Bay_October_LR

Top
newsman
remembered
Page 22
All charged
up for the
Bolt
Page 12 Page 21
Broken Hearts Gallery
HOLIDAY, 2020
WWW.BAYOBSERVER.CA VOL. 13, N0. 11
Remembering
in a pandemic
Members of the Burlington Royal Canadian Legion colour party keep the Remembrance Day tradition alive by marking the occasion masked and distanced. Photo by Denis Gibbons
BURLINGTON LEGION SOLDIERING
ON DESPITE CHALLENGES
What kind of transit could
Hamilton get for $1 Billion?
BY DENIS GIBBONS
THE BAY OBSERVER
Sometimes there’s too much red tape
wrapped around the world for our own
good.
Branch 60 of the Royal Canadian Legion
in Burlington knows all about it.
For many years the branch donated
money from its Poppy Fund to worthy
local causes like the Carpenter Hospice,
Meals On Wheels and the St. John Ambulance.
Branch President Matt MacPherson estimates
the annual donation to the hospice
was between $5,000 and $15,000.
However, for the last two years the
Legion’s Provincial Command has required
each branch to submit proof that war veterans
use these services.
“I have a membership committee that
authorizes a donation to the hospice,”
MacPherson said. “It’s passed by the general
membership, then I send it to Provincial
Command and they turn us down.”
MacPherson said that because of the
Privacy Act, it’s impossible for the branch
to access those names and numbers.
“I know from my experience that a lot
of our members end up at the Carpenter
Hospice at the end or their lives,” he said.
“It’s an impossible task they’ve (Provincial
Command) handed us.”
Burlingtonians generously contributed
$156,000 to the local Poppy Fund in 2019.
Brian Harris, the Provincial Poppy Chair,
said the idea of the Poppy Fund is to help
veterans and their dependants. Sometimes
if a request is denied, he said, it’s only
because not enough information has been
provided on a form sent out to the branch.
Continued on page 2
BY JOHN BEST
THE BAY OBSERVER
Depending on whose figures are accepted,
the cost of a 14-kilometer LRT system
for Hamilton is somewhere between $4.5
Billion and $5.5 Billion. The province of
Ontario has stated as recently as last week
that its contribution will not exceed $1
Billion dollars, leaving a significant gap in
funding. The federal formula that provided
financial support to LRT systems in Ottawa
and Kitchener-Waterloo involved the
municipality contributing approximately
27 percent of the cost. If that formula were
applied to Hamilton, and the province
stood firm on its $1 Billion cap the result
would be about $3 Billion in available
funding but it would require Hamilton to
contribute somewhere in the area of $800
Million—something council has repeatedly
said it would not do. Throw COVID into
the mix and the prospects of that kind of
contribution become more problematic.
In addition $3 Billion is not enough to
complete the full 14 Kilometer route that
was originally planned, so the city might
end up with an LRT system that starts at
McMaster, but terminates at Ottawa Street,
or Kenilworth or possibly the Queenston
Traffic Circle.
BRT
Another approach is to look at the kind of
transit system that could be purchased for
the $1 Billion without the city contributing
any new dollars. The Valeri Task force
suggested as one of three alternatives,
building 20 KM of Bus rapid transit—14
kilometers along the proposed LRT route,
plus the A line running from the Harbour
to Ryckman’s Corners. How much would
that cost? It depends on the type of BRT
Continued on page 3

2 HOLIDAY, 2020
NEWS
The Legion » P 1
“We never deny a request
unless there’s a legitimate
reason why,” he said.
Harris also said branches
can make donations to the
hospice by applying for
money through another
route from the Legion’s
provincial charitable foundation.
MacPherson, a former
Staff Inspector with Halton
Regional Police, has been
President for the last 14
years. When he retired from
the police service, he was in
charge of the Major Crime
Unit.
He realizes some branches
in Ontario have been
forced to close for financial
reasons, but says Branch 60
is okay so far.
“We’ve been pretty close
to it a couple of times,” he
said. “But we were able to
sell three-quarters of an
acre of property behind the
branch.”
At its peak, Branch 60
had more than 3,000 members.
But with more and
more veterans dying every
year, that figure has shrunk
to just over 600 – 20 per
cent of what it used to be.
Saturday afternoon
bingos raise money for
local charities. The branch
also raises money from
darts, snooker and euchre
leagues. The ladies auxiliary
organizes dinners
and revenue results from
the rental of two rooms
upstairs at the branch.
According to a longstanding
tradition, Friday
is fish and chips night. The
bar, however, is no longer a
big money-raiser.
“Many of our members
are on prescriptions and
don’t drink as much as they
used to.” MacPherson said.
“That’s also because of the
new laws against drinking
and driving.”
“The people of Burlington
support the Poppy
Fund very well,” MacPherson
said. “They’re quite
aware of what the Legion
does. They view us as a
pillar of the community, so
to speak.”
Branch 60 opened in
1926 in what is now home
to the Iron Duke Sea Cadets
at the corner of Elizabeth
and James Streets. It was
previously a Methodist
Episcopal Church and later
a Sunday school for St.
Luke’s Anglican Church.
Tom Waumsley, a
prominent businessman
who operated a magazine
and smoke shop on Brant
Street, was the first President.
The Legion’s next home
was a house on the shores
of Lake Ontario at the foot
of Elizabeth Street. The
house had a wrap- around
verandah and plenty of
room outside to have a
horseshoe pit and picnics
right on the lake
Today a high-rise condominium
building and hotel
are close to being completed
there.
Finally, the branch
moved to its current location
on Legion Road, just
off Graham’s Lane, in 1959.
Elmer Harper, who once
operated two gas stations
in Burlington, is the oldest
member of Branch 60 at
the age of 94.
He joined the Legion in
Wallaceburg in 1945 and
has been a Legionnaire for
75 years.
Son Jim Harper said his
father paid $2 to join and
50 cents for his first-year
pin. Today, members pay
dues of $55 annually, which
is still a bargain in modern-day
times.
Elmer joined the Navy
at the age of 18, did guard
duty in Halifax and was
training on the HMCS Haida
at the end of the Second
World War.
He was there during the
Halifax Riots in 1945 when
liquor stores shut down in
anticipation of a huge celebration
in the city, which
was overcrowded with
soldiers and sailors.
“Instead of letting them
rob the liquor stores, the
RCMP just stood at the
doors and handed out one
bottle at a time!” Jim said.
Picture Perfect!
HCA 2019
Photo Contest
Winners
Announced
The results are in, and
Hamilton is beautiful! The
Hamilton Conservation
Authority (HCA), is pleased
to announce the winners of
the 2019 Hamilton Conservation
Areas Photo Contest.
The amateur photography
contest was open from
June 17, 2019 to January 31,
2020 and received nearly
900 entries. Submission
categories included recreation,
wildlife and nature,
with the top three photos
selected from each category
and one overall grand
prize photo.
Grand Prize
“Tree Swallow” by Pat
Wintermute
Recreation
1st Place: “Bikejoring in
Dundas Valley” by Floriane
Vallery 2nd Place: “Des &
Annina” by Jae Dunphy
3rd Place: “Valens Lake
Reflections” by Sage Barker
Wildlife
1st Place: “Marsh Bandit”
by Parth Jadon 2nd Place:
“Being Green” by Mark
Williams*
3rd Place: “Chipmunk Sunrise”
by Dennis Krajac
Nature
1st Place: “Ice Mountain” by
Marc Kirouac
2nd Place: “Sun Rise in Fifty
Point” by William Dai
3rd Place: “Sun Kissed” by
Mark Williams*
HAMILTON WILL HAVE TO
PAY A SHARE OF LRT: FORD
The Legion is operating under COVID restrictions, but still offering fish and chips takeout on
Friday nights. Photo by DENIS GIBBONS
ROYAL HAMILTON
YACHT CLUB
www.rhyc.ca
At his news conference
in Hamilton last week,
Premier Doug Ford made it
clear that if Hamilton is to
get an LRT system the city
will have to come up with
a share of cash. Flanked by
Mayor Fred Eisenberger
and Flamborough-Glanbrook
MPP Donna Skelly
who are at opposite ends in
their views on this project,
Ford was asked when Hamiltonians
are going to find
out the results of a study
that is currently underway
at Metrolinx to determine
the relative merits of LRT
versus Bus Rapid Transit..
Asked about Hamilton
LRT by a reporter, Ford replied,
“I don’t think we are
there 100 percent. We need
the feds to come to the
table and see how much
they’re bringing.” He then
added, “everybody’s going
to be pitching in—the folks
of Hamilton, they’re going
to be paying some…the
province is going to pitch
in, and the federal government.”
Estimates for the cost of
an LRT system for Hamilton
have risen to between
$4 and $5 Billion dollars.
The Province has maintained
that it will not go
beyond the $1 Billion it
has promised for transit
in Hamilton, leaving a
significant portion that
would have to be made
up by other levels of
government. The federal
government has indicated
its willingness to consider
contributing to LRT, as a
result of heavy lobbying
of Infrastructure Minister
Catherine McKenna, but
the only funding formula
that can trigger federal
cash is one that involves
the municipal level paying
roughly 27 percent of the
cost. This was the formula
that was used to finance
LRT in Ottawa and Kitchener-Waterloo.
Hamilton
Council in allowing
the project to proceed
through the past decade
has repeatedly indicated
its unwillingness to contribute.
The rapid transit task
force headed by Tony
Valeri that considered the
TRT-BRT issue last winter
suggested that both
projects be given equal
weight in the evaluation by
Metrolinx. Transit experts
have told the Bay Observer
that Hamilton would be
able to build roughly 20KM
of Bus Rapid Transit within
the $1 Billion provincial
contribution.
Enjoy our club with its safely spaced tables both on our
patio and indoors, as we observe COVID precautions.
For a visit call (905) 528-8464 or email sail@rhyc.ca
Established 1888

NEWS HOLIDAY, 2020 3
BRT » P 1
system. Brampton has a
very basic system—BRT
light where the buses run
in mixed traffic but have
traffic signal control. This
is not an optimum model
but it can be expanded.
York region’s VIVA, when
fully developed will have a
43-km network of dedicated
bus lanes connecting its
far-flung municipalities.
Many BRT systems use a
mixture of dedicated right
of way in downtown cores
and other congested areas
and run in mixed traffic
where there is less congestion.
The Bay Observer
looked at several academic
papers on BRT transitway
costs and found they vary
from $2 Million per mile at
the low end to $15 Million
per km at the high end.
If we used the high end
number in Hamilton’s case.
it would bring the cost to
roughly $200 Million. This
includes the BRT stations
which typically provide
more comfort and convenience
than a standard bus
stop. They are bigger, are
heated, have more seating,
allow advance ticket
purchase so buses can be
quickly boarded at all doors
and at floor level, and
have electronic scheduling
information.
Going Green
In 2014 city staff produced
cost estimates for the
BLAST system—a network
of express buses providing
service to the underserved
suburban communities
and providing direct routes
between major activity
nodes on Hamilton Mountain
without having to pass
through downtown. The
cost of that system was
estimated at $300 Million
and that included a new
$200 Million bus maintenance
and storage facility.
The plan as presented
contemplated purchasing
81 new buses. These would
have been internal combustion
powered buses. Since
the report was produced
in 2014, there has been
significant advances in
E-Buses. Electric buses are
being rolled out in Burlington,
Oakville Guelph and
London. If Hamilton chose
to green the BLAST system,
substituting E buses in the
BLAST proposal would add
approximately $30 Million
to the price tag. Charging
infrastructure for the buses
based on a study London
Ontario is conducting
would add another $15
Million, approximately.
Total cost for a green Blast
system $345,000. The total
estimated cost for A and B
line Bus Rapid Transit plus a
green BLAST system would
be under $700 Million,
leaving room for further
enhancements and the
cost overruns that always
accompany large projects.
Economic Uplift
When Hamilton transit
officials pointed out that
under Hamilton’s current
ridership, the city barely
qualified for Bus Rapid
Transit, the argument by
LRT supporters then shifted
to the possible economic
uplift, that they argued
could only occur with light
rail. However, with the
recent rapid increase in the
number of cities adopting
BRT because of its lower
cost and greater flexibility,
it turns out Bus Rapid
Transit can also lead to a
similar result. The National
Bus Rapid Transit Institute
in the US provided to
figures showing significant
development along BRT
routes.
In conclusion
Hamilton is presented
with a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity to transform
transit in the community.
The $1 Billion being offered
by the province is not
being offered to any other
city. There is more than
enough funding to take
our ten-year transit plans
and compress them into
two or three years and at
the same time accelerate
the conversion of the fleet
to clean energy. Bus Rapid
Transit is growing by leaps
and bounds every year and
the use of E-Buses is moving
along at a similar pace.
Building out the BLAST
system will hasten the end
of area rating as frequent,
clean, reliable transit
becomes available to all of
the communities. Hamilton
can replace an existing
transit corridor that only
serves a third of the city
with expensive and inflexible
technology, or it can not
only replace that corridor
but transform transit in
all parts of the city. LRT
proponents have portrayed
those opposed as lacking
vision. What is being suggested
here is a real vision
one that embraces the latest
green technologies and
creates a transit culture that
the entire community can
embrace. Council should
not wait for decisions to be
handed down from above.
It should strike a special
committee to explore this
opportunity now and make
an informed decision.
FUNDING WILL DOUBLE BEDS AT GRACE VILLA LONG TERM CARE
Grace Villa in Hamilton
is receiving an additional
investment of $18,104,007,
helping them build 192 new
spaces. At its East Mountain
location.
Said Long-Term Care
Minister Fullerton. “We
introduced the modernized
funding model to build and
renovate these homes faster,
and we’re already seeing
results, with thousands of
new, safe, and comfortable
spaces in progress.”
“The number of people
in Hamilton who will need
long-term care is expected
to increase significantly
over the next decade,” said
MPP Donna Skelly, in announcing
the funding.. “The
work underway here will
make sure that our loved
ones will have a comfortable,
modern place to live,
near family and friends,
with the support they need,
when they need it.”
The modernized funding
model is helping the
government to create 30,000
beds over 10 years. The new
model moves away from a
one-size-fits-all approach,
and instead, provides tailored
incentives to address
the needs of developers in
different markets: rural,
mid-size, urban, and large
urban. It also introduces an
up-front development grant
to address high cost barriers
to construction.
The government is also
driving the development of
new long-term care spaces
by selling surplus lands
with the requirement that
long-term care homes be
built on portions of the
properties, and through
the Accelerated Build pilot
program, which is adding
1,280 spaces in a matter of
months, not years.
The modernized funding
model has already boosted
support for 74 projects
across the province, representing
10,753 long-term
care spaces: 3,957 new
beds, and 6,796 older
beds being redeveloped to
modern standards. Of the
74 projects, 49 involve the
construction of a brandnew
building.
Under the previous funding
model, these projects
would have received $8.1
billion, which includes onetime
funding, 2019 construction
funding subsidies
over 25 years, and operational
funding over 30 years.
Thanks to the modernized
funding model, the projects
will now receive an increased
amount of $8.9 billion.
As of June 2020, more
than 38,500 people are on
the waitlist to access a longterm
care bed.

4 HOLIDAY, 2020
NEWS
FROM ASSISTANCE TO REAL JOBS: MOHAWK LAUNCHES
CHALLENGE 2025 WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAM
Mohawk College has announced
the launch of the
Challenge 2025 workforce
training program, that aims
to support 3,000 people in
the transition from income
support programs to meaningful
employment. In
addition to training 3,000
workers, the program has
set as its task to::
• Partner with 100 regional
employers to deliver
rapid, demand-led training
that closes workforce
gaps; providing employers
skilled workers to support
their resource needs, with
a region-wide reduction in
the skills gap.
• Build a pathway to college
for 4,000 participants
(3,000 City of Hamilton
trainees + 1,000 students);
providing participants
with reduced material and
non-material barriers to education
and employment.
• Partner with other
community colleges across
Canada to test the City
School by Mohawk model
At the core of Challenge
2025 are the goals of
making a college education
more accessible for people,
retraining unemployed
workers for meaningful
employment, and helping
regional employers address
unfilled jobs in their workforces.
The program was first
announced by Mohawk
College President and
CEO Ron McKerlie in May
2019. Initially, the college
struck a taskforce with key
partners and community
leaders from the corporate,
community, education,
healthcare and municipal
sectors, led by McKerlie
and Bill Young, President
of Social Capital Partners.
The taskforce completed
its work in August 2020,
providing Challenge 2025
with a vision, guiding principles,
core strategies and
strategic priorities. Based
on that guidance, a number
of ambitious goals have
been established for the
program.
“We are grateful for the
leadership and support we
received from the members
of the taskforce,” said
McKerlie. “Their vision,
guidance and passion for
this initiative has ensured
that Challenge 2025 is on
the right track. We have
the model to help people
gain the education and
skills they need to secure
lasting, meaningful work
and to help employers
address challenging skills
gaps in their workforces.
Working with strong
community and industry
partners, I am convinced
we can support lasting,
generational change for
families in Hamilton
communities and across
Canada.”
“I am eager to see
Challenge 2025 grow and
expand,” said Young. “City
School is an excellent
example of what a successful
demand-led initiative
looks like and Challenge
2025 offers the necessary
supports and resources to
expand to a much greater,
even national, level. With
employers at the table,
articulating their needs,
and people seeking meaningful
new employment
opportunities, this model
can quickly be adopted
to pandemic recovery, as
well. Challenge 2025 can
transform people’s lives
and build stronger communities.”
In support of Challenge
2025, Mohawk College’s
next steps include:
• Establishing a Rapid
Skills Training Centre; a
Hamilton-based training
location for delivery of
Challenge 2025 associated
programs
• Running the first pilot
project, focused on the
supply chain sector; training
144 people who receive
Ontario Works social assistance,
as well as newcomers
and youth. (funded by a
Future Skills Centre grant)
• Formalizing employer
partnerships in targeted
sectors; focusing the pilot
projects, co-developing
curriculum and pathways
required for participant
success
• Expanding to other
regions of Canada; engaging
with post-secondary
institutions across Canada
to provide greater scope for
the pilot courses
The Challenge 2025 model
is based largely on the
success of the City School
by Mohawk program,
which has delivered access
to post-secondary education
for the past five years
through community-based
classrooms and mobile
classrooms at the neighbourhood
level. The model
is being strengthened with
additional supports from
community and industry
partners. Challenge 2025
is being developed and
administered by Mohawk
College employees, with
oversight by a stewardship
committee of community
representatives.
Remarkable life of
volunteer remembered
Yolanda Fleming was honored by the Government of Canada in 2017. Karina Gould, for
Burlington and currently the Minister of International Development, made the
presentation Photo by DENIS GIBBONS
BY DENNIS GIBBONS
Except for the COVID-19
pandemic, the annual Bell
Bazaar would have been
held at Burlington’s Holy
Rosary Church on Nov. 7.
In a strange twist of fate
Yolanda Fleming, who ran
the event for many years,
died the day before at the
age of 100.
They just couldn’t have
had a bazaar without her.
A widow for 47 years,
Fleming served two separate
terms as president of
the Holy Rosary Catholic
Women’s League and did not
miss working at a single Bell
Bazaar for the 60 years she
was a member of the church.
She worked her last bazaar
in 2019 at the age of 99.
What’s more, she was
responsible for starting a
weekday afternoon drop-in
centre for senior citizens,
one which welcomed
participants of all religious
persuasions, many of them
like herself widows or
widowers.
Fleming, who was an
aunt of the late Bernie
Morelli the Ward 3 representative
on Hamilton City
Council for more than 20
years, and her husband
Francis once operated both
the tea room in the Rock
Garden of the Royal Botanical
Gardens and a food
facility in the Rose Garden.
It was in the Rose Garden
that she met and served
Princess Margaret during
one of her tours of Canada
in July of 1988.
Long before that they
operated Fran’s Catering
in Hamilton and had a
restaurant at the corner
of King St. and Longwood
in Westdale. They also ran
the cafeteria at the original
Bishop Ryan high school
on Queenston Road when
Father Ron Cote, a former
pastor of Holy Rosary, was
serving as principal.
Fleming grew up in St.
Anthony’s Parish in the
Steel City. She attended
Cathedral Girls high school
and marched in the annual
Marian Day celebrations
at Civic Stadium in May.
Father Charlie Mascari
married the couple in the
old church on Clinton St.
on April 22, 1950.
When Francis died in
1973, Fleming said it felt
like the end of the world.
“He had bookings for a
full year ahead, including
one with the Children’s
Aid Society for a dinner for
foster parents,” she said.
She offered to find the
society another caterer,
but a woman from the CAS
encouraged her to carry on,
telling her, “You’ll do it.”
“That’s what kept me
going,” Fleming said.
She is survived by her
daughter- in- law Wilma
Fleming, daughters
Mary-Ellen (Domenico)
Marcone and Denise Dwyer,
son Paul (Karen) and
son-in-law John, as well as
10 grandchildren and eight
great-grandchildren. She
was predeceased by her
husband Francis and son
Gerard.

NEWS HOLIDAY, 2020 5
A CONDO KING AND A GUY WITH A DREAM REOPEN SKYWAY BOWL
The lanes have been resurfaced, and new equipment stocked. Kathy Renwald photo
Skyway Bowl on Melvin Avenue seemed destined for oblivion before condo king Brad Lamb
and bowling mastermind Lionel Lewis teamed up to get the ball rolling. Kathy Renwald photo
KATHY RENWALD
Any day if the pins align,
Skyway Bowl will open
again. With new balls and
new shoes and new pins,
Lionel Lewis will be living
the dream. He will run the
bowling alley on Melvin Avenue
that seemed destined
for oblivion.
The alley, opened in 1957
as Skyway Lanes. For 62
years it was a beacon for
bowling in Hamilton, until
the longtime owner decided
to retire, sold the property,
and the building went
black.
Bowlers like Lewis, who
started work as a pin chaser
at Skyway in 1983, felt
adrift.
“It was one big family
here,” Lewis says.
Lionel Lewis is the force
behind the reopening
of Skyway Bowl in east
Hamilton Skyway Lanes is
a flat as a pancake building,
sandwiched between
six-story apartment buildings
on Melvin Avenue in
east Hamilton. It looks like
a perfect location for a Wes
Anderson movie.
To Brad Lamb, it looked
like the perfect location for
more apartments. Brand
Lamb, the developer of
groovy condos, the force
behind the future Television
City, condo towers on the
CHCH-TV property, bought
Skyway Lanes in 2019.
“I saw it as a future development
site,” Lamb said
of the location. “But I didn’t
intend to head-hunt for a
guy to run a bowling alley.”
Lionel Lewis will be running the soon to reopen Skyway
Bowl. Kathy Renwald photo
He put the building up for
rent.
Then Lionel Lewis leapt
into action. “About six
moths ago, Lionel started
bugging me, he was so
persistent he got me excited
about bowling, about
bringing it back,” Lamb
says. Lionel put together
a business plan. Lamb put
together a bundle of cash to
put a shine back into Skyway.
Lanes were refinished,
the snack bar expanded, the
parking lot resurfaced, and
equipment updated.
“I could have bought a
very high-end, luxury sports
car for what it costs me,”
Lamb says. But he liked the
idea Lewis would be providing
jobs, and the bowling
family of Skyway would be
reunited.
I met Lewis at the renamed
Skyway Bowl. “I
bought a new shirt for the
interview,” he says while
fidgeting with enthusiasm
in front of his 24- lane
kingdom. To hear Lewis, an
ace bowler himself, describe
it, Skyway was like the TV
show Cheers. Everyone
knew your name. It thrived
in an era when leagues were
popular, and people took
bowling seriously. As a
former pin chaser, mechanic
and pro shop boss, Lewis
knew that Skyway Bowl
needed some love.
He ordered new shoes.
“People steal them.”
Her ordered 50 new balls
from Brunswick at $60 a
pop. Boxes of new pins arrived,
lanes were refinished.
His family is helping.
“We painted the walls
with modern colours,” he
says. But the wonderful,
spacey graphics plastered
above the pins remain.
“League bowlers will be
happy here,” Lewis says
with confidence. “And so
will the social bowlers.”
After it passes all the city
requirements, Skyway will
Another Hamilton Conservation
Authority member
has criticized a government
plan to remove citizen
members from the boards
of Conservation authorities.
The proposal was first
revealed in the provincial
budget released earlier
this month. At present the
Hamilton Conservation authority
board has 11 members—five
city councillors
and six citizen members.
In a letter to the mayor and
fellow councillors, Jackson
wrote, “I heard with dismay
and disappointment the
… announcement…it will
be an absolute shame and
disservice to our encouragement
of Citizen engagement
and participation
on an august Board such
as the HCA. It boggles my
mind why they would even
open with COVID precautions.
For safe spacing only
12 of the 24 lanes will be
in use. Both Brad Lamb
and Lionel Lewis believe
bowling can have a good
run at Skyway Bowl because
there’s not much competition.
As for future development
Tom Jackson slams
governance changes for
conservation authorities
consider going down this
path! With all due respect
to elected members of local
Council....to have hypothetically
an 11 member HCA
Board of only politicians
(the province) might as well
make the HCA a Standing
Committee of City Council.
One of the treasures I have
truly enjoyed over the years
has been working alongside
volunteer citizen appointees
on any Task Force/
Board/Advisory Committee,
because of the blend of
elected and non-elected
Board members sitting at
the same table, assisting in
the advancement (and preservation)
of that organization.”
Jackson has called on
council to issue a resolution
protesting the governance
change. Jackson joins HCA
chair Lloyd Ferguson in
of the site? It’s a long way
off. “I’m not sure I’ll be
alive,” Lambs says. But he’ll
be there for the reopening
of Skyway Bowl, expected
later this month. “I never
gave up, I knew there was
a future,” Lewis says, still
throwing strikes after all
these years.
objecting to the change.
Ferguson told Bill Kelly
last week that the citizen
members on the HCA board
bring a level of expertise
and skills that add tremendous
value to the board.

BAY COMMENT
HILARY
6 HOLIDAY, 2020
BAY COMMENT
Published Monthly by The Bay Observer, HAMILTON, ONTARIO
HILARY HILARY Published Monthly by The Bay Observer, HAMILTON, ONTARIO
Published Monthly by The Bay Observer, HAMILTON, ONTARIO
JOHN BEST: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
OPINION
WHITE: Sales TAIMOOR JAMIL: Operations & Marketing Manager
ROSANNE LASCALA: Sales KAYE BEST:
DENIS GIBBONS:
CATALIN DANIEL CIOLCA: Art Director
Burlington JOHN
JOHN BEST: Reporter
BEST: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
MASTER WEB INC.: Printing
WHITE: Sales CYNDI TAIMOOR INGLE: JAMIL: Photography
Operations & Marketing Manager
ROSANNE WHITE: LASCALA: Sales
Sales
TAIMOOR KAYE BEST:
JAMIL: Operations & Marketing Manager
ROSANNE DENIS GIBBONS:
LASCALA: Sales
KAYE BEST:
CATALIN DANIEL CIOLCA: Art Director
DENIS Burlington GIBBONS:
Reporter
CATALIN MASTER DANIEL WEB INC.: CIOLCA: Printing
Art Director
Burlington Reporter
MASTER CYNDI WEB INGLE: INC.: Photography
Printing
CYNDI INGLE: Photography
EDITORIAL
Trying to put the genie back
in the bottle: the news media
in the post-Trump era has
some fixing to do
One of the main casualties of the Trump presidency has been the damage
that the news media has inflicted on itself. And frankly, the worst offenders
have been the anti-Trump cable news networks, CNN and MSNBC. We say
that because Fox was always Fox. If we can believe the fictionalized series
The Loudest Voice about Roger Ailes, who created Fox News, he made no
bones about using the network’s power to create the Trump presidency.
With its appeal to conspiracy theorists, gun-toters and xenophobes, Fox
news editorially wasn’t that much different during the Trump era than the
pre-Trump Fox news. Yes, it was vulgar and lacking credibility, but everyone
knew it and could choose to watch or not and to believe or not.
The big change came with CNN and MSNBC who went into a panicked
overdrive in 2016 after they had been humiliated for their failure to see
that there was a path to the White House for Trump. Where previously
both networks had provided a reasonably good balance of news and opinion
pre-Trump; now, they both swung into a menu of almost all opinion
and very little hard news reporting.
They castigated Trump for despoiling the office of the presidency, and he
has; but to some degree those two cable news outlets have damaged journalism
as we knew it. The old phrase in TV news “we report…you decide,”
is a dim memory. In the Johnson and Nixon era, with a much-less (formally)
educated population, the media were much more nuanced, more
sophisticated in their messaging. In the case of President Lyndon Baines
Johnson, when Water Cronkite of CBS News aired a commentary saying
the war in Viet Nam was un-winnable, it was a cataclysmic event, because
such commentary was so rare. Journalists in those days would never use
the word “liar” to refer to a politician; it wasn’t necessary. They would
present facts that contradicted what the person in question had said, and
leave it there for the public to decide what they may. There is no longer
that bond of respect and trust between the media and its consumers. It has
become mostly heavy-handed propaganda.
Elsewhere on this site we paid tribute to Gerry McAuliffe, one of the best
investigative reporters that ever worked in Ontario. He started the investigative
side of his career at the Hamilton Spectator at a time when news
budgets were large enough to allow a team to work on a story for months
if necessary. McAuliffe dug up all sorts of scandals, and as his career
advanced through the Globe and Mail and CBC, he wrote stories that got
OPP Commissioners in hot water, got a Chair of the Workman’s Compensation
Board fired, exposed scandalous conditions in Ontario courthouses
and embarrassed many a cabinet minister. He also wrote a series of stories
about ties between the mob and construction unions in Ontario. He was
threatened both physically and with lawsuits. One story says he papered
a bathroom in his home with lawsuits he had accumulated. The point
here is that McAuliffe’s brand of journalism got the job done with facts, not
opinions. Journalism is at its best when it is digging up facts and presenting
them respectfully to an audience, trusting that the audience will get the
message.
Maybe these news outlets think that now that Trump is gone, they can
revert back to some kind of “balance,” that the Trump era was an extreme
time that called for extreme measures. But these kind of careless work
habits can be hard to break. The public has now been conditioned to select
news that echoes their own beliefs, rather than sometimes challenging
them. It is much easier and cheaper for a show producer to line up three
or four talking heads and air them on Zoom than it is to deploy an investigative
crew. It’s easy to fill a half-hour of air time with opinions—it is hard
work and resource-intensive to fill a half-hour with hard facts.
CONTACT THE THE BAY BAY OBSERVER
CONTACT THE BAY OBSERVER
24 Flamingo 24 Flamingo Drive, Drive, Hamilton, Hamilton, ON ON L9A L9A 4X7
4X7
24 Flamingo Drive, Hamilton, ON L9A 4X7
Tel: Tel:
Tel: 905.522.6000
905.522.6000
905.522.6000
Email: Email:
Email: john@bayobserver.ca
john@bayobserver.ca
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Latest Dispatches from the UK
JOHN BEST
A big part of journalism is
story selection. What an editor
chooses to put in a publication,
or to omit, is an editorial
decision. The UK’s Daily Mail
has access to the same stories
as everybody else, but somehow
they manage to come
up with a mix of the bizarre,
the scurrilous the offbeat. My
latest sampling provided the
following items of interest.
Under the heading of poor
public procurement policies, A
Spanish businessman was paid
£21million of UK taxpayers'
cash after he acted as a middleman
for a Florida-based
jewellery designer who turned
to selling PPE to the National
Health Service. Begging the
question, if you were a British
Health official looking to buy
large quantities of PPE why
WOULDN’T you first turn to
a Spanish businessman to act
as a go-between with a Florida
jeweller who is selling PPE?
Why would you waste your
time going directly to Johnson
& Johnson?
The same purchasing manager
must be responsible for a
deal to purchase 5 Million doses
of the new Moderna COVID
vaccine at a cost to the UK between
£24 ($32) and £28 ($37)
per dose which they wont
start receiving until March–
while the US, which pre-ordered
the vaccine months ago,
will pay just $15 (£11.32) and
is expected to get access next
month if health chiefs approve
it.
Looking at COVID through
the inclusion lens, an Oxford
professor accuses the UK
government of being 'institutionally
racist' for this month’s
coronavirus lockdown that
sacrificed Diwali for Christmas.
Oxford professor Soham
Bandyopadhyay said the policy
kept families apart, adding
“Christmas has been given
greater priority in this 'racist
mechanism.’”
In other news, an off-duty
police officer who once was
photographed greeting Kate
Middleton, faces a misconduct
hearing over the alleged incident
at a supermarket. He is
accused of trying to buy a $17
box of Krispy Kreme donuts for
12 cents by sticking a barcode
for carrots on them. Carrots
are cheap in the UK.
Oh, and Canadian movie star
Ryan Reynolds has purchased
the 4th tier Wrexham FC in
North Wales
Subscriptions:
Subscriptions:
Canada: One year ­ $48.00, six months ­ $24.00
Canada: One year ­ ­ $48.00, six months ­ ­ $24.00
All prices include GST.
All prices include GST.
Editorial Contributors:
Editorial Contributors:
Alex Reynolds, Roy Green,
Alex Reynolds, Roy Green,
Ben Guyatt
Ben Guyatt
Kathy Renwald
Kathy Renwald
Letters to the Editor:Letters to The Bay
Letters to to the the Editor:Letters to to The Bay
Observer are subject to editing for length or
Observer are subject to to editing for length or
content reasons at the discretion of the
or
editor.
content reasons at the discretion of the editor.
Please restrict letters to 250 words maximum.
Please restrict letters to 250 words maximum.

OPINION
Growing polarization on
both sides of the border
ROY GREEN
Divided populations within national
borders are an increasing
challenge both within Canada
and the United States.
The most recent underscoring
of this reality is the November 3,
U.S. presidential election with
total vote estimates days later
for Joe Biden, Democrat and
projected winner at 74 million
and incumbent president Donald
Trump at 70 million votes.
The numbers represent the
most and second most voting
totals in United States history.
The determination and aggression
with which each side
approached voting day spoke
to divisiveness present among
Americans.
Supporters of Biden were savaged
as intent on creating the
destruction of hard-fought-for
personal freedoms, as well as
being adherents to a Kremlinesque
philosophy, i.e. massive
government control of day-today
living.
Stump for Trump and labels
such as 'right wing extremists',
white-supremacist bigots and
climate change deniers would
be hurled.
The threat of populous
post-election violence hung in
the air as retailers in major U.S.
cities boarded their windows
and doors, fearful of mob assault.
Curtis Sliwa, WABC, New York
City talk radio host and founder
of the Guardian Angels organization
shared with me on
air 48 hours before Americans
voted that some 4000 GA's were
poised to directly engage any
rioters in urban centres.
Fortunately widespread violence
did not occur. However,
fear has not entirely abated.
Should Mr. Trump continue to
insist the election was stolen
from him by an alliance of the
left and refuse to concede electoral
defeat the spectre of angered
Trump supporters taking
to the streets is not so difficult
to imagine.
Should Donald Trump have
conceded quickly as his detractors
and even some supporters
suggested is an interesting
question.
It is the right of the incumbent
president or for that matter a
certified challenger to engage
legal options in order to certify
victory or defeat.
The United States does not
engage in truly national elections.
Instead, 50 individual
states subscribe to a common
election date, after which each
state and separately certifies
voting in its jurisdiction.
America is increasingly a nation
where the relatively recently
unthinkable isn't any longer.
In June of 2020, Rasmussen
Reports conducted polling
which revealed some 40 per
cent of Republican Party supporters,
28 per cent of Democratic
Party supporters and 38
per cent of non-affiliated voters
expect a U.S. civil war within
five years.
National pollster John Zogby
shared on air his fear the mood
in America circa-2020 is likely
not too dissimilar to what existed
in 1860. The year before the
first shots of the American civil
war were fired.
What about the true north
strong and free?
Canada is increasingly divided
along east/west boundaries and
not only through national polling,
but also by last October's
federal election results.
Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party
was summarily stripped of
its majority government status
while maintaining a minority
parliament seat lead, yet with
the lowest winning federal
election vote percentage in the
history of Canada. The Conservative
Party of Canada, led
by uninspiring Andrew Scheer
scored more popular votes nationally
than Trudeau's winning
Liberals.
Add to that equation Liberals
emerged from the October 21,
2019 vote with no federal members
elected in either Saskatchewan
or Alberta.
Prairie provinces unhappiness
with the status quo, often
described as central Canada
control, has created a fledgling
effort with the objective of
removing at least Alberta and
Saskatchewan from confederation.
Just weeks ago following the
October 26 provincial election
in Saskatchewan, the newly
formed sovereignist Buffalo Party
running only 17 candidates in
the province's 60 ridings outpaced
in total votes and percentage
of votes cast the much
longer established Green Party
which registered candidates in
all ridings. Buffalo candidates
finished second in a number of
provincial contests.
Populations in Canada and
the United States may be missing
a truly national goal or
objective. Regional expectations
and needs combined with
philosophical differences made
words spoken by New Brunswick
Premier Blaine Higgs on
my radio program two years ago
prophetic.
"We must decide whether
Canada is a nation, or a notion."
TONGUE IN CHEEK
HOLIDAY, 2020 7
‘An Entail of Two Cities’
BEN GUYATT
Recently, I had two business
appointments; one in Burlington
and the other in downtown
Hamilton.
My first trip took me to Burlington
and as always, I was impressed
with its cleanliness and
ease of access. There is a palpable
sense of class and order.
Several days later, I made the
trip to downtown Hamilton
and as always, my heart ached
because of its unsanitary appearance,
its ridiculous maze of
one-way streets and a distinct
lack of care.
Now, before any readers are
offended, know that I am a
resident of Hamilton. Stoney
Creek to be exact. I will state unapologetically
that the suburbs
of Hamilton are as pristine as
Burlington, including Hamilton
Mountain. My issue is with the
downtown.
I could rant and rave about
the glory days of downtown
Hamilton and romance you
with anecdotes about my mother
as a young teen taking the
bus to the city for a twentyone-cent
hamburger and soda
at Woolworths before window
shopping at Birks. The place
was humming and people
patronized a plethora of stores.
Not now.
There are many theories as
to why downtown lost its heart
and soul. In my opinion, the
beginning of the end for downtown
Hamilton began with the
fiasco at Gore Park. Since that
disaster, the downtown has never
been the same and lifer-politicians
seem to perpetuate
the lack of esthetic appeal and
rational solutions.
When I was a teenager my
buddies and I would take the
bus and later one of our cars
to downtown. Usually, we were
there to catch a movie and
check out the hip shops. Not
now.
Sadly, as I drove through
downtown, the only thing
I could think of was how I
couldn’t wait to leave. The
sidewalks were littered and it
seemed every other building
was boarded up, closed and
peppered with graffiti. I won’t
even mention the adherents of
the world’s oldest profession in
broad daylight.
Driving along I cursed the
poor quality of the streets and
the barrage of potholes. The
first question that came to mind
was, ‘What in the hell is Hamilton
City Council doing with all
that taxpayer money?’
Next, I pondered the inexplicable
reasoning behind the
Light Rail Transit system. I will
just come out and say it, the
LRT is nothing but a political
football and as far as I’m concerned,
it should be punted
right out of the park.
Speaking of football, I couldn’t
even look at the new stadium. I
have such fond memories of my
dad taking me to see the Cats at
Ivor Wynne. I have yet to watch
a game at the new stadium as I
don’t care to park on someone’s
lawn, have a speaker fall on my
head or witness the incredible
fact that the box of donuts still
isn’t up to par.
There once was a tangible
pride in Hamilton but I rarely
hear anyone speak of downtown
in those terms anymore.
Hamilton is still hardscrabble
but for all the wrong reasons
these days. The only thing hardscrabble
to me about Hamilton
is that few want to visit downtown,
let alone in the evening,
as well as a council mired in
their egos with more concern
about their jobs than the health
of the core.
Whenever there is an issue
that requires coherent and
practical answers, I can always
count on Hamilton City Council
to consistently do the wrong
thing. If that sounds unduly
harsh, take a drive downtown or
ask the Hamilton Bulldogs how
things are working out. Between
endless debates and political
grandstanding, the council sits
idly by while The Ambitious City
burns. I would have said sitting
idly by fiddling but it would take
years before a vote could be
reached on whether a fiddle is
needed.
If I sound bitter, I am. Like my
good reader, I am a taxpayer
and I demand accountability
and sensible politicians but I
have yet to see either.
So, what is the answer? Ask
most men and women in business
and they will tell you free
parking at all times would be a
good start. Others I have spoken
to insist it is too late and
half-jokingly suggest bulldozing
the place and starting over. I
have also heard Hamilton tends
to vote too far left and therefore
will never have the ear of
Queen’s Park. I must say I agree
with that thinking.
However, my ideal solution is
to give former Ontario Premier
Mike Harris a swift kick in his
golf bag and reverse amalgamation.
Frankly, Scarlett, I don’t
give a damn about downtown
because there is no good reason
to go back until the wind (hot
air) is gone from Hamilton City
Hall. Until that time, I prefer to
remain a citizen of the defunct
City of Stoney Creek.
Ben Guyatt is a stand-up comedian
and a published author.
Visit his website at www.benguyatt.com

8 HOLIDAY, 2020 REMEMBRANCE
A Hamilton
Doctor reports
from the WWI
trenches
A Canadian Military field
hospital near Vimy
Dr. Norman V. Leslie ca 1945
Hamilton’s Whitehern
Archives contain a treasure
trove of letters and
other documents related
to the McQuesten Family
who lived there. The
most famous of these was
highway and parks builder
Thomas Baker McQuesten.
His school hood friend
Dr. Norman V. Leslie was a
physician who served with
distinction in WWI rising
to the rank of Lt. Col. He
and Tom McQuesten kept
up a correspondence during
the war. In a few of the
letters Dr. Leslie provided
some insights into the horrors
and discomforts he
encountered, but also his
impressions of the bravery
of the men he treated.
Nov 7 1915 from a field
hospital at Le Treport near
the mouth of the Seine:
After the last big affair we
were certainly busy getting
very serious cases and lashings
of them. Poor devils.
Such hellish injuries, bones
smashed to splinters, great
chunks of flesh and muscle
torn away, and on top of
that pus running from
them: nearly all, and very
frequently gas-gangrene
and infections which develops
with great rapidity and
eats up and destroys good
healthy tissue. The buglers
of the camp were busy
calling the last post for a
time. This is the hideous
part. The beautiful part is
the way the Tommy takes
his wounds–quite silent in
pain and facing a maimed
future with cheery fortitude.
They are wonders.
The stories they write about
the soldier are very true. He
is working hard.
Aug 16 1916 It appears
the hospital has been
moved closer to front. Of
course the work in the hospital
is far better every way.
Here the opportunities for
medical work are necessarily
limited. You look at a
man and send him out. But
on the other hand are lots
of excitement etc. The life at
least so far is not monotonous;
one sees all sorts of
grim things and hears the
most unconsciable [sic]
rackets. The roar and bark
of our guns is most annoying,
and always jolts one
considerably. It is so sudden
and penetrating. The sound
of the enemy shells is even
more disconcerting as they
have a very tangible bite
to their bark [?] to them.
As for adventures. Well! A
medical officer’s life is not
a patch on the soldier’s
who has to be in the [?] all
the time but even tho’ one
[?] has his narrow escapes.
I have had two or three
narrow ones, that is comparatively
narrow where
the luck broke my way, but
they are really not worth
recounting for so many
others have had so many
really narrow brushes and
they say nothing of it. All
the same the life is very
wearing and men very soon
show the strain tho’ they
stay with it just the same.
Oct 1916 they have taken
over a German dugout.
The dugouts themselves,
some of the ones taken
over [were?] terribly dirty
equipment British and
German, and smell very
badly from more horrible
causes. The Germans had
made bunks and on these
were pillowcases. These
often were blood soaked
and horrible. Some did not
have the dead cleared out
till our own men did it.
Some of the sights on the
road and trenches recently
taken were horrible.
Seared themselves into
my brain. I know dead in
all sorts of attitudes and
conditions. At that time
it was impossible to clear
them. We had enough to
do with the living and it is
not right to risk the living
for the dead. But we clean
up quickly and are decent
burying as soon as possible
so by now all will be gone
and identified. What war
really means I know now.
The sights, sounds and
conditions are terrible, but
shining through it all, the
manly virtues; courage,
steadfastness and self sacrifice.
The officers and men
hold and advance through
hell and after it all as willingly
risk themselves again
to help the wounded. And
the wounded themselves
take their often heavy burden
and bleak future with
a bright courage that often
is heart breaking. They are
truly a fine lot.
Wounded soldiers given preliminary
treatment at the front and then
sent back to field hospitals

NEWS HOLIDAY, 2020 9
SEVEN THINGS TO DO IN
THE GARDEN RIGHT NOW
KATHY RENWALD
I’m still getting the garden
ready for winter.
My idea is to keep the
season going as long as
possible. So dress warmly
and go outside and be
among the soothing aura of
plants.
Here’s a list of smart
things to do now.
1-Stock up on mulch
Even one bag stashed in a
sheltered place is handy to
have on hand during the
winter for small garden
clean ups. Remember
when mulch was hard
to find in the spring? It’s
getting that way now, so
call around to see where
supplies are.
2-Save the bags
from mulch and
potting soil
Have you noticed how thick
and strong those bags that
contain mulch are? They
are much more durable
than garbage bags. If they
are clear they could even be
used in a DIY cold frame. I
saved a bunch, rinsed them
out and stashed in the
basement.
3-Save some
potting soil
If you used new potting soil
this season, save some of it
in a garbage can and put a
lid on it.
I managed to find potting
soil without the ugly white
bits of perlite in it. So it’s
stored in a can at the side
of the house. It will be
ready to use next season
(maybe add some compost
to it for nutrition) and
handy if I need some over
the winter. Potting soil was
also in short supply this
past spring.
4-Filler is your
friend
Remember the trick next
spring of filling your large
containers with “filler”
before adding soil. I used
bits of styrofoam, and
plastic bags with holes in
them. The deep containers
usually don’t need soil right
to the bottom, so the filler
helps to keep them lighter,
but still sturdy enough for
big plants.
5-Use leaves as an
organic tarp
I did stockpile some
potting soil in the garden.
But I didn’t want to look at
the pile, and have it beat
up by wind and rain. So as
an experiment, I covered
the pile with banana leaves
harvested before the plants
came indoors for the
winter. I noticed before,
how long the thick, leathery
leaves of banana take to
decompose, so decided to
experiment by using them
for protection, rather than
something ugly like a tarp.
6-Rethink your rake
As you tidy up the garden
for winter, remember that
mulch can be distributed
more smoothly by using
the back of a leaf rake. The
backside of the rake levels
the mulch rather than
gathering it up to be moved
here and there.
7-Time to start
loving your house
plants
If possible gather a bunch
of house plants together.
It looks cheerful, they are
easier to take care of and
it has more design impact.
Don’t overwater-and keep
checking for bugs.

10 HOLIDAY, 2020 LOCKE STREET
Shop Locke this
holiday season
The shops, services and
restaurants of Locke Street South
are open and ready to serve
you with the some of the best
of the city’s food and shopping
opportunities. Shop locally for
original gift ideas and helpful
one-on-one service from your
merchant neighbours. From
books to boots, fabulous gift
ideas, home decor, art, clothing,
jewellery, handcrafted treasures,
holiday decor, candles, and
cards, they’ve got it all.
Shop Local.
Support independent,
small businesses
www.picksandsticksmusic.com
140 Locke Street South
Hamilton
905.528.6058
GREAT GIFT IDEAS FOR THE
MUSICIAN IN YOUR LIFE
Offering a large selection of instruments and
accessories for all skill levels
LESSONS • REPAIRS • ACCESSORIES • INSTRUMENTS
Offering a unique shopping alternative
to those looking for natural,
sustainable, quality toys and gifts
CROUTON SAYS
HANDMADE FOR
THE HOLIDAYS
and don’t eat the yellow snow
Come to Nest for unique Canadian handmade gifts
for the animal lover on your Christmas list.
171 Locke St S, Hamilton nesthamilton.com @nesthamilton
188 Locke Street South
905.963.1265 | www.citizenkid.ca
Shop Online or In Store. Curbside Pickup and
Delivery options are available

LOCKE STREET
HOLIDAY, 2020 11
OUR ONLINE SHOP IS NOW OPEN!
Shop On-Line for Inspired Gifts and Holiday Decor
View our annual Holiday Ornament Lookbook at lookbook.luluandlavigne.com
See all 150 styles in our 2020 holiday ornament collection!
Shop online and pick up in store!
228 Locke Street South, Hamilton
905-522-2627 | luluandlavigne.com
Making the world a little sweeter
Handcrafted Artisan Chocolate | Artisan Chocolate Small Bites
Chocolate Fondue | Hot Chocolate | Soft Dipped Ice Cream
Seasonal Offerings | Gift Cards and Baskets
From decadent flavours and classic styles to more experimental inclusions,
we satisfy even the most discerning palettes and cravings using only the
best and most ethically sourced ingredients
Life is too short for ordinary chocolate!
389 John Street, Burlington
905.333.8833
170 Locke Street S., Hamilton
905.523.4648
info@lacremedelacremecreamery.com
lacremedelacremecreamery.ca

12 HOLIDAY, 2020
NEWS
Tracing the
remarkable career
of a real newsman
BY JOHN BEST
The recent obituary
marking the passing of
former Journalist Gerry
McAuliffe touched on his
journalism career with the
comment “While he lacked
any formal education, he
became an award-winning
investigative journalist in
print, television and radio.
Particularly passionate
about investigating injustices
and exposing police
misconduct, his writing
and reporting provoked
many public inquiries and
policy changes.”
And indeed, he did. Gerry
worked for the Hamilton
Spectator in the 1960’s
and early 1970’s when that
paper had a newsroom
with 200 reporters and had
investigative teams featuring
the likes of Gerry, Jim
Travers, Peter Moon, Phil
Gibson and others. Former
colleagues remember Gerry
as not fitting the mould of
the hard-drinking reporter,
but in every other way a
determined journalist who
saw the craft as a means to
writing wrongs and rooting
out dishonesty.
He was part of the investigative
team that unveiled
the story of George Clinton
Duke, a Burlington lawn
equipment dealer with a
criminal past, who had
cozy relationships with
high-ranking OPP officials
and members of the mafia
at the same time. A public
inquiry into the matter
was called and Gerry gave
testimony, but true to his
professional code would
not reveal the names of his
sources even though he
was threatened with being
jailed for contempt. It used
to be said that no journalist
worth his or her salt had
never been named in a libel
suit, and Gerry was sued
in 1970 by one of the OPP
chiefs.
In 1973, now with the
Globe and Mail, McAuliffe
co-authored a story abut
the lavish annual party
that was given by one
of the Province’s biggest
developers, who eventually
developed Glen Abbey, for
350 provincial and municipal
politicians, officials
and their wives at Toronto’s
swanky Old Mill. The best
quote in the story comes
from the then Metro Planning
Commissioner who
told McAuliffe he had been
attending the party for the
past 15 years and asked,
apparently seriously, “what
possible conflict could
there be?”
In 1974 Gerry wrote articles
investigating Ontario’s
Workmen’s Compensation
Board, that led to a
parliamentary inquiry and
the removal of the Board’s
Chairman. In a column
the same year, legendary
columnist Scott Young
reminded his readers that
Gerry had written an article
in 1969 that had revealed
some significant real estate
holdings and possible
conflicts by a prominent
Ontario Cabinet minister.
McAuliffe’s name was in
the news also in 1974 in
connection with the enquiry
into criminal activity
in Ontario’s construction
unions that was triggered
by a series of investigative
stories written by Gerry.
In 1975 Gerry left
the Globe to join
CBC where he could
practice his brand
of journalism without
worrying about
offending advertisers.
He told a reporter that
he had nothing but
praise for the CBC because
“they let him do
what he wants to do.”
Always pursuing
worthy causes, McAuliffe
lent his name to
an open letter signed
by the elite of Canada’s
media, supporting
the unionization of
the Canadian Press.
Globe and Mail society
maven Zena Cherry
published a news item
in 1976 that had Gerry
taking part in a Toronto
Press Club debate,
the title of which was
“Resolved that the
public is inadequately
served by the media.”
A 1980 Globe columnist
decrying a lack
of boldness in journalism
wrote, “where
once journalists
like Gerry McAuliffe
collected libel actions
as a kind of badge of
honour, there is an
increasing feeling
among publishers, if not
among writers, that very
few provocative statements
are worth going to the wall
for.” At a panel discussion
the same year, Gerry argued
against special “shield
laws” to protect journalists
saying, “even if such laws
led to greater investigative
efforts by reporters, the
chances of getting such stories
in newspapers would
be zero. Publishers don’t
give a damn about freedom
of expression.”
In a 1986 profile, McAuliffe
credits his wife Bonnie
for getting him into the
news business. “I had a
hang-up because I only
went to grade 8 and I
didn’t think I could make it
without an education. She
told me I could be as good
or better than any other
reporter in the country.”
Later that year he won the
Norman DePoe award for
Investigative reporting for
a series of CBC reports he
did into the condition of
Ontario’s court houses.
In 1988 Gerry was back in
the news, this time railing
against the Journalism
awards and prizes that
were, at that time, sponsored
by corporations. “My
position is that the news
industry in Canada has
sufficient funds to write out
a cheque to fund a proper
national competition to
reward journalistic excellence
without commercial
sponsorship.” A week
later he told the Centre for
Investigative Journalism
“Prize money is a form of
graft and we shouldn’t be
taking it.”
In 1989 we find Gerry
McAuliffe, much as at
the beginning, defending
himself against revealing
his sources, this time in a
judicial enquiry into
the Niagara Regional
police.
Former Hamilton
Spectator managing
editor Alex Beer who
worked with the reporter
when he was at the
Spectator summed up
Gerry McAuliffe as “one
of the best pure journalists
I know. He was
a very moral man who
always knew the right
side from the wrong
side.”
When he was fired by
President Harry Truman
for insubordination, US
General Douglas McArthur
noted, “old soldiers
never die, they just fade
away.” Scanning the
stories that chronicled
Gerry McAuliffe’s career
you see in addition to
Gerry’s, the bylines of
his contemporaries—
legends themselves like
Michael Valpy, Scott
Young, Zena Cherry.
William French, Ross
McLean and a young
Andre Picard. Let’s hope
that the memories of
them, and a principled
journalist like Gerry
McAuliffe don’t completely
fade away.

NEWS HOLIDAY, 2020 13
Burlington wants to keep LaSalle Park…as a park
A committee of Burlington
Council met behind
closed doors last week to
discuss the future of La
Salle park and provided
some direction to staff
which remains confidential;
but what we do know
is that the park is considered
an important park of
the Burlington Park system
and staff are recommending
a solution that sees
the park continue in its
current role. . A Burlington
spokesperson told
the Bay Observer. “there
are currently no negotiations
underway between
the two cities, but we are
open to having discussions
with Hamilton,” adding,
“Burlington Council are
committed to keeping the
lands as a public park in
perpetuity.”
The Park belongs to
Hamilton dating from the
days when Aldershot was
part of Hamilton and the
park is leased to Burlington
for a dollar a year.
This discussion got started
in June when Hamilton
Coun. Sam Merulla suggested
pressing Burlington
to negotiate a new
lease agreement based
on “highest and best use”
which might mean some
form of development of
at least a portion of the
land.
In an extended report,
Burlington staff pointed
out that Burlington has
made major investments
in the park over the 40
years it has operated the
park and that the value of
the park and the adjacent
marina is just under $30
Million. The largest individual
investment came
when the city replaced the
iconic park pavilion after
it was destroyed by fire.
The entire building was
reconstructed in 1997 to
its original heritage design.
The pavilion is a designated
heritage building and
is currently used for social
events and meetings by
people across the region.
Beyond the $28 Million
in capital additions the city
spends about $146,000 year
in maintenance and repairs
and roughly $250,000 per
year to operate the facility.
The staff report deviated
Significant investments were made to the Marina:
from the usual neutral tone
of staff reports in making
it clear that the Park is a
vital tourist attraction for
Burlington. “If there is any
doubt of the value of the
park, one needs to look
no further than Google
Reviews where 1,027 individuals
from all walks of life
and from different places
comment on their pleasant
experiences with an overall
rating of 4.6 out of 5. The
continuation of LaSalle
Park in its current form is
of vital importance to the
City of Burlington and its
residents and visitors who
come from all over.”
Staff itemized the value of assets in
the park as follows:
Thank you for
75
Memorable Years
Helping our customers shine since 1945
See our anniversary video and timeline
at burlingtonhydro.com

14 HOLIDAY, 2020 GREETINGS FROM YOUR REPRESENTATIVES
Almut and
David Sweet, M.P.
David Sweet, MP | 1654 Wilson Street West | Jerseyville, ON L0R 1R0
905 648 3850 ❘ DavidSweet.ca
David Sweet-BayObserver- Christmas-10.25x3.5cmyk.indd 1
2020-11-17 7:38 PM
Warmest Wishes for
a Merry Christmas and
a Happy Holiday
Season
From Carol
and I, our
warmest wishes
for a Happy
Holiday
season and
here’s to a safe
and happy
2021
Bob Bratina MP
Hamilton East-Stoney Creek
42 King St E, Unit 2, Stoney Creek L8G 1K1
I want to wish you and your
family health, happiness and
peace during this holiday
season. And best wishes for
a joyful and safe New Year.
Donna Skelly
MPP Flamborough-
Glanbrook
2000 Garth St #104,
Hamilton, ON L9B 0C1
Phone: (905) 679-3770

GREETINGS FROM YOUR REPRESENTATIVES
HOLIDAY, 2020 15
Christmas Food
& Toy Drive
Together with the
Burlington Food Bank
and Salvation Army
905.639.7924
janemckennampp.ca
We’re accepting:
• non-perishable food items
• new, unwrapped toys
• gift cards
Items accepted at our office until December 22nd
MP for Burlington
Karina Gould
New Year’s Levee
Merry
Christmas
&
Happy
New Year
Held
Virtually
January 9 th
at 2-3 PM
Livestreamed on Facebook
KarinaGould KarinaGouldMP.ca
905.639.5757
Councillor Judi Partridge
Hamilton Ward 15 Flamborough
www.judipartridge.ca
905-546-2713
Facebook: Judi Luxon Partridge
Twitter: @judipartridge

16 HOLIDAY, 2020 GIFT GUIDE
Gift Guide
Cozy wool plaid throws perfect
for gift giving to anyone on
your list.
These Edinburgh throws in traditional
Scottish tartans, are a
gift that will be appreciated and
become even more treasured
with age.
Available at Graham & Brooks
43 Cootes Drive, Dundas, ON
289.238.8618
grahamandbrooks.com
This award winning one-of-a-kind ring is
14K two-tone gold and features a center
cushion cut of blue-green sapphire with a
64 pave set of round brilliant cut diamonds.
The colourful ring is made up of natural
and untreated pink, orange, red, and yellow
coloured sapphire. Winner of the Canadian
Jeweller of Excellence award. At Laura
Tedesco Jewellery Design
195 Locke St. S., #1 Hamilton 905.528.4414
lauratedesco.com
Small batch handmade ceramic mugs by The Otter Potter, ranging
from small to giant size! Found at Nest; the gift shop for animal lovers!
171 Locke Street S. Hamilton ON
905.979.6378 www.nesthamilton.com
Cross off the foodie on your
holiday list. Gift giving made
easy with a selection of
award-winning premium
olive oils and aged balsamic
vinegars, sampler packs, and
accessories from
The Urban Vine.
Visit the store in Downtown
Dundas or request
contactless delivery
134 King St. West
(across from Shopper's)
Dundas, ON 905.628.8533
www.urbanvineinc.com
At Burlap and Twine you will
find an extensive variety of
handcrafted, cruelty-free
bath and beauty products.
They are known for their
incredible selection of bath
bombs, artisan soaps, body
butters and bath melts.
Perfect for gift giving.
The Burlington Centre
777 Guelph Line
905.681.9948
www.burlapandtwine.ca
For the boating enthusiast
in your life a gift certificate
from Dundas Marine would
make the perfect gift!
45 Dundas St. E. Hwy 5 at Hwy 6 Waterdown
905.522.4081 www.dundasmarine.ca
Pick 6 bath bombs for $30
Closed from
December 24 th -
January 4 th .
Open Year
Round

GIFT GUIDE
HOLIDAY, 2020 17
This year more than ever, it's important to support
independent merchants and businesses in your community.
We hope you will be inspired by the gift ideas on these pages.
This multi-function cocktail
mixing set includes the essential
tools for pouring, stirring, and
straining the perfect cocktail.
Both the strainer and spoon
feature built-in jiggers for quick
and easy measurements from
1 to 2 oz.
Available at The Casual Gourmet
1027 King Street.
W. Hamilton
905.522.9398
www.casualgourmet.ca
Beautiful white gold diamond
necklace with 0.50ct total weight
in diamonds. Only $1490. 00 + Tax
Available at Classic Jewellery
399 Elizabeth Street, Unit 4
Burlington 905.637.2730
www.classicjewellery.ca
Gifts For All Occasions | Glass Art For Your Home
Paull Rodrigue is a multi award-winning glass artist
whose work pushes the boundaries of glass as an art form.
Balsam and Cedar candle and
room diffuser from Illume.
Illume’s Balsam & Cedar is the
quintessential holiday fragrance.
With hints of fresh balsam, oak
moss, cedarwood, and eucalyptus
oils
these luxury soy candles with
cotton wicks scent the whole room
and make a perfect gift.
Aromatic diffusers and room
sprays are also
available.
Available at Lulu & Lavigne
228 Locke St. S. Hamilton
905.522.2627
luluandlavigne.com
Paull Rodrigue Glass Studio
T R A D I T I O N A L G L A S S BLO W I N G DON E I N T H E V E N E T I A N S TYL E
400 BROCK RD UNIT 5 DUNDAS, ONTARIO L9H 5E4 | paullglassart@gmail.com | 905 645 4865
Picks and Sticks Music is an
award-winning music shop
carrying a large selection of
instruments and accessories
for all skill levels.
The gift season is here and
they have great gift ideas, including
the ukuleles shown,
gift certificates and lesson
packages available.
For The Musician In Your Life
A touch of
elegance for
your home
Vance Kitira Christmas pines, in
green or white, highlighted with
gold
Unscented, with a 40 hr burn time
Pure Christmas elegance!
Available at Fairhome Interiors
2289 Fairview Street
Suite 320
Burlington, ON 905.333.4644
www.fairhome.ca
140 Locke Street S., Hamilton, ON
905.528.6058
www.picksandsticksmusic.com

18 HOLIDAY, 2020 GIFT GUIDE
Give the gift of Floating this holiday season
Get 3 Gift Certificates for the price of 2 for $129.60
ISarti Luxury Menswear has a
great selection of modern, high
quality clothing and accessories
without the high cost From casual
to formal, on-trend accessories
and SAXX underwear, this store
has great gift ideas for the men in
your life.
Shown are a few of the amazing
scarfs available at ISarti this
holiday season
405 Plains Rd. East, Burlington
905.681.8888
isartiluxury.ca
A perfect Holiday Stocking
Stuffer!
The zero gravity environment
allows the body to
decompress through the
spinal column and joints
Wonderful for pain, stress,
and anxiety management
and for soothing aching
joints and muscles
Purchase in store or by
phone.
457 Plains Rd. East,
Burlington, ON |
289.337.3555
stillwaterfloat.ca
GIVE THE GIFT OF PAMPERING
The Handmade House sells locally-made, high quality
handcrafted items wlike this stunning clock! This is the
perfect store to find a large variety of gifts to suit anyone
on your list this holiday season including jewellery,
home decor, clothing, cards, and much more.
All products are made by local artisans. Two locations
to serve you - Downtown Dundas and Downtown
Burlington.
460 Pearl Street, Burlington, 71 King Street West, Dundas
thehandmadehouse.ca
Say Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays by treating
your loved one to a relaxing facial or pedicure or a
luxurious spa package at Spa in the Village. Our spa
gift certificates are easy to purchase online through
our secure website for instant, at-home printing or
in-store pick-up at our Burlington location.
Spa in the Village
416 Pearl Street, Burlington
905.333.1555 spainthevillage.ca
What a great gift idea! Purchase a
Block Board and have it
loaded with beautifully designed
charcuterie!
The Block Co. in downtown
Burlington is a unique cheese/
charcuterie,
speakeasy pantry featuring wine
and craft beer. Book your private
experience in The Edison Room
The Block Co.
395 John Street, Burlington
289.337.9911 theblockco.ca
Forever Summer has some
beautiful new versatile pieces in
from Rapz!
This lightweight caftan with highlow
hem, can be worn over jersey
pants or leggings.
And when we can travel south
again (hopefully soon) it can be a
coverup over your swimsuit.
This is your go-to store for
swimsuits, lifestyle clothing, and
accessories.
Gift Certificates available.
Private Appointments for
Shopping Available
389 Brant Street, Burlington
905.333.8300
foreversummerswimsuits.ca

GIFT GUIDE
HOLIDAY, 2020 19
These popular faux wooden books
are handmade by a husband and wife
duo. Each piece is cut, sanded and
hand painted by them.
Every stack is filled with love and
warmth to become a perfect holiday
decor item for your home. Priced from
$20 The Artisanville is one of a kind
shopping spot located in downtown
Burlington offering Canadian designed
/ made products. Most of the
products they offer are handmade and
created in small batches by Canadian
designers and makers. The selection
includes apparel, footwear, home
decor, jewellery, and more.
Warm and stylish. You will be
spending a lot of time out doors
this season, so what better
gift than cute, warm feet??
What-ever-the-weather, always
waterproof boots from the
iconic Canadian brand, Cougar,
might just be on every gals wish
list! Lots of styles to choose
from at Joelle’s.
Head to joelles.com for all the
ways you can shop.
Gift wrapping is complimentary!
457 Brant Street
Burlington Downtown
905.631.7918
joelles.com
431 Pearl Street,
Burlington
289.635.5865
theartisanville.ca
393 John Street, Burlington, ON
647-675-2740
agoramarketplace.ca
Beautiful handcrafted silver
jewellery is only one of
so many amazing pieces
available this holiday season
at Agora Marketplace in
Downtown Burlington.
They have an amazing
selection of artisan glass, art,
crystals, jewellery, tumbled
stones and so many other
pieces that would make a
great gift.
Made for the guy who
finds himself on the "nice"
list twice. Get a double
heaping of cheer with this
holiday-themed 2-pack from
SAXX These best selling
boxer briefs come in a twopack,
providing two times
the style and savings
Available at Scrivener's
Men's Apparel Offering
sophisticated, stylish, and
quality menswear from
global sources.
389 Brant St., Burlington
905.634.6955
scriveners.ca
LAMM 'Relax' CBD Spray, 1000mg 0%THC
LAMM's first-ever CBD relaxation
spray pairs the calming power of
100% Hemp-Extracted CBD Oil
with the peace-inducing
properties of Peppermint Oil. $80
Bodega Wellness offers
hemp-derived, CO2 extracted,
100% natural, 100% vegan CBD
Oils, and beauty, home, and
wellness products
144 Locke Street South
Hamilton 289.389.3313
390 Pearl Street Unit B
Burlington 289.337.4087
bodegawellness.com

20 HOLIDAY, 2020 GIFT GUIDE
For The Kids
The Kinderfeets Tiny Tot is the
wooden 2 in 1 ride-on that converts
from a trike
to a balance bike designed especially
for the 12-24 month crowd
who can't wait to get moving!
The comfortable and intentional
design allows tiny tots to ride safely
and fearlessly. Ages 12 - 24 mo
Available at Citizen Kid
188 Locke Street S., Hamilton
905.963.1265
citizenkid.ca
These velvet cats are collectible feline friends by Wild
Design. Tons of different patterns to choose from in store.
Available at Nest, the animal lovers store!
171 Locke St. S. Unit 2 Hamilton
905.979.6378 nesthamilton.com
These super soft, vintage feel
graphic tees make a kitchy gift for
that guy on your list! $59
Jeff’s Guyshop is your one stop
shop for sensible style that is
perfect for the time.
Check out jeffsguyshop.com or
visit the store at
457 Brant St. Burlington Downtown
COME SEE WHAT’S
HATCHING AT NEST!
Unique, Canadian handmade gifts
and home decor items for animal lovers.
171 Locke St S, Unit 2 • nesthamilton.com • @nesthamilton
Complimentary gift wrapping!
Introducing Bleu Lavande’s Handbag Essentials Gift Set!
Bring the benefits of lavender
essential oil with you
no matter where you go.
This set includes Lavender
Hand Cream
Lavender Lip Conditioner
Hand Sanitizer in spray
format These products
do not contain parabens,
sulfate(s), petroleum derivatives,
artificial dyes or
fragrances. These products
are not tested on animals
(certified cruelty free)
Available at The Urban Vine
134 King St. West
(across from Shopper's)
Dundas, ON 905.628.8533
www.urbanvineinc.com

NEWS HOLIDAY, 2020 21
The Bolt has a
range of about
420 kilometres.
I charged it at a
public station using
the app called
Charge Point
Bowled over by the Bolt
Photos by Kathy Renwald
Trunk cargo
storage is
flexible
The Chevy Bolt EV had impressive range and a very good driving feel
There are knocks
against hard plastic
bits in the Bolt interior.
I didn’t find fault with
the interior
KATHY RENWALD
All electric 2020 Chevy
Bolt. There is no gas engine
as a safety net.
Cost?
My test vehicle in LT trim
was $49,243. It starts at
$44,998
How does it look outside?
The Bolt is an all business
hatchback with a
wisp of cuteness. It looks
a bit like it was squeezed
in a vice grip. But there are
more objectionable cars
out there.
How does it look
inside?
People gripe that the Bolt’s
price should include a more
swish interior. I didn’t mind
it a bit. The seats are cloth,
which make sense in a cold
climate, and minimizes the
need to use the seat heater
which puts a drain on the
battery. There are hard
plastics, but they don’t come
in contact with your body
much. The dash is partially
decorated in a weird, textured
plastic that is a bit like
a 1960’s Formica countertop.
I didn’t mind that either.
How does it
function?
There are many pluses
here. There’s vast amounts
of glass in the windshield
and the side widows, which
makes for great visibility
and the feeling of spaciousness.
For city driving
with so much action to
compute like bike lanes,
pedestrians walking while
reading Shakespeare on
their phones, and illegally
parked vehicles-the wide
angle visibility is a comfort.
The front seats are suited
for long drives, the backseats
are quite high so
there’s no feeling of claustrophobia.
Getting in and out of the
Bolt makes you feel young
again. The seats are about
hip height, so you neither
plunk down into the seat as
in a sports car, or climb up
to the seat as you would do
in many SUV’s. This is very
welcome.
From the driver’s seat
operating the functions on
the centre display screen
is easy.
Headroom is generous,
and I easily fit a pile of firewood
into the trunk.
How does it drive?
Well, here is where I was
bowled over by the Bolt. It’s
great to drive. Of course
the torque from the electric
motor delivers smooth,
strong power.
The steering is deftly
weighted, not too stiff, and
not too gooey. The brakes
are solid and feel normal
for an EV.
Best of all is the suspension.
It handles the
potholed, cratered, cracked
roads of Hamilton with an
agile, cloud-like touch. I
looked forward to driving it
everyday.
How does it
measure up as an
electric vehicle?
It’s fantastic. A full charge
usually provides a range of
417 kilometres. Depending
on driving habits it seems
possible it would only
need to be charged once
a week. There is a Low
setting which aggressively
helps to charge the battery.
Better is the steering wheel
mounted paddle which can
be used instead of the foot
brake to regenerate battery
charge. It is called Regen
on Demand and using it
puts you in a state called
one pedal driving. It’s easy
to get use, and will increase
the driving range of the
Bolt.
Keep in mind, I drove the
Bolt during moderate fall
weather. I had no need for
a defroster or heater, that
helps extend range.
Like many city dwellers,
we have neither a driveway
or garage. But I was lucky
the Bolt could be charged
just four blocks away at
the Hamilton-Oshawa Port
Authority building. Using
the Charge Point App was
simple and free. Another
app called PlugShare is excellent
at finding charging
stations. Because users
contribute to the app, it’s
also up to date on locations
and if chargers are broken
or out of order.
What could be
improved?
Getting the Bolt into
Reverse is ridiculous. It
requires a counterintuitive,
upward and sideways motion.
Rethink this please.
The centre display is
mounted on an angle, so
it’s pleasing to use, but
it was often unreadable
when the sun washed the
screen in light. That was
a concern when using the
backup camera.
An aggressive horn honks
when the remote is left in
the car, or when the driver
gets out with the (silent)
engine running. I understand
the logic, but there
must be a less annoying
way to sound the alarm.
Verdict
I was surprised I liked the
Bolt so much I dreamed
about becoming an owner.
This EV would work
for many people with a
winning combo of saving
energy while being fun to
drive.

22 HOLIDAY, 2020
NEWS
ORDER NOW FOR DELIVERY IN SPRING 2021
All of us at Dundas
Marine wish you a very
Merry Christmas
and a Happy
Holiday Season
Your Authorized
Full
Service Dealer
Monday - Friday 9 - 5.30 Saturday 9 - 3
45 Dundas St. East Hwy 5 at Hwy 6, Waterdown
905-522-4081 • www.dundasmarine.ca
CLOSED DECEMBER 24th - JANUARY 4th
THE BROKEN HEARTS GALLERY
ALEX REYNOLDS
The title suggests, and distinctly
hints, at a number
of romantic situations.
Another “chick-flick”?
Well, yes and no. The film
lines out as a romcom with
bittersweet interpolation.
Lucy, an art gallery assistant,
assembles an exhibit
for souvenirs from past
romantic relationships
(emotional hoarder of
heartbreak memorabilia?)
after being dumped by her
boyfriend. In a one-two
punch, her boss not only
ended their relationship,
but fired her as well. She
now feels a kinship to Joe
Btfsplk, the sad sack character
in the comic strip “Li'l
Abner” who's burdened
with a perpetual rain cloud
over his head.
Memories of failed affairs
and the things that remind
Lucy of them begin to fade
with the encouragement of
her gal buddies who push
Lucy into reality. A chance
meeting with a
a cynical, aspiring hotel
owner who’s amused by
Lucy’s idea, inspires a solution.
Nick suggests Lucy
set up The Broken Heart
Gallery in the unfurnished
lounge of his hotel.
The screenplay is by
Natalie Krinsky, who also
debuts as a director, making
it a personal artistic
endeavor. Krinsky, who
has had creative input on
tv series “Grey’s Anatomy”
and “Gossip Girl” points
out, “This story is about
what we do with pain, what
we do with heartbreak.”
She continues, “It needs to
say something about the
way that we love each other
and the way that we experience
connections with
other people whether they
be romantic or platonic
relationships.”
Krinsky describes her
film as a funny love story
rather than the usual ‘romcom’
designation, because,
“Optimistically, you need to
root for two people to end
up together. Or, if you’re
super modern maybe three
people to end up together.”
Producer David Gross adds,
“Obviously, heart, emotion,
and then it obviously needs
to be funny and comedic.
Those are the ingredients
of a successful rom-com.
We grew up on a lot of
Nora Ephron comedies and
Richard Curtis comedies,
and we haven’t seen a romcom
in that vein in several
years. That’s what we’re
trying to aspire to with this
film.”
Previous screen appearences
have been in
support roles for Australian
actor and comedian Geraldine
Viswanathan (“Bad
Education” with Hugh
Jackman). Here, she embraces
the lead character
with charm, warmth and
outgoing dynamism. The
actor's hidden talents burst
forth, enticing viewers to
befriend her character.
Lucy’s vision of life attracted
Viswanathan to the
role. “Lucy is a celebrator
of life and happy moments
times, someone that I want
to be friends with. She’s got
a big heart and feels things
to the fullest.” Viswanathan
instills freshness to her onscreen
character. There is
no woe-is-me mindset that
backgrounds conventional
heartbreak and emotional
peril rom-com plots.
”The Broken Hearts Gallery”
is male friendly young
at heart “chick-flick” speckled
with engaging witty
dialogue. For marrieds, a
perceptive date movie to
rekindle young love memories.
An added assist to the
narrative is the contribution
from Broadway legend
Bernadette Peters, cast as
a cool, collected art scene
prima donna who adds an
amen with her verbal bon
mot, ‘Pain is inevitable – it’s
what you do with it that
counts.’
What you see onscreen
is pure fantasy, as uplifting
and fizzy as bubbles in
champagne. “The Broken
Hearts Gallery” is showing
in re-opened movie theatres.
Be guided by safety
standards imposed because
of the current pandemic.
BACKSTAGE BITS/
CINEMA SNIPPETS
In a rather daring thrust,
Mirvish Productions is
re-opening live theatre
scene with the international
premiere of “Blindness,”
on stage at the Princess of
Wales Theatre beginning
November 17. It will be the
first indoor theatrical presentation
in Toronto since
the pandemic shut down
of all legit houses. “Blindness,”
a socially distanced
sound installation,had its
world premiere in August
at the Donmar Warehouse
Theatre in London where it
received rave reviews.
Producer David Mirvish
says: “For the last six
months my staff and I have
been working diligently to
find a way to offer different
forms of theatre in environments
that are safe and
comfortable”.
The show runs 70-minutes
without an intermission.Each
performance
will be limited to 50 people
seated (socially distanced,
in pairs and singles) on the
immense stage of the Princess
of Wales Theatre (full
details at www.mirvish.
com).
***
Marge Champion, a
dancer and actor who
served as the real-life model
for Disney’s 1937 animated
classic “Snow White and
the Seven Dwarfs,” died
Oct. 21 at the age of 101.
She and husband, Gower,
also were acclaimed as
dance partners and choreographers
for Broadway
musicals, films and television
shows. They teamed
in multiple MGM musicals,
including the 1951 remake
of the classic “Show Boat”.
Gower died suddenly
at the age of 59 on August
25, 1980, just hours before
the Broadway opening
of his greatest success as
choreographer/director.
“42nd Street” ran for 3,486
performances.
***
Japanese director Kiyoshi
Kurosawa is noted for
horror genre films haunting
the cultural landscape of
his homeland.
His new cinema effort,
“Wife of a Spy,” winning
him the top directing award
at last month's Venice Film
Festival, will likely cause
a major stir at home. Set
during the Second World
War, the film touches on
the atrocities attributed to
the Imperial Forces, a controversial
blemish buried
in history, kept out of mind
and which Japanese society
attempts to erase. This is in
contrast to Germany which
has openly acknowledged
its Nazi past.
“Wife of a Spy,” receiving
favorable reviews, has
not had a North American
release announced yet.
Specializing in handcrafted bath bombs, natural
soaps, bath melts and salts. Our products are vegan
friendly, and ethically sourced. Perfect for Gift Giving!
We are excited to announce our NEW Refillery
Station! Bring in your own jars (or purchase one)
and fill them with our best selling products.
Gift Cards Available
777 Guelph Line in Burlington Centre
905.681.9948 burlapandtwine.ca

BURLINGTON
HOLIDAY, 2020 23
Photo by justaclick Photography
On behalf of the businesses of Downtown Burlington, it is my pleasure
to invite you to visit us and support local this holiday season.
If ever there is a place
that personifies the spirit
of shopping local it’s our
downtown Burlington
business community.
If ever there was a time
when “shop local” meant
the most it is now.
The face of our business
community might look a
little different now that
you’re back with us. We
have remained strong and
connected even when our
doors were closed and so
many of our long standing
businesses have re-imagined
and cautiously
reopened their doors.
Our eateries are open
with new layouts to ensure
your safety while enjoying
your favourite fine dining
or winter holiday fare.
Your favourite retailers
and personal services are
back with restored vigor
with goods and services
for every stocking. We’re
thrilled to see vibrancy
returning to our streets.
While our collective
pledge to put your safety
first has never wavered we
appreciate your patience
as we navigate this new
world day-by-day. With a
renewed focus to look out
for each other every step
of the way of your journey
downtown, we are eager
to get reacquainted
This season we are
extra excited to invite your
family Downtown to enjoy
the thousands of lights
that will guide your path!
We’re installing over 40,000
mini-lights in our public
spaces with Instagrammable
moments throughout
the core.
You will be warmly
welcomed by familiar
faces wherever you
wander downtown. And
we’re excited for you to
meet the faces behind the
new businesses that have
opened since you were
last downtown.
It’s all about shopping
safe.
It’s all about dining safe.
It’s all about visiting
safe.
And it’s all HERE…….in
Downtown Burlington.
BRIAN DEAN
Executive Director,
Burlington Downtown
Business Association
Burlington Lakeside
Festival of Lights -
Lighting up the waterfront
over the holiday season
Celebrating 25
Years of Holiday
Magic
Come share your holiday
spirits with family and
friends while strolling
through the 60 magical
lighting displays set up at
Spencer Smith Park from
November 27, 2020 to January
8, 2021.
Keep the community
tradition alive and visit the
Burlington Lakeside Festival
of Lights this year!

24 HOLIDAY, 2020 BURLINGTON
Photo by justaclick Photography
4 th Annual Festival of Trees
Nov 25, 2020 to Dec 22,
2020 | 440 Locust Street
http://www.burlingtonpac.ca
The Burlington Performing
Arts Centre’s 4th Annual
Festival of Trees will be
sparking yuletide joy in
patrons who visit BPAC
between Nov. 25th and
Dec. 22nd. Pre-lit artificial
Christmas trees, generously
donated by Canadian Tire
– Burlington Stores and
sponsored by local businesses,
will light up BPAC’s
Lobby for over 4 weeks
– until their silent auction
‘winners’ take them home
for the holidays.
BPAC’s Festival of Trees
Silent Auction
You have the chance to
take home one of 10 beautifully
decorated trees by
entering our Silent Auction.
Simply come to BPAC to
see the trees and place your
bid in our Silent Auction.
*** Tree bidding ends on
Monday, December 21 at
4pm. ***
Minimum Bid for Trees
– $10
All proceeds support
BPAC’s ‘Live & Local Artist
Development Initiative’
– no bid is too generous!
Winners will be announced
on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020.

BURLINGTON
HOLIDAY, 2020 25
Designers of Fine
Diamond Jewellery
Winners will be contacted
by email and/or phone.
Entrants must consent to
signing up for our mailing
list, (or confirm current
subscription) to be eligible.
All proceeds support
The Burlington Performing
Arts Centre’s ‘Live &
Local Artist Development
Initiative’, which provides
performance opportunities
and support for Burlington-based
artists.
Thank you to
our 2020 Tree
Sponsors
American Women’s Club of
Southern Ontario
BLR LLP Chartered Professional
Accountants
Tourism Burlington
The Cover Guy
Harmony Fine Jewellers
Laurel Steel
Mirella’s Ladies Boutique /
Forever Summer Swimsuits
& Beachwear / Bush’s Mens
Wear
Molinaro Group
PV&V Insurance Centre
Ltd.
Royal Botanical Gardens
399 Elizabeth Street, Unit 4 • Burlington • 905.637.2730
www.classicjewellery.ca
Spa in the Village has been offering
the very best in spa services and a
relaxing, luxurious environment for
over 30 years.
Our full service Day and Medi-Spa is
Eco-Friendly and uses
cruelty-free, vegan products.
Spa Packages are available
Our services include:
Massage • Facials • Manicures & Pedicures
• Hair Removal • Waxing
Our medi-spa treatments include:
Anti-Aging • Body Contouring
Tattoo Removal • Skin Rejuvenation
Pigmentation Correction and more!
A one of a kind shop offering unique
Canadian made and designed products
KID’S & ADULT APPAREL • JEWELLERY
HOME • BATH & BODY • PAPER FOODS
UNIQUE HANDMADE GIFTS
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
WE ARE
OFFERING
GOURMET
CHOCOLATES
WITH EVERY
GIFT CARD
PURCHASED
THIS HOLIDAY
SEASON
416 Pearl Street, Burlington
Village Square
905.333.1555
www.spainthevillage.ca
431 Pearl Street, Burlington | theartisanville.ca
@THE.ARTISANVILLE

26 HOLIDAY, 2020 BURLINGTON
Photo by justaclick Photography
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF MEMORIES
MADE IN BURLINGTON DOWNTOWN
Share your favourite memory of Downtown Burlington
for the chance to win a weekend staycation!
40 years ago, the small
business community in
our downtown core came
together to create the first
Burlington Downtown
Business Association
(BDBA). They wanted to
create a beautiful and
vibrant space that would
welcome patrons from
near and far to their shops,
restaurants and other
professional businesses.
And, that is exactly what
they did. Throughout the
last 40 years, Burlington
Downtown has become the
heartbeat of our city and
the backdrop for countless
memories for many residents
and visitors.
A lot has changed in 40
years, but some things have
very much stayed the same.
Even today, as we face
our biggest challenge yet,
the COVID-19 pandemic,
our business owners are
demonstrating their resilience,
creativity and unbridled
passion for their industries,
customers and clients.
This is a hard working and
passionate group who work
tirelessly everyday to bring
products and services to our
community.
The Burlington Downtown
Business Association
is inviting all residents
and business owners to
join them for a walk down
memory lane. To remember
the good times. The
celebrations. And the
milestone life events.
Maybe you got engaged
under the cherry blossoms
at Spencer Smith Park? Or
celebrated a special milestone
at one of our downtown
restaurants? Maybe
you saw your favourite
band at Sound of Music, or
started your first job at one
of our retailers? Perhaps
you remember cutting the
ribbon to open the doors of
your first business?
Please share your favourite
memory of Burlington
Downtown for a chance to
make even more memories
with one of 3 grand-prize
overnight visits to our
beautiful downtown core.
Here’s how it
works:
• Submit your short story
of a special memory or
something you love about
Burlington Downtown.
Photos are always encouraged
and may earn your
submission extra points
with our panel of judges.
• Three (3) grand prize
winners will be selected by
a panel of judges based on
creativity, originality and
sincerity.
Offering beautiful,
handcrafted gifts all
made by local artisans
Making the world a little sweeter
Handcrafted Artisan Chocolate | Artisan Chocolate Small Bites
Chocolate Fondue | Hot Chocolate | Soft Dipped Ice Cream
Seasonal Offerings | Gift Cards and Baskets
Our Saturday Outdoor Holiday Market
begins end of November through December
Saturdays with Artisans
60 Pearl Street, Burlington | 289.861.5633
thehandmadehouse.ca
@thehandmadehouseburlington
From decadent flavours and classic styles to more experimental inclusions,
we satisfy even the most discerning palettes and cravings using only the
best and most ethically sourced ingredients
Life is too short for ordinary chocolate!
389 John Street, Burlington
905.333.8833
170 Locke Street S., Hamilton
905.523.4648
info@lacremedelacremecreamery.com
lacremedelacremecreamery.ca

BURLINGTON
HOLIDAY, 2020 27
Elegant and Stylish
Swimsuits • Beachwear • Accessories • Loungewear
and NEW this season - Lifestyle Clothing
• Please note that
submissions may be used
as blogs and/or in future
marketing campaigns to
promote the downtown
community.
To qualify:
• All submissions must
be original and not written
by anyone other than the
person submitting
• Participants must be
residents of Halton with a
working email and over the
age of 18
• Stories must be 300
words minimum
• All submissions must
be submitted to events@
burlingtondowntown.ca by
December 15, 2020
Each of the 3 Grand
Prizes include:
• One (1) night stay at
the Waterfront Hotel (with
wine and chocolates upon
arrival)
• $100 gift certificate to
the Burlington Downtown
restaurant of the winner’s
choice
• Two (2) $50 gift
certificates to two
Burlington Downtown
retail shops of the
winner’s choice
For more information, contact:
Samantha Statham, Manager of Marketing & Events
samantha@burlingtondowntown.ca
Private Shopping Appts. Available
foreversummerswimsuits@bellnet.ca
Pick up and Delivery Available
389 Brant Street, Burlington, ON 905.333.8300
foreversummerswimsuits.ca
Tuesday - Friday 12 - 4 • Saturday 11 - 5
It’s Time
to Enjoy
The Block Co.!
Offering the best cheese, charcuterie, wine, and craft
beer. Bring your own board or purchase one from us
and have us build you one of the most delicious
charcuterie boards you will ever experience
Handmade silver jewellery, beautiful artisan glass,
tumbled stones, crystals, art, robot art glass, great
gift ideas, and much more.
Book your private experience with us in The Edison Room
to host your bubble of friends and family. Come and relax
and enjoy charcuterie, wine and fantastic craft beer!
See you at The Block!
395 John Street, Burlington • 289.337.9911 • www.theblockco.ca
393 John Street, Burlington, ON
647-675-2740 • agoramarketplace.ca
Monday - Friday 10am - 7pm Saturday 10am - 5pm

28 HOLIDAY, 2020 WESTDALE VILLAGE
Westdale village
Shop & dine
Small town service
Unique shops
Great gifts
Tis the season to show some local love
Great gift ideas for those in
your life who love to cook
A premium kitchenware boutique specializing
in professional quality cookware, bakeware,
barware, tableware, gifts, and accessories.
Gift Certificates available
1027 King St W. Hamilton |(905) 522-9398 |
www.casualgourmet.ca

WESTDALE VILLAGE
HOLIDAY, 2020 29
Westdale village
Show some local love
Free parking all December
Westdale village

30 HOLIDAY, 2020 HEALTH
Study shows a combination "polypill" could cut your risk of heart attack and stroke
BY MARK WAGHORN
SWNS REPORTER
Hamilton Ontario - There’s
good news for individuals
looking for an inexpensive
way to ensure a healthier
heart. A “wonderpill”
daily tablet containing
four medicines can almost
halve the risk of a heart
attack or stroke and save
milllions of lives, a study
shows.
The cheap polypill, costing
just pennies, is a cocktail
of three blood pressure
drugs and a lipid lowering
medication. When taken
with blood-thinning aspirin
it cut cardiac arrests
and brain hemorrhages
by 40 percent. “This is the
start of a transformational
approach to preventing
heart disease,” says in a
university release. “We
could save millions of
people from experiencing
serious heart disease
or stroke each year with
effective use of the polypill
and aspirin.
Coronary heart disease
and stroke are the top two
causes of death worldwide,
claiming about 18 million
lives a year. More than 40
million people are impacted
by cardiovascular
events each year, including
those who recover. Smoking,
obesity and doing
little exercise all increase
the risk of an unhealthy
heart.
“A polypill is not only
effective, it is likely to be
cost effective since it is
based on using commonly
used generic drugs,”
explains co-principal investigator
Prem Pais, of St
John’s Medical College and
Research Institute in Bangalore,
India. “A polypill
is convenient for patients
to use as it combines
several effective drugs in
a single pill and is taken
once a day, which would
be expected to improve
adherence.”
The study published in
The New England Journal
of Medicine involves 5,714
people from nine countries.
Male participants
were 50 or older and the
women 55 or older. They
were followed for an average
of around four and a
half years.
Participants who took
the polypill alone instead
of a placebo were 20 percent
less likely to suffer a
heart attack or stroke. Researchers
say the protection
double to 40 percent
among those who also
took an aspirin, compared
to peers who received two
dummy pills.
“In addition to stopping
smoking, the most
modifiable risk factors for
cardiovascular disease are
high blood pressure and
elevated cholesterol. So we
wanted to test a polypill
along with aspirin, which
has proven value in people
with established vascular
disease,” says Yusuf.
The polypill includes
40 mg of the cholesterol-reducing
statin, simvastatin.
The other drugs
were 100 mg of atenolol,
a beta blocker for high
blood pressure, 10 mg of
ramipril, also used for
hypertension, and 25mg
of a “water pill” or diuretic
called hydrochlorothiazide.
It can be combined
with 75 mg of aspirin a day.
“The results of the study
have implications for
reducing the burden of
cardiovascular diseases
globally,” says Pais. “Even
if only one third of eligible
people receive a polypill,
its use will likely avoid
millions of individuals
experiencing serious cardiovascular
diseases worldwide.
It also opens the way
for a community based
approach with health
workers working under a
physician’s supervision,
enabling the pill to reach a
large number of people.”
The biggest benefit was
seen in those who took the
polypill along with aspirin.
Only 4.1 percent experienced
a serious cardiovascular
event, compared to
5.8 percent of those who
had the double placebo.
Of those who took just the
polypill, 4.4 percent had a
heart attack, stroke, heart
surgery or died of cardiovascular
problems. That’s
compared to 5.5 percent
who took the placebo. But
this was more than twice
the protection offered by
aspirin, with incidence of
4.1 percent and 4.7 percent,
respectiveOf course,
millions of people regularly
take aspirin in the hope
it will stave off a heart
attack or stroke.
The polypill is already
available in India and in
a few countries in Africa.
There are different polypills
available in Europe,
South America and South
Korea, and new polypills
are being developed in
North America and China.
“The use of the polypill
widely will benefit people
in both the rich and poor
countries as there are
major gaps in treatments
in populations all over the
world,” says second author
Philip Joseph, a professor
at McMaster.
Adds John Cairns, a cardiology
expert and dean
emeritus at the University
of British Columbia: “We
have recognized for a long
time that primary prevention
is important in cutting
down heart attacks and
strokes. These researchers
have made a brilliant step
ahead, with the factorial
design testing the polypill
with and without aspirin,
and there is sufficient power
in the study to know the
results are very convincing,
particularly about the
use of the polypill along
with aspirin.”
Debunking common misperceptions
about Canada’s COVID Alert app
Countries around the
world are using apps to
help limit the spread of
COVID-19. While many
Canadians are using
Canada’s COVID Alert app,
others are holding out –
and it could be putting
your community at risk.
Here, we break down
some myths that may
be preventing you from
Have you tried Floatation Therapy yet?
BY STEVE PAGLIUSO
STILLWATER FLOAT CENTRE
Are you looking to manage
your pain and stress without
medication? Improve
your sleep? Increase creativity?
Or maybe you just
want to unplug from the
world for an hour or so and
relax and unwind? Then
float therapy might be an
option.
Floatation therapy, also
known as sensory deprivation
therapy, is the practice
of spending an hour
downloading the app.
Does it work?
Every day, whenever it
has an internet connection,
your phone will get
a list of random codes
from people who reported
a diagnosis. If it finds
codes that match, the app
notifies you that you may
have been exposed and
explains what to do next.
or more floating in a pod
that contains 10 inches of
constantly heated water
mixed with a 1000 pounds
of therapeutic grade Epsom
salt. The water is so buoyant
that you are floating instead
of sinking. All distractions
have been removed leaving
you in a peaceful state of
weightlessness.
What are the
benefits of Float
Therapy?
Physical Benefits:
• Deep Relaxation
The effectiveness of the
app depends on people
installing it and reporting
their diagnosis if they test
positive.
Is my privacy at
risk?
The app was built with
strong privacy protections
in place from the beginning.
It doesn’t use GPS or
track your location, and
• Theta Wave Production
• Increased Blood Circulation
• Increased Healing Ability
• Muscle Recovery
• Pain Management
• Increased Immune
Function
• Enhanced Athletic
Training
**Not to mention the
benefits it will have on your
skin.**
Mental Benefits:
• Stress Reduction
• Increased Creativity
it has no way of knowing
your name or address,
your phone's contacts,
your health information
or the health information
of anyone you're near.
Nobody will get any
information about you or
the time you were near
them. The app collects
random unidentifiable
codes that are only stored
• Increased Sensory
Acuity/Reaction Time
• Sleep Schedule Maintenance
• Euphoric Feeling
• Reduces Anxiety Levels
Stillwater Float Centre
is offering an incentive for
the holiday season. Check
them out in the Gift Guide
in this issue for details.
Located at 457 Plains Rd.
East in Burlington.
For more information
visit stillwaterfloat.ca or
call 2893373555
and used for the purpose
of notifying you, or others,
of possible COVID-19 exposure.
All random codes,
whether from your phone
or others, are deleted after
15 days.
Can I still use my
phone?
The app runs in the
background and will not
interrupt your activities,
so you can continue to
make calls, send texts and
use other apps. The app
simply uses Bluetooth
whenever your phone has
an internet connection to
exchange random codes
with nearby phones. It
works on Apple or Android
phones released
within the past five years.
Do I need to take
other precautions?
The app is just one part of
the public health effort to
limit the spread of COV-
ID-19. Always follow all
public health guidelines
in your area, including
wearing a mask or face
covering and staying two
metres apart from those
outside your bubble or social
circle. And remember,
the app doesn’t replace
medical advice. If you
get sick, follow your local
public health advice, contact
your doctor or other
health-care provider. (NC)
The Benefits of CBD
If there is anything the helps reduce pain, swelling,
fever and other symp-
year 2020 has taught us, it
is that our health should toms of tissue or organ inflammation.
Many clinical
be our first priority. With
all that has transpired in studies have shown that
the world our emotional,
mental and physical tolerated in humans and
CBD, the molecule is well
wellbeing has been put maintains a good safety
on the front lines of our profile. It has been shown
minds. We might be asking that neither abuse nor dependence
is demonstrated
ourselves now, is there
a natural approach to with long term use. In
deal with everyday stress, pre-clinical studies, CBD
anxiety and pain without shows potential therapeutic
effectiveness against
the side effects of pharmaceuticals?
Let us introduce a diverse assortment of
you to CBD, also known medical conditions. CBD
as Cannabidiol. CBD is a has been used as an antipsychotic
agent that helps
molecule extracted from
Hemp that carries the improve mental health, as
most magical of healing it acts as a natural anxiolytic
reducing anxiety and
properties you could only
dream of.
depression. It has been
CBD acts as an anti-inflammatory
agent that ic properties,
said to carry antiemet-
lessening
nausea and vomiting. Also
acting as an anticonvulsant,
helpful in reducing
and preventing seizures.
CBD has powerful antioxidant
properties aiding in
healing or reversing neurodegenerative
ailments and
delay the effects of aging.
Studies have shown that
CBD is useful in relieving
all kinds of pain including
headaches, muscle pain,
neuroglia, menstrual
cramps and all types of
inflammation. CBD helps
ease the symptoms of debilitating
chronic diseases
such as cancer, Alzheimer’s
disease, epilepsy, rheumatism,
Crohn’s disease,
diabetes and many others.
Interested in finding
your perfect solution
to everyday problems?
Bodega Wellness is just the
place you have to visit if
you are ready to immerse
yourself in the world of
all things that help you
grow into the best version
of yourself. Specializing
in all hemp derived CBD
products, the vast variety
of tincture and topical
applications will have
you amazed! Now that the
weather has changed and
winter is approaching,
our skin and our immune
system are more sensitive
than ever. From body
lotion to an assortment of
tincture options, to a face
serum or the perfect aqua
rosetto mist to keep the
dryness away, they've got
you covered. An environment
that is filled with the
most beautiful plants and
healing crystals right at
your fingertips. Visit your
local Bodega Wellness in
Hamilton or Burlington,
or check out their online
shop to browse a vast array
of CBD Hemp Derived
products.

NEWS HOLIDAY, 2020 31
Growing Outcry against plans to curb
powers of Conservation Authorities
Conservation Halton has
issued a news release and
background information
protesting plans by the
Ontario government to
implement changes that
would severely cut back
on powers and mandates
the Authorities currently
possess. In particular, the
proposed changes which
were contained in an
omnibus bill presented by
the government this month
would severely limit the
involvement of Conservation
authorities for various
development proposals
that would take place in the
watersheds overseen by the
Authorities. Under the new
rules projects that were being
held up by the Conservation
Authorities’ approval
process could be approved
via a ministerial order.
Another major change
would be to limit membership
on Conservation
Authority boards to sitting
members of the municipal
council, eliminating the
citizen members altogether.
Hamilton Conservation
Authority for instance, has
six citizen members and
only five councillors. Further,
instead of pledging to
act in the best interests of
the Conservation Authority
members now would be
required to “act honestly
and in good faith” and
that, particularly, members
appointed by participating
municipalities, “generally
act on behalf of their
respective municipalities”
Wrote Conservation
Halton, “This change is
contrary to the fiduciary responsibilities
of a corporate
body and undermines the
stated purpose of conservation
authorities to address
conservation matters
which transcend municipal
boundaries.”
This process got started
in April of 2019 when the
Ministry of Environment,
Conservation and Parks
(MECP) posted proposals
to amend the Conservation
Authorities Act with the
intent to help conservation
authorities focus and deliver
on their core mandate
and to improve governance.
Conservation Halton
says it “prepared submissions
on the changes to
the Act but it was passed
in June 2019 under Bill 108
with little consultation or
consideration for suggested
modifications.”
Further, the government
apparently engaged in a
secret stakeholder consultation
that did not involve
the Conservation Authorities.
CH says the talks “with
stakeholders were held in
the winter of 2020. The results
of those consultations
have not been made public.
The details of many of the
changes in Bill 108 were
left to forthcoming regulations.
Despite efforts by
Conservation Ontario and
individual CAs, MECP has
not been willing to engage
on the content of regulations.”
The Bay Observer
has contacted the ministry
asking the following:
1. What was the problem
or problems(s) that this
process was intended to
correct.
2. Reference is made to
extensive stakeholder consultation
which apparently
took place over the last
winter. Can we see the minutes
of those consultations,
who participated and any
staff report that might have
arisen from the consultation
process.
CH writes, “Changes to
section 2(1) of the Planning
Act specifically remove
conservation authorities
as public bodies under
the Act. By doing so, our
ability to appeal municipal
planning decisions or to
be a party to a planning
appeal is lost and we will
no longer be able to participate
in negotiated settlements.
This could result
in planning decisions that
fail to consider hazard risks
and for which CA permits
cannot be approved.
Planning approvals should
only be issued for development
that can be permitted
under CA regulations.”
Conservation Halton
is asking for a chance to
discuss the implications
of the proposed changes
with the Ministry and that
any changes be held in
abeyance until those discussions
can be held. The
letter was signed by Gerry
Smallegange, the Chair of
Conservation Halton and
the mayors of the four Halton
municipalities.
HHSF Partners with Burlington-based Canadian high-end fashion designer Joseph Tassoni to offer
non-medical face covering available for $15 online at hamiltonhealth.ca/masks or josephtassoni.com

32 HOLIDAY, 2020
Every year, millions of us
put up our Christmas trees,
hang up our stockings, and
wait for the Big Guy in Red
to sneak in at night and pile
up the presents. We tend
to stay inside more, cuddle
up in front of the fire, and
we feel safe.Unfortunately,
statistically a few hundred
North Americans will
spend Christmas huddling
around a fire truck
watching everything they
have — material goods
and memories — go up
in smoke. Others will be
injured by falling trees,
electrical shocks or carbon
monoxide poisoning.
Investing a few dollars and
a little time now can keep
your family and your home
safer this year.
If you have a real Christmas
tree, be sure that it’s
well supported. Keep it far
enough away from fireplaces
and other heat sources
that if it does topple over
it won’t come into contact
with them. Also be sure
to trim the bottom of the
trunk and keep it watered
— the humidity in winter is
much lower, which will dry
out your tree quickly, which
means it’s more susceptible
to fire.
When it comes to lights,
LED is the safest and most
efficient — double bonus.
You’ll want to avoid plugging
more than three sets
of lights into an extension
cord and don’t use power
bars. Check all wires and
connections for damage to
avoid arcing or overheating.
If you have a wood-burning
fireplace, don’t keep
combustibles in the area
and ensure there is a screen
or other device to keep
sparks and coals where
they belong. Make sure you
have good airflow up and
out the chimney. If your
dryer or bathroom fans
are running while you are
having a fire, you could be
causing negative pressure
in the house, which will
compete with the fireplace’s
fresh air supply. Be
sure the flue is open and
never use gasoline or any
other accelerant to light an
indoor fire.
Have your chimney
cleaned and inspected regularly
by a professional —
creosote buildup or cracks
in the pipe are huge fire
hazards. Look to Baeumler
Approved for a reputable
fireplace safety expert.
Don’t let kids play with fire
in the house, and make
sure it’s completely out and
cold to the touch before
closing the flue and going
to bed. knows where they
are and how to use them.
Another important item
to check is your dryer.
Have a look at the exterior
vent cover to make sure
it’s not blocked and be
sure to clean your lint trap
frequently. Lack of airflow
out the vent can cause
overheating, or in the case
of a gas dryer, a buildup of
dangerous gasses inside
your home.
If you don’t already
have them, install carbon
monoxide detectors in your
home. Carbon monoxide
is tasteless, odourless and
colourless and is called the
silent killer for a reason.
Any fuel burning appliance
or fireplace in your home
creates carbon monoxide,
which is why it’s so important
that all appliances
have an exhaust vented to
the outside that is intact
and not blocked by bird’s
nests, snow or other debris.
Wood burning fireplaces
should have a fresh
air intake vent, or should
not be operated without
a window open to allow
gases to escape up and out
of the chimney. Competing
exhaust fans or vents
can draw CO back into
the room, and leave you
susceptible to carbon
monoxide poisoning. In
low doses, CO can cause
headaches and shortness of
breath. Medium exposure
to CO can cause dizziness,
vomiting, confusion,
drowsiness or fainting, and
high exposures can cause
unconsciousness, brain
damage and death — all
before you see, smell or
taste anything.
If you have children, talk
to them about safety during
the holidays. Teach them
how to call 911 as well as
where to find and how
to use a fire extinguisher.
Come up with an escape
Bryan
Baeumler
plan in the event of fire and
practice it with them. Don’t
forget to designate a safe
meeting spot away from
the house!
As you’re preparing for
Santa, friends and feasts
this year, be sure to spend
some time on safety.
Prepare yourself to have
a safe and happy Christmas!
Baeumler Approved is a
program that helps homeowners
connect with contractors,
trades and home
service providers from all
across Canada. We help
homeowners know what to
look for, seek out and vouch
for a history of good service
by speaking with previous
clients and collaborators.
www.baeumlerapproved.com
for more information.
Bryan Baeumler, is a
Gemini Winner and host
of HGTV’s Island of Bryan ,
Bryan Inc., Leave it to Bryan,
Disaster DIY, Canada's
Handyman Challenge, and
House of Bryan. Based out
of Ontario, Bryan owns and
operates Baeumler Quality
Construction, a full service
construction and renovation
firm. His network
of contractors and home
service providers Baeumler
Approved, helps homeowners
connect with quality
companies across Canada.
For more information visit
bryanbaeumler.com.
Keep your home fresh
With the chill in the air,
furnaces are on and windows
are closed for the next few
months. But this can lead to
dry, stale air inside the home.
Here are some ways you can
reduce dry skin and irritated
airways without getting fresh
air from outside.
Keep fabrics clean.
Ensure a clean environment
at home, especially
in the rooms where you
spend the most time.
Sheets, blankets, pillows,
rugs – all these fabrics are
perfect allergen collectors.
Wash them regularly and
try to avoid down-filled
duvets and pillows, especially
if you are an allergy
sufferer.
Keep pets out of the
bedroom. Even though it’s
winter and you want to
get cozy with your furry
friend, pet dander can
wreak serious havoc on
your body when you’re
sleeping. To help with the
transition, set up a sleeping
area with toys and other
items your pet likes, so you
can feel confident they’re
comfortable without you.
Reduce use of harsh, smelly
chemicals. All winter, our
houses are closed, which
means anything with a
harsh chemical smell can’t
escape and we’re subjecting
our airways to it.
Experiment with all-natural
cleaning products including
white vinegar, lemon
and baking soda. Humidify
your air. To keep the air in
your house fresh, consider
purchasing a humidifier.
The Philips Humidifier
Series 2000 has evaporative
technology that spreads 99
per cent less bacteria compared
to leading ultrasonic
humidifiers. Plus, the 360°
design evenly distributes
humidified air throughout
the room, making it the perfect
solution for dry, stuffy
air in your home.
Set your home up for a cozy winter
One of the best things
about winter is coming inside
from the frigid weather
to a cozy and welcoming
environment. To make
your home a space where
you’ll want to hibernate
all season long, check out
these tips.
Add layers of lighting.
Our winters can be long
and cold, so take steps to
make sure your refuge is
toasty warm and inviting.
Swap out cool, white
lightbulbs for warm ones
and place plenty of light
fixtures at various heights
throughout your home.
Think reading lamps, wall
sconces and pendant
lights. If you have a fireplace,
make sure it’s clean
and safe to use for natural
lighting and warmth. You
can also pepper your home
with candles in comforting
seasonal scents like fresh
pine or cinnamon.
Create cozy nooks.
Whether it’s in your bedroom,
living room or study,
set up spaces that make
you want to curl up for a relaxing
evening. Try making
a little reading nook in your
bay window where you
can dive into a good read
while pausing to watch the
snow fall. If you love board
games or puzzles, set up
a dedicated table on the
side of your living or family
room, and you can leave
them out so you can return
whenever you like without
worrying about tidying up.
Warm up with textiles.
What’s better at this time
of year than snuggling up
with a fluffy pillow and
blanket? Down isn’t just
for the bed anymore, and
there are lots of stylish (and
Canadian) options that are
a great addition to warm up
any room in your household.
For the most warmth
and best insulation, choose
high-quality down products
that keep warmth in
and cold out. Look for the
Downmark label, which
certifies a product is Canadian
made and ethically
sourced, an important
feature for today’s savvy
consumer. Find more information
at downmark.org.
HOME • GARDEN • COTTAGE
Unique furniture, accessories & collections for your home,
garden & cottage, featuring re-purposed and renewed Vintage Canadian,
Industrial & Rustic furniture
289.238.8618 • 43 Cootes Drive, Dundas • grahamandbrooks.com

HOLIDAY, 2020 33
2289 Fairview Street,
Suite 320
Burlington, Ontario
9 0 5 . 3 3 3 . 4 6 4 4
w w w . f a i r h o m e . c a
FULL INTERIOR DECORATING, CUSTOM WINDOW COVERINGS, FURNITURE & REUPHOLSTERY SERVICES
Tips for winterizing your home
Winter can bring icy winds,
frigid temperatures and
unwanted critters into your
home. Fortunately, by taking
the following preventative
measures before the
big freeze, you can better
fight the critters and cold
while saving on energy bills
and costly repairs down the
line.
1. Seal windows
and doors.
Small cracks and gaps
between window frames
and doors can allow water,
insects and cold air to
creep inside. Protect your
home by replacing worn
exterior caulk with new
weatherproof sealant,
installing weatherstripping
tape around the interior of
windows, and placing draft
guards under doors to keep
heat from escaping.
2. Clean your
furnace filter.
Dirty filters mean your
furnace has to work harder.
Regularly changing the
filters in your central air
and heating system can
significantly improve its
efficiency and longevity,
while easing the pressure
on your wallet. In most
homes, filters should be
changed monthly throughout
the heating season.
Additionally, have your
furnace serviced annually
to make sure it is working
properly.
3. Install CO
alarms.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is
a colourless, odourless gas
that is responsible for hundreds
of deaths each year,
with incidents spiking during
winter when we crank
up the heat. The only way
to detect this poisonous
gas is with an alarm. Yet, a
survey revealed over half
of Canadians do not have
CO alarms in their homes.
For convenient protection,
install alarms with a 10-
year sealed battery, like the
digital tabletop model from
First Alert, which eliminate
the need to replace the
batteries fora decade.
4. Protect your
pipes.
Frozen pipes can burst and
cost a fortune to replace.
Locate pipes in your home
that pass through unheated
areas like crawlspaces and
insulate them with foam
rubber sleeves. In extreme
cases, put heating tape on
first to ensure that the pipe
does not freeze. Also, locate
your home’s water shut-off
valve so you can shut off
the water quickly if a pipe
does burst. (NC)
Find more home tips at
firstalert.ca.
All of us at The Door Dudes send our very
best wishes for a happy holiday season
Comfort and joy: Designer-approved
colours to beat the winter blues
With limited daylight,
freezing temperatures and
cloudy skies, it’s easy to feel
the winter blues. That’s why
now is the perfect time to
inject warmth and optimism
into your home with
uplifting colour.
To bring comfort and joy
into your home check out
these tips for elevating your
décor and your mood from
Sharon Grech, Benjamin
Moore colour and design
expert.
Uplift your mood
with colour
Make your home a space
for restoration, revitalization
and rejuvenation by
drawing from a palette of
sunbaked hues that will
imbue your home with
warmth and light – even
when snow is falling outside.
“Although dark colours
can be cozy for winter, I
think this is a time of year
we all need extra light and
brightness in our homes,”
explains Grech. “Choose
tints or shades of yellow
and terracotta to bring
warmth and a summertime
feel.”
Don’t want to commit to
colour in a whole room?
“Painting an accent wall is
an easy weekend project
that has the power to
transform your space, and
Aura interior paint helps
you achieve professional
results at home so you can
get back to enjoying your
holiday festivities in style.”
Warm up with
neutrals
Committed to a neutral
palette? Consider moving
away from cooler shades
and opting for neutrals
with a warm undertone to
help balance the stormy
skies outside. Favourite
warm neutrals from Benjamin
Moore include Atrium
White OC-145, Muslin OC-
12 and Pashmina AF-100.
“Choosing the right
undertones is key to loving
your paint colour. But
warm neutrals don’t have to
be beige, consider a rosyhued
undertone like Foggy
Morning 2106-70. It flatters
the skin, looks beautiful
in limited light and adds
a sense of comfort to any
space,” says Grech.
To add even more
warmth and comfort to
your space, pull inspiration
from your warm neutral
palette by introducing
throw blankets, rugs and
accent pillows made from
natural fibres. (NC)
3245 Harvester Road, Unit #16
Burlington, ON
Monday-Friday 9:00 - 5:00
Saturday 10:00 - 3:00
Offering the Finest Quality
Windows and Doors Since 1988
• Windows of All Styles • Residential Doors in Steel,
Wood or Fiberglass • Patio Doors • Garage Doors
Visit our showroom to view our complete selection
905-333-6705 • Toll Free 1-800-651-5131
www.thedoordudes.com

34 HOLIDAY, 2020 BUSINESS
Concrete shortage could impact Ontario construction
Its just another COVID
impact that nobody saw
coming. Without concrete
there would be almost no
construction anywhere,
and Concrete Ontario,
representing ready-mix
concrete suppliers in
the province is warning
contractors that readymix
concrete and cement
shortages are likely this fall
because of COVID-19.
In a bulletin, the association
says pressures from
the pandemic will “likely
continue to impact the
supply of concrete for the
foreseeable future.”
“To mitigate the potential
effects of shortages
and service interruptions,
everyone in the supply
chain should significantly
advance their planning
and preparation to ensure
a stable supply of concrete
and their ability to meet
the increased demand,”
the notice says.
Concrete Ontario says
ready-mix producers’
“well-established business
processes, systems and facilities
are under increased
strain” because:
The economic shutdown
in the spring and
early summer, as well
as the restrictions of the
emergency orders, placed
unusual pressure on
supply chains and cement
inventories;
Because of business’s
seasonal nature, there is
traditionally a rush on
concrete supplies as contractors
try to get projects
going before the freeze.
Pent-up demand as a
result of jobsites that were
deemed non-essential
having to postpone their
projects, leading to an
unexpected increase and
resurgence in construction
activity, causing record
high demand for concrete.
Favourable fall weather
conditions, such as mild
temperatures and long
periods without rain, have
created ideal concreting
conditions which impede
the cement industry’s
ability to replenish their
inventory.
Concrete Ontario advises
ready-mix producers
to advise clients that they
should plan their orders
well in advance – and
place orders seven to days
ahead of scheduled pour
dates to deal with the
shortages of cement, slag
and concrete.
Producers should “establish
and communicate realistic
timelines to manage
customer expectations so
you can continue to supply
your customer projects
with minimum delays,”
Concrete Ontario says.
COVID had no effect on Canadian grain shipments
Canadian grain shipments
through the St. Lawrence
Seaway topped 6.2
million tonnes at the end
of September, maintaining
its 20 per cent increase over
the 2019 season, according
to the latest results. While
the grain rush has helped
lift cargo totals, Great
Lakes-Seaway shipping
also reported decreases
in commodities related to
steel production, and the
energy and construction
sectors. The Port of Hamilton,
meanwhile is weathering
the storm better than
expected.
“In a year of many ups
and downs, we’re pleased
to see grain exports perform
remarkably well,” said
Terence Bowles, President
and CEO of The St. Lawrence
Seaway Management
Corporation. “The new
Prairie wheat and canola
crops have been arriving by
rail over the past few weeks
at the Port of Thunder Bay
and the Ontario soybean
harvest is now underway.
We anticipate strong grain
shipments will continue for
the remainder of the year.”
Overall Seaway cargo
shipments (from April 1
to September 30) totaled
23.2 million tonnes, down
8 per cent. The pandemic
continues to impact yearto-date
shipments of iron
ore (down 20.6%), dry bulk
(down 12.6%) and liquid
bulk (down 27.4%).
The Port of Thunder Bay
reported that grain shipments
up to the end of September
totaled 5.97 million
metric tons, an increase of
23 per cent over the same
period in 2019.
“Grain shipments at the
port have been up every
month this season to meet
world demand for bread
and pasta. All of that grain
was from last year’s Prairie
crops,” said Tim Heney,
President and CEO of
Thunder Bay Port Authority.
“We now have more than
500,000 metric tons from
the new harvest in storage
waiting to get shipped out
on vessels. Rail car unloads
at the port over the
last weeks continue to be
significantly up compared
to 2019. We have a busy fall
ahead of us.”
September has given the
Hamilton-Oshawa Port
Authority plenty of reasons
to smile. As of Sept. 30th,
the Port of Hamilton’s total
cargo was up 15 per cent
over the same month in
2019. Its year-to-date totals
for grain, fertilizer, salt,
coke, and gypsum have
also increased significantly
from the prior year. Though
the year-to-date overall
cargo total for the Port of
Hamilton is still 13 per cent
less than 2019’s total, the
gap is shrinking. (Back in
August, it was down 18 per
cent.)
Across the lake, the Port
of Oshawa has defied the
odds – as its year-to-date
tonnage total is up 15
per cent, led by steel and
cement cargo, despite
COVID-19.
“This summer we were
bracing ourselves for a
significant drop in results,
as all types of cargo were
being affected,” said Ian
Hamilton, President & CEO
of HOPA Ports. “Though
it’s still early, we’re quite
pleased to see the trend
reversing. This pandemic
may have changed how
we work, but we’ve never
stopped – the integrity
of our supply chains has
been maintained and at
this moment, there’s more
than $21 million worth
of construction projects
on the go at the Port of
Hamilton. That’s the most
we’ve ever had going on at
one time.”
Hamilton’s Heddle Shipyards lands big contract
Premier Doug Ford, Economic
Development Minister
Vic Fideli, Finance
Minister Rod Philipps and
Flamborough-Glanbrook
MPP Donna Skelly were on
hand in Hamilton today
to congratulate Heddle
Shipyards on their new
long-term agreement with
Vancouver-based shipyard
Seaspan to fabricate Ontario-made
ship components
under the National
Shipbuilding Strategy. The
Joint Support Ship (JSS)
project will deliver two
new ships, as outlined in
Strong, Secured, Engaged,
Canada’s defence policy.
These Joint Support Ships
are being built for the
RCN under the National
Shipbuilding Strategy and
will replace the auxiliary
oiler replenishment (AOR)
vessels that reached the
end of their operational
lives..
“I want to congratulate
Heddle Shipyards on this
long-term agreement, as it
cements Ontario’s position
as one of the best places
in the country for major
manufacturers to compete,
succeed, and grow,”
said Premier Ford. “This
historic partnership with
Seaspan will create highly
skilled, well-paying jobs
in communities across the
province, contribute to the
construction of quality,
Ontario-made components
for these ships, and reinforce
Hamilton’s status as a
critical transportation hub
in the province.”
Shipbuilding in Canada
has tended to be a closed
shop with contracts being
sole-sourced in many cases,
especially to Quebec based
shipbuilders. Shaun Padulo,
President of Heddle Shipyards,
credited Premier Ford
with advocating for the Ontario
shipbuilding industry
which has struggled in past.
Over the next decade,
Heddle Shipyards will be
the primary supplier for
ladders, gratings and handrails
for the JSS 1 (currently
under construction), JSS
2, and an Offshore Oceanographic
Science Vessel.
These components will
be manufactured at their
facilities in Hamilton, St.
Catharine’s, and Thunder
Bay, creating jobs across
Ontario’s advanced manufacturing
supply chain.
These projects will generate
tens of millions of dollars
in economic activity in
Ontario, employ at least
50 workers, and create the
potential for additional
opportunities, such as supplying
larger ship modules
in the future.
Seaspan and Heddle have
also partnered to bid on the
construction of the Polar
Icebreaker for the Canadian
Coast Guard. If won, Heddle
will support the construction
through its modular
fabrication program.
“The contract signed
by Heddle Shipyards is a
tremendous opportunity for
workers in Hamilton and
the surrounding region,”
said Flamborough-Glanbrook
MPP Skelly. “It will
also help revitalize the
shipbuilding industry in
Ontario.”

THE BACK PAGE
HOLIDAY, 2020 35