 By Staff
September 11th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The data and the insights are courtesy of the Rocca Team – a leading Burlington real estate company.
During the month of August, we saw sale prices rise over 20% as compared to August 2019. Remarkably, sales were also up, over 39% and of course days on market were down, by just over 43%. During the month of August 2020, almost ⅔’s of the sales were for the asking price or more. Considerably more!
Just under 20 properties sold for more than 10% over the asking price. Inventory levels remain very low but only because demand is so strong. In August 2016, one of the strongest August’s on record, we saw 131 sales as compared to 219 in August 2020 – that’s a 67% increase!
At the end of August 2016 we had fewer active listings – 163 as compared to 185 in 2020 or, a 13% increase. In short, we would need at least 50% more active listings then we had at the end of August to be on even footing with one of the strongest fall markets ever experienced in the Burlington market!.
What Does This Mean?
August has historically been the second-slowest month of the year, second only to December but in 2020, it turned out to be more like our May – felt more like a spring market than a dead heat summer market. Things have not changed much since July – still extremely overheated in all of our trading areas and no end in sight.
The Federal government continues to support those that have been adversely affected by the pandemic – renters – both commercial and residential, mortgagees, by allowing deferrals and by providing a continuous income stream to individuals that have lost their jobs. Once all of this assistance comes to an end we are certain there will be an impact on the housing market. We do not, however, believe it will be significant enough to erode property values significantly. We expect that the market will cool in late fall or early 2021 but we don’t expect it to freeze!
Condominium market
Sale prices in August slipped slightly, by 2.5% as compared to August 2019. The more important number, however, is price per square foot and in August of 2020 it was $540.00, up just over 7% from August 2019.
Sales were up in August, by 25% and days on market were down by 25% to 24 as compared to August 2019. Inventory levels at the end of August suggested a tight market, favouring the seller but demand was definitely nowhere nearly as strong as we saw in the freehold market.
During the month of August 2020, condo apartments sold for 99.87% of the asking price, on average.
 By Staff
September 11th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
NOTICE TO PUBLIC
REGARDING PROVINCIAL OFFENCES ACT MATTERS
Revised September 2, 2020
All in-person Provincial Offences Act matters (e.g., traffic tickets and offences under provincial legislation) scheduled until October 16, 2020 will be rescheduled. Do not attend court.
 If you were planning on going to court – the date will have been changed. All in-person Provincial Offences Act (POA) matters scheduled from Monday, March 16, 2020 through to and including Friday, October 16, 2020 will be adjourned and rescheduled to a later date. If you have a matter scheduled during this time, do not attend court. This applies to all POA courts in Ontario.
A notice of your new court date will be sent to you by mail to the address on file with the court. For more information, please contact your local Provincial Offences court.
Contact information for all municipal courts is available here: https://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/courts/Court_Addresses/poa/
Updated information about court proceedings at the Ontario Court of Justice can be found on the Court’s website at https://www.ontariocourts.ca/ocj/.
On August 20, 2020 the Ontario government announced that the limitation periods order under the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020 suspending any time limitations setting out the commencement of POA proceedings will end on September 13, 2020.
Therefore, the following POA limitation periods will resume running on September 14, 2020 including:
• Time for provincial offences officers to file a certificate of offence or parking infraction;
• Time for defendants to file notices of intention to appear;
• Time at which a fine goes into default and may be subject to enforcement; and
• Time for appeals.
Please be advised that the Chief Justice has made a subsequent order pursuant to s. 85 extending certain timelines for the Ontario Court of Justice under the Provincial Offences Act until December 1, 2020.
A copy of the order is available on the Ontario Court of Justice website.
 By Staff
September 11th,2020
BURLINGTON, ON
This one is a little on the complex side.
The Regional Police have signed on to a web site that will aid them in finding people who are lost and help people who are lost in getting found.
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) announced a new partnership with What3Words. They are one of the first police services in the country to adopt this potentially lifesaving technology and is confident that this new program will help reduce response times.
The service is called – What3words – described as an easy way to communicate an exact location. This is done by dividing the world into 3 metre squares and assigning each square a unique combination of three words.
We did say it is complex.
For example, the what3words address of the HRPS Headquarters’ front entrance is Erupt.Venomous.Linear.
Using the app, callers can communicate their precise location to call takers at the HRPS. If they do not have the app, the HRPS can send callers a text message that will identify their location and unique what3word address. HRPS communicators can then direct officers to the exact location of the caller.
 It is complex – but if it works – it could be great. “This technology could be especially helpful in situations where people have become lost hiking, or have driven off the road and are trapped in a vehicle and don’t know where they are” says Staff Sergeant Stephanie Jamieson, Communications Bureau.
“We think this will also help immensely along the 325 square kilometres of Lake Ontario policed by the HRPS Marine Unit. Boaters can become stranded or lost and struggle to communicate their location to police.”
This program is far more precise than a traditional cell phone ‘ping’ often used by emergency services.
The HRPS will begin using this technology effective immediately.
The app is available for free on iOS and Android or via the online map at what3words.com. It’s also available in more than 40 languages.
The app also works offline, making it ideal for use in rural areas of Halton that may have poor or unreliable data signal.
For more information a video on how the program works can be found HERE.
 By Pepper Parr
September 11th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Where do you find the time to complete a survey the Ministry of Transportation has sent out on long-term transportation planning for the Greater Golden Horseshoe?
The results of the survey will help inform and guide highway and transit investment from today to the year 2051. Gathering input directly from communities is part of the government’s commitment to develop regional transportation plans that reflect local needs and priorities.
 “We’ve received great feedback as we develop this transportation plan and are encouraging even more people to participate in helping to shape the future of transportation in the Greater Golden Horseshoe,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “This survey is incredibly important. We need the community to take part in order to build a high functioning and efficient transportation system that will keep families and the economy of the Greater Golden Horseshoe moving.”
The survey is the latest step in continued engagement with the general public, municipal and freight stakeholders, businesses and Indigenous communities. A summary of the survey findings will be produced by the Ministry of Transportation and posted on the Greater Golden Horseshoe transportation plan web page.
Link to the survey is HERE
The survey’s closing date is October 26, 2020.
By Pepper Parr
September 11th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
There are a couple of commercial operations in the Burlington Heights Plaza, it’s at the intersection of Guelph Line and Upper Middle Road.
They deal in used clothing and toys – mostly for children.
People show up with items they want to sell – sometime the commercial establishments buy what is offered – on occasion they will explain there is no market for what is being offered.
The seller will leave, disappointed – but such is life.
Unfortunately – a problem crops up with what is done with the items that were not sold.
 Unsightly for sure. Why are all the bags of clothing left on the ground. Are the bins full. The merchants at Burlington Heights might want to collaborate and get this mess cleaned up. A Gazette reader and his wife sent us a note saying: “…the very lazy habit of dumping trash beside charity bin has finally got my goat…”
Not only is the dumping illegal but really disgusting from a visible view point. What I feel is happening at these particular bins is a result of folks bringing all sorts of stuff to two stores in the Food Basics plaza on Guelph line.
When the store(s) do not wish to buy their stuff…bingo, they dump this junk at the bins….how convenient for them…out of sight …out of mind.
If they acted just a little bit more responsibly, they could off load much of their stuff at Value Village or the Salvation Army where much of it could possibly be recycled…or at least disposed of responsibly.
We don’t know who is dumping the clothing – but we do know the commercial operators – might they ask people who they do not buy from to take what they wanted to sell to Value Village or the Salvation Army and not dump it in the bins on the site?
A final thought – were the bins just full and there was no place to leave the donation someone wanted to make other than on the ground ?
Did our reader call the company that put the bins in place?
 By Pepper Parr
September 11th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Saying that “The Premier and our government made a promise to parents, that we would ensure that they would have access to the same information that we have.” the province created a web site that will report on the most up-to-date COVID-19 information available, including a summary of cases in schools and licensed child care centres and agencies.
If a COVID-19 case is confirmed at a school it will be posted to the web site. Data is current as of 2:00 pm the previous day.
Click HERE for the web site.
Set out below is what one of the pages on the web site looks like.
By Pepper Parr
September 11th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The taxpayers of Burlington can now get a peek at what Mayor Marianne Meed Ward has planned for a week.
This is a new feature coming out of the Mayor’s communications department.
It is described as “a regular and predictable communication of my high-level meetings, media engagements, events and regular communications”.
 An example of what the Mayor is providing is HERE.
Look at the September 9th entry for Clearwater Development Discussion entry. Was that meeting with the developer, who has revised the plan for two medium rise buildings in what is a single dwelling community or with the ward Councillor: who was involved in that meeting? This particular development is of serious concern to a number of people in the community.
One wonders if this weekly peek is being put in place rather than a Registry that has been proposed by ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns.
A Registry is a list of the people that an elected official meets with on city business.
A Registry entry would set out the name of the person the Mayor or Councillor met with, the company they represented, the business that was discussed and the length of time the meeting lasted.
There are a lot of people who want to do business with the city of Burlington. Many think that the Mayor can serve their interests well and they look for an opportunity to meet with and impress the Mayor. Never hurts to have friends in high places.
A former Mayor of Burlington once told me “anything that happens in the city comes through the office of the Mayor”. A Registry is a much more disciplined document and in some municipalities there are penalties for not complying with keeping an accurate and timely Registry – no noting that you met with someone three months ago.
During the presentation of a development by a large corporation at a public meeting the senior officer of a much smaller development organization approached a Councillor who was elected for the first time in 2018. It was a very casual meeting, lasted just a few minutes during which a business card was presented. I would bet dollars to donuts that there was a follow up meeting.
And there is nothing wrong with that – but, when public money is involved – you note the event.
This is a good and commendable effort. More detail would make it what the public is entitled to.
By Pepper Parr
September 10th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
A statement came out of the Mayor’s office on Wednesday commenting on an appeal that had been made by a developer that was before LPAT – the Local Planning Act Tribunal.
The development was the one First Capital had for the Appleby Mall where they wanted to build two towers – one 17 storeys and the other 12 storeys that were going to be very close to the Pinedale Street sidewalk.
In the Statement the Mayor said:
At the City Council meeting on Aug. 24, 2020, Burlington City Council approved the recommendation to accept an offer to settle the issues in dispute between First Capital (Appleby) Corporation and the City with respect to First Capital’s appeal currently before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT).
The settlement between the City and First Capital resolves the issues in dispute between the City and First Capital on the basis that First Capital and the City will seek LPAT approval of a revised development concept for the property at 5111 New St. The City and First Capital will request the LPAT withhold a final order approving the development until the City and First Capital are satisfied with technical studies that are required to support the revised development concept.
 The rendering of what was proposed at the first round of plans for the project. while the structures have a brutish look to them – they are quite close to towers that are not much lower less than a block away. The revised development concept proposes 368 dwelling units in both apartment and townhouse forms located on a portion of the site of the former Appleby Mall that currently contains a parking area adjacent to existing retail/commercial uses. The revised development concept reduces the building heights of the original proposal from 12 and 17 storeys, down to a 9 storey and two 12 storey buildings that follow the Official Plan. The revised development concept also: increases setbacks from Pinedale Avenue; reorients and redesigns the buildings to achieve compliance with the City’s Urban Design Guidelines; introduces townhouse units at the base of the buildings; and provides enhanced landscaping, among other things.
Nice bit of news for which council is prepared to take most of the credit. In the Statement there are congratulatory comments from the Mayor and the ward Councillor about some help from a community organization.
 Configuration of the new residential buildings went through a number of changes. At one point they were going to face Appleby. The large shape middle right is the Fortinos location along with a number of commercial retail units. The City and First Capital will attend at the LPAT hearing scheduled to commence on Oct. 26, 2020 to seek approval of the Official Plan amendment, Zoning Bylaw amendment and revised development concept by the LPAT.
That is not the full story.
The proposed development goes back to the flooding that took place in the east end of the city in 2014.
First Capital was doing a major re-development that changed most of the property allowing for some intensification.
During the flood it was learned that there were serious problems with the storm water management infrastructure that required the Region to do serious upgrades that put the development on hold for a number of years.
During that time people in the community began to organize and oppose the development
END of part 1.
By Staff
September 9th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
With Public Health saying holding an event with up to 50 people was now legit Tammy Fox, Executive Director at the Performing Arts Centre has released her fall season program.
Abbreviated as it is – it is a welcome step forward.
That 50 people rule means that there will be no more than 50 people in the theater – they will be masked and spread out so that the six foot separation measure is met.
 Tammy Fox is thrilled – she wants her patrons to return and has a solid program in place. Tammy is thrilled – as well she should be. She has been stuck at home pushing paper and working the telephone. Tammy Fox is a people person – she needs interaction with people.
The Fall line-up of incredible live entertainment options to lift the community’s spirits in these unprecedented times is part of why the program was put together.
“As a facility, BPAC is perfectly positioned to welcome back audiences with patron safety at the forefront; with its spacious Lobby, increased ventilation, physical-distancing ticketing system and additional health and safety measures to put theatregoers’ minds at ease.
“Many presenters have pivoted to exploring online content offerings and virtual performances, and while BPAC is also considering live streaming options, the organization believes that there really is no replacement for the experience of live entertainment in engaging the community and in supporting Canadian artists.
“All patrons must wear a mask, hand sanitize upon entry and maintain social distancing outside of their social circle. Patrons are expected to self-screen, and of course to stay at home if experiencing COVID-related symptoms or if suspecting recent exposure to the virus. Health and safety measures are also being implemented backstage to protect artists, and throughout the venue to protect staff and volunteers.
Most performances will be 70-75 minutes in length, and while the Lobby bar will remain open for one hour prior to each performance, intermissions have been suspended in most cases in order to reduce the risk of overcrowding in the Lobby.
 Sandy Horne – one of The Spoons. Kicking off the Fall line-up is an intimate evening with Burlington’s own THE SPOONS on Friday, October 2nd and Saturday, October 3rd at 8pm, performing as an acoustic duo.
Canadian pop superstar CHANTAL KREVIAZUK will be presented over a three-evening period from October 8th to 10th. “We all have a need to connect so badly right now and there is no better way than through the music. If we can do this safely, I am thrilled and well, to be fair to my kids, they could use a break from their mother!” says Chantal.
 Gord Downie. BPAC’s annual Cultural Diversity Festival will begin with its yearly fundraising performance LEGACY: A Tribute to Gord Downie in support of the Downie-Wenjack Fund, featuring Hamilton native TOM WILSON, Indigenous duo TWIN FLAMES, and more, on Thursday, October 15th and Friday, October 16th.
On October 17th and 18th audiences will be treated to BENEATH SPRINGHILL: The Maurice Ruddick Story, about the racial tensions that surfaced in a rural community as a result of a mining disaster, written and performed by Stratford actor Beau Dixon, who seamlessly plays 10 vivid characters. BPAC will also present four performances of DRAG QUEEN MUSIC BINGO with Fluffy Soufflé – each one featuring a different era of music, and tons of exciting prizes to be won!
Two events that had been scheduled for the second half of BPAC’s 19/20 Season, which had to be canceled due the pandemic, have been rescheduled – jazz artist ELISE LEGROW on October 25th and singer/songwriter KEVIN FOX: Songs for Cello & Voice on November 1st.
 Comedian Sean Cullen Toronto mainstay the ALTdot COMEDY LOUNGE will be presented at BPAC for the first time, in a series of performances over October 30th, 31st and November 27th and 28th. The October 30th performances will feature actor-comedian SEAN CULLEN with host ALI HASSAN.
Other performances will include comics Nigel Grinstead, Keith Pedro, Peter White, Patrick Haye and more.
Multiple Juno-Award winner SARAH SLEAN takes the stage on Saturday, November 7th and CBC Radio host and BPAC favourite TOM ALLEN presents A POE CABARET on Sunday, November 8th.
Classical pianist LESLIE KINTON Celebrates Beethoven on November 29th and Talk is Free Theatre will present INTO THE WOODS In Concert, a ‘lightly staged’ musical theatre production featuring both professional performers and 27 local youth from December 3rd to 12th.
 The first two people to enter the Main Theatre for a paid performance hand their tickets to an usher. Staff are hoping the audiences return. Tammy Fox, BPAC’s Executive Director, is hoping that audiences will return with pent-up enthusiasm after months of having only online access to entertainment, and with a new appreciation of the importance of communal connection.
“Putting together a fall season full of incredible Canadian talent over the span of a week has been a little hectic to say the least,” she says, “however the applause really needs to go to our staff, who have been working tirelessly to ensure our safe reopening, to our Board of Directors whose unwavering support in resuming live entertainment offerings has given us the confidence to forge ahead, and to all of the amazing artists who have agreed to be included in the Season – because frankly they have all, in deference to our 50-patron capacity limit, committed to performing at rates well below what they deserve and are accustomed to.
It’s been a team effort, and I am beyond grateful to be surrounded by this community of dedicated artists and arts-lovers.”
BPAC Board Chair Nancy Brewer says “We’ve been holding your seat! And now, what a fantastic fall season we have for you. I’d love to see you in the audience as BPAC welcomes you back, safe, secure & ready to entertain you!”
Tickets go on sale to BPAC Members on Friday, September 11th, and on sale to the general public on Monday, September 14. Renew your BPAC membership to be first in line and to receive $5 off all regular-priced tickets!
Visit https://burlingtonpac.ca for a complete listing of performances.
Box Office Information:
Online: www.burlingtonpac.ca
Over the Phone: 905.681.6000 – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
In Person: 1 hour before each performance.
By Staff
September 9th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Helping Business be a Successful Tool for Social, Cultural and Environmental Change is the theme behind the Investment Readiness Program (IRP) which is a $50M national initiative led by Community Foundations of Canada and funded by the Government of Canada to help social purpose organizations (non-profits, charities, co-operatives, hybrid social enterprises, and mission-focused for-profits) go from great ideas to investment ready.
Organizations have the potential to receive from $10,000 to $100,000 in non-repayable capital to develop their enterprise.
 Applications for the second and final round of funding will be accepted starting 9 a.m. EST Tues. Sept. 8th until Fri. Oct. 9th, 2020
Burlington Foundation is excited to be a local partner in the Brant | Halton | Peel Partnership (made up of six Community Foundations, Sheridan College and EDGE), with the partnership allocating $715,000 in Round 1 funding to 23 social purpose organizations impacting our local communities.
As we’ve acutely seen in 2020, it is vitally important to have healthy and thriving social purpose organizations, which will also be key in Canada’s recovery efforts as we #BuildBackBetter. Through the IRP, together, we’re helping to build more resilient, sustainable and inclusive communities.
 By Staff
September 7th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service has concluded a robbery investigation which occurred at an Esso Gas Station in the City of Burlington on September 6th, 2020.
At approximately 6:10am on Sunday September 6th, 2020, a lone male entered the Esso Gas Station located on Plains Road and proceeded to jump over the counter with a knife in his hand. The lone male lunged towards the store clerk causing the victim to put his hands up in order to defend himself. As a result of this altercation, the victim’s hand was cut by the knife. The male continued to lunge towards the victim who proceeded to run into the main store area to get away from the knife welding male. The lone male then proceeded to grab approximately $550 cash from the till before fleeing the Esso on foot.
 Police attended at the crime scene and were later able to arrest the suspect. The victim immediately contacted 911 and police and ambulance responded. The victim suffered a large cut to one finger and had the tip of another finger cut off. The victim was transported by ambulance to Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital where he received a number of stitches. The victim was eventually released from hospital after receiving medical treatment.
Investigation by Halton Police revealed that the lone male had attended the Esso Gas Station on September 5th, 2020 at approximately 6:00am and had attempted to break in through the back door. The male was confronted by the victim at that time and fled the scene. As a result, police identified a 16 year old male responsible for the robbery.
On Monday September 7th, 2020, investigators located and arrested the 16 year old male outside of his residence in the City of Burlington.
Police executed a search warrant at this residence and as a result of the search; Halton Police located and seized a knife, cell phone, clothing and recovered Canadian Currency.
Investigation by the Burlington Criminal Investigation Bureau has led to the following charges against a 16 year old young offender from Burlington whose identity cannot be released:
 The Young Offender Act was designed to attempt to intercede in the lives of young men and women who are in conflict with the law and treat them differently by protecting their identity. • Robbery
• Aggravated Assault
• Disguise with Intent
• Attempt Break and Enter
The Young Offender was held for bail and will appear in Milton Court on September 8th, 2020.
Anyone with information in regards to this investigation is asked to contact Detective Constable Colin MacLeod of the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2357.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
Please be reminded that all persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
 By Staff
September 7th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Here is what we are getting from the front lines at Rib Fest – taking place at the Burlington Centre (formerly the Mall).
Just back from Rib Fest (they let us put up some signage to advertise Terry Fox event), reports Craig Gardner who is heading up the 2020 Terry Fox Run. He faces the same problem the Rotary was up against – their events were cancelled and everyone had to scramble to come up with an alternative.
“People started showing up at 9 for RIBS – by time I left shortly after 11 am the lineup was getting rather large. Looks like a great day for Rotary.
“Everything is nicely laid out easy to navigate and will hold lots of cars. Appears to be much better lay out than July 1.
Another Halton resident sent us a note about her visit to the “Valhalla of Ribs” adding – I attended at about 11:10 by which time 500 or 600 had already preceded me.
The volunteers do an excellent job of answering questions and keeping the long snaking lines of vehicles moving toward the Valhalla of ribs.
I wanted to get try ribs from two vendors but that’s impossible with the current, but necessary, setup. And how to choose the ribs you want to try?
Advice to me, which I followed, was to choose the shortest line.
The entrance is off Fairview – lots of signage – you can’t miss it.
By Staff
September 7th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
BurlingtonGreen is doing it again.
They are reminding us that despite the pandemic and the serious concerns parents have with the way Return to School is being handled – Climate Change is the biggest issue before the whole world.
On September 25th Burlington residents will demand more action from different levels of government with a Shoe Strike.
Starting Mon. September 21st, you can drop off shoes to three locations around town. We will bring them to the demonstration site on Friday the 25th.
They will be silent reminders to politicians that we need CLIMATE ACTION NOW. Details to follow.
In the past few months Burlington Gazette columnist Ray Rivers has shifted his focus from political issues to the biggest issue facing the world. The first in a three part series on climate change – what it really is, what it is going to mean to every one of us and what we can do individually to being about change.
The Shoe Strike is one step – the Rivers column is another. Link below to what Rivers had to say; he will be following up on climate change.
 By Staff
September 7th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
When asked how they were coping with the weather – which wasn’t all that good while the folks setting up the Labour Day Rib Fest at Burlington Centre (formerly the Mall) they came back with:
“For now, we are all set up and ready to go. Hopefully the weather cooperates for us. So it is very much a go.”
If the Rotarians can do the hustle when things looked doubtful at 7 in the morning – the least the rest of us can do is get into the car and make a point of picking up some of those Ribs.
Entrance to the event will be off Fairview this time – look for the directional signs – they will be everywhere.
Jay Bridle, Canada’s Largest Ribfest Co-Chair described the event this way:
“We are excited to keep our Labour Day tradition of delivering delicious ribs & fantastic entertainment live during these challenging times” says Brent Paszt, a Past President of Rotary Burlington Lakeshore, and Co-Chair of Canada’s Largest Ribfest. “While the event may look different from what we are all used to seeing, you can still expect award-winning BBQ Teams to be on hand serving the ribs, pulled pork, and chicken that guests have come to expect from Ribfest” added
“Canceling our annual long weekend event that attracts upwards of 175,000 guests was a huge disappointment and really impacted our ability to support those charities and individuals who need it most, now more than ever” says Rotary Burlington Lakeshore President, Jay Thomblison; “Proceeds from this event, along with those generated from our successful inaugural Canada Day Drive-Thru, will enable us to continue that support”.
Food vendors will take orders and payment (cards preferred) and will deliver each completed order to your vehicle. Gloves and masks will be worn by all staff, vendors, and volunteers.
The four award-winning rib teams in attendance will include Camp 31 BBQ, Billy Bones BBQ, Pistol Pete’s Smokehouse, and Silver Bullet BBQ. There will also be food offerings from East Side Mario’s and Blaze Pizza, Twisted Tomato, Tiny Tom Donuts, and Ontario Corn Roasters, ensuring that there’s something for the entire family. The event will also include live music for guests to enjoy while they wait in the comfort and safety of their vehicles.
Over the course of 24 years, Canada’s Largest Ribfest, a fundraising initiative of Rotary Burlington Lakeshore, has raised over $4.5 million for local, national, and international charities.
By Staff
September 6th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
They have been collecting food and passing it along to the agencies that have a client base that needs it.
They won’t be open this Monday.
By Staff
September 6th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Just a day away.
The Labour Day Rib Fest or how a local service club turned a disadvantage into an advantage.
 This was the way it used to be – when times were normal. The Rib Fest, approaching its 25th year of operation had to shut down its plans to celebrate the raising of funds for the community and feeding a really large crowd.
That wasn’t something they were very good at doing – so they did a big pivot and put on an event on Canada Day that was a success and decided to do it again on Labour Day – that will be Monday,
Entrance to the event will be off Fairview this time – look for the directional signs – they will be everywhere.
By Staff
September 5th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Thousands of students will be trooping back to school – some will not have a shiny new backpack filled with the things needed at school.
Doesn’t sound like a big deal but for the kid with no backpack – it can be devastating.
Those of you who have been there understand.
 This is what goes into 300 Back Packs.  Burlington Together, a group that is steered by Beth Martin Snooker, pulled together a group earlier today and packed supplies into 300 Back Packs – no small feat.
Snooker ensured that mentions are made and sponsors recognized.
“A HUGE thank you to everyone who volunteered at St. Christopher’s this week and at the backpack program today. We prepped over 300 backpacks to help kids be ready for heading back to school! Thank you also to everyone who donated backpacks, school supplies, sanitizer, masks, toys and general good vibes!
“MASSIVE thanks to community partners Open Doors of St. Christopher’s, Food4Kids Halton and Compassion Society of Halton.” A special shout out to Mike McMillan for his donation of over 70 hand sanitizers this afternoon! And a huge thank you to Bill Leggitt and the Rotary Club of Burlington North who gave us a very generous donation which we used to fill the gaps in needed items.
 These are the ‘packers’ – some spent most of the day getting the job done. “Thanks to Corrine Batchelor for the donations of toys and games for the JK/SK/Gr1 bags. And thanks to Lisa Kearns for the donation of 300 masks and for stopping by with delicious treats for the volunteers.
“Thank you to Wellington Square United Church and Burlington Food Bank for sharing your backpack donations with us. Thank you to the Women’s Giving Network for the amazing hygiene kits. Thank you to Umicore Autocat Canada and RCAP Leasing for very generous donations of Walmart gift cards, backpacks and supplies. Thank you to Staples Canada store #14 for your donations of backpacks and supplies!
“Special shout outs to Christina Mulder for rocking this program, Julie Lansley who helped us ALL DAY today, volunteers Nick, Andrea & Danny, Adria, Melanie, Jess, Christine, Lisa D, Jackie B (all day!!), Lisa F, Marie, Gwen, Carmela, Sandi, Judy, Sandra, Michelle, Charlene, and Nick. I’m so sorry if I’ve missed you, it was a long day!
“As usual, NONE of this could have been accomplished without YOU, so my eternal thanks for your community generosity.”
By Staff
September 4th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The furniture has been loaded on the moving truck and you are on the way to your new residence.
The men driving the moving truck pull into a gas station – you are following the truck.
They tell you that it is going to take an additional $2000 to complete the job – the movers had already been given a cash deposit.
The customer didn’t like the look or feel on what was taking place and called the police.
 Police unloaded the furniture and household items from a van that was suspected of being used in a moving scam. A very grateful citizen. Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) officers attended a gas station for what is now being investigated as a moving company scam.
Police officers emptied the moving truck and helped the victim get their possessions to their new home.
A criminal investigation is still ongoing into this occurrence and charges are expected.
The HRPS is investigating similar style scams that may have taken place throughout the region. If you believe you may have been a victim of a moving scam within Halton please contact Constable Sarah McCullagh at sarah.mccullagh@haltonpolice.ca or call 905-825-4747 ext. 2405.
 Do the Regional Police now have a new unit – The Ace Moving company? Great public service on the part of police detachment. Police would also like to offer the following tips to residents looking at hiring a moving company:
• Do your research (search the company online). Look for reviews from customers and/ or a website. Be wary of a company that has no online presence.
• Where is the moving company coming from? A company travelling from another province to complete the move is suspicious. Also be suspicious if the company is using a rental truck with out of province licence plates.
• Read your contract prior to signing.
By Staff
September 4th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Deciding to send your children back to school has been an anxious exercise for most parents.
 Deciding what is right for your child – and changing your mind later. It has been a challenge for school board staff who have to figure out how many students will be taught in a classroom and how many will be taught virtually.
Will there be split classes – possibly was what trustees learned earlier this week. They were assured that there would not be any three different grades in a single classroom.
Where is the wiggle room for parents who have not yet made up their minds or who want to change their minds.
Parents can change their minds: The last day to switch between in-person and virtual learning is Tuesday, September 8. You must call the school and advise the principal.
Every school goes through a bit of a re-organization during the second half of September – there is sometimes a need to move students around to balance the load.
The opportunity to change a delivery model (i.e., in-person, virtual) will be: November 30 or end of Term 1 (mid-February).
For Secondary students (Grade 9 – 12) the time to change delivery model (i.e., in person, virtual) will be aligned with the end of quadmesters: November 12 or February 5.
School office staff will follow up with every family who has not completed the survey as the survey requires parents/guardians to complete the Self-Assessment Acknowledgement form (part of the survey).
By Pepper Parr
September 4th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
School buses and Covid-19 are just one more worry for parents.
Sitting together on a school bus makes social distancing almost a silly idea.
 Will the school boards be able to set up bus routes that cope with the need to keep students in their cohort everywhere possible – and will they be able to service every family? The school board administration, in a partnership they have with the Catholic school board, run the school bus service using rented vehicles.
The routes will be quite a bit different and the students will be organized as cohorts – they will ride the bus with the students they are in a classroom with.
It is a logistical challenge and at this point the Board administration is not certain that they will be able to provide service to every household.
There will be no school bus service for the elementary students who will be at school on either Thursday or Friday of next week for their dry run at what a school day is going to look like.
Parents might want to think of ride sharing – and figuring out how to work within cohorts.
That phrase – we are all in this together – will take on much more meaning in the weeks ahead.
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