Council met Monday afternoon and evening as a Standing Committee looking at Development and Infrastructure issues. There was one Council member missing, which is unusual for |Burlington.
Meed Ward’s husband says he has never seen his wife this immobile – – resting while recovering from a concussion.
The chair of the committee just makes a comment that a person will not be attending and they let it go at that.
The missing member of Council at both the afternoon and evening sessions on Monday was Marianne Meed Ward who was injured in an automobile accident Friday afternoon.
Her vehicle was rear ended late Friday afternoon.
On the Saturday she went into a walk in clinic. After describing her symptoms the doctor concluded that she was suffering from a concussion and advised her to get bed rest, and avoid activities requiring intense mental stimulation including work.
Meed Ward continues to experience the symptoms and has been resting for the last three days. “I haven’t seen her this immobile in years” was the comment her husband made. He adds that “She’s keen to get back to work but recognizes that she has to rest to properly recover.”
Missing from a Standing Committee meeting – recovering from concussion due to her car being rear ended.
For the chair of the committee to announce that the |Council member would not be present when she was at home recovering from an accident that was going to keep her in bed for as much as a week doesn’t quite fit with the tag line the city adds to everything they send out: “Burlington is one of Canada’s best and most livable cities, a place where people, nature and business thrive.” Common decency got left out.
It would have been civil to comment that the Council member was in an accident and was expected to recover and return to her desk soon.
There was a major problem being corrected – the city was finally doing something it should have done years ago – but it was at least happening. It came close to falling off the rails when Councilor Dennison went on and on about paving the path for the Window on the Lake with asphalt rather than concrete.
The issue was the creation of three Windows to the Lake that was being debated by the Development and Infrastructure Committee
There will finally be well marked public access to the edge of the Lake where people can sit and enjoy the view.
With the sale of the lake edge land now a done deal the next step was to create properly marked windows to the lake. The design staff came up with was good – it should have been a ten minute discussion but this council managed to use up close to an hour getting to the 4-2 vote for the staff recommendation.
Deedee Davies, Co-Chair of Burlington Waterfront, a volunteer group of citizens committed to increasing access to and protection of the waterfront across Burlington, including the Bay commend staff their method of demonstrating that staff listened and acted on comments received through the public engagement process.
Davies who is also a member of the Halton Regional Waterfront Parks Advisory Committee representing Burlington said: “It gives us confidence in the concepts and plans presented when we see that staff acted upon issues and concerns raised.
The Green Street Window- to-the-Lake was included in the construction of the Market and St. Paul Street windows. “It is important for the City to demonstrate with action its intention to continue work on developing and opening up public access to the Windows-to-the-Lake that exist as diamonds in the rough. Green Street is already receiving some maintenance by Parks staff, so it makes sense to formalize and properly fund this Window while the opportunity exists” said Davies
Earlier, in discussion with the Mayor, Davies said they were told it was the City’s long-term plan to continue to develop Windows-to-the-Lake rather than open up the trail along the waterfront on city-owned lands such as Water Street.
Decent Windows – to -the – Lake were the best the public could get when the city decided to sell the land shown above to the owners of the land that abutted this space.
We were pleased to see the Staff Report recommend using the balance of the proceeds received from the sale of the old Water Street Road allowance to the abutting property owners to fund the development and improvements to other Windows-to-the-Lake.
Davies reported that the Burlington Waterfront Committee “did two studies, several years apart, of the 12 Windows-to-the-Lake and found little to no progress on the undeveloped Windows. The measure of a city is its follow through on its commitments to its citizens.
She added that: “A city demonstrates it priorities not in what it puts on paper, but where it allocates its money. The City now has the proceeds from the sale of their Water Street Lands to the adjacent private landowners to further act on their long- term plan commitment. The City can earn the trust of its citizens, by demonstrating that when it makes a commitment it follows through, by adopting this Staff recommendation.”
What could have been: The public could have had a pathway – maybe even a bike trail, through land the city and the province owned. City council didn’t have the foresight to accept a Staff recommendation and smart property owners moved in and bought the land for less than half a million. Great deal for the property owners – huge loss for generations of ordinary citizens.
Burlington is known for its waterfront. It is a significant part of the attraction to visitors, and residents and businesses locating here. Key to having a waterfront, whether it be lake or bay, is being able to access it by more than the fortunate few who can own a piece of it. Every opportunity to see and experience the waterfront draws people under the spell of the water and keeps them loyal to this wonderful city.
Burlington Waterfront strongly encouraged members of the Development and Infrastructure Committee to endorse the three recommendations in staff report and expresses its desire of Council to take the proactive step of approving the three Staff recommendations of this report at their Council meeting on June 22nd.
The Staff recommendation was approved on a 4-2 vote with Councilor Craven and Dennison voting against the recommendation.
The Nelson Wading Pool and Splash Pads are open, weather dependent, Saturday, June 13 to Monday, Sept. 7.
The pool was scheduled to open for the 2015 summer season. As part of preparing for the summer opening, city staff conducted a pool inspection after the winter season. The pool structure has been deemed unsafe for public use by a structural engineer. Attempts were made to see if any short term solutions could be found for this summer season however, repairs measures are too extensive. As a result, Nelson Pool will not open for the summer 2015 season.
The Tim Hortons free swims scheduled for July 6 and Aug. 9 at Nelson Pool will be relocated to Centennial Pool, 5151 New St.
The July 6 swim will run from 1:30 to 4 p.m. and the Aug. 9 swim will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Burlington Sound of Music Kick-Off came alive at the Waterfront. It could not have been a more perfect weekend. The hot Saturday sun beat down on the Burlington Sound of Music Festival while the beat of the concert music played to a high energy crowd.
Head banging with style – or the photo op of the day. Whichever – the sound drove the crowds wild at the Saturday SoM Kick Off.
The crowds of adoring fans arrived in droves to watch their favourite bands. The food trucks lined up along the boardwalk. The Waterfront was busy with boats anchored to listen to the music. Everyone showed up to enjoy this event; families, dog lovers, teens, people of all ages came out to support the Burlington Sound of Music Festival Kick Off.
As I walked through the main gate I could see the teams of volunteers attending to everything from ticket scanners to assisting people and answering questions. I ran into Ted Mills, ‘really I had to move to avoid being run over by him’ Ted wore a bright yellow t-shirt with the words “Event Control”.
I asked him if he had a few minutes to chat with me. I asked him how long he had been a volunteer with the event. He smiled and said “14 years’. Ted told me he was very proud of the event and felt this was a great event for Burlington to host. Ted loves what he does and this is his way to give back to the Burlington Community.
I also had a chance to chat very briefly with the Ticket Scanner volunteer. She smiled and told me this event was great. She explained the ticket scanning was a great idea; and a great way to keep the line ups moving quickly so everyone could get to their concerts. .
I was excited to be joining the other photographers and journalists who were taking photos of Burlington’s own Finger Eleven as they performed. We all gathered by the front gate waiting to be escorted by the media coordinator to the media pit. We hung
our cameras over our shoulders and got “ready to aim snap and capture” the band Finger Eleven in concert.
Fingers 11 – working that instrument at the Sound of Music Kick Off on Saturday.
Finger Eleven was introduced to the excited fans by the Host of CHCH news anchor Nick Dixon. The band was formed in 1989. The first guitarist came out whaling his electric guitar joining the drummer and base guitarist. Then we all got a real treat, a ‘head banging” show from the guitarist.
As he began to play his guitar he was hidden behind his long long black hair. His hair flew in the air as he dropped his head back and forth to the sound of his guitar. Throughout each song he bounced across the stage with such energy; the loud applause and cheers could be heard for miles. Finger Eleven was one of many concerts during the Burlington Sound of Music Kick Off this past weekend.
There were fans standing inside the media ‘Pit’ as well. Concert go-ers wishing to get real close to their favourite band; could do so by purchasing a $60.00 ticket plus another $25.00 which gave them access to the ‘Pit’. “Yes you could stand inches from the stage.”
This apparently is the first time the Sound of Music has asked for payment to gather at favoured spots right up close to the stage – where we were told when we could click our cameras and when we couldn’t.
Historically the Sound of Music has been a free event – is there a change in policy in the works? Could we see the Sound of Music as a fully ticketed event in the future?
Kristin and Justin Butler; owners of the Chimneys food truck doing their first SoM event.
I noticed long line ups at the food trucks. So, I took a few minutes to chat with Kristin and Justin Butler; owners of the Chimneys food truck. This was their first time at the Burlington Sound of Music Kick-Off and found the energy invigorating.
I was able to chat with David Miller, Executive Director of the Burlington Sound of Music. He was a very busy man this weekend. According to David, there were a few unexpected glitches; this only meant they will look closely at how to avoid future issues. Concentrating on making it even a better experience. He is very proud of the event which he has been heading up for nine years.
This was the Fourth year of the Burlington Sound of Music Kick-Off. I asked David who was the brainchild behind the idea for a Ticketed Event. He told me it was a ‘collaborative effort’.
He explained how the Burlington community and others have been asking for a bigger and better concert line-up. David was able to fill that request by adding bands such as: Our Lady Peace, Finger Eleven, Collective Soul and David Wilcox, to name a few. He also mentioned that the ‘Free’ weekend at the Burlington Sound of Music has also been a success.
During the ‘Free’ weekend there were a few options: the Front Row Concert Tickets cost $25.00; the Sweet VIP Concert Tickets cost $100; this includes a drink and a meal.
Every year the money raised goes to a different recipient. This year the recipient is the Joseph Brant Hospital, Music Therapy.
It is week #8 for our “Fugitive Friday” initiative whereby the Halton Regional Police, Burlington station is 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.
Every Friday, the Burlington Offender Management Unit will share information on a wanted person in hopes that the public can assist in locating the individual.
We will share “Fugitive Friday” information on our website and via social media through Twitter @HRPSBurl and @HaltonPolice.
In this edition of Fugitive Fridays the 3 District, Burlington Offender Management Unit is searching for another couple, Sean KELLY 34 years old and Jessica HAYNES 28 years old of Hamilton, ON.
It is alleged:
• In January of 2015 the accused parties committed numerous Frauds and Thefts in Burlington
• The accused parties were located and arrested in possession of stolen property while trying to commit a Fraud and Theft at a store in Burlington
• Upon investigation KELLY provided police a false name in an attempt to hide his identity
• Haynes was released from 3 District on an appearance notice and KELLY was held for bail and appeared in court at which time they were both released on separate appearance notices with court imposed conditions
• The accused parties were required to attend court in February 2015 in Milton which they failed to do and warrants were issued for their arrest
• KELLY has 15 convictions for various offences including Robbery, Thefts, Impersonation and Fail to Comply. HAYNES has 1 prior conviction for Assault.
Sean Kelly, 34
KELLY is now wanted by Halton Regional Police Service for:
• Fraud Under $5000 • Theft Under $5000 • Personation with Intent • Fail to Re-Attend Court
Jessica Haynes, 28
HAYNES is now wanted by Halton Regional Police Service for:
• Fraud Under $5000 • Theft Under $5000 • Fail to Attend Court • Fail to Comply Undertaking
Sean KELLY is described as 5’9”, 150 lbs with blue eyes and brown hair. KELLY also has Tattoos left arm – “Celtic band”, left elbow – “Sun”, Right elbow – “Make your own luck with a star”.
Jessica HAYNES is described as 5’2”, 120lbs with brown hair and green eyes. Jessica has a pierced tongue and a Tattoo right forearm – “Hourglass”. Both parties are known to frequent Halton, Hamilton, and the surrounding areas. KELLY also has ties to New Brunswick.
Anyone who may have witnessed this male or has information that would assist investigators in identifying him are encouraged to contact D/Cst Bulbrook – Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Offender Management Team at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2346 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).
They want you there and while they won’t send a yellow taxi to pick you up – they have arranged for the buses to run just a little longer so you can stick around Spencer Smith Park a little longer and take in more of the Sound of Music.
The Festival organizers have arranged for shuttles from the Burlington GO station to the Downtown Transit Terminal
Shuttles will run from the Burlington GO station to the John Street terminal – just a hop, skip and a jump to Spender Smith Park
Extended transit service will also be offered during the kick-off event on Saturday June 13 and again during the Festival weekend as noted below:
Saturday June 13 & Saturday June 20
3 North from the Terminal – 10:30, 11 and 11:30 p.m. 3 South from the Terminal – 11 and 11:30 p.m. 10 East from the terminal – 11 and 11:30 p.m
Friday June 19
3 North from the Terminal – 11 and 11:30 p.m. 3 South from the Terminal – 11 and 11:30 p.m. 10 East from the Terminal – 11 and 11:30 p.m.
Detectives from the Halton Regional Police Service Child Abuse and Sexual Assault (CASA) Unit have charged a Burlington man in connection with historical sexual assaults stemming back to 1973.
In a media release police said “the accused male has ties to both the Halton and Hamilton regions as he has been actively involved in religious groups, while also practicing as a certified reflex therapist for the last 18 years in Burlington.”
Arrested and charged with two counts of Indecent Assault on a Female, and one count of Sexual Assault is David Allison HOLT, age 68, of Burlington, Ontario.
Mr. Holt is due to appear in Milton Court on the 8th of July, 2015.
Police encourage anyone with information related to this investigation to contact Detective Constable Alanda Prescod at the Halton Regional Police, CASA Bureau – 905 825 4747 Ext 8977 or alanda.prescod@haltonpolice.ca 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).
“Mr. Putin runs an entirely different system … he runs an economy that is dominated by oligarchs and criminal syndicates. It is not at all like our economy, it doesn’t share our interests, it doesn’t share our values, and so I think we need to have discussions where we can really rally the shared interests of the Western democratic world.” (CBC).
This was one of Canadian PM Stephen Harper’s clearest foreign policy statements.
Cynics might say that he is just catering to the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada – playing politics from abroad in an election year. But he has been consistent on this issue from the get-go, and as such, brings a constructive voice into the mix of confusion over how to solve a problem like Putin.
Prime Minister laying a wreath at a memorial in Kiev.
Notwithstanding his refusal to back up his aggressive stand by supplying defensive weapons, Ukrainian leaders have no greater friend than Canada’s Prime Minister. And his voice has apparently influenced decision-making at the latest G7 meeting in Bavaria, where unanimous consent was obtained to keep economic sanctions on Russia.
The G7, established in 1975 as the Group of 6 (G6) is comprised of the chief financial officers and heads of government of the USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy and, as of 1976, Canada. The G7 can claim to be global power brokers since they represent the majority of the planet’s economic power and wealth.
Canada was an after-thought addition to the original club. We represent the smallest population and economy of the group, though we can boast the second highest per capita GDP and human development index rating. This G7 group is not to be confused with the G20, which includes the G7 as well as other big nations, and collectively controls about 80 percent of global wealth. And as if it were not confusing enough, the European Union established another G5 (now G6) in the nineties.
Russia became a member of the G7 sometime after the disintegration of the USSR, making it the G8, but was kicked out last year after it invaded the Ukraine. Although it’s economy is slightly greater than that of Canada, it’s GDP per capita is only a third of ours – a developing-nation standard of living. That and the other arguments Mr. Harper’s raised are good reasons for its expulsion.
Would returning to the Gold standard make a difference?
The G7 was originally constituted to deal with the aftermath of the US leaving the gold standard. But the Group of Seven have evolved into a forum to discuss economic and trade issues, such as the pending credit default by Greece. Still, when you get a bunch of chief executives from the world’s most powerful nations together, they’ll talk about whatever they want.
So in addition to Greece, the Islamic State (IS), Ukraine and Climate Change were on the agenda. German Chancellor Merkel was passionate about making climate change a priority. France hosts the next global climate change conference at the end of this year, and was hoping the G7 would support something like zero emissions by mid-century.
Japan and Canada, for different reasons, were not ready to sign onto a resolution to stop burning fossil fuels by 2050. So they picked a date, out of thin air, and the rest of the members compromised with 2100 – the lowest common denominator. Well, at least, I won’t be around to criticize the PM, should he miss that target, But neither will he – and that is the point. He might just as well have chosen 2200 or 2300 – it means nothing.
The Ukraine and IS conflicts are serious business. Almost 7,000 people have been killed over the last year in Ukraine, and there are unfounded claims of 10,000 deaths from the US-led bombing alone. There is lots of wrong doing, illegality and immorality to go around, and two sides to every story, but we are the good guys, right?
So what about climate change? The World Health Organization estimates a quarter million deaths annually between 2030 and 2050 and economic costs of up to $4 B a year as a result of this phenomenon. As fixated as we are on Ukraine and IS, isn’t this a bigger picture? Or is there something amiss with our values and interests? I mean, how moral is inter-generational inequality?
Mr. Harper’s European vacation included a ten minute meeting with the Pope, whose office claims to be the pinnacle of morality. Our PM has been asked, by our first nations to give the Pope a message, to apologize for what his church, among others, did to Canada’s aboriginal residential students.
But Harper didn’t ask, choosing to continue his tirade on Russia instead. Pope Francis is a bit of a rock star, and who knows, he might have apologized. No doubt he had already lectured Mr. Putin about the morality of the Ukraine conflict when they met a day earlier.
Pope checking on the heavens – just how polluted are they?
The next big campaign for the Pontiff is fighting climate change. So it is likely this topic came up in his discussions with our PM, but he’s not saying. The Pope has many allies in this battle to save the planet as we know it, including the US and Chinese leaders, and the Europeans.
Mr. Harper would do well to ponder the words he used to describe the Russian leader – the ones about interests and values and belonging to a club that shares values. Should he be re-elected PM later this year, those very words may come back to haunt him, as he finds himself lonely if not alone, in Paris, at the climate change conference.
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.
The Art Gallery of Burlington auction pulled in $60,000 during its recent Art Auction – the Bateman went for $6,000 and Reid Flock’s piece “Basking Denim Noise Paint” went for $1,000.
Newly minted AGB President Robert Steven has had a good first month – $60,000 ahead of the game. Hopefully it is still uphill from here.
Art collectors are known for the attention they pay to the Burlington auction because they know there is usually a Bateman included – and they make a point of taking a look and then usually bidding by telephone.
Robert Bateman’s piece “Kestral and Balsam Poplar” went for $6,000 which is a little on the low side for Bateman’s work.
The 200 different pieces of art that sold for $200 each was a popular choice for many that were just getting into art collecting.
The 200 for $200 seemed to be a very popular event – it was limited to local artists who had a chance to get there work in front of a wide, informed audience. The proof in that pudding will be next year – let’s see if the event makes the cut – it should.
Burlington has a number of high priced, high end galas – the AGB appears to have an opportunity to hold an event that could focus on the arts – no one else occupies that space. Creating a theme for the evening seemed to please most people – what will the creative minds of Johnathan Smith and Denis Longchamps come up with for next year?
Even though the city isn’t taking any official part in the Pan Am Games the residents of the city are being given an opportunity to ignite their Pan Am spirit and celebrate the Pan Am Games on Pan Am/Parapan Am Day in Canada on June 13 in LaSalle Park.
Competitors are showered with colour powders as they participate in the Color Run. There will be different locations where coloured powders are thrown over the runners.
Burlington is going to do its best to get into the Pan Am Games spirit by hosting a fun-filled day for families to experience Pan Am inspired sports from local partners and take place in a Pan Am inspired Colour Run.”
The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features:
• Kids Pan/Parapan Am inspired sports • Inflatables • Colour Run at noon • A 52-foot (16-metre) long Slip and Slide • Food vendors • Free admission to LaSalle Wading Pool
The Colour Run is an accessible one-kilometre route in LaSalle Park. Participants are encouraged to wear a white T-shirt they would like ‘coloured’ with the safe, non-toxic powder that participants will be coated in as they complete the course.
Those wishing to visit the LaSalle Wading Pool after the Colour Run will be required to rinse off in the Slip and Slide before entering the pool enclosure.
Will Torch bearer Ashley Worobec take part in the colour run at LaSalle |Park on Saturday the 13th?
The question the Gazette has is – will Torch carrier Ashley Worobec be doing the colour run the week before she runs through Spencer Smith Park with the Torch?
Limited parking is available at LaSalle Park with additional parking available at Aldershot Pool, 50 Fairwood Place W.
A Burlington elementary school is one of three finalists in the contest to name the newest recruit into the Halton Regional Police K9 unit.
Clarksdale Public School, Burlington has decided the dog should be named Marshall.
T he students at Clarksdale Public School want this little pooch to be called Marshall – and if enough people vote for that name – that is what the dog will be called.
The other two finalists are P.L.Robertson Public School, Milton who chose the name Ranger and Brookville Public School, Campbellville who chose the name Arrow
The Regional police received emails from teachers and school officials and report being very impressed with the efforts that were put into choosing the right name. One school in Milton, as they were working on graphing units in math, chose two names, and conducted a survey of several classrooms to give every student a voice. They tallied up the votes and are completing graphs to show the results.
Several name suggestions were sent in via Twitter and from parents wanting to share their children’s creative ideas.
Now, it’s time for the community to vote! Follow our @HaltonPolice or @HRPSK9 Twitter accounts and vote for your new K9 name by Tweeting or Retweeting your favorite hashtag.
#HaltonPSDArrow
#HaltonPSDMarshall
#HaltonPSDRanger
Non-Tweeters can also vote online at https://www.haltonpolice.ca/SpecializedUnits/ESU/Canine/Pages/K9name.aspx
The name with the most hashtags and online votes will be the winner!
The winning name and school will be announced on Monday June 22, 2015
Cst Mitchell with police dog Juno being trained. Juno has since been retired.
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.
On Sunday, June 14, 2015 from 12:30 – 3 p.m. during the SOUND OF MUSIC PARADE, the following route detours will be in effect:
10 East Regular routing to New and Dynes Left at Dynes Right at Woodward Right at Cumberland Left at Rexway Left at Walkers Right at Flemish Left at Longmoor Right at Tiperary Left at New Resume regular routing.
10 West Regular routing to New and Tiperary Right at Tiperary Left at Longmoor Right at Flemish Left at Walkers Right at Rexway Right at Cumberland Left at Woodward Left at Dynes Right at New Resume regular routing.
4 East Regular routing to Rexway and Walkers Line. Left at Walkers Line Right at Flemish Left at Longmoor Resume regular routing.
4 West Regular routing to Longmoor and Flemish Right at Flemish Left at Walkers Line Right at Rexway Dr. Resume regular routing.
Detours in effect on Sunday, June 14, 2015 from 12:30-3 p.m.
There were not many items on the June 3rd agenda, but two of them had the potential to make for a long meeting. The increase in Education Development Charges were approved by the Halton District School Board without so much as a peep from any of the developers who have to come up with the cash.
There was a report from an economic consulting group that confirmed what everyone knew – land pieces had increased. Jack Ammendolia of Watson and Associates Economists confirmed that land costs have jumped again in Halton and the increase was necessary to cover the costs of new schools in Halton.
Since last year the per acre cost is as follows
Oakville from $1,250,000 to $1,440,000 Milton from $950,000 to $1,050,000 Halton Hills from $625,000 to $950,000
There was no number given for Burlington – there won’t be any new schools built here.
The residential development charge was increased from $3,380 to $3,969 per residence and from 87 cents to $1.02 per square foot in non residential development. This represents a 17% increase for both residential and non residential.
The land increases were 15% for Oakville, 11% for Milton and 52% for Halton Hills.
The 2015-16 Capital and Operating Budget were two issuers that could easily lead to long and laborious session of questions and answers. That was not the case. The trustees took the board of education staff at their word and passed the $685.7 million operating budget for 2015-2016 as well as the $62.6 million capital budget faster than you could say Bob’s your uncle”. Burlington’s city council wishes it could get off as easily.
Along with two budgets the Operational Plan Goals for 2015-16 and Special Education Plan were also quickly passed – unanimously.
As the meeting was nearing conclusion, Director Euale announced that the School Board will be supportive of the revised Health and Physical Education Curriculum. In his remarks he pointed out that the HDSB website now has a Q & A section on the new curriculum.
The site is:
www.hdsb.ca/Programs/Pages/FAQUpdatedHealthPhysicalEdCurriculum.aspx
The Conservation Authority sent out water level warnings for the creeks that run into the city from the Escarpment.
The city decided that all clay diamonds and select soccer fields are to be closed to due water Tuesday, June 9, 2015
All clay diamonds are closed the evening of Tuesday, June 9:
Ireland Park: D1, D2, D3, D4 Millcroft Park: D1 and D2 Nelson Park: D1 Other diamonds are “as is” condition as there may be some puddles on the infields
The following rectangular fields are closed the evening of Tuesday, June 9: Maple Park Tansley Woods Park Sherwood Forest Park: F5 Central Park: F1
Less laundry for the parents if the playing fields are closed – what to do with the kids? The parents will figure that out.
We know it happens and we are surprised when it happens in families we knew. Nearly one in 10 Ontario seniors will experience some form of elder abuse, this is believed to be just a fraction of the cases reported.
The elderly are at times completely at risk; there are signs that indicate an elderly person is at risk. There are people who can help.
To help bring this important issue to light, Halton Region Police, registered nurses, and community organizations are hosting an event for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 18.
The event will be held at the Halton Region Auditorium 1151 Bronte Road in Oakville – starts at 5:30 pm
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognized around the globe every June to raise the visibility of elder abuse and related issues. This local event is being jointly presented by Halton Regional Police Service, the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario’s (RNAO) Halton chapter, Elder Abuse Ontario, and the Elder Abuse Prevention Committee of Halton.
“Elder abuse is like a big elephant in the room, and not many people want to talk about it,” says Karimah Alidina, president of RNAO’s Halton chapter, adding that elder abuse can have a major impact on the health and wellbeing of seniors. “We need to hold an open and honest dialogue so that we can better address elder abuse, and protect Halton Region’s older population.”
Between 2010 and 2014, Halton police received more than 400 reports of elder abuse. About 60 per cent of these reports were related to assault, but older adults are vulnerable to many forms of abuse – including physical, emotional, financial, sexual, and neglect.
“Our elders deserve our respect, love and appreciation. They are our parents, grandparents and cornerstones of our community,” says Stephen Tanner, Chief of Halton Regional Police Service.
“Our police force works closely with our community partners to educate the public, prevent abuse and neglect and provide support to our elders.”
Four out of five instances of elder abuse go undetected. Often, seniors are reluctant to report incidents because of fear or shame. That’s why raising awareness of elder abuse is so important, says Rochella Vassell of Elder Abuse Ontario.
Sometimes the abuse is physical, sometimes it is financial – at other times it is emotional – all take their tole.
“This local event will heighten awareness that elder abuse is a local issue that must be addressed and taken seriously,” Vassell says. “Every person in our community is encouraged to promote seniors’ rights and ensure they are treated with respect and dignity.”
More than 13 community organizations are participating in the event, as well as Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn. Burlington MPP Eleanor McMahon had a conflict and was not able to take part in what for her is a core constituency.
The agenda for the event is as follows:
5:30 p.m.: Registration and networking (refreshments provided) 6:00 p.m.: Welcome 6:10 p.m.: Remarks from MPP Kevin Flynn 6:25 p.m.: Presentation from Dr. Veronique Boscart 6:50 p.m.: Panel discussion • Nadine Clarke, Halton Regional Police Service • Keith Jim, Behavioural Supports Ontario Community Outreach Team • Paul Proteau, Crime Stoppers • Rochella Vassell, Elder Abuse Ontario 7:20 p.m.: Question and answer period 7:30 p.m.: Poster viewing
To register CLICK HERE or call the Halton Seniors Helpline at 1-866-457-8252.
The objective was to put the citizens, developers and the planners all in the same room and see what could be done.
It was an initiative that came out of Marianne Meed Ward’s imagination and it caught a spark.
The first of the four planned sessions was a hit – the Lion’s Hall room was close to capacity and there were a more than respectable number of developers in the room. The less than critically acclaimed ADI Group didn’t show for that first meeting and while invited no one really expected Paletta International to show either.
Meeting number two was held at the Performing Arts Centre where the audience was smaller but not by that much. What was quite different was the developers that did show up. The ADI Group had four people in their entourage who took part in some of the discussion.
Robert Molinaro was there for the second meeting and Jeff Paikin of New Horizons, the company that will build the Bridgewater project on Lakeshore made an appearance – selling the units is going to be the challenge there. Paikin didn’t take part in any of the table discussions.
The developers’ appear to have come to the conclusion that this was perhaps a safe place for them.
The focus for the second session was on specific properties that had been assembled and where plans were not yet firm.
The Molinaro’s have two pieces of property on the west side of Brant either side of Ghent and they worked at a table with a group of people listening to what they thought could be done with the property. The conversation was certainly animated with ideas being tossed around and, for the most part, the developers listening. The Molinaro’s appear to have learned that it is better to work with the city than to try and buck the rules. Their Paradigm project on Fairview south of the GO station and east of Walmart has proceeded smoothly because early in the game Meed Ward convinced them to meet with the community and hear their concerns.
Meed Ward did the same thing with the renovation to Burlington Square Plaza on the west side of Brant at Ghent, where a major change is to be made with the way the existing Brant Square relates to the street and replacing the existing two storey structure with a four storey structure and adding units into what is now an outdoor parking lot.
If the plans the developer talked about do make it to the construction stage Brant Street could have a significant commercial anchor where outdoor patios would fit in very well – the Downtown Destination could end up being quite a bit bigger.
The Wellwyn Interests had two land assemblies that they appear to want to add to; the largest is on Burlington Street – the location of a lot of history in this city. They have assembled three properties on Lakeshore Road that are contiguous and four on Burlington Avenue that are not all contiguous.
Townhouses and a condominium on Lakeshore with something between 12 and 16 storey’s got mentioned – but there were few specifics coming from the architects who were at the table.
Any change to the look and feel of Burlington Street would be significant no matter what was done. The development is in the St. Luke Precinct; a part of the city that is close to ferocious when it comes to protecting their community.
The land assembly on Maple Avenue, while outside the downtown boundary, was on the table for the public to comment. It would appear to amount to some intensification in a part of the city where it would fit quite well.
The Welwyn Interests have in the past focused on rental accommodation and are reported to have significant holdings. Townhouses would add to what they already rent and manage.
The next Downtown Destination meeting takes place at the Lion’s Hall on Wednesday the 10th of June. This meeting will be to put forward recommendations for the best use of the properties. The public listened to the plans the developers had or came up with ideas of their own – now they get to formalize what they think.
This approach is something very new to practice in Burlington however it is not a new idea. During his first term of office Mayor Goldring brought in a number of speakers to talk about different ways to look a problems. Ken Greenberg, one of the best planning thinkers in the country, told a Burlington audience that there was a better way to build a city and he urged city council to work with the developers and for the developers to work with the community right at the very beginning of a project.
Mayor Rick Goldring explains an idea to a resident during the first Downtown Destination workshop put on by Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward.
Has Meed Ward picked up on what Ken Greenberg suggested the city do three years ago? Or has she gone in a new direction and wants to give the citizen’s a sense of the kind of Mayor she would be when she runs for that office in 2018?
Make no mistake here – Marianne Meed Ward will run for the job of Mayor in 2018 – every move she makes is part of the election plan.
Councillor Meed Ward has always been good at listening – is her Downtown Destination series of Workshops the kind of thing the city needs more of – will they be seen in the other five wards?
Meed Ward has shown that she is a considerably different political animal than the rest of council. She asks questions and she isn’t afraid to step outside the box – and she certainly riles those members of Council with a significant Conservative bent to their thinking.
When Rick Goldring ran for the office of Mayor in 2010 the city didn’t know what it was getting – it had decided it didn’t want then Mayor Cam Jackson any longer and chose Goldring as the best alternative. It took a first term in office to see what Goldring can do and what he can’t do; where his strengths are and what his weaknesses prevent him from doing.
The next civic election will have a candidate that we have had a good look at – we will at least know what we are getting.
It takes place in two cities – Burlington is one of them,
The site covers several thousand acres – 2700 to be exact.
The event will take place on three different days
It has the rather pedestrian name of Panorama – however it can turn out to be quite an experience.
Called the Panorama Adventure Challenge Sport it is a run that cover either a 3 km or 5 km distance designed to teach team building and problem solving.
It is intended for any age and can be done at any pace.
By Pepper Parr
The pool was scheduled to open for the 2015 summer season. As part of preparing for the summer opening, city staff conducted a pool inspection after the winter season. The pool structure has been deemed unsafe for public use by a structural engineer. Attempts were made to see if any short term solutions could be found for this summer season however, repairs measures are too extensive. As a result, Nelson Pool will not open for the summer 2015 season.
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. 
On Sunday, June 14, 2015 from 12:30 – 3 p.m. during the SOUND OF MUSIC PARADE, the following route detours will be in effect:
what they thought could be done with the property. The conversation was certainly animated with ideas being tossed around and, for the most part, the developers listening. The Molinaro’s appear to have learned that it is better to work with the city than to try and buck the rules. Their Paradigm project on Fairview south of the GO station and east of Walmart has proceeded smoothly because early in the game Meed Ward convinced them to meet with the community and hear their concerns.
The Wellwyn Interests had two land assemblies that they appear to want to add to; the largest is on Burlington Street – the location of a lot of history in this city. They have assembled three properties on Lakeshore Road that are contiguous and four on Burlington Avenue that are not all contiguous.
comes to protecting their community.
