 By Pepper Parr
November 27th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
For all of December you will be able to park your car at a city parking meter in the downtown core FREE.
City hall seems to feel that is the benefit.
The real benefit is we won’t have to squint into that little screen to read the instructions when the sun makes it all but impossible to reads the instructions.
It is a Free P – in downtown Burlington for the fifth year
The parking is free in city lots and on-street parking spaces.
 Parking meter wrapped for the month of December – parking is free for the month.  Brian Dean with Councillor Marianne Meed Ward the day the new parking meters were installed. Free P allows vehicles to park in on-street parking spaces for free for up to three hours. For vehicles parked in municipal parking lots or the parking garage at 414 Locust St., there is no maximum time limit. Overnight parking in municipal lots is also allowed.
Motorists with downtown parking permits are reminded to continue to park in their assigned parking lot throughout the month of December in order to maximize the number of parking spaces available for visitors.
The City of Burlington provides 1,500 municipal parking spaces in downtown Burlington and offers free parking year-round in the downtown Monday to Friday after 6 p.m. and all day Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
Brian Dean, Executive Director of the Burlington Downtown Business Association and Chair of the Downtown Parking Committee explains that the “goal is to keep downtown’s unique shopping and dining experiences top of mind for residents and visitors this holiday season. We want to encourage patrons to explore even more of the services downtown by removing a parking fee from the equation this December.”
 By Staff
November 4th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
 Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement regarding a low pressure system that will be moving through Southern Ontario starting tonight and extending through Sunday. Appreciable amounts of rain are likely in many areas especially Sunday and Sunday night with forecasted amounts ranging between 25 to 40 mm.
Riverine flooding is not anticipated, however potential rainfall amounts combined with saturated ground conditions may result in higher than normal water levels and flows in local streams.
 Water levels in watershed creeks will rise significantly during the weekend. Caution around the edges of creeks – especially with children. Conservation Halton is asking all residents and children to stay away from all watercourses and structures such as bridges, culverts and dams. Elevated water levels, fast flowing water, and slippery conditions along stream banks continue to make these locations extremely dangerous. Please alert children in your care of these imminent dangers.
This Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety will be in effect through Monday November 6, 2017. Conservation Halton will continue to monitor stream and weather conditions and will provide updates as required.
 By Staff
November 4th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
 It’s a small, independent bookstore that has been in business for more than forty years and continues to draw top level authors. offers A Different Drummer Books has put together a program that anyone interested in how authors create the books they write will be interested in attending.
Robyn Harding and Roz Nay will be in conversation with Linda Simmons on Friday November 17 – 7pm at A Different Drummer Books
Admission is free – they do want you to register.
 Robyn Harding wrote The Party – a powerful novel of family tragedy and harrowing social descent. Roz Nay, wrote Our Little Secret, a stunning, taut and adroitly designed thriller.
Lynda Simmons, an accomplished novelist and creative writing instructor, will lead her fellow authors in a discussion of their books and the writer’s art.
Sounds like something worth the time
Please register at diffdrum@mac.com
Put Please reserve a place for me on November 17. in the subject line.
By Staff
November 3, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The clocks go back an hour – which means an additional hour of snooze time for you on Sunday.
It is amazing just how many of us forget or neglect to make the change – thankfully our computers make the change automatically for us.
 There are easier ways to move the hands of a clock.
 By Staff
November 3rd, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Prospect Street, from Guelph Line to Regency Court will be closed nightly from November 6 to 25, between 9:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
 From Guelph line west to Regency Court – road closures.
By Staff
November 1st, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
There is maintenance work to be done to the city’s online services.
 It will take place on Monday, November. 6 at 10 p.m. and it is expected to take at least an hour.
Online services:
• Online business license renewal
• Online Property information requests
will be unavailable during maintenance service on
 By Staff
October 31st, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
New provincial rules ban city council candidates from accepting corporate and union donations, change the maximum allowable gifts, and regulate third-party interventions in next fall’s municipal elections. There is also a restriction on how much can be spent on post-election gifts and parties.
The new rules limit the length of the campaign. It will start on May first instead of the traditional January 1, and nominations will not be accepted after July 27 rather than the former late September deadline. The election will take place on October 22.
 Pete Ward photographing his wife when she filed her nomination papers last time around. Will Marianne Meed Ward be filing nomination papers on May 1, 2018. The elimination of corporate and union monies from the coffers of candidates could assist challengers who in past elections have been financially out-matched by well-established incumbents.
The new rules approved earlier this year increase the maximum individual donation to a candidate to $1200 giving extra power to wealthier donors. The previous maximum was $750. However total allowable donations by an individual to two or more candidates remains at $5000.
That’s also the maximum that a third party can spend in advertising on behalf of one or more candidates.
“A third party advertisement is a message in any medium (billboard, newspaper, radio, etc.) that supports or opposes a candidate or a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote on a question on the ballot,” explains the provincial government website on the new rules. “Third party advertising does not include issues-based advertising so groups that do public outreach can continue their issued-based advocacy work throughout the municipal election period.”
 Jack Dennison has always been very very coy about whether or not he is going to run again – wild horses couldn’t hold him back. Who funds his campaign is another matter altogether. Corporations and unions as well as individuals can register as third party participants in the municipal election campaign, but their ads must identify the funder. That allows corporate and union monies to continue to influence the election outcomes but who is backing who will be evident before election day, rather than the previous system where voters only found out when campaign financial reports were filed months after voting day.
“Third party advertising must be done independently of candidates, who are not able to direct a third party advertiser,” warns the provincial government. “Candidates are not able to register as third party advertisers.”
Candidates will still be allowed to pour large amounts of their own monies into their campaign.
 Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward held her campaign announcement at the Art Gallery and was told by the City Clerk that her supporters could not wear their campaign T-shirts on city property. An asinine interpretation of the Municipal Act. A candidate for mayor can contribute $7,500 plus 20 cents for each elector entitled to vote for the office or $25,000, whichever is less.
A candidate for council can contribute $5,000 plus 20 cents for each elector entitled to vote for the office or $25,000, which is less.”
We are indebted to CATCH xxx for this information
By Staff
October 27, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The southbound lane on Brant Street, just south of Victoria Avenue, will be closed on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for road paving.
 One side of Brant Street to be paved on Saturday Southbound traffic will be detoured to the west, down Locust Street.
Northbound traffic will be maintained.
Signs and barricades will be up and Halton Regional Police Services will be on site to help with the detour.
Access to properties along Brant Street will be maintained at all times.
For more information, contact Florin Patrau at 905-335-7671
 By Staff
October 12, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Ward 4 Councillor Jack Dennison asked: “How fortunate we are to live in a city which provides Leaf Collection?”
And then he hands out a “thank you” to city staff for “the tremendous efforts” of the city’s Roads & Parks Maintenance (RPM) team who coordinate and carry out this service. Based on last year’s collection schedule RPM staff revised this year’s Leaf Collection as follows:
 Specific dates have not yet been determined. The RPM are going to be more cautious this year. Collection will start the week of Nov. 6, 2017, with the last collection scheduled for the week of Dec. 11, 2017. A reminder that after the last pick updates, there will be no further collection from the city. For more details including guidelines to ensure a smooth-running pick-up, visit Leaf Collection.
 Leaf pick zone boundaries. Last year the people with trees on their property were very upset – with very few good words for city staff.
It was brutal. One south Burlington resident said:
“Who is responsible for this lack of proper planning/scheduling? I do understand that scheduling must be done in advance but surely City Hall has access to the same long-term weather reports as I do?
“And I assume city staff responsible are capable of looking outside to see how much of the leaf fall has occurred? None of this has happened with the consequent poor results. What is the City going to do to rectify this?”
Related article:
 By Pepper Parr
October 2, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington that many people want to stay just the same as it was thirty years ago have just a few days to enjoy an ice cream cone at Easterbrook’s on New Street.
Word from staff at the location is that the property has been sold.
 Easterbrook’s as it is today.
Someone will be getting bold and asking the city to give them height and density the city needs.
Times they are a changing indeed.
 This is what the city planners think the Guelph Line – New Street plaza COULD look like.  This is what the Guelph Line – New Street plaza looks like today. The Guelph Line New Street location isn’t part of one of the mobility hubs but the planners have high hopes and great expectations that something van be done with the plaza on the east side of Guelph Line – adding residential to the mix of that commercial site.
By Staff
September 27, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
On Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., there will be several road closures due to the CIBC Run for the Cure, which will affect Burlington Transit Routes 3, 4 and 10.
 There are some routes that will not have bus service on October 1st Route 3 will not service Guelph Line south of Woodward Avenue, or Lakeshore Road between Guelph Line and the John Street Terminal. Instead, Route 3 will use Woodward Avenue, Drury Lane and New Street
Route 4 will not service Teen Tour Way. Instead, it will use Drury Lane.
Route 10 will not service New Street between Drury Lane and Woodview Road. Instead, it will use Drury Lane, Prospect Street, Cumberland Avenue, Rexway Drive and Woodview Road.
By Staff
September 19th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Spring Gardens Road, near Valley Inn Road, will be closed for road work from Monday, September 25 to Friday, November 17, 2017.
For more information, contact Frank Vuk
frank.vuk@burlington.ca
 By Staff
September 19th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board’s Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) will be hosting the 10th Annual Parent Engagement Conference on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Craig Kielburger Secondary School in Milton (1151 Ferguson Drive). The theme of the conference, held from 8:15 a.m. – 2:40 p.m., will be, 21st Century Student Success: Creating a Culture of Equity, Inclusion & Well-Being. Registration is open.
This year’s conference features keynote speaker Candy Palmater (Canadian activist, comedian and award-winning TV and CBC radio personality) on ‘The Road Less Travelled: Educational Leadership in a Diverse World’.
 Candy Palmater, social activist and a great entertainer. She is worth the drive to Milton From student council president in a small rural high school and valedictorian of her law school class to obtaining a Master of Education and appearing in a national TV show, Palmater’s accomplishments are unique and inspiring. She has made strides in public service at the federal and provincial level, delving into issues around self-acceptance and diversity in her motivational talks and comedy routines. She will, through words of guidance and personal stories, share her passionate perspective on equity, self- acceptance and inclusivity.
The theme of this year’s PIC conference will provide a variety of engaging workshops that address topics such as mathematics, literacy, promoting positive mental health for students, career pathways, diversity and healthy friendships.
 The Halton District School Board recognizes the important role parents play in the development of their children and in their success at school. The annual PIC conference provides parents/guardians with the opportunity to network, share ideas, offer input and enjoy informative presentations on various education related topics throughout the school year.
No mention in the media release on how parents can protect the schools they have in their neighbourhoods
Registration form
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.
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