By Staff
June 6th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
This isn’t the first time the Neal Family has done a bottle Drive. Each time they hold a drive the amount they raise increases.

The last one came in at $8000 and loads of food plus significant cash donations.
 Julie Neal with her son explaining how the bottle drive got started and then just grew.
One person drove in from Kitchener with a load of bottles.
The volume has gotten to the point where they are asking people who drop off bottle to separate the cans from the bottles.
The drop off point this time is the North Burlington Baptist Church located at 1377 Walkers Line – just north of Forest Run Avenue
They open at 9 and will close it up at 4 pm.
It all takes place on Saturday June 26th.
They are hoping they can pass the $8000 mark they set last time. This is serious business.
 This is what they were dealing with last time.
By Staff
June 6th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Gazette reported yesterday on the response to the question – where should the next Rainbow crosswalk be located.
There were more than 4000 responses – with 2813 wanting to see it located on Fairview near the Drury Street intersection which is the location of the Catholic District School Board.
One can see some differences of opinion when the matter gets to council on Tuesday. What comes first – the wishes of the supporters of the gay community or the wishes of a school board that decided not to permit the flying of the rainbow flag at Catholic schools.
Delicate.
The responses and the way the numbers broke down are set out below.


Some demographics on the people who responded.


It would have been useful to see some additional demographic data like age and gender. It will be interesting to hear what, if any, interpretation staff provide and what position council members take.
By Staff
June 4th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Those men and women who drive the school buses have a sense of humour. And like everyone else they have learned to pivot – rather well.
 School bus company pivots to reward drivers.
They weren’t able to hold their annual Awards Banquet – they came up with a different idea.
This year they are holding a drive-through BBQ for the drivers and they are holding a charity dunk-the-staff-and-managers event for the drivers.
 Dunking senior management
Every driver has been given a form to indicate which management and staff they want to dunk.
The drivers will pay $2 a ball or 3 balls for $5.
100% of the funds will be going to Food for Kids Halton.
We will get back to you on the where of this event.
By Staff
June 4th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation has a fund raising initiative underway and has found willing supporters within the commercial sector.
 They are there when you need them. Be there for them when they need you.
Using the tag line: This June, support local businesses and support local healthcare. The following have joined the J.
Factory Shoe Outlet
Joseph Tassoni Face Coverings
COBS Bakery – Maple Mews Location
Domenic’s Italian Eatery
AIM Insurance Good for You, Good for our Community
These are a few of the corporations that are taking part in the drive. Each has something unique in the way they donate – each supports the hospital.
Factory Shoe Outlet is over halfway to its fundraising goal of $40,000!
AIM will donate $5 to Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation.
 Jack is all in!
When Jack Fernihough saw the We Love our Hospital lawn signs were popping back up around the city, he went to his garage and proudly added his sign from last year back onto the front lawn. But he had thrown away his old “We Joined” sign. So when the Foundation was delivering a sign to his neighbour, Jack asked if he could have the full set.
“It’s just something fun,” he said. “I think it’s important to support the hospital because a strong community needs a strong hospital. And Burlington is a top-notch city, and we need a top-notch hospital.”
To request a sign, please click here.
Signs will be delivered and installed by Foundation staff following all safety precautions with contactless delivery.
The plea from the Foundation is: We need you now more than ever.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to Joseph Brant Hospital and we are working tirelessly to make sure that we’re here for you in the moments that matter.
Make this moment matter,
By Pepper Parr
June 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
In an earlier version of this story there was a headline that was inappropriate. It was revised. The production happens to be about sex being used as a weapon. The three members of council are part of the production. Apologies to anyone who was offended.
There was a time when radio is all there was. And it was great.
Radio captures the mind and lets the imagination run rampant.
There were those classic programs: Johnny Dollar the report of a private investigator and what he spent his fee on. There was Allan Mills and his program. There was that Bed Time story that CBC used to run.
Television was never able to do what radio does.
 The audience will be “out there” instead of these seats.
The people at the Performing Arts Centre are taking us back to what radio was all about: words, tone and inflection all used to capture the imagination and build up a sense of what was being communicated.
Because The Show Must Go Online the Burlington Performing Arts Centre Presents Dangerous Liaisons Online
BPAC will stream a virtual reading of the classic play, Dangerous Liaisons (Les Liaisons Dangereuses) next Friday, June 11 and Saturday, June 12. Tickets for the stream cost $20 per household, or $15 for BPAC members and volunteers. To thank Burlington-area front-line healthcare workers for their sacrifices during this pandemic, they can contact the BPAC Box Office for complimentary tickets to the show.
 Three council members amongst the cast.
Adapted to run approximately 60 minutes, this reading will be directed by Stratford Festival director Richard Ouzounian. The incredible cast features local artists and politicians, including Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Councillors Lisa Kearns and Rory Nisan, KooGle Theatre’s Leslie and Christopher Gray and others.
For those of you who remember the moment when the Mayor sang from the passenger seat of a Smart Car – you can once again hear the dulcet tones of a women who trained to sing opera. Listen to how she did.
“After such a long time without being able to entertain the people of Burlington, it is exciting to be back doing what we do best – and that is putting on a show,” said BPAC Executive Director Tammy Fox. “Working with a director the caliber of Richard Ouzounian and a cast that mixes talented performers and enthusiastic local leaders is fun, energizing and just the tip of the iceberg of what we can accomplish when we are able to welcome patrons back.”
Participating restaurants Paradiso and Pepperwood Bistro have prepared delicious prix fixe takeout meals to accompany a night at the online theatre, so patrons can make it a true dinner and a show experience. Hungry theatre patrons can find all the details about their tantalizing dinner options through the BPAC website.
About the Show
Les Liaisons Dangereuses is a 1985 play adapted from the 1782 novel of the same title by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. The plot focuses on the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont, rivals who use sex as a weapon of humiliation and degradation, all the while enjoying their cruel games. Their targets are the virtuous (and married) Madame de Tourvel and Cécile de Volanges, a young girl who has fallen in love with her music tutor, the Chevalier Danceny. In order to gain their trust, Merteuil and Valmont pretend to help the secret lovers so they can use them later in their own treacherous schemes.
About the Cast
The Marquise de Merteuil – Leslie Gray
The Vicomte de Valmont – Christopher Gray
Madame de Tourvel – Councillor Lisa Kearns
Cécile Volanges – Arielle Nielsen
Madame Volanges – Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
The Chevalier Danceny – Councillor Rory Nisan
Madame de Rosemonde – Bev Mattson
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Virtual Play Reading of Dangerous Liaisons
June 11, 2021 & June 12, 2021 at 7:30 p.m.
Streamed from The Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Tickets can be purchased online or by telephone:
905-681-6000 | https://burlingtonpac.ca/events/dangerous-liaisons/
Tickets per household (All-in): Regular $20 / Members $15
The full schedule of BPAC Presents events is available here:
burlingtonpac.ca/bpacpresents – Tickets and dinner choices
facebook.com/BurlingtonPAC | twitter.com/BurlingtonPAC | instagram.com/burlington_pac
By Pepper Parr
June 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
BurlingtonGreen was not going to totally lose the chance to have an impact even if the province put a kibosh on their annual CleanUp/GreenUp event.
They had to announce on April 8th that the Community Clean Up has been temporarily postponed due to the stay-at-home order issued by the Province.
They did what everyone did – the pivoted and put together a program that helped people do things at home.
THE GREEN UP & TREE LOVING CARE (TLC)Ways that you can GREEN UP at home:
- Plant a native shrub, tree or pollinator perennial on your property.
Request a packet of FREE native plant seeds to support your Green Up activities at home, while quantities last.
You can find out more about native trees and which ones are best for Burlington using the Ontario Tree Atlas.
Consult the Tree Planting Guide to set your new tree up for success.
2. Remove invasive plant species from your property.
Learn more about Halton Invasive Species and Biodiversity from Conservation Halton.
Find out how you can tackle invasive species at home from the Ontario Invasive Plant Council.
3. Give some Tree Loving Care (TLC) to your trees
Maintaining and caring for them is important for their overall health and longevity.
4. Learn about the importance of trees, pollinators, native species and biodiversity
 The annual clean up event is seen by some as something for the younger crowd. While these woman are certainly young at heart – and they are doing their bit.
Perks of Registering:
We have a limited supply of FREE NATIVE PLANT SEEDS available when you register for Green Up, while quantities last.
 Thousands of trees have been planted by BurlingtonGreen volunteers.
When you register your Green Up participation, you will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a $50 gift card to the Burlington Centre. We are giving away 2 gift cards for those that register between now and October 31st.
We’ve got extra prizes for those that share their photos with us – so take photos of your Green Up and tag us on social media or e-mail them to us for EXTRA chances to win!
Note: Submission of photos provides permission to BurlingtonGreen to use your photos in print, or in digital materials including social media platforms with permission to edit, alter, copy, or distribute the photos for media advertising and marketing.
To take part in the program REGISTER
By Staff
June 2nd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Another parking fee – this time at LaSalle Park – you pay to park the vehicle you used to tow your boat to the public launch.
The LaSalle Park Community Marina opened the public boat launch on June 1.
The same day the city began charging for parking.
 Trucks parked at LaSalle now have to pay for the parking.
New Parking Fees
Anyone parking their boat trailer at the LaSalle Park Community Marina or in the upper parking lot will now be required to pay a trailer parking fee. Trailer parking payments are required seven days a week, including holidays. It is a daily flat rate of $20 for trailer parking; there is no fee to use the public boat launch.
The parking lot has often had traffic flow problems caused by too many trailers and/or improper parking. The new paid parking requirements are intended to create more order in the lots, improve traffic flow and reduce frustrations.
 Public ramp – at a time when the water was high and the winter ice had done a lot of damage.
Residents and visitors can use the HonkMobile app or scan the QR code found on signage at the marina to search, pay for, and top-up parking payments directly from their smartphone, tablet or computer.
Dashboard tickets are not required as every payment is linked with a trailer licence plate number.
The Marina has 219 docking spaces and is protected by a floating wave break. The Burlington Sailing and Boating Club (BS&BC) and the Able Sail program offer sailing programs at the Marina. In addition, the City has a public boat launch at the Marina that is protected by the floating wave break.
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By Staff
June 1st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Work or employment is commonly understood as a means for individuals to have a decent living.
With the impact of COVID-19 over the past year, there were substantial changes in both employment and earnings, leading to precarious work for individuals and their families.1 Many of those individuals may become the working poor and how we as community ensure that all members of our community are included in the recovery process is critical.
 As shown in the chart below, Oakville and Milton are above the Halton average, while Burlington and Halton Hills are below.
As with poverty, there are many ways to define working poor. Using Statistics Canada’s tax filer information set as the data source,2 working poor3 is defined as individuals with an after-tax income below the Low Income Measure (LIM-AT) and earning an annual working income4 of over $3,000.
The income threshold of $3,000 reflects the federal government’s Working Income Tax Benefit (WITB) refundable tax credit intended to provide tax relief for eligible working low-income individuals and families who are already in the workforce and to encourage other Canadians to enter the workforce.
Using the most currently available data, in 2018 a working poor person earned more than $3,000 but less than $24,654 (LIM-AT for a single adult).
In 2018, there were over 444,000 working poor individuals in Ontario. They represented about 6.6% of the population (18-64 years) excluding full-time students living on their own. By comparison, in Halton Region, the working poor population was over 12,000 accounting for 4.5% of the working age population.
The data was provided by Community Development Halton.
1 COVID Economic and Social Effects Study (CESES), McMaster University, 2021. https://labourstudies.mcmaster.ca/research/covid19- impact
2 Grouping of postal codes were provided to Statistics Canada and Statistics Canada makes no representation or warranty as to, or validation of, the accuracy of any Postal Code OM data
3 A similar definition is used in Metcalf Foundation, The Working Poor in the Toronto Region, mapping working poverty in Canada’s richest city by John Stapleton, April 2015
4 Working income is the total amount of an individual’s income for the year from employment and business, excluding losses.
By Staff
June 1, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Robin Bailey, Executive Director of the Burlington Food Bank got to meet with new Garden Coordinator Samantha (Sam) LeGrand on site this week.
The seedlings are beginning to sprout – Sam expects them to begin to produce in about a month.
 Samantha (Sam) LeGrand on site this week.
There is some lettuce, sage and rhubarb to harvest today along with the garlic greens and garlic heads that were planted last season.
Canadian Tire gave Sam a collection of seeds (sunflowers among others) they could not sell and now we are sending some seeds (that we could not use in our own garden plots) along to our clients.
The Food Bank was allotted seven plots at the Maple Gardens, found Sam as the woman who would lead the operation and find the volunteers needed to make it all come together and produce fresh vegetables.
 Without the volunteers we wouldn’t have gotten this operation off the ground said LeGrand. There is someone on site everyday watering and making sure the plants are in good shape.
Please contact Sam at garden@burlingtonfoodbank.ca if you are interested in helping out over the summer.
If you are in need or know of someone who could use our help, PLEASE have them email us at info@burlingtonfoodbank.ca or call 905-637-2273 to make arrangements to have food dropped at their door or make arrangements to pick it up through our curb-side pickup option. If you are a resident in Burlington, we are all here to help. Don’t struggle – give us a call.
By Pepper Parr
May 31st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
A Gazette reader asked:
“Tell me why I see this all the time. Shouldn’t they be spread out so that those parking at any given time all along the Beachway can easily find one…or is it like when you go to a big box store and you can’t find an employee in the aisle ?”
 Park Ambassadors on duty on the weekend – they are in place to answer questions and help people with parking issues.
Fair question. Unfortunately a number of weeks ago a city staff member (we are calling them Park Ambassadors) was accosted and felt their personal safety was at risk.
City Manager Tim Commisso had been adamant that he is not going to see his staff put at risk – the Ambassador’s were to work in pairs. (And yes the picture we got shows three people who appear to be working together). This is the price we pay for those who feel they have a right to abuses civil servants.
By Eugene Katrell
May 29th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Despite all the economic chaos of the last year, there are certain industries that are enjoying more success than ever.
This is particularly true of the online casino sector, which has posted industry records for the last year, including increases in revenue and the number of new users signing up to online gambling platforms.
 The preferences for online casino gamers seems to be the more fast-paced games.
Online casinos have become particularly popular as many of us wait for society to open up again in the summer months.
As more and more individuals sign up to online casino platforms for the first time, a new generation of online casino goers is discovering the enjoyment of playing classic games in an online format.
What is interesting about the preferences of online casino gamers, however, is that it seems to be the more fast-paced games that are proving to be the games of choice for these new players.
Of the many games enthralling this new wave of online casino goers, blackjack is proving to be particularly popular. This is certainly true of SuperSeven Casino, where new players have been flocking to the many blackjack variations they have on offer.
Although one of the oldest casino games around – with roots stretching all the way back to the French casinos of the 1700s – blackjack has proved to be consistently popular among casino fans. Part of this popularity is to do with the pace of the gameplay. With shorter rounds and a higher rate of turnover between games, it is a popular choice for those players looking to hop in and out of a game.
But what really helps to make blackjack a popular choice among players is the fact that it has one of the lowest house edges out of all the most popular casino games. In most standard blackjack game types, players will benefit from a house edge of just 1%, which gives you a decent possibility of seeing a return on your stake over time.
With this in mind, what are the best strategies for players looking to increase their chances? Are there any concrete steps you can take or is it truly all in the hands of Lady Luck?
To answer this question, we first need to acknowledge the fact that there are not necessarily any strategies you can follow or adopt that will assure you of victory. Just like many other casino games, as a game of chance – where you have no control over what cards you or your tablemates get dealt – there is not a lot you can do to sway the odds in your favour.
Nevertheless, there are some tips, strategies and approaches you can take that might help nudge the odds in your favour over time. While not guaranteeing a victory, they might help you to see a return on your stake over the course of a few rounds.
Know the basic blackjack strategy
One of the most popular strategies is what is known as basic blackjack strategy. Adopting this approach allows you to chip away at the house edge and to reduce it to as low as 0.5%.
 Knowing the value of each card is vital – if you haven’t got these memorized – perhaps you shouldn’t be playing the game.
It entails sticking to a few basic rules:
• Stand when your hand is 12 to 16 or the dealer has a 2 to 6.
• Take a hit when your hand is 12 to 16 and the dealer has a 7 to Ace.
• Always ask to split Aces and 8s.
• Go double on 11 when the dealer has a 2 to 10.
• Ask for a hit or double on Aces to 6.
Pay attention to the dealer’s up card
Although it seems obvious, newer players tend to be too focused on their own hand and forget what the dealer is working with. Always pay attention to the dealer’s up card and try to gauge what sort of hand they might have. Bad hands for the dealer will generally fall between 2 and 6, while a decent hand will be a 7 card through to an Ace.
Ignore your tablemates
When you’re playing at a crowded table, you need to remember that the only two hands that matter are your own hand and that of the dealer. Anything else is superfluous.
Don’t get caught up worrying whether the person beside you has a more competitive hand – focus on what your hand is and what you think the dealer might have to work with.
Avoid progressive betting strategies
Unlike games like roulette where there is a decent statistical chance of them paying off in the long run, progressive betting strategies don’t tend to work in a blackjack setting.
Rather than ramping up your bets in response to a win or a loss, focus on intelligent bankroll management. Blackjack is a game that rewards over the long run, so try and stay at the table for as long as possible to increase the chances of a return on your stake.
By Staff
May 29th, 2031
BURLINGTON, ON
The LaSalle Park Marina Association (LPMA) and the Burlington Sailing and Boating Club, the LaSalle Park Community Marina will be ready to open the public boat launch on June 1.
 Marina at sunset
 The new normal – parking fees
New Parking Fees
Anyone parking their boat trailer at the LaSalle Park Community Marina or in the upper parking lot will now be required to pay a trailer parking fee. Trailer parking payments are required seven days a week, including holidays. It is a daily flat rate of $20 for trailer parking; there is no fee to use the public boat launch.
The parking lot has often had traffic flow problems caused by too many trailers and/or improper parking. The new paid parking requirements are intended to create more order in the lots, improve traffic flow and reduce frustrations.
Residents and visitors can use the HonkMobile app or scan the QR code found on signage at the marina to search, pay for, and top-up parking payments directly from their smartphone, tablet or computer
Users can scan the QR Code found on signage at the marina or download the HonkMobile app.
Dashboard tickets are not required as every payment is linked with a trailer licence plate number.
For more information about parking at LaSalle Park Community Marina or elsewhere, visit burlington.ca/parking.
About the LaSalle Park Community Marina
The Marina is a beautiful location for residents and tourists to launch their boats and enjoy the crisp waters of Lake Ontario and Burlington’s breathtaking lakefront views. The Marina has 219 docking spaces and is protected by a floating wave break. The Burlington Sailing and Boating Club (BS&BC) and the Able Sail program offer sailing programs at the Marina. In addition, the City has a public boat launch at the Marina that is protected by the floating wave break.
For more information about the marina, visit burlington.ca/marina.
By Staff
May 28, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Five days a week the volunteers show up. And the donations arrive – sometimes with nothing in the way of notice.
 The first time they showed up there was just the three of them. Next time they arrived there were four of them. That’s what makes the Food Bank the community success it is.
The Food Bank is very thankful for donations of any kind however please make sure that any food donations are dropped off during normal business hours which are
Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 11:45 am
Thursday evenings 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Donations can also be dropped off at any local fire hall and/or local grocery store – our drivers make sure to pick up regularly.
With warmer weather approaching they don’t want any donation to go to waste or get damaged, as might be the case in wet weather.
They want to do their best to ensure donations remain safe. People needing food support need to know that anything we send them is in date, well protected and healthy/fresh as can be. Thanks everyone!
If you are in need or know of someone who could use their help, PLEASE have them email info@burlingtonfoodbank.ca or call 905-637-2273 to make arrangements to have food dropped at their door or make arrangements to pick it up through the curb-side pickup option. “If you are a resident in Burlington, we are all here to help. Don’t struggle – give us a call.”
By Staff
May 27th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
June is the Month of Play – Get Outside and Play.
That is the message coming out of city hall.
Heard in households across the city are the words: “ Can we go outside and play”
The terribly mixed messages coming from the province are being ignored. In Burlington most of the rules are being followed – some more responsibly than others.
Vaccination rates are climbing creating the sense that we are almost out of this aren’t we?
To kick off June, Mayor Meed Ward has proclaimed June as the Month of Play and the City of Burlington is encouraging residents to get outside, play, have fun, stay safe and be active with a variety of options.
 First piece of summer cake at LaSalle Park
Straight from the desk of the Mayor: “June is the time of year where the City’s parks, trails, outdoor pools, splash pads and events come to life. Being active is a powerful way for residents to maintain or improve mental and physical health. As we celebrate June as the Month of Play, we encouraged residents to get active indoors or outdoors and enjoy options the City offers, safely.”
Get Outside and Play Challenge
The Get Outside and Play Challenge begins on June 1 and continues until June 30. The Challenge is a fun way to learn more about Burlington while completing the activities.
• Download the app from burlington.ca/playoutside
• Search for the Get Outside and Play Challenge (Game code ZDB8GE)
• Create login as a family or a group
Let’s Fly a Kite – Presented by the Rocca Sisters Team
Let’s fly a kite on Father’s Day, June 20.
Together, let’s celebrate play and fill the sky with colour starting Father’s Day, June 20. This June, the City will be offering a limited supply of FREE Kite Kits to Burlington residents. Registration is required and will open on June 7, 2021. Learn more at burlington.ca/kitefestival.
 Picnics – with the weather we are having – great idea.
Recreation and Parks Month
June is also Recreation and Parks Month, so Parks and Recreation Ontario has provided a list of fun activities for everyone.
Splash Pads and City Outdoor Pools
The City has 9 splash pads, including a new splash pad location, Brant Hills Park Splash Pad 2300 Duncaster Dr. All splash pads are now open. For a list of locations, visit burlington.ca/outdoorplay.
LaSalle Splash Park and the outdoor pools, Mountainside Outdoor Pool and Splash Park and Nelson Pool and Splash Park are expected to open June 14, also pending Provincial regulations and public health restrictions.
Learn more at burlington.ca/waterplay.
Tim Hortons Free Summer Swimming
 There are always swimming pools. Check out the available programs and register for a spot.
Tim Hortons Free Swims will be offered from June 19 to Sept. 5, 2021, pending Provincial regulations and public health restrictions. Registration will be required. Learn more at Burlington.ca/timsfreeswims.
Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture might be beginning to think that he is close to being able to operate a normal recreation program and comes close to bursting when he says: “June is the month of play is a big kick-off to the summer. Everyone is eager to get outside and play, to explore our city and we’ve got so many great opportunities for families, individuals and people of all abilities.”
Links and Resources
burlington.ca/timsfreeswims
burlington.ca/waterplay
burlington.ca/playoutside
burlington.ca/kitefestival

By Pepper Parr
May 26th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
He was a quiet, intense man. He didn’t roar but when he began to speak – you listened.
When an issue caught his attention he was quick to react – and just didn’t know how to give up.
 Monte Campbell Dennis 1941-2021
I don’t remember when I first met him, probably at a meeting in his Walkers Line home. I could never remember the address but always recognized the railway marker at the bottom of his driveway.
He was one of three who were named in a libel suit Vince Rossi served us with. Rossi was the owner of the Burlington Executive Air Park, where he dumped tonnes of landfill on the property that Monte could see from his house. The rural community took exception to what they believed was an illegal site alteration with fill that was polluted.
They Gazette broke the story and reported at length on the many community meetings and the several court cases. When the city lost an appeal they decided to throw in the towel. Rossi didn’t withdraw the libel claims – at least not right away. Several years later in a Brampton Court House meeting room, with a supernumerary judge urging the parties to find a solution. An “arrangement” was put forward by Rossi’s legal counsel that had almost everyone walk out of the court house happy with the solution.
The solution included a gag order that we were not supposed to talk about. No one got costs and there were no financial damage awards . It was over and that was what Monte wanted. His health was failing and he wanted it brought to an end.
Monte left Burlington in 2018; moved to Amherstview to be closer to family. His health no longer allowed him to drive his motorcycle but it didn’t stop him from getting involved with his new community. .
It didn’t take him long to become a member of the local railroad hobby club where he gave a presentation. Railway paraphernalia could be found in every room of the house.
 Monte Dennis on the far right – at a city council meeting when the Air Park was on the agenda. Ian Blue Counsel for the city is at the far left. The city manager is briefing the delegation.
Monte tinkered. An engineer by profession there was also a lot of the draftsman in him. He would get an idea and then create a plan that included a full set of drawings to ensure that it would work. It usually did but not everyone saw it the way he did.
The lower level of his home was a fully equipped workshop. You could find him bent over a lathe or cutting a length of hard wood against the grain if that is what was needed.
Monte was the kind of guy who just naturally went against the grain. He used a Dean Alfange quote to define himself. ““I do not choose to be a common man. It is my right to be uncommon…if I can.” He could and he was.
He once had an idea that he was certain would solve some of the Brant street traffic problems in Burlington. He built a model and convinced Rick Goldring to come out to his house to look at. Goldring was polite by nature – but the idea didn’t leave the house with the former Mayor.
The battle over the Air Park expansion in Burlington was not Monte’s first run in with people who wanted to convert good farm land into air strips.
The attempt to build an airport in Pickering resulted in the expropriation of hundreds of homes that are nothing more than farm land today. The homes that were there are gone. One of those was home to Monte and his family.
Monte Campbell DENNIS passed away on Thursday, April 22, 2021 in Kingston: he was 80 years young. He spent his last evening with his son and daughter-in-law.
Formerly of many great places across southern Ontario including Burlington (Mount Nemo), Waterloo Region, and Queensborough. He also spent some time in Minnesota, New York State, and Alabama.
Monte was a Queen’s Scout; you would have guessed that if you had met him. He surrounded himself with passionate people and loved to host parties with lots of good food, and laughter. He seemed to come up with a solution to any problem that involved fixing something.
When he was getting ready to move he donated all kinds of railroad stuff to the Freeman Station.
A proud Alumni of the University of Waterloo (1967) and Professional Engineer, Monte worked for IBM in the early part of his career in research and development, including the Apollo missions. He retired from teaching Technology at Conestoga College where he encouraged and challenged many students.
Monte felt honored to volunteer for two sessions in Ghana, Africa teaching locals the skills they needed to repair and maintain medical equipment.
Monte took every chance he could get to tour any kind of facility, manufacturing plant, natural wonder, or historic site, to see how things worked and the people or reason behind it.
Monte was the go-to person for anything technical and instilled confidence in his kids that we can build or repair anything, and that hard work is actually fun. They, along with many others, will remember him for his garden railway, and the stone horses in the yard. Monte always had multiple interesting projects on the go and shared his progress and talents everyone.
When there was a serious matter, one of a personal nature, Monte would reach out to the impressive bar he had and pull out a bottle of Scotch, two glasses and invite you out to the gazebo for a conversation.
 Completing the book was one of the last things Monte did. He was proud of that cover.
Monte had an unusual obsession for sauerkraut. This involved a family business fermenting sauerkraut in St. Jacobs and Milverton plus the annual sauerkraut making parties in Burlington, and years of subjecting family and friends to strange and unusual concoctions made with kraut! With help from family in his final months he was able to finally publish an all-inclusive sauerkraut cookbook.
 He had an eye for an opportunity. People across the province bought his product.
There are deli’s across the province that carried Monte’s sauerkraut. There is an event in Picton in August that will feature the official launch of his book. Jean, his partner, will send you one if you are interested.
Monte had a sense of humor about the realities of life; the latest political shenanigans were something he would go on about at some length.
 Monte Dennis delegating before Burlington city council.
He believed in individual accountability and was quick to hold elected officials to account, using the power of community to make a difference. He advocated for responsible land use throughout his life. He was never afraid to stand up or speak out. Monte never stopped caring and lending his voice or expertise to do what he felt was right.
He made a contribution, he made a difference; he will be missed but not forgotten.
Monte is survived by his partner Jean Stuart; his children Scott (wife Melanie); Kara (husband Dean); brother Edward (wife Judy); grandchildren Brooke (husband Nick), Ila and Emerson; great-grandchildren Charlie and Thatcher; and a host of blended family, and friends.
Predeceased by his second wife Lillian Ruminsky (2004) and brother Robert Dennis (2014).
By Staff
May 26th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Ah – those ever observant Gazette readers.
One was walking through Village Square, was less than impressed with the upkeep.
Grass needs tending.
The ward Councillor doesn’t appear to be doing her regular walk abouts.
 Patchy bit of grass – does it not get watered? With one of the best watering holes across the street – The Poacher might be able to help out. Hmm – they’re closed aren’t they?
 This grass did get watered – But it didn’t get a trim
By Staff
May 25th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
With the beginning of a return to normality the Parks and Recreation Department has announced that the summer recreation program online registration opens May 29.
 A focus on building confidence in the water.
The City of Burlington’s summer outdoor and virtual recreation programs for adults 19+ and adults 55+ will be open for online registration beginning May 29, 2021 at 9 a.m. Aquatic programs will open for online registration May 29, 2021 at 11 a.m. All programming is subject to provincial and public health restrictions.
Indoor programs for adults and swimming lessons will be offered once indoor recreation facilities are permitted to open in Stage 3 of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopening.
For information on the programs, visit burlington.ca/recreation.
Adult 19+ and 55+
Two four-week session will run this summer from June 28 to July 23 and July 26 to Aug. 20. Programs will be one or two-hours in length. Additional workshops, socials and outdoor activities will be offered periodically between June 28 and Aug. 27.
Registration is required and will begin on May 29.
Programs include learning and discussion series, bridge lessons and play, group music lessons and jam sessions, arts, languages, fitness and wellness programs, and workshops and socials include Pickleball equipment demonstrations, lunch and listen socials in the park, and moving meditation workshops.
Swimming
Mini swim lessons will be offered starting June 14 at Mountainside and Nelson Outdoor Pool. Classes will be practicing physical distancing with a focus on drowning prevention and building confidence in the water.
Indoor lessons will be offered at Angela Coughlan, Tansley Woods and Aldershot Pools later this summer, when indoor recreation facilities are permitted open in Stage 3 of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopening Plan.
Leadership Programs
In-person aquatic leadership courses will be offered at our outdoor pools beginning June 14 for National Lifeguard recertification, Airway Management and Standard First Aid recertification.
Register for Leadership programs at burlington.ca/swimming.
All programs are subject to change based on the latest Provincial public health measures, advice and restrictions for Burlington as we continue to respond to the pandemic.
Drop-in programs, including fitness, wellness, recreational, swimming, Tim Hortons free swims and lap swims, will be returning in June as well. Visit burlington.ca/dropinandplay.
Bistro Express Curbside Pickup
Order a delicious and nutritious home-style meal. Made fresh then frozen for convenient reheating at home. Open Monday to Friday for call-in ordering and curbside pickup at the Burlington Seniors’ Centre, 2285 New St.
Menu options, prices and detailed ordering instructions can be viewed online by visiting, burlington.ca/adult and clicking on “Bistro Express Curbside Pickup” or by calling 905-335-7888, ext. 6346.
TelePALS Call-in Programs
TelePALS is a free, over-the-phone discussion, social and learning program for all adults.
View the TelePALS schedule at burlington.ca/telepals.
Recreation Fee Assistance
Recreation Fee Assistance is funding made available to individuals or families who need help to pay for City of Burlington recreational programs.
 Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture
For more information or to apply, visit burlington.ca/feeassistance. For more information, call 905-335-7600, ext. 8501 to leave a voice mail.
Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture has had to run a department and programs that changed, daily at times. They would pivot only to find that the provincial rules changed and they had to pivot again. Glenn comments: “Our staff have worked hard to prepare a fun, exciting and safe set of summer and aquatic programs for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy. View the programs online and register early. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to our programs.”
By Pepper Parr
May 25th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Day in day out with time off for the weekends and holidays the staff and volunteers at the Burlington Food Bank are there for those who need help.
There was some good news from Feed Ontario – the province’s largest collective of hunger-relief organizations of which the Burlington Food Bank is a very active member.
As positive as that news is, and we will tell you a bit more about it – we first need to share some very painful news.
A former associate of the Food Bank is currently in the ICU, fully sedated and on a machine working their lungs, fighting covid19.
They are very sad and hoping for any sign of improvement. They ask you to join them in their prayers
It is difficult to stay focused and continue helping others when you learn that one of your own is suffering.
 Food arrives throughout the day – five days of every week. Volunteers unpack, quarantine the food and then pack it up for delivery.
Together with food banks, industry partners, and local communities, the Burlington Food Bank works together to end hunger and poverty by delivering fresh and healthy food, developing innovative programming, and driving change through research and advocacy.
Feed Ontario provides the Burlington Food Bank with an allotment of MILK twice each month from the Dairy Farmers of Ontario. Since we are partners with the Salvation Army, we are able to share some of this with them.
 Dairy Farmers of Ontario allotment milk to the Food Bank twice every month. Robin Bailey the Food Bank Executive Director is handing it out.
Robin Bailey, Executive Director of the Food Bank said he “hoped everyone had a great long weekend and that everyone still understands the need to be diligent with safety protocols everywhere. “We all need a little good news right now so if we do our best to keep others safe maybe the numbers will start looking better.”
If you are in need or know of someone who could use our help, PLEASE have them email us at info@burlingtonfoodbank.ca or call 905-637-2273 to make arrangements to have food dropped at their door or make arrangements to pick it up through our curb-side pickup option. If you are a resident in Burlington, we are all here to help. Don’t struggle – give us a call.
By Alan Harrington
May 24th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
There are probably hundreds, if not thousands of people who don’t fully understand what the holiday we are celebrating this weekend is all about. Alan Harrington tells you why it matters
Victoria Day is the time when we remember the birthday of a Queen who ruled the most powerful country in the world about 200 years ago. Is there anything in town that relates to her?
There is actually: an old green fountain at the City Hall on the corner of Brant and Ontario Streets honours her son, who went on to succeed her as King Edward VII.
Edward VII became King when his mother Queen Victoria died in 1901, and King Edward VII ruled from 1901 to 1910.
 The fountain was manufactured in Hamilton and originally had a horse trough. And the glass ball on top was larger than the one today.
The fountain, likely the oldest piece of public art in the city is highlighted in the Burlington Historical Society digital collection and is an important stop on the annual Downtown Heritage Walks conducted during Burlington Heritage Month in February.
The King Edward VII fountain was dedicated 108 years ago, on 2 May 1912 by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Sir John Gibson.
 In the left background is the south elevation of the Trader’s Bank, Brant Street. The carriage on the left conveyed his honour Lieut.-Governor Sir John Gibson, who unveiled the fountain, and Reeve M. C. Smith. The Sons of England float, on the right, carried, clockwise from the centre front: John Bull (represented by Sam Oakes); British soldier (Alf Matthews); Canadian soldier (Charles Rump); Britannia (Jennie Dearing); Miss Canada (Ida Ladle); and Sons of England representative (W. Metcalfe).
The parade and dedication ceremony drew people from far and wide.
Those parades were major events in those days.
The fountain was originally located at the foot of Brant Street and Water Street (now Lakeshore) next to what today is the Lakeshore Coffee House.
The Hamilton Spectator reported 4,000 people witnessing the unveiling on the 2nd anniversary of Edward VII’s death.
 The fountain was tucked in between what was then a Royal Bank and the Roxy movie Theatre where there were often long line ups to watch a movie.
The fountain was later moved to Spencer Smith park.
The fountain, manufactured in Hamilton, originally had a water trough for horses. The glass ball on top was larger than the one today.
 The fountain after its first restoration with the water troughs in place.
The fountain spent a considerable amount of time in storage until it was restored by the Optimist Club of Burlington and relocated to City Hall for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977
Time once again eroded the features of the fountain. After some encouragement from local concerned citizens, the city agreed the fountain needed work.
And so, it has been carefully removed and taken to the repair shop.
The four Lion Heads at each corner (for the corners of the earth) match the four lion heads under the City Hall clock. Great Britain was once the most powerful country on earth – it stretched to the four corners of the earth.
As for the man the fountain was created to honour: Edward (Prince Albert) known as Bertie, was in the Golden Horseshoe in 1860 when he visited Toronto and Niagara Falls. He never did get to Burlington.
 Taken away to be restored.
The fountain may be small but it stands its ground. It is the oldest public object still on display in the City of Burlington and has been there as our small town has grown to a great city.
But time and weather are hard on such treasures.
By Pepper Parr
May 23rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Years and years ago, in another life, I was a book publisher. I wasn’t particularly successful but I did publish a couple of significant books.
A book on the early political history of New Brunswick – Front Benches and Back Rooms. Another – The Power to Make it Happen –a book on how communities can take hold of the power they have and bring about change.
One of the favouites was “Bo, the Constrictor who Couldn’t” by Patti Stren, an author who lives in New York now – we still keep in touch. The book is no longer in print.
Patti has gone electronic – she sent me her most recent graphic effort. Click on the link – and share what she is giving to every one you know.
You have some choices; there is the mini, then the itsy-bitsy and the teensy-weensy.
Given the status of the pandemic you might want to print pages of coupons and hand them out to everyone you see.
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