 By Pepper Parr
February 12th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It is the Year of the Ox and an occasion when the Burlington Redleaf Cultural group can strut their stuff.
The pandemic does limit what they can do. However there is a lengthy video that displays the depth, energy and talent within the Chinese Community. The video is long – but if the concept and practice of diverse respect means anything – give it a look.
Another,very different look at Chinese cultural organizations is offered in Claws of the Panda by Jonathan Manthorrpe, a highly regarded journalist with fifty years of experience around the world
The organization describes their purpose:
Working together with people of diverse cultures, backgrounds and ages, we will enhance the quality of life in our community by creating opportunities to develop meaningful relationships, provide stimulating social events and promote healthy lifestyles.
The main focus of our service will be for newcomers to Canada, as they need the most support in transitioning to their new life. This includes social, health, recreation and education support.
 Members of the RedLeaf Cultural organization pose with the Mayor and the Councillor for Ward 2. Costumes are lovely – where are the masks? The picture is said to be “pre-covid” 
 By Staff
February 11th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 Its good news for someone.
Terrible news in three weeks when the lottery ticket expires.
TICKET WORTH $1 MILLION UNCLAIMED IN BURLINGTON
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation announced today that there are two weeks left to claim a LOTTO MAX MAXMILLIONS prize worth $1 million from the Tuesday, February 25, 2020 LOTTO MAX draw.
The winning selection for this MAXMILLIONS prize was 06 – 13 – 14 – 17 – 31 – 34 – 50 and the winning ticket was sold in Burlington.
Players must match all seven numbers to win a MAXMILLIONS prize. Players have one year from the draw date to claim their prize.
The owner(s) of this ticket should fill in the back portion, sign it and contact the OLG Support Centre at 1-800-387-0098.
Tuesday, February 25, 2020 LOTTO MAX draw. The winning selection for this MAXMILLIONS prize was 06 – 13 – 14 – 17 – 31 – 34 – 50 and the winning ticket was sold in Burlington.
Players must match all seven numbers to win a MAXMILLIONS prize. Players have one year from the draw date to claim their prize.
The owner(s) of this ticket should fill in the back portion, sign it and contact the OLG Support Centre at 1-800-387-0098.
Will this news have thousands going through purses, wallets, the pockets of coats they haven’t worn for some time.
Someone thought there was a chance – and there was. Lets see if the ticket comes to the surface.
 By Pepper Parr
February 10th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It isn’t all that much money but put in the right hands it can be very productive and useful.
The federal government set up a fund with $31 million in it. That money was made available to a number of the community foundations who then look for places in their individual communities where it can be put to use.
The funds are to be used transforming public spaces in response to COVID19. I don’t think this was meant to put plastic shields up so we don’t bump into people when we are outdoors.
 An organization that goes under the title of the The Golden Horseshoe Hub in Southern Ontario announced today they will work together to distribute $1,840,190 to transform public spaces The funding will flow over two application rounds.
The Hub is led by the Oakville Community Foundation and includes: Brampton and Caledon Community Foundation, Brant County Community Foundation, Burlington Foundation, Community Foundation of Halton North, Hamilton Community Foundation, Community Foundation of Mississauga and Niagara Community Foundation.
The money comes from the federal government and their Healthy Communities Initiative and will support community-led organizations in developing local, small-scale infrastructure projects that respond to the immediate needs arising from COVID-19, while building towards a more pandemic-resilient future.
 When people work together sharing ideas and collaborating on what they decide to do – the wider community benefits. Starting today, organizations are invited to apply for funding between $5,000 and $250,000 to lead projects that help create safe and vibrant public spaces, improve mobility options, and provide digital solutions to help their neighbourhoods or communities navigate the pandemic and look to build back better in the COVID-19 recovery.
This could include projects that adapt crosswalks and access to public transport to allow for safe physical distancing, the creation of community gardens, and art installations, and free wifi in targeted public spaces. A variety of community-led organizations are eligible to apply, including local governments, charities, Indigenous communities, and registered non-profit organizations.
Organizations can apply for First Round funding from February 9, 2021 until March 9, 2021, at 8:00 PM EST.
A second application period for funding will start in May 2021.
Application forms and background information can be found HERE
Colleen Mulholland, President of the Burlington Foundation adds that: “Burlington Foundation is pleased to partner with seven community foundations located across Southern Ontario, forming The Golden Horseshoe Hub, to provide just over $1.8M to a variety of locally-lead infrastructure projects that respond to needs resulting from this pandemic. Transforming public spaces through the addition of new community gardens, ensuring free WIFI is available in open spaces, and adapting our crosswalks, are just a few examples of how we can adapt to support immediate needs while also ensuring long-term community resiliency. This funding is part of the Government of Canada’s new $31M Healthy Communities Initiative.
Applications are now open. Visit our website for details: https://burlingtonfoundation.org/about/leadership-initiatives/canada-healthy-communities-initiative/
The Burlington Foundation expects to announce their 4th round of financing for projects. Should be able to tell you more around the middle of the month. These will be above and beyond funding from the federal government.
 By Frank van Dam
February 8th, 2021
BURLINGTON ON
For people who love to go out, 2021 is likely to be another dismal year, unfortunately. None of the recent news has been overly positive, and much less so for those of us who like to move around a lot.
 The picture inside isn’t any better. The hospitality sector has been hit very hard. Unfortunately, with the way things are going, it looks like a lot more curtailing of movement and sacrifice is on the cards for us for the foreseeable future. In short, things are getting better for Burlington residents, but they are getting better very slowly. There is light at the end of the tunnel for all of us, but it’s still very far away.
Where we stand right now
Doug Ford’s lockdown orders are into their third month now and show no sign of letting up. In fact, in neighbouring Oakville, Halton Regional Police recently chased a crowd of socially-distanced families off a very popular local tobogganing hill. Technically, apart from emergencies, we are expected to not even leave our region. There is no indoor dining at all at this time, something most of us didn’t think we would miss as much as we do. Everything is closing earlier, which is leading to more stress and sometimes more traffic jams, which in turn add even more to the stress.
For people who like to travel, the news might be even worse. The federal government has imposed new and very strict quarantine measures for returning international travellers. In fact, they are so strict, they are facing legal challenges now. However, they are still very much in effect. The Trudeau administration has also issued an order banning cruise ships from docking at Canadian ports for the next year, that is until February of 2022! People either support or hate these measures, and it’s not to spark an argument, but the regulations are in place, and we will have to obey them.
 First we had it – then we didn’t have it – and now we aren’t certain as to just when the vaccine will arrive. Vaccines delayed… again
On the vaccine front, the news isn’t the best, either. Both Pfizer and Moderna (the only two companies the Canadian government has approved to sell vaccines as of now) are unable to deliver the required orders of the vaccines on time. This pushes the whole timetable backwards. Honestly, this news could be much worse, and we suppose that gratitude is still in order because the vaccination program is still advancing. It’s just that it is approximately 20 or 25% slower than it was supposed to be. But it’s hard to keep a positive frame of mind with so much uncertainty.
It also bears no small mention that there is a psychological price to pay for all this confinement, all this uncertainty, and all this upheaval in our personal and professional lives. We’ve all literally had to completely redefine and overhaul so many aspects of our lives, often things we thought would never change. And let’s be honest here, none of us really knows what a post-pandemic world is actually going to look like. New industries may spring up out of nowhere before this is over, and many other types of businesses may well wind up having being made permanently obsolete.
 There are walk-able winter trails within minutes of the downtown core. So, what are we to do?
We strongly recommend that readers get their daily fresh air and exercise by walking around Burlington, which is truly a beautiful little city and very walkable. Anybody who isn’t doing this every day is missing out on an important little piece of sanity. For people who have too much time on their hands (many of us), online entertainment is a great option. Play card games or free online casino games, stream some movies or pick up a gaming console. Realize that this time shall pass.
We will get through this mess by sticking together like we always do.
 By Staff
February 8th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington is commissioning an artist to create a public art piece for the Regal Road bridge.
Residents are invited to share their thoughts on three finalists chosen by an independent jury. The three proposed designs can be viewed and commented on by logging into or joining the City’s engagement platform: getinvolvedburlington.ca/regalroadbridgepublicart. The comments received, along with the technical and detailed design proposals, will inform the jury’s final selection.
 Looking south along Tuck creek
The artwork will be 10 laser-cut steel panels installed on the concrete sidewall of the bridge this summer. An independent jury reviewed 54 applications and selected three artists to develop detailed design plans.
The jury chose:
• bau & cos, www.bauandcos.com
• Karen Ho Fatt Lee, www.karenhofatt.com
• Laura Wood & Dawn Tyrrell, https://laurawood.ca/
 Public art will be put in place on both sides of the bridge. Artwork Location
The Regal Road Bridge crosses Tuck Creek and is located on Regal Road, between Oakwood Drive and Swinburne Road. The bridge was upgraded in 2019 as part of the City’s flood mitigation project. One artist will be commissioned to create a series of 10 unique laser cut steel panels to enhance the bridge.
The panels will celebrate the community and/or natural environment surrounding Regal Road and Tuck Creek.
Submit Feedback on Three Proposed Designs
Burlington residents are invited to review the three proposed designs and say what you think. These comments, along with the technical and detailed design proposals will help the jury make their final selection.
 By Staff
February 8th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Being in lock-down mode and being asked to “stay at home” leads to some interesting results.
One Burlington resident, known for catching our typos, decided to learn what Wikipedia had to say about his home town.
The author of the following has asked to remain anonymous; could it be that he is not authorized to speak on behalf of the city?
Do read on.
Many school age Burlington students are forced by this prolonged pandemic to get their information online; their Go-To source for instant information is Wikipedia.
The best mid-size city in Canada is Burlington (as everyone already knows) and researchers will Google us to find: Wikipedia. Burlington Ontario.
Let us examine what Wikipedia says about Burlington. Our: History, Elected officials, Economy, Media, Shopping.
Burlington, Ontario
Burlington is a city in the Regional Municipality of Halton at the northwestern end of Lake Ontario in Ontario, Canada. Along with Milton to the north, Burlington forms the west end of the Greater Toronto Area, and is also part of the Hamilton metropolitan census area. Burlington lies between Lake Ontario’s north shore and the Niagara Escarpment.
That truly boring descriptive tells readers we are “at the west end of Toronto alongside Milton”.
What else can we learn?
History. By 1906, the town boasted its own newspaper—the Burlington Gazette—as well as a town library and a local rail line that connected Burlington to nearby Hamilton.
Allow us to update – The Original Burlington Gazette ran 1899-1956 and by 1906 – Burlington was already on its third railway station at Freeman. The “local Rail Line” was an integral part of the Grand Trunk Railway of Canada, at that time the LONGEST railway in the world.
Who are we?
Wikipedia says people who live here are either: Burlingtonians or Burlingtonites.
Only the first name sounds familiar, maybe it’s for day use?
Then Wikipedia shows us this image of our flag:
 …but wait, that’s NOT our flag.
 This is our flag – with a full three masted schooner – not some puny rowboat.
Burly, our beautiful moo-cow, should grace the upper left corner of the shield not a My Little Pony Bridled Unicorn. Nay I say. Wikipedia must fix this immediately.
Let us keep going to “print media”,
The following publications are either published in or around Burlington, or have Burlington as one of their main subjects:
• Burlington Post
• Snap Burlington
• Burlington News
• View Magazine
• Burlington Gazette
A closer inspection of these five:
 This is what the original Burlington Gazette office on Brant Street used to look like. • Burlington Post – we know (and love)
• Snap Burlington – Is that Snap’d Burlington – (let’s let Snap’d fix their own listing)
• What is this “Burlington News”??? Clicking on Wiki’s link reveals “nothing found”there
• View Magazine. This paper is out of Hamilton and what does VIEW Magazine’s search engine say about Burlington…?
View’s latest article dated Feb 1 2020 tells us:
Burlington’s Shane Wright lives up to ‘exceptional’ status in OHL and is averaging over a point per game in first year with Kingston in the Ontario Hockey League.
Shane’s a good Burlington boy – he’s a beauty – and a pretty good hockey player up there in Kingston, eh?
• Last but not least – it is good to see our own Burlington Gazette listed. Perhaps they could add a link.
• Remove “Burlington News” and add Hamilton Spectator instead.
• Also add “The Bay Observer”
Elected officials
Moving on to Wikipedia’s section on our elected officials and most of this public record is right – well, except…
• Oakville North-Burlington (the area bounded by Highway 407 to the north, Dundas Street to the south, Guelph Line to the west and Oakville to the east): Pam Damoff (Liberal).
 The MP for Oakville North Burlington would be very surprised to what Wikipedia thinks her constituency boundaries are. What kind of crazy is this?
Wikipedia has removed 90% of Pam Damoff’s riding constituents, including everyone living between Dundas and the QEW? Certainly this needs to be fixed even if just for the integrity of our elections.
Shopping
COVID’s impact notwithstanding, according to Wikipedia, there are only two shopping areas in town: Mapleview Mall and Burlington Mall.
Breaking news: Burlington Mall’s name was changed to Burlington Centre years ago.
Their picture shows a jam-packed frenzy of shoppers doing their Xmas shopping at the Old Mall. Methinks it is time for a new photo.
And by the way, there are plenty of other shopping areas in town. Big box stores, strip plazas, power marts, and so on. Wikipedia could mention those.
Economy
How about the economy? Who are Burlington’s main employers – the “big-name heavy hitters” according to Wikipedia?
The top five private sector employers in Burlington are Fearmans Pork Inc, Cogeco Cable, Evertz Microsystems, Boehringer Ingelheim and EMC2.
Yes – those are some of the biggies? Who are the other notable businesses??
Other notable businesses include The EBF Group, ARGO Land Development, and The Sunshine Doughnut Company.
 Wait – what? Hold the phone. The Sunshine Doughnut Company makes top 10?
Voortman Cookies didn’t make the cut?
Nor did Samuel Steel, Pinty’s Foods, Thermo-Fisher, Pollard Windows?
This donut photo is NOT on Wikipedia – instead they have posted these drab glamour shots of Burlington doing its best impression of Tombstone Arizona.
Let’s look in greater detail next week – and not just bring problems but bring solutions.
 By Staff
February 7th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Several of Canada’s finest instrumental jazz musicians, will be on-line February 10th – 7pm via Zoom – not to be missed.
Thanks to a generous grant from the City of Burlington’s Community Support Fund, a special program created to support Burlington artists during the pandemic, One Burlington has commissioned Joe Sealy and his colleague Paul Novotny to create a special 25-minute video version of Africville Stories to be launched in Burlington at 7 pm on Wednesday February 10th , 2021.
Joe Sealy and Paul Novotny will be available for a Q&A immediately after the showing. The video will subsequently be provided to both Burlington school boards for telecasts during the week of February 15th.
 Africville was seen as a slum – but it was home to a small but very robust black community that was forgotten until the city of Halifax wanted to develop the land. Joe Sealy is one of Canada’s premier jazz pianists and composers. His Africville Suite won a Juno Award as Best Jazz Recording of 1996. Joe Sealy subsequently created an attraction called Africville Stories, which relates the stories behind the various musical selections in the Suite. He wrote several additional songs for the great Canadian jazz/gospel/blues singer Jackie Richardson, who serves as Narrator for the 75-minute work. Africville Stories also features several of Canada’s finest instrumental jazz musicians, including saxophonist Alison Young, bassist Paul Novotny and percussionist Daniel Barnes.
Africville is a community on the outskirts of Halifax that had little, if anything, in the way of municipal services. The residents of that community were treated terribly.
One Burlington, Burlington’s organization dedicated to the celebration of faith and culture in the City of Burlington, is planning an event in commemoration of Black History Month.
Africville Stories is Joe Sealy’s musical tribute to the Halifax community of Africville, a neighbourhood built by generations of Black immigrants to Nova Scotia subsequent to their arrival from post-Revolutionary America. The community was razed to the ground in 1960 as part of a Halifax urban renewal project. Joe Sealy’s mother was born and raised there.
 Paul Novotny Africville Stories fit well into One Burlington’s mandate to celebrate the cultural diversity of its citizenry, and especially those communities that are under-served, and to provide insights into the often difficult histories of these multicultural communities. We stand proud in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
Joe Sealy’s Africville Stories, featuring Jackie Richardson and Paul Novotny.
Wednesday February 10th, 2021 at 7 pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.usj8507806860?pwd=MFVlKzZsTnBEbWZCNCt5MkkyWGd1UT09
Meeting ID: 885 0780 6860
Passcode: 231098
If that link doesn’t work, please go to zoom.us and enter the Meeting ID and Passcode to get in that way!
For more information contact Robert Missen at 905-632-6047 or rmissen@sympatico.ca
By Staff
February 6th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Shadi Salehian, Chair of One Burlington, and Dan Fraser, organizer for the upcoming Share the Love, are the driving force behind the city-wide Food Drive from Feb 6 to 13th.
Dan and his wife Merrilee Fraser have been spearheading this Food drive by contacting grocery stores and faith groups in Burlington: they are very surprised how welcoming and generous their fellow neighbours have been. A diverse, integrated Burlington is a stronger, kinder and more interesting community to live in.
One Burlington was founded by several faith groups after the Quebec mosque shooting in 2017, One Burlington celebrates the multi-faith, multicultural foundation of our community. They believe the contributions of our diverse faith and cultural groups continue to strengthen Burlington and make it one of the best places to reside. It’s an organization of over 40 faith and non-faith groups who hope to create opportunities for people of different backgrounds to come together in a peaceful and cordial manner; to learn about and experience aspects of each others’ faith and culture.
If you are in need or know of someone who could use their help PLEASE have them send an email to info@burlingtonfoodbank.ca or call 905-637-2273 to make arrangements to have food dropped at their door or make arrangements to pick it up through the curb-side pickup option. If you live in Burlington, they are here to help. Don’t struggle – give them a call.
By Pepper Parr
February 5th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum is honoring three nonprofits that overcame long odds to host successful fundraising campaigns in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic as its Programs of the Year.
This year’s honorees include:
 The marker in Spencer Smith Park overlooking Lake Ontario. The Brant Inn was directly behind the marker. The Terry Fox Foundation, which continued to tell the story of its namesake founder and stayed true to its values, even when the pandemic disrupted its plans for 950 community runs across Canada last September. In the face of incredible disruption, the Terry Fox Virtual Run raised nearly $8 million in 2020 – just 3% less than it raised in 2019.
Locally Craig Gardner reminds people that the Burlington community raised more in 2020 than they did in 2019. He adds: just as an update the total raised in Burlington in 2020 has passed the $141K mark with 2 months to go till foundation year end March 31.
A large part of Burlington is home to the memory of Terry Fox.
By Staff
February 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
For Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte it was one of those “aha” moments.
It has been her practice to use Fridays to drive around the ward and see what’s happening; look for problems that need attention and satisfy herself that the ward is as OK as it can be, given the circumstances.
Hang on, she said to herself – If I am driving around why not pick up whatever food I can convince people to leave on their porches and take it to the Food Bank.
And so off she was. Last week the results were pretty clear. People will help out – just make it as easy as you can for them.
She maps out her route for Friday and prints out the Thank-you notes she leaves behind.
 What happens when the vehicle is full but the rounds have not been completed? The results speak for themselves.
“So proud of the fantastic response to the first Ward 4 Friday Food Drive!
“In just under 2 hours during my regular tour of the ward I had the pleasure of dropping by 33 participating households and collected; 443 pounds of food and $500. Cash donations.
 The results of the Food Drive go directly to the Food Bank Hoping that this initiative will continue to gather momentum over the coming weeks as more and more Ward 4 households participate and support our local Burlington Food Bank.
The drill on making this happen goes like this:
Email ward4@burlington.ca by 4pm tomorrow (Thursday) to schedule a contact-free, front porch pick up for this Friday’s Food Drive.
You will receive an email confirming the pickup. Place your donation on your front porch by 10am Friday labelled “Friday Food Drive”. The items will be collected in a safe and contact-free manner and delivered straight to the Food Bank.
 By Pepper Parr
February 2nd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It sounded like a great idea. It was certainly imaginative and done right it could be a great way to spend an evening during what are difficult times.
The price seemed just a little steep: $55 per person.
In the 1940s and ‘50s, Burlington’s very own Brant Inn was host to some of the most famous entertainers in the world. Join us for “An Evening at the Brant Inn” for a joyful glimpse into our past.
The Brant Inn was famous for a period of time.
 Outdoors on a summer evening – it must have been a great place to get out for dinner. The Inn closed when the ownership changed – poor management led to its demise. Your ticket includes a take-out dinner prepared by Pepperwood Bistro Brewery & Catering, dessert from COBS Bread Headon Forest, a beverage by Nickel Brook Brewing Co., dance lesson and demonstration by danceScape via Zoom, and live musical entertainment broadcast from the Joseph Brant Museum.
 Front entrance – it was the place to be on New Year’s Eve Order by March 5 for pick up on March 12 from the Joseph Brant Museum between 12 noon to 6 pm, then tune in from home at 7 pm for your evening entertainment.
Regular price, $55/person, ($49.50 for Museum members), includes tax. Limited quantity available.
By Staff
February 1st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Mountainside Outdoor Pool has served the community well for over 50 years.
The City of Burlington is planning a future revitalization of this popular community outdoor pool. The renewal project is anticipated to begin after the 2021 summer swim season. The pool will remain open for use this summer, pending public health and provincial COVID-19 direction.
 Time for an upgrade. The ward Council is now a happy camper – he has delivered something for his constituents The City is inviting and encouraging all families and individuals who use the pool to take the online survey to help guide them with the style and themes of amenities and features planned for the new pool. The survey is open until Feb. 19, 2021: CLICK HERE for the survey.
Styles and themes of amenities in the survey include:
- Pool water spray features
- Climbing wall
- Water slide
- Shade structures
The revitalization will create an attractive, fun, active and welcoming multi-use outdoor swimming pool, that invites the community to participate and experience swimming and water play while encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle.
Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2021, with completion expected in the spring of 2022.
About Mountainside Outdoor Pool
Mountainside Outdoor Pool and Splash Park (2205 Mount Forest Dr.) is an important community hub and aquatic recreation destination in the Mountainside neighbourhood. The pool is well used and serves on average 27,000 participants in a wide variety of activities including recreational swimming, lap swimming and learn to swim lessons each summer.
 Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture explains what the City is doing and the timeline for the revitalization. “Mountainside Outdoor Pool is over 50-years old and has served the community and the city very well. It’s now time to revitalize it and make the needed upgrades, repairs and updates so it can be a community activity hub for another 50-years. By starting the construction in the fall, we can ensure people have another opportunity for healthy, active recreational swimming this summer, and weather and construction permitting, have it open for the 2022 outdoor swimming season.”
By Staff
January 29th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Someone is going to win $1,000 guaranteed
FEBRUARY 3rd DRAW ONLY!
How does Catch the Ace Work?
Draws take place weekly, and one lucky person takes home 20% of all the ticket sales that week. And to celebrate the launch, the weekly prize for week 1 is $1,000 guaranteed!
The winner will have selected an envelope, containing one playing card from a standard 52-card deck. The envelope selected by the weekly winner is opened, and if it contains the Ace of Spades, the winner takes home the progressive jackpot. If it is any other card, 30% of ticket sales from that week are added to the progressive jackpot and tickets go on sale for the following week’s draw.
 How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets are only available online at catchtheacelottery.ca. The deadline for each draw is Wednesday at 3 p.m.
 Ticket purchasers will select one envelope per transaction, regardless of the number of tickets purchased.
The Catch the Ace Lottery is in support of the Rotary Club of Burlington North and
the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation.
 By Staff
January 28th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It was one of those bleak winter days that often follow a snow storm.
Close to blistering cold but not cold enough to freeze Lake Ontario water and not cold enough to keep those barking mad surfers out of the water.
The photo offering today shows someone pushing through the water hoping to catch a decent wave.
Not for the faint of heart.
 Photo by Helene Dube
By Pepper Parr
January 27th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
When I saw the media release I didn’t know what a Growler was. Interesting approach to the delivery of craft beers.
The media release announced that on January 1st, Beertown Public House was among the first set of restaurants in Ontario to successfully launch a Growler Program – offering freshly poured local craft beer for guests to take home, bring back, re-fill, and repeat.
 64 and 32 ounce sizes of your favourite craft beer that you can’t get at the supermarket or the LCBO The program, they say, celebrates the most recent amendments to Ontario’s liquor laws which permits licensees to sell premixed cocktails and growlers. Beertown is offering Howlers (32oz half growlers) to foster the joy of discovery and promote a “keep cool, drink fresh” mentality.
The province still requires “some” food be provided with the brew; Beertown tosses in a handful of nibley food to cover that base.
Guests can choose from an ever-changing selection of Ontario Craft beers, quirky imports, and kegged cocktails. Once finished, they can bring back their empty glass growler to refill, and exchange it for a freshly sanitized one.
The Growler program has allowed the Beertown to continue to support Ontario Craft Breweries during this unique time, and curate a “Beertown experience” for their guests right at home. It has become a popular choice in the Beertown Bottle Shop – a series of retail pop-up shops that sell consignment wines, cocktail kits and 6-packs that cannot be found at your local LCBO or grocery store.
 Craft beer – they have more than 100 on their list and mixed cocktails: curb side service as well. The Growler Program is available at all Charcoal Group Restaurant locations across Ontario, including: Beertown Public House, Sociable Kitchen and Tavern, The Bauer Kitchen, and Wildcraft Grill and Long Bar.
Where did the name Growler come from? The term likely dates from the late 19th century when fresh beer was carried from the local pub to one’s home by means of a small galvanized pail. It is claimed the sound that the carbon dioxide made when it escaped from the lid as the beer sloshed around sounded like a growl.
Who knew?
Beertown offers an impressive take out menu. You can find it on line.
By Pepper Parr
January 26th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It got a little windy out there this morning.
Wasn’t much on the ground for the birds around the house to eat.
 The Blue Jays would not share – they would chase off anyone eating. The Cardinals don’t get along all that well with the Blue Jays (does anyone get along with a Blue Jay?)
They would huddle in some branches and then take their turn for a quick trip to the bird feeder and then scramble back to the bushes and let someone else grab a bite to eat.
Yesterday there were more than a dozen doves sharing the space; this morning not one of them in sight.
 Hanging on tightly – the wind was more than this one was comfortable with
By Alex Gramantin
January 21st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
With the world coping with a pandemic and people in many countries in a lock down situation or restricted on which commercial operations are actually opening and operating, millions of people are shopping on-line.
Some method of paying for what you buy on-line is needed.
Let’s start with the obvious, using your credit/debit card to make transfers and online payments is pretty annoying. Constantly having to log in and typing your card information is a hassle, and it’s not that safe for various reasons. Thankfully, there are loads of online payment systems and e-wallets you can use in Canada.
There are a lot of them, so many in fact that it may be hard to choose which one is better and more convenient. I’ve set out below the most popular payment systems for Canadians and given you the pros and the cons based on my experience; you will then be able to determine which one suits you best.
 PayPal Canada
Want a payment method that doesn’t use any of your information with the store you’re purchasing from? PayPal Canada is perfect for those wanting a secure banking option that will ensure that no one can get to your actual banking details even in PayPal casinos in Canada. Better yet, you don’t need to replenish your PayPal e-wallet, it automatically uses money from the bank account linked to it. There are over 6.4 million PayPal users in Canada, and yes – it does work with the CAD currency.
Pros:
-Extremely fast, and easy to use
-No transaction fees
-Downloadable e-wallet
-Plenty of discounts with various retails
Cons:
-Long withdrawal times (3-4 days)
-Business account use charges
-Accounts get frozen randomly
GooglePay is in the process of revising their logo
Google Pay Canada
Google really is dominating the world, and now you have an option to make payments via Google Pay. Canadian users can use this system on the website, or download a mobile app (Android Pay) that is beyond easy to use. Using Google Pay, you will have the opportunity to earn cash back, gain reward points, and have a secure experience with scam and fraud protection. A little over 12% of Canadian residents happily use this payment method for online shopping, quick transactions, and thousands of available retails in the region.
Pros:
-Lots of rewards and promotions
-Widely accepted online
-No transaction fees
-Charges in CAD
Cons:
-Not as widely accepted in physical retails as PayPal
-Only accepted on smartphones with NFC
-Isn’t compatible with mobile voice assistants
 Instadebit
If you want to feel the lightning speed power transactions, Instadebit CA is going to blow your socks off. This payment system is incredibly fast, and offers instant transactions, hence the name. The company serves thousands of Canadian users, as it quickly proved to be a highly convenient online financial system. It’s very similar in structure to most other online payment methods, and can be used for various digital payments except this one happens to be extremely popular in the online gambling world. Making an Instadebit account is as easy as ever, and depositing to online casinos couldn’t be speedier. There are currently over a hundred legal Instadebit online gambling sites for Canadians.
Pros:
-Incredibly fast transactions
-Fast online casino deposits
-Quick online casino withdrawals
-Quick registration process
-Accepted on many Canadian casino sites
-Secure payment system
Cons:
-Doesn’t work with some CA banks
-Can only be tethered to one bank
-Lack of anonymity
My take on what is available:
Whether you’re shopping online, depositing money to friends and family, or gambling online – there are plenty of options. You will find dozens of online payment systems in Canada, but make sure to always read reviews and weigh out the pros and cons before linking your bank details.
PayPal, Google Pay, and Instadebit are all reliable. They have their differences but they are all secure options with quick transactions, and no excessive fees.
Alex Gramantin is a consultant who is located in Europe. He consults for an international clientele on internet based payment services.
By Staff
January 18th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Last week the Burlington Food Bank reached a high point in the number of families that took delivery of food baskets – 58 delivered and 16 picked up in the evening,
Staff was stretched a bit but they came through,’
 Throughout the week – the volunteers show up and get the job done. When the Food Bank says staff they mean a team of volunteers who come through day after day.
This week looks like it is going to be just as busy.
Robin Bailey, Executive Director, is taking part in a virtual meeting of the Feed Ontario Advocacy Committee meeting that is trying to have a voice and impact with the Ontario government and try to determine how we can support families better – especially those who are on social assistance – they really can’t survive on what they’re given right now.
 From time to time the Food Bank gets a delivery of fresh milk. 60% of the Food Bank clients are women; this breakdown of clients is consistent across the province.
The Food Bank is a small yet powerful impact organization that works on several levels.
Sourcing food wherever they can, raising funds to buy the food at wholesale prices to bring in what they need and at the same time advocating for a change in the way those who need help are served by the community.
The organization doesn’t see a dime from any level of government. The Region, the people who are responsible for social services, don’t contribute to the Food Bank budget.
 This crew -no names – just showed up with the food they had collected in their neighbourhood. This is one of those organizations that learns where the need is and finds a way to fill the need.
Every media event they send out end with:
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 live in Burlington, we are here to help. Don’t struggle – give us a call.
By Staff
January 15th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
In a media release sent out by City Hall we learn the following:
Earlier this week, the Province announced a State of Emergency, with additional restrictions to help control the spread of COVID-19. The State of Emergency began Thursday, Jan. 14 at 12:01 a.m., including a Stay-at-Home Order in place for all regions of Ontario, including Halton Region, for at least 28 days.
Impacts to City services and programs
City Hall
 City Hall, located at 426 Brant St., remains open for in-person service by appointment only for commissioning services and marriage licences. Walk-ins are not permitted.
Please visit burlington.ca/commissioning, burlington.ca/marriage or call 905-335-7777 to book your appointment. Residents can also visit burlington.ca/onlineservices to access a variety of City services online.
Service Burlington is available to answer questions by phone during regular business hours, at 905-335-7777 and city@burlington.ca.
Building staff are processing building permit applications. Anyone wanting to apply for a building permit or follow up on an existing building permit application can email building@burlington.ca. Staff are responding to requests and are assisting applicants with the building permit process. For more information, visit burlington.ca/building.
Burlington Transit
Burlington Transit will continue to run as scheduled including specialized transit. The transit terminal at 430 John St. will remain open to provide PRESTO services including SPLIT passes. Presto services are available at Shoppers Drug Mart or online at prestocard.ca. Transit schedules are available online at burlingtontransit.ca to download and print, via Google Maps, Apple Maps and using myride.burlingtontransit.ca.
Halton Court Services – Provincial Offences Office
Halton POA administration counter services are currently closed. Telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Many online services are also available by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or by visiting www.haltoncourtservices@burlington.ca
Recreation, Community & Culture Services and Facilities
Leaving your home for outdoor exercise is allowed under the current provincial regulations, as long as 2 metres of physical distancing is maintained at all times from anyone outside of your household. Exercise is an essential need for everyone. It is important to stay active for both physical and mental health.
Outdoor recreational parks and open spaces that are allowed to stay open include City-sanctioned toboggan hills, neighbourhood rinks, multiuse courts, playgrounds, trails, Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond and parks. Equipment lending (curbside pick-up) can continue.
Please cooperate with others using the outdoor space and follow all public health measures and posted signage.
Outdoor Skating
 The Rotary Centennial Pond at 1340 Lakeshore Rd. is open for skating daily from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Residents wishing to use the rink must pre-register and complete the online screening at burlington.ca/screening. Capacity on this rink is 35 people and meets the provincial regulations.
A new artificial outdoor rink at Hidden Valley Park, 1137 Hidden Valley Rd. is open for skating daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. All users must pre-register and complete the online screening at burlington.ca/screening. Capacity on this rink is 10 people and meets the provincial regulations.
For both skating rinks, as per new provincial regulations, additional measures are in place for outdoor activities that require the use of masks. Visitors must wear masks while standing in line and it is highly recommended during skating. For more information, follow @Burl_ParksRec and visit burlington.ca/pond for updates.
Outdoor Winter Play Challenge
Residents can also take the Outdoor Winter Play Challenge and see how many free activities they can complete by Feb. 19, 2021. Learn more at burlington.ca/playoutside.
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. Follow @BurlingtonParksRec on Facebook and @Burl_parksandrec on Twitter for the latest updates and videos.
Roads, Parks and Forestry
Services provided by the Roads, Parks and Forestry Department will continue as needed. Residents with questions or issues can email RPF@burlington.ca or call 905-333-6166.
 By Mildred Austria
January 8th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
‘Who says you can’t have fun and earn a living at the same time? Brian Christopher from Burlington, Ontario, proves that it is possible to take gambling to a level that is more enviable than having a lucky streak. From classic to progressive slots, gambling has been more than enjoyable for the 39-year-old gambling enthusiast.
 Christopher is not making money directly from winning at slot machines, although he occasionally earns some from them. He is having slots as his “full-time job” by being a YouTube who plays slots. He is now one of the leading YouTubers who specialize in videos about wagering.
Christopher did not plan any of his YouTube fame and money-making. It was in April 2016 when he posted his first ever video on the video sharing platform. He thought only his family and friends would consider giving his video the views. However, in around a month after posting his first video, he noticed his followers were growing rapidly. This led to him getting an invite to be part of YouTube’s partner program, allowing him to monetize the content he posts.
He said he decided he would record some of the instances he was enjoying slots after seeing others doing the same. It would be fun, he thought, and he was not seriously considering giving it a lot of effort. It was just about him filming for fun.
After seeing the growth of his channel and making money out of the videos he used to post without any thought of monetization, Christopher decided to make it his full-time job. He eventually planned trips to casinos where he can create his unique content. He also thought of posting videos daily since nobody playing slots was doing it at that pace.
Christopher thinks that his channel grew further because of the frequency he was posting videos. He was not doing something that is in a very narrow niche. It’s not the same as the content produced by many of the top YouTubers around. However, he managed to attract regular viewers of his videos because he was doing it daily, so he had something new to offer to his subscribers every time they visit his channel.
In an interview with The Star, the successful YouTuber expressed elation over doing something he enjoys. He said being a gaming-focused YouTuber is so much fun. He unapologetic ally professed his fondness for gambling and his desire to entertain people, two things he is able to do and make money from by being a YouTube video blogger.
On average, YouTuber content creators earn in the range of $3 to $5 for every 1,000 views their videos get. A single video with a million views in a month can already generate a hefty amount to pay for living expenses.
Christopher’s channel averages 207,000 views per day. Many of his videos are already above the 1 million view mark. As of January 6, 2021, his channel has already accumulated more than 201 million views and 314,000 subscribers.
Mildred Austria tracks and analyzes the any ways social media is used by several sectors.
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