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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Burlington Together and the Food Bank working as a team to put more than food on the table.

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

March 1st, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Beth Martin oversees the Burlington Together Facebook page.

That organization has been a significant supporter of the Burlington Food Bank – they call her their secret treasure.

Beth Martin

Beth Martin – recipient of Rotary Paul Harris Award and founder of |Burlington Together

She is a recent recipient of Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellow award.

Burlington Together is currently assembling Activity Kits that will be distributed through the Burlington Food Bank, Wellington Square and Community Living Burlington.

Martin wanted to add tooth brushes and tooth paste to the package. She is currently looking for donations of toothbrushes and toothpaste, if anyone is able to donate.

The Activity Kits contain art supplies, books, activities for different age groups.

This round the kits will also contain hygiene items: body wash, shampoo and deodorant.

The activity kits are sponsored through a grant with TD Bank allowing them to create 500 kits to share in the community.

activity kit 1activity kit 2

 

 

While Food is critical to a household – so is finding things for the kids to do when they are not able to get out as much as they would like.

Burlington Together is also planning to kick off GROW A ROW 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.

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

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It will be the place to be and the place to be seen - final opening date yet to be announced. The Bridgewater

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

March 2, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

I think many people have been so focused on what was proposed in the way of tall towers in the downtown core that we may not have been able to see what has been built and where the advantages are for the average person.

Took a walking tour to see how the three major developments were coming along.

Gallery MAr 1 2021

The Gallery – opposite city hall will begin to appear above the street level soon.

The Gallery, that’s the one being built across the street from city hall, is still not much more than a hole in the ground. Four levels of parking – so they have some distance to go.

ADI MAr 1-2021

The Nautique – the ADI development on LAkeshore at Martha is still a hole in the ground.

The ADI development on Lakeshore at Martha is also a hole in the ground – not as deep as the one opposite city hall. ADI is said to be going down seven levels.

The interesting one is Bridgewater – that still isn’t complete but there are people living in some of the units. There weren’t a lot of hurrahs for this development and it had its share of problems getting to the point where construction could begin.

Something that will be called The Pearle will hold an opening event in the not too distant future. More on that in a future story.

The plus for the people of Burlington is the space.

There is a large public area; some of which will be a restaurant but much of the space from Lakeshore Road right through to the edge of the water will be public. And it will be splendiferous when it is complete and open.

The pictures tell the story.

Bridgewater at Lakeshore

The south side of Lakeshore is no longer a construction site. Some work still underway and there are people living in some of the units. The sidewalk has a certain spaciousness to it.

Bridgewater - frpm lakeshore to lake public

There is an opening that becomes a plaza that runs clear through to the lake – with stairs that take people to the water’s edge. This is all public space

Deeper into public space

Walking through the public space – you get to an outdoor area that will be commercial area – where the reflecting pool exists. All kinds of room – it will become the place to be and the place to be seen.

Public space - pool reflecting

The picture was taken from close to the top of the stairs that will lead down to the edge of the lake. All the space between the two buildings will be public.

 

Stairs to water edge -three levels

There are three levels of steps leading to the edge of the lake. They are steep – several sets of rails will have to be put in place. The stairs will be a great place for people to just sit and enjoy the view.

Ramps making the site completely accesible

Ramps have been placed on the east side making thee location totally accessible and safe. Emma’s can be seen to the east.

 

When open and operational it will be a wonderful place; despite all the troubles with an idea that was first put before the public more than 20 years ago, while Walter Mulkewhich was Mayor. At that time the condo on the east side was going to be 30 storeys – it was to be a legacy site.

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Is this the beginning of normality - Brant Museum to re-open

News 100 yellowBy Staff

February 26th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

That light at the end of the tunnel may not be a train rushing towards us.

Brant Inn reopen graphicThe good folks at the Joseph Brant Museum announced they are re-opening with a limited schedule (Tuesday – Friday from 10:00am – 3:00pm) beginning Tuesday, March 2.

Currently on view are the Burlington Gallery and the Costume Gallery.

Admission rates are 50% off the regular rate until April 9. You’ll also enjoy 20% off all items in the gift shop. Masks are mandatory.

The Children’s Discovery Gallery remains closed due to COVID-19. Our next special exhibition in the Showcase Gallery will open later this spring, details to be announced.

Brant Inn virtual graphic

That cigarette wouldn’t be at a gathering these days.

The Brant Inn virtual event that takes place March 12th still has room for anyone interested in what looks like a great event.  The Gazette is seeing impressive interest in this event on its comments section.  One reader wrote in to tell us about his experiences as a young man.

Another reader said: “One individual I know paid his way through university back in the 1950’s by selling “mickey bottles” out of the trunk of his car–just imagine, the Brant Inn didn’t have a liquor license!

Elizabeth Hamidbasha recounts her experience writing: “I remember it well! It was a great place. The 1950 Miss Canada pageant was held there. Interviews from CHML were part of every Saturday night programming. When summer came along and you couldn’t afford a ticket, you sat on the railroad tracks and just listened.

“For lots of people it was free Saturday night entertainment and just as good as being a paying guest. One time Audrey Hepburn had lunch there without being recognized. She had just made Roman Holiday and was visiting here with her fiance’, James Hanson- now Sir James Hanson. Hanson owned Hanson Transport, based in London, England, and he had established a company in Hamilton. He was visiting Harold White, manager of the Canadian office, and had brought along his fiance. While the men were having a business meeting Elsie White- Harold’s wife- took Audrey for lunch at the Brant Inn.

“Imagine – nobody recognized her! But, it was early in her career and who would have expected Audrey Hepburn to be in Burlington, Ontario!!”

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Burlington Recreation Programming Slowly re-opening Safely.

News 100 blueBy Staff

February 17th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

Recreation facilities welcome back participants in recreation programming that will start to re-open with a phased approach starting the week of Feb. 16.
Not all programs and facilities will be opened immediately; re-staffing and facility preparation is underway.

All Adult Virtual Fitness, Learning and Music Registered Programs already running until March 26 will continue as is with no change at this time.

Drop-in skating, lap swims, recreation swims and Aquatic Fitness will start to re-open this week and programs and locations will increase over the next two weeks. All programs can be viewed and registered for at burlington.ca/recreation.

Restrictions for City facilities and recreation as a result of moving in the Red (Control) Phase in the Province’s COVID-19 framework include:

• 10 people maximum for indoor programs such as ice pads, gymnasiums, etc.

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.

Outdoor events limited to 25 people at a time

• 25 people maximum for outdoor programs

• Drop-in recreation programs will have a maximum capacity of 10 people, this includes skating and Aquatic Fitness

• Pool capacities for drop-in recreational swimming and lap swims will be reduced to ensure physical distancing can be maintained

• Bistro Express Curbside Pickup will again be accepting phone orders and providing nutritious home-style cooking for reheating at home. Pickup at Seniors Centre Main Entrance. Tap payment only accepted

• In-person instruction, including Learn to Swim and Aquatic Leadership courses will have a maximum capacity of 10 people

• Indoor pickleball activities are cancelled. Outdoor pickleball is available in Optimist and Leighland parks, weather permitting

• No spectators permitted at sports and recreational fitness facilities except for parent/guardian supervision of children
These restrictions will impact program providers in the following ways:

The students on the Bateman High School football team would love an opportunity to play in the rain. According to their side of the story they are not being given the chance they feel they deserve.

Team sports are on hold.

• For all team sports, indoor and outdoor game-play is not permitted

• Teams in City facilities and on City fields can adjust their programming to training and skill development with a maximum of 10 people indoors, up to two coaches and 25 people outdoors. Program participants are encouraged to reach out to their organization for additional information

• If you are a participant in a non-City program or team sport, please connect with your organization to understand how this may impact you

• No spectators permitted at sports and recreational fitness facilities except for parent/guardian supervision of children

• Parents/guardian must maintain 3-meter distance while in facilities

• No contact permitted for team or individual sports

The Ten Tour BAnd won't be in the FAmily room at the Performing Arts Centre but there will be kids running all over the place. Some will get to tickle the keys on the Grand Piano in the Main Theatre.

Public performances – including at the  Performing Arts Centre are not taking place. .

Limit duration of stay in a City facility or on City fields to 90 minutes (does not apply to sports)

• Require active screening, contact information and attendance for all patrons

• No live performances. Performing arts rehearsal or performing a recorded or broadcasted event permitted

• Singers and players of brass or wind instruments must be separated from any other performers by plexiglass or other impermeable barriers

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Where are the best online gambling bonus sites

sportsgreen 100x100By Matt Jones.

February 16th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

How to find the best online bonuses for Canadian casinos

With more online casinos than ever opening in recent years – the total number of online sites now numbers in the many thousands – this space has become incredibly competitive. In fact, if recent industry reports are anything to go by, the global online gambling market is expected to reach a staggering $127 billion by 2027!

Much of this competition centers around the need for online casinos to not only attract new customers to their platform but to keep them playing there in the long run.

But with so many options available to both new and old players, this is no easy task!

Online casino Canada

There are reliable online casinos that cater to the Canadian market.

One of the most popular methods online casinos use to ensure they can attract new players to their platform is to lure them with enticing welcome bonuses. These come in many different shapes and forms, but the end result is much the same; they provide you with a little bit of an incentive in the hope that you will keep on playing with them.

With so many online casinos out there these days, there is understandably a huge variety when it comes to what kinds of bonuses are available. Although choice is always a good thing for consumers, an unfortunate consequence of having so many options is that it can become quite difficult to choose a casino to play with. For newer players in particular, this can sometimes be a daunting task – and this time of year often sees an influx of new and inexperienced players. People who are searching for some indoor leisure activities to wait out the usual heavy snowfall in February.

But what are some of the main things we need to keep in mind when looking for a new online casino platform to start playing with, and how can we identify and take advantage of the best casino bonuses on offer?

Know your bonuses

Before you start trawling through pages of Google search results looking for the best bonus out there, you first need to understand the different types of casino bonuses that are offered by online casinos.

Not all casino bonuses are created equal and there is significant diversity in terms of who can avail of them, how easy they are to use and how lucrative they might be.

Generally speaking, the main types of bonuses that online casinos will offer you are cash bonuses, deposit bonuses and free game bonuses.

As you might have guessed, cash bonuses typically involve the online casino in question giving you an amount of money, credited to your account, simply for opening an account with them. You will usually be able to use this on any game type you like, unless they specify that it can only be used on certain games. Similarly, a deposit bonus involves the casino giving you a certain percentage of any deposits you make to the platform, as a bonus. This will usually have some wagering conditions attached to it that you have to hit before you can withdraw any funds you win using the deposit bonus. You will generally be able to use deposit bonus funds on any game, with the bonus credited straight to your account once you meet the initial requirements. In contrast, the free game or free spin bonuses are limited to specific games and will, once again, be subject to wagering requirements.

Of these, the deposit bonuses tend to be the most lucrative, as online casinos will typically offer you a full match, up to a specific amount, on your initial deposit. Unfortunately, however, deposit bonuses are usually only available to new users signing up for the first time, which limits their availability for more seasoned players.

How to find the best online casinos?

As mentioned earlier, the huge number of online casinos bursting onto the scene in recent years has made it a difficult space for individual users to navigate. When a simple Google search can potentially yield millions of results, finding the right online casino to use can often be a discouraging task.

According to the trusted Canadian casino portal SuperLenny.com, however, this is exactly where their services come to the rescue. Using a review aggregator portal such as SuperLenny allows you to compare and contrast a wide variety of online casinos in one centralized location, without the need to trawl through pages and pages of search results.

bonus gambling graphic

The main types of bonuses that online casinos will offer you are cash bonuses, deposit bonuses and free game bonuses. Read the rules carefully and understand your limits.

This means you can spend less time searching the darkest reaches of the internet looking for the best possible deal, and more time doing what you love – settling in for an exciting online casino gaming session! It also has the benefit of allowing you to directly compare the type of bonus offered, without the need to navigate directly to the website in question.

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