By Staff

June 8^th, 2023

BURLINGTON. ON

An attentive reader sent us an example of the stuff the scan scum use to try and steal your money.

Until better security is created it is up to each person to be careful when they respond to an email.

Always look at the address the email came from and if it looks suspicious it probably is/

Here is what our reader got.

Can you see the mistakes?

Look closely at the address:

The email came from an address out of Poland.

By Staff

June 7th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

Jim Thompson delegates frequently – he is currently focused on the Bateman project.

Last week he had a list of things that were not working out all that well

Delegator Jim Thomson going through his list of things that are not being done on the Bateman project. He suggested that the city require people to pay for parking.

At the April council meeting the mayor stated that the project was on time and on budget. She was only half right. The schedule presented in December had Phase 1 occupancy at September 2024, not September 2025. The schedule slipped by a year. I’m surprised that none of you asked any questions about the slippage in the schedule and how this affects the project cash flow. I assume the tenants won’t start paying rent until they move in. Counselor worries about $20,000 for a city wide mailing but ignores the cost of the years delay in occupancy. I also note that the December schedule had already slipped by a year from the initial schedule that showed everything being done by September 2023. That schedule slipped due to the time taken to negotiate the purchases. So I guess that’s okay.

Both the initial schedule and the December schedule were presented as Gantt charts – those useful charts were dropped from the April report. I guess it would have made it too obvious that the project schedule had slipped.

When Counsellor Kearns asked for a timeline for the milestones and decision points for the balance of the project, I would have expected this to be presented as a Gantt chart rather than a bunch of dates and a table. I don’t actually see any decision points listed in the table.

At the public meeting last year it was stated that traffic studies would be done in Phase 2. I don’t see any reference to traffic studies at all. How does the number of extra users impact congestion on New Street and Appleby Line?

I’m disappointed in this draft plan. I expected to see a complete plan that gave dates for the two public information sessions that council directed to take place in Q3. The only date is the Food for Feedback event which isn’t actually looking for feedback is just to inform the public of engagement opportunities. No actual feedback is expected.

There’s no consult in the engagement. The document states that the engagement began in spring 2022 with the creation of a project site, a survey was started and quickly paused and never restarted. How’s that for engagement?

I guess the initial results of the survey weren’t what the city hoped for. Okay, the project page has a Q&A section that is filled with non answers. When I looked at it in preparation for this meeting, I was struck by the number of questions regarding the green space that were posed five and six months ago. The reply to all of them was that council has directed staff to review the parking issue. That direction only came in March. So basically the question went unanswered for two to three months. That’s engagement ?.

I found this to be typical of the current situation at City Hall.

Last year, it took six months for someone to get around to answering a question I posted through Service Burlington. I’m currently waiting two months for a case number to be assigned to the question I posed through Service Burlington. And that’s after complaining that I didn’t get a case number. I was told I’d get a response soon.

Jim Thomson delegating while Daintry Klien waits patiently for her delegation to start.

Okay, with regards to the policies and factors that cannot be influenced. Option 2 states due to expanded use of the facility anticipated additional parking will be required and that may result in the loss of green space. If that’s a given, then the staff direction regarding parking is a farce. . The decision has already been made and the staff direction is just window dressing. The key parking space message is that you’re going to communicate more parking as needed. Why? You’re supposed to be looking at the future and transit and moving people away from cars, building parking just encourages commuting. So I guess the communication tactic is to stress the need for more parking. So to make it palatable to the public when the cost comes due when staff reports.

I’m going to suggest that you need to add paid parking as one of the issues to be put in place. When I go to courses at Mohawk College I had to pay for parking; when I use the Engineering Library at McMaster – I have to pay for parking. When I come here to delegate I have to pay for parking. When I go to Joseph Brant Hospital, I have to pay for parking. So there’s a revenue stream – paid parking at Bateman.

In the key messages for the outdoor green space planning residents are asked to provide their thoughts on what should be done with the space available within the limits of budget and services. What are the limits?

Who’s making those decisions? And if this is really about engagement, why will there be a walking walking path through the green space? Who decided? Isn’t that what the public consultation is for?
Those are my comments. Thank you for your time.

Thank you very much, Jim. I don’t see that you have any questions at this time. So thank you for your delegation.

Council was prepared to tolerate Thomson and let it go at that.

By Pepper Parr

June 7th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

A reader has suggested, quite vociferously, that the article that was flagged as news should have been identified as opinion

Councillor Paul Sharman understands how business works. He knows both sides of a balance sheet and is quick to point out where the flaws are in a business case. No one else on Council has the depth and breadth of business he has. Councillor Galbraith has a solid business understanding at the small business and development levels but nowhere near that of Sharman.

The rest of Council flop around on the financial stuff except for Kearns – she is very smart, has a quick wit but when push comes to shove – she folds.

How did Tech Place get prime space in the planned community hub ?

When discussions were focused on who was going to use which space at the former Bateman High School site Sharman said: “I have never actually understood how Tech Place jumped the queue. So when I start hearing that spaces will be revenue generators and that there will be two sides to the balance sheet I ask what “would the use of the space be other than revenue generating”adding that “ when I don’t know how that is being measured in terms of an allocation of the space” I have questions..

“How did they get in on premium space at grade, excellent floor space before we even had the ability to gauge community interest for that space.?”

Sharman is quite right. Tech Place just appeared on a floor plan but there was a solid reason for that.

Tech Place is in a location paying rent that is way beyond the capacity of its revenue stream. The lease was low rent at the front end to give them time to get the operation off the ground.  The launch was impressive but it doesn’t look all that good at this point.

He might well have added: Does anyone know what Tech Place does and its relevance to the city?

Chair Stolte asked if the City Manager wanted to jump in ?

He did and said: “So going back, I think the original concept involved five organizations that we saw as coming together and creating a synergy around sort of learning and obviously active living. I mean, it’s essentially a component of economic development.

Commisso didn’t fully understand the history of Tech Place and the beating they were taking on the rent structure former Goldring Chief of Staff Frank McKeowan put in place.

It was Councillor Angelo Bentivegna who spotted the Tech Place rent problem.

It was Councillor Bentivegna who spotted the problem during a budget discussion in, I think 2018.

Rent for the final year of the lease was going to be $330,000 for an entity that didn’t have very much in the way of a revenue stream.

Tech Place served a purpose but Sharman is right – it doesn’t qualify as the user of the space that has been allocated to it.

The issue will come up at the next Council meeting later in June.   It is going to be interesting how Commisso finesses this one.

City Manager Tim Commisso expected to answer questions on matters that took place before he started the job he has.

Commisso noted that the lease for the space on the North Service Road expires soon it may have already had an extension. Commisso saw the hub as an opportunity to integrate a relatively small space – I think it’s 1000 square feet. He didn’t think it was an independent, separate organization. “It was part of our relationship and our support for economic development” he said. “I would say they were seen as synergy with an opportunity to move forward in a much lower cost environment.”

“I’m going to support that organization which does really a lot of business development work. You know that is really in line with what I think councils were focusing on.” Commisso offered to report to Council with a more specific response.

Sharman came back with: “Maybe we do need something back to council because from a governance perspective, if we are in essence tendering community space, it would make a lot more sense.”

Sharman added: “I’m hearing about an urban indigenous space. We haven’t even touched on the entire theme of inclusivity and I’m just wondering, this will be my second question, has staff planned to address that inclusivity piece for folks that may or may not have the appropriate levels of funding. If this is going to be an ROI or a revenue generating opportunity.”

Denise Beard, Manager of Community Development

Denise Beard, Manager of Community Development said: “I think that will come out; we’ve already been in tonnes of discussion with various groups who have stated an interest; many of them fit some of the criteria.

“We will work with them to make sure they understand what the expectations are. And then we will come back to committee and report on what we heard. We’ve talked a lot about dollars and cents here, but pending committee and councils wish that’s a decision we have to make. Right? Are we looking to generate revenue through these spaces?”

“Are we looking for a mix? What does that look like? I don’t have the answer to that. But we’re open to all of it and we’re open to coming back to you with some options for a follow up discussion.”

Councillor Sharman wanted to go a little further. “I’m going to continue on with my two questions. I’m going to start with a continuation of this space question. I’d like to know what the history is of how we design our community centers. Is it commonplace and is it our practice that we look to fill the space with potential revenue generating organizations before we have the conversation about how the community would like to use the space ?”

Alan Magi,  Executive Director of Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services  started with:”I will start with this observation that Bateman is different than a new build. We would start and decide how much square footage the community needed; whether you need a pool there or a gym or community rooms. This one as everyone was aware was an existing high school so we had a given square footage we had the former owner, the school board, indicating that one of the conditions of sale was to retain a certain amount of space in a long term lease arrangements which helped with the purchase.

“We’re kind of working through the space a little bit backwards and coming up with a residual amount in it; as opposed to starting from the ground up and asking do we need a gym Do we need a community room and then sort of building that.”

The city bought the building and then began thinking about what they wanted to do with it.

“We bought a building and now we’re renovating and determining the best uses, looking at sustainability in the long term. We’ve got our partners – recreation and culture on as well.”

Sharman comes back with: “I certainly know that working backwards is a little bit different, but perhaps I should have phrased my question to be specific. There are 30,000 square feet leftover after we have dealt with our partners.

Councillor Paul Sharman – asking a lot of questions.

“I don’t believe that we looked at Tansley Woods and designed it asking how many dedicated spaces do we want in there and then what’s going to be left over for community rooms? I’m pretty sure we did the opposite. And that’s what I’m asking is why is this one being done differently?

“That was the purpose of the simultaneous engagement so that we can ask the public, how much organic community space do you want available, and then whatever is left over is how we engage with dedicated space organizations.”

What is uncomfortably evident is that while the concept of buying a high school that had been closed was a good idea – the problem is that there is no clear vision, no input from the public and a lot of pressure to get the place to the point where it is operational.

What will it all cost?  Don’t ask.

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

June 7th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

One of the biggest very serious concerns is for those seniors who for any number of reasons are on their own.

The isolation and the loneliness destroy any sense of dignity.

In honour of Seniors Month, Connection In Action has launched its new website, https://connectioninaction.ca/ , to help older adults (55+) in Halton find opportunities
to stay socially connected and improve their well-being as a result.

This is not a lifestyle that is rich in relationships.

A truly collaborative effort, the website was designed with the help of older adults, who joined the website’s working group and provided feedback during consultations. The website consolidates information about the importance of social connections, community resources, Connection in Action’s 25 partners, and how the program helps older adults in the community to increase their social networks, which in turn can improve their mental and physical health, strengthen their memory and focus, and increase the quality of their life as they age.

Connection in Action supports older adults directly by providing them with a Connection Specialist, who they can call at 905 844 2299 to learn about opportunities to meet their individual needs. Connection in Action also supports older adults indirectly by showing other organizations how to help out.
The limiting part is that many seniors have limited computer literacy skills – and truth be told a computer monitor is not the same as being in a room with people.

Empowerment (LITE) Education, which consists of educational sessions that teach businesses and community groups about topics related to the well-being of older adults, such as elder abuse prevention, age-friendly communities, and the health impacts of social isolation.

“Older adults are at greater risk of social isolation for many reasons,” explains Patricia Blakeley, co-chair of the Older Adult Isolation Action Table, which oversees the program. “Connection in Action is a proactive initiative to provide older adults, their loved ones and the community with information and resources to help them stay engaged and active as they age.”

Connection in Action will be providing a presentation for 80 seniors in Georgetown at the Hillsview Active Living Centre’s Seniors Lunch on June 13 at noon to give a snapshot of what the program offers, how older adults can use it, and what it may look like in the future.

About Connection In Action

Launched in March of 2020, Connection in Action is an initiative of Halton’s Community Safety & Well-being Plan. It’s committed to reducing social isolation by increasing social connections for adults aged 55 and older who live in Halton. The Connection Specialist works one-on-one with older adults by offering information and making referrals to support a sense of belonging. Connection in Action also supports communities in Halton through awareness-raising and capacity-building education called LITE (Loneliness, Isolation to Empowerment) Education.
Connection in Action is overseen by Halton’s Older Adult Isolation Action Table, and all services are offered free of cost.

By Pepper Parr

June 6^th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

Things sometimes get a little stiff between people when a meeting has run long and the Staff comments are concerning.

Council was in a Standing Committee mode – the conversion of Bateman high school into a community hub discussions was not going very well.

Kwab Ako-Adjei, Director, Corporate Communications & Engagement  

No one seemed to have a grip on what was happening,

Kwab Ako-Adjei, Director, Corporate Communications & Engagement   was floundering at the podium; Emilie Cote  the Director of Recreation, Community and Culture was being grilled by Councillor Stolte over just when the public was going to be able to have some say at what was happening.

Councillor Lisa Kearns: Would you put that in writing please

Councillor Lisa Kearns had a question for staff and wondered if maybe the city manager would like to answer ?

“I’m just wondering”, she asked “how staff view the role of the Deputy Mayor of Community Engagement and Partnerships in light of this project.  How do you how do you foresee that Deputy Mayor engaging on this particular file?

The file she was speaking of was the conversion of the Bateman High School into a community hub – a project that wasn’t going all that smoothly – which would be putting it mildly.

Kearns continued: From my perspective, I do think this is our biggest project so shouldn’t there be a direct relationship ?

City Manager Tim Commisso responded: “I think it comes in different ways. I think there was a direction previously to report back so we honour those directions and come back but I think to the extent that you know there is that consultation and that sets out a different stage because we’re in the early stage.

“And I think that as we move forward particularly in terms of this particular interest. My personal view is I could see an opportunity to gauge that particular deputy mayor, which happens to be yourself,  in the more detailed discussion. I think we’re in the early stage process here so it hasn’t happened. I’ll just offer it up. I do think there’s an opportunity.

Kearns comes back with: “That’s terrific. Just a follow up question. Would I be able to see something in writing, maybe by the next council meeting on what that scope might look like? Here’s the reason why.

“In looking at the get involved Burlington page, the level of engagement from the IAP to engagement spectrum actually stops at consult and I’m just wondering if we’ve left many of our tools off the table when it comes to that $100,000 potential engagement fund and or additional engagement by that Deputy Mayor.

City Manager Tim Commisso

Commisso: “I always take the view when something is a council concern, that that’s where it should be. If there’s any concern will make a commitment to work with Kwab Ako-Adjei, and Jacqueline Johnson Executive Director of Community Relations & Engagement to get something back if that’s the will of committee.”

For a member of Council to ask the City Manager to “put it in writing” – is not something I’ve seen before.

By Staff

June 6th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

The federal government’s Cost of Living Act creates a Grocery Rebate program that supports low income families and households.

This is the point at which those who do get the Grocery Rebate will realize how unrealistic the amount being given is.

The new one-time Grocery Rebate will deliver targeted inflation relief for 11 million low- and modest-income Canadians and families who need it most, with up to an extra $467 for eligible couples with two children; up to an extra $234 for single Canadians without children; and an extra $225 for seniors, on average.

The Grocery Rebate will be delivered to eligible Canadians on July 5, 2023, by direct deposit or cheque through the Canada Revenue Agency.

A single mother with one child and $30,000 in net income will receive $386.50 for groceries. This is in addition to the $1,160 she receives this year through the GST Credit.

A single senior with $20,000 in net income will receive $233.50 for groceries. This is in addition to the roughly $701 he receives this benefit year through the GST Credit.

A couple with two children and $35,000 in net income will receive $467 for groceries. This is in addition to the roughly $1,401 they receive this benefit year through the GST Credit.

Recipients will not need to apply for the Grocery Rebate, which will be delivered along with the July GST Credit payment.

However, they will need to file their 2021 tax return if they have not done so already to be able to receive the payment.

The net income levels; $30,000 for a family and $20,000 for single people will cut out a lot of people.  How a family with net income of $30,000 for tax purposes can survive indicates that the federal government is not in touch with what is happening at the supermarket level where the pain is severe.

By Pepper Parr

June 5th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

The Mayor of Burlington is at it again.

In a tweet she sent out answering questions she said she has been asked.

She fails to mention when there will be real public engagement and doesn’t help the public understand just how much public space there will be in the former high school.

Follow up on her Q&A and then read about what was actually said at a Council meeting.

Will there be public engagement on the use of indoor space?

Yes, there will be multiple opportunities. Staff will be asking for expressions of interest for the 21,000 square foot of space for rent, programs and user groups, as well as an additional 9,000 sq. ft. of potential temporary space available to the community at Bateman in the fall of 2023 and a visioning exercise in the summer and fall of 2023. The expressions of interest will help staff to know who is interested in working with the City, and what kinds of space requirements may be needed. Over the summer and fall of 2023, Recreation, Community and Culture staff will have an extensive community engagement planned for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and the Parks and Recreation Cultural Asset Master Plan (PRCAMP) along with a review of direct delivered programs and services. Residents will have an opportunity to provide feedback on these items.

In the late fall of 2023, staff will consult with the community on proposed high-level program mix for Bateman and share the community comments back with committee in winter 2024. More details of the program mix will be further refined as phase two of the construction is finalized and shared with the community.

When does Phase 2 of this project start?

Stage 2 of the current construction contract will not start until Q2 2024.

Why do we need more parking?

Parking is needed to accommodate the higher parking demand generated by the new uses including Brock University, Burlington Public Library, Tech Place, Halton District School Board, and the communities use of the existing and new community spaces.

Why do you need to put parking in the area of the track?

Under the city’s existing zoning by-law, site parking requirements are to be accommodated on site. However, as directed by Burlington City Council, staff will review all options, including street parking in the neighbourhood, on-site parking, off-site parking and building a parking structure. Staff will report back in Q4 2023 with parking recommendations. Once a parking plan is in place, we will know what can and can’t be done with the existing track and open space. Residents will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the parking and open space plan for the site.

Can I still access the track and football field now?

Yes. The track and the area will be accessible for informal use in 2023 and while parking options are being developed and construction activity is not impacting this area. In 2024, construction activity will impact the area behind the school and the open space area including the track will not be accessible during construction.

Will any trees be cut down?

The City will work to protect the trees as much as possible; however, there are four trees within the construction zone that will be removed and one tree in poor health that needs to be removed for public safety. Those trees will be replaced. There may also be an opportunity to increase the number of trees as part of the landscaping plan.

Citizens are going to have to make a lot of noise if they want to keep the track and the sports field in the middle.

What will happen to the track and football field?

We won’t know until staff report back to Council later this year with all parking options and a recommendation.

Who makes the final decision on the parking spaces?

Staff are looking into all parking options including a parking structure, on-street parking, leasing agreements and reducing the number of parking spots required on-site. Staff will report back to Committee and Council in Q4 2023 with parking recommendations. If there is to be a reduction in parking, an application will be taken to the Committee of Adjustment. The committee will review the uses of the building, number of spaces required to meet demand and make a decision based on Council-approved Zoning Bylaws.

I don’t want to lose the track. How can we keep it?

Council has directed staff to report back in Q4 2023 on parking alternatives, so during this time, there will be no impact to the track. All options will be considered, including street parking in the neighbourhood, on-site parking, off-site parking and building a parking structure. Once a parking plan is in place, we will know what can and can’t be done with the existing track and open space. Residents will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the open space.

Can we build a parking garage to save the open space and track?

All options are being considered although this would be an expensive option.

There was very little mention of parking during the most recent round of Standing Committee meetings.

Council members did have hard questions about when public engagement meetings would take place and just how much space there would be for public use.

Stolte on public engagement

Sharman on how the high school space is going to be used.

The route to that $100 million price

By Pepper Parr

June 5th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

Staff were presenting to Council on the “key deliverables for the communication and engagement plan.”

Part of the presentation asked for $100,000; a number that got tossed in, sort of is as a place holder
Everyone knew the number was close to outrageous – but no one offered to lower it.

Stolte: Has public engagement already begun ?

Councillor Stolte asked:
Has engagement started?
Adding that “… in the chart it’s very well outlined that engagement with recreational users and businesses groups and community organizations is starting spring summer 2023.  Has that begun already?

Emilie Cote responded: It has begun informally just in regular conversations that we have with existing user groups but will be more so as we proceed with the tactics like the visioning and the Request For Interest.

Councillor Stolte comes back with: “it said June to October. Well, today’s June 1, do we have dates – I don’t see any dates in there.

There is a  city wide mailout planned to inform people of those opportunities and be part of that visioning exercise. But the mailer wont go out until the fall – what’s going to get done between now and then ?  Earlier today we published a piece on just how much space there is and how much will the public get to use ?  Councillor Sharman had to push hard to get some basic information.  Perhaps he could have asked for that information before this project got off the ground.

Councillor Stolte to Kwab: I’m not understanding how we are beginning engagement and visioning with the public this summer, but not letting them know about it until the fall.

Director of Communications Kwab adds that “the city wide mailer will go out in the fall actually, that’s the time that we’re looking for that because we wanted to make sure that once we have this plan in place – this comprehensive plan – and as we begin some of the work that’s underway now we’ll of course let residents know about it.

But we wanted to build some critical mass of when we want to inform residents about what’s happening. So come the fall, there’ll be a lot more engagement activities underway, where we can let residents know – generally speaking, we try not to send anything out about a major project smack right in the middle of the summer. So that’s why it made sense for us to send that in the in the fall.

Stolte: “A clarifying question, please? I’m not understanding the timing Kwab I’m not understanding how we are beginning engagement and visioning with the public this summer, but not letting them know about it until the fall

Kwab:”We will be letting them know about it through other means that we have. The mailer is just one additional tactic that we do let residents know about what’s happening.

But through the project page media releases and other ways we will be letting them know about the current engagement that’s happening.

In addition, the mailer will go out that will let them know again about other engagement opportunities that are happening as well. I think, I mean, we definitely have to keep in mind that this is gonna be a long, long engagement. So there will be lots of opportunities to engage residents using many different tactics. So the mailer is just one tactic that we’ll be using to inform residents.

Then the matter of the $100,000 that was going to be asked for. I mean, that was just a number that staff threw out. We are drawing upon existing already approved budget as part of the project. So when we get closer to the exact dates and the items that will be happening will be will know better, how close to that number we would get.

Stolte: So my question is really whether or not, prior to significantly greater Council interest in doing more and more engagement, will we ever think it will be $100,000?

Kwab: “It’s a good question, Counsellor. To be honest, you know, we appreciate the direction staff were starting to work on that more comprehensive plan that was happening simultaneously as received last time. We didn’t have a total number at the time to answer your question. I knew it was going to be more than 20k. That’s probably as clear as I can get, I guess to answering your question.

I could maybe add to the chair and say overall that this project has evolved very, very quickly when you think about the size and scope of this project from the inception and so as we were developing scope and budgets, and evolving and refining those as we go along.

As we get more information and understanding of the expectations – I think it’s a fair comment that we will obviously manage that budget and look at it as we’ve been developing as we go along. We will manage prudently but at the same time meeting the expectations that council has.

We will let the words speak for themselves

By Pepper Parr

June 4^th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

Burlington lost a great one last week.

The man who turned Lakeshore Road into the stretch of the city that it is today, passed away on May 29^th, he was 88 years of age.

Domenic Molinaro, the founder of the Molinaro Group

Domenic Molinaro, the founder of the Molinaro Group died of complications from a stroke he suffered some time ago.

He leaves behind: His beloved wife, Lina Molinaro, his children Antonella and Joseph Castro, Marilu and Sam DiSanto, Vincent and Tina Molinaro, and Robert and Andrea Molinaro, along with his grandchildren Julian, Madeline, Luca, Isabella, Giuliana, Cristiano, Evianna, and Raffaella, many loving brothers and sisters, nieces, nephews.

The Family will gather at Bay Gardens Funeral Home, 947 Rymal Road East, Hamilton, on Tuesday, June 6th, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Vigil prayers will be at 3:30 p.m.

On Wednesday, June 7th, at 11:00 a.m., a Funeral Mass will take place at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 934 Hwy 8, Stoney Creek.

Following the Mass, entombment at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery, 600 Spring Gardens Road, Burlington.

An obituary can be found HERE