activity.  We can ask stuff about this.  But has that come up in any of your discussion? Would that be an opportunity?

Regan: It has come up in discussions with Councillor Galbraith and he was of the opinion that nowadays, you know that it is a residential neighborhood and it shouldn’t be marketed and advertised as an event type center. That to my knowledge is the extent of the discussions I’ve had.

Councillor Bentivegna adds that come the summer it is probably going to be busier than in winter. How often do you have these circumstances ?

“How often over a 30 period would that happen?

I believe they started marketing it as Airbnb in December, I think if it happens more than twice a month, which I know it has it.

You know it? It seems to be a lot. And you’re absolutely right. That concern with us really has not been now but what’s going to happen?

They have a beautiful property. And we know that it’s a fairly big property. We know that when summer comes it’s it will be more people coming and going coming and going all all the time.

Again, I’m not here to shut his business down or any business down. But I do believe that the the rights of the security and the privacy of their neighbours is being severely compromised here.

Councillor Sharman asks: “I’m a little uncertain about your comments about the fire department and by law  – can you tell us about the nature of the fire? Is it an open fire,

It was an open bonfire. And it was on their property. My property sits very close to their property. And this was an uncontained bonfire.  We have properties where we had bonfires on, we knew it’s illegal.  When we lived up in Cedar Springs we had one and the fire department showed up so we knew it was illegal.

I phoned the fire department that night because the embers were literally coming up to our main floor deck and our second floor deck is as well – we own an elevated home overlooking the bay, and the wind was blowing in our direction. Of course the smoke was blowing in our directions as well.

Sharman: The critical point was it was an open fire. Did anyone from the fire department come out ?

No the fire department did not come out. They said we had to phone the bylaw department.

Did you call by law ?

My wife called by law once and Diane and Colin brown have called them three times. Mostly for the noise by law and obviously once for them going right into their homes.

Bentivegna  – Just a quick follow up – have you written them and emailed the council and asked them to engage the buyer on a review of the zoning circumstances?

Councillor Sharman said to Regan: “I really appreciate you being here this morning. Thank you so much for your time and I’m very sympathetic to your cause.

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Suggesting that trees could be a bond between developers and those who want the Millcroft golf course property just as it is

By Pepper Parr

March 28th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Daintry Klein

Daintry Klein, delegating before a Standing Committee this morning decided to see the developers as allies rather than a sector she had to do battle with.

“ To BILD and the West End Home Builders Association” she said, “ we understand that a complete and balanced, liveable community is as important to your prospective clients and your business as it is to existing residents.

“ The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s report released on March 20 details that we are likely to reach or surpass 1.5 degrees of warming by 2040. Canada’s goal, as established at COP 15 in Montreal last December to conserve 30 % of land and oceans by 2030 is meant to address this urgent situation.

“It is recognized that protection can’t just be reserved for vast open spaces; it needs to be a part of our cities and the everyday lives of more people. There is a substantial gap between the goal of 30% and the parkland dedication percentage reality that we face. The more frequent high winds and storms are an ongoing reminder of the effects of climate change.

Royal Botanical Gardens – trees, plants and birds.

“Last week, The Royal Botanical Gardens presented a lecture on Prescribing Nature. Details of important health benefits of 30% tree cover and 2 to 3 hours/week of walking in City parks include reduction of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, psychological distress, poor sleep and loneliness.

Dr. Myles Sergeant of Hamilton and Executive Director of the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care is actively involved in planting trees consistent with the goal of improving health outcomes. He highlighted for the audience the effects of urban heat islands. Higher density development with less greenspace and tree cover directly correlates to cardiac arrests. Long story short, parkland and tree coverage are critical to sustainability of life as we know it.

“Dr. Sergeant spoke of the three resources needed to meet his organization’s goals. Money to purchase trees, volunteers to plant and space to achieve their goal of 800,000 trees. He indicated that the first two resources were plentiful but the biggest challenge is the required space to plant the trees.

“Given the 1500 trees that were planted but two feet apart in our Millcroft Park last year, the similarities were strikingly similar.

“If we in the City of Burlington are serious about mitigating the climate emergency, we must be more thoughtful about preserving decade’s old mature trees as well as planting new ones. The benefits of maximizing the tree canopy should be ensured with a better opportunity for survival and space to achieve their potential. The city’s trees, including in our parks, provide shade, cooling, erosion control, stormwater management and green house gas mitigation for our residents. As power outages become more frequent with potentially longer duration, trees may become the only refuge available in excessive heat situations.

Every tree on this street is on private property. Every property owner has the right to cut down the tree on their property. If one comes down – so what? If five come down will those five people have lessened the value of the properties on the street? If they all come down – would anyone want to buy property on this street.

“Let’s look for viable locations in our parks that can better accommodate this important goal of expanding the tree canopy and providing shade for walkers, spectators and simple enjoyment of outdoor spaces.

“Two days ago CNN provided important reporting on Cities designed to work with, not against water as flooding increases. Laura Paddison comments that cities have tended to focus on trying to keep water out, often turning to concrete: building up walls, dams and other gray infrastructure. She writes that as the climate crisis continues to threaten cities and reshape coastlines, vulnerable urban areas are looking to work with, rather than against water by soaking it up within the fabric of the city.

“Greenspace, such as natural vegetation and tree canopy are the sponges working in Bangkok. That city is vulnerable to flooding as it was constructed on a floodplain and sinking due to the growing urbanization. Perhaps this is worth consideration here in Burlington.

“Burlington, the Region of Halton and the World are in a climate emergency. The important work on the city’s parks acknowledges this. However, let’s not let the brief paragraph dealing with climate considerations within this report be overwhelmed by the extensive analysis.

“Millcroft Greenspace Alliance is currently focussed on preserving the Millcroft Golf Course property with its mature tree canopy, natural vegetation, and creative stormwater design. There is space on this property for many additional trees. It is an example of a privately owned public space that is currently under threat of development rather than the intent of permanent open space.

“City Council publicly opposed the proposed development in December of 2022; we urge the City to preserve this valuable resource. To quote this Parks Provisioning Master Plan report, “the City will need to be proactive in the acquisition of land and look potentially to new or rarely used tools to acquire parkland in order to meet its service needs”

This what the Millcroft Greenspace Alliance wants to protect – and with very good reason

Asking the developers to plant trees on the golf course property rather than build additional housing was novel as an approach – good on Daintry Klein for making the point.

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Long term plan for recreation and culture: how to factor in climate change and major population growth

By Pepper Parr

March 28th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It goes back to 2009, long time for a Master Plan to be developed and presented to Council. The document providing a 20-year strategic framework for the development and enhancement of parks, recreation and cultural facilities and services has been used to guide city capital budgets, development charge studies, and overall, to enhance our services and meet the needs of our growing and changing community.

The document is a solid look at where Parks, Recreation and Culture staff think has to be done.   Document is riddled with acronyms.

Excellent progress has been made in the implementation of the 2009 plan.
Notable projects completed over the last twelve years include:

The Skyway Arena in the east end of the city is under construction.

Recreation Facilities
Haber Community Centre
Mountainside Recreation Centre Revitalization
Angela Coughlan, Centennial and Aldershot Major Pool Renewals
Nelson Outdoor Pool and Splash Park Re-Build
Central Arena Renovations and Accessibility Upgrades
Skyway Community Centre and Arena Re-Build (in progress)
Mountainside Outdoor Pool Re-Build (in progress)
New Community Centre (former Bateman H.S. – in progress)

Parks

A first look at what was being proposed as a Beachway Master Plan. It meant a community would be destroyed and perfectly good houses demolished.

City View Park Development Phase 1
Sherwood Forest Park Renewal Phase 1
Norton Park and Alton Neighbourhood Park Developments
Burloak Park Re-development (ongoing)
Lowville Park Enhancements
New Splash Pads, Skateparks, Leash Free Parks and Community Gardens
Community Trails Strategy and Implementation
Beachway Park Master Plan
LaSalle Park Marina Wavebreak

Joseph Brant Museum: The house got lifted up and put on top of a little hill with the museum under the hill.

Cultural Facilities
New Haber Branch Library
Appleby Branch Library Relocation to new Community Centre (former Bateman H.S. – in progress)
Joseph Brant Museum Expansion
Cultural Action Plan
Public Art Initiatives

Strategy/process
Over the past year, staff have worked on the Parks Provisioning Master Plan which is now complete and tabled for Council’s consideration. The next important piece of work is the update of the 2009 PRCAMP. Both initiatives are critical in shaping the future of parks, recreation and cultural services. The table below explains the difference between the two master plans at a high level.

Initiative Focus Timeline
Parks Provisioning Master Plan (PPMP) Parkland service level (land base needs). Goal to ensure adequate public greenspace for future generations. Completed March 2023
PRCAMP Update Determine long term needs for new recreational facilities as well as revitalization and enhancement of existing assets. Q2 2023 to
Q2 2024

Overall, the goal of the PRCAMP update is:

To provide a 20-30 year strategic framework for the development and enhancement of city parks, recreation and leisure services that will contribute to the health, well-being and quality of life for all citizens of Burlington. The plan will be driven by existing and forecasted data, influenced by community needs, and informed by industry leading best practices.

Strategic Context for the PRCAMP Update
to re-evaluate community needs and priorities for parks, recreation and cultural services for the next 20-30 years. The biggest change is the projected growth: the city will grow to over 260,000 by 2051. In comparison, the 2009 PRCAMP was based on a build out population of under 200,000 by 2031 as per the Region’s “Best Planning Estimates” at the time. This projected growth will have a significant impact on parks, recreation and cultural services.

Other strategic factors that will be considered

Lawn Bowling Club is right beside the Seniors Centre.

Shifting demographics and a desire for an age friendly and inclusive community
New trends and needs for recreation and leisure services
Impacts of new provincial legislation on funding for recreation services
Land availability for more facilities and services
Optimizing the capacity and functionality of existing assets and resources
Striving for accessible and affordable services
Achieving a balanced array of recreational opportunities and services
Financial pressure of maintaining existing assets while planning for new facilities
Changing attitudes on recreation participation due to pandemic and economic factors
Exploring partnerships and available community resources to meet community recreational needs
Establishing appropriate and achievable service levels to meet community needs and expectations
Assessing the involvement of the private sector in recreation service delivery
Alignment to other corporate policies and plans including the Framework for Community Recreation, Parks Provisioning Master Plan, Urban Forest Master Plan, Integrated Mobility Plan, Climate Action Plan, Asset Management Plan, Cycling Master Plan, Community Trails Strategy, Vision to Focus.
Provision of services in the Aldershot, Burlington and Appleby Major Transit Station Areas (MTSA’s). These new compact urban communities will account for a large portion of the city’s overall growth and will require creative new ways of integrating meaningful and accessible recreational services for residents and employees. Convenient access to high quality local parks and diverse recreational opportunities is a key attribute of the “complete and healthy community” concept which is our vision for the MTSA’s. This will be a significant focus for the PRCAMP Update.

PRCAMP Scope
The PRCAMP Update will determine the need for new city recreation and leisure facilities as well as revitalization of existing assets for a 20-30 year period. The facility types that will be reviewed as part of the master plan study are listed in the table below, however other needs may be identified.

Indoor Facilities Outdoor Facilities
Recreation:
Arenas/Ice Pads
Indoor Pools
Multi-Use Community Centres (gymnasiums and multi-purpose rooms)
Age-Specific Program Centres (Seniors and Youth Centres)

Culture:
Smaller Cultural Program Centres (Music Centre, Student Theatre)
Integrated cultural components & uses within multi-use community centres Parks:
Sports Fields
Playgrounds
Tennis Courts
Pickleball Courts
Basketball/Multi-Purpose Courts
Skate Parks (major and minor)
Splash Pads (major and minor)
Outdoor Pools

Outdoor Skating
Leash Free Dog Parks
Community Gardens
Bocce
Disc/Frisbee Sports
Fitness Equipment
Park Amenities (water fountains, shade, seating, washrooms, and park lighting)

Event/Festival spaces
Casual open spaces
Other emerging needs (Cricket)

Types of Recommendations
Service Level Targets (e.g., 1 ice pad per x thousand residents)
New Facility Needs (location, timing, cost, prioritization)
Major Renewal/Revitalization/Expansion (timing, cost, prioritization)
Facility Re-Purposing (timing, cost, prioritization)
Partnership Initiatives
Facility Consolidations (e.g., arena twinning, library/community centre mergers)
Facility Leases
Leveraging available community resources and assets
Strategic Acquisitions (land and facilities)
New policies, strategies, and standards

While the PRCAMP Update will be a comprehensive study, there are a number of items that will be out of scope since these items have their own focused planning and business processes.

Out of Scope:

The trail from Spencer Smith Park that leads to the canal is something every Burlington resident treasures.

Routine life cycle renewal (e.g., flooring, roof, mechanical components).
Trails – Community Trails Strategy will be refreshed in 2025.
Cycling – Cycling Master Plan recently approved.
Major Cultural Venues – The city is well served in this area through significant investments over the past 10-15 years.
Municipal Golf Course – Subject to specific business reviews
Heritage Buildings – E.g., LaSalle Pavilion, Paletta Mansion. Require focused business reviews.
Joint Ventures – These community driven initiatives accommodate specialized recreational interests and programming, over and above the City’s typical service provisions. Joint Venture initiatives are evaluated on a case- by-case basis. The City will be undertaking a broad governance accountability review of city-affiliated service organizations including Joint Ventures (JV) and Agencies, Boards and Commissions (ABC).

PRCAMP Work Plan
The following table provides a high level workplan for the PRCAMP Update.

Phase Work Activities
Project Planning
Q1 2023 o Data collection
Project Structure – Steering Committee, Project Team
RFP – Hire Planning Consultant

Situation Analysis
Q2 2023 o Review relevant policies and plans
Review current levels of service and benchmark with other municipalities
Assess non-municipal recreation services in the city
Assess functionality, capacity and utilization of existing city facilities
Review current demographic profile
Review development and population growth forecasts
Review trends in recreation and leisure participation and facility development
Understand partnership models that support service delivery

Phase Work Activities
Community Engagement
Q3 to Q4 2023 o Community and user group surveys
Stakeholder focus groups
Public Information Centres
Council interviews, workshop
Identification of key findings and strategic themes

Q4 2023 to Q2 2024 o Develop recommendations and strategies
Internal review and consultation
Prepare reports
Opportunity for public review and comment
Seek Council approval


As a head start to this project, work has already started on various tasks in the Situation Analysis Phase including data collection and an analysis of current service levels, capacity, utilization, and distribution of existing recreational assets.

Next Steps
Staff are in the process of retaining a multi-disciplinary consulting team to lead this project. The award of the contract is anticipated in early April. All data and background research work completed to date will be handed over to the new consultant.

Total Financial Impact
The will determine the need for new city recreation and leisure facilities and revitalization of existing facilities needs over a long-term horizon of 20-30 years.
The Master Plan team will come forward in 2024 with a prioritization of capital needs, associated costing, and timing.

Staff will be reporting back on the City’s multi-year community investment plan in Q4 2023 to include completed master plans to date:  Integrated Mobility Plan, Fire Master Plan, Transit Master Plan), and overview of funding options resulting from Health report, Bill 23 Impact Analysis, new park dedication by-law, CBC and DC updates, etc. The MCIP will provide a preliminary financing strategy to assist in meeting the objectives of the master plans completed to date and will set the stage for financing future master plans, such as the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan which is scheduled for completion in 2024.

The MCIP will continue to be refined to encompass changes to investment opportunities subject to completion of master plans, funding opportunities and city priorities.

Source of Funding
The PRCAMP Update has an approved budget of $200,000 in capital account PR0205 (Parks and Open Space). Most of the budget will be used for consultant fees. Other minor expenses include advertising, mail-outs, printing, and meeting expenses.

Other Resource Impacts
The master plan will involve staff from many Departments on various committees and teams including:
Recreation, Community and Culture (*Lead Department)
Engineering Services (Parks Design and Construction, Asset Planning, Geomatics)
Finance
Roads, Parks and Forestry
Corporate Communications and Engagement
Community Planning

Climate Implications
New weather patterns are certainly affecting recreational services including more rain and extreme storms, heat waves, higher UV index, and milder winters.

The need for more shade and shelters, water fountains, water play features to cool off, better field drainage, more reliable playing surfaces like artificial turf, and refrigerated outdoor skating surfaces are potential responses to climate change.

Finally, the protection and enhancement of green spaces and vegetation is also critical in reducing the urban heat island effect, slowing stormwater runoff and erosion, improving air quality, supporting local biodiversity and urban wildlife.

Engagement Matters:
A robust community engagement program will be implemented to get the broadest community perspectives on sport, recreation and cultural service needs. The engagement program will be finalized once the successful consultant is selected.

A communication plan will be developed to support the engagement program and ensure a high level of community awareness of the master plan initiative and opportunities for getting involved.

Council will be made aware of all community engagement opportunities before the public is notified. The community engagement will also help to inform the programmatic direction, use and functional design of the former Bateman H.S. Community Centre, and ensure that it aligns with broader community needs for recreation, arts and cultural programs and services.

Conclusion:
Once completed, the updated master plan will inform our multi-year community investment plan, future capital budgets and development charge reviews.

The recommendation from the Standing Committee will go to Council April 18th

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Ward 1 community meeting - a bit on the bumpy side for the Council member

By Staff

March 27, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith

And just how did things go for Councillor Galbraith last week at his meeting with his constituents ?

He had an audience of about 20 people – some that were very unhappy. Those that seemed to have slept during the election that returned him to office and are now ‘aroused’ and asking very direct questions.

The event was live at the East Plains Road United Church and virtual as well. No numbers on how many took part virtually other than they didn’t ask a single question.

That might be enough to convince Galbraith to stick with the virtual format and forget pressing the flesh.

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