 By Pepper Parr
April 27, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Late in March, BFAST (Burlington for Accessible Sustainable Transit) held a meeting to hear what transit users thought of the service.
 Mayor Goldring decided to promote his personal use of transit by releasing a “selfie” he took while riding the bus to work. Earlier in the year BFAST put out a challenge asking members of Council to use transit one day of every week for a month. Mayor Goldring took the challenge, got himself on the front page of a newspaper and was begging to be seen as a transit advocate.
Ward 1 Councilor Marianne Meed Ward took the challenge – she didn’t get her picture in the paper but she had some very useful data – it was not good news.
As community based events go the Saturday morning session went very well. BFAST issued a Summary of their findings – the full report will come out late in May.
 The March meeting broke out into workshop groups – here the seniors discuss what works and doesn’t work for them. The Forum attracted about 90 people with much to say about their experiences using Burlington’s buses. There in the role of listeners were four of the seven members of Burlington City Council, including Mayor Rick Goldring, as well as Burlington’s MPP, Eleanor McMahon. Not present, unfortunately, was anyone responsible for designing and operating the transit system – Burlington Transit.
Positive messages from the participants can be quickly told: everyone praised the friendliness and thoughtfulness of the bus drivers, who often help passengers in unusual circumstances.
Now for the negative messages, the same problems coming up over and over again. Because of cuts to service and frequent route changes during the last three years, Burlington Transit’s system is no longer convenient, resulting in a considerable drop in ridership. And two fare increases, one in May 2013, and another to take effect in May 2015, have made it unaffordable for many potential users.
 Community Development Halton Executive Director Joey Edwardh looks a little puzzled with the information Mayor Goldring has pulled up on his Smart phone To illustrate the lack of convenience, consider the schedule on the North Service Road (Route 81.) The buses operate between 6:00 and 9:30 am and between 3:00 and 6:00 pm, on weekdays only. A person who uses this route asked, “What am I supposed to do at other times of the day? It makes it difficult if I have appointments to go to.” Or, she might have added, if you have to get back from work after 6:00 pm. Further, this route has no service on Saturdays and Sundays. This is just one example among many that show how inconvenient transit service is in Burlington.
The South Service Road is even worse: although there are many hotels and businesses, as well as McMaster’s DeGroote School of Business located along this road, there are no buses to serve them.
The most recent fare increase seems to have been designed to persuade (force?) users into acquiring Presto cards. However, for many people, getting a Presto card is not as simple as saying “Hey, presto!” For some seniors and young people and for people with limited financial resources the application process is not easy, and putting money on the card can only be done online or at the three GO stations and the Downtown Terminal. Also, the initial fee of $6.00 is enough to deter some people from applying. A young person said that Presto ought to be as convenient as cash in order for it to replace cash fares.
Signage at bus stops throughout Burlington presents a problem for many, especially occasional transit users. Ideally, every bus stop should display the route numbers of the buses stopping there and the scheduled times of arrival. The reality is rather different: bus route numbers and arrival times are nonexistent. You need a Ride Guide and the ability to decipher it. It was pointed out that signage for buses serving the GO stations is quite limited.
 Ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven appears to be making a point to transit advocate James Smith about how the service works. Craven did not take the BFAST challenge. Burlington Transit’s Handi-Vans provide an essential service for people with disabilities unable to use the regular bus service. Unfortunately, as BT’s nine Handi-Vans cannot handle the current demand, users must book at least a week in advance. To deal with requests at short notice, such as necessary medical appointments, taxis should be used to supplement the Handi-Van fleet when required, as is the case in Oakville. This provision would be a valuable service, as well as the taxi scrip program which many citizens would like reinstated. (For many seniors who are frail, the ride on Handi-Van is not possible due to a bumpy ride.) It should be added that several people questioned why those who are legally blind and those with low vision are excluded from using the Handi-Van service.
Another issue affecting many transit users concerns buses no longer going into Mapleview Mall and Burlington Mall. The walk from the closest bus stops to a mall entrance is not pedestrian friendly, and it can be dangerous in winter conditions, especially for people with limited mobility and for those who use walkers and wheelchairs.
Many people pointed out that the bus schedules are too tight, making it very difficult for the drivers to stay on schedule. When a driver attempts to catch up after falling behind schedule, there may be a loss of safety.
All the shortcomings of the Burlington transit system mentioned above result from a common cause: serious underfunding of transit by the City Council. It seems that the guiding principle when making decisions about transit is to save money, not to provide a good service.
 Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman making a point during one of the BFAST workshops. Sharman did not take the BFAST challenge Recommendations
Spend more money on transit!
Provide more frequent service and extend the hours of service.
Improve the route schedules to make good connections at GO stations and other transfer points.
Post schedules with route numbers and arrival times at all bus stops.
Make Presto cards easier to obtain and to load.
Supplement Handi-Vans with taxis when required and reinstate the Taxi Scrip program.
Community buses should be labeled as such, and promoted.
The Downtown Terminal should be staffed during all hours when buses are operating.
Provide more bus shelters and make sure they are accessible for motorized wheelchairs.
The community meeting was a success; a majority of the members of Council were in the room, what happens next? The budget for the next fiscal year has been cast in stone. The two members of council with the most fiscal prudence, Taylor and Dennison did not take part in the meeting – don’t expect either of them to move any money from their |”shave and pave” program into transit. Councillor |Sharman is not likely to become a transit advocate any time soon.
Burlington Transit seem to have convinced themselves that the several million they are going to spend on technology to gather data will solve all their problems.
The transit advocates have a long road to travel.
By Pepper Parr
April 25, 2105
BURLINGTON, ON
Tom Muir is an active community participant – he is also a bit of a burr under the saddle of the Councillor for his ward Rick Craven.
Muir is not the kind of guy that backs down easily – and he is the kind of guy who does his homework
When he delegates before city Council – which he does frequently – his questions are pointed and often sharp.
 Plains Road, east of Waterdown – residents believe the properties are being assembled with plans are for a 6 storey structure. He recently wrote a staff member in the planning department about a development that no one was actually sure was going to take place – the only information the public had was a sign on the property saying units were for sale.
Muir asked the planning department for some details on any plans the city might have received about a potential redevelopment on 40-58 Plains Road East.
The staff member said:
I have attended several meetings with the owners of 40, 46 & 50 Plains Road East. Formal preconsultation meetings were held in December 2012 and July 2014 to discuss a 6 storey apartment building on these three sites. An Official Plan amendment (OPA) and rezoning would be required to allow any redevelopment of these properties for an apartment building. I have not attended any discussions or held any preconsultation meetings involving 58 Plains Road East.
The City of Burlington has not received an application for OPA or rezoning of these properties. We have not approved any apartment building on these properties. However the City cannot legally prevent property owners from advertising their intentions or from collecting names of potential purchasers for residential units which are not approved or built.
 Waterdown Road is in the process of being widened, the local convenience store was expropriated and there are plans for some very significant developments – the residents would like to be informed. Muir now knew more than most people in his community. What galled Muir the most was that there had been a community meeting to talk about the thinking being done for the stretch of Plains Road between Cook and Filmandale and there was no mention of the meeting about any development proposals or pre-consultation meetings.
Muir commented in his response to the planner saying:
“It is not right, and highly regrettable, that this information was not disclosed to the public as part of the official process and meeting. That it was largely by accident that I discovered this failure to disclose key information relevant to the purposes of the meeting just makes the situation more intolerable.
The disclosure of such information should be city policy, period. I just don’t understand what the thinking or objective is in non-disclosure. What kind of organization lets this happen?
Awareness of this information would clearly affect the knowledge and thinking of the public regarding the issues and questions being posed to them by the city at the meetings, and in the process. Therefore, the issues, comments, and concerns they provide in response are similarly affected.
Therefore, the turnout numbers of the public are influenced downward, and the comments you have received, and may receive further, are not fully informed, and are therefore biased, because this information is missing.
I think you need to do the meeting again, with the public fully informed as to what has been, and is, going on in regard to the missing information, and how that might relate to the OP and by-law issues that are under review.
“This is not the first time in my experience in Ward 1” said Muir “that the city has failed to disclose this kind of particularly relevant and material information to the public in formal meetings. The resulting bias in response received from the public is always the same.”
“And it always leads people to lose trust in the process, and in the integrity of the city’s ethic and code of conduct. This is so simple to avoid – always do the right, honest thing.”
 A vacant lot across the road from properties that are beleived to be part of an assembly sits next to Solid Gold, an “adult entertainment” business. Many would like to see that establishment turned into something more acceptable to the community. The lead speaker at the meeting on March 24th was the city planner. He had to know about the possible development. He didn’t say a word.
The ward Councillor, Rick Craven also spoke to the crowd of about 80 people – he didn’t say a word either – you can bet the mortgage that Councillor Craven knew about the project and assume that he had had a number of conversations with the developer.
Let us add one more piece of information. The Gazette received the following from a reader whose credibility is as strong as it gets. That person wrote: Regarding Greg Woodruff’s article, I think the Plains Road project has been in the works for a while. Through one of our daughter’s friends, we learned that properties on Fairwood Place E. – up to Birchwood – were being assembled about a year ago. If true, the development proposal will extend well beyond the Plains Road corridor – right into the neighbourhood.
Expect to hear more from the people of Aldershot about this one.
 By Staff
April 25, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The planned closure of Waterdown Road, between Plains Road and Masonry Court, is on track – the road will close to through traffic on Monday, May 4, 2015. The closure is expected to last until October 2015.
Detour
A detour will be provided along Cooke Boulevard and Masonry Court.
Local Access
Local access for residents and businesses within the road closure limits will be maintained. At times, access may only be provided from one direction.
Fire Station #3
City of Burlington Fire Station #3 will maintain access through a driveway onto Emery Avenue.
Burlington Transit
Bus stops for Burlington Transit will be routed along the road detour.
 By Staff
April 24, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington MP Mike Wallace spoke yesterday in the House of Commons and said:
 Burlington MP Mike Wallace at a Conservative Caucus meeting in Ottawa Mr. Speaker, I really appreciate the member’s honesty. He was clear in his speech that his party is in favour of increased taxes to pay for a number of the programs the New Democrats have indicated they are interested in. I am actually looking forward to debating those issues at election time also.
However, I am a little confused. On one hand, in his speech he talked about corporations needing to pay their own way, and then the previous speaker from his party was taking credit for the small business tax rate going from 11% to 9%. Ninety per cent of the businesses in the country are small businesses.
Are the New Democrats for increasing taxes on business, or are they against taxes going up for business? It is a very confusing message. I do not think they know what they actually stand for. I would be interested to hear what he has to say about that.
Wallace was responding to remarks made by Jack Harris, the NDP Member for St. Johns East in Newfoundland who had said previously:
Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to have an opportunity to speak to the Conservative budget. The budget is no pleasure, but to have a chance to talk about what is wrong with it, where it is lacking, the negative direction it is taking the country and some of the things that my party, the NDP, would do instead is something I cherish.
The Conservative budget would spend billions in handouts to the wealthiest at a time when the government should be investing in accessible child care, affordable housing and supporting seniors who are struggling to get by. Places like Newfoundland and Labrador and the people there and the Atlantic who have critical issues that need to be addressed, like regional economic development and supporting communities, issues such as the constitutional obligation of the government to support Marine Atlantic, are absent from this budget.
Absent as well are the $280 million that the government promised the government of Newfoundland and Labrador in a fishing industry development fund in response to the consequences of CETA and the request to remove its powers to expect local processing in fisheries. Where is that? All of these are absent.
Things get a little testy at time in the House of Commons. When Wallace was finished speak Harris stood again and responded with
Mr. Speaker, we have noticed over here that the hon. member is confused on many occasions. He did not actually need to tell us that.
If he had been listening, he would have known that the leader of the NDP gave a major speech several months ago in which he called for a decrease in small business tax rates down to 9%. That was very clear. He also called for an increase in the capital cost allowance for manufacturers. This is desperately needed in the member’s neck of the woods, in Ontario, because of the hollowing out of manufacturing that has happened during the government’s administration. We are trying to fix that.
We do understand what needs to be done, but we do not support the notion that major corporations, highly profitable corporations, can have tax cuts and sit on that cash for years and years and not use it to create jobs.
Both New Democrat Harris from Newfoundland and Conservative Wallace from Burlington were commenting on the federal budget that was handed down the day before. Fine men representing their constituents.
 By Staff
April 24, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
On April 23rd 2015, members of the Halton Regional Police – 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau arrested two Hamilton residents in connection with two recent Pharmacy Robberies in Burlington.
 Part of the evidence seized by police in Burlington pharmacy arrests. Police executed a search warrant at a residence on Horning Drive in Hamilton where a significant quantity of stolen narcotics, a stun gun, stun flashlight, flick knife and a quantity of cocaine and marihuana were seized.
Arrested and held for bail are:
Geoffrey Peter MACPHERSON (29 yrs) of Horning Drive in Hamilton
• Robbery X2
• Wear Disguise X2
• Possession of prohibited weapon X3
• Possession of prohibited weapons while prohibited X 8
• Possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana)
• Possession of controlled substance (hydromorphone) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (temazopam) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (lorazepam) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (oxycodone) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (hydromorph contin) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (fentanyl) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (morphine sulphate) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (Tylenol 3) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of property obtained by crime X 2
• Breach Probation X3
Sarah Elizabeth MACDONALD (26 yrs) of Horning Drive in Hamilton
• Robbery X2
• Possession of prohibited weapon X3
• Possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana)
• Possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana)
• Possession of controlled substance (hydromorphone) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (temazopam) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (lorazepam) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (oxycodone) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (hydromorph contin) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (fentanyl) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (morphine sulphate) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of controlled substance (Tylenol 3) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of property obtained by crime X 2
The pharmacies held up were St George Pharmacy located at 5295 Lakeshore Road in Burlington. The pharmacist at that location fled from the drugstore when the robber pulled up his shirt to reveal his waistband.
The I.D.A. pharmacy located at 1893 Appleby Line in Burlington was the second drugstore robbed. In that instance the suspect demanded narcotics and money while brandishing the knife at the pharmacist. The suspect was given an unknown quantity of narcotics and money.
Anyone who may have witnessed these incidents or has information that would assist investigators who have not yet spoke to police are asked to contact Detective Phil Vandenbeukel – Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2343 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
April 24, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
You make hay when the sun shines – that’s what the farmers will tell you.
 Mayor Goldring clearly knows when he is on a roll – the interest in what he has to say about intensification has filled all the seats at the Performing Arts Centre on April 28th – so there will be a second performance on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 7 p.m. at Tansley Woods Community Centre, 1996 Itabashi Way. Admission is free. Registration is requested by calling 905-335-7607 or emailing mayor@burlington.ca.
Billed as an important discussion on the role of intensification in the community the Mayor will serve as the event’s keynote speaker. City staff will also be in attendance for the question and answer session.
By Staff
April 23, 2105
BURLINGTON, ON
The Art Gallery of Burlington’s annual art auction is going to be quite a bit more than a one night stand this year.
The auction is the premier fundraising event that draws hundreds of art enthusiasts and collectors who take home outstanding pieces of original art in support of AGB’s exhibitions and enriching the education programs.
 On this the first anniversary of the Art Gallery of Burlington under its new brand, they have grown the event into an Art Auction AND Sale to celebrate the tremendously talented local, regional and national artists and their work.
This year’s art experience starts Sunday May 31 through auction night June 6, 2015:
• Week-long Art Activities – Public Opening Preview, Art talks, Art Workshops, Art Collecting Seminars and daily auction previews.
• 200 for $200 Art Sale – May 31 – June 6, 2015. Featuring original, small artworks in various mediums available for purchase all week, maximum size in this category is 12″ x 12″.
• Live & Silent Auction – June 6, 2015
ABOUT AUCTION NIGHT – La Belle Époque: 1889- 1914
When you arrive at AGB June 6th, you will be transported to Paris at a time when artists from all over the world were drawn there to study and create; challenging traditional methods and presenting their work on the world’s stage. The Art Gallery of Burlington will be transformed into a Parisian marketplace as guests are immersed in the sights and sounds of late 19th century Paris for a celebration of artists and their work.
At 6:30pm the night begins with a catered cocktail reception while you preview the fabulous artwork on offer. The live auction starts at 8pm and the silent auction closes at 10pm as guests are treated to a Jazz Trio with musicians from Symphony on the Bay and enjoy Parisian style desserts and digestives.
Art Auction Preview: Opens Sunday, May 31, 2-5pm. Previews for the live and silent auction and the Art SALE are open all week during AGB hours of operation.
TICKETS: Art Auction tickets on sale now: Online, in person or by phone.
$60 for AGB members, $80 for non-members.
 By Staff
April 23, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
For the second consecutive year Burlington’s Supreme Chearleading won the senior level division of the Ontario Cheerleading Federation’s National Championships last weekend,
The Burlington participants along with participants from Oakville and Hamilton were crowned Grand Champions for their respective levels.
 Burlington’s Supreme Cheerleaders win 1st place and are named National Champions The event took place in Brampton and featured hundreds of performances by teams representing clubs from across the country. The Supreme athletes represented our city well and produced fun and entertaining performances, which left their coaches, parents and spectators feeling proud! All athletes represented Supreme Cheerleading and the City of Burlington with great pride, energy and sportsmanship throughout the entire event.
The final results of all the Supreme teams:
Tiny Twinkles (Ages 4-5): Tiny Prep level 1 division – NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!
Mini Starburst (Ages 6-8): Mini Level 1 division – 7th place
Mini Shooting Stars (Ages 6-8): Mini Level 2 division – NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!
Youth Stardust (Ages 9-11): Youth Level 2 division – 4th place
Junior Starlights (Ages 9-11): Junior Level 1 division – 2nd place
Junior Starstruck (Ages 10-14): Junior Level 3 division – 3rd place
Senior Stardom (Ages 11-18): Senior Level 4.2 division – NATIONAL CHAMPIONS AND LEVEL 4 GRAND CHAMPIONS!
 Supreme’s doing a Stardust Pyramid Supreme Cheerleading will be hosting their annual Showcase at Notre Dame Secondary School on May 9th, 2015. The event will feature performances by all competitive teams, pre-competitive teams and even a special parent performance.
Athletes ages 4-18 who wish to join the program for the 2015-2016 season can attend Team Placements which take place at the Supreme Cheerleading Gym – Burlington’s only dedicated All-Star Cheerleading facility (at 4-845 Harrington Court) on May 19th-23rd 2015. More details can be found online at www.supremeallstars.com or by emailing coaches@supremeallstars.com.
By Staff
April 23, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
Early Thursday morning police were given information about a suspicious male observed washing his hands in the creek near Brant Hills. The police were told this male may have had a gun in the waistband of this pants.
Police attended the area and contacted the surrounding schools, which were subsequently placed on hold and secure while police conducted the investigation. The hold and secure of the schools was lifted after approximately one hour.
A trail of blood drops led police to a residence on Coldstream Drive which was found to have a broken window.
A suspect was located inside the home, he had barricaded himself from police. Officers from the Tactical Rescue Unit arrested the suspect.
Police are continuing to investigate at this time and will provide an update as soon as possible.
There are no public safety concerns.
 By Pepper Parr
April 22, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington has struggled mightily to get a private tree bylaw in place – it wouldn’t fly with this council.
 The best argument there is for a private tree bylaw The city is now going to try the educating them route – and with that objective in mind they are going to hold an Arbor Day on Saturday, May 2, at Central Arena, 519 Drury Lane, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Almost a Trees 101 event, the city’s first Arborfest event will provide the public with an opportunity to learn more about the benefits trees bring to our community.
“Recent community surveys and public engagements have revealed a desire among residents to increase their education and awareness about trees and the value they bring to our community,” said Scott Stewart, general manager of development and infrastructure. “We are excited to invite residents to this free, fun, family event held just in time to celebrate Arbor Day.”
Arborfest 2015 will feature:
• Exhibits from local community groups, gardeners and landscape vendors who play a key role in promoting the health and benefits of Burlington’s urban forest
• Tree planting in Central Park
• Fun activities for children.
At the several public meetings to explain the why of a private tree bylaw we heard some pretty stupid arguments as well as some of the most reasoned, reasonable thinking put forward in this city. But there is still a significant – “my home is my castle and I will do whatever I want on my property” viewpoint floating around out there.
BurlingtonGreen fought mightily to persuade Council to put a private tree bylaw in place. It failed but the environmentalists just don’t give up
Who voted for the private tree bylaw and who didn’t?
Why a private tree bylaw
This is why we call it Earth Day!
We may not see the Harpy Eagle in Burlington – but then they are not likely to see the Snow Owl in Chile either.
 Harpy Eagle by David Tipling.
 By Staff
April 21, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Who are these people?
There are 15 of them, nominated by their peers for one of six Burlington’s BEST awards which will be announced at a city run gala May 14, 2015
The city has provided a short biography of each and the Gazette has added a few words on those we have met in our travels
 Angelo Bentivegna making biscotti Angelo Bentivegna initiated Beauty and the Bistro, a grassroots campaign to raise funds for a digital mammography machine with biopsy attachment for Joseph Brant Hospital – $450,000 was raised. Angelo has been a member for nine years on the steering committee for the “Gift of Giving Back” food drive. His newest project is coordinating the “Cooking for Friends” soup program at the Burlington Seniors Centre.
 Ron Foxcroft with the whistle that changed sports around the world. Ron Foxcroft is very well known to everyone in the community and a tireless supporter of everything Burlington, but nothing tops how he responded to the flood relief challenge on behalf of all of the affected citizens of Burlington. The short time given to this initiative to be successful and the focus required by Ron in leading the team was inspirational.
Maibritt Bergman A leader of the North BurLINKton Community Dinner: shops and picks up food donations, sets menu, leads volunteers for gym set-up, food prep, servers, clean-up. Establishes a very encouraging relationship among all the volunteers. Also, Regional Coordinator for Samaritan’s Purse yearly Shoebox campaign.
Helen Deadder cooks healthy home-cooked meals for seniors in the North end of Burlington. Helen loves to cook for those in her community and takes a detailed approach to the North Burlinkton 55+ Luncheon. She plans the meals, acquires the ingredients and slow cooks them to perfection.
Esperanza Peacock is a dynamic Burlington citizen who volunteers her time to many different community efforts around the city. She is a core team member for North BurLINKton’s Dinner Night Out, where she gives love and a listening ear to anyone who is in need. She runs a support group for newcomers to Canada, and is very passionate for new comers to feel apart of the community.
Bonnie Purkis has been very active on a number of fronts regarding services specific to seniors: she is an active volunteer at the Burlington Seniors Centre, has been a member of the Burlington Seniors Advisory Committee and has also started a very successful initiative at her place of residence (an apartment complex) to engage seniors in various social activities.
Kevin Han is a committed volunteer with the Chillzone after-school program which is a free after-school program focused in latchkey children in marginalized families. Kevin shows dedication to investing in the children through homework help and problem solving help and has become a reliable friend and role-model to the children.
Caitlyn Kay is involved at Notre Dame as a Prefect where she is a mentor and role model to the younger students. She volunteers at the school’s Breakfast Corner, providing nutritious snacks to students who arrive to school hungry.
Connor Fraser has volunteered in many different capacities over his four years in high school all related to giving of his time and assisting various organizations in our community – Burlington Green, Compassion Society, Rotary Club, to name a few. He maintains high academic standing and is Co-President of the Student Council, reads the daily announcements and is a member of our Link Crew (mentors for Grade 9 students)
John Kemp participated at the school performance\play called ‘Footloose’ as an actor, singer and narrator. He worked very hard and put all his energy and effort to make the play a success. He also plays the saxophone and speaks French fluently. John has a kind and helpful nature and has touched many lives with simple everyday actions.
Tomy Bewick has been involved in the Burlington Slam Project for nearly seven years where he has brought his love of spoken word and developed the achievements of each poet who has come through the Slam. Tomy has contributed his time, energy and focus on youth initiatives and building the art community in Burlington.
 Chris Giroux – the film side of the team planning on bringing a Film Festival to the city. Chris Giroux is the Co-Founder of the Tottering Biped Film Festival which recently had its second year. Chris works tirelessly to promote the art of filmmaking in Burlington and showcases our local talent base alongside an incredible line-up of international short films.
Leslie Gray runs KooGle Theatre Company and has created, produced, costume designed, performed, directed and choreographed since 2008 when KooGle performed their first production at the Central Park Bandshell. Leslie is dedicated to her craft and continues to provide professional theatre performances to Burlington, teaches musical theatre to ages 5-17 year olds and is always willing to collaborate with local artists.
Mary Jane Pilling has been a volunteer at Museums of Burlington since the program began in 1975. Through her dedication to the Museums of Burlington, she has had the opportunity to meet, educate, inform and preserve Burlington’s history for museum guests. Her care and recording of artifact items in the collection will touch the lives of Burlington’s future citizens.
Alan Harrington is president of the Burlington Historical Society and on the board of the Friends of Freeman Station. Alan created a Twitter account for Freeman Station and has assisted with fundraising, supplying Freeman t-shirts, Station-ery and other items. Alan conducted walking tours at Doors Open Burlington in September 2014 and will conduct the first Jane’s Walk in Burlington on May 2.
The late Dave Morris was a dedicated volunteer who worked tirelessly to help promote and conserve Burlington’s heritage. He was a member of Heritage Burlington from 2002 to 2010 and the president of the Burlington Historical Society from 2009 to 2010. Dave’s work in the community supported the efforts in the creation of Heritage Month and Doors Open. Dave built and maintained the BHS website and kept it up to date. One of his last projects was to digitize the oral histories and post them on the site. He was a member of the SOS – Save Our Station team that helped keep the Freeman Station from being demolished.
 Monte Dennis in the stripped shirt Monte Dennis is the current chair of the BurlingtonGreen Transportation Committee. He created a detailed scale model of an intersection, known as the Integrated Transit Intersection that accommodates all forms of transportation. He is active in promoting the Mount Nemo Heritage Study and the formation of the Ontario Soil Regulation Task Force.
 Susan Fraser getting her paddle signed by Olympian Mark Oldershaw. He willingly signed the paddle which will probably never go into the water again. Susan Fraser is BurlingtonGreen’s longest serving volunteer (since 2007). She has assisted with planning the city-wide Community Clean Up Green Up events, dedicated hundreds of hours to help the team deliver the popular and impactful Youth Eco-Summit and has assisted with elevating the voice of the environment on a number of issues in Burlington such as tree protection and wildlife habitat protection at LaSalle Park.
IronDames are a remarkable group of 15 dedicated and amazing women who take on physical challenges while raising crucial funding to support Burlington residents who are coping with a cancer diagnosis. They have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Wellspring’s Cancer Exercise Program which allows free access to physiotherapy and exercise services for those living with cancer.
Christine Karczmarczyk has made a significant commitment to volunteer as Volunteer Services Coordinator for the AGB. She worked tirelessly and single handedly for at least 24 hrs per week to keep the AGB program up and running from June 2014 – December 2014. She contributed over 500 volunteer hours in 2014 overseeing both the Student and Adult Volunteer program at the AGB (Approximately 90 active volunteers). She led and organized the whole ‘Volunteer Force’ for the Gallery’s community fundraiser, Soup Bowl held over four days in November 2014
Mary Nichol This nomination is made for the outstanding successes over more than three decades of recognizing sport accomplishments, of bringing sport groups together and in advancing the opportunities for sport in Burlington. Mary exemplifies this criteria as she “makes sport grow stronger” through her leadership as a Board of Director of the Burlington Gymnastics Club (BGC) and the President/Past President of the Burlington Sport Alliance (BSA), both volunteer positions, having served since 1979 and for BSA board since it started in 2001.
Bob Vandenberg has helped the the BTTB raise thousands of dollars to put towards their five year rings. He has assisted the Magic Moment Concert, the Burlington Beerfest and the Burlington Bandits in providing food items for their attendees. Bob started as a volunteer with the Band about 10 years ago. He is currently still an active volunteer with them, as well as the Bandits and Beerfest.
Unfortunately we do not have pictures of all the nominees.
By Staff
April 22, 2105
BURLINGTON, ON
In the not too distant future Burlington will begin creating the Strategic Plan it wants to follow for the next four years.
The city’s Economic development Corporation will be working on the economic part of that plan and is now reaching out to gather information from stakeholders and anyone else with views on the prosperity of the city.
 While the moment is about the photo opportunity – the news is that there are shovels in the ground, commercial space is being built and jobs are being created. The developing an Economic Vision for the City of Burlington has to be based on a fact-based, practical plan that can address pressures and economic trends across the region and province.
As part of this process, we are asking for your input and participation in the following survey. The survey will assist in identifying Burlington’s key strengths and challenges, and will help make sure your perspective is represented as part of the new economic vision. The survey should take 15 minutes to complete.
Here’s the link: Click here
 By Staff
April 22, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
There is a service that allows media, or anyone else for that matter, to track what a Member of Parliament says in the House of Commons.
With a federal election expected in the fall, the Gazette will, as a public service, provide regular reports on what Mike Wallace, Burlington MP says on the House.
 Mike Wallace, Burlington Member of Parliament Wallace is the chair of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights and chair of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
On Tuesday he said the following:
Mr. Speaker, I have been here all morning. It is now a little after one o’clock. I would like to go through the process. The bill was introduced by the minister. There was second reading debate. Everyone in the House agreed, and it went to committee. There was a discussion at committee and witnesses.
It came back here.
There have been comments about why the Conservatives have not been up to speak to this. The fact of the matter is that the whole House agrees with the bill. What opposition members are arguing about today is the short title. They do not like the short title. One party is carrying the debate from ten o’clock until two, is my understanding. Then on another date, we will hear about not having enough time to debate issues.
There is other legislation we could have introduced that the opposition members may actually disagree with, and we could have a real debate in the House.
Based on the respect I have for the member who just spoke, would it not have been a better use of the time of the House to deal with legislation and actually have a debate on other than the short title?
In the near future we will publish reports on the funds made available to the Member for the running of his offices in Ottawa and Burlington and how they were used.
By Pepper Parr
April 22, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Later this month we will see, for the first time, a policy initiative that the Mayor has put his mark on.
During Rick Golding’s first term, much of the thinking was done during his election campaign. He produced a number of excellent position papers that we will review once we hear what the Mayor has to say on intensification.
Mayor Goldring has realized that his constituents, to a significant degree, do not fully understand what is meant by intensification and how Burlington is going to face that challenge – and for Burlington this is a challenge.
 There are parts of the city where any form of intensification is not going to get past the first sentence. The backlash in some communities will be so strong that the Mayor, and every member of this Council, will quickly move on to a subject that leaves smiles on the faces of the voters.
Ontario is changing and Burlington is going to have to change with it – it will not be an easy transition and the Mayor has decided this is a subject he can show some leadership.
During his first term of office Mayor Goldring sponsored a series of talks on subjects that he felt were important to the city. He brought in some excellent speakers, including Andre Picard one of the foremost thinkers in the country on health related policies. Goldring brought in Ken Greenberg, a noted planner who works out of Toronto for the most part and has been instrumental in changing some of the thinking on how municipalities relate to developers and how the two can work together.
This time the Mayor is going to make the presentation – it will be his show. He will pull together the content and decide how he wants to present the data he will have collected.
He will, we assume, explain the policy guidelines within which the city has to work and what he feels are some of the directions the city can take as it works to meet the population increases the province has imposed on the city.
“Intensification is an issue that has captured the interest of many Burlington residents” said the Mayor on his web site. “People want to know why our community is seeing more buildings, particularly in the form of mid-rise and high-rise structures. Hear about the federal and provincial policies that are driving intensification and how Halton and Burlington are managing these pressures. Learn where we are growing, as well as innovative ideas we are investigating.”
The event is titled: Building Burlington: Where to build in a city that is built out. Problem with the title is that the city is not built out. There are hundreds of acres of land left for residential properties and more than we need in the way of employment lands.
The free event is “sold out” ; with the room full the Mayor will be speaking to an audience that wants to hear what he has to say. One hopes there will be vigorous debate and a fulsome exchange of views – both are needed.
By Greg Woodruff
April 21, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
On March 24th city staff held a meeting to discuss possible zoning changes to a large section of Plains Road. The area discussed was on the South side of Plains Road positioned East of Waterdown Road. Later residents discovered a developer is already advertising to sell 75 condo units at 40-58 Plains Road East in violation of current zoning character provisions.
Though it was casually mentioned the city had been “approached” by a developer; no indication was given that a specific plan was in motion.
 The public meeting was an information gathering occasion for the city planner who said he was there to listen to the community and what they wanted. He did make mention of an project that was not formal yet – the residents think the project is well along the development path. The graphic above shows the portion of Plains Rod that was under review and its proximity to the Aldershot GO station and the suggestion that the pink area could be developed as a “mobility hub” This leaves the distinct impression that this meeting was in bad faith. It seems like the purpose of the meeting was only to say the public was “consulted” on an issue staff already had a plan to change. I realize that staff may not have been in a position to mention this specific development. At minimum the staff could have indicated that if the zoning was changed they would expect to see condo buildings in the “range of 70 plus units”. Why they did not could be anything from simple lack of communication to an outright attempt to misslead the public.
I think traditionally the public has considered staff as neutral parties implementing zoning regulations and changes in a balanced way. To some it seems like staff have now been co-opted into provincial employees with “intensification” as the decisive factor in decision making. If staff failed to mention this development or the like because someone judged that residents would have a negative reaction; then they are no longer operating in a neutral way. This is unfair not only to residents and developers, but also to the staff themselves.
Some basic questions now need answering:
1) What exactly is the current function and purpose of staff in regard to planning and development?
2) Was the city made aware of this 75 unit proposal from the developer?
3) Was there any conversation among or direction to staff about hiding the nature of probable developments if the zoning was changed?
4) Did any staff indicate that they would work for the developer to get the zoning changed?
Recommendations:
1) All communication between staff and this developer on this matter needs to be made public.
2) Staff are “trading” zoning violations for attributes to buildings. “Horse trading” zoning violations needs to be made into a transparent public process.
In this area we have less trees, less businesses and more congestion.
I reject outright the suggestion that the liveability of our community needs to be sacrificed for the provincial “intensification” mandate. Intensification is designed to spur positive changes in our community; not serve as a rationalization for negative ones.
Greg Woodruff runs the Citizens for Responsible Development. He was a candidate for the office of Chair of the Region of Halton. There is more about that organization here.
The Gazette reported on that March meeting.
By Staff
April 21, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Last day to sign up.
Last year more than 12,000 people took part in the annual BurlingtonGreen Environmental Association Clean Up Green Up Day
The events starts at 9 am to noon on Saturday, April 25th, 2015. School and Business Clean-Ups are taking place during Earth Week (this week) from April 20th to 24th.
 As the city’s largest volunteer participation action event, Community Clean Up Green Up Day is an important (and fun) opportunity for citizens, community groups, schools, and businesses to come together, make a difference for our environment and take pride in our city by cleaning it up.
Once you’ve done your share – head back to city hall for a bite to eat and join in the celebration – the place is usually packed.
Registration closes on Friday, April 24th.
Register here;
 By Staff
April 21, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Due to construction, all lanes of the Toronto-bound QEW (Northbound) will be closed from Beach Boulevard to Burlington Skyway April 24 to 27 at select times:
Friday April 24, 2015 at 10 p.m. – Saturday April 25, 2015 at 6 a.m.
Saturday April 25, 2015 at 11 p.m. – Sunday April 26, 2015 at 8 a.m.
Sunday April 26, 2015 at 10 p.m. – Monday April 27, 2015 at 4 a.m.
Detour Routes:
During the closure, traffic will be routed off of the Toronto-bound QEW at Eastport Drive and detoured along Eastport Drive to rejoin the QEW.
Traffic detour signage will be in place and OPP traffic assistance present at traffic light intersections at Lakeshore Boulevard and Eastport Drive.
By Pepper Parr
April 21, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Those condominiums that First Capital Corporation wanted to build on the edge of the Appleby Village Mall will not be going up any time soon.
 The view of the proposed development from Pinedale. Was it sewer problems that held this development back? Councillor Paul Sharman advised Council last night that the Regional government will not have the services in place for the time frame the developer seems to have wanted.
Sharman faced two close to hostile audiences when the proposal was first put forward by First Capital – close to 300 people crowded into a public meeting to voice their opinion – “not here thank you” was the sentiment expressed by most.
 The two towers would have been in the upper right. It was their height that had the residents up in arms. There was a second meeting that didn’t go much better.
Sharman appeared to take some satisfaction in in delivering the news.
Expect this project to come back to the table at some point in the future; a combination of the developer wanting to wring as much profit out of their property as possible and the city’s need to intensify will see this one again.
The city will also like the look of the development charges and the tax revenue.
By Pepper Parr
April 20, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
At the end of each city council meeting members of Council get a couple of minutes to talk up the things they are doing in the weeks ahead.
They mention community meetings they are holding; right now the hot item is the CarFree Sundays that are taking place in May as a joint effort for wards 4 and 5 and a solo situation in ward 6. Each Councillor got a $10,000 stash of cash to put on the event.
 Councillor Dennison’s Lakeshore Road residence which has been designated as a heritage property is the subject of an Ontario Municipal Board hearing on whether or not the Councillor can seek a severance. Aldershot doesn’t appear to have a population that uses bikes, cycling isn’t the sport of choice for Councillor Taylor and Councillor Meed Ward, who has been seen on a bike prefers walking tours of her ward. She didn’t get any money for that. Aldershot will have a walking tour – its third – for which the Council member got $500.
The delivering of these little news items is done in a friendly easy going matter. The council meeting is broadcast live via Cogeco television – the hope being that the voters will see what they are paying for in terms of elected talent.
Ward 4 Councillor Jack Dennison either chose not to inform his voters that his long delayed Ontario Municipal Board hearing starts on Tuesday and is scheduled to last for four days.
 Councillor Jack Dennison tends to stick to his guns on an issue that impacts his personal interests. The need for a four day OMB hearing will cost the city a considerable amount of money. This is the hearing that has the ward Councillor fighting a city zoning and Official Plan so that he can sever part of his property on Lakeshore Road and build an additional dwelling.
The event is a don’t miss for many of the Roseland residents – they didn’t need to be told.
Councillor Dennison apparently didn’t want the rest of his ward to know where he was going to be for the rest of the week.
The hearing takes place at city hall
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