 By Staff
May 6th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s a sure sign that spring has finally sprung—Royal Botanical Gardens’ (RBG’s) flowering cherry (Prunus) collection is reaching peak bloom. The collection can be located at various areas of RBG with greater concentrations in the Arboretum and Rock Garden.
 Once the blossoms are in full bloom – they last four to five days. Cherry blossoms last an average of four to five days once in full bloom, so those wanting to experience the collection will have to act fast.
RBG records the flowering times of its cherries on an annual basis as part of a biological science known as phenology, an important tool in helping to track climate change.
In 2010, the Gardens added 34 trees to this collection, donated to RBG as part of the Sakura Project, an effort from members of the Japanese and Japanese Canadian communities to plant over 3,000 cherry trees across Canada. These trees are planted at both the Arboretum and Rock Garden sites.
Chefs at RBG’s Rock Garden Café are offering special menu items to mark the occasion. Visitors can sip cherry blossom tea and enjoy salmon poke bowl and matcha semi-freddo as part of their cherry blossom experience.
 Absolutely magnificent One of the most iconic spring sights at RBG is the flowering cherry circle in the Arboretum. The trees planted in this circle are Prunus ‘Accolade’ and were accessioned in 1966. P. ‘Accolade’ is a spectacular pink semi-double flowered cultivar that has achieved the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Award of Garden Merit (AGM). These trees look most spectacular when viewed against the backdrop of a pure blue sky. Once the flowers begin to fade and fall the surrounding grassy area looks like it is covered in pink confetti.
For those that like to dig into the details – more than you may ever want to know appears below. Walking amongst those trees is to live for – don’t miss the opportunity.
Japanese flowering cherries within RBG’s collection are some of most treasured and appreciated of these trees. These cultivars have been bred for centuries in Japan and play a hugely important role in Japanese society and culture. The Japanese name the flowering cherry sakura and the art and celebration of viewing sakura is known as hanami (flower viewing) during the day and yozakura (night sakura) at night. The short-lived flowers are particularly important in Japanese culture as a symbol of the ephemeral and impermanent nature of life.
The colours of cherry flower petals can vary considerably with the colour of the same flower changing from first emergence through maturity to blossom fall. Typically flowers are darker in bud becoming paler as they age and expand. Seasonal conditions, climate and soil type can also all have an influence on the annual colour of flowers.
 What a great place for a Spring Wedding – can’t you just see a bride and groom walking down that path? Cherry flowers are divided into four different groups which are based upon the number of petals. Whilst nature isn’t always perfect and variations occur as a rule:
• Single flowers have five petals
• Semi-double flowers have between 10 and 20 petals
• Double flowers have from 25 to 50 petals
• Chrysanthemum flowered cherries have more than 100 petals
The scientific name for flowering cherries is Prunus. The genus Prunus is in the Rosaceae or rose family. This family not only includes roses and flowering cherries but other notable ornamental plants such as Chaenomeles (Flowering Quince), Crataegus (Hawthorn) Fragaria (Strawberry), Malus (Crab apple) and Pyrus (Pear). As well as flowering cherries the genus Prunus also encapsulates plums, peaches, apricots and almonds. The Rosaceae family, as a result is one of the most economically important crop families.
 By Staff
May 3rd, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
All Grass Multi Use Fields and Ball Diamonds will be closed May 3, 4, 5, & 6 2019 due to weather.
Fields and Diamonds will be inspected daily and status will be updated each day starting May 6.
Artifical Turf fields remain open.
By Staff
April 30th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The city has put out a Request for Proposals for Public Art Benches – Tansley Woods Park
The deadline: Monday June 3, 2019
Budget: $4,500 CAD (design only)
The City of Burlington invites professional artists to submit proposals for a series of benches that will be installed in Tansley Woods Park (4100 Kilmer Dr, Burlington, ON).
Artists are asked to submit a proposal for three (3) designs that will be used to produce custom laser cut panels that will be installed in the backrest of the benches. A maximum of 12 benches will be produced using the artwork. The designs should be related in theme and aesthetic so that all of the benches work together as a series.
The successful artist will be awarded $4,500 for their designs. All costs and tasks associated with the fabrication, installation and maintenance of the benches will be paid for by the City of Burlington.
 Surely the most uninviting park bench ever made. Everyone involved in selecting this design should be require to sit on it for half an hour. Whoever wins the award – would they please have a look at the benches on the Portal area of the city, across the street from city hall – and have a look at what have to be the most uncomfortable park benches every constructed.
Come up with something that is attractive, comfortable and that supports the back of the person enjoying the opportunity to relax and talk to the person with them or to a passerby who might join them.
Click here to learn more about the RFP
Related news story:
Park benches put on pathway.
 By Staff
April 30th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
We are finally through April and heading into what might prove to be a chilly May – but June is going to be real summer weather – RIGHT?
Now that we are dealing with Climate Change and not weather it is difficult to know what is coming our way.
Parks and Recreation is taking the view that the weather will be great and gearing up for a Month of Play (June) and asking Burlington residents and staff to “Walk the Talk” and sign up for ParticipACTION’s “Community Better Challenge” to incorporate physical activity where they live, work and play. The nationwide challenge will recognize and celebrate community achievements, crowning regional winners and ultimately appointing one community with the designation to be Canada’s Most Active Community.
Join us on May 6 as we rally our city around this exciting movement to get active in a Public Art Walk with Mayor Marianne Meed Ward. Meetup will be at Civic Square, City Hall at 10 a.m.
Don’t forget to sign up for the challenge on ParticipACTION’s website. Download the app and begin to track your active minutes beginning May 31. Every minute counts….
Park Play Experience Fund
The Park Play Experience Fund is a one-year funding program that can provide up to $1,500 to bring people together and encourage our community to get outside and play in City of Burlington parks, trails and open spaces. The deadline for submissions is May 27, 2019. For more information and to complete an application, visit burlington.ca/parkplayfund.
Let’s Get Walking Burlington!
“Burlington Walks the Talk” is a community program designed to inspire neighbourhood walking groups and encourage Burlington residents to walk together. Start a walking group for your neighbourhood today. Check out the “how to guide” and promote and invite others to join you on the City of Burlington Walk Meetup Calendar. The first 10 groups to register their community walk meetup will receive 10 Walk the Talk t-shirts. Learn more about the program and about upcoming walk meetups at burlington.ca/walkthetalk.
Play Streets
The Play Street program is designed to inspire residents to come together and promote community play! The program offers the opportunity for weekly, local street closures to encourage the use of neighbourhood streets for safe, active play and social interaction between neighbours of all ages. For more information and to complete an application visit burlington.ca/playstreet.
Backyard Pool Owner Safety Clinic
Two dates to choose from, Saturday, May 4 or Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Tansley Woods Pool from 10 a.m. to noon. This clinic will provide pool owners with the tools necessary to stay safe in and around the water of their backyard pool. Participants will received a backyard pool safety kit. Register online at burlington.ca/play.
Pop Up n’ Play
Popping up in City of Burlington parks throughout the spring, Pop Up n’ Play is a play experience where children can explore, create, imagine and play in their own way. Choose from, After School Pop Up n’ Play or Pop Up n’ Play Fitness editions.
See schedule at burlington.ca/popupnplay.
Give the Gift of Play
Not sure what to give your Mom on Mother’s Day? Give the gift of PLAY! Recreation gift cards are now available in any denominations and can be used to pay for memberships, registered programs or admissions to variety of programs. Gift cards are available at all recreation facility locations during regular customer service hours. Learn more: burlington.ca/giftcards.
 By Staff
April 29th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
There is said to be excitement at city hall over the launch of the Art and the City, a self-guided downtown public art walking tour.
If you can get away from your job – join Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and arts and cultural staff for the official launch on Monday, May 6 at 10 a.m. The tour will start at City Hall, rain or shine.
The event is part of the City’s launch of ParticipACTION’s Community Better Challenge and Burlington Walks the Talk program.
Art and the City is available online and accessible from any mobile device. The free web app offers a new way to explore Burlington’s downtown and learn about public art in the process. The tour provides artwork information, photographs and a suggested walking route. The web-based map works across all platforms and allows residents to tour highlights from the public art collection using any internet-enabled smartphone or tablet.
 Alumina was commissioned by the Art Gallery of Burlington in 2008. Payce explores the relationships between form and imagery and the connections of objects and ideas in his artwork. Alumina was inspired by late eighteenth century French Sevres vases and Renaissance Mediterranean apothecary jars (albarelli). Looked at from a different angle they could represent the milk cans that used to be part of the landscape before Burlington was a city. Explore Burlington’s public art collection on this self-guided tour any time and at your own pace. Tour highlights include Portal (across from City Hall), Lady of the Lake (Spencer Smith Park) and Benevolent Angel (Burlington Public Library – Central Branch). Art and the City is divided into two parts and includes 25 public artworks in total.
A limited number of printed guidebooks will soon be available at all city facilities, the Art Gallery of Burlington, Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Burlington Public Library, Museums of Burlington and Tourism Burlington. Art and the City is also available online in PDF format to download, save, and print. Both formats are available online at burlington.ca/publicart.
“Public art is but one of the many things in Burlington that makes our city livable and enhances the lives of our residents”, said Mayor Marianne Meed Ward in a prepared statement. “ Our collection is quite extensive and unique, and there is something for everyone. The Art in the City walking tour is a great way to see the fantastic pieces we have located in the downtown area and it’s a great way to get some physical activity in, especially now that spring is here.”
 By Staff
April 26th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington is getting ready to launch the Month of Play (June) and has three new exciting initiatives lined up:
“Burlington Walks the Talk”,
“Community Better Challenge” and
“Art and the City” a self-guided downtown public art walking tour.
A public kick-off event for all three will be held at Civic Square at City Hall, 426 Brant St. on May 6, 2019 at 10 a.m., rain or shine.
Residents and media are invited to join Mayor Meed Ward in a leisurely Public Art Walking Tour in the downtown area, lead by Arts and Culture staff. The tour is expected to be 45-minutes and is accessible.
 Does the Terry Fox Run for the Cure count as a ‘walking the talk” event? Burlington Walks the Talk
Burlington Walks the Talk is a new community program that encourages people to form or join neighbourhood walking groups. It includes a “how to create a walking group” guide and place to share information about upcoming community walks to invite others to participate and learn more about walk meetup times and locations in Burlington. The first 10 groups to post their community walking group on the community walk meetup calendar will receive up to 10 t-shirts for their walking group (while supplies last).
ParticipACTION’s Community Better Challenge
This national campaign is looking for Canada’s most active city. The City of Burlington is challenging residents to track their physical activity through the ParticipACTION app on their phone and compete to become Canada’s most active city.
The challenge runs May 31 to June 16 and every active minute counts. Sign up by downloading the app with your postal code at community.participaction.com.
Art and the City – Downtown Public Art Walking Tour
New for residents and tourists is Art and the City, Burlington’s downtown public art walking tour. Art and the City is available online and accessible from any mobile device.
 The Spiral Stella -one of the better pieces of public art that few know all that much about. The free web app offers a new way to explore Burlington’s downtown and learn about public art in the process. The tour provides artwork information, photographs and a suggested walking route. A limited number of printed guidebooks will soon be available at all city facilities, Burlington Public Library and Tourism Burlington. Art and the City is also available online in PDF format to download, save, and print. Both formats are available online at burlington.ca/publicart.
The first 50 participants that join in the public art walking tour will receive a “Burlington Walks the Talk” t-shirt and an Art and the City tour guidebook. T-shirt sizes are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.
Participants in the Public Art Walk with the Mayor event do so at their own risk and acknowledge that accidents and/or injuries could occur while participating in this event. The City assumes no liability for any liability, claims, demands, damages, actions, or causes of action now existing or which hereinafter may arise as a result of my participation in the event, whether any injury is caused by the negligence of the City, participants or third parties.
(The legal disclaimer above reflects wording provided by the City and any grammatical errors are theirs. )
 By Staff
April 25th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Finding something new, interesting and different for Mother’s Day can be a challenge.
The people at Ireland House have been offering a unique experience at Ireland House Museum.
 A different way to celebrate – Mom will enjoy the tour of the kitchen in the lower level of Ireland House. The Mother’s Day Tea & Tour will serve premium tea, traditional sandwiches and desserts, followed by tours and demonstrations on the hearth at the historic Ireland House.
Select from one of 3 seating times (11 am, 1 pm or 3 pm). Tickets are $40/person. A maximum of four people can be seated at your table, not recommended for young children.
Once your booking is processed, a museum representative will contact you to confirm your table arrangements. Tickets are non-refundable.
Click to book tickets:
 By Staff
April 24th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Sound of Music Festival has released the free concert lineup for Father’s Day Weekend, June 13-16, in Spencer Smith Park and throughout the downtown core.
 Cowboy junkies are part of the free Sound of Music Festival that begins June 13th to 16th The shows offer up a huge variety of music for all ages including: Terri Clark, Lonestar, Grandson, Hollerado, Hawksley Workman, David Wilcox, Bedouin Soundclash, Dear Rouge, Cowboy Junkies, Skydiggers, Madeline Merlo, Classic Albums Live, Freedom Train, and so many more.
Visit soundofmusic.ca for the full lineup and show times.
Events and activities include
Club Series – June 9-12,
Silver Series presented by Schlegel Villages – June 14,
Downtown Streetfest presented by Burlington Downtown Business Association – June 14-16 and
Family Zone – June 15-16
plus the Grande Festival Parade on June 15!
Amp up your experience with a VIP upgrade to Sweet Seats and FrontRow for TD Stage.
 Black Mountain is part of the ticketed event offering that begins June 8th. Tickets are moving fast for Sound of Music’s Kick Off event featuring performances on Saturday, June 8th by Bush, Live, Monster Truck, Headstones, Crown Lands, Black Mountain Whiskey Rebellion and The Castor Troys.
“With so much competition for the entertainment dollar in our market, it was critical that we offer an amazing value to our ticket buyers. The kick-off provides needed funds to keep Father’s Day Weekend free, and I have to say, at current prices, there isn’t a better value ticket in Ontario!”, says Rusak.
The Festival is currently recruiting for volunteers.
June 8 – 16, 2019 will mark Sound of Music Festival’s 40th edition.
 It doesn’t get much better than this. Every year in June, Burlington comes alive with the largest music event of the year. Well over 200,000 people come to enjoy concerts spanning all genres. Through the generosity and support of sponsors and the dedication of volunteers, the event continues to be free on Father’s Day Weekend for music lovers of all ages.
By Staff
April 19th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.
And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
 By Staff
April 18th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington has a Park Play Experience Fund and is now accepting applications
The Parks Play Experience Fund will provide up to $1,500 to bring people together and encourage our community to get outside and play in City of Burlington parks, trails and open spaces.
 His to discover. The deadline for submissions is Monday, May 27, 2019. The Park Play Experience Fund is a one-year funding program that has been expanded from the Healthy Kids Community Challenge initiative.
The Parks Play Experience Fund will provide up to $1,500 to bring people together and encourage our community to get outside and play in City of Burlington parks, trails and open spaces.
Park Play Experience is designed to:
 Not as easy as it looks – great exercise. • Encourage outdoor play experiences in City parks, trails or open spaces
• Encourage neighbourhoods and community groups to get together and play outdoors
• Create new community connections
• Enhance playability, walkability or connectivity within City neighbourhood parks, trails and open spaces
Ideas for types of Outdoor Play Experiences include:
• Create a walking group on our trails
• Organize a neighbourhood park play day
• Organize a neighbourhood recreation program
• Purchase equipment to be shared among the community that will enhance play
• Introduce new outdoor park play experiences to enhance an existing program and encourage more people to get outside
How the fund works
The Park Play Experience must be:
• Open and inclusive to the entire community
• Within the City of Burlington
• Free or under five dollars ($5)
• Outdoors
• A one-time funding request
• Able to satisfy insurance requirements (listed online at burlington.ca/parkplayfund)
• In compliance with municipal, provincial and federal regulatory standards (i.e. standards for playgrounds, building codes)
 There is a soccer player in there somewhere Each application will be evaluated on the following criteria:
1. The request meets all criteria for funding
2. The overall feasibility of the experience
3. Tangible benefits and outcomes from the experience
4. How many people it will impact in the neighbourhood
5. A realistic budget that clearly outlines how the budget will be spent
6. Ability to complete the experience before Dec. 31, 2019
 Chris Glenn, Director of Parks and Recreation for the city. Chris Glenn, Director of Parks and Recreation has this to say about the program: “Play starts when we are young, but it never really stops. Play is for all ages, cultures and abilities. An outdoor play experience can be anything that encourages participation at any age group or demographic. Passive and or active. Sport, recreational, cultural or educational in nature. Connecting with nature and being outdoors.”
Links and Resources
For more on the rules – CLICK
 By Janet Gadeski
April16th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The title of the talk that is to take place at the Library on New Street on Thursday, May 2 from 7 to 8:30 pm certainly catches the eye.
“Death is not a medical event. It is a social process,”
 Kathy-Kortes-Miller – author. Kathy Kortes-Miller. A social worker and palliative care specialist, speaks from systemic and personal experience.
Kathy’s book, Talking About Death Won’t Kill You (ECW Press, 2018), came out of that journey. Its helpful chapters include strategies and tips for becoming better informed; talking openly with family members, especially children; sharing with co-workers, creating compassionate workplaces for yourself and others; working through personal and medical decisions; making your values and wishes clear in an advance care plan; managing and benefitting from digital communications, including social media; and considering medical assistance in dying.
 She has earned a reputation for managing this topic with expertise, empathy, and humour. If you’d like her to tell you more about preparing for death and dying, join her at Burlington’s Central Library, Centennial Room, from 7 to 8:30 pm on Thursday, May 2. There will be plenty of time for your questions. Copies of the book will be available for sale too. The event is co-sponsored by the Burlington Public Library and Carpenter Hospice with the assistance of The Different Drummer in support of The 100% Certainty Project.
To register for this free event, go to https://attend.bpl.on.ca/event/1666855. See you there!
Burlington resident Janet Gadeski is a former board member of The Carpenter Hospice. An avid reader, she represents the Hospice on The 100% Certainty Project’s working group, a project dedicated to helping people talk about and prepare for dying, death, and bereavement.
 By Staff
April 16th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
There is a program delivered to many schools in Halton Region: Food for Thought.
Food for Thought is a Region wide program that works with elementary and high schools to ensure that every student has access to a proper breakfast.
The program takes place every day of the week at 130 schools across Halton and feeds more than 27,000 students a week. They have over 2,100 volunteers (including 930 students) and dozens of community partners who all work together to feed students in their communities.
For the first time ever, Halton Food for Thought is hosting an online auction as part of our annual Breakfast Bash!
Some amazing items have been donated by community partners and corporations. All proceeds for the online auction will go directly to support the 2019 Breakfast Bash goal of $68,000.
Please send us a message if you have anything you can donate!
You won’t want to miss this event!
Auction items will be added shortly, and bidders will have a week to preview before the bidding starts.
Bidding will start at 9 am on Wednesday, April 24! This portion of our Breakfast Bash event will only be run on Facebook.
Any items not securing a minimum bid online will be transferred to the Silent Auction at our Breakfast Bash on May 3rd.
The Food for Thought story.
Link to the Facebook page
By Staff
April 15th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington residents are encouraged to take note of what’s open and closed around town during the Easter holiday.
The city’s administrative services will be closed Friday, April 19 and Monday, April 22.
Looking for things to do?
Please visit www.burlington.ca/calendar and www.tourismburlington.com
Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities – Hours vary
Activities and customer service hours at city pools, arenas and community centres will vary over the holiday weekend. For program times, please visit burlington.ca/play. For customer service hours, please visit burlington.ca/servicehours.
Burlington Transit
On Friday, April 19, Burlington Transit will operate a holiday service and the downtown Transit Terminal and Specialized (Handi-Van) Dispatch will be closed. Regular service resumes Saturday, April 20. The administration offices are closed Friday, April 19 and will reopen Tuesday, April 23. For real-time schedule information, please visit www.burlingtontransit.ca.
Animal Shelter and Control
Closed Friday, April 19 and Monday, April 22.
Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information or to report an animal control-related emergency, call 905-335-3030 or visit www.burlington.ca/animal.
Roads, Parks and Forestry
Closed Friday, April 19 and Monday, April 22. Only emergency services will be provided.
Halton Court Services
Closed Friday, April 19 and Monday, April 22.
Pay tickets online at www.haltoncourtservices.ca.
Parking
Free parking is available in the downtown core, on the street, municipal lots and the parking garage on weekends and holidays.
NOTE: The Waterfront parking lots (east and west) do not provide free parking on weekends or statutory holidays.
Do you have family and friends visiting for the holiday weekend? A reminder that there is no parking on city streets overnight between 1 and 6 a.m. Exemptions to allow overnight parking on city streets may be obtained by calling 905-335-7844 or visiting www.burlington.ca/parking.
Church services:
Compass Point Bible Church
St. Lukes Anglican Church
8:15 a.m. – Traditional Holy Communion – Book of Common Prayer (BCP)
– 10:00 a.m. – Family Choral Eucharist with Sunday Club and Nursery
Wellington Square United Church
Sunday 9am – Contemporary service with a casual atmosphere, visual experiences with live drama and video, and music that is as familiar and relevant as the tunes on your radio.
Sunday 11am – Blended worship featuring traditional hymns, praise songs, and choir, accompanied by organ, piano and guitar.
St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church
Easter Sunday, April 21 Mass of the Resurrection 8:00 a.m.9:30 a.m.11:15 a.m
By Staff
April 14th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
They gather dust in basements, garages, at the back of closets – old TV’s, audio equipment, toasters, irons or toys. Or what about that lamp with the crooked base, the lawn chair with the bent leg, or that electric kettle with the broken cord?
 Broken lamps now have a place to go for repairs. Wondering what to do with that old or damaged household appliance? Don’t want to throw it out into the landfill? Still holding onto it because ‘it might come in handy’ someday”?
Burlington is about to join over one thousand cities around the world (15 in Canada) that have a ‘repair café’, a place where you can bring that poor, old, defective treasure – and have it fixed, good as new, avoiding the global garbage heap and making it useable again.
Lawson Hunter, the energy behind getting this off the ground in Burlington points out that Kitchener is the closest similar operation. “Though we are using the name ‘Repair Cafe’ there is an international organization called the Repair Cafe Foundation that has a handbook, and some standards to qualify as an official ‘Repair Cafe’. At this stage we just want to use the generic name and see if that resonates with the public. So far everyone’s been enthusiastic with lots of ‘That’s a great idea.”Should have had one years ago’.
Run by volunteers, and always looking for more ‘handi-persons’, Burlington’s repair café (name to be determined) will be opening its doors on April 16th, 6:30-9pm, at Rolling Horse Community Cycle at Unit 2 – 650 Plains Rd. East. (part of Next Door Social Space).
We are looking for used items that need repair and your input (volunteers will help you repair your item – that way you have the satisfaction of making the repair).
Have extra tools, electronics, meters, manuals and the like? Please tell us what you’d like to donate and we’ll let you know if we need them.
Costs to repair, parts only.
 They expect to be able to fix your toaster. WHAT – Small household items/appliances (no refrigerators, laundry, autos, couches, etc.)
– Repairable items (no new items to be assembled)
– Bring any manuals or tools that might help
WHO – You, your friends, neighbours – let everyone know
WHEN – Starts Tuesday, April 16th, 6:30pm
 By Staff
April 10th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington has awarded funding support through the Burlington Arts and Culture Fund (BACF) grant program.
Approved by Council in 2017, the Burlington Arts and Culture Fund provides grants to local artists, multicultural groups, and arts and culture organizations to foster creativity and enrich how Burlington residents experience and engage with arts and culture.
The BACF received 25 grant applications between Jan. 7 and Feb. 8, 2019. The applications were reviewed by a jury of peers and city staff. Decisions were based on artistic merit, program merit and strategic initiative, citywide and community impact, and economic impact. This year’s grant program was able to support 16 arts and cultural projects across Burlington.
The grants amounts ranged from $2000 (lowest) to $8,000 (highest).
Total amount available for this year BACF was $75,000.
The BACF aims to nurture the capacity of the arts and culture sector in Burlington, while fostering creativity, encouraging social cohesion, enhancing quality of life, and stimulating cultural and economic development through direct investment. The program recognizes and supports diverse identities, perspectives, languages, cultures and artistic practices.
Burlington Arts and Culture Fund Approved Projects for 2019/2020
Project Name: Authors in Your Neighbourhood
Applicant: Sylvia McNicoll
Authors in Your Neighbourhood want students to have a positive interaction with local writers to foster the love of reading and writing. The project will provide two elementary schools in each of Burlington’s six wards with a free presentation between May 2019 and March 2020. Each school will be provided with an autographed set of the books that either Jennifer Maruno or Sylvia McNicoll will be speaking on. Following a discussion on the origins, characters and setting of the stories, the students will be inspired to read the work and it will be available for them to read. Approximately 1,200 students will learn more about the author’s writing process, as well as cover design, editing and other publishing processes that will increase the depth of their reading enjoyment. Over 40 teachers, librarian-techs, and other teaching assistants will learn pointers on inspiring proficient writing. New to Authors in Your Neighbourhood is the inclusion of high schools in the project.
Project Name: Birds Adapted Juried Exhibition
Applicant: Teresa Seaton
Birds Adapted for Flight or Fancy is a regional exhibition for both two and three-dimensional works of fine art and craft. The exhibition will run at Teresa Seaton Studio and Gallery from August to October 2019. A call for this exhibition will be sent out via Akimbo, various social media outlets, and through a direct email campaign. Prizes will be awarded for first place, second place and people’s choice. Teresa along with the award-winning artists will offer learning opportunities for both artists and the public through a series of artist talks. By basing the theme on birds and their influence or inspiration, the exhibition also challenges the traditional curatorial practice of separating fine art and craft. By opening the call to all media, the exhibition promotes a conversation to the general artistic community to look beyond the historical stereotypes of curatorial practices.
Project Name: Bringing Music to the Community
Applicant: Burlington Welsh Ladies Chorus
The Burlington Welsh Ladies Chorus (BWLC) aims to foster creativity, stimulate culture and encourage social cohesion by involving the community in learning songs and singing in different languages without songbooks (as in the Welsh tradition) to entertain the public. To succeed in their vision of creating an atmosphere of collaboration, BWLC looks forward to connecting with other musical groups to promote cultural diversity. The chorus is unique to the area in terms of its composition and delivery and aims to encourage women in Burlington to join the troupe in learning the aesthetics of singing and how to sing in a different language. The main goal of the chorus is to provide entertainment in the community, for the community. Retirement and nursing homes present a wonderful opportunity to entertain Burlington residents demonstrating the power of music therapy. The BWLC will provide free concerts in various retirement and nursing homes throughout Burlington during their 2019/2020 performing season.
Project Name: Burlington Fine Arts Association Annual Juried Show – The Artist’s Mark
Applicant: Burlington Fine Arts Association
 Members of the Fine Arts Guild in a portrait class. The Burlington Fine Arts Association (BFAA) is a high achieving artists’ collective of approximately 170 local artists and is the largest of the seven guilds under the umbrella of Arts Burlington. This project will mark the second annual juried show at the Burlington Centre, a continued effort in building a relationship between the BFAA and the Burlington Centre. The exhibition brings original art out of the gallery and into a more accessible community venue and consumer space. The Artist’s Mark will take place from Jan. 17 to 26, 2020. In this second iteration of the juried show, the call will be open to all BFAA members as well as senior youth from Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School who elect to participate as part of their art programs curriculum. Throughout the exhibition, participating BFAA and student artists will interact with visitors to the mall by being on site, giving live demonstrations, and talking about their work and process.
Project Name: Educational Diorama Exhibit
Applicant: Friends of Freeman Station
 The historic diorama depicting life in the village of Freeman in the early 1900’s will be one of the most exciting destinations in the city when it is completed. Friends of Freeman Station was formed in 2011 as a non-profit community group. The mission of the group is to locate, restore, and preserve the historic Freeman Train Station for the enjoyment of current and future generations. With the lower level of the Burlington Junction Station almost complete, a dedicated team of Friends of Freeman Station volunteers including local artists and craftsman have begun assembling a unique model railway and historic diorama depicting life in the village of Freeman in the early 1900’s. The exhibit will showcase a beautifully crafted 1/24 scale model of the Burlington Junction Station. Lighting and audio-visual effects will be used to tell individual interactive scenario stories and educational modules will be developed to include historic, economic, scientific, culturally significant, and technological topics. The project will see the creation of a permanent exhibit open to the public that educates residents and visitors, with a special focus on grade school student groups.
Project Name: Emerging Artist Showcase Series
Applicant: Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore
The Emerging Artist Showcase Series is designed to foster the continued development of Burlington’s music scene and aims to further add to the impressive list of Canadian bands from Burlington that have become an international success. The showcase aims to grant three rising artists with the opportunity to launch their career on a professional-level platform. The Emerging Artist Series offers exposure to new and diverse audiences, networking and connection opportunities, artist relations, hospitality, stage management experience and knowledge to support the career development of the city’s emerging artists. The project fosters the career development of three of Burlington’s up and coming musicians, providing them with the opportunity to receive a total of six hours of featured space, professional-level airtime.
Project Name: Entertainment for Seniors
Applicant: KooGle Theatre Company
KooGle Theatre Company will perform Broadway classics and songs from the golden age of movie musicals for retirement homes and senior centres in the Burlington community between April 2019 and March 2020. Co-Artistic Directors Leslie and Christopher Gray will collaborate with fellow members of Burlington’s artistic community (performers/technicians) in order to reach out and make an artistic difference in the lives of Burlington’s senior community. The project provides an opportunity for community outreach and the company aims to perform and sing numbers from movie musicals and Broadway classics from the Brant Inn era, while utilizing the visits at these various residences to communicate about their Brant Inn project and capture memories from the residents. Entertainment for Seniors allows KooGle Theatre Company to reach out to Burlington’s senior community and provide nostalgic entertainment that will be bring happiness, joy and healing.
Project Name: The Gospel According to St. Nick.
Applicant: Burlington New Millennium Orchestra
The Burlington New Millennium Orchestra presents the Gospel According to St. Nick, a family-centric Christmas season concert with a gospel beat vibe. Audience participation will occur in the sing-along portion and St. Nick will make a special appearance. The concert will feature programming suitable for all age groups.The programming includes 35 professional musicians from the Burlington area, various performing artists from the Greater Hamilton Area and from the local business community. Christmas is a major celebration in the Christian calendar but by including secular and religious music and St. Nick, the concert is a fun, family event for all ages and backgrounds. The mission of the Burlington New Millennium Orchestra (BNMO) is to present unique high caliber concerts to the residents of Burlington featuring gifted performing artists from the local, national and international arts communities. BNMO will foster collaborations with other local arts groups and engage younger audiences through selective outreach programming.
Project Name: A Green I.D.E.A.
Applicant: A Green I.D.E.A Collective (Alison Dunford, Joan Urquhart and Yanting Zhao)
A Green I.D.E.A. is an arts-based collective of three artist-educators that partner with local organizations to collect waste materials and show children, educators, and families how to repurpose them in artful ways. A Green I.D.E.A. will partner with local businesses to collect high quality nontoxic surplus materials and high quality nontoxic defective materials to reduce the waste materials in Burlington by repurposing these materials into artworks. A Green I.D.E.A. will offer public workshops that showcase how to use these surplus materials for arts-based projects to children and families in Burlington. By saving these materials from being deposited in local landfills the project aligns with the City of Burlington’s strategic direction of Building a Healthy and Green City. The project will offer a series of educational workshops on how to use solid waste materials that have been donated from local companies to create innovative and artistic projects as a fun way to educate residents on how to rethink the notion of waste and how to reuse discarded materials in artful ways.
Project Name: Halton Freedom Celebration Festival
Applicant: Halton Black History Awareness Society
The Halton Freedom Celebration Festival is a free outdoor music festival that will take place in Spencer Smith Park on Aug. 3, 2019 from noon to 11 p.m. The celebration includes musical and dance acts, youth and children’s events, artistic, musical and historical forums, an extensive marketplace of cultural cuisine, community and cultural association partners, genealogists, historians, authors and cultural contributors. The festival offers multicultural music, food, crafts, and art for a diverse audience. 2019 enhancements include youth and children’s activity centres and adding more diversity to the program including Cuban Jazz fusion led by two female Juno Award nominees.The Halton Black History Awareness Society is a passionate group of multiculturals, dedicated to implementing cultural education into the public and institutional mindset towards appreciating the values of inclusivity, equality, and self-development.
Project Name: Lunar Year Culture Celebration
Applicant: Redleaf Cultural Integration
The Lunar Year Culture Celebration is an event that celebrates the starting of a new lunar year, the most important festival in Asian countries. This cultural event, led by Redleaf Cultural Integration, lasts approximately four hours and includes a cultural show/display, and multicultural music and dance performances. To promote and foster multiculturalism, the celebration will include art and performances from various ethnic groups in order to showcase their culture to the community. Redleaf Cultural Integration (RCI) is a non-profit cultural organization that works together with people of diverse cultures, backgrounds and ages to enhance the quality of life in Burlington. RCI creates opportunities to develop meaningful relationships, provides community social events, and promotes healthy lifestyles with a focus on newcomers to Canada and Burlington specifically.
Project Name: One Burlington Celebrating Faith and Culture
Applicant: One Burlington
The One Burlington Celebrating Faith and Culture Festival is an annual celebration of Burlington’s local faith and cultural communities. It is a free and open event that encourages dialogue and the building of bridges through the sharing of cultural foods, activities for children, stage presentations and performances, and information booths where traditions can be explained by local Muslim, Sikh, Bahai, Hindu, Jewish, Christian and other various community leaders in a relaxed, casual, family-oriented environment that stimulates understanding, respect and appreciation of the unity in the diversity of our neighbours. The celebration is unique to Burlington and the sharing of cultural and ethnic foods is a popular component of the interfaith and multicultural celebration. The process of sharing cultural foods, art, music and dance performances facilitates a dialogue and builds relationships between individuals and communities within our inclusive city.
Project Name: PROSPECTS an Evening of Dance and Discussion
Applicant: Lisa Emmons
 Lisa Emmons and those who dance with her do some of the most progressive dance in the area. Not to be missed. PROSPECTS: An Evening of Dance and Discussion is a series of three dance performances that take place at the Burlington Student Theatre. The performances are a mixed program of five pieces of choreography by five different choreographers around the same theme (social justice, identity, relationships and connection). All of the choreographers discuss their work and process in a post-performance discussion where the audience is invited to provide feedback. This allows the choreographers to learn from the audience and the audience to learn more about the art of dance. Providing an inclusive environment to showcase work where the choreographers are mentored and encouraged to engage directly with the audience allows for growth by understanding what each audience experiences. In addition, the audience will have an opportunity to develop their understanding and appreciation of dance as an art form.
Project Name: Shawn Brush Country Jamboree
Applicant: Shawn Brush
Every October musician and Burlington native Shawn Brush, the Krooked Cowboy, organizes a local event that brings together some the industry’s finest musicians. Shawn is a singer songwriter that combines technical musicianship with impactful songwriting. The Shawn Brush Country Jamboree will feature performances by: Shawn Brush, Sarah Beatti, The Pistoletts, Chopped Liver, Barton Cats, Hayley Verrall, Caroline Wiles, and Judi Rideout and the X-Husbands. Shawn’s mission is to bring country music talent to veterans and residents living with mobility challenges. This year’s event will take place on Oct. 14 at the Burlington branch of the Royal Canadian Legion and will provide a day of family fun, food, and country music from local and regional performers. Expect music, laughter and dancing at this celebration of country music! “With guitar in hand, solo or backed by some of the industry’s finest musicians, the Krooked Cowboy is an artist that shines. He has appeared in national media and performed both in studio and live on stage. With a powerful presence, he is a must see.”
Project Name: Southern Ontario Lyric Opera Special Gala Event
Applicant: Southern Ontario Lyric Opera
Southern Ontario Lyric Opera (SOLO) is a young vibrant opera company founded in 2015 by Artistic Director and Conductor, Sabatino Vacca. SOLO’s dual vision is to provide high-caliber, affordable and accessible operas, while maintaining a strong commitment to the community through outreach efforts. SOLO reciprocates through many avenues of community outreach including: gratis concerts and presentations at seniors’ residences, informative talks and presentations at local libraries and to interested groups, and participation in a variety of community events. SOLO’s Special Gala Concert, featuring world-renowned Soprano (and Burlington native) Adrianne Pieczonka and renowned Canadian Baritone, Gregory Dahl joined and supported by the SOLO Chorus and Orchestra will take place on June 8, 2019. SOLO is especially keen to educate children and to foster an affinity with the excitement and fascination of this often-overlooked art form. The opera involves children and youth in their casts and chorus and invites local schools and youth groups to their dress rehearsal performances.
Project Name: Symphony on the Bay Youth and Seniors’ Outreach
Applicant: Symphony on the Bay
 Funding the Symphony on the Bay outreach program will allow more people to hear a really very good orchestra. Symphony on the Bay (SOTB) produces interesting, exciting orchestral and small ensemble performances that engage and inspire large and diverse audiences. Through concerts, community educational programs, and other community activities, SOTB delivers music programs for youth and seniors and promotes the health benefits of music to all residents while providing community musicians an opportunity to perform and develop their talent. This project supports Symphony on the Bay’s youth and seniors’ outreach initiatives. Youth outreach consists of a young artists competition featuring young artists from the region in solo performances with orchestra. The project also consists of youth arts groups collaboration which features performances by local community youth groups at all four concerts in the symphony’s season. SOTB’s seniors’ outreach involves small ensembles of volunteer orchestra members performing for seniors’ groups in the community. Performance locations include the Burlington Seniors Centre, seniors’ residences and wellness centres, the Art Gallery of Burlington, and the Burlington Public Library.
Heather MacDonald, Director of City Building said she wanted to “thank all of the individuals who applied for the Burlington Arts and Culture Fund. We are looking forward to seeing the funded programs come alive and add even more culture and vibrancy to our already amazing city.”
Our understanding was that Deputy City Manager Mary Lou Tanner handled the cultural file.
 By Staff
April 10th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Tourism Burlington released their 2019/2020 edition of “The Official Tourism Burlington Visitor Guide” today. They printed 50,000 copies.
 This year’s guide cover was taken by Michael Lyons, a local photographer. Al Pettman of Just a Click Photography, William Tam and Robert Todd of Todd Images have contributing work inside the Guide.
The Visitor Guide will be distributed throughout Burlington and across Ontario to encourage visitors to come to the Burlington area. The annual visitor guide features Burlington attractions, things to see and do, dining experiences, accommodations, shopping and family activities.
It also includes an extensive events listing and detailed Burlington maps. Special features on What’s New in #BurlON, Culinary Experiences and Adventure Awaits. New this year a Sweet Treats section. The new guide has also been uploaded to the Tourism Burlington website for paper-less viewing.
Copies of the official visitor guide are available at Ontario Travel Centres throughout the province and locally at key attractions, recreation facilities, libraries, golf courses, hotels and motels and included in welcome packages for events and conferences.
Pick up copies of the Burlington Visitor Guide by stopping at the Tourism Burlington Visitor Information Centre at 414 Locust Street in Downtown Burlington which is open 7 days a week.
By Staff
April 9th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The 46th annual Good Friday Road Race on Friday, April 19, 2019, will result in road and lane closures.
Streets will reopen as soon as possible following the completion of the final race. Vehicles parked illegally in the event area will be tagged or towed to allow emergency access.
 Same route and road closures as 2018. Road closures
• 8 to 11:30 a.m. – Fairwood Place, in the area directly in front of Aldershot School will be closed to traffic with local access to residences maintained, subject to race delays.
• 9 to 11:30 a.m. – North Shore Boulevard West from Fairwood Place to Unsworth will be closed to through traffic.
• Local access to residents within the closed area will be maintained, subject to race delays. Through traffic on North Shore Boulevard West will be detoured at LaSalle Park Road and at Plains Road West.
Traffic lane closures
All other streets on the race route will have one lane open for local access.
Resident access
Urgent access assistance: residents can get access to or from their homes to cross the race route, subject to race delays, by contacting the road marshal from the race committee at 289-795-7391 in advance or on race day. An escort vehicle will be sent to escort your vehicle through the closed section of the course, subject to race delays.
Emergency Services access will be maintained at all times along the event route.
Supervision and route management
Halton Regional Police Service will direct traffic at major intersections and event marshals will help runners and motorists at multi-residential driveways and on side streets.
By Staff
April 9th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Now this is a goodie.
Long and McQuade should be swamped with entries.
They are calling it the Free ‘Bird Contest!
 The Gibson Firebird Show them your best guitar pose for a CHANCE TO WIN a Gibson Firebird (valued at $1,299)!
Step 1>
Like us on Facebook! facebook.com/LongMcQuade
Step 2>
Take a photo of yourself showing us your best guitar pose. Don’t own a guitar yet? No problem! Use a broom, a tennis racket or anything else you use to rock out when no one else is watching.
Step 3>
Share it on Facebook using the hashtag #GibsonFreeBird and tag Long & McQuade (@LongMcQuade) in your post.
All valid entries will be included in a random draw to win a Gibson Firebird Studio valued at $1,299.
Contest open to residents of Canada.
Submissions accepted from April 8-22.
One submission per social media platform per person permitted. Valid entries must include tags and hashtags stated above. Contestants must be following Long & McQuade on the social media platform on which they entered. Winner will be randomly drawn from a list of valid entries and will be announced on April 25.
Winner must be able to receive direct messages on their social platform so that further information can be communicated between both parties if necessary.
#LongandMcQuade #GibsonMonth #Gibson #GibsonGuitar #Guitar #Contest #Giveaway
Image may contain: one or more people, people playing musical instruments and guitar
By Staff
April 9th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Art in Action is an organization that assists artists towards becoming entrepreneurs, by encouraging a social community for artists within Burlington. As well, Art in Action provides exposure for the artists within the Burlington community. Art in Action organizes and promotes a weekend Burlington Studio Tour on the first weekend of November, where juried participants showcase their work to the public in their own studio locations.
 This self-guided tour is free for the public to come and enjoy. Other events include a gallery exhibit with work from all the artists in early fall. For more information check out our community sponsors and our artists at www.artinaction.ca
Annual Scholarships:
In 2012, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Art in Action we initiated an annual scholarship to encourage young artists in Burlington pursuing a post secondary education in the fine arts. We were able to offer 2 scholarships of $1000.00 each to two Burlington students. In 2013, 2014 and 2015 we presented one Scholarship of $1,500.00, and in 2016, 2017 and 2018 we presented one Scholarship of $1,000 to a talented student.
The $1000.00 scholarship is to be awarded to the most deserving student and presented at the school’s commencement ceremonies. The student is invited to participate in an exhibit at the Art Gallery of Burlington in the fall, the Burlington Studio Tour the first weekend of November and will receive media attention.
 From the left: Karen Hartman ( Principle ), Hannah Doherty ( Art in Action Scholarship Winner ), Hershell Thompson and Lori Fyfle ( Visual Arts Teacher ). Criteria:
The student must graduate from a Burlington High School in the school year 2018/2019, and intend to pursue a future career in the Arts, studying at the post secondary level in an arts focused program. The jurors are looking for originality, creativity, concept and execution.
Past Scholarship winners can be found at: https://artinaction.ca/scholarships/
For more information contact: Darlene Throop scholarship coordinator for Art in Action at darlene.throop@gmail.com 905 332-0348
 By Staff
April 8th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The robins are back and Tyandaga Golf Course is open for business. The City of Burlington’s Tyandaga Golf Course will officially open for the 2019 golf season on Friday, April 12.
Although the course is open, golfers are asked to excuse the mess as work is being completed to improve the cart-path and area between holes 16 and 17. The work is expected to be done by the end of May and should not impact play.
 An aerial view of the Tyandaga golf course. Tyandaga offers memberships, tournaments, clinics, private lessons, men’s and women’s league play, and in-season and off-season rentals. The course combines a perfect mix of urban convenience with rural beauty, natural waterways, contours and mature trees as well as dining and catered private or corporate events. New for this year are student memberships that range from $199.99 to $499.99.
Players wishing to book a tee time can do so online at tyandagagolf.com.
For more information about golfing at Tyandaga, call 905-336-0005 or visit tyandagagolf.com.
Tyandaga Golf Course is an 18-hole course with 4,852 metres of scenic terrain characterized by its natural waterways and broadleaf woods
Spring specials on green fees include $45 to ride in a golf cart and $30 for golfers that are walking
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