 By Pepper Parr
September 1st, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The material that gets pumped out of the constituency offices of the federal and provincial politician’s is usually about an opportunity to take their picture,
We seldom see a document that has information that is focused and informative.
 Oakville Burlington North Member of Parliament Pam Damoff. Pam Damoff, the federal member for Oakville Burlington North sent out both a comment and a document that many of the professional class who have incorporated their operations for tax purposes and most of the small business who have questions about changes in the tax act will find useful and interesting.
Damoff refers to an announced set of proposals aimed at reforming the tax planning options available for private corporations. Since the changes were released Damoff reports she has heard from a number of incorporated professionals, and small and medium sized business owners in Oakville and Burlington.
The proposed changes will bring reform to rules that have been unaltered since the 1970s and people rightly have a lot of questions about how these changes will affect their businesses. The proposed changes are complex, and Damoff believes there is misinformation that has been circulating.
The document she refers to can be found at;
Damoff believes the document will help to set the record straight.
The first thing Damoff wants people to do is inform themselves and learn how these changes will affect them personally or their business. She claims that once they did this, they discovered that the proposed changes do not have any impact on them at all.
 She was a replacement nominee who had no plans to run for a federal seat – she was content with being a member of Oakville town council. The document compiled by the Department lays out the current tax planning strategies that corporations are currently using, some problematic elements found in these current strategies and the rationale for why new legislative measures are needed.
You can read the document in full by clicking on this link;
Damoff encourages constructive and actionable feedback: The consultation will be open until October 2nd .
Within the newly proposed rules corporations will continue to be able to take advantage of the lower corporate tax rate to expand their offices, hire more staff, and purchase more equipment. Additionally, the government has no intention of going back in time.
The proposals would only be applied going forward. All existing savings will be unaffected. Small and mediums sized business owners can continue to use all available, tax-sheltered savings plans such as pension plans, RRSPs and TFSAs. Less than 3% of wealthy individuals max out their RRSP, TFSAs and pensions.
The proposed adjustments to the tax laws that allow unlimited tax-sheltered accounts within a business over and above the limits that apply to everyone.
 Pam Damoff letting a senior explain to her how a piece of equipment works. Damoff says that: “If you own a business and are saving against a possible downturn or to invest in your business, these changes will not affect you. As I mentioned above, changes will only be applied on a go-forward basis – all existing savings for personal use in a business will be unaffected. Our proposals will only impact a business owner if the savings are used for personal use moving forward.”
Damoff points to a Special Employment Insurance Benefits that since 2010 have been made available to people self-employed on a voluntary basis. Prior to 2010 the self-employed were not eligible for any EI benefits. Now, however, for individuals on maternity leave (including small business owners), EI provides a 55% replacement rate on employment income, up to a maximum salary of $51,300.
Damoff encourages those who have questions to reach out to her office at pam.damoff@parl.gc.ca or at 905-847-4043.
 By Pepper Parr
August 31st, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
We lost one of the really good ones.
 A really special team – Casey Cosgrove and his supporters. Casey Cosgrove passed away at Carpenter Hospice where he was taken into their care on Monday.
Those of us who communicated with Casey on his Caring Bridge page knew the end was near when Bryna sent out the most recent message.
She said at that time: “For those of you who follow this blog regularly, you may remember that we were told many years ago that the average life span of someone with his diagnosis was 18-24 months…and that was 6 years ago. We are truly thankful for not only all that extra time that we had to laugh with him, but that he was remarkably healthy and active for almost all of it.
 The boys won the bet – the daughter got a kiss and a pink mustache of her own. “We will take these days ahead to spend time together as a family and reflect and enjoy the moments we have with each other with as much positivity as we can.”
Much love…Bryna
This is the time to grieve the loss – tomorrow we can celebrate one of the really good ones.
 By Staff
August 28th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
It began this morning and will run from the 28th to Monday, August 28 and Friday, September 8, 2017: Project Safe Start
Halton Police wants everyone to be smart and have a safe back to school start
As the summer winds down and children are preparing to head back to school, the Police Service are preparing for their annual traffic campaign to remind drivers to watch for the flashing 40km/hr speed zones and be mindful when driving in or near school zones.
 The Chief of Police aims – but the driver in his sights was driving below the speed limit. This will be the tenth year the Service has conducted this campaign, which focuses on education and high-visibility enforcement of traffic laws in and around school zones throughout Halton Region.
School zones should be safe zones. Officers are reminding motorists that over 100,000 students return to school in Halton Region on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. Motorists should be on heightened alert for increased pedestrian and vehicular traffic in and around school zones.
It is important to remember driving safe is your priority:
1. Drive at a safe speed. Aggressive driving such as speeding, tailgating and failing to comply with road signs increase the likelihood of a collision. Aggressive driving reduces your reaction time and makes your vehicle movements unpredictable to other drivers.
2. Be aware of your surroundings when driving. There are three types of distraction: taking your eyes off the road, taking your hands off the wheel and taking your mind off driving. Holding your cellular phone in your hands is an offence, regardless of whether you are talking on it, using the navigation system or changing a song. This is still applicable when stopped at a red light. Did you know that texting while driving increases the risk of a collision by 23 times?
3. Drive responsibly. Drug and alcohol impaired driving can result in serious injury or death to you, your loved ones and other road users. Impairment slows your ability to react to changing road conditions. Drinking before driving and any form of drug use will affect your ability to drive.
 Speed limit sign is clear – so are those radar guns in the hands of two police officers waiting for someone to break that speed limit. Both officers were yards away from a high school – and managed to catch more than a few cars. Halton residents have ranked traffic concerns as their #1 policing priority. The Halton Regional Police Service recognizes this concern and engages in various campaigns throughout the year in an effort to educate the public and enforce the Highway Traffic Act and other traffic related legislation.
Sergeant Ryan Snow, Traffic Services Unit: “Safe Start is our annual back to school traffic safety project in Halton. All motorists within Halton Region have a role to play in traffic safety, especially as children return to class at one of the over 160 educational facilities in the Region. Children are our most vulnerable road users.
Regardless of who is right or wrong, when a vehicle collides with a pedestrian or cyclist, tragic consequences usually result. Motorists are encouraged to slow down, drive sober and avoid using your cell phone at all times when driving. All children deserve to attend school – safely.”
Pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and police all play an integral role in ensuring safer roads within the Halton Region. The police ask that everyone do their part in making school zones a safe place to be.
 By Pepper Parr
August 28th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Fred Crockett, a Burlington based real estate broker and a man with a quick word when he is unhappy.
And last fall he was unhappy, very unhappy with the way the city handled the fall collection of leaves.
He wrote saying he was looking forward to a return to sanity on the way the city decides to collect al those leaves.
Climate change got the best of city hall – and we saw equipment out on the streets with nary a leaf to be found.
 Climate change didn’t get factored into the leaf collection schedule. The leaves had decided to cling to their stems for just a little longer.
Tough call for the city – how do you know when the leaves are going to fall – they certainly didn’t follow past practices.
No word yet if the city has learned anything from the experience last year.
Crockett refers to “last year’s debacle” as something the city might want to try and avoid.
Last year’s experience:
 By Pepper Parr
August 28th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
There is something about the planting of a tree – no matter what your age the tree you plant is likely to be on this earth longer than you.
Experiences like this are important to young people who are just beginning to fully appreciate the role trees play in the life we live.
The climate change we are experiencing didn’t just happen – our behaviour is what brought it about and it is our behaviour that is going to heal the environment – if we are lucky.
 A lot of bending when trees are planted. Students will be back in school on Tuesday – think about making Saturday of next week the day you get them outdoors and planting a tree. They will never forget the experience and many will return to that spot to look at the tree they planted and perhaps show off their work to their children.
Conservation Halton is looking for 100 community volunteers to help plant 500 native trees and shrubs on Saturday, September 9. The Fall Trees for Watershed Health Community Tree Planting is taking place at Courtcliffe Park, 159 Carlisle Road in the village of Carlisle.
 Registration and check-in will begin at 9 a.m., with planting scheduled to start shortly after 9:30 a.m. A barbeque lunch will be available at the end of the planting. Volunteers are reminded to dress according to the weather, wear waterproof boots and bring a shovel. The event will happen rain or shine, unless conditions are deemed to be unsafe for participants and staff.
We welcome all individuals, families, and small groups to participate. No prior planting experience is required. Space is limited and pre-registration is mandatory, visit www.conservationhalton.ca/trees-for-watershed-health for more details and to find registration information.
 By Staff
August 20th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Spring Gardens Road, south of Valley Inn Road, will be closed on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. for work on hydro power lines.
No through traffic will be permitted.
By Staff
August 18th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The southbound lane on Brant Street, just south of Victoria Avenue, will be closed on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for excavation work.
 South bound traffic on this part of Brant Street will be detoured while excavation work is done. Southbound traffic will be detoured.
By Staff
August 10th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The 2017-18 Fall/Winter Live and Play Guide – the City of Burlington’s guide for information on recreation, sport, culture programs and festivals and events is now available online.
Printed copies are available for pick up at recreation centres, City Hall (426 Brant St.), Burlington Tourism (414 Locust St.) and Burlington public libraries.
The online Live and Play guide allows you to review and share program information as well as register for programs directly from any computer or mobile device. View the online guide.
An interesting program that has become quite popular is pickle ball, a trending sport that is taking the world by storm. Easy to learn, Pickleball can be geared to a wide range of ages and skill levels, from those new to the sport to the most seasoned players.
 Burlington offers registered lessons for Pickleball players of all levels. Many drop-in times and locations are also available. These drop-in programs are designated as beginner or intermediate levels and provide flexible, convenient opportunities to enjoy the sport.
In coming years, Pickleball in Burlington will expand to include more advanced lessons, advanced drop-in times, and tournament play. For now, we encourage advanced level players to play with similarly skilled partners and opponents or to respectfully adjust their level of play to the level of others.
More on the program online.
 By Staff
August 10th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
It is one of the events that those living downtown know about and make sure they get to the Performing Arts Centre early enough to get a seat.
 It is the annual Jazz on the Patio – a joint effort between the Performing Arts Centre and the Burlington Downtown Business Association that is free.
Those who get there are treated to some of the smartest – sweetest jazz you are going to hear in this town.
And there is a cash bar,
And – given the way weather has played with us this summer – in the event of rain, the performance will be moved inside the venue.
 Jane Bunnett The line up this year includes:
Friday, August 11
JANE BUNNETT & MAQUEQUE –
7:00pm – 9:00pm –
Four-time JUNO Award winner, two-time Grammy nominee soprano saxophonist/flautist Jane Bunnett brings the soul of Cuba to the hearts of Canadian music-lovers. Along with her new and exquisite all-female sextet: Maqueque.
Saturday, August 12
LAILA BIALI –
7:00pm – 9:00pm,
Biali is an award-winning Canadian pianist and vocalist, who has has been garnering world-wide recognition for her music. Her accolades include SOCAN Composer of The Year, and Keyboardist of The Year at Canada’s National Jazz Awards.
 Amanda Martinez Saturday, August 12
AMANDA MARTINEZ –
3:00pm – 5:00pm
Amanda Martinez is a Toronto-based singer-songwriter whose music blends her unique Mexican and South African roots with flamenco soul. Her solo CDs have garnered her multiple nominations for Latin Jazz Performer of The Year.
Sunday, August 13
KELLYLEE EVANS –
3:00pm – 5:00pm
Born in Scarborough, Kellylee Evans is a chameleon-like performer, whose natural charm and improvisational jazz vocal style have shined on her adventurous journey through jazz, soul, pop and hip-hop over the past decade.
Every square inch of the patio is taken up – some people sit on the sidewalk on the other side of the street to listen to the music.
It is unfortunate that Performing Arts staff have in the past taken up some of the prime space – this is a public event – not a perk for staff.
The downtown lifers know a good deal and they arrive in droves.
By Staff
August 9th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
If someone calls you, s6ays they are from the city and asks to make an appointment to come to your home and inspect water and gas meters inside your home – you should know the call is fraudulent – the city isn’t going to call and offer to help you.
That is not the business municipal governments are in
The city continues to receive reports of phone calls being received by Burlington residents from an individual claiming to be a City of Burlington employee. The caller asks residents to set up an appointment time to inspect water and gas meters inside their homes. These are fraudulent phone calls
Residents who have called the number displayed on their call display got the “number not in service” message.
The fraud unit at Halton Regional Police Service as well as Halton Region and Union Gas have been notified.
The city is also posting information on its social media sites about the fraudulent calls.
If it looks too good to be true – you should know it isn’t. Municipal governments don’t call citizens – they do respond to citizen complaints.
By Staff
July 28, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The southbound lane on Brant Street, just south of Victoria Avenue, will be closed on Saturday, July 29, 2017 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for excavation work.
 Brant Street – looking south – part of the road will be closed for some excavation work.
By Staff
July 24th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Blathwayte Lane from Elgin Street to Ontario Street will be closed daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for two weeks beginning Monday July 31, 2017
Local access will be maintained from Ontario Street.
 Construction adjacent to Blathwayte Lane
By Staff
July 23, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
 The Burlington Canal Lift Bridge will be closed in the evenings to vehicular and pedestrian traffic in both directions between 8 pm and 5 am from Monday, July 24, to the morning of Saturday, July 29
Marine traffic will not be affected.
The closures are required as part of the project to replace the bridge’s controls, drives and cables.
By Staff
July 11th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
 Traffic lights to be upgraded at the Harvester Road – Cumberland intersection. On Thursday, July 13, 2017 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Harvester Road will be reduced to one lane in both directions so the traffic signals can be replaced at Cumberland Road.
While the traffic signals are turned off, Halton Region Police will manage the traffic control.
For more information:
905-335-7671, ext. 7847
By Staff
July 10, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
 Trip planner software down for maintenance. Different kind of plastic has to be used. A system upgrade to Tripplanner.burlington.ca is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. on Tuesday July 11, 2017 until end of service.
This will also affect access to Next Bus information available by phone.
For assistance during this time, please try www.triplinx.ca or Google Transit for online trip planning or access the print-friendly schedules on our website.
 By Staff
July 9th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
August 21st – the Official opening of the brand new and rebuilt parts of the Joseph Brant Hospital will take place – lots of hoopla and everyone being proud of a job well done.
Now we all have to figure out how to use the place.
Getting there will be different; the entrance will be in a different place and the drive will take you along Lakeshore Road as it cuts towards the lake edge.
The hospital communications usually do an excellent job of getting information out and in the early stages there will be all kinds of people on hand to get you to where you want to go.
The public has had to come of with $120 million of the cost of the new hospital – $60 million is being paid by the taxpayer – seperate line on your tax bill and an additional $60 million that is being raised by the hospital Foundation. They are in the final stretch of the fund raising effort.
For the immediate future the graphic below shows you the fundamentals.
 By Staff
June 9th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
It isn’t a big deal until there is a depot of someone being infected with the West Nile Virus (WNV).
 The infections get to us from mosquitoes that care carrying the virus.
A batch of mosquitoes trapped last week in Oakville has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). This is the first batch of WNV positive mosquitoes confirmed in Halton this year.
“The Halton Region Health Department works diligently to reduce the risk of West Nile virus in our community through both education and preventative programs such as larviciding,” said Dr. Daniela Kempkens, Acting Medical Officer of Health, Halton Region.
“We can all work together to keep our community safe and protect ourselves from West Nile virus by removing standing water sites that breed mosquitos and covering up or applying DEET or Icaridin when outside during dusk and dawn.”
Urban areas are more likely to have mosquitoes that carry WNV. The types of mosquitoes that transmit WNV to humans most commonly breed in urban areas, typically in places that hold water such as bird baths, plant pots, old toys, and tires.
Residents can take the following steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes:
• Cover up. Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants with tightly-woven fabric.
• Use an approved insect repellent, such as one containing DEET or Icaridin.
• Avoid being outdoors from early evening to morning when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, as well as at any time in shady, wooded areas.
• Make sure your window and door screens are tight and without holes, cuts or other openings.
• Reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home by getting rid of all water-filled containers and objects, where possible. Change the water in bird baths at least once per week.
To report standing water at public facilities or for more information about West Nile virus, please visit halton.ca/wnv, call 311 or e-mail wnv@halton.ca.
 By Staff
July 7, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Canal Lift Bridge will be closed for periods of time between July 10 and July 29, 2017.
The bridge will be closed overnight to vehicular and pedestrian traffic in both directions between 8 pm and 5 am during the following periods:
from Monday, July 10, to the morning of Saturday, July 15
from Monday, July 17, to the morning of Saturday, July 22
from Monday, July 24, to the morning of Saturday, July 29
 Rush hour and marine traffic will not be affected.
This schedule may change because of weather conditions or logistical requirements. PSPC will publish notices regarding any schedule changes.
The closures are required as part of the project to replace the bridge’s controls, drives and cables.
The replacement of key components of the bridge’s lift system will extend its serviceable life, meeting the needs of both marine and vehicular traffic in the area.
By Staff
June 21, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
This is good news – timely as well.
The Nelson pool and splash pad are targeted to reopen on Saturday, July 15
The Recreational swims will be held daily between 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. Lap time swims can be found at: www.burlington.ca/
 Bigger and better – but no sponsorship. In 2015 the city announced that “with two severe winter seasons back-to-back, the steel tank at Nelson Pool has seen an accelerated rate of deterioration,” said Chris Glenn, director of parks and recreation. “Ensuring public safety is our top priority, and thus the need to keep Nelson Pool closed.”
Getting the pool re-built generated some vociferous debate when Ward 4 Councillor Jack Dennison wanted to hand the job off to the private sector and have a new pool in for the following summer
City manager James Ridge suggested a plan like that was not very prudent and that 2017 was the more likely with 2018 a possible opening date as well.
When the announcement on the made on the size of the pool and when it was most likely to open the city also released a report on possible sponsorship for the pool.
During a discussion on fund raising for the Nelson pool reference was made to the consultant’s analysis which estimated value for a Facility Naming Sponsor could range between $300,000 to $350,000. It is also recommended that the payment terms could be as follows:
• $30,000 – $35,000* annually for an agreement term of 8 to 10 years
• Incentive to pay upfront: 15% discount = $297,500 – $250,500
• Paid within 3 years: 10% discount = $315,000 – $270,000
There doesn’t appear to have been a taker for this deal.
Look for the photo ops when the pool opens. We recall watching Mike Wallace get himself soaked at the opening of a splash pad in Ward 3 – he was the Member of Parliament at the time.
Perhaps all seven members of city council will take a leap into the water.
By Staff
June 15th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Due to road closures, there will be temporary detours in place as follows:
Routes 3 and 5 from Friday, June 16 – Sunday, June 18:
 Some of the buses will not be on the streets they are normally running on. Beginning Friday, June 16 at 3 p.m. through to Sunday, June 18, 2017, Brant Street will be closed from Lakeshore Road to Caroline Street.
Routes 3 and 5 will use John Street up to Caroline Street. For service, please move to stops north of Caroline or to the downtown Transit Terminal (430 John St.).
Routes 4 and 10 on Saturday, June 17:
For the Sound of Music Parade on Saturday, June 17, portions of Drury Lane and James Street will be closed between 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. resulting in detours to Routes 4 and 10 during this time.
For service to Route 4, please move to New Street or north of Woodward Avenue on Drury Lane. Route 10 passengers can still board their buses at the downtown Transit Terminal (430 John St.).
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