 By Staff
March 13th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Aeris Körper Contemporary Dance company is looking for four choreographers to participate in their spring edition of ‘PROSPECTS: an evening of dance and discussion.
 The theme for the night is Social Justice with dance and movement performers focusing on equality, privilege, society and human rights.
Applications are being accepted for two works from Burlington-based artists and an additional two from artists outside of the city. Artists of colour, those living with disabilities, new Canadians, and new generation artists 18 to 30 years of age are encouraged to apply.
As a works-in-progress platform, ‘PROSPECTIVES’ provides artists, with a variety of performance experience, an opportunity to refine their 15-minute productions and receive post-performance input from the audience.
Performances can be inside or outside with artists being encouraged to create unique seating arrangements for audience members.
Applications due by April 9, 2020 will be judged by a jury composed of choreographers who previously performed at ‘PROSPECTS’ events. Applicants requiring help completing their submissions can contact Mikaela Demers at producer@aeriskorper.com or 647-876-7159.
 Successful choreographers will present their pieces the evening of Saturday June 20, 2020 at The Burlington Student Theatre and receive an honorarium.
Aeris Kőrper, a contemporary-based dance company, produces live performances, hosts community platforms, and leads accessible movement workshops in Burlington, Hamilton, and across the Greater Toronto Area.
 By Staff
March 12th, 2029
BURLINGTON, ON
With the COVID-19 situation, the City of Burlington will be offering full refunds for Recreation facilities and program registrations (including March Break programs) without any administration charge.
 Some planned events might be cancelled. For facility rentals: organizations and residents with upcoming rentals may cancel or rebook at a future date (pending availability) with no penalty. Please contact rentals@burlington.ca.
For registrations, including March Break programs: to withdraw from an upcoming course without penalty, or to withdraw from a course in progress to receive a prorated refund, please email liveandplay@burlington.ca or visit us during customer service hours.
If you have more questions about cancellations, please reach us at rentals@burlington.ca or liveandplay@burlington.ca or 905-335-7738.
By Staff
March 12th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Minister of Education has issued a Ministerial Order to close all publicly funded schools in Ontario for two weeks following March break, in response to the emergence in Ontario of COVID-19.
This order was approved by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
This means that Ontario schools have been ordered to remain closed from March 14 through to April 5, 2020.
 Classroom to remain empty for two weeks after Spring Break The Cineplex movie theatre chain and the Burlington Performing Arts Centre have said they will continue to operate.
The National Hockey League has shut down for the balance of the season.
There are mixed message here which is the last thing we need.
 By Pepper Parr
March 5th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
In the summer the Tottering Biped Theatre (TBT) creates contemporary, highly physical interpretations of Shakespeare. Since 2016, TBT has presented original takes on Shakespeare at the beautiful Rock Gardens of the Royal Botanical Gardens.
 The cool of a summer evening at the RBG Rock Garden watching a Shakespeare production. The team descends on the Gardens each August to present the contemporary issues they care about with flair to the words of the immortal Bard, marrying the traditional with the issues of today to inspire reflection, new perspectives, and change.
Founded in 2009 as a social justice inspired Theatre Company, they devise contemporary pieces through a workshop process spanning several years to create highly physical works of artistic excellence during the Fall/Winter.
They define their mandate as promoting conscious evolution through Theatre, emphasizing themes of social justice; their works have addressed poverty, Israeli-Palestinian relations, same sex marriage, violence against women, and mental health.
Unfortunately, the RBG has decided not to present the TBT work again after four years of collaboration and despite having the largest audience yet in 2019, so TBT found a new home it will be Shakespeare at the Castle – Dundurn Castle in Hamilton, Ontario.
“There are some things about this change that are incredibly exciting”, said Trevor Copp, Director of TBT. “This shift will radically improve our accessibility. We have always wanted to offer ‘pay what you can’ tickets, but the RBG dictated ticket prices, making this impossible.
 Dundurn Castle will be the new home for the Shakespeare program – more space is one of the advantages. With Shakespeare at the Castle, we will finally be able to make all tickets ‘pay what you can’ so that more people can get in and get their Shakespeare on!
“We will also now be much closer to downtown Hamilton at a location that is much more accessible by public transportation, again allowing more people to enjoy our shows and receive the benefits of the arts.
“We will also now have more artistic control over the work and be able to fully embrace our own Hamilton aesthetic while pursuing our goal of getting living wages into the hands of emerging professional artists in our area.”
 Trevor Copp watching a rehearsal. Trevor Copp has put a brave face on a terribly disappointing decision on the part of RBG. They are going to need some help to make this work.
For those who love Shakespeare and delight in the spin that TBT gives some of the memorable productions; you will see them again – this time with a Hamilton-centric spin, no doubt.
Copps set out the situation is crystal clear language: What We Need & What You Get.
“If we can raise the money to pay our artists this year, we can save the money we raise in ticket sales and put that towards next year’s budget. So, if we can get this money together one time, we will be able to sustainably carry on this project in subsequent seasons.”
“You can help make the transformation possible – Contribute here!
“Our goal is to make this a legacy series for Hamilton and the surrounding region, and this is the make or break year that will decide if that happens.
 Rehearsals for the Merchant of Venice “No amount is too small. Please consider contributing to this fantastic project!
 Michael Harrigan in Merchant of Venice – rehearsal This isn’t just about money. TBT’s take on Mid-summer Night’s Dream was something you will never see again.
Their production of Romeo and Juliet was different yet superb. They did Macbeth and Twelfth Night as well. Nothing shabby about any of them. This was theatre worth watching.
Keep an eye on how they are doing financially – and get on the band wagon.
Got Your Back $10-$99):
A social media shout out for the love! You logged in, filled it all out, and did what you could! It makes such a difference to us!
Patron Sponsor ($100-$499):
Recognition by name on our website and in our Shakespeare at the Castle programs.
Bronze Sponsor ($500-$999):
Above benefits + A poster signed by the cast and a full cast/crew “Thank You” photo
Silver Sponsor ($1K -$2.4K):
Above benefits + Pair of tickets for our dress rehearsal and Q&A talkback and photo op with the cast and director of Shakespeare at the Castle.
Gold Sponsor ($2.5K-$4.9K):
All above benefits +
– If you want to be the slick silent partner type, you get a coffee with one of our cast members before the show to learn about their experience and ask any questions you want!
OR
– If you want to shout it out, a 3-foot sign with your name or company name/logo will be displayed at the Dundurn Castle performances throughout the run + a quarter-page ad or your personal message/dedication in our program.
Platinum Sponsor ($5K-$9.9K):
How do you tell these actors that you want them to be on the stage next summer and for years after? Do something now.Contribute
 By Staff
March 2, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Signs of spring in our garden announced Leslie Bullock earlier today.
She wouldn’t stretch the truth.
Could it be?
Maybe no more drifting snow?
By Pepper Parr
February 27th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The province appeared to be ready to legalize the sale of cannabis based edibles – they wanted to get feedback from the public and specifically the municipal sector on:
cannabis ‘lounges’ where people could buy and consume cannabis; and
cannabis at festivals and events through the Special Occasion Permit (SOP) process, similar to how alcohol is allowed at events.
Burlington approved the opening of cannabis retail stores in the city with certain limitations – the most significant being how close these establishments were to schools.
Five of the seven members of Council voted for the idea: Councillors Bentivegna and Stolte were opposed.
At this point there are four commercial operations in the city with a fifth due to open soon.
The city wanted to know what the public thought and they put a survey up on the GET INVOLVED portal the city has. The survey was open for a short period of time between February 14th and February 23rd, seeking input on the future of cannabis sale and use in consumption venues such as cannabis ‘lounges’ and at public events such as outdoor festivals and concerts and found that:
969 respondents:-50% were in favour of allowing the sale and consumption of cannabis in places like cannabis lounges and cafés (5% undecided, 45% not in favour).
57% were not in favour of allowing the sale and consumption of cannabis at festivals and events such as music or food festivals, etc. (3% undecided, 40% in favour)
67% felt that municipalities should be able to decide/govern the sale and consumption of cannabis in cafés and lounges (11% undecided, 23% not in favour)
  72% felt that municipalities should be able to decide/govern the sale and consumption of cannabis at special events (7% undecided, 21% not in favour)
 The province wanted public reaction in hand by March 10th – which pushed the city administration a bit. They felt they didn’t have enough information to take a position on February 24th and decided to defer the motion until March 9th when they will squeeze a City Council meeting into a scheduled Standing Committee meeting.
The motion that was deferred read as follows:
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
The Council of the City of Burlington is open to the sale and consumption of edible cannabis products in additional locations such as cannabis lounges so long as these locations do not also permit the sale and consumption of alcohol nor conflict with our existing distance criteria for retail cannabis store locations.
The City of Burlington does not support the sale or consumption of any cannabis products in public spaces or at public events such as outdoor festivals and concerts.
We ask the government of Ontario to allow municipalities to make their own local decisions on these matters and permissions.
We ask the government of Ontario to ensure that no additional permissions on the use of cannabis would be granted in such a manner as to contravene the Smoke-Free Ontario Act of 2017 or any HaltonRegion bylaws that exist at the time of their decision.
 By Staff
February 26th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Bullying in the school yard and the hallways of an elementary school has an impact that is life defining for some children.
How do parents handle the problem? What is the approach that will put a stop to the behaviour? What if your child is the bully?
 Lana Button, an award-winning creator of delightful stories to help young people learn, will be at The Different Drummer to introduce her new picture book, the playful, poignant and pointed story of a troubled student who overcomes her aggressions with the help of her concerned classmates.
Lana will present What If Bunny’s Not a Bully? with crafts, treats, and her inimitable storytelling in a fun-filled event this Sunday, March 1 at 11am.
Admission is free. Everyone is welcome. Please join us!
What If Bunny’s Not a Bully?
Sunday March 1, 11am
A Different Drummer Books
513 Locust Street Burlington
www.differentdrummerbooks.ca
 By Staff
February 26th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
With their child sitters on duty and their cell phones almost on silent, comedic artists, best friends and supermoms Lisa and Shoshana are ready to party like it’s 1999.
Prepare to get totally out of control, but only until just past 10pm, the sitters have to be taken home.
Each cabaret will feature a Surprise Special Guest, specializing in musical theatre, stand-up, or drag – as well as Surprise Local Guests. So let’s take a deep breath, let our pelvic floors drop and Feel The Burl.
“Few people can make me pee my pants laughing like Shoshana Sperling.” – NOW Magazine
Hosts
 Shoshana Sperling and Lisa Brooke – headliners Shoshana and Lisa Brooke is an alumnus of the legendary Toronto and Chicago Second City and has worked in Canadian television for almost twenty years, but she’s really not as old as that sounds. Most recently Lisa was the show writer on CBC’s national daytime series ‘The Goods.’
Shoshana Sperling is a writer, voice talent, and JUNO-nominated musician who has opened for Jann Arden. She is a contributing writer for Today’s Parent and Chatelaine magazines. Her work as composer and lead singer of ‘The Monkey Bunch’ was rewarded with a JUNO nomination for Best Children’s Album.
Together Lisa and Shoshana have written on Just For Laughs, CBC’s Comics!, Jonovision, Smashalot (digital), and the Canadian Screen Award-nominated Just Like Mom And Dad which was taped in front of a live audience right here in Burlington.
Special Guests:
 Sandra Battaglini Sandra Battaglini is an award-winning stand-up comic, actor and writer. She is the 2013 Canadian Comedy Award winner for her solo show, Classy Lady, directed by Phil Luzi, that premiered in Toronto in 2012 and most recently was voted ‘Best Female Standup’ by NOW Magazine.
She was a semi-finalist in the She Devil Comedy Competition in NYC and has performed at Just for Laughs in Montreal and premiered her 7th solo show Baby Jeez and other Abreevs at in Toronto, directed by Phil Luzi. She spearheaded a grassroots movement to have stand-up comedy recognized as an art form and started The Canadian Association of Stand-up Comedians that lobbies for comedian’s rights.
 Heidi Lange Heidi Lange
Heidi is a Toronto-based singer, teacher, writer and actor. She has been teaching voice, piano and musical theatre to students of all ages for over 16 years. Born and raised in Burlington, Heidi studied musical theatre at the University of Windsor before returning home and graduating from the Mohawk College Applied Music program. She performs regularly in and around the GTA. Favourite musical theatre credits include: Ragtime (Sarah), The Last Five Years (Cathy), Rent (Joanne), and The Life (Queen). Heidi is very excited about the recent release of her second album, Let Your Honesty Shine, a collection of songs from the catalogue of Paul Simon.
 Selena Vyle Selena Vyle
Selena is a storyteller, comedian, singer and dancer, who is known for her political performances and social commentary. A Canadian Comedy Award winner for co-writing and co-starring in A Sketch Comedy Extravaganza Eleganza, she has headlined comedy festivals Just For Laughs (Montreal), We’re Funny That Way, and Toronto Sketchfest. She is a member of House of Lix, with whom she co-hosts the podcast Squirrel Talk. This Latinx/Arab drag queen is the producer of “Queens Of The World”, celebrating diversity in Toronto’s drag scene. A Top 4 finalist in Crews & Tangos Drag Race 2018, she brings you the unexpected, from emotional mixes to hilarious puppetry and she’s one of Toronto’s most well known musical improvisers. She’s So Vyle.
 Michelle Wagman Michelle Wagman
Michelle is a Burlington based singer, actor and educator. She is a proud graduate of Sheridan’s prestigious Music Theatre Performance Program, and has been performed on stages across the country. Michelle most recently appeared as Elle Woods in Drury Lane’s production of “Legally Blonde”. She also spent years as “best friends” with many beloved princesses! Matt is also a Burlington based singer/actor and married to Michelle! He will be appearing next in Drury Lane’s production of “The Last Resort”.
Musical Director
 Bryce Kulak Bryce Kulak
Bryce is a Toronto-based composer, pianist, singer, and actor. Award-winning projects include the musical Nami Namersson, the short musical La Casati, and the movie-musical The Man That Got Away, in which Bryce also starred.
Bryce co-created and tours with Tom Allen’s chamber-musicals Bohemians in Brooklyn, The Judgment of Paris, From Weimar to Vaudeville, and The Missing Pages. His albums Welcome, Tin Can Telephone, and The Man That Got Away are on iTunes.
Dates & Times
Friday FEB 28, 2020 – 7:30pm
Venue: Community Studio Theatre
Ticket Prices
Regular: $39.00 (All in)
Member: $34.00 (All in)
By Pepper Parr
February 24th 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The weather certainly co-operated.
There was some really good snow which helped make the December, January and February, 30/60 Winter Play Challenge the success the city believes it was
Residents were challenged to participate in the 30/60 Winter Play Challenge where individuals, families or groups had to complete 30 activities in 60 days. The team that completed the most activities and had the most points won a grand prize.
The challenge encouraged the community to get outside and play.
 That is an impressive snow fort – word on who the family is or what part of the city they are located in. Kudos to them for participating. There were 101 activities that teams could complete. Activities included things like building a snowman, hiking, making an indoor fort and making a meal together. One team completed all 101 activities. In total 34, teams of 2-6 members participated.
One of the activities was “write City Hall”. One family took them up on it.
“Firstly, we would love to thank you for the opportunity to enjoy such a fun game. We are truly blessed to live in such a great city.”
“I love the variety of things that I’ve done during this challenge that never would have occurred to me to do! I also really love that it kept me thinking “what can I do today” every day which really helps to stay active in the winter months.”
 That looks like a conga line – before the heavy snow hit the ground. “You have also inspired us to explore further! We got a map of Burlington which shares all the parks and our goal for 2020 is to visit and explore each one at least once!”
Terry Milewski, Supervisor of Marketing and Sponsorship said: “This was our first year running this program in the winter and we are overwhelmed with the success of it. We even had to add more activities because the participants loved it so much, they breezed through all 30 original activities. We’re so happy people found this such a worthwhile and fun event. We are looking forward to starting up another challenge this summer.”
Overwhelmed with just 34 teams is a bit of a stretch but it is a good start and certainly worth building upon.
By Pepper Parr
February 20th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan finally got to meet the people doing the pre-development work for the proposed enlargement of the Nelson Aggregate quarry on Guelph Line.
 Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan Councillor Nisan had been quite studious and deliberate in making a point of not communicating with the promoters of the project that would, in a couple of decades, have the quarry rehabilitated and turned over to the city and developed into a very large park.
Nisan had said he didn’t want to be influenced by the promoters of the project.
The pre-development application meeting took place at the Cedar Springs Golf Club, which is on the western side of the existing quarry and will eventually, if the application is approved, become part of the current quarry operation.
Nelson Aggregates acquired some property to the south of the existing quarry that will be mined and also be turned over to the public.
That south side of the existing quarry land has a large portion of the property set aside for the at risk Jefferson Salamander.
The development application process is complex and will involve the City of Burlington, the Region of Halton, the Niagara Escarpment Commission and the Ministry of Natural Resources that will meet as a Joint Tribunal Review team
The next step is for Nelson Aggregate to complete their application and present it to all four levels of government. At that point the Region will form the Joint Tribunal, figure out who will represent who on the Tribunal team and the hearings, which will be public, will take place.
None of this is going to move all that fast.
 Councillors Bentivegna and Nisan – both share the norther part of the city. What the community did see at the Pre-Consult meeting on Tuesday was Mayor Marianne Meed Ward along with Councillors Nisan and Bentivegna in the room. The quarry is in Nisan’s ward 3.
There was a city planner in the room who didn’t want to make any comment on the time line that would emerge. Most of the people working on this at this point will probably be retired well before there is a public park in place.
This development is a classic case of long term development. The time line will stretch out for 30 years, perhaps more.
At this point there isn’t a lot of support for the idea of additional quarry development north of Dundas. The people in that part of the city like what they have; they don’t want to see changes.
 A computer generated drawing of what Brant Street could look like at some point in the future. Aggregate from the Nelson quarry would be used when it comes time to build. The development industry needs aggregate for the high rise structures that are going to be built in Burlington. There will be some development south of Caroline in the downtown core but there will be many more high rise towers built around the GO stations.
Burlington’s population is going to grow – that is a given – even if there were to be a change in government.
The growth in population will put some pressure on Spencer Smith Park – there has been no recent word on when the public is going to see anything in the way of a public park in the Beachway. At this point all the Region is doing is picking off the properties that are left one by one.
What the public appears to be missing with the Nelson situation is the time, effort and energy that is put into listening to what the public has to say.
Nelson Aggregate has held 36 hours of public meetings and tours in an effort to keep the public informed. Up to this point the quarry people have been very open and transparent.
The development plans:
 Once the existing quarry has been mined out- it will be flooded and turned into a park. The above is a rendering of what the park might look like.  The light grey area is the existing quarry. The dark grey on the left is the golf club property that will be quarried and then turned into a park. The dark grey at the bottom is on the south side of the Second Line. It will be quarried and then turned into a lake. The land to the right if the southern piece is home to the Jefferson Salamander and is to be left in its natural state.
 This is an enlargement of the land on the south side of Second Line. The grey area is where the man made lake will be. The area to the right is Jefferson Salamander territory and will be left in its natural state.
 This drawing shows the full extent of the quarry property. The blue is the existing quarry that is reaching the end of its life cycle as a quarry. The green borders are property Nelson Aggregates either owns or is in the process of acquiring. The red ii where new quarrying will take place once all the applications have been approved.
 Rehabilitation has already started on that portion of the main quarry that is mined out. That dark brown area in the top centre is where fill has been poured over the side of the quarry so that grass can be grown. .
 By Staff
February 20th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Community Development Halton is holding an introductory workshop to basic human rights principles as it relates to volunteers in the Nonprofit Voluntary Sector.
 Key learnings:
1) Introduction to basic human rights principles
2) Human rights as it relates to volunteers in the workplace
3) Harassment/ Sexual Harassment – avoiding the pitfalls
4) Duty to Accommodation and Duty to Investigate
 Wade Poziomka, Partner at Ross & McBride LLP is a Partner at Ross & McBride LLP, representing both employees and employers in human rights matters. Wade currently sits as one of three Applicant-side representatives to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario’s Practice Advisory Committee, is the Vice-Chair of ARCH Disability Centre’s Board of Directors and is the Past Chair of the Ontario Bar Association’s Constitutional, Civil Liberties and Human Rights Section Executive.
Wade’s law degrees are from the University of Toronto (J.D.) and Cornell University Law School (LL.M.). Wade speaks regularly at major conferences on human rights and has been recognized for his commitment to human rights, having been recognized by Best Lawyers Canada in 2020 for Employment and Labour Law and been awarded the Top 40 Under 40 Achievement Award.
Registration: cdhalton.ca/events
Fee: $75 Community Associate (CDH member)
$95 Non Community Associate (non-member)
Contact for more information: 1-855-395-8807 or Rose Marie at office@cdhalton.ca
Tuesday
March 24, 2020
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Check-in starts at 8:30 am
Community Development Halton 3350 South Service Road
Burlington, ON
By Thomas Blake
February 20th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington is a fabulous city to spend time in, as any who lives there will know. Found in the Canadian province of Ontario, it is a vibrant place with much to recommend it. What those who are not familiar with this Canadian city might not know, however, is just how close it is to New York City in North America! Only a few hundred miles sit between these two cities and they both have a proud heritage to speak of. Rather than heading to NYC like everyone else does, for your next trip away why not give Burlington a try instead?
 Relaxing at the edge of the lake – Burlington – an easy going life style. The great thing about this Canadian destination is that it as easy to get to as NYC but has a number of unique features that its American neighbour does not. This means you will get a totally different experience to bring home and something much more interesting than another Empire State Building photo to show friends! But what specific features make Burlington stand out when compared to its neighbours in New York?
Opportunity to play fun casino games online
One major difference is how playing casino games online is treated between the two. The state gambling laws in New York are complex to say the least, despite recent changes to federal law around sports betting and online gambling in the US. It is fair to say that NY laws fall on the restrictive side in general and New York as a state has not yet legalized online gambling officially within its borders. Burlington, on the other hand, benefits from a more relaxed approach to online casino play, which makes the city more attractive for many to visit.
As long as you use an online casino that is not registered within Canadian borders, you will be free to play slots, roulette, poker or any other online game, at your leisure. Canadian Casino sites like Casinos.co are the ideal place to find the best online operator to try out when in Burlington.
More relaxed way of life
There is no doubt that New York is a frantic place, with around 8 million citizens squeezed into its borders. This can make it an overwhelming place for many to visit, with crowds of people rushing about everywhere and plenty of noise. Burlington is not like this at all and benefits from a much more relaxed feel.
 Sound of Music – one of the largest free concerts in the country. With around 200,000 residents, it has a more laid-back atmosphere and feels much calmer to spend time in. This is perfect for any holiday as you can fully unwind without the frantic pace of life that a busier place like New York maintains. You will also find the locals friendlier in Burlington – while New Yorkers are usually too busy to say hello, you will find Burlington residents only too happy to chat.
Low crime rates
While New York has seen a drop in crime rates relative to its population in recent years, many fear the figure is starting to climb once more. This could make finding a safer alternative to NYC a good choice. Burlington is known for having historically low crime rates and this has actually seen it voted as one of the best cities to live in, across Canada, in the past. As noted above, this is a friendly city that offers visitors a safe environment. This is certainly true when you compare it against New York and the rising crime rate there.
Stunning outdoor action
 Mt Nemo and access to the Bruce Trail are all parts of Burlington Although New York City has Central Park, it simply cannot compare with Burlington in terms of outdoor trails, spaces or activities. The wide-open appeal of Burlington and its surrounding landscape gives it a unique edge over its American cousin. The Niagara Escarpment is the main draw here and is classed as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve site.
You can only access the wonderful Bruce Trail, which stretches for almost 900 kilometres through awesome scenery, in Burlington. Burlington also has the Mount Nemo Conservation Area, which New York does not – this is a great pace to hike or try out rock climbing. If you add in the world-famous Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, it is easy to see what it has to offer to stand out as different.
Burlington has so much to offer
 Chow down time – this was finger ‘lickin’ food at the Rib Fest When you also consider the many cultural events that are unique to Burlington, such as the Ribfest or Burlington’s Sound of Music festival, then it gets even clearer why more people are travelling there. While NYC does have its own charm, a trip to this Canadian city offers an experience that you simply cannot get in New York.
By Staff
February 19th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Mush Hole, a heart-breaking piece by Kaha:wi Dance Theatre that moves through Canada’s residential school history with hope and empathy, will perform on March 5, 2020 in the Performing Arts Centre Main Theatre.
The Mush Hole pays respect to the many Survivors, acknowledging the lives and spirits of generations of Survivors who “served time” at the school. The storyline follows two generations of Survivors demonstrating the intergenerational effects. The performance at BPAC will include a post show Talk Back and Q&A.
 Kaha:wi Dance Theatre is an Onkwehon:we organization and one of Turtle Islands’ foremost performing arts companies. Kaha:wi Dance Theatre (KDT) is an Onkwehon:we organization and one of Turtle Islands’ foremost performing arts companies, acclaimed nationally and around the globe for exquisitely produced, powerful, poetic and resonant performances. Founded by Six Nations based Artistic Director Santee Smith, Kaha:wi (Ga-HA-Wee) means “to carry” in Kahnyen’kehàka (Mohawk). Exploring the intersection of Indigenous and new performance through resurgent process and practice KDT’s works are interdisciplinary, multi-voiced, intergenerational and inter-cultural. Drawing inspiration from research and collaboration, their performances question, re-story and transform while adhering to Indigenous process, connection to land, story and spirit of place. Kaha:wi Dance Theatre is Indigenous presence and narrative.
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Kaha:wi Dance Theatre: The Mush Hole
Thursday, March 5, 2020 @ 7:30pm
Main Theatre
440 Locust Street, Burlington, Ontario
Tickets can be purchased by telephone, online or in person:
905-681-6000, https://burlingtonpac.ca/events/the-mush-hole/
Tickets: $49.50 (All in), Youth: $39.50 (All in)
By Staff
February 19th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington adults, aged 19+ and 55+, will be able to register for Spring/Summer Live and Play programs on Feb. 22 at 9 a.m.
 There are a lot of competitive events as well as lap swimming and swimming lessons. Registrations are accepted online at wwwliveandplay.burlington.ca or in-person on Saturday at the Burlington Seniors’ Centre, City Hall, Brant Hills Community Centre and Tansley Woods Community Centre.
Following Saturday’s launch, in-person registration can be done at any City facility during regular customer service hours. burlington.ca/servicehours.
 It’s going to be a couple of months before these lawns are used – but you can register now. The City of Burlington’s Spring/Summer 2020 Live and Play Guide, featuring listings for recreation, sport and culture programs, was originally distributed in January and can now be found in City facilities including recreation centres, Burlington Public Library branches and City Hall, as well as online at burlington.ca/play.
Non-residents aged 19+ and 55+ can register for Spring/Summer Live and Play programs on Friday, Feb. 28 at 9 a.m.
• To receive future copies of the online guide by email, subscribe to the Live and Play e-newsletter at www.burlington.ca/enews.
• For details on how to register for fall/winter programs and events, see page three of the guide or visit www.burlington.ca/play.
The Parks and Recreation department announced earlier this month that the Guide would no longer be published in print form going forward.
By Doreen Nicol
February 14th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Aeris Kőrper Contemporary Dance is hosting an evening of dance and discussion. PROSPECTS brings together dancers and choreographers to present creative interpretations of ballroom dance, disability dance, Bengali folk dance as well as works charged with powerful content. Each performance will be followed by a discussion with the choreographer, giving the audience a unique opportunity to ask questions, provide feedback and explore themes.
 Mushtari Afroz trained in the North Indian Classical Dance form. “Having produced six successful editions of PROSPECTS, we are excited and motivated by the enthusiasm and positive feedback we received from participants and community members,” said Lisa Emmons, Artistic Director for Aeris Körper. “We believe our approach to dance is unique and that all movement is expressive and powerful. Our show is created with the intent of presenting multicultural and diverse dance in an informal, warm environment in order to create connections within our community.”
Faith from Faith Dance fuses together belly and Bollywood-style dance with K-Pop music. Her performance, Obscurity, explores an artist’s journey through a mental health crisis, examining how the loss of energy, focus, cognitive processing and lack of desire for being physically present with others can obscure the artist’s creative process and arrest inspiration.
Mushtari Afroz trained in the North Indian Classical Dance form ‘Kathak’. In 2016, the dancer and choreographer established Kathak Bandi Dance Collective which celebrates universal human stories and experience.
Me is a window into Afraz’s private time inside the studio. In those personal moments, Afraz is tempted to break rules to explore new possibilities within her art form. While her body relates to the space and time, her mind challenges the way the audience connects with a performance by exposing the artificiality of the stage.
 Project Oswald Project Oswald is the fresh, ethnographic dance company founded by Rufi Oswaldo. The company produces heart-felt and humorous dance-theatre works whose themes most often emerge from liminal social and cultural spaces in Canada.
Oswald’s performance embodies the uncomfortable comparison of love to bullfighting, Gentle(hu)man sheds light on the messiness of human vulnerability complicated by societal expectations of masculinity, while offering a silver lining through gentle courage.
 Original contemporary disability dance The Cyborg Circus Project, created by Shay Erlich and Jenna Roy, specializes in original contemporary disability dance that reflects the reality and everyday experiences of disabled people for the enjoyment of audiences with divergent abilities.
Safe Words explores what it means to have no choice but to appear hyper-competent in everything we do. The work questions the limits these expectations place on bodies and minds, and how in utilizing trust, risk taking, vulnerability, and community, these expectations can be subverted.
Thea Sachade, a professional dancer from Burlington (Ontario) is currently a freelance artist showcasing her talent throughout Canada and the US.
 Thea Sachade, Sachade’s performance, 20+, embodies a collection of moments of personal healing and growth through the exploration of self-compassion and the discovery of a healthy self-concept.
Aeris Kőrper is a contemporary-based dance company that produces live performances, hosts community platforms, and leads accessible movement workshops in Burlington, Hamilton, and across the Greater Toronto Area.
Web sites for the performers.
The Cyborg Circus Project
Kathak Bandi Dance Collective
Faith Dance
Project Oswald
Thea Sachade
Saturday, February 22, 2020
7:00 PM to 11:30 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM)
Burlington Student Theatre
2131 Prospect Street, Burlington, ON, L7R 1Z2
The event is wheelchair accessible, please contact info@aeriskorper.com for details.
To purchase tickets click here.
By Staff
February 14th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington is asking residents to share their thoughts about whether cafes and lounges serving and allowing the consumption of cannabis should be allowed to operate in the city.
This survey will help inform the discussion at Burlington City Council on February 24th, to respond to the Ontario Government’s online consultation for potential cannabis business opportunity additions.
The City’s survey will also ask residents their feedback on potential extension of Special Occasion Permits (SOPs) identified in the Ontario Government’s online consultation. SOPs would allow cannabis to be served and consumed at festivals and events in public places and spaces.
To help gather the community’s input, the City has also launched an online survey at www.getinvolvedburlington.ca open to Burlington residents until Sunday, Feb. 23.
To complete the brief survey, residents must first register or be a member of Get Involved Burlington.
 Your opinion on lounges where cannabis flavored products can be sold. The city of Burlington city council voted to permit the sale of cannabis in locations that were not close to schools. It was a split vote with Councillors Stolte and Bentivegna opposed and Mayor Meed Ward, Councillors Galbraith, Kearns, Nisan, Sharman voting to approve.
There are currently at least five retail cannabis locations operating in Burlington.
The Ontario Government’s public consultation was announced on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020 and the province will accept feedback until Tuesday, March 10, 2020.
Visit www.getinvolvedburlington.ca/cannabissurvey to register and take the survey about cannabis lounges and at events in Burlington. CLICK HERE to start.
The registration process is a little tricky – pay attention; the city will be using the Get Involved site as its primary way of gathering information.
Quick Facts
• On Oct. 17, 2018, recreational cannabis was legalized by the federal government of Canada.
• On Jan. 14, 2019, Burlington City Council voted to allow the operation of retail cannabis stores in Burlington
• On Apr. 1, 2019, the first round of brick and mortar, privately-operated retail cannabis stores opened across the province
• The AGCO is licensing and enforcing regulations related to retail cannabis stores in Ontario
• On June 26, 2019, Health Canada published regulations for the production and sale of three new classes of cannabis products:
o cannabis edibles – cannabis products that can be consumed in the same manner as food (e.g. food or beverage)
o cannabis extracts – cannabis products that are produced using extraction processing methods or by synthesizing phytocannabinoids (e.g., oils, capsules, hash, wax)
o cannabis topicals – cannabis products that can be used on a body surface (e.g. lotion)
• These new federal regulations came into force on Oct. 17, 2019 and the new classes of cannabis products became available for sale in Ontario on Jan. 6, 2020.
• The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA, 2017) and the regulations under that Act prohibit the smoking of cannabis and the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) to vape any substance (including cannabis) in enclosed workplaces and enclosed public places, as well as other prescribed places (e.g., restaurant and bar patios or within nine metres of these patios).
Links and Resources
• Provincial online consultation – comments due March 10
• For more information about legal cannabis and the City of Burlington, visit www.burlington.ca/cannabis.
• Visit Halton Region for more information about Smoke Free Ontario
• For more information about legal cannabis in Ontario, visit Ontario.ca/cannabis
• For more information, on an open market for retail cannabis sales in Ontario please visit https://news.ontario.ca/mag/en/2019/12/ontario-opening-cannabis-retail-market.html
• Visit, Health Canada for their rules for edibles, extracts and topicals
 By Staff
February 13th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Time to take part and be engaged in the way your city works.
There are three distinct trails in Burlington that need a name. Below, you will see the three areas where the trails are located. The actual trail is shown by the red line.
You might want to consider the history of the area, location of the trail, important people in the city past or present. Use your imagination and suggest your three best ideas.
 This trail is along the Hydro corridor north of the QEW, between the North Service Road at Roly Bird Park and Berwick Drive.  This trail is part of the downtown hydro corridor, east of Maple Avenue, between Ontario Street and Graham’s Lane.  This trail is east of Centennial Drive, between Upper Middle Road and Heathfield Drive (extending in the future to Mainway.) Click here to get to the survey.
 By Staff
February 10th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington is inviting residents to provide feedback on three design concepts for a sculpture for City View Park.
 Pre-game warm up field is just one part of the facilities at City View Park a location in the western part of the city on Dundas. City View Park has been going through lots of changes and has three artificial turf fields, creative playground, parking, pond/wetland, trails, natural restoration and a park maintenance facility. In the next phase, the City will add a pavilion in 2020. The sculpture will complement the park building.
The artwork concepts can be seen Feb. 10 to 23 at Brant Hills Community Centre and at Burlington Public Library – Central Branch. The concepts will also be available online at www.getinvolvedburlington.ca .
Residents are invited to take a look at the three proposed designs and share their thoughts. These comments, along with the technical and design proposals will help with the jury’s final selection.
 The art work will be kept at the pavilion. Artwork Location
The artwork will be in front of the pavilion. This area will be a connection point in City View, linking pathways from the future parking lot to the entrance of the pavilion and central roadway. You will also be able to see the artwork from inside the pavilion’s main lobby glass walls.
Artist Selection
Last fall, the City asked for artists to let us know if they were interested in creating a sculpture to go with the new pavilion. Over 50 artists responded and the community jury made up of residents, local artists and project stakeholders reviewed these submissions and selected three finalists to develop preliminary artwork concepts.
The jury will consider public feedback when they select the winning proposal.
The selected artists are:
Ludovic Boney
Edwin and Veronica Dam de Nogales
Hooman Mehdizadehjafari
Ludovic Boney – Fragment
Fragment is a sculpture made of assembled aluminum plates which form layers over its entire height. Its roughness and irregular composition are reminiscent of the layers of stratified stone. The irregular angles and triangular shapes that make up Fragment are inspired by the angular architecture of the pavilion and the landscaping around it
Edwin and Veronica Dam de Nogales – Un(HERD)
Un(HERD) is meant to be a reminder of Burlington´s natural beauty and its relationship with nature, as an important necessity for “healthy living.” With nine heads raised and nine pairs of ears piqued and alert, the team of the females of the species Un(HERD) finds a natural home here. This piece is meant to echo Burlington´s commitment to nature, preservation, and coexistence.
Hooman Mehdizadehjafari – Soar
Inspired by the oldest living creature in Eastern North America, the public art design Soar inherited its form from the Eastern White Cedar. The 17-foot-tall metal sculpture reflects the rich natural heritage of the region, in particular the Niagara Escarpment. The diversity of materials used creates a play of colours that can often be seen in nature and alludes to the diverse and united community of Burlington.
 By Staff
February 11th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Adult Registration
Spring/Summer Registration for Adults begins Saturday, Feb. 22 at 9 a.m.
The online Live & Play Guide allows you to view and share program information as well as register directly from any computer or mobile device. View the Spring/Summer Online Live & Play Guide.
 The current edition of Live & Ply is the last that will be seen in print. From this point forward there will be just the digital edition. It will all be at: www.burlington.ca/play
When registering for a program do ask us about:
• Deferred payment for summer programs
• Recreation Fee Assistance
Summer Camp Registration
 Register today for Summer Camps. Choose from:
• Summer Neighbourhood Activity Camps (SNAP)
• Theatre Camp
• Music Camp
• Camps for children with disabilities
Learn more: burlington.ca/camps
Winter Play at Tyandaga
Come to Tyandaga Golf Course between 2 and 4 p.m. on Feb. 16 to enjoy a variety of activities for the whole family, including winter walks, outdoor games and crafts. Then, head inside and cozy up with warm drinks and food. Register and reserve your spot ($3/person. Children under one are free).
“(F)Empower – a panel on women in politics”
With three strong women on city council this will be an event to take in.
The Burlington Youth Student Council is hosting a free, special event on Feb. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Central Arena with Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and other inspiring female elected officials to who will share their personal experiences, journey, inspiration and how they navigate the political environment as women.
Learn more:www. burlington.ca/communityconnections
Hockey Hair, Don’t Care
Calling all Women Hockey players in Burlington. Come and join us at Appleby Ice Centre, Rink 3. Open to women ages 16 and over.
• Monday 8 to 9:30 p.m.
• Tuesday and Thursday 10:30 a.m. to noon
Learn more: www.burlington.ca/skating
Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund
Do you have an idea for a small project that will bring your neighbourhood together and make Burlington a better place to live and play? Need funding to help you? Check out the Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund. Up to $10,000 per project is available. Application deadline is Monday, Feb. 24, 2020.
Learn more: www.burlington.ca/matchingfund
 By Staff
February 10th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington is currently recruiting volunteers to be members of the Heritage Burlington Advisory Committee and the Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee.
 The blue markers indicate heritage properties – a citizen’s committee makes recommendation to city council on what happens to them as developments take place. These two advisory committees are legislated and report to Burlington City Council to provide advice and promote issues related to the conservation of Burlington’s built and cultural heritage, and to identify, remove and prevent barriers to people with disabilities in the municipality’s bylaws, policies, programs and services.
Applications can be submitted online or are available at City facilities. The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 28, 2020.
 Is this house a Heritage property? The owners don’t think so and they made a very compelling case to have it removed from the list. These are important committees that need people with a genuine interest in the welfare of people in Burlington and the preservation of its heritage.
Be prepared to learn, work hard and speak truth to power when you report to city council.
Background
• In May 2019, the City of Burlington sought online and in-person feedback from current citizen committee members and members of the public to explore how citizen committees might provide advice to Council and staff.
• A working team of residents are writing a report of their findings from these engagements that will be presented at a Council Workshop on Feb. 25, 2020.
• The Heritage Burlington and Burlington Accessibility committees are legislated and are the only two committees currently recruiting.
• To learn more about the review of Burlington City Council appointed advisory committees, visit getinvolvedburlington.ca
• To apply to become a member of the Heritage Burlington Advisory Committee or the Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee, visit burlington.ca/committees
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