Positive Relationships with Police and Public Safety - are both possible during a pandemic

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

May 10TH, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 Part two of a two part article.

Chief of Police Stephen Tanner met with city council virtually last week – covered the full spectrum of what they do for the municipalities in Halton .

Chief Tanner 2

Chief Tanner in conversation virtually with Council.

In 2020 there were 44,675 calls for service to the police; impaired driving charges increased by 100% during part of 2020 when bars and restaurants were closed.

Police officers now have much more in the way of personal devices that help get the job done.  He said he expects that in the not too distant future they will be able to finger print a person on the spot and be able to access RCMP and Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC)  data banks. Chief Tanner certainly liked it.

In the past the police used to transport 300 to 400 individuals who were in custody to court hearings.  The advent of virtual hearing via Zoom has basically ended the need for that service.

During the question and answer part of the meeting the Chief mentioned that there was going to be an additional court house operation somewhere on the South Service Road, he paused and wondered aloud if he was supposed to be making those plans public.

The comment that caught people by surprise was word that the police were not going to be involved in the public patrolling of parks and other places where large numbers of people gather.

A comment made at council meeting last week that a city staff member had been involved in an incident that put her personal safety at risk brought the approach the Chief had suggested into question.

If the police cannot be called upon when there are public safety issues who do municipal administrations turn to?

During the council meeting mention was made of the mounted patrol Toronto has and the appearances they make in parks.  Burlington doesn’t have mounted police officers but there are a lot of bicycles that could be used.

Chief Tanner hard look

Tickets handed out by police do not result in positive relationships.

Media were not able to learn who the staff person was and just what had happened; only that the Spencer Smith Park Ambassador program was on hold until the there is more information.

During the virtual session with the police Chief Tanner talked about the police relationship with the city. Mention was made of the number of tickets that were handed out by police – did not result in positive relationships.

Expect there to be discussions about the quality of the relationship with the police and the matter of public safety.

Part 1 of a two part article

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Rapid testing available now to help keep workers safe in small and medium-sized businesses

News 100 blueBy Staff

May 8th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Ontario government, in partnership with the federal government and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, has launched the COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative for small and medium-sized businesses across the province.

The COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative will provide free rapid antigen tests for employees of small and medium-sized businesses through participating local chambers of commerce and other organizations. The program will screen for asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 in the workplace that might otherwise be missed, helping to keep workers and their families safe and businesses open.

More than 760,000 rapid test kits have already shipped to 28 chambers and more than 50 others have expressed interest in participating.

rapid testing kit

Rapid testing kit – Non-chamber members with 150 employees or less are welcome to participate in the initiative.

“With the success of the StaySafe Rapid Testing Pilot in Waterloo Region, expanding rapid testing to small and medium-sized businesses across the province will help keep people working and safe,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

“Adding rapid antigen testing to the arsenal of protections for small and medium-sized businesses, especially in regions with hot spots, is one more important step towards keeping businesses open and economic recovery.”

“The rollout of the COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative through local chambers of commerce will make rapid tests accessible for more employees of small and medium-sized businesses,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction. “This initiative is providing Ontario’s hardworking business owners with more tools to prevent outbreaks and will ensure their employees can stay on the job with the best protection possible.”

“Our government’s top priority is protecting the health and safety of all Ontarians. As we continue to vaccinate more Ontarians, testing remains a key component of Ontario’s pandemic response,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

“By supporting the use of rapid antigen tests by more businesses, our government is helping to provide an additional layer of protection for workers and their families.”

Ontario has already begun delivering rapid testing kits through the Provincial Antigen Screening Program to workplaces for asymptomatic staff in key sectors such as manufacturing, warehousing, the supply chain, mining, construction and food processing. As of April 30, about 7.6 million rapid antigen tests had been sent through the program to nearly 1,500 workplaces.

This includes nearly 200 essential industry sites, most of them in hot spot areas.

The COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative builds upon the success of this existing program and delivers tests into the hands of small and medium-sized businesses across the province.

rapid test - finer prick

Simple finger prick – with results in 15 minutes,

Making COVID-19 rapid tests accessible to all small and medium-sized businesses is part of a greater strategy to decrease the impact of COVID-19 on the people of Ontario and the economy. This includes stay-at-home measures, paid sick days, education campaigns on how to stay safe, significant testing and tracing capacity, and a robust vaccination distribution plan to make sure that every Ontarian who wants to be vaccinated will be vaccinated.

Quick Facts
• To contact participating local chambers of commerce and boards of trade about the COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative, visit the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

• Non-chamber members with 150 employees or less are welcome to participate in the initiative.

• The COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative applies to businesses allowed to be open under current orders.

• The StaySafe COVID-19 Rapid Screening Pilot program in Waterloo Region is a collaboration among the Government of Ontario, Health Canada, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and participating member chambers, and Communitech.

• There are more ways for organizations to easily find out how to access rapid antigen tests. Visit ontario.ca/testingonsite to find out more.

• A COVID-19 rapid screening test can be performed anywhere (e.g., on-site, at the place of employment) and does not require shipping a specimen to a lab for processing. It takes about 15 minutes to yield a result.

• Rapid antigen point-of-care testing does not replace public health measures, such as symptom screening, physical distancing, masking and hand hygiene. Any positive results from a rapid antigen point-of-care test must be confirmed with laboratory-based chain reaction (PCR) testing.

• Employees can self-swab using a COVID-19 rapid test under the supervision of a trained employee or business owner.

• Frequent screening with rapid antigen tests increases the chances of early identification of cases in otherwise asymptomatic individuals.

• Organizations participating in the Provincial Antigen Screening Program can now search for a service provider offering point-of-care rapid testing services through a directory on the Ontario Together website. Service providers offering point-of-care COVID-19 testing services can also apply to be listed.

• Ontario has also released guidance for individuals or organizations that choose to participate in COVID-19 testing that falls outside of the public health care system, to ensure there is appropriate oversight and consumer protection and that public resources are supporting public health initiatives.

 

 

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42% of Halton residents have had at least one vaccination dose

News 100 redBy Staff

May 7th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

As of Thursday, May 6, 2021, 218,614 doses have been administered in Halton to priority populations identified by the Province.

This represents about 42 per cent of Halton’s population who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The vaccination status dashboard on the Region’s web site –  www.halton.ca/COVIDvaccines  – is updated Monday to Friday between 12 and 2 p.m.

Information on eligible residents and appointment dates is set out below.

 

Schedule for Vaccine Booking Eligibility_Age Groups_MAY6_IG 3

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Hospital President assures public we will 'cross the finish line together'

News 100 blueBy Eric Vandewall

May 6th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

This week, I would like to offer a message of hope in these uncertain times, and a call for kindness and compassion.

These past 14 months have been incredibly difficult for everyone. The long, difficult road we have all travelled has transformed our lives in ways we could ever imagine.

Eric Vandewall

JBH President Eric Vandewall

Without question, we have all made difficult sacrifices, from in-person connections suddenly ending, sports and activities cancelled indefinitely, and having to adjust to new health and safety provisions intended to protect us. So much anxiety comes from not knowing if the worst is yet to come, or when we will be able to put this pandemic behind us. Those feelings and experiences can have a significant impact on our health and wellbeing.

This week is Mental Health Week. Now, more than ever, please check in on each other and take some time to reflect on your own mental health. A kind gesture goes a long way in making someone’s day better. Let other people know that you are thinking about them, send them a reassuring message, and use kind and inclusive language. Also, know that it is OK not to be OK. If you are struggling, it is vital to open up to someone who you trust or seek out mental health supports available, including virtual supports.

Finally, I would like to offer some hope. Over the past few days, there has been a slight downward trend in not only the number of daily new COVID-19 cases but also in daily COVID-19 critical care hospitalization occupancy rates. While this is early positive news for all of us, and in particular, for our amazing staff and physicians at the hospital, please remember that hospitals in many parts of the province remain under considerable stress. Halton Region continues to see the highest number of cases now since the beginning of the pandemic.

The situation remains precarious, yet hopeful. In terms of our hospital’s capacity, today JBH is at 83% capacity. We are currently caring for 17 patients with confirmed COVID-19 as well as presumed and resolved cases – 12 of the confirmed COVID-19 patients are in Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The most important thing we can all do to continue to drive daily case numbers down, is to continue to follow public health measures, follow the lockdown guidelines, and get your COVID- 19 vaccination when it’s your turn. I ask you to continue to wash your hands, wear a mask and maintain physical distance.

Together, we will get through this. The road behind us has been a long one, and I can promise you that with your help, we will all cross the finish line together.

 

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It is getting dangerous out there - staff are at risk and getting hurt

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

May 6th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Council went into a Closed Session yesterday on six different items; one of which related to a person (believed to be a staff member) who could be named- thus the need for privacy.

There are reports that a city employee was harassed, or injured while doing their job.

There is basically no information but the city has suspended its Park Ambassador program.

Someone was hurt.

Staff put forward all kinds of information on city policy related to workplace violence.

bylaw options

 

Earlier today Regional Police Chief Tanner told council during a virtual delegation that the police would not be getting involved in matters relating to how people in the parks behaved.

Everyone was walking away from the issue and saying that it was going to be up to the public to be cautious and tell the bylaw people that they saw a problem y calling the Covid hot line that few people even know exists.

The number is 905-825-4722: write it on the palm of your hand or the cuff of your shirt because things are getting nasty out there.

The best the city seems to be able to do is issue a communication to the public.

Amber Rushton

Amber Rushton

Amber Rushton, a city staff member that Tim Commisso once said he could not do without, provided some data that normally comes from the Public Health Unit.  She has commented in the past on her difficulties with them.

Rushton was providing data on the damage and the impact the Covid variants were having on the transmission and level of infections.

The last line of the statement she read out is truly troubling: “Mental health tribulations, civil unrest, anti-government movements, social isolation strains = short term crisis + Long Term Community Recovery.”

In my experience as a reporter I have never heard a civil servant make a statement like that in public.  I bounced that off people who have deep civil service experience – their experience was the same.  Rushton was not wrong; however the solution to the issues she highlighted are not better public communication.

ashton data

Denise Beard -stern

Denise Beard: in the seven years we have covered Ms Beard and her work at city hall we have never seen her as concerned and disturbed as she was today.

Denise Beard, one of the Parks and Recreation managers said “there was a violent incident that came up in the Closed session of Council” that took place yesterday.

A bylaw department staffer said that “no one thought this would happen – there is a lot of animosity out there”

When the idea of creating the Park Ambassadors positions someone said they were going to be on site to help people enjoy a “Disney like experience”.

Ward 2 Councilor Lisa Kearns said the public needs to be warned about what not to expect in the parks and asked “why is nothing being done about the way people are congregating in the parks. This is getting dangerous.”

Stolte May 5

Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte

Councillor Stolte wanted to know: “How do we communicate this to the public adding that “we need to land a message that explains what we can and what we cannot do to protect the public.”

It is going to take more than more signs – a change in public behavior is what city hall is asking for.

City manager Tim Commisso added that “that’s the crux of what we face” adding “the public is not aware” and that this is another opportunity to look at our communication plans.

Kwab Ako-Adjei, Director of Communications for the city said his people are working with the bylaw staff on a communications plan adding that there would be massive blow back from the public.

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward told council that she had a meeting with police and bylaw people and met with the communications people to develop some initial material for members of Council and their staff.

The solution seems to be that the onus is for individuals to follow the guidelines – which at this point is to Stay at Home – that rule is in place until May 20th.

This is an important story.  It impacts everyone who lives in Burlington and gets out to enjoy the parks and get some fresh air.  When a staff member with significant field experience uses words like “Civil unrest, anti-government movements” and points out that “short term crises” = Long Term Community Recovery we need to pay close atention

Unfortunately not everyone in Burlington reads the Gazette – would you make a point of sharing this story with ten people in the city you know.  The message is critical – we are in serious trouble.

 

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Tax Levy bylaw sets out what you have to pay and when payment is due. Deferral payment plan in place

budget 2021By Staff

May 6th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

City Council approved the 2021 Tax Levy Bylaw at its meeting on May 5, 2021.

The bylaw allows the City to bill 2021 property taxes and set payment due dates for final tax bills on June 22 and Sept. 22, 2021. Final tax bills will be mailed in late May.

The 2021 Tax Levy Bylaw reflects the budget processes of both the City and Halton Region. The province provides the education tax rates.

Tax levy 2020-2021

City of Burlington 2020 and 2021 Urban Residential Property Taxes per $100,000 Current Value Assessment (CVA)

COVID-19 Property Tax Relief
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic impact, on March 3, 2021 Burlington City Council approved a 2021 COVID-19 Property Tax Deferral Payment Plan program. The application-based program provides relief to residents and businesses that continue to face financial hardship due to the pandemic.

deferred tax graphicEligible property owners who are unable to pay property taxes by the regularly scheduled tax due dates can apply to defer taxes under a pre-authorized payment plan. Those eligible may include unpaid balances from March 1, 2020 onward in the deferral plan and can choose which month they would like to start the monthly payments. The remaining options for start dates are June 1, or July 1. Equal monthly withdrawals will be made that will allow for the property taxes to be paid in full by Dec. 1, 2021.

Property owners enrolled in this payment plan will not be subject to penalty and interest charges as long as payments are made.
Please visit Burlington.ca/property tax for more information or email pap@burlington.ca to register.

Quick Facts
• The City of Burlington collects property taxes for the city, Halton Region and the Halton district school boards. The total combined tax levy for all three entities is approximately $439 million.

The city’s levy is $182 million; the city collects $141 million on behalf of Halton Region; and $116 million on behalf of the Halton district school boards. The taxes levied for Halton Region and the Halton district school boards are remitted to them.

• Burlington City Council approved an increase to the Low-Income Seniors Property Tax Rebate. For eligible property owners, the rebate has increased from $525 to $550 for the 2021 tax year.

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Parks and Recrearion move fast to get signage in place as part of controlling movement of people in public places

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

May 4th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Have the people at Parks and Recreation taken dancing lessons?

Spencer Smith sign

We should know by next weekend if the signs are going to make a difference

They have had to pivot on almost every project they have on the go.

sign spencer smith 3

The sign is certainly in the right place.

When the Gazette reported that there were large numbers of people gathering inappropriately we mentioned that there were no signs in place.

We reported that story on Monday (it did great things for our readership) – this afternoon we got a response from Chris Glenn who sent us three pictures of signs that are in place in the park.

Chris Glenn reported: “The signage is in place at SSP and other locations. Included a couple examples below.

The park ambassadors and other compliance monitoring / enforcement options are being discussed with council this week, primarily at the EICS meeting under the COVID verbal update. Will know more after this discussion.”

They are scrambling but they are on top of it.  Realize that much of the communication between staff members is by cell phone from their homes.

sign spencer smith COVID

The message is certainly clear enough. Add a couple of bylaw control officer ans the small crowds will disappear.

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Stolte and Kearns want to see streets made much friendlier to people during the summer - asking staff to come back with ideas

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr
May 4th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a last minute motion put on the agenda by Councillors Stolte and Kearns.  The wanted it know that it was a joint motion in response to the number of people who were outside walking the streets and getting needed exercise and fresh air.
The motion read:
Direct the Executive Director of Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility and the Director of Transportation Services to explore options to increase the ability for physical distancing and safe passage in response to Covid-19 for the area of Brant Street (Caroline Street to Lakeshore Road) for Saturdays and Sundays, from July 3 September 5, 2021 with a recommendation and report back to the June 8, 2021 Community Planning Regulation and Mobility Committee.
Stolte and Kearns - budget book

The two of them cooked up their motion; asking council to waive the rules and have it heard immediately.

Reason:

Community feedback has been significant in response to overcrowding on Brant Street downtown sidewalks south of Caroline Street to Lakeshore Road due to increased local resident use, outdoor retail/curbside queueing, and flow through of Spencer Smith Park users.
Options should be an interim response to public health concerns directly related to the ongoing relevance of Covid-19 community transmissions. Options are intended to manage physical distancing requirements in response to observed increases of non-vehicular usage of the City’s municipal assets. Under no circumstances should any modified use be an invitation to congregate in the expanded space. For further clarity, there will be no advertisement, event coordination, sponsorship opportunities or promotional efforts made to draw crowds.
Whatever Staff have to say will be heard at Council on My 18th.
Related news story:

 

 

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Has the public stopped listening to those elected to lead? What happens when that happens?

SwP thumbnail graphicBy Pepper Parr

May 4th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Fortino signs

Signs appear everywhere in the supermarket. The private sector gets the message – why isn’t city hall getting the message?

When I walk into the Fortinos on Guelph Line I am met with a small cluster of signs telling me that I need to keep a six foot distance between other people in the store.

When I walk into the Fortinos in Hamilton at McNabb and Main, there is a young man asking me if I have experienced any Covid19 symptoms – when I say no – he directs me to the hand sanitizer to get a squirt.

For the hundreds of people who were in Spencer Smith Park on the weekend – there apparently wasn’t a single sign nor were there any visible bylaw enforcement people on hand.

What happened to the Parks and Recreation plan to have Ambassadors on hand, they would be traveling in pairs, to explain the rules and to “educate” people, for, if the signs we are seeing on people’s lawns is any indication, there is a lot of educating to be done.
City council will be meeting today – and if they stay true to past practices there will be comments from the Mayor on how necessary it is for people to Stay at Home.

People don’t want to stay at home and it would appear that they don’t want to listen anymore either.

Would it be a stretch to suggest that they no longer trust the Public Health Units or the elected officials either.

Spencer-collette-1-690x794

Nothing telling these people hat congregating like this is not permitted.

That would suggest we are experiencing a breakdown in the trust the elected must have if they are to effectively lead. While this is a stretch: this is the kind of situation that leads to anarchy.

There is a plan, or rather there was a plan to have city staff on the ground as it were to observe and explain to people.

Will those young men and woman who chose the municipal sector to create careers that involved public service feel safe approaching people and asking them to respect the rules?

What if one of the visitors to our city strikes a city employee? Of course they will be charged if we can find and identify them. The immediate result will have either the police or one of the ten bylaw enforcement officers escorting the Ambassadors.

This is not a pretty picture.

Why are we in this situation? What clues did we miss? Do the people with the signs on their lawns not talk to their Councillors?

We have not heard a word from the ward 2 Councillor. Why?

Meed Ward with chain Sept 23-19

“When the going gets tough; the tough get going” Time for the Mayor to get tough.

If there was ever an occasion for the Mayor to go into a closed session with her Councillors, all the members of the city’s leadership team as well as the Executive Directors to have so hard discussions – this would be one of them.

Some kind of a statement from the Emergency Control Group is also called for.

We are heading into a season that will include a lot of hot summer weather which will attract thousands.

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Public opposition to the 'lock downs' is showing up on lawn signs - it is going to take more than pleas from the MAyor to curb this one,

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

May 3rd, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

If we were wondering how deeply felt the opposition to the current Stay at Home order is – the signs appearing on Burlington lawns might be a hint.

lockdown sign 1

Sign on a Burlington lawn

The Gazette published pictures of the way people chose t gather at Spencer Smith Park on the weekend.

Then we heard about the signs – there are two that we are aware of in the city.

The organization behind the signs has a web site – this is a cute one.

www.NoMoreLockdowns.ca

It is going to take a significantly different approach to change the way people behave – Council will have its hands full with this one.

Asked for comment earlier today, the Parks and Recreation department has yet to respond; they handle park related issues.

 

 

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Cougars prospect camp dates are announced - first come, first served

sportsred 100x100By Staff

May 3rd, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

No one is certain as to when the hockey season will start – but the Burlington Cougars are going ahead with their Player Prospect Camp.

The rules will be a little different: Covid19 protocols are in place and will be strictly adhered to.

hockey player cougar 1

Showing the coaching staff what you have going for you when the skates are laced up.

The Player Prospect program has been a great success in recent years helping players to develop and showcase their on-ice skills with the assistance of the Burlington Cougars coaching staff.

Registration for the 2021 camp will be on a first-come first-serve basis if roster spots become limited due to COVID-19 guidelines. If registration(s) occur and you are unable to attend due to these circumstances and/or if we are limited in our capacities due to these guidelines, a 100% refund will be issued.

Please contact us directly if you have any specific questions or concerns. The health and safety of our players, coaches, staff and community are of the utmost importance to the Burlington Cougars organization and we are utilizing all resources at our disposal to be align with these strictures.


Summer 2021 Program Details

Friday, June 11, 2021: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Saturday, June 12, 2021: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Sunday, June 13, 2021: 11:00am – 12:30pm

All sessions will take place at Appleby Ice Centre in Burlington (1201 Appleby Line, Burlington, ON)


Registration

We are currently accepting registration and payment for our 2021 Prospect Camp. Please complete the forms below to initiate your registration. All registrants must complete the

Click here to complete the COVID-19 Questionnaire.

This form must be completed by each player prior to admission,  participants will have to complete this questionnaire each day.

 

Contact Burlington Cougars Head Coach and General Manager, Mark Jooris, for more information regarding the 2021 Burlington Cougars Prospect Camp – (905) 467-9119.

markjoorisburlingtoncougars@gmail.com

COST: Players – $367.25 ($325+HST)

Payment for Burlington Cougars Prospect Camp 2021 can be made by cheque or e-transfer. Cheques can be made payable to ‘Burlington Cougars.’ E-transfer payments can be sent to BurlingtonCougarsOJDL@gmail.com. You will receive a confirmation email once we process your payment.

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For those who cannot work from home - vaccinations are available

News 100 blueBy Staff

May 3rd, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Halton Regional Public Health Office has announced new vaccination schedules.

Eligible Halton Residents can (dependent on supply) now book appointments starting

50+ who cannot work from home Monday, May 3 (as previously announced)

40+ who cannot work from home Wednesday, May 5

30+ who cannot work from home Friday, May 7

16+ who cannot work from home – (attending school in-person does not qualify) Monday, May 10

To learn more about Halton Region’s COVID-19 Vaccine Program, including who is currently eligible and how to book an appointment, please visit halton.ca/COVIDvaccines.

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Cougars to hold goalie prospect camp in June

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

May 3rd, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Burlington Cougars will be  continuing their Goalie Identification Camp for the 2021 season.

The program has been a great success in recent years helping players to develop and showcase their on-ice skills with the assistance of the Burlington Cougars coaching staff.

Goalie Cougar 1

Strut this kind of stuff and you will go far beyond the Cougars.

The 2021 Burlington Cougars Goalie Identification Camp is taking place in accordance with municipal, provincial and federal health and safety guidelines pertaining to COVID-19. Registration for the 2021 camp will be on a first-come first-serve basis if roster spots become limited due to COVID-19 guidelines. If registration(s) occur and you are unable to attend due to these circumstances and/or if we are limited in our capacities due to these guidelines, a 100% refund will be issued.

Summer 2021 Program Details

Wednesday, June 9, 2021 – Group One: 6:00pm – 7:20pm | Group Two: 7:30-8:50pm
Thursday, June 10, 2021 – Group One: 6:00pm – 7:20pm | Group Two: 7:30-8:50pm

All sessions take place at Appleby Ice Centre in Burlington (1201 Appleby Line, Burlington, ON)

Registration

Please complete the forms below to initiate your registration.

Click here to complete the COVID-19 Questionnaire. Please note that this form must be completed by each player prior to admission, and ask that all participants complete this questionnaire each day.

Payment and Contact

goalie cougars 2

The puck is out there somewhere – this goalie wants to make sure it is not behind him.

CONTACT: Please contact Burlington Cougars Head Coach and General Manager, Mark Jooris, for more information regarding the 2021 Burlington Cougars Goalie Identification Camp at (905) 467-9119 or

markjoorisburlingtoncougars@gmail.com

COST: Goalies – $310.75 ($275+HST)

Payment for Burlington Cougars Goalie Identification Camp 2021 can be made by cheque or e-transfer. Cheques can be made payable to ‘Burlington Cougars.’ E-transfer payments can be sent to BurlingtonCougarsOJDL@gmail.com. You will receive a confirmation email once the payment is processed.

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Spencer Smith Park - that Jewel in the Burlington Crown - didn't appear to have a single sign explaining to people what the Stay at Home order meant

News 100 blueBy Staff

May 3, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

What would we do without informed readers with cameras.

A Gazette reader sent us the following.

Her comments:

“So much for the “stay at home” order. These were taken Saturday. It was not even the busiest time. There is zero enforcement happening. Sunday was worse.

Spencer collette 1

The blossoms are beautiful – but where were the park Ambassadors the city was going to have in place to “educate” people and explain what the rules were and why they needed to be adhered to?

 

spencer colette 2

The new version of the Gazebo proved to be a popular gathering spot. There wasn’t as much as a sign to tell people what the Stay at Home order meant.

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114 Hot Spots in Ontario - Doctors want a Nation Wide Circuit Breaker put in place

News 100 redBy Staff

May 2, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

A group of Canadian doctors in a letter to the government published in Macleans magazine said over the weekend that the country needs a two week circuit breaker to prevent to spread of Covid19 and its numerous variants.

CBC circuit breaker

Dr Annand Kumar, Winnipeg Critical Care doctor talking to Rosemary Barton on CBC. Dr. Kumar was one of the doctors who signed the letter.

The letter said “… a maximum COVID-19 infection suppression strategy with the goal of reducing infections to very low levels, and halting new outbreaks with aggressive contact tracing and local measures” are needed.  “We can initiate this strategy right now by starting with an intense circuit-breaker shutdown until case counts fall sufficiently to allow individual contact tracing, testing and isolation.

“Occasional limited local shutdowns, together with more rapid rollout of COVID-19 immunizations, can be utilized to control the epidemic.”

In Ontario the Public Health Units have identified 114 hot spots where vaccinations are available to anyone over the age of 18.

Hot spots are locations where there are corporations or clusters of places where people work and where there has been a sudden rise in infections.   They are identified by postal code.

The Public Health Units send in teams of people to do on the spot vaccinations

The list below doesn’t mean much to the average reader but it does point out the number of locations where the virus is out of control.

covis patient

Intensive Care Units are close to the breaking point in terms of capacity.

Once the virus is in a community, even something as small as a postal code, it gets transmitted.

Durham Region Health Department L1S, L1T, L1V, L1X, L1Z

Halton Region Public Health  L9E

City of Hamilton Public Health Services L8W, L9C

Niagara Region Public Health L2G

Ottawa Public Health K1T, K1V, K2V

Peel Public Health L4T, L4W, L4X, L4Z, L5A, L5B, L5C, L5K, L5L, L5M, L5N, L5R, L5V, L5W, L6P, L6R, L6S, L6T, L6V, L6W, L6X, L6Y, L6Z, L7A, L7C

Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit L3Z

Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency ServicesN2C

Wellington-Dufferin Guelph Public HealthN1K

Windsor-Essex County Health Unit N8H, N8X, N8Y, N9A, N9B, N9C, N9YYork Region Public HealthL0J, L3S, L3T, L4B, L4E, L4H, L4J, L4K, L4L, L6A, L6B, L6C, L6E

Toronto Public Health M1B, M1C, M1E, M1G, M1H, M1J, M1K, M1L, M1M, M1P, M1R, M1S, M1T, M1V, M1W, M1X, M2J, M2M, M2R, M3A, M3C, M3H, M3J, M3K, M3L, M3M, M3N, M4A, M4H, M4X, M5A, M5B, M5N, M5V, M6A, M6B, M6E, M6H, M6K, M6L, M6M, M6N, M8V, M9A, M9B, M9C, M9L, M9M, M9N, M9P, M9R, M9V, M9W

Southwestern Public Health N5H

Is this the beginning of a 4th wave?

Dr. Kumar said  “every time we think we have gotten ahead of the virus we have been proved to be wrong.”

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Covid19 vaccination phases -

News 100 redBy Staff

May 2nd, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

When and where can you get the vaccine?

Ontario has a three-phase plan that prioritizes vaccines for those at greatest risk of severe illness and those who care for them. As vaccine supply is delivered across the province, public health units may have different vaccine administration rates based on local context.

Ontario is using different channels to administer the vaccines and reach most of the population. Implementation will vary as each channel, priority population and vaccine has specific criteria that require flexibility.

Vacination phases May 2

All of this depends on the reliable delivery of the vaccines. The Pfizer vaccine is now being delivered in volume regularly.

vaccine delivery

Vaccines arriving regularly –

Ford getting vaccinated AZ type

Premier Doug Ford getting his receives first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine. .

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JBH President explains what the Pandemic Response Unit is being used for and why

News 100 redBy Eric Vandewall

April 29th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Since March 12, 2021, in response to the urgent need to vaccinate as many people in our community and protect high-risk individuals from the COVID-19 virus, Joseph Brant Hospital began operating a Halton Region Vaccination Clinic in the Pandemic Response Unit PRU. The PRU’s flexibility in design allowed us to quickly mobilize the PRU to serve this purpose, using our skilled staff onsite to administer the vaccines. To date, we have vaccinated over 16,000 individuals in our community and will continue to immunize prioritized groups established by Halton Region.

At the same time, daily news reports convey the troublingly high number of new COVID-19 cases across the country. It is important to remember the heartbreaking stories behind those numbers. At JBH, we feel every single loss. With each loss, we know that there are so many families, friends and colleagues in immense grief.

field hospital - long look

Beds can be moved and a vaccination booth set up in a very short period of time

In Halton, we continue to see high numbers of new COVID-19 cases and it is too soon to determine if we have reached the peak of this third wave. In terms of our hospital’s capacity, today JBH is at 91% capacity. We are currently caring for 28 patients with COVID-19 – 16 of these patients are in Intensive Care Unit (ICU). In recent weeks, the total number of patients (COVID-19 and non-COVID-19) in our ICU units has ranged on average from the low 20s to as high as 29. We have the capacity to surge to 32 patients in ICU if needed.

Understandably, given the dire situation, we have been asked why we continue to use our PRU as a vaccination clinic and why it is not being used for COVID-19 care to help manage patient overflow in regional hospitals dealing with record numbers of COIVD 19 patients.

I hear you and I understand your concerns. While I do not wish to minimize the seriousness of the situation, I would like to provide further context and explain where we are today.

Vaccination is a critical step to reducing the spread of COVID-19 as well as to keep people healthy, safe and well. We stand ready to mobilize the PRU back to providing patient care within 24 hours if additional bed capacity is required. That decision cannot be made solely by JBH. The decision to open the PRU to care for patients is a decision made at the regional level – at the HNHBB (Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand, Norfolk, Brant and Burlington) Regional Incident Management System (IMS) table. The PRU was intended to be used when all conventional space in hospitals was exhausted across the region, as a “safety valve”, to relieve pressure on conventional hospital beds and to ensure there is sufficient capacity to care for COVID-19 mild to moderate patients who are on their way to recovery and to return home. Hospitals continue to respond internally to the growing demand for ICU care and we are seeing more mobile response units constructed to help expand capacity. The point of requiring the PRU for patient care has not yet been reached.

Hospital modular

Everyone who has been vaccinated at JBH and comments said it was “just great”.

Field hospital

The PRU structure is between the hospital expansion and the parking lot. It was set up in a very very short period of time – albeit at considerable expense.

Since the beginning of 2021, JBH has accepted 50 inter-regional patient transfers, including patients from the greater Toronto Area (GTA). All of these were serious cases placed in available ICU and acute care beds on designated units in our hospital. The most appropriate place for these individuals was to be located in conventional hospital space. Many of these individuals required ventilation and constant monitoring for a deterioration in their condition. In addition to using all the available space in our hospital to care for these patients, we have been able to increase the number of ICU beds up to 32. This has been done by reviewing our health human resources and placing all available healthcare staff in roles to support staffing these additional ICU beds, as a result of our surgical ramp down. I am incredibly proud of all of our team members, including those who have been redeployed to support the provision of comprehensive and compassionate care to our patients.

In conclusion, please understand that while our PRU is a well-equipped and robust temporary short stay field hospital space, it does not replace conventional inpatient beds in the hospital. The PRU was designed for individuals who are medically stable, presenting mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms, who require additional supports before they are ready to return home.

If the decision is made to mobilize the PRU back to providing medical care, we can make that happen in short order, relocating the vaccination clinic to an alternate space onsite. Every day we are working closely with our regional and provincial health partners to monitor the evolving situation, assess risk and determine the need for PRU capacity.

Eric Vandewall

Eric Vandewall, at what was supposed to be a celebratory event at which the Minister of Health at the time was to announce a large provincial contribution to the building of the extension to the hospital. The Minister got stuck in QEW traffic so we all went home. The cheque did arrive.

Finally, please continue to follow the guidance of medical experts and public health officials. If you are eligible to get vaccinated, doing so keeps you and your loved ones safe, and brings us one step closer to making our communities safer. If you have vaccine concerns, talk to your doctor or please seek out credible sources of information like Halton Region and the Province of Ontario. I also encourage you to follow JBH on our social media channels to stay up-to-date on the latest news and information from our hospital.

Thank you again for your continued support and understanding during these challenging times.

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Halton residents 50+ who cannot work from home can book COVID-19 vaccination appointments starting May 3

News 100 redBy Staff

April 29th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Starting Monday, May 3, Halton residents who are 50 years of age and older (born in or before 1971) and cannot work from home can book an appointment to receive their COVID-19 vaccine at a Halton Region COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic.

“We are pleased to be able to offer more appointments to priority populations,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “We continue to follow the Province’s direction on prioritization and our ability to keep opening appointments to more residents is reliant on ongoing and dependable vaccine supply from the Provincial and Federal Governments. Our clinics are ready for more supply – we have the capacity to double the amount of people we vaccinate each day.”

Halton Region continues to follow Provincial direction on prioritization and does not have the authority to grant exceptions. Residents who are 40 years of age and older are also encouraged to book an appointment at multiple participating pharmacies in Halton for the AstraZeneca vaccine. This vaccine is safe and effective, and another way to gain protection from severe illness and complications from COVID-19.

“The more people we vaccinate each and every day, the closer we get to returning to normal,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. “We have six clinics operating 7 days a week and participating pharmacies continue to offer appointments to those 40 and older. Please get the vaccine when it is your turn – the best vaccine option is the first one available to you.”

Important information & instructions:

  • On Monday, May 3, Halton residents 50 years of age and older (born in or before 1971) who cannot  work from home can 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 at Halton’s clinics 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 guided back to Halton’s system.
    • Vaccinations at a participating pharmacy are by appointment only (no walk-ins) and must be booked directly through the pharmacy. Please do not call 311 for pharmacy appointments. If you are 40 or older, please visit ontario.ca/PharmacyCovidVaccine to find a location and information on how to book.
  • 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.
  • Residents who have already scheduled an appointment for vaccination through Halton Region can verify/check their appointment details or reschedule first dose appointments.
    • Halton Region is reminding residents that have booked appointments at a Halton Vaccination Clinic and have been able to find earlier first and second dose appointments (for example, through a pharmacy) to please remember to cancel their appointments by calling 311 at least 24 hours in advance, so that someone else who is eligible can get the vaccine.
    • Please note that cancelling appointments is only for those who have not received their first dose yet and changing second dose appointments cannot be easily accommodated. Residents who have had their first dose are strongly encouraged to keep their second dose appointment, unless for extraordinary circumstances (for example, work schedules that cannot be rearranged, conflicting specialist appointments). Rescheduling second doses remains dependent on vaccine supply and appointment availability.

All appointments are contingent on the availability of vaccine supply.

 

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Telephone Town Hall worked - the public was well served.

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

April 29th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

In terms of communicating with the public it went exceptionally well. The latest in a series of Telephone Town Hall events ran for an hour last evening ran out of time before they ran out of questions.

Dr Dale K

Dr. Dale Kalina, Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control, Joseph Brant Hospital

Moderated by the Mayor, the strongest theme was information on the different vaccines being used by the Public Health units and the pharmacies.

Dr. Dale Kalina, Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control, Joseph Brant Hospital pressed the point that the vaccine used was not a concern – what was important was that people get vaccinated.

Close to a majority of the questions asked related to the vaccines available.

Throughout the evening there were mini-surveys that asked what people thought about allowing public participation in public events suggesting that consideration is being given to opening things up a little.

There was just the one question on recreational issues; many of the people taking part in the call weren’t required to say a word.

The public was well served.

A transcript of the event will e published.

We will ask the Mayor what there are in the way of plans to open up events to the public – it will depend on what the response to the mini survey reveals.

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Province scrambling to find a way to get money into the hands of employees who have to take time off from work due to Covid19

News 100 redBy Staff

April 28th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Ontario government continues to work with the federal government to further support vulnerable workers by doubling payments made through the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) program, the province will introduce legislation that, if passed, will offer up to three paid sick days per employee.

Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, will introduce legislation on Thursday that would, if passed, require employers to provide employees with up to $200 of pay for up to three days if they are missing work because of COVID-19. This program will be retroactive to April 19, 2021 and effective until September 25, 2021, the date the CRSB will expire.

Queen's Park winter

Let’s see what happens at Queen’s Park on Thursday.

By providing time-limited access to three paid leave days, the province is ensuring employees can pay their bills as they help stop the spread of the virus, including by getting tested, waiting for their results in isolation or going to get their vaccine. The province will partner with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board to deliver the program and reimburse employers up to $200 per day for each employee.

“Our government has long advocated for the federal government to enhance the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit program to better protect the people of Ontario, especially our tireless essential workers,” said Minister McNaughton. “It is a tremendously positive step that the federal government has signaled their willingness to continue discussions on the CRSB. Now we can fix the outstanding gap in the federal program so workers can get immediate support and can stay home when needed.”

The province has also offered to provide funding to the federal government to double CRSB payments to Ontario residents, adding an additional $500 per week to eligible individuals for a total of $1,000 per week. Combined with the province’s proposed three days of paid COVID-19 leave, doubling the CRSB would provide Ontario workers with access to the most generous pandemic paid leave in the country.

If an eligible worker learns that they must isolate for longer than 50 per cent of the time they would have otherwise worked for the week, whether because of a positive COVID-19 test or risk of exposure, they may apply for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit if they haven’t taken a paid leave day under this proposal.

Let’s see what happens at Queen’s Park on Thursday.

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