 By Pepper Parr
April 8th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 City manager Tim Commisso in his Pandemic bunker It was exactly one year ago today that City Manager Tom Commisso and his staff began the practice of giving city Councillors a verbal update on how the city was coping with Covid19 pandemic.
It has been quite a roller coaster ride for all of them.
Director of Parks and Recreation Chris Glenn has learned to do a pivot within a pivot as he and his staff struggle to deal with how they are going to make the parks and recreation facilities available to the public when the rules get changed.
 Chris Glenn Director of Parks and Recreation for the city. Doing pivots within pivots. Glenn started the week being in a modified lock down mode – worked within those rules only to find that the province is now in a Stay at Home mode with being told to stay in their homes – but to also get out and get some exercise and maintain a semblance of mental health.
The only place you can walk and enjoy yourself is the public parks with Spender Smith being a magnet for most people.
So the crowds arrive – expected to wear masks and maintain the six foot distance rule and don’t be part of a group of more than five people
Glenn’s park experience as a young man was as a lifeguard at swimming pools. Not something that would prepare him for the current assignment.
What we are seeing is a staff that is much more in control of what they have to do and thinking several months ahead and trying to anticipate what they might have to do.
Councillors are in closer touch with the constituents and working hard to get the answers to questions.
 Plains Road; an old suburban highway transitions into a vibrant urban main street with flower beds in place Last year the city put plants in less than half of the 130 plant beds in the city.
This year they will have plants in every bed – assuming they can call back the part time staff that were doing this work. Many of them have moved on to other job opportunities.
What is visible is how Staff have upped their game to meet demands that change by the day – at times by the hour.
Staff are coming back with solutions to problems they didn’t even know existed.
Much more to tell about just how they are doing this.
 By Pepper Parr
April 8th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 It appears that we have another one of those left hand not talking to the right hand situations.
The province announced the third Stay at Home order and said it was in place for four weeks.
So we all buckle down and make the best of a tough situation
Late yesterday the city of Burlington put out a notice saying:
Beginning Thursday, April 8 at 12:01 a.m. a province-wide declaration of emergency and a stay-at-home order are in effect to help control the spread of COVID-19. This will be in place for all regions of Ontario, including Halton Region, until further notice.
And just what does “until further notice” mean?
The communications people at city hall just have to do a better job than this.
By Staff
April 7, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Additional measures needed to protect health system capacity and save lives during third wave of COVID-19
Here’s the full story.
What our lives are going to look like for the next four weeks.
 Effective Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the government is issuing a province-wide Stay-at-Home order requiring everyone to remain at home except for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated), for outdoor exercise , or for work that cannot be done remotely. As Ontario’s health care capacity is threatened, the Stay-at-Home order, and other new and existing public health and workplace safety measures will work to preserve public health system capacity, safeguard vulnerable populations, allow for progress to be made with vaccinations and save lives.
Retail
In addition, the province is also strengthening public health and workplace safety measures for non-essential retail under the provincewide emergency brake. Measures include, but are not limited to:
• Limiting the majority of non-essential retailers to only operate for curbside pick-up and delivery, via appointment, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., with delivery of goods to patrons permitted between 6:00 am and 9:00 pm, and other restrictions;
• Restricting access to shopping malls to limited specified purposes, including access for curbside pick-up and delivery, via appointment, with one single designated location inside the shopping mall, and any number of designated locations outside the shopping mall, along with other restrictions;
• Restricting discount and big box stores in-person retail sales to grocery items, pet care supplies, household cleaning supplies, pharmaceutical items, health care items, and personal care items only;
• Permitting the following stores to operate for in-person retail by appointment only and subject to a 25 per cent capacity limit and restricting allowable hours of operation to between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. with the delivery of goods to patrons permitted between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.:
o Safety supply stores;
o Businesses that primarily sell, rent or repair assistive devices, aids or supplies, mobility devices, aids or supplies or medical devices, aids or supplies;
o Rental and leasing services including automobile, commercial and light industrial machinery and equipment rental;
o Optical stores that sell prescription eyewear to the public;
o Businesses that sell motor vehicles, boats and other watercraft;
o Vehicle and equipment repair and essential maintenance and vehicle and equipment rental services; and
o Retail stores operated by a telecommunications provider or service, which may only permit members of the public to enter the premises to purchase a cellphone or for repairs or technical support.
 Keeping the traffic to 25% will be a challenge • Permitting outdoor garden centres and plant nurseries, and indoor greenhouses that engage in sales to the public, to operate with a 25 per cent capacity limit and a restriction on hours of operation to between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
These additional and strengthened public health and workplace safety measures will be in effect as of Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.
Education
Keeping schools and child care open is critical to the mental health and well-being of Ontario children and youth. Schools and child care will remain open for in-person care and learning in public health regions where it is permitted, with strict safety measures in place.
In addition, beginning next week, education workers who provide direct support to students with special education needs across the province, and all education workers in select hot spot areas, will be eligible to register for vaccination. Vaccinations will commence during the April break starting with priority neighborhoods in Toronto and Peel, then rolling out to priority neighborhoods in other hot spot regions, including York, Ottawa, Hamilton, Halton and Durham. This will be followed by a rollout across the province as supply allows.
“While our government took decisive action by implementing the province wide emergency brake, more needs to be done to protect against the threats to our health system resources and the continued health and safety of individuals and families across the province,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “By further strengthening public health and workplace safety measures, we can work to reduce transmission of the virus while we work to rollout Phase 2 of our vaccine distribution plan, and put more needles in the arms of Ontarians.”
“The rapid and increasing spread of COVID-19 and the variants of concern pose significant threats to our health care system and the well-being of Ontarians, requiring immediate and decisive action,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones.
“The declaration of a third provincial emergency is necessary to provide the government with the tools needed to help protect the public, reduce the spread of the virus and save lives.”
 With millions of doses on hand – the province is vaccinating tens of thousands each day. Vaccinations
As part of Phase Two of its COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan, people living in regions with the highest rates of transmission will be prioritized to receive a vaccine, starting with the most at-risk in the Peel and Toronto public health regions. This initiative will be expanded to additional “hot spot” regions based on established patterns of transmission, severe illness, and mortality.
To support this expanded vaccination effort, mobile teams are being organized to administer vaccines in high-risk congregate settings, residential buildings, faith-based locations, and locations occupied by large employers in hot spot neighbourhoods to individuals aged 18 or over. Pop-up clinics will also be set-up in highly impacted neighborhoods, including at faith-based locations and community centres in those hot spots, in collaboration with public health units and community organizations within those communities. The province will provide additional resources to support these mobile and pop-up clinics in the hardest-hit neighbourhoods.
The government will also extend booking for COVID-19 vaccination appointments to more age groups through its provincial booking system, for public health regions with highly impacted neighbourhoods, on Friday, April 9, 2021. Booking eligibility will be extended to include individuals aged 50 and over for COVID-19 vaccination appointments at mass immunization clinics in high-risk areas as identified by postal code, using the provincial booking system.
Workplace Inspections
Health and safety inspectors and provincial offenses officers will increase inspections and enforcement at essential businesses in regional hot zones to continue protecting essential workers while on the job. There have been 19,500 COVID-related workplace inspections and investigations across the province since the beginning of 2021. During those visits, over 450 COVID-19 related tickets have been issued and OHS inspectors have issued over 14,446 OHS orders and stopped unsafe work related to COVID-19 a total of 24 times.
Rapid Testing
Rapid testing continues to be deployed in workplaces for asymptomatic staff in key sectors such as manufacturing, warehousing, supply chain, mining, construction and food processing. Approximately 5.4 million rapid antigen tests have been sent to over 1,150 workplaces, including 100 essential industry sites, under the Provincial Antigen Screening Program. To encourage the use of these tests under the program, additional outreach will occur to employers in regions with highest rates of transmission to increase access to testing, and the process for enrollment in the screening program will be streamlined to allow for quick access to these supports.
“As we continue to see COVID-19 variants of concern drive this third wave of COVID-19, it is evident stronger public health and workplace measures are needed to help interrupt the spread of the virus,” said Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “By all of us staying at home, while still taking some time to enjoy the outdoors with the people we live with in our local neighbourhoods and maintaining two metres physical distance from others, we can reduce our mobility, minimize transmission, protect our loved ones and our communities, safeguard health system capacity, and save lives.”
 By Pepper Parr
April 7th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Wow – this was certainly a blast from the past.
Many must wonder – how did Burlington, a traditionally safe Tory seat, come to elect a committed Socialist as its Mayor?
And what kind of a difference did he make as a Socialist mayor?
Those are questions for another time. Today – it is nice to know that both men are in good health and still doing their thing.
Seeing a dated photograph of Walter Mulkewich with Stephen Lewis – perhaps the most gifted speaker in the country, was a gift.
 By Pepper Parr
April 7th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Gazette saw the mention of some possible changes to public access to the piers at the Burlington canal.
 There is a Hamilton and a Burlington pier – and people should be permitted to use those piers There wasn’t much in the way of immediate response from the Member of Parliament Cabinet Minister Karina Gould. Today she released the following statement:
“Over the last few months I’ve heard from constituents regarding their concerns about the closure of the Burlington Canal Piers.
I have been in close contact with all relevant parties about how we can work together to have the Piers stay open, while also keeping residents safe.
I’m pleased that the cities of Hamilton and Burlington, as well as Transport Canada, have indicated a willingness to work on a solution to ensure that the Piers can remain open for public use while ensuring safety for all users.
There are ongoing conversations but we are all committed to working together to keep the piers accessible and safe.
I’d like to once again thank all of the constituents who have contacted my office to express their support. Your voices have been heard, and I will continue to advocate for our community.
As always, I still encourage everyone to stay safe on our waterfront and piers.”
That’s fine as far as it goes.
 Showing the way: Burlington MP Karina Gould has an opportunity to fully engage the public on the matter of access to the pier. During an interview with Minister Gould a number of months ago I recall the Minister saying that as a Cabinet Minister it enabled her to call meetings.
The Gazette would urge the Minister to call a public meeting, perhaps out on the pier where the public can ask questions and the bureaucrats can respond.
All the fresh breezes coming in off the lake would help with the six foot spaces.
The ‘where’ isn’t all that important – what is really vital is that there be a public meeting.
By Pepper Parr
April 7th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Fourth in a series
When Allan Taylor, the Planner hired by Millcroft Against Development (MAD)to state their case against a proposed development that would result in a shorter golf course and 98 detached homes and 130 apartment units, he referred a few times to the storm water problem.
When the community was designed much of the storm water management was handled by the wide open spaces where the water would evaporate.
Start taking out some of the land and there is less space for the water to lie while it evaporates. The infrastructure in place to handle the water was predicated on the open space remaining open.
Storm water is a pretty dull subject – until your basement is flooded.
The people living in Millcroft provided a number of pictures to give you some idea as to just how much water there is to be drained away or left to Mother Nature to handle.
Credit for the pictures goes to Millcroft Against Development (MAD).
In his report as a planner Allan Ramsay said: “The Millcroft community was designed on the basis that the golf course lands would provide a benefit in dealing with rainfall and storm water by providing open storage of stormwater. Recent storm events have identified several flooding and storm water management issues in the Millcroft community.
“The redevelopment of the fairways in the Areas A-D with housing, roads and other hard surfaces will, according to our stormwater management review, increase runoff and worsen the flooding potential. In particular, Millcroft Greens’ proposed mitigation measures such as increasing the topsoil to 300 mm and disconnecting downspouts to rear yards will not likely achieve effective stormwater management.”
Related news stories:
1st in a series
2nd in a series
3rd in a series
 By Pepper Parr
April 6th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Another one of those weeks.
Council meets for three days in a row as Standing Committee. This is where all the grinding takes place. Recommendations come out of a Standing Committee, then they go to Council where they are voted upon and become the bylaws of the city.
It isn’t quite that smooth – but on balance as a process it works.
Planners from the Region were on hand to today to talk about the growth plans for the Region and what that is going to mean for the city.
The Region is required to grow from a population of 595,000 to 1.1 million by 2051.
 Just where they will live and where will they work were the issues driving a very in-depth, detailed study that Region Planner Curt Benson took council through this morning.
THAT is complex stuff.
One of the reports set out what the boundaries are going to be for the MTSA – Major Transit Stagnation Areas, which for Burlington are going to be located at the GO station.
There will be three MTSA’s in Burlington. Besides the Burlington GO there will be one at Aldershot GO and Appleby GO.
The boundaries are quite a bit bigger than many people thought they were going to be.
The transit terminal on John Street is not among the MTSA’s – it will remain a bus stop, albeit a busy one, nothing more.
 The Urban Growth Centre got moved north – many said it couldn’t be done. The boundary is pretty clear in this illustration. The boundary for the Urban Growth Centre shifted a little as well.
The battle to put an end to the high rise towers has basically been one.
There are concerns about three developments – the CORE development that sits inside the football between Lakeshore Road and Old Lakeshore Road and the Carnacelli development planned for the east end of the football as well as a second Carnacelli development on the north side of Lakeshore Road at Pearl. Those are battles that fall outside the limits of the Urban Growth Boundary.
The plans to tear down the Waterfront Hotel and put high rise structures in that space has yet to come to the table.
When it does the Plan B people who live in the downtown core have a solution.
Those are battles that are sometime in the future – perhaps as much as a decade.
 The objective was to ensure that the view south to the lake from Brant Street was unobstructed. The Waterfront Hotel would come down and new buildings would be built in what is now the Waterfront parking lot.
 By Pepper Parr
April 6th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Premier drops the hammer on the province and puts us into a modified lockdown for 28 days starting last Saturday.
Why he didn’t make it immediate is hard to understand: is the situation is as dire as he maintains it is? Actually, it is worse.
The province has said – no more than five people meeting at a time and those five must be part of the same household. No patio dining – take out only.
The city administration has laid their rules on top of the provincial requirements.
 City Hall
Starting Tuesday, April 6, 2021, City Hall, located at 426 Brant St., will be open to the public by appointment, for in-person commissioning services and marriage licences. Walk-ins are not permitted.
Please visit burlington.ca/commissioning, burlington.ca/marriage or call 905-335-7777 to book your appointment. Residents can also visit burlington.ca/onlineservices to access a variety of City services online.
Service Burlington is available to answer questions by phone during regular business hours, at 905-335-7777 and email at city@burlington.ca.
Burlington Transit
Burlington Transit will continue to run as scheduled including specialized transit and trips to vaccination clinics. The transit terminal at 430 John St. will remain open to provide PRESTO services including SPLIT passes. Presto services are available at Shoppers Drug Mart or online at prestocard.ca. Transit schedules are available online at myride.burlingtontransit.ca.
Halton Court Services – Provincial Offences Office
Court administration counter services at 4085 Palladium Way will remain open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Friday. Visitors to the courthouse must self-screen using the provincial e-screening application at http://covid-19.ontario.ca/courthouse-screening and wear a mask or face covering unless exempted from by the Mandatory Mask Bylaw.
Telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Many online services are also available by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or by visiting haltoncourtservices.ca.
 The play grounds will be empty. Recreation Services and Facilities
City of Burlington facilities and recreation programming will close, and all indoor programs are cancelled as of Saturday, April 3, 2021. Recreation Services staff are contacting user groups, renters and individuals affected by these changes. User groups who provide childcare are exempt and can remain open as they are able to continue during the emergency brake as per the Provincial Guidelines.
An announcement will be made sometime this week with more detailed information for how this Provincial emergency brake impacts recreation services including
Residents are encouraged to remain active by accessing outdoor recreation opportunities such as walking/biking on trails or visiting parks and playgrounds. For a list of parks, playgrounds and trails, visit burlington.ca/outdoorplay. Options to stay active at home are available online at burlington.ca/activeathome.
Roads, Parks and Forestry
Services provided by the Roads, Parks and Forestry Department will continue as needed. Residents with questions or issues can email RPF@burlington.ca or call 905-333-6166.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward Mayor Marianne Meed Ward found this was “difficult news to receive and we’re not out of the woods yet, but we have come a long way from when this pandemic started. This four-week province-wide shutdown indicates how important it is we stay vigilant and do all we can, including wearing masks, staying physically apart where we can, connecting with others virtually or over the phone, and only being in close contact with those in our household. Better days are ahead, particularly with the Region of Halton’s vaccination centres open and administering vaccinations. We will continue strengthening our determination to see ourselves through the other side of this.”
Related news story:
Science made it critical that the lockdown be put in place.
By Pepper Parr
April 5th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
We got a little bit behind on this one.
The federal government sent a pair of Cabinet Ministers to the city to do a short quick announcement on some funding that came out of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario – FedDev for short.
Burlington’s MP Karina Gould and Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario visited virtually to leave behind $2.9 million with two Burlington corporations.
 Elaine Gerrie spoke for the company when the funding announcement was made. The first, Gerrie Electric Wholesale Limited got $1.4 million as repayable contribution that will help the consolidation of its new distribution operations in the 76,000-square-foot facility that will open in late May.
 The “Karie” a pharmaceutical dispensing device developed by Burlington’s AceAge AceAge Inc., a healthcare technology company, has developed and commercialized the Karie™ in-home medical device that organizes and dispenses medication. The easy-to-use system allows patients to schedule medication refills and deliveries, which has become increasingly beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It also reminds users to take their medication, which is dispensed with the push of a button, and uses smartphone technology to alert family or caregivers when a patient has missed a dosage. With a $1.5-million repayable contribution, AceAge Inc. will scale its operations to meet increasing demand in Canada and Europe by growing its development and support teams.
This investment will also help the company launch its technology in the United States.
These funding announcements are part of the political process; the politicians want the public to know all about the good news.
 Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario Once the announcements were made the Zoom session was open for questions. My name pops up on the screen and I ask my question – I get to ask a follow up question. Then on to the next reporter. Turns out that I was the only reporter on the call (typical of the Gazette) so I asked if I could get in another question.
Nope, said the facilitator and then Minister Joly brought her hand up to her mouth with the palm facing up and I swear she blew a kiss goodbye – given that I was the only reporter on the call it just had to be for me.
I was so surprised that I wasn’t able to move fast enough to grab a screen shot you’ll just have to believe me.
 By Pepper Parr
April 5th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Third in a series
MAD – Millcroft against Development realized they had a problem on their hands and went looking for a planner who could create the case they believed they had against the development.
The proposal the developer has taken to the Planning department is to add 98 detached dwellings and one mid-rise apartment building containing 130 dwelling units.
The community knew they had a serious problem and went looking for a planner who could point to the deficiencies in the proposed development in language that would equal what the planner for Millcroft Greens was putting forward.
A sort of “planner speak” going against another “planner speak”.
 Allan Ramsay – independent planner hired by the MAD community. Allan Ramsay was their choice; he made a delegation which set out what the proposed development would mean to the community. Before going into private practice Ramsay worked in the city planning department; while he did not work on the Millcroft file he was fully aware of the development. At that time, in the mid 80’s it was a big deal for Burlington.
When the issue first became public – all the homes in the community got a letter from the then golf course owners – operators inviting people to a meeting.
The Mayor and the ward Councillor were all over the issue with emails and statements equaling the production of a healthy female rabbit. Truth of the matter is that they could only offer words and do their best at council to grill the consulting planner on what the changes would really mean. At that level the mayor was very good – let’s not equivocate – she was superb.
She left Glenn Wellings searching for words and saying he did not have much of the information at his finger tips – and promised to get it for Her Worship and place it on the developers web site. As of this writing – there are none of the promised answers.
Millcroft is a community with a mission to preserve the integrity of the existing Millcroft golf course said Allan Ramsay as he began his delegation.
 The development as it exists today. A par 70 course with 5700 feet .  The revised golf course will be a par 62 3900 foot Executive Style layout. The yellow spots are where the detached homes will be placed.  98 detached homes will be located in the gray areas. He had just ten minutes to speak as a delegate – and chose to answer questions. He had sent a copy of his delegation to the city planners and every member of Council.
In his response to the development application he said what we have set out below:
The proposal by Millcroft Greens Corporation (“Millcroft Greens”) seeks to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law and register a plan of subdivision to allow five portions of the existing Millcroft Golf Course (“Areas A-E”) to be developed with residential uses. A total of 98 detached dwellings and one mid-rise apartment building containing 130 dwelling units are proposed.
The subject lands are currently designated “Major Parks & Open Space” (Areas A-D), and “Residential – Medium Density” (Area E) in the City’s Official Plan.
Millcroft Greens is proposing to redesignate Areas A-D to allow low-density residential uses, and redesignate Area E to allow high-density residential uses with a maximum density of 200 units/ha. All of the subject lands are currently zoned “Open Space (O1)” in the City’s Zoning By-law.
In preparing our planning opinion we have undertaken an examination of the following:
i) the application submission and supporting documentation;
ii) neighbourhood context applicable to the subject property;
iii) the policy context; and
iv) the appropriateness of the application.
The following outlines our evaluation and conclusions in relation to these matters and concludes with the opinion, as professional planners, that the applications should not be approved.
 Wide streets, good medians and space between the houses. Neighbourhood Character – the Millcroft community was planned as a prestige residential area built around a privately operated golf course. Inherent in the community concept is the integration of residential areas with the golf course and other forms of open-space and recreation areas.(1) Some of the defining residential characteristics of the community are the large lots, spacious setbacks and separations between dwellings and an abundance of open space. The Millcroft Greens proposal will result in development that is not in keeping with the established character of the existing community. The proposal, if approved, will facilitate an undesired change in the character of the area. For example:
i) Development Standards – As illustrated below Millcroft Greens is proposing significant reductions to the zoning regulations in comparison with the R2-3 zone found on most of the abutting and adjacent properties.
 The differences between what the current zoning permits and what the developer is asking for – this is really the nub of the argument. Zoning Regulation R2-3 Standard on Adjacent Lands Proposed
Exception Zoning
Min. Lot Frontage 18 m 15 m
Min. Lot Area 680 m2 425 m2
Min. Front Yard (Dwelling) 7.5 m 4.5 m
Min. Side Yard (1) 1.8 m or 10% of lot frontage 1.2 m
Min. Rear Yard (2) 9.0 m 7.5 m
Min. Building Height (2) 10 m 12 m
Min. Lot Coverage (2) 25% n/a
The proposed zoning standards will result in development that is not in keeping with the character of the existing area. The new lots will be significantly smaller and narrower with much smaller front, rear and yard setbacks. Millcroft Greens is also proposing taller dwellings with no restriction of lot coverage.
ii) Separation Between Buildings – one of the defining characteristics of the Millcroft community is the spaciousness between dwellings as seen from the street. Many of the existing dwellings are separated from dwellings on the opposite side of the street by large front yards and the full width of the municipal road. The separation distance from the front door of one dwelling to the front door of the dwelling on the opposite side of the street is typically between 34 m and 44 m (2). Millcroft Greens is proposing both reduced front yard, side yard and rear yard setbacks and narrow private streets. As a result the separation between dwellings on opposite side of the street will be reduced to 19.3 m. The visual difference between a separation of 19.3 m and a separation of 34 m to 44 m is dramatic.
iii) Lot Coverage – Millcroft Greens is proposing a zoning exception to the normal requirement of a maximum 25% lot coverage. For Areas A to D, Millcroft Greens is proposing that there be no maximum lot coverage. The elimination of the lot coverage regulation is required in order to accommodate larger dwellings that would not normally be permitted. This situation is indicative of the overdevelopment of the lots and is not in keeping with the character of the area.
 The green space and the golf course were why people bought into the community. The golf course was never a top tier competitive location – but it worked for those who just enjoyed the game. Loss of Open Space –The Millcroft community was planned in the 1980s with the approvals occurring through Official Plan Amendment 117 (OPA 117). According to OPA 117 the community plan was based on the integration of residential development within the open space land of the golf course and other natural features. Specifically OPA 117 indicated:
“…It is also the intent of the Plan that, should the operation of the golf course discontinue, these lands will remain as permanent open space, since portions of these lands contain creek features which are part of the stormwater management system for the Community. The open space associated with the golf course will be an important element in the concept and therefore the marketing of the Community. It is also the policy of this Plan that the City neither intends nor will be obliged to purchase the golf course lands in order to ensure their existence as permanent open space.” (Emphasis Added)
Although OPA 117 is no longer in force and effect and it is not applicable policy it clearly demonstrates the intention of the City to maintain the open space lands in the community as a permanent feature.
The Millcroft Greens proposal represents a significant loss of open space in the community and City. The adverse impacts include the loss of tree canopy, increased runoff due to additional roads, buildings and hard surfaces and the loss of wildlife habitant and natural features.
Flooding and Stormwater Management Issues – The Millcroft community was designed on the basis that the golf course lands would provide a benefit in dealing with rainfall and storm water by providing open storage of stormwater. Recent storm events have identified several flooding and storm water management issues in the Millcroft community.
The redevelopment of the fairways in the Areas A-D with housing, roads and other hard surfaces will, according to our stormwater management review, increase runoff and worsen the flooding potential. In particular, Millcroft Greens’ proposed mitigation measures such as increasing the topsoil to 300 mm and disconnecting downspouts to rear yards will not likely achieve effective stormwater management.
On behalf of M.A.D. we request the City investigate and report on the following:
(i) What strategies have been put in place to compensate for the loss of the golf course on river flooding?
(ii) Have the proponents conducted an assessment of potential basement flooding within the areas where foundation drains are connected to storm sewers?
(iii) What is the volume (cubic meters) of storage currently available for stormwater in the golf course and what is the volume of storage proposed through the developers functional servicing report? (and later why aren’t they the same?)
(iv) Will residents be compensated in the case that basement flooding damages occur?
Reduced Right-of-Way Widths – Millcroft Greens is proposing to develop Areas A – D using private roads instead of the standard municipal road. According to their submission these private roads have right-of-ways of 10.3 m rather than the 20 m right-of-ways found on the nearby municipal roads. These reduced right-of ways provide 8.3 m of pavement width and may not accommodate on-street parking.
Although private driveways are found in many condominium developments the use of private roads having reduced right-of-ways is new to the Millcroft community.
 Some of the new detached units are show in full colour. The existing structures are shown in a light grey. Looks tight Roads Introduced Along Rear Property Lines – Millcroft Greens is proposing development along a single loaded road in Area A. In this situation the new road is located near the rear lot line of the adjoining properties on Hadfield Crt. The new street will create a “sandwich effect” for several existing properties. Homeowners in this location will now have streets running along their front and rear yards. This situation raises issues of noise, privacy and nuisance for the abutting residents and will undoubtedly impact their use and enjoyment of their back yards.
Loss of Housing Adjacent to Golf Course – The Millcroft Community is one of only three locations in the urban areas of the City that provides a unique opportunity where housing is located adjacent to a golf course. The proposed redevelopment of the golf course lands will mean that approximately 65 dwellings that currently back onto the golf course will back onto new housing or a new subdivision road. The loss of this unique housing adjacent to golf courses is not desirable and significantly reduces the supply of this unique form of housing.
Redevelopment of Additional Golf Course Lands – At this time Millcroft Greens has not indicated if it has any plans for any further redevelopment of the remaining golf course lands. However, in considering the current proposal it is important to understand how the remainder of the golf course lands could be used and/or redeveloped. In particular, an assessment is required in order to ensure that the current proposal does not preclude the continuing use or orderly redevelopment of any adjacent lands.
Functionality of the Remaining Golf Course – The proposed realignment of the golf holes to accommodate the removal of some lands from the golf course use may create issues with respect to the functionality and viability of the golf course. One issue relates to extended distance and travel required to get from one green to the next tee. In several instances the distance and travel has increased significantly. For example, the distance from the tenth green to the eleventh tee will be approximately 230 m and the distance from the fifteenth green to the sixteenth tee is approximately 471 m. Another issue involves the overall desirability of the re-aligned and much shorter golf course. These factors are directly related to the long term viability of the golf course and the need to assess its future in a comprehensive rather than ad hoc or piecemeal basis.
Maintenance Building Relocation – Redevelopment Area E necessitates the relocation of the existing golf course maintenance building located on this site. Millcroft Greens has not indicated where the maintenance building will be relocated. While we understand the maintenance building is a permitted use under the zoning by-law on all the golf course lands, the future location of the facility is an important consideration and should be evaluated when considering the redevelopment of Area E and the re-alignment of the golf course resulting from the proposed residential development. The future location of the maintenance building may have traffic, noise, dust and other impacts.
Proposed 6m Buffer – the proposed draft plans of subdivision identify 6 m buffer blocks adjacent to the rear property lines in Areas A to D. The proposed buffer blocks are also shown on the Conceptual Open Space Plans submitted by Millcroft Greens. According to the Planning Justification Report the proposed buffer blocks will be a common element in a future condominium application and will be owned by the future condominium corporation(s). The purpose of these buffer blocks is not clear nor is it readily apparent the nature of the landscaping that will be provided, how maintenance of these areas will take place, what, if any, fencing will be provided and whether or not there will be any public or private access to the blocks.
The proposed development is not compatible with the well established character of the area. Though compatibility does not necessarily mean “same”, it also does not mean out-of-step with a stable environment. The proposed zoning regulations seek significant reductions in minimum requirements for lot area, lot frontage and front, rear and side yard setbacks. As well, the proposal seeks to eliminate lot coverage requirements.
Collectively these zoning changes will result in an over development of the Subject Lands.
The Gazette and Wellings Planning Consultants are involved in a libel dispute
Related news stories
Part 1 of the series
Part 2 of the series
By Pepper Parr
April 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
While the city is taking a closer look at how to deal with the crowding problem in the Beachway a federal government is looking for ways to limit public access to the piers on both sides of the canal that separates Burlington from Hamilton.
The two piers reach more than 320 metres out into the lake. The federal Transportation wants to fence them off to prevent the public from walking out. The canal is overseen by the federal department of Transportation; in the words of Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith, “it’s their asset and they get to do whatever they want”.
Burlington’s MP Karina Gould got wind of the Transportation plans – they probably ran what they had in mind past the Minister which got the issue to the city.
The Gazette learned about the plans more by luck than anything else. No direct word from the Minister, the Mayor or the ward Councillor.
We learn now that the idea of putting up fences and gates has been paused. Galbraith believes that it is just a matter of time before the federal people decide this is necessary and just go ahead and build.
 Tour boats made use of the canal and the public got out on them much of the time. There was a time when those piers were the point at which steam ships that were taking people on tours would tie up and take on passengers.
We believe there are many people in the city who can add to what we know at this point – we would sure like to hear from them.
Governments do respond to pressure – the planned upgrade – it’s actually more of a rebuild – calls for the Beachway community plans for parks that run right up to the canal area.
It will be interesting to hear what the Region tells the city in the fall when they are scheduled to bring the city up to date on where the plans for the “new” Beachway stand.
 A bridge dedicated to rail traffic into Burlington. At one point there were two tracks leading into the city. The walking trail that begins at the west end of Spencer Smith Park and goes right up to the canal was once a rail bed for trains that came into Burlington, picked up some of the produce from large farms and took it on in to Toronto and Montreal. Some of that produce made its way to European cities.
The trains that came through the city had their own exclusive bridge across the canal. At one point there were three bridges across the canal. When the Skyway bridge was opened – there was just the one bridge.
 The Royal Hamilton Yacht Club – a significant point of Hamilton Society There is a lot of history in that part of the city. During a walking tour with former Mayor Walter Mulkewhich he pointed out the location for a planned science museum tucked into land close to the western pier.
The Royal Hamilton Yacht Club had a magnificent clubhouse on the western side of the canal. An impressive stone light house used to serve as a beacon for ships – it is still there, hidden from view by the lift bridge that changed the movement of traffic that used to clog the road that serves as the entrance to the hospital
By Pepper Parr
April 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Is there a relationship between this front page story in the weekend Toronto Star and the city of Burlington?
 Is one of those friends with benefits active in Burlington? Could be – a little more digging around to be done.
The link we think is there will interest the Millcroft community.
By Pepper Parr
April 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Convinced that there is actually going to be a summer that doesn’t have us in some level of lockdown, city hall people held a virtual community meeting on what could and should be done with the Beachway that was flooded with a level of traffic last summer that had not been seen in decades.
With few places open for walking around and a requirement that we keep six feet apart and wear masks – and at the same time try to get outdoors for some exercise and a chance to upgrade our mental health, the city was open to new ideas. The city hall types wanted to hear what people thought should be done.
Many of the people using the park are believed to be people who were not Burlingtonians which rubbed some the wrong way.
The virtual event was a bit like a workshop; staff from Transportation, traffic, parks and recreation and tourism were taking part to explain what they were doing, as well as what they were up against.
 The virtual meeting was designed to get public input on how to handle the problems – though public take-up was low, there were some very good ideas. The Beachway traffic is close to being out of control.
Parking and waste removal were top of mind for those who did call in. The take up by the public wasn’t as high as Mayor Meed Ward had hoped.
There was a note that spaces on the call were limited to 500 – nowhere near that number – yet there were some good ideas.
When it was suggested that the Beachway be limited to just people who lived in Burlington, Mayor Meed Ward pointed out that the Beachway was a Regional park operated by the city.
That means having to take in the “rabble” from everywhere.
Charging for parking is something we are likely to see come the summer. The rate mentioned was $20 a day – $2.50 an hour. How those amounts are going to be collected wasn’t talked about.
 This house was torn down – just an empty plot of land. All part of the Region’s willing seller – willing buyer program designed to remove all of the homes in the Beachway. It could serve as a temporary parking lot. One call had a really good idea: Use the spaces that used to have homes on them before the Region began buying them up – they are now just vacant lots. The suggestion was to turn them over to one of the service clubs who would handle the parking and split the income with the city.
Given that we are dealing with municipal administrations there were problems (the Region owns the land) – the grounds would have to be properly prepared which would cost and thee is no budget in place to cover that cost.
We did learn that there are conversations taking place with the Region.
There are plans to put Ambassadors in place who will travel in pairs and patrol both the Beachway and Spencer Smith Park explaining the rules to people. Parking bylaw officers will also be well represented. They will be wearing uniforms – no hats or badges said the Mayor.
 The Pavilion, which was badly in need of an upgrade will reopen around Victoria Day. Washrooms will be available. The Pavilion is undergoing upgrades – washrooms will be operational by summer time.
City Staff are looking into ways to get mobile food vendors in the space.
Director of Parks and Recreation Chris Glenn, apologetically explained that the “healthy food” mandate they had in place will give way to products that are more popular. The vendors can’t make a living selling kale with dressing on the side.
French fries and ice cream will do it.
There are a lot of unknowns including whatever the province and or the Public Health Unit decide to impose.
 Parking tickets get handed out when people decide they can park wherever they wish. This was in the west end of the Beachway – some of those houses in the background were torn down. The job on the public health side is to do everything possible to keep us all safe; parks and recreation needs to find ways for creating things people can do while traffic needs to exercise some control over the parking.
Staff are looking into pick up and drop off locations where people can be driven into the park and be dropped off at a location where they could put all their ”stuff” and get driven out of the Park when they are ready to go home. Cumbersome to even think about.
A number of people wanted to see much better maintenance – the grounds get to look pretty tacky at the end of a busy day. The suggestion was that roving maintenance people be on hand to do the clean up throughout the day.
Staff would like people to realize that when they bring waste into the park, they should be made responsible for taking it out with them.
A lot of educating to be done – and these things cost money.
Using electric carts to move people in and out was mentioned, shuttle buses brought out the fact that one of the bus routes runs from the John Street terminal right through the Beachway. Parking in the city is free on the weekends – could work.
Council will be getting a report on Tuesday – the option will be spelled out along with the costs.
The virtual event was to take the pulse of the community and see what they had to say.
 The Mayor monopolized the microphone – partly because the ward Councillor didn’t have much to say – the Beachway is in his ward – he should be THE champion for that part of the city. The Beachway is in ward 1 and while Councillor Kelvin Galbraith could be seen – the public didn’t hear all that much from him.
For much of the webcast it sounded like the Mayor was the prime input person – she asked the questions, guided those who were calling in and passed things along to Staff.
The one really “hot potato” was finding a way to reserve the park for Burlingtonians – no one wanted to touch that one.
Sitting in the background is the work being done on a Master Plan for the Beachway that began in 2015. Council is scheduled to receive a report on that sometime in the fall.
 Almost every foot of the Beachway park will look differently if the Master Plan now in the works actually gets done. What Meed Ward consistently calls the jewel in the city’s crown” is going to begin to look a lot different in five years.
Hopefully we are out of public health restrictions by then.
Related news story
The Master Plan for the Beachway
 By Staff
April 2nd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
UPDATE: 60 and plus cannot book an appointment until Tuesday. So they should wait to log in then. 65 + and others are currently being registered for appointments available in April.
Starting Tuesday, April 6, Halton residents who are 60 years of age and older (born in or before 1961) can book an appointment to receive their COVID-19 vaccine at a Halton Region COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic. Appointments are available in April.
To book an appointment CLICK here
“This is another great step forward in our plan to get priority populations vaccinated,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “Our six clinics are operating seven days a week to serve our community. We continue to follow Provincial direction on prioritization and our ability to keep vaccinating at this pace relies on ongoing supply from the Federal and Provincial Governments.”
Halton Region continues to follow Provincial direction on prioritization and is reminding residents that Public Health does not have the authority to make any exceptions; only those who are eligible can book appointments.
The following groups are currently eligible for vaccination in Halton:
• all Halton residents 60 years of age and older (born in 1961 or earlier);
• Indigenous adults (including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit populations) 55 years of age or older;
• staff and essential caregivers from long-term care or retirement homes in Halton who have not received their first dose;
• health care workers identified as highest priority, very high priority and high priority (providing direct, non-virtual care at least once a week) who live OR work in Halton; and
• adults receiving chronic home care through a Local Health Integration Network or a home care agency.
“While we continue to make progress, vaccine coverage is not yet widespread and many are still susceptible to experiencing severe illness from COVID-19, including the variants of concern,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. “As cases continue to rise, we all need to stay focused on protecting our own health, the health of our loved ones, and that of our community. Even if you or someone you know has been partially or fully vaccinated, public health measures like wearing a mask, physical distancing and limiting your close contacts to people you live with are still critical.”
Important information & instructions:
• In addition to the groups that are currently eligible, on Tuesday, April 6, Halton residents who are 60 years of age and older (born in 1961 or earlier) will also be eligible to book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment through Halton’s online booking system.
• While booking online is the fastest way to schedule an appointment, residents can also call 311 if they require booking support. Residents who are not currently eligible to receive the vaccine are asked not to call 311 or visit the online booking system to ensure eligible residents have access.
• Vaccinations are by appointment only (no walk-ins) and must be booked through Halton Region’s online system or through 311. Please do not contact clinics directly. Bookings for Halton residents are not available through the Provincial booking system; residents who access the Provincial booking system will be redirected back to Halton’s system.
• Residents who have already scheduled an appointment for vaccination through Halton Region can now verify their appointment details online, including appointment time, date and location.
• Eligible residents can book appointments at any one of Halton’s six COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics located in Burlington (including Joseph Brant Hospital), Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville (including Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital). Residents are reminded that parking is free at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and Joseph Brant Hospital for those with scheduled appointments at these clinics.
• Halton Region continues to offer transportation services to and from appointments for residents who require support, free of charge, including residents 60 years of age and older.
• All appointments are contingent on the availability of vaccine supply.
• To maintain physical distancing and safety measures, please arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment (not earlier) and remember to wear a non-medical mask.
By Pepper Parr
April 1st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Later today, Premier Doug Ford is expected to announce that the province will be put in a lock down mode for as much as 28 days.
This has been done before and the science community is of the belief that lockdowns work.
 Dr Adelstein on the left and Dr.David Williams on the right at a technical briefing this morning. This morning Dr. David Williams and Dr. Adelstein Brown took part in a video conference in which mush of the science behind the decisions that get made was discussed with media taking part in a short media question and answer session.
The news was not good.
Dr. Brown said that if the province did not go into a lock down now there “was very strong chance that we will lose the summer”.
Brown is part of a community of 120 scientists across the province who collaborate on collecting data and analyzing that data to determine the best preventive action to take.
The scientists advise – the politicians have to make the decisions.
Brown referred to data that had been collected showing that the people who need vaccinations the most are the people not getting the vaccinations.
 Column 1 represents the people who are most at risk; the people in column 10 are at the least risk. The people who need vaccinations are the people who are not getting them. The race is to find a way to get those at the highest risk vaccinated as soon as possible. Along with that fact is the perplexing problem of far too many people who qualify for a vaccination but not getting to the vaccination centres.
The province is in a third wave where the predominant virus is one the Covid19 variants which are proving to be more infectious and resulting in more deaths of people who are below the 80 year and 70 years cohorts.
 The field hospital set up outside the Joseph Brant Hospital at a cost of several million was a wise decision. The pressure on the hospitals is immense. Brown and Williams said that should the number of people in hospital ICU’s rise above 800 a tipping point will be reached where a triage approach has to be taken as to who gets treatment and who doesn’t.
This third wave is real” said Brown and “it is very dangerous because of the variants that are now rampant in the community with 67% of the cases reported being variant.
Williams referred to people meeting with people that are not part of their home group is “dangerous behaviour. The science community wants to see stay at home orders issued which does not appeal to the politicians who have to deal with the backlash from people who vote.
The province has yet to succeed in getting a strong message out to the public that we are very very close to a crisis.
Brown said the politicians have to be “more decisive’ and that we are in a “ground game” now.
Brown brought up another matter – the closing of schools saying that schools should be the last to close and the first to open.
He pointed out that students reflect the community they live in and the hard reality is that the students bring what they reflect into the classrooms.
Closing schools however also has serious long term impacts on mental health. If students miss too much classroom time their earnings potential as adults will be impacted.
The education one gets in grade three is not something you can go back and get when the student is moving on to grade four.
By Staff
April 1st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario government has established a working group of conservation experts to identify opportunities to protect and conserve more natural areas in order to enhance the province’s natural diversity and provide more recreational opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors.
 Protected and conserved natural areas is a top priority “Expanding protected and conserved natural areas is a top priority in our Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan and we want to find new, innovative ways to meet this commitment,” said Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “That’s why we want to hear from conservation and community leaders whose expertise can help identify new strategies to leverage the ideas, talents and expertise of the private sector and other outside organizations to help build on our government’s conservation efforts, like the Greenlands Conservation Partnership.”
The Protected Areas Working Group is made up of experts from the private sector, non-governmental organizations, as well as representatives from Indigenous communities.
 Peter Kendall (Chair), Executive Director, Schad Foundation Members include:
• Peter Kendall (Chair), Executive Director, Schad Foundation
• Andre Vallillee, Environment Program Director, Metcalf Foundation
• Chris McDonell, Chief Forester, Rayonier Advanced Materials
• David Flood, Chair, General Manager, Wahkohtowin Development GP Inc.
• Geoff Burt, CEO, Consecon Foundation
• George Ross, former Deputy Minister of Northern Development and Mines, and Research and Innovation and Consumer Services
• John Beaucage, Principal, Counsel Public Affairs and former Chief of Wasauksing First Nation
• John Snobelen, former Minister of Natural Resources
• Lorne Johnson, Vice-President, Ivey Foundation
• Lynette Mader, Manager of Provincial Operations, Ducks Unlimited
• Mike Hendren, Vice-President (Ontario Region), Nature Conservancy of Canada
• Paul Genest, Senior Vice-President, Power Corporation
The working group will explore a number of areas, such as identifying opportunities and addressing barriers to increasing protected and conserved natural areas, and how public-private partnerships could be used to further advance conservation efforts. The working group will deliver a report with recommendations to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
Peter Kendall, Executive Director, Schad Foundation will chair the new Protected Areas Working Group which is made up of some of Ontario’s leading conservation experts.
“For the next two months, our group will identify opportunities to increase protected areas in Ontario. By working together, we are confident Ontario will once again become a leader in conservation, said Kendall.
The members of the working group bring a lot of credibility to the task. What seems to be missing is a way for local environmentalists to have their voices heard.
 Vince Fiorito has been a consistent advocate for stronger environmental protection The people who take care of the creeks and open spaces and who are active locally need to be heard and have an opportunity to comment while the work is being done and not after a report is issued.
It would be nice if Peter Kendall undertook to issue a draft for public consideration and then, after looking for way s to include public comments and ideas move on to the final report.
QUICK FACTS
• Ontario manages and protects 340 provincial parks and 295 conservation reserves, totaling 9.8 million hectares or over 9 per cent of the province.
• Conserving natural spaces can play an important role in mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change by providing safe havens for wildlife, capturing and storing carbon, and improving resilience to weather events, such as flooding and drought.
• Recently, the government announced an investment of $20 million over four years in the new Greenlands Conservation Partnership to help the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Ontario Land Trust Alliance secure land to conserve ecologically important natural areas and protect wetlands, grasslands and forests that help mitigate the effects of climate change.
By Staff
April 1st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
City Hall is slowly slipping into election mode.
They have started the process by putting out a survey to get a sense as to what people want in the way of information and instructions when a municipal election takes place.
 With an average voter turnout of 37% over the past three years one could venture to say – not very much – they don’t seem to care all that much.
In preparation for the upcoming 2022 municipal election, the City of Burlington is asking residents for their input on a number of election-related topics. Share your input on things like voting methods, election signage, voter turnout and more.
Your feedback will be used to inform a report to Burlington City Council about preparation activities for the 2022 municipal election which will take place on Oct. 24, 2022.
Couple of interesting ideas are floated in the survey – make a point of running through it – nothing difficult.
They ask how you feel about establishing a Campaign Contribution Rebate Program.
Should the City post candidate information, including their photos and responses to a standard community questionnaire on the City’s website to support public engagement for the 2022 municipal election?
The survey asks residents for feedback on various election matters, including:
Ideas to increase voter turnout
Suggestions for topics and panelists at an upcoming election open house
Voting methods
Using corporate resources in an election year
Rebates for campaign contributions
The management of election signs
The survey will be open until 11:59 p.m. on April 23, 2021.
Link to the survey is HERE
By Staff
March 31st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 MP Karina Gould engaging a constituent during the last federal election In her monthly report to the public Burlington MP Karina Gould, a Member of the Trudeau Cabinet said she was “pleased to share the news earlier this month that an agreement is in the works between Transport Canada and the Cities of Burlington and Hamilton to come to an arrangement to keep the Burlington Piers open and accessible.
There is more work to do, but this is a very positive development for our community.”
The decision to limit access to the piers on both sides of the canal came as a surprise to many.
 A federal government department is working with both Burlington and Hamilton to find a way to keep the piers open to the public. What concerns the Gazette is: Where is the public participation on this one? It was the public that was being kept off the pier for really spurious reasons.
Can you just imagine telling the public they could not stand on the pier and watch as the ship, some under full sail, glided by.
As well – Burlington and the Region are toiling away at a major design task for the Beachway including a park setting that will be on the north side of the bridge coming right up to the water’s edge of what is at that point Hamilton harbour.
 Long range plan for the Beachway is to upgrade the area including significant changes to the western end – around the canal. These plans would seem to be at odds with what the federal Transportation department is working through for public access to the piers.  Hundreds gathered on the piers to watch ships like this glide by.  Many will recall the hundreds of people that lined the piers when the tall ships paid Burlington and Hamilton a visit.
By Pepper Parr
March 3oth, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
‘
He does it almost every day of the week.
Stands before a teleprompter and does his best to tell people to stay at home until we have the COVID19 virus beaten.
He always has several people with him; Minister of Health, Minister of Finance – whoever can amplify the point he is making.
 Hillier speaking fluidly and directly said if the vaccines were available everyone would get a vaccination. What he couldn’t do was say that he didn’t know when the vaccines would be delivered. Today he was at the Humber River Hospital vaccination clinic. Retired Army General Rick Hillier, wearing a smart looking black suit – no medals, and not much in the way of a smile on his face either.
The Premier ranted about the province being ready to put needles in arms but he didn’t have the vaccines needed. He ranted about the delays – each time laying another critical comment on the shoulders of the Prime Minister but not before saying the federal government was a good partner.
Problems galore on getting what the public told was promised.
When Hillier told the Premier he was quitting – saying his job was done – he didn’t elaborate. The Gazette had picked up a number of comments on how bad things were between the General and the Premier but nothing we could get a quote on.
The General spoke for a few minutes assuring people that he believed every person who was eligable for a vaccine shot would get one by summer June 2oth.
 Hillier leaves the podium – does not look at the Premier. They never did make eye contact during the period of time they were walking to and from the podium. When Huller approached the podium to speak he didn’t use a teleprompter not did he flash a smile at the Premeir. They did not make eye contact.
Same thing when Hillier left the podium – no eye contact with the General. No handshake either but an elbow bump would have made the point.
The new infection numbers are higher than they have ever been. The deaths are higher and the variant version of the virus seems to be making a tough situation worse.
Many of the people who know what they are talking about have urged the Premier to invoke a three week shut down.
The best the Premier could do today was say to the public: Don’t make plans for Easter.
 By Staff
March 30th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has made a pair of arrests in connection to a vehicle theft.
The thefts took place in Oakville but the way the thefts were carried out and the technology the thieves used is startling.
Here is the full police report.
 On March 30, 2021 at approximately 1:30 am, an alert resident heard their vehicle start in their driveway and then discovered that their Toyota vehicle had been stolen. The homeowner contacted the HRPS immediately and officers soon located the stolen Toyota and a second vehicle being driven in tandem.
Attempts were made to stop both vehicles safety, however, the driver of the stolen Toyota failed to stop and was able to make good on their escape.
Police were able to successfully stop the second vehicle and arrest its two occupants.
Mohammad Khan (20) of Quebec has been charged with the following:
- Theft of motor vehicle
- Possession of Break and Enter Instruments
Pablo Rawlins-Ramos (25) of Quebec has been charged with the following:
- Theft of motor vehicle
- Possession of Break and Enter Instruments
- Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
- Fail to Comply with Probation
- Fail to Comply with Weapons Prohibition
 Quality video cameras are a huge help in capturing car thieves and excellent evidence when the case comes to trial Police also seized a signal relay device at the time of arrest. This tool is commonly used to steal vehicles quickly. In a typical relay theft, suspects will approach a residence on foot and utilize a relay device to defeat the vehicle’s security system. One of the suspects will be positioned near the house and the other near the targeted vehicle. The technology being used is able to access the signal transmitted by the key fob inside the house and relay it to a computer that is in the possession of the suspect near the vehicle. This captured data is then used to program a blank key fob and start the vehicle.
The Halton Regional Police Service would like to alert residents of Oakville that the incidence of overnight vehicle thefts using a relay device are increasing. Thieves are targeting particular makes and models. They range from 2017 – 2020 Lexus vehicles included models RX350 and GX460, Toyota models, Land Rover Range Rover models and Ford pickup trucks. The targeted vehicles are stolen from residential driveways between the hours of 11:00 pm and 6:00 am.
Similar thefts are occurring throughout the GTA, as these vehicles are in high demand and are often shipped overseas.
We encourage homeowners to take these simple steps to reduce the risk of having your vehicle stolen:
- Park your vehicle within a locked/secure garage as the majority of the vehicles are stolen from residential driveways
- If a garage is not accessible, park another vehicle behind it in the driveway to act as a physical barrier to its removal
- Invest in an aftermarket global positioning system tracker or have one installed by the dealer, as it may assist in recovery of the vehicle if it is stolen
- Ensure your unattended vehicle(s) are locked and secure
- Never leave spare keys in your vehicle
- Never leave spare keys outside of your residence
- When not in use, place vehicle keys inside a radio frequency shielding bag/pouch to block cell signals
- Equip your vehicle with an alarm
- Use other devices to deter thefts (e.g. steering wheel locking device)
- Consider purchasing a quality video surveillance system and ensure your cameras are properly placed and functioning for 24-hour use
Community safety is a shared responsibility. Help keep communities safe and immediately report any suspicious activity.
Anyone with questions or information about this vehicle theft is asked to contact Detective Constable Ben Merchant at the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2248.
Those vehicles were provably on their way to Montreal where they would be loaded into a shipping container and on their way out of the country within days; usually to the Middle East where terrorists make good use of them.
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