 By Staff
July 15th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
We have a reader who I lives directly across from the Fountain at Spencer Smith Park.
She tells an interesting story about some “shampooing” that has taken place recently.
“A number of times last year the fountain was “shampooed” resulting in a foam party down at the park.
 Lady of Lakes has been getting shampoos frequently. The Park maintenance people do not appear to be amused. “I watched as City workers arrived each time to clean up the “mess”. It appeared that each time they needed to drain the fountain and clean it and refill it. It also appeared to take quite a few workers and quite a bit of time and effort to restart the fountain.
“A few days ago (I think last Saturday) I noticed during the day that the fountain was once again shampooed with foam bouncing about the park – quite a few people noticed it and were having a bit of fun chasing bubbles.
“They drained the fountain and have not performed any work to restart it – I’m guessing that perhaps they’ve had enough and have decided to leave it dry – but I’m not sure. It’s a shame but I do get it.”
“The photograph is one from last year’s shampooing from my front window view.”
The city might want to have one of the Park Ambassadors to be on the look out.
 By Staff
July 14th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Food Bank has a number of groups that are consistent supporters both in terms of help and sending dollars.
Earlier this week, Robin Bailey met with the Babes who presented him with a cheque for $240.
Daniel (Dover) Forsyth who took first prize in our regular season (Burlington Old Timers Hockey Club) BOHC hockey pool and asked BOHC to arrange for his winnings to be split between the Club’s favourite charities.
The Hospice and the Food Bank – a 50/50 split.
 Shown are Suzanne, Robin, Tanje and Johanne from the BOWSER Babes. Someone got sloppy with the masking protocol. Here’s hoping your broken ankle heals well Johanne! All fingers are crossed that vaccinations in Burlington increase so that we reach the numbers needed to be able to open up hockey for the Fall.
BOWSER is a big part of the community aspect of the club donating their time at the arenas during the hockey season. Thanks Babes and Thanks Dan!
Rumour has it the Club in return for the generous donation provided Dan with one get-out-of-the-penalty-box for free cards.
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 Staff
July 14th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Things are opening up
 The Brant Museum announced today that they have a special feature on Space that will run from July 20 – September 18, 2021
Health in Space: Daring to Explore is a special exhibition developed by the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, one of three museums under Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation, in collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency.
 Health in Space demystifies the health challenges — such as variable gravity, radiation, and isolation — that astronauts face while living and working in space. Through authentic artifacts and captivating interactive activities, this exhibition will engage visitors to better understand Canada’s role in advancing health research.
Discoveries in this field will be essential for the success of future deep-space expeditions, and may also help solve medical challenges on Earth.
Health in Space also includes video interviews with Canadian astronauts, which offer first-hand insight into their experiences. A special section within the exhibition highlights astronaut David Saint-Jacques’ recent mission, from his selection and training to the experiments conducted while aboard the ISS.
The hours of operation are Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 3:30pm, with COVID-19 protocols and procedures in place to allow the public to safely enjoy the galleries and exhibition. Visitors can purchase tickets in advance online or in-person.
Museum hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 3:30pm with COVID-19 protocols and procedures in place to allow the public to safely enjoy the galleries and exhibition.
Entrance fee:
$10 – adults
$8 – seniors
$6 – child
$30 – family (2 adults and up to 4 children)
Free – child under 3
Did you know…
Did you know that David Saint-Jacques was the most recent Canadian to go into space? Before he was an astronaut, he worked as a doctor in Puvirnituq, Nunavik, a remote community in Northern Quebec where he had to make work with minimal resources, just like in space!
 Canadarm in use – serving the shuttle Did you know that there is no “up” on the International Space Station (ISS)? The ISS is a small space, so all four walls are covered with workable equipment, therefore, whichever way an astronauts head is pointing is considered “up”. Also, switches have an very visible “On/Off” on them, since there is no “up” to show that it’s on.
Did you know that the Neuroarm was inspired by the same technology and principles at the Canadaarm? The NeuroArm allows surgeons to do very delicate operations while a patient is inside an Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine.
Did you know that Mercury is the smallest plant in our solar system? It is only about 40% larger than the Earth’s moon.
Did you know that astronauts go swimming to train for spacewalks? Floating in space is a lot like floating in water. Astronauts practice spacewalks underwater in a large swimming pool and train seven hours in the pool for every one hour they will spend on a spacewalk!
 By Staff
July 13th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
In the first six months of 2020, Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) officers responded to 168 suspected drug poisonings. One-third of those victims overdosed while alone, and nearly one in five did not survive.
In their media release the police explain why a new service has been put in place and the outcome they hope will be realized.
“We have been asked why we have taken a harm reduction approach to the overdose crisis in our community. The answer is simple: our goal is to prevent overdose deaths. Ultimately, a life saved today is an opportunity for recovery tomorrow.
“In an effort to ensure our community is aware of any and all resources available to them, we would like to introduce you to the Brave App.
“The Brave App is designed to connect people at risk of overdose with help they need: an ally they can talk to, a human supporter to help them stay safe, and digital monitoring technology to help them when they’re in danger. The app connects them with a community of overdose responders, and/or professional emergency first responders.
“The app is another tool that can be used to reduce the harms to individuals, families and communities from substance use, and is a complement to the services and resources that are available in Halton. The Brave App is not a substitute for calling 911.
“The Brave App was developed independently by Brave Technology Co-op, a multi-stakeholder cooperative in Vancouver B.C., and is not affiliated with the Halton Regional Police Service.
 Designed by people who use drugs. How the App Works
1. A person at risk of overdose can use the app to connect with remote, peer support through a voice call.
2. If your supporter thinks you might be overdosing (through a pre-determined span of non-response), they will request access to the details of your private Rescue Plan.
This plan can include your location, access instructions, and an emergency contact to call instead of, or in addition to, calling 911.
3. You will then receive a 10-second countdown alert letting you know that information will be shared unless you indicate that you are ok by dismissing the alert.
4. If you are unable to dismiss the alert, then that information will be revealed to your supporter, who will only use it for the purpose of sending help.
Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act
If you use the app, and your Rescue Plan includes calling 911, our frontline officers and other first responders in Halton carry naloxone and we want to assist. As a reminder, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides broad legal protections for anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose.
This means that individuals, including youth, will not be charged for offences such as simple possession for calling 9-1-1 in an emergency.
Privacy
People who request supervision remain anonymous and their location is only revealed if it is necessary to keep them safe. If there is no overdose, then their location is not shared. No account is needed to use the Brave App, and you don’t need to share your name, number, e-mail, or mailing address. No personal information is shared with responding Emergency Services unless it is part of the pre-determined response and only if the Rescue Plan is activated.
Learn More
The Brave App can be used by anyone with a mobile phone and internet access, and is available for download, for free, on both Apple and Android phones.
Click HERE to learn more about the Brave App
Photo credit: Sara Wylie, National Day of Action | February 21, 2017
 By Staff
July 13th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 Expect the pop corn to be available. Some notice on how social distance seating will be handled would have been useful. Cinestarz Upper Canada, the movie theatre on Brant, published their schedule early this morning. First feature is on Friday.
An interesting run of films but not a word on how seating will be handled or what they have taken in the way of social distancing.
An unfortunate corporate practice.
Shortly after publishing this story we learned of the Stratford Festival announcement of their plans to open. Prominently displayed on their web site was the protocol they will follow to protect those who attend live theatre. Something similar should appear soon on the CineStarz web site.
 By Staff
July 12th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
More play equipment available to borrow through the Lending Library, thanks to donation from Tim Hortons
Burlington residents can now borrow more play equipment from the City’s Lending Library program, located at Brant Hills Community Centre at 2255 Brant St.
Thanks to a donation from Tim Hortons, the City was able to purchase more equipment, so now more families can play together, get outside and try new activities.
The play equipment is available to borrow for free (with a credit card deposit) for a one-week period. Equipment bookings can only be made online. Pick up and drop off is located at the east entrance, through Duncaster Drive. All items are disinfected between each use.
Bikes and Pickle Ball equipment can be picked up at the Seniors’ Centre
For a complete list of play equipment available to borrow, visit online reservations. Check the website regularly as new items are frequently being added.
Examples of equipment to borrow:
 A telescope is expensive – before buying one you might want to borrow what the city has in its Lending Library. • Archery set
• Beginners astronomy kit
• Bird watching kit
• Giant outdoor matching game
• Large Connect 4 game
• Lawn darts
• Portable practice target net
• Stilts set
• Bikes, including a three-wheeled bicycle
For more information on the Lending Library program, visit burlington.ca/playlending.
Link to the site showing what is available is HERE
 By Pepper Parr
July 12th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
They have been offering programs for young people and putting on theatrical performances at the Performing Arts Centre that has been some of the best seen on those stages.
The only thing missing was a larger audience.
 Koogle has put on some of the best summer theatre fare the city has ever seen. The Putnam County Spelling Bee, staged in 2015, was one of the smartest summer entertainment events this critic has seen at the Performing Arts Centre.
Like everyone else, Koogle is edging out of the lockdown offering a virtual program for July and a live program for August.
Hopefully the move in the 3rd stage that starts on Friday will hold and we get to the point where a normal normal begins to be real.
Details on their July virtual program can be found below
The August program is going to be live – location not determined yet – details below.
Register HERE for the July virtual program
Register HERE for the August LIVE program
 By Pepper Parr
July 9th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Standing Committee on Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services met earlier this week and almost swooned as they listened to Stephen Paquette talk about why the Ryerson school and the park adjacent to it should be renamed.
The Councillors and the two school board trustees who took part as delegations were like high school students listening to a rock star.
 Stephen Paquette. Paquette on the other hand was sensible and balanced.
Sure he took a strong position on the getting rid of the Ryerson name but he said he could live with statues of Sir John remaining providing there was a plaque beside the statue putting the man’s role in context.
Unfortunately many are not as sensible and balanced as Paquette.
He taught the Councillors some important lessons; one being the way we choose to elevate some people and create a statue and put it in a public place without a full understanding of the person. He seemed to be saying the statues were more adulation than realistic accounting of the person.
The fear I have is that we will rename the park and the school and then move on to something else forgetting what the real issue is – first making amends for the harm we created and then giving the Indigenous people what they deserve. Decent housing and water they can drink.
A number of years ago Gord Downie stood on a stage and implored the Prime Minister who was in the audience to take care of the Indigenous people. And how much has been done for those people since that time?
I look to Paquette being the person who keeps our feet to the flame and helps us get to the point where the members of the First Nation are true equals.
I was impressed with the man – he is an Elder serving as a staff consultant with the Halton District School Board. He is an excellent spokesperson for his people.
Joseph Boyden, wrote a book: The Orenda. It is a hard book to read on the relationship between the Jesuits who came to Canada to civilize the “savages”. There was painful cruelty on both sides. Boyden created significant controversy writing on Indigenous people. Boyden is primarily of Irish and Scottish ancestry. A number of Indigenous writers and researchers came forward to publicly state Boyden did not have the right to speak on behalf of any Indigenous community because he was not a First Nations citizen and ultimately not Indigenous.
We are going to be dogged with controversy on the question of how we atone for some time. Hopefully the plight of the Indigenous people gets improved while we squabble.
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
 By Staff
June 9th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
On April 10th of next year the people of Burlington will gather at the Cenotaph just north of city hall and celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the Cenotaph. The creation of the monument was the result of a large community driven initiative to honour the resident veterans that fought in World War 1.
The initiative brought together service organizations, churches and residents to raise the funds and commission the works, a true community effort.
 Ed Keenleyside knows more about the Cenotaph and how it came into being. So much that he convinced the city to print copies of the book and make it available to the public. Last year the city entered into an agreement to print copies of a book written by Ed Keenleyside on the history of the cenotaph and how it came into being.
There was discussion at a Standing Committee earlier this week about using the anniversary of the community spirit that brought about the Cenotaph and tying it to the same community spirit that is getting the city through the pandemic.
The Standing Committee decided the Cenotaph celebration should be a stand-alone event.
The area around the Cenotaph is to be identified in future as Veteran Square; (Not Veteran”s”)
April 9 is Vimy Ridge Day in Canada.
The Battle of Vimy Ridge is Canada’s most celebrated military victory. An often mythologized symbol of the birth of Canadian national pride and awareness.
There are two oak trees that were grown from seeds taken from trees in France at the Vimy Memorial; a piece of land that the French government deeded to Canada.
 By Staff
July 6th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It is said that it is the little things that count.
And when you gotta – you gotta – but where.
Council spent a considerable amount of time crafting the decision as to what would be opened up to the public and how it would be paid for.
Those washrooms have to be cleaned much more often if there is heavy traffic.
 By Pepper Parr
July 6th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
In the art world you look for that promising undiscovered artist and buy their work because you like it and wait for the value of the piece you bought to appreciate.
Making some money is nice but the satisfaction of discovering the artist on your own and making a purchase, maybe a couple, and waiting – and of course enjoying the art for the beauty and talent that spoke to you is what art collecting is really all about.
 Lana Kamaric I have been watching a young artist for a number of years. I first met her at the No Vacancy event that took place in the Village Square a number of years ago; she was standing in the doorway to a space where her work was displayed. When she saw me she darted out and said: “You’re Pepper Parr and I have a bone to pick with you.”
I’ve forgotten what it was she was unhappy about – but I admired the chutzpah and kept in touch. From time to time she would send me samples of her work.
She is into what I call science fiction comic books – she calls it something else. She celebrates The Fourth and likes to dress up as if were Halloween.
 Lana Kamaric on the right at the 2019 Fan Expo. She is part of the Steam Punk Bat Gang Kamaric recently sent us a collection of watercolor works – there were nine pieces in the collection. Several of them impressed me and I wondered if they would be shown anywhere. Then I wondered – is there a space in Burlington where the work done by emerging arts can be displayed. Things are in a mild state of chaos at the AGB – maybe when things settle down the idea can be chatted up.
Kamaric explains what she has been up to: “I accidentally painted a watercolour series.
 “Focus” on paper 12 inches x 12 inches. All the watercolours are the same size “This was a concept I was thinking about a year ago and couldn’t quite figure out. I’m fascinated by the subconscious mind and how it shapes our conscious decisions and wanted to explore that. I now realize the problem was the fact that I was actively thinking about it with my conscious mind. It wasn’t until I stopped thinking and started painting that the idea took shape.
“I was three paintings into the series before I realized what I was doing. What began as an experiment in watercolour portrait techniques quickly became a dive into the human psyche.
 “Questions misplaced” “Watercolours are rebellious and don’t always do what they’re told, but that’s also what makes them fun.
“You can swim upstream and struggle to reach your destination or you can surrender to the current and see where it takes you. This series reminded me to trust the process because it always ends up somewhere interesting.
“I’m currently revisiting the portraits with acrylics to see how the medium will shift the outcome.”
You can reach Lana at lanakamaric@gmail.com. If you like her style and are interested in her doing a commissioned portrait – she will take your call.
By Pepper Parr
July 2nd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
There is light at the end of the pandemic tunnel we are in.
And it has the sweet sound of a saxophone and the voice of a brilliant jazz vocalist.
 I got curious yesterday and wondered if things were improving enough for some of the traditional summer entertainment fare to return – so I sent a note to the folks at the Performing Arts Centre, where Tammy Fox runs the show, asking if the Jazz on the Patio might return in August.
 Plans are underway for Jazz on the Patio at the Performing Arts Centre Here it is – straight from the horse’s mouth:
“Yes, it’s looking positive for outdoor concerts on The plaza for August. Planning is underway. Can’t wait!!”
And neither can we.
By Staff
July 2nd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Beachway is getting a lot of attention these days.
Lovely part of the city – just find a parking spot when you get there.
In the not too distant future we should be seeing some local art to brighten the place up
The city sent out a Request for Proposals for Temporary Public Art Signs at The Beachway
Deadline: Friday July 30, 2021
Budget: $500 (design only), 15 commissions available
Here’s the fine print:
The City of Burlington public art program is launching a temporary art project, RE:DE(SIGN) as part of the 2021 Culture Days. Running from September 24 – October 24, Culture Days is 4 weeks of arts and culture experiences indoors, outdoors and online.
 This quiet path was once where two railway tracks carried freight from Burlington to the rest of the world. Freeman Station was one of the stops. This project will commission 15 Burlington artists to create small-scale works that will be installed on signposts along the Waterfront Trail, stretching from Beachway Park to the Lift Bridge. This project will provide trail users with a safe and accessible way to enjoy art and to learn more about the amazing creators in our community. Each artwork will be accompanied with a profile of the artist.
This call is open to Burlington-based artists and is open to all art forms that can be presented in a sign format. This includes, but is not limited to: visual art, graphic art, photography, poetry, writing, etc. Sound-based work such as music, spoken word, theatre, etc. may also be presented using QR codes.
Project Goals
The theme for the 2021 Culture Days is RE:IMAGINE. Arts and culture emerged as a lifeline of joy, providing gifts of colour, hope, and reprieve needed to make it through this past year. Collectively, we’re imagining what a post-pandemic world could look like and how we can each contribute to that picture being brighter. Through that lens, Culture Days has chosen RE:IMAGINE as the very apt 2021 theme.
RE:IMAGINE signals a positive turning point – the commitment to building tangible change into the future of arts and culture.
Artists submitting proposals for RE:DE(SIGN) should take inspiration from the RE:IMAGINE theme.
 The Art work will be placed along the Waterfront Trail right up to the canal. Additionally, the artwork should:
Be easily legible to pedestrian traffic, artwork that incorporates text must adhere to AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) guidelines.
The artwork must be suitable for presentation in a public space, for all ages (i.e., the artwork may not contain profanity, hate speech, graphic imagery, etc.)
Important! Please read the full Call for Artists document (Click HERE to download PDF) before submitting an application as this contains important project details and application instructions.
Submit your Application Online
Applications may be submitted online, using Submittable. Click HERE to start your online application. You will need to create a free account to use Submittable. Please contact Kim Selman, 905-515-9334 or kim@cobaltconnects.ca if you need assistance with your application.
The Beachway is a storied part of Burlington. It was once a self-sustaining community of several thousand people. You can search the Gazette Archives for stories on what life was like in that community
By Maddy Van Clieaf
July 1, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Sound of Music and the City of Burlington got together to let people hear some of the Sound as part of Canada Day Celebrations.
The smell of funnel cake, strums of guitar and thump of the bass that consumes Spencer Smith Park when the Sound is live was missing but local bands old and new, from Carly Rae Jepson to the Spoons, Terri Clark, and Lonestar to the rising group Grandson, the Sound of Music is where family, friends and music lovers join together to celebrate the vibrant arts scene in Burlington and beyond.
Instead of enjoying the cool breeze and unavoidable mud coating the bottom of every pair of sneakers- for it’s not the Sound of Music without rainfall beforehand- the authentic sound of Burlington can be heard from the comfort of your living room.
 Hayley Verrall Uploaded onto soundofmusic.ca, (CLICK HERE) a video with live performances from nine different local bands and performers can be streamed. The mix of performers comprises fresh faces Abby J Hall and Hayley Verrall, with Burlington staples Bliss and Suzie McNeil. The artists perform both original pieces and covers of famous CANCON songs from the likes of Blue Rodeo and Joni Mitchell.
Included in the music stream are interviews from previous festivals, introducing a wave of nostalgia and reminiscing past years. The online format can’t fully capture the magical ambiance of roaring crowds and mosh pits, but it highlights rising local talent and gives a taste of what is to come. Anticipation for upcoming SOM festivals vibrates through the live stream.
 Suzie McNeil In addition to the live stream, the Sound of Music has put together a Spotify playlist full of Canadian hits available here. There is also an interactive music experience through QR codes scattered about hiking trails and public spaces.
Andrea Ruthart, Kakisheway, from White Bear Treaty number 4, Cree Nation, made an impactful guest appearance to speak about the Hope for Healing project, helped by the City of Burlington. She and other Indigenous community members spoke on the meaning of reconciliation and the Indigenous song performed at Spencer Smith the day prior.
“This started with burning sweetgrass and blessing the land, and a song, which is also a prayer and a blessing, and a poem, and a call to action. The song was about the fire dance; it was about being seen and heard, which the indigenous community in our country for decades was not. “Mayor Marianne Meed Ward explained, “Music is a way to bridge that.”
The segment is sincere, although no Indigenous music was played or performed during the live stream. While the City of Burlington is celebrating, Indigenous communities in Canada are choosing not to recognize Canada Day this year to reflect and mourn the tragedy of residential schools and their legacy, which continues to plague Canada.
For Indigenous voices in the community to be heard and recognized, they need to be played and celebrated. The Sound of Music offers a large platform to do just that. Without true change and recognition of Indigenous artists in Burlington, the path to reconciliation will be a long one in the arts sphere.
 By Pepper Parr
July 1st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
We think there is a Sound of Music program for Canada Day – and we think it starts at 10:00 am but we are not certain.
The SoM web site has a lot of promises and build up to the events for the day but there is no schedule.
Here is what we do have:
“Tomorrow it’s a day filled with local artists, playlist tunes and big announcements of Summer shows ahead. Follow our social feeds and the website beginning at 10:00am.”
 This is the sound stage for the 2021 Sound of Music Festival. We understand the events are taking place in the Sound of Music studio at Nuvo One – best we can give you at this point is a link and hope it gets you some groovy music.
 This is the plan – the link to the site is set out above. Good Luck. One of the SoM fans put it this way:
 Madeleine Van Clieaf, Maddy to everyone, is part of a group of students working at the Gazette as part of the Local Journalism Initiative funded by the federal government. Maddy is a second year journalism student at Carleton University and will return to class in the fall.
Maddy graduated from Assumption High School and was a member of the Burlington Teen Tour Band
By Pepper Parr
June 30th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Art Gallery Board moved with dispatch in finding an Interim Executive Director for a minimum of six months while the Board does a thorough search for a full time Executive Director
 Lina Jabra; new interim Executive Director at the Art Gallery of Burlington Lina Jabra will join the AGB on Tuesday, July 6th, and remain in this position for a minimum of six months while the Board undertakes a search for a permanent CEO.
“The Board is very excited to welcome Lina to our organization,” said Jane Depraitere, AGB Board Chair. “Her experience in the arts sector including staff and volunteer leadership, her demonstrated strengths in community and audience engagement, and her commitment to innovation highlighting diversity and inclusion will help position the AGB for success during this transition period as we move forward”, said Ms. Depraitere.
Lina brings over twenty years of experience in the not-for-profit arts and culture sector. She is a graduate of the BFA program at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington DC and completed Executive Education Certificates in both Art and Non-Profit Management from Ohio’s Case Western Reserve University.
Since 1988 Lina has served with Arts-based organizations both as Executive Director as well as Management Consultant, including the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts in Toronto, VSA Arts of New Mexico, Through the Flower Foundation (TTF) attached to artist Judy Chicago in New Mexico, and the Ontario Clay and Glass Association in Toronto.
 Visitor to the Art Gallery looks closely at a painting listed in the auction catalogue. Lina said: “The Art Gallery of Burlington’s dedication to supporting and transforming the appreciation and love of art for all communities aligns with my experience and interest in the arts and art education, community building, and innovative programming, within a caring, collaborative and creative environment. I look forward to working with the AGB’s staff, volunteers, Board, members and all stakeholders in this exciting role”.
 By Pepper Parr
June 30th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Performing Arts Centre has managed to keep delivering value to the city.
 Robert Steven The same can’t be said for the Art Gallery.
They are currently reported to be looking for an interim Executive Director.
Robert Steven was shown the door over what were reported to be differences over the direction the Gallery had taken in the past few years.
There has been no public comment on Steven’s departure; members of the Gallery did receive a letter advising them of the change.
These arms length, tax supported organizations have always been tight-lipped when it comes to internal leadership matters.
 By Staff
June 30th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
In a news story earlier this week we said: “Burlington may not be ready for this.”
The statement had to do with a production being put on virtually by the Performing Arts Centre that involved the City Manager and the Executive Director of the Burlington Downtown Business Association.
They were part of the cast for a reading of the play The Odd Couple that was a Broadway production and then a movie that is still being enjoyed. It was a good movie.
In an effort to bring some entertainment life to the city Tammy Fox, Executive Director of the Performing Arts Centre put together an idea and managed to convince several well known entertainers to take part and added in some local colour.
Given that City Manager Tim Commisso and BDBA Executive Director Brian Dean were featured it seemed like an opportunity to have some light hearted fun and use photographs in our files to show Commisso and Dean as “fun” guys.
Some took exception to what we had published.
Commisso and Dean along with other Burlington personalities have what might be called supporting roles. The hope is that they will perform their reading admirably.
The Performing Arts Centre has arranged for all the front line support workers free access to the online production. The Show Business people call this “sharing the love”.
We expect it to be a fun evening and anticipate with a measure of excitement on just how well Commisso and Dean will perform.
Pepperwoods has put together a take out offering – make it an evening when you don’t have to cook.
By Staff
June 29th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario government is investing in a plan to counter Islamophobia and ensure classrooms are free from discrimination.
Those in the community who were raised in a different culture than what most of us are used to seeing are beginning to play a larger role in public life.
 Muslims taking part in a public prayer event at Spencer Smith Park. The Muslim community recently held a Call to Payer on a Friday afternoon in Spencer Smith Park rather than at their mosque.
Few people in Burlington had ever witnessed such an event.
We now have a Muslim woman nominated as the Liberal candidate for the next provincial election.
We see a lot more woman wearing the hijab when they are out for a walk or in the supermarkets. We are also seeing different food offerings on the shelves.
We human being are not very good at adapting to change. The kids get it – their parents have a more difficult time.
As part of the Safe Return to Class fund, Ontario’s government is providing $225,000 to the Muslim Association of Canada to create digital resources for educators, students and parents to raise awareness about Islamophobia. These resources will provide information about Islamic practices, values and misconceptions, root causes of Islamophobia and ways to help end Islamophobia, racism and discrimination.
Ontario is also providing $75,000 to the National Council of Canadian Muslims to facilitate outreach and engagement with Muslim parents and families, with a focus on newcomer communities. These engagements will provide information on school supports and will provide culturally relevant resources to enhance well-being for families and help Muslim students prepare for the return to school in September.
 The Muslim community is reaching out to the people of Burlington – the city now needs to learn to hear what they are saying. According to the most up to date data from Statistics Canada, hate crimes have been on the rise in Canada, with a nine per cent increase in anti-Muslim attacks in 2019, when compared to the previous year. Tragic and disturbing reports and incidents across Canada and the world over the past years underscore the need for action.
“It is unacceptable that many Muslim students continue to face discrimination in our schools, on our playgrounds and in communities across this country,” said Minister of Education Stephen Lecce. “That is why we are investing and partnering with community leaders — who are leading this effort— to counter racism and better support Ontario’s Muslim students and their families.
When a war between nations is lost
The loser, we know, pays the cost
But even when Germany fell to your hands
Consider dear lady, consider dear man
You left them their pride and you left them their lands
And what have you done to these ones
(Now That the Buffalo’s Gone – Buffy Sainte-Marie)
 By Ray Rivers
June 29th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
This will be a tough July 1st for a lot of Canadians. For one thing there are fewer of us to celebrate this year – over twenty-six thousand of our loved ones have died from COVID. Another million and a half became infected, a third of whom have been inflicted with long haul issues.
And the pandemic is not over by a long shot, even though the infection and death numbers are down and the vaccines up. Just look at the UK which thought it was in the clear but is experiencing its highest COVID infection numbers since February, even though their first and second dose vaccination rates are better than ours.
 The first stage of the public response to the tragic news of the unmarked graves. And then there is the shock and the ongoing tragic saga about the residential schools. So far a thousand unmarked graves have been located. But that is on the grounds of only two out of the 150 schools which the churches had operated.
Even if the children had died from TB, Spanish Flu, measles, influenza or some other disease, they were still in the care of the churches. And the buck stops with the federal government which had authorized their kidnapping and confinement. Malnutrition, over-crowding, physical stress from manual labour and emotional stress from the abuse, including sexual abuse, all weighed in with deadly consequences.
Nobody should take a child away from their parents without their permission and just cause. But having elected to do so they needed to ensure their health and safety. Why were the school records not maintained by the government and disclosed to the parents? Why were parents not even informed of the deaths and/or the bodies returned? One can only imagine how the parents and the community leaders and the community felt, watching helplessly in anguish and horror, as their children were taken away. And then to learn that so many were not coming back.
The Prime Minister suggests that Canada Day this year is a time for reflection. We should reflect on what the original inhabitants of this land are feeling. To them Canada is that country which took away their lands and their freedom. Should we really expect them to be as enthusiastic about celebrating Canada Day as Erin O’Toole, the leader of the Conservative party thinks they should be.
 The plight of our indigenous population is something Leader of the Opposition O’Toole does not appear to understand. Despite O’Toole’s plea to party on July 1st as if nothing had happened, much of the country is heeding the wishes of the indigenous leaders and cancelling fireworks and other celebrations. Ottawa will be holding a sacred fire and municipalities in New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and B.C. are cancelling traditional celebrations. They are suggesting that this day be one of reflection for the plight of our indigenous population and of how we can do better into the future.
Mr. Trudeau has called on the Pope to publicly apologize given the huge role the Catholic Church had in all of this, but there is no sign of that happening. There is some discussion about criminal charges being laid against those responsible for the schools and the program. And internationally China has used this incident to challenge and embarrass our PM after Justin criticized China’s treatment of its Uighur minority.
Canadians are generally outraged and some will heed the direction of the Prime Minister for a sombre day of reflection. There are demonstrations planned in protest, this Canada Day. Catholic churches situated on some reserves have already been burnt to the ground, presumably in protest. Some people have defaced and destroyed statues of Canada’s founding father, Sir John A. Macdonald. And, civic authorities are renaming buildings and edifices honouring Sir John A. and Egerton Ryerson, the architect of the school system.
It was the Indian Act which provided the framework for assimilating Canada’s first nations and destroying their native culture. And the residential schools were part of that framework. This racist piece of legislation is still in place today, curiously and ironically, because the very indigenous leaders who disdain it also refuse to let it die. Pierre Trudeau tried to get rid of it back in 1969 and was thwarted by the aboriginal community, who fretted over losing rights that had been conveyed to them under the Act. Nothing is easy about this.
 The healing has begun – now we have to find all the cemeteries. As Canadians we had been taught that ours was a more peaceful treatment of our indigenous population than, for example, the USA. After all, European settlers arriving in the Americas were responsible for the elimination of an estimated 90% of Indigenous populations, either through the introduction of disease or by outright massacre. The US government committed as much genocide against its indigenous people as did almost any other nation on earth. Some 1500 ‘Indian Wars’ later only a quarter of a million indigenous people was all that remained from the estimated 15 million living in North America when Columbus first arrived.
Canada’s approach to evicting its native population from what they considered their lands was less violent and less deadly than our neighbour to the south. But the indigenous people ended up being marginalized to the same extent. So there is much to ponder as we reflect on this coming Canada Day.
I for one will not be attending any celebration of Canada Day this year. I’ll probably engage in discussions among my peers and family about this issue and give a toast for the good things this nation stands for. Then I’ll take time to enjoy the music of indigenous artists like Robbie Robertson or Buffy Sainte Marie while I take a moment for those lost children whose fate we must all bear some responsibility.
Background links:
John A – Residential Schools – Genocide –
US Genocide – Burning Churches – Cancelling Canada Day –
O’Toole on Canada Day – Canada Day – Records –
Indian Act – Indigenous History Makers –
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