 By Staff
February 22, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
At some point people serving on a Board of Directors need to move on.
It becomes essential to ensure that every Board, be it a commercial operation or a Not for Profit, have a plan in place to to replace a person who leaves a Bard after completing their term of office. Being a Board member is not a lifetime commitment.
 Board succession planning is a critical task designed to ensure the health of the Board and its ability to govern and provide leadership to the organization it serves. A well-developed board succession plan enables the nonprofit’s team to minimum negative impacts caused by departures, which helps maintain a consistent work flow during transitions.
Join presenter Heather Johnson for Succession Planning: Developing a Board Building Strategy on Tuesday February 27, 2024 at 1:00pm. The third in the CDH Educates 2024 workshop series, this workshop will walk you through how to develop a succession plan for your Board and Committees to conduct year-round recruitment for these very important roles.
This workshop is for: CEOs, Chairperson, senior leadership team members and everyone who is involved in the recruitment and orientation of new Board and Committee members.
SUCCESION PLANNING: Developing a Board Building Strategy
Tuesday February 27, 2024
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Via ZOOM
Registration is now open! Register today at cdhalton.ca/events
Registration closes on Monday February 26 at 4:00pm.
 By Staff
February 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
New this spring!
Parking fees in high demand lots and all on-street metered parking spaces on will increase starting March 1st, 2024.
Drivers will need to pay for parking in three out of the 14 municipal parking lots and metered on-street spaces on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking is free after 6 p.m.
Users with a valid accessible parking permit or City-issued Veteran Parking Permit may still park in any space for free if the accessible spaces are occupied.
New Saturday parking fees
The three lots are: 1, 4 and 5. Users will need to pay for parking in these lots and metered on-street parking from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Parking is free in most other Downtown Burlington lots, including the Waterfront Parking Garage at 414 Locust St., on weekends and holidays.
Downtown parking fee increases
For the first time in 10 years, all downtown metered on-street parking spaces and lots will see a rate increase of $0.25 per hour. The rate increases will help fund lot maintenance, infrastructure and resurfacing and are:
- Hourly rate increase from $1.75 to $2 per hour
- Daily maximum parking fee increase from $14 to $18
- Monthly permits increase from $83 to $91 and from $132 to $151
Hourly and daily users can pay their parking fees through the HONK mobile app. Users do not have to download the app but can scan the QR code on parking lot signage to pay for parking. Monthly permit holders will receive a letter outlining their increases, renewal and payment options.
For downtown parking options, visit burlington.ca/downtownparking.
Visitors are encouraged to consider taking Burlington Transit, cycling, walking and leaving their cars at home.
Timing, Impacts and Basis
The City of Burlington periodically review their rates and fees for downtown parking. The last fee increase was 10 years ago in 2014.
 Part of the urban experience. Studies show that with intensification in the downtown core, many lots are approaching capacity. A rate increase will encourage turn over in these lots and help to pay for lot maintenance, infrastructure and resurfacing.
Research on neighbouring municipalities confirmed that these rates are consistent with their parking fees. For example, to park in Downtown Hamilton, user fees range from $3 to $3.25 per hour. To park in Downtown Oakville, user fees are $2 per hour.
Burlington is a City where people, nature and business thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/subscribe and follow @CityBurlington on social media.
Why are they doing this? Manager, Integrated Mobility Transportation, Kaylan Edgcumbe explains: “Parking spaces in our most popular lots are limited and the lots fill quickly. We are introducing paid parking on Saturdays to help manage the parking and traffic flow. In collaboration with the Downtown Parking Committee, we recognize that visitors come to the downtown, not only for shopping and services, but to access recreational opportunities and enjoy Spencer Smith Park and the waterfront. In order to maintain equitable access to the waterfront and recreational destinations, Saturday paid parking be extended to on-street and “premium” surface lots only. This option aims to balance parking demand by incentivizing use of the free lots for longer-duration stays that are located further away from the Brant Street retail area. We also hope that this encourages downtown visitors to look at other modes of transportation to help reduce greenhouse gases. Less automobile use within the downtown will support a more walkable community and active modes of travel.”
HONK mobile app
By Staff
February 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON. ON
Anything to get the narrative off the bad, really really bad news off the front page. Keep an eye out fpr the photo ops that will follow the announcement.
The Ontario government is keeping costs down for drivers by introducing legislation that would, if passed, ban tolls on provincial highways. This ban would apply to the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway once uploaded to the province, as well as the province’s 400-series highways.
Why would they say: “If passed” The have a clear majority of seats – they can, and have, done whatever they wanted.
 Premier Doug Ford is on a mission to keep costs down for families and businesses. “Our government under the leadership of Premier Ford is on a mission to keep costs down for families and businesses,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “First, we scrapped the tolls on Highways 412 and 418, now we’re protecting drivers from the costs of new tolls. Together with our cut in the gas tax and eliminating the licence plate sticker fee, we’re saving drivers hundreds of dollars every year.”
To further keep costs down for people, the province is also proposing to make the current freeze on driver’s licence and Ontario Photo Card fees permanent through legislation, saving drivers an estimated $66 million over the next five years. By legislating the current freeze, which was originally put in place through regulation and which has saved applicants $22 million since 2019, the government is ensuring that any future increases can only be made through legislation.
What a driver wants to know is: How much am I going to say personally. Truth – not all that much.
The province is also proposing to save drivers time by automating the licence plate renewal process starting this summer, saving vehicle owners more than 900,000 hours each year. This follows recent action by the government to eliminate the cost of renewing your vehicle permit. Until the automatic renewal process begins, drivers are still required to renew their licence plates at no cost, which can be done online or in person at ServiceOntario. The automatic renewal process will only be available to drivers in good standing who do not have outstanding fines or tickets.
These measures are part of upcoming legislation that will kick off the spring sitting of the legislature on February 20, 2024. The Get It Done Act will include a variety of measures that, if passed, would build on the government’s commitments to date to streamline approvals for major infrastructure projects and housing, keep costs down for people and businesses, and support economic growth for long-term prosperity.
Isn’t Get It Done what Ryan Amato said to the bureaucrats when moving properties out of the Greenbelt.
Ryan Amato, was chief of staff for Cabinet Minister for SteveClark, who later also resigned. Amato played a key role in choosing and opening up Greenbelt land for housing development.
With Ontario’s population expected to grow by five million people over the next decade, the province is moving forward with building Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass. These highways will bring relief to one of the most congested corridors in North America, helping commuters save 30 minutes a trip so they can spend time doing what matters most to them.
 September 2023: Long-delayed Eglinton Crosstown LRT has no target date for completion, says Metrolinx CEO Over the next ten years, Ontario is also investing more than $70 billion to transform public transit in the province, which includes the largest subway expansion in Canadian history, including the Ontario Line, the Scarborough Subway Extension, the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension and the Yonge North Subway Extension. The province is also moving forward with plans to extend the Hazel McCallion Light Rail Transit line by building the Mississauga loop and bringing the line into downtown Brampton and is calling on the federal government to join in a cost-sharing partnership to deliver two-way, all-day GO service on the Milton line.
The media release was followed by a list of people who had nice things to say about the planned legislation including:
– Todd McCarthy
Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery
– Kevin Ashe
Mayor of Pickering
– Steven Del Duca
Mayor of Vaughan
– Frank Notte
Director of Government Relations, Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario
– Teresa Di Felice
AVP, Government & Community Relations, CAA Club Group
– Stephen Laskowski
President, Ontario Trucking Association (OTA)
– Vince Accardi
President, Ontario Motor Coach Association and Motor Coach Canada
– Sara Anghel
CEO, Greater Toronto Hotel Association
By Vincent Hawkins
February 8th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Trading can often feel like trying to catch a bus in rush hour – you need to be in the right place, at the right time and have your fare ready.
In the trading world, your fare is a combination of sharp knowledge, timely decisions and an understanding of market trends, which includes staying abreast of changing Forex rates to navigate the currents of the global marketplace effectively.
Many in Burlington, whether they’re small business owners keeping an eye on import costs or individual traders, know that staying on top of these rates can be as crucial as the morning weather forecast.
Understanding the Pulse of the Markets
 Understanding the signals the market is sending is vital – coping with all the available data takes time to master. Before diving headfirst into trades, it’s important to feel the market’s pulse, much like you’d test the waters before a dip in Lake Ontario. Factors such as Forex rates, economic reports, policy changes and even significant local events can cause ripples through the markets.
Being receptive to these signals is essential for traders who wish to capitalize on opportunities or steer clear of potential storms. Just as Burlington buzzes with the latest community news, traders must tap into global updates that shape the financial landscape.
 Monitoring the ebb and flow of the market. An adept trader monitors the ebb and flow of the market much like a skilled captain watches the changing winds. By embracing the dynamic and ever-shifting nature of the financial world, one can adeptly navigate through unexpected swells of market volatility.
Probing beyond the surface of raw data and delving into the deeper currents of geopolitical events, trade agreements and regulatory changes, provides traders with the foresight needed to make calculated moves in an otherwise unpredictable market.
Technical Analysis Demystified
Talking about technical analysis at a weekend barbecue in Spencer Smith Park might seem out of place, but in reality, it’s not much different from discussing hockey stats.
Technical analysis simply involves examining past market data to predict future price movements. Think of it as reading the story of past seasons to anticipate the next champion. Charting tools and indicators can help identify trends and patterns, providing insights that are invaluable when making trading decisions, whether you’re in an uptown office or your Burlington home study.
Unlocking the secrets of technical analysis equips traders with a strategic edge. By delving into complex patterns and price movements, traders decode the messages within the market’s fluctuations. Mastering this cryptic language can distinguish between a novice trader and a sage market tactician.
The adept use of technical tools like moving averages, Fibonacci retracements and Bollinger Bands act as a compass in the wilderness of market data, guiding decisions with precision.
Trading Tools and How They Simplify the Process
In today’s world, tools and apps simplify everything from ordering a coffee to renovating your dream home. Trading is no different. Using the right tools can make the process more efficient and user-friendly.
 Customizing the data you want to track is now amongst the many tools that you can use. While not all platforms are created equal, most offer essential features like real-time quotes, interactive charts and risk management options. Imagine having the ability to check financial markets as easily as you check Burlington transit schedules, all from your smartphone.
In an age where convenience is king, trading tools are akin to the multifunctional devices in our daily lives. They provide streamlined efficiency at our fingertips, enabling traders to react swiftly to market changes from anywhere, at any time.
These instruments offer a wealth of resources, from algorithmic trading options for those who prefer a set-and-forget approach to customizable interfaces that appeal to the hands-on investor. Embracing these modern marvels can maximize trading efficiency and elevate one’s approach to new heights.
Crafting a Personalized Trading Plan
With a bevy of festivals and live events, Burlington residents are no strangers to planning. A trading plan is much like your event calendar; it personalizes your approach, sets your objectives and outlines the steps to achieve them. It may involve a daily review of Forex rates or setting alerts for market news. A plan incorporates your risk tolerance and goals, guides your trades, and, like a good community event, should leave room for flexibility as situations evolve.
A trading plan, meticulously crafted, is the backbone of any successful trader’s strategy. It’s as tailored and personal as one’s fitness routine or dietary preferences, taking into account individual financial goals, timelines and risk appetite.
A good trading plan is both a blueprint and a compass, constructed with clear milestones and checkpoints to keep one on course. It is the trader’s personal manifesto, metamorphosing raw ambition into a well-oiled road map for financial success.
Psychology of Trading in Action
Ever watched a game at Brant Street Pier and noticed the focus and discipline of athletes? That’s not too far off from what’s required in trading. Emotions play a significant part in making decisions, but staying disciplined is crucial.
Avoid the pitfalls of reactive decisions driven by fear or excitement. Align your trading with steady, informed strategies, mirroring the emotional stability of Burlington’s seasoned sailors guiding their vessels through shifting winds.
Tailoring Strategies to Market Cycles
As sure as the leaves turn crimson in fall, market cycles have their own seasons. Recognizing and adjusting your tactic to match these cycles is as vital as swapping out your wardrobe for the Canadian weather.
There are times for aggressive strategies and periods when caution is king. Understanding these patterns will not only prevent financial frostbite but also prime you for a harvest when the market is ripe.
 The adrenaline rush of the reward is not the result of luck – it is about understanding and managing your levels of risk. Balancing Risk and Reward
Sensible traders treat risk much like a balanced diet – necessary for health but best enjoyed in moderation. Calculating the risk-reward ratio of your trades lets you gauge if potential gains are worth the risks, akin to comparing the satisfaction of a dessert with its calorie count.
Burlington’s budget-savvy citizens know it’s all about getting the best value – and the same applies to trading. Managing risk might mean missing out on some ‘big wins’, but it also steers you clear of devastating losses.
Beyond Borders – Global Markets and You
Even within the charming enclaves of Burlington, it’s clear that what happens globally can hit close to home. Fluctuations in European markets, for instance, can affect the Forex rates and, subsequently, the price of imported goods in local shops.
By understanding these global dynamics, traders can make more informed decisions. The aim is to cultivate a worldview that sees beyond our borders, recognizing that in the tapestry of trading, every thread has its significance.
 By Pepper Parr
February 6th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Good morning Committee of the Whole and Mayor Meed Ward.
It’s a pleasure to be here. I am representing the Burlington for Accessible Sustainable Transit. We’ve been working for 12 years now on on trying to press for improvements in transit throughout the throughout the city. But today, we want to raise some concerns, specific concerns, about the Robert Bateman Community Centre development and in particular.
 Doug Brown, a long time leader of Bfast. We are concerned that the report is looking at parking in isolation from the overall impact of the project on transportation. It’s our opinion that the report is not aligned with the Official Plan which requires an increase in transit modal share. from the current 3% to 15%. There’s an implicit assumption that students attending the Brock University satellite campus, and other community centre users will all drive and park. It is our view that the city needs to develop a strategy to encourage students and community centre users to get to Bateman by transit or active transportation. So like to just elaborate on that. The report reports focus on parking and its lack of any measures to increase transit negative transportation modes is counter to our official plan or climate action plan and our integrated mobility plan.
Among the measures that should be assessed by staff is the charging and implementation of a transit pass for students over the brook sadly campus such as exist at McMaster University. The reports focus on parking and its lack of any measures to increase transit and active transportation modes is counter to the city’s official plan. What is needed is a transportation study to develop a plan. Planning for only car access will result in more car use and result in more emissions and congestion.
I’d like to refer staff and council to some of the extensive research on parking requirements in a classic book, the High Cost of Free Parking by Donald Shoup
 I have a copy here which you can see is an I’ve been making extensive use of it’s a real compendium of, of evidence based studies and it’s published by the American Planning Association so it is widely accepted and closer to home. I’d like to point out the findings of Matt Pender has an engineer who works on transportation planning, and he did a study while it’s I think 10 years ago of the impact of paid parking on transit use in central and suburban Hamilton and the results are really quite compelling. So for commuters that had free parking network, transit use was 5%. For those that did not have free parking network, transit use was 23%. So almost a five fold increase in transit use, there’d be a very effective measure to reduce parking requirements and traffic congestion. Others have request the same analysis. And as a final comment, I’d like to express my disappointment in the engagement process.
I had planned to provide these comments at a public meeting held at Tansley Woods many months ago, but was stopped by the facilitator who said that they would only take the comments regarding the building itself. I asked when I could make comments and did not get a clear reply. This is an odd engagement. This summarizes my current comments. I’d be glad to respond to any questions.
Mayor Meed Ward then said: “Thank you very much just looking to the board and I’m not seeing any questions at the moment. So thank you very much for joining us.
It looked as if there were not going to be any questions until Councillor Sharman said: One of the last things that you said actually sparked my question so I appreciate your patience. One of the themes that I’ve heard has been around being able to only provide feedback and different chunks or fragments or pieces, but not necessarily an opportunity to do visioning as a whole. Would would you recommend another engagement session at this point knowing how far along we are with actual contracted plans?
 Doug Brown: “There has to be a lot more effort into publicizing these public information sessions.” Brown responds: Yes, because I don’t think you’ve got the needed public input. I think an earlier delegation made that clear for you. And yeah, I think another session should be should be held.
Sharman had a follow up question: Shouldn’t we at this point, be seeing many more people at the podium than then to for such an update? What would we measure as strong public engagement? At this point?
Brown: “I would say that’s maybe a failure to communicate with a broad public because I was unaware that this was on the agenda until I got the Mayor’s newsletter on Friday. I was the only one that saw anything; I think there has to be a lot more effort into publicizing these public information sessions.
 By Oubaida Ikharbine
February 5th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Morning, my name is Oubaida Ikharbine.
I am a proud and loyal citizen of Burlington and alumni of Robert Bateman High School. I’m here to speak on a matter that is not just close to my heart, but resonates with the heartbeat of our community. The preservation, protection and defence of the running track and field at the future Robert Bateman Community Center. The City of Burlington has taken an admirable step toward sustainability and community building by re-purposing the Robert Bateman high school into a multipurpose asset. However, the initiative has been marred by controversy division and scandal to the issues with with plans prostheses and, and reports surrounding this project.
 Oubaida Ikharbine: “The running track and field which has been a cornerstone of our neighbourhood for numerous decades should not be turned into a parking lot,” This has put a crucial element of our community’s fabric at risk, not only the running track and field which has been a cornerstone of our neighbourhood for numerous decades, but also the setting of a dangerous precedent that will surely be judged by future generations. Instead of protecting, defending and upgrading our already limited running tracks and sports fields. Our little corner of paradise in southern Ward five, the city has decided to make way for divisive and irreplaceable plans to build parking spaces. What someone likes to call the million dollar parking lot. This secret area is more than just a piece of land. It is a place where people come together to build friendships, enhance their physical and mental health and foster a sense of community. sporting groups come here to play and practice. Both fitness and leisure groups benefit from the existing infrastructure from the students of ascension from NAC elementary schools, who use it for gym and sports activities to our seniors, to our senior residents and young families, which you could save space for exercise and leisure. This space is a testament to the importance of an active and connected lifestyle. It is not just a 400 meter track and field. It is a symbol of our community’s vitality. It represents a future that is not centered around our current society, but a window to what could be for future generations. It is a part of our community’s DNA. It is our duty to protect it, not to destroy it. I like many others have grown up around this communal space. It’s where I’ve spent countless hours my friends enjoying the greenery and vibrancy of our community.
During the pandemic. It was one of the few places that served as a portal to a place of peace and solace without breaking any health guidelines. Today, it continues to thrive. It is a popular hub of activity during the warmer months. It is one of the only track and fields in southern Burlington that is open for free and public passive use without requiring a permit to be purchased. This communal landmark is a part of our identity and collective memory inspired by the delegation of Rachel Murphy, a fellow council member and various community members. I feel it is my duty as part of my civil service to carry the voice of those who feel unheard in this democratic process. The lack of proper and necessary public engagement is clear. There has been mixed messaging, misinformation and a lack of empathy for the community’s wants and needs, especially considering the trauma had to endure with the school closure.
 Where is the parking going to be – and how much parking should there be? The lack of proper public engagement is turning parts of this project into a fiasco by going forward this outrageous proposal to destroy a secret communal space some could argue the only one of its kind in southern Burlington. We are changing Burlington unofficial model to live, learn and play in this city to live, learn and park your cars. This is unacceptable. I’m here today to voice these concerns. And frustrations on the public record. And to say that enough is enough. We must find a new way forward to ensure this project success without destroying the community’s DNA. A shift away from cars has been deferred from generation to generation with a climate crisis unfolding political instability and the want to protect ensure that Burlington continues to be the best city to live in. My generation has been tasked to start what will be uncomfortable, but necessary change to the mechanics of our society. We understand the need for parking solutions for incoming tenants. However, demolishing a piece of our community soul for parking spaces is not the answer.
 Oubaida Ikharbine: “By adding a parking lot and destroying this precious space, we are perpetuating the problem of a car centric city.” The Burlington of the 20th century was designed for cars, but we cannot continue to subsidize driving cars and finding places to park them. Our future generations won’t be driving our cars anymore. That’s assuming we have enough fuel left to run them or can still afford them. It’s essential to plan for a city that doesn’t need to rely on them.
By adding a parking lot and destroying this precious space, we are perpetuating the problem of a car centric city. We have repeatedly suggested alternative parking solutions, such as underground or structured parking, utilizing nearby land for parking facilities or incorporating a bus pass into Brock University’s tuition. And increasing bus frequency during peak times. These solutions preserve our communal space and align with our city’s sustainability goals. We must plan for the future and pass on this asset to the next generation considering their needs and best interests. We cannot predict the future but we can use forecasted trends and societal innovations as a starting point to strategically plan for an inevitable car less society, a society where we take back our green spaces where they coexist harmoniously with public transit. A plan for the future that’s not in this room today, but instead at school enjoying the trucks and fields that they play on without worrying about paradise being paved over to put up a parking lot. The decision to close our school what was already a de facto community hub was made without our proper democratic input, leaving a lingering feeling of trauma for all those in the community. We fear that this is continuing with repurpose of the building today.
We have ideas on the Get Involved portal where an avenue public engagement is encouraged. An idea that received the most votes keep the track and field as his lawn signs have been distributed to spread information and awareness of the petition that has garnered over 860 signatures and counting. All screaming the same message stop the parking lot conversion. questions have been asked that mentioned the trauma and horror that was felt and endured by the committee the by the community during the park process only to be told the use of the park and the fate of the track will be will be determined by the mandated and legislated parking needs. How is this a respectful and mindful approach to community engagement? Today my generation who witnessed and was directly affected by the outcome of that decision stands to ensure that history does not repeat itself. We demand a transparent, genuine engaged engagement in the decision making process involving every concerned citizen we are not just demanding our truck and field, our communal Civic Center be left alone. We are advocating for preserving a legacy, a space that embodies our community spirit and resilience in order to be a productive member of society. It is my right to come here today and voice my concerns. But it is also my responsibility to be constructive and provide solutions to these issues. As a result, we are asking for the following four initiatives to be undertaken.
 The communication strategy employed by city officials needs to shift the tone from parking needs to emphasizing community engagement and involvement. Number one, stop the parking lot conversion.
Number two, establish a committee of citizens to review the staff report and act as a community advisory and steering team this committee should assess adjust, offer feedback and highlight the good aspects of a project that uses over 100 million taxpayer dollars. No topic should be off limits, including questions on asbestos removal, the purchase of the building green space modifications and parking issues. All decisions must adhere to the proper democratic principles, ensuring we are accountable to future generations seeking answers from history. The committee will gather community feedback and draft a detailed community report. This document will lay the groundwork for future efforts allowing for direct community involvement in the in the decision making process. It is crucial to provide a forum of direct democracy for this project. This group should be known as the Citizens Advisory Committee validating the community’s contributions and concerns.
Number three, provides communication strategy employed by city officials shift the tone from parking needs to emphasizing community engagement and involvement in this project. Ensure that messaging reflects a genuine commitment to understanding and fulfilling the desires of the community while eliminating elements that are not well received.
And number four, postpone the transfer of the Brock University Programs for one year. This delay will allow sufficient time for thorough evaluation and final decisions be made on numerous parts of this project, taking into account the community’s feedback and committee’s recommendations.
The In closing. I urge city council and all stakeholders to consider the profound impact the sacred space has on our community. We have the moral and ethical obligation to honour the history the heritage and the values it represents. We have an obligation to make a well informed, engaged and ethical decision that we and future generations can be proud of our decisions should should prioritize community engagement, social democracy, sustainability and unity over mere convenience based on yesterday’s parking needs. Let’s preserve not just an act of sanctuary, but the heart of our community. Let us make sure we do not set a very dangerous precedent that would destroy and threaten our running trucks and fields throughout this city. For the sake of putting up parking lots Thank you very much.
It was an outstanding delegation.
By Staff
January 30th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario Legislative Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy heard from two of Burlington’s city councillors and the Mayor.
The Standing Committee was visiting Ontario’s eight regional municipalities: Halton, York, Durham, Waterloo, Niagara, Peel, Muskoka District, and Oxford County and their lower-tier municipalities for their views on the provincial governments review.
Paul Sharman has this to say:
It’s a pleasure to be here. My name is Paul Sharman. I’m a ward 5 councillor for the city of Burlington in the region of Halton. I am also the deputy mayor of strategy, budget, process and performance, and president of Halton Community Housing Corp.
 Councillor Paul Sharman: I reorganize corporations. I’ll just take, very quickly, a few seconds to describe why I’m here and the perspective that I will offer you. I have been an elected official for 13 years now. I’ve won four elections. But I’m an accountant; I’m a management accountant. I’ve operated as a controller at Nortel and other companies but, more importantly, I ran a consulting firm—and still do—for 30 years.
What I do is reorganize corporations, including some very large corporations. The Canadian government has been a client of mine. I’ve reorganized companies like US West, Kellogg and many corporations like that. My perspective in what I’m about to say is that of a consultant, somebody who reorganizes corporations. I’ve spent many years focusing on downsizing, many years on process redesign, and many years on economic analysis and activity analysis and performance measurement.
I take none of this discussion lightly.
I’ll start off by saying that I have some general organization performance observations of all levels of government, but whatever I’m saying here especially relates to the building of new homes and the required future amenities and infrastructure, because it’s not just about housing. We cannot just have rows and rows of houses like chicken coops. It’s not the right answer. We have to make sure we think holistically about the needs of the community.
Burlington is one of the few communities in Canada, or, in fact, North America, as a result of the work we’ve done, that has a 25-year strategic planning horizon for the community. It’s not about getting elected officials re-elected. We need to change our thought processes to think about the future of our communities.
That said, what I can tell you is the following quite quick statements:
The first thing is all levels of government function in a highly siloed fashion—barriers around everything. There is much fragmentation of work within those silos. People drop work; they get redirected. In our own planning department, we do these things called refilings, because anything we can find to trip up the applicant, to send it back and keep them waiting for another year, we do. We’ve got so much work, we’ve got so many bylaws, and we have such complexity at every level of government, it stops us from being effective.
 Councillor Sharman: “We have poorly designed processes.” We have commenting agencies who are disconnected when dealing with our applications—45 of them. There is significant duplication of work between Halton and Burlington, for example. Why is that? Why don’t we actually plan our processes holistically from the province right the way through down to delivery of housing, instead of just having these disconnects which exist dramatically everywhere?
We have poorly designed processes—I don’t even think we have designed processes in government; they’ve evolved, just like they do everywhere. But unless you design them, they’re not going to work effectively.
We have inadequate focus on the future. We’re thinking about just the last five years or the next five years, but now we’re talking about millions of people coming in the next 30 years. When do we get our brains around redesigning government and all the infrastructure we need to make that happen? We’re not there. We haven’t done that.
We have lack of clarity around purpose. We don’t have clarity around performance expectations at every level. They’re not aligned. We don’t have a 30-year, 25-year strategy for Ontario. When are we going to do that? Because how do you expect anybody to deliver if we’re fuzzy and coming up with hare-brained schemes that we then reverse? It’s because we haven’t been sophisticated, we haven’t thought it through.
Inadequate understanding of roles and responsibilities relative to community at all levels, from strategy through process through services through activities and through KPIs—it’s not put together. How do we do it? How do we get anything done? How can we possibly expect to get speed in delivery of needed homes and services and infrastructure if we can’t even get our brains around how to make it go seamlessly from one level to the other and make it work? We don’t do that.
Finally, consequently, all the activities I see are hugely inefficient, hugely ineffective and very wasteful of taxpayers’ money. We can do better, and this is the room where I think you can influence it.
So, what works in the region? I can tell you. The first thing I’ll say is the employers at all levels of professions are impressive in many ways. I truly appreciate their professionalism, their patience and desire to be supportive of elected officials and regulations.
 Councillor Sharman: “I don’t like being told what to do. “ Operations in the region of exclusively controlled spheres which are mostly controlled by the province seem pretty good. But, actually, I don’t like being told what to do, because we have to have carriage of the buildings that we’re going to do in Burlington, so we need to say to other regions what we’re going to deliver, what we want them to deliver to us, not the other way round. I’m being consistent with the mayor’s thought process.
What doesn’t work well is—well, I’m going to start off with a statement, and you can believe this or not. You can take it as you like.
My belief is as region decisions are made, the only democratically elected representatives of any lower-tier municipality are the councillors of that lower-tier municipality and the region chair. Other members do not represent the interests of any other lower-tier municipality other than their own. That causes difficulties around that region table that we don’t need, which is why I’m supportive of the notion—absolutely no amalgamation.
But, furthermore, I want to give carriage to the lower-tier for everything, because it gets in the way when we find regional people saying, “Well, we’re in charge. That’s the way it will be done.” For example, we’ve got this open sewer running through the middle of Burlington called the QEW – but we can’t get control of the access and egress of that road during peak hours when that sewer blocks up and it spews all into our city roads. We talked to the province, and what’s the answer? “Oh, well, you should just, you know, have no parking requirements with high-rise towers.”
I am a long way from finished with this conversation. I have more to say. It’s all in the materials I’ve left with you, and I’ll be more than happy to have a conversation with any and all of you at your wish. Thank you.
Sharman certainly wasn’t pulling his punches. The Legislative Committee was hearing what Burlington residents have heard for the past 12 years.
Once each of the three made their seven minute address they were asked questions by the members of the Standing Committee that was made up of MPP’s who were part of the government and MPP’s who were part of the NDP opposition.
 Standing Committee member Mary Margaret McMahon told Sharman: “…this has got to be the most energetic and frank comment. I appreciate your candour. Honestly, you just tell it like it is.” Expect to see these comments in Sharman’s campaign literature in 2026 Ms. Mary-Margaret McMahon MPP for Beaches in Toronto said: “I have to say that your panel has got to be the most energetic and frank. I appreciate your candour. Honestly, you just tell it like it is.”
Mme Dawn Gallagher Murphy had a specific question for Sharman. ” I noted in your comments you talked about the complexity of all levels of government. You talked specifically about duplication of work. As it pertains to building more homes, could you give me a specific example of where duplication of work comes in that is perhaps preventing Burlington from making sure more homes can get built?
Mr. Paul Sharman: Sure. As you will know, there are different groups or organizations involved with approving the applications: the region, Conservation Halton and the city of Burlington. What happens is, they all take their time, and they all have their own rules and their own bylaws and all the rest of it. We can just do it all at the city. The duplication is that we’re going through the same administration process of getting an application, trying to review it, looking at our rules and suggesting it could be done as a single stream within the city of Burlington.
Mme Dawn Gallagher Murphy: From a regional perspective, does that mean the region should not be involved in that—that you can do it yourself?
Mr. Paul Sharman: In my general view, the answer is that we should do as much as can be done at the lower level as possible.
The thing that may not be recognized here and that contributes to why we have very low starts in housing is because we’re built out; we have no greenfield.
The fact that the planning regime uses things called BPE, which is rear-view mirror looking, and it was never considered that we would actually be requiring to grow—it was only on November 8 that we found out we were going to have, actually, 70,000 more people. And then when the province—and we were very pleased—converted those lands to mixed use, 700 acres, it gave us the opportunity to have some growth and have a future. But the fact is, there is no analysis that deals with anything other than planning code and official plans. There is no consideration of the social benefits of development. There is no triple bottom line, and there is no win-win-win. So the fact of the matter is, we are not thinking holistically. We are not thinking about our future.
We need to be out there—30 years—looking at the mix of people coming here, because there’s going to be huge numbers of people from the subcontinent and from Asia, and they will not be used to the things that we wouldn’t have because we don’t have the land. We actually have to think about it now, because otherwise we’ll keep doing what we’re doing right now, in chunks of five years, and it will just be more of the same old, row after row after row. So we have to take action now.
Ms. Mary-Margaret McMahon, a Liberal member said she was “ going to start with Paul, the most frank person I’ve met yet—love it. You were talking about us not being forward-thinking and planning for the future, and I agree. I’m a big environmentalist; that’s why I got back in this nutty world, let’s say, and I’m very worried about the lack of climate action. We’ve been told by our Financial Accountability Officer about the high cost of inaction for building resilient infrastructure. If you could think of one thing for sure that is forward-thinking and acting now or yesterday, what would that be?
Mr. Paul Sharman: I’m a data freak, and I’d start off with the numbers. I hear a lot of ideological arguments about save the grass blade, save the world. I think that is uninformed. I also believe we need environment care.
 Councillor Sharman said: “It was never considered that we would actually be requiring to grow—it was only on November 8 that we found out we were going to have, actually, 70,000 more people. I just think we’re not having balanced conversations about what the real situation is and what has to be accomplished. The aging community leaves us in a place where we can’t have babies enough to fill jobs. We can’t find housing because everybody is getting older and not dying. So we actually have to look out 30 years and ask ourselves who needs to be here, how we’re going to get them, how we’re going to look after the environment and what social benefits of development we’re going to provide, including all the infrastructure. And do some planning at the province level, please.
That was it. Burlington made its case. Mayor Meed Ward made it very clear that Burlington did not want to become part of what she feared was going to be the City of Halton.
She said: “This is the Burlington council position. We have unanimously endorsed a resolution that:
—we are open to consideration of all feasible governance options except amalgamation to a mega-city of Halton;
—governance changes should be supported by local-tier councils, based on community engagement, and should deliver better services quicker and faster; and
—needed community infrastructure is funded through development charges or senior levels of government.
“Local government is the closest to the people. We understand the needs of our community. We do not need an imposed solution from any other level of government. Our community really doesn’t care who’s delivering the services as long as they’re delivered well.
” We would like the province and the federal government to provide us with the funds we need to get the job of building new homes done.”
Burlington made the point that they could do much of the work the Region currently does, but realized is as well that there are tasks that have to be done on a Regional basis. Providing the drinking water and waste water management, or is as Mayor Meed Ward put it – Taps to toilets should be regional. Transit, which is now run by the municipalities could, and should be run Regionally. Roads, storm water management and, obviously, drainage.
The Standing Committee will complete its road trip and then debate and discuss what they want to present to the Legislature. This isn’t going to happen in a few months – it could be is as much as a ear before there is a report.
The last time the province looked at the municipal; structure NAMES toured the province, spent a day at the Region listening to what each municipality and prepared a report. That report was never made public.
The report the Standing Committee makes will be public and that is about all that can be said at this point.
By Pepper Parr
January 28th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
First in a series
In August 2022 Public Service Canada published a lengthy report on Flood Insurance and Relocation.
The Executive Summary of the report set out four subject areas that were focus points
Executive Summary
A Task Force to Explore Insurance Solutions
A Shared Evidence-Basis for Decision-Making
Key Findings of the Task Force
Living with Water
In August of 2014 the City experienced a devastating flood in the eastern part of the City.
 In April of 2019 Burlington declared a Climate Emergency.
By 2024 most of the world had come to the realization that we were dealing with a crisis and that not everyone was on board.
The report set out, to some degree, what water means to Canadians. Four out of the five Great Lakes lie between the United States and Canada. They are Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario; the only Great Lake that does not border Canada is Lake Michigan.
The foreseeable future suggests that Canadians must learn to live with water. Yet, the country cannot do this at the expense of safety, fiscal responsibility, or equity.
It is clear from this work that flood insurance solutions for high-risk areas can be designed to meet the Public Policy Objectives; however, each model examined contains trade-offs that must be balanced. It is also apparent that given the amount of flood risk in Canada, none of the insurance models can provide affordable insurance and also be financially self-sufficient, at least in the short term. Even over a longer-term (25 year) transition to risk-based pricing, financial sustainability will continue to be challenged by inflation, significant asset concentration in flood-prone areas, and long-term climate change pressures.
 The Canada United States border is shown as a thin red line Consequently, to live with water, Canada will require more than an insurance solution to address its flood risk landscape. Insurance must be deployed in conjunction with information, investments and incentives at all levels that are designed to reduce flood risk. Such elements include: improved flood mapping and public awareness of flood risk, risk reduction by all stakeholders, improved land-use planning, and climate-resilient built and natural infrastructure. In addition, for an insurance solution to be successful, recovery funding provided to residential properties for flooding though FPT disaster financing programs would need to cease or be restructured to avoid undermining the insurance system. This is an important step towards aligning responsibilities for flood risk.
The findings in this report are meant to provide governments with the foundation to understand the different policy levers and key considerations to be factored into decision-making, and to ensure that any insurance solution strives to effectively meet the defined policy objectives and serve all Canadians impacted by flooding. Particularly, it is important to consider policy options that account for the populations that are disproportionately affected by floods and have lower levels of resiliency to cope with them.
Continuing to advance this work will require coordination and commitment from each stakeholder to exercise their jurisdictional role and develop a way forward for implementation. The collective challenge will be to not let the perfect be the enemy of the good, thereby preventing the implementation of a solution that could nonetheless dramatically improve upon the status quo for Canadians who remain at high risk and who continue to experience tremendous loss from ever-increasing flood events. A new approach to flood insurance will not solve all vulnerability to flooding. However, with a strong stakeholder commitment and decisive action, it could play an important role in empowering Canadians to adapt to flood risk, and building disaster resilience across our nation.
. In recent years, the gap between insured losses and total economic losses has also widened significantly. In 2020, this “protection gap” widened to a record $231 billion worldwide, with around 75% of potential global losses from natural disasters remaining insured with insufficient coverageFootnote 7. The consequences of this are already being experienced across Canada, where disaster costs have risen dramatically in recent years. Before 1995, only three disasters in Canadian history exceeded $500 million (2014 dollars), but from 2013 to 2017, Canada had disaster losses totaling $16.4 billion. Prior to 2009, insured losses from catastrophic severe weather averaged $400 million per year; since then, the annual average has reached $1.4 billion.
 The 2014 flood centered on the creeks that were not built to handle the flow of water: The trajectory of disaster trends poses significant risks to the health and well-being of Canadians, the economy, and the natural environment. Governments and other stakeholders must continue to work together to address the growing impacts of disasters. In 2019, the federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) governments approved the Emergency Management Strategy for Canada: Toward a Resilient 2030 (EM Strategy), which provides a long-term, strategic vision for emergency management in Canada that is aligned with the United Nations Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
The Emergency Management Strategy seeks to guide federal, provincial, and territorial governments and their respective EM partners (including but not limited to: Indigenous peoples, municipalities, communities, volunteer and non-governmental organizations, the private sector, critical infrastructure owners and operators, academia, and volunteers) to build resilience through five priority areas for action:
Enhance whole-of-society collaboration and governance to strengthen resilience;
Improve understanding of disaster risks in all sectors of society;
Increase focus on whole-of-society disaster prevention and mitigation activities;
Enhance disaster response capacity and coordination and foster the development of new capabilities; and
Strengthen recovery efforts by building back better to minimize the impacts of future disasters.
Priority 3 includes as a priority outcome that “FPT governments assist in the development of options for sharing the financial risk of disasters”, which could include “engag[ing] the private sector to develop an affordable private flood insurance model for the entire population, including clear incentives for mitigation of flood risks”.
 Flooding – up front and very personal. In Canada, recent efforts to reduce disaster risk have focused in large part on flooding, given that it is the country’s most common and costly natural disaster. Flooding has caused approximately $1.5 billion in damage to households, property and infrastructure in Canada annually in recent years (approximately $700 million in insured losses and $800 million in uninsured losses), with residential property owners bearing approximately 75% of uninsured losses each. Several million homes in Canada are vulnerable to flooding, and many cannot access adequate insurance to protect themselves. These households must rely on their own resources or limited post-disaster financial assistance from governments or not-for-profit groups to recover from flooding events, which do not fully compensate for all financial losses.
The report runs to 117 pages. The Gazette will cover the fundamentals in a four part series.
 The golf course came first and included an infrastructure to manage the flooding. An additional 98 homes threatens the capacity of the infrastructure. To tighten the focus from a Canada wide viewpoint to a local issue we will frequently turn to the problem the people in the Millcroft community face. That community was built around a golf course that included an infrastructure that was designed to manage the flow of water.
A developer purchased the golf course and then filed an application to build an additional 98 homes that would, in the minds of many in the community damage the infrastructure and result in serious flooding.
They opposed the expansion of additional housing, city council chose not to accept the development proposal and an appeal was filed with the Ontario Land Tribunal.
 By Pepper Parr
January 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Progress – I guess.
Those washrooms in the John Street Transit Terminal – the ones the public no longer has access to?
We reached out to the ward Councillor – Lisa Kearns. She doesn’t want to talk to us – said we wrote something she didn’t like.
We then got in touch with the city communications department and asked them why there was no public access to what were public washrooms in a public building.
 That plastic door with the barrier tape would have required a work order to authorize the installation. Who asked for that door to be put in place? It took two days to get a response. I sent the communications specialist the questions I had and waited. She got back to me and said she needed more time – there was some confusion is as to just how much time they needed.
But today – Thursday before 2:00 pm there has been no response from the city communications people.
Jimmy Sissons, the person who asked us to look into why the washrooms were closed to the public, bumped into City Manager Tim Commisso who said he was aware of the problem, had read the story in the Gazette and would look into it.
There it stands.
We want to know who made the decision to make what were public washrooms – For Staff Only?
What authority did they have to make that decision?
A plastic door leading to the washrooms area was installed. That kind of work doesn’t get done without a work order being issued – so there is a paper trail
I don’t think they really want to tell us – they are now looking for a way to get the story behind them – and ideally make what were public washrooms fully public again.
The latest from the Communications people:
Exxx was covering for me while I was out of the office. I’m back so I’ve picked this up.
The best person to answer your questions is out of the office until Monday. I will connect with her to try to get you the information you’re looking for.
It’s called accountability people.
Related news story:
How do things like this happen?
By Pepper Parr
January 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
He could have been one of the best city managers Burlington ever had but after two attempts to land the job Scott Stewart accepted the job of CAO for the City of Guelph.
In an announcement to Guelph Staff today he said:
 Scott Stewart to retire as City of Guelph CAO. He would have been the best city manager Burlington would ever have if they had hired him. “Later today, I will formally announce that, after 38 fulfilling years as a civil servant – and nine years with the City of Guelph! – I plan to retire this summer. I’m looking forward to completing my five-year term as CAO, and my last day with the City will be on July 22, 2024.
“This announcement will go out in a news release shortly; it was important that you heard the news directly from me. There will be more to come in the months ahead about transition planning and the recruitment process for our next CAO, so I’ll be sure to share more detailed information about the next steps with you as they come.
“It’s going to take me a little while to find the words to properly express how much my time with the City of Guelph has meant to me, both personally and professionally, so I’ll save that sappy stuff for closer to my last day.
“For now, though, I’ll leave you with this:
“Serving as CAO, and working with all of you, has been the highlight of my career. While I’m excited for this next chapter of my life, I know I’ll miss being a part of this organization, and I look forward to cheering you all on from the sidelines.”
As we get closer to the day he turns in his parking spot we will reminisce about Scott Stewart and his days as a municipal bureaucrat.
 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
 By Maria Gregory
December 26th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The quest for a smoke-free lifestyle is one that many have embarked on in recent years, with an ever-growing array of options for those looking to steer clear of traditional tobacco. Here in Burlington, we’re noticing a trend of adults turning toward assorted smokeless products, which bring a completely different experience to the table. This shift isn’t just about moving away from smoking; it’s about embracing new ways to enjoy nicotine responsibly, like the discreet zyn pouches, which neatly fit into this modern narrative with their tobacco-free contents.
Gathering without the smoke in our community
 Spencer Smith Park overlooking Lake Ontario Imagine this: you’re walking through Spencer Smith Park, the air is crisp, and the lake shimmers without a haze of cigarette smoke tainting the view. It’s becoming reality as more residents in our community are choosing smokeless alternatives. These choices aren’t just individual preferences; they carry a collective benefit, enhancing the calmness and cleanliness of our local hangouts. Stories of smokers turning a new leaf are not uncommon—conversations about health kickstarts at coffee shops, or friends swearing by their new tobacco-free routines at backyard barbecues. They’re part of a larger narrative where people no longer have to step away to enjoy nicotine, and they’re doing so with a keen awareness of their surroundings.
Fresh air and cleaner choices
Opting for tobacco-free alternatives like oral nicotine pouches isn’t just a personal health decision; it’s a choice that resonates with the wider push for environmental sustainability. Without the need to light up, these pouches contribute to cleaner air and reduce the litter of cigarette butts—both significant concerns in our urban spaces. For Burlington, a city that prides itself on its beautiful parks and green initiatives, such choices are more than just a nod to personal well-being; they’re a commitment to maintaining the pristine quality of our shared natural environments.
A taste of innovation in nicotine enjoyment
 The smell of food being cooked outdoors and the only smoke comes from the BBQ Flavors matter, especially when it comes to something you taste multiple times a day. The variety of tastes available in tobacco-free options could be seen as a buffet of sensory experiences, each designed to cater to a distinct preference. From refreshing mint to savory coffee, these flavors are key in supporting people’s transition away from smoking. They contribute significantly to the enjoyment factor—providing an indulgent experience minus the smoke.
Supporting cessation with modern alternatives
Traditional methods for quitting smoking have been challenged by innovative products that offer a myriad of strengths and flavors to ease the process. Accessibility is crucial—as essential as the support systems and community programs aimed at cessation. We hear stories around town of locals who’ve replaced their pack-a-day habit with convenient, clean, and discreet pouches, and their pride in this achievement is palpable. The availability of a less harmful option is a game-changer, not just for the individuals making the switch but for the whole Burlington community as it moves towards a smoke-free future.
By Pepper Parr
December 21st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Different view on the housing issue.
Desperate situations for many people, not much in the way of hope for those who want to buy a home and intense pressure on those who rent.
A greater share of Canadians are barred from home ownership as affordability hits near-worst levels for most markets amid soaring prices and interest rates, according to a recent RBC report.
 Robert Hogue, RBC economist: “The impact on affordability has been amplified by soaring interest rates and home prices, resulting in much larger mortgage payments,” The significant loss of affordability during the pandemic has shrunk the pool of homebuyers in Canada, said Robert Hogue, RBC economist and report author. In 2019, close to 60 per cent of all households could afford to own at least a condo apartment based on their income. That share has plummeted to 45 per cent in 2023. And just 26 per cent can afford a single-family home.
“The impact on affordability has been amplified by soaring interest rates and home prices, resulting in much larger mortgage payments,” he said, “meaning a much higher household income is needed to carry those costs. These soaring costs have reduced the number of people who can afford a property.”
Ontario and B.C. had the highest incomes needed to afford a home, the report said. Using RBC’s housing affordability measures, which calculates how much of a household’s pre-tax income is needed to cover home ownership costs such as mortgage, utilities, and property tax, Toronto’s affordability measure rose to 84 per cent (meaning it takes 84 per cent of a Toronto median household income to cover housing costs) and Vancouver’s reached 102 per cent. Housing is considered affordable when 30 per cent or less of a household’s income is used to cover housing costs.
While home prices in Toronto have fallen by almost 20 per cent since the February 2022 peak, home prices remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels. The average price of a home in November was $1.08 million compared to $843,600 in the same month in 2019, according to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board.
With fewer people able to buy condos, which are seen as starter homes for many as they’re cheaper than single-family homes, more pressure will be placed on the rental market, said David Macdonald, senior economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
The affordability of home ownership affects the rental market for two reasons, he said. Renters won’t be financially able to move out of the market, increasing rental demand; and landlords facing costly mortgage increases will off-load the expenses to renters.
“Not only has housing affordability become worse for home ownership, but it’s also become worse for the renter,” he added.
 The good news is that housing affordability’s recent rapid deterioration has likely run its course. The good news is that housing affordability’s recent rapid deterioration has likely run its course, said Hogue, as home prices drift lower or stabilize in most markets, household income grows at a solid pace, and there’s clear indication from the Bank of Canada that rate cuts are coming in 2024.
“Nonetheless, there’s a very long way to go before affordability is meaningfully restored,” Hogue said in his report. “Buyers in many of Canada’s large markets will contend with extremely difficult conditions for some time. We expect home resale activity to stay especially quiet in Ontario and British Columbia until interest rates fall materially. And then, the recovery that will follow is likely to be gradual at first.”
In Toronto, it’s unlikely home ownership will be affordable, but there are ways to ensure the city can create more varied housing stock, Hogue said, especially for renters. Building more purpose-built rental and subsidized housing is necessary to boost affordable supply. Removing GST from new rental construction has also been seen as a positive step to incentivize more rental new-builds from developers, he added.
“There is a lot of potential to make things more affordable, especially on the rental side,” said Hogue. “But Toronto is not unique. Like most major global cities, it has affordability issues. While we have a long way to go in terms of supply, there is a lot that can be done to give people more affordable options.”
 Storey; an online source of news on the housing markets had this to say:
This year, more than any other in recent history, saw real estate make its way into the every day conversations of Canadians, discussing mortgage rates around the dinner table and rapidly rising home prices with friends. And, for better or worse, 2023 had no shortage of important real estate stories to be told.
We began the year with yet another rate hike, setting the tone for the crushing rate pain and affordability struggles that were to follow throughout 2023. This year saw home sales drop off as buyers moved to the sidelines, rent prices skyrocket, sale prices start to slip (though not enough to be helpful), and developers hold off, sell off, or, in some cases, even go bankrupt, as they struggled with the uncertain market.
The issue that ties it all together is interest rates.
Interest rates on insured five-year fixed mortgages are dropping to levels not seen since May due to strong indication from central banks that monetary tightening is likely over as inflation falls closer to target.
Most fixed-rate mortgages are tied to the five-year bond yield, meaning when the bond yield goes up so does the interest on fixed-rate mortgages. Because the Bank of Canada and U.S. Federal Reserve are holding their respective rates and inflation has lowered, bond yields fell as markets began pricing in the possibility of rate cuts in the first half of 2024.
In the wake of this optimism, said Victor Tran, Ratesdotca mortgage and real estate expert, lenders have lowered their published five-year fixed rates below five per cent for the first time since May.
“We are seeing rates in the high fours, around 4.99 per cent, for five-year insured fixed rates, and roughly 5.59 per cent for uninsured,” he said. “We haven’t seen fixed rates this low since the spring. If bond yields continue to dip, we may see lenders lowering rates more in the coming weeks. These lower rates combined with falling home prices may help spur interest in the housing market ahead of the seasonal spring rush in 2024.”
An insured mortgage applies to buyers who put down less than 20 per cent for their down payment — the less money put down on the mortgage the higher the liability for the lender.
 Royce Mendes, managing director and head of macro strategy at Desjardins. Since the end of October, 10-year Canadian bond yields have fallen by 95 basis points, which is a “big fall,” said Royce Mendes, managing director and head of macro strategy at Desjardins. The fall can be attributed to the combined result of decelerating inflation and more “dovish” commentary from central bankers, meaning the bank is unlikely to make aggressive moves on interest rates in the future.
“Anyone with a mortgage up for renewal is no doubt pleased to see mortgage rates falling,” he said. “Assuming further progress on taming inflation in the new year, it’s likely that bond yields, and by extension mortgage rates, continue on this downward trajectory. That said, progress rarely occurs in a straight line and there are likely to be some temporary increases in yields along the way.”
 Tran evaluated published interest rates from TD, Scotiabank and HSBC but noted that not all the banks will publish their “absolute best” rates. Sometimes better deals can be won on a case-by-case basis.
“The strength of the deal matters, such as the size of the mortgage, the down payment,” said Tran, “and from there banks can offer lower interest rates; they make you fight for the lowest rate.”
Currently, mortgage broker Ron Butler is offering interest of 4.89 per cent for five-year fixed mortgages at his practice.
“Five-year bonds come down first, which will be followed by four-year and three-year,” said Butler. “Fixed-rates went up before variable and now we’re seeing the reverse.”
And even though fixed-year mortgage rates are coming down first, variable-rate mortgages are gaining popularity, he said, as people don’t want to lock into a five-year fixed rate if the Bank of Canada drops rates in 2024.
“If the five-year fixed rate will be one per cent lower this time next year, people won’t want to lock into that mortgage product now,” Butler said. “They’d rather go for the variable based on the high chance the prime rate comes down.”
Recently, the majority of Tran’s clients have opted for a variable-rate mortgage because they don’t want to “lock in” too high. Even with current variable rates in the six to seven per cent range at the Big Five banks, buyers are willing to “ride it out” if the Bank of Canada cuts rates soon.
BoC Governor Tiff Macklem on getting to 2%:
 Macklem: This strength in shelter price inflation appears to be related to the structural lack of supply of housing. “This was our second year of monetary policy tightening, and that work is paying off”.
“The 2% inflation target is now in sight,” Bank of Canada (BoC) Governor Tiff Macklem said in his year-end remarks on Friday. “And while we’re not there yet, the conditions increasingly appear to be in place to get us there.”
Macklem delivered his remarks before the Canadian Club Toronto last week, where he spoke on the inflation outlook for 2024, as well as what Canadians can expect from the BoC in the year to come.
“We’ve come a long way toward restoring price stability. This was our second year of monetary policy tightening, and that work is paying off. The economy is no longer overheated, and that is relieving inflationary pressures. Inflation has come down from just over 8% in the middle of last year to 3.1% in October. That’s significant progress,” Macklem said.
 Shelter price inflation will prove to be more stubborn in 2024, Macklem warned. “Looking ahead, I expect 2024 to be a year of transition. The effects of past interest rate increases will continue to work through the economy, restraining spending, and limiting growth and employment. Unfortunately, this is what’s needed to take the remaining steam out of inflation. But this period of weakness will pave the way to a more balanced economy.”
We’re going into 2024 with relatively healthy inflation for durable and semi-durable goods (things like furniture and appliances, and clothing and footwear), Macklem also noted.
“Increases in the cost of services excluding shelter is just over 2%. That’s pretty normal. What’s not normal is inflation in the prices of food and non-durable goods and in shelter costs.”
While food price inflation (at about 5.5%), and non-durable goods inflation (at about 4.5%) are still swinging high, they “show some promise,” according to the BoC Governor. Food price inflation is expected to trend lower “as lower agriculture prices and transportation costs get passed through to the prices of groceries” and non-durable goods price inflation is anticipated to level off as consumer demand slows.
However, shelter price inflation will prove to be more stubborn in 2024, Macklem warned.
“Part of the reason is that our higher policy interest rate is increasing mortgage interest costs. This is not unexpected nor unusual,” he said. “What is unusual is that the other components of shelter costs — like rent and maintenance — are also high, with rent up 8.2% in October. This strength in shelter price inflation appears to be related to the structural lack of supply of housing.”
Macklem expressed — as he has before — that housing supply shortfalls, magnified by immigration, are keeping prices elevated even though buying activity has indeed dropped off in the face of higher rates.
“We do expect shelter price inflation to moderate over time, but predicting the timing is difficult,” he said.
With many unknowns remaining, Macklem told reporters on Friday that Governing Council has not yet taken further rate increases “off the table” or begun to discuss rate cuts. Inflation won’t have to be at its target in order for the bank to consider lowering its policy rate, “but it does need to be clearly headed to 2%,” Macklem explained in his speech.
 Imagine if we parents had taught our children to be financially responsible and learned to save – those desperately needed down payments would be in the bank today. “It’s still too early to consider cutting our policy rate. Until we see evidence that we are clearly on a path back to 2% inflation, I expect Governing Council will continue to debate whether monetary policy is restrictive enough and how long it needs to remain restrictive to restore price stability. In a world with increased macroeconomic volatility, we are also conscious that we may need to be nimble, and we should be humble about our forecasts.”
Everyone needs to be nimble.
And every parents needs to ensure that their children have strong financial literacy skills. Teach them to save – at the age of three isn’t too early.
This article includes material from an RBC report, material from a Storeys columns and material from other media.
 By Ray Rivers
December 20th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
“transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science.” (COP28)
 Journalists collecting hot air in Dubai at COP conference Close to 100,000 people attended this year’s Congress of the Parties (COP) 28 extravaganza in Dubai to discus climate change. They came from around the globe but air travel from New York is estimated to be the equivalent in carbon emissions of not eating meat for almost 3 years according to one emissions site.
In fact one of those delegates could have taken the train 6.3 times around the globe for all the carbon emissions in that flight. So a lot of hot air was emitted just for people to attend and listen to much of what they’d heard at the 27 previous COP meetings. A more cynical person would say they could have helped the planet better by just staying home.
For decades, even before the first COP, Big Oil has been telling us that climate change is just a hoax – or at least nothing to worry about. So getting a real live oil sheik to say that the oil industry should transition away from fossil fuels is a big deal. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, who chaired the COP meeting, is president of the one of the world’s largest energy companies. He is also the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change.
Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault, who had spent much of pre-parliamentary life as an environmental activist, praised the results of this COP and claimed that Canada had played a solidifying role in the final release. And it has become the perfect jumping off point for the Trudeau government to further reduce the country’s carbon footprint.
Light motor vehicles only account directly for about 11 percent of Canadian GHG emissions. However the production of oil and gas to fill gas tanks accounts for another 22%, though some is also exported. That brings vehicle related emissions up to at least a full quarter of Canada’s climate related emissions. And eliminating those emissions all comes down to changing how we power our national vehicle fleet.
 Can this problem be solved? If they were all electric cars – maybe? After nearly a decade of failed policy on the environment, virtually all jurisdictions in the country (except Sask.) agreed to implement carbon pricing following the 2015 federal election. Carbon pricing increases the cost of fossil fuels such that smart consumers will be motivated to trade in their guzzlers for a more efficient ride, for example. Moreover, rising pump prices are a powerful signal to the auto industry to increase the availability of alternatively powered automobiles, something the industry dinosaurs have been reluctant to do.
So this week the federal government has introduced regulations with penalties and incentives for the auto sector that will require all new cars and light trucks to achieve zero emission by 2035. In a press conference Mr. Guilbeault, pointed out that Quebec and BC already have an equivalent 20% 2026 interim goal. And both jurisdictions have almost met that goal three years ahead of schedule.
 Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault Guilbeaut noted that China’s new EV sales are currently running around 40% of all vehicles with 10 million EVs already on its roads. EV sales in Norway, another northern country, now amount to 87%. Ontario’s EV sales got off to a good start but were stymied by the policies of the Ford government with its hostility to electrification. He eliminated all incentives for EV purchases shortly after coming to power in 2018.
Ford also removed a $2.5 million incentive program which helped homeowners install their own charging equipment, deleted electric vehicle charging station requirements in Ontario’s building code and ripped out public vehicle charging stations. Ironically, the vast majority of Canadian EV manufacturing is targeted for this province. One has to wonder how much of those lucrative Ontario and federal government industry subsidies had to do with compensating for the provincial anti-EV policy.
These new EV regulations go hand-in-hand with the environmental carbon tax. The Trudeau crowd has also drafted regulations to achieve zero emissions in electricity generation and to cap oil and gas production emissions. Finally, federal subsidies to big oil and gas are supposed to be terminated by the end of this year. Mind you, governments have been promising that as far back as when Mr. Harper was first PM in the early 2000’s, so don’t hold your breath.
Nailing down exactly how much of our public funds are wasted on fattening big oil’s coffers is a complicated business it seems. However, Environmental Defence figures that the federal government provided more than $20 billion in loans and financial support to oil and gas companies in 2022, including $12 billion for the TransMountain pipeline and $500 million for the Coastal GasLink Pipeline.
Federal Conservative Party leader, Pierre Poilievre is leading the charge to ‘axe the (carbon) tax’. He continues to argue that the carbon tax hurts those with lower incomes, when according to a recent study “94 per cent of households with incomes below $50,000 receive carbon tax rebates that exceed their carbon tax costs this year”. In fact about half of the households in this income category realize a net gain of between $20 and $40 a month.
 Federal Conservative Party leader, Pierre Poilievre Mr. Poilievre, in his time, has been a vocal critic of every environmental law or regulation the Trudeau government has brought forward, including, more recently, ones as benign as transitioning to green jobs and modernizing the rules governing green energy in Atlantic Canada. He voted against a free trade bill with Ukraine because of the mere mention of carbon pricing.
Voter fatigue with Kathleen Wynne and the other parties, as much as anything, gave us Mr. Ford, not only once but twice. And Mr Trudeau is seeing that in spades. According to a recent Nanos poll Canada’s Conservative Party is on track to decimate the Trudeau Liberals, winning a full majority if the election were held right now,
If Mr. Poilievre, is elected in the next election, would he bring the environmental house down as he implies he would? Would he tear up all of Canada’s climate change legislation, pretty much as Doug Ford did in Ontario? And what message would he take to his first COP meeting as PM?
 Ray Rivers is an economist and author who writes weekly on federal and provincial issues, applying his 25 years of involvement with federal and provincial ministries. Rivers’ involvement in city matters led to his appointment as founding chair of Burlington’s Sustainable Development Committee. He was also a candidate in a past provincial election. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background links:
Carbon Tax –
Emission from Flying –
PP and Climate Gains –
Nanos Poll –
By Staff
December 19th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The Animal Shelter at 2424 Industrial St. will be operate as follows:
- Sunday, Dec. 24 and Monday, Dec. 25 – closed to appointments
- Tuesday, Dec. 26 – Saturday, Dec. 30 – open to appointments
- Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 – closed to appointments
To report an animal control related emergency on a holiday, please call 905-335-7777.
 Levels of transit service Burlington Transit will operate as scheduled over the holidays:
- Sunday, Dec. 24 – modified Sunday service, ending at 8 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 25 – Sunday/holiday service
- Tuesday, Dec. 26 – Sunday/holiday service
- Wednesday, Dec. 27 to Friday, Dec. 29 – regular weekday service
- Saturday, Dec. 30 – regular Saturday service
- Sunday, Dec. 31 – regular Sunday service and extended late night service on Routes 1, 50, 51 and 52
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- Route 1 Plains-Fairview will provide service every 30 minutes, with the last bus departing Hamilton at 1 a.m. and Appleby GO at 1:15 a.m.
- Route 50 Burlington South, 51 Burlington Northeast and 52 Burlington Northwest will leave Burlington GO every 60 minutes, from 8:56 p.m. to 12:56 a.m.
- Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 – Sunday/holiday service
For real-time bus information and schedules, visit myride.burlingtontransit.ca.
 Downtown Transit Terminal, at 430 John St. Schedule for the Downtown Transit Terminal, at 430 John St:
- Tuesday, Dec. 26 – open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 27 to Friday, Dec. 29 – open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 30 – open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 31 and Monday, Jan. 1 – closed
- Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024 – open from 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The Specialized Dispatch is open Wednesday, Dec. 27 – Friday, 29, and Tuesday, Jan. 2, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Service Burlington and the Building, Renovating and Licensing counter on the main floor of City Hall at 426 Brant St., will close at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, and reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, at 8:30 a.m.
Many service payments are available online at burlington.ca/onlineservices.
For online development services, MyFiles can be used by residents who have applied for Pre-Building Approval. Check the status of Pre Building Approval applications at burlington.ca/MyFiles.
Halton Court Services
Court administration counter services at 4085 Palladium Way will operate as follows:
• Monday, Dec. 25 – Wednesday, Dec. 27 – closed
• Thursday, Dec. 28 – Friday, Dec. 29 – open, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 – closed
On days when the court administration counter is open, telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Many services are also available by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or online at Halton Court Services. Payment of Provincial Offences fines is available 24/7 at www.paytickets.ca.
Parking
Free parking is available downtown, on the street, in municipal lots and in the parking garage after 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays, including Dec. 25, 26 and Jan. 1, 2024.
NOTE: The Waterfront parking lots (east and west at 1286 Lakeshore Rd) do not provide free parking on statutory holidays.
Parking exemptions are required to park overnight on city streets and for longer than five hours. If you have family and friends staying with you that require street parking, please visit burlington.ca/parkingexemptions to register for a parking exemption. Please note: parking exemptions are not valid during declared snow events, to assist with snow removal.
Please make an online reservation using Park Pass to visit Lowville Park on weekends. Reservations are free and available in three-hour time slots.
Recreation Programs and Facilities
Burlington Seniors’ Centre
The Burlington Seniors’ Centre at New St. will close Dec. 23, 2023, for building maintenance, and re-open on Jan. 2, 2024.
Recreation, Community and Culture customer service is available to assist you over the holiday:
- In person at recreation facility counters during program times
- By email at liveandplay@burlington.ca
- By phone at 905-335-7738, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Phone and email service are closed Dec. 24, 25, 26 and Jan. 1, 2024.
Between Dec. 27 – 29, phone and email service hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Dec. 31, the hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cogeco Skating at Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond
Located at Spencer Smith Park at 1400 Lakeshore Rd, the pond is open daily, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. but closed at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day. Registration is not required. For more information, including skating times, visit burlington.ca/pond.
Residents are encouraged to call the ice conditions hotline at 905-335-7738, ext. 8587 before leaving their house, to make sure the pond is open.
The free skate lending program at the Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond is available Monday to Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m., and Fridays, from 5 to 10 p.m. On Saturdays, Sundays, PA days and holiday school breaks, it is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
 Free skating – Check the link to schedules Tim Hortons Free Skating
Thanks to Tim Hortons, Burlington residents can enjoy another holiday season of free skating, from Dec. 23, 2023, to Jan. 6, 2024. A reservation is not needed. Skating is first come, first served until capacity is reached. For dates and locations, visit burlington.ca/timsfreeskate.
Drop-In Recreation Programs
Swimming, skating, fitness and other drop-in program times vary over the holiday period. Drop in or reserve in advance. For schedules, visit burlington.ca/dropinandplay.
Play Equipment Lending Library
If you need some indoor or outdoor play equipment or want to try something new without having to buy it, try the Play Equipment Lending Library. The last day to borrow the play equipment in 2023 is on Tuesday, Dec. 19. Items need to be picked up from Central Arena and returned to Haber Community Centre on Jan. 9, 2024. To borrow, visit burlington.ca/playlending
Holiday ice and gym rentals
Stay active this holiday with family and friends by renting ice or a gym at a special discount. This holiday season, ice and gym rentals are available at a reduced rate for booking dates up to Jan. 7, 2023. Residents can view facility availability and complete the rental 24 hours in advance through their online Live & Play account. Learn more about how to rent at burlington.ca/rentals
Outdoor Fun
Head outside and play in our parks with trails, disc golf, tobogganing and more. Explore all the options at burlington.ca/outdoorplay.
By Staff
December 18th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
This Thursday December 21st, Lowville Festival and THiNKSPOT invite you to Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a unique and inspiring theatrical experience in the Walt Rickli Sculpture Garden. This one-of-a-kind event will celebrate the annual moment when the longest night begins the transition to longer days.
The Solstice (aka Hibernal) is traditionally considered to be a time of reflection and hibernation to navigate the colder weather. Over the past ten years the Solstice events at ThinkSpot have evolved from social get-togethers, into a time of reflection and honouring the events of the past year (even the tougher moments). This video link shares moments from the 2022 Solstice where over 100 people came together to be inspired by stories and music by Myriad Ensemble. This year Lowville Festival is partnering with June Cupido to create an unforgettable evening that will inspire each of us to persevere through the challenges that life presents.
June, Director of popular and sold-out Story Slams at Kerr Street Cafe in Oakville, will create a powerful interaction between 6 storytellers and audience… enlightening how the stories we tell, connect and uplift us all. After personally attending two Story Slams in the past year, each person’s journey altered my perspectives about life… pain, resilience, growth, and joy.
Combining the Story Slam with a winter night around six fires and five propane heaters, the audience will be face-to-face with relatable human stories, along with musical performances by Indigenous artists Lacey Hill, and Kristen McKay. We will also be launching an exciting initiative “Lowville Has Wheels” (click here for video), followed by hot vegetable soup cooked over an outdoor fire, with fresh bread and dessert.
This is an experience not to be missed!! We hope you can join us – tickets are $50 (100% to cover event costs) and are available here. Our intention is to create more affordable tickets for future events through sponsorship. If you value the experiences we create and would like to support us with sponsorship opportunities, please reach out and we will get back to you asap! Many thanks to Lowville Bistro, McMaster University Athletics Dept., and Rock and Roll Cycle for their support this year.
By Pepper Parr
December 16th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
On July 1st of this year the province gave many Mayors the right to use what were called Strong Mayor powers.
A Mayor does not have to use these powers, which are pretty blunt. To date Mayor Meed Ward has used the powers on 13 occasions. Numbers 4 to 8 are set out below. Numbers 1 to 3 were published earlier – a link to them is set out below. Four, five and six have the Mayor passing the bylaws – this is what a City Council does, with Strong Mayor powers a Mayor can declare a bylaw is passed – the one proviso is that the Mayor must inform the public in writing.
The two decisions that raise concerns are seven and eight. They turn the Standing Committee structure the city had on its head.
For those involved in what takes place at city hall – pay attention.
Decision # 4
 No one saw this coming. What was a victory signal the night Marianne Meed Ward was elected Mayor morphed into something few expected. Mayoral decision
Under Bill 3, the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022, which amended the Municipal Act, 2001, I Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor of the City of Burlington, hereby approve the following by-laws passed at the Burlington City Council meeting of September 26, 2023 in accordance with subsection 284.11(4)(a)(i) of the Municipal Act, 2001:
• All by-laws enacted under Motion to Approve By-laws (Council Agenda item 21)
• Confirmation By-law (Council Agenda Item 22)
Dated at Burlington, this 26th day of September 2023.
Decision # 5
Mayoral decision
Under Bill 3, the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022, which amended the Municipal Act, 2001,
I Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor of the City of Burlington, hereby approve the following by-laws passed at the Burlington City Council meeting of October 5, 2023 in accordance
with subsection 284.11(4)(a)(i) of the Municipal Act, 2001:
• All by-laws enacted under Motion to Approve By-laws (NA)
• Confirmation By-law (Council Agenda Item #9)
Dated at Burlington, this 5th day of October 2023.
Decision # 6
Mayoral decision
Under Bill 3, the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022, which amended the Municipal Act, 2001,
I Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor of the City of Burlington, hereby approve the following by-laws passed at the Burlington City Council meeting of October 17, 2023 in
accordance with subsection 284.11(4)(a)(i) of the Municipal Act, 2001:
• All by-laws enacted under Motion to Approve By-laws (Council Agenda item #21)
• Confirmation By-law (Council Agenda Item #22)
Dated at Burlington, this 17th day of October 2023.
Decision # 7
Mayoral decision
Under Bill 3, the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022, which amended the Municipal Act, 2001,
Effective January 1, 2024, in accordance with subsection 226.6 of the Act, I Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor of the City of Burlington, hereby dissolve the following standing
committees as prescribed in the City’s Procedure By-law no. 31 -2021, as amended:
• Committee of the Whole
• Community Planning , Regulation & Mobility Committee
• Environment, Infrastructure & Community Services Committee
• Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk & Accountability Committee; and
Effective January 1, 2024, in accordance with subsection 226.6 of the Act, I Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor of the City of Burlington, hereby establish a Committee of the Whole
and Budget Committee with functions assigned as follows:
Committee of the Whole
I. Responsibilities
The Committee of the Whole shall be responsible for considering all matters that do not properly fall under the jurisdiction of any other existing Standing
Committees. The Committee of the Whole agendas are divided into the following sections, with a Chair and Vice Chair assigned to each section:
Community Planning, Regulation & Mobility
The Community Planning, Regulation & Mobility section will include matters relating to:
a) Matters under the jurisdiction of Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility including; Community Planning, Building, By-law Compliance, Transit, and Transportation departments;
b) Public hearings pursuant to the Planning Act, RSO 1990, c. P.13, as amended;
c) Matters arising from the following boards and advisory committees:
Aldershot BIA
Burlington Chamber of Commerce
Burlington Downtown Business Association
Burlington Economic Development Corporation (BEDC)
Committee of Adjustment
Heritage Burlington Advisory Committee
Integrated Transportation Advisory Committee (ITAC)
Burlington Cycling Advisory Committee
Burlington Agricultural and Rural Affairs Advisory Committee (BARAAC)
Downtown Parking Advisory Committee
Property Standards Committee
Environment, Infrastructure & Community Services
The Environment, Infrastructure & Community Services section will include matters relating to:
a) Matters under the jurisdiction of the Environment, Infrastructure and
Community Services including; Engineering Services, Recreation,
Community and Culture, Roads, Parks & Forestry, and Fire, Assets and
Sustainability departments;
b) Matters arising from the following boards, committees and advisory committees:
Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee (BMC)
Burlington Sustainable Development Committee (SOC)
Art Gallery of Burlington Board (AGB)
Burlington Mundialization Committee
Burlington Museums Board
Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Burlington Public Library Board (BPL)
Burlington Seniors’ Advisory Committee {BSAC)
Tourism Burlington
Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk & Accountability
The Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk & Accountability section will include matters relating to:
a) Matters under the jurisdiction of the City Manager’s Office, Office of the City Clerk, Corporate Communications and Engagement, Strategy, Risk
and Accountability, Customer Experience, Finance, Human Resources, Burlington Digital Services, and Corporate Legal Services departments;
b) All public meetings under the Development Charges Act, 1997, S.O. 1997, c. 27;
c) Burlington Strategic Plan and Vision to Focus workplan;
d) Matters arising from the following board and advisory committee:
Burlington Hydro Electric Inc. (SHEi)
Burlington lnclusivity Advisory Committee (BIAC)
II. Composition
The Committee of the Whole shall be comprised of all members of Council.
Ill. Reporting
The Committee of the Whole reports directly to Council.
Budget Committee
I. Responsibilities
The Budget Committee is responsible for hearing public presentations, receiving financial reports from staff, and providing advice to the Mayor on the operating
and capital budgets; and making recommendations to Council on any operating or capital budgets in which the Mayor has a pecuniary interest.
II. Composition
The Budget Committee shall be comprised of all members of Council.
Ill. Reporting
The Budget Committee reports directly to Council.
Dated at Burlington, this 31st day of October 2023.
Decision # 8
Mayoral decision
References: MO-03-22 – Appointments to standing committees, boards , committees, agencies and Deputy Mayors , December 13, 2022 *with changes CL-18-23 – Standing Committee Structure Options, October 17, 2023 Mayoral Decision 07-23 – To establish a Committee of the Whole and Budget Committee
Under Bill 3, the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022, which amended the Municipal Act, 2001 (the Act); and Effective January 1, 2024, in accordance with subsection 226.6 of the Act, I Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor of the City of Burlington, hereby appoint the following Councillors as rotating chairs of Committee of the Whole and Budget Committee for remainder of the 2022-2026 Term of Council as established by report MO-03-22: ** Chair changes are bolded, they align the Deputy Mayor of Strategy and Budgets portfolio to the Chair of Budget, with subsequent position changes to ensure equity.
 What were Standing Committee chairs are now “section” chairs. Committee of the Whole
The Mayor shall preside as the Chair for Committee of the Whole for all agenda sections, with rotating Councillors appointed as section chairs and section vice chairs for
Community Planning, Regulation & Mobility Environment, Infrastructure & Community Services and Corporate Services, Strategy , Risk & Accountability regular items.
Committee of the Whole – Community Planning Regulation & Mobility
Committee of the Whole – Corporate Services Strategy Risk & Accountability Regular Agenda
Budget Committee
Dated at Burlington, this 31st day of October 2023.
 Mayor Meed Ward has decided she is going to do it all. Relayed news story:
First three Strong Mayor decisions
 By Kathryn May
December 11th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Canada’s top bureaucrat has assembled a dozen teams of deputy ministers to shake conventional thinking on policymaking and develop fresh perspectives on key issues the country will face over the next decade.
Privy council clerk John Hannaford assembled the teams, which have been meeting over the fall, on topics that include health and aging, confidence in institutions, reconciliation, artificial intelligence, productivity and economic growth, foreign affairs, combatting disinformation and misinformation, Canada and the US, and the future of the public service.
 The policy exercise is said to be one of the broadest and most forward-looking in years. It is aimed at cross-pollinating ideas by involving all 80 deputy ministers and associate deputy ministers. They will be working in small groups on topics, often outside their usual expertise and departmental portfolios. The policy exercise is said to be one of the broadest and most forward-looking in years. It is aimed at cross-pollinating ideas by involving all 80 deputy ministers and associate deputy ministers. They will be working in small groups on topics, often outside their usual expertise and departmental portfolios.
Each group is headed by an associate deputy minister who is free to organize discussions with no formal work plan from the Privy Council Office.
They have been meeting with the goal of delivering preliminary reports to the clerk in December which will feed into an agenda for a deputy ministers’ retreat in January.
Avoid rounding up the usual suspects
In a statement, PCO (Privy Council Office) said “a premium has been placed on engaging experts with diverse perspectives – not the ‘usual suspects.’” The teams are exploring multiple sides of the issues, including social, economic and global security implications, which form “our increasingly complex policy landscape.”
They will “assess gaps, blind spots, what are we missing” as well as possible opportunities for efficiency and innovation.
This policy exercise is separate from the deputy minister task team that Hannaford put together to lead a government-wide “dialogue” about values and ethics.
One associate deputy minister said daily issues, an ever-shortening news cycle, the pressure of delivering on the government’s platform promises means policymakers don’t get a chance to think enough about medium and long-term policy planning.
“Every day, it’s always a shiny new object to manage that becomes a challenge,” he said.
The exercise is a recognition that policymakers live in an age of upheaval with global, economic, social or environmental crises looming around every corner.
It also comes as departments begin transition planning for whatever government wins the next election and as the parties are putting together election platforms.
In an era of such uncertainty, “adaptive policymaking” are the new buzzwords for designing policies that respond to changing conditions. Policymakers are used to make decisions based on current realities – such as today’s demographics or GDP.
Daniel Quan-Watson, who spent nearly 15 years as a deputy minister until retiring last month, said that doesn’t work anymore. “It’s critical not to take as a given that the world will play out as it always has,” said Quan-Watson.
“This is about asking questions. What are we missing here? Are we seeing things the right way? Are we as equipped as we should be to engage with the things coming at us in the future?” he said.
The global polycrisis
Hannaford told a recent conference of policymakers he expects crises coming at governments, one after another, and at the same time, will continue in the coming decade. He predicts more geopolitical uncertainty, major technological change and climate disasters.
“How do we manage against a backdrop where there are multiple demands on us and each demand is really, really important. How do you figure out what needs to be at the top of the pile,” Hannaford said.
He said policymakers need to be flexible, adjust to problems as they arise and “not be thrown off if things do not follow precisely the plan that we thought.”
By Pepper Parr
December 11, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
A report released last week said: the Provincial goal of building 1.5 million homes will not be realized without adequate land supply
That doesn’t come as a surprise. How the province is going to react and what can, in reality, be done is the very pressing issue.
 Is this where new housing should be built? The study by Malone Given Parsons Ltd. (MGP), commissioned for the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) and the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) and supported by the West End Home Builders’ Association (WE HBA), identifies that there is insufficient land within municipal official plans in the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) and Greater Toronto Area to meet mid- and long-term population growth. This will jeopardize the provincial objective of building 1.5 million new homes and undermine efforts to address housing supply and affordability.
“The need for additional land supply has been clearly identified by planning experts as necessary to accommodate population growth and limit the continued displacement of residents,” said Mike Collins-Williams, WE HBA CEO. “Local political opposition and disruptions in our planning system make it increasingly difficult to bring new ground-oriented housing online.”
In what way is the WE HBA using the phrase “new ground-oriented housing”? Are they talking about just single or semi- detached homes? Because that is not the kind of development the policy people seem to be talking about.
WE HBA represents the interests of the home building community that has a lot of land that housing can be built on. There financial interests are best served through the construction of ground-oriented housing where the return on their land investments is significant.
The Malone Given Parsons report adds that there are “challenges in adding supply within cities, meaning we are nearly 80,000 housing units short (2006-2021) of where we should be in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). Without an aggressive approach to building, we can anticipate this shortfall to increase.”
 This is the kind of housing that is being built – a different kind of community and we need to get it right the first time – not something planners have a lot of experience with. The report identifies that even before the province reversed the approval of municipal official plans, the housing shortfall would increase to an estimated 97,000 grade-related housing units (including singles, semis and all forms of townhouses). Following the reduction of land supply by the 2023 provincial “reversal” of local official plans, the housing shortfall could increase to 206,800 grade-related homes (10,400 ha) plus any shortfall in apartment growth.
MGP’s study further identifies that in absence of expanding municipal boundaries to add land for grade-related homes, the redevelopment of vast quantities of existing neighbourhoods would be required to accommodate growth. Based on the municipally adopted official plans, to be “reset” by the province that include little to no additional land for new settlement area boundary expansion areas, the shortfall in grade-related housing units would require 10 per cent of all existing low-density neighbourhoods to be redeveloped to accommodate growth to the year 2051.
“Given that the GTHA accommodates over 30 per cent of Canada’s immigration each year, because immigration is the primary driver of population growth in Canada, a shortfall of housing has national implications,” said Neil Rodgers, OHBA Interim Chief Executive Officer. “The province has a policy statement to guide development for future growth. It commissioned extensive growth and housing requirement projections to help plan to 2051. This study demonstrates that by ignoring its own policies and projections, decisions made today are going to have far-reaching implications and show that we will be in a demand/supply imbalance for decades to come – continuously pushing prices up. If we’re to address the affordability crisis now, we need solutions that increase supply, support transit-supported infrastructure and housing choices on shorter timelines.”
 “WE HBA along with our partners at BILD and the OHBA are calling on the Ontario Government and municipal governments across the province to ensure that housing affordability and supply are addressed by making sufficient lands available for a market-based supply of housing to meet forecasted growth needs to the planning horizon of 2051. In addition, they are calling on the government to establish a transparent, modern and stable planning system, which is required to realize the forecasted growth in the GGH.”
It was the need for additional land that led to the Greenbelt fiasco that is now under investigation by the RCMP. Besides the possibility that some people might be charged criminally, the really stupid decisions made, and the even stupider way Cabinet handled the matter has spoiled the trust that was necessary between a government and the people who vote.
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Kathryn May is the Accenture Fellow on the Future of the Public Service, providing coverage and analysis of the complex issues facing Canada’s federal public service for Policy Options. She has spent 25 years writing about the public service – the country’s largest workforce. The winner of a National Newspaper Award, she has also researched and written about public service issues for the federal government and research institutes. Follow Kathryn on Twitter: