 By Pepper Parr
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.
When the employers have a problem they go looking for solutions.
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.
 By Pepper Parr
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 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.
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.”
 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.
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,
Rod McTaggart and John Fort.
 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.
By Pepper Parr
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.
Yan’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums in Canada, China and United States.
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
 By Staff
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.
By Staff
August 22, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Milburough Line will be closed for traffic between Derry Road and Kilbride Street
from Friday, Aug. 26, 2016 at 6 p.m. to Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016 at 7 p.m. for Union Gas construction activities.
 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:
Susan Cudahy
Community Liaison
Union Gas Limited
Phone: 289-237-0068
scudahy@uniongas.com
By Staff
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.
By Staff
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.
 By Staff
August 22, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
While most of us were sound asleep early this morning, at approximately 12:30am, Police responded to a reported break-and-enter in progress at Tamarack Lumber at 3269 North Service Road in Burlington.
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
• Break and Enter
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (over $5000)
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).
 By Staff
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
Barrie wins series 4-0
Game 1: Barrie 8, Kitchener 1
Game 2: Barrie 2, Kitchener 0
Game 3: Barrie 10, Kitchener 5
Game 4: Barrie 3, Kitchener 0
London Majors vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
London leads series 2-0
Game 1: London 5, Toronto 0
Game 2: London 9, Toronto 6
Game 3: Tuesday, Aug 23 at London; 7:35 p.m.
Game 4: Wednesday, Aug. 24 at Toronto; 7:30 p.m.
Game 5: Friday, Aug. 26 at London; 7:35 p.m.
Game 6: Saturday, Aug. 27 at Toronto; TBD
Game 7: Sunday, Aug. 28 at London; 7:05 p.m.
 By Pepper Parr
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.
By Staff
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
Barrie wins series 4-0
Game 1: Barrie 8, Kitchener 1
Game 2: Barrie 2, Kitchener 0
Game 3: Barrie 10, Kitchener 5
Game 4: Barrie 3, Kitchener 0
London Majors vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
London leads series 1-0
Game 1: London 5, Toronto 0
Game 2: Sunday, Aug. 21 at Toronto: 2 p.m.
Game 3: Tuesday, Aug 23 at London; 7:35 p.m.
Game 4: Wednesday, Aug. 24 at Toronto; 7:30 p.m.
 By Staff
August 20, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Is there something Shakespearian about the way things have worked out with the performance schedule of the two week run of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the RBG Rock Garden?
 Traffic tie ups on the QEW kept several cast members in the cars and not on the lawn – resulting in the cancellation of the Friday performance. Bad enough that they had to contend with weather, that just didn’t work for them, – then traffic kept a couple of his performers in their cars somewhere on the QEW Friday evening
There are two performances left – this evening and then Sunday evening.
Reception of the play has been great.
A site that will allow 220 seats had to find a way to get 255 in place only to have the rain get in the way – again.
 The setting was superb – the rain wasn’t really necessary. The weather issues need not get in the way of a superb idea – what will they plan for next summer?
By Staff
August 20th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a close to perfect evening – not even a hint of rain.
The folks that live downtown and those that made themselves aware of the free Jazz events on the Plaza at the Performing Arts centre began to take up seats as early as 5:30 pm for a 6:30 performance – they knew that the seats get taken up quickly.
This is the second year of what is turning out to be a very popular event.
 Barbara Lica, charming both an audience and a microphone. Good music, Barbara Lica, Romania’s gift to Canada took to the platform and never failed to delight. The cash bar was open.
 Barbara Lica, a night light lyrical voice. The Jazz part of the Centre’s summer program end next week when Vincent Wolfe & the VegasNorth Seven will be playing.
The fall program really doesn’t begin until very late in September when the Centre celebrates five years of existence – they are bring Royal Wood back for this occasion.
An opportunity to listen to a growing artist and to take a look back at what the Centre has given the city that gave so much to get it built.
The audience has grown, putting a management team in place has proven to be more of a challenge than many expected. The arts are different – not like running a factory.
There have been three Executive Directors during the five years of existence.
 There wasn’t seat to be had – some people sat on the other side of the street to just listen. What the general public doesn’t see or hear much about is the elementary and secondary school programs.
The Centre has an 11 performance program for kindergarten to grade 8 specifically curated for young audiences to be more than just regular, old field trips. Instead, they are unique cultural excursions that nurture the development of creative students and who in turn build creative communities. And tickets are $10 each.
Among the school program offerings are: The Lightning Thief, I.aM.mE Dance Crew, Peter Rabbit Tales, Brown Bear, Brown Bear and other Treasured Stories plus The Spirit of Harriet Tubman.
There are also workshop’s for students.
By Pepper Parr
August 20, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
A national newspaper recently said that God Downie, lead singer of the Tragically Hip, was attending his own wake.
 This evening tens of thousands of Canadians across the country will listen during the last stop of an immensely successful cross country tour – sold out at every stop – comes to an end in Kingston, Ontario – their home town.
Downie was told by his oncologist, who will be in the audience tonight that his brain cancer is terminal. In the 1980’s Terry Fox ran through Burlington as part of his Marathon of Hope – he wasn’t able to complete the run – but since that amazing effort on his part millions has been raised to pay for the research that has to be done to beat back cancer.
 Gord Downie – performing. Tonight, perhaps millions will listen to that final concert. Will those listeners be generous enough to pump additional millions into cancer research as Gord Downie once again gives it everything he has?
That’s what that concert this evening is really all about – our chance to show who we are and what we can do.
Think about passing along the price of a good dinner in a fine restaurant to the cause.
Donate to
There is a free shuttle bus service from the Burlington GO station to the John street bus terminal – a short walk to Spencer Smith Park.
CBC is running an hour of Olympic’s coverage before the concert. The Hip concert will begin at 8:30.
You can donate online.
There will be people on site accepting cash donations.
There will be two stations on site where credit card donations can be made.
Give till it hurts – cancer does hurt – ask Gord Downie.
Joseph Brant Hospital Cancer Clinic
Canadian Cancer Society – Halton Branch
This event came out of an initiative from ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward and the Burlington Downtown Business Association who proposed that the city match the $12,500 the BDBA put up.
By Staff
August 20, 2016
LONDON, ON
Elis Jimenez was nearly unhittable as the London Majors opened their semi-final with a 5-0 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs at Labatt Park Friday night.
Jimenez (2-0), pitching for the first time since Aug. 5 against Guelph, scattered three hits in the complete game and walked one with nine strikeouts.
 Offensively, Byron Reichstein had three hits and two RBI as London improved to 5-0 in the post-season. Michael Ambrose and Chris McQueen each had a hit and RBI, and Brett Sabourin drove in the other run. RJ Fuhr and Carlos Arteaga each had two hits and scored once, and Keith Kandel singled twice and scored twice.
Connor Lewis had two of Toronto’s three hits. The fifth-place Leafs were coming off a Game 7 win in Brantford this week.
Brett van Pelt (1-1) took the loss, allowing three runs on nine hits in 6.2 innings. He walked two and struck out two.
2016 IBL playoffs
Semifinals
(2) Kitchener Panthers vs. (3) Barrie Baycats
Barrie leads series 3-0
Game 1: Barrie 8, Kitchener 1
Game 2: Barrie 2, Kitchener 0
Game 3: Barrie 10, Kitchener 5
Game 4: Saturday, Aug. 20 at Barrie; 7 p.m.
* Game 5: Sunday, Aug. 21 at Kitchener; 7 p.m.
* Game 6: Tuesday, Aug. 23 at Barrie; 7:30 p.m.
* Game 7: Thursday, Aug. 25 at Kitchener; 7:30 p.m.
(1) London Majors vs. (5) Toronto Maple Leafs
London leads series 1-0
Game 1: London 5, Toronto 0
Game 2: Sunday, Aug. 21 at Toronto: 2 p.m.
Game 3: Tuesday, Aug 23 at London; 7:35 p.m.
Game 4: Wednesday, Aug. 24 at Toronto; 7:30 p.m.
Game 5: Friday, Aug. 26 at London; 7:35 p.m.
Game 6: Saturday, Aug. 27 at Toronto; TBD
Game 7: Sunday, Aug. 28 at London; 7:05 p.m.
Expect it to be London Barrie against London – however Toronto has managed to pull rabbits out of the hat before.
By Staff
August 18, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The IBL semifinal between the first-place London Majors and fifth-place Toronto Maple Leafs is scheduled to begin Friday, Aug. 19 at Labatt Park in London.
The Majors haven’t played since sweeping Guelph on Aug. 9, while the Leafs are coming off a Game 7 win over Brantford in 10 innings on Wednesday night.
The semifinal schedule is as follows:
(1) London Majors vs. (5) Toronto Maple Leafs
Game 1: Friday, Aug. 19 at London; 7:35 p.m.
Game 2: Sunday, Aug. 21 at Toronto: 2 p.m.
Game 3: Tuesday, Aug 23 at London; 7:35 p.m.
Game 4: Wednesday, Aug. 24 at Toronto; 7:30 p.m.
Game 5: Friday, Aug. 26 at London; 7:35 p.m.
Game 6 and 7: TBD
The Barrie Baycats are playing against the Kitchener Panthers where the Baycats are up to games.
Prediction: It will be London Majors against the Barrie Baycats with Barrie taking the prize. We have been wrong before.
 By Pepper Parr
August 18, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
A little less anxiety over the announcement that New Street traffic lanes are going to be re-configured from the two lanes each way to one lane each way, a centre turning lane and two buffered bike lanes on each side of the road would seem to be in order.
Road marking removal will take place starting August 22 to prepare the roads for lane-painting, which will begin on August 26. The road is expected to be ready on August 27.
 Existing configuration on the left – planned configuration on the right. Gazette commentators are getting themselves all wound up with some rather silly comments. Those rocket scientists have concluded the pilot project is going to be a traffic disaster.
 Extensive maps showing the possible options for bike lanes on New Street were on display at a public meeting in May at Bateman High school. No one really knows how this pilot project is going to work. It will run for a year and the evidence will tell the transportation department if what they tried worked or didn’t work.
All these comment, some of them downright silly, add little to the discussion – wait for the results.
You can bet that the transportation people will be monitoring this very closely and reporting regularly to the city manager. The city manager will certainly keep council advised; maybe he will find a way to share the data the city collects with the taxpayers.
No one knows if the pilot will work – can we not wait for the evidence before jumping to conclusions?
One hopes that the members of council don’t fold on this one and pull the plug before there is a decent chance to see if it works.
Here is a sampling of the comments that have come in – and it isn’t over.
“Utterly incredible and unbelievable! At a time when this City faces major problems with transportation gridlock a major east-west thoroughfare gets cut to one lane in each direction. Get behind a school or city bus and your commute will be extended significantly.”
“Shame on this Council for their lack of perspective, and shame on our Mayor for lacking the leadership and the guts to stand up to the bicycle lobby at City Hall who are intent on pursuing their agenda despite widespread community opposition. Kudos to Councillor Sharman for being the sole voice of reason, logic and common sense on this pathetic Council.”
“Wonderful- no more bikes in the car lanes! Now the bikes have more options finally- Burlington bike paths, Burlington sidewalks and the new bike lanes! Looking forward to improved snow removal and synchronized lights for bike safety. Next- running lanes? Shake your heads! Check out where the bike lanes are in Amsterdam”
“What on earth are they thinking????? The congestion at rush hour will be crazy. We already can’t move in Burlington, they keep building and building. Would like to see the study plan for this. Lakeshore does not work either by the way. Lived in Burlington my whole life, time to move.”
“It is finally now official, this is a City being run by incompetent Councillors and staff. They should all hang there head in shame.”
“Unbelievable! A main corridor being reduced. I understand Burlington’s obsessiveness but to take a full lane divide in 2, well it is an attraction for cyclists to run 5 or 6 abreast. Afterall, they run 2 and 3+ currently.”
Related article:In May
New Street to be narrowed.
 By Staff
August 17th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
After several rain game cancellations the Toronto Leafs rallied from a two-run deficit to tie the game in the eighth inning and scored twice in the top of the 10th to beat the Brantford Red Sox 4-2 Wednesday night in Game 7 of their best-of-seven quarter-final at Arnold Anderson Stadium.
 They had to grind to win the series – but that they did and they now go on to play the London Majors.
Toronto also scored both of its runs in extra innings with two out, as Sean Mattson singled home Jon Waltenbury, and Marra scored on a passed ball.
Mike Wagner picked up his second win of the series, going four scoreless innings in relief and scattering two hits with a pair of walks and three strikeouts. Marek Deska started and went four innings, allowing two hits with three walks and four strikeouts.
For Brantford, Nic Burdett and Josh McCurdy hit back-to-back RBI doubles in the Red Sox’s two-run sixth inning. Ricky Murray added a single and double.
Jonathan Joseph (1-1) took the loss, giving up two runs on two hits in an inning, with a walk and two strikeouts. Starter Nathan Forer went 6.1 innings, allowing two hits with three walks and four strikeouts.
In the other semi final playoff game the Barrie Baycats blew the Kitchener right out of the water with their 2-0 win.
Adam Rowe threw a complete-game shutout to lead the Baycats to a win in game 2 of the best of seven series.
Rowe (2-0) threw a 114 pitches and scattered seven hits with a walk and six strikeouts.
Kyle DeGrace had the lone RBI as the Baycats mustered just five singles against Panthers starter Noelvis Entenza.
Entenza (1-1) went 6.1 innings and allowed two unearned runs on five hits with four walks and five strikeouts.
Frank Camilo Morejon had two of the Panthers’ seven hits, while Mike Andrulis and Ryan Douse each doubled.
2016 IBL playoffs
Semifinals
(2) Kitchener Panthers vs. (3) Barrie Baycats
Barrie leads series 2-0
Game 1: Barrie 8, Kitchener 1
Game 2: Barrie 2, Kitchener 0
Game 3: Thursday, Aug. 18 at Kitchener; 7:30 p.m.
Game 4: Saturday, Aug. 20 at Barrie; 7 p.m.
* Game 5: Sunday, Aug. 21 at Kitchener; 7 p.m.
* Game 6: Tuesday, Aug. 23 at Barrie; 7:30 p.m.
* Game 7: Thursday, Aug. 25 at Kitchener; 7:30 p.m.
Is it too early to suggest where this series is going?
By Pepper Parr
August 17, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It is going to be a “twofer” that is two things for the price of one.
And when the one is free – this is an occasion you don’t want to miss.
 The Tragically Hip have spent a lot of time on the road in a bus – they will play in Kingston on Saturday and be simulcast across the country. The final event of the current cross country tour is being done by the tragically Hip from their home base in Kingston, Ontario and is being simultaneously broadcast to a number of cities across the country.
Burlington is one of them.
With the Olympics eating up a lot of television time – the CBC has decided to start the broadcast an hour early – it was originally to begin at 8:30 pm
It will now start at 7:30 pm with the first hour devoted to Olympic events.
This just might mean that the comments local politicians will want to make might get skipped – that would be nice.
The evening is an opportunity to pay homage to a band that as a significant part of the lives of a major demographic – it is also an opportunity to pony up with some of your cash and support the cancer research that may someday come up with a way to treat the cancer that for Gord Downie is terminal – the cancer research people have made tremendous strides – let Downie you know you are going to do your part.
It is going to be an emotional evening.
 Gord Downie Bring your lawn chair/blanket, water bottle & cash/credit for donations to our local charities for brain cancer research and treatment.
Volunteers will be circulating to collect cash; credit card donations will be processed at two booths at the event.
People can also donate in advance.
Joseph Brant Hospital cancer clinic
Canadian Cancer Society – Halton Branch
The city is making it easy to get to the event – they suggest you leave the car at home – finding a parking spot will be a challenge – and take the GO train and use the shuttle bus that will run from the Burlington GO to Spencer Smith Park until 1 am – which gives you loads of time to grab a brew and a bite at one of the local hospitality establishments in the city.
“Tragically Hip Shuttle” is available from Burlington GO station, north side, from 6 pm to 1 am.
This is an alcohol-free, family friendly event that will proceed rain or shine.
By Pepper Parr
August 17, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
“What a week” said Trevor Copp as he prepared for the second week of a two week run of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream playing at the Rock Garden of the RBG on York Blvd.
 A scene from A Midsummer Night’s Dream performed on a lawn at the Rock Garden section of the Royal Botanical Gardens Copp tells people that while he listened to the Mayor who was commenting on the event at its opening night he wondered if he wanted to warn the crowd how the energy and attendance tends to drop down after opening. “So glad I didn’t. We’ve had a full week of huge crowds playing to an ever stronger show. It couldn’t have gone better.”
Copp may have stretched what really happened – they had to delay the show one night while it rained – but the audience was loyal and they waited out the rain
He had to cancel one show – weather just wasn’t co-operating.
Copp’s troubles were environmental – everything else was typical Trevor Copp: exciting, different and surprising. You aren’t likely to see another production of the play done with that much energy.
 If you’re on the right Road you can’t miss the place. Copp closes with: “Love to have you as a part of our second (and final) week of this inaugural run.”
Where is this place? It’s at the newly opened Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) ROCK GARDEN (1185 York Blvd), which is a couple kms along the same road (towards Hamilton) from the RBG Main Entrance. There is a huge sign and plenty of free parking right across the street
When? 7pm this Wednesday to Sunday; August 17-21. The Gardens open exclusively to ticket holders (your tix include admission to the Rock Gardens) at 5pm, so get there early and enjoy the newly re-opened Gardens.
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