 By Staff
January 12, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
An information release from the office of MP Karina Gould announces that Not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees looking to hire full-time workers for summer 2016 can now apply for funding under the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program.
 Summer employment has been the beginning of a lot of careers. CSJ creates summer job opportunities and valuable work experience specifically for youth aged 15 to 30 intending to return to their studies in the next school year. The program’s aim is also to help employers create summer job opportunities that focus on priorities important to their local communities, which could include special events such as sporting or cultural occasions.
In Burlington, the priorities focus on local special events and festivals, advanced manufacturing, tourism, and organizations that provide programs and services for seniors or disadvantaged community groups, but all eligible applicants are encouraged to apply. It is hoped that a number of employers will come forward with applications which will also complement a number of national priorities, including support for:
• employers who help welcome and settle Syrian refugees to Canada, as well as Syrian students;
• Indigenous people, who are among the fastest-growing segments of the Canadian population;
• small businesses working to become more innovative, competitive and successful, in recognition of their key contribution to the creation of new jobs; and
• cultural and creative industries looking to create jobs and to strengthen our rich Canadian identity. This latter priority will support the planning of Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017.
The application period runs from January 4, 2016, to February 26, 2016. Applicants approved for funding will be able to hire students as early as May 2016.
 An education is part of getting a job – some experience helps. For further information and to apply, please visit www.servicecanada.gc.ca/csj or visit a Service Canada Centre.
Canada Summer Jobs is part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy, which is its commitment to help young people, particularly those facing barriers to employment, get the information and gain the skills, work experience and abilities they need to make a successful transition into the labour market.
 By Pepper Parr
January 11th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Transparency and accountability are words that flow out of city hall – every organization uses the words – it is often difficult to see any meat on those bones.
There are also a number of organizations that get funding from various sources; grants and donations seem to be the biggest sources.
 John Mello with one of the Whinstone stones that are a part of the history of the station – there is a work day coming up when the things have to be moved. The Friends of Freeman station have produced a report that sets out what they brought in in terms of funds and how they spent them.
This level of transparency and accountability is a model for all the non-profits in the city – the public has a right to know what you are doing with the funds that you get.
For Friends of Freeman – here is their story.
Consolidated Financials: To date we have raised about $260,000 which represents about 50% of the estimated cost to restore the station and make it a viable asset to our community.
The following is summary of our budget expenditures to date:
Construction materials, including lumber, paint, hardware, tools….. 11%
Preparing building prior to move and the move…. 25%
New Roof ….4%
Hydro Installation……3%
Removal of Hazardous materials….4%
Grading Excavation and back fill …23%
Basement (foundation)….17%
Publicity and public relations, including Web site, email services, postage, bank charges, permits, insurance etc…..3%
Storage rental…..2%
Acquisition of artifacts…..8%
 John Aasgaard with some of the pictures that are in the Freeman Station collection.  Grill being fitted into the wicket of the Station Master’s office. Our organization is 100% unpaid volunteers.
Things slow down a little in the winter – but donations and volunteers are always accepted – the xxx stones are going to get moved soon – strong backs needed for that task.
Set out below are the chores that are waiting to get done along with some meetings. when the Missus wants you out of the house the Station is a pretty good place to scoot over to.
January 13th – 7 PM – FOFS Board meeting – City Hall – all members welcome
(We meet the second Wednesday of each month same place and time)
January 16th – 12 Noon – BDRC team meeting
– the Burlington Diorama Railway Club regular planning meeting
— Frank Rose room, Burlington Public Library
January 23rd – 9 AM – Whinstone moving day –
for this volunteer work day, strong hands needed, gloves,
steel-toed boots if you have them
January 30th-10 am-4 pm Train Show St Johns Church Hwy 5 Burlington
January 31st-10 am-3.30 pm Marritt Hall 630 Trinity Rd S, Jerseyville, ON
February6th Heritage Day Burlington Central Library 10 am-2 pm
By Pepper Parr
January 11th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It was fine event – came off without a hitch and was different enough for people to perhaps return to next year.
It was the New Year’s Levee sponsored by the MP and the MPP for Burlington and they basically ate the Mayor’s lunch.
 It was a very respectable crowd – the public clearly wanted to take part in a New Year’s Levee. In Ontario the Levee has traditionally been a civic event. While MP Gould and MPP McMahon were doing their thing Oakville mayor Rob Burton was holding his levee. Burlington gave up on levees sometime ago.
No one knows where Mayor Goldring was – we didn’t see him.
 Levee participants were given the run of the Art Gallery and an opportunity to see how the politicians handled some of the equipment. MPP Eleanor McMahon tried her hand at one of the looms – she seemed surprised that she was able to make something. Gould and McMahon found a way to make the event more than just a bunch of speeches – they used the Art Gallery of Burlington as a backdrop and had tour guides to tell people what was done in the various Guild’s that were open. It worked very well and gave the Art Gallery of Burlington more visitors than they get normally. One of those win – win situations.
 MP Karina Gould enjoying a moment with two new Canadians at the New Year’s Day Levee held on Sunday. And they found a few ways to include the ethnic communities by handing out the very attractive folder that new Canadians are given with their Citizenship certificates There were 109 of those certificates to be handed out – they didn’t all show up – but many of them did and they were made to feel very welcome.
 Citizenship certificates for new Canadians – there were 109 of them on hand. It was a family event – there were art rooms for the kids to draw and paint.
There were several food tables set up- strawberries dipped in chocolate, nibblies and coffee, tea and juices.
There was no receiving line – and the two woman chose to be very casual. One of the Deputy Police chief’s was on hand – not in uniform.
It was casual, easy going and an opportunity to network like crazy.
 Oakville North Burlington MP Pam Damoff is shown how wool is prepared for a spinning wheel. Pam Damoff, the MP for Oakville North Burlington wasn’t front and center – she got tied down at the Oakville Levee (held by the Mayor over there) – happens when your constituency bridges the two municipalities.
There are in Burlington those old timers who remember the days when the New Year’s Levee took place at city hall. One such city stalwart got into his car with his wife and drove to the Art Gallery New Year’s Day at the appointed hour – found the parking lot empty and is reported to have said to his wife – what if you had a party and nobody came.
Yesterday they did come – thanks to MP Karina Gould and MPP Eleanor McMahon for holding the event. Jazz it up and bit and keep it fresh.
 By Vince Fiorito
January 9th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Respectfully, I must disagree with Premier Kathleen Wynne that the LCBO should control marijuana sales in Ontario. If the only issue associated with selling recreational drugs like tobacco, alcohol and marijuana was just keeping them out of reach of our youth during their formative years then I would agree. I would also add that the LCBO and Brewers Retail are models of environmentally friendly packaging and recycling. Bravo.
 “My problems with the LCBO and Brewers Retail are their size, their undue control of the alcohol industry as a regulated monopoly and their limited liability. These organizations have a profit motive to promote and encourage increased alcohol consumption. These organization do not fund drug rehabilitation and counseling programs to reduce the harm to the individual and society from recreational alcohol consumption. ” A large powerful corporation like the LCBO would influence and eventually dictate government policy and control production, like they do now regarding alcohol. Not every bottle of wine or beer gets on an LCBO shelf, to the detriment of small wineries and microbreweries.
Recreation drug policy goals should include educating the public on the risks associated with recreational drug use, with a long term objective to decrease demand.
I believe in a “least harm” approach to guide marijuana decriminalization. I believe that current marijuana laws are more harmful to society and the individual than marijuana use itself. I support marijuana legalization, provided marijuana consumption is regulated to reduce harm to the individual and society. We should not allow large powerful corporations in this business as they become too powerful and difficult to control. For example, because the LCBO is so powerful, we are currently stuck with a system which promotes and encourages alcohol consumption to the benefit of other large corporations and small producers cannot compete fairly with large corporations.
We should not make the same mistakes with the emerging recreational marijuana industry as we already made with the recreational alcohol industry, that are now difficult to change.
 Marijuana on sale $8 a gram – wide selection. The marijuana industry should be deliberately regulated as sole proprietorships and partnerships to maintain control and create the maximum number of small businesses and jobs. Corporations with limited liability and profit sharing should be kept out of the recreational marijuana industry. Only those directly involved should share the risk and reward of marijuana production, distribution and sales. No profit sharing with limited liability. Overt public advertising should be prohibited, respecting the rights of parents to control what their children know and people who don’t want to see, hear or know about it. A simple standardized symbol over the door of a discreet marijuana cafe is enough.
 People entering a marijuana establishment give implied consent to see legal advertising and promotions inside. Locations of marijuana shops should be strictly controlled by municipal government through zoning and by laws, and they may levy additional taxes. Marijuana production, distribution and sales should be monitored closely for abuses and if the owner/operator breaks the law, they lose their marijuana licenses and face punitive sanctions. Fines for smoking marijuana in public places, similar to tobacco. People may grow a few plants for personal use, similar to vegetables. Need a license to sell.
Corporate control of the marijuana industry, which promotes consumption could lead to marijuana becoming as big of a problem for the individual and society as alcohol is now. If we can’t implement this change in a way that reduces harm to the individual and society, then I would rather marijuana remained illegal with a punitive fine for possession.
 By Pepper Parr
January 8th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Is here a threat to the nascent growth that has been percolating in the cultural field in Burlington?
Last year there were a number of events that took place which added to the health of local culture – one being the national Culture Days initiative that was developed to create a source of information on events taking place across the country and to promote those events.
Local artists could post their event and communities were encouraged to work locally with artists from every discipline possible.
 Donna Grandid, a noted Burlington artists was front and center during a recent Culture Days event. Burlington climbed aboard the Culture Days train last year and the year before that and the sense was that the city would continue to put resources into the event.
Apparently the city isn’t going to have any staff working on the Culture Days initiative in 2016.
Why not ? – the view appears to be that if artists want the event to happen – then let them make it happen.
Burlington’s growth as a cultural destination is not yet at the point where it can fly on its own; it is going to need nurturing for a number of years.
Burlington has a manager of culture events who has some support from a part time assistant. There are times when culture file gets very busy and additional support is needed.
 Angela Paparizo and Trevor Copp – both strong advocates for a more robust Burlington with a higher cultural profile. Angela Paparizo is the manager of culture events and was reporting to the one general manager the city had. It isn’t clear yet who Paparizo will report to now that the city no longer has any general managers. The understanding is that city manager James Ridge now chairs the Cultural Action Plan implementation committee.
There was some talk that the culture file will move back into Parks and Recreation where it languished for years.
Culture and sports are two different animals and in Burlington they have not mixed very well in the past.
Fortunately for the arts crowd, the city is in the process of finalizing its operations budget – this is the time for the arts community to delegate and ensure that the gains they have made do not get lost while the city manager figures out what he wants in the way of an organizational structure.
Ridge is focused on getting a Strategic Plan in place; getting a budget approved and then getting back to the Official Plan review that sort of got put on hold.
While there is a Cultural Action Plan along with a Committee to implement that plan, other than the city manager’s blessing it doesn’t appear to have much more propelling it.
The Strategic Plan has cultural arms and legs sticking out all over the place – but as one commentator put it – is the city going to walk the talk?
There is that old phrase that reporters use when they want to figure out what’s going on – follow the money.
How much has been allocated to culture? And then where are the human resources to support what has to be done if culture is to get to the point where it has lift off.
The city has an excellent Performing Arts Centre that has experienced several years of strong successes; the Art Gallery has new leadership – the Museums are still there with Ireland House is a sterling example of how local history can be made part of the cultural scene. Poor Joseph Brant is not getting the same treatment – but with different leadership that too might change.
 Maureen Barry, CEO of the Burlington Public Library and a consummate professional has overseen the move deeper into electronic media yet keeping real books on shelves. There is a clear cluster of cultural nodes in this city – they need to be pulled together and given strong executive leadership.
Who could do that – Maureen Barry – she will shoot me for saying this – but she is one of the best executives we have in the city with a better big picture of culture than anyone else on the horizon.
That’s just an opinion.
 By Pepper Parr
January 7, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Getting traction with almost anything is usually a challenge.
For those who are introducing a new product or an idea it is never easy – for those in the arts it can be close to pure hell.
 What if no one comes? In Burlington it is seldom no one coming but the audiences are often very small – close to pathetic.
FORM one of the most cutting edge dance groups in this province had a very small audience when they performed.
Ralph & Lina was one of the funniest small plays put on at the Performing Arts Centre – 17 seats sold. The play wasn’t one of those avant guarde things that are hard to understand; it was funny, ribald and real. It stayed in ton for a number of days and the audience did improve but it was never near sold out.
Trevor Copp, who doesn’t fully understand what stage fright is – he is confident with his art form and consistently pushes the edges – is getting a little queasy about his upcoming “Air” production which opens in 2 weeks. “Can I ask something?”
“Please buy a ticket in advance. I get the last minute thing. But it’s killing me out here. I don’t know if people are coming – and shows may get cancelled if they don’t. So if you want to come – and it will be amazing, I devote my life to this.”
Click will get you to the box office:
By Staff
January 6th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Arms Reach is a video installation by Jenn E Norton that depicts a haptic labyrinth.
 Jenn E. Norton, Arms Reach, 35 minute, video installation, 2016. Pain, tactility, and thermoception are guides in this maze that can only be solved through touch, accompanied by a haunting score by musician Bry Webb of the Constantines.
Jenn E. Norton’s Arms Reach on now at AGB until January 31, 2016
The work is in the RBC Community Gallery.
Jenn E. Norton, Arms Reach, 35 minute, video installation, 2016.
 Oooops!
It happens.
Mistakes get made.
Some of the dates for the public meetings on the Strategic Plan were changed – and we missed updating our data base.
Earlier today we published a list of dates that were incorrect.
Sorry – the correct dates are set out below.
Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016
Robert Bateman High School
5151 New St.
Cafeteria
7 – 9 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016
Burlington Senior Centre
2285 New St.
Multi-purpose Room
7 – 9 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 18, 2016
LaSalle Park Pavilion
50 North Shore Blvd. E.
Main Hall (upper level)
7 – 9 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 18, 2016
Mountainside Recreation Centre
2205 Mount Forest Dr.
Community Room 2
7 – 9 p.m.
 By Staff
January 5, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Another FIRST!
The Halton District School Board will be hosting its 2016 FIRST – For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology this Saturday, January 9, 2016.
 Will it work? The level of concentration is intense. Approximately 450 students, teachers, community mentors and parents are expected to attend the Saturday, January 9, 2016 kickoff, starting at 9:00 am at the New Street Education Centre (3250 New Street, Burlington). Students and mentors will receive this year’s robotic challenge and will have six weeks to build their team’s robot before taking it to competitions across North America.
During the January 9 event, Siemens Canada, a key sponsor of the Halton District School Board’s Robotics program, will be recognized for its continued involvement.
 These are the students that are going to come up with the ideas that will make this planet a better place to live on – won’t they? The Board will also unveil a new partnership with ArcelorMittalDofasco, on a new Advanced Manufacturing program that will start in September 2016 at M. M. Robinson High School. The program is aimed at encouraging students to consider employment in the skilled trades, and engineering and technologies sectors.
 By Staff
January 5, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Conservation has told us what we kind of figured out on our own – winter is here!
And the good folks at Glen Eden want everyone to know that the snowmaking team is making snow and expect to have the hill set to open this Friday, January 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
 Glen Eden expects to have five lifts open for Friday. Glen Eden is anticipating having five lifts and eight runs open for the weekend. There will be a Terrain Park setup as well for the snowboarders.
Additional details will be posted later this week.
The Tube Park will not be open this weekend at Glen Eden, more information on that later in the week.
“We’re still making snow for a good portion of this week and the goal is to have as many runs and terrain open as we can for our opening this weekend,” said Sean Durkin, Manager Glen Eden.
 All downhill from here. Glen Eden is home to one of the largest Snow Schools in Ontario, with a wide selection of programs from classic Core Programs to a new spin on specialty programs that are now part of the Academy Programs. Visit the Glen Eden website, www.gleneden.on.ca, or call Visitor Services at 905-878-5011, ext. 1221, for more information.
The Terrain Park is where a lot of the action happens at Glen Eden. The “Big” Parks, Nighthawk and Falcon during peak season have upwards of 40 of the most progressive features dedicated to these two runs. Glen Eden has lots of options for keeping things fresh while pushing your limits and developing your skills.
By Staff
January 5, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The word levée a social event that now takes place on New Year’s Day goes back to this country’s colonial times.
The Lieutenant Governor’s |levee still takes place at Queen’s Park and a number of armed forces regiments hold the event.
Close to a hundred different Ontario municipalities in Ontario hold a levee but Burlington apparently has never held a levée.
The times they are a changing. On Sunday, January 10th, Burlington’s MPP Eleanor McMahon and Member of Parliament Karina Gould will officiate at a levee to be held at the Art Gallery of Burlington from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
 McMahon and Gould at the 2015 Remembrance Day ceremony. No word yet on how the two women are going to style the vent. Will they have a receiving line, will they both wear long gowns?
Will McMahon sing – she has a pretty good voice.
Will there be a military presence?
Will members of the various youth military groups be on hand?
Will there be a piper?
Gould and McMahon have an opportunity to create an event that can be colourful, historical and not the usual “borington” event.
The two woman took part in the Remembrance Day event as a team bringing a quiet dignity to the role they each played.
“In the 18th century the levée in Great Britain and Ireland became a formal court reception given by the sovereign or his/her representative in the forenoon or early afternoon. In the New World colonies the levée was held by the governor acting on behalf of the monarch. Only men were received at these events.
It was in Canada that the levée became associated with New Year’s Day. The fur traders had the tradition of paying their respects to the master of the fort (their government representative) on New Year’s Day. This custom was adopted by the Governor General and Lieutenant Governors for their levées.
 MP Karina Gould The first recorded levée in Canada was held on January 1, 1646, in the Chateau St. Louis by Charles Huault de Montmagny, Governor of New France from 1636 to 1648. In addition to wishing a happy new year to the citizens the governor informed guests of significant events in France as well as the state of affairs within the colony. In turn, the settlers were expected to renew their pledges of allegiance to the Crown.
The levée tradition was continued by British colonial governors in Canada and subsequently by both the governor general and lieutenant governors. It continues to the present day.
As mentioned, the levée was historically a male preserve but during World War II levées were attended by female officers of the armed forces. Since then levées have been open to both women and men.
Over the years the levée has become almost solely a Canadian observance.
 MPP Eleanor McMahon Today the levée has evolved from the earlier, more boisterous party into a more sedate and informal one. It is an occasion to call upon representatives of the monarch, military and municipal governments and to exchange New Year’s greetings and best wishes for the New Year, to renew old acquaintances and to meet new friends. It is also an opportunity to reflect upon the events of the past year and to welcome the opportunities of the New Year.
It will be interesting to see how Gould and McMahon fashion this event – there is an opportunity to make it colourful with a historical tweek to it.
Keep the speeches short and ensure that the Tory’s are made to feel fully welcome – this isn’t to become a Liberal event.
Upper Canada Place,
Burlington, ON
Week of Friday, January 08, 2016 through Thursday, January 14, 2016
In the Heart of the Sea (PG)
Fri – Sun: 11:00 AM, 1:00, 7:35, 9:30
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 9:15
Creed (14A)
Fri – Sun: 3:05, 9:40
Mon – Thu: 3:45, 9:10
The Good Dinosaur (G)
Fri – Sun: 11:10 AM, 1:15, 3:10, 5:25, 7:25
Mon – Thu: 3:15, 5:25, 7:25
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (PG)
Fri – Sun: 1:15, 3:00, 5:00, 7:15, 9:45
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:15, 9:35
Spotlight (—)
Fri – Sun: 11:00 AM, 1:00, 3:45, 7:20, 9:40
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 5:05, 7:20, 9:35
The Peanuts Movie (G)
Fri – Sun: 11:30 AM, 1:15, 3:15, 5:15
Mon – Thu: 1:15, 3:15, 6:00
Spectre ()
Fri – Sun: 2:40, 5:00, 7:00, 9:20
Mon – Thu: 1:05, 3:25, 6:30, 9:15
Suffragette (PG)
Fri – Sun: 11:00 AM, 5:25
Mon – Thu: 7:40 PM
The Martian (PG)
Fri – Sun: 7:00, 9:40
Mon – Thu: 1:10, 3:45, 6:45, 9:40
Hotel Transylvania 2 (G)
Fri – Sun: 11:15 AM, 1:00
By Staff
January 4th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Regional Police Toys for Tots Campaign Gives Thanks to our Generous Communities
The Halton Regional Police 2015 Toys for Tots campaign is celebrating its most successful year collecting $345,486.93 in toys, gift cards, books, cash and food. The donations benefited over 4200 families throughout the Halton Region over the Christmas season. This amazing success is due to the overwhelming generosity of our residents, businesses, schools and sports teams who make up our compassionate communities, thank you.
 Celebrating the 2015 Halton Regional Police Toys for Tots Christmas Drive Halton Regional Police are grateful for the support of the following community partners:
Burlington Lions Optimist Minor Hockey Association (BLOMHA) who raised more than $48,000. A Big thank you to parent Rep Shari Carruthers for spearheading this massive collection.
A $100,000 anonymous donation of toys from a local corporation.
ASL Distribution for a $10,000 donation of Lego.
Other community partners who made significant contributions included the Halton Catholic and Halton District elementary schools, Canadian Tire, Tim Hortons, Budds, St Mildreds-Lightborn School, Rotherglen School, Oakville Christian Academy, TD/Canada Trust, Longo’s Fruit Market, Sobeys, Great Canadian Superstore, Mandarin Restaurant, Halton Honda, Shakers Smokehouse, East sides Auto Group and the Tiger Jeet Singh Foundation.
In 2015, Civilian and Uniform members of the Halton Regional Police Service graciously contributed their own time and personal funds to assist in the campaign again. Members collected over $40,000 in cash and toys at Canadian Tire locations and donated over $5800 through individual fundraisers and the uniform platoon challenge.
Police Chief Stephen Tanner remarked “Through the Toys for Tots program, the Halton Regional Police Service worked in partnership with the communities we serve to deliver a message of hope for young people during the holiday season. Toys for Tots’ continued success would not be possible if not for the compassion, dedication and commitment of our community, partners and our employees. On behalf of myself, the Deputy Chiefs, senior leadership team and all the Halton Regional Police Service members, thank you”.
 By Staff
January 3, 2016
CALGARY, AB
Former Burlington Cougars centre Josh Jooris broke out of his 11-game scoring slump with a goal and an assist as the Calgary Flames shut out the Colorado Avalanche 4-0 at Denver in one of 12 National Hockey League games played last night (Saturday).
 Josh Jooris. a product of the Burlington Cougars, celebrating a goal. The six-foot, one-inch Burlington native gave the Flames a 2-0 lead at 8:18 of the second period and two minutes later helped set up former Toronto Maple Leaf Matt Stajan to put Calgary up 3-0.
The 25-year-old is a product of the Burlington Eagles minor system hockey system.
In 84 regular season games since being signed as a free agent on July 30, 2013 he has scored 15 goals and assisted on 15 others for 30 points. Defensively he is minus 1 and has been assessed 39 minutes in penalties.
By Staff
December 31, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The last quarter of the year – what mattered most?
There was some movement, finally, on the Strategic Plan; the school board finds itself taking a very hard look at the level French will be taught; intensification is getting good discussion. Many think we have already reached the intensification level the province will expect us to grow to in terms of population increase the subject got a lot of public discussion.
 Walt Rickli’s sculpture – Showtime at the AGB. Rickli sculpture unveiled at the Art Gallery – donated by Dan Lawrie.
Active transportation: Never heard of it ? You will – a Burlington school board has some ideas she wants to see become policy.
Bylaw prohibits feeding of wild animals – including coyotes – does not go into effect for one year. City wants to educate people particularly around Fairchild Park.
Summer school enrollment increases in public secondary schools – grew by 15%
Tom Muir wants to know why the city missed a 180 day deadline on a major project opposed by almost everyone.
Geraldos at LaSalle Park and Spencers on the Waterfront asking for lease renewals – one of them wants to lock in parking spaces for 15 years.
Parking to get a serious review: what do we have – what do we need? Consultants being hired.
 Mary Lou Tanner – city’s new Director o Planning. City snags a planner from the Niagara Region: Mary Lou Tanner to head up Planning for the city.
Council finds the city manager’s Work Plan a little on the ambitious side and lacking prioritization.
The province wants to put more money into off road bike paths – where would Burlingtonians like to see those paths built?
Public meeting to learn what the board thinks it should do with the French and English programs at the elementary levels.
Planning department creates drawings to show what parts of the city could look like with intensification in specific locations.
Public hears what the HDSB thinks could be done to manage the trend to increased interest in French immersion.
Grade 9 math test scores for Burlington public high schools release: Robinson and Pearson don’t rank all that well. Why?
First glimpse of the draft Strategic Plan for the balance of this term of office – some rash deliverable dates were put on the table.
Burlington is now represented by three women in Ottawa: Gould, Damoff and Raitt
Public school board posts policy documents on its web site – not that easy to find – Gazette provides instructions.
 A smaller pier. The pier – a footnote.
 By Staff
January 1, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The cultural community that we saw come to life in 2012-13 has great expectations for 2016 – that may or may not happen – depends on how much money the city has to spend on the cultural file or is prepared to spend on culture and that should be known by the end of January.
In December the city unveiled six interesting pieces of public art that seem to have been well received. There was some exceptional art that was made public that got very little in the way of public reaction – to the chagrin of the artists that created the work.
The Gazette came across a visual map the city has created of the public art that exists. The production values of the map leave a little to be desired and for some reason that is hard to fathom the map shows every blessed bike rack that has been put up – the bike racks are a delight to look at – they are so attractive that many people fail to realize they were meant to be used to secure a bicycle.
The map is worth spending some time on.
Enjoy!
Click for the map.
The six latest pieces of public art.
It is a brand new clean slate – how much of the baggage from 2015 you want to drag into this New Year is you choice.
By Pepper Parr
December 30th, 2105
BURLINGTON, ON
What was the best thing that happened to city in 2015; What was the worst thing that happened to us in 2015 and what was important but got totally ignored?
IGNORED in 2015
The province announced earlier in the year that municipalities were going to be able to change the way the votes cast in municipal, Regional and Board of Education elections were to be counted.
The province is reviewing the 1996 Municipal Elections Act, to explore how ranked ballots could be implemented by municipalities across the province. Ranked ballots allow a voter to rank candidates in order of preference instead of voting for a single candidate. The option to use ranked ballots would give municipalities an alternative to the current municipal voting system.
 The review will also assess whether the rules about electing municipal leaders are clear and simple and whether the Act reflects how modern campaigns and elections should be run. To that end, the review will evaluate the current effectiveness of rules about campaign financing, third party advertising, enforcement and accessibility in municipal elections.
A working group made up of municipal clerks, municipal representatives and ranked ballot advocates will provide the government with advice on how to make ranked ballots work best in Ontario.
The Mayor said he was onside for this one – he usually is onside for anything that is progressive – the problems is with his follow through – and to the best of the Gazette’s knowledge nothing has been done. It is now probably too late to get any change in place before the next municipal election is called.
The Mayor may have a team of people burrowing away in the back ground sussing out what the issues are and what the challenges are going to be. Mayor Rick Goldring tends to be media adverse for the most part. From time to time he does a dilly – the posting of that selfie the day he took the bus to work wasn’t his brightest idea.
When he was given an all-electric car to drive around so Burlington Hydro could begin to gather data on just what the electricity requirement might be for a busy person who chose to use an electric vehicle there wasn’t a word from the Mayor’s office. The Gazette literally bumped into the story in the city hall parking lot.
WORST THING CITY COUNCIL DID:
The selling of the three lots of land on the edge of the lake between Market Street and St Paul. The city, along with the Ministry of Natural Resources, owned the land – there was no reason to sell it. However, staff did list selling the property as one of the possible the options. The other options were to lease the land or turn it into a Window on the Lake.
 The land shown as parkette was sold to the abutting property owners. When the owners of property that abutted this land became aware that selling the land was an option they moved quickly to purchase the property, which they had every riht to do. They hired Peter Rusin to research the muddied history of the property and he produced a report that apparently justified the sale of the property. The Rusin report was never made public.
The Mayor said publicly that selling the land was showing leadership. What he did was sell one of the crown jewels – the land is likely to never come back into public hands.
OUR BEST MOMENT IN 2015:
When more than 350 citizens gathered at the Mainway Recreation Centre to talk about what they could do to help the thousands of people who had fled the Middle East where their homes were ravaged and war torn.
 The Mayor opened the meeting and had every reason to be proud of the hundreds of people in the room. It was the city at its best. There wasn’t one single remark about not helping. More than 30 people spoke up and explained hat they were doing and where they needed some help.
The concern that the meeting could go terribly wrong was evident with the number of police at the back of the room including a deputy chief and the Superintendent of the Burlington station. They weren’t needed.
The Mayor opened the meeting and had every reason to be proud of the hundreds of people in the room. It was the city at its best and probably the best thing that happened in the city in2015
 By Staff
December 29, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The year in review – July, August and September – how did the city do?
July 2015
Union wage settlements of 4.25% and 6.95% negotiated by CUPE.
Burlington Transit asking its riders what they want
 We get to use HOV lanes with two occupants in the vehicle – as we prepare for the day when we have to pay to use that lane with just a single occupant in the car.
Burlington’s federal Liberals launch their campaign; they sense a victory in the air.
Changing the culture at city hall; bringing in the department leadership needed – and getting a Code of Conduct in place for the politicians.
Federal government decides the CN Milton Logistics hub needs to benefit from the eyes of an independent panel. Truck traffic impact on Burlington roads worrisome.
Messy council debate refers the Code of Conduct to the city manager.
 Community Foundation closes it books on the Disaster Relief Fund – $2.72 million distributed.
Is the Food Truck a fad, a new phenomenon or the shape of things to come?
Is there a future for the oldest farmhouse in the downtown core? Could be if the city planners and the developer get creative.
Premier plans to make room for more politicians in the legislature.
An electric vehicle charging station will be installed in downtown Burlington at the parking garage on Locust Street.
The Flood – It was small in area and it hovered in the one place and just kept pouring – dropping almost as much rain as Hurricane Hazel in 1954.
August 2015
Can we pull it off? The potential is significant and it will certainly change the city in a rather positive way.
Premier tells Ontario Mayors they will get a better deal next time there is a localized disaster.
 Burlington imports a new executive director for the Performing Arts Centre from Richmond BC; Susan Haines starts September 1st
Rebuild of the Freeman station is coming along nicely – they still need help with a lot of the work. Get in on it now – when this thing is done it will be something to be able to say you were a part of.
Where do we put 35,000 people in the next 25 years? And what will the city have in place in the way of roads and transit to move these people around?
September 2015
Hydro cuts the ribbon on a micro co-generation turbine that has the potential to contribute significantly to the city’s Community Energy Plan
Is there an Arts Council in the city’s future? Should there be one? Does anyone care?
 Stuart Miller appointed Director of Education for the Halton District School Board
A fourth GO station for Burlington? It is in the works.
City Clerk opens the kimono just a little and lets you see how Council voted on recorded votes.
Most of the community and corporate affairs discussion at council was be behind closed doors – six confidential items on the list.
City challenges residents to Think Outside the Car – the process of changing the car culture has begun
Transportation Minister explains what the provincial government is going to do with rail transit – catch up and keep up!
 Prime Minister in town with a promise to build an Advanced Manufacturing hub – if he is re-elected.
The full year:
Ist quarter – January, February and March
2nd quarter – April, May and June.
4th quarter – October November and December. To follow.
By Staff
December 29, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
One of the real pleasures of living downtown is being close to Spencer Smith Park and being able to watch the storm waves roll in off the lake,
Donna Zaffino managed to get out and take a handful of pictures which she shared on her Facebook page – and we are sharing them with you.
Donna’s husband has suggested she not go out on the Naval Promenade again.
 Spectacular!  The waves just kept on rolling in. Her comment: 1st storm of the season earlier today when things were still calm.
Now the wind is REALLY ripping and the breakers are 7 to 9 rows deep now. Rob says I have to stay home. bummer
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