Clean Up Green Up weekend April 22nd - Register now

News 100 greenBy Staff

March 18th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It is that time of year again – and there isn’t much the pandemic can do about it.

It is Clean Up Green Up time and registration is now open CLICK HERE to REGISTER.

clean up world logoSign up your family, friends, social bubble, colleagues or community group for this safe and impactful, eco-action opportunity. Give back to the planet by participating in an Earth Week Clean Up starting on April 22nd!

FREE clean-up supplies will be available for pick-up at two locations, and we’ve got some great prizes available this year too! Visit our website to learn more and to register your participation.

Great for families, friends, social bubbles and small community groups!
Spend quality time with your loved ones taking eco-action that not only helps the environment but also supports the local community. This safe outdoor activity is a great way to connect outside in nature and get some exercise too.

Great for businesses!
This is a great opportunity to gather your team or coworkers for a safe outdoor team-building activity that helps both the environment and the community. Are you currently working remotely? No problem! You can still be physically apart AND work collectively to clean up – have team members complete their own clean-ups at home on behalf of your workplace, team or business. Amalgamate photos from everyone’s clean up and see just how BIG your impact can be!

Great for the classroom!
Whether you are in a classroom or virtual classroom, this is a great opportunity to have students safely get outside, get some exercise and help the local environment too. Organize a clean-up with your class, or encourage parents to organize a family clean-up at home. Make it an exciting class project and encourage students to take photos of the litter they collect. We have a great complement of resources to support related curriculum – check out our Eco-Educators page for more.

How It Works:

1. Determine a location in Burlington that your family, friends, coworkers, community group or classroom would like to clean up.

 Location ideas include parks, trails, plazas, hydro fields, bike paths, the beach, creeks, roadsides, etc. You can also visit Friends of Sheldon Creek Watershed Facebook page to discover opportunities to help them out.

Visit this space regularly, we will be posting litter hot spots and some popular locations around the city that have already been cleaned up.

We encourage you to use your own clean up supplies, however, you can request free clean up supplies for your group. Supplies will be available for pick-up (while quantities last) at our supply depots;

2019 Community Clean Up Participants

Perks of registering:

  • We have FREE clean up supplies including disposable gloves, garbage and recycling bags available for pick up, by request, while quantities last.
  • When you register your Clean Up your group will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a $50 gift card to the Burlington Centre! We will be drawing for 2 gift cards for groups that register before May 2nd, and 2 more for groups that register between May 2nd and October 31st.
  • We’ve got extra prizes for groups that share their photos with us – so take photos of your Clean Up and tag us on social media or e-mail them to us for EXTRA chances to win! (Note: Submission of photos provides permission to BurlingtonGreen to use your photos in print, or in digital materials including social media platforms with permission to edit, alter, copy, or distribute the photos for media advertising and marketing)

3. Have a fun and safe Clean Up! Remember to:

  • Review our 2021 Clean Up Green Up Tip Sheet (PDF) for important safety and waste collection information.
  • Review our Volunteer Activity Waiver Informed Consent to Participate form.
  • Follow the most up-to-date Halton COVID-19 safety guidelines.
  • Count the number of full bags of litter you collected, take a photo of your (physically distanced) group with your collected litter and tag us on social media or send us an email!
  • Let us know about any larger waste items or “hot spots” with lots of litter that you encountered during your clean up, so we can flag it for further attention.
  • Bring ALL collected waste home with you and dispose of it through your residential curbside collection. Please do not leave collected waste at any parks, trails, businesses or green spaces, as city waste collection services are limited during the pandemic.

That’s it!  By participating,  you are contributing to a city-wide effort for a cleaner, beautiful Burlington.

Thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the City of Burlington, Cogeco, YourTV and our growing list of supporters for helping to make this impactful opportunity possible. Interested in sponsoring this impactful event? Contact us today!

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Burlington Foundation sends 4th round of grants totaling $146,000 to community groups

graphic community 5By Staff

March 15th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Burlington Foundation last week announced the charities that will receive $146,000 from Phase 4 granting from the Covid-19 Pandemic Response Fund, since the Foundation announced the fund on March 31, 2020.

The Pandemic Response Fund was established to support community-based relief efforts through four phases of granting that has taken place since early 2020. With these new grant awards, the Foundation’s Pandemic Response Fund has provided over $453,000 in grant relief to assist charities in their response efforts recognizing that this pandemic will have long-term implications for the non-profit sector.

“With the second wave of Covid-19 striking our community and driving even more demand for emergency relief, we are very pleased to provide Phase 4 funding of $146,000 to 26 local charities who are working tirelessly to help our community’s most vulnerable citizens during this time of ongoing need,” says Colleen Mulholland, President and CEO of Burlington Foundation.

Compassion

Aliya Khawari, Executive Director, Compassion Society of Halton

The Compassion Society of Halton received $7,000 in funding. Aliya Khawari, Executive Director, shares, “We are so grateful for the generous funding from the Burlington Foundation for Covid emergency response.

The Compassion Society has been able to provide all the care and basic needs for many who have been deeply impacted by the ongoing pandemic. With mental health issues on the rise and anxiety levels in red due to social isolation and curbing of many social services – accessing food, hygiene and self-care items, clothing and other basic needs should be the last thing for people to worry about.”

The ongoing pandemic also continues to present connectivity challenges for people living with developmental disability. Community Living Burlington received $7,000 to enable the organization to continue providing virtual opportunities and meaningful connections. “Community Living Burlington is incredibly grateful for the support from the Burlington Foundation. During these challenging times, our agency goal is to ensure the people we support still feel connected to their community, and this funding will help us ensure that people will continue to thrive during this pandemic,” says Emily Huang, Senior Manager, Community and Resource Development.

Providing these critical emergency grants in this time of tremendous need would not be possible without the kindness of donors. Our heartfelt thank you to our many donors including: The Paletta Family, Pioneer Energy, Randy and Denise Reeve Family Fund, Milne Family Foundation Fund, Pieczonka Family Foundation Fund, LKH Spirit Fund, BDO Burlington Community Fund, Dalton Timmis Group Fund, and several community donors.

About Burlington Foundation
BCF logoBurlington Foundation is a registered charity with over 20 years of experience helping people accomplish their charitable goals and address our city’s most pressing needs. As one of 191 community foundations across Canada, we are dedicated to having a significant impact in Burlington by building legacy endowment funds, providing vital charitable grants, and bringing people together to address important community issues such as flood relief, mental health and now the global Covid- 19 pandemic.

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Grieving is not something you need to do alone - there is help

graphic community 4By Pepper Parr

March 15th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Grief is a part of life.

Grief 1We live in a world where for the most part there are family and friends to see you through the grief that has come into your life.

We survive and become better people, wiser people and more appreciative of what we have.

That has changed hasn’t it?

We normally attend funerals for people we knew well, admired, worked with, and will miss. We have not been able to do that, meaning one of the tools we use to come to terms with the grief we are experiencing is no longer there for us to use.

Frank and Doreen Kelly are leading a 13 week course on managing grief that will be held at Glad Tiding Pentecostal Church.

The next 13 week class starts May 5.  The meetings will run from 7:00p.m. -9:00p.m .

grief 2Registration is free – the program will take place on line.

The team has held three sessions and is ready to take registrations for the fourth session of 13 weeks that will start in May

You can register HERE.

When you get to the site you select Burlington as the location and then select Glad Tidings Church.

The course is free – there is a nominal cost for a Workbook.

The sessions at this point in time are done via Zoom.  The Kellys are part of the Glad Tidings Church in Burlington who are supporting this initiative.

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Swans are getting looked after - there are now a reported 1000 of them in Ontario

News 100 greenBy Staff

March 15th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Harry Lumsden, pictured below,  the retired Ministry of Natural Resources Biologist who brought Trumpeter Swans back to Ontario in the 1980s after they had been extirpated for 100 years, with Bev Kingdon who has been with the Trumpeter Swan Restoration project since its earliest days, together at LaSalle Park, Burlington on March 10th 2021.

swans and bev

The swans appear to be doing just fine.

We now have more than 1,000 Trumpeters in this province again, thanks to Harry, Bev and all the other volunteers with the project.

Our thanks to Vince Fiorito for bringing this to our attention

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Resident asks: have we lost the ability to hope and see a better time ahead.

graphic community 4By Blair Smith 

March 13th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The pandemic has affected virtually every person on the planet. It has disrupted business, affected all levels and means of social interaction, put accepted norms of behaviour under serious scrutiny, challenged our concepts of family and friends and required everyone to adopt coping mechanisms just to get up and start another day. And perhaps what has suffered most is that which is most necessary for our survival – our ability to hope and see a better time ahead.

Tree Hope tree

It was not really a Christmas tree any longer but a ‘tree of hope.

On a small court in north Burlington, in a well treed and older neighbourhood there is a rather quirky but harmless symbol of one family’s expectations of better times to come – a Christmas tree that has been in place and lit since the pandemic struck almost a year ago. Truthfully, the tree is always slow to come down and be put away. It usually can be seen in the large front window until Easter. It is one of those eccentric expressions of personality that make life just a little more interesting.

And now, for the two retired and disabled seniors who remain in the house, it has become a tree of hope and will stand erect and lit until this pandemic has finally run its course and life returns to a ‘new normal’.

Unfortunately, our capacity for toleration and our ability to appreciate the unconventional seems to have been seriously undermined as Covid-19 strains both our perspectives and our basic decency. Yesterday, the family received a phone call mid-afternoon from a woman who, unidentified, began with an abrupt “You have a Christmas tree in your window”. Somewhat taken aback, they responded with “yes, we do” and were quickly met with “and you have had it there since at least last summer”.

They admitted that this was so and explained that it was not really a Christmas tree any longer but a ‘tree of hope’, a symbol of better times and that it would stay in place until the pandemic finally ends. The angel that would normally crown the tree has been replaced by a butterfly, pointing to regeneration and renewal.

The response was a sarcastic “well that’s absolutely ridiculous! We have a house to sell!” and the caller hung up. And indeed, one of the houses on the court, now empty, has been the focus of a great deal of activity over the past two weeks as professional cleaners and organizers worked to make the house ready for viewing. Was the caller associated with the Realtor? Was she a member of the seller’s family? I doubt the latter as the family are very decent people and have always respected their neighbours and community. Attempts to call back the number met with no success and, frankly, there would be little profit in speaking to whomever made the call anyways.

They simply wouldn’t “get it”.

The first thing that the pandemic took from us was our freedom of movement and often the companionship of our friends and family. As serious as these constraints have been they will also eventually end. However, the emotional isolation that has also been the product of the pandemic, the loss of intimacy and empathy that comes with physical separation may be far longer lasting and far more damaging.

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National Advisory body needs volunteers to sit on Canada’s Volunteer Awards Committee

News 100 yellowBy Staff

March 13th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

We all play a role in recognizing Canada’s volunteers.

Great volunteers come from everywhere.

Until April 8, 2021, Canada’s Volunteer Awards (CVA) will be accepting applications for its National Advisory Committee (NAC).

Members of the National Advisory Committee play a leading role in the selection of Canada’s Volunteer Awards recipients by reviewing nominations and making recommendations to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. They also support the promotion of the program throughout their term.

volunteers cleaning up

Volunteers sweep the boardwalk after Hurricane Sandy

The committee consists of 15 volunteer members from across Canada who are passionate about volunteering. They are selected based on their knowledge and experience working or volunteering in support of community development. Additionally, members reflect Canada’s diversity and serve for a term of three years. If you have experience in one of the following sectors, you might have what the committee needs:

a not-for-profit organization
the charitable sector
the health sector
the social services sector
a service provider
the private sector, or
a municipality.

Employment and Social Development Canada is accepting applications until April 8, 2021. If you want to learn more about this opportunity or to apply, CLICK HERE

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In-progress contemporary dance works done by some of the very best - well worth your time

eventspink 100x100By Staff

March 12th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Aeris Körper has announced the eighth edition of PROSPECTS: an evening of dance and discussion.

FORM two dancers - one masked

The work this group does is almost theatre.

PROSPECTS brings together local enthusiasts of art and dance with choreographers from the local, regional and international dance community to cultivate creative community dialogue.

I call what Aeris does “progressive dance”.  They take huge risks with the dance art form – at times what you see will take your breath away.

Audience members will witness new and in-progress contemporary dance works whose themes will provide the foundation for the evening’s dialogue.

Each work will be followed by a Q&A discussion led by each choreographer, giving the audience an opportunity to ask questions, provide feedback and further examine the ideas presented. There will also be an opportunity to provide written feedback.

“This interactive, informal event brings together community members to share ideas, to learn about contemporary dance and to bring life to the local arts in Burlington,” said Lisa Emmons, Artistic Director.

Dance 1

On many of the performances you can feel the tension and the expression in the work.

Choreographers:
Elena Vazintaris
Emily Williams
Eric Dahlinger
Shreya Bollywood Dance
Thea Sachade

Tickets:
Can be reserved at eventbrite: https://bit.ly/3bpZ1VS

Event Details:
Thursday, March 25th, 2021
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Aeris Körper Zoom Room

Many thanks to the City of Burlington Arts and Culture Fund grant and Canadian Heritage for their ongoing support.

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RBG looking for new people to serve as Board members

graphic community 3By Pepper Parr

March 11, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

iris 1 RBG

The RBG is a leader in the development of new strains of plants.

Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is seeking community leaders to serve on ITS Board of Directors as they embark on the implementation of a Master Planning initiative that aims to position the Gardens as Canada’s leading environmental centre with world-class gardens, natural areas, programs, services and facilities.

As community leaders, Board members possess a well-developed interest in horticultural, conservation, education and related science, along with a commitment to RBG’s mission – to connect people, plants and place for the purpose of nurturing and preserving healthy growing life on our planet.

As a registered charity, RBG is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community members, representatives appointed by four levels of government, and a representative from the RBG Volunteers.

The Role
The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing RBG to ensure its viability and sustainability by:

RBG garden - lilacs

Almost every variety of lilac you can imagine. These are seen by the RBG Board as assets that have to be protected.

· Establishing RBG’s strategic direction and priorities that will ensure fulfillment of its objects as defined in legislation;

· Safeguarding RBG’s resources;

· Monitoring the performance of RBG and the results achieved relative to its strategic priorities;

· Determining the overall approach to governance issues; and,

· Reporting to key stakeholders.

The Board meets at least five times annually, including RBG’s annual meeting. Directors are expected to serve on at least one sub-committee.

 

RBG Turner tea-house

The Tea House – will it reopen soon?

Qualifications
We have an immediate requirement for members with experience in:

· Philanthropy and Fund Development
· Government Relations

RBG is also seeking to build a roster of potential talent to be considered for future Board and Committee vacancies with experience in the following areas:

· Risk Management
· Strategic Planning
· Not-for-Profit/Governmental Agency Governance
· Government Relations/Public Administration
· Organizational Effectiveness

RBG is committed to equity and diversity and welcomes applications from all individuals.

HOW TO APPLY
Please reply with a C.V. and covering letter addressed to the RBG Governance Committee c/o Carrie Haans, Executive Assistant to the CEO at chaans@rbg.ca.

RBG aerial

The RBG Arboretum

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Big Sound coming from BPAC and the SoM people - virtual performance - put a little life in the city

News 100 yellowBy Staff

March 10th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Is it too much to hope for a small live event that gets identified as The Sound of Music?

The Performing Arts Centre is clearing a path – they are the venue for a virtual event that will feature Monster Truck with Helix The Band – they want to build up a storm at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) stage on March 27.

BPAC event - month end

Hook up great speakers to the lap top and let it blast. Virtual but real.

Until live audiences return, you can be there virtually to rock and roll.

VIP Livestream Passes and Regular Livestream tickets on sale today at 12:00pm at https://burlingtonpac.ca/events/monster-truck/

*This is a virtual event only, however the ticket system will ask you to ‘select a seat’ – this is only arbitrary for the purpose of counting tickets in the system.*

VIP Livestream Passes include: ticket to the show, autographed Monster Truck limited edition poster, Sound of Music T-shirt, virtual meet & greet with the band, chance to win an autographed Monster Truck guitar, and a $25 gift card to a local restaurant.

Heck, with all that booty – why didn’t they throw in lunch as well?

.

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Museum plans an Easter Egg Hunt - passport and popcorn part of the offer

eventsred 100x100By Staff

March 10th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Brant Museum has come up with something that will get the kids outdoors.

They are calling it an Around the Town Easter Egg Hunt: a chance to explore and learn about some of Burlington’s most notable heritage sites on an Easter egg hunt around the city.

Easter egg hunt April

Your ticket includes an Egg Hunt passport, Easter popcorn, and supplies for Easter crafts that will be led through virtual instruction. Ideal for children ages 6 – 12 years old.

Tickets are $10 per child. Easter packages will be available for pick-up at Joseph Brant Museum from Tuesday, March 30th to Thursday, April 1st between 10am – 3pm.

A mention of why we celebrate Easter would have been nice. The 6-12 age group should understand the Christian part of our Christian Judaeo fundamentals.

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Patio time planned for mid April - will the weather crimp that?

News 100 yellowBy Staff

March 9th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

City Council approved an earlier start date and streamlined approval process for the opening of outdoor patios – you will be able to quaff an ale outdoors on April 15th.

The ice is gone from the Rotary Pond and we are seeing double digit temperatures.

The croci should be breaking through anytime. Right? Will the robins show up soon?

Who knows – we are entering the new normal and almost anything seems possible.

Gibbons - patio open

The kind of patio and the level of safety will be the issue – and that depends on how quickly we reach herd immunity.

The city gave the hospitality community every break possible. They approved expediting the approval process for 2020 temporary patio permit holders to allow their permits to be renewed this year based on their 2020 patio approvals. Application fees for the 2021 temporary patio program are being waived to help businesses recover during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Council previously approved a streamlined zoning processes for patio tents at a virtual meeting of Burlington City Council on Feb. 3, 2021. These changes included:

• removing the zoning requirement for a temporary tent to be three metres from a building or property line,
• zoning restrictions on tents larger than 60 m2 and
• waiving the requirement for a site plan approval and zoning clearance certificate

Burlington City Council has also approved an additional $5,000 to the existing grant tent permit program to reimburse the costs of related fees for an estimated total amount of $10,000 from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund. This grant will cover the City building permit fees for outdoor tent structures when an alternative solution and/or building permit is required, until Oct. 31, 2021.

Applications for the 2021 temporary patio program are being accepted until Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Business owners/operators that would like to install a temporary patio during the 2021 patio season are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications will still be accepted after this deadline but may take longer to approve.

City staff are committed to reviewing temporary patio program applications and working collaboratively with applicants to help local restaurants and businesses understand how they can safely operate an outdoor patio during the 2021 patio season.

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Rink at Centennial Pond closed

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

March 9th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

If you didn't get to strap on the blades this winter - you're out of luck. Rink closes at 10:00 pm this evening.

If you didn’t get to strap on the blades this winter – you’re out of luck. Rink now closed.

The Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond is now closed for the season due to the warm weather.

There are still opportunities to skate outdoors at the outdoor artificial surface at Hidden Valley Park (1137 Hidden Valley Rd.).

Register at burlington.ca/dropinandplay.

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Technology revisited

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

March 9th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Fully understanding and utilizing the technology available to us is put into context when you understand what we had in the past to meet our needs.

The following illustration is instructive.

technology

 

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Men are going to have to begin to listen and learn to hear what is being said

SwP thumbnail graphicBy Pepper Parr

March 8th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

OPINION

Woman’s Day 2021

Is it going to be different this year? If it is, I suspect we will not be aware of it right away – social change works that way.

Sorry

It is a starting point.

Is the #meToo movement behind us? It shouldn’t be. It’s work is not done yet.

The shift is taking place, more women are now serving on the boards of major corporations. Women are now heading up some of those corporations.

Sexual harassment, which is not always that well defined, but that is no reason for not tackling the issue head on.

It isn’t enough for woman to be standing up and telling about how they were mis-treated – some of the behaviour they experienced WAS criminal. Some was misunderstood – that however does not let men off the hook.

Changes are taking place within the world of both men and woman. I can’t speak for the woman in this world – they are quite capable of speaking for themselves.

My thoughts today are – how do men adapt. Awkward question – but it too has to be addressed.

pink-high-heels-men

That is a painful experience

Wearing pink high heels one day a year isn’t going to do it. Mouthing a couple of words when you think you might be quoted isn’t going to work either.

Men are going to have to begin to listen and learn to hear what is being said.

Women are equal – truth be told they really are more equal than men. They actually get it and are forgiving enough to understand that many men don’t get it.

Being forgiven doesn’t mean you continue with the old habits. Those habits came out of the society we men were raised in and while that doesn’t excuse the behaviour it is enough to allow us to reflect on what did take place and to resolve that we have to change.

Start with simple honest respect and learning to say you are sorry.

Most of us have experiences in our past that we are not proud of; today could be the day we think about what we did and resolve to be different.

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.

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Parks and Recreation program registration opens March 13th

News 100 yellowBy Staff

March 7th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Someone believes there is going to be a Spring followed by a Summer during which the city Parks and Recreation department will offer the best program it can and still abide by whatever COVID19 conditions are in place.

Registration for spring recreation programming opens March 13

Spring programs can be viewed now at burlington.ca/recreation.

Burlington residents can register for in-person, outdoor and virtual programs for Adults 19+, Adults 55+ on March 13 at 9 a.m. Registration for Youth programs will happen at 11 a.m. on March 13.

Pks and Rec registration
An account is required to register online. You can create an account or register at liveandplay.burlington.ca.

Residents can call 905-335-7738 for staff-assisted telephone registrations.

Anyone with questions or needing assistance can contact the Recreation, Community and Culture Department by email live&play@burlington.ca or if you need to speak to someone, call 905-335-7738 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends.

Haber - basketball

Everyone can’t wait until the COVID19 crisis is behind us. Gyms and play fields that have been closed will burst with activity. Can’t wait.

If restrictions change due to the pandemic, we will do our best to adjust and modify the program.
Safety requirements are in place for all programs and include Bring Your Own everything, and the requirement for masks for all non-physically active programs.

Anyone participating in an in-person program will need to fill out the mandatory health screening form at burlington.ca/screening before each session.

Outdoor programs will require participants to dress for conditions and will run rain or shine. Cancellations due to extreme weather conditions of thunder, lightning or high-winds or in the case of unforeseen staff absence will result in credits to affected customers.

Recreation Fee Assistance
Recreation is for all, regardless of financial situation. Recreation Fee Assistance is funding made available to resident individuals or families who need help to pay for City of Burlington recreation programs.

For more information or to apply, visit burlington.ca/feeassistance. You can also leave a confidential voicemail message at 905-335-7738, ext. 8501 and staff will return your call to assist you.

Chris Glenn

Director of Recreation, Community and Culture, Chris Glenn

Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture has said he is “ taking a cautious, phased-in approach to re-opening our recreation facilities. We want to welcome everyone back but we’re doing it with an abundance of caution to ensure staff and participants remain safe and have confidence in our safety procedures.

“Many of our programs for the spring will take place outside, too. For those who still want to enjoy our virtual programs, we still have our Active-at-Home videos and TelePALS running. Keep checking the website as we are adding more programming frequently.”

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Volunteers play a strong role in the lives of the people they help and enriching their own lives

News 100 blueBy Staff

March 7h, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Community Development Halton, the social planning not for profit that serves all of Halton is looking for a new Director of Volunteering.

They are seeking a dynamic creative individual with a passion for volunteerism and experience in community development to lead Volunteer Halton through its next phase of growth and development.

CDH logoThe Director of Volunteer Halton is an effective and experienced community development professional who works with community and nonprofit organizations agencies throughout the Halton region. The Director of Volunteer Halton is a member of the Community Development Halton’s Leadership team.

Community Development Halton (CDH) is a nonprofit organization committed to building a society in which diversity and equity are central to all aspects of our lives. Through volunteerism, community development, independent research, CDH mobilizes action to improve the quality of life of all Halton residents.

The successful candidate will report to the Executive Director, and will be responsible for a wide variety of functions including:

• Research and implement best practice and trends in volunteering internally and externally to the Halton community.
• Develop learning opportunities that build and maintain a core of active volunteers in the community.
• Provide operational and strategic leadership of Volunteer Halton and will be part of the CDH leadership team.
• Develop Volunteer Halton program, including overseeing the planning, development, and evaluation of Volunteer Halton services.
• Community liaison with stakeholders and government agencies related to development of Volunteer Halton.

Transit - seniors with Gould

The people at the table are not all volunteers – but they are being closely listened to by the Member of Parliament and the ward councillor at the time.

The successful candidate will bring to this role the following skills and experience:

• At least 5 years’ experience in a senior leadership role within the nonprofit sector
• A strong sense of community service.
• Post-secondary education in Volunteer Management, Human Resources.
• Leadership skills of integrity, honesty with the ability to inspire others.
• Strategic thinking skills, including project management expertise and an ability to prioritize competing demands.

• Experience in the development and management of online educational and training sessions and webinars.
• Strong Grant and Report writing skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office365 and virtual platforms.
• Strong public speaking skills.
• Strong motivational skills.
• A high degree of flexibility coupled with an ability to deal with high pressure, sensitive situations.

Application:

Community Development Halton is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals inclusive of groups that are traditionally under- represented in employment. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Interested candidates are asked to forward their resume and cover letter, in confidence, detailing their qualifications and reason for applying to: office@cdhalton.ca. Please include position title in the subject line of email.

The Executive Director, Community Development Halton 3350 South Service Road
Burlington, Ontario L7N 3M6

Application Deadline: March 12, 2021

We thank all applicants for applying but advise that only those under active consideration will be contacted directly.

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1400 households fed in one month an increase of more than 40% over the previous year

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

March 7th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Week after week we report on the job the Burlington Food Bank is doing.  A job they do with absolutely nothing in terms of funding from the City or the Region.  It is the Region that is responsible for social welfare.

Jane F Food Bank

The volunteers show up -day after day.

The volunteers at the Food Bank toil away – day in day out.

The results for the past year are a little on the startling side.

Looking back at their numbers for February 2021 they served 1,400 households.  In February of 2020  the Food Bank served 1000 households.

Food-bank-fire-truck-690x437

Week after week – donors show up with a cheque or food.

That is a 40% increase and it just cannot be sustainable.

Families needed the assistance for many reasons and the Food Bank was able to help because of incredible community support here in Burlington.

Robin Bailey, Executive Director said: “We understand that needing help isn’t something you choose to do, it’s often due to changes in circumstances.   Sometimes you have to reach out for a little assistance and that’s why we’re here.”

 

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Parks and Recreation sets out their summer program plans

News 100 yellowBy Staff

March 5th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Parks and Recreation people, despite feeling like a yoyo – open, closed, then open again only to be closed once more have set out a program that they hope will take on a life of its own

Nelson swimming pool

There will be a summer – what it will be like is almost a guess at this point in time.

•Adult / Older Adult Programs: Gradual return to more in person programming including the operation of the Seniors’ Centre and other locations like Tansley Woods, Haber and potentially Brant Hills. Mainway auditorium (group fitness and indoor pickleball) to remain closed for necessary capital renewal work.

•Tyandaga Golf to open early spring, weather dependent. General golf offerings with potential for smaller / modified league play. Tournaments not considered at this time.

•Summer Camps looking to be scaled back due to restrictions and facility availability and offered at City locations including Haber Recreation Centre. Development of more park pop up and play activities around the city.

•Student Theatre continues to operate various levels of programming & camps with potential use of both Student Theatre and BPAC.

•Teen Tour Band resuming in-person practices and supporting any local events. Not looking to do any travel over the summer months.

•Pools to be open including Nelson, Mountainside and LaSalle outdoor locations offering a variety of recreational swim opportunities and partnered clubs with limited swimming lesson programming.

Pk and Rec time line

Pk and rec space info

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Are you big on gardening - looking for something to do?

News 100 greenBy Pepper ParrGreen beans - row

March 4th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Burlington Together is planning to kick off a GROW A ROW program again this Spring.

Starting April/May, they are looking to build on the great success this program had last year in sharing fresh produce with the Burlington Food Bank.

They are looking for a volunteer Garden Coordinator for the Burlington Food Bank if you are interested in helping out, send an email to info@burlingtonfoodbank.ca.

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Tag days will no longer need permission from city hall.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

March 2nd, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Burlington is joining the rest of the Region and communities in close proximity – they are getting rid of the need to get permission to hold a tag day.

sea cadets taggingOrganizations will still be able to hold tag days – they just won’t need permission from the city to do so.

They will have to get permission from the property owners –ie, LCBO and Supermarket locations, which tend to have the kind of traffic that makes the tag day successful

The volume of Tag Day requests has significantly declined over the last few years.

In 2020, the City of Burlington issued 15 letters of permission; compared to 33 letters of permission in 2019 and 33 in 2018. Historically the numbers have been higher:

2017: 39
2014: 49
2012:111

Tag day data 1In 2013, a similar report recommending discontinuation of the tag day program was provided to Council and they chose not to discontinue the program at that time. If a decision is made to discontinue, the Licensing section would advise charities that moving forward in 2021, Tag Days would now be managed strictly by the property and business owners.

This goes to City Council where it will be approved – from that day forward (allow 20 days for people to file objections) and all the taggers have to do is get permission from the locations.

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