A first for the city: a heated bus shelter - paid for by a seniors group

eventsred 100x100By Pepper Parr

December 7th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Why the city could not say they were grateful for the initiative and the money that the Burlington Seniors’ Community Initiatives (BSCI) put up to refurbish a bus shelter and install the fittings to make it heated is hard to understand.

What we got was notice of a photo opportunity where the Ward Councillor, perhaps even the Mayor, will strut their stuff and talk about the how great the city is.

The Burlington leadership team, referred to as the BLT, will also be on hand for the photo op.

The people who raised the money were at one time the operators of many of the services that were provided at the Seniors Centre.

The Bistro, the heart of the Seniors'entre and the focal point for many of the administrative problems. The new agreement with the city didn't resolve this problem but they have agreed to give it a year to come up with a solution that works for everyone.

The Bistro, the heart of the Seniors’ Centre. 

The Bistro, which is a very profitable operation, was an idea the seniors came up with.

They were unceremoniously pushed out when the City Manager at the time sent one of his threatening letters telling them their time had come to an end.

There is a reason for the bus shelter being across the street from the entrance to the seniors’ shelter where the bus could pull up – no one has said just what that reason is.

Hopefully the recognition of Burlington Seniors’ Community Initiatives contribution towards the purchase and installation of the City of Burlington’s first heated transit shelter is full-throated and heartfelt.  Not a lot of respect of the one group for the other.

Will there come a time when the seniors get to have more direct involvement in their affairs?

Carr + MAyor at BSCI

Regional Chair Gary Carr getting a workout on a piece of equipment while Mayor Meed Ward does her Hallelujah while peddling away on equipment paid for by a senior citizen group.

BSCI put up the money for the sports equipment at Burloak Park; they recently put $5000 into the Meal Bag program at Wellington Square and paid for some much needed PPE at another church – the Baptist church got funds to do an upgrade of their kitchen.

Hopefully some of that remarkable history will get a mention at the photo op on Friday: 1:15 pm at Transit Stop 45 on Burlington Teen Tour Band Way.

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