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August 26, 2016 BURLINGTON, ON Burlington Transit announces an earlier start to Route 10 weekdays Route 10, runs on New to Maple, will now starts earlier weekday mornings. It begins at Appleby GO station at 5:28 a.m. An additional trip starting at 5:48 am has also been added. 
August 24, 2016 BURLINGTON, ON Game 4 of the Intercounty Baseball League semifinal between London and Toronto Wednesday night took almost four hours to complete and featured a little bit of everything. There were four home runs, a bench-clearing incident and subsequent protest in which players left the field, an ejection, and a game that ended up 8-2 in favour of Toronto. The Maple Leafs tied the best-of-seven series 2-2 with Game 5 scheduled for Friday night at Labatt Park in London.  Toronto Leafs beat the London Majors in this game – stands could have been fuller. Justin Marra went 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBI and two runs in the win. Sean Mattson hit a three-run blast as part of Toronto’s four-run first inning, and Jonathan Solazzo added a solo shot to lead off the eighth. Brendan Keys singled and drove home a pair of runs. Brett van Pelt (2-1) picked up the win after going eight innings and allowing two runs on five hits with six strikeouts and three walks. Baker was also involved in the incident that led to a lengthy delay to end the top of the fourth inning. A close play at third base with Baker and Solazzo led to pushing and shoving and the benches clearing. Words were exchanged between players from both teams, and an alleged racial slur directed at one of the London players resulted in the Majors leaving the field in protest for 65 minutes.  Barrie Baycats will go up against either London or Toronto in the final playoff. Play resumed and the game was completed prior to the midnight curfew at Christie Pits, but not before Toronto reliever Adam Garner was ejected with two outs in the ninth inning for throwing a pitch after time was called. The winner of the series will face defending champion Barrie in the final. This is baseball at its best. Will it be a 401 or a 400 series? 2016 IBL playoffs London Majors vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
August 24, 2016 Burlington, ON A trial for an animal rights activist charged with mischief for giving water to pigs that were in a sweltering truck on their way to slaughter began this morning.  Anita Krajnc Anita Krajnc of Toronto faces jail time or a maximum $5,000 fine for providing water through the narrow openings of a metal trailer to the pigs as they were headed to Fearman’s Pork Inc. in Burlington, Ont. The comments being made by readers who are following a twitter news feed by CBC reporter Samantha Craggs are diverse to say the least. Worth tuning into. The protesters have been on the scene for a number of years – they are persistent. Fearman’s is taking a beating in the public relations world.  That pig may not be human but the look in its eye says it is in serious distress. The charge of mischief is for giving pigs water in a sweltering truck while they were on their way to a slaughterhouse in Burlington. ‘In legal circles, people are scratching their heads’ said lawyer Gary Grill. On June 22, Ktajnc said, temperatures were high, and her group poured water through the holes. In court documents, Halton police refer to it as an “unknown liquid.” The Halton police have had to manage calls from the slaughter house every week – at one point the protesters managed to actually get to what is called the hog chute – the spot where the pigs are off loaded from the truck into the plant. On June 22nd, Krajnc said the driver got out and told them to stop, and she quoted a Bible verse at him about giving water to the thirsty. “He said, ‘They’re not humans, you dumb frigging broad,'” she told CBC News. The pork farmer who owned the pigs, Eric Van Boekel of Oxford County, contacted police the next day, court documents say. Police investigated and pursued the mischief charge. Punishment for the charge ranges from a fine to up to 10 years in prison.  Anita Kranjc supporters outside the courthouse Gary Grill, Kranjc’s Toronto-based lawyer asked: “Taxpayers are paying for this.” Grill said the question isn’t how he and co-counsel James Silver will defend the case, but how the Crown will prove that what Kranjc did was criminal mischief. Kranjc, 48, said if she is fined, she will refuse to pay. The trial continues.
August 24, 2016 BURLINGTON, ON The new web site is now accessible. Looks pretty good. The search engine is very good. More comment to follow. The Halton District school Board announced with some fanfare that their new web site was now live – click to get to it. They get an e for effort but they fail at the execution – the site doesn’t load. It will – they will fix it. Usually things like this are tested, tested and tested again before going live.
“The new website – which will use the same www.hdsb.ca web address – is designed with parents/guardians particularly in mind. The fresh clean look, designed by web developer eSolutionsGroup, will provide users with accessible content which is enhanced with photos of Board students and staff members.” The new homepage uses the latest web design elements to effectively bring users’ attention to important updates. Remaining on the site is the popular Spotlight on Schools feature where the Board shares news on engaging learning experiences in schools. The new website will include video options as another way to engage users and assist in conveying the exceptional learning taking place in our 105 elementary and secondary schools. News releases will have a prominent place on the new website, keeping stakeholders up to date on Board decisions, changes and key events and dates taking place throughout the school year. The homepage will allow user’s quick access to many popular topics such as Find my Local school, Report a Student Absence, Transportation and Program Accommodation Studies, plus get the most recent social media updates. There will be large sub-menus to make navigation faster, an improved search engine and a translation function. Beginning in the design phase, the Board gathered input from school communities to learn what they wanted to see in a new website. Several parent and staff focus group sessions were held in various parts of the region to ensure many voices and opinions were heard. Given the increasingly mobile world we live in, the new website will operate much better on smartphones and tablets, making for a better user experience. The old web site was almost a disaster – upgrading what they had was one of the leading priorities for Director of Education Stuart Miller. We will let you know how it works – when we see it.
August 24, 2016 BURLINGTON, ON There is very little wind left in the “climate change is a plot to scare the world” argument. The federal government has instructed all its members to get into the community and ask for ideas on what can be done about managing the change we are going to see in our climate. This summer taught us what it is going to be like when we get exceptionally hot weather over a longer than normal period of time. The New York Times recently published a series of maps showing what NASA estimated the changes in temperature in the decades ahead.  Note that the American do not use the metric system of measurement.
Heidi Cullen, chief scientist for Climate Central, an environmental research group and the author of “The Weather of the Future” points out that 14 of the 15 hottest years have occurred since 2000 Based on the map data, the number of 100 degree plus days will skyrocket making working or playing outdoors unbearable and sometimes deadly “The quality of the food we will be able to grow and the impact on our water supply will only get worse”, she said. It is not going to be a pretty picture.
August 24, 2016 BURLINGTON, ON
In his first term of office as Mayor Rick Goldring came up with a number of very good ideas – his Inspire Burlington series was one of them. On October 5th, the Mayor is partnering with the Burlington Foundation to present #SickNotWeak: Michael Landsberg Talks Mental Health at 7:30 p.m. at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre.
“We know from reports like Burlington Foundation’s Vital Signs and feedback from residents that mental health is an important issue in our community,” said Mayor Goldring. “Michael is someone living with depression who has an inspiring story to share. I invite residents of all ages to come to this evening of discussion, awareness and support.” Burlington Foundation launched the Mental Wellness Alliance in 2014 with a focus on a Speaker Spotlight Series that aims to keep the conversation going about mental health and wellness, breaking down misperceptions and promoting healthy communities. “As part of Burlington Foundation’s mental wellness leadership work, we know that reducing mental health stigma is a critical need in our community,” said Colleen Mulholland, President and CEO of Burlington Foundation. “We are thrilled to bring Michael to Burlington to draw even more attention to this important issue. Events like this one go a long way in encouraging people to have conversations around mental wellness.” Landsberg’s presentation will be followed by an opportunity for questions from members of the audience.
August 24, 2016 BURLINGTON, ON “You are only able to use your existing security device until 26 August 2016” said a note from what the sender wanted us to believe was from the TD Bank.
The message goes on to say: “Effective 27 August 2016, you will be required to log on to your Web Business Banking with the new synchronized master key. To avoid any disruption to your Web Business Banking service, we encourage you to upgrade immediately.” “Your online security is our priority, for more detailed information please see the attached PDF document enclosed.” “Your new Security Device upgrade is pin-protected and will provide you with an additional level of protection. All Web Business Banking users who do not upgrade there Security Devices in due time will be deactivated and unable to authorize transactions. [TD Canada Trust] The spelling mistake we highlighted it in red for you is one of the give aways – banks don’t communicate with their clients this way.
August 24, 2016 BURLINGTON, ON
They are not going to be beaten easily – in fact they just might not be beaten at all. The Toronto Maple Leafs showed the Brantford Red Sox’s how to do it when they took the quarter finals in a seven game battle. Now they are in a tight series with the London Majors and may have saved their season Tuesday night with a 7-4 win Their four-run eighth inning thriller prolonged their semifinal to at least five games. London leads the best-of-seven series 2-1.
Jon Waltenbury’s ground-rule double brought home Brendan Keys to finish the scoring. Wagner (3-0) went three scoreless innings for the win, scattering four hits and striking out four around a pair of walks. Starter Justin Cicatello lasted six innings and allowed four runs (two earned) on three hits with two strikeouts. At the plate, Waltenbury finished with three hits and four RBI, while Connor Lewis drove in the other Toronto run. Boon (1-1) took the loss, giving up three runs on two hits in two innings with a pair of walks. 2016 IBL playoffs Game 1: Barrie 8, Kitchener 1 London Majors vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Game 1: London 5, Toronto 0 This is going to be either a 400 or a 401 series
August 24th, 2016 BURLINGTON, ON
 Lydia Santia Lydia Santia was an Honors Studio Art student at McMaster University. She grew up in Etobicoke, Ontario.  Portraying repetition and futility? She is primarily focused on projection installation and its implications regarding portraying repetition and futility. Her work is centered in exploring a fleeting relationship with her suburban childhood and the implications this relationship carries for her as an adult. Santia spends her adult life challenging her typical upbringing in a comfortable home in a suburban neighbourhood. She currently lives in Hamilton, Ontario and holds a BFA degree from McMaster University. Lydia has exhibited her work in Toronto and Hamilton; her work is owned in several private collections.
August 23, 2016 BURLINGTON, ON As we move into the fall and the workings of the city take on a more business-like manner much will be said about the Strategic Plan and how it is going to guide and direct the growth of the city.  Burlington Director of Planning Mary Lou Tanner And make no mistake the operating word will be growth. City Director of Planning told council that her department was going to build “Bold, Smart and Beautiful.” One of the four pillars that hold up the Strategic Plan is the City that Moves – which covers everything from more opportunities to walk to the places people want to shop and visit, changes in road lane configuration to accommodate bicycles (see the story on that issue – it has close to 50 readers aroused enough to make comments) and improvements on the public transit file. Transit, which somehow fell out of favour with this council some time ago and was basically starved for financial resources  Doug Brown and Susan Lewis look over a 1982 copy of the city’s bus schedule. Doug Brown who knows as much about transit as anyone in this city maintains that “since Burlington Tranit’s inception in 1975, Burlington has never had a first rate transit system. The transit system was good enough in 1982 to attract my family to Burlington. Among the systems good points at that time were: $0.70 fares that were also accepted by the Lakeshore GO bus within Burlington; 15 minute daytime service on the major routes; and a first class terminal on Elizabeth St. “Since the late 80’s, the under-funding and micro-management of Burlington Transit by City Council, combined with City growth, has led to a long series of service cuts, fare increases, and a reduced ridership base comprised largely of those who do not have access to a car (youth, seniors, low-income, disability). “I think ridership is probably the best indicator if how well the system is performing. In the mid-80’s the transit modal shore hit a peak of 7% Since that time, ridership has declined to the present 2%. The Ontario Municipal Board has imposed a requirement in our Official Plan that ridership reach 11% by 2030.” While knowledgeable citizens argue the merits of the public transit system employers have to deal with the hard reality that they are having some difficulty attracting the labour they need due to poor transit service. Enter the Burlington Economic Development Corporation (BEDC). The minds over there are being applied to the transit problem – especially as they relate to some of the larger employers along the North and South Service roads where transit service is sort of skimpy.  Burlington Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Frank McKeown The BEDC formed an Employer Advisory group and is working with three different employers (they weren’t identified) to come up with a pilot program. Anita Cassidy, Manager, special Projects acknowledged that the BEC is working on several possible pilot programs that will get announced in the fall. “We are working on bringing a pilot forward with three different employers” said Frank McKeown, Executive Director of BEDC. Burlington has the distinct disadvantage of having one of the highest public transit ticket prices in the Greater Toronto Hamilton market area. It is also one of the few city’s that doesn’t use all the gas tax money from the federal and provincial governments to improve the transit system. It will be interesting to see what the BEDC comes up with in September – something had to be done and transit couldn’t seem to make anything happen on their own.
August 23, 2016 BURLINGTON, ON
Margaret Lindsay Holton has been a fixture on the Burlington culture scene for a number of years – she has also been a passionate advocate on environmental issues. There are those who will remember the pin hole cameras she used to make and many who will remember her art. The most recent short film – The Frozen Goose will be premiered at the Art Gallery of Burlington September 11th.
She started out with a budget of $87,000 – that got dropped to $15,000 when a sponsor she was sure she had took a pass. The $11,000 budget she paired things down to was what she had to go forward with. “I had to make it work” was the way Holton explained the drive and persistence she brought to the production. She did some crowd funding – that’s seldom the deal those offering the service make it out to be. The next step was to sell some of her art – had that not raised the needed funds – the family heirlooms were perhaps next. Film producers spend as much time on the financial side as they do on the actual production of the film – and the production side is never a cake walk. The production had 140 shots taken during 11 scenes in 11 different locations. “One of the scenes required solid lake ice, but there was none to be had at the designated lake location, so, last minute, an alternate shallow pond, frozen solid, was used.”
It’s a part of the First World War experience that has never been fully explored. “I got the filmmaking bug after working as a Production Assistant for the commercial film house of Roseanne McWaters & Derek VanLint back in the early 1980’s” she said, adding, “I went on from there to co-produce, co-direct and script a 54 minute ‘experimental documentary’ :In the Eye of the Hunter” with a Ryerson University Film & Photo Arts grad, Jane Walker Manchee, that was broadcast, 2 years later, on Rogers Cable 10.  Margaret Lindsay Holton is an established artist as well as a filmmaker. Her work consistently sells quite well.  At times Holton takes a sparse, almost minimalist approach to canvas. she has a strong following. It was a big hit on the late night cable TV world; had a novel interactive ‘open-response line’ (predating the internet) that allowed viewers to verbally comment on the show after every broadcast. Comments were eye-opening, insightful, at times unnerving – and always invigorating. The film ran on Cable for 6 months in a late night slot. Deepening her filming skills Holton attended two week-long Canadian Film Production industry seminars: one in New York City, and the other in Brockville, Ontario, (where she met the incomparable Peter Wintonick. Canada’s best documentary champion.) Peter and Holton became – and remained – good friends until his recent passing . Holton also worked one short summer as a P.A. in the Publicity Department at what is now called the Toronto International Film Festival, aka TIFF. Holton has shot over 40 shorts, less than 20 minutes each. These have usually been embedded in published stories.  Cameron Brindle is a budding young thespian, who turned 9 in January. Growing up, he showed a love of all things theatrical from a very early age. He honed his original talent as both an actor and director in countless games of dress-up with his sister, before starting his formal training in drama classes at the age of 4. For the last two years, Cameron has focused on improving his technique and developing improvisation skills, as an active member of the Waterdown-based Creative Theatre Company. He also regularly presents in school assemblies and is a member of the Glenview School Primary Choir. Cameron loves history, travelling and playing with his friends. He is an expert on all things ‘Star Wars’, and dreams of being a Jedi when he grows up. The Frozen Goose is Cameron first film. The cast consists of youngsters Hannah Ralph & Cameron Brindle who join acting veterans – Leslie Gray,  Hannah Ralph – ‘Bella’ Hannah entered the Hamilton arts scene at an early age. She had her first stage debut at the age of 6 at the semi-finals of the Rise to Fame Youth Talent Search at the Western Fair. At the age of 14, Hannah has become an accomplished vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and actor. She is currently a member of the internationally recognized Hamilton Children’s Choir. She has performed most recently at Polyfolia Music Festival in Normandy, France, the Hamilton Juno awards, the PanAm games in Toronto, and as a cast member of the production of Apocalypsis at the Luminato Festival in Toronto. Hannah has also trained in the theatre with Lou Zambrogna of Hamilton’s Theatre Aquarius and has been the lead in local productions of The Wizard of Oz and Pinnochio. Hannah is currently attending acting classes at Lewis Baumander Acting Studios and studying privately with Michael Gordin Shore, in Toronto, where she is pursuing her acting career.
Holton is a member of the Filmmakers Alliance of Burlington (aka FAB.) and was, at one point, a very active member of the arts collective that has gone formal and is now calling itself an Arts Council. The film is being premiered on September 11th, with two showing – one at 3:15 pm and a second at 4:00 pm at the Art Gallery of Burlington. The film has a run time of 25 minutes. There will be a ‘live’ musical interlude by fab folk group, with fiddler David Clarence MacLean, WhiskeyEpiphany, entertaining between shows. Whiskey Epiphany is a Celtic/Acoustic/Folk band from Southern Ontario, Canada. The band was formed in 2011 and includes principal songwriter and vocalist/guitarist Mike Gravitis, his sister/vocalist Lianne Gravitis, bass/guitarist and banjoist Jack MacLean, his father/fiddler and mandolinist David Clarence MacLean and Dave Gould on percussion. Whiskey Epiphany performs regularly at many venues, festivals, corporate functions and weddings in Canada and the USA. Tickets for the Premiere are available on-line ONLY. Link is HERE
 Leslie Gray – ‘Helen’ Leslie Gray as ‘Helen’ in TFG – Photo Credit – MLH ProductionsActor, singer, dancer, choreographer, director, Leslie has worked in all aspects of the performing arts. TV/Film credits include Emily in Hacks (Comedy Network), Featured Photographer in Terry (Shaftesbury) and has appeared in Riding the Bus with my Sister (dir. Anjelica Huston), Darcy’s Wildlife, Missing, The West Wing, Man of the Year (with Robin Williams) and many more. She has on camera training with Jayne Eastwood, Bernadette Jones, Millie Tom, Laura Jones, Crystal Proctor and Anne Tait. Leslie is also a musical theatre performer with training from Sheridan College and has performed in over 40 musical productions across Ontario. She is currently the co-artistic director, along with her husband Christopher, of Burlington’s professional theatre company KooGle Theatre Co. This July Leslie will be playing “Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere” in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. Leslie also teaches at Burlington Dance Academy (musical theatre and tap), Centre Stage Theatre School (guest teacher) and ArtHouse (musical theatre workshops).
 John Fort is a Hamilton-based actor, known for his supporting roles in CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries and assorted indie low-budget productions. Known as a ‘scrapper’, John is an accomplished martial arts student, and has taken acting workshops with the Performing Arts Guild in Toronto under David Rotenberg, an advocate of the ‘method’ style of acting. John’s favourite actor is James Dean.
 Rod McTaggart is an actor, entertainer and musician, recently known for his riveting performance in John Logan’s RED at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. In 2014, he played in Adam Riggio’s ‘You Were My Friend’, Gary Santucci’s ‘Democracy is Dead’ and Norm Foster’s ‘Under the Bright Sun’. A mature actor, Rod centered ‘stage left’ after working as a Stage Manager for the Oakville Drama Series. His film experience includes, ‘Infirmity'(2016), ‘This is How We Walk’ (2012) – selected for The Short Film Corner at Cannes, and ‘Happy Birthday Day’ – selected for TIFF in 2012.
August 23, 2016 BURLINGTON, ON
With a name like “No Vacancy” what was one to expect at an event that ran for just a couple of hours at the Waterfront hotel when it was first put on in 2013. A murder mystery perhaps? What the city got to see was some ground breaking art – described as “installations” which Jim Riley describes as a “three dimensional art form that is often specifically designed to use the walls, floor and space of a room as a sculptural artwork itself. The artist uses objects, video, sound or other material to create the artwork. The audience enters in to the space and becomes part of the actual artwork as opposed to passively looking at one sculpture, one painting one video or other singular artwork.” Doesn’t sound all that exciting when explained – you had to be in one of the rooms back in 2013 to appreciate what was being done. No Vacancy put on a second event in 2014; it was one of those boffo – close to over the top events that was presented at the Village Square and given the name Cirque The third year was put on at Old Lakeshore Road where the audience wasn’t as robust. Up until the 2014 event the group that put on the event did so without anything in the way of financial support from the city. In 2015 and in 2016 a grant of less than $5000 each year was made available. Each No Vacancy event is given its own unique name. The group has chosen MoonGlade for the 2016 that will take place in Brock Park, at the rear of the Art Gallery on Lakeshore Road and some space inside the gallery. There will be 17 different individuals installing their work. There will be a pop up arts gallery, live entertainment and a collection of food trucks.  Xiaojing Yan is a Chinese-Canadian artist born in Nanjing, China, who currently lives and works in Toronto, Canada Among the installation artists will be Xiaojing Yan who is returning to the No Vacancy list.  A collection of ceramic spoons arranged to form a bridge – installation art at its very best. Xiaojing Yan is a Chinese-Canadian artist born in Nanjing, China, who currently lives and works in Toronto, Canada. Xiaojing Yan received a B.F.A in decorative art from Nanjing Art Institute, China, in 2000, and an M.F.A in sculpture from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, USA, in 2007. The central themes running through her work concern immigration, identity, cultural difference, and transmigration. Often using traditional Chinese materials and practices within the contemporary aesthetic. Her work was included in the featured project at Art Toronto 2014 and the featured exhibition “Beyond Geography” at Art Toronto 2012. Recent solo shows include “Hybrid Vigour” at The Latcham Gallery, Stouffville, Canada(2015);”Cloud Cell” at the Red Head Gallery, Toronto(2015, 2012), “Innocence & Experience” at Lonsdale Gallery, Toronto(2014), “Red and White Melody” at TRUCK Contemporary Art in Calgary (2014). In September 2017, Varley Art Gallery in Markham, Ontario will present her solo exhibition. And in November 2017, Suzhou Museum will present her first solo museum exhibition in China.  Xiaojing Yan was one of the artists that contributed to perhaps the most attractive collection of bike racks in North America Yan has been in many public and private collections including the most recent permanent collection “Cloudscape” at Seneca College at Newnham Campus, Toronto, Canada (2013). Yan is the recipient of the 2014 Outstanding Young Alumni Award from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and the 2013 Mandarin Profile Awards. Additional information on this installation artist can be found on her web site: yanxiaojing.com
August 22, 2016 BURLINGTON, ON The successful prescription drug drop off awareness campaign run by the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) – Drug and Morality Unit (DMU), along with local partner pharmacies is transitioning from police facility drop off locations to locally based community pharmacy locations. Expired or unused medications (prescription or over the counter) can be returned to any pharmacy in Halton. By responsibly dropping off your unused / expired medications to local pharmacies, you’ll not only ensure they’re disposed of properly – you’ll also keep them out of the wrong hands, preventing abuse, accidental ingestion and protecting our environment in the process. The current police facility drug drop off collection bins will be removed August 31st 2016. The HRPS-DMU thanks their local community pharmacies for their support and looks forward to future proactive and preventative initiatives.
August 22, 2016 BURLINGTON, ON
Milburough Line will be closed for traffic between Derry Road and Kilbride Street  A Union Gas pipeline is being built across the top of Burlington – it will involve a number of road closures. Please follow the detour route: 1. From the north, traffic will be directed east on Derry Road to McNiven Road, then south to Kilbride Street and west to Milburough Line. 2. From the south, traffic will be directed east on Kilbride Street to McNiven Road, then north to Derry Road and west to Milburough Line. If you need more information please contact:
August 22, 2016 BURLINGTON, ON
Mayor Rick Golding uses a number of media to reach the citizens he governs. In an article he posted to his blog on the city’s web site he had the following to say on the decision made to put parts of New street on a Road Diet. A road diet is when parts of a road used for vehicles is re-purposed and used for bicycle lanes This summer, Burlington City Council supported a staff recommendation for a one-year pilot for bicycle lanes on New Street between Walker’s Line and Guelph Line. As you are likely aware, the majority of council (6-1) supported this decision. It was our team of transportation experts that recommended what is being called a ‘road diet’. Simply put, that means taking New Street from four lanes to three lanes (two travel lanes and a centre left turn lane), with bike lanes separated by painted buffered lines on each side. There are a few key things to note as we measure data and carefully listen to residents during the bicycle lane pilot project on the two-kilometre stretch of New Street:  The current New Street lane configuration is on th left with the “road diet” on the right. This is a pilot project scheduled to last one year. Our staff will be tracking detailed data and we invite feedback from everyone using that stretch of the road. The pilot is a litmus test to see if the painted lanes result in a positive experience for people who want to ride their bicycles, while causing a minimal impact for drivers who also need to get where they are going in a timely manner. The pilot aligns with strategic planning – Transportation, health and environment A key direction of our new Strategic Plan, which identifies priorities for the next 25 years, is a City That Moves. We want to increase the percentage of people using alternative transportation including cycling on a regular basis and not just for recreational purposes. The car has a 50 to 60-year head start when it comes to our city. A large part of Burlington was built when land and gas were plentiful and cheap. We are now trying to retrofit our city with more options than driving. Another key direction of our new Strategic Plan is A Healthy and Greener City.  Mayor Rick Goldring Halton Region recently released an Active Transportation Health report, which was discussed at Halton Region’s health and social services committee meeting on Feb. 8, 2016. The report states 39 per cent of Halton residents, aged 12 and older, were inactive during their leisure time in 2013/2014. The report recommends using active transportation, including cycling, to improve health. (Read more here: https://www.thespec.com/news-story/6306140-halton-residents-aren-t-getting-enough-physical-activity-halton-report/). Furthermore, 40 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions produced in Burlington is from automobiles. There are significant opportunities for a greener, healthier city with a wider variety of transportation opportunities if we start investing now. The timing is appropriate for this pilot project  The city held a public information meeting on the project – it was not hugely attended – almost as many staff on hand as here were taxpayers. The decision to proceed with the project was approved by city Council on a 6-1 vote. Councillor Sharman voted against the idea. Does he have the best political antenna? This is an ideal time for the pilot to be done as this section of road is scheduled for resurfacing in 2017. This means there will be no cost to revert the lanes if the pilot is determined to be unsuccessful by staff and ultimately, council, or keep the new lane configuration when the road is resurfaced. Meanwhile, city staff has assured me New Street west of Guelph Line will be reopen to the public in mid-August before the pilot starts east of Guelph Line. There will still be ongoing works on the boulevard (sod, driveways) but this will be limited to minor lane closures. All work will be done on this section prior to Labour Day weekend. We will be watching the pilot closely I live by New Street and as such, take it every day, at different times. I will experience first-hand the traffic delays, if indeed there are any. The key measurement for me will be the impact on the automobile driver. If there are significant traffic issues as a result of this new configuration, we can simply repaint the road. This one-year test allows us to see if New Street is the right place for bike lanes. Staff will be collecting data on travel times and residents are invited to share their feedback at any time to mayor@burlington.ca. My office will share this information with council and staff. The pilot is a more direct route offering more destinations than the bike path The multi-purpose pathway from Burloak Drive to Martha Street is good for recreational cycling. However, it is a busy mixed use pathway that includes not only cyclists but walkers, skateboarders, walkers with dogs and young children. A friend of mine broke his wrist after a young child darted in front of him causing him to slam on the brakes and fall. This means it is not ideal for people cycling along the pathway for transportation, especially when travelling at higher speeds. The pathway is also not useable when it is dark as the average light from a bicycle is not bright enough and does not shine far enough to create a safe ride. The pathway is not lit at night. There are also numerous crossings where vehicles have the right-of-way. Furthermore, the pathway does not provide meaningful connections to the many amenities right along New Street. The Mayor does indeed use New Street regularly. It will be interesting to see if he chooses to take the bus and experience whatever delays there might be. The Gazette recently wrote a piece on the debate that was taking place and suggested that the public needed to give the city staff the time they needed to complete the pilot. That article brought in more than 35 responses several of which added valuable information to the debate. This is an issue that has aroused the public, one reader advised us earlier today that “I noticed yesterday that someone had written WTF across the signs on New St promoting the road diet. I went back this morning to take a photo for you, but the signs have been removed. Work is underway.” And so is the debate.
August 22, 2016 BURLINGTON, ON
The Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation is attempting to break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title for the Largest Human Letter by forming a giant J in Spencer Smith Park.  The Brant Hospital Foundation is going to attempt to put 2,167 people in the space shown in the graphic and win the Guinness Book of Records title for the Largest Human Letter by forming a giant J in Spencer Smith Park. Bring your friends, family and co-workers and be a part of history! Plan to arrive at Spencer Smith Park at 12 noon for on-site registration. This event is free but you do need a ticket. You can get that ticket by clicking HERE: You do have to bring the ticket with you so that the hospital foundation can accurately measure the number of participants for the world record attempt. They will be scanning digital or printed tickets at the event and ask you to please bring your printed ticket or an electronic ticket on your smartphone. When you arrive at the park you will be given a rain poncho to be identifiable as a participant and be assigned to a numbered section. Participants will be asked to enter the formation upon arrival, and will remain there until the record attempt is complete and verified by the Guinness World Records judge on site. Water and snacks will be provided, and there will be live entertainment throughout the day including a DJ and emcee on stage to keep participants informed. The current record for this category in the Guinness Book of Records is held by Dell Computers, who formed the slanted E in their logo with 2,166 people. We require 2,167 people to break the record. For the safety of all participants, the first 3,000 people to register at Spencer Smith Park will be permitted to be a part of the Guinness World Records Official Attempt.  An architects rendering of the new entrance to the Joseph Brant Hospital which will now face the lake. The entrance will be off Lakeshore Road with the new parking lot just to the west of the hospital. This all happens Sunday, 2 October 2, 2016 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM (EDT) at Spencer Smith Park. There will be all kinds of sign showing you where to go. This is an exciting and really innovative idea – can Burlington do it? The Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation is responsible for raising funds for the hospital – they are currently well into the raising of $60 million for the re-development of the hospital that is taking place now on Lakeshore Road.
Two men arrested during overnight break-in at Tamarack Lumber on the North Service Road - Burlington
August 22, 2018 BURLINGTON, ON During the police response, the two accused persons attempted to flee and were arrested near the scene. Two suspects, also believed involved, managed to make good their escape and are currently being sought. Police located a stolen flatbed trailer (that had been stolen from a business in Toronto) the accused were in the process of loading a quantity of lumber onto. Accused #1: Klejton NDOJA (36 years) of Toronto Accused #2: Leondardi DEMOLLI (38 years) of Toronto Both men have been charged with They are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Milton on September 14th 2016. The investigation is continuing and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Vince Couce of the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825-4747 ext. 2307 or Detective Constable Frank Trasmundi at ext. 2335 or Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
August 21, 2016 BURLINGTON, ON
The London Majors left Christie Pits after defeating the Maple Leafs 9 – 6 in game 2 of the best-of-seven semi-final series Sunday afternoon. Cleveland Brownlee hit two home runs to lead the London Majors; one a three-run blast in the third inning and added a solo shot in the ninth to finish with four RBI. Michael Ambrose hit four singles and scored once, Carlos Arteaga went 2-for-5 with three RBI and a run, Byron Reichstein and Keith Kandel each drove in a run, and RJ Fuhr and LeJon Baker had two hits and two runs apiece. Oscar Perez (2-0) went six innings for the win, allowing three runs on eight hits, walking three and striking out six. Jonathan Solazzo had three hits, including his third home run of the playoffs, two RBI and two runs. Ryan White had three hits and two RBI, Sean Mattson singled three times and scored three times, and Dan Marra drove in a run. Marek Deska (1-2) took the loss, giving up four runs on five hits in three innings, walking two and striking out three. 2016 IBL playoffs: Semifinals Kitchener Panthers vs. Barrie Baycats Game 1: Barrie 8, Kitchener 1 London Majors vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Game 1: London 5, Toronto 0
August 21, 2016 BURLINGTON, ON
The number is reported to be between 8,000 and 12,000. And it was huge.  It was wall to wall – with the crowd stretching far into the western part of Spencer Smith Park But it was more than that – it was the looks on people faces and people who mouthed the words to many of the songs. It was hot. When Gord Downie first appeared on the giant screen he was in a passageway hugging and greeting the members of his band. The last performance of the Man Machine Poem tour as about to begin and the crowd of 6000 in the Kingston venue went wild.  He gave it everything he had and went through three costume changes during a performance to be remembered for a long long time. And then he began to do what he does best – entertained an audience and took them back to better days. At one point he came close to lecturing the Prime Minister who was in the audience which seemed OK especially when he said Justin had 12 years in office ahead of him The aboriginal community has always been a concern and a passion for Downie – and he directed the Prime Minister to do something about that as the Prime Minister stood quietly with a look of both awe and respect for the man on the stage. “We are going to figure it out” said Downie.  There were very few open spaces like this – these didn’t have all that good a line of sight. Some media reported three encores – I thought there were more than that, closer to five. As he left the stage during one of the encores he said: “Have a good life.” The Tragically Hip music is not the genre I prefer and I didn’t know very many of the songs. I was there to report on the event – and it was amazing – he did three costume changes – each into a different metallic coloured suit and a different hat with feathers. A blue suit, a maroon suit and a gold suit; he was resplendent.  The audience of between 8,000 and 12, 000 listened quietly and during the closing numbers stood to applaud an incredible performance. He kept pulling up his trousers – as if they didn’t fit or he had forgotten his belt; maybe it was the equipment attached to his waist. What was amazing for me was the size of the crowd; perhaps the biggest Spencer Smith Park has experienced. It was a well behaved crowd – and the expected plumes of thick white smock with that identifiable pungent odour wafted over the crowd at the base of the screen. The simulcast into Spencer Smith Park happened when the ward 2 councillor for the city and the Burlington Downtown Business Association approached city council and asked them to match the $12,500 that the BDBA had raised. Council said yes and the team that made it happen got into gear.  The technical part of the performance went off without a hitch. They arranged for a small trench to be dug to bury a TV cable feed, along with a back up. The equipment that made the technically flawless production happen sat under a tent humming away with one at the controls – the technology was superb. Andie Porecki , president of the Sound of Music said everything technically had gone perfectly.  The enormity of it all hits Downie – this is the last performance Downie played with is audience and at the close of one of his encores he thanked the audience for “keeping me pushing” Two things struck me – the pain in his face at times; the howls that were almost primal and then his ability to shift into a lighter mood.  You sat where you could; police patrolled an event that didn’t have a spot of trouble. The officers did wear Tasers however. At the end of one of the encores a member of the band appeared to have to lead him off the stage – didn’t matter – he returned. At the second to last encore, the moon that was in the eastern sky was muted by drifting clouds; some of the audience was beginning to pick up their chairs and head for home. The concert was well past the 11 pm finish time. Like the Spring break up on some rivers – the winter ice did not want to let go. No one wanted it to end.
August 21, 2016 BURLINGTON, ON Last year the Barrie Baycats took the NAME in a plaoff series against the Kitchener Panthers. This season they will do the same thing but against eiher the Toronto Leafs or the London Majors. Emilis Guerrero (3-1) threw a complete-game two-hitter as the Baycats swept the best-of-seven semifinal with a 3-0 win over the Kitchener Panthers Saturday night. Guerrero scattered two hits with a walk and nine strikeouts. Kevin Atkinson led the Kitchener offence with a solo home run, while Jordan Castaldo doubled, tripled and scored once. Jeff Cowan singled and drove in a run. Matt McGovern took the loss for Kitchener, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits over 6.1 innings, walking one and striking out one. 2016 IBL playoffs – Semifinals Kitchener Panthers vs. Barrie Baycats London Majors vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
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Michael Landsberg is a Canadian media personality known for his work on TSN’s Off the Record and Naylor & Landsberg. His experience with depression led to the creation of #SickNotWeak, a not-for-profit organization that provides mental health education and support.
The message was not from the TD Bank – it was from someone who wants the reader to think that.
Toronto trailed 4-3 heading into the eighth and tied the game when Jonathan Solazzo doubled home Sean Mattson. The Leafs took the lead for good four batters later when Owen Boon’s wild pitch with the bases loaded allowed Ryan White and Dan Marra to score with one out.
She has done film work before; Frozen Goose is her production from start to finish – a process that put her through all the wringers that film production impose on people.
Originally published as a short story in 2014 – The Frozen Goose focuses on the struggles of a rural Canadian family coping in the aftermath of World War One. Loss, anger and deep misunderstanding mingle with tender trust – and love – as a broken family inch towards the future.
