 By Gazette Staff
October 15th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
See this as early notice. And note that the Burlington Civic Chorale will be performing in the afternoon this year.
 By Pepper Parr
October 14th, 2025
BURLINGTON , ON
Looking for a space to gather, create or connect?
The Free and Pay What You Can Room Bookings are back until June 30, 2026!
Access affordable rooms in our recreation facilities during weekdays from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Learn more at http://burlington.ca/rentals.
The idea came out of staff conversations about making city-owned space available when no one else was using the space. Denise Beard deserves the credit for this one.
 By Pepper Parr
October 14th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
City Council this morning voted unanimously to stop funding the Sound of Music.
They did agree to provide up to $150,000 to any group that chose to come forward with a plan to revive the event.
It was a pretty swift vote – not a word from any member of Council, no comments either.
 By Pepper Parr
October 12th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Will people gather to celebrate Thanksgiving on the actual holiday or will they gather on Sunday. My tribe: son, grandsons, and great-grandchildren will meet on Sunday.
My table contribution this year is the salad. I think I have the dressing just right. Mixing in some Dijon mustard is new to me.
What isn’t new is the conversation – and we are at a time when there is certainly a lot to talk about.
 One of the things that gets in my craw is the comment people make when I am interviewing them: “Don’t use my name please.” The most recent matter is the people in the swimming community who tell me they are under a gag order.
My follow up is – “Who told you that you were under a gag order? A city staff member?”
No member of city staff has the right to tell you that you cannot talk about the conversations you have with them.
There can be sections in an agreement where all parties agree that the details of a contract will not be made public. Statements like that really trash the “transparency” and accountability that is supposed to be the DNA of every municipality.
There are lawyers who will tell you that a gag order is very hard to defend in a courtroom.
 The Guilds have been holding All Guild Show for decades; they are the root of the Gallery. Something the current Gallery executive has forgotten. What surprises me is that people in Burlington are prepared to put up with this. What bothers me even more is that these people put up with this.
During an interview with a member of one of the Guilds at the Art Gallery I was asked not to mention a name.
During a conversation with an individual at the Art Gallery who was in a position to know told me that the Guilds would not be a part of the planned rebuild of the Art Gallery.
The Guilds existed before the Art Gallery became real.
This is what happens when people ask that there names not be used.
 By Gazette Staff
October 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
First published by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
 It’s been a busy fall. As we move towards the weekend, let’s take a moment and give thanks for the fight we still have left in us…and for all you do to make a difference in your workplace and community, on picket lines and in the streets.
And let’s celebrate some of the things worth fighting for:
- Affordable housing—including rent.
- Decent work, including pay, benefits, and working conditions.
- Public services, like health care, dental care, child care, education, pharmacare, that gives us all a chance—accompanied by more progressive taxes.
- Public supports, including for people with disabilities, unemployed and precariously employed people, and everyone living in poverty.
- Reducing income inequality (and you know wealth equality follows).
- Urgent action on climate change—treat it like the crisis it is.
-
 The strength within us – and the fight we still have left in us. Canadian independence!
- Respect for human rights, international law, and an end to genocide.
Real progress is made with, and not at the expense of, each other. If we are truly in this together, Canada must move forward on reconciliation, address the ongoing scourge of racial and gender inequality, and provide certainty and security to future generations.
By Gazette Staff
October 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
This immersive workshop invites participants to engage with the rich textile tradition of Phulkari by embroidering classic motifs onto fabric. Each participant will work on a piece with pre-drawn Phulkari designs, allowing for guided exploration of the intricate patterns that define this heritage craft.
 The intricate art of phulkari embroidery. Complementing the hands-on experience, a display of Phulkari shawls by the artist will be on view, offering a glimpse into her creative journey and her commitment to reviving and preserving the cultural legacy of Phulkari embroidery. Participants will leave the session with their own embroidered fabric, along with a needle and threads to continue their practice beyond the workshop.
The workshop is open to individuals aged 12 and above. Parents attending with young children are welcome; Phulkari-inspired coloring sheets will be available to spark creativity in little ones while adults engage themselves in the embroidery process. Participants who use reading glasses are strongly encouraged to use them for this workshop.
An Oakville-based artist dedicated to promoting the intricate art of phulkari embroidery, Rafia Shafiq has successfully built her business, Dhaga Art, in Canada. Specializing in the revival of phulkari, she actively conducts workshops across the Greater Toronto Area, collaborating with various institutions such as museums, colleges, universities, textile studios, and art galleries. Rafia has collaborated with the Town of Oakville, earning recognition as the selected artist for their community spirit awards. Renowned for her unique custom embroidered hoops, she has carved a niche in the North American market by crafting one-of-a-kind products.
Threads of Tradition is a collaboration between the Town of Oakville, Milton, Halton Hills and the City of Burlington in partnership with the Art Gallery of Burlington. Each year the Municipalities of Halton commission a multidisciplinary artist, artist team or collective to lead an interactive activity as part of Culture Days. The project is offered in each of the four municipalities and aims to engage residents, while providing support and exposure to Halton-based artists.
DAY: Saturday
START/END: October 11, 2025
TIME: 1 – 3 PM
COST: FREE- Registration Required
INSTRUCTOR: Rafia Shafiq
LOCATION: Onsite
By Gazette Staff
October 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
This 3-week workshop will teach participants how to warp, weave, and finish a scarf using the rigid heddle loom.
It is suitable for adults of all skill levels and no prior weaving experience is necessary. The finished project is approximately 12” x 60”. Materials for the warp (100% wool) are included in the registration fee.
 Rrigid heddle loom Participants will be asked to provide weft yarn in their choice of colours – a full material list will be provided in advance.
Amanda Rataj is an artist and weaver living and working in Hamilton, Ontario. She studied at the Ontario College of Art and Design University and has developed her contemporary craft practice through research-based projects, artist residencies, and exhibitions. Amanda is a contract lecturer in Toronto Metropolitan University’s Fashion program and has been an educator at the Art Gallery of Ontario for over a decade. Recent exhibitions include Generation at Craft Ontario as part of the Design TO festival (2023), Crosscurrents: Canada In the Making at the Textile Museum of Canada (2018), and Nothing is Newer Than Tradition (Art Gallery of Burlington, 2017).
 By Gazette Staff
October 2nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) is now accepting nominations for its 2025 Hall of Fame Award, which honours individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the performing arts in Burlington.
 Established in 2013, the BPAC Hall of Fame celebrates artists, cultural leaders, and community champions whose work has enriched Burlington’s cultural life. Past inductees include Charles Cozens, Chris McKhool, Helen Zdriluk, the Burlington Teen Tour Band, and many more.
Nominations for the 2025 BPAC Hall of Fame Award are open until Monday, November 3, 2025, at 5pm. Submissions may be made online, by email, or in person at the BPAC Box Office. Full nomination forms, eligibility details, and submission instructions are available at burlingtonpac.ca/community/hall-of-fame.
The 2025 Hall of Fame recipient will be announced and honoured during the Sultans of String: Christmas Caravan performance on Friday, December 19, 2025 at The Burlington Performing Arts Centre. The recipient will also receive a custom award created by local artist Teresa Seaton.
“BPAC’s Hall of Fame is about celebrating the people and organizations who have shaped Burlington’s performing arts community through their talent, leadership, and dedication. These individuals and groups have inspired audiences, supported artists, and helped build a vibrant cultural life in our city. We look forward to shining a spotlight on another deserving inductee this December,” said Sara Palmieri, Executive Director of The Burlington Performing Arts Centre.
By Gazette Staff
October 1st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Art Gallery of Burlington has partnered with Chartwell Retirement Residences to offer free Seniors to deliver Seniors’ Programming at the AGB this October.
October 1 is National Seniors Day an occasion for all Canadians to join in celebrating older adults across Canada—whether a parent, a co-worker, a neighbour, or a friend.
 Exploring creativity at the AGB clay studio through a new series of hands-on workshops. The AGB is inviting seniors in the community to explore their creativity in the AGB clay studio through a new series of hands-on workshops. Each two-part session invites you to hand-build a clay vessel with guidance from AGB artist educators Dawn Hackett Burns and Heather Kuzyk, then return the following week to personalize your creation with glazes inspired by the freedom of expression found in Russna Kaur’s exhibition
Chartwell Retirement Residences’ sponsorship of this program supports free registration for participants 55+ years old, all materials and kiln firings, and a tour of the AGB’s fall exhibitions. The program will conclude with a special reception for participants of both sessions in the Gallery’s lounge Thursday, October 30, 2–4 pm. Coffee and tea will be served.
Registration is free for participants ages 55+.
Participants can register on a first come, first served basis– space is limited to 12 participants per session.
Photo Credit: Jing Marchant and Mina Dragojevic from Sheridan College’s Bachelor of Photography.
Expressive Clay for Seniors
Session One
Tuesdays, October 14 & 21, 2025: 1:30–4 pm with Dawn Hackett Burns
Session Two
Thursdays, October 16 & 23, 2025 10 am–12:30 pm with Heather Kuzyk
REGISTER HERE
Chartwell Reception: Thursday, October 30, 2025 – 2–4 pm. AGB Lounge
About the Instructors
Dawn Hackett Burns is an acclaimed ceramic artist and Sheridan graduate who lives in Greensville, Ontario and has been teaching clay classes for over ten years. Her own clay practice often references place and culture and utilizes pattern and repetition. Nature is also a recurring subject. She has a gift for designing lessons and projects that fuel imagination and get artists of all ages excited about building with clay.
Heather Kuzyk is a versatile and creative visual artist. She is a graduate of Sheridan College in both the Craft and Design and Art Fundamentals Programs.
She is the recipient of the Gardiner Museum Award for Ceramic Excellence. Following graduation, Heather has built a passionate career spanning 24 years as a dedicated arts educator. Her varied skill set includes ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, drawing, and design. When she is not sharing her love of the arts, she can be found dabbling with new media and looking for unique and interesting ways to express herself creatively.
 By Pepper Parr
September 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
For once Council has taken a firm stand and decided not to spend.
While we will not see a decision until later in the month the Staff report says the following:
 Will the Sound of Music come to an end? Decline Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival Inc.’s 2026 funding request and discontinue municipal financial support due to ongoing financial instability and non-compliance with Agreements conditions; and
Approve the reallocation of $150,000—originally designated for Sound of Music in the 2026 Operating Budget—to the Community Investment Fund. This adjustment will enhance support for a broader range of festivals and events across Burlington, promote greater equity and sustainability in cultural programming, and create opportunities to potentially support a new music festival and/or provider in 2026; and
Direct staff to report back to Council on exploration of potential opportunities for a different form of music festival and/or a different operator of a music festival at Spencer Smith Park, following a call for expressions of interest from potential event organizers; and
Remove Council’s Ex Officio appointment from the Burlington Sound of Music Inc. Board of Directors. A Council Member was appointed in 2022 for the duration of the term, building on a 2019 request from SOM to reinstate a Council-appointed ex officio position.
Not what most people were expecting.
Was it the right decision?
Council has begun to hear the concerns about the out-of-control spending.
Love to hear what you think.
By Gazette Staff
September 24th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Bring the family to BPAC this Saturday to celebrate Culture Days!
Enjoy a full day of FREE arts activities and performances by beloved local artists and organizations.
 By Gazette Staff
September 24th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
2025 marks the centennial of Dr. Oscar Peterson, one of the greatest pianists in jazz history.
 Oscar put everything he had into all his performances. Audiences leaned in to hear the way his fingers pressed the keys. To celebrate his legacy, we invite you to experience a world-class concert with the Oscar Peterson Centennial Quartet, featuring pianist Robi Botos, bassist Mike Downes, special guest guitarist Jocelyn Gould, and drummer Jim Doxas.
 Oscar Peterson Centennial Quartet, These exceptional jazz artists will highlight Oscar Peterson’s most famous compositions, such as “Place St-Henri,” “Hymn to Freedom” and “Cakewalk.”
Additionally, during the evening, Oscar Peterson’s daughter, Céline Peterson, will join the quartet to offer an intimate look into her father’s exceptional life and career.
Don’t miss this once-in-a-century celebration.
Thu, Oct 2, 2025, at 7:30pm
Tickets here
By Gazette Staff
September 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Coming up this Saturday!
 Live demonstrations in the historic house Ireland House This event will feature live demonstrations in the historic house and a market offering a variety of fibre art-related products. There will also be a children’s activity station Admission is pay-what-you-may.
Pre-registration is not required, 10am to 2pm at Ireland House Museum.
Celebrate Culture Days and visit Ireland House Museum for our Heritage Fibre Fest.
Explore the rich world of fibre arts, showcasing techniques and traditions that would have been popular among the Ireland family—and still are today!
By Pepper Parr
September 22, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Sara Palmieri has been the Executive Director of the Performing Arts Centre for eight months. She replaced Tammy Fox who left BPAC on very short notice.
The Board then set out to find a new Executive Director and chose a woman who has been working within the performing arts community for more than 23 years starting out at the Centre for the Arts, Brock University in the fall of 2003 first as a media and communications Assistant.
She moved into sales and marketing and became the Manager. In that position, Palmieri did a lot of work in programming, audience development, community outreach and in the Arts Education series.
Brock University Centre for the Arts closed its doors in May of 2015.
 Sara Palmieri: Executive Director of the Performing Arts Centre. Palmieri was the inaugural Director of Programming & Marketing at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (FOPAC) in downtown St. Catharines, which opened in the Fall of 2015. She held that position until the end of January of 2025.
The City of St. Catharines oversaw the operations of FOPAC until December 31, 2019 and in Jan 2020, FOPAC moved to oversight from a Municipal Service Board with the City of St. Catharines.
Palmieri, who started her new job on February 18, 2025, takes a cautious approach to most of what she does. When she arrived at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) much of the program for the year was already in place. Her immediate focus was to begin to think about what she would look for in terms of programming and, at the same time, get to know people in the community; build the relationships and get an understanding of what people want.
“Much of what we put on the stages is determined by what is available” explained Palmieri. “There might be a group that is on tour and performing at locations close to us – it makes sense to put them on our stages.”
 The Burlington Teen Tour Band marches into the Performing Arts Centre, making it home for them. Palmieri has two stages: The Main Theatre that will hold a bit more than 725 people; the Community theatre that can hold 100, depending on how the room is set up.
Then there is the large open space with a cash bar that doesn’t have a name but can hold up to 250 people.
There will be an emphasis on local talent that will include having citizens on the stage. You will see them taking part in the Nutcracker Suite performance.
 2025-2026 is the 15th anniversary of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, an event Palmieri will focus on.
 Sara Palmieri: “Many of those students who watch their first live performance on our stages are future patrons.” BPAC is the Presenting Sponsor for the Sound of Music – which at this point doesn’t mean much more than a statement. The Sound of Music is working on how it can survive. Once that has been worked out there might be some cross-pollination or shared events. All in the future, assuming the Sound of Music has one.
Will there be a locally produced boffo event showcasing some of the past winners? Nothing yet.
What Palmieri is fixed on is continuing and improving the educational work BPAC has done in the past. “Many of those students who watch their first live performance on our stages are future patrons.”
 By Gazette Staff
September 17th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Hailed as a “children’s musical star” (National Post), Chris McKhool is one of Canada’s most popular musicians for young people.
This fall, Chris is bringing three PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN performances to BPAC’s Studio Theatre.
These “cushion concerts” will have an area for kids to sit up close to the stage, creating a relaxed environment for everyone to enjoy!
Kids and their parents scat-sing, become a rhythm section, and join Chris and friends on stage to play rare percussion instruments from around the world!
There are three performance dates: September 28th; November 16th, December 13th – all are at 1:00 pm in the Studio Theatre.
Tickets for Fiddle Fire on September 28th HERE
Tickets for Earth Sea Fire on November 16th HERE
Tickets for Celebrate on December 13th HERE
This award-winning show is fully interactive, as kids join the band on stage and sing songs about taking care of our planet.
Chris celebrates the multicultural mosaic of our country with songs about the many traditions honoured each year across Canada.
By Pepper Parr
September 17th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Community Foundation presented its Vital Statistics report Tuesday morning to a room at the Art Gallery that was well attended.
 The usual mention of the MP and the Mayor were made and then a panel discussion that included Joann Battaglis of First Ontario Credit Union; Garner Becket with the Conservation Halton Foundation, Christina Mulder, Director Burlington Food Bank and Catherine Villasenor of Home Suite Home. took place.
The most authentic panellist was Mulder, who was really blunt when she pointed out that the current rate of customer growth at the Food Bank is not sustainable.
In 2019 the Foodbank served 1985 people – in 2022 they served 3517. Since then, growth has exceeded 34% annually.
The panel was followed by having the people at the 15 or so tables in the room discuss what they had heard from the panel. The word “intersectionality” popped up a number of times – that one didn’t resonate with me.
The actual report was never presented – except for one page that gave grades (A, B, C or D) to different subjects that were mentioned in the report that was available online.
The data was solid, the people who did some of the research were more than credible. The number of responders to the survey work was on the low side – in the 250 range.
There were people in the room from various organizations that had well grounded understandings of what the issues were and the size of the challenges the city faces who didn’t get much in the way of an opportunity to speak to the room. Unfortunate.
The date and the range of people that were interviewed:
By Gazette Staff
September 16th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The library has come up with a neat way to get younger people into the New Appleby Line branch. They have come up with a bingo card.
Fill it in and take it to the library when you pay your first visit.
By Pepper Parr
September 15th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The New Appleby Line branch of the Burlington Library system is officially open.
 First person to enter the new library – greeted by James Dekens, Manager Neighborhood Branches  First child to return books.  First person to use a monitor. The first thing that strikes you when you walk through the doors is all the space.
It’s also very bright – lots of natural light seeps in.
The library and the classrooms on the second level are the only part of the Bateman Community Centre that are operating.
The project is one of those developments that limped its way to completion. It was a Tom Commisso idea that had difficulty – almost from day one.
But this story is not about Bateman – it is about the library and the leadership that got it to the point where a truly splendid library is now operating.
 This was Lita Barrie’s day. She and the team she led had much to be proud of.
Lita Barrie has headed up the library for six years now. She came to Burlington from Hamilton, and as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), she pulled together a very strong team.
It is beyond a doubt in my mind that the library system is the best there is in the city operationally.
They continually come up with new ideas; existing programs are upgraded, and excellent use is made of technology.
The Maker Studio in several branches of the library took a little time to catch on; the technology that is employed with the “aquarium” in the New Appleby Branch will delight the children.
Barrie brought some very strong technology credentials with her when she came on Board as the CAO
When people first walk through the 16,000 sq. ft. of space, they have a sense of Wow!
 The amount of space – 16,000 sq. ft., and all the natural light. will please many.  Meeting places are all over the 16,000 sq. ft library.  The ‘aquarium’, not yet fully operational, is set up so that when children draw a picture of a fish, it will appear on the screen. The library makes extensive use of technology.  One of two fully equipped media rooms.  Just inside the front doors of the library there are three daily newspapers. A few feet away there is a small meeting room. Two of the early arrivals, a couple, set themselves up in the Meeting room – each reading a newspaper.  Bare at the moment – the room will be where young children are gathered for story telling.  The hoarding behind Councillor Sharman will be in place for a while yet. The portion of the Bateman Community Centre that will include Tech Place is not complete – may not be for some time. No mention of a coffee shop so far.
By Gazette Staff
September 11th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Get ready!
Culture Days 2025 runs from September 19 to October 12.
Join the celebration of creativity with thousands of free arts, culture and heritage events happening across the country—with more being added daily.
 Saturday October 4 and Sunday October 5 at Royal Botanical Gardens – Hendrie Park, Burlington, Ontario. FREE FAMILY FUN for everyone from tots to teens. This year’s Culture Days runs from Friday, Sept. 19 to Sunday, Oct. 12. Don’t miss your chance to join Burlington artists, cultural groups and creative organizations for free, interactive events and activities across the city. Discover hands-on workshops and live performances, author talks, music and meditation at the Art Gallery of Burlington, Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Burlington Public Library, Museums of Burlington and Tourism Burlington.
Culture Day Highlights
Tourism Burlington’s Culture Crawl — This choose-your-own-adventure tour features signature arts and heritage experiences.
Click HERE for details.
The website isn’t the easiest to navigate – the list of events with specific times and locations is there – it just takes a pit of effort to find it all
 Ireland House Museum for our Heritage Fibre Fest! Explore the rich world of fibre arts, showcasing techniques and traditions that would have been popular among the Ireland family—and still are today! The event will feature live demonstrations in the historic house and a market offering a variety of fibre art-related products. There will also be a children’s activity station, where kids can make their own spool knitting and weaving creations. Admission is pay-what-you-may. The more you participate, the more points you can earn points to redeem for exclusive local swag.
Public Art Walk, Waterfront Trail at Beachway Park – This self-guided tour showcases the visual and written works of 20 Burlington artists and writers. It’s a creative and accessible way to experience Burlington’s thriving cultural community beside Lake Ontario.
Culture Days is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a national network of cultural connections. It provides Canadians with opportunities to participate in, and appreciate, all forms of art and culture. Culture Days promotes free, interactive activities and events for the public. The festival welcomes participants to create, share and celebrate a life enriched by arts and culture.
By Gazette Staff
September 11th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 If you want to be a better dancer, this is an event to take part in danceScape is inviting the Burlington community to its Fall Open House, offering free, beginner-friendly dance lessons for all ages and experience levels. The event takes place at their studio on 2077 Pine Street, Monday, September 15, and Thursday, September 18, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Participants can explore a variety of dance styles, including Ballroom (Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba, Cha Cha, Jive/Swing), Salsa and Latin Club (Salsa, Merengue, Bachata), danceTONE (high-energy cardio), danceFLOW (gentle Tai Chi/Qigong-inspired movement), and Wedding Dance tips. No partner or prior experience is required.
Guests will enjoy free sample lessons, light refreshments, friendly instructors, and a welcoming, zero-pressure environment. The Open House also provides a preview of danceScape’s Fall 2025 group classes, beginning September 22.
Pre-registration is required, and VIP passes can be reserved. Click HERE
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