 By Pepper Parr
January 6th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie OPINION
She wins the Leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party, takes the Chair at a Mississauga City Council meeting and uses her Strong Mayor powers to to direct planning staff to allow fourplex housing as a right across the city.
With the Leadership in her pocket she works the telephone and pulls in $1,280,000 + in the way of donations to give the party some getting around money.
Meets with the other candidates to learn what they would like to see happen, we know that she had a one hour meeting with Ted Shu, member for Kingston and the Islands.
While Bonnie Crombie has not come out and said she is going to run for a seat in the Legislature she has dropped more crumbs is as hints than Gretal did when she was lost in a forest.
She has met with her Caucus and has begun to talk about the Strategy they will work from once the MPP’s return to the Legislature in February.
She has to recruit a Chief of Staff; our guess is she already knows who she wants.
Three members short of being recognized as a political party at which point the Liberals will have access to research and staffing funds. The provincial Liberals would very much like to find a way to have access to those funds. There are five independent members of the Legislature – most of them have too much baggage to be worth recruiting.
 Bonnie Crombie meeting with her Caucus at Queen’s Park Are there New Democrats who might be enticed to cross the floor? Could the Greens decide to become Liberals – just until the 2026 election takes place?
Politics is the art of compromise and if the Liberals are going to make their point they are going to have to get very creative and be seen is as a party that can get things done.
That process takes place starting January 16th, the day after Bonnie Crombie takes off the Mississauga Chain of Office for the last time. It will be an emotional experience.
The announcements she makes on the 16th will be interesting.
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
 By Staff
January 5th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 The annual tree collection returns! RBG needs a maximum of 2,000 trees in order to strategically place them in critical zones. Community members are asked to pre-register their donation(s) ahead of their drop-off to ensure we receive the desired amount for the project at hand. Are you up to the calculated challenge? Let your tree continue to work for nature even after it’s done its traditional duty.
For well over a decade, RBG has relied on the generosity of the public to deliver their trees to aid us in various stream-restoration projects around aquatic ecosystems. Since this project began, over 175,000 trees have been repurposed and placed into the banks of the Chedoke and Grindstone Creeks. Once placed, their branches begin to collect and retain suspended sediment which helps form a riverbank, something previously demolished by invasive Common Carp. As the years go by and more trees are added, the riverbanks become fortified and stabilized, which help channel the flow of water during high-water events. The placement of trees also helps by creating essential habitat for birds, mammals, insects, reptiles, amphibians and most importantly a strong soil bed where native plants can take root and begin to sprout! What life have you seen around the berms as of late?
 Sincere thanks go out to all the people who have helped see this project through. Not only do we have the solo tree drop offs, we have witnessed individuals organize neighbourhood pickups and deliver dozens of trees, and businesses deliver by the truckload! The generosity is magnificent, and the evidence is in the wetlands. Thank you only scratches the surface, or in this case adds to it!
Please Pre-Register to Donate Your Tree
Register your tree HERE
Royal Botanical Gardens appreciates the generosity of its community members that take the time to donate their Christmas trees each year. Used Christmas trees assist our conservation efforts in re-building creek channels on our waterways. These channels facilitate the regrowth of marsh plants and create habitat for native fish and wildlife.
This year we require a maximum of 2,000 trees for our restoration and are asking that you please register your tree prior to dropping it off. Though we greatly appreciate the overwhelming enthusiasm in support of this project, we are only able to use 2,000 trees to effectively achieve our goal.
- Drop off between December 28 to January 9
- Please do not drop off your tree without pre-registering
- Drop off will be at an un-staffed location close to the border of Hamilton and Burlington. Specific drop-off instructions and location details will be provided via email to registrants.
- Remove all decorations and ties
- Spruce and fir species are preferred
- Drop off only; RBG does not provide pickup services
 By Staff
January 5th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
NDP urges Conservatives to stop withholding billions from health care
 Longer wait times for diagnosis and surgery are a result of a system stretched by chronic government underfunding. Ontario NDP Health critic France Gélinas said Ontario is hearing another alarm bell from the province’s overrun health care system, a new Ontario Health report that shows that just over half of the most aggressive cancers were treated through surgery in the recommended time frame. She is urging the Ford government to act.
“This troubling report from Ontario Health makes clear that the staffing crisis in our health care system is having a direct impact on patient outcomes, on matters of life and death,” Gélinas said. “Early detection and timely access to surgery is vital for those diagnosed with cancer, especially aggressive forms.
“Longer wait times for diagnosis and surgery are a result of a system stretched by chronic government underfunding and the exodus of overworked, underpaid workers, yet the Ford Conservatives continue to act like the crisis doesn’t exist.
“We have the money to fix the problem. The government is sitting on billions of dollars—$5.4 billion, to be precise—of unspent funds that should be going to our hospitals. Ford must treat the crisis with the urgency it warrants and stop withholding billions from health care.”
 By Staff
January 05, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Emm Gryner has been an independent recording artist for 25 years. Her albums “Asianblue” and “Girl Versions” were nominated for Pop Album of The Year at the Juno Awards. She appears on albums by David Bowie, Def Leppard and Rob Zombie.
 Emm Gryner She will be at the Performing Arts Centre on January 26th, at 7:30pm in the Community Studio Theatre
In 2013, Emm helped make the first music video in outer space when she helped arrange a new version of “Space Oddity” for astronaut Chris Hadfield. The song was recorded partly on earth and partly aboard the International Space Station. This collaboration has received more than 200 million views on YouTube.
In 2023, Emm was sought out by Def Leppard to contribute her cover of “Pour Some Sugar On Me” to their Drastic Symphonies album featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Emm contributes lead vocals to the track and performed the collaboration on BBC’s Piano Room programme.
TICKETS:
Regular: $39.50 (All-in). Member: $34.50(All-in)
Reserve a ticket HERE
By Pepper Parr
January 5th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
 City Manager Tim Commisso, originally the Mayor’s choice as City Manager; he decided not to renew his contract. The City Manager has announced he will not be renewing his contract.
The head of Human Resources and the City Solicitor have both retired.
The City Treasurer has announced that the budget put in place recently is the last one she will do.
The City Clerk and the Director of Communications are no longer with us.
Council is understood to be interviewing or reviewing resumes as they search for a new City Manager.
All this certainly doesn’t reek of confidence.
There are some top notch people in place on the administrative side: Shelia Jones, Executive Director and Chad McDonald who heads up the technical and IT side of the business are as good as it gets.
 Alison Enns  Emilie Cote  Bryn Neally There are a number of young women in place at City Hall doing very good work: Alison Enns, Bryn Neally, and Emilie Cote – the City is lucky to have them.
As good as these people are they need leadership and at this point that leadership is not coming from the City Manager or City Council elected in 2022.
Very hard to have a strong sense of confidence as Council returns to the Council Chamber on Monday to carry out the business of the City with a Mayor in the Chair operating under the Strong Mayor powers given last July running what has become a one person show.
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
 By Staff
January 5th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Public Library launched a new program in a brand-new space where kids and their families can “discover”. It open on January 8.
 Are we looking at a future engineer? Photo credit: Anthony Jones “We’re so thrilled to introduce this new service,” says Lita Barrie, BPL CEO. “It’s all about inspiring discovery, which is a core part of the Library’s vision.”
The idea for the DiscoverySpace emerged from customer feedback asking for more programs and activities for kids who have aged out of early-years offerings like story time.
STEAM—an acronym for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math—is in particularly high demand. The DiscoverySpace will meet that need as a drop-in space where families can build, tinker, and create using bins of supplies, toys, and technology.
“Everything about this space was developed to inspire the kids who visit,” says Tammy Csajaghy, BPL’s Programming & Partnerships Manager who led the project. “From the colourful décor to the interactive tables, to the Lego wall, and beyond. We want kids to enter the room and feel empowered to explore and create.”
 This is a playroom – intended for children and their parents looking for something with a challenge and an opportunity to let imaginations wander. Photo credit Anthony Jones To start, the DiscoverySpace is open weekday afternoons, some evenings, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. It will also be home to weekly, free scheduled programs with a focus on science, technology and art. Hours and offerings are posted at www.bpl.on.ca/services/discoveryspace.
By Staff
January 4th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
For reasons that are not at all clear, Mayor Meed Ward sent out a Tweet saying that the city now has a complete application for the proposed development at 1026 Cooke Blvd
 It will certainly dominate the skyline. A development to the immediate west, fronting onto the east side of Waterdown is before the Ontario Land Tribunal. Opposite, on the western side of Waterdown Road there are two small lots owned by Councillor Galbraith. The city web site page for that development says the development is under review.
The development is in ward 1 where the Councillor keeps running into Conflicts of Interest.
Is the Mayor speaking for the Council member?
- These applications will allow a 29-storey mixed use building on the subject property. The proposed development includes 370 m² of retail on the ground floor fronting Cooke Boulevard, as well as a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom residential units resulting in a total of 335 residential units. A total of 5,918 m² of amenity space (indoor and outdoor) is proposed.
- Vehicular access is proposed from Cooke Boulevard with one driveway access from the north of the subject property. A total of 318 parking spaces are provided within 4 -levels of underground parking and 190 bicycle…
Development Application Status – Under Review
By Pepper Parr
January 4th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 Premier Ford keeps meeting with provincial staff who later turn up in email traffic that refers to land developments. Details on this latest are set out in a link below. When we learned yesterday that Ontario Premier Doug Ford told the Provincial Integrity Commissioner that”he he isn’t ‘immediately familiar’ with Manchia, we decided to look a little deeper and see just what took place during the 2022 municipal elections.
 Councillor Rory Nisan faced a complaint on some of his 2018 election spending. In Burlington, every member of Council was returned to office and no one came up with any election funding infractions. Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan faced a complaint on some of his election spending. The Election Oversight Committee decided not to take any further action but did release a short written report.
It wasn’t the same in Hamilton where Matthew Van Dongen, a Hamilton Spectator reporter specializing in transportation and the environment reported at length on what was going on in Hamilton.
The Hamilton election oversight committee started rare legal action against two developers who gave more money to municipal candidates than allowed under the law.
The committee decided to appoint a prosecutor to review “overcontribution” violations by planner-developer and downtown megadeveloper Darko Vranich. In a pair of decisions now posted online, the oversight body called pursuing the uncommon legal proceedings “warranted … and in the public interest.”
But is still up to that prosecutor to determine what charges — if any — should go before a judge. The maximum fine for an individual for most violations under the Municipal Elections Act is $25,000.
Municipalities across Ontario appoint arms-length citizen committees that can consider alleged campaign finance violations by candidates, donors or third-party advertisers following an election.
Often, rulings result in “cautions or a slap on the wrist” rather than audits or even more rare court action, said Zack Taylor, a professor of political science at Western University. Campaign finance violations that do end up in court also more commonly involve citizen complaints about elected officials.
In Hamilton, former Mayor Larry Di Ianni pleaded guilty to campaign fundraising violations in 2006 and was sentenced to make a charitable donation and write an essay about his mistakes. In 2020, Toronto councillor Jim Karygiannis was removed from office as a result of campaign overspending — a legal battle that went to the Supreme Court.
When it comes to exceeding contribution limits by citizen donors, Taylor said oversight committees and prosecutors likely have to do a “cost-benefit analysis” on the pricey prospect of legal action. “If they’re going down this road, it is to send a message,” he said.
The looming legal action was spurred by a city clerk review of 2022 election financial contributions. It found several donors appeared to have contributed more in total to candidates than the maximum $5,000 set under Ontario law.
 Sergio Manchia and Darko Vranich both admit to giving more money to local election candidates than allowed under the law, but they argue the violations were honest mistakes. After hearing from those donors Hamilton’s oversight committee ruled against legal consequences for everyone except Vranich and Manchia.
In a written decision, the body noted the head of development giant Vrancor overspent on donations “by a significant margin” — handing out $9,600, or nearly double the legal limit — and “without reasonable explanation.”
Manchia only exceeded the maximum by $300 and he told the committee he mistakenly believed the limit was higher.
But the committee noted the ubiquitous planning consultant also ran afoul of spending limits after the 2018 election and that he is “sophisticated, with past experience relating to contribution limits.”
A spokesperson for Vranich expressed disappointment at the ruling and argued the overcontribution was “an honest mistake” that would not be repeated.
By email, Manchia called his “slight overcontribution” a mistake and acknowledged the importance of campaign finance laws. “My aim was to support local candidates who I believe can make a meaningful difference in our city,” he said. “I did not intend … to compromise the perceived integrity of the electoral process.”
Developer donations tend to earn more scrutiny because of the “perception of influence” on councillors who are routinely asked to approve millions of dollars in building projects, noted Taylor.
Some candidates in last year’s election announced they would not accept donations from the building industry.
Link to the Premier’s involvement with Sergio Manchia
Rory Nisan catches a break with his 2018 election problems
By Staff
January 3rd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The New Democrats, serve as the Official Opposition at Queen’s Park. They have been on top of the Greenbelt land mess from day 1.
 Marat Stiles letting the Premier know that she has his number. It was their initiative that resulted in a report from the then Auditor Bonnie Lysak that laid out a sad story and eventually resulted in the provincial government accepting the resignation of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing after the Integrity Commissioner found all kinds of problems. Leader of the Opposition Marat Stiles would rise in the Legislature, point her finger at the Premier again and again.
The RCMP are currently investigating who knew what when and who whispered in whose ear.
In the meantime the New Democrats keeping finding new bones.
 Ford has claimed he isn’t ‘immediately familiar’ with Manchia, despite the Integrity Commissioner’s report revealing six meetings between the pair. Newly obtained emails show that in 2021, Ford’s then-chief of staff said he would “check with officials” about removing lands from the Greenbelt.The Premier and his government have said repeatedly that Ford was first briefed on the Greenbelt plan in November 2022, but these latest emails make it even more clear that Ford’s inner circle were discussing these plans years in advance – and kept them quiet when Ford ran for re-election. Marit Stiles and the Ontario NDP have repeatedly asked Ford about these discrepancies in testimony and timelines – and Ford’s Conservatives have continued to duck accountability.
“When exactly did Ford know about the Greenbelt plan – and why can’t he just come clean with it?” asked MPP Sandy Shaw (Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas), Official Opposition NDP critic for Environment, Conservation, and Parks. “With the Greenbelt scandal, it seems like all roads keep leading back to the Premier’s office. And while he keeps trying to cover his tracks, we keep falling further behind on our housing targets when we desperately need affordable places to live.”
Sergio Manchia and Darko Vranich both admit to giving more money to local election candidates than allowed under the law, but they argue the violations were honest mistakes. “Hopefully Ford can get his story straight when the RCMP come to call.”
Background
-
These new emails reveal even more correspondence between Ford’s senior staff and Sergio Manchia’s staff, a prominent Hamilton developer
-
Ford has claimed he isn’t ‘immediately familiar’ with Manchia, despite the Integrity Commissioner’s report revealing six meetings between the pair.
|
|
|
By Staff
January 4th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Many people have wondered just where is the City Clerk.
 There were occasions when Arjoon seemed to have difficulty managing Council and letting the Mayor know she was not quite on script. Kevin Arjoon has not been seen for some time. The Holiday Season was upon us – thot was he was on vacation.
Don’t know if Arjoon left or if he was asked to leave.
Position Overview
The salary is nothing to sneeze at: $146,616-$183,270
We are seeking a high performing individual to be responsible for the leadership and administration of the Clerk’s department. As the City Clerk you will provide leadership and direction in the areas of citizen and council committee support, information management and FOI requests, municipal elections, and act as a corporate signing officer for the Corporation. You will provide advice to the City Manager and Council on administrative matters, and all statutory functions related to the Clerk’s position, ensuring all documents relating to Council are managed appropriately.
Responsibilities
You will ensure that appropriate systems (both manual and electronic) are in place to manage the corporation’s records and protect vital information in accordance with established by-laws and policies. You will act in the capacity as the Designated “Head” for Freedom of Information requests. Digital transformation of the City’s records is a key upcoming project and you will play a vital leadership role in this project.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Community Relations and Engagement, the City Clerk is a member of the Burlington Leadership Team and in this capacity participates in the overall strategic and collaborative stewardship of the municipality.
 By Staff
January 3rd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
What does it mean to understand a person, a land or even a historical narrative?
The Art Gallery of Burlington(AGB) is asking the question How can I know you? in their newest spring exhibition. The exhibition curated by artist, curator, and scholar, Suzanne Morrissette will open on January 19th and run until April 28th. It features the work of Anong Beam, Dana Prieto, KC Adams, Krista Belle Stewart, Melissa General, and Panya Clark Espinal.
 Morrissette holds a PhD from York University in Social and Political Thought. She currently holds the position of Assistant Professor and Graduate Program Director for two programs at OCAD University: Criticism and Curatorial Practices (MFA) and Contemporary Art, Design, and New Media Art Histories (MA). “The exhibition aims to open a conversation about how we perceive the connections between people and the complex social and political circumstances that affect us and it all begins with a single question,” says curator Suzanne Morrissette. “In this exhibition, artists use materials from the land to weave narratives that encourage the audience to learn about the world around them. By delving into histories and understanding people, we can develop a greater sense of empathy and connection.”
Using materials sourced from the earth, the artists in How can I know you? work to share site-specific knowledge about kinship and generational relations, industry and settlement, social and political histories tied to settler nationalism and institutions, and about Indigenous territories in dialogue with one another.
 AGB curator Suzanne Morrissette How can I know you? is a question that comes from a comment artist Panya Clark Espinal shared during a studio visit with curator Suzanne Morrissette. It is a question that Clark Espinal asks of her materials, both as a way of coming to know them, as well as coming to know people, place, and history through the act of engaging with materials.
Both the exhibition and extended programming supports Morrissette’s ongoing research into and representations of colonial power and the intersections of contemporary art with geopolitics, decolonization, and social justice. How can I know you? is accompanied by a rich public program featuring talks, workshops, and performances in connection with a range of citywide collaborators and partners.
Exhibition Details
Lee-Chin Family Gallery
January 19–April 28, 2024
 Founded in 1975 ABOUT THE AGB
The Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) is an award-winning, public art gallery and community art centre situated in downtown Burlington, Ontario. Founded in 1975 for the purpose of creating a professional and social space to promote, protect and grow arts and crafts in Canada, the AGB continues to be an integral part of the community, and is home to the world’s largest collection of contemporary Canadian ceramics.
By Trevor Hurry
January 3rd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Navigating the Web Safely:
Strategies for Avoiding Scams and Online Menaces
 Once a scammer has access to your data they can pick and choose what they want to take: your bank account, other online services you use. Then they can sell your ID to others who will do the same thing. In the ever-expanding digital universe, the internet has become a fundamental part of our daily lives. It offers a wealth of information, facilitates global communication, and provides endless entertainment. However, this vast network is also a breeding ground for scams and online menaces. From phishing emails to identity theft, the risks are ever-present. Thus, it’s crucial to arm ourselves with knowledge and tools to navigate this digital landscape safely. This blog post aims to provide comprehensive strategies to help you avoid scams and protect yourself online.
Understanding the Threats
Before diving into protective measures, it’s essential to understand the common types of online scams. Phishing scams, where fraudsters impersonate legitimate entities to steal sensitive information, are increasingly sophisticated. Malware, which includes viruses and ransomware, can infiltrate systems and compromise data. Identity theft, often resulting from data breaches, can have long-lasting impacts. Lastly, online shopping scams exploit consumers through fake websites and fraudulent offers. Awareness of these threats is the first step in defence.
Strong Passwords: Your First Line of Defence
 A group of consecutive numbers is not a password; it is an invitation for scammers to steal your data. Strong passwords are one of the easiest yet most effective ways to safeguard your online accounts. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols instead of common words and phrases. Password managers and other similar tools are useful for creating and safely storing complicated passwords. To add a degree of protection, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever it is feasible.
Regular Software Updates: Closing Security Loopholes
Keeping your software updated is a critical defense against cyber threats. Cybercriminals often target vulnerabilities in outdated software, making it imperative to update your operating system, browsers, and applications regularly. These updates frequently include patches for security loopholes that hackers exploit. To ensure you don’t miss these crucial updates, enable automatic updates on your devices. This ensures that you’re always using the latest, most secure versions without having to remember to manually update each time. Additionally, it’s advisable to regularly check for updates on software that doesn’t update automatically, as this maintains a robust defense against emerging cyber threats.
Be Skeptical of Emails and Links
 Password security is something you need to pay attention to; the cost if you don’t could clean you out. When it comes to digital communication, having a healthy skepticism might work wonders for you. Phishing schemes, which deceive people into disclosing private information, are getting more sophisticated. Emails and texts that look strange or request personal information should be avoided, especially if they instill a sense of urgency or offer extraordinary rewards. It is advisable to confirm the sender’s identity before replying or opening any links. Don’t download attachments from unidentified or suspicious sources as they can be infected with malware. Always keep in mind that if an email or link looks shady or too good to be true, it probably is. When in doubt, go with your gut and use care.
Protect Your Domestic Network
Your home Wi-Fi network is a gateway to your personal and financial information. Ensure it’s secured with a strong password and WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection, especially when using public Wi-Fi.
Educate Yourself and Others
In today’s digital age, staying updated about online threats is crucial for internet safety. Regularly following reputable technology news sources and cybersecurity blogs can keep you informed about the latest scams and protection strategies. Participation in cybersecurity awareness programs, either online or in your community, can further enhance your understanding and preparedness. Additionally, sharing this knowledge with family and friends, particularly those who are less familiar with digital nuances, is vital. This includes educating them about recognizing phishing emails, the importance of secure passwords, and avoiding suspicious links. By spreading awareness, you contribute to creating a safer online environment for everyone.
Use Trusted Payment Methods for Online Shopping
Online shopping, including activities like playing online slots, requires cautious financial transactions. To ensure safety, always opt for secure and trusted payment methods. Credit cards are generally a safer choice compared to debit cards due to their fraud protection features. Be vigilant about where you input your card details, whether purchasing goods or engaging in online slots; look for signs of website security such as HTTPS in the URL and a padlock symbol. Avoid payment methods that lack transparency or traceability, such as wire transfers or gift cards. Additionally, consider using payment platforms that offer additional layers of security. Remember, cautiousness in payment methods is a key defense against financial fraud in online shopping.
Backup Your Data Regularly
Regular data backup is an essential practice in safeguarding against digital threats. In the face of malware attacks, such as ransomware, having a backup of your essential files can mitigate the damage. Utilize reliable cloud services or external storage devices for backups. This should be done consistently; set a schedule for regular updates of your backup. Cloud services often offer automated solutions, while external hard drives provide physical copies. These backups are not just a shield against cyber-attacks; they also protect against data loss due to hardware malfunctions or accidental deletions. Remember, regular data backup is a critical step in comprehensive digital security.
 You want to understand what Identity Theft can do to you and take appropriate action to protect yourself. Conclusion
Navigating the internet safely requires a proactive approach. By understanding the risks, using strong passwords, updating software, being cautious of suspicious emails and links, securing your network, staying informed, using trusted payment methods, and regularly backing up data, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability to online scams and menaces. Remember, in the digital world, your best defence is your awareness and preparedness. Stay safe and explore the internet with confidence, knowing you’re well protected against lurking dangers.
 By Pepper Parr
January 3rd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
There wasn’t much in the way of notice.
The last print edition of the Burlington Post was printed on September 15th. The public got the news a day before. The Post is one of 70 local newspapers that are part of Metroland.
What does all this mean to Burlington?
 John Best, a colleague who publishes the Bay Observer put it very well when he said: “Locally, the biggest danger is in a community like Burlington, where on a good day there would have been one or two people at the media table at City Council or Board of Education meetings—now maybe none.
“Burlington Council with only seven members is already more or less devoid of any real debate, its seven members apparently in broad agreement on almost everything, or if they don’t, they hash it out somewhere else. The small size of the council is a factor that makes it easier to keep members in line, and the lack of media scrutiny outside of online disruptors like the Burlington Gazette have led to a country-club atmosphere. This is a council that put its heads together in 2022 and decided to keep the $100 million cost of the Bateman Community Centre Project a secret until after they were all safely re-elected. Media scrutiny has diminished in Burlington right at the time when a whole lot more is needed.”
Loosing a print media is significant and a clear understanding of just what happened to the Post and the other Metroland newspapers matters
Nordstar Capital LP owns the Toronto Star which is struggling. The Toronto Star owned Metroland. “Metroland was losing money; working furiously to find a solution but realized they were at a point where they simply couldn’t pay their expenses. Torstar chief executive officer Neil Oliver said at a creditor meeting held in November. That “Metroland is not out of the woods with the proposal, we believe it gives the remaining team and properties the opportunity to be viable for the long term.”
 Metroland cited the challenging economic environment for newspapers – particularly the steep decline in print advertising revenue – for its financial troubles. The company’s papers have faced a “sizable loss of readership” and revenue has fallen more than 10 per cent each year for the past three years, according to Grant Thornton, an accounting firm.
Metroland said in mid-September that it planned to make a proposal pursuant to Canada’s Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, and it followed up in mid-October with the plan.
In his report to creditors, Grant Thornton trustee Jonathan Krieger recommends a “Yes” for the vote scheduled for Tuesday, which would give unsecured creditors 13 cents on the dollar for their claims. Key to this analysis, of course, is just how much Metroland’s assets are worth.
 The news business has changed. Among those creditors were the news reporters who no longer have jobs.
“There was no discernible enterprise value for a business that has lost $10-million in the past year alone” adding that Metroland “held numerous M&A discussions with prospective buyers over the past year and could not procure a successful cash bid for any of the newspapers,” he said. The $20-million in equity stakes are undisclosed because they are “subject to confidentiality provisions.”
However, unlike other corporate reorganizations where the stockholders get wiped out in order to pay creditors, Torstar will emerge from this process maintaining its 100-per-cent ownership of Metroland, with all of its assets.
It would not be incorrect to say that there are some shady issues surrounding how the Star managed to dump the Metroland employees, offer them pennies on the dollar and try to get some federal money for them.
If the creditors had said No to the proposal that was before them they would have been given five cents on the dollar, not 13 but Metroland would have been bankrupt – dead. But because the offer was accepted by the creditors Metroland is in receivership which means it is still operating.
The plan was recommended by an independent trustee employed by Grant Thornton, charged with operating in the interest of all the stakeholders in the matter. Some observers felt the trustee’s report was thin on details to make creditors wonder whether they have enough information to make an informed decision.
Creditors of insolvent newspaper chain Metroland Media Group Ltd. voted to approve a proposal on Monday that would see the company pay pennies on the dollar to restructure its debt and avoid bankruptcy.
Metroland sought creditor protection on Sept. 15 with liabilities totalling more than $78-million. The publisher laid off 605 employees, nearly two-thirds of its work force, without paying severance or termination pay, while other employees who took voluntary buyout packages earlier this year had their salary continuance payments cut off.
A restructuring proposal like the one filed by Metroland allows a troubled company to address its debt and avoid a bankruptcy filing. Had creditors voted against Metroland’s proposal, the company would have been deemed bankrupt under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
Accepting the proposal meant that Metroland was kept alive while the 600+ employees looked at empty wallets.
The amount to be paid to creditors is not finalized. Metroland intends to apply to the federal government’s Wage Earner Protection Program, (WEPP) which offers payment to former employees stemming from a bankruptcy or receivership.
If WEPP is approved, former employees will receive 17 cents on the dollar for the balance of their claims, in addition to other payments. Other unsecured creditors would receive the same repayment percentage.
Lawyers for Metroland scheduled a court date to seek WEPP in late November, but the Department of Justice indicated it would oppose the motion. Metroland is still an operating company, and not in bankruptcy. The company then arranged to have a receiver appointed over its inventory, which could aid in its WEPP application.
“We believe that the likelihood of WEPP being eligible for this company is likely enhanced by virtue of that receivership,” Grant Thornton partner Jonathan Krieger said at the creditor meeting on Monday.
What does this mean to the communities across the province that relied on their local newspaper for news on current events..
Burlington had to decide recently where it would place notices they are required to publish under both the Municipal Act and the Planning Act.
Burlington is currently served by four online newspapers. The Gazette, which was the first online paper to be recognized by what was then the Ontario Press Council in 2010. The Post has become an online newspaper, the Bay Observer serves the Burlington market as does Burlington Today, a recent addition to the Burlington market.
The ceasing of the print publication of The Burlington Post has multi-faceted impacts on how the City provides public notice.
Whereas the Municipal Act, 2001 allows municipalities for more flexibility, other legislation is very specific as to the manner in which notice is given.
Staff have undertaken a review of the City’s Public Notice Policy and are seeking to make amendments where publication in a newspaper is not a prescribed requirement under the Municipal Act, 2001. Amendments to the Public Notice Policy are based on the findings summarized below:
Based on the above definition and the definition included in the policy, The Hamilton Spectator has been determined as the paper of record for the City of Burlington in the absence of a local newspaper such as The Burlington Post. The Hamilton Spectator is a daily newspaper with 4,673 subscribers in Burlington compared to The Toronto Star at 1,152 subscribers.
The Public Notice Policy provides minimum notice standards and encourages the public notice authors to consult with Corporate Communications & Engagement staff to ensure all appropriate tactics are used when providing notice to the public. The City has a dedicated News and Notices section with 1,065 current subscribers, where all City notices are posted in one centralized location.
By removing the requirement for printed media notices, where not statutorily required, the policy provides more flexibility while ensuring legislative requirements are met. In instances where newspaper notices are required, such as the Publication of Financial Statements, election notices, or notices required under other legislation including the Planning Act, the City will use The Hamilton Spectator based on the general circulation requirement, in addition to notices posted to the City’s website and digital publications. Many other municipalities have moved towards the publication of notices on their websites either exclusively or with a hybrid approach given the changing media landscape.
What this really amounts to is the city walking away from the concept that they really want to keep the public informed. Transparency and accountability took another punch in the head.
Financial Matters:
Costs will be incurred depending on the type and frequency of notice. If a legislative requirement to post notice in print media exists, the associated cost is unavoidable. Below is a cost comparison for comparable ads in The Hamilton Spectator versus The Burlington Post. These are the preferred rates for the City as provided by Communications staff. This price list is not extensive and meant to show cost differences.
| Approximate size of ad |
Burlington Post |
The Hamilton Spectator |
| 5” x 5” |
$372.50 |
$895 |
| 10” x 5” |
$696 |
$1,650 |
Whereas the cost to post notices in the Hamilton Spectator are nearly triple than The Burlington Post, the frequency of the required notices under the Municipal Act, 2001 can be expected to decrease. In some instances of notices required under the Planning Act, those costs are forwarded onto the applicants.
Total Financial Impact
On average, there have been 250 ads placed throughout the year, but that number does fluctuate. In 2022 the print costs totalled $131,103 with the Burlington Post. Staff will monitor the increased advertising costs closely in 2024 and mitigate the financial impact where possible. Should an increase to the City’s advertising budget be required, staff will identify the need as part of the 2025 Financial needs and Multi-year Forecast for the Mayor to consider for inclusion in the 2025 Proposed Budget.
 By Staff
January 3rd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington is inviting artists to apply for the 2024 Burlington Arts and Culture Fund (BACF).
This is an annual grant program that provides $75,000 of total available funding to local artists, multicultural groups and arts and culture organizations to foster creativity and enrich how Burlington residents experience and engage with arts and culture.
Applications will be accepted until noon on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024 and will fund projects from April 2024 to March 2025. Successful grant applicants will be announced at the beginning of April 2024.
To be eligible for BACF funding, applicants must be located in Burlington and must be:
- An incorporated not-for-profit arts and culture organization or a charitable arts and culture organization;
- An individual artist or arts and cultural collective (defined as three or more individuals) that exhibit high achievement in arts and culture programming;
- A multicultural group that fulfills a significant role in the Burlington community through the arts and culture.
Grants will be evaluated in part by a peer jury for artistic merit and by City staff for program merit and strategic initiative, citywide and community impact and economic impact.
To learn more about this fund, the jury opportunity and the application process join City staff and arts and culture professionals for a virtual information session on:
Date: Monday, Jan. 15, 2024
Time: 7 to 8 p.m.
Location: Microsoft Teams
Applications can be completed and submitted online at burlington.ca/artsandculturefund.
For more information, contact Angela Paparizo, Manager of Arts and Culture, 905-335-7600, ext. 7352 or email angela.paparizo@burlington.ca.
Burlington is a city where people, nature and businesses thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/subscribe and follow @CityBurlington on social media.
Emilie Cote, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture Emilie Cote, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture
“Burlington’s Arts and Culture Fund fosters creativity at all levels and enriches how Burlington residents engage with arts and culture. It is important that diverse identities, perspectives, languages, cultures and various artistic practices be recognized, experienced and supported and this fund helps to do so. Since 2019, this grant benefits a variety of arts and cultural activities, adding vibrancy across Burlington.
Our city’s growing creative and culturally diverse community continues to create projects and evolve through this process. We invite any Burlington-based artists thinking about applying for the grant on Jan. 15, hearing about their ideas and receiving their applications.”
Links and Resources
Burlington.ca/artsandculturefund
 By Ewan Webb
January 3rd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington, Ontario, is a hockey-crazed city just outside Toronto and a mere few miles west of the United States border. Burlington is known for its enthusiastic fandom of the Toronto Maple Leafs, a city that is home to many National Hockey League greats. These include Dale Hawerchuk, owner of 1409 points. However, it is essential to remember some hockey players that came out of Burlington specifically, not just the greater Toronto area. This article will look at the five best professional hockey players from Burlington.
5 | Shane Wright
 Wright signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Kraken and has already made waves. The topic of professional hockey players from Burlington may be buzzing more than usual, thanks to Shane Wright. The 19-year-old center from Burlington could be an NHL odds favorite to top this list in a few years. A gold medalist for the Canadian under-18 team in 2021, Wright was projected to be the #1 overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry draft by many experts. However, he fell to the #4 overall pick, eclipsing Adam Creighton as the highest pick out of Burlington. Wright signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Kraken and has already made waves.
Wright was one of the last players cut from Kraken training camp and scored four goals and six points overall in his first seven games with Seattle’s top minor league affiliate. This included a streak of three consecutive games with a goal. He’s good enough that he needed an exception to avoid playing in juniors this season because his play was too advanced for the fellow teenagers he’d face in the Ontario Hockey League. He may not be a factor at the NHL level yet, but he will be soon.
 Mark Reeds, known for his post-playing coaching career. 4| Mark Reeds
Known more for his post-playing coaching career, Reeds was born in Toronto but grew up in Burlington. He played his junior hockey with the Toronto Marlboros before moving on to the Peterborough Petes. The St. Louis Blues eventually drafted him in the 5th round of the 1979 NHL Entry draft.
Reeds spent nearly three full seasons with the Salt Lake Golden Eagles in the Central Hockey League before getting his shot in St. Louis, making the most of it. In four full seasons with the Blues, Reeds averaged a respectable 31 points per season, including a career-high 39 in 1984-85. After retiring, he spent 15 seasons as a coach between minor league hockey teams before being named head coach of the Owen Sound Attack. He won the J. Ross Robertson Cup in his final season before joining the Ottawa Senators as an assistant.
3| Ron Sedlbauer
 Sedlbauer jumped between Vancouver, the Seattle Totems, and the Tulsa Oilers for nearly five seasons, even as he played at almost a full-time level in Vancouver. No player on this list had a roller coaster career like Ron Sedlbauer. Born in Burlington in 1954 and drafted 23rd overall by the Vancouver Canucks 20 years later, Sedlbauer jumped between Vancouver, the Seattle Totems, and the Tulsa Oilers for nearly five seasons, even as he played at almost a full-time level in Vancouver. Despite his constant changes of scenery, Sedlbauer had a breakout season in 1978-79, scoring 56 points and 40 goals for the Canucks. He went on to play for the Chicago Black Hawks and Toronto Maple Leafs before calling it a career. He still lives in Burlington and is the Burlington Cougars Jr. A hockey club president.
2 | Josh Anderson
 Columbus Blue Jackets took Anderson in the 4th round of the 2012 NHL Entry draft, where he spent six seasons. The only current player on this list, Anderson was born in 1994 and spent his early days playing both hockey and baseball. He was eligible to be drafted in the 2010 Ontario Hockey League Entry Draft, but every team passed over the undersized 16-year-old. Two years later, the Columbus Blue Jackets took Anderson in the 4th round of the 2012 NHL Entry draft, where he spent six seasons. Since 2016-17, he has averaged 59 games per season and scored 208 points, including 126 goals. He had a career year in 2018-19 for a playoff-bound Blue Jackets team, scoring 47 points, the 4th most on the team.
1 | Adam Creighton
 Adam Creighton had hockey in his blood. Until Wright’s selection in the 2022 draft, no player from Burlington had been selected higher in the NHL Entry draft than Creighton, and for good reason. Born in 1965 to former NHL center Dave Creighton, Adam had hockey in his blood. Taking after his father, Creighton played center well enough to be drafted #11 overall in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. Creighton immediately found his way onto the ice as an 18-year-old, playing seven games the year he was drafted and scoring two goals. By 1988, he had become a regular, but Buffalo traded him to Chicago that same year. The following season, he played in all 80 games and scored a career-high 70 points with 34 goals.
To date, no player from Burlington has scored more points than Creighton. After his last professional tournaments in 1999, Creighton became a scout for the Boston Bruins.
What Kind Of Hockey Town Is Burlington?
Toronto is known for the Maple Leafs, and while it’s a suburb, Burlington shares that identity. The hockey pedigree of this town is strong, with Creighton leading the charge and Wright moving up the ranks. Burlington should continue to grow that resume. Look out for Wright in Seattle these next few seasons, and expect to hear more about Burlington when he begins to make an impact.
 Somewhere in that crowd you can bet there are people from Burlington.
By Staff
January 3rd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Canal Lift Bridge will close Jan. 2 to all car, bike and walking traffic and is not expected to reopen until late March.
The closure will allow ongoing rehabilitation of the bridge, which lifts to allow shipping traffic into the harbour and also provides a road link across the canal between Hamilton’s beach strip and Burlington.
 Typical day at the Canal that separates Burlington from Hamilton The latest $21-million overhaul is meant to extend the life of the lift bridge for decades, with major work including replacement of the bridge deck.
The bridge is supposed to reopen March 20, a few days before the 2024 edition of the Around the Bay road race that runs along the waterfront.
The race is slated for March 24.
By Pepper Parr
January 27th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
You got here when you clicked on the Essential Reading graphic. Let me make the decision you made to click worthwhile.
When people ask me what the Gazette is, I tell them it is Essential Reading for people who live in Burlington and want to know what’s going on and what your City Council is doing. We make that point when we say: Informed people can make informed decisions.
Ensuring that the people you elected are kept transparent and accountable happens when there is fact based media, supported by informed opinion keeping an eye on them.
 Who is out there helping you understand what is happening?. Recall the people who spoke bluntly about the tax increase the city put in place? You would have read about their delegations in the Gazette
There is a major change in the patio program the city has put in place; what started out as three patios has grown to more than 20 that will pop up on the streets of the city. They are changing the city streetscape with little comment from the public.
The Gazette has been publishing for 12 years. We are members of the National Newsmedia Council; an organization we are accountable to.
We are experimenting with different ways for readers to interact with the news and opinion we publish because that is what Essential Reading is all about.
 By Pepper Parr
January 1st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
New York scored the first goal against Toronto – then added three more in the first game for the new PWHL
It was history in the making as the first game of the Professional Woman’s Hockey League, (PWHL) faced off at the Mattamy Athletic Centre in the Maple Leaf Gardens that used to be home to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Toronto, one of the six teams in the PWHL, was playing against New York. The other teams are Ottawa, Boston, Montreal and Minnesota.
First goal scored was against Toronto, same with the first penalty.
Billie Jean King dropped the ceremonial puck.
The play-by-play is different, the talent on the ice is professional.
It has been a long time coming.
 It was 1-0 against Toronto – here in the second half Toronto misses a chance to even up the game. There is a Burlington angle to this story. Two of the women who play in the league are Burlington natives. But more importantly, sitting in the stands were a number of current and former Barracudas watching this monumental moment for women’s hockey.
Will Short, president of the Burlington Girls Hockey Club said: “It is incredibly important for girls to see women playing hockey at the professional level and to be able to aspire to one day do the same.” He added that he is looking forward to “working with the City of Burlington to balance the ice allocation between the boys and girls hockey associations and to improve existing facilities and build new state of the art multi use facilities to give all Burlington kids a better recreational experience.”
 By Pepper Parr
January 1st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s now ours – 2024. What are we going to do with it?
Much of it is up to us but let’s start the year with people we care about.
Use the day to reflect on what we have managed to get done and what we can achieve during the year we are into.
Look at our relationships and figure out how we can make them stronger.
Covid seems to have taught us one thing – we need each other.
 They served a purpose at the time – but this isn’t the way people were meant to gather.
 By Pepper Parr
December 30th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
While what is local impacts us the most there is a bigger picture that needs to be understood and reacted to.
The top news story in 2023 from Policy Options, a Canadian Think Tank, is disturbing.
The causes of the low productivity of Canadian companies are well known and documented: they invest little, spend less on research and development than those in other rich countries, and have a low propensity to innovate. These behaviours tend to limit their productivity gains and, consequently, restrict the growth of the Canadian economy.
It is difficult to understand why our companies are reluctant to engage in activities that are central to success in comparable countries, or why the federal government continues to let it happen when the result is that the Canadian economy has fallen behind.
There is an urgent need to act because the consequences of inaction are enormous. In 1981, Canadians enjoyed a $3,000 higher per capita standard of living than the major Western economies (adjusted for inflation and currency fluctuations). Forty years later, Canada was $5,000 below that same average. If the trajectory continues, the gap will be nearly $18,000 by 2060. Canada’s Department of Finance has also reported these alarming projections.
In examining why Canadian businesses are so reluctant to invest and innovate, the Centre for Productivity and Prosperity – Walter J. Somers Foundation (CPP) concluded that the problem is a lack of internal competition. Competition among Canadian companies is too weak and simply does not generate the incentives that would normally boost their competitiveness.
Canadian firms operate in small, highly dispersed markets that are very segmented economically and legislatively. They therefore compete much less with each other than American or European firms, which operate in two large, highly unified and integrated domestic markets that provide an adequate level of competitive pressure. This is not the case here: Canadian companies do not need to invest and innovate as much to stand out and maintain their market share. As a result, they are not competitive enough to compete in foreign markets. Growth suffers and the country’s economy stalls.
What makes this problem particularly embarrassing is that the Macdonald Commission clearly identified it in the early 1980s. It even proposed viable solutions – many of which are still applicable.
A free trade agreement, and then… nothing
Unfortunately, our policymakers chose only one solution: a free trade agreement with the United States. Once that agreement was in place, interest in the other options quickly faded and the government of Canada failed to move forward with the required reforms. The consequences of this inaction have been particularly damaging to Canada’s competitiveness and its ability to make the economy grow.
While Canadian exports benefited greatly from the free trade agreement with the United States in the 1990s, this “success” was largely due to the depreciation of the Canadian dollar rather than to the quality and quantity of Canadian investment and innovation. And in the early 2000s, when the Canadian currency began to appreciate against the U.S. dollar, companies from emerging economies quickly outperformed Canadian ones. Our country, inadequately prepared for competition, began its downward spiral, unable to take advantage of global market integration.
 Is this what Canadians expect their standard of living to provide? And can this be done with the current competitive policy – protecting business first. Canada now remains stuck in an interventionist logic dedicated to protecting the immediate interests of Canadian companies. Successive governments have failed to move on from protectionist reflexes and impose the necessary reforms: they should have adjusted the regulatory framework to stimulate the competitiveness of Canadian companies in the domestic market. Instead, Canadian companies continue to operate within an outdated institutional framework that does not value competitive forces.
An OECD index, which assesses the impact of government policies on competition, shows how outdated Canada’s regulatory framework is: Canadian government intervention in economic activity causes more distortion than elsewhere in the West. In addition, barriers to entry in Canada are more numerous and significantly more constraining, and the overall regulatory framework is more restrictive. In other words, Canada will have to work twice as hard to make up for lost time and establish a true competitive culture.
To reverse this downward spiral, the federal government should put competition back at the heart of Canada’s economic strategy. The priority should be to tackle whatever is holding back the development of a strong and resilient domestic market. There are too many regulatory barriers to inter-provincial trade.
When making decisions on competition, Canada should prioritize the interests of consumers rather than the interests of business. That statement should be made twice. If you are a member of the Chamber of Commerce make sure they get the message
No matter how many trade agreements our governments make, growth will remain inadequate and our standard of living will continue to quietly decline unless we put competition back at the heart of Canada’s economic strategy.
|
|
