 By Vince Fiorito
August 20th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
I agree with Doreen Nicol’s recent Burlington Gazette article.
City policy appears to harass people doing their part to fight climate change, the biodiversity crisis and environmental toxification problems.
Not only do Burlington’s current property standard by-laws appear to conflict with City Council’s recent climate change emergency declaration, they may also conflict with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as well as the Species At Risk Act.
Imagine if Canada’s Group of Seven artists were held to the same standards as Burlington’s property standard bylaw, and they could only paint landscapes that were dominated by neatly mowed lawns.
 Landscape design, like painting, is an art form, which is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  World class examples of native species based landscape designs, that would violate Burlington’s current property standards by-laws. Burlington’s by-laws and policies currently empower people who don’t understand or deny the existence of serious environmental problems. These people will pressure untrained city staff to mow what appears to them to be weedy unkempt looking lawns. Burlington residents shouldn’t have to fight with the city to be responsible stewards of the Earth. Some of them will inevitably take the city to court and seek damages and compensation.
 Urban monarch butterfly If city staff fail to recognize habitat for endangered species (Milkweed for Monarch Butterflies or New Jersey Tea for Mottled Duskywing Butterfly),then their actions could violate the Species At Risk Act and the city could risk fines up to $1,000,000
Also, modernizing and upgrading city property standards policies and by-laws, should include solutions to long term neglected environmental problems.
City policies and by-laws must encourage and assist property owners to clean up old dumpsites ASAP, like this one contaminated with old pesticide and petrochemical containers behind Creek Way in The Orchard.
 Located next to Sheldon Creek along the South Service Road, between Appleby and Burloak.  Current City property standards also ignore dangerous derelict buildings. City property standards allow local businesses to dump industrial effluent into our watersheds with impunity. The above has been reported repeatedly to all levels of government, and is legal. Residents living down stream from environmental problems must have a right to know.
They should not have to use the Freedom of Information Act to access information that the city be collecting and sharing. Ignorance isn’t bliss for children playing or fishing downstream.
 Rainbow Trout caught 200M downstream from the Harvester storm sewer  Chinook Salmon aught in Sheldon Creek near New Street – about 1km downstream from Harvester sewer.  Harvester storm sewer Burlington must modernize and upgrade city policies to solve climate change, the biodiversity crisis and environmental toxification problems.
The city must have policies to inform residents of reported problems that may affect them and pressures property owners to remediate serious environmental problem or face punitive measures.
Burlington must protect and create habitat for the Halton region’s 48 endangered species, manage the health and improve the vitality of the city’s ravines and wildlife corridor system, give Burlington residents a “Right to Know” about local environmental problems and make polluters pay to clean up their messes.
This issue is an opportunity for city council and Burlington residents to treat the climate change emergency as an emergency.
No one should have to fight with the city to prevent future generations from inheriting a resource depleted dying planet.
 Vince Fiorito is a Burlington Resident and Founder of Friends of Sheldon Creek. He has also been named the Steward of Sheldon Creek by Conservation Halton.
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 By Staff
August 19th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
A picture is said to be worth 1,000 words – How about $84,000?
 Food and funds – The Gift of Giving Back is both a lesson in civility and an opportunity to help others for Burlington students. That’s the amount raised by the Gift of Giving Back, a program that has been part of Burlington since 2005 and is now the largest such program in the country.
The total along with the presentation cheque and the obligatory photo op was sent out by the Mayor today.
Kudos to the people that make the program work.
 An astonishing record of community service on the part of the young athletes who do all the grunt work. Originally launched by the Burlington Eagles, the campaign has grown to include more than 85 male and female youth hockey teams from: The Burlington Girls Hockey Club (Barracudas), Burlington Eagles, as well as the Burlington Gymnastics Club.
Teams will be out in neighbourhoods across Burlington in the fall dropping off their iconic blue bags. If you receive one, please give generously as the food goes right to people in our community in need. Athletes are also tagging at various grocery store locations and can be identified with the Gift of Giving Back signs.
 By Staff
August 16th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
 Due to an unexpected mechanical failure at the Dofasco Waterjet Plaza at Spencer Smith Park, the spray pad will be closed until further notice.
Staff are working to identify and repair the issue but the repair is expected to take several days and will not be available for the Children’s Festival this weekend.
 By Staff
August 16th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
 The Sunshine Doughnut Company has created a delicious, limited edition, doughnut to promote the upcoming Exhibition Opening for The Gender Conspiracy on September 6!
Drop by Sunshine and pick up the “Express Yourself” doughnut along with your free tickets to the Night of Cabaret! Shunshine will be featuring this tasty masterpiece until the end of August, with limited quantities daily!
Night of Cabaret
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 | 7 TO 10 PM | Art Gallery of Burlington
Join us for the epic opening of The Gender Conspiracy with a night of performances and storytelling. The stage lights up with drag, spoken-word, burlesque dancing, and music by Manghoe Lassi, Ryan Persadie, Johleen, Zain Bandali, and DJ Zehra.
Bring the kids!
Drag stars Fay Slift + Fluffy Soufflé lead a read-along for families focusing on books, songs and lots of laughs to show that Reading is FUN-damental! The duo support families with LGBTQI2S parent(s) and gender variant children, and read culturally diverse books, by providing a supportive and inclusive environment focused on fun! Everyone is welcome!
Tickets at:
 By Staff
August 15th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
 Elder Garry Sault of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation shares a traditional smudging ceremony with Museums of Burlington Executive Director, Barb Teatero. A traditional Smudging Ceremony, led by Elder Garry Sault of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation took place yesterday as three levels of government, project funders and donors were given a preview of the transformed Joseph Brant Museum.
The museum will officially open to the public on Sunday, September 15, with a community celebration from noon to 4 p.m. at 1240 North Shore Blvd. E.
The celebration will feature tours, interactive exhibits, activities and an official ribbon cutting with Burlington Mayor Meed Ward.
The public will get to see newly appointed Director Kimberly Anne Watson, who was named to the position effective September 9th
The Joseph Brant Museum, that sat by itself on the land that was granted to Joseph Brant for his service to the British who he served as a Captain, was a 1937 replica of the house Brant, Thayendanegea, built on a 1798 Crown land grant.
The addition to the museum has been built into the grassy area under the previous museum which adds more than 12,000 square feet of space to the museum.
The hope is that the expansion will make the Museum a cultural destination and a place to host national exhibitions and the collection of artifacts.
The first travelling exhibit has been announced – it is a display of classic pinball machines from a museum in Cleveland which gives a whole new meaning to a cultural destination.
The transformed museum has been expanded to provide barrier-free space, including an elevator to the second-floor roof garden and the Brant home that will serve as administrative space. The expansion includes more room for gallery displays, interactive programming, the storage of collections and community outreach.
• Total square footage of expanded site: 17,000 square feet
• The total project amount is approved at about $11 million, which includes a contingency fund and allows for cost increases due to a winter construction period. Funding includes:
$2.9 million from the City of Burlington
$4.5 million from the Government of Canada
$1.5 million from the Province of Ontario
$2.5 million from the Joseph Brant Museum Foundation
The museum has 25,000 artifacts and receives about 18,000 visitors a year.
 The engraved gorget, the most impressive item in the museum collection. Joseph Brant, Thayendanegea, lived from 1742 to 1807. In 1798, the Mohawk and British captain was granted 3,450 acres at the head-of-the-lake (Burlington Bay) by King George III, who gave Brant an engraved gorget, the most impressive item in the museum collection.
The Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of Democratic Institutions and MP for Burlington explains that: “Knowing our history helps us create a brighter future. I am proud to have been able to support the redevelopment of the Joseph Brant Museum which will provide Burlingtonians, and Canadians access to our community’s cultural heritage and improved access to our rich local history. I look forward to joining Burlingtonians to celebrate our culture at the Joseph Brant Museum for many years to come.”
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said: “The Joseph Brant Museum transformation helps us to celebrate the important history of our First Nations’ people and culture, including Burlington founder Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea). I look forward to celebrating the opening of the museum with residents and visitors, and know they will enjoy it as our new major exhibition and heritage centre. It is a wonderful addition to Burlington’s vibrant waterfront.”
Meed Ward wasn’t always this positive about the decision to spend so much on the Museum – she was taken aback when she learned that the Brant home replica would be closed off to the public.
 Three levels of government, project funders and donors were given a preview of the transformed Joseph Brant Museum. Back row, L – R: Larry Waldron, Chair Joseph Brant Museum Board; Burlington MPP Jane McKenna; Museums of Burlington Executive Director, Barb Teatero; John Doyle, Chair of the Burlington Museums Foundation; The Honourable Karina Gould, MP for Burlington and Minister of Democratic Institutions; City of Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward. Front row: Elder Garry Sault of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
 By Pepper Parr
August 12th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
How did the weekend go?
It was a honey of a weekend – the weather worked and there were two events that were great – tough if you missed them.
Neither would have cost you a dime.
 Business was brisk and the choices were varied. Well curated.  Stephanie Finn On Saturday Stephanie Finn held her summer Burlington Made Pop UP event in the Village Square. The 35+ participants had a very healthy crowd hovering over the tables that were spread through the Village.
It was a curated event which meant that Finn interviewed every one of the participants. “I ended up turning away 80% of those that applied to take part” she said.
There is one more Summer Pop Up and a number of other events on schedule for the rest of the year.
Sunday, the second day of the Performing Arts Centre Jazz on the Patio program. Steven Taetz sang along with his quintet – you had to be there to appreciate it.
Kudos to Performing Arts for holding the event and a Tip of the Top Hat to the Downtown Business Association for sponsoring.
One bothersome item. There were far too many chairs that were not occupied. People were saving chairs for others who didn’t arrive or didn’t want to share their table. That left people standing who could have been seated.
The ushers could have taken people to those tables.
And – some umbrellas to shade listeners from the blazing sun.
The music however made it all worthwhile.
Listen to Steve – he performed this piece Sunday afternoon.
 By Staff
August 6th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
 The rendering – the real thing will be opened to the public on September 15th. The re-opening of the Joseph Brant Museum will take place with a community celebration and free admission on September 15, 12 noon to 4 pm.
Joseph Brant Museum is Burlington’s community museum. With the replica of the original homestead of Joseph Brant ‘Thayendanegea’ (1742-1807), serving as a beacon, the transformed facility features three galleries, space for travelling exhibitions and a dedicated programming area for school groups and education programs. The Museum presents Burlington’s history as well as providing interactive experiences for visitors of all ages.
The Museum has been made possible due to many like-minded partners and donors who have contributed to the project. Funds raised to date include $2.5 million from the Joseph Brant Museum Foundation, $2.9 million from the City of Burlington and $6 million from provincial and federal government sources.
For over 30 years, the need to improve the museum facilities has been a well-documented priority. Designed by Chamberlain Architectural Services Limited, the ‘new’ Joseph Brant Museum will open to the public beginning Sunday, September 15.
There are three permanent galleries that explore Burlington’s rich history and heritage. The Burlington Gallery showcases the City’s first citizen, Joseph Brant, Thayendanegea and the growth of a village to a thriving city through immigration, shipping and industrial development.
 Aerial of the Brant Inn. The Costume Gallery contextualizes social history during the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s, focusing on the famous Brant Inn and the Big Band Era. Often described as putting Burlington “on the map”, the Brant Inn featured many legendary entertainers such as Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman and Ella Fitzgerald. The Discovery Gallery is a hands-on, interactive space constructed for our future engineers, mathematicians and scientists, designed for the young and young at heart.
“We are immensely grateful to our federal, provincial and city partners, as well as many private and corporate donors, staff, board members and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to see this project through to completion,” says Director of Museums of Burlington, Barbara Teatero. “The facility opening is the culmination of a multi-year, visionary process for everyone involved. We’re beyond excited to reveal this unique, distinctive space and the foundational exhibitions to the public and visitors to Burlington.”
 Will Museum patrons have to put coins in the pin ball machines?  Larry Waldron, Chair of the Burlington Museums Board, Joseph Brant Museum’s inaugural travelling exhibit will be on display from October 6, 2019 to January 12, 2020. Offering widespread appeal, visitors can look forward to “Part of the Machine: Rock and Pinball”, from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. This playable, interactive exhibit will feature rock-themed, pinball machines combined with historic merchandise and artifacts to explore the portrayal of artists and bands.
In the words of Larry Waldron, Chair of the Burlington Museums Board, “The new Joseph Brant Museum, gateway to Burlington’s waterfront and downtown has been thoughtfully transformed over the last three years and is now ready to welcome visitors, inspire connections and share its originality and potential.”
 This is an architect’s rendering – it will be wonderful if this is the way the museum looks like at night.
By Pepper Parr
August 6th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Revisions were made to this story correcting the length of time Barb Teatero served with the Museum – 35 years.
 Barb Teatero, Museums of Burlington Director at her last Brant Festival event. It was not Barb Teatero’s last day on the job but it was her last Brant Day event at LaSalle Park.
She is reported to ave been a every Brant day for the past 36 years.
Barb retires on September 9th – turning the reigns over to Kimberly Anne Watson.
“I told my Board in January that I was ready to retire. I just don’t have the level of enthusiasm and energy I used to have – it was time for new blood and different ideas.
“I loved the job and the new Museum that will be open to the public in the very near future is something the public is going to just love.
“It isn’t going to be an ‘indigenous Museum’. It is going to be a very modern place and there will be the appropriate exhibit of Joseph Brant material – this city was built on the land grant he was given by the British.
 Barb Teatero with her husband during the ground breaking ceremonies Barb’s husband retired 13 years ago and he wants to do some traveling and she feels she has done everything she could do to get the museum she has worked with for more than 35 years to the point where it will become a major provincial destination.
Getting to the point where the transformed Brant Museum is close to ready for its public debut has been a long haul for Teatero. She applauds city council for keeping “a critical” $2.5 million in the capital reserve budget for as long as they did.
Several members of city council were always concerned that a bigger museum would become another financial bleeder
Teatero is both grateful and proud for the $4.5 million the federal government came through with. “The grant we got was the biggest grant ever given to a cultural group in the country.”
The support for the museum has not been universal across the city. Of the two venues – Ireland House has the best reputation – and a well-deserved one at that.
The Brant operation has been spotty.
 The gorget, a piece of armour worn around the neck was presented to Captain Joseph Brant by King George III Teatero bent every ear she could find, twisted every arm there was and was indefatigable in her efforts to get the funding place. She once dragged Mayor Rick Goldring to a venue that was an example of where she wanted the Brant transformation to be.
Making the transformed site an operational success is in the hands of the new Director who will bring her own signature to the task.
Barb has worked with the volunteers at Freeman Station – advising the group of volunteers who have made the impossible real. She is quick to point out that volunteers are the life blood of the place; she cannot say enough about the role volunteers have played in getting the Museum to where it is today.
On August 13th there will be a special event to recognize the role those donours have played.
With the short interview with Barb done we watched as she did what she always does – tidies things up and tucks things away.
On the day that the formal announcement was made on the funding and on the day that the ground breaking ceremonies were performed one could see Barb putting something away or closing a cabinet door.
She “mothered” the place for years – she will miss it and the building will miss her.
It is reported that the stairs in the Brant replica came from the original structure – one thinks of Barb Teatero and Joseph Brant using the same set of stairs and the same hand rail – centuries apart.
Related news story:
New Director for Museums of Burlington
 By Pepper Parr
August 5th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
It is close to the best entertainment offering during the summer – the Performing Arts Centre Downtown Jazz Festival outdoor on the plaza August 10th and 11th – rain or shine.
When it does rain – and it has in the past – they just move everything inside to the grand Family Room.
 Jazz on thee Performing Arts Centre Plaza. The free event will feature an exciting line-up of Canadian jazz performers, as well as local talent, BBQ by Wendel Clark’s, and a beer tent by Shawn & Ed Brewing Company.
The weekend features free afternoon and early evening performances by the Shirantha Beddage Quartet, Thomas Carbou, Christine Tassan et les Imposteures, Steven Taetz, and Heather Bambrick & Jodi Proznick: East Meets West.
On Saturday, August 10th at 2pm Burlington’s own two-time JUNO nominee, baritone saxophonist Shirantha Beddage brings his brand of high-octane jazz back to BPAC. His original music combines hard bop and modern jazz to create a sound that is both accessible and sophisticated.
 les Imposteures One of Montreal’s best jazz guitarists, Thomas Carbou is scheduled to perform at 4pm. A renowned guitarist, composer, arranger, improviser, percussionist and sampler, he describes his unique style as electro-jazz. Christine Tassan et les Imposteures bring their special blend of Gypsy jazz and revisited cover songs to the Plaza at 6pm.
These four exquisitely talented musicians bring together some of the best works by Django Reinhardt, Félix Leclerc and American swing composers.
On Sunday, August 11th Steven Taetz, a Toronto-based vintage pop, swing, jazz singer and composer, will perform at 4pm. Steven has worked all around the world, from NYC’s Carnegie Hall to The Rogers Centre in Toronto and House of Jazz in Montreal.
 Heather Bambrick Heather Bambrick & Jodi Proznick: ‘East Meets West’ takes the stage at 6pm. Not only are Heather and Jodi considered two of Canada’s finest musicians, they are also JUNO nominees, full of brilliant music, and full-on entertainment. Heather Bambrick is a BPAC crowd favourite and audiences will be delighted by her most recent collaboration.
Beat the summer heat with a weekend of cool jazz entertainment at the 2019 Burlington Downtown Jazz Festival! There will be a beer tent on the Cogeco Garden Terrace operated by Shawn & Ed Brewing Company and barbeque offerings for sale by Wendel Clark’s Classic Grill and Bar. In addition to the headliners noted above, local musicians Tim Park and Karen Thornton will entertain audiences in between the scheduled performances.
The Burlington Downtown Jazz Festival happens rain or shine! In the event of inclement weather, the festival will move indoors to the BPAC Family Lobby. This is a truly inclusive event, as all entertainment is presented to the community free of charge. Some tables and chairs will be provided, but due to expected capacity crowds, it is recommended that participants bring their own seating.
 Shirantha Beddage The Burlington Downtown Jazz Festival
August 10 & 11, 2019
Shirantha Beddage Quartet, August 10, 2:00pm
Thomas Carbou, August 10, 4:00pm
Christine Tassan et les Imposteures, August 10, 6:00pm
Steven Taetz, August 11, 4:00pm
Heather Bambrick & Jodi Proznick: East Meets West, August 11, 6:00pm
 By Staff
August 1st, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
 In this portrait Joseph Brant is seen wearing the gorget given to him by King George III. That gorget is the most important piece in the collection at the Joseph Brant Museum. They call it the Civic Holiday at city hall – for the Museums of Burlington, the event at LaSalle Park has been known as the Joseph Brant Day in recognition of the contribution Brant made to the establishment of the city.
Events begin at 11:00 am and run through to 4:00 pm at LaSalle Park, FREE parking is available at Aldershot High School, 50 Fairwood Place West, Burlington.
Since 1980, Joseph Brant Day has been held at LaSalle Park on the Civic Holiday Monday in August. For over 30 years, the Museums of Burlington has presented this event that celebrates our local heritage, multiculturalism and community.
A new attraction this year will be the Children’s STEAM Zone, where kids will have fun being a Scientist, Technologist, Explorer, Athlete, and Mathematician with interactive activities. The Zone will connect with the newly renovated Joseph Brant Museum, and promote the Children’s Discovery Gallery “The Burlington STEAM Zone.”
Some event highlights include:
 One of the biggest gatherings of Food Truck operators the city gets to see – all at LaSalle Park. – Family-friendly entertainment
– Food truck rally
– Zorbit Sports bubble soccer
– Spin and win prizes
– Trampoline fun with Springfree Trampoline
– Water relay races with Bradbury Estate Realty
– La Salle Park Splash Pad (admission rates apply)
– Community displays
– Vendor market
– Quench cart (bring a refillable water bottle)
Celebrating Burlington’s Multi-Culturalism
Main Stage Entertainment:
 A pillow case race at a past Brant Day. 11:00 am – Opening ceremonies
11:30 am – Eagle Flight Singers and Dancers
12:30 pm – Halton Dance Network
1:30 pm – Chinese Performing Arts Society
2:30 pm – Caribbean Steel Drummer
3:15 pm – Bare Blue Sea Band
By Staff
August 1st, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The Good News: The annual One Burlington celebration is on again this year. The bad news is that it does conflict with the Joseph Brant event at LaSalle Park.
 The costumes are bright, the energy from the dancer is incredible. ONE BURLINGTON is in Burlington’s Central Park on Civic Holiday Monday August 5; Noon to 4pm at the Central Park band shell on New Street at Drury Lane
 Their faith, their culture and their dress are parts of this community that we know very little about. The event is an opportunity to meet them and to hear what they have to say – and give them an opportunity to meet us. ONE BURLINGTON consists of representatives from the many faith communities serving the Burlington area. The impetus for the first event in the summer of 2017 was the Quebec City mosque shootings in January that year. They also held an event in 2018.
The shootings in the Pittsburgh synagogue in in 2018 and in the Christchurch, New Zealand mosques in in March this year show that faith-related violence remains a major concern.
 People from a number of different faith and cultural organizations will be taking part in the event. Their purpose is to celebrate faith and culture by hosting an annual celebration to encourage people from diverse faiths to get to know each other better and thus discourage hate-related violence.
The theme this year is “Embracing Diversity”. It will be an embracing occasion with dancers on the stage – you will see and hear music you won’t see anywhere else in the city.
By Staff
July 30th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
This afternoon, on Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at 2 p.m. City of Burlington aquatics staff noticed an odour.
Staff cleared the pool and evacuated approximately 40 people outside the pool and splash pad perimeter.
Staff called 9-1-1 and fire, ambulance, police and the health department responded at 2:13 p.m..
 The facility at LaSalle Park is very popular. Eighteen individuals were assessed on scene and seven people were transported to hospital for further evaluation.
It has been determined that during routine maintenance, water levels had dropped causing disinfectant to enter the pool at higher than normal levels, but still within the recommended range. The levels have since been further lowered. The City is reviewing this incident to prevent future incidents.
The Burlington Fire department inspected and tested the entire perimeter of the pool for air quality and deemed all levels to be safe.
At this time, the Halton Region Health Department is on scene. The wading pool and splash pad will reopen once approved by the health department. The City expects to reopen the pool tomorrow at 11 a.m. once it has been tested, inspected and confirmed safe.
The above is the city’s story – and they will stick to it until an independent authority takes a closer look and asks some “why’s” about how disinfectant levels are determined.
 By Staff
July 25th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington Green has announced their 2019 Photo Contest. Simple to participate.
Take a picture of your favourite tree – send it in and wait for the results.
More detail – if that’s what you need:
1. Snap a photo of your favourite tree in Burlington. *If your photo includes a person(s), or address, you must have their permission to post the photo*
2. Email your photo as an attachment to michelle@burlingtongreen.org between July 8 to August 8 and tell us why it is your favourite tree (in no more than 50 words, please). Please include your full name in the email.
3. Look out for your photo on our Facebook page on August 9.
All entries will be posted publicly and open for voting. The photo with the most “likes” wins!
4. Share the post with your friends and ask them to “like” your photo for a better chance to win!
1. Participants must be residents of Halton Region.
2. All photos submitted to this contest will become the shared property of BurlingtonGreen in perpetuity. Photos used in the future for marketing purposes will include photo credits.
3. BurlingtonGreen will announce the winner on BurlingtonGreen’s Facebook page and website on August 20, with the winner also contacted by email.
By Pepper Parr
July 23rd, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
It was the best offer he was going to get, probably the only offer – but he did convince the lady to let us see what she has in the way of pipes.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward took James Burchill up on his challenge that they go for a drive in his Smart Car to determine if the training as an opera singer Meed Ward said she had taken amounted to anything.
 She was breaking his heart. It is a very short clip – but she can sing. There is a short ad before the voices are heard – you can skip over that.
Check out the two minute clip.
In a note on her Facebook page, the Mayor said: “It was a great time, and you are a fab duet partner. Next time you get to pick the song (yes there will be a ‘next time’)
By Staff
July 19th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
A phase of the incredibly interesting life Tomy Bewick has lived came to an end Thursday evening when he hosted his last Poetry Slam – it took place in the bowels of Nuvo – which Tomy regretted to say doesn’t have a bar yet and one couldn’t buy a meal.
But the program was a fine send off – registration touched 80 which was good for a Poetry Slam.
Some of the oldies were on hand, some people taking to the mike for the first time – including a woman who got to Burlington from Buffalo.
 Tomy Bewick and his wife at the last Poetry Slam for Burlington registration desk. Tomy opened the evening with one of the best pieces he has ever done – and from there it all depended on the crowd who hooted and hollered.
 Trade at the registration desk was brisk. Bewick wasn’t sure if the place would be packed – the last time we talked he wasn’t sure who was going to show up.
That’s the way Poetry Slams work.
There were 14 people taking part in the first round – they got whittled down to seven competing for the $200 cash prize.
The standard poetry slam procedure is of hounding the five judges if the audience didn’t like the scores they were given.
The second round had yet to begin when the Gazette reporter had to leave – Bewick will get back to us and let us know who took the top prize and when they closed down for the night.
 Dan Murray was in the house Dan Murray was in the house and we know he did a fine performance – that’s just the way Dan is – the woman who did the piece on the ten foot cell phone charter extension made a point – we think.
The end of Poetry Slam experiences in Burlington was boisterous, fun, the place where some remarkable performances took place. You just had to be there to take it all in.
 By Staff
July 19th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
While this is a Hamilton event – it is really interesting for Burlington residents; a Burlington Heights Tour of the battleground during the war of 1812.
Burlington was a big part of that even though the troops didn’t march through our streets.
The Dundurn National Historic Site is the focal point.
 This federal government plaque, erected at Burlington Heights, overlooking Burlington Bay got it wrong and Rick Wilson managed to get it corrected. The War of 1812 battles that took place on Lake Ontario were incorrectly explained on the plaque. The Hamilton Military Museum staff invite the public to join them for a dynamic guided 1812 tour of Dundurn National Historic Site for all ages on Jul. 28, Aug. 25 and Sept. 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at 610 York Blvd.
Pre-registration is required. Tickets are available online for $30 – price includes a family admission pass for a return visit.
 An aerial view of the Dundurn Castle grounds. Burlington Heights, where Dundurn Castle now stands, was occupied by the British military from 1813 through 1815. Participants will uncover the history surrounding the property and discover evidence of military fortifications in Dundurn Park including the rarely-opened Cockpit. The tour concludes with a look inside Dundurn Castle focusing on the 1812 architectural features.
Quick Facts
• Burlington Heights was an important centre of defense, supply and refuge for thousands of men, women and children connected to the British army, local militia, refugees, and First Nations during the War of 1812.
• On June 5, 1813, American forces marched from Niagara and set up camp at the Gage family homestead (Battlefield House).
• In the early morning hours of June 6, 700 British troops marched from Burlington Heights and defeated 3,000 American soldiers under the cover of darkness.
• Sir Allan MacNab incorporated some of the components of the 1812 fortification when he built his Italianate-style villa in the 1830s.
• This tour contains outdoor components; participants are asked to come dressed for the weather and prepared for walking on uneven terrain.
By Staff
July 10, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington has invited Ontario-based Indigenous artists or Indigenous-led artist teams to submit an Expression of Interest to create a permanent public artwork for the exterior of the Joseph Brant Museum.
Rendering of the Brant Museum transformation – opening pushed back to September. The museum is currently undergoing a major transformation, which will add more than 12,000 square feet to its current size. The artwork will be integrated into one of the garden areas (exact location TBD) and will serve as a landmark feature of the new museum.
Artwork Goals
In April 2019, a Steering Committee comprised of project and community stakeholders and representatives from Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Six Nations of the Grand River came together to determine the goals for this public art project.
Staff noted that the intent of this project is to build on efforts to create awareness of the rich Indigenous cultures, peoples and heritage that are at the root of our territory, city and province. This commission is not intended to be a memorial or monument to Joseph Brant.
 Indigenous dancers taking part on the ground breaking of the museum site. The Steering Committee suggested that the theme of the artwork focus on Indigenous language. Language is a through-line by which we are connected to our past, present and future. Language is crucial to the development of community and the sharing of knowledge.
However, Indigenous languages are under threat. Amongst the many efforts to protect and revitalize Indigenous languages, UNESCO has declared 2019 to be the International Year of Indigenous Languages.
Application
An artwork proposal is not requested at this time. This is a two-phase process: in Phase One, applicants will be reviewed on the basis of artistic merit of past work, professional qualifications and experience. In Phase Two, short-listed artists will be required to submit a preliminary artwork concept proposal that will be displayed for public comment and jury review. Artists selected for the short-list will be provided with a full Request for Proposals outlining detailed artwork specifications prior to developing their proposals. Short-listed artists will be paid an artist fee of $1500 to develop their proposals.
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In this portrait Joseph Brant is seen wearing the gorget given to him by King George III. That gorget is the most important piece in the collection at the Joseph Brant Museum. Finally – something that actually represents the Indigenous world that Brant represented for so long – with not all that much in the way of success.
The challenge here will be to ensure that the community stakeholders and representatives from Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Six Nations of the Grand River maintains control of the process and the selection. Keep the bureaucrats out of it.
The intent of this project is to build on efforts to create awareness of the rich Indigenous cultures, peoples and heritage that are at the root of our territory, city and province. This commission is not intended to be a memorial or monument to Joseph Brant.
By Pepper Parr
July 9th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
It is not bed time reading but if you find at some point that you don’t like what your city is doing – flip back to this Vision to Focus (V2F) work plan to learn when they said they were going to align the work they do with the Strategic Plan and determine if they are on target.
In a preamble to the document Mayor Meed Ward said:
There are many new faces around the table at City Council and I’m excited and proud of what we are committing to accomplish for the people of Burlington over the coming four years.
The chart below sets out what this city council wants to get done before the end of its term. The Srategic Plan had four pillars – Staff added a fifth.
 The five areas of the Strategic Plan city council wants the bureaucrats to focus on during the balance of their term of office October 2022 The City’s long-term 25-year strategic plan reflects many of the priorities we identified in our respective campaign platforms said the Mayor. The plan will continue to evolve as our city changes, and our new council responds with new ideas. We are also committed to taking action in our four-year term to begin to implement the plan, where it aligns with our collective vision for Burlington.
That is why we have created a four-year work plan: to focus on what actions we can take in this term of council to deliver on the commitments we made during our respective election campaigns, many of which are captured in the strategic plan. The good news is that there is already a high degree of alignment among our individual campaign platforms, and with the elements in the 25-year Strategic Plan.
The citizens of our community voted for change in the last election. They told us on the campaign trail, and through their votes, that they wanted to see limits to over-development and intensification, better traffic management, protection of our green spaces, and more respect and civility at City Hall.
In the short time we’ve been privileged to serve you, we have implemented an Interim Control Bylaw to pause development in our downtown core and around the Burlington Go Station to better evaluate the long-term vision we have for growth in this area and ensure it represents the wants and needs of our community. We launched the Roseland Private Tree Bylaw to help protect and preserve the tree canopy in one of the oldest parts of our city. We passed motions at City Council to make it clear to the Provincial Government that we would not support development in our greenbelt, and that we are opposed to amalgamation with neighbouring municipalities. We debated the hot topic of allowing retail cannabis stores to operate in our city and voted how our constituents asked us to, with respectful debate as we reached a final decision together.
We launched the Red Tape Red Carpet Task Force to bring together business owners across all industries to identify obstacles to relocation and growth here in Burlington, and work together to remove them.
We worked together to pass a new budget that provided the lowest tax increase for our residents in 8 years while still adding new services that add value to our city.
Most importantly, we have prioritized connecting with our constituents and making sure everyone feels that their voice matters. We attend community fundraisers, local sporting events, flag raising and proclamations, new business openings and school tours, and meet 1 on 1 with constituents every day to help engage people from every corner of our city.
Our vision for the next four years is to continue on this very path. We will focus on key priorities like the environment and climate change, transit, and the health and well-being of our residents and businesses. We’ll deliver the customer service levels you deserve and ensure every voice in our community is heard and valued. We’ll do it all while operating with integrity, transparency and respect in everything we do.
This 2018-2022 Burlington’s Plan: From Vision to Focus document is the corporate work plan for the term of Council to align with the long-term vision of the 25-year Strategic Plan.
Burlington’s corporate alignment and accountability is built on Service Management and Results- Based Accountability Frameworks. A Results-Based Accountability Framework takes into consideration two types of accountability.
The following are the services the city currently delivers.
 These are the services the city currently delivers. Not every city delivers the same in the way of services; leaf collection is an example. Now – just what is it they are going to do?
The Priorities and the Action that needs to be taken to achieve these priorities are set out below
The actions that will be taken to achieve this priority.
Priorities for Focus Area 1
Actions for Focus Area 1
Priorities for Focus Area 2
Actions for Focus area 2
Priorities for Focus Area 3
Actions for Focus area 3.
Priorities for Focus Area 4
Actions for Focus area 4
Priorities for Area 5
Actions for Focus Area 5
The intention is to report to the public in June on each of the targets: were they reached and is it working.
The Road Map to getting all this done in time to decide if you want to re-elect this city council that looks like this.
 This is a massive document that council spent hours going over in great detail and revising to be certain they got it right. It was referred to as a “living document”; one that would change with the stresses, needs and desires of the community. Staff will report to the city at least once a year where they are on the Actions side – they are determined to deliver on the bigger picture plan.
We will report later in the week on the debate and discussion that took place – it was interesting and refreshing to watch this council pull together as a group towards a common goal.
 By Pepper Parr
July 4th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
What do you mean – it will be the final Poetry Slam. Final as in FINAL?
How did that happen? And why?
 But it is – taking place at the Nuvo on July 18th.
I first heard Tomy Bewick at an Installation Art show at the Waterfront Hotel.
There was this guy running up and down the hall way yelling his head off. I didn’t at first understand what he was doing or saying.
He disappeared around a corner – I didn’t see or hear from him again that night
The Installation Art was very progressive for Burlington.
The brunette stretched out nude face down across a Queen size bed with the tall, black, handsome dude standing over her had the hotel management edgy. They really didn’t want that exhibit to be “public”.
It was a one night event that brought out all the in the know people; not a politician in sight.
I next heard Tommy at the Black Bull on Guelph Line – torn down for a storage operation.
The Poetry Slam was a regular event – you could get a decent meal and hear some very good work and just get caught up with people.
When the Bull closed the Poetry Slam moved out to eastern Burlington, I think they were at the Windjammer.
 Tomy Bewick – on stage. Slammers from elsewhere would show up and do their thing – it wasn’t for everyone but it did have a core audience.
They are on at the Nuvo – will there be a bar?
Will decent food be available? If Tomy is ending this part of his contribution to the culture of the city – can we at least send him out with a bang!
 By Staff
July 3rd, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The event took place in the Gazebo in Spencer Smith Park. It was one of the quieter events on Canada Day but for those who raised their hands while reading the Oath it was a huge day in their lives.
 If you look closely in the far right hand corner there is a young girl with her hand raised – becoming a Canadian citizen. Those people had chosen to come to Canada – some from war torn parts of the world, other from just south of our border.
Immigrants built this country – ideally the people taking the Oath yesterday will build on what we have in place now.
It is really what the country is all about.
 Some questions: Are all those women Liberals, wearing the party colours? And where oh where did Dave Vollick, the Town Crier, get those stockings? Were you able to count the medals on that veterans chest? What a fine photograph of the people that represented the community in welcoming new Canadians to the country.
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Vince Fiorito is a Burlington Resident and Founder of Friends of Sheldon Creek. He has also been named the Steward of Sheldon Creek by Conservation Halton.
