NOTICES « Burlington Gazette - Local News, Politics, Community

Spring run off can create dangerous situation for children playing near water - keep them away until it is safe

By Staff

March 4^th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

Conservation Halton reminds residents of dangers that can exist near streams, rivers, ponds and lakes around this time of year and urges people to keep family and pets away from any water’s edge.

This is not where you want your children playing.

Spring is quickly approaching and with warmer temperatures, people look forward to getting outdoors. Warmer temperatures, however, also usually bring rain, melting snow and shifting ice which can contribute to higher, faster flowing water in watercourses.

Although Conservation Halton’s watershed received a typical amount of snow this winter, the warmer temperatures experienced through January and February has resulted in an early snowmelt.

Notwithstanding, the ground within Conservation Halton’s watershed remains saturated in many places and in periods of intense rain, there could be a higher amount of runoff in a much shorter interval than usual. In addition, slippery and unstable streambanks and extremely cold water temperatures can also lead to very hazardous conditions close to any body of water.

Be safe this spring and remember the following tips:

Keep family and pets away from all bodies of water
Avoid all recreational activities in or around water
Where you can, move objects such as chairs or benches away from the water’s edge to avoid losing them during the spring high water

Public is getting information in dribs and drabs on those Official Plan amendments that are being appealed to LPAT

By Pepper Parr

March 3rd, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

A source advised the Gazette that “We get our quarterly legal update on March 10th I think …. there will be something in there at least to get the ball rolling.”

Mayor might want to re-think that “historic day for Burlington” comment when the Official Plan amendments were made.

Why, one asks, is the ball not rolling much faster, especially after the Mayor said on February 27th, that the “City will share more information on the ICBL appeal process and timelines as they become available, as well as details about the nature of the appeals where we can.”

The documents are public. The city Clerk was the person the documents had to be given to. The Clerk bundles the data and sends it along to the Local Planning Act Tribunal (LPAT) who schedule a Conference to get the process started.

Nothing confusing about that. All the city has to do is issue a Statement setting out the facts and people can settle down and wait. It may well be that LPAT has never run into a situation quite like this – 31 people appealing the Official Plan Amendment 119 and Zoning By-law Amendment 2020.418 that were passed by council on January 30th, a date the Mayor said was an historic one for the city.

We learned this morning that the city has 15 days to get the Appeals it accepts (they have to accept every appeal) into the hands of the LPAT.

That means LPAT is to have the Appeal documents in hand no later than the 12th of March.

Why does the Gazette have to get this information in dribs and drabs from readers? It is when information is withheld that the public gets concerned.

This is how the system works.

It is important to remember that the Official Plan Amendment and the changes in the zoning bylaw came out of a Land Use Study done for the city by Dillon Consulting.

That study was lengthy and full discussed and debated at Standing Committee meetings and at City Council. One of the prime objectives for the city was to come up with Official Plan Amendments that were defensible at LPAT hearings.

The consultants assured Council that in their view the changes being put forward were defensible.

There is no mention that the Gazette is aware of that had the city’s legal department giving an opinion on the defencibilty of the changes nor are we aware of any opinion from outside council on just how defensible the changes are.

Once the LPAT hearings take place we will find out if the consultant was right.

Online Forms Unavailable Feb. 14 - 18, for Scheduled Maintenance

By Staff

February 10th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

Between Friday, Feb. 14 at 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 8:30 a.m., the City will perform some scheduled maintenance that will result in the following online forms being unavailable during this period:

• Business Licence Renewal
• Property Information Requests
• Marriage License application
• Senior Rebates application
• Dog License application/renewal
• Tax Assessment Lookup
• My Festival and Events applications

The techies apologize for the disruption.

Prospect Street closed - Jan. 20 to 24, 2020

By Staff

January 17th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

Prospect Street will be closed between Dynes Road and Cumberland Avenue from Monday, Jan. 20 to Friday, Jan 24 for excavation works.

All traffic will be detoured using Dynes Road, Woodward Avenue and Cumberland Avenue.

Wolfe Island Bridge down to two lanes until March of 2020.

By Staff

December 11th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

The Wolfe Island Bridge temporary lane closures have been extended to March 23, 2020

The temporary lane closures for eastbound and westbound traffic on the bridge on Plains Road West, west of Botanical Drive has been extended however one lane will remain open in both directions at all times.

Public Board of Education holding a partnership opportunities meeting in December - need for a new administrative building on the list.

By Staff

November 12th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

Each year the Halton District School Board holds a meeting to which community organizations and members of the public are invited to discuss potential planning and partnership opportunities.

Partnership opportunities in existing schools and co-build opportunities in proposed new schools, as well as a new Board Administrative Centre, will be discussed at the J.W. Singleton Education Centre, 2050 Guelph Line, Burlington on December 11th at 7:00 pm

Potential partners are requested to bring relevant planning information such as population projections, growth plans, community needs, land use and greenspace/park requirements to the meeting.

The big one on this list is the critical need for a new administrative building on the Upper Middle Road – Guelph Line site. The existing structure is bursting at the seams. Much of the senior staff has to located at the Gary Allan High School on New Street which results in hours of wasted time in travel between the two locations.

A number of the trustees were hoping that any new administrative building would be located closer to the center of the Region; that probably won’t happen because the Board currently owns the land on which the administrative building is located where there is a lot of space for a new building.

The Board owns the land right up to the NW intersection of Upper Middle and Guelph line.

There is some background information, policy and the procedures the Boards are required to follow.

You will find that HERE

The key contact at the Board of Education is Domenico Renzella, Senior Manager, Planning. 905-335-3663 | Toll-free 1-877-618-3456

Related news stories:

New Admin building will cost $23 million.

Not all trustees like the idea of a new Admin building in Burlington.

Planning and Development Service Counter will be Closed on the 11th

By Staff

November 6th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

The Planning and Development service counter located on the second floor in City Hall at 426 Brant St, will be closed on Monday, Nov. 11, re-opening on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 8:30 a.m.

That is one way of slowing down the flow of development applications.

Planning and Development is just to the right.

Parking at Centennial Pool and Ascension Elementary School Closed until the 8th.

By Staff

November 6th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

To support the Gift of Giving Back Food Drive, the parking lot in front of Centennial Pool is unavailable for pool customers Tuesday, Nov. 5 through Thursday, Nov. 8, 2019.

During this time all vehicles must park in the north lot behind Centennial Pool. North parking lot is only accessible from the west parking lot entrance for Robert Bateman School and by driving around the back of the school.

The Ascension Elementary School parking lot is not available for parking during daytime hours.

Please plan accordingly to allow extra time for parking.

The Centennial Pool parking lot will reopen for the evening of Thursday, Nov. 8, 2019

Brant Street and Lakeshore Road will be closed for short periods of time.

By Staff

October 28th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

We knew this was coming – that doesn’t make it any easier to cope with.

The intersection of Lakeshore Road and Brant Street is going to be a bit of a dog’s breakfast for the next couple of days.

The time frame is: October. 28th, today through to November 1, and then from the 4th to the 8th, 2019
Weather will determine just how long the roads will be closed

Brant Street will be fully closed at Lakeshore Road. There will be a road closure sign at Elgin Street and Pine Street with local access to businesses and residential buildings.

Lakeshore Road at Brant Street – Nov. 4 – 8

Lakeshore Road at Brant Street will be reduced to one lane in each direction.

This work is highly weather dependent, so dates will be changed if needed.

Full emergency access will be provided.

Police Trying to Identify Owners of Seized Property

By Staff

October 11th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

The stuff is sitting in a locker at Police Headquarters waiting for someone to claim it.

The “stuff” is recovered stolen property that police discovered when they arrested Bradley MARK (37) of no fixed address and charged him with:

Break and Enter with intent
Possession of Break in instruments
Possession of property obtained by Crime
Fail to comply with probation order

The Halton Regional Police Service are still trying to identify the rightful owners of property seized in relation to the arrest made last July. You can Click Here and review the photos of the property on the police Flickr account.

Some of the jewelry recovered by police.

If you are the rightful owner and can identify any of the property or have information concerning this investigation please contact Detective Constable Jacques Brunelle of the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2334 or the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau general line at 905-825-4747 ext. 2316.

This situation goes back to July 4th 2019, when the Halton Regional Police Service arrested a suspect attempting to gain entry into the Kings Carwash located at 1448 Grahams Lane in the City of Burlington. At the time of the arrest a large quantity of jewelry believed to be stolen was recovered.

Investigators are currently liaising with Hamilton Police and further charges are pending.

Anyone who may have additional information concerning this investigation is asked to contact Detective Constable Jacques Brunelle of the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2334 or the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau general line at 905-825-4747 ext. 2316.

Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca

People charged with a criminal offence are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Road Closure: King Road, between Plains Road East and North Service Road - Sept. 30 - Oct. 4, 2019

By Staff

September 27th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

Beginning Monday, September 30th, a section of King Road will be closed between Plains Road East and North Service Road to allow for underground utility connection work. The closure will be in place until Friday, October 4th, 2019.

King Road before the grade separation went in.

Local and emergency vehicle access will be maintained up to the closure points throughout the duration of the project. A detour for through traffic will be in place via Plains Road, Waterdown Road, North Service Road.

Transit route 4 detour begins September 30th.

By Staff

September 26th, 2019

Burlington, on

Burlington Transits route 4 has a detour, between Dynes Rd. and Cumberland Ave.
starting September 30th through to October 5th due to construction in the area.

The following stops not be serviced.

• #148 – Prospect St. at Dynes Rd.
• #159 – Cumberland Ave. at Woodward Ave.
• #160 – 3232 Prospect Ave.
• #164 – Cumberland Ave. at Northgate Dr.
• #168 and #174 – 3270 Prospect St

Route 4 will travel along Dynes Rd. and Woodward Ave.

Job Fair: Halton Region connects job seekers with local employers.

By Staff

September 18th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

Halton Region is hosting a job fair to help connect job seekers with more than 90 employers in the local community. The event is being held on Tuesday, September 24 at the Oakville Conference Centre, located at 2515 Wyecroft Road in Oakville, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Region holds Job Fair at Burlington Convention Centre

Region holds Job Fair at Oakville Conference Centre, located at 2515 Wyecroft Road in Oakville

“Halton Region supports job seekers and employers through a variety of valuable services including training, career development and networking events,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “We are very fortunate to have a highly skilled talent pool here in Halton, and our job fairs provide a great opportunity for those seeking employment to meet in person with employers from our thriving business community.”

Employers at the September job fair will represent a variety of industry sectors including technology, government, advanced manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and healthcare.

Halton Region will also be accepting resumés and interviewing candidates for roles in its three long-term care homes. Job opportunities at the Burlington, Milton and Oakville homes include cooks, dietary aides, personal support workers, registered nurses, registered practical nurses and schedulers.

Each year, the Region’s Employment Halton staff connect more than 12,000 job seekers with more than 250 local employers by providing services such as training, job placement and access to online job boards.

Employment Halton staff also offer workshops and one-on-one sessions to help job seekers create resumés, prepare for interviews and ultimately find work.

Lane Restrictions for Halton Region Road Resurfacing: Brant at the QEW

By Staff

September 17th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

Road resurfacing work will be done on Brant Street between QEW and North Service Road

Between Sept. 10 and Oct. 3, Halton Region is resurfacing sections of Brant Street between the QEW and North Service Road. The road resurfacing work will result in QEW/403 ramp lane restrictions and closures between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Lane shifts and restrictions on Brant Street are also in place.

🙂 This could be an exercise to get people ready for the road restrictions that will take place on Brant once the construction of The Gallery, the 23 story condominium going up across the street from city hall, begins.

Mayor moves into Town Crier mode - spreading the word on needed information.

By Staff

September 17th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

Town Crier Dave Vollick

Mayor Meed Ward just might be thinking about becoming the Town Crier or getting a costume and sharing the job with Dave Vollick who has been doing a fine job for at least five years.

The Town Crier hollers out vital news.

Knowing whom to talk to at city hall when you have a problem is something vital for the person who needs help.

The Gazette has heard complaint after complaint about the city web site providing little in the way of needed information.

Meed Ward went into full Town Crier mode when she published a list of who does what and provided the email address to get in touch with them.

Why didn’t the city administrators do this – did they have to get prodded by the Mayor who may have given up and just done the job herself?

In a statement that came with the list the Mayor said:

“To keep serving you better, and to help get a resolution to your City-related issue as quickly and efficiently as possible, here is a list of City department emails that you can contact in addition to my office at mayor@burlington.ca.

Also included beneath each email address are some of the issues that department looks after.

Don’t expect to get an instant response should you send an email. It would be nice if city council issued a Direction to the city manager to have a policy that every email will get a response before staff leave city hall at the end of each day.

access&privacy@burlington.ca

Freedom of Information requests. Requests can be made online at: www.burlington.ca/en/services-for-you/Freedom-of-Information-Requests.asp

animalcontrol@burlington.ca

Animal Control – dog bites, barking dogs, enforcement of dogs off leash, dog licensing, cat microchipping

Wildlife – coyotes, raccoons, etc.

building@burlington.ca

Bylaw enforcement (noise, nuisance, lot maintenance, property standards, talls grass/weeds)

Building permits – swimming pools, demolition, signs

Licensing – business, liquor and lottery

Bylaws

capitalworks@burlington.ca

Leash free dog parks

Grading and drainage issues

Stormwater management – bridges

Environmental Assessments

Driveway widenings and curb cuts

Flooding – flood assistance

Road reconstruction

Parks and Open Space Projects – park planning, new splash pads and playgrounds, construction of city buildings

Love My Playground

Community Energy Plan

Construction management issues (parking for tradespersons, haul routes for trucks, cranes, material storage, port-a-potties, noise, signage, etc.)

Environment – climate change, air quality, idling

Utility locates

city@burlington.ca

Inbox for general inquires.

claimsadministrator@burlington.ca

Claims against the city for personal or property damage.

Claims can be submitted online at: https://www.burlington.ca/en/your-city/Submit-a-Claim.asp

committees@burlington.ca

Agendas and Minutes – standing committees of council

Citizen advisory committees

contactbt@burlington.ca

Burlington Transit – Handi-Van, PRESTO, bus shelters

crossingguards@burlington.ca

Crossing guards

eventbookings@burlington.ca

Flag raisings

Festivals and events

feeassistance@burlington.ca

Fee assistance for city recreation programs

firedepartment@burlington.ca

Burlington Fire Department

Fire prevention and education, fire response times, fire routes, burn permits, requests for attendance at special events, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, emergency preparedness.

liveandplay@burlington.ca

Recreation programs

General inbox for parks & recreation matters.

parking@burlington.ca

Parking – tickets, on-street parking, parking exemptions, enforcement

planning@burlington.ca

Planning and Development – site plans, zoning clearances/enquiries, heritage properties, committee of adjustment, Official Plan. List of current development applications in each city ward.

propertytax@burlington.ca

Taxes – tax assessments, appeals, pre-authorized payments

rentals@burlington.ca

Facility and Park Rentals – city facility bookings

rpf@burlington.ca

Forestry – requests for new city trees, city tree trimming

Road and sidewalk maintenance – potholes, trip hazards

Snow Removal – from sidewalks and streets

Adopt-a-Flowerbed program

Loose Leaf Collection

Litter and Clean ups

– grass cutting and maintenance

– control of Canada Geese population

– wasp nest removal on city property

– garbage containers in parks-trails-sidewalks

– graffiti and vandalism in parks

– light maintenance at parks and city facilities

– maintenance of parks-beach-playgrounds-sports fields-trails-flower beds-creeks-traffic islands-city cemeteries
tourism@burlington.ca Tourism Burlington – visitor information, city pin requests for large groups travelling, city flag requests

traffic@burlington.ca

Traffic Signals and Street Lights

Speeding – traffic calming and road safety

Transportation – planning, traffic operations, bike racks on sidewalks, street signs

West Nile virus found in Eight batches of infected mosquitoes found in the Region - all four municipalities.

By Pepper Parr

September 9th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

They are a seasonal threat that we have to pay close attention to.

This is how the West Nile virus is transmitted..

The West Nile virus is carried by mosquitoes

A batch of mosquitoes trapped last week in Burlington has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV).

This is the eighth batch of WNV positive mosquitoes for Halton this year. The other batches of mosquitoes testing positive for WNV this year were in Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville.

They are clearly evident throughout the Region. The rains and pooling of water gives them a place to breed.

“Halton is committed to reducing West Nile virus in our communities through education and preventative programs such as larviciding,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. “Until the hard frosts of fall set in, Halton residents should continue to protect themselves against mosquito bites and remove mosquito breeding sites.”

Urban areas are more likely to have mosquitoes that carry WNV. The types of mosquitoes that transmit WNV to humans most commonly breed in areas such as bird baths, plant pots, old toys, tires and other locations that hold water.

Residents can take the following steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes:

• Cover up. Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants with tightly-woven fabric.
• Avoid being outdoors from early evening to morning when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, as well as at any time in shady, wooded areas.
• Reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home by getting rid of all water-filled containers and objects, where possible. Change the water in bird baths at least once per week.
• Use an approved insect repellent, such as one containing DEET or Icaridin.
• Make sure window and door screens are tight and without holes, cuts or other openings.

Locations of standing water sites that have had larvicide applied this year are available at halton.ca.

For more information about West Nile virus or to report standing water at public facilities, please visit halton.ca, call 311 or email wnv@halton.ca.

What a bummer! Dofasco Waterjet Plaza at Spencer Smith Park Closed.

By Staff

August 16th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

Due to an unexpected mechanical failure at the Dofasco Waterjet Plaza at Spencer Smith Park, the spray pad will be closed until further notice.

Staff are working to identify and repair the issue but the repair is expected to take several days and will not be available for the Children’s Festival this weekend.

Health Department confirms rabies in two bats found in Burlington and Oakville

By Staff

August 9th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

On August 7, 2019, the Halton Region Health Department confirmed that a bat found in the area of Upper Middle Road and Cavendish Drive in Burlington and a bat found in the area of Lakeshore Road and Bronte Road in Oakville have tested positive for rabies.

Rabid bats found in Burlington and Oakville

These are the first two confirmed cases of rabies in Halton this year. Residents who may have had physical contact with a bat are advised to contact the Health Department by calling 311.

“The Health Department is reminding residents to avoid all contact with bats and other wild animals,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. “Anyone who comes in physical contact with a bat or other wild animal should see a physician immediately and contact the Health Department.”

Rabies is a viral disease that causes severe damage to the brain and spinal cord, and if untreated before symptoms appear, can lead to death. The virus is spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually entering through a bite or scratch. Rabies illness in humans can be prevented after exposure to rabies by the use of rabies vaccine, which is extremely effective, but only if it is administered before symptoms occur.

It is not always possible to identify if a bat has rabies, however rabid bats may move slowly, lose the ability to fly, remain active during daylight hours or be unresponsive to loud noises.

They are frightening – but they fly at night for the most part.

There are a number of things you can do to protect your family and pets:

• Seek medical attention immediately if you come in contact with a raccoon, skunk, bat or other potentially rabid animal.
• Report all animal bites or scratches to the Halton Region Health Department.
• Warn your children to stay away from any wild, stray or aggressive animals.
• Do not feed or keep wild animals as pets.
• Do not touch dead or sick animals.
• Make sure your pet’s rabies vaccinations are up to date.
• Keep your pet on a leash when off your property.
• Have your pet seen by a veterinarian if it has come in contact with a raccoon or other wild animal.

For more information on rabies, visit halton.ca or contact the Halton Region Health Department by calling 311.

No. 4 Side Road closed Aug. 12 to 23, between Appleby and Walkers Line

By Staff

April 2nd, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

Burlington’s side roads don’t mean all that much to those who live south of Dundas – unless you are out for a pleasant drive.

If you live in the area know that No. 4 Side Road will be closed Aug. 12 to 23, 2019 between Appleby Line and Walkers Line

It will be a full road closure.

The Capital Works people have to remove and replace deteriorated road-crossing culverts near 4391 No. 4 Side Rd.

Detour Routes: Use the detour route along Appleby Line, Britannia Road and Walkers Line for access to and from No. 4 Side Road.

For more information about this project, please contact
Amy Daca at 905-335-7600, ext. 7576 or Umar Malik at 905-335-7600, ext. 7426

What will not be open on the Civic holiday.

By Staff

August 1st, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

It’s the Civic Holiday this weekend; a number of administrative services will be closed on Monday, Aug. 5, 2019, reopening Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019.

City Hall will be closed on Monday, Aug. 5, reopening on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities
Activities and customer service hours at city pools, arenas and community centres vary over the holiday weekend. Please visit burlington.ca/play for a complete listing of program times and burlington.ca/servicehours for hours at customer service locations.

Burlington Transit
Burlington Transit will operate holiday service schedule and the administration office and Specialized Dispatch will be closed on Monday, Aug. 5, reopening on Tuesday, Aug. 6. Visit burlingtontransit.ca for more information.

Animal Shelter and Control
Closed Monday, Aug. 5. Open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. For more information or to report an animal control-related emergency, call 905-335-3030 or visit burlington.ca/animals.

Roads, Parks and Forestry
The administrative office will be closed on Monday, Aug. 5, reopening on Tuesday, Aug. 6. Only urgent services will be provided.

Halton Court Services
Provincial Offences Courts will be closed on Monday, Aug. 5, reopening on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Parking
Free parking is available in the downtown core at all pay machines located on the street, municipal lots and the parking garage on weekends and holidays.

NOTE: The Waterfront parking lots (east and west) do not provide free parking on statutory holidays.

Do you have family and friends visiting for the holiday weekend? A reminder that there is no parking on city streets overnight between 1 and 6 a.m. Exemptions to allow overnight parking on city streets may be obtained by calling 905-335-7844 or visiting burlington.ca/parking. You can get a permit on line.

Fireworks Safety
A reminder from the Burlington Fire Department: the safest way to enjoy fireworks this Civic Holiday is to let the professionals handle the lighting and fireworks display. If you do have fireworks planned for your celebrations, please follow safety tips at: burlington.ca/fireworks.