 By Staff
June 1, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Police Getting Help from Halton Elementary Students to Name our New Canine Recruit
Halton Regional Police is looking forward to the addition of a sixth Canine team; this new four-legged recruit is due to join us in late summer.
 Regional police are asking all the elementary students in Halton to take part in a contest to give this police pup a name. The new Police Service Dog will join PSD Tracker, PSD Storm, PSD Parker, PSD Bishop and PSD Nero in their efforts to protect and serve the communities in Halton.
The retired Police Service Dogs are: Chase, Kingston, Sniper, Justice, Honour, Gage, Kruz, Baron, Titan, Juno and Valour.
The Regional police have invited all the elementary schools in Halton to take part in this name the K9 contest. They have until Friday June 5, 2015 to submit their chosen name.
The police are encouraging the children to be original and imaginative and to come up with one name entry for each school. A single syllable is preferred; however a maximum of two is accepted. A gender neutral name is also suggested.
How the community can get involved:
Beginning June 10, 2015, the community will have two ways in which to vote for their favorite name.
A hashtag campaign will be run on the @HaltonPolice and @HRPSK9 Twitter accounts and non-Twitter users can go to our website at www.haltonpolice.ca.
The name that collects the most hashtags and online votes will be the winning name which will be revealed on Monday June 22, 2015.
The school who nominated the winning name will receive a visit from Chief Tanner, the new K9 handler and new Police Service Dog when its training is completed in the Fall.
 By Pepper Parr
June 1, 2105
BURLINGTON, ON
Today is the first day of a summer vacation he never had in the years he was been with the Planning department in Burlington.
 Bruce Krushelnicki was frequently at the table working with citizens, listening to their ideas and explaining the why and how things were done. The reports his department issued were frequently as good as they get in the planning business.  Insisting that there be commercial space at grade level was not an easy conversation with the developers of the Buntin Wharf project on Lakeshore Road between Locust and Brant – imagine that part of the city without this look? Bruce Krushelnicki left city hall on Friday afternoon and summarized for the Gazette what he managed to get done during his time with the city and some of the things that haven’t happened yet.
Planners build on the shoulders of the people who came before them explained Krushelnicki I didn’t plan the Alton Community – my job was to implement the plan and ensure that the original design was adhered to.
Krushelnicki was heavily involved in the creation and implementation of the Plains Road Village Vision (PRVV) which has changed radically the road that used to be the only one that got you to Niagara Falls.
We had to do a lot of talking to the Shoppers Drug Mart people to get them to see things our way – we wanted the entrance to the store open to the street and they did build the door – but it is locked.
We wanted a two story building – and they did that – now there are doctors’ offices on that second floor – what better place to have a doctor’s office.
Plains Road is no longer just a major traffic artery – it has been going through a process of change for a number of years – that job is far from finished.
Getting developers to see the longer term potential for their properties can be a time consuming process explained K. We had many conversations with the Molinaro’s about street level store fronts on the Buntin wharf property that stretched between Locust and Brant. Can you imagine Brant Lakeshore Road without that stretch of patio space? They make that part of the city feel like parts of Europe added Krushelnicki.
For some developers talking wasn’t enough and the building permit they had been issued was pulled. Drewlo learned that lesson when they made major changes to the way vehicles were going to enter and leave the underground garage of the multi building apartment complex they were building on Plains Road.
 Early version of the Maranatha design had more massing then the planning department was prepared to accept.
 After a lot of negotiating and discussion the final look of the Maranatha project looked like this. Preparing the land for construction has begun The Maranatha project on New Street that is now having the land prepared for construction was another project that Krushelnicki believes benefited from intervention by the Planning department. The building has significant massing and even though it was set back from the street further than most people realized it was a large building. By tapering the ends and creating a large glass section in the middle the building is much easier to look at.
There are those who still feel it doesn’t fit in with the neighbourhood to which Krushelnicki replies – neighbourhoods change – they are supposed to change – but at a pace that fits with where planners feel the city is going.
Most of the two storey properties on Brant Street have four storey zoning as of right and can get eight storeys once they have worked with the planning department to ensure that what is planned fits in with what the residents of the community – and the city believe is appropriate for the area.
Krushelnicki knows now that the malls created in the 70’s do not meet the needs of the community the way they once did and that they need to be re-developed to include a residential and commercial component.
Making more efficient use of land will mean changing the way some sectors of the local economy use the space they have. Krushelnicki points to Mississauga where they created a part of the city that was for the automotive sector. Burlington doesn’t have that Krushelnicki of space available anywhere in the city but Krushelnicki does see the possibility of automotive dealers going up rather than continually going sideways.
The land at the corner of Fairview and Brant has too much value to serve as a parking lot for used cars – the same would apply to the automotive dealers along Fairview and Guelph Line. The planning department did have conversations with most of the automotive dealers in town to talk about different configurations that could be used. “They weren’t ready for a change yet” explained Krushelnicki at a committee meeting.
In the world of planning and development the Ontario Municipal Board is the 800 pound elephant in the room – it is an organization Krushelnicki understand very well. He served as an OMB Commissioner for a period of time and wrote one of the more definitive texts on just how the OMB works.
 The walkway that was built at the bottom of what was once the infamous Rivieria Motel was the result of a land swap Krushelnicki put together with Mayrose Tyco the developers of the property that will house a 22 storey, a seven story condominium plus an 8 storey hotel. The hotel was originally going to be open for the Pan Am games which isn’t something you can blame on the now retired planner, While many of the decisions on what would be built on the waterfront were made before Krushelnicki joined the city as the planner 11 years ago he does get credit for coming up with a land swap that extended the waterfront the public could use a little further to the east and gave the people who were developing what is today called the Bridgewater hotel.
Burlington currently has a major case before the OMB – the ADI development on Martha and Lakeshore that he won’t say a word about because it is before the board.
Krushelnicki taught for twelve years and has until very recently done some teaching at Ryerson and Waterloo. Is there some teaching for a man who is in excellent shape and still holds his truck driver’s license.
There are those who believe Krushelnicki never stopped teaching. On numerous occasions when there was a planning issue of some significance one could see all the junior members of the Planning department in the council chamber – many of them taking notes. And there were always a number of the senior members watching a master at the craft of explaining how planning is supposed to work.
 The concept of precincts to define neighborhoods was an approach Bruce Krushelnicki brought to Burlington’s Official Plan Burlington is in the process of re-writing its Official Plan. The Plan that was approved in 2006 was a Krushelnicki creation. We created a precinct approach and grouped interest and gave them a precinct name and applied zoning development guidelines to them. While the word “neighbourhoods: didn’t actually appear in the official plan – it was vital from Krushelnicki point of view that the way people had organized themselves in the city be respected.
Krushelnicki didn’t live in Burlington but he had a feel for the city that must have run through his mind as he came over the Skyway Bridge and saw it set out before him.
The people writing the new Official Plan are all Krushelnicki prodigies – his finger prints will be all over the document.
Krushelnicki did have his detractors. Many felt he was too restrictive and that he didn’t manage his staff as well as he might. He certainly had strong views and had little difficulty making them know. What made Bruce Krushelnicki so different was the way he would frame and arrange his comments.
He certainly had the best tailor in town and would not take off his jacket when making a presentation. One could not even imagine Krushelnicki wearing a pair of those plaid trousers golfers tend to wear.
During what was really an oration at a Committee of the Whole recently at the LaSalle Park Pavilion the sun was shining directly onto Krushelnicki’s back and the beads of perspiration on his forehead were showing. One of his senior staff who was within his line of sight patted her hip a number of times.
I wasn’t quite sure what she was doing or why – but realized she was sending her boss a signal. The staff member knew that Bruce Krushelnicki always kept a fresh handkerchief in his jacket pocket; she was trying to remind him that it was there.
The staff within the planning department for the most part adored the man. He treated his people with respect and saw his major role as one of developing them and making them better civil servants.
Krushelnicki was without a doubt the most literate senior staff member the city has. During the crafting of the Strategic Plan in 2011, when asked what form it should take, Krushelnicki said keep it to two pages and write it in Latin.
 Krushelnicki must have explained what “top of bank”meant to citizens groups more than 1000 times while he was Director of Planning for the city. During his time as Burlington’s planner he must have explained what “top of bank” meant more than 1000 times – he also tirelessly explained that approval of some height density on one lot did not serve as a precedent for every lot in the neighbourhood.
Krushelnicki had a style that was very much his own. His ethics were beyond reproach, he had that old school politeness about him and more often than not he knew what he was doing and why he made the decisions he made
Krushelnicki was no where near retirement age – but some took the position that his time had come.
 By Pepper Parr
June 1, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Part 1 of a series.
Public opinion polling is an important tool used by politicians at every level to determine what people think and feel about an issue.
A critical issue for Burlingtonians, besides saying how well they feel they are serviced by the various city departments, – is how involved they feel they are in the decisions made by city council.
The data produced by the polling and the way it is being interpreted by city hall and the different members of council was significant enough for the Gazette to cover that story separately
As city council prepares to begin debating what the strategic Plan should be for the next four years they gather together as much data as they can.
One of the major research projects is polling the public for their opinions on how well their government is doing.
The good stuff will get trumpeted and the not so good gets a quick look – maybe a nod and then they move on.
Some of the questions asked of the public are so self-serving as to be painful – others elicit a lot of very useful information
Let’s take a detailed look at what the city learned about itself.
Forum Research interviewed 771 people. The same firm did the public research polling in 2011.
In a preface to the report Forum said:
With a population nearing 180,000, it is cherished for its small town feel, green city heritage, and a high quality of life. As well, its economic strength and sustainable growth has made it one of the most thriving City’s in Southern Ontario. Committed to open and transparent governance that delivers quality services to its residents, the City of Burlington hired Forum Research to conduct a Community Satisfaction survey to gather resident input for various topics and issues.
Specifically, the purpose of the 2015 Community Satisfaction survey was to:
1: Measure resident satisfaction and importance toward various services offered by the City of Burlington;
2: Measure perceptions toward quality of life improvement;
3: Determine key sources that respondents are using when seeking information about programs / events / festivals happening in the City; and
4: Determine awareness and attitude toward citizen engagement opportunities in Burlington.
The report produced was extensive and we will take you through as much as we can.
The crunch point for a number of people is how well the city is doing on community engagement – the numbers were not good but the current Mayor and a number of members of council somehow found a silver lining in the data.
This research was conducted via live agent Computer-Assisted-Telephone-Interviewing (CATI) of randomly selected residents in the City of Burlington. Respondents were called between 5:00pm and 9:00pm from February 5th to February 12th, 2015. A total of 771 interviews were completed, each approximately 18 minutes in length. The margin of error was +/-3.5, at the 95% confidence interval level.
 Overall Impression of Burlington as a Place to Live
When respondents were asked to rate the City of Burlington as a place to live, nearly all respondents (96%) said it was at least ‘good’. However, the majority of respondents (86%) said it was either ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ (48% and 38%, respectively). Just over 1% of respondents said ‘very poor’. The overall impression of Burlington as a place to live amongst respondents was very positive, and consistent with findings in 2011, as well as in 2008.
Has quality of life in the City of Burlington changed in the past four years? Although the majority of respondents (54%) said quality of life has stayed the same in Burlington, 28% said that it has improved. Less than 10% of respondents said quality of life has worsened.
 What Respondents Like Best about Burl ington
Respondents were asked what they like best about living in the City of Burlington. Top mentions were: access to amenities and services / has everything we need (15%), sense of community / small town feel (13%), it’s safe / low crime rate (11%) and easy access to Toronto / central location (10%).
 Respondents’ Vision of Burlington
This question reads as if it was written to pull a positive response; what was there not to like in the question which asked: whether or not they agreed that the following statement is a good reflection of what the vision for Burlington should be: “A place where people, nature and businesses thrive”. Nearly all respondents (96%) agreed. How could you disagree with it?
The politicians will be pulling the answer to this out of their bag of tricks for the next six months.
Part two of this series will focus on the delivery of specific services and the public satisfaction.
 By Pepper Parr
May 29, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
There he was – a politician on a stage – what more could he have wanted?
For reasons he said he never understood Mike Wallace Burlington’s MP said he always gets nervous when he is on the stage at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre.
Brian McCurdy wasn’t nervous but he choked up a bit when he thanked Wallace for the federal grant of $175,000 to cover the cost of a band shell that will be added to the stage set up.
“It will really make a difference when we have orchestras playing “ said McCurdy – “the sound will be projected so much better.
Wallace also took part in recognizing two people who were inducted into the Performing Arts Hall of Fame.
 Lawrence Bonanno inducted into the Performing Arts Centre Hall of Fame. Lawrence Bonanno, a member of Theatre Burlington since 1960, was part of a group that exposed thousands of Burlington citizens to live theatre. Lawrence first became involved in Burlington Little Theatre (now Theatre Burlington) when asked to help with sound recordings for a play. This morphed into directing and producing, building sets, running sound and special effects.
“As one of the recipients of the 2012 Michael Spence Award for Contribution to Community Theatre, Lawrence serves as an inspiration and role model to all. He also formed a technical committee along with Joe Henning and Ron Hebbard who spent countless hours planning and working with the architects to create the Performing Arts Centre.”
 Stuart Laughton inducted into the Performing Arts Centre Hall of Fame Stuart Laughton blew his first note on the trumpet at age nine and fell in love with the instrument. At the age of 19, Laughton was the principle trumpet player at the Hamilton Philharmonic. Stuart was asked to join a new group, the Canadian Brass. He spent just the one year with Canadian Brass and left to attend the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. He formed Opening Day Recordings, and released 18 discs of Canadian music, four of these releases were Juno-nominated, plus one Juno win. Stuart has performed as concerto soloist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Quebec’s Les Violins du Roy, Manitoba Chamber Orchestra and the Winnipeg Symphony and was the principle trumpet for LaScala Opera.
After an absence of 35 year he rejoined Canadian Brass for a short time before founding roots/rock band Porkbelly Futures, that released three CDs of original material.
Leighton and Bonnano join Gordy Tapp and Rainer Noack who were inducted in 2012 ans 2013
 By Staff
May 29, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It is week #6 for the Halton Regional Police Service “Fugitive Friday” initiative that has the Halton Regional Police, Burlington station reaching out to the public to help locate wanted persons and hold them accountable for their actions.
There are numerous people who continue to evade the police and the court system and continue to live out in our communities while having a warrant for their arrest in place.
 Michael John RAMSAY In this edition of Fugitive Fridays the 3 District, Burlington Offender Management Unit is searching for Michael John RAMSAY, 40 years old, of Burlington, ON.
In May 2014, the accused was involved in an altercation and subsequently charged with assault.
In December 2014, the accused fail to appear in court and a warrant was issued for his arrest for the charges of:
Assault
Breach of Recognizance
Fail to Appear Court
The accused is also wanted by Hamilton Police Service for:
Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle
Refuse – Breath Sample
Fail to Attend court x 2
Michael RAMSAY is described as 5’10”, 230lbs, blue eyes and brown hair. RAMSAY has several tattoos (Left forearm – Warrior Demon, Dragon with a Scottish shield and a Heart with name in the centre of it, Right arm – sleeve with a Dragon, Family Crest, Demon and a Heart.
RAMSAY has ties to Halton, Hamilton, Toronto and the surrounding areas.
Anyone who may have witnessed this male or has information that would assist investigators in identifying him are encouraged to contact Det. St. Denis – Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Offender Management Team at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2305/2342 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).
The Regional police share “Fugitive Friday” information on their website and via social media through Twitter @HRPSBurl and @HaltonPolice.
By Pepper Parr
May 29, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
There is no business like show business – the bright lights and the Hollywood Stars and the Red Carpet and the dress that reveals more than the one your wife wears – the glitter and the glamour – some of it is working its way to downtown Burlington.
 The frumpy bumpy theatre that operated out of Upper Canada Place shut down their marquee for the last time a number of months ago and the place remained dark. The previous owners found that the cost of upgrading the equipment to run digital operations was more than they were able to handle.
 Gone are the days when cans of 35mm film were shipped to theaters around the country – today the flick comes loaded onto a hard drive tat is slipped into a server and programmed fr viewing. CineStarz technician is testing the system before a planned June 5th opening. CineStarz, an organization with six movie theatres under its management is doing a major upgrade to the space and the facilities.
“I’m putting more money that I planned on spending into the renovation” said Bruce Gerburg, the man overseeing the opening of the new location.
 Projector is one of seven in the room – one for each theatre at the CineStarz.  Server sits beneath the projector. Films are loaded onto a hard drive and just slide into the server. The renovation and upgrade of the theatre that will have everything its predecessor didn’t have.
Bigger screens, better projection equipment and a much more modern look.
 Bruce Gerburg, who lives on his cell phone, runs a six theatre operation and will open the latest one in Burlington on June 5th. He prowls through the projection room where equipment is being wired and programmed for the big opening. Painters, carpenters, electricians and video technician are crawling all over the place to have things ready for the opening on June 5th
What will projected on the screens? – Gerburg can’t or won’t say until he has firm information from his booking agent.
The intention is to have all the current cinema offerings with at least one of the six screens devoted to “art” films.
Art wasn’t a term that Gerburg defined.
The biggest difference, besides the look of the place, is going to be on the second floor where all the projection equipment is located.
Movies are all digital now – there are very few that have reels of 35mm film trucked in. “These days we get what is basically a hard drive that we slip into the server” said Gerburg. “We program the projectors from a lap top or from something as simple as a smart phone”
 Technician can program any server in the seven theatre set up from a smart phone. “I can have the guy who is selling popcorn in the lobby program a projector in another city” – the technology makes all this possible.
New seats are being installed and “there isn’t a seat with a poor sight line” said Gerburg.
By Walter Byj
May 29, 2105
BURLINGTON, ON
Lucy Veerman (Superintendent of Business Services) presented, for approval on June 3rd, the 2015/16 Capital and Operating Budget.
Revenue was projected to be $686,712,959 and expenses of $674,843,009 which represent an increase of $8 million in revenue and $7 million in expenses over the current fiscal year.
In the upcoming year, the Halton board will have approximately 62,000 student which will represent a 1.2% increase overall which is being driven by increases in Oakville and Milton.
Burlington will experience a decrease of approximately 50 students next year. The 50 page long report will be voted on June 3rd. In the meantime the trustees have some homework to do.
With the budget discussions on the back burner until the trustees have digested all the data the board began to look at French Second Language Teacher Recruitment Primary Core French Update.
The Halton region is facing an uphill battle in hiring proficient French teachers for the French programs being offered in Halton. There continues to be an uptake in French Immersion enrolment and with the success of the Core French program, demand for qualified French teachers, in Halton and Ontario, continues to grow while the supply is limited.
While all the politicians will tell you that Halton area is a great place to live, new teachers face the high cost of living (housing) along with our current traffic that results in a number of them choosing other locations. Jeff Blackwell (Interim EO, Human Resources) did express some concern that despite their recruitment efforts, there might not be sufficient French teachers for the upcoming school year.
By Staff
May 29, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The next municipal election is not until 2018 and for Burlington it might be a lot different than the one you took part in last October.
Ontario is taking steps towards giving municipalities the option of using ranked ballots in future municipal elections. Burlington’s current Mayor is on record as wanting a ranked ballot election. Had we had ranking in 2014 it would not have made any difference except for ward six where there would have been a run off. What will make a difference in 2018 is the 2016 census data.
 Will these seven people all be gainfully employed come 2018? The province is reviewing the 1996 Municipal Elections Act, to explore how ranked ballots could be implemented by municipalities across the province. Ranked ballots allow a voter to rank candidates in order of preference instead of voting for a single candidate. The option to use ranked ballots would give municipalities an alternative to the current municipal voting system.
The review will also assess whether the rules about electing municipal leaders are clear and simple and whether the Act reflects how modern campaigns and elections should be run. To that end, the review will evaluate the current effectiveness of rules about campaign financing, third party advertising, enforcement and accessibility in municipal elections.
A working group made up of municipal clerks, municipal representatives and ranked ballot advocates will provide the government with advice on how to make ranked ballots work best in Ontario.
Dave Meslin, who runs an organization called Unlock Democracy thinks this is “”truly an historic moment for Ontario. Ranked ballots make local elections more fair, diverse, inclusive and friendly. I applaud the Province’s efforts to give municipalities the option of using ranked ballots.” Time will tell.
The province will probably go for some form of ranked balloting – it fits with the way Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne interprets the democratic process.
2016 census data will mean changes in Regional representation
Burlington’s ranks could change.
What is looking the Region of Halton right in the eye is how representation will be determined at that level. Each of the four municipalities, Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills has representation on the Regional Council. Burlington and Oakville each have seven members. In Burlington every city council member is also a member of Regional Council – this dual role is reflected in the pay cheque they get.
 Seven of these faces are from Burlington serving as Regional Councillors. How many seat at the Regional Council table will we have in 2018? In Oakville there are members of Council who do not sit on the Regional Council.
Milton has three members on the Regional Council; that will change once the 2016 census data is in. Growth in Milton has been massive and they will be entitled to greater representation.
If Milton gets more – who gets less? Or is the solution to create a larger Regional Council?
If Burlington gets fewer seats at the Region who doesn’t get to be a member of the Regional Council. Would fewer seats at the Region mean a re-drawing of the ward boundaries and the creation of elected officials who serve at the Region and on Council and some that are just city council members?.
Is the answer to create a large council for Burlington? The current Mayor likes the size of the Council we have.
Big issues that will begin to get some attention as we ease into 2016.
 By Walter Byj
May 28, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board wants to boost the development charge by an additional $500; explains that growth in Oakville and Mississauga will require additional school facilities.
The Board of Education 2014/2015 Long Term Accommodation Plan (LTAP) data that covers new capital initiatives from 2016/2017 to 2019/2020 indicates there are going to be more students than the current schools can handle.
The board administrators seen the need and are disappointed at the public response. Domenico Renzella (Manager of Planning), said there were a total of 1100 hits on the LTAP page on the board’s website which resulted in a 104 survey responses. This seems like a low number for the whole of Halton and begs the question, was the method of advising the community adequate?
 Halton District School Board wants to add $500 to the development charge it levies for new home construction Perhaps it was and the community is satisfied with the board. If not, then the communication needs to improve. The LTAP is a solid document and is the result of hard work by the staff and will proceed to the next stage, but the lingering question is, did the public have adequate input.
In part, due to high residential growth in Oakville and Milton and the need for additional schools, the board will be asked to pass an amendment to the current Education Development Charge; the board is being asked to increase the residential charge from $3380.00 per residential unit to $3969.00. For non-residential units, the proposed increase is from $.87 per square foot to $1.02.
Notice has been sent out that public input is requested at a June 3rd meeting to be held at the Halton District School Board at 7:00pm.
The Halton board, along with other boards in the province are legislated to have strategies that cover at least four years. 2015/2016 represents the final year for the current board strategy and Stuart Miller (Associate Director of Education) presented to the board for approval the 2015/2016 strategy. The strategy which encompasses students, staff and systems provided for a thoughtful discussion between Mr. Miller and the trustees.
 By Ray Rivers
May 28, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It is easy to become complacent on a sunny spring day in Burlington. It is easy to ignore the cumulative effect that our lifestyle is having on the planet’s climate. But the TV news tell us about the destruction from increasing levels of tornado, storm and flash floods, as we saw recently in B.C. Then there is California experiencing its worst drought ever. It’s all so depressing that you just want to change the channel.
 Developing economies use coal because it is available and it is relatively cheap – we eventually all pay the price. Blame China, Korea and India for their dirty industrialization policies, using cheap dirty coal to fire their economies and take them out of the dark ages and perhaps into a new one. It is ironic and sad that they started burning coal in a big way just as we learned how bad these carbon emission can be for the atmosphere. Of course we in North America, Australia and even Europe still burn coal (though Ontario has eliminated coal power plants). And you can change the channel but that TV was probably made in Korea.
In the last federal budget, Mr. Harper’s election budget, as every other one of his budgets, has ignored our ever increasing contribution to climate change. And we’re not alone. US presidential contenders, Australia’s dinosauric leader and even the leader of once progressive New Zealand have allowed the global commons to slip almost completely off the political page, as they pursue today’s issues without any consideration of tomorrow..
There are people who still think there is a debate about whether climate change is real, a phenomenon psychologists call being in an echo chamber. They have pre-conceived notions that the environment is a conspiracy, constructed by a ’60’s hippie crowd, to take away their freedom… to pollute – so they just listen to themselves. Why shouldn’t we live the way we always did? These folks are watching the ‘Leave it to Beaver’ channel or something on 100 Huntley Street.
 Making a point; speaking for Canadians – is he saying what we want him to say? Canada’s environment minister pulled some imaginary emissions targets out of the air. But without a hint of a roadmap there is no hope of getting there – though perhaps that is the idea? Just like a New Year’s resolution, they’re soon to be forgotten the next day. So why even bother? And besides, these new numbers pale in comparison to the imaginary numbers the Americans and Europeans have generated.
The 21st annual United Nations Climate Change Conference takes place in Paris this coming December. But you can tune out because all expectations are that we’re looking at another failed conference. The only meaningful attempt at global climate cooperation, the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, was critically wounded when GW Bush took the US, it’s chief architect and player, out of the deal only a couple of years later. After all, he has oil in his blood. And Canada’s own wanna-be-oil-man, our PM, whited-out Canada’s signature on Kyoto as soon as he had nailed his majority government.
So this year’s meeting is featuring something called ‘intended nationally determined contributions’ (INDC). These virtually meaningless theoretical voluntary commitments will be offered up by many of the 194 nations in the global climate change game. But since the national targets will be internationally unenforcible, no party will be held to account. So this meeting in the City of Love will not have much to do with love for the environment, or for our children’s children.
It is the ‘tragedy of the commons’ that brings all these nations together once a year, to keep alive the process that requires nothing short of re-genesis. Whether a common pasture, the oceans’ fisheries or the planet’s atmosphere, the ‘tragedy’ can only be abated or avoided through more governance, not less. And that was what Kyoto was all about. Today we have ISIS and an errant Russia gone rogue to add to the mix, so don’t expect any re-runs this year.
Canada’s excuse is that, despite being one of the highest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting nations per capita, we are still a relatively small part of the global GHG contribution. That is our echo chamber and we’re sticking to it. Canada rationalizes that doing almost nothing is just OK. Inertia has become our climate change strategy. And business as usual, despite occasional lip service to the contrary, prevails, at least at the federal level.
In fairness, the previous Liberal government did little more than sign onto Kyoto with its ambitious targets, which even they would have had trouble to attain – though the Ontario and Quebec governments did. So maybe targets are important. I’ve always believed that it is better to shoot for a high goal and fail, than to have never shot at all. I mean what kind of hockey player goes out on the ice without the prospect of scoring a slap shot on his/her mind?
 But Canada’s hockey-author, our PM, is just not into the game when it comes to protecting the atmosphere. He was an ardent climate change denier in his opposition days. And his government has stayed pretty true to form on that count. So even if individual Canadians wanted to contribute to the fight against climate change they are leaderless.
If your national leader is missing in action on this matter, how does a nation mobilize? My New Zealand friend refers to sic critical lost years. We in Canada will have recorded a lost decade, perhaps it is time to change to change the channel.
Background links:
Climate Change Canada
World’s natural Disasters More Disasters Climate Change Echo More Echo
100 Huntley Street Conference Tragedy of the Commons New Zealand
 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
May 27, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Ontario is introducing new legislation to increase protections for condominium owners, improve how condo corporations are run, and ensure that condo boards are governed professionally.
 One of the many condominiums in Burlington. The rental unit market is, to a large degree, made up of condo’s bought as investments and rented out. The proposed Protecting Condominium Owners Act marks the first major overhaul of the province’s condominium laws in more than 16 years. It is based on more than 2,200 consultation submissions from condo owners, developers, managers and industry experts during a public review of the Condominium Act.
If passed, the proposed legislation would establish:
• Clearer, more comprehensive rules to prevent owners from being surprised by unexpected costs after buying a newly-built condo
• A new Condominium Authority to provide quicker, lower-cost dispute resolution and help prevent common disputes
• Strong financial management rules for condo corporations to help prevent financial and organizational mismanagement
• Better governance requirements for condo boards, including training for condo directors
• Mandatory licensing and education requirements for condominium managers.
 The Brock, controversial when it was proposed, now fits nicely into its neighbourhood. More than 1.3 million Ontarians live in condos – a number greater than the populations of Saskatchewan or Manitoba.
More than 50 per cent of new homes being built in Ontario are condos.
There are currently 700,000 condo units in Ontario, up from 270,000 units in 2001. – 51,000 units are currently under construction.
The government received about 200 recommendations for updating the Condominium Act through its public consultation process.
Related story:
Condo management operator arrested for bilking condo corporations of $4 million
By Staff
May 27, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
If you use the transit service on Sunday, May 31, 2015 from 12 to 6 p.m. be prepared for Route Detours
On Sunday, May 31, 2015 from 12 to 6 p.m., during the Car Free Sunday event along Appleby Line, routes 10 East and West, 4 East and West and 20 will detour as follows:
Route 10 West Leaving Appleby GO
• Leave the Appleby Go and proceed along Fairview St to Inverary Rd
• Left on Inverary Rd
• Left on Longmoor Dr
• Right on Tipperary Dr
• Right on New St
• Resume regular routing
Route 20 Leaving Appleby GO
• Leave the Appleby Go and proceed along Fairview St to Inverary Rd
• Left on Inverary Rd
• Left on Longmoor Dr
• Right on Tipperary Dr
• Left on New St to Appleby Line
• Resume regular routing
Route 10 East approaching Appleby GO
• Regular routing until New St and Tipperary Dr
• Left on Tipperary Dr
• Left on Longmoor Dr
• Right on Inverary Rd
• Right on Fairview St and proceed to the Appleby Go
Route 20 approaching Appleby GO
• Regular routing until New St and Appleby Line
• 20A will continue on New St to Tipperary Dr
• 20B will turn left from Appleby Line onto New St and continue to Tipperary Dr
• Right on Tipperary Dr
• Left on Longmoor Dr
• Right on Inverary Rd
• Right on Fairview St and proceed to the Appleby Go
Route 4 East
• Regular routing until Longmoor Dr and Shannon Cr
• Right on Shannon Cr
• Left on New St
• Left on Timber Lane
• Right on Pinedale Av
• Right on Wedgewood Dr
• Right on New St
• Right on Tipperary Dr
• Left on Longmoor Dr
• Right on Inverary Rd
• Right on Fairview St and proceed to the Appleby Go
Route 4 West Leaving Appleby GO
• Leave the Appleby Go and proceed along Fairview St to Inverary Rd
• Left on Inverary Rd
• Right on Longmoor Dr
• Regular routing resumes.
Complex – but at least they are telling you a couple o days in advance.
One of the routes is used by the current Mayor when he isn’t riding his bike to work.
By Staff
May 28, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
There will be new brass to polish at Regional Police headquarters in Oakville.
The two deputy chiefs will have either turned in their badges or will be doing so in the not too distant future.
Deputy Chief Andrew Fletcher retired earlier this year to take on the role of Deputy Chief for the South Simcoe Police Service. Deputy Chief Bob Percy announced he will not be seeking reappointment at the end of his current contract which expires in 2016.
 Deputy Chief Andrew Fletcher on the left and Detective Donna Whittaker answer media questions. Fletcher leaves Halton for Simcoe in the near future. The Halton Regional Police Services Board is embarking on a search for two Deputy Chiefs of Police. Deputy Chief Andrew Fletcher retired earlier this year to take on the role of Deputy Chief for the South Simcoe Police Service. Deputy Chief Bob Percy announced he will not be seeking reappointment at the end of his current contract which expires in 2016.
The Halton Police Services Board decided that to ensure the Police Service continues to be led by innovative and progressive leaders, and the community continues to receive excellent and efficient service, applications from both internal and external candidates will be sought for these two positions.
“The Board recognizes the outstanding strength of leadership experience and expertise which currently exists internally in the Service. The Board believes only by undertaking a full internal/external search can the public be certain the very best are chosen, and a full internal and external search will give the successful candidates the greatest credibility in these positions as they will have been measured against a larger pool of candidates,” Mayor Rob Burton, Police Services Board Chair said.
The selection process will revolve around skills and abilities of candidates in continuing the successful implementation of the Service’s Business Plan and Goals and Themes. This is important to the Board in ensuring the current and future needs of the Service and the community are met.
 Deputy Chief Bob Percy has handled some tricky situations in Burlington He did his best to bring competitive cycling to the Region a number of years ago. He has announced that he will leave the Halton Police |Service in 2016. To assist the Board in the selection process, the consulting firm Odgers Berndtson has been engaged. Burton noted they are highly qualified and have considerable experience in the selection of senior police executives across Canada”. The selection process will begin immediately with successors being identified by early fall.
The Halton Regional Police Services Board is a seven member civilian Board that oversees the Halton Regional Police. Under the Police Services Act, the Board is responsible for the Police Service operating and capital budgets; strategic planning; policies and priorities.
The Police Board’s fundamental responsibility is to ensure adequate and effective police services are provided to the citizens of Halton Region.
The Police Services Board now has an opportunity to place female police officers into senior positions. Chief Tanner, who holds a degree in psychology, sits on the Board. How influential will he be in directing the choice of the two new deputies?
By Walter Byj
May 27, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
For reasons that few journalists understand bureaucrats frequently put difficult or contentious items at the end of their agendas. Haltion Public School Director of Education Euale discussed with the board a resolution that was passed by the City of Burlington directing the Mayor to begin corresponding with Ted McMeekin, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to look into options for amendments to the Municipal Elections Act that allow the use of schools for election purposes while ensuring compliance with the Safe Schools Act.
The City of Burlington offered two options;
Moving Election Day to the last Saturday in October
Mandate all school boards to hold a professional development day on Election Day.
Every politician within a stone’s throw was brought into the picture. And the trustees had comments as well.
 Vice-Chair Amy Collard(Burlington) initiated the discussion by stating that PD days timing are a huge undertaking and suggested that if this was also applied to provincial and federal elections there could be chaos.
She was not a fan of Saturday voting as it would have a lower turnout and expressed safety concerns with the public walking thru schools in order to vote. She would not endorse the letter.
Andrea Grebenc (Burlington) followed by stating that Saturday might be a good day as Burlington has many who work outside the city and this would allow them time to vote.
Trustee Harvey-Hope (Oakville) followed by stating that the next municipal election would be Monday October 22nd and with the current lead time a PD day could be scheduled around that time. She did state that this would not solve a provincial/federal Election Day issue. Trustee Oliver (Oakville) followed by concurring with Harvey Hope and she expressed concerns on having provincial/federal elections on a Saturday.
Trustee Gray (Halton Hills) asked if there have been any major problems with voting taking place in schools; she also felt showcasing the voting process in the schools would a positive sign for our students.
 Both Director Eaule and Assistant Director Miller stated that there were some concerns, but nothing major. Vice- Chair once again reiterated her concern for the safety of our students with strangers in our schools during this process.
This brought on further discussion of using other facilities such as church halls before using school property. Once again the issue of federal/provincial elections surfaced. And on it went. Chair Amos (Oakville) suggested the board put some thought behind this resolution and discuss at the next meeting. Not good enough for Vice-Chair Collard as it does not address the issue.
 Burlington Board of Education trustee Amy Collard isn’t keen on the idea of PD days being held so that schools can be used for election purposes. So the board passed a motion (unanimously) directing the chair to meet with all the recipients of this letter to meet and discuss the options and concerns regarding polling stations at schools.
A letter from the city offering the Ministry some solution to avoid voting at schools during the school hours during municipal elections quickly escalated to federal/provincial elections, school safety and budgeting for security. And meetings with dozens of people.
What was odd is that the people who will be in the schools voting or often the parents on the children in the schools – has the matter of safety been blown out of proportion?
 By Staff
May 27, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Does city council know how to listen?
Forum Research asked the 771 people they interviewed a number of questions about how people relate to the city they pay taxes to.
 Citizen delegating before his municipal council – their advice is seldom taken. Respondents were given an opportunity to identify any other priorities for the City of Burlington to focus on that were not addressed throughout the questionnaire. Specifically, they were asked: “Is there anything else that you feel should be a priority that perhaps we’ve overlooked?” The large majority of respondents did not offer any additional input. For this reason, the results have not been included in this report.
However Forum Research provided a list of the kinds of comments that were made to the question:
Is there anything else that you feel should be a priority that perhaps we’ve overlooked? Forum Research recorded all that was said.
A: Those who were asked the general statement: I would like to provide input to the City of Burlington for the purpose of influencing decision- making about city projects and services made the following responses:
 B: Those who were given the following general statement: Residents have enough opportunities to provide input into decision-making about city projects and services, responded with.
C. Those who were given the following general statement; The city does a good job of engaging residents in decision-making about city projects and services responded with.
D. Those who were given the following general statement; “The city uses input from residents in decision-making about city projects and services”, responded with:
E. Those who were given the following general statement; “The city’s decision-making about projects and services is reflective of the voice of a majority of residents”, responded with.
F. Those who were given the following general statement; “The city would welcome my opinion when making decisions about city projects and services that impact me”, responded with:
The tone and content of these remarks just don’t align with the statements members of Council are making. These are not the words of happy campers.
Council appears to looked for the parts of the report that back up what they want to think and pass along to their constituents – it’s not what is in the report.
By Staff
May 27, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
You can tell there is an election coming.
The politicians are putting petitions in front of their colleagues in the House of Commons. Burlington’s MP Mike Wallace had two this week.
The first petition was for the removal of all flavours of all tobacco products. This petition came from “youth” in the riding. Wallace didn’t identify them.
 Burlington MP Mike Wallace giving Rotary a hand to raise funds for flood relief last August. Wallace’s home was one of the thousands that were severely damaged by flood waters. The responsible thing for the MP to have done would be to move that it be made illegal to even sell tobacco products or use taxes to price them out of the market. Tobacco kills people; adds to our health costs.
The second petition Wallace put forward was to “adopt international aid policies to support small family farms, especially women farmers, and recognize their vital role in the struggle against hunger and poverty, and to ensure that Canadian policies and programs are developed in consultation with small family farms to protect the right of small family farms in the global south to preserve and use friendly exchanged seeds.”
Burlington has a small agriculture sector that grows hay and some other agricultural products. When will we see people seeking permission to grow cannabis – which could then become something the government could tax and give cigarette smokers a different product to use.
The House of Commons will rise soon for the summer break and is not expected to return until after the federal election expected to take placed October 19th.
Will Burlington choose to return Mike Wallace to Ottawa or will they decide that Karina Gould can do a better job for them?
By Staff
May 27, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Here is a coup for you.
Canadian singer-songwriter and activist Sarah Harmer will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Accessibility Awards at The Burlington Performing Arts Centre on Tuesday, June 2, 2015, at 2 p.m.
 Sarah Harmer “Sarah Harmer is an award-winning artist with strong ties to our community,” said Judi Lytle, the city’s accessibility co-ordinator. ”We are thrilled that she will join us and deliver the keynote address as we celebrate accessibility in Burlington.”
The Burlington Accessibility Awards are hosted by the Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee as part of the city’s National Access Awareness activities. Emcee for the afternoon event will be Kelly MacDonald, a reporter for Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) and host of AMI-tv’s original program, AMI Blind Sighted. The awards celebrate the work being done by individuals, businesses and organizations to make Burlington more accessible for people with disabilities.
“We are making great strides in Burlington, not only to help remove existing barriers but also to prevent new barriers from being created,” said David Fisher, chair of the Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee. “Each year we see great leaders in our community who are making our city a more accessible place to live, work and play.”
Admission to the awards ceremony is free, but attendees must pre-register. Call 905-335-7600, ext. 7865.
Established in 1994, the Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee is a volunteer citizen’s advisory committee to Burlington City Council. The BAAC provides advice on the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to people with disabilities in the municipality’s bylaws, policies, programs and services.
 By Pepper Parr
May 26, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It is starting out as a different Strategic Plan review exercise.
Each term of office city council reviews the Strategic Plan and fine tunes the document to determine if any changes are needed.
In the past – prior to 2010 – the Strategic Plan was a collection of pretty pictures and bland statements. The current Mayor had at that time a Chief of Staff who thought the Strategic Plan should actually mean something and after more than eleven half days of meetings the city came out with a strategic Plan that set out three priorities:
Vibrant Neighbourhoods
Prosperity
Excellence in government
 Ideas and points made floated around the room like confetti at a wedding when the 2011 Strategic Plan was crafted – expect this next team to be as active with the flip charts. Those three, as limited as they were, amounted to the best council could do at that time. They were led by one of the best Strategic Plan facilitators in the country who asked them at their first meeting what they had as a BHAG – the room was silent.
BHAG – a Big Hairy Audacious Goal – the city didn’t have one and the best the team that was crafting the Strategic Plan could do was talk about the things they wanted the city they ran to be able to do and achieve.
 Making sense of all the notes and the different ideas left a lot on the table – crafting a strategic plan of this scale was a first time event for several members of council. Be friendly, be prosperous and have decent government. At the session Tuesday the staff and members of council talking part in crafting the 2015-2018 plan heard that we aren’t as friendly as we would like to be and that the prosperity isn’t all that well distributed.
How good a government are they? They all got re-elected – that must mean something – that the majority of the people surveyed did not think their government listens to them says something else.
This Council now has a full term under their belts and they know a lot more about civic government than when they started crafting the 2011 – 2014 Strategic Plan.
The Tuesday session was listening to numerous stakeholders – all the way from the Cycling Committee to the Art Gallery of Burlington and more than a handful in between.
The trend in most of the thinking is that being a “smart” community making use of technology and ensuring there was a strong cultural base was the best way to reach the goal that everyone wanted – even though that goal was never spelled out.
 Culture was the brightest thread seen during the Strategic Plan session that listened to the Stakeholders. The “automobile” and good roads and lower taxes didn’t get very many mentions. The tone was that if we can become more diverse, have a strong sense of cultural well-being people will want to move to Burlington and corporations will want to locate here – and if those two things can happen – we will be a prosperous community.
The delegations made were for the most part very solid. There were a few that said they got very short notice which suggests there are some snags to be worked out in the flow of things – but they crew setting out the Strategy for the next three years is off to a good start.
 Georgina Black of KPMG facilitated the 2011 Strategic Plan workshops and grew this council much more than they expected. Bringing her back would be a smart corporate move. The delegations need some thought before they can be reported on in any depth – we will get back to you with that.
No BHAG yet – and this |Council may not yet have one on them. Time will tell that part of the story.
As yet there is no facilitator in place – staff report that they are negotiating with someone – they said that more than a month ago.
By Staff
May 26, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Now there is an interesting – even if criminal idea.
You steal the license plate off a car.
You put the stolen license plate on your car just before you drive in to fill your gas tank.
When the tank is full you drive off without paying for the gas you took.
 Looks pretty relaxed doesn’t he? Recognize him – call it in. The plates on the car you are using might get caught on camera – not to worry – the plates are not yours. You might get caught on the camera as well but it wouldn’t be too hard to effect a disguise
The Regional police have run into this problem – early in April a suspect in a suspect was driving a grey Pontiac Grand Prix GT with stolen licence plates attached to it. The suspect filled the tank and fled without paying for the fuel.
The most recent case was at the Petro Canada Gas Station located at 5600 Mainway in the City of Burlington; a quick flip to the QEW where traffic will hide you.
Any person who may have information that would assist police in identifying this suspect (PHOTOS Attached) are asked to contact D/Cst. Dave Ardrey of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2306 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800 222 8477 (TIPS), or through the internet at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Staff
May 25, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlingtonians don’t like to talk about poverty or personal debt. It doesn’t fit with the way the city sees itself.
We don’t see poverty on the streets – I was stunned when a fellow going through a tough time asked if I could give him bus money – he assured me he wasn’t a drinker.
I was stunned for a moment and admit to fumbling through my pockets for some money. It was close to the last thing I expected to experience on a Burlington street.
 In Burlington? Definitely. I do see a number of people who make the rounds on garbage days looking for beer bottles and aluminum cans that they redeem.
There are other levels of poverty that we don’t see on the streets – personal debt hounds more people than we are prepared to admit and the collection agencies are merciless. While they are regulated – that doesn’t stop the more rapacious debt collectors.
Banks don’t work out debt problems with their clients – they send the debt along to collection agencies and you work it out with them.
Those $300 for $20 pay day Loan companies that are located throughout the city are close to usurious with their interest rates. But they are often a last resort for some people.
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is now accepting clients who live in Burlington. CA:P is part of a national charity that works with a household to work out a five step debt reduction plan for people who are in way over their heads.
5 Step Plan to be DEBT FREE
1. Home Visits
After you make the call CAP, a Debt Coach and Support Worker from the local CAP Debt Centre will visit you in your own home.
2. An effective budget
Our trained Debt Coaches then work out a realistic budget for you, negotiating affordable payments with each creditor.
3. CAP Plan
You will get a FREE CAP Plan. You make regular payments into it and CAP will then distribute this on your behalf.
4. Severe Debt
If you are in severe debt then we can support you through insolvency options.
5. Debt free.
You use your CAP Plan to pay your bills and debt repayments and you will be supported by CAP until you are debt free.
You can call the organization at their toll free number – 1-855-214-9191. Their service is confidential and it is free.
They are not going to pay your bills for you but they will help you work out something with your creditors and teach you how to better manage the money you have.
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