 By Pepper Parr
June 16th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
This is a story about delegations that were made at city council recently. It was about an epidemic – something the delegations referred to as IPV.
It is a long article – that was edited for brevity.
IPV is intimate partner violence – domestic abuse.
Halton Deputy Police Chief Jeff Hill told Council that police make an arrest a day in Burlington alone.
There were four delegations on the issue.
Jennifer Kagan, a physician and advocate against gender based violence in all its forms, delegated to council on the resolution that proposed Burlington declare intimate partner violence an epidemic in the city. .
 Jennifer Kagan, a physician and advocate against gender based violence. Kagan said “this recommendation stems from the 2022 Renfrew County inquest into the deaths of Carol Collington Anastasia Cusick and Nathalie Warmerdam. (A link to a seperate article on what happened in Renfrew Councty is included at the end of this article.)
“It is something I hear about from women in the Region every single day. Women who fear for their lives and their children’s lives. Women with nowhere to turn because systems that are supposed to protect them are failing. Women who are fearful to engage with many systems because this can often make things worse for them and their children. The numbers are staggering.
“We are seeing an unprecedented increase in the need for domestic violence related services. This has only been exacerbated by the COVID 19 pandemic; this dovetails with my perspective on the ground as an advocate for survivors of violence and with my own experience.
“I was a victim of domestic violence and coercive control in a previous relationship. While I was able to leave the relationship fleeing with only a few essential items, I sought protection for our nine month old daughter, Keira via the courts. Keira was failed by many judges, child protection services and was ultimately killed at the age of four by her father in February 2020.
Dr. Kagan’s experience resulted in the passing of Kiera’s Law
According to the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability, a woman is killed somewhere in Canada every other day on average; 30 to 40 children a year in Canada are killed by a violent parent.
“One is too many. Those who work with survivors of violence see the impact that lack of resources has on the lives of women and children fleeing violence. I commonly hear from colleagues looking to find shelter space for abused women; they cannot find it and that police cannot meet the unprecedented demand for services.
“By declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic it will ensure the city can better meet the needs of women and children fleeing violence. It will also raise awareness about the scourge of domestic violence so that survivors and children living with violence and escaping violence know that they are not alone. Passing this resolution will save many lives and I am in strong support of it.”
Councillor Nissan asked Dr. Kagan if she had anything “on a wish list for us at the municipal level? W hat are the next steps after this resolution comes forward?
Kagan: “Training is a very large focus of our advocacy. Educating the students and teachers as well would be two items if I could think just off the top of my head.”
 Halton Police Service Deputy Chief Jeff Hill Deputy Chief Jeff Hill of the Halton Police Service spoke virtually regarding the same item saying “I very much wanted to be a part of this discussion and humbly submit is of the utmost importance, and needed desperately to help combat and intimate partner violence.
“I’m going to be concise, and paint the picture from a policing perspective of the surveillance of intimate partner violence in the city of Burlington. Regionally speaking to the rise, in intimate partner violence in 2015 we responded to 2757 calls and laid 1145 charges.
“Last year we responded to 3500 calls and doubled our charges, laying 2141 charges.
“That’s effectively responding to 10 incidents of intimate partner violence a day. Specifically speaking to the city of Burlington, of those 3500 occurrences 1346 of them were in the city of Burlington. Stemming from those occurrences we made 341 arrests; that’s basically an arrest a day.
“As of last week, we have already attended 544 incidents of IPV in Burlington.
“I’ve seen the statistics and I’m aware that this largely an under reported crime. We believe that only 30% is actually reported to us.
“Halton police has a dedicated 24 members, intimate partner violence unit, that partners with such entities as Women’s Place and the mentoring members of the Halton Violence Prevention Council. We’re doing everything we can in the areas of risk intervention, incident response prevention and social disorder, social development. Our Victim Support Unit reaches out to every victim of intimate partner violence that is reported to us. Even with all those resources being dedicated, the number of incidents that we respond to has remained steady since 2020, with a number of arrests rising year after year.
“Let me be clear, however, that the police alone are not the solution to this issue and we will not arrest our way out of this epidemic. If we don’t do something different, the problem will continue to grow. Intimate partner violence cannot be a private issue. We cannot be silent about the violence that is occurring. The resolution before you is a start but we must do something to raise community awareness and education on the surveillance of the issue with the necessity for a holistic approach from the community as a whole; one entity cannot do this alone. As you heard from Dr. Kagan, every six days in Canada, a woman is murdered by her partner.
“I want to leave you with this final statistic, the last 40 years the Region alone has seen 22 women murdered at the hands of their partner, a woman murdered every other year in our region alone. This absolutely has to stop.”
 Councillor Bentivegna asked the Deputy Chief: “Is there something that you can share with residents throughout the region of things that as neighbours we could be doing. Are there signs out there that you can share that say hey, you know, this doesn’t look right. I don’t know whether we should approach the individual or maybe make a call to halt and say, you know, here’s what I’ve seen, or are there clues out there?
Deputy Chief Hill: “I think it’s just the awareness that this is happening around us. I think it’s the need for people to know, and not be willing to turn a blind eye to it. I’ve often made the comment, I’m not a social media person, but what ironically happens is what I even alone advocate for, you know, violence against women – to speak to it – I actually tend to lose followers. It’s like people don’t want to speak about it. And it’s something that we have to bring to the forefront, the entire community has to bring it to the forefront. We have to watch out for our neighbours.
“The reality is by the time a lot of these issues get to the police they are at the point of crisis in the cycle of violence. So we need people to intervene earlier – we need to help talk about it. We need funding for the people that we are going to speak to next. I think the very beginning of it is just a recognition that we’re all in this together. This is not a women’s issue. This is not an individual issue. This is a community issue.
Lori Hepburn Executive Director of Halton Women’s Place was one of the several delegations. Speaking about the intimate partner domestic abuse crisis in Burlington.
 Laurie Hepburn Executive Director of Halton Women’s Place She said the Halton Violence Prevention Council plays a leading role in supporting and empowering survivors of intimate partner violence and domestic violence. “I stand before you to discuss a pressing matter that requires our collective attention – declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic within our community to emphasize the urgency and significance of this declaration to examine the findings of the Renfrew County inquest, a recent and notable case that sheds light on the severity of the issue.
“The inquest was conducted following the tragic deaths of three women who were victims of domestic violence. Its findings revealed a series of system failures, missed opportunities and service provision gaps that could have saved these women’s lives. The number one recommendation of the inquest is for the province of Ontario to declare intimate partner violence as an epidemic. Women’s Place provides refuge and support for several hundreds of women and children each year who are escaping abusive situations.
“Last year in our community, Halton Woman’s Place supported 126 women and children through safe shelter, and over 6061 women through our community outreach programs, and we received over 2200 crisis calls to our support line, approximately 25% of the women who access our services identified coming from the City of Burlington.
“These are alarming statistics. And they aren’t just numbers, but they translate into the lives of real women and children whose lives are being derailed by intimate partner violence. The Renfrew County inquest serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of intimate partner violence and the need for comprehensive proactive measures to address this epidemic.
“IPv is no longer an issue that can be ignored, kept behind closed doors. Declaring intimate partner violence as an epidemic the City of Burlington can signal its commitment to implementing these measures that prevent similar tragedies from occurring within our community.
 Seating area just inside the doors of the Halton Women’s Place located in Burlington. “In March 2023, Mayor Mead Ward stated that the city of Burlington must stand by and be prepared to provide the services needed that reflect our community’s commitment. Stand by one another, come together in collaboration to ensure every single Burlington resident feels respected, safe and supportive, in alignment with the values upheld by the City of Burlington.
“Last year, the Halton Regional Police responded to over 3500 intimate partner violence calls, which translate to approximately 10 calls a day. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Many survivors suffer in silence and do not seek assistance due to fear, stigma or lack of resources. It is the under reported violent crime that makes this problem an epidemic. The City of Burlington acknowledges the harsh reality faced by survivors in our community, recognizes that this issue extends beyond isolated incidents – it is deeply ingrained in our society.
“This declaration acts as a call to action demanding that we come together as a community to address the root causes of violence and support survivors and their journey towards protection, healing and safety. Furthermore, this declaration demonstrates our commitment to data driven decision making.
“By acknowledging the prevalence of intimate partner violence we can more effectively allocate resources and implement evidence based strategies to prevent further harm. By intentionally changing our actions, we shift the narrative of dismissiveness towards IPv and step into the messiness and say to the individuals facing intimate partner violence, we see you, we hear you and we are driven by the courage, resilience and bravery of our survivors to fight for change in our local community.
“For the City of Burlington to declare intimate partner violence as an epidemic within our community, together, we can break the cycle of violence, support survivors, foster community that prioritizes safety, respect and equality for all.”
Councillor Nissan asked: “Laurie do you have suggestions for how the city of Burlington can follow up on this declaration and work with both yourself as well as the Halton Violence Prevention Council ? I see Halton Region as one of the partners which is really important, but how can the City of Burlington fit in to the to the plans?”
Hepburn: “I think Burlington can fit into the plans – helping with community awareness. That’s part of the biggest piece that’s missing with domestic violence is it’s typically been something that has been hidden. There’s so much fear and stigma around speaking about domestic violence, and that’s part of the cycle of control. Having somebody who feels powerless and doesn’t feel that they can share what’s happening to them – there’s so much judgment out there. We need to make sure that we’re normalizing these conversations about domestic violence adding that Councillor Bentivegna shared a really great point – let us know the signs about domestic violence.
“These things are happening to our neighbours, friends and families in the community. Hepburn added that “We’ve applied for a grant to have an educator getting the word out to the community; the goal is to have 20 presentations – lunch and learns – for businesses in North Halton because we know there’s a need out there. Creating awareness and making sure our communities are educated – we cannot do the work alone, we need our entire community to be talking about domestic violence and have a zero tolerance for domestic violence.
“We are looking at putting purple benches throughout the Region to signal to survivors of domestic violence that we see, we hear and we believe you and want you to know we are going to be here for you if you need support.”
 Kirk and Sonya Robinson sat in the public gallery of the Senate when Kiera’s Law was passed. Kirk and Sonya Robinson were the final delegation. It was not easy to hear what they had to say.
Kirk started by saying “my wife Sonia and I sat in the Senate public gallery and listened while Kiera’s Law was passed. It is now a federal and provincial law. Relatives of IPV played a significant part in this with along with the unwavering support of our mayor and council here in Burlington. Our family and most likely 1000s of families will benefit from your support. We’re thankful for the opportunity today to delegate and tell our story with the hope of increasing awareness of intimate partner of domestic abuse.
“In April we were in Ottawa for the final reading and vote in the Senate for Kiera’s Law. Sonya and I met many survivors of intimate partner domestic abuse. We shared stories back and forth. When I met and spoke with them, I was overcome with many emotions ranging from grief to guilt, thinking about how we as a society can sit back and allow this to happen. We have great respect for the courage of survivors to continue to fight for change.
“One of the survivors I met was beaten by her husband so many times that she feared she would die. If she did she feared he would take her baby. She devised a plan to make a hiding spot for the baby under the stairs and put a note in her pocket so the police could find her baby when they found her body.
“Another survivor I met was there with her daughter. I learned that her husband had attempted to put one of their daughters in human trafficking, and she fought to save her. I learned that some of her encounters with law enforcement tended to favour her husband.
“I sat next to the daughter while listening to the Senators debate the bill that was before them. I could not help but wonder what this girl had seen or had been exposed to or how sad it was that someone was not there to help her when she needed it most. I learned recently of a suicide attempt in her family and I have no idea if it was her sister.
“Another survivor of child exploitation, drug use and drug sales by the father told of being interviewed by Child Protective Services worker and told that she had to wait for clarification on some issues that would take weeks, if not months. In the meantime the mother had to answer her seven year old daughter’s question. ” I thought the lady was here to help me. Why didn’t she help me?
 Kirk said he had many more stories adding “you get the point. It has been my experience that the police services do not have the resources they need to get ahead of this and save those that fall through the cracks. Burlington has led the resolution supporting Kiera’s Law – let’s be a leader again supporting our police services who work tirelessly to save us from intimate partner domestic abuse.”
Mayor Med Ward followed with: “It’s important for us to listen – it is very very hard to hear those things. Thank you for all that you do, on behalf of all my colleagues. We are deeply grateful for your efforts.
Background links:
The Renfrew County Inquest
Kiera’s Law
 By Staff
June 12th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board announced today that Wade Richardson, Teacher and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) Lead for the HDSB, has received the Lifetime Membership Award from the Ontario Council for Technology Education (OCTE).
The award recognizes an individual who has made a “substantial contribution to advancing Technological Education in Ontario through work with the Ontario Council for Technology Education over a dedicated period of time.”
 Wade Richardson, Lifetime Member Ontario Council for Technology Education “I’m honoured to have received this Lifetime Membership Award from OCTE,” Richardson says. “It is so satisfying to know the difference that we, as an organization, have made to furthering technological education in Ontario, and I’m thrilled to have played a part in that alongside so many talented, dedicated and devoted professionals.”
“The Halton District School Board is so proud of Wade for receiving this award,” says Nick Frankovich, Superintendent of Education for the HDSB. “His commitment to advancing technological education, not just in Halton but across the province, has been exemplary. He collaborates with his department to ensure secondary program colleagues have a voice in supporting technological education, and they couldn’t be happier for Wade. He has accomplished this as a teacher and system-lead to the benefit of countless students, and we extend our congratulations to him for this provincial recognition.”
Over the years, Richardson has worked in many positions on the executive board for OCTE including conference organizer, stakeholder relations, OYAP representative and is currently the Chair. He has worked on many projects with OCTE over the years to support technological education. Some of the projects have been creating supporting resources for teachers, such as lesson plans and student information resources.
“Wade connected our organizations with consistent messaging and advocacy through opportunities such as the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Youth Advisory initiative, which ultimately led to very important policy changes for education including the introduction of the compulsory Technological Education credit for all Ontario students,” according to OCTE.
“Wade is a well-liked and effective leader and supporter of Technological Education in Ontario. The future of OCTE and Tech Ed in the province are in great hands with the leadership that Wade offers.”
 By Staff
June 8th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board trustees welcomed and observed the swearing in on the newest trustee.
Robbie Brydon will be a welcome addition to the Board that has a heavy agenda ahead of it.
It is going to be interesting to see how Mr.Brydon does as the trustees wade through budgets and take a deep look into the longer term program.
School boards come under the thick thumb of the Ministry of Education; Brydon has a considerable amount of experience working with senior levels of government.
 Newly elected Burlington wards 1&2 school board trustee Robbie Brydon with Director of Education Ennis Curtis.
 By Staff
May 30th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington has declared the official results from the by-election for the seat of School Board Trustee for Halton District School Board (HDSB) – Burlington, Wards 1 and 2.
Of the 36,119 eligible voters in Wards 1 and 2 in Burlington, 2,193, or 6.07per cent, voted in the by-election.
In accordance with the official by-election results, Robbie Brydon has been elected to the position of Halton District School Board Trustee – Burlington, Wards 1 and 2.
By Staff
May 25th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board (HDSB) has issued a call for membership, looking to fill three vacancies on the Human Rights & Equity Advisory Committee (HREAC).
Since 2021, the HREAC has proposed and responded to human rights and equity initiatives that support the HDSB’s focus on student achievement and well-being, helping to support commitments outlined in the Human Rights Equity Action & Accountability Plan: The Way Forward and 2020-2024 Multi Year Plan.
 The Committee is composed of parent/guardian and community organization representatives living in or providing services to Halton children, youth and families, as well as Indigenous Inherent Rights Holder and Treaty Partner and HDSB staff representatives.
Those interested in joining the Human Rights & Equity Advisory Committee are invited to view the HREAC – Call for Membership from Parents/Guardians and Halton Community and complete the HREAC Community Expression of Interest Form by Tuesday, June 13 at 6 p.m.
“The HREAC has been a vital part of the HDSB’s work to promote human rights and equity across our system,” says Jennie Petko, Superintendent of Education with responsibility for Indigenous Rights & Education, Human Rights, Equity & Inclusive Education.
“As we continue the work outlined in The Way Forward and seek to dismantle systems of oppression and challenge dominant traditions, we look forward to welcoming new members and fresh perspectives to this Committee.”
The HDSB Human Rights Equity Action & Accountability Plan: The Way Forward requires ongoing action on the part of all individuals and departments within the Board. The plan identifies strategies and actions to ensure all students, staff and families are supported in schools and workplaces by creating and maintaining equitable and inclusive learning and working environments.
By Staff
April 28th, 2023
BURLINGTON. ON
The Halton District School Board has set out an ambitious series of activities for each day of next week to celebrate Education Week.
Monday, May 1 – Equity and Inclusion: This area of focus shows how schools champion supportive and inclusive practices to ensure equitable access to positive opportunities and outcomes for all.
 Figuring it out. Tuesday, May 2 – Mental Health & Well-Being: This area of focus highlights how students strengthen safe and caring school environments that promote well-being, and enhance relationships and positive learning and working climates where everyone belongs and feels safe. May 1-7 is also Mental Health Week, as designated by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), which promotes mental health awareness, decreasing stigma and helpful resources.
Wednesday, May 3 – Environmental Leadership: This area shows how students and staff take action to help create a sustainable world and will be showcased to demonstrate how HDSB schools are providing opportunities to learn about connections between ecosystems, social justice and climate, as well as elevate local environmental initiatives and practices.
Thursday, May 4 – Learning & Achievement: Examples will be shared of how the HDSB strives to create learning environments to elevate student achievement, foster a culture of high expectations to maximize student and staff achievement and promote innovative strategies.
Also on May 4, the HDSB is proud to recognize the success of students through the annual Celebration of Student Excellence event. This virtual event will start at 7 p.m. Each year, one student per school is honoured for their excellence in self-improvement, enhancing the school and/or local community, citizenship, student leadership, academics, vocational studies and specialized programs or extra-curricular activities.
A link to view the ceremony will be on the HDSB website (hdsb.ca) on Thursday, May 4 at 7 p.m.
Friday, May 5 – Indigenous Perspectives & Awareness: On the final day of Education Week, the HDSB will highlight the many learning opportunities for students and staff that help promote knowledge and understanding of Indigenous perspectives and realities.
Open to all! No registration needed.
Join a group of people who are concerned about public safety issues affecting our community for a panel discussion and speakers who know the issue very well.
 Panel Speakers:
MP Shannon Stubbs of Lakeland AB, Shadow Minister for Natural Resources, previously Shadow Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Halton Chief of Police Stephen J Tanner, Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS)
Marcell Wilson, founder of the One by One Movement, a think tank to decrease extreme acts of violence across the globe beginning with the GTA
 By Staff
April 17th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The official list of certified candidates running for the position of Halton District School Board Trustee – Burlington, Wards 1 and 2 is as follows in alphabetical order:
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- Robbie Brydon
- Celina Close
- Michael James Duhacek
- Chris Goff
- Anthony Alexander Hoyes
- Omar Kayed
- Ross Montgomery
- Daniel Warren Oke
- Voting for the School Board By-Election takes place between May 15 and 29, 2023.
- Eligible voters have three ways to vote:
online, using Internet voting, from May 15 to 19, 2023
in person, at advance polls on May 24, 202 in person, on election day, May 29, 2023
- Individuals eligible to vote in the by-election for Halton District School Board Trustee – Burlington, Wards 1 and 2 must be:
a current English-public school board supporter
resident of Burlington (own or rent) in Ward 1 or Ward 2
non-resident, but you or your spouse own or rent residential property in Ward 1 or Ward 2
18 years of age or older
a Canadian citizen
not prohibited from voting under any law
By Pepper Parr
April 17th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The province isn’t happy with the school boards across the province are doing. They don’t like the number indicating where student achievement is waning. They want more power over school boards’ academic priorities and in particular wants to improve training for senior leaders.
Legislated tables today by the Minister of Education would impose new standards of training for directors of education and senior staff, as well as how their job performance is measured, giving trustees a say as well as an opportunity for the Ministry of Education to weigh in.
 Education Minister Stephen Leece at a community event. Minister Lecce said: ““It’s about expecting better from the system,” adding that “Boards need to refocus on what matters, which is student achievement.”
The legislation would also give the government a say in priorities in student achievement, especially in the basics of reading, writing and math, and ensure all 72 publicly funded boards provide information on that progress to parents in a transparent and timely manner, as well as update teacher training at universities.
On the trustee side, the bill would ensure boards are using integrity commissioners to deal with disputes between elected officials in a bid to keep their focus on students.
The bill is also intended, in part, to address the varying academic performance among boards and would give the province a say in “setting priorities for student achievement” as well as usher in “more consistent information (for parents) and approaches to student learning.”
The legislation comes after the province had to step in and supervise and reform the Peel public school board amid allegations of systemic racism. That came three years after the York board failed to act on parent complaints that racist incidents were being ignored, and as multiple incidents of trustee misconduct and dysfunction were brought to light.
More recently, Lecce has publicly chastised the leaders at the Halton District School Board for failing to deal with the controversial dress of a shop teacher that led to months of disruption at Oakville Trafalgar High School, including protests and bomb threats.
The Halton board, which more than a month ago voted to bring in a special adviser to help it move forward, has yet to do so. It also released promised a “professionalism policy” but parents are calling for more specifics on standards of dress for educators.
 Minister Leece with a group of students. The focus on the basics may be in response to parent concerns that boards are focusing too much on non-academic issues.
The province is making a number of changes with the legislation, noting that while Ontario has a 89 per cent graduation rate after five years, some 15,000 students aren’t earning a diploma in that time. EQAO results in math have been an ongoing concern, as have those in literacy, where roughly two-thirds of students in grade 3 aren’t meeting the writing standard, which is equivalent to a B grade.
The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act is wide-ranging legislation that would also speed up disciplinary processes for teachers, particularly in cases where the educator has been found guilty of a crime.
It would also give the province first say when school boards are selling off properties, and will mandate better communication with municipalities. To save costs and but also bring in consistency and help cut red tape, boards would also have a set of standard new school designs to choose when rebuilding.
It comes as the province is focusing on the skilled trades and ensuring students have a pathway to earn a diploma should they choose to take on an apprenticeship in Grade 11.
On Sunday, Lecce announced $180 million for literacy and numeracy supports, saying it would create 1,000 additional teaching positions to help students, many of whom are struggling with post-pandemic learning loss.
NDP Education Critic Chandra Pasma expressed disappointment with Minister Stephen Lecce’s recent ‘smoke and mirrors’ announcement, stating that it is unimpressive and fails to address the urgent needs in Ontario’s education system:
“The government talks about accountability but blindsides us with last-minute changes to the education sector without adequate funding for meaningful change,” Pasma stated. “As a parent, this announcement is frustrating and feels like smoke and mirrors. The underfunding of our education system is impacting our kids directly. We know why they are struggling – oversized classrooms, lack of specialized learning programs, and anxiety levels at an all-time high. How can students focus and succeed in such conditions?
“Adding new demands at this pace sets our students up for failure,” Pasma emphasized. “We need a government that truly address the scale of issues we see in the education system, including huge class sizes, issues with violence and mental health.”
Pasma further raised concerns about the government’s approach to funding, citing the disparity between the government’s stated increase of 2.7% in GSNs (Grants for Student Needs) and the much higher inflation rates of 6.8% in 2022 and the predicted 3.6% for 2023.
“How will this meagre increase in funding help when inflation rates are much higher, and the scale of issues in education requires much more support?” Pasma questioned. “We need a government that takes responsibility and stops shifting the blame for the fact that schools are struggling. The funding announcements are well below the inflation rate, and more is needed to address the scale of issues we see in our education system. The government’s failure to adequately fund education hinders the system’s ability to provide quality education to our students.”
By Staff
April 17th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
 Minister of Education Stephen Lecce Minister of Education Stephen Lecce plans to introduce legislation today that will “ refocus the education system on improving outcomes for students.”
He will speak to media as soon the legislation has been tabled.
The Ontario government is investing more than $180 million in targeted supports in the classroom and at home to help students build the math and reading skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce. This investment will support nearly 1000 more educators to help students develop these important skills.
 By Staff
October 3, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
While the new normal has a few iffy spots to it – the closing of two sections of the Joseph Brant Hospital where Covid19 outbreaks were declared – the Region is slowly finding its way to whatever normal is going to be as we head into that time of year where we spend more time indoors.
Conservation Halton decided it was possible for the Halton Children’s Water Festival to return to Kelso Conservation Area and welcome back over 800 students this year for an in-person program focused on protecting water in our community.
This is the fifteenth year for the festival which has educated over 50,000 elementary school students with the support of over 6,000 high school students over the years.
 The objective was to step though each of the tires and keep whatever was in the bucket – in the bucket. “Today, I’ve learned about water and the correct bins the garbage goes in,” said James, a Grade 5 student from St. Anne Elementary School, Burlington. “Right now, we’re playing a game and it’s really fun!”
The festival offered the Grade 5 students curriculum-linked environmental education programming, over three days, that gave students the opportunity to learn about water and society, water conservation and protection, water health and safety and water science and technology. Fun, themed learning activity centres such as Waterfront Quest, Garbage Juice, What’s That?, the Great pH Challenge and Beneficial Bugs allowed for hands-on learning outdoors where students could enjoy the views of Kelso Reservoir on one side and the Niagara Escarpment on the other.
“The water festival gives our students the opportunity to be stewards of the earth by investigating and participating in real-life, hands-on activities that are designed and lead with the Ontario Science and Technology expectations,” said Clare Slaven, Grade 5 teacher, St. Timothy’s Catholic Elementary School, Burlington. “It is a wonderful fun-filled day where we can show what we value and celebrate in Halton and the environment.”
 The grade 5 students were kept busy – learning how their environment works and the role water plays in everything they do. A virtual Water Festival Program will continue again this year. Since launching in April 2022 more than 1,600 students have participated in the online field trips.
The Halton Children’s Water Festival is presented by Conservation Halton and Halton Region in partnership with Halton District School Board, Halton Catholic District School Board and Conservation Halton Foundation, with the support of the Town of Oakville, Geo Morphix, City of Burlington and the Town of Halton Hills.
Conservation Halton is the community based environmental agency that protects, restores, and manages the natural resources in its watershed. The organization has staff that includes ecologists, land use planners, engineers, foresters and educators, along with a network of volunteers, who are guided by a Board of Directors comprised of municipally elected and appointed citizens. Conservation Halton is recognized for its stewardship of creeks, forests and Niagara Escarpment lands through science-based programs and services. Learn more at conservationhalton.ca.
 By Staff
September 26th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The 16th annual Halton Children’s Water Festival takes place at Kelso Conversation Area in Milton from Tuesday, September 27 to Thursday, September 29.
The festival is fully booked, after a two-year hiatus from the in-person events due to the pandemic. This year, the event offers a scaled down festival for grade five students with virtual offerings available to grade two students.
 The Beach is just one part of the Kelso operation. When: Wednesday, September 28, 2022
• 10 a.m. Remarks from Hassan Basit, CAO, Conservation Halton and Kiyoshi Oka, Director of Water and Wastewater Systems Services, Halton Region
• 11 a.m. Guided tour of the Halton Children’s Water Festival
Where: Kelso Conservation Area, by Boat Rentals 5234 Kelso Road, Milton, ON L9T 2X7
Parking is located at the Boat Rental Lot. Assistance is available to get up the hill from the parking lot to the event area.
What: The annual Halton Children’s Water Festival was first held in 2006 and has educated more than 50,000 students between grades two and five about the importance of water through fun, outdoor educational activities.
The festival is co-hosted by Conservation Halton and Halton Region, in partnership with the Halton District School Board, the Halton Catholic District School Board, the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills and the Town of Oakville.
By Staff
September 12th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington Public Library (BPL) is extending its hours. This change takes effect Monday September 12th.
Since 2018, BPL has been able to extend its open hours by nearly 20 per cent.
Some branches, including New Appleby and Aldershot, have seen a 60 per cent increase in open hours since 2018.
 Hours have increased – readership as well? Where and When You Can Visit Starting September 12
Central and Tansley Woods
Monday to Thursday: 9am to 9pm
Friday to Sunday: 9am to 5pm
New Appleby, Aldershot, Brant Hills, Alton
Monday to Thursday: 9am to 9pm
Friday & Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Sunday: Noon to 5pm
Kilbride
Tuesday & Thursday: 5pm to 8pm
Saturday: 9am to 2pm
 Burlington Librarian CEO, Lita Barrie. This change happened because of feedback from our customers. “After receiving customer feedback about a need for increased branch access, included this goal in our 2016-2020 Strategic Plan,” says CEO, Lita Barrie. “We have been gradually increasing service hours since then. Our 2020 and 2022 customer surveys reaffirmed this direction.”
These moderate increases to service hours have not increased the library’s staffing budget, but they have made the library accessible to more people with diverse needs and schedules, and expanded access to BPL’s collection, programs, and spaces.
Customer Feedback and Data Driven Decisions
“We have had great feedback so far about our expanded hours,” adds Barrie. “We are keeping a close eye on our community’s needs by analyzing usage data.”
Weeknight usage from Monday to Thursday significantly increased this spring—192 per cent—during the library’s closing hour from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Borrowing also went up during this period.
This data helped BPL decide how to adjust its open hours to best serve the community.
Library users also told BPL they would like 24/7 access to WiFi so they could use the internet outside branches or in their vehicles during closed hours. This change will also take effect September 12th.
Library Use is the Best Feedback
The library is always looking for feedback. You can share your opinion simply by using your local branch. “We monitor activity at all our locations to help guide decisions about many things, including open hours,” says Barrie. When you visit the library, you are helping us understand trends and needs in our community.
 By Bradley Elston
September 20, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Learn the main idea and concept of a Virtual data room. What is it and what purposes such software is used for?
Virtual Data Room: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
All sorts of file storage facilities are commonly used to store documents: a personal computer or various systems like Google Drive. As long as files are locked away from prying eyes, they are quite secure. But how to protect them if you need to give access to a limited number of people you don’t know well? For example, confidential documents in various transactions, some financial reports, or documents related to tax or audit audits.
There are many similar examples when it is important to provide access to the documents, on the one hand, and to make sure they are not leaked or the person who leaked them will be found, on the other hand.
VDRs (virtual data rooms) are used for secure data exchange. They allow delimiting rights and access to the documents inside the system, creating a clear structure and organizing easy exchange and work with files both inside the organization (synchronization with AD/LDAP) and during interaction with contractors.
The data room offers a standard set of tools, such as viewing documents, downloading, sending for printing, sharing, etc. Protection of files inside VDRs is provided by differentiation of user rights, control of document lifetime, and logging of events. But the question is how to be sure that the information will not leak into the public domain, and how to identify the culprit in case of leakage.
Check the virtual data room review to get more information about this software.
 The existence of clouds has made it possible for data to be accessed by almost anyone anywhere. With a Virtual Data Room that data is secure – rock solid secure. What is VDR?
A virtual data room is a tool, usually set up for a specific time and purpose, that gives authorized users access to a secure database of documents, according to their permit rights.
Why is It Important to Use?
Initially, virtual data rooms were created as an alternative to physical data rooms in due diligence procedures during mergers and acquisitions. Before the era of broadband Internet access, the familiarization of possible parties to a transaction with documents was as follows:
● The seller would allocate or lease one or more rooms into which folders of paper documents would be taken down, and write down the rent or lost profits from the misuse of the rooms as an expense item.
● A schedule of room visits and paperwork for potential buyers (beaders) was drawn up, which, if their number was substantial, greatly increased the transaction time.
● If the beaders were from another city or country, their representatives went on business trips to world cultural centers and to industrial regions, wasting time on the road and money on higher travel expenses.
But the virtual data room solves the problem of time, cost, and convenience of accessing documents.
Currently, virtual data room services accompany the activities of companies in other areas, from providing information to partners of investment funds to obtaining certificates for medicines, that is, everywhere where it is necessary to provide convenient access to confidential information for a certain circle of people who may be thousands of kilometers away from each other.
How Can a Virtual Data Room Protect the Data?
A virtual dataroom can be used in almost any situation where a company needs to provide simultaneous access to confidential information to several people:
● Analyzing corporate records;
● Creation of document archive;
● Audit;
● Preparation of an initial public offering (IPO);
● Help with mergers and acquisitions;
● Searching and providing information for investors.
The technology works in the following way: any interaction with a document (opening, downloading, sending for printing, sending by mail attachment, etc.) provides the user with a personal labelled copy. The copy is visually indistinguishable from the original, the markings are not visible to the naked eye, and can only be recognized using a forensic tool. In addition to the invisible marking the document is assigned the following attributes: employee ID, time, date, IP, location, etc.
If there is a leakage, the compromised document is loaded into the system and its labelling is compared with the original document available in the system for analysis. As a result, the system identifies the most similar copy and its owner. Thus, allowing you to find the potential culprit of the leak.
Such a solution can be used for critical business events: mergers and acquisitions, audits, and IPO preparation handling the personal information of public persons, as well as for intellectual property protection.
 The name “the cloud” actually describes a room full of servers that hold data and make it available via the internet. While a person is working in the VDR, a system is recording every copy of the document. In case even a small fragment of text of any document stored in such an electronic data room is compromised, the owner can conduct an examination and unambiguously discover the name of the person who published it without consent. Such marking is absolutely invisible to users and nothing changes in their usual processes.
 Market projections for VDR services is very positive. Whether or not to tell employees or counterparties working in such a VDR about the presence of invisible marking is the right of the owner of the virtual room. On the one hand, this can immediately become a preventive psychological measure to protect documents. On the other hand, if the task is to identify an already existing insider, it is possible not to report about the technology.
Conclusion
A virtual room is a space where documents are sorted into folders, and all participants have a certain level of access rights. They can download files, and upload and share them only with permission. This format of use allows organizing convenient collaboration within different business processes.
VDR can save your company time and effort. When it comes to business effectiveness, every feature helps. The use of the dataroom software allows convenient managing of important corporate information and team collaboration. Also, it is more secure than usual file-sharing systems. So VDR is a smart solution for your business.
 By Staff
August 27th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Councillor Paul Sharman of Ward 5 is reported to be running a public education session on hazing techniques on Sunday, August 28
The event will begin at 9 a.m. at Pineland School on Meadowhill Road; Burlington
Animal Control staff will also be in attendance.
Councillor Sharman commented that “The city is committed to eliminate animals that attack people and draw blood. My best wishes to the people who were bitten for a speedy recovery.”
 By Staff
August 26th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Gazette published a report yesterday on recommendations a citizens committee gave to Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and City Manager Tim Commisso.
Within the report were a number of recommendations that we think were important enough to be made public. They are set out below; they amount to a consultants report that didn’t cost the city a dime.
 Those recommendations are set out below
1. Conduct an impact analysis by neighbourhoods to identify various controls that should be implemented to safeguard residents, children and pets from coyote attacks.
BOCM has identified several “hot spot” neighbourhoods in both Oakville and Burlington which have shown an unusually high number of coyote sightings and incidents. These neighbourhoods are as follows:
- Samuel Curtis Estates in West Oakville;
- Wilmot Creek Park in West Oakville/East Burlington;
- Lakeshore Woods in West Oakville;
- Sheldon Creek Trail system bordering Samuel Curtis Estates & Lakeshore Woods in West Oakville;
- Shell Park in West Oakville;
- South Shel Park & Beach Trails in West Oakville;
- Burloak Waterfront Park in West Oakville/East Burlington;
- Mohawk Gardens/St. Patrick’s R.C. School in East Burlington;
- Bromley Park in East Burlington;
- Sherwood Forest Park in East Burlington;
- Pineland Public School in East Burlington;
- Paletta Estates in Burlington;
- Nelson Park in Burlington (including Shoreacres Road);
- John Tuck Public School in
Many of these areas are adjacent to woodlots. The proximity of playgrounds to woodlots which is where coyotes den is particularly problematic. Many young children play in these areas, and the potential for interactions between coyotes and young people is extremely high. In all of West Oakville there are no coyote warning signs whatsoever.
 SIGN AT ENTRANCE TO SHELDON CREEK TRAIL, THE SITE OF SEVERAL COYOTE ATTACKS. THIS IS A HEAVILY UTILIZED TRAIL AND CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND IMMEDIATELY NEXT TO TRAIL ENTRANCE. COYOTES KNOWN TO USE THIS ENTRANCE TO LEAVE THE TRAIL SYSTEM AS THEY MAKE THEIR WAY TO THE LAKE VIA WILMOT ROAD AND STEVENSON ROAD. 2. Improve both the quantity and quality of signage relating to coyotes, and ensure it offers meaningful information on what to do in the event of sightings.
There are absolutely no coyote warning signs in Bronte and West Oakville, and the level of coyote signage currently in use in Burlington is vague and offers little in the way of useful information. BOCM believes that much more comprehensive and detailed signage is required that includes the following:
- Warning signs on the prevalence of coyotes;
- Encourage park visitors to call 911 in cases of emergencies or attacks;
- Clear prohibitions aimed at discouraging the feeding wildlife;
- Specific directions on what to do if a coyote stalks someone;
- Advice on how to properly haze
Suffice to say that a picture of a coyote may provide a warning but it offers no viable information as to what to do when one is sighted or attacks. Oakville/Burlington need to follow the lead of Mississauga and install billboards, or at the least temporary mobile signs warning people of coyotes in hotspots and what to do.
Appendix A includes a cross-section of different pictures taken recently throughout Oakville and Burlington that clearly demonstrates either the lack of proper signage or a lack of relevant information.
3. Current municipal by-laws should be amended to permit the laying of charges and assessment of fines for persons who feed coyotes.
Current direction from civic officials places an onus upon residents not to feed wildlife. Unfortunately, this advice is not reinforced with appropriate fines that act as a significant deterrent.
It is our understanding that the City of Burlington By-Law 083-2015 enacted September 28th,2015 provides for a fine of $100 for any resident found feeding wildlife. In the case of the Town of Oakville we examined By-Law 2018-006 and were unable to find any fine for feeding wildlife. The fine in the City of Toronto is $365.
BOCM maintains that a $500 fine should be imposed upon any resident or person who is identified feeding wildlife. We believe that a similar fine should be assessed in cases where residents carelessly discard food waste and scraps that become a food source for coyotes, raccoons, etc.
4. Provide appropriate coyote management education in schools and parks that border creeks.
We believe that more prescriptive and defined education messages should be used to communicate the potential threat caused by coyotes. We believe that By- Law Officers should be routinely tasked with visiting schools in “hot spot” neighbourhoods to educate teachers, students and administrators about the threats posed by coyotes.
As coyotes are no longer afraid of us hazing must be taught to residents and children. Furthermore, flyers must be sent to every household in high density coyote areas instructing what to do, how to haze, and what to carry as a deterrent.
5. Change municipal by-laws to permit residents to increase fence heights in order to deter coyotes from entering residents’ properties.
Our review indicates that in the City of Burlington the maximum fence height is 2 metres. In the case of the Town of Oakville there is a similar provision, although in certain circumstances it can extend to 2.2 metres.
BOCM believes the current height restriction on fences is inadequate to protect residents from coyotes entering the backyards. We have several reports where residents’ pets in fenced backyards have been attacked by coyotes that have scaled wooden and wire fences.
We believe that in cases where properties are adjacent to “hot spot” areas an exception should be made, and that fence heights should be changed to 3 metres. This would provide a strong deterrent to coyotes from entering properties adjacent to parks while providing protection to homeowners whose pets are in enclosed areas.
6. Permit residents’ whose properties back onto wooded areas to place an awning structure at the top of their fence to prevent coyote jumps.
As was noted in point #5 above, coyotes have the ability to scale fences up to nine feet high. We believe residents whose properties are adjacent to “hot spot” locations should have the ability to erect awnings at the top of their fences to prevent coyote jumps.
7. Request more frequent and nightly bylaw officer visits to wooded areas known to have coyote dens.
BOCM maintains that Animal Control By-Law Officers have a low visibility and profile in the community. We believe that greater efforts should be made to provide nightly patrols in “hot spot” areas where coyotes pose a significant hazard and risk. Increased visibility will reinforce public safety and demonstrate concern for the needs of residents. In particular, better training for animal control and bylaw officers on how to be more empathetic and understanding when dealing with distraught pet owners reporting attacks and killing of their pets would be helpful.
As well, it is important to clearly articulate to residents who to contact in the event of an attack, kill or sighting. Residents are currently confused.
Several schools in Oakville and Burlington have woods that are adjacent to known coyote dens. Below are pictures taken at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic School on Kenwood Drive, and Pineland Public School on Meadowhill Drive. In these photographs you can clearly see that playgrounds and soccer fields are within close proximity to wooded areas and ravines.
8. Scientifically measure the size of the coyote population in West Oakville, Bronte and Burlington.
Much has been made about the fact that the coyote population is threatened by urbanization. While this may be true, at no time has scientific data been adduced to confirm the actual size of the coyote population in this area.
Until the 1800’s coyotes lived only in the southern prairies of North America, and the southern United States to Mexico. By the late 1800’s they expanded west to the Pacific Ocean, and by the 1900s they had advanced to the Maritimes, the eastern seaboard in the United States, and north to Alaska. Their rapid population growth is a testament to their hardiness and adaptability.
BOCM believes that making unsubstantiated claims that a species is at risk without corroborating evidence to substantiate it is both misleading and untrue. The natural predator of coyotes are humans, but if there are controls on hunting and trapping then the species reproduces unimpeded. Empirically, the number of sightings and interactions with coyotes would infer that the coyote population has migrated south towards the Lake Ontario shoreline and along adjacent creeks. This would suggest that a larger number of them are living in a confined area and in closer proximity to residents.
We believe that a scientific count of the coyote population would be helpful in identifying dens and imposing reasonable controls that would restrict the number of negative interactions with residents and their pets. Recently, attempts have been made in the City of Chicago using radio tracking to determine the size of the coyote population. Estimates suggest that the population in that City is somewhere between 2,000 to 4,000 animals.
BOCM believes that similar activities should be undertaken by bylaw officers using radio control technology. Scientific evidence, not assumptions, are needed in order to develop proactive evidence-based solutions to the coyote population.
9. Institute a program of coyote contraception to limit the size of the coyote population.
Once an assessment has been made of the size of the coyote population BOCM believes that measures should be instituted to control the size of this species.
It should be noted that in addition to the obvious threat presented by bites and attacks coyotes are also known carriers of parasites including mange and, in some instances, rabies. Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious to both dogs and humans, and there are cases where it can be passed from human to human. Rabies is a deadly virus that spreads from the saliva of infected animals. Treatment involves a series of painful shots that eliminate the infection.
Wildlife contraception is not new. It has been applied successfully in various jurisdictions in the United States to control wildlife including deer:
10. Initiate a program of aggressive hazing to instill fear in coyotes.
The concept of aversive conditioning has been pioneered by Collen Cassady St. Clair at the University of Alberta who has been working with the Edmonton Coyote Urban Project. This program is based on the concept of teaching wild animals to mistrust humans and fear people in order to lessen interactions that may result in adverse close contacts or attacks. Certain areas of that City, particularly playgrounds, are considered “no-go” zones, and coyotes seen in these areas are aggressively hazed. One approach that is being utilized involves deploying service dogs to find coyotes, then shooting them with chalk balls fired from paintball guns. Residents are also encouraged to haze coyotes by throwing tennis balls at them.
Because coyotes are no longer afraid of people, we need to teach residents aversive conditioning, and providing this information both on the website and in flyers distributed to households.
- Institute a program of regular pesticide spraying of rats and other vermin consumed by Coyotes in our trail areas and known den areas.
If the food sources for coyotes disappears, so will the coyotes. They will move to other more food abundant areas.
This will become increasingly necessary as urban development to the north of Burlington and Oakville proceeds quickly over the next few years. We will need to have plans in place well in advance to control and manage the coyote population. We all know that the coyotes will move south from Milton and Halton Hills to south Oakville and Burlington so they can be close to Lake Ontario where there is an abundance of shoreline and trail system wildlife.
 SUMMARY
BOCM maintains that previous coyote management efforts by civic officials have been both inadequate and a substantive public policy failure. Too much onus has been placed on local residents to manage this problem through appeals to refrain from feeding wildlife. While BOCM supports this measure in principle, it is our contention that this measure alone is inadequate. We strongly contend that the time has come for much more proactive control initiatives.
Related news story:
Report om controlling coyote problem gets the brush off from city hall
 By Allan Harrington
August 26th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a pretty good crowd for opening night.
 Takes place at the Burlington Centre – shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday The Big Top tent was more than 90% full.
I wondered how the long line of people snaking around outside would fit inside to see the show on time – but they did.
For the most part every seat is a good seat – even at the back row because a lot of the show is in the air.
We won’t go into the individual acts – except to say the Chicago Boyz brought a lot of energy with them – all the way from the Windy City. These guys were good.
Show times:
August 26 4:00 pm & 7:30 pm
August 27 12:00 pm & 4:00 pm & 7:30 pm
August 28 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm
 Every seat is a good seat – the back rows let you really appreciate the aerial acts The cannon that blasted a man into the air was different – and very real.
The “oohs and aahs” from the crowd were genuine and there were a lot of them.
There were no animal acts.
Great event for the kids – parents as well. Several of the acts involved parents who were pulled into the ring to take part.
For people of all ages who like a fun night out – you can’t go wrong with the circus.
Tickets – decently priced. More info HERE
 Hot dogs, pop corn and cotton candy – all part of the circus experience
By Staff
August 24th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte sent the following to her constituents:
The City of Burlington, with the expertise of a Certified Wildlife Control Professional, have eliminated the coyote identified by its victims in recent unprovoked attacks on humans in south central Burlington.
A third recent unprovoked coyote attack on a human was reported to the City yesterday evening. Animal Services staff played a key role in tracking the coyote identified as being responsible for all three attacks.
 The Councillor misnamed the location – it isn’t a lookout – it is one of the many windows on the lake that adjacent property owners used to discourage the public from using. Great place to just while away some time During the evening, an 18-year-old girl was lying in the grass at the municipal lookout at the end of Market Street, south of Lakeshore Road, when she felt a tug on her hair. She turned to see a coyote which then bit and scratched her leg as she stood up. The girl was taken for medical attention and was released.
The two other recent attacks were also unprovoked but during the day.
The first unprovoked attack was on a female adult on the Centennial Multiuse Trail at Seneca Avenue in the morning. The coyote jumped and bit her from behind.
The second unprovoked attack was on a 2 ½ year-old toddler seated on a deck in his fenced backyard less than two kilometres east of the first attack.
There was no food, small animals or any other activity to attract the coyote. The toddler was also bitten on the back of the neck. Both victims were treated at Joseph Brant Hospital and released.
The attacks are uncharacteristic of coyotes and are the first reported attacks on humans in Burlington.
 Centennial Trail at Seneca Avenue Municipalities are responsible for taking appropriate actions to manage resident encounters with coyotes and take appropriate action on municipal property. On the rare occasion that a coyote attacks a person, the City has a Council approved protocol in place that is currently being followed to prioritize and deal with the one coyote in question.
Anyone who sees a coyote is encouraged to let the City know by submitting an online report or calling 905-335-3030. Reporting coyote sightings, or potential problems related to overgrown building sites, garbage or someone intentionally or accidentally feeding a coyote, helps the City monitor the location and activity of coyotes in the community.
The coyote problem has taken on a new dimension; while the behaviour of this particular coyote is uncharacteristic – it is at the same time very serious.
There is some serious work to be done – hopefully City Manager Tim Commisso will pull together all the people who are involved in public safety and animal control and push the edge of that envelope to determine if there is something we are not doing that we should be doing and if there is new information that has not yet reached our people.
The incident involving a 2 ½ year-old toddler seated on a deck in his fenced backyard is more than a red flag.
By Pepper Parr
August 23rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
School boards used to be the first step that people who were concerned about the political health of their community took.
Now, there are times when trustees are acclaimed. This time around there are no acclamations for the Burlington trustee seats which is healthy.
What confuses many people are the number of school boards we have. There are the public and the Catholic Boards which everyone with children understand.
The Conseil scolaire Viamonde and the Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir are probably new to most people. They are both French language based.
The Conseil scolaire Viamonde is a public-secular French first language school board, and manages elementary and secondary schools in the Ontario Peninsula and the Greater Golden Horseshoe. The school board operates 41 elementary schools and 15 secondary schools within that area.
Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir is a Roman Catholic French first language public-separate school board that manages elementary and secondary schools in the Greater Golden Horseshoe. The school board operates 46 elementary schools, 11 secondary schools, and two combined institutions within that area.
Both Board trustees for Burlington were acclaimed
Here are the candidates standing for seats as trustees in Burlington
Halton District School Board Trustee – Wards 1 and 2
Matthew Diodati
Sebastian Dumitrescu-Georgescu
Omar Kayed
Halton District School Board Trustee – Wards 3 and 6
Nathaniel Arfin
Chris Goff
Stephen Green
Alison Hodd
Anna Sophia Jodhi
Dan Smith
Xin Yi Zhang
Halton District School Board Trustee – Ward 4
Roxanne Anderson
Michael Beauchemin
Varun Bhardwaj
Michael Duhacek
Margo Shuttleworth
Halton District School Board Trustee – Ward 5
David Biagioni
Amy Collard
Halton Catholic District School Board Trustee –
Wards 1 and 2
Vincent Enzo Iantomasi
Kirsten Kelly
Halton Catholic District School Board Trustee –
Wards 3 and 6
David Cherry
Trish Nicholls-Powell
Halton Catholic District School Board Trustee – Wards 4 and 5
Brenda Agnew
Rick Giuliani
Conseil scolaire Viamonde
Pierre Gregory (acclaimed)
Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir
Dominique Janssens (acclaimed)
By Staff
August 23rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Applefest Fall Fair at Ireland House Museum
When: Saturday, October 1, 2022, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Ireland House Museum
Cost: $10/adult, $8/child (3 – 12 years), under 2 are free
Celebrate the changing of the seasons at Ireland House Museum’s Applefest Fall Fair. The day will feature main stage entertainment, vendors, Museum tours, farm animals, historic demonstrations and a mini local food market. Treat yourself to a serving of our signature house-baked apple crisp!
Capacity is limited, please pre-register for the event and note your selected arrival time. Reservations are available on the hour. Walk-in guests will be accommodated space permitting.
New this year! Treat yourself to a serving of our signature house-baked apple crisp.
Registration link:
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