 By Staff
May 13, 2015
BURLINGTON,ON
North America will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope on July 13, 2015. Terry Fox visited Burlington during that first event.
 The Terry Fox Run to Cure Cancer has been a Burlington event from the beginning 35 years ago. Last year the organizers of the event set up a booth in the Car Free Sunday in Alton. The city has been approached by the Burlington Terry Fox organization requesting a plaque or monument be installed along the waterfront, on the border between Wards 1 and 2, to mark the 35th anniversary.
Terry Fox ran along Spencer Smith Park during his cross Canada run, and the annual race takes place in Spencer Smith/Beachway Parks.
The city is exploring the idea further, and will be presented the following staff direction at the May 12, 2015 Community & Corporate Services Committee meeting:
Direct the Manager of Arts and Culture to consult with the Burlington Terry Fox Foundation in the design of a monument to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Terry Fox Run with funding provided by the Terry Fox Foundation for implementation;
Direct the Executive Director of Capital Works to consult with Halton Region on a location of the monument in alignment with the Beach Master Plan; and
Direct the City Clerk to write a letter of support for the project to the Burlington Terry Fox Foundation.
 The tension between Councillors Meed Ward and Craven is close to measurable at times. It will be interesting to see how they manage to cooperate at the unveiling of the plaque the city is considering. , It will be interesting to see how the Councillors for wards 1 and 2 manage to co=operate on this event. They are not known for the conviviality of their relationship.
The plaque itself is a wonderful idea – Burlington has been a consistent supporter of the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope since its earliest days.
 By Pepper Parr
May 13, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Large parts of this article were first published in a blog Mayor Goldring contributes to from time to time
The group that spent close to a week in Holland representing Burlington in one of the most politically and historically significant events for the western world are all back in town.
 Burlington and Apeldoorn residents touring the Kasteel Cannenburch in Vaassen. Mayor Rick Goldring and Councillor Blair Lancaster represented the city officially. Staff members Scott Stewart and Rob Peachy took part in the trip along with members of Burlington’s Dutch Community and the Burlington Teen Tour Band.
The event was the 70th year celebration of the end of the Second World War. The remaining members of the armed forces who fought that war are in their 90’s – the chances of them taking part in the next celebration ten years from now is remote.
 Brian Bourne, Mayors John Berends and Rick Goldring, Scott Stewart, Councillor Blair Lancaster, Ed Dorr, Jan Koorenhof and Charles Minken come together with the Burlington Teen Tour Band and visiting Burlington residents for the preview of Burlington Park in Apeldoorn. The occasion was an opportunity for Burlington to further cement its relationship with Apeldoorn, the city was twinned with ten years ago.
Mayor Goldring called the trip “the experience of a lifetime”.
The celebrations were multi-faceted. In April, 21 Burlington students from participating high schools travelled to Apeldoorn for a week-long exchange. There was also an art exchange and pen pal program between participating Grade 4 and 5 students.
 Cycling is a key mode of transportation in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. Ideas for encouraging cycling in Burlington were shared. Apeldoorn is a city of approximately 150,000, while Burlington has about 180,000 residents. We have many similarities despite our physical distance.
The Burlington delegation met with municipal officials on several occasions to share ideas and best practices, with discussions around infrastructure, sustainability, fleet, efficiencies, greenspace management and council procedure, among others.
There were also discussions about possible economic development opportunities. Economic development is a priority for both Apeldoorn Mayor John Berends and myself.
The close ties between the Canadian and Dutch people date back 70 years when the Canadian Forces liberated Apledoorn in April 1945 and the rest of the country by May 5, 1945.
Today, both Canada and the Netherlands are highly regarded in the international community for our strong open democracies with enduring traditions of tolerance and respect for human rights and the rule of law. We are natural friends and partners in so many ways.
 Mayors Rick Goldring and John Berends lay a wreath at Loenen, the Netherlands. Mayor Goldring said the visit to Holten Cemetery to honour our Canadian soldiers “touched my heart, as did the veteran’s parades in Apeldoorn and Wageningen.” Apeldoorn Mayor John Berends and Mayor Goldring laid a wreath at Loenen.
“I have always been proud to be Canadian” said Mayor Golddring. “This past week, observing thousands of Dutch citizens waving Canadian flags and seeing young Dutch children run up and hand our veterans homemade cards and fresh flowers during the parade deepened my patriotism.”
 Canadian veteran and Burlington resident Mr. Jim Warford meets with Councillor Blair Lancaster and Mayor Rick Goldring.  Councillor Blair Lancaster and Mayor Rick Goldring with Canadian veteran and Burlington resident Mr. Stan Egerton. “Last week”, while in Holland, “ I also had the opportunity to connect with Burlington veterans Mr. Jim Warford and Mr. Stan Egerton in Apeldoorn. Words are not enough to describe the honour of shaking their hands.”
“It is so very important to teach our young people about the importance of freedom and the relationship between Canada and the Netherlands. Everywhere I went, people spoke about the talent, precision and dedication of our young people in the band. They truly are the pride of Burlington and Canada’s Musical Ambassadors.”
 Princess Margriet of the Netherlands meets members of the City of Burlington delegation in Apeldoorn. Goldring reminded us that: “It is special to note that during the Second World War, the Dutch Flag was flown over the Parliament Buildings and Peace Tower in Ottawa when Princess Margriet was born in Canada. She is a beloved daughter of Canada.”
The Burlington delegation to Holland had an opportunity to meet Princess Margriet during their visit. “She was gracious and very complimentary of Canada and the relationship with Burlington.” Said the Mayor.
Goldring spoke during the preview of the Burlington Garden in Apeldoorn and said:
“I would like to extend warm greetings to Mayor John Berends, Apeldoorn Burlington Committee Chair Jan Koorenhof, Burlington Apeldoorn Committee Chair Charles Minken, Burlington Mundialization Chair Ed Dorr, our citizens, the Burlington Teen Tour Band and our friends in attendance.
 A bench embossed with maple leaves in Burlington Garden in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. The park was a mundialization initiative. “What a glorious occasion it is to be here today at the preview of Burlington Garden during the 10th anniversary of the official twinning of Burlington and Apeldoorn.
“The Burlington Garden is a meaningful initiative for both the City of Apeldoorn and the City of Burlington.
“Two years ago, Mayor Berends and I celebrated the ground-breaking for Apeldoorn Park in downtown Burlington. How quickly time has passed, my friend.
“Apeldoorn Park officially opened in Burlington in September 2014. It was a special occasion as Apeldoorn high school students were present at the opening.
“It has many Dutch features, with orange play equipment, benches engraved with tulips, and hundreds of Apeldoorn tulips.
 Burlington Teen Tour Band members line a street in Apeldoorn for the walk of silence on the Day of Remembrance on Monday, May 4. “Every time I drive or walk by Apeldoorn Park, I see children playing or seniors sitting enjoying the scenery. Apeldoorn Park is a park that holds a special place in the hearts of our residents. It is an honour to be here today at the opening of Burlington Garden.
“This garden embodies the friendship and close bond between the people of Burlington and Apeldoorn. It is also symbolic of city council’s dedication to the welfare of the people of Apeldoorn, as the garden will be maintained by area citizens and residents of Heeren Loo.
“It is beautiful to think that children will be playing in Burlington Garden at the same time as children in Apeldoorn Park. Although we are separated by a vast ocean and hundreds of miles, we are family.
By Pepper Parr
May 13, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The route for the Pan Am Torch run has been determined. It will go through Burlington on Friday June 19 and start at Brant and Leighland and proceed south to Caroline where it will turn west along Caroline to Locust.
South on Locust to Elgin
West on Elgin to Maple and south on Maple into Spencer Smith Park.
The Torch Route will start at 17:40 (5:40 pm) arriving at the stage at Spencer Smith Park at 18:25. (6:25) pm These times need to finalized with TO2015, which we anticipate shortly.
 Pan Am Torch route – Friday June 19, The 19th of June is Sound of Music time of year – so the Torch run will somehow become part of the Sound of Music.
There are hordes of people involved in the Pan Am event. Corporations are being asked to think in terms of possible staggered hours for their employees or have them work from home.
Traffic is expected to be a bit of a mess for the whole of the Pan Am and the Para Am games.
 This is the torch Burlington’s representative will carry June 19th Burlington has what the bureaucrats are calling “non-event” status – which is a polite way of saying nothing is going to take place in Burlington other than the practice soccer games that will take place at City View park – but the public will not be allowed to watch those games.
All these decisions were made before Burlington was recognized as the best mid-sized city in Canada to live in.
 Dr. Ashley Worobec will carry the Pan Am Torch through Burlington and into Spencer Smith Park. Dr. Ashley Worobec will carry the Torch for the Burlington portion of the run into Hamilton.
Worobec is a Burlington based chiropractor at the Burlington Sports and Spine Clinic. She is also an avid Crossfit practitioner.
A mother of two young children, she is actively engaged in numerous community activities and blogs about her community, her practice, parenting and staying fit and healthy.
By Pepper Parr
May 12, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Part 5 of a multi part series
It is difficult to get a full sense of the size and scope of the Beachway Park that the designers have put together.
It amounts to five different parks all rolled into one – with more than enough to do for any family.
 Three kilometres in length from the |Pier to the Canal – a good healthy walk The distance from the Pier to the Canal is 3 km with all kinds of trails and places to rest. One of the problems with the park in its present form was the lack of food options – and restrooms. Slim pickings with both.
 Throughout much of the park’s environment there are dunes that are sensitive and need to be protected from any kind of vehicle and heavy pedestrian traffic. The west end of the park has space for bacchii ball, Beach Volley Ball, a soccer pitch. There was no mention of a horse shoe pitch – but that could get added.
 Those purple splotches are destinations; places to go to swim, play a sport, take part in a small festival; shop at a market garden or look at art that will be for sale. There are shelter areas for festivals and market and arts and craft sales.
 Beacons will be spread throughout the park telling you where you are. Each will have some form of illustration.  Parts of the park will have space to set up tents for short term events.
It will be difficult to get lost. The park designers have come up with a system of markers which they call beacons. They will have both names and number and as you can see from the graphic above – they will be spread throughout the park.
This is going to be a walking park – there will be paths galore that are well marked. What hasn’t been explained is how well lit the paths and trails will be. without lights at night the park would become a dangerous place.
When the plans for a park were first put out in 2012 the argument went that houses were going to be torn down to make space for parking lots. The design that is on the table today does have parking lots but they are not in places where houses exist.
The houses are being taken out so that park facilities can be built and Lakeshore Road re-aligned.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
 By Staff
May 12, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It was almost like a game of cops and robbers with one chasing the other.
The Halton Regional Police Service is investigating an incident involving an attempt residential break and enter to a residence and the theft of motor vehicles in the City of Burlington.
 Halton Regional Police have learned when not to engage in a pursuit – they back off rather than endanger the public. They eventually catch the people they were going after. On May 11, 2015, at approximately 3:00 pm, a citizen who resides on Foxwood Drive interrupted culprits attempting to break into his residence. The homeowner confronted the culprits and was threatened. A male and female culprit fled the scene in a grey GMC Envoy type motor vehicle.
The Halton Regional Police Service was notified of the incident and located the motor vehicle driving a short distance away. The GMC Envoy motor vehicle drove northbound on Walkers Line and failed to stop for the police. The GMC Envoy became stopped in traffic on Walkers Line at Upper Middle Road and then began driving in a dangerous manner by driving on the sidewalk to get away. Police discontinued attempting to stop this motor vehicle due to the risk to public safety. It was determined that the GMC Envoy motor vehicle had been reported stolen from the Toronto area.
A short time later the police was notified by a citizen that two persons were attempting to steal a parked motor vehicle in the area of Corporate Drive and Mainway Drive. The motor vehicle was parked in an industrial complex building. The culprits then stopped attempting to steal this motor vehicle and got back into the grey GMC Envoy motor vehicle. The culprits then drove at a high rate of speed through a locked gate to exit out of a driveway of the industrial complex. Police observed the GMC Envoy motor vehicle for a second time moments later on Walkers Line but elected to not pursue for public safety reasons.
The motor vehicle was later observed abandoned on Country Club Drive near Walkers Line. Police observed a suspicious white GMC pickup truck with two occupants leaving the area. The white GMC pickup truck became stuck in traffic at Walkers Line at Dundas Street. An unmarked police vehicle attempted to block its path to prevent it from driving from its stopped position. The driver of the white GMC pickup truck deliberately drove into the unmarked police motor vehicle and also into a civilian motor vehicle at this location. No persons were injured in this series of incidents.
Police discontinued attempting to stop this motor vehicle due to the risk to public safety. The culprits then drove away eastbound along Dundas Street to Appleby Line. It is believed they may have entered onto the 407 highway at that location. It is believed that the second vehicle involved namely a white GMC pickup truck was also stolen. It was recovered by police several hours later abandoned in the City of Hamilton.
One male culprit is described as a white male about 25 to 30 years of age, with short dark hair. One female culprit is described as a white female, about 25 to 30 years of age, with long dark hair.
Not much to go on – how long before they are caught?
The Halton Regional Police Service is requesting assistance from the public that would assist in this investigation is asked to call the Criminal Investigation Bureau -Burlington at 905-825 4747 ext. 2316 or 2312 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800 222 8477 (TIPS), or through the internet at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Pepper Parr
May 12, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Each term of office city council has some opinion research done on what the citizens think of the way their city is governed and how good or bad the delivery of services is.
The Gazette will report on that document in some detail – it is a little on the complex side.
Politicians being politicians they are interested in knowing how they are doing in their wards.
  The research provided an interesting glimpse at what you the public felt about how services were being delivered in your ward.
The chart, explained the researchers, presents top two box satisfaction ratings (excellent/good) for each service offered by the City of Burlington by Ward.
The data in the ward comparison table highlights the extent to whichthe differences between the wards on each service are statistically higher or lower than each other. The sample size for the opinions at the ward level was 125 people.
Ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven showed that once again his residents see him as delivering for them – those in the Beachway take exception to that view but the people in Aldershot see their Councillor as coming through for them. Craven understands fully that you take care of your people and they will take care of you.
On the other extreme the folks in ward 5 where Paul Sharman is the council member have nothing they are happy with and a number of things they are unhappy about. The August 2014 flood impacted the opinions of people but that flood wasn’t in just ward 4; Councillor Dennison did much better in terms of the way his constituents saw him working for them.
Marianne Meed Ward, in ward 2. had two areas of concern: transit and the way the community is designed. Many tend to see Meed Ward as a very strong advocate on how the community is designed – the opinion poll suggests otherwise.
 Dennison seemed pleased with how his residents ranked the delivery of services in his ward. Councillor Dennison seemed both surprised and pleased wit the rankings he got; a private tree bylaw still isn’t a go for his ward. Given his views on spending on the arts his ranking there was a bit of a surprise. Ward 4 seems to have decided to live with how Dennison has decided which of the city’s bylaws and zoning provisions apply to him. The public is waiting for the Ontario Municipal Board decision of his appeal against a Committee of Adjustment decision to nor permit the severing of his Lakeshore Road property.
 Blair Lancaster’s constituents seemed happy with what they are getting. Everything is coming up roses for the Council member who now wants to ride off to Ottawa to continue serving the people. The responses Blair Lancaster got for the work she does in ward 6 will serve her well in her quest for the federal Conservative nomination in the newly created riding of Oakville North Burlington.
Quite why the people in ward 3, where John Taylor reigns, are unhappy about cemetery service is something he might want to explain.
Interesting data. They all did get re-elected.
By Staff
May 11, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
In September 2014, Halton Regional Police recovered a stolen Freightliner tractor cab that was reported stolen from within the Region of Peel. The cab was located in the Walmart parking lot at 2065 Fairview Street in the City of Burlington.
 Shoplifter drives to Walmart in a tractor cab – police at first unaware of his mode of transportation Milton officers investigating tractor thefts in Halton continued their investigation into the stolen truck a couple days after its recovery and learned a suspect had driven the stolen truck to the Walmart parking lot in Burlington and entered the store.
The suspect was arrested that day and charged with shoplifting offences. What police didn’t know at the time was that his trip to the Walmart Store was by the truck tractor.
On May 6, 2015, the accused was located by Halton Regional Police investigators in Milton and charged with the theft of the truck.
The police don’t say how long the accused was driving the truck.
Accused:
Harjeet SINGH, 29 years, from Brampton has been charged with:
• Possession of Stolen Property
• Failing to comply with his Recognizance x 3
Anyone with any information about cargo theft is asked to contact Detective Constable Candido Moniz of the 1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at (905)825-4747 ext. 2416 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com; or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
For additional information about community concerns in Milton and Halton Hills, follow us on Twitter @HRPSMiltHH. Additional tips for securing your home and other property can be found in the Community Policing section of the Service’s website at www.haltonpolice.ca.
By Pepper Parr
May 11, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Part 4 of a multi-part series
The Beachway Park could turn out to be a stunning addition to the city. All they have to do to get to that point is get the funding needed – there isn’t even a guestimate as to what it will cost and the resolve the issue of the houses that are within the park boundary.
The draft plan the public was shown at a meeting early in April, where less than 100 people got to actually look at the plans, didn’t reveal a lot of the detail.
The Beachway Park Plan is close to mammoth in scale. The Gazette was able to obtain a document with more detail which we have been sharing through this multi-part series on the plans for the park.
Spencer Smith Park will have some features added to the west end. Once the redevelopment of the hospital is close to completion Lakeshore Road is to be raised as much as a metre where is curves towards the Waterfront Trail and slopes westward towards the Water Sewage Treatment plant at which point it will turn 90 degrees towards the QEW and the proceed west again.
 The plan is for six distinct park areas – each with its own character and serving different needs of a larger population. There are basically five parks all rolled into one with different themes and activities. The Living Shoreline, which will probably be the first part to be developed, will include a boardwalk MORE HERE
To the west of the Shoreline park there will be a park that has been named The Strand which is where most of the aquatic activity will take place. Further west will be The Wind Park area and just to the north of that The Commons.
 The Skyway/Federal Pier part of the Beachway Park plan pulls in parts of the western end of the city most people know very little about. Then there will be what is being called Skyway/Federal Pier which is a part of the Beachway that few people ever see. It is getting into what many see as Hamilton territory and indeed it is just a couple of yards to the bridge that crosses the canal.
The early drawings call for a meadow area along the edge of the canal that is inside Hamilton Harbour.
There is some very rich Burlington history tied to the canal. At one point there were two bridges – one just for the railway line.
There was once an accident that had a ship colliding with a bridge – that was a problem that had to be dealt with.
Touring ships used to tie up at the canal pier where crowds would gather when important shipping events took place.
The canal today is a pretty lonely place – that just might change if the plans for the Beachway Park get past the draft stage.
 A close up view of the 30 homes that are currently located in the Beachway. There are a number of hurdles to overcome – gaining possession of the 29 homes that are still in private hands – a significant number of the people living in the Beachway don’t want to be bought out; others might be waiting until the price is right.
The current plan isn’t the first for the park area that has been trotted out for the public.
What is driving the plan at this point is the need to provide public space for the significant increases in population that Burlington is going to see between now and 2041.
The city knows now how much it is expected to accommodate in terms of additional population. The Regional Municipality of Halton serves more than 500,000 residents in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Oakville.
That number is going to grow substantially by 2041. The Regional government already knows how many people it is going to have to absorb – what it hasn’t worked out yet is how much of the growth is going to be sent to Burlington.
Milton has seen phenomenal growth in the past decade – Halton Hills has not seen as much.
 There will be changes to a trail used by thousands of people every week – for the better – probably. Some long range planning has to be done now in order to be ready for the population growth. Anyone who thinks Burlington is going to remain the way it has been for the past 10 years is smoking stuff that is not yet legal.
In the meantime – there is a park to be built and if the plans shown to the public are an example of what to look forward to – this could be something very interesting and attractive.
There are several phases set out in the development plan. Don’t expect to see anything started in the near future.
There is an Environmental management and restoration plan that informs the Master Plan and provides direction for:
RESTORATION AND PROTECTION OF NATURAL HERITAGE
INVASIVE SPECIES REMOVAL
LONG-TERM MONITORING
OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
Then there is an Implementation and phasing Strategies plan that will focus on
CONTINUED PROPERTY ACQUISITION
FUTURE PARTNERSHIPS
EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
PROGRAMMING AND MAINTENANCE
FUTURE REPORTS AND STUDIES
PLAN REVIEW
The phasing at this point is:
PHASE 1
SPENCER SMITH PARK + THE LIVING SHORELINE + THE STRAND + THE WIND BEACH
PHASE 2
PRIORITY PROPERTIES; + ADDITIONAL ACQUISITIONS.
PHASE 3
THE COMMONS + THE SKYWAY + THE FEDERAL PIER
Part 1 of a multi part series
Part 2 of a multi part series
Part 3 of a multi part series
By Pepper Parr
May 9, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It was described as a Role Call – a standard armed forces event when they check to ensure everyone is accounted for.
Saturday morning at Civic square there was a different Role Call – it was for the men and women who served in a war that ended seventy years ago.
 Cadets salute as the Colour Party marches into the Civic square for the beginning of the Roll call The event took place in Burlington while the Mayor and city Councillor Blair Lancaster were in Apeldoorn, one of our twin cities, representing the citizens of Burlington and most particular the veterans of that war who are still alive
There was a healthy contingent of Burlington Dutch citizens in Apeldoorn as well; we have a very strong Dutch community that had played a large part in making Burlington the city it is today.
The event at Civic Square was for those who wanted to remember members of their family that served.
It was an incredibly moving event; some of the speakers didn’t make it through their remarks. Other told Burlingtonians stories we had no heard before.
 Citizens line the Civic Square to both witness and participate in the Roll Call of those who served. Councillor Rick Craven, in very moving comments told of a relative who lied about his age and joined up at the age of 15.
In his remarks Craven talked of standing on the beach at Dieppe and wondering how those men managed to race across what was then a stony beach and remain alive while German gunners in the bluffs above them were raking the grounds with machine gun fire.
There was hardly an army regiment, or an air force wing that didn’t get mentioned or a naval squadron that wasn’t mentioned.
Individuals walked to the podium holding pictures of their relative and talked about the way they served. Some, too many, spoke of people who did not return.
Mention was made of the Murmansk run through the frigid Atlantic and into northern Russia with badly needed supplies.
 More than 100 Burlingtonians stood quietly waiting for their turn to remember their relatives during the incredibly moving Roll call that took place in Civic Square. The Desert Rats – nick name for the British 8th Army, were heard of as well as the the VanDooz – Royal 22nd Regiment out of Montreal.
Mention was made of a man who was killed at the Somme and awarded the Victoria Cross; a Davey who was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for missions in the 405th and the 408th squadrons.
Another spoke of a unit that raced the Russians into Berlin during the closing months of the war; another who was killed in France on Black Friday.
The Queen’s Own Rifles, the Princess Pats, and the Black Watch – there were so many of them – too many.
We sent tens of thousands of our young people away, many to not return.
 Five veterans who served in the Second World War stand during the prayer that was read at the closing of the Role Call Today more than 100 people in Burlington got to stand before their fellow citizens and speak proudly of the sacrifices while five veterans sat and listened quietly while their minds floated back to those times.
In his remarks Craven talked of standing on the beach at Dieppe and wondering how those men managed to race across what was then a stony beach and remain alive while German gunners in the bluffs above them were raking the grounds with machine guns.
The organizers of the Roll call had no idea how many people were going to show up. We got five time the number that RSVP’d said one Legion member.
The individuals walked quietly to the podium, there was no applause, they just held their picture before them and spoke for a few moments and then left as quietly as they came – proud that they had had that moment.
By Pepper Parr
May 9, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Question period in the House of Commons is that occasion when Members of Parliament get to hold the government accountable by asking questions.
Each party is allocated a specific amount of time – the Leader of the Opposition party asks the first question and then the Speaker of the House recognized different members.
 Burlington MP Mike Wallace has a piece of art explained to him by AGB Curator of Education Leslie Page during one of his weekend trips to Burlington. Last week Burlington’s MP Mike Wallace asked a question and presented two reports.
The question was to the Minister of Finance of his own government. These are basically set up questions where a member of the government party asks a question of a Minister who then gets to stand up and tout the government line
Wallace asked:
Mr. Speaker, the strong leadership of this Conservative government has steered Canada out of the global recession. It has created over 1.2 million new jobs. They are overwhelmingly full-time private-sector jobs, in high-wage industries.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance please tell the House the next steps that this government will take in this year’s budget to create more jobs?
Someone needs to have a chat with Wallace – the jobs created were not “overwhelmingly full-time private-sector jobs, in high-wage industries.”
Questions like this then allow the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance to add to what is basically an exercise in parliamentary
 Burlington MP Mike Wallace preparing for a funding announcement at Memex Automation. Wallace later presented two Standing Committee reports. On this occasion he was speaking as the Chair of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. This is an important Standing Committee and while there have been occasions in the past when Wallace was a little more partisan than he perhaps should have been – the committee does some very good work.
On this occasion Wallace was presenting the report on Bill C-35, an act to amend the Criminal Code (law enforcement animals, military animals and service animals).
The committee has studied the bill said Wallace and has agreed to report it back to the House without amendment.
Wallace continued: I also have the honour to present, the 19th report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights in relation to the study on the subject matter of Bill C-583, an act to amend the Criminal Code (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder).
All in all a good days work for the Member for Burlington.
By Staff
May 8, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The officers at the Burlington detachment of the Halton Regional Police want to thank the public for contacting us with information and tips on last weeks, fugitive, Curtis KOMP.
KOMP was located and arrested in the City of Ottawa.
It is week #3 of the Burlington detachment of the Halton Region Police Service Fugitive Friday initiative tnhat has the police reaching out to the public to help locate wanted persons and hold them accountable for their actions.
There are numerous people who continue to evade the police and the court system and continue to live in our communities while having a warrant for their arrest in place.
Every Friday, the Burlington Offender Management Unit shares information on a wanted person – hoping the public can assist in locating the individual.
This Fugitive Friday the 3 Burlington Offender Management Unit is searching for:
 Kenneth Lorne MOODIE, 56 years old, of Canfield, ON. Kenneth Lorne MOODIE, 56 years old, of Canfield, ON.
– In December of 2013 the accused was located operating a Motor Vehicle while impaired after a citizen observed him stumbling out of the driver’s seat at a gas station in Halton Region
– The accused was located and arrested near the scene for Impaired Driving, the accused was also charged with Driving with over 80mgs
– Through further investigation it was determined the accused was also a suspended driver with suspensions that date back to 2002 and was charged accordingly
– The accused has amassed over 65 convictions in his Criminal Career thus far, 13 of which are drunk driving related offences
– The accused was released on a Undertaking and was required to attend court on April 30th, 2014 in Milton which he failed to do; the accused was also required to Re-Attend court in Milton on September 23rd, 2014 at which time he failed to attend again and a warrant was issued for his arrest
He is now wanted for:
Impaired Driving
Driving with more than 80mgs
Driving while Disqualified
Fail to Re-Attend Court
The accused is known to frequent the areas of Hamilton, Dunnville, Cayuga and Haldimand Region. The accused also has ties to Saskatchewan.
Kenneth MOODIE is described as 5’11”, 170 lbs, blue eyes and blonde greying hair. Kenneth has a scar on his chin and along his eyebrow.
Anyone who may have witnessed this male or has information that would assist investigators in identifying him are encouraged to contact D/C. Bulbrook – Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Offender Management Team at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2305 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Staff
May 8, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
Operation RISC (Reducing Intersection Safety Concerns) is a Burlington Police detachment initiative that began in February and has had some successful results since it’s inception.
The operation focuses on intersection traffic safety which, through an increased police presence, and both education and enforcement work, the number of motor vehicle collisions has been reduced.
 A strong police presence makes a difference. In a three month period, (February to April), Burlington officers conducted 1,812 traffic stops in and around intersections throughout the City of Burlington.
They issued 1,435 Provincial Offence Notices and delivered 375 verbal warnings.
In total, 886 hours has been spent patrolling Burlington intersections.
The purpose of the project is to increase awareness for intersection traffic safety and in turn reduce collisions.
Between April 28 and May 4 of last year, 2014, the Halton Regional Police responded to 1049 motor vehicle collisions and 131 personal injury collisions.
During the same time period in 2015, after two months of Operation RISC, the motor vehicle collisions dropped to 960 and the personal injury collisions also dropped to 109.
The number one infraction continues to be distracted driving followed by speeding through intersections and red light violations. (Distracted driving tends to be people using their cell phones.)
Officers will continue to be a presence in and around intersections throughout the City in hopes they serve as a gentle reminder to pay attention when driving.
By Pepper Parr
May 8, 2015
BURLINGTON ON
Part 3 of a multi-part series
The west end of the Beachway Park does not get a lot of pedestrian traffic. Lakeshore Road ends and curves into Eastport; Lakeshore Court is home to a dismal looking cinder block building and a house that was once a grand structure. Times have changed for both structures which are now defined as priority properties that have to be acquired if the park plan is ever to proceed.
The planned park is five different parks rolled into one and if the financial hurdles and finding a way to acquire the homes that are in the way can be found – construction on the park will begin sometime in 2018 – once the re-development of the Joseph Brant Hospital is complete.
The people who did the draft version of the park that was presented to slightly less than 100 people at a public meeting in April have changed much of the west end and turned it into a very active part of the planned park.
They created a section they call the Commons and another section they call Skyway/Federal pier. Both parts border on the Burlington canal which itself is rich in local history. While the canal is not Regional property nor does it belong to the city – it’s federal government property with all kinds of rules and regulations surrounding a vital waterway for Hamilton – the park planners have included it
The Commons and the Skyway/Federal Pier are part of a much bigger picture.
The Beachway Park- from the Canal to the west end of Spencer Smith Park The plan is very large in scope and while there are no times lines announced yet and there is no budget allocated, the development of the park is seen by the Region as a major development for their parks program.
The plan calls for some changes to the west end of Spencer Smith Park as it merges into the new park at the point where the Joseph Brant Museum is located and Lakeshore curves and leads towards what will be the new entrance to the Joseph Brant Hospital will be located.
Lakeshore Road will be raised as much as one metre at this point and taper down to a new height of half a metre at about where the water treatment plant is today. At this point Lakeshore Road will be realigned and take a 90 degree turn to the right and run closer to the QEW.
There are five distinct areas within the Beachway Park – each will have its own theme. These are the draft plans – the properties needed to make the part happen have yet to be acquired by the Regional government – residents say they have no plans to sell. There are essentially five parks, each with different purposes and orientations. The upgrades to the western end of Spencer Smith make it six parks.
The Living Shoreline will be much different than what people see now – today it is just something people walk past. The Strand will continue to be the aquatic area where the Pump House stands.
The Wind Beach will see quite a bit of change.
The Commons is a completely new idea and represents the biggest changes to both the landscape and the homes that are in place now.
 The Commons is at the extreme west end of the park and will undergo the most significant change in terms of the number of activities brought to the area. The jetty on the Burlington side of the canal will be incorporated into the park and there will be both shipping and naval interpetation stations.
 These homes are on the lakeside of Lakeshore Road and are considered priority homes by the park planners. The portion of Lakeshore Road in the picture will be moved to the left and align with the QEW. Lakeshore Road, which currently runs down the middle of the land – will be shifted closer to the QEW so that what is now road will become recreational area.
That recreation will include volley ball courts, lawn courts and Food Trucks.
There is some very environmentally sensitive dunes in this area – they will be protected.
 This is a cinder block garage at the end of Lakeshore Court steps from the canal There will be a couple of shaded areas with a structure that will have benches. There will be a few very small parking lots: 30 space size, along with a number of landscape enhancements to keep any traffic noise the Eastport Road from filtering in.
There will be a lot of activity: an artisan/market; washrooms and a play area along with 28 spaces of on street parking.
There will be a festival park – small in size.
There will be a pond park, additional interpretive stations as well as a Storm Water management pond with a open edge.
There will be a Pond Pavilion as well.
This is the part of the park that has many, perhaps most of the “priority homes” that the park designers have said must be torn down if the design of the park as they see it is to be completed.
 Definitely the most magnificent looking house in the Beachway; it backs onto what was once the railway line which suggests that it was built before the rail line was put in. It too is amongst the “priority homes” that the planners want taken out. This home could be moved and restored. The current residents fall into several categories: those who say they will fight to the bitter end and are never going to move; those that are resigned to having to move eventually and hope that eventuality can be pushed well off into the future. There are a few angling for the best price they can get from the Region. So far just three properties have been sold; two of those were an Estate sale.
Part 1
Part 2
By Pepper Parr
May 8, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The sun rises in the East.
Is that sun going to shine on the Skyway Plaza in the east end of the city?
 A plaza that has a very run down at the heals look to it just might be getting the kind of attention it needs – if the location does get re-developed will it be the kind of mixed use that many want to see?  The place isn’t quite derelict but there are more retail locations empty than occupied and the place just doesn’t look very busy.
The city has been trying for some time to work with the owners of the property but ward 5 councillor Paul Sharman couldn’t get his phone calls answered.
Former city manager Jeff Fielding was prepared to do a deal that would involve the Skyway arena just behind the plaza – but there was no buzz.
There are changes coming – the Economic development Corporation has been able to do what Sharman couldn’t do – and there are now reported conversations taking place with architectural renderings being prepared.
It is now very clear that the new team at Economic Development are able to make things happen.
Can we expect an announcement in the near future?
By Way of background:
Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman has been doing everything he can since he was first elected to get something going with the Skyway Plaza, but has gotten absolutely no traction with the absentee owner of the property.
Sharman has made phone calls – dropped into offices in Toronto – nothing.
 Frank McKeown, then the Mayors Chief of Staff explains a concept to Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman. McKeown is now the Executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation and seems to have revived the hopes of re-developing the Skyway Plaza in the east end of the city. At one Standing Committee meeting in 2014, then city manager, Jeff Fielding suggested the city could pool the property it has to the rear of the plaza and come up with a major development opportunity. What would it take to get to that point, asked Sharman? A staff direction would get us started, replied Fielding.
The city began looking at what are called Community Improvement Programs (CIP). At the city council meeting back in July of 2014 Councillor Sharman put forward a motion that few saw before it was actually presented but it got passed and resulted in the following Staff Direction:
DIRECTION REGARDING LAKESIDE PLAZA
Direct the Director of Planning and Building and request the Executive Director of the Burlington Economic Development Corporation as follows:
Prepare a series of re-development options for the site based on intensive mixed use re-development and approach the owners of the property with the redevelopment plans; and
Investigate and report on the authority available to permit the use of incentives for re-developing the site, and
Provide an estimate of the resources needed to prepare and implement a Community Improvement Plan.
 If the arena just behind the Skyway Plaza were rolled into any re-development of the area there is the potential to create the kind of community modern planners are advocating. No one in Halton has done a CIP in more than 20 years; no one seemed to know all that much about the things – until Councillor Meed Ward informed Council that the downtown development group knew all about how they worked.
Back in the 70’s and 80’s the provincial government made some money available for CIP type projects – but that tap got turned off.
All this looks like it is now coming together – and the east end of the city might see some sorely needed development. The city does need a win.
 By Ray Rivers
May 8, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
They used to say that Ontario would only vote Liberal provincially if the government in Ottawa was Conservative. What does that portend for the upcoming federal election, reviewing the results of this week’s provincial elections in PEI and especially Alberta where the voters turned everything upside down.
PEI wasn’t really much of a surprise and the Liberals barely worked up a sweat, sweeping in to a third majority government in Canada’s tiny province. But Alberta, with over four decades of continuous Conservative government was a ground shaker. It seemed like only yesterday that newly anointed (former) Premier Redford held onto her majority in an election the pollsters said she would surely lose to the Wild Rose Party.
 The voters decide – and in Alberta they did so dramatically. Now to figure out what the Alberta change is going to mean to the rest of the country. So when these same pollsters started talking about the NDP winning this time, nobody believed them. But chickens do come home to roost, and partisan loyalty only lasts so long before the people have had enough. Expense scandals, failed economic policies, a deteriorating environment, cuts to health and social services, new taxes, rising unemployment, an arrogant leader (Prentice) and a miserable election campaign brought down this once unassailable dynasty. And in so doing restored our faith in the polls, the pollsters and voters of Albertans.
Nobody likes being lied to. And there was this big lie, that you can have it all. Perpetual wealth with no consequences. Albertans were told to trust their government and it would build a sustainable petroleum-based economy that was going to fuel the greatest boom in Canadian history. An impossible dream, Albertans now realize.
The rewards from all the oil extracted from the ground had been squandered. The big oil corporations and the wealthiest Albertans got theirs, alright. And the rest? Well the premier told Albertans, complaining about its dismal fiscal state, to look in the mirror if they wanted someone to blame.
There may be federal repercussions from this provincial NDP zinger. For one thing, the federal NDP can no longer be discounted as a one-hit-wonder- a flash-in-the-pan – as they show off their official opposition hat. The party with roots in Saskatchewan has held government in several provinces now. And Tom Mulcair has proven a tireless and credible political leader.
 Justin Trudeau on a tour through Burlington – will the charisma hold during the next federal election? And that could mean troubles for Mr. Trudeau’s Liberals, hoping to win a majority government this time around. Two respected parties competing for the same votes in the middle-left may be one party too many to keep Mr. Harper from coming up the middle for another Tory victory, albeit one that is unlikely to be a majority.
Trudeau has dismissed talk of a coalition with the NDP. Despite many common values between the parties there are fundamental philosophical differences, including Jack Layton’s Sherbrooke Declaration, which would allow Quebec to leave on a 51% vote. So it is not a slam-dunk should the votes come in that way. And the last time there was an agreement on a working coalition, some Canadians felt uneasy about any such marriage of convenience.
The Canadian economy is facing tough times ahead. While the federal finance minister was able to scramble together a balanced budget by fire-selling government assets and raiding the unemployment and contingency funds. He’d have trouble the next time around. The reality is that the cash-cow from Alberta has stopped milking and any future Tory budget would have to go back into the ‘red’ unless somebody reforms our tax system.
To that point Mr. Trudeau has just proposed the first significant reform of our income tax system since Brian Mulroney gutted it back in the 1980’s. The one percent (1%) of Canadians, those earning over $200,000, will see their federal rates rise by four percentage points to 33% – a significant rise, though still lower than in the immediate post war period.
This would free up an estimated $3 million of new federal revenue to be re-distributed through tax breaks for the middle class – those with incomes between $40, 000 and $90,000 a year. Re-distribution isn’t a bad word, even though it is multisyllabic and sometimes hyphenated.
 Re-distributing the way Trudeau would do it, rather than the way Harper has been doing it will mean new economic growth, driven by the middle class as opposed to being left in the Tax Free Savings Accounts of the one-per-cent crowd. And that makes us all better off. Recall US President Harry Truman’s notable saying that if you want to live like a Republican you’d better vote for a Democrat.
The upcoming federal election is still a crap shoot, but becoming more interesting every day as October draws near. Few people are expecting the NDP to pull another rabbit out the hat and actually form the national government, let alone with a majority.
But look at Alberta.
Background:
Alberta Election Issues How Albertans Felt Trudeau Tax Plan PEI Results Federal Raids
Election Background NDP Sweep Alberta Premiers A Timely Change
 Ray Rivers writes weekly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was a candidate for provincial office in Burlington where he ran as a Liberal against Cam Jackson in 1995, the year Mike Harris and the Common Sense Revolution swept the province.
 By Staff
May 7, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Jane Mulkewich, a full-time career as a lawyer for the Ontario Nurses Association and daughter of former Burlington Mayor Walter Mulkewich, spends her free time researching, writing and speaking about an American slave girl named Sophia Pooley.
 Jane Mulkewich practices law and will be speaking to the American Women’s Club about a salve once owned by Joseph Brant Sophia was the first non-native resident of the Halton area, and was stolen and brought to Canada from New York in the late 1700’s, and belonged to the Joseph Brant family. Mulkewich will be telling this fascinating story to the American Women’s Club who will be holding their 38th Annual May Luncheon at Paletta Mansion,on May 14th at 4250 Lakeshore Rd in Burlington. The event is from 11am until 2 pm, and will include the Annual General Meeting for the AWCO,
 Founded in 1977, the American Women’s Club of Oakville is a non-profit organization, and membership includes U.S. born and naturalized citizens, both men and women, with the majority residing in the Halton, Hamilton and Peel regions of Ontario. The purpose of the club is to provide fellowship and social activities among Americans living in the area, and to encourage participation in service to the community, both civic and philanthropic.
 By Pepper Parr
May 7, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward has always believed that citizens should be engaged much earlier in the decision making process than the city’s current policies require.
When changes are being made many people feel that the die has been cast and the politicians just want the voters to say they like what has already been decided upon.
 Councillors Sharman and Lancaster: both part of the Shape Burlington committee who seem to have forgotten what the report was all about – civic engagement That is the style we see from Councillors Craven, Sharman and Lancaster. Councillors Taylor and Dennison tend to show some flexibility.
The Mayor tends to sit between the two groups. He gets keen on an idea and sticks with it – but when there is significant blow back – he backs away. Bicycle lanes on Lakeshore Road is perhaps his worst example – taking the wind turbine was another.
Burlington’s approach to civic engagement hasn’t gotten far beyond approving, unanimously, the Shape Burlington report and putting an “in principle” community engagement document in place but then never acting on it.
 Vanessa Warren on the right wanted to know why residents were not permitted to have real input on the creation on the city budget – she didn’t like the idea of reading through a document with decisions already made set out for her. During the public budget deliberations in 2013, Vanessa Warren, who was just beginning to come to the attention of the public, asked at a meeting at the Art Gallery, why the public wasn’t seeing the numbers when they were being put together. She objected to having to look at numbers and get to make a comment and then go home – with nothing changing.
Meed Ward wants to do it differently. Her first reference is usually to her constituents – who meet almost as community council. She listens, is frequently surprised at what she hears from her constituents and then makes changes.
Attend a ward 1 or a ward 6 community meeting and watch the flow of information and ideas – they go in just the one direction. These are the fundamental differences in how Councillors Sharman, Meed Ward and Craven see their jobs.
The older members of the population are content with leaving everything in the hands of the politicians – that was their experience and they are comfortable with that approach.
There is a younger generation that doesn’t buy into that top down approach. They are comfortable with searching out their own information and will debate with their council member.
The two groups in ward 5 who were very unhappy with the way their Council member represented them with the sewer back up problems that did serious damage to their homes made their views known frequently. They didn’t believe they were being heard and went off on their own.
Sharman for his part was very sincere in his efforts to do something for his constituents – it was a matter of very different operational styles. Sharman prefers command – the residents prefer collaboration – not Mr. Sharman’s strong point.
Meed Ward has invited residents to participate in a series of workshops that will see major downtown land owners, city staff, businesses and residents meet to discuss the future of their downtown.
 Meed Ward used up her postage budget for the year in her first three months as a Council member. Her style is to get information out to people. What Meed Ward has managed to do is pull the people who own the land into the discussion – let them hear what residents would like to see. The smarter developers listen to residents and bring them on side – it does away with loud, noisy contentious public meetings.
The Molinaro’s learned the hard way with their Brock Street condominium that it is better to work with residents than fight them. When they moved forward with their Fairview Road – five tower – Paradigm project they worked with the community and with the residents – guess what – no noisy contentious public meetings.
The ADI Development Group decided from the GetGo that they would bull their way through the city planning department and city council and get themselves before the OMB where they think they have a better chance of getting a 28 storey tower on a plot of land less than an acre in size approved. They just might be right.
Meed Ward arranged for a public meeting on the expansion and significant upgrade to Brant Square Plaza. The project met all the zoning requirements; they could have asked for more height but chose not to.
Meed Ward takes the view that all the decisions and as much information as possible should be run by the citizens. Petty power politics isn’t her game.
The workshops will allow participants to provide input into what they think the downtown should look like in the future.
The first workshop takes place on May 13 at Burlington Lion’s Club Hall beginning at 7 p.m. and will have city planners sharing information about existing city policies and what’s up for review.
Participants will also start to map out principles around design, compatibility, height, density, heritage, jobs, and more.
 Citizens at a public budget meeting – they get to comment – they don’t get to demand that changes be made. The meetings are more of a public relations exercise. “Residents want to be involved in downtown development early on,” said Meed Ward. “This approach brings together all stakeholders to collectively and collaboratively shape the future of our downtown.”
Seating is limited for the May 13 workshop. For more information and to register, please contact Georgie Gartside, Assistant to Councillors, at georgie.gartside@burlington.ca or 905-335-7600, ext. 7368.
This is an approach that most of Burlington doesn’t benefit from – with the exception of Councillor Taylor who has a long standing working relationship with his community.
 By Walter Byj
May 6, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Although by the usual standards, it was a quick meeting with the public adjournment at 8:35 pm., the potential fireworks was announce by Director of Education David Eaule near the end.
He stated that he was in possession of a copy of a letter that was sent to the Minister of Education, Liz Sandals and Michael Barrett, (President of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association) that was sent by the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario.
The letter stated that EFTO was giving 5 days notice for a possible strike in Halton elementary schools beginning May 11th.
At this time there is no indication of the type of strike, possibility a work to rule or walkout. Director Euale stated that there would more substantial information either on Thursday or Friday.board
By Pepper Parr
May 6, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s always close to the same number – something around the 35% plus number. That being the percentage of the trucks pulled over for safety inspection.
 When more than a third of those pulled over fail the tests and 15 trucks are actually taken off the road – those roads are not safe.
 Lots of paper work when a truck gets taken off the road – money well spent. Get tougher. Yesterday the Halton Regional Police Service in partnership with Peel Regional Police, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of the Environment and the Region of Halton conducted a Commercial Vehicle Safety Initiative.
The focus of the blitz was to identify vehicles that may not be properly maintained and could pose a danger on our roads.
In total 40 commercial vehicles were inspected resulting in:
• 70 provincial offence notices issued
• 15 vehicles removed from service
• 38% failure rate
Tougher crackdown on these people – raise the stakes – impound the trucks for a week. Let the carriers unload the products they are hauling and send a warning letter and a liability notice to the company that hired the truck – make it clear – this is not going to be tolerated.
The association of police chiefs are not shy when it comes to getting their message out. Get this message out – our roads are going to be safe.
 When police catch this – take the car off the road and send the driver home in a cab. Don’t get me going on the nut cases that drive with the cell phone in their hands. $2500 fine and they have to call a taxi to get home; impound the car and if there are children in it – call Child Services.
The police want anyone who kills a police officer in jail for life – that issue is important to them. Safe roads are important to the people who drive them. Crack down
Day two of Operation Tag and Tow will take place in Oakville on May 7th, 2015.
By Pepper Parr
May 6, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It has been a mammoth job with hour upon hour of paper work and telephone calls explaining the awkward process of getting funds into the hands of people whose homes were flooded last August – but that process is close to complete.
 The Bank of Montreal, like most of the major banks in the city opened the vaults and made donations to the disaster relief fund. From the left are MPP Eleanor McMahon, Ron Foxcroft, Mayor Goldring, BMO manager Jose Lozano and area VP for BMO Lee Velardo The little lady in the front who kept the community foundation is Colleen Mulholland Colleen Mulholland announced yesterday that the Burlington Community Foundation (BCF) has completed the review and assessment of the 310 claims that were made: 268 of those claims were approved and partial payments have been made or are in the process of being made to the home owners.
The BCF was asked by Mayor Goldring to create a Disaster Relief Claims Committee (DRC) within days of the flooding. Mulholland spearheaded that effort and pulled in newly appointed BCF Board member Ron Foxcroft to help with the fundraising the community had to do to qualify for provincial government support.
 There was a time when Ron Foxcroft was a force to be contended with on the basketball court. He became a force that one had to pay attention to when he started calling the banks in the city for flood relief donations. Foxcroft drove in just short of $1 million in 100 days.
With the hard work done Mulholland explains that the next step for the Claims Committee is to determine final payment amounts. The City of Burlington will disburse the final cheques and the entire program will be wrapped up by the end of May.
“The Flood Relief efforts have been challenging for all and after months of hard work the DRC is pleased that victims in greatest need will soon receive all of the much awaited financial assistance to put the devastation of the August 4, 2014 flood in the rear view mirror,” said Colleen Mulholland, President and CEO, Burlington Community Foundation.
There are many kudos to be handed out for this magnificent effort.
|
|
