 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.
 By Denis Gibbons
May 23rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
A sprinkle of rain failed to prevent Burlingtonians from accessing outdoor sports facilities on Saturday, the first day the provincial government opened them up following the most recent lockdown.
 Batter can see the ball – did he hit it?  Watching the angle carefully. The surprising thing is that the artificial turf football field and soccer field at Norton Park on Dundas Street was padlocked, forcing teen soccer players to hop over the fence to practice.
 A light warn up – before a game? The splash pad at LaSalle Park also was not operating for some reason.
The starter at Millcroft Golf Club reported he had 300 tee times available and 248 of them were booked.
Recreational tennis and lessons took place at the Burlington Tennis Club on Drury Lane and there is still space available in summer camps.
 The tennis courts were kept busy -opening up the sports facilities was a smart move. President John Kemp said the club took advantage of the lockdown to install new lights on three of its courts and erect a new practice wall with a new ground surface.
The club’s first pickleball court should be ready by July 1 and all tennis courts are due to be resurfaced either in the fall or spring.
 Golf courses were busy as well At the elite Burlington Golf and Country Club, the Gazette’s roving photographer was asked to avoid taking a shot of a golfer teeing off because of a dress code violation.
It was not that the golfer was wearing shorts, rather his golf shirt was not tucked in.
What makes warm weather work for those who aren’t playing a sport? The ice cream truck.
 When the music plays every child knows what’s coming.
By Staff
May 22nd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Province has announced that outdoor recreational amenities can reopen as long as COVID measures are in place, beginning Saturday, May 22 at 12:01 a.m.
Now the city has to figure out which Parks and Recreation department programs can be made operational – again. This is perhaps the fourth pivot that department has had to make.
 You can kick the soccer ball around but can’t actually play a game – yet. The things you will be able to do starting today include, but are not limited to, golf courses and driving ranges, soccer and other sports fields, tennis and basketball courts, and skate parks.
Outdoor limits for social gatherings and organized public events will be expanded to five people, which will allow these amenities to be used for up to five people, including with members of different households. All other public health and workplace safety measures under the province wide emergency brake remain in effect.
Changes to City services and programs: Recreation Services, Parks, Amenities and Facilities
Outdoor Courts
Outdoor courts such as pickleball, basketball and tennis courts will be open Saturday, May 22. If there are people waiting to use the court, please keep your time to a maximum of 30-minutes. Masks are to be worn while waiting for your turn. For locations of outdoor courts, visit burlington.ca/outdoorplay.
Sport Fields
Grass sport fields will open for casual use such as throwing a ball, self-directed yoga, kicking a ball or flying a kite. Organized sports and recreational classes are not permitted. Groups of up to five people are allowed. Please make sure you stay 6 feet from anyone not in your household.
 The skate boarders will be out in droves this weekend. Skate Parks
Skate parks will be open on Saturday, May 22. Please make sure you stay 6 feet from anyone not in your household. Wearing a mask is highly recommended.
City Park Washrooms
Most City park washrooms will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
LaSalle Community Park Marina
In partnership with the LaSalle Community Park Marina Association, the public boat launch is not ready to open yet and will remain closed until further notice. It will reopen once boats have been cleared from the lower parking lot.
 Open – but try getting a T time Tyandaga Golf Course
Tyandaga Golf Course will open for play on Saturday, May 22 at 7 a.m. Book online at tyandagagolf.com or call 905-336-0006 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. starting today.
For a list of the Pickle Ball court locations CLICK HERE
Roads, Parks and Forestry
Services provided by the Roads, Parks and Forestry Department will continue as needed. Residents with questions or concerns can email RPF@burlington.ca or call 905-333-6166.
As the province wide vaccination rate and key public health and health care indicators improve, and City staff receives and reviews updated orders from the Province of Ontario and more details under its Roadmap to Reopen, the Parks people will continue to comply and keep you informed on available City services and what can open while keeping City of Burlington staff and residents safe.
 The Mayor wants to see everyone out and about – but following the guidelines. Mayor Marianne Meed Ward adds: “This is welcome news and something my fellow Mayors from all across Ontario have been advocating for throughout this present lockdown. We know healthcare and science experts have repeatedly stated that the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in these activities is low, and the mental and physical benefits are high.
“With warmer weather upon us, I know Burlington residents will be thrilled with this announcement. I encourage our amazing community to enjoy these activities safely, as intended, with thoughtfulness and care so that we do not risk undoing the great progress we have made in the past month in both reducing new cases and steadily increasing vaccinations. Please avoid crowding over five people at a time, and be patient to wait your turn when other groups are using amenities. When using outdoor amenities, please also be courteous and thoughtful to those who are waiting so everyone can have a turn.”
 By Staff
May 21st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Yesterday, the Honourable Karina Gould, Member of Parliament for Burlington, the Honourable Anita Anand, Member of Parliament for Oakville, Pam Damoff, Member of Parliament for Oakville North-Burlington, and Adam van Koeverden, Member of Parliament for Milton were joined by community advocates and local service providers to discuss support for people living with disabilities in Halton.
 The objective is to ensure that people with mobility limitations are able to take part in all community activities. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the long-standing barriers Canadians with disabilities have faced for decades. Since the start of the pandemic, many have faced higher costs in accessing food, medication, social services or health care.
As Members of Parliament in Halton, we remain committed to advancing policies that build inclusivity from the beginning and will continue to work to reflect the principle of ‘Nothing About Us, Without Us’ when it comes to creating a society that is inclusive by design and promotes belonging for everyone.
Important stakeholders including Community Living Burlington and Community Living Oakville, Charter Ability, the Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee, Stroke Recovery, Meals on Wheels, Special Olympics, and Goodwill Amity came together to share their thoughts on how we can continue to push for more inclusive spaces in our communities.
One of the overwhelming pieces of feedback was that we as a society need to engage in an attitudinal change. Inclusiveness for those living with a disability should be built into planning and policy procedures from the very beginning to ensure that all of us are included.
Our community spaces need to be inclusive and accessible. While we have made progress in this space, there is more work to be done to ensure that everyone can access and utilize spaces that many of us take for granted, such as public washroom facilities.
We also need to work harder to ensure that housing is not only affordable but accessible and that job opportunities are available and accommodating to all interested applicants.
We will also continue to work to foster inclusion and belonging in the workforce for people living with disabilities, recognizing the unique skills and talents they bring to employment.
In Budget 2021, the Government of Canada has made significant proposals to support people living with disabilities and ensure our communities are more accessible, including:
• Undertaking consultations to reform the eligibility process for federal disability programs and benefits. This work would feed directly into the design of a new disability benefit;
• Triple funding for the Enabling Accessibility Fund and support small and mid-sized projects with not-for-profit organizations, women’s shelters, child care centres, small municipalities, Indigenous organizations, territorial governments, small businesses, and businesses of all sizes;
• Improving access to the Disability Tax Credit;
• Extending disability supports under the Canada Student Loans Program;
• Providing $29.2 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to ESDC through the Enabling Accessibility Fund to support child care centres as they improve their physical accessibility;
• Support the creation of a National Autism Strategy and;
• Renewing Funding for the Office of Public Service Accessibility.
 By Pepper Parr
May 20th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
There were two groups active in the Beachway yesterday; one of them will be busy today and Friday getting that part of the city ready for the thousands that are expected to want to spend time on the sandy shores of Lake Ontario.
 New outdoor planking has been put in place around the Convenience Shack; public washrooms may not be ready for this weekend. Contractors and maintenance people are beavering away to get washrooms set up, signs in place, and barriers where they are needed to keep people from putting their vehicles in the wrong places.
 Mom, the boys and a girl with a pail – heading for the lake. Then there are the Moms – those we saw were driving pickup trucks and trundling down to the Beachway with their children in tow and all the stuff you need to play in the sand and enjoy the sunshine.
Then there was the couple; two people who have known Burlington most of their lives, who have found a quiet spot where they could sit side by side and enjoy the blessings.
 Listening to the silence and counting the blessings. They were all their earlier this week; few of them will be there in the weekend.
By Staff
May 19th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It was the first day of operation this season for the Lions Farmers Market that set up in the south end of the Burlington Centre parking lot.
The weather was perfect; people strolled in, cleared the entrance where you are expected to squirt the disinfectant on your hands and begin looking at the produce.
 And produce there was – the pictures tell that story.
The crowds weren’t great and there were a lot of empty places for the significant list of farm participants this market has had in the past.
It was week day – Saturday will tell the story.
There were plenty of Lions people on site welcoming as you came in and ready to answer any question.
 You need a big bag when you leave this table – they had something of everything that comes out of the ground.
 Lot of space for additional farmers – expect it to be busier on the weekend.
 Squirt your hands at the entrance and enjoy what is being offered for sale. Markets operate Wednesday, Friday and Saturday – well worth the time.
Hours of operation: Wednesdays 8:00 – 2:00 Fridays 8:00 – 3:00 Saturdays 8:00 – 2:00
 By Staff
May 18th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Aldershot Village BIA outdoor Vendor Markets are running for the 2021 season!
Spots are limited so apply soon for this summer / fall season.
 The markets will take place on four Saturdays 9am to 1pm: July 17th, Aug 21st, Sept 18th & Oct 9th
Interested?
Head to the BIA website for the application and all the details.
http://aldershotbia.com/call-for-market-vendors/
Email: events@aldershotbia.com for more detail
By Staff
May 17th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
How well did Burlingtonians behave on Sunday when the weather was about as good as it gets this time of year?
The Parks Culture and Community Department decided not to have staff in the parks keeping an eye on people – looks as if it wasn’t needed.
The pictures that follow are worth a thousand words.
 Pictures like this get put on post cards.
 Watching the geese at the LaSalle Marina.  Feeding the chipmunks at RBG – these are the best fed creatures in the city.  This is typical Burlington – spending some time at one of the few places in the city that deserves to be called iconic  This is what social distancing is all about. Now if we can get this across to the younger set – we just might have a complete summer.
By Anne Marie Aikins
May 17th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Transit vehicles, especially big commuter trains, can inspire imagination and even a bit of awe. But for some, they become the thing of dreams and wishes.
If given the opportunity to ask for anything – anything in the world – what would be your last big wish?
For one determined young woman, it was to operate a train like the GO trains she often took rides in with her parents. It was always her dream, but now seemed like an impossible feat for someone on her last journey in palliative care.
 Romina stands next to a GO Transit Safety officer and his K9 partner at the UP Express terminal at Union Station. Born with Down syndrome, Romina Asrani is now 21 years old. The endearing and determined wisp of a young woman saw her wish come true at Union Station this past weekend (May 16) when Metrolinx and Alstom Canada staff worked together to create an incredible, joyful experience that no one will soon forget.
This past year has been filled with sadness and loss for everyone. There is a proverb, however that says sorrow is a requirement for finding moments of true joy. This story may seem terribly huge, but because a young woman believed her dream was possible, it also made us believe it too.
And we felt joyous even for a few minutes because of her.
I was first introduced to Romina Asrani and her family when Sick Kids reached out to tell us about her dream to “drive a big train like her grandfather”.
Hesitant at first because it seemed impossible under the circumstances, but I was willing to try and do what we could and agreed to meet with them by video. The Thornhill parents, Mansour and Soraya, told me about their daughter Romina, who was born with Down syndrome and has suffered with multiple illnesses since she was a little girl. She’s a fighter, Soraya said, but is now in palliative care.
 Romina Asrani: She’s a fighter, Soraya, her Mother said, “but is now in palliative care.” Romina told me about her wish to drive a train some day. They often, at least before she became gravely ill and the pandemic began, took the GO train for trips, and she would take the train in Europe too, she said. Her dad would tell her stories about her grandfather who was a train engineer and his stories always fascinated her.
Well, I fell in love with her immediately of course, so proposed we wait until we were out of lockdown and it was safer. She wouldn’t be able to exactly drive a train, I said, but I would see if our rail team could give her a fun trip, nonetheless.
Unfortunately, they were concerned that waiting wasn’t really an option, so we agreed on a Sunday afternoon with barely three days to plan. The parents also requested a reporter be there so they could have her story documented. Romina cheered as we ended the call saying: “Yes, I am going to drive a train!”
I hung up on our video call wondering: ‘What on earth am I going to do? I cannot disappoint her.’
For readers who don’t know, my little sister Jenny was one of the greatest sources of joy in my life. Like Romina, she was also born with Down syndrome and died the day before our first lockdown in March 2020. Jenny would have kicked my butt if I didn’t fulfill Romina’s dream.
So, I reached out across our organization – to senior leadership in rail, transit safety, operations, stations, and beyond – and told them about Romina’s last wish. I pressed send on the email and waited – within minutes everyone responded with the same message.
And then I sat back and watched our teams create some magic. Metrolinx staff worked with Alstom Canada to plan a special UP Express train and a crew to work personally with Romina. Stations staff ensured we were ready to escort the family around safely with a wheelchair for Romina to carry her oxygen and reduce the amount of walking. Transit safety arranged to be on site with Dougie from the K9 team. Souvenir gifts were planned. And a safety plan was meticulously prepared to ensure we remained COVID-safe and were prepared for any type of emergency.
Staff thought of everything and really reached out across our entire organization to prepare for Romina’s special train.
The day finally arrived. As the family pulled up in front of Union Station, I was taken aback just how frail and tiny Romina was as she approached and glad we thought about bringing a wheelchair.
After I greeted Romina and her parents, transit safety and stations staff met with the family as they arrived, took them to the UP Express station and provided her with special gifts including official transit safety badges, a GO bear and plenty of masks. She loved the UV cleaner in the station and made her parents clean their phones. 2
Once the regular scheduled train was loaded with customers and left for the airport, with Romina watching from the platform, the station grew quiet and over the loudspeaker came this soothing voice:
“Attention please, we have an extraordinary announcement. Please join me and all our staff at Metrolinx in welcoming Romina and her family to UP Express as our very special guests today. The next train arriving is Romina’s train.”
 “This is the coolest thing, the best thing that has ever happened in my life. I will never forget it, ever.” Romina’s joy was palpable, and she was giddy with excitement as the specially arranged train arrived and the doors opened. As we entered the train, staff and customers in the station spontaneously cheered loudly.
“This is the coolest thing, the best thing that has ever happened in my life. I will never forget it, ever.”
The crew met Romina and toured her through the train, explained their jobs and when they asked her if she wanted to sit in the conductor’s seat in the cab, she turned to me and said: “Really, you are making this happen for me?”
I’m not sure there was a dry eye at this point. Certainly not mine.
The Alstom crew, engineer Tony Borek and conductor Aaron Trude, took her into the cab, let her hold the key, which she held like it was the most precious treasure and then explained all the gadgets. The microphone was a huge hit; they showed her how to use it to make announcements and toot the horn.
Although she wasn’t technically operating the train, the crew made her feel like she was in control as the train moved the very short trip to platform 3 and back.
Once we were back at the station, Romina sat in the opposite end cab and showed off her skills on the microphone.
“I’m so excited,” she said.
While Romina learned the tricks of the trade, Soraya and I chatted like moms do. She told me just how hard the last year has been for her daughter, the loneliness, her worsening breathing and stays in the hospital. Worrying about contracting a potentially deadly virus added to their anxieties.
Soraya spoke with such fondness and gratitude for their amazing Sick Kids family – the same hospital Jenny was treated at for years.
Then the crew presented her with an official honorary locomotive engineer certificate.
 “I could not be happier than I am right this minute,” “This is the coolest thing, the best thing that has ever happened in my life,” Romina said. “I will never forget it, ever.”
As the family wished, Global News (including Global National) was there to document her journey. When Mansour was asked to speak to the reporter, Romina tugged his sleeve to let him know she had this covered. And then she articulated much better than any of us could what this experience meant to her.
“I could not be happier than I am right this minute,” Romina said. “Thank you all for making my wish come true for me. I love you all. You are my angels.”
When I passed on her thanks to Savio D’Gamma Rose, a manager in the operations centre who helped bring all the details together behind the scenes, his response spoke for all of us: “This was my absolute pleasure. I was lucky to be a part, even in a small way, of bringing some happiness and joy to Romina today.”
Thank you, Romina from all of us.
By Staff
May 17th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
City of Burlington administrative services will be closed for Victoria Day on Monday, May 24. For a list of which City services and facilities are available on the Victoria Day holiday, please see the summary below or visit burlington.ca
 The event celebrates the birth of Queen Victoria – a women that reigned when the British Commonwealth was the biggest power in the world. Her reign’s impact is still being felt. *Important information regarding COVID-19: The information provided below is accurate as of May 17, 2021. In the event of any changes made by the Province of Ontario to the current COVID-19 Stay-at-Home order, please visit burlington.ca/coronavirus for potential impacts to City services and programs.
Residents can also stay informed about city news on our social media channels: @cityburlington on Twitter and facebook.com/cityburlington.
City Service Holiday Closure Information
Animal Services
The Animal Shelter at 2424 Industrial St. remains closed to the public due to COVID-19.
To report an animal control-related emergency, call 905-335-3030 or visit www.burlington.ca/animal.
Burlington Transit Burlington Transit will operate a Sunday schedule on Victoria Day. For real-time bus information and schedules visit myride.burlingtontransit.ca.
The downtown terminal at 430 John St. and Specialized Dispatch will be closed on Monday, May 24.
City Hall The Service Burlington counter at City Hall (426 Brant St.), will be closed to all appointments and walk-in service on Monday, May 24.
Many service payments are available online at burlington.ca/onlineservices.
Halton Court Services – Provincial Offences Office Court administration counter services at 4085 Palladium Way will be closed on Monday May 24.
With the exception of the Victoria Day closure, telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. All in-person services are available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday. Many services are also available by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or online at Halton Court Services.
Parking Free parking is available downtown, on the street, in municipal lots and in the parking garage (414 Locust St.) on weekends and holidays, including Victoria Day.
NOTE:
• The Waterfront parking lots (east and west at 1286 Lakeshore Rd) do not provide free parking on statutory holidays.
• Paid parking, on weekends only, at Beachway Park (1100 Lakeshore Rd) begins Saturday, May 22, using HONK Mobile.
Parking exemptions are required to park overnight on city streets and for longer than five hours. Visit burlington.ca/parkingexemptions
Recreation Programs and Facilities Lending Library
Play Equipment
• Horseshoes, glow in the dark soccer balls, Kanjam, washer toss, tennis, Spikeball and more are available to borrow.
Visit burlington.ca/playlending
Pickleball Equipment
• Borrow pickleball equipment for free, including noise-reducing paddles, ball packs and portable nets that can be used in your backyard or driveway. Visit burlington.ca/pickleball
 Get out and have fun – just follow the rules and we will soon see the end of the pandemic Outdoor Activities
If you need some fresh air and activity, it’s okay to walk, cycle or jog through your neighbourhood park, but please do not linger. Please stay two metres (six feet) away from everyone else in the park, or on a trail, and take your waste home with you to dispose of it.
Active at Home
Options to stay active at home are available online at burlington.ca/activeathome, including a series of virtual activities from fitness to crafts for everyone to enjoy. All videos are free and new videos are added frequently.
By Staff
May 16th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 Facing the lake and tempting the waves on bright sunny day. What a beautiful day it was!
 Not many of these people chose to wear masks. Families were out enjoying the weather; the kids were playing and there was a gentleman tempting the waves with his flute.
Sunday is going to be just as big a blessing.
Enjoy what our staff photographer recorded.
City staff are in a bit of a holding pattern, waiting for direction from the province as to what can be opened up and when.
We know that there won’t be a traditional Sound of Music event; they are working up a program – nothing yet on what they are going to be able to do.
 Soaking up the sunshine out by the Skyway with a breeze coming in off the Hamilton Harbour. Ribfest might be able to open up – if the new infection numbers are low enough.
 Everyone wanted to be on the turnstile.
By Pepper Parr
May 14th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Being in a situation where every event that takes place to advise and inform people has to be virtual, ward Councillors have to struggle to get some attention. Some Councillors seem to have given up.
 Galbraith meeting with constituents shortly after being elected. Councillor says he will be running for a second term. Last night ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith put on what turned out to be a packed agenda.
I fully expected the event to be short – not more than an hour and not all that much in the way of new information. I was wrong.
It went for two hours and there was no shortage of new information.
Earlier in the week we got a media notice from the city on some traffic limitations on Waterdown Road while hydro poles were moved on the east side of the road.
There is a lot more than hydro pole relocation work going on.
Tentative Timelines
Enbridge Gas Relocations: Complete
Minor Hydro/Bell Relocations
Advanced Works: Ongoing – Summer 2021
(East side Retaining Walls & Tree Removals)
Hydro Pole Relocations: Mid May 2021 to Summer
(Buried Hydro Duct at South Hydro One ROW) 2022
Halton Region Advanced Watermain Replacement: Summer to Fall 2021
(Regional Reservoir to Flatt Road – approx. 360m length)
Road Construction Public Meeting : Q2 2022
Main Construction Contract: Fall 2022 to 2024
The original budget for the work came in at $14.8 million – it has since ballooned to $30 Million. The road on the west side will include a 2.5 – 3 metre multi user path that will allow bicycles.
The road will eventually become 4 lanes.
 The reservoir that is being upgraded is shown bottom right. The ongoing work comes at a time when the Regional government is holding a public meeting (virtually) on a review of the Region’s Official Plan that is to include a meeting focus on North Aldershot and the Eagle Heights development that has been in the works for decades.
Much of Aldershot doesn’t have the the tree canopy coverage other parts of Burlington has – but it does have the only recognized heritage tree in the city. The oak tree is one of the markers for the original land grant given Joseph Brant.
During a Forestry meeting earlier in the week residents learned that each household will be given a free tree that will be planted on city property outside their homes.
 New business model to be approved by Council on Monday Galbraith brought his constituents up to date on the plans for the Tyandaga golf course but slipped up on any mention of the tax payer being asked to pick up part of the cost for a location that used to be completely supported by fees. There are some capital costs that the current business model can’t handle. Galbraith was very good at taking questions at the close of the meeting – and the questions kept coming and coming.
It was when asked directly that The Councillor explained what the new financial outlook was going to be.
The North Aldershot meeting takes place on Monday the 17th in the evening. There is a link to the event on the Regional website: halton@ropr
Tom Muir, a well-informed Aldershot resident on the North Aldershot lands, which are outside the Burlington urban boundary, points to the growth in the permitted level of development going from 400 in in 1996 to 665 in 2001, to 870 in 2010to a total of 100 in 2020 – without as much as a shovel in the ground.
 A White Oak tree in Burlington that is at least 300 years old has been given a heritage designation by the province. The city-owned, 30-metre (100-foot) high tree has a circumference of nearly 500 centimetres (16.7 ft.) and is quite likely one of the oldest and largest Quercus alba specimens in Canada, according to the Burlington Historical Society. Located at Allview Avenue, a short street on the north shore of Burlington Bay, the White Oak was part of an historic boundary line for nearly 250 years. Before 1957, it also marked the starting point of the border between Burlington and Aldershot. According to the historical society’s website, “In 1789, the Allview White Oak was a surveyor’s benchmark for a treaty arranging the purchase from the Mississauga First Nation, for the British Crown, of a block of land that soon afterwards became the 3,450-acre parcel of land known as Brant’s Block. The lands border on Waterdown which is part of Hamilton which is why the city of Hamilton is paying 95% of the cost of the reservoir that is being upgraded.
Galbraith told his constituents that he had nothing he could add about the ownership of the LaSalle Park property other than to say that talks were still taking place.
The park is in Burlington but the land is owned by the city of Hamilton. Complex. The city owns the infrastructure and covers all the operating costs and pay Hamilton rent of $1 a year.
Links to related stories:
How Burlington got the deal of a lifetime – LaSalle Park rental for $1 a year.
New business model for Tyandaga Golf Course
By Staff
May 14th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
When left to following the rules most Burlingtonians comply.
A Gazette reporter/photographer got out into the parks and the waterfront – things were quieter, people were following the rules – getting the exercise and fresh air they needed,
The pictures tell the story.
 Ships at anchor while a couple test the waters for fish. There were actually three ships at anchor – unusual for Hamilton.  The little guy wasn’t exactly sure what he wanted to do despite a lot of coaxing from Dad; the other two new exactly what they wanted to do, 
 Looks like this man is working on his tan and doing a crossword puzzle. Great social distancing.  Mom just wants to know why the camera is pointed at her.  Very few people on the Beach on a Thursday – it will be different on a weekend that is forecast to have great weather.
 By Staff
May 12th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The parks were closed by the province; then they were opened when the province realized the closing was a dumb decision.
 This boy just wants to play and that yellow tape is in the way. But not all the parks are open and that is a concern for an Aldershot parent who lives in the Georgian Court community where the park put in place and maintained by the housing company is closed.
 Mayors says: Go ahead and use the park. It wasn’t a public park. Her unit looks right out over the park and her son just does not understand why he can’t be outside playing.
Nor does his Mom who is a stay at home parent and asked not to be personally identified.
She is part of a group of parents who are all stay-at-home mothers and do everything they can to keep their children active and outdoors as much as possible.
In Burlington when you have a problem – you call the Mayor, who explained to our parent that indeed the parks are open.
 Georgian Court Management explains their position – which isn’t the same as that of the Mayor. Problem is they are talking about different kinds of parks. Some miscommunication in there somewhere – the Office of the Mayor didn’t understand that the park that had been closed was not a city park.
Our parent didn’t know who her ward councillor was. We’ve put the two of them together to see if someone can explain to the community when the private community park can be opened.
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