Mayor at home - ill.

By Staff

September 19th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward

 

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward was unable to attend three meeting on Monday.

She was ill and remained at home according to a comment made by Councillor Paul Sharman who was chair of a public meeting on the Quarry Monday evening.

There were two excellent workshops held on Monday – participation from the Mayor would have been useful.

Return to the Front page

United Way flag will be on a city hall flag pole - the banner announced the 2023 target

By Staff

September 18, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Today there was a special flag-raising at Burlington City Hall.

United Way Halton & Hamilton (UWHH) announced its fundraising goal for its 2023-2024 campaign with a huge nabber setting out the $12.5 million they want to raise this year.

Banner raised in front of city hall – it’s official – United Way will raise $2,500,000 this year.

This year’s campaign theme is “Nothing Matters More” is meant to unite our community, emphasizing the importance of standing together to support our most vulnerable community members.

Together, we can support those facing poverty, mental health challenges, domestic violence, addiction, isolation and disconnection.

Flag will fly for some time.

In attendance for this special day was Councillor Angelo Bentivegna, who stepped in as Deputy Mayor for Ceremony for the flag-raising and proclamation reading, and to Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr, Councillor Lisa Kearns, City of Burlington staff . Also in attendance was UWHH President and CEO Brad Park, 2023 Campaign Cabinet Chair Matt Wickham, UWHH VP of Marketing & Communications Kristen Jacob.

Now where does the money raised go?

United Way Halton & Hamilton is accountable to donors and the community. Donations are overseen by staff and a volunteer committee of professionals, who ensure that it is making the biggest difference possible.

They strive for administrative and fundraising costs to represent 23-26%.

The audited financial statements for the 2022-2023 fiscal year highlights that we were able to keep these costs below the targeted range, at 22%.

UWHH takes pride in their ability to keep their operating costs well below the 35% threshold identified by Canada Revenue Agency.

They work strategically to keep Fundraising and administrative fees low by working with volunteers and retaining sponsored employees from community workplaces.

The investments the United Way makes are based on the evidence they gather which is set out in the Impact report they prpduce every tear.

We’ll tell you more about that later in the campaign.

 

 

Return to the Front page

Federal and provincial governments getting back to work - it is going to be noisy and messy - with a lot of deflecting

By Pepper Parr

September 18th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The federal government returns to the House of Commons today – they think they have found a way to deflect the heat they are getting from the public – they are going to invite all the head honchoes of the supermarkets that are reporting significant profit increases and let them know that food prices have to come down.

It will be interesting to learn how that works out.

NDP Leader of the Opposition Marit Stiles in a soybean field in the Greenbelt.

Next week the provincial government returns to the Legislature where to Ford government is going to have to answer a barrage of questions from the opposition.  The NDP Leader of the Opposition has been doing a superb job – the two investigations that have put the government in a very tight spot were the result of letters that Marit Stile wrote.

There is some doubt that she will ever be asked to form a government but she deserves huge kudos from the people of the province for the job she has done.

In practice the approach is to wait until the other shoe falls – in the current situation both shoes have fallen – should the RCMP decide that an investigation is necessary to determine if there have been criminal acts – watch how messy this gets.

If you’re in trouble and don’t want to talk about this issues – a photo op will keep you in the news. Burlington MPP Natalie Pierre hard at work.

The Progressive Conservative rank and file are having a tough time over what many think is an attempt to make the Greenbelt a location for some of the badly needed housing.

The public is hearing nothing from the MPP’s – they are saying nothing.  On September 13thand 14th Burlington MPP Natalie Pierre took the photo op route – not a word from her on the Greenbelt issue.

Return to the Front page

Revel until midnight in November at the AGB

By Staff

September 18th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

They have positioned the event is as the ultimate art bash with a pricey ticket

It is described as exciting evening devoted to contemporary art and thrilling entertainment.

The event promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring electrifying digital performances, DJ sets that will make you want to dance, and enchanting mystical encounters.

They don’t want you to miss out on this one-of-a-kind adventure as the gallery transforms into a pulsating extravaganza for one night only.

The event runs from7:00 pm to midnight – this event is 19+

Tickets are $200 a pop and are avaiable right HERE

A portion of your ticket is tax receiptable and your tax receipt will be sent following the event.

Return to the Front page

Municipalities are going to have to find a way to hold the line on local taxes

By Pepper Parr

September 18th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Here is what is happening in Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Pickering, Clarington – will it be any different in Burlington, Milton and Oakville.

Ajax and Clarington are not unlike Burlington – the tax experience there is what Burlington might be looking at before the end of the year.

Durham Region chief administrative officer Elaine Baxter-Trahir and commissioner of finance Nancy Taylor both warned that 2025-28 could see high property tax increases for years to come.

The pair of senior Region bureaucrats delivered a whopping recommended increase of 9.75 per cent to the Region’s finance committee on Tuesday morning, made up of a 2.50 per cent increase alone to the Durham Regional Police Service — including 76 new positions, 20 of which will be front line officers — and 7.25 per cent for other increases.

The bottom line is that for an average house assessed in Durham Region in 2023 at $483,100, the property owner will pay an additional $301 in 2024. As the Region represents 52 per cent of the property tax bill, the real increase for property taxpayers will be 5 per cent, but that will be blended with the local municipal tax increase you’ll receive.

“A very difficult message to communicate is that this is not just a one-year levy increase,” said Taylor.

“We have been suggesting for many years that the funding model between the province and federal government and municipalities has needed to be addressed and is finally coming all to a critical point at the same time,” she said of the large increase.

For the people of Burlington – This is the time to let your city Councillors know what you are prepared to pay for and not prepared to pay for.

This year the budget will be presented to the public by the Mayor and be known is as the “Mayor’s Budget”.

Related news item:

Can Mayor Meed Ward learn how to stop spending?

Mayor working on her strut

Return to the Front page

The golf course is/was owned by an appliance company

By Pepper Parr

September 18th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Now we know.

The numbered company is Nelson’s land division.

Bestway TV and Appliances is the company that owns Burlington Springs golf course.

Return to the Front page

Nelson Quarry issue to be on the agenda at Council this evening

By Pepper Parr

September 18th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It is going to be a long night.

The Quarry issue is before Council this evening.  There are at this point 33 delegations.

As of the drafting of this report, the City has received a total of 2343 written comments from members of the public which includes 830 written comments provided directly on the City’s Official Plan Amendment application. Notices were sent in August of 2020 to 165 addresses within 120 metres of the subject properties.

The application is now in litigation at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). The next case management conference (CMC) is scheduled for October 11, 2023. As there are other approvals required under a variety of statutes the hearing regarding the City of Burlington Official Plan Amendment application will proceed as a consolidated hearing under the Ontario Land Tribunal Act.

On August 3, 2022, City of Burlington Community Planning Staff received a notice of appeal to the City of Burlington Official Plan Amendment application (505-04/20) for non-decision on the aggregate expansion application.

A similar appeal was filed with the Region of Halton on the associated Regional Official Plan Amendment application. Both applications were referred to the OLT by the end of August 2022. Originally, an OLT case management conference (CMC) was scheduled for February 23, 2023; this was subsequently postponed to June 29, 2023.

The early thinking by Nelson Aggregates was to turn the site into a public park. The community didn’t seem to go for that idea.

At the April 27, 2023, meeting of the Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC) the Commission decided to refer NEPA PH 219 20 to the OLT and to refuse Development Permit Application (DPA) H/E/2020-2021/108. The noted DPA refusal was subsequently appealed by the applicant and will likely be consolidated with the other appeals at the OLT.

The City is actively participating in matters before the OLT; additional reporting to Council on litigative matters is anticipated before the next CMC.

Interesting bit of information on the list of the participants. Nelson Aggregate Co.is represented by 546958 Ontario Limited and Bestway TV and Appliances Limited.

That needs some looking into.

Return to the Front page

Provincial civil servant pulls for the United Way

By Pepper Parr

September 18th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Halton Hamilton United Way is driven by people.

With a staff compliment of 40 plus a couple of additional people during the 15 week fund raising drive they have their work cut out for them  The drive this year is to raise $12,500,000

UWHH (United Way Halton Hamilton) takes in four sponsored staff; people who come from the private and public sectors and are seconded to the United Way for 15 weeks

Jenna Baird, a provincial civil servant seconded to the United Way for 15 weeks.

One of the four this year is Jenna Baird who works as an Inspector with the Ministry of Labour

Her experience will be put to good use at the United Way as they reach out to the community during the fund raising phase as they are now in

Jenna moved into the Region in 2019 and wanted to know more about where she now lived. When she learned there was an opportunity to take part in what the United Way does she applied and was accepted and became one of four people that are referred to is as sponsored employees.

The idea of “giving back” has always been something Jenna Baird was interested in doing but she hadn’t found a place where she could do very much.

The United Way was an opportunity to make the giving back very real.

It wasn’t the kind of work that Jenna Baird did while with the Ministry of Labour.

We met Jenna at the United Way Big Plane Pull – she wasn’t part of a pulling team when we interviewed her – she was on standby if a team was short one person.  Each pulling team needed 15 members.

Her chance to pull came at the very end of the contest – so there she was with her hands gripping a very thick rope and pulling really hard.  It wasn’t hard enough to be in the top three but they did manage to cross the finish line.

We are going to circle back and talk to Jenna again when her assignment is finished to learn what she will take away from the experience and what she learned while the proudly wore her red T shirt.

 

 

Return to the Front page

The Gazette web site is back on line

By Pepper Parr

September 17th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It happens – mischievous unknowns hack into service providers and every gets shut down.

A note from one of the services we use reported:

Good news!
Your site is back online.

burlingtongazette.ca is now back online! It appeared offline or unresponsive for approximately 4 hours, but everything is back to normal now.

Jetpack Monitor will keep checking your site, and we’ll alert you if we detect any additional issues.

Return to the Front page

United Way announces its target for the 2023 campaign - raises 170,000 at the Plane Pull

By Pepper Parr

September 16th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The weather was perfect, the turnout was great and the mood of the close to 1000 people who gathered at the Hamilton International Airport to take part in the Big Plane Pull was upbeat.

The objective was for 15 people to pull this 200,000 pound UPS aircraft 50 feet in the shortest time possible. The best time this year was 20.31 seconds.

The United Way Plane Pull raised over $171,000+, which has been an incredible start to the campaign kickoff.

The banner with the campaign target was rolled out to make public the United Way Halton & Hamilton’s (HHUW) 2023-2024 campaign goal of $12,500,000 for this year.

Fifty teams, with 15 members each pulled the 200,000 pound plane across the sun soaked tarmac.

The best time was achieved by the Reliance Home Comfort team that did it in 20.31 seconds.  There were two teams tied for second place.

Registration tables were well run – more than 1000 took part in the plane pull – fund raising event.

The occasion was a family event with people streaming in and lining up at the Registration table.

There was a kids play area that was a non-stop operation along with a Face Painting station

HHUW President Brad Park said: ” This year’s goal presents an ambitious challenge to help transform the lives of the community.

“Last year 143,562 families and individuals received support from United Way Halton & Hamilton. Energized by the strides made over the last year, the mission for this year’s campaign is to enrich the lives of an even larger number of individuals and families in Burlington, Halton Hills, Hamilton, Milton, and Oakville.”

 

Return to the Front page

The United Way has set a $12.5 million target for 2023-24

By Staff

September 16th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

United Way Halton & Hamilton has launched its 2023-24 fundraising campaign, aiming to raise $12.5 million to support the network of critical social services across the community.

The target for the 2023 campaign; $170,000 raised during the Big Pull

This year’s goal presents an ambitious challenge to help transform the lives of the community. Last year 143,562 families and individuals received support from United Way Halton & Hamilton. Energized by the strides made over the last year, the mission for this year’s campaign is to enrich the lives of an even larger number of individuals and families in Burlington, Halton Hills, Hamilton, Milton, and Oakville.

With a growing network of 106 community programs, United Way Halton & Hamilton aim to magnify their impact and bring about a profound transformation in the lives of the expanding community.

A community is about family and people. The United Way serves as a safety net for both.

In Burlington, United Way Halton & Hamilton funds 46 programs that serve more than 17,340 people.

 “We’re coming out of the gate strong this year, and having witnessed the remarkable influence of a community united in supporting its most vulnerable, we’re deeply inspired. This ignites our commitment to enhancing program capacity, ensuring every individual in need can access essential resources without delay,” says Brad Park, President and CEO of United Way Halton & Hamilton.

 “We have encountered an array of challenges over the past few years, which have reshaped our lives in unexpected ways. Yet, amidst these trials, we’ve seen the incredible resilience that our community has when we stand shoulder-to-shoulder. As we approach the threshold of a pivotal year for Burlington, we’re committed to leading the way for positive change and resources to build a better future.”

Local Love Community Match

 This year, United Way Halton & Hamilton introduced the Local Love Community Match. With every $4 donation, an additional $1 is added to the gift by a group of generous community members and local corporations. Thanks to this match, any gift to United Way holds even more power. This is not just giving, it’s multiplying impact – addressing local challenges, supporting families, and empowering individuals in Halton & Hamilton.

“Long-time Philanthropic Circle supporters approached United Way Halton & Hamilton this spring to build a Community Match for our 2023 Annual Campaign,” said Park.  “Thanks to their generous investment, along with other supportive local philanthropic individuals and organizations, this will be a milestone campaign, where every contribution amplifies positive change that will foster a better life for everyone, locally. This match has been built by the community, for the community. With this support, I’m confident we’ll achieve our fundraising goal of $12.5 million,” says Park.

“Our community has rallied in remarkable ways during the past few years and we will continue driving that momentum forward,” says campaign chair Matt Wickham. “Our collective work, in ensuring people have access to the help they deserve, is critical to building a thriving community. This year’s Local Love Community Match provides an incredible way to amplify the impact of your contribution to United Way Halton & Hamilton. Whether you’ve been a long-time supporter or are considering your first gift, now is the time to help create lasting change.”

United Way Halton & Hamilton kicked off the $12.5 million campaign with its signature Plane Pull event, on September 16, 2023.

Teams, consisting of 15 participants each, had one opportunity to pull a 200,000 pound plane fifty feet along the tarmac at the Hamilton International Airport, in the shortest amount of time. The goal for the event was to raise $100,000 to kick-start the campaign.

Related news stories:

Plane pull raises $170,000

United way gears up for the big push

Return to the Front page

A Food for Feedback event today. Your chance to ask questions and to let the bureaucrats know what is working for you and what isn't

By Pepper Parr

September 16th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The City of Burlington is hosting it’s third annual Food for Feedback event today between noon and 4 p.m. at Central Park Bandshell (2299 New St.). Residents can come to enjoy a free meal in exchange for sharing their thoughts on City projects.

City staff, Mayor Meed Ward and members of Council will be there to listen to resident feedback.

The free drop-in event features more than 28 booths and four food trucks. There is a special area called the ‘Kidz Zone’ sponsored by Canadian Tire where children can have fun while family members provide feedback on City projects. Feedback collected at the event will help the City continue to improve services and initiatives.

If it rains, the event will move to the Burlington Senior’s Centre.

This year, the City will be seeking feedback and sharing information on topics including:
• Burlington Transit
• Climate resiliency
• Customer experience with the City
• Volunteer programming
• Future use of former Robert Bateman High School
• Civic Square Renewal
• Community Engagement Charter
• Corporate Communications
• 2024 Budget
• Transportation options
• Recreation
• Parks
• Committees of Council
• Official Plan revisions, and more.

Anything missing? Notice that there is nothing on the Arts. The Brant Museum, the Performing Arts Centre and the Art Gallery – collectively these organizations cost the city in excess of $2 million and attract thousands as well as contributing to the quality of life.

Will any of the Executive Directors be at a booth? (These are the most senior members of the Civic administration

Key front line staff that can answer specific questions will be there.

There will not be any external booths except in the sponsors area.

City manager Tim Commisso might attend. The Mayor is going to be on hand.

Councillors Galbraith, Nisan and Kearns will have booths. Councillors Stolte, Bentivegna and Sharman will be in attendance, but no booths.

What is all this going to cost? The last such event came in at about $25K. The Communications people don’t yet have the final cost for this year.

The information flow for this event is going to be from citizens to staff. They want to hear what you have to say – this is your opportunity to let them know what you will put up with in terms if a tax rate and what you want in the way of services.

Some might want to set out what they think on a piece of paper and leave it at some of the booths.

The event will not be burdened with the limitations of a delegation. You get to ask any question you want.

Should this be an annual event? Should there be such an event in each ward?

In the past the events have had a bit of a festive air to them. Given good weather people are able to wander about, talk to neighbours and follow up on specific issues they might have.

When city council was debating on how the Food for Feedback event was to be structured every member of Council wanted such an event in their ward. Several knew exactly where such an event could be held. This was seen by most members of Council is as the Mother of Photo Ops. And in Burlington, the photo op is the tool that the politically inclined find works best.

Works for them – does it work for you?

Return to the Front page

Twelve new Watershed Stewards added to the list of 300 people who have made a difference - we are lucky to have them

By Pepper Parr

September 15th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Conservation Halton welcomed over 90 guests to the Mountsberg Conservation Area for Watershed Stewards Appreciation Day.

The event is an occasion to recognize the outstanding efforts of local landowners in environmental stewardship and introduced the twelve recipients of the 2023 Watershed Stewardship Award.

Included in the 12 are: Bill Grierson & Family, Sherman Sand & Gravel Ltd.,Jennifer & Tim Pahapill and Sarah Wakefield & Colin McMullan

This is what Watershed Stewards look like. Individually this group has made a difference. The President & CEO Conservation Halton is Hassaan Basit on the left hand side.

This award is presented annually to individuals, organizations, and businesses that demonstrate a commitment to protecting natural features on private or public land. The 2023 winners included four landowners in Conservation Halton’s watershed, recognized in the categories of agriculture, business, urban, and countryside.

Two categories were co-presented with the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System to celebrate projects in urban and countryside spaces that maintain ecological corridors for wildlife movement.

“We are pleased to recognize the hard work and achievements of engaged landowners in our watershed,” said Hassaan Basit, President & CEO, Conservation Halton. “Their efforts in environmental restoration and climate change mitigation are inspiring, and they have a direct impact on the health and resilience of our watershed. We are grateful to each of this year’s winners—and to all past stewards—for their collaboration and commitment to protecting nature in the communities where they live and work.”

Conservation Halton and Hamilton Conservation Authority have recognized more than 300 local landowners and their families since 1994 for exceptional stewardship of wildlife, meadows, streams, woodlands, wetlands, valley lands and the escarpment. Collectively, these landowners protect over 13,400 acres of land.

Conservation Halton also offers a variety of financial support programs for landowners who are interested in leading stewardship projects on their property. Learn more about Conservation Halton’s Financial Assistance Programs here: https://www.conservationhalton.ca/financial-assistance-programs/

Conservation Halton is the community-based environmental agency that protects, restores, and manages the natural resources in its watershed. The organization has staff that includes ecologists, land use planners, engineers, foresters and educators, along with a network of volunteers, who are guided by a Board of Directors comprised of municipally elected and appointed citizens. Conservation Halton is recognized for its stewardship of creeks, forests and Niagara Escarpment lands through science-based programs and services.

Return to the Front page

Burlington POST one of Metroland weekly newspapers that will cease printing the paper - online only from here on

By Pepper Parr

September 15th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Metroland Media Group, the Toronto Star’s sister company, has sought bankruptcy protection and will cease the print publication of its weekly community newspapers across Ontario, moving to an online-only model.

The POST has ceased putting out a print edition – no word yet on when their last edition will go to press.

The move involves 605 layoffs, nearly two-thirds of the workforce, the company said in an announcement Friday morning.

“Metroland has faced substantial declines in both print advertising and the flyer business over the past several years, to the point where the community newspaper business is no longer viable in printed form. We simply don’t have the financial resources required to fund large, sustained operating losses indefinitely,” states an FAQ prepared by the company.

No termination or severance pay will be paid because “the Company does not have sufficient funds,” according to the FAQ.

“Affected Employees will have the opportunity to file a claim in the course of the restructuring process for the amounts that they are owed by Metroland.”

According to a breakdown of the jobs affected, 104 unionized employees, including 68 journalists have been laid off, with the rest coming from non-unionized job categories.

Return to the Front page

Supermarket executives will be scrambling to figure out what they are going to do to lower food prices

By Staff

September 15th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The federal Liberals met in London, Ontario for three days and came out with several bold statements.

They said they are going to do something about food prices and have told the supermarkets that if prices are not lower by Thanksgiving – “watch for consequences”.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau credited his Liberal MPs for the government’s decision to summon the heads of major grocery companies to Ottawa next week to discuss how they will “stabilize” food prices on the same day one of the major supermarkets reported a profit increase of 40%

No good news on those shelves.

Supermarket corporate leaders are being summoned to Ottawa to “stabilize” food prices.as they rake in record profits. “Those profits should not be made on the backs of people who are struggling to feed their families,” said Trudeau.

Did Burlington MP Karina Gould speak up for her constituents during the Liberal retreat in London?

House of Commons returns on September 18th

Thanksgiving Day is October 9th this year.

There might be deals on turkeys.

Return to the Front page

Is there an Emma that is alive and about to welcome customers ?

By Pepper Parr

September 15th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Craig Kowalchuk who operated Emmas Back Porch – very successfully for years has a new brand name on his T shirt.

Something might be up with Emmas – is it the Emmas Back Porch or perhaps the Emmas Kitchen that Craig Kowalchuk had on a T-shirt he was seen wearing or could it be a “New Emmas” that is being floated?

The building on Old Lakeshore Road is still there – all gussied with fresh paint.

The owners were once advertising the space for rent for private parties.  From time to time we get reports of a lot of traffic in and out of the place – but nothing recently.

People with an insurance background – lots of money in those pockets – are working at drumming up some interest.

Let’s see what comes of it.

Return to the Front page

MAD needs funding if it is to be properly represented at OLT hearing - $40 thousand short at this point

By Pepper Parr

September 15th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON’

 

An update on the preparations for the March Ontario Land Tribunal hearing on the development application to add close to 100 homes to the golf course site.

On Tuesday, September 26 at 9:30am, Burlington city council will consider a resolution to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to declare a provincial interest in preserving Millcroft’s greenspace.

If successful, such a resolution has the potential to halt the Ontario Land Tribunal hearing. However, we cannot rely on this option’s success exclusively.
In the event the resolution is passed, MAD will contact supporters to write to their local MPPs, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and the Premier in support of the resolution.

The OLT hearing’s confirmed parties are Millcroft Against Bad Development, City of Burlington, Region of Halton, Halton Conservation Authority, Millcroft Greenspace Alliance, and Millcroft Greens.

Each party has exchanged its witness list. Chantal Desereville of Weir Foulds (Legal Counsel) and Allan Ramsey (Land Use Planner) will represent MAD at the hearing.

The key dates for the OLT process are as follows:

October 13 – Meeting of party experts
October 27 – Statement of facts
November 24 – Exchange of witness statements, summoned witness outlines, expert reports
December 15 – Exchange of response to witness statements
March 5 – Hearing commences (expected to be 19 days)

Political opposition to the development
The City of Burlington, Region of Halton, and Halton Conservation all oppose the development application and will call several expert witnesses. MAD believes each of these parties will vigorously oppose the application and have the financial means to supply the appropriate experts. With close to 6,000 registered supporters, MAD has the political voice to make an impact at the OLT hearing.

MAD initiatives
Over the summer, MAD executives continued to engage with city Councilors and provincial MPPs to rally their support for our cause and explore pathways to halt the development prior to an OLT hearing. Due to our approximately 6,000 supporters, many Councilors, MPPs, and other politically significant people and groups now follow MAD on social media. We have also been working with our expert team, Allan Ramsey and Chantal Desereville, in preparing for the

OLT hearing.
MAD had a fundraising concert on Hadfield Court with the Torque classic rock band sponsored by Glen Bowker, which raised over $4,000. We have partnered with Small Change Fund to allow supporters to receive a charitable donation receipt for their contributions to our cause.

Mad’s participation at OLT – A Critical role
As the most directly impacted party at the hearing, it is critical that MAD present Allan Ramsey’s expert testimony on land use planning, with world-class legal counsel for opening statements and cross-examination. MAD, as the united community voice, is an indispensable party in ensuring any proposal reflects the best interests of the entire neighbourhood and city, should a negotiated solution be considered.

Funding the efforts

The projected cost of our participation at the OLT is $60,000. The majority of these costs will be related to our professional advisors, with the remainder to be spent on outreach and continued communication with our supporters. MAD has approximately $20,000 in reserve. Consequently, we need to raise $40,000. We believe this to be a realistic fundraising target. If we are unable to raise these funds, we will be unable to participate meaningfully at the OLT hearing.

Ways to donate
• Donate through our website
• E-transfer to admin@millcroftagainstdevelopment.ca
• Cheque
o Mail or drop off at 2067 Hadfield Court, Burlington, Ontario, L7M 3V5.
o For pickup, email admin@millcroftagainstdevelopment.ca
Tax Receipt Option – Small Change Fund

Return to the Front page

Joint Statement from Mayor & Ward 1 Councillor on 1600 Kerns Rd. Project

By Staff

September 14th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

City Council has conditionally accepted a revised proposal related to a development application at 1600 Kerns Rd. to rezone the site from ‘Neighbourhood Commercial’ to ‘Mixed-Use’. This zoning continues to allow commercial uses on the property, while also adding residential units.

The revised proposed redevelopment contemplates a four-storey retirement home of 115 units, with commercial uses at street level – the original proposal did not include commercial space.

Staff note in their planning justification report that providing an option for seniors housing in the area provides a greater mix of housing types and can provide an option for residents to age in place.

The recent changes to the proposal take into account concerns raised by the community, staff and council and include:

• An increase in commercial area abutting Kerns Road and Four Seasons Drive from 278 m2 to 450 m2;
• An increase in landscape buffer abutting a residential zone to a minimum of 2.5 m along the loading space area and 3 m along the outdoor amenity area;
• An increase in amenity area 14.4 m2 per dwelling unit to 15.4 m2 per dwelling unit;
• A reduction from 5-storeys to 4-storeys with 115 units;
• A decrease in front yard setback (Kerns Road) from 6 m to 4.5 m to provide a greater setback from the erosion hazard area.

This project was appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) with a hearing date set for Oct. 2, 2023. There are still contested matters, such as setbacks from the creek and parts of the development still existing in the erosion hazard area. Expert evidence regarding the hazard will be provided by

Conservation Halton and depending on how the OLT rules, may require further refinements to the project.

Should the OLT prefer the technical evidence of Conservation Halton regarding erosion hazards, the City of Burlington would not support the approval of the revised development.

We want to thank the many residents who provided their input into the 1600 Kerns Rd. project. It has contributed to a better proposal, including a more appropriate height for the area, larger setbacks, and additional commercial space.

We have heard from many in the community about concerns related to a loss of the neighbourhood commercial feature with the proposed rezoning from commercial to mixed-use. Mixed-use allows both commercial and residential uses and provides more flexibility on the property.

As a result of community input, 450 m2 in commercial uses are preserved as part of the mixed-use proposal.

We also heard concerns from residents regarding the size of the building. It was reduced from 5-storeys to 4-storeys from the original proposal to adhere to our new Official Plan. The developer also accepted a request from the working group on this application to move the location of the building so the street corner would remain open.

The neighbours immediately backing onto the project have withdrawn their appeal after changes satisfied their concerns.

The OLT will still need to rule on the setbacks from the creek, so more changes may yet come on this project.

Thank you once again to everyone who participated in reviewing this proposed development. We believe your concerns and your input have been reflected in the revised proposal.

Marianne Meed Ward Kelvin Galbraith
Mayor, City of Burlington Ward 1 Councillor

 

Return to the Front page

Mayor gives CHCH viewers a sample of her strut

By Pepper Parr

September 14th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

The Mayor’s Strut has become a topic for local conversation.

Mayor gets it all moving as she talks about her strut – to be seen live at the hospital fund raiser at the Art Gallery on Friday.

Appearing on CHCH Morning Live the Mayor talked about her meeting with the Premier – we got her side of the story – how plans at the Bateman site were coming along, a development approved on the east side of Brant that met the kind of criteria the Mayor likes – 12 storeys – with a 26 story on the other side of the street.

She also said that the 7.82% budget increase was not what she had in mind – that she would work with Council to come up with something lower than that.  Refreshing news

The big issue for many of those watching the TV broadcast was the Mayor’s Strut.  She gave the viewing public a tease and a taste of what she can do.

The Strut was to promote the Red Carpet Charity and Runway Show taking place at the Art Gallery on Friday – a fund raiser for the Joseph Brant Hospital.

See what the Mayor can do when she wants to make a point. Scroll to minute 4:25

 

Return to the Front page

Rip-roaring party band that will have you singing until your throat is raw.

By Staff

September 14th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Rock out at the library! We’re bringing back Library After Dark, with a touch of spooky this year!

Join us after hours for an epic night featuring rip-roaring party band, The 99s. Think candy coloured neon lights and throwback tunes that will have you singing until your throat is raw.

Feeling Halloween-y? Costumes are encouraged but not required.

Tickets are a little on the pricey side: $55.66

Get your ticket before they sell out!

Return to the Front page