 By Staff
April 21, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Last day to sign up.
Last year more than 12,000 people took part in the annual BurlingtonGreen Environmental Association Clean Up Green Up Day
The events starts at 9 am to noon on Saturday, April 25th, 2015. School and Business Clean-Ups are taking place during Earth Week (this week) from April 20th to 24th.
 As the city’s largest volunteer participation action event, Community Clean Up Green Up Day is an important (and fun) opportunity for citizens, community groups, schools, and businesses to come together, make a difference for our environment and take pride in our city by cleaning it up.
Once you’ve done your share – head back to city hall for a bite to eat and join in the celebration – the place is usually packed.
Registration closes on Friday, April 24th.
Register here;
 By Pepper Parr
April 20, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
At the end of each city council meeting members of Council get a couple of minutes to talk up the things they are doing in the weeks ahead.
They mention community meetings they are holding; right now the hot item is the CarFree Sundays that are taking place in May as a joint effort for wards 4 and 5 and a solo situation in ward 6. Each Councillor got a $10,000 stash of cash to put on the event.
 Councillor Dennison’s Lakeshore Road residence which has been designated as a heritage property is the subject of an Ontario Municipal Board hearing on whether or not the Councillor can seek a severance. Aldershot doesn’t appear to have a population that uses bikes, cycling isn’t the sport of choice for Councillor Taylor and Councillor Meed Ward, who has been seen on a bike prefers walking tours of her ward. She didn’t get any money for that. Aldershot will have a walking tour – its third – for which the Council member got $500.
The delivering of these little news items is done in a friendly easy going matter. The council meeting is broadcast live via Cogeco television – the hope being that the voters will see what they are paying for in terms of elected talent.
Ward 4 Councillor Jack Dennison either chose not to inform his voters that his long delayed Ontario Municipal Board hearing starts on Tuesday and is scheduled to last for four days.
 Councillor Jack Dennison tends to stick to his guns on an issue that impacts his personal interests. The need for a four day OMB hearing will cost the city a considerable amount of money. This is the hearing that has the ward Councillor fighting a city zoning and Official Plan so that he can sever part of his property on Lakeshore Road and build an additional dwelling.
The event is a don’t miss for many of the Roseland residents – they didn’t need to be told.
Councillor Dennison apparently didn’t want the rest of his ward to know where he was going to be for the rest of the week.
The hearing takes place at city hall
 By Pepper Parr
April 20, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The nominations for Burlington’s Best awards are in, and similar to previous years, the quality of individuals who were nominated is very high. It apparently took an extended deadline of seven additional days to pull in all that quality.
Having said that there are some exceptionally deserving names on the list.
“There is no shortage of incredible leaders and volunteers among our residents who help make Burlington the city we know and love,” says Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring. “This event gives special recognition to those who go above and beyond in their contributions to our community.” Paragraphs like that are what we pay Mayors to say.
 The 2012 winners recognized in 2013 Residents are invited to join some of Burlington’s finest civic-minded volunteers, advocates and community leaders on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. at the Burlington Convention Centre, 1120 Burloak Dr., for the 2015 Burlington’s Best Awards, a gala evening in honour of Burlington’s most outstanding citizens.
“Every year I can’t help but be impressed by the incredible individuals who have received nominations,” said Mary Kay Aird, Chair of Burlington’s Best Committee. “Each Burlington’s Best nominee exemplifies the leadership and compassion shown among our residents, and we are proud to be able to recognize them for their tireless work.”
I have some difficulty squaring the above with the media release put out earlier extending the deadline
 The 2013 winners who were recognized in 2014 Tickets to this event are $35 per person; a table of the 10 is $280. The event includes a light buffet and cocktail reception. Tickets can be purchased at the Service Burlington counter at City Hall, 426 Brant St., or by contacting Wanda Tolone at 905-335-7600, ext. 7458 or wanda.tolone@burlington.ca.
Has the price of those tickets gone up? I have the sense that they were a little lighter on the pocketbook previous years.
The food on the buffet table came close to running out last year
The award winners will be announced at the event. This year’s nominees are:
Citizen of the Year – Angelo Bentivegna, Ron Foxcroft, Maibritt Bergman
Senior Citizen of the Year – Esperanza Peacock, Helen Deadder, Bonnie Purkis
Junior Citizen of the Year – Kevin Han, Caitlyn Kay, Connor Fraser
Environmental Award – Susan Fraser, Monte Dennis
Heritage Person of the Year – Alan Harrington, Mary Jane Pilling, the late Dave Morris
Arts Person of the Year – Chris Giroux, John Kemp, Leslie Gray, Tomy Bewick
Community Service Award – IronDames Group, Mary Nichol, Bob Vandenberg, Christine Karczmarczyk
There are some fine people on that list; there are some we have seen before.
The Gazette will publish profiles on each of the nominees later in the week.
 By Staff
April 13, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
2015 is shaping up to be a monumental year for the international climate movement, and Earth Day Canada wants to show the world that Canadians are ready, willing, and able to take meaningful action to support the health of our one and only planet.
 An Earth Day flag on display in Washington DC Inspired by their 1992 Earth Day Flag that collected a total of 500,000 signatures from across the country, Earth Day Canada is again calling all Canadians to sign their 2015 Earth Flag and make a commitment to make Earth Day every day by doing your part to reduce carbon emissions 20% by 2020.
The 2015 Earth Flag will be taken to the COP21 International Climate Conference held in Paris this December where a new international agreement on carbon emissions will be signed.
How it works:
Signatures will be collected in person (at community events, schools, specific sites) and electronically through our website over the five months period from Earth Day, April 22, to September 22, 2015. These signatures will be placed or printed on pieces of cloth that will be sewn together to create a mosaic flag.
What unfortunately is not clear is how a person can send a signature or who in Burlington is collecting signatures. We asked the Earth Day organization but have not heard back from them. We will do our best to keep you posted.
The flag will feature the Earth Day Every Day logo, as well as a 2015 pledge or pledges that represent the goals or commitments of Canadians to make deep carbon reductions.
The pledge:
I pledge to the best of my ability to help make the earth a safe and hospitable home for this and future generations.
We are working with school groups, youth organizations, First Nations, Faith Communities, Non-Governmental Organizations and individuals to revise the pledge for the 2015 Earth Flag. Stay tuned for the new pledge!
We plan to reveal the Earth Flag at an event in early November and collect the final signatures on the Earth Flag by those who will be representing Canadians at the Paris COP21 climate meeting.
In December at the COP21 meetings, Earth Day Canada will display the Earth Flag at a prominent location/event to portray the collective resolve of Canadians to reduce their carbon emissions.
 By Staff
April 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The SPRING POPUP; work of contemporary artists and makers from within a 50km radius. Pick up an original piece of art from an emerging local artist or buy some funky handmade one-of-a-kind things.
 SPRINGPOP
Art & Maker Mart
Location: 408 John Street, Burlington, ON, L7R 2K4
(Downtown: SW corner of John + Pine Street)
Dates: April 17th, 18th, and 19th
SpringPop Hours:
Friday: Opening Shop ‘n’ Party 6pm – 9pm
Saturday: 10am – 6pm
Sunday: 12pm – 5pm
By Pepper Parr
April 16, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a sign of the way she would run the city if she ever gets to wear the chain of office.
Marianne Meed Ward, Councillor for ward 2 was presiding over a community meeting related to a projected that needed nothing more than an application for a Building Permit and the required fee to begin construction of the significant remake of Burlington Square Plaza a the corner of Brant and Ghent.
 It was a standing room only crowd = albeit – it was a small room – to get a first look at the plans for a significant upgrade to the Burlington square Plaza at Brant and Ghent. Meed Ward is not a fan of developers who come to Council looking for significant increases to height and density and changes to zoning and the Official Plan.
So when Cherishome Living talked to her about putting up a four storey add on to the property they own Meed Ward was delighted – these were her kind of guys.
There was no need for a public meeting but when there is a change being made to the neighbourhood – Meed Ward wants big input from as many people as she can reach.
Wednesday evening the room they booked was a standing room only situation; which Meed War apologized for and explained that they reserved space for those who registered and then some. She should do so well at the polls in 2018
There were no real issues with the project – just a lot of common sense questions for the property owner.
 Architect’s rendering of the new four storey upgrade to the south end of the project. This is the view from the corner of Brant and Olga. There is nothing wrong with the design – Cherishome has found that the large swaths of retail space in the building just weren’t getting rented and they knew there was a demand for residential rental space.
Jeff Usher, the Cherishome VP for development took the audience through a straightforward presentation. Decent looking buildings – he described the façade of the building as having a Frank Lloyd Wright look to it – that was a bit of a stretch. The land however is being put to much better use.
One of the things the upgrade could do is create a solid anchor for the new north end of the Burlington Downtown Business Association boundary. The design will still have the nice wide setback from the street that is about as good as it gets for an outdoor patio. The seven retail units were to be 1200 sq. ft. which should do it for a restaurant.
There will be 253 parking spaces – the rules call for just 240.
The 146 rental units, which will be registered as condominiums, will consist of 844 sq. ft. two bedroom units and 621 sq. ft. one bedroom units.
Amenities will be located on the roof of the parking space. There will be a community garden at the back of the building
Jodie Wellings, the woman at city hall responsible for making the downtown the vibrant place most people want it to be was listening to the presentation quietly as was planner Jamie Tellier.
 Everything on the right side will be demolished – the design emphasis will be on the street. Usher told the Gazette in an earlier interview that he had met with the people at the Region and talked about including a number of “affordable” units in the complex.
Mention was made of some problems tenants were having that were Landlord Tenant related – Meed Ward explained that these are not municipal issues and provided information tenants could use to follow up on.
Usher hopes to get site plan approval from the city by the end of the year; demolition will get done next Spring – the hope is to have the project ready for 2018
By Pepper Parr
April 16, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Would the world continue to turn without volunteers? There are a lot of people in the Burlington whose lives are better because of the many volunteers – and the lives of those volunteers are richer because of the work they do.
At about this time last year Community Development Halton created an award in the name of former Burlington Mayor Walter Mulkewich to recognize the work volunteers do.
Ann Coburn’s Director of Volunteer Halton, in handing out the awards made these comments:
We are witness this morning to the recognition of the work, generosity and impact of individual volunteers across Halton’s four communities. You and other extraordinary volunteers have said to us repeatedly, “it isn’t really me, it is about the group, it’s about the energy and commitment of my neighbours”.
This rippled through us at Community Development Halton that we created an award to celebrate those amazing and dedicated people who come together to take collective action and generate solutions to common problems in their community.
 Walter Mulkewich, taking in a political speech on a sunny summer afternoon. This award honours a citizen of Burlington, a citizen of Halton, Walter Mulkewich, who has worked and is working tirelessly to influence evolution and advancement in sectors such as the environment, economic development, social development, mental health, and the arts and culture. Walter epitomizes the characteristics of leadership: honesty, integrity, courage, and inclusion. He is a man graced by the passion for fairness, for social justice, and for human well-being.
In 2015, the committee is honouring, T.E.A.C.H., with the Mulkewich award.
T.E.A.C.H. is an acronym meaning Teach, Empower, Advocate for Community Health. T.E.A.C.H. is a Consumer Survivor initiative operating across Halton that provides peer support and advocacy to individuals experiencing mental health and substance use. All thirty+ volunteers have lived experience with the mental health and addictions system. Volunteers have been actively involved in numerous facets of education, support, training, counselling, outreach and promotion, even back office and administrative duties, marketing and event planning.
T.E.A.C.H. is an organization whose foundation has been built on the effort and inspiration of community volunteers. T.E.A.C.H. is guided by the “Recovery Philosophy”, which affirms that all people experiencing challenges have inherent strengths, and that they can – and will – get better.
 Joseph Kiss, Rolling Horse Community Cycle. Joseph provides free bicycle repair and basic bike mechanics for children and adults in neighbourhoods across Burlington. Having an organization such as T.E.A.C.H. has allowed individuals and their families to start a dialogue in the community surrounding mental health and addictions. T.E.A.C.H. assists us to better understand mental health and additions so that we can be supportive and inclusive. T.E.A.C.H. partners and collaborates with numerous social and health agencies building their collective capacity to support the growing needs of our citizens suffering from mental health and addictions.
For example, T.E.A.C.H. works with our local hospitals, P.O.S.S.E. (Peer Outreach Support Services & Education) , Halton A.D.A.P.T. (Alcohol Drug and Gambling Assessment Prevention and Treatment), Summit Housing, S.T.R.I.D.E. (Supported Training & Rehabilitation in Diverse Environments) and the Region of Halton, to name a few.
 Yvonne Kato is a holistic therapy volunteer at Breast Cancer Support Services, offering Reiki to members. Breast Cancer Support Services provides a variety of healing modalities to women living cancer, to help them ease the stress and side effects of treatment. While much of the audience was made up of Volunteers taking part in the Breakfast event, Joey Edwardh, was not just speaking to the converted when she said: “The theme this year for National Volunteer Week is the ripple effect of volunteerism. A volunteer action is like a stone thrown in a lake: its effect has a direct impact. At the same time, like ripples, volunteer efforts reach out far and wide to improve communities..
Quoting Christine Mason Miller, Edwardh said: “When we focus our energy towards constructing a passionate meaningful life, we are tossing a pebble into the world creating a beautiful ripple of inspiration. When one person follows a dream , tries something new, or takes a daring leap, everyone feels that energy and before too long they are making their own daring leaps and inspiring yet another circle. “
 Cavan Cook, John Howard Society, Burlington & Area. Cavan is a Mentor for Youth At Risk Development (YARD) program. He provides individual support to a young person focused on setting up and achieving positive goals. She added: Like a pebble thrown into the water, volunteer action creates many ripples of inspiration and encouragement . Volunteers reach out beyond themselves to engage in kindness and caring for others. They are special people, with busy lives, who make time for others. They see and respect the dignity of their fellow men and women. In a thousand different ways they lighten the load for those who are burdened by illness, troubles or disadvantage.
Volunteerism has always been with us, we call it neighbours helping neighbours, supporting one another when affected by disaster, concerned citizens see a need in their community, form groups of like-minded individuals to address the need and create change.
Our Governor General, his Excellency The Right Honourable David Johnston, said the third pillar of Canada will be encouraging philanthropy and volunteerism. He went on to say that “Canadians have a long history of coming together and helping one another. Service to country shaped us, service to family and community sustains us, and this tradition of service will carry us forward into the future”
The Ripple Effect! Throughout history we can trace back to organizations that were formed to address areas of injustice and the social needs of society. In Canada, organizations emerged in direct response to a need in community all of which involved Volunteers as founders, supporters and front line workers.
 Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring on the left with John Searles and Linda McKay who is with the Burlington Public Library. Linda McKay is a dedicated Visiting Library Service Volunteer at the Burlington Public Library. She delivers books to several customers, who are unable to travel to the library themselves, and they think the world of Linda. One such as example , as it happened in our neighbouring community of Hamilton. In the 1950’s a group of mothers desperate to find a cure for polio, which was an epidemic at that time, formed the Marching Mothers and went door to door in their neighourhoods, collecting dimes for research. The Marching Mothers were instrumental in supporting the research of Dr. Jonas Salk, whose polio vaccine was released in 1955, putting an end to the epidemic. The Marching Mothers movement today is known as the March of Dimes.
This is only one example of an organization that made a significant difference in the lives of Canadians and exemplifies the Ripple effect of how the action of a few can and do change the lives of many.
 The Seniors Ambassador Connector Program was pilot project in Burlington and the ripple effect is that it is now expanding to Halton Hills. Shown here are the Burlington Ambassadors. The Seniors Ambassador Connector Program was pilot project in Burlington and the ripple effect is that it is now expanding to Halton Hills.
Volunteer Halton is privileged to work on a daily basis with like-minded individuals and groups who identify a need and move into action. We see every day individuals who answer the call for change, come together as strangers, connect through a cause and end up with lasting friendships. When asked volunteers always mention that they could not do the work without the support of their Coordinator, Manager of Volunteers.
These professionals dedicate long hours organizing, preparing and supporting the work of volunteers and volunteers themselves. Today we recognize and celebrate the wonderful volunteers who come from all walks of life, different experiences and from all ages to create the ripple effect that changes lives and communities!
Edwardh chose to leave her audience with a pungent thought to ponder.
Noah’s Ark was built by volunteers
The Titanic was built by professionals.
That sort of sums it up – doesn’t it?
 By Staff
April 15, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington is giving residents the chance to help decide which movies will be played this summer at Movies Under the Stars through online polls.
“For this summer’s program we’re asking residents to help us pick from a list of movies to be shown in their neighbourhood parks.” Said Director of Parks and Recreation Chris Glenn
 Make it a Family Night – take pop corn and a blanket. Movies Under the Stars, a city movie series supported by Tim Hortons, allows families to enjoy movies in City of Burlington parks. The series will run this summer on Thursdays at dusk from July 9 to Aug. 20 and feature a different movie each week, shown on a 7.62 by 4.27 metre (25 by 14 foot) outdoor screen.
An online poll is available on the City of Burlington’s website that offers a choice from three movies. Each poll will be open for seven days, and will give voters a choice among three movies. The city has made the waiting a little easier on voters by instantly showing which movie currently has the most votes. The poll can be found at www.burlington.ca/movies.
The poll to decide the movie for July 16, 2015, in Aldershot Park is now open. Voters have until April 15 to pick their first choice. Watch the votes climb and join the City of Burlington in thinking ahead to the warm days of summer. Residents are encouraged to visit the city website to vote each week:
Voting Poll dates Movie date and park
April 16 to 22 July 23, Civic Square
April 23 to 29 July 30, Emerson Park
April 30 to May 6 Aug. 6, Kilbride Park
May 7 to 13 Aug. 13, Mohawk Park
May 14 to 20 Aug. 20, Spencer Smith Park
Bring your own pop corn
By Staff
April 13, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
 The Burlington Performing Arts Centre is accepting nominations for the third inductee of its Hall of Fame. Established in 2013, The Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s Hall of Fame recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the performing arts in Burlington. Recipients of this award demonstrate the diversity of artistic accomplishment that comprises the rich cultural tapestry of the City of Burlington. The Hall of Fame award will be presented to the inductee at the 2015-2016 Season Launch event held at The Centre on Thursday, May 28.
Nomination applications must be submitted on or before Friday, May 8th, 2015. The nomination form can be downloaded from The Centre’s website
 Hall of Fame’s 2nd inductee, Rainer Noack The Burlington Performing Arts Centre recognizes that the individual and group artists are paramount and fundamental to cultural development.
These individuals and groups contribute to Burlington’s reputation as a city with a strong and sustained commitment toward the development of cultural excellence.
 Gordie Tapp was onsite almost every day during the construction of the Pier. He chats with Project Manager Craig Stevens. Tapp was the first inductee into the Performing Arts Center Hall of Famwe At the 2014 Cabaret, the Hall of Fame’s 2nd inductee, Rainer Noack, Founder and Program Director of Burlington Student Theatre, was recognized for providing training, camps and arts opportunities for children and youth in the Burlington area since 1978.
The Hall of Fame’s 1st inductee, was Burlington’s own, Gordie Tapp.
By Staff
April 13, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
More than 400 of the city’s business community gathered at the Convention Center last week for the annual Chamber of Commerce business gala that brought together business, government and industry leaders from all over the area to join in celebrating the business community’s achievements.
 Back Row (L toR): Bernie Meuller, Gerry Smallegange Front Row (L to R): Tom Flannery, Juliet Aurora, Colleen Mulholland, Dave McSporran, Fred Bennink The Chamber presents a number of business excellence awards in a variety of categories. In 2002, awards from the Burlington Economic Development Corporation were added to the Gala. In 2003, the Tourism Burlington Award was added and Mayor Rick Goldring presents his Community Service Awards at the Gala.
To be eligible for a Business Excellence Award, a company must be a member of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce or be located in the City of Burlington. More than 50 nominations were recieved for the 2014 awards.
 Finalists and winners are chosen by the Chamber’s Business Awards Task Force through a series of questionnaires and interviews. Winners are companies that have demonstrated excellence in business leadership, community contributions, entrepreneurship, employee welfare, innovation, and growth.
A new evaluation criterion that was used for all companies beginning with the 2009 awards was environmental practices.
Service (Large)
Finalists:
Burlington Hydro Electric Inc.
Emma’s Back Porch
Sodexo Canada Ltd.
Winner: Burlington Hydro Electric Inc.
The Task Force was impressed with Burlington Hydro’s commitment to customer service and the fact that its responsiveness to customers’ needs has been an important factor in other companies locating in Burlington.
Service (Small)
Finalists:
AIS Solutions Inc.
Dodsworth & Brown Funeral Home
OrthoEvidence Inc.
StanMech Technologies Inc.
Winner: AIS Solutions Inc.
The Task Force was impressed with the fact that AIS Solutions has been asked by Intuit Canada to help improve future versions and to share their knowledge throughout Canada and the US.
Manufacturer
Finalists:
CPC Pumps
Zip Signs
Winner: Zip Signs
The Task Force was impressed with Zip Signs’ ability to provide quality, innovative, turnkey solutions anywhere in Canada while maintaining a family-focused business that cares about its employees.
Retail / Wholesale
Finalists:
Christy’s Gourmet Gifts
Dr. Tracy Brodie & Associates, Optometrists
Winner: Christy’s Gourmet Gifts
The Task Force was impressed with how this small, family business recognized a niche market and, with quality, innovative products, has become an international success.
Young Entrepreneur
Finalists:
Dave McSporran, Bottled Media
Waqar Malik, InBold Media
Winner: Dave McSporran, Bottled Media
The Task Force was impressed with how Dave has developed a childhood passion and a desire to tell his clients’ stories as they have never been told before, into a solid, stable business.
Not-for-Profit
Finalists:
Burlington Community Foundation
Burlington Green Environmental Association
Camelot Centre
Winner: Burlington Community Foundation
The Task Force was impressed with the broad impact the Foundation has had and its ability to respond rapidly to our community’s needs, such as it did this past year following the August flood.
Heritage Award
Winner: Dodsworth & Brown Funeral Home
Dodsworth & Brown’s is awarded this year’s Heritage Award because of their long history of doing business in Burlington, a remarkable 50 years. They have served the residents of Burlington with class, understanding and professionalism
Mayor’s Sustainable Green Business Award
Burlington Mall, RioCan Management Inc.
The Mayor’s Sustainable Green Business Award was announced prior to the Gala.
BEDC Business Export Award
Cogent Power Inc.
The BEDC Business Export Award was announced prior to the Gala.
Tourism Burlington Ambassador Award
Burlington Teen Tour Band
 Burlington Chamber of Commerce President Keith Hoey, who does a pretty good job as a stand up comic, is also quite a promoter. The Burlington Chamber of Commerce, formed in 1947 will hold its Annual General Meeting at the Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel, 3063 south Service Rd. TIME: 4:45 Registration Begins
5:00 Annual General Meeting
The Chamber is the voice of business in Burlington and advocates at the local, regional, provincial and federal level on behalf of over 1,000 companies representing 30,000 employees.
 By Staff
April 10, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
We got this late in the day –
Due to a mechanical issue at Angela Coughlan Pool, the scheduled Leisure Swim from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. is cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Swimmers are encouraged to attend the 7:30 to 9 p.m. Family Swim at Burlington Centennial Pool or 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Fun Swim at Tansley Woods Pool.
 By Pepper Parr
April 9, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
There is a tweet fluttering out there somewhere that picked up on our story on the provincial funding given to the Sound of Music. The tweet
In that article we mentioned that there will be a ticketed event as part of the Sound of Music. We did not say the Sound of Music will be a ticketed event.
There will be one event for which a ticket will be required. We don’t know as yet which event that will be.
The tweet or retweet came from “leafnationforlife” – we leave it to our readers to understand those poor souls.
By Pepper Parr
April 9, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
 It was certainly the best phone call or letter that Dave Miller had the day he got notice from the province that they were going to drop $247,500 in pixie dust into his coffers. Pixie dust is that magical word event organizers use to describe funding they get. It is not money that is easily come by
The province is “investing” $19 million to support local Festivals and Events; this is a record number for the province that they say will draw tourists, create jobs and grow local economies.
 Province sends big bucks to festivals and events across the province. Sound of Music and RibFest benefit Through the Celebrate Ontario 2015 program, the province is helping 270 festivals and events, the highest number in the history of the program, celebrate Ontario’s diversity, heritage and culture. This support will help organizers enhance programming and services, attract new audiences and create jobs in the tourism sector.
The Sound of Music is getting $247,500 – RibFest is getting $90,000.
Trust ward 3 Councillor John Taylor to look at the Sound of Music budget a lot closer the next time they appear before the city asking for an increase in the grant they get from the city.
Sound of Music will be releasing their program for this summer in the near future – which will, for the first time included a ticketed event.
By Staff
April 9, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Spring is that time of year when we are filled with hope for warmer days and sunshine. It’s also that time of year when many of us are looking at our walls thinking “yep. it’s time for a change”.
Now that the weather is sort of starting to resemble spring Lana Kamarić has invited everyone she knows to the Spring Pop Up Art Market hosted by No Vacancy.
The market will be popping up at 408 John Street in downtown Burlington, dates are as follows:
Friday April 17th 6 – 9pm
Saturday April 18th 10am – 6pm
Sunday April 19th 12 – 5pm
The SPRINGPOP supports the work of contemporary artists and makers from within a 50km radius. Pick up an original piece of art from an emerging local artist or buy some funky handmade one-of-a-kind things.
 Expect more than a couple of tables with work you may have seen before. Here’s the list of those artists who will be displaying:
Giveable Greetings
F As In Frank Paper Goods Co.
Love, Ash X
On a Branch Soaps
Bill Davidson
Polar Stones
Sprouts Press
Jason Gray
Hatchet Made
The Shoppery
Debbie Borthwick (Dewdrop Gables)
Courtney Lee
Lana Kamaric
Wood Be Cute
Kyle Tonkens
Sanjay Patel
Richard Veeneman
Candice Bradley
Jennifer Burns
Nikkole Lebrun
Donna Grandin
Joelle McNeil
Kirby Booker
Embroiderwee
There may be additional artists added to the list.
The spring Pop Up is one of the events put on by No Vacancy – the group that held an event at the Waterfront Hotel in 2013 that seemed to crack open the interest in local artists that many felt was not being given the time, attention and resources they needed.
The No Vacancy organization will be holding their 2015 event on Old Lakeshore Road in September – the deadline for entries in the SuperNova event is April 30th
Since that event the city took a staff member who was serving as a recreational planner in the Parks and Recreation department and made her a manger of cultural events and had her reporting directly to a city general manager
 With a heightened interest in the arts a Collective was created that now has 500 people – they wanted the Parks and Recreation people out of the culture business. They want people with training on something other than a trampoline, preferably with degrees in the arts and practical experience as well. Last September the city put on a very successful Culture Days event supported by government funding.
The Art Gallery of Burlington has recruited a new president who comes from a city a third the size of Burlington where he ran a Culture and Heritage department for the city of Grand Prairie. Some of his bigger picture thinking might rub off on Burlington.
The Performing Arts Centre now has an Executive Director in place who has stabilized that organization and is growing an audience and expanding the performance offerings.
Burlington just might be getting to the point where it will have a cultural profile that makes it unique and different – meaning more people can come to the city and walk out onto one of the most expensive piers in North America which just happens to be in the BEST city of its size in Canada
By Staff
April 9, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The city’s tourism operation has taken to social media to recruit new members for its board.
In a web site posting they ask:
If you are dedicated and dynamic individual with previous governance experience and an interest in tourism, consider applying to join the volunteer Board of Directors for Tourism Burlington Inc.
Their web site is one of the better ones we’ve seen – they provide a lot more information than a number of other city related groups.
If sitting on the Tourism board interests you click here for the Board information package
 By Pepper Parr
April 8, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a meeting with a number of agendas – the people whose homes were going to be replaced by parkland at some point in the future wanted to make their agenda the prime one but the event was to give citizens a chance to see what the first cut of a design for the Beachway park would look like – they got more than their money’s worth.
Another agenda was for the Regional Staff in attendance to assure everyone that there were no plans to expropriate anyone’s property – but during the presentation the phrase “priority properties” was used a number of times.
 Citizens get their first look at the design of the Beachway Park – there won’t be much built until the hospital construction is complete but when done the park will consist of five character areas that respect the environment and allow for all kinds of activities. The dark blue area will be the major swimming location. The Mayor was on hand – he didn’t speak – stood silently at the back of the room but got vocal when the Cogeco news camera was turned on.
 Anne McIlroy and her team which included planners from the city created the design. McIlroy has done a lot of work for both the city and the Region in the past. Council members representing the eastern side of the city didn’t make an appearance – the park land is Regional property and but how the park development is going to be paid for has yet to be worked out. Anne McIlroy, the outside consultant told the audience that the team has only just begun to get into what it will cost to develop the park.
Some staff members were assuring people that nothing was going to happen overnight – that this was a 40 to 50 year project. During the presentation McIlroy left the distinct impression that it was possible to do parts of the park in the near future.
The different agendas clashed at times but setting the politics of all this aside – and they do smell – the design that was shown to the public last night is exceptionally good.
It is sensitive to the environment within which it is going to be developed and it allows for a number of different uses of the space.
It is almost five different parks strung together. The west end of Spencer Smith Park is the beginning of the Beachway. This section is directly opposite the Joseph Brant Hospital and the Joseph Brant Museum. Lakeshore Road, which will lead to the Beachway Park, is to be widened and raised and become a three lane road with a bicycle lane as well.
 The Living Shoreline section of the Beachway Park will begin where Spencer Smith Park ends. It will include a gas powered fire pit; a native interpretation centre and a shore line boardwalk. On the lakeside of the road the park area will be called the Living Shoreline. This portion of the park will have shelters, a gas fed fire pit that will be used for special occasions. There will be a native interpretation centre and a shoreline boardwalk.
The trail that is built upon the old railway bed will remain much the same in this part of the Beachway Park.
This Living Shoreline will tie into parts of the western end of Spencer Smith – almost reach back to the compass in Spencer Smith.
The hospital parking garage and the hospital itself will be on the other side of the road. The Living Shoreline will stretch west to the Ministry of Transportation property.
Each of the Beachway Park sections will transition into each other with Beacons – which weren’t all that clearly explained – to demark the different parts of the larger park.
 The Strand section of the Beachway Park will be the major swimming area and will include the pavilion, rest rooms. rental area. The next section – working west – will be called The Strand. This section will have a very active beach – it is to be the major swimming area. The Pavilion will be in this section – one hopes that Pavilion is given a major upgrade. The Pump House – referred to as the “rental” place will be in this section. The Catamaran Club will be in this section as well.
There will be parking in this area – what was pretty clear from the drawings was that parking is not going to dominate. Mention was made of shuttle buses that would be used. If the assumption is that the hospital parking lot can handle the weekend traffic – that needs to be re-thought.
 The Wind Beach section of the Beachway Park will reach to the canal and include significant improvements to the pier area. On the west of the Strand is what will be called The Wind Beach. It will end at the Canal which the park designers hope to turn into a much more inviting location with a better interface with the lift bridge.
The intention is to tie the Burlington Beachway Park to the Hamilton side and ideally see more bike traffic between the two cities.
At the very end of Lakeshore, where Lakeshore Court is located – a couple of yards from the Burlington start of the Waterfront Trail the Commons will exist. This part of the park will be more sports orientated. There will be volley ball courts, a storm water pond, a bacchii ball location, shade areas, and outdoor pavilions that can be used for market and art sales.
 By the time the meeting started there wasn’t an empty seat in the room with dozens of people standing. The Skyway federal pier area will have Eastport Road cutting through it which creates some design challenges.
What wasn’t at all clear during the presentation was how parking would be handled. Many argued that the 27 private homes in the Beachway should not be torn down to create parking spaces. The drawings that were shown last night did not seem to have acres of parking.
 The Beachway Park is a Regional initiative that will be run by the city of Burlington. Anne McIlroy on the left talks with Stirling Todd, Senior Regional Planner on the right. What the public saw Tuesday evening at the Art Gallery was a decent first look – the questions for the most part were related to how the city was going to create a park on land they didn’t own.
That question is a Regional political issue and Burlington lost its chance to have an impact in 2013.
As parks go – what Anne McIlroy and her team put together is quality work – if they ever get to build it will be a well-used part of the city.
By Pepper Parr
April 7, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Art Gallery of Burlington announced today that they have appointed Robert Steven as its new President & CEO. Mr. Steven will assume his new post on 4 May 2015.
In a media release the AGB said: “The Board of Directors was looking for a very special leader who is capable of taking the Art Gallery of Burlington to the profile appropriate for the home of Canada’s largest collection of contemporary Canadian ceramics and to the level of community engagement that will best contribute to the quality of life of this city and region.
 Robert Steven appointed as President and CEO of the Art Gallery of Burlington. We have found that leader in Robert Steven,” said Sandra Edrupt, Chair of the AGB Board. “We value Steven’s strategic business mind and believe that he can build synergy from our unique identity as both an art gallery and the home to the guilds of Arts Burlington.”
One of only 50 Canadian alumni of the prestigious Getty Museum Leadership Institute in Los Angeles, Steven’s educational background includes a Master of Museum Studies at the University of Toronto and a Fine Arts degree from the University of Waterloo.
Steven currently manages the Culture and Heritage Department of the City of Grande Prairie, where he oversees the City’s various cultural and heritage infrastructure and investments, including the three branches of the municipal museum. He caught the attention of the City of Grande Prairie, and now the Board of the Art Gallery of Burlington, through his impressive leadership of the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie, an organization that he transformed, expanded, professionalized, and modernized over his seven and one-half years of service as both its Executive Director and Curator.
His successes in Grande Prairie led to his recognition with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal from the Premier of Alberta in 2012 and the Alberta Venture Magazine’s selection of him as one of Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People for 2013.
Originally from Ontario, Steven’s earlier professional arts experience included rapidly increasing authority and responsibility at the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery during a period of significant growth and change from 2001 to 2006. This encompassed roles as Preparator, Collections Management Project Manager, and Registrar.
 Dennis Longchamps joined the AGB as Chief Curator. Dr. Longchamps also heads collections and educational programming “Combining Robert’s strong arts executive and municipal leadership experience, with the strength of our Chief Curator, Dr. Denis Longchamps, who also heads collections and educational programming, we will have the leadership team that we need to take the Art Gallery of Burlington to the next level,” said Edrupt.
Many thought Longchamps would succeed Ian Ross who left the President and CEO role at the gallery on rather short notice after a 20+ year stint.
Kim Varian who led development for the AGB also left the gallery to work with her husband on the family business. Varian will continue with the AGB in a consulting and support capacity.
Grande Prairie has a population of 55,000+;median age is 30; average income is in the $126,000 range; a two bedroom apartment comes in at $1,115 a month – and here is the shocker for Steven – average house price is in the $316,000
 Anne Swarbrick will now try retirement for the third or fourth time. It is not something she is very good at. All this means that Anne Swarbrick, who was serving as the interim President and CEO can now return to what must be her third attempt at retirement
By Staff
April 7, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It isn’t the kind of graphic you can miss.
We wanted it big and bright to draw your attention to the Gazette’s newest reader feature.
 While the words What’s On! aren’t unique – the concept was to create a place where whatever is going on in this city is posted.
In a recent survey we asked readers what else they wanted to see – more than 87% of the respondents said they wanted more information on what is happening in the city.
Our editorial staff will be putting in some of the information – anyone else can also add an event.
The feature is moderated – which means we see whatever is suggested and moderate it to ensure that it is “appropriate” and that the information is correct.
It will take a bit of time for people to get used to the feature and to follow the steps needed to complete an entry.
The feature will be useful for people who want to plan an event in the future but don’t want to conflict with some other event. All they have to do is scroll forward and see if there is a conflict.
There are some 400 events in the list – not all have been posted yet.
While this is a free service it is not meant for commercial operations too abuse.
In the very near future you will see information that is sponsored – which gives advertisers an opportunity to support an organization that is commercial in nature.
Services like this work if people comment on what is and what isn’t working. Please – comment and don’t be shy. We dish it out – we can take it.
Just don’t sue us – OK!
By Pepper Parr
April 4, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a little complicated but for Russ Weegar it was pretty simple. We paid the taxes, we are entitled to a rebate and we would like that rebate if you don’t mind
 Russ Weegar and Pastor Rosalie Schwarm delegating before a Standing Committee. Weegar and Pastor Rosalie Schwarm were delegating on behalf of Lighthouse Church International requesting a grant.
Lighthouse is a non-profit, non-denominationalchurch with charitable status that has in the past provided funding to various Burlington community programs (West Plains Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity) as well as pastoral advocacy services to indigenous groups, locally and internationally.
They used to lease space on Fairview Street. Property taxes were included in their rent. They have been leasing their current location since October 1, 2012.
Where a charity leases space in a taxable building, the charity is eligible for a rebate equal to 40% of the taxes paid by the charity. A charity rebate application was submitted in November 2014 for the years 2012 (part year), 2013 and 2014.
And this is where the problems for the Lighthouse Church began. Only the 2014 tax year rebate was processed because they did not get their application for the rebate in on time.
Weegar pointed out that they didn’t even know they were entitled to a charitable rebate.
When the city collects taxes – they don’t get to keep all the money. City hall collects taxes for the Region and for the school boards.
Of each dollar collected in taxes 28.2% goes to the city; they send 24.6 % to the Region and 47.2% to the province on behalf of the school boards.
The city denied the applications for 2012 (part year) and 2013 because they had missed the deadlines – which Weegar continually pointed out they weren’t aware of – had the 2012 and 2013 applications been submitted before the respective deadlines, the rebates would have been shared as follows:
2012 2013 Total
City 605.70 2,476.64 3,082.34
Region 571.09 2,237.16 2,808.25
School Boards 1,095.02 4,312.98 5,408.00
Total $2,271.81 $9,026.78 $11,298.59
Filing deadlines are legislated under the Municipal Act and must be made after January 1 of the year and no later than the last day of February of the following year.
The municipality may accept applications after that deadline if, in the opinion of the municipality, extenuating circumstances justify the applicant being unable to make the application by the deadline.
“Extenuating circumstances” generally means an event that is unusual or beyond the control of the parties. In this case, Lighthouse Church explained that they did not know about the rebate until 2014. Not knowing about a rebate or deadline is not considered an extenuating circumstance.
The Municipal Act does give a municipality with the general power to make grants if Council considers to be in the interests of the municipality.
If council chooses to provide a grant to Lighthouse Church, there is the risk that other charitable and non-profit organizations, which have missed application deadlines, may seek similar funding in the future.
 Rosalie Schwarm – Pastor at the Lighthouse church City Council has made grants to other charitable organizations in the past – The Humane Society had taxes written of – the circumstances were deemed to be extenuating.
There hasn’t been a single grant application since the Humane Society was given a helping hand.
The Lighthouse Church at this point does not have a home. Their congregation of about 85 people has dwindled as a result but they continue to do what they believe they were sent here to do – help people. In the meantime they meet in people’s homes and hold their services.
In the past the church has sent people to Cuba. Yemen, Bulgaria and the Congo.
At one point they had a home in Waterdown where they rented from another church that decided they wanted to sell the property. Lighthouse could not afford to buy it at the time.
When it came to making a decision it took several votes to arrive at a decision that would get sent to the Council meeting on April 20th.
Councillor Meed Ward wanted the city to give Lighthouse a grant for the full amount they were asking for $11, 298.50 That got just three votes – they needed four
Give Lighthouse a portion of their ask including part that is educational and let them go to the Region and ask for a rebate at that level – that too lost
The final vote was to give the church the city portion – $3,082.30 – that passed.
Now that the Lighthouse church people understand the rules – expect them to mount a stronger argument at Council on the 20th.
In the meantime their Easter Sunday service will be in the home of one of the parishioners.
By Staff
April 2, 2105
BURLINGTON, ON
The nomination closure date for Burlington’s Best Awards has been extended one week, now closing April 14, 2015. That is not a good sign.
There are a number of people and organizations that did incredible work during the August flood that deserve recognition.
There has been some fine work done by the Seniors’ community.
Have these awards fallen out of favour?
“There has been a lot of interest and talk of the awards but so far there has been very few nominations actually submitted,” said Mary Kay Aird, Chair, Burlington’s Best Committee. “The submission form only takes about 15 minutes to complete and it is quite easy.”
Visit www.burlington.ca/best to nominate someone deserving of civic recognition for their hard work, compassion and dedication. Nomination forms can be completed online at www.burlington.ca/best or by picking up a nomination form at the clerks department at City Hall, 426 Brant St.
There are seven categories of Burlington’s Best:
• Citizen of the year
A person whose volunteer activity has made a significant and sustained contribution to the vibrancy and wellbeing of the Burlington community.
• Junior Citizen of the year
A high school student, 18 years or younger who has made a significant contribution to the Burlington community.
• Senior Citizen of the year
A person, 55 years or older who has advocated on behalf of seniors and/or made a significant contribution to the Burlington community.
• Environmental Award
An individual or group that improved and/or protects Burlington’s environment.
• Arts Person of the Year
An individual who has contributed to the arts in Burlington as an artist, patron or advocate including but not limited to, visual arts, media arts, musical arts, performing arts and literary arts.
• Community Service Award
An individual or group whose volunteer activity has contributed to the betterment of the Burlington community.
• Heritage Award
An individual who has demonstrated a commitment to the preservation of Burlington’s heritage, and has volunteered their time in an effort to support the preservation of Burlington’s heritage.
Related article:
Are the BEST awards transparent enough?
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