The city decided to spend some of our tax money on gussying up parts of the city. Norton Park had a lovely stretch of wall that was just dying for the hand of an artist.
Through its public art program, the city selected artist collective, PA System (Patrick Thompson and Alexa Hatanaka), to install the mural in Norton Community Park.
“The mural will provide a sense of community pride in Alton,” said Scott Stewart, general manager of development and infrastructure. “We look forward to seeing the mural..” he said.
Art outdoors on a lovely late Spring day spells photo op – and sure enough the city’s media managers scheduled such an event.
The is the eastern side of the wall. while we were photographing this collection of high school students from Hayden High happened along and we knew instantly that we had a real photo opportunity.
The Gazette frowns on photo ops just for the sake of getting your picture in the paper – but we thought the art was worth sharing with a wider public. So we travelled up to Dundas to see how the northern half of Burlington lives and walked through the park to see what had been done.
You don’t have to walk very far to get the gist of the mural – colour – it just screams of colour on a wall that is easily 20 feet long and 10 feet high – with two sides to put paint on.
Artists were asked to consider student involvement, community diversity and the wide range of uses for the site in their concept development and installation process. The city’s public art program steering committee received 23 mural applications and shortlisted three artists: Charles Johnston, Lesia Mokrycke and PA System (Alexa Hatanaka and Patrick Thompson).
“Resident-submitted comments guided the jury’s selection and were considered in addition to artistic merit, technical considerations and student engagement around each finalist’s work,” said Angela Paparizo, the City of Burlington’s manager of arts and culture.
Burlington residents were able to view and comment on the proposals during Culture Days in September, at Haber Recreational Centre, and online. The community jury reviewed the feedback, including 340 comments, along with the artistic and technical merits of each proposal to make their selection.
“PA System’s past experience working with community members to create unique and inspiring murals is impressive,” said the jury’s statement. “The use of bold colours and patterns will create a year-round focal point for the park and the abstract nature of the design allows for a broad range of interpretations, allowing each viewer to connect to the work in their own way.”
It was built as a wall to shelter people from the wind and turned out to be a great place for a mural. This is the inside of the wall
About the Artists
PA System, which is comprised of artists Alexa Hatanaka and Patrick Thompson, have a broad background in community-based art projects, youth projects and mentorship. For the past 10 years, Hatanaka and Thompson have worked on a range of visual arts projects in the arctic. They have created numerous murals in the hamlets of Cape Dorset, Igloolik, Iqaluit and Hall Beach as well as in the Northern Quebec towns of Kangiqsujuaq and Kuujjuaq, and have facilitated youth projects at York University, the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, and the National Gallery.
Hatanaka and Thompson exhibit and paint murals across Canada and around the world. Their work can be seen in the Royal Ontario Museum, the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona and the Guanlan International Printmaking Base.
The high school students who posed for our photo op thought it was great work and pulled out their cell phone and asked that we take pictures of them with the art work.
Real photo ops.
If you live in Burlington the main thing you hear about the Pan Am Games is that they are taking place in Hamilton and the people who run the province want us to reduce our time on the QEW by 20%.
The hotel that was to be built on Lakeshore Road for the games hasn’t even gotten as far as a hole in the ground.
Our piece of the Pan Am Games action looks as if it is going to be limited to having one of our very own carry the torch from the Discovery Centre to the pier – 200 metres.
The Pan Am Torch
The Torch is going to arrive in Burlington at the intersection of Brant and Leighland and be carried down Brant Street, cutting through a couple of local streets, until it gets handed over to Ashley Worobec, a local chiropractor who is a total fitness advocate and in superb shape.
At press time Ashley didn’t have her uniform yet but she is nevertheless pumped.
Worobec’s parents are flying in from Calgary to watch their daughter run that 200 metres – the plans are to have hundreds of people line the route.
The sports organizations in Burlington have been asked to encourage their members to line the route and cheer on our runner.
Parts of Brant Street will be closed to traffic as the Torch is brought to Spencer Smith Park in what Denise Beard, Manager of something with Parks and Recreation, described as a “rolling closure” – the security will lead and follow the runner.
When she runs her 200 metres on Friday she will be carrying the Pan Am Torch – Ashley Worobec
Worobec says there is a “shroud of mystery” surrounding the proceedings. ”I get picked up at 3:45 and get taken to the hotel where I get my uniform and then they tell me what I am doing.”
“I know that I will be handing the torch off to Mark Oldershaw”, Canada’s Olympic paddling hero. “We all end up at the Sound of Music stage where the Mayor is giving a speech.”
Worobec isn’t sure if she gets to keep her uniform but she will be able to buy one of the torches. “I don’t get to keep the one I run with – but I am allowed to buy one – for $550. We are going to put up in the lobby of the clinic.”
Pan Am Torch route – Worobec is expected to begin her run at the Discovery Centre at 5:45 pm on Friday.
No one is really sure how many people are going to be following the event – it takes place right in the middle of the last Sound of Music weekend – so there will probably be large crowds.
Worobec expects to start her 200 metre run at 5:45 on Friday at the Discovery Centre.
Worobec knows that she will be running along the Naval Promenade and thinks she is going to end up somewhere near the gazebo.
Her husband is going to be buying a half a dozen white balloons he will fill with Helium “so I can see where my parents are.”
It’s all about the environment – global warming, flooding and much different weather patterns than we are used to – there is a lot of talk; the fifth State of the Environment Report (SOER) for Burlington, prepared by the Sustainable Development Committee was presented to a Council Standing Committee earlier this week. SOERs have been presented to council in 1998, 2004, 2007 and 2011.
Does sustainability mean ensuring the Escarpment is never touched?
The purpose of the document is to provide information on the state and health of Burlington’s environment and to make recommendations for improving it.
The SOER identifies eleven themes, and reported on:
Why it was measured What was measured – indicators What was found – indicator values and trends What is happening to address the issue
The 2015 document points to progress is being made in certain areas of the city related to environmental sustainability:
The Cootes to Escarpment Land Strategy and Park System has partnered various levels of government, agencies, utilities, and non-government organizations to preserve and expand natural areas and engage the community on the value of these lands. The system is one of the most biologically rich areas in Canada with more than 1,580 documented species and habitat for more than 50 species at risk.
Under Places to Grow and with a firm urban and rural boundary, the city will continue to transform from a suburban community to a more urban built environment that should support a sustainable transportation network.
Support for urban agriculture and local food opportunities, such as community gardens, continues to grow.
Halton Region continues to experience success in reducing the waste diversion rate by expanding programs for local residents.
Greenhouse gas emissions from the community and city operations are decreasing.
Water efficiency efforts appear to be working as water consumption on a per capita basis appears to be decreasing (for low rise residential development). However, it is acknowledged that there are challenges facing the city and partner agencies going forward:
The uncertainty of the impacts of climate change, not just with local infrastructure, but with health, food security, the natural environment, among others. A regional adapation strategy should be considered.
The automobile is still the preferred mobility option in Burlington and changing the modal split in favour of other sustainable modes like transit, walking and cycling will require ongoing support in these areas.
The urban forest is under threat by invasive species and urban development, making the Urban Forest Master Plan an important resource.
The Sustainable Development Committee recently prioritized their top ten recommendations in the SOER:
The use to which we put the land we have – who gets to make those decisions?
LAND USE PLANNING: 1. That the city focuses on future land planning opportunities for mobility hubs, with design principles supporting energy efficient and smart development with a sustainable transportation network.
Regional Chair Gary Carr tasting honey while on an agricultural tour.
RURAL LANDS & AGRICULTURE 2. That the city expand the position and responsibilities of the Community Garden Coordinator from seasonal part time to support the local food movement in Burlington, by encouraging local food production and distribution, and supporting urban and rural agricultural programs.
TRANSPORTATION: 3. That the city undertake Transportation Modal Split surveys on a more consistent basis than the Transportation Tomorrow Survey. It is recommended that this survey include questions to detail why residents of Burlington choose their preferred mode of transportation and what steps need to be taken to encourage residents to rely on more sustainable transportation options.
ENERGY: 4. That the city continue the implementation of the Community Energy Plan with a focus on fuel and cost savings, by switching from gasoline vehicles to electric/hybrid vehicles, investigating opportunities for local sustainable generation (e.g. district and renewable energy), improving efficiency, increasing community engagement and improving the built form.
Water – it can work for us and it can work against us. Either way it is a resource to be managed so that it can sustain the community.
WATER: 5. That the city implement repairs and actions to mitigate future flooding impacts based on the results of the current study being carried out by the City of Burlington, Region of Halton and Conservation Halton in a cost effective manner. The study should include an update of the design standards for the stormwater system considering climate change impacts. That the city follow the principles (e.g. electrical boxes above flood level) required by Alberta when remediation is being carried out on residences, etc. (particularly where residences have been flooded repeatedly).
6. That the city request a geotechnical report through the development review process to ensure the proper design is applied when building construction takes place near or below the water table, particularly in low lying areas where the water table level is near the surface. Ensure the Ontario Building Code requirements are implemented, such as waterproofing of the foundation walls and measures to mitigate a reduction in the bearing capacity of the soil.
7. That the city, in partnership with Conservation Halton as appropriate, undertake a series of pilot projects on city properties using Low Impact Development stormwater management techniques to treat stormwater runoff at its source rather than conveying it through the traditional stormwater infrastructure.
CLIMATE CHANGE: 8. That the city ensure community resiliency by working with regional partners including Halton Region, Conservation Halton and the local municipalities to develop a climate change adaptation strategy.
SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS & DEVELOPMENT: 9. That the city implement green building standards to require builders to include sustainable building measures in their projects.
10. That the city continue to undertake a training program for city staff who deal with planning applications and building permits to obtain LEED accreditation and to make use of the LEED Neighbourhood checklist developed by the SDC.
The Sustainability Advisory Committee is made up of volunteers who have taken on a mammoth task. At times the city has asked them for comments they weren’t able to provide; with these periodic reports the city gets solid data but then struggles to leverage the data and inform the public.
Tires pulled out of creeks by clean up crews – the tires got dumped there by people who should know better.
Burlingtonians are particularly willing to pitch in and do what needs to be done to make the difference. Thousands turn out for the Green Up – Clean up event; hundreds trooped to the Beachway to plant trees. The task now is to get the message out – which is easier said than done. The Sustainable Development Committee plans to make their report available within the community. Copies will be distributed to the Burlington Public Libraries and local senior elementary and secondary schools as a resource document. An electronic version will be provided on the city’s website. The Committee will promote the on-line link to the SOER to minimize the number of printed copies.
It is going to take more than dropping copies off at the library and at schools to get the depth and breadth of just what sustainability is all about. On that score the committee gets a low C grade – great stuff but it has to go much further than a presentation to council and being put in the libraries.
It comes back to that leadership issue – doesn’t it?
It was a cool spring night in Barrie as the Burlington Bandits made their way North to Coates Stadium to take on the defending champion Barrie Baycats. After a slow start to the season the Bandits had finally filled out most of their roster and were looking to turn a corner for the rest of the season. Didn’t make it this time – the Baycats took the game – 4-2
Going into the homes of the champions coach Kyle MacKinnon was confident with his clubs’ chances, “We just have to compete at their level. Obviously they’re a good team, but both times we came up here last year we were in a good spot, so if we come out with a high compete level, we’ll be okay.”
Adam Odd was named batter of the game – but it wasn’t the one that the Barrie Baycats beat the Burlington Bandits 4-2
The game got going quickly and Burlington’s defence was soon on display with LF Justin Gideon making a sensational diving catch in the bottom of the first to steal a hit from Ryan Spataro. Only to one-up himself in the bottom of the sixth when he made a leaping catch as he crashed into the wall, stealing away what would have been an extra-bases hit for Kyle DeGrace.
“I tracked the ball off the bat and I thought it was going to be short, but it just kept carrying,” said Gideon as he described the play. “It just kept carrying and I found myself against the fence, I jumped and I didn’t even know I caught it until I looked at my glove.”
In the end it just wasn’t enough for Burlington as their own errors gave the game away to Barrie, most notably in the fifth inning. In the inning Barrie’s SS Branfy Arias was hit by a pitch; he then stole second, when sliding into second the ball got lost in the confusion and ended up in centre field, allowing Arias to make it to third safely. The very next batter hit the ball at 3B Nolan Pettipiece, who tried to tag Arias at third instead of getting the out at first, allowing Barrie’s DH Glenn Jackson to cash in a run on a fielders choice, making the game 2-0 Barrie, instead of potentially ending the inning.
It wasn’t all bad for Burlington though, as starting pitcher Dylan Perego gave the Bandits a strong start, pitching 6.1 innings and striking out four batters before the wheels came off in the seventh when he gave up three hits, walked one, hit a batter, had two bases stolen on him and gave up two runs before being replaced by Brandon Hillier.
The night belonged to Perego’s counterpart, Barrie’s starting pitcher Chris England. England threw 8 shutout innings to lead the Baycats to the 4-2 victory. England was just getting back into the role of being a starting pitcher, “it was a little bit different getting back into the swing of things, getting my momentum and getting my pitch count up too. It was just a little bit awkward last week, I hadn’t started in a long time, it’s a little bit about getting into routine and today I was able to follow my routine back from college and luckily I had success because of it.”
The season has a lot of room left – the Bandits are going to need it to catch up. They are one step from the bottom of the ladder.
Coach MacKinnon wasn’t happy with the loss “offensively we could have competed a bit better early,” said the coach, “maybe cashed in on a couple situations. Overall I’m never happy about a loss but it’s something to build off, that’s for sure.”
Burlington’s next game is at home against the Guelph Royals on Thursday night. The game goes at 7:30pm at Nelson Park as Burlington will try to snap a two-game losing streak.
The Bandits are real, real close to the bottom of the standings ladder – The team has won 4, lost ten games – but things are a lot worse for the Guelph Royal.
The Burlington Sound of Music Kick-Off came alive at the Waterfront. It could not have been a more perfect weekend. The hot Saturday sun beat down on the Burlington Sound of Music Festival while the beat of the concert music played to a high energy crowd.
Head banging with style – or the photo op of the day. Whichever – the sound drove the crowds wild at the Saturday SoM Kick Off.
The crowds of adoring fans arrived in droves to watch their favourite bands. The food trucks lined up along the boardwalk. The Waterfront was busy with boats anchored to listen to the music. Everyone showed up to enjoy this event; families, dog lovers, teens, people of all ages came out to support the Burlington Sound of Music Festival Kick Off.
As I walked through the main gate I could see the teams of volunteers attending to everything from ticket scanners to assisting people and answering questions. I ran into Ted Mills, ‘really I had to move to avoid being run over by him’ Ted wore a bright yellow t-shirt with the words “Event Control”.
I asked him if he had a few minutes to chat with me. I asked him how long he had been a volunteer with the event. He smiled and said “14 years’. Ted told me he was very proud of the event and felt this was a great event for Burlington to host. Ted loves what he does and this is his way to give back to the Burlington Community.
I also had a chance to chat very briefly with the Ticket Scanner volunteer. She smiled and told me this event was great. She explained the ticket scanning was a great idea; and a great way to keep the line ups moving quickly so everyone could get to their concerts. .
I was excited to be joining the other photographers and journalists who were taking photos of Burlington’s own Finger Eleven as they performed. We all gathered by the front gate waiting to be escorted by the media coordinator to the media pit. We hung
our cameras over our shoulders and got “ready to aim snap and capture” the band Finger Eleven in concert.
Fingers 11 – working that instrument at the Sound of Music Kick Off on Saturday.
Finger Eleven was introduced to the excited fans by the Host of CHCH news anchor Nick Dixon. The band was formed in 1989. The first guitarist came out whaling his electric guitar joining the drummer and base guitarist. Then we all got a real treat, a ‘head banging” show from the guitarist.
As he began to play his guitar he was hidden behind his long long black hair. His hair flew in the air as he dropped his head back and forth to the sound of his guitar. Throughout each song he bounced across the stage with such energy; the loud applause and cheers could be heard for miles. Finger Eleven was one of many concerts during the Burlington Sound of Music Kick Off this past weekend.
There were fans standing inside the media ‘Pit’ as well. Concert go-ers wishing to get real close to their favourite band; could do so by purchasing a $60.00 ticket plus another $25.00 which gave them access to the ‘Pit’. “Yes you could stand inches from the stage.”
This apparently is the first time the Sound of Music has asked for payment to gather at favoured spots right up close to the stage – where we were told when we could click our cameras and when we couldn’t.
Historically the Sound of Music has been a free event – is there a change in policy in the works? Could we see the Sound of Music as a fully ticketed event in the future?
Kristin and Justin Butler; owners of the Chimneys food truck doing their first SoM event.
I noticed long line ups at the food trucks. So, I took a few minutes to chat with Kristin and Justin Butler; owners of the Chimneys food truck. This was their first time at the Burlington Sound of Music Kick-Off and found the energy invigorating.
I was able to chat with David Miller, Executive Director of the Burlington Sound of Music. He was a very busy man this weekend. According to David, there were a few unexpected glitches; this only meant they will look closely at how to avoid future issues. Concentrating on making it even a better experience. He is very proud of the event which he has been heading up for nine years.
This was the Fourth year of the Burlington Sound of Music Kick-Off. I asked David who was the brainchild behind the idea for a Ticketed Event. He told me it was a ‘collaborative effort’.
He explained how the Burlington community and others have been asking for a bigger and better concert line-up. David was able to fill that request by adding bands such as: Our Lady Peace, Finger Eleven, Collective Soul and David Wilcox, to name a few. He also mentioned that the ‘Free’ weekend at the Burlington Sound of Music has also been a success.
During the ‘Free’ weekend there were a few options: the Front Row Concert Tickets cost $25.00; the Sweet VIP Concert Tickets cost $100; this includes a drink and a meal.
Every year the money raised goes to a different recipient. This year the recipient is the Joseph Brant Hospital, Music Therapy.
They want you there and while they won’t send a yellow taxi to pick you up – they have arranged for the buses to run just a little longer so you can stick around Spencer Smith Park a little longer and take in more of the Sound of Music.
The Festival organizers have arranged for shuttles from the Burlington GO station to the Downtown Transit Terminal
Shuttles will run from the Burlington GO station to the John Street terminal – just a hop, skip and a jump to Spender Smith Park
Extended transit service will also be offered during the kick-off event on Saturday June 13 and again during the Festival weekend as noted below:
Saturday June 13 & Saturday June 20
3 North from the Terminal – 10:30, 11 and 11:30 p.m. 3 South from the Terminal – 11 and 11:30 p.m. 10 East from the terminal – 11 and 11:30 p.m
Friday June 19
3 North from the Terminal – 11 and 11:30 p.m. 3 South from the Terminal – 11 and 11:30 p.m. 10 East from the Terminal – 11 and 11:30 p.m.
“Mr. Putin runs an entirely different system … he runs an economy that is dominated by oligarchs and criminal syndicates. It is not at all like our economy, it doesn’t share our interests, it doesn’t share our values, and so I think we need to have discussions where we can really rally the shared interests of the Western democratic world.” (CBC).
This was one of Canadian PM Stephen Harper’s clearest foreign policy statements.
Cynics might say that he is just catering to the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada – playing politics from abroad in an election year. But he has been consistent on this issue from the get-go, and as such, brings a constructive voice into the mix of confusion over how to solve a problem like Putin.
Prime Minister laying a wreath at a memorial in Kiev.
Notwithstanding his refusal to back up his aggressive stand by supplying defensive weapons, Ukrainian leaders have no greater friend than Canada’s Prime Minister. And his voice has apparently influenced decision-making at the latest G7 meeting in Bavaria, where unanimous consent was obtained to keep economic sanctions on Russia.
The G7, established in 1975 as the Group of 6 (G6) is comprised of the chief financial officers and heads of government of the USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy and, as of 1976, Canada. The G7 can claim to be global power brokers since they represent the majority of the planet’s economic power and wealth.
Canada was an after-thought addition to the original club. We represent the smallest population and economy of the group, though we can boast the second highest per capita GDP and human development index rating. This G7 group is not to be confused with the G20, which includes the G7 as well as other big nations, and collectively controls about 80 percent of global wealth. And as if it were not confusing enough, the European Union established another G5 (now G6) in the nineties.
Russia became a member of the G7 sometime after the disintegration of the USSR, making it the G8, but was kicked out last year after it invaded the Ukraine. Although it’s economy is slightly greater than that of Canada, it’s GDP per capita is only a third of ours – a developing-nation standard of living. That and the other arguments Mr. Harper’s raised are good reasons for its expulsion.
Would returning to the Gold standard make a difference?
The G7 was originally constituted to deal with the aftermath of the US leaving the gold standard. But the Group of Seven have evolved into a forum to discuss economic and trade issues, such as the pending credit default by Greece. Still, when you get a bunch of chief executives from the world’s most powerful nations together, they’ll talk about whatever they want.
So in addition to Greece, the Islamic State (IS), Ukraine and Climate Change were on the agenda. German Chancellor Merkel was passionate about making climate change a priority. France hosts the next global climate change conference at the end of this year, and was hoping the G7 would support something like zero emissions by mid-century.
Japan and Canada, for different reasons, were not ready to sign onto a resolution to stop burning fossil fuels by 2050. So they picked a date, out of thin air, and the rest of the members compromised with 2100 – the lowest common denominator. Well, at least, I won’t be around to criticize the PM, should he miss that target, But neither will he – and that is the point. He might just as well have chosen 2200 or 2300 – it means nothing.
The Ukraine and IS conflicts are serious business. Almost 7,000 people have been killed over the last year in Ukraine, and there are unfounded claims of 10,000 deaths from the US-led bombing alone. There is lots of wrong doing, illegality and immorality to go around, and two sides to every story, but we are the good guys, right?
So what about climate change? The World Health Organization estimates a quarter million deaths annually between 2030 and 2050 and economic costs of up to $4 B a year as a result of this phenomenon. As fixated as we are on Ukraine and IS, isn’t this a bigger picture? Or is there something amiss with our values and interests? I mean, how moral is inter-generational inequality?
Mr. Harper’s European vacation included a ten minute meeting with the Pope, whose office claims to be the pinnacle of morality. Our PM has been asked, by our first nations to give the Pope a message, to apologize for what his church, among others, did to Canada’s aboriginal residential students.
But Harper didn’t ask, choosing to continue his tirade on Russia instead. Pope Francis is a bit of a rock star, and who knows, he might have apologized. No doubt he had already lectured Mr. Putin about the morality of the Ukraine conflict when they met a day earlier.
Pope checking on the heavens – just how polluted are they?
The next big campaign for the Pontiff is fighting climate change. So it is likely this topic came up in his discussions with our PM, but he’s not saying. The Pope has many allies in this battle to save the planet as we know it, including the US and Chinese leaders, and the Europeans.
Mr. Harper would do well to ponder the words he used to describe the Russian leader – the ones about interests and values and belonging to a club that shares values. Should he be re-elected PM later this year, those very words may come back to haunt him, as he finds himself lonely if not alone, in Paris, at the climate change conference.
Ray Rivers writes weekly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was a candidate for provincial office in Burlington where he ran as a Liberal against Cam Jackson in 1995, the year Mike Harris and the Common Sense Revolution swept the province.
The Art Gallery of Burlington auction pulled in $60,000 during its recent Art Auction – the Bateman went for $6,000 and Reid Flock’s piece “Basking Denim Noise Paint” went for $1,000.
Newly minted AGB President Robert Steven has had a good first month – $60,000 ahead of the game. Hopefully it is still uphill from here.
Art collectors are known for the attention they pay to the Burlington auction because they know there is usually a Bateman included – and they make a point of taking a look and then usually bidding by telephone.
Robert Bateman’s piece “Kestral and Balsam Poplar” went for $6,000 which is a little on the low side for Bateman’s work.
The 200 different pieces of art that sold for $200 each was a popular choice for many that were just getting into art collecting.
The 200 for $200 seemed to be a very popular event – it was limited to local artists who had a chance to get there work in front of a wide, informed audience. The proof in that pudding will be next year – let’s see if the event makes the cut – it should.
Burlington has a number of high priced, high end galas – the AGB appears to have an opportunity to hold an event that could focus on the arts – no one else occupies that space. Creating a theme for the evening seemed to please most people – what will the creative minds of Johnathan Smith and Denis Longchamps come up with for next year?
Even though the city isn’t taking any official part in the Pan Am Games the residents of the city are being given an opportunity to ignite their Pan Am spirit and celebrate the Pan Am Games on Pan Am/Parapan Am Day in Canada on June 13 in LaSalle Park.
Competitors are showered with colour powders as they participate in the Color Run. There will be different locations where coloured powders are thrown over the runners.
Burlington is going to do its best to get into the Pan Am Games spirit by hosting a fun-filled day for families to experience Pan Am inspired sports from local partners and take place in a Pan Am inspired Colour Run.”
The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features:
• Kids Pan/Parapan Am inspired sports • Inflatables • Colour Run at noon • A 52-foot (16-metre) long Slip and Slide • Food vendors • Free admission to LaSalle Wading Pool
The Colour Run is an accessible one-kilometre route in LaSalle Park. Participants are encouraged to wear a white T-shirt they would like ‘coloured’ with the safe, non-toxic powder that participants will be coated in as they complete the course.
Those wishing to visit the LaSalle Wading Pool after the Colour Run will be required to rinse off in the Slip and Slide before entering the pool enclosure.
Will Torch bearer Ashley Worobec take part in the colour run at LaSalle |Park on Saturday the 13th?
The question the Gazette has is – will Torch carrier Ashley Worobec be doing the colour run the week before she runs through Spencer Smith Park with the Torch?
Limited parking is available at LaSalle Park with additional parking available at Aldershot Pool, 50 Fairwood Place W.
On Sunday, June 14, 2015 from 12:30 – 3 p.m. during the SOUND OF MUSIC PARADE, the following route detours will be in effect:
10 East Regular routing to New and Dynes Left at Dynes Right at Woodward Right at Cumberland Left at Rexway Left at Walkers Right at Flemish Left at Longmoor Right at Tiperary Left at New Resume regular routing.
10 West Regular routing to New and Tiperary Right at Tiperary Left at Longmoor Right at Flemish Left at Walkers Right at Rexway Right at Cumberland Left at Woodward Left at Dynes Right at New Resume regular routing.
4 East Regular routing to Rexway and Walkers Line. Left at Walkers Line Right at Flemish Left at Longmoor Resume regular routing.
4 West Regular routing to Longmoor and Flemish Right at Flemish Left at Walkers Line Right at Rexway Dr. Resume regular routing.
Detours in effect on Sunday, June 14, 2015 from 12:30-3 p.m.
There were not many items on the June 3rd agenda, but two of them had the potential to make for a long meeting. The increase in Education Development Charges were approved by the Halton District School Board without so much as a peep from any of the developers who have to come up with the cash.
There was a report from an economic consulting group that confirmed what everyone knew – land pieces had increased. Jack Ammendolia of Watson and Associates Economists confirmed that land costs have jumped again in Halton and the increase was necessary to cover the costs of new schools in Halton.
Since last year the per acre cost is as follows
Oakville from $1,250,000 to $1,440,000 Milton from $950,000 to $1,050,000 Halton Hills from $625,000 to $950,000
There was no number given for Burlington – there won’t be any new schools built here.
The residential development charge was increased from $3,380 to $3,969 per residence and from 87 cents to $1.02 per square foot in non residential development. This represents a 17% increase for both residential and non residential.
The land increases were 15% for Oakville, 11% for Milton and 52% for Halton Hills.
The 2015-16 Capital and Operating Budget were two issuers that could easily lead to long and laborious session of questions and answers. That was not the case. The trustees took the board of education staff at their word and passed the $685.7 million operating budget for 2015-2016 as well as the $62.6 million capital budget faster than you could say Bob’s your uncle”. Burlington’s city council wishes it could get off as easily.
Along with two budgets the Operational Plan Goals for 2015-16 and Special Education Plan were also quickly passed – unanimously.
As the meeting was nearing conclusion, Director Euale announced that the School Board will be supportive of the revised Health and Physical Education Curriculum. In his remarks he pointed out that the HDSB website now has a Q & A section on the new curriculum.
The site is:
www.hdsb.ca/Programs/Pages/FAQUpdatedHealthPhysicalEdCurriculum.aspx
We know it happens and we are surprised when it happens in families we knew. Nearly one in 10 Ontario seniors will experience some form of elder abuse, this is believed to be just a fraction of the cases reported.
The elderly are at times completely at risk; there are signs that indicate an elderly person is at risk. There are people who can help.
To help bring this important issue to light, Halton Region Police, registered nurses, and community organizations are hosting an event for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 18.
The event will be held at the Halton Region Auditorium 1151 Bronte Road in Oakville – starts at 5:30 pm
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognized around the globe every June to raise the visibility of elder abuse and related issues. This local event is being jointly presented by Halton Regional Police Service, the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario’s (RNAO) Halton chapter, Elder Abuse Ontario, and the Elder Abuse Prevention Committee of Halton.
“Elder abuse is like a big elephant in the room, and not many people want to talk about it,” says Karimah Alidina, president of RNAO’s Halton chapter, adding that elder abuse can have a major impact on the health and wellbeing of seniors. “We need to hold an open and honest dialogue so that we can better address elder abuse, and protect Halton Region’s older population.”
Between 2010 and 2014, Halton police received more than 400 reports of elder abuse. About 60 per cent of these reports were related to assault, but older adults are vulnerable to many forms of abuse – including physical, emotional, financial, sexual, and neglect.
“Our elders deserve our respect, love and appreciation. They are our parents, grandparents and cornerstones of our community,” says Stephen Tanner, Chief of Halton Regional Police Service.
“Our police force works closely with our community partners to educate the public, prevent abuse and neglect and provide support to our elders.”
Four out of five instances of elder abuse go undetected. Often, seniors are reluctant to report incidents because of fear or shame. That’s why raising awareness of elder abuse is so important, says Rochella Vassell of Elder Abuse Ontario.
Sometimes the abuse is physical, sometimes it is financial – at other times it is emotional – all take their tole.
“This local event will heighten awareness that elder abuse is a local issue that must be addressed and taken seriously,” Vassell says. “Every person in our community is encouraged to promote seniors’ rights and ensure they are treated with respect and dignity.”
More than 13 community organizations are participating in the event, as well as Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn. Burlington MPP Eleanor McMahon had a conflict and was not able to take part in what for her is a core constituency.
The agenda for the event is as follows:
5:30 p.m.: Registration and networking (refreshments provided) 6:00 p.m.: Welcome 6:10 p.m.: Remarks from MPP Kevin Flynn 6:25 p.m.: Presentation from Dr. Veronique Boscart 6:50 p.m.: Panel discussion • Nadine Clarke, Halton Regional Police Service • Keith Jim, Behavioural Supports Ontario Community Outreach Team • Paul Proteau, Crime Stoppers • Rochella Vassell, Elder Abuse Ontario 7:20 p.m.: Question and answer period 7:30 p.m.: Poster viewing
To register CLICK HERE or call the Halton Seniors Helpline at 1-866-457-8252.
The objective was to put the citizens, developers and the planners all in the same room and see what could be done.
It was an initiative that came out of Marianne Meed Ward’s imagination and it caught a spark.
The first of the four planned sessions was a hit – the Lion’s Hall room was close to capacity and there were a more than respectable number of developers in the room. The less than critically acclaimed ADI Group didn’t show for that first meeting and while invited no one really expected Paletta International to show either.
Meeting number two was held at the Performing Arts Centre where the audience was smaller but not by that much. What was quite different was the developers that did show up. The ADI Group had four people in their entourage who took part in some of the discussion.
Robert Molinaro was there for the second meeting and Jeff Paikin of New Horizons, the company that will build the Bridgewater project on Lakeshore made an appearance – selling the units is going to be the challenge there. Paikin didn’t take part in any of the table discussions.
The developers’ appear to have come to the conclusion that this was perhaps a safe place for them.
The focus for the second session was on specific properties that had been assembled and where plans were not yet firm.
The Molinaro’s have two pieces of property on the west side of Brant either side of Ghent and they worked at a table with a group of people listening to what they thought could be done with the property. The conversation was certainly animated with ideas being tossed around and, for the most part, the developers listening. The Molinaro’s appear to have learned that it is better to work with the city than to try and buck the rules. Their Paradigm project on Fairview south of the GO station and east of Walmart has proceeded smoothly because early in the game Meed Ward convinced them to meet with the community and hear their concerns.
Meed Ward did the same thing with the renovation to Burlington Square Plaza on the west side of Brant at Ghent, where a major change is to be made with the way the existing Brant Square relates to the street and replacing the existing two storey structure with a four storey structure and adding units into what is now an outdoor parking lot.
If the plans the developer talked about do make it to the construction stage Brant Street could have a significant commercial anchor where outdoor patios would fit in very well – the Downtown Destination could end up being quite a bit bigger.
The Wellwyn Interests had two land assemblies that they appear to want to add to; the largest is on Burlington Street – the location of a lot of history in this city. They have assembled three properties on Lakeshore Road that are contiguous and four on Burlington Avenue that are not all contiguous.
Townhouses and a condominium on Lakeshore with something between 12 and 16 storey’s got mentioned – but there were few specifics coming from the architects who were at the table.
Any change to the look and feel of Burlington Street would be significant no matter what was done. The development is in the St. Luke Precinct; a part of the city that is close to ferocious when it comes to protecting their community.
The land assembly on Maple Avenue, while outside the downtown boundary, was on the table for the public to comment. It would appear to amount to some intensification in a part of the city where it would fit quite well.
The Welwyn Interests have in the past focused on rental accommodation and are reported to have significant holdings. Townhouses would add to what they already rent and manage.
The next Downtown Destination meeting takes place at the Lion’s Hall on Wednesday the 10th of June. This meeting will be to put forward recommendations for the best use of the properties. The public listened to the plans the developers had or came up with ideas of their own – now they get to formalize what they think.
This approach is something very new to practice in Burlington however it is not a new idea. During his first term of office Mayor Goldring brought in a number of speakers to talk about different ways to look a problems. Ken Greenberg, one of the best planning thinkers in the country, told a Burlington audience that there was a better way to build a city and he urged city council to work with the developers and for the developers to work with the community right at the very beginning of a project.
Mayor Rick Goldring explains an idea to a resident during the first Downtown Destination workshop put on by Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward.
Has Meed Ward picked up on what Ken Greenberg suggested the city do three years ago? Or has she gone in a new direction and wants to give the citizen’s a sense of the kind of Mayor she would be when she runs for that office in 2018?
Make no mistake here – Marianne Meed Ward will run for the job of Mayor in 2018 – every move she makes is part of the election plan.
Councillor Meed Ward has always been good at listening – is her Downtown Destination series of Workshops the kind of thing the city needs more of – will they be seen in the other five wards?
Meed Ward has shown that she is a considerably different political animal than the rest of council. She asks questions and she isn’t afraid to step outside the box – and she certainly riles those members of Council with a significant Conservative bent to their thinking.
When Rick Goldring ran for the office of Mayor in 2010 the city didn’t know what it was getting – it had decided it didn’t want then Mayor Cam Jackson any longer and chose Goldring as the best alternative. It took a first term in office to see what Goldring can do and what he can’t do; where his strengths are and what his weaknesses prevent him from doing.
The next civic election will have a candidate that we have had a good look at – we will at least know what we are getting.
It takes place in two cities – Burlington is one of them,
The site covers several thousand acres – 2700 to be exact.
The event will take place on three different days
It has the rather pedestrian name of Panorama – however it can turn out to be quite an experience.
Called the Panorama Adventure Challenge Sport it is a run that cover either a 3 km or 5 km distance designed to teach team building and problem solving.
It is intended for any age and can be done at any pace.
ATV’s will join Mennonite buggy;s on public roads July 1st.
You are going to be able to take your ATV up walker;s Line and into Mt Nemo or along any of those nice windy rural roads come July 1st.
The province is enhancing on-road access for more types of off-road vehicles (ORVs) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) while increasing safety requirements for riders.
Beginning July 1, 2015, the province is implementing the following changes to ensure that ORV and ATV riders safely reach their destination:
More types of ORVs and ATVs, including two-up ATVs, side-by-side ATVs and utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs), will be allowed to use the shoulder of public roads
All riders — including drivers and passengers of all ages — will have to wear a helmet and use a seatbelt or foot rests, where applicable
Drivers operating a permitted ORV along a road or highway must hold at least a G2 or M2 driver’s licence, and their vehicle must be registered and insured.
Previous to July 1, 2015, only single-rider ATV’s could operate along certain provincial and municipal highways.
A whole new meaning is being given to “sharing the road” ATV’s will join the traffic flow
This month, the province is promoting the new rules before they come in force July 1, 2015, to ensure municipalities have enough time to make necessary bylaw amendments and to remind riders and drivers about the change.
The province is also allowing an education period to take place between July 1 to Sept. 1, 2015, before violation tickets are issued. However, during this time police officers may still lay a charge through a summons.
Opera and the Sound of Music? It’s going to happen – not out in Spencer Smith Park but inside the Knox Presbyterian Church, 461 Elizabeth St.
The Magic Flute was performed by the Canadian Children Opera Company. Burlington will hear a cabaret of their work June 13th
The performance is being put on by the Canadian Children’s Opera Company, (CCOC) an opera company for young people, unique in North America, dedicated to the training of young singers with an annual commissioned opera for young people from ages 5 – 20.
The CCOC’s youth chorus will present Opera Cabaret at Knox Presbyterian on June 13th conducted by two of Canada’s most treasured music educators, Ann Cooper Gay and composer, Errol Gay. CCOC members are regularly seen on stage at COC productions and is supported by various organizations including the Ontario Arts Council.
The 30 voice strong, Youth Chorus performs Opera Cabaret which marks the first performance of the CCOC in Burlington and will feature excerpts from Alice in Wonderland.
WHY IS THIS SO SPECIAL?
The CCOC is a major training ground for Canada’s future opera singers. And one of them is year is Burlington’s Lori Lewis, currently a student at Aldershot High School, a brilliant young talent whose musical roots are right here in our city and who will join an opera training programme this summer in Italy before he returns to this final year with the CCOC.
The Hobbit – a Canadian Children’s Opera Company production.
Having spent over 30 years as a singer and conductor, it was a rare treat to hear and see this young man in Alice. The voice is a tenor’s treat, warm and rich with high notes beyond what one might expect for a tenor this young. But today’s opera and music theatre world demands more than a voice and Lori Lewis has the timing of a comic, the awareness of an actor and the gift of moving his audiences. As the Mad Hatter in Alice, Lori’s performance still lingers in my memory.
This year’s sell-out event was a Canadian composed, written and staged opera, Alice in Wonderland that premiered at the Enwave Theatre at Harbour Front in Toronto to 12, sold-out, standing ovation audiences.
More details at www.canadianchildrensopera.com
Please forward this email to anyone you think would enjoy a taste of tomorrow’s Canadian musical stars.
The city has a memorandum of settlement with the outside workers.
A conciliator worked with the city and the unions and reached an agreement June 4th – the agreement will go to the union membership June 9th.
That should keep the unionized outside workers, arena/pool operators on the job.
Mayor looks at a transit schedule on a Smart phone – his hope is that transit will keep on working so that phones are needed to call a cab.
Things are not going nearly as well with the transit workers who are reported to be some distance apart from where the city sees a wage settlement going.
Both unions have gone very quiet, not returning phone call or answering requests for information.
Local 44, representing outside workers and arena/pool operators, and Local 2723, representing Burlington Transit, each recently held strike mandate votes and both voted in favour of a strike mandate. Both continue to negotiate with the city.
Why are fire fighters allowed to even think of striking?
The city is also negotiating with Burlington Professional Fire Fighters Association, Local 1552; that issue will get very sticky – the fire fighters have demands based on a municipality’s ability to pay which is giving municipalities across the province considerable grief.
“We are currently in negotiations with the two CUPE locals,” said Scott Stewart, general manager of Development and Infrastructure with the city. “Although each has held a strike mandate vote, this is not an actual action to start a strike. We are hopeful that we can reach a negotiated collective agreement with all of our CUPE bargaining units.”
If you had a ticket to this Live Auction – you were at the right place; the Art Gallery of Burlington was all a ‘buzz’.
Paris and the Belle Epoch was the theme for the 2015 Art Gallery of Burlington Live Auction. The Eiffel Tower seemed d appropriate
The guests eagerly arrived at this much anticipated event held by The Art Gallery of Burlington. The reception was advertised to begin at 6:30 p.m. but that did not keep the eager AGB supporters and art lovers from showing up at 6:00 p.m. Upon my arrival I quickly felt the high energy of the evening. The theme was La Belle Epoc or ‘Moulin Rouge’- the party days of Paris in the 1800s. The Burlington Student Performers were dressed in their Paris costumes and entertained the crowd.
I chatted with Robert Steven, President & CEO with The Art Gallery of Burlington. Robert was the first person to greet the art enthusiasts who poured into The Art Gallery of Burlington to take part in the festivities. Robert was proud to let me know; they had reached record ticket sales this year. He also mentioned the Live Auction raises funds for Exhibitions and Programs held at The Art Gallery of Burlington.
I spoke with Cheryl Goldring, Chair of the Live Auction at the Art Gallery of Burlington. She was very attentive to everyone as they approached to congratulate her on the success of the event. Cheryl was very excited that this year the sponsorships doubled and they also added new Sponsors to their roster. Cheryl started a new program called ‘Friends of AGB’. Each member pays $1,000 to join which supports the Art Gallery of Burlington. Cheryl was super excited and thrilled with the outcome and support from the community.
AGB volunteer Dee Goodings hands out bidding numbers while CEO Robert Steven watches the count.
This year the Live Auction took on a fresh new look and it was a success! I heard someone say “They sure outdid themselves this year.” That is when I sought out the Event Coordinator, Cheryl Soderlund, who was instrumental in adding a ‘fresh face’ to the 37th Annual Live Auction. This was after all the 1st Annual Live Auction under the new name the Art Gallery of Burlington.
I spoke with Cheryl who was very humble. According to Cheryl, the Live Auction would not have been successful without the commitment of her ‘35 Volunteer Force’. Volunteers consisted of; Greeters, Art Carriers, Live Auction Clerks and Packing Room Attendants – who all wore white gloves; how classy. Her goal was for everyone to enjoy the art, walk about and participate in the ‘Party in Paris’ theme. The event was set up as follows; in one room there was the Silent Auction and in the larger room the Live Auction, and down the hall, the 200 for $200 room.
The Live Auction bidding is about to begin – the room has a bit of a buzz to it.
It was evident Cheryl’s vision became a success. As I congratulated Cheryl for a job well done; she suggested I speak with Kim Varian, who was instrumental in pulling together the logistics for the Live Auction event. I spoke briefly with Kim, who together with the Art Committee worked tirelessly to broaden the event.
There is no question the Art Gallery of Burlington ‘pulled out all the stops’ this year. I spoke with Catherine Brady who has been with the Art Gallery since 1998 as part of their Committee. She too was very proud at how the Live Auction event transpired this year.
First decision they made was to move the event from February to June. Second decision was to add the 200 for $200 Art Sale. In this room there were 200 pieces of art for sale for $200 each. The Art pieces were comprised by local artists including; Victoria Pearce, Deborah Pearce and Claudette Losier, to name a few.
By 7:30 pm the smooth shift took place as the crowd transitioned from the small Silent Auction room to the large Live Auction. The crowd began their seating preference. The seriousness came through as everyone held onto their bidding numbers. By 7:45 p.m. there was not an empty chair in the room in anticipation of the Live Auction.
Denis Longchamp, Chief Curator with The Art Gallery of Burlington looks over some of the 200 pieces that were on sale for $200 each – a new part of the AGB’s fundraising program this year.
At 8:00 p.m. Robert Steven opened up the Live Auction. He thanked everyone for being a part of the Live Auction and explained to them how the funds raised were being distributed. I had a chance to chat with Denis Longchamp, Chief Curator with the Art Gallery of Burlington. He was very excited and proud of the Live Auction. Denis was quick to point out that the success of the event was made possible by the attendance at this event and the support from the community. He was looking forward to the results of the Live Auction.
By Pepper Parr
Ray Rivers writes weekly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was a candidate for provincial office in Burlington where he ran as a Liberal against Cam Jackson in 1995, the year Mike Harris and the Common Sense Revolution swept the province. 
On Sunday, June 14, 2015 from 12:30 – 3 p.m. during the SOUND OF MUSIC PARADE, the following route detours will be in effect:
what they thought could be done with the property. The conversation was certainly animated with ideas being tossed around and, for the most part, the developers listening. The Molinaro’s appear to have learned that it is better to work with the city than to try and buck the rules. Their Paradigm project on Fairview south of the GO station and east of Walmart has proceeded smoothly because early in the game Meed Ward convinced them to meet with the community and hear their concerns.
The Wellwyn Interests had two land assemblies that they appear to want to add to; the largest is on Burlington Street – the location of a lot of history in this city. They have assembled three properties on Lakeshore Road that are contiguous and four on Burlington Avenue that are not all contiguous.
comes to protecting their community.
