By Staff
July 6th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
On Saturday July 9, 2016, Brant Street will be closed from Lakeshore Road to Caroline Street from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. for the Downtown Car Show.
Routes 3 and 5 will not service that portion of Brant Street.
For service in this area passengers should move to north of Caroline Street or to the Downtown/John Street Terminal.
 Brant Street gets turned over the the car – parked cars.
By Staff
July 5th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Region of Halton is going to get up to $652,054 in funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Ontario (FedDev Ontario) through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. The program is part of the federal government’s activities to honour Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. This funding will be used for enhancements to the Spencer Smith Park portion of the Burlington Beach Regional Waterfront Park.
That sentence needs to be read carefully – the money will be spent on Spencer Smith park – not the Beachway park.
 A structure that will look something like this will get built – it will be the point at which Spencer Smith Park morphs into the Beachway Park.
“I would like to thank the federal government for this investment that supports our vision to implement a world-class, signature waterfront destination in Halton,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “The Burlington Beach Regional Waterfront Park is part of Halton Region’s commitment to both protecting and enhancing our rich natural environment and growing a strong Regional economy.”
The funding for Spencer Smith Park will be used to enhance the waterfront trail throughout this section of the Regional Waterfront Park, provide improved seating and shaded areas for residents and visitors, update landscaping and renovate an existing gazebo. Planning for this work began in April 2016 and is expected to be completed by December 31, 2017.
 The Beachway master plan removes some 25+ homes from the area and turns a wonderful natural area into what appears to be a well designed park – this is not however the first time the Beachway has been re-designed.
In 2015, Halton Regional Council approved a Master Plan to transform Burlington Beach Regional Waterfront Park into a unique, four-season urban waterfront experience. The park is one of the only natural sand beaches in North America located in a downtown urban context that is fully accessible to the public.
The enhancement project is one of more than 380 projects currently approved across southern Ontario through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. Get ready for an explosion of federal spending on the sesquicentennial – our 150th birthday.
Related articles:
Plans for Beachway park made public.
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
By Staff
July 5th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The place is going to the dogs – literally.
The city is inviting residents to celebrate the unveiling of a new public shelter at Norton Leash Free Park on Saturday, July 9 at 10 a.m.
The shelter will complement the park resurfacing done in the park this spring.
Residents are invited to spend the day at the park with their dogs and PetMax, a sponsor of the event, until 4 p.m. The free event will include giveaways, free samples and pet industry professionals who can answer pet owners’ questions.
“It’s great that PetMax offered to do something to enhance our local pet owners experience at the park,” said Chris Glenn, the city’s director of parks and recreation. “Residents had indicated that a shelter would be a welcome feature and then helped determine where the new shelter would be located.”
By Pepper Parr
July 4th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
Summer is festival time – those pleasant summer days when one gathers in chairs you brought with you or on blankets you’ve spread out on the ground and listened to music or watch a play.
It is pleasant summer stuff – not overly noisy or loud.
Burlington blows it brains out on the Sound of Music – but that is June – doesn’t count as a summer event.
The city doesn’t have a tradition of festivals that are smaller is scale. Nothing happens north of the QEW during the summer. The Performing Arts Centre has begun to make use of their space for Jazz events in August – no word yet on what they plan for this year.
 The hamlet of Lowville has been around since 1863 – before Confederation.
The word on the second annual Lowville Festival is out – peruse the program and note the dates.
The two week event is a moving feast – sort of like a bunch of gypsies that park their wagon were they think they will find an audience.
July 17th
The first event takes place at Thinkspot in Lowville – where Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew will be performed by the Driftwood company at a “pay what you can” price. They politely suggest $20 would be appropriate.
 Summer theatre – it doesn’t get much better.
Performers take to the stage at 7:30 – food is available at 6:30 This is the third time Debra Pickfield of Thinkspot has sponsored the event.
Last year the Driftwood did Hamlet – the year before they did Tempest – all on a stage set up in a small field that is shaded by mature trees a stone’s throw from the babbling Bronte Creek.
Summer theatre at its best. The Driftwood people have been doing this – very well – for years.
Friday, July 22 7:30pm
Music for a Summer Night – Classic and Classical – St. George’s Church Hall
A gala concert to launch our second annual festival which features some of the finest classical, jazz, musical theatre, pop and crossover musicians from Burlington, Hamilton, Guelph and Toronto.
Tickets $25 online (advance) $30 at the door;
Featuring: Lowville Festival Choir, Wayne Strongman, Conductor
Featuring James Gordon, David Warrack, Renee Barabash, Robert Missen, Lorretta Bailey, Simone Caruso, and Charles Cozens
 The Lowville School house
Saturday July 23, Afternoon 2:00pm
Workshop for Children with Dufflebag Theatre Company
Old Lowville Schoolhouse
Tickets $25 for both workshop & show
For ages 5-10 years and the lucky adults who come along
What’s more fun than watching a terrific theatre show… acting in it! Get your children involved in this workshop so they can discover the joy of theatre and creative expression.
3:00pm
Robin Hood by Dufflebag Theatre
Old Lowville Schoolhouse
Tickets $15 for show
For ages 5-10 years and the lucky adults who come along.
A rollicking good time will be had with Robin Hood and his Merry Men in the forests of the Niagara Escarpment. This traditional story of “rebalancing resources” in our society will be told with humour and lots of action! Presented by the nationally acclaimed Dufflebag Theatre.
Evening: 7:30pm
Folkies’ Delight: The Best of The Singer/Songwriters
Lowville United Church
Tickets $25 advance (online); $30 at the door
We’ve selected eight of the greatest singer/songwriters in folk-rock music and then chosen 2 of their most iconic songs. Who better to interpret these songs than: Jude Johnson, Ariel Rogers, Andy Griffiths and Stuart Laughton, four of the region’s finest performers.
This will be an evening of hit after hit. Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Cat Stevens, Stan Rogers, Carole King, Buffy St. Marie, and Gordon Lightfoot.
How Canadian can you get?
Sunday July 24, 3:00pm
Love Letters by A. R. Gurney
 Lowville United church
Lowville United Church
Tickets $25 online (advance); $30 at the door
Two renowned Canadian actors, Lorretta Bailey and Eric Trask, will perform this celebrated play by Buffalo playwright A. R. Gurney whose many plays have been hits on Broadway and throughout the world.
Required to find a pen pal at summer camp, our two characters continue to write to each other throughout their eventful lives. We get their insights into what is going on with their dates, spouses, children, jobs and friends. Funny, sarcastic, witty, angry —- and then they fall in love.
Tickets for all events except the ThinkSpot event are available on line.
By Staff
July 4th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s that time of year again!
More than 45 dragon boat teams will paddle competitively to raise funds to further the protection of Hamilton Harbour.
July 9th, dragon boat races will run all day at Bayfront Park starting at 8 a.m.
 Several of the 45 dragon boats that will compete on Saturday.
BARC’s Harbour Huggers team needs you to cheer us on and pledge our paddlers!
All funds raised in support of the Bay Area Restoration Council and the remediation of Hamilton Harbour.
Does Burlington have a boat in this race?
By Staff
July 4th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
If you want to put your name up in lights on a piece of city property – get ready to gulp when you see the cost. And gulp again when you see the deal a local law firm got on the naming rights for the Haber Recreation Centre.
 Funds for the rebuild of the Nelson pool have yet to be found – sponsorship is being looked at seriously. Big bucks!
During a discussion on fund raising for the Nelson pool reference was made to the consultant’s analysis which estimated value for a Facility Naming Sponsor could range between $300,000 to $350,000. It is also recommended that the payment terms could be as follows:
• $30,000 – $35,000* annually for an agreement term of 8 to 10 years
• Incentive to pay upfront: 15% discount = $297,500 – $250,500
• Paid within 3 years: 10% discount = $315,000 – $270,000
Additional terms and incentives / interests would also naturally become a part of any negotiations and subsequent agreement.
Based on the staff direction provided to members of city council and the interests of the current project, staff is suggesting that the renaming of Nelson Outdoor Pool be considered as outlined in the Fundraising Plan. For businesses, organizations or individuals not wanting to consider a full naming sponsorship, a donations option may also be available to suit their specific interest and intent.
A potential renaming of Nelson Pool be considered for the following reasons:
• The estimated financial value for a naming sponsor of $300,000 to $350,000 is quite reasonable for a 10-week summer only operation.
• Supports Council interests in finding new revenue sources to support capital projects.
• Sponsorships are primarily about partnerships and how organizations and business can help support local interests. This project is another example that exists to create another partnership within the community.
• The pool is one component within a larger destination known as ‘Nelson Park’. As such, renaming the pool within the park has less impact to the overall name of ‘Nelson’ as it is known (e.g. “ABC Pool at Nelson Park”).
• Currently, all way-finding signage is referenced as Nelson Park. Neither Nelson Recreation Centre, Nelson Pool nor Nelson Arena is referenced within the City of Burlington way-finding program. In addition, there is no signage at the site location that references the pool name, so to change the name would not require a number of sign updates.
• The outdoor pool facility is relatively compact and could easily be marketed as a single asset from a naming perspective.
 A corporate name at one of the busiest recreation centers in the city. The incorrect spelling of Welcome was part of the deal?
The consultant’s report noted that a potential naming sponsor would likely be from a local business or organization, similar to the outcome found for the Haber Recreation Centre.
The Haber deal was for $1.36 million for 20 years. Assuming that $1.36 million amounts to $1,360,000.00 – paid out over 20 years amounts to $68,000 a year.
Compare that to the $300,000 being suggested for the Nelson pool that is operational for 10 weeks – and WOW did Haber every get a deal
Organizations who are vested in the community are those who would typically like to support this type of local community interest. National organizations or businesses are more likely to support larger more profile opportunities that have broader national or regional exposure like a major stadium or arena in a large city.
While this particular location has many elements all with the name ‘Nelson’ referenced in some manner – Nelson Pool, Nelson Stadium, Nelson Recreation Centre / Arena, Nelson Park, Nelson Skateboard Park, and Nelson Youth Centre, staff is recommending that only Nelson Pool be considered for potential renaming. Moreover, staff is also not recommending that specific elements within the pool (e.g. amenities or features like a splash pad) be considered for potential naming as it could become quite confusing to the public as well as reduce the value of the overall naming opportunity.
The Haber sponsorship:
By Staff
June 29, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
New roads, improvements to parks, murals for public places – all kinds of upgrades and improvements to the city.
 An aerial view of the Paradigm project under construction on Fairview – next to the GO station.
Developers are banging away as well; The Bridgewater project is still a hole in the ground as is the ADI Linx project on Dundas. The hospital is well on its way to completion and the Paradigm project on Fairview is reaching into the sky.
Ireland Park has started phase one of the upgrades that will include:
• An accessible splash pad with seating and a pavilion for shade
• Ball diamond amenities, including accessible spectator areas with permanent bleachers
• Reconstruction of the south parking lot to improve the surface and traffic flow
• Accessible pathways and seating areas
• New energy efficient pathway lighting
• New goal posts at three soccer fields, and
• New trees
 Ireland Park.
During construction, please expect:
• Pathway closures
• The driveway and the south parking lot, beside the tennis courts, to be closed
• Detours to ball diamonds, soccer fields, washroom facilities, tennis courts and the main playground
• Temporary access restrictions to the washrooms, snack bar and tennis courts
Construction is expected to last approximately six months.
Ireland Park will remain open during construction. We appreciate your patience and co-operation to make sure the park is a safe place during construction. There are other parks available in the community:
Playgrounds:
• Ireland Park – access from Folkway Drive
• Pinemeadow Park – 3171 Pinemeadow Rd.
• Newport Park – 3020 Headon Forest Dr.
Public Tennis Courts:
• Sycamore Park – 3157 Centennial Dr.
• Millcroft Park – 4520 Millcroft Park Dr.
By Pepper Parr
June 29th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
City hall has come up with more cash for artists that want to take part in the creation of murals – the city wants to create three more:
Tansley Woods Community Centre (C$12,000)
Waterfront Parking Garage (C$5,000)
Pearl Street Parking Lot Crosswalk (C$1,500)
Application deadline is Friday, July 29, 2016. Applicants must be a resident of Burlington, Ont.
 Freight trains have always been a large part of the rail traffic through the city. Freeman Station was where produce was put aboard. This mural is on of six that were commissioned by the city. Clair Hall did the mural on the side of the Freeman Station
The Burlington Mural Project is now in its second year. It is funded as an annual program designed to tell local stories using local artists. Each year, small to medium-scale murals are commissioned throughout the city. Free professional development opportunities are also offered to assist artists with the application process and project development.
 There was a time when this kind of illustration was Burlington. The then town supplied fresh produce that was shipped around the world. The community grew enough fruit and vegetables to require a second railway line into the city. Those train tracks are now a walking trail in the Beachway community. Tamara Kwapich did the mural in Orchard Community Park.
The One-on-One Application Review Session takes place on July 12, 2016, between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Transportation Meeting Room at City Hall.
If you are unable to attend on July 12, please contact Kim Selman to discuss alternate dates.
These sessions will be open to all artists who are actively preparing an application to the Burlington Mural Program. Attendance is voluntary and appointments must be booked in advance. To book an appointment please contact: Kim Selman, kim@cobaltconnects.ca or 905-548-0111
Artists planning to submit to the Burlington Mural Project may book a 30-minute session with the Public Art Manager to review a draft of their application package and get constructive feedback.
Online Application: Applications may be submitted by mail or using our online application system. To submit your application online, click the link to the right: LINK. You are asked to read the full Request for Proposal document prior to submitting your application.
 It’s a telephone utility box with a mural that hints at the wharf that was once at “Port Nelson” at the foot of Guelph Line. Hannah Sell and Liam Racine did the art work. It is one of six commissioned by the city.
The visual arts are getting funding – the Performing Arts haven’t been as fortunate.
The arts community in Burlington is still working at the creation of a formal Council that they would like to see mandated to operate as the voice and policy body for the arts in the city.
Ain’t ever going to happen.
By Pepper Parr
June 29, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Is this a friendly visit?
Are we looking at three animals getting to know one another?
The dog is perhaps curious but the hunch in the shoulders of those two crows tells a different story.
How does that story end?
The exhibit at the Art Gallery of Burlington in the Dan Lawrie Family Courtyard until September 25th is well worth a visit.
 The approach – who springs up and out first?
You will want to ponder the three pieces and wonder – perhaps the friendly posture of the dog will change the intent of the crows.
Does the artist, Mary Philpott, tip her hand with the title of the exhibit: A Murder of Crows.
 Has the dog figured it out? This isn’t a friendly visit is it?
Mary Philpott, a noted functional potter whose work has been inspired by Neo-Gothic architecture and William Morris’ Arts and Craft movement, has in recent years taken her decorative motifs of animals and birds and transformed them into live-sized three dimensional sculptures, a perfect synthesis of nature and style set in our garden courtyard.
Inspired by the colour, narration and design of medieval illuminated books, tapestries and architecture, Philpott’s work explores the story of flora and fauna in her surrounding landscape. At her studio, Verdant Tile Co., she designs custom pressed tile in porcelain. The animals and birds depicted in her tiles are frequently referenced in her sculptural pieces.
 Wary eyes – the posture the artist has given each animal is filled with suspense.
In addition to receiving a BFA in Art History and Archaeology at the University of Guelph, Philpott is a graduate of the Ceramics and Design program at the School of Craft and Design at Sheridan College. She has also studied Anthropology and Archaeology at McMaster University, and Ceramics Intensives at Alfred University in New York.
She is the 2015 recipient of the Helen Copeland Award from Craft Ontario for an established artist working in her field.
By Staff
June 29th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Canada Day – and no fireworks to thrill and entertain my little kids? Get real.
Fire Chief Tony Bavota is getting very real – and very serious.
Remember those fires that devastated large parts of Fort McMurray – the available evidence suggests they were the result of carelessness
 Evidence to date suggests the fire in Fort McMurray, Alberta may have been the result of carelessness.
Have you taken a look at the colour of most of the lawns around the city – some pretty brown looking grass.
There hasn’t been enough rain.
All the farmer’s think they are going to be lucky to get two cuts from their hay fields – three cuts are out of the questions. Soybeans are looking a little limp and who know what’s going to happen to the corn silage?
Forest fires are very dangerous – very tough to control – so if the fire chief says don’t light fire crackers given the weather we are having – he needs to be listened to.
A city council that truly leads would pass a bylaw now that gives the authority to ban fire crackers to the fire chief – and make it a stiff, stiff, STIFF fine for those who fail to adhere to the bylaw.
Don’t let your Canada Day Fireworks go up in smoke” says the Chief.
The Fire Department is reminding residents to keep safety top of mind when planning annual Canada Day celebrations, especially those with fireworks.
“With the lack of rain and dry weather lately, we’re discouraging fireworks on Canada Day,” said chief fire prevention officer Joe Wintar. “The city is hosting a full day of activities in Spencer Smith Park, including fireworks. I encourage everyone to think about enjoying this show put on by pyrotechnic professionals.”
To keep your family and property safe, follow these guidelines when setting off fireworks:
• It must be three days before or during Canada Day, on July 1.
• You are at least 18 years old. Keep fireworks and sparklers away from children so they don’t get burned or have their clothing catch fire.
• You are being safe. Read and follow the directions on label carefully.
• You are on private property.
• Keep pail of water or water hose close by for extinguishment.
• Set off fireworks outside in a clear, open area away from doors, windows, buildings, cars, trees and dry grass.
• Light one firework at a time.
• Never re-light a “dud” firework. Wait 15-30 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Never light a firework in your hand.
• Keep onlookers at a safe distance and upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged.
• If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for 5-10 minutes and seek medical attention.
 It takes but a stray spark to start this kind of fire.
As with any emergency, if there is a fire and public safety concern related to fireworks, please call 9-1-1. For more firework safety information, visit www.burlington.ca/fireworks
By Staff
June 27th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
The city has invited local creative organizations, venues, professionals and businesses to host events during the seventh annual Culture Days weekend that takes place from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, 2016.
Submissions are open to residents and artists of Burlington who would like to host a Culture Days event or activity, such as crafts, dance, literary arts-spoken word, media arts-film, music, theatre, visual arts and performance art.
 In 2014 the city set up a good display in Civic Square – it wasn’t quite the same in 2015 – and no one is able to say what is planned for 2016 – yet.
The catch – you’ve got less than 30 days to get your act together – deadline for application is Friday, July 22, 2016.
Slide over to www.burlington.ca/culturedays – the forms and the detail are there.
Culture Days promotes free, hands-on and interactive activities. The public is invited to participate in behind-the-scenes activities to see how artists; creators; historians; architects; curators; designers; and other creative people work and contribute to culture in Burlington.
“Burlington has gotten behind the annual Culture Days program and has on occasion provided significant support.
Our most recent information was that the manager of arts and culture had something in the order of $2500 to make the program work this year.
While the city says it “wants to offer three days featuring different types of events, working closely with Doors Open, the Art Gallery of Burlington, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Burlington Libraries, Burlington Museums, Tourism Burlington and Burlington artists to make this happen” that $2500 isn’t going to take them all that far
 The BTTB has always made major events a focus – expect to see them in fine form at the end of September.
Founded in 2009, the goal of Culture Days is to provide a national network of cultural connections to provide Canadians with opportunities to participate in, and appreciate, all forms of art and culture. Through a three-day national celebration each September, hundreds of thousands of artists and cultural organizations in cities and towns come together and invite Canadians to discover their cultural spirit and passion.
Burlington’s participation at the community level has been tepid at best – the smaller groups need encouragement and support – which hasn’t been forthcoming from city hall.
This national initiative aims to raise the awareness, provide accessibility and encourage the participation and engagement of residents in the arts and cultural life of Burlington.
If you need more detailed information contact Adam Belovari, culture coordinator at adam.belovari@burlington.ca or 905-335-7600, ext. 7335.
By Staff
June 27th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON

This just might be one of those “we are really into summer” weeks.
It will be a short week leading into a long weekend – when we celebrate the 149th year of being a country.
We will probably talk more about what we will be doing next year when we do the big 150th – there are certainly a lot of people earning a decent living working on that event.
For the 149th – this is what the day is expected to look like.
Early, early the 5K Canada Day run takes place.
1K Start – 8:15 – 5K Start – 8:30
Race Kit Pick-up
Thursday, June 30, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Burlington Running Room, 3300 Fairview St.
Race Day (Friday, July 1) from 7:00 – 8:15 a.m. at Spencer Smith Park – by the pier
Post-race awards and Panago pizza at Spencer Smith Park!
9:30 a.m. Yoga Class Compass/West Lawn
10 a.m. Citizenship Court – Gazebo.
Looks like it will be a small court this year – but no less important – specially to those who are going to become citizens
1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. & 4 p.m. – Scholars in Collars Dog Show Gazebo
Noon – 5 p.m. Face painting with BeeBop the Clown – East Lawn
Noon – 5 p.m. Balloon animals with MD Children Entertainment on the East lawn
1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Stilt Walkers with Health Tarlin Entertainment Park
On the Main Stage
1 p.m. Opening Ceremonies featuring Burlington Teen Tour Band. The Teen Tour band parades from the Main stage to Joseph Brant Museum where hey join the hundreds that will on hand to take part in the Strawberry Social. Wonderful scoop of ice cream served to you by some of your elected officials who will be wearing funny hats.
2 p.m. Kaleidoscope Chinese Performing Arts Society
3 p.m. Alee
4:30 p.m. Bharatam Academy of Dance Arts
5:30 p.m. Jordan Haller; Winner of the Canada Day Performance Contest
6:30 p.m. Felicia McMinn
9 p.m. Symphony on the Bay
10 p.m. Fireworks presented by BUNZL Canada
 Alee will perform on the Main Stage at xxx
 Felicia McMinn will perform on the Main stage at 6:30 pm
A free Bike Valet is provided on Canada Day for those looking to avoid parking downtown and reduce their carbon footprint. The Bike Valet is in Spencer Smith Park at the corner of Brant Street and Lakeshore Road, beside the Waterfront Hotel.
 Jordan Haller will perform on the Main stage at 5;30 -pm – he was the winner of the Performer contest
Traffic:
Lakeshore Road from Maple Avenue to Elizabeth Street will be closed Friday, July 1, 2016 from 9 to 11 p.m for the fireworks at the Canada Day Celebration. Traffic will be redirected and the closure will be supervised by the Halton Regional Police Service.
By Staff
June 22, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Future games:
Thursday, June 23
Toronto at Barrie, 7:30 p.m.
Guelph at Burlington, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, June 24
Toronto at Hamilton, 7:30 p.m.
Kitchener at London, 7:35 p.m.
Burlington at Brantford, 8 p.m.
Saturday June 25th
Hamilton at Burlington

By Staff
June 22nd, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It is going to get a little hairy for people who use Lakeshore Road where it cuts away at Maple Avenue.
The city is raising parts of that road, just outside the Joseph Brant Museum as much as a metre and slopping it down until it gets to the end of the water treatment plant – that will close the road from July 4th to Early August 2016 +/-
For those that ride their bikes along the old railway line and want to head for Hamilton – bad news – the pedestrian crossing at the lift bridge will be closed frequently:
Burlington Canal Lift Bridge – Daytime Sidewalk Closures
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) wishes to advise pedestrians and cyclists of restricted access to the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge from July 4 to 29, 2016.
During these dates, the following restrictions will be in place Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.:
• from July 4 to 29, the north and south pedestrian underpasses will be closed;
• from July 4 to 15, access to the east (lakeside) part of the Waterfront Trail will be closed;
• from July 18 to 29, access to the west (bayside) part of the Waterfront Trail will be closed; and
• from July 18 to 29, the west (bayside) bridge sidewalk will be closed.
The bridge will remain open to pedestrian and cyclist traffic on weekends and weekdays after 5 p.m.
This schedule may change due to weather conditions or logistical requirements. PSPC will publish notices regarding any changes in schedule.
Safety is a top priority for PSPC during this project. The closures are required as part of the project to replace the bridge’s controls, drives and cables. The replacement of key components of the bridge’s lift system will extend its serviceable life, meeting the needs of both marine and vehicular traffic in the area.
By Pepper Parr
June 22, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
Is there an Arts Council in Burlington’s future? And if there is – what kind of a council might it be?
Arts and Cultural Community of Burlington, ACCOB, has been beavering away at creating some kind of an Arts Council – people in senior arts position in the city question just what the ACCOB people are doing and what I is they want.
 The Arts and Culture Collective of Burlington – a family photograph – less than half the family in the picture. This is a large group of people who have yet to turn their numbers into real political clout.
There is a lack of discipline and not much in the way of focus within ACCOB” was one comment the Gazette picked up.
Please do not mention my name was another comment – “The news about the creation of the arts council is no secret, given that there are twelve members of the current ACCOB board and the CAPIC (Culture Action Plan Implementation Committee) External Body subcommittee, and word has spread to several city staffers.
We live in an age where there are few secrets – time for the ACCOB people to go public and set out just what they want. This jabbering away like a bunch of little old ladies over tea cups is getting them nowhere. (Little old ladies is an acceptable figure of speech.)
The reality the arts community faces is the seven members of Council. Can anyone identify the cultural leader on that Council?
One of the sessions at the Bay Area Summit on Tuesday focused on the role culture can play in the building of an economy. The Planning Culturally Can Unlock Bay Area Growth session had some very useful information.
Culture is a business and it is very good for business.
The Sound of Music might not fit the definition some have of what culture is – but it is certainly great business.
Artists need to add some discipline into their plea for financial support. Just what is it you want? Spell it out, make is financially feasible and then fight for it.
By Staff
June 22, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
If you’ve not managed to find a summer job yet – and you want to pick up some Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) experience meeting and greeting people at one of the biggest fairs in Canada – you might want to look into the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) ambassadors
The CNE is looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are interested in a rewarding experience, meeting people from around the world and serving as CNE ambassadors for the 2016 season.
 How would you like to be a volunteer ambassador at a place like this?
Now in its 16th consecutive year, “Friends of the CNE” is a community initiative that has engaged more than 2,000 youth and adults, who have contributed nearly 63,000 hours of service. CNE volunteers assist with various roles and duties including greeting guests, providing directional assistance, acting as tour guides and supporting special events and programming such as the daily Mardi Gras Parade.
“Volunteers are at the heart of the Fair, and play an integral role in making the CNE a positive experience for all our guests,” says Virginia Ludy, General Manager of the CNE. “The Friends of the CNE program is a great opportunity for youth, and those who are young at heart, to apply their skills and gain valuable experience in a unique and exciting environment; and for others, it’s the fulfillment of community involvement and personal enrichment.”
o Friends of the CNE enlists more than 100 volunteers each year
o Volunteers work an average of 9 days and 43 hours during the 18-‐day Fair
o Over 80 per cent of CNE volunteers are between the ages of 14-‐17
o Ontario Secondary School students can earn credits toward community service hours
Volunteers must be at least 14 years old and must be able to commit to a minimum of six shifts, at four hours each. Applications are open to all but the CNE will give preference to those volunteers who can work evening shifts, between 5pm and 8pm.
All successful candidates will attend an orientation and training session, receive a “Friends of the CNE” shirt, are invited to a thank-‐you barbeque, and receive an I.D. badge that grants free admission to the Fair.
For more information on the Friends of the CNE program or to download an application, please visit: www.TheEx.com. Deadline to apply is July 15, 2016.
By Jim Riley
June 22, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Art Gallery of Burlington is presenting a visual discussion on the duality of the urban and rural aspects of Burlington. Chief Curator Denis Longchamps, along with the Burlington Fine Arts Association, developed the theme to celebrate the BFAA’s fiftieth anniversary.
There was also a Call for Proposals on this theme, broadening it to a multidisciplinary exhibition. Sixty-six art works were selected, with a very wide range of sizes.
This is a more cohesive exhibition than the All Guilds’ group show in 2015, but it still has challenges to overcome. With this curatorial theme, it has improved the unity of presentation. This exhibit presents an uneven quality of artworks.
This theme gave opportunities for the artists to express their opinions about how the urban and rural co-exist in our city. One of the roles of artists is to raise issues within the culture they inhabit. There are few cities that (philosophically and culturally) declare protection of a rural culture, geopolitically combined with an urban culture the way Burlington has – it was actually the province that imposed that requirement on us.. Many artworks spoke of romantic places, with a varying degree of success.
Longchamps hung the Urban Rural exhibit capably, by tying together themes of content, aesthetics and scale.
 Robert Bateman, Progress, 2015, acrylic
Robert Bateman was invited to exhibit. I found it noteworthy that Bateman and Donna Fratesi’s themes dealt with destruction of Burlington’s historic architecture.
 Donna Fratesi’s they paved paradise , 2015 acrylic
Fratesi
Both are accomplished technical painters. Bateman was clearer in his thesis than Fratesi’s “They Paved Paradise”. Fratesi seems timid about her message, but evokes a warm memory of the intersection of Pine and Pearl streets. It is a romantic reminiscence of downtown Burlington. Although Bateman relies on text, he creates a clear criticism of Burlington’s treatment of its historic buildings. He focuses on the United Empire Loyalist Fisher house being replaced by a parking lot. Both artists explore their connections to the urban downtown environment, but Bateman’s “Progress” is more directly critical of how we handle it.
 Lorraine Roy, “The Balance”, textile, 2015
Lorraine Roy’s “The Balance” is one of the stronger works in this exhibition. Her textile work not only functions well on a compositional level but demonstrates the “pull and push” between urban and rural ecosystems. The wrapped, uprooted tree balances precariously be-tween the two worlds as it searches for a transplant space. Will it survive? Roy’s imagery is strong with rich tones suggesting a Tim Burton-style nightmare quality. It is intriguingly executed, done with textile rather than paint.
 Helen Griffiths, after a day in (the country), oil, 2015
Similarly, Helen Griffiths’ “After a Day in (the country)” uses her well-developed painterly skills, but also teases the viewer to ponder why she is showing a wild skunk sniffing at a beautiful bundle of roses. The artist statement refers to wild animals invading her neighbourhood. Like Griffiths’ reference to wildlife,
 Victoria Pearce, Lost Between acrylic 2016
Victoria Pearce’s “Lost Between” uses images of Monarch butterflies, and the surrealistic imagery of an urban-rural coyote. The coyote is nestled in grasses as it floats over a grid of urban streets. This may be suggesting that a clash between natural and urban worlds is imminent. Certainly, the coyote making itself comfortable in the urban environment is a new reality for Burlington. All three artists successfully combine content and painterly aspects in their art practice.
 Vanessa Cres Lokos, Moving Forward, 2016, mixed media
 Dawn-Hackett-Burns & Michelle Lynn, “Home Grown”, ceramic.
Vanessa Cres Lokos, “Moving Forward” and Dawn-Hackett-Burns & Michelle Lynn, “Home Grown” were hung one over the other. Cres Lokos’ expresses her viewpoint on rural and urban issues by placing cows marching along the Burlington pier with a forewarning, overcast sky. Hacket-Burns’ and Lynn’s ceramic artwork explores residential homes overwhelming rural buildings and cattle.
The artwork is placed on a low plinth so that the viewer can hover and oversee the battle.
 Jan Kendrick, Rossana Dewey, Grace Afonso group image
Jan Kendrick’s, Rossana Dewey’s, and Grace Afonso’s paintings were hung side by side. All three artists are skilled painters. They use a similar colour palette and their paintings are emotive and sensually compatible. Their artist statements refer to issues: mining the escarpment, the Greenbelt Plan, the mid-peninsula highway and the vanishing rural landscape. Their images speak of a vast rural environment, but do not deal clearly with the issues expressed in their artist statements.
 Kathy Marlene Bailey, Sanctuary Between, oil, 2016
Kathy Marlene Bailey, “Sanctuary Between” uses curving movement in a watery world of reflections that suggests a more rural, natural aspect of the theme. Her artist statement refers to city planners facilitating a residential invasion of natural sanctuaries. There is beauty and mystery in Bailey’s painting. There is a hint of the escarpment and a house, but the focus is on water. The painting’s message is some-what ambiguous, in comparison to her artist statement.
The Lee-Chin Family Gallery is a large space. Area around the art-works, and the scale of the various artworks, present a challenge. Petit artworks in such a large space are difficult to notice, given the works nearby that are ten feet high. Longchamps creates space and separation for the intimate works.
There may be too many works in the exhibition for a viewer to comprehend, beyond surface aesthetics. I think this is a group exhibition in which less would actually be much more. However, there are many artworks not mentioned here that you should view, to decide on your own.
The exhibition runs until September 5, 2016
Lee-Chin Family Gallery at Art Gallery of Burlington
1333 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington.
AGB Hours
Monday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday – Thursday 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday – Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: 12 noon – 5:00 pm
Jim Riley is a Burlington, ON, based arts writer, independent curator and a visual and media artist. His recent art practice involves public art and gallery video installations. Riley has a BA from Brock Uni-versity. He has exhibited his art for thirty years in Canada and the United States. Some of Riley’s video art is represented by V tape Distributions, Toronto. Website: www.jimriley.ca
By Pepper Parr
June 21, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
They are meeting and they are talking but that band of artists, musicians and actors that created ACCOB (Arts and Culture Collective of Burlington) and began to call themselves the “collective” are ready to make an announcement about what they feel is a significant step forward. Just when is not certain.
 Angela Papariza currently handles the cultural file at city hall – she has few resources to work with. One of her strongest allies is Trevor Copp who lit the flame that is keeping the water boiling within the arts community.
As yet however, the arts community doesn’t yet have the ear of the civic administration and without a serious commitment by city council to fund the arts – little is going to happen.
The relationship between the arts crowd and the city manager is not good – one artist has said the city manage lies to them.
Inflammatory for sure – but that is where things appear to be with the artists.
Back in 2013 Trevor Copp, a dancer you want to see perform at least once in your lifetime, raised the profile of the arts community when he delegated to city council and got all the usual platitudes.
 Teresa Seaton, organizer of the Art in Action Tour, thinks through a response at one of the Cultural Action Plan sessions. She is one of 250 people organized as an Arts and Culture Collective in Burlington.
While the elected officials did little – the arts community began to organize themselves and are pressing city hall staff – to little effect so far.
There is in this city, a significant number of people who want to see a more vibrant culture – something that is above and beyond the Sound of Music and the Teen Tour Band. They have their place, an important one – but there is more than that to culture.
 The Collective has done their homework – they know what they want – now to actually get it – that’s their challenge.
Expect to see the arts community beginning to network and make connections with some of the people who wrote the large cheques that paid for the construction of the Performing Arts Centre and work with them for more quality and substance that can be put before the public.
It might get a little messy – but the world of arts and culture has seldom been a smooth one.
It is the performance that counts – not all the petty politicking that we are seeing now.
By Staff
June 20th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington Cabinet Minister Eleanor McMahon wants you to understand that she believes fervently that young people play a vital role in building our community.
“To better understand issues impacting youth across the province and right here in our city, I organized a group of engaging Burlington high school youth to gain their perspectives”, said McMahon in a media release
“One of the issues the group is passionate about is making Syrian refugees feel at home when they arrive in Canada. As part of their effort to welcome these families, they’ve created a video that tells their story about coming to Burlington.”
A year in the making, this video explores the idea of what “home” means and highlights the emotional challenges faced when leaving behind the home you know and having to build a new one in an unfamiliar community.
The video will be screened at Burlington central Library June 28th, 7:00 to 8:30 pm
By Staff
June 20, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Movies Under the Stars is back – first show is July 7th at Nelson Park.
 A family event – Movies Under the Stars
The screens move around the city offering free family movie screenings in local parks every Thursday until Aug. 18.
This annual tradition has become a very popular summer activity for families, it is a safe, free, fun evening in front of the big screen.”
The films featured in the summer movie series were selected by residents who voted in online polls earlier this spring. The winning movies and locations are as follows:
Minions July 7 Nelson Park
Kung Fu Panda 3 July 14 Aldershot Park
Singin’ in the Rain July 21 Central Park Bandshell
Inside Out July 28 Emerson Park
WALL-E Aug. 4 Kilbride Park
Goosebumps Aug. 11 Ireland Park
The Good Dinosaur Aug. 18 Spencer Smith Park
Each movie will begin at 9 p.m. and will be shown on a 25 by 14 foot (7.62 by 4.27 metre) outdoor viewing screen. Starting at 7:30 p.m. each week, Healthy Kids Community Challenge will be leading games and activities for the whole family aimed at improving children’s health and nutrition.
Moviegoers are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Washrooms and limited parking are available at each park. Consider walking or riding a bike to the event.
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