By Pepper Parr
January 19th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
This will be a quieter news day.
Life got in the way.
The first of the two cataract surgeries I was to undergo took place this morning.
Up at 5:30- to be at the Same Day Surgery Centre; St. Joseph Community Health Centre in Stoney Creek f0r 7:30.
The intake was incredibly smooth.
They wanted all kinds of information – the file needed to be updated and the needed to know what I was on in the way of medications and what the dosages were.
I don’t know who males of the names for these drugs – I think they spend too much time on Wordle. I know them by their size and colour.
But that got worked out.
My son drove me out and because I thought it would be hours before anything happened I suggested he go home and I would give him a call when I was ready.
This piece is about the quality of the service and the way I was taken from station to station. Most people who read the Gazette know how I feel about Joseph Brant Hospital – I will leave it at that.
 No worse for the surgery – better than the picture on my passport
Someone calls my name out after a 15 minute wait and within half an hour four different people were asking questions clarifying information.
Half an hour after that there I was flat on my back staring into the face of Dr. Ann Beattie, my ophthalmologist. She looked different behind that mask.
A squirt of something to freeze the area around my right eye and in she went to cut open a space above my eye and insert a new lens that actually has a serial number. Less than half an hour and I was out of the operating room and twenty minutes after that they were ready to let me go.
They called my son and he came to pick me up.
The scope of the medical health we have in this country is astounding. Why the Americans can’t make something like this happen in their country is beyond me.
We grouch,, bitch and complain – pause for a bit and figure out what we would all do if we didn’t have the public health system we have now,
Yes, we have a government that would like to privatize much of what we have.
I don’t there is enough public support for the Ford government to pull that off.
The biggest impression I got was the tone and the attitude of the staff. They were more than pleasant, they were polite and they knew how to slow you down and ask if you’d like a few minutes.
There was never any sense if being rushed.
I had to go back in the mid afternoon to have someone check the eye and make sure there was no swelling. They did a pressure check on the eyeball and said I could go home and report to Dr. Beattie’s clinic next week for a full post op checkup.
Dr. Beattie has an office in Hamilton. If cataract surgery is in your life – remember her name. She hails from Picton and is a Habs fan. You won’t get a better deal than that.
If you want to know just how good a deal I got – we had to get a parking ticket from the machine but we never had to actually pay for parking. Not a dime.
Let me know when you get a deal like that at Jo Brant.
By Staff
January 18th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
They have been doing it for a long time.
Operating as a registered charitable community choir, founded in 1994, the Burlington Civic Chorale is 35 voice SATB community choir, with volunteer singers of all ages and backgrounds from the region.
Under Artistic Director and Conductor Gary Fisher, and Accompanist Jennifer Goodine, the choir annually presents an exciting variety of concerts in the classical, baroque, operatic and contemporary folk music genre. The Burlington Civic Chorale is a member of Choirs Ontario.
 Burlington Civic Chorale in rehearsal
The Chorale is celebrating its 30th season of presenting high-quality performances from its home base at St. Christopher’s Anglican Church in the City of Burlington. The choir’s repertoire is often accompanied by professional soloists and/or a chamber ensemble. The informal post-concert reception gives patrons and members an opportunity to socialize after each concert. Ticket prices are always kept affordable for families to enjoy the choral experience.
Over the years, funding has been provided by Performing Arts Burlington, City of Burlington, Burlington Community Foundation, the Trillium Foundation, the Leggat Foundation, Hager Industries, the Scott Family Foundation, the United Way of Burlington & Hamilton and from patrons, members and business donors. The choir presents a Valentine Cabaret and Silent Auction fundraising concert each season.

By Staff
January 18th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
With all of us now in the grip of winter – time to remember as Canadians we love the outdoors.
The rink at the edge of the lake is something to keep in mind when you want to get the kids out or just go for a skate yourself.
 Great for small children – not enough room for people to speed skate.
Ice Conditions Hotline: 905-335-7738, ext. 8587. This line will be updated when regular hours of operation are altered due to ice conditions.
Skating Hours (weather conditions permitting):
- Daily, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Skate Lending Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m.
- Friday, 5 to 10 p.m.
- Saturday, Sunday and during school breaks, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sizes and styles are subject to availability. First come, first served. Skate aids are available.
By Staff
January 18th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington is relaunching its Street-Side Tree Planting program for the 2024 year. Burlington residents can now submit a request to the City to have a tree planted on the right-of-way in front of their house, on City property.
 A street with a right of way that already has a tree.
Getting involved in the Street-Side Tree Planting program is easy, hassle-free and just three steps:
- Contact us! Residents can call the City at 905-335-7777 or email city@burlington.ca and mention that they would like to participate in the program.
- Forestry Investigator Visit: An investigator will visit to assess the property and help select the right tree.
- Planting: If the right-of-way is a good candidate for a tree, staff will add the address to the list of planting locations for the upcoming planting season.
Requests for 2024 tree plantings are accepted between January and April. Residents can indicate the tree species preference at the time of submission. Staff will try to accommodate resident requests; however, species choice is not guaranteed.
Scheduling of tree planting will be determined by the location, suitability and availability of the chosen tree species, as well as the current number of requests.
To learn more about the City’s program and other forestry initiatives, visit: getinvolvedburlington.ca/urban-forestry
- Protecting and improving the natural environment and taking action on climate change is one of the four main focus areas in Burlington’s Plan from Vision to Focus 2022-2026. The Street-Side Tree Planting program supports the City’s objective to establish sustainable, low-carbon and climate resilient communities through growing and sustaining a healthy tree canopy. This program is a great way to integrate more tree canopy coverage in existing neighbourhoods and is one of the ways the City is working towards it’s goal of increasing Burlington’s tree canopy to 35 per cent by 2060.
- In 2022, the City of Burlington planted over 4,000 trees, with 2,450 trees being planted through Community Supported planting Initiatives.
- In 2023, the City of Burlington planted approximately 3,600 trees, with 2,100 through the City’s Street-Side Tree Planting program and 1,500 trees being planted through community supported planting initiatives.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward adds her comment: “Protecting and improving the natural environment and taking action on climate change is a focus area in the City’s Vision to Focus four-year work plan. The City is committed to using a climate lens for our work. City programs like the Street-Side Tree Planting program are a great way to support this focus area. This program helps us engage residents in a collective way to build a greener and more climate resilient community for today and for future generations.”
Can’t wait for the photo op; the Mayor planting a tree outside her house.
By Pepper Parr
January 18th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
 Mayor Meed Ward made a structural change to the way council meeting are run – no clear reason why – the explanation she gives what a crock.
Mayor Meed Ward once spoke of the 17 platforms she has to reach the public. Add in the photo – ops and you have a well exposed politician with great reach into the community.
In her Mail Bag platform she posed the following question:
QUESTION:
“Three Burlington standing committees were merged into a single Committee of the Whole – why the change?”
Her answer was about as self serving as it could get and nowhere near the truth.
Why Mayor Meed Ward Merged the Standing Committees into the Committee of the Whole she created is something we don’t have an answer for. It was something she was able to do given the Strong Mayor powers that were given to many Mayors last July.
The Mayor maintains the City of Burlington’s Committee of the Whole meeting is part of a new standing committee structure intended to help streamline Council business.
The change does not streamline the structure; if anything it makes the process awkward and leaves the Chairs of the Standing Committees look like bumbling idiots as they figure out where they are supposed to sit.
The Chair of a Committee sits in the seat intended for the person leading the meeting.
Committee of the Whole is chaired by the Mayor who opens the meeting and closes the meeting.
 Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns taking her seat as Chair of a Standing Committee, while a committee staffer (on the left) removes her name plate. This is stream-lined?
The three previous standing committees: the Community Planning, Regulation, and Mobility (CPRM) Committee; the Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk, and Accountability (CSSRA) Committee; and the Environment, Infrastructure, and Community Services (EICS) Committee are now tucked into the Committee of the Whole but doing exactly what they did previously.
Meed Ward explains that the Committee of the Whole meetings will be comprised of distinct sections reflecting the previous three standing committees.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward will open the meeting, oversee any delegations, complete all consent items, and then pass the gavel to the Councillors who continue to serve as Chairs of the segments of the meeting dealing with CSSRA, CPRM and EICS regular agenda items.
True enough but before the gavel can be passed the “room has to be reset”, which means the person serving as the Chair has to move from their seat to the Chair position while the Committee Clerk moves the name plates that identify members of Council and senior staff.
 Mayor gets to sit beside the City Manager during the Standing Committee part of Committee of the Whole meetings.
The Mayor has to find a seat for herself – to date she has chosen to sit beside the City Manager.
The A/V people have to reset the software that records the meetings and allows for the projection of reports and illustrations that are part of every meeting onto the several large screens set up in the Council Chamber.. The software the city uses for its hybrid meeting approach never seems to be up to the challenge – but that is another issue.
There is nothing streamlined about Rory Nisan leaving his council seat with papers, cell phone and coffee cup in hand and making his way to the Chair seat while the Committee moves his name plate to where he is now sitting. Same thing happens to each of the Standing Committee Chairs.
There appears to be a reason for the change. The explanation the Mayors gives doesn’t make the reason clear.
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
By Staff
January 18th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The most recent Local Artist Program is open for submissions until February 16.
This program commissions local artists to create a variety of small to medium scale murals throughout Burlington. The City is inviting local artists to submit their design ideas for three unique locations:
 Odd location for public art.
Lampman Park, 1691 Lampman Ave.
Award: $1,000
This mural will be printed on a vinyl wrap that will cover a small water system safety cover box. The artwork must cover all four sides plus the top of the box.
 Great location fr the right message. It will be interesting to see what comes in in terms of messages. How creative are the independent artists in the city?
Waterfront Parking Garage, 414 Locust St. exterior wall
Award: $1,000
This mural will replace the large exterior banner facing Lakeshore Road. The artwork will act as a “Welcome to Burlington” sign and will be reproduced on a large-format vinyl banner.
Waterfront Parking Garage, 414 Locust St. interior wall
Award: $6,500
A new mural is being commissioned for the interior of the parking garage on the ground floor. The artwork will be reproduced and printed on a vinyl wrap.
 This location will be a challenge. Driver are more concerned about negotiating the tight space.
All three projects are design only commissions: the City of Burlington will be responsible for the fabrication and installation of the vinyl wraps. Burlington artists may create a new artwork concept for this project or reformat an existing artwork. Successful artists will need to submit a high-resolution digital file of their artwork concept (help is available upon request). Applicants must be a resident of Burlington, Ont.
Applications are due by Friday, February 16, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. For more information and to apply online, please visit the Calls for Artists page.
By Ralph newsome
January 18th. 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
In the era of surging online betting popularity, prioritizing the safety and security of your betting experience is of utmost importance. The expansive digital landscape is teeming with a plethora of betting platforms, making it imperative for enthusiasts to discern secure and reliable websites from potential pitfalls.
With the proliferation of online betting options, verifying the legitimacy of platforms becomes a critical step in safeguarding financial transactions and personal information. As the industry evolves, maintaining a vigilant approach to choosing reputable and secure online betting platforms ensures a seamless and worry-free betting experience for enthusiasts.
Licensing and Regulation
When you’re diving into the world of online betting, one key sign that you’re on a secure platform is checking for proper licensing and regulation. Trustworthy betting websites operate under the watchful eye of well-known gambling authorities. Keep an eye out for licenses from reputable organizations like the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, or the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority.
These regulatory bodies play a crucial role in making sure that the betting site sticks to rigorous standards, creating a safe and fair space for users. For more detailed insights, you might want to check out this handy guide on betting sites for 2024—it could clear up any lingering questions and help you navigate the exciting realm of online betting.
SSL Encryption for Data Protection
Secure betting websites prioritize the protection of user data through the implementation of Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption. You can identify SSL-secured websites by the presence of “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar. This encryption technology safeguards your personal and financial information, ensuring that it remains confidential and inaccessible to unauthorized entities.
Transparent Terms and Conditions
A trustworthy betting website is transparent about its terms and conditions. Before signing up, carefully review these terms to understand the rules governing the platform. Pay attention to aspects such as withdrawal policies, bonus terms and any restrictions on user activities. Transparent and clear terms contribute to a positive user experience and indicate a commitment to fair and honest dealings.
Secure Payment Options
Secure betting websites offer a variety of reliable and secure payment options. Look for platforms that support reputable methods such as credit/debit cards, e-wallets (e.g., PayPal, Neteller) and bank transfers. Additionally, the inclusion of cryptocurrencies adds an extra layer of privacy to transactions. A diverse range of secure payment options reflects the platform’s commitment to providing users with flexible and secure financial transactions.
Comprehensive Customer Support
Quality customer support is a hallmark of secure betting websites. Reliable platforms offer multiple channels for customer assistance, including live chat, email and phone support. A responsive customer support team addresses queries promptly and efficiently, ensuring that users have a positive and trouble-free experience on the platform.
Positive User Reviews and Reputation
User reviews and the overall reputation of a betting website are valuable indicators of its security. Explore independent review platforms, forums and social media to gauge the experiences of other users. Consistent positive reviews, timely payouts and a solid reputation in the online betting community signal that the platform is trustworthy and reliable.
Industry Partnerships and Certifications
Secure betting websites often form partnerships with reputable industry organizations and obtain certifications that vouch for their integrity. Look for certifications from independent auditing bodies such as eCOGRA (eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance). These certifications validate the fairness and security of the platform’s operations.
Responsible Gambling Measures
A commitment to responsible gambling is a crucial aspect of a secure betting website. Look for platforms that provide tools for users to manage their gambling activities, including options for setting deposit limits, self-exclusion and access to resources for responsible gambling. This proactive approach demonstrates the platform’s dedication to promoting a safe and enjoyable betting environment.
Multifactor Authentication for Account Security
Enhanced account security is a key feature of secure betting websites. Platforms that offer multifactor authentication (MFA) provide an extra layer of protection for user accounts. MFA typically involves a combination of passwords and additional verification methods, such as one-time codes sent to mobile devices, adding an extra barrier against unauthorized access.
Regular Audits and Security Updates
Secure betting websites prioritize the ongoing security of their platforms. Regular security audits and updates ensure that the website is resilient against evolving cyber threats. Look for platforms that communicate their commitment to security through regular updates on implemented measures and improvements made to fortify the website against potential vulnerabilities.
Accessible Privacy Policy
A secure betting website has a clear and accessible privacy policy that outlines how user data is collected, processed and stored. Before registering, review the privacy policy to understand how the platform handles your personal information. A commitment to user privacy is a positive sign of a platform’s dedication to maintaining a secure online environment.
Educational Resources on Safe Betting
Secure betting websites often provide educational resources on safe betting practices. These resources may include information on recognizing signs of problem gambling, tips for responsible betting and links to external support organizations. A platform that prioritizes user well-being by offering such resources contributes to a safer and healthier betting community.
By Pepper Parr
January 17th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s a one minute video, done by Tony Hill.
The screen changes so fast – you look for a pause button to slow it down.
This is your city and you want to enjoy it.

For those who want to tell other people, family and relatives, where you live this is the best post card you are going to get your hands on
Click HERE – and enjoy.
Share it widely.
By Staff
January 17th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board (HDSB) and the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) jointly announce that the Professional Activity (PA) Day initially scheduled for Monday, April 22, 2024 has been rescheduled to Monday, April 8, 2024. This decision was made in consultation with Halton Student Transportation Services.
This change is due to a total solar eclipse taking place on Monday, April 8. The eclipse is expected to begin at approximately 2 p.m. and end around 4:30 p.m., coinciding with student dismissal times and blocking all sunlight during this time.
By rescheduling the PA Day to coincide with the eclipse, we mitigate possible transportation and safety concerns and challenges for families that could arise as a result of the darkness that would be experienced during school dismissal time. As noted on the Government of Canada’s website, there are risks associated with viewing a solar eclipse. Directly looking at the sun, even during an eclipse, without appropriate protection can lead to severe eye damage or loss of eyesight.
While we recognize the inconvenience this rescheduling may cause, both HCDSB and HDSB are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our students. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of our students, families and staff.
More Information
By Pepper Parr
January 16th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The good folks in the Bromley – Linwood neighbourhoods of ward 5 for the most part did not want sidewalks on their streets.
Despite the efforts of the ward Councillor Paul Sharman there will be sidewalks in the communities UNLESS the Mayor decides, during the lunch break they are currently on, to use her Strong Mayor powers – which she can do.
Let’s see how that goes later today.
This evening and tomorrow we will prepare news reports on what kept council at their desks for close to four hours in this one issue.
By Staff
January 16, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The National Rent Report charts and analyzes monthly, quarterly and annual rates and trends in the rental market on a national, provincial, and municipal level.
Average asking rents for all residential property types in Canada increased by 9% in 2023.
- The average asking rent reached a record high of $2,178 in December 2023, showing an 8.6% increase from the previous year.
- Traditional purpose-built rental apartments experienced the fastest growth, with a 12.8% increase in 2023.
- Alberta had the fastest-growing rents for purpose-built and condominium apartments, recording a 15.6% annual increase.
Mississauga finished 4th out of 35 cities in the month of December. The average 1 bedroom rent was $2371, which was a 2.1% increase month-over-month, and 10.5% increase year-over-year, while the average 2 bedroom rent was $2749, which was a -2.9% decrease month-over-month, and a 7.5% increase year-over-year.
Burlington finished 6th out of 35 cities in the month of December. The average 1 bedroom rent was $2211, which was a 0.4% increase month-over-month, and 3.6% increase year-over-year, while the average 2 bedroom rent was $2523, which was a -0.4% decrease month-over-month, and a -0.9% decrease year-over-year.
Click HERE to see all the data. Click on the graphic when it appears
By Pepper Parr
January 16th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives started the new year with a bang: On January 2nd they launched their annual CEO pay report, Canada’s New Gilded Age, which reveals that Canada’s highest-paid 100 CEOs make 246 times more than the average worker.

Those 100 CEOs were paid an average of $14.9 million—setting a new all-time high. Top CEOs are making $7,162 per hour, meaning it only takes eight hours to make what the average worker earns after an entire year’s worth of work.
To look at the details click HERE.
That data is outrageous.
Certainly outrageous but also very dangerous. The number of people earning those exceptionally high salaries while thousands are not certain they are going to be able to keep the homes they have been making mortgage payments on for a decade. A society can’t function with this kind of imbalance.
The tax system gives the federal government the power to create a more level distribution of money.
But the government hasn’t been doing that.
Nor has the federal government been keeping the promises it made.
When Rogers took over Shaw the public was told that internet access and cell phone costs would not increase.
Remember when the federal government summoned all the heads of the supermarkets to Ottawa to demand that changes be made to the way food was being priced?
Have you seen anything positive done on either of those issues?
There comes a point when the public doesn’t want to put up with the failed promise delivery. Trust in government is diminishing.
If you want to understand what can happen when that trust disappears – just look south.
The CCPA report dominated the media market, garnering 2,195 media mentions in the first two weeks of January alone. That’s 48 per cent higher than last year.
Among those thousands of media hits, CCPA Senior Economist David Macdonald spoke with the CBC’s As It Happens and continues responding to interview requests even today.
The CCPA maintain they are not just making an impact in the media, they argue that their research feeds movements: both the Council of Canadians and Lead Now have launched campaigns mobilizing Canadians to pressure the government for measures that would disincentivize extreme CEO compensation.
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
By Staff
January 16th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 From left to right: Joseph Brant Hospital CEO Eric Vandewall, Michael Paletta, Laura Paletta and Anissa Hilborn, Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation President & CEO.
“Our family has felt firsthand the impact of mental illness, and understands the value of innovative and lifesaving care,” said Michael. “Laura and I firmly believe that this campaign has the ability to transform lives and help make Joseph Brant Hospital a world-class provider of mental health and addictions care right here in Burlington.”
This gift recognizes an urgent and growing need to redevelop JBH’s Mental Health and Addictions (MHA) program space to create therapeutic facilities that ensure a dignified, respectful, person-centred experience.
The three core elements of the redevelopment project include a relocation and expansion of the Inpatient Mental Health and Addictions Unit with the addition of a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), a relocation of some of the Outpatient Mental Health Unit, and the addition of a new Child and Youth Mental Health Day Hospital.
“We are truly honoured and grateful to have received this gift. Michael and Laura’s support, passion and commitment to improving mental health and addictions care in our community is inspiring,” said Anissa Hilborn, Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation President & CEO. “In recognition of this transformational gift, once complete the new unit will be named the Michael & Laura Paletta Mental Health & Addictions Unit.”
Mental illness affects all Canadians at some time either through their own experience, or that of a family member, friend or colleague. In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health illness, and by age 40, about 50% of the population will have had or being living with a mental illness.
JBH has a vision to build a modern, person-centred facility that is purposefully designed to instill hope and support healing, and that is consistent with the program philosophy to provide the safest and most dignified care to patients.
By Staff
January 16th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington Civic Chorale community choir is celebrating their 30th anniversary this season.
They rehearse and present their concerts at St. Christopher’s on the Guelph Line; 95% of their members live in Burlington.
Their annual Valentine Cabaret and Silent Auction is coming up in February. Note the date – this is one of those worthwhile events.

By Pepper Parr
January 16th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Gazette readership didn’t think very much about the $21 million that the federal government delivered yesterday.
Joe Gaetan, a frequent comment contributor asked “ Exactly how is $4,200 on a $500,000 house spread over 10 years a meaningful investment when inflation at 3% will gobble up most of the benefit. This is nothing more than an attempt at vote getting for the next election.
Adding: “What a bunch of hogwash. First of all Ontario has had an intensification mandate in place going back a number of years. As well if anyone is paying attention much of the housing is along transit routes.
“Then there is the 5,000 homes at a cost of $21 million over 10 years, or $4,200 per unit that will be peanut buttered over the next 10 years at $420.00 per home per year. This propaganda is not worth the cyber space that was foisted upon us.
 Media taking notes during the federal funding announcement.
“My favourite phrase has to be “ changing how cities let housing get built” fact of the matter is municipalities have been the roadblock and the feds have zero jurisdiction. How about changing how federal government spending is out of control.
Another reader who has been very influential and effective with his comments on the developments taking place on the eastern side of Spencer Smith Park asks: “Is the Trudeau government not the one that has recently facilitated record-high immigration (> 1,000,000/yr. incl. non-permanent) without planning for any additional housing or hospital beds?
“Does Karina Gould actually think that investing borrowed money now to fix a problem that the Liberals exacerbated will cause Canadians to forget her government’s gross incompetence and their personal financial pain at the next election? I’m sorry, for me it’s just “too little, too late”!
Not exactly votes of confidence. To date there hasn’t been a single positive comment on the federal funding
By Pepper Parr
January 16th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
My colleague at the Bay Observer wrote in a recent article that a Committee of the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board took part in a lengthy debate about the role of trustees in expressing opinions in public with the media regarding board policy matters.
Under language being considered Trustees would be discouraged from expressing opinions on matters before the board prior to the matter being voted upon.
 Hamilton Wentworth District School Board Trustee Dawn Danko
Trustee Dawn Danko said “individual trustees who share their opinions with the media before a vote are being “self-serving, as opposed to serving the board.” The remarks came as trustees were considering revisions to the Trustees’ Code of Conduct.
Trustee Todd White clearly disagreed with the opinion that would place restrictions on board-media interactions; but board chair Maria Felix-Miller liked Danko’s idea stating, “We’re not city councillors, so we really shouldn’t be behaving like city councillors. We are a board of — trustees is the word — essentially advisers,” she said.
 Paul Berton, Editor Hamilton Spectator
In a letter written by Hamilton Spectator Editor-in-Chief Paul Berton and signed by Greg O’Brien and Scott Monich. News directors of CHCH and CHML respectively, Berton writes, “It has come to our attention that the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (“HWDSB” or the “Board”) is considering amendments to its Trustee Policy Manual that would restrict the ability of Trustees to communicate directly with members of the media. We write to voice serious concerns about this proposal.”
Berton’s view was that the proposed policy would be a violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. He wrote, “In our view, the proposed amendment to prohibit trustees communicating with the media without the prior approval/direction of the Chair would unjustifiably violate s. 2(b) of the Charter.”
 The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms – in place to protect the rights of the public.
The letter concluded, “Prohibiting trustees from speaking to the media directly and from offering their personal views without prior approval would significantly hamper the media’s ability to keep the public apprised of developments in local politics, lessen the board’s public accountability, and would decrease political participation for the trustees, the press, and the public.
Berton urged the Board to “reconsider these proposals in a way that recognizes and respects the Charter right of freedom of expression and the role of the free press in reporting on local government.”
The Gazette hasn’t heard of anything like this at the Halton District School Board. We will check out what local trustees have to say.
By Pepper Parr
January 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition NDP, joined MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto Centre), Critic for Small Business, and local business leaders to call for support as businesses face an existential threat from looming federal loan deadline amidst a growing affordability crisis.
 Leader of the NDP Opposition wants province to extend a federal loan program. What?
“This should be a wake-up call for the provincial government,” said Stiles. “Ford’s Conservatives are quick to extend lifelines to billion-dollar big box stores while leaving small business owners in the lurch. We implore this government to work with small business owners – not against them – to explore other ways we can support them in this difficult economy, step in before it’s too late for Ontario’s small businesses.”
Stiles and Wong-Tam called on the province to join the NDP’s call for an extension of the CEBA loan deadline until the end of 2024.
“CEBA was a life raft for small businesses during an incredibly difficult time,” said Wong-Tam. “The province is not powerless here; let’s work together to connect small businesses to more Ontario-made supply chains to further boost our economy and keep jobs in our province. And it’s time we start looking much more closely at commercial rent control to help save Ontario’s main streets from closure after closure after closure.”
Instead of supporting small businesses, Ford’s Conservatives are rewarding their corporate CEO friends at Shoppers, Staples, and Walmart.
On a personal note it took me mere minutes to register and by a Presto pass at a Shoppers Drug Mart.
By Staff
January 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board (HDSB) is now accepting registrations for Junior (Year 1) and Senior (Year 2) Kindergarten for September 2024.
Registration can be completed online or in-person. Parents/guardians are asked to register their child for school by Feb. 1, 2024 or as soon as possible.
 Learning to read: a skill that will be with them for the rest of their life. Imagine not being able to read – it happens.
Families can learn about Kindergarten in the HDSB by visiting the Registering for Kindergarten page on the HDSB website (hdsb.ca). Parents/guardians can pre-register their child online through the Register My Child for School page. To register for school in-person, use the Find My Local School tool on the HDSB website to determine your child’s home school and contact the school for additional information.
If you are new and/or returning to Ontario, please use the Where Do I Register Tool to guide you to where to begin your registration process (e.g. your home school OR at the HDSB Welcome Centre).
Please have the following original documents when registering:
- Proof of address (any two of the following current documents): lease or deed, car registration, utility bill, residential telephone bill, moving bill, property tax bill, bank statement, credit card statement, correspondence with a government agency
- Proof of age: birth certificate or passport or baptismal/faith record for your child
- Proof of citizenship: birth certificate or passport, Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Permanent Resident card
- If you are not the child’s parent, or if you have sole custody, please bring proof of custody (court order).
To register to begin school in Fall 2024, Junior Kindergarten (Year 1) children must be four years old by Dec. 31, 2024, and Senior Kindergarten (Year 2) children must be five years old by Dec. 31, 2024.
 She just can’t wait to get into her classroom.
Parents/guardians who require language assistance to register their child for school can contact the Halton Multicultural Council at (905) 842-2486.
Parents/guardians who require accessibility accommodations to register their child for school can contact the Principal/Vice Principal of the school.
Background resources
Kindergarten
Registering for Kindergarten
Calling All Three-Year Olds
By Staff
January 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
City responds to the $21 million the Government of Canada provided to encourage more affordable homes for Burlington, built faster.
 Local and federal politicians take part in $21 million funding announcement.
Representing the city at the announcement event were: the Honourable Minister Karina Gould, MP for Oakville North – Burlington Pam Damoff, Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and Deputy Mayor of Housing, Burlington Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte.
The funding is through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)’s Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). HAF is an application-based program that provides funding directly to municipalities across the country to incentivize and support initiatives that will accelerate the supply of housing.
Action Plan for this investment in Burlington
These funds will support the implementation of some of the key actions in the City’s Housing Strategy, including expanding housing opportunities for Burlington residents by cutting red tape and implementing updated zoning.
As Burlington continues to grow, this significant investment will support the development of complete, low-carbon, and climate-resilient communities that are affordable, inclusive, equitable and diverse.
The City’s HAF Action Plan includes seven initiatives:
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- Streamlining planning and building approval process.
- Implementing Major Transit Station Areas and Community Planning Permit System.
- Support and encourage the creation of additional residential units and consider opportunities to increase as of right permissions. Burlington is proposing four units as of right and a no parking minimum pilot within a specific geographic area.
- Identify opportunities to incentivize the creation of rental and non-market housing.
- Build community and partner capacity by creating a Housing Connections Centre.
- Public lands and partnerships.
One of the City’s proposed projects focuses around Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs) and the development of a new tool, the Community Planning Permit System (CPPS). This will allow for quicker approvals on high-density developments without the need for re-zoning.
Housing Connections Centre
Another key initiative to support this Action Plan is the Housing Connections Centre. This centre will provide residents and developers resources like:
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- standard unit designs
- ways to connect with partners,
- access to incentives, and
- information about
- the benefits of diverse neighbourhoods and
- how creating new housing can provide options for all Burlington residents.
- The Housing Accelerator Fund helps cut red tape and fast track at least 100,000 new homes for people in towns, cities, and Indigenous communities across the country. It asks for innovative action plans from local governments, and once approved, provides upfront funding to ensure the timely building of new homes, as well as additional funds upon delivering results. Every agreement under the Housing Accelerator Fund will require municipalities to end exclusionary zoning and encourage apartment building around public transit in order to help seniors, students, and families. Local governments are encouraged to think big and be bold in their approaches, which could include accelerating project timelines, allowing increased housing density, and encouraging affordable housing units.
- Burlington’s Housing Strategy was approved by Council in June 2022. This strategy creates a road map and acts as a guiding document for housing needs in the City of Burlington. It will help the City to work towards meeting the housing needs of the community and move us closer to reaching our Vision for housing in Burlington.
- In October, 2023, Burlington City Council unanimously approved a motion to declare its intention to allow four residential units per lot. The motion builds on the City’s recent update to the Additional Residential Unit policies of the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw to permit up to three residential units per urban residential lot which was approved by Council in September 2023. The motion also supported the City’s application to the Housing Accelerator Fund.
Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward: “This is a huge investment in building more homes, and especially more affordable homes, for our growing city. We can only do this with partnerships with all levels of government and the building industry. Together, we’re creating the Burlington of the future – a thriving community where everyone has access to a home they can afford. The funding will help us begin implementing some of the key actions identified in our City’s Housing Strategy. This is key to making sure we remain one of the most livable cities in Canada.”
 Burlington Deputy Mayor of Housing, Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte.
Burlington Deputy Mayor of Housing, Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte: “The Housing Accelerator Fund is a tremendous opportunity for the City to begin to implement key actions identified in the City’s Housing Strategy. This funding is a testament to the contributions from the community and development partners who worked together to create a robust Housing Strategy to work toward our vision for housing: “Everyone is welcome in Burlington”. This program will drive systemic change and create the conditions needed to increase housing supply and affordability over both the short and long term.”
 Executive Director of Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility, Brynn Nheiley.
Executive Director of Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility, Brynn Nheiley: “The Housing Accelerator Fund will allow us to focus on further streamlining our planning and building permit approvals process; implement the MTSA program; update our Zoning Bylaw and consider incentives for certain types of development. Under this funding, the City’s Action Plan includes a mix of initiatives that will result in some immediate increases in housing supply. Other projects will support improvements to the broader housing system and will take us into the future of housing in Burlington.”
By Staff
January 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington MP,Karina Gould announced today that “With federal funding and federal leadership, we are changing how cities let housing get built in their municipalities. With a greater focus on higher density housing, student housing, homes near transit and affordable housing, we are going to get more homes built for Canadians at prices they can afford.”
The Government of Canada and the City of Burlington announced that they reached an agreement to fast track more than 600 housing units over the next three years. This work will help spur the construction of more than 5,000 homes over the next decade.
The agreement under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), will provide more than $21 million to eliminate barriers to building the housing we need, faster. Burlington’s Action Plan commits to seven local initiatives that support greater density, such as permitting four units as-of-right to encourage the creation of additional housing units on existing residential lots, and exploring opportunities to incentivize the creation of rental housing that is below market housing.
Through its Action Plan, Burlington will also create the Housing Connections Centre, enabling the city to act as a connector and a partner among the various players in the housing system. It will also streamline planning and building approvals processes, explore opportunities for partnerships on public land development, and address municipal infrastructure needs.
 The transit hubs are where high density development is expected to take place.
HAF is helping cut red tape and fast track at least 100,000 permitted new homes over the first three years, which cities and regions estimate will lead to the creation of almost 450,000 permitted new homes for people in towns, cities, and Indigenous communities across Canada over the next decade. It asks for innovative action plans from local governments, and once approved, provides upfront funding to ensure the timely building of new homes, as well as additional funds upon delivering results. Local governments are encouraged to think big and be bold in their approaches, which could include accelerating project timelines, allowing increased housing density, and encouraging affordable housing units.
Pam Damoff, Member of Parliament for Oakville North—Burlington and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs) explained: “We’re in a housing crisis and the only way we’re going to solve this challenge is by working together collaboratively and directly with municipalities who know the real needs of their communities. The Housing Accelerator Fund is an acknowledgement that the status quo in how we build homes is no longer acceptable. The City of Burlington has demonstrated leadership in working with our government to get more homes built for our community.”
The City of Burlington’s Action Plan will create major transit station areas; implement a community planning permit system, a land use planning tool to establish as-of-right zoning and site plan permissions that promote intensification in key areas and create more efficient and streamlined development approval process (45 days) in order to create more housing quicker; encourage and support the creation of additional residential units; and consider opportunities to allow for greater density on existing residential lots as-of-right. It will also identify opportunities to incentivize the creation of rental and housing that is below market housing, and build community and partner capacity by creating a Housing Connections Centre.
Launched in March 2023, the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) is a $4 billion initiative from the Government of Canada that will run until 2026-27.
The Housing Accelerator Fund is part of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS), an $82+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly at placetocallhome.ca. The Housing Funding Initiatives Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed.
As of September 30, 2023, the Government of Canada has committed over $38.89 billion to support the creation of almost 152,000 units and the repair of over 241,000 units. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence.
Related news story.
Downtown development
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