 By Staff
June 15th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Be prepared to be mesmerized by the brilliant colour combinations of the iris collection at the Royal Botanical Gardens’ (RBG) Laking Garden – they are at their peak bloom.
 Royal Botanical Gardens’ (RBG) Laking Garden Visitors can also explore the peony collection and perennial borders while enjoying live entertainment, guided tours, and presentations at the RBG Discovery Cart.
“You really have to come to RBG and immerse yourself in this collection to gain a full sensory experience that iris can provide,” said RBG Curator of Collections, Alex Henderson. “We have over 1,000 iris displaying an array of brilliant colour and the fragrance is truly captivating.”
Planted in 1947, the iris collection was RBG’s first herbaceous collection of importance with the main focus on tall bearded iris. There are approximately 250 species of wild iris found around the world and several are planted here.
 Set on a fertile terraced plain, formerly a market garden, the site is home to RBG’s herbaceous perennial collections. The name iris derives from Greek meaning rainbow, referring to the wide variety of flower colors found among the many species and cultivars. RBG’s collection includes award-winning bearded iris and hundreds of others including miniature bearded, dwarf bearded, intermediate bearded, border bearded, tall bearded, Siberian, spuria and wild species iris.
The garden also features a broad selection of tree and herbaceous peony cultivars, as well as several ancestral wild species. The Greeks referred to peonies as ‘the Queen of all herbs’ while the Chinese considered them ‘the King of all flowers’. Over time, peonies have been used ethno-botanically as a medicinal plant, as a spice, for making tea, as a perfume and the seeds were even used as jewelry.
Peonies are divided into three groups. Herbaceous peonies, which die back to the ground each winter, Tree peonies, which are one- to two-metre tall woody shrubs that bloom ahead of their herbaceous cousins, and the latest introduction of Intersectional (Itoh) hybrids, a cross between the two. The herbaceous peony collection is predominantly on the lower terrace near the gazebo while tree peonies are found on the upper terrace.
RBG’s Laking Garden (located at1260 Spring Gardens Road, Burlington) is set on a fertile terraced plain, formerly a market garden, and is home to RBG’s herbaceous perennial collections. The belvedere at the end of the path offers a panoramic view over the entire garden.
This garden, overlooked by a small cottage, offers the visitor an insight into the depth and breadth of perennial plants.
 By Staff
June 14th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The operators of the Schlegel Villages, long term care and retirement homes, are doing their part to put an end to ageism.
 The Elder Wisdom bench – at entrance #5 Burlington Centre They have come up with a unique idea – set benches out and invite people to spend some time with a senior to talk about their experiences.
They use benches painted in a signature green and putting them out in very public places.
The program is called Elder Wisdom – they use the hash tag #ElderWisdom and will be visiting the Burlington Centre (was once called the Burlington Mall) on Monday June 17th from noon to 2:00 pm.
Seniors from The Village of Tansley Woods will be at the Centre with the green #ElderWisdom bench to share in conversations with the Burlington community.
#ElderWisdom is a social awareness campaign aimed at highlighting senior wisdom and contribution in our communities in hopes to honour the wisdom of the elder, end ageism.
Ageism is a form of discrimination, often experienced by seniors. Our elders have a great deal of wisdom to contribute to their communities. However, societal norms marginalize seniors, treat them with disrespect, make them feel unwelcome and generalize as if they were all the same.
 Wisdom moving from the senior to a senior police officer. Examples:
• comedians and talk show hosts joke about seniors and memory loss;
• doctors often talk past the senior patient to an adult child as if the senior wasn’t even in the room and
• younger adults mock seniors for being ‘slow’.
Ageism robs seniors of choice, independence, dignity and negatively impacts their quality of life.
It’s an interesting approach to a problem that limits the degree to which seniors can be active participants in the growth and well being of their communities.
Burlington Centre – June 17th noon to 2:00 pm
The green bench will be at entrance number 5.
 By Pepper Parr
June 13th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington now has more than one group advocating for better government and a better Burlington.
ECoB – the Engaged Citizens of Burlington proved to be very effective.
They sponsored debates in every ward during the municipal election and this evening they are sponsoring a discussion between Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and Oakville Mayor Rob Burton on the Tale of Two Cities at the Performing Arts Centre. “Tip off” for that event is 7:00 pm.
There are 575 people who have free tickets – if you don’t have a ticket – worry not as there are about 50 seats still available. Just walk in and you will be welcomed.
After a solid meal of civic politics one can wander on down to Spencer Smith Park and see if the Raptors can beat the Golden State Warriors and cover Canada in Glory. The Toronto Maple Leafs were never able to do that.
The advocacy newcomers – We Love Burlington are a much smaller group with no plans for involving the community to the same degree that ECoB has
 We Love Burlington – we are calling them “The Lovelies”, are delivering mailers to different neighbourhoods to spread awareness about the group and talk about what folks can do to be heard.
We Love Burlington has prepared the following set of principles which they believe should be followed by the City of Burlington when considering development applications, particularly in the downtown and in waterfront areas city-wide.
They submitted these as commentary on the latest development application, for 2069-2079 Lakeshore/383-385 Pearl Street and will submit it going forward for all relevant applications, as it seems citizens do have to keep repeating their arguments over and over again. Depending on the specific circumstances of individual development applications, we may add further details and comments as we see fit.
Among the issues they want to sprinkle some star dust on are:
• Burlington’s downtown belongs to all the citizens of Burlington and should be developed as a vibrant, inclusive place for people to live, work, shop and entertain themselves.
• Burlington’s downtown is the cradle of its waterfront – a natural asset belonging to all citizens and deserving of completely open access, and careful, responsible stewardship.
• Access to Burlington’s waterfront includes visual and line-of-sight approaches. It must neither be blocked from public entry nor blocked from a reasonably unobstructed view. What is or is not “reasonable” is a determination that must be made carefully and by fairly considering all affected parties and interests.
• The height of buildings that border Burlington’s waterfront and core downtown areas must be carefully regulated to allow open access and appropriate sight lines to the waterfront and green spaces. Again, the degree of regulation must reflect the fair and careful consideration of all affected interests.
• The City’s approved Official Plan and the plan in force is the 2008 version that has been judged to be consistent with the overriding 2014 Provincial Policy Statement and Growth Plan. As such, all development proposals being submitted for approval should be assessed using the terms, conditions and provisions of the 2008 Official Plan.
• Optimization of provincial intensification objectives should not be accomplished solely or primarily through the construction of ‘tall’ buildings in the City’s downtown core. Alternate approaches and locations must be considered and “optimization” should not be considered to be synonymous with “maximization”.
• Development proposals that seek approval to construct in the downtown core must provide clearly identified/identifiable, valued, measurable community benefits. The determination of these benefits must be an open and collaborative process involving all affected parties and must be pre- rather than post-approval. The nature and scope of community benefits will, ultimately, be approved by council and should be directed to areas of greatest community need (i.e. affordable housing).
• Development proposals should always consider and identify the cumulative effects for things such as traffic, parking, shadowing, wind tunnelling etc. rather than those specific and isolated to only the development being proposed.
• Full development costs should be borne by the developer or development proponent and not passed on to taxpayers in the form of higher property taxes or greater municipal debt.
• Good policy and planning involves the appropriate balancing of local, regional and provincial interests. When these interests do not align, local concerns should not be subordinate nor should the developer’s voice predominate.
 By Staff
June 12, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The wildly popular ‘Burlassic Park’ is moving to Spencer Smith Park in a partnership with the Sound of Music Festival.
The City and the Sound of Music Festival have worked with all the artists playing on Thursday June 13th to accommodate the largest outdoor viewing of the Toronto Raptors Game 6, in the Golden Horseshoe!
 Lonestar becomes the warm up band for Game 6 of the NBA finals. The broadcast of Game 6 of the NBA Finals will be preceded by headline performance of “Lonestar” on the main stage.
The event can be shared by following the hashtag #burlassicpark
Twitter: @cityburlington
Facebook: @cityburlington
Instagram: @cityburlington
 A reported 10,000 people gathered in Spencer Smith Park in August of 2016 to hear Gord Downie in his final concert.
By Pepper Parr
June 11th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The Terry Fox Run for a Cure got a bit of a break from city hall.
In the past they have had to pay a significant fee for the use of Spencer Smith Park.
 Craig Gardner, chair of the Burlington Terry Fox Run Committee Craig Gardner appeared before the Committee of the Whole Monday evening with a request that the city grant a permanent waiver of City fees related to the Burlington Terry Fox Run.
The Terry Fox Run started September 13, 1981 shortly after Terry’s death June 28, 1981. Terry started his run April 13, 1980 which included coming through Burlington, but he had to stop after 143 days and 5373 km on Sept 1, 1980 in Thunder Bay.
Burlington has had a run every year and after 38. During that time 23,000 runners in Burlington have raised over $2 million. Approximately 80% of these funds have gone to Cancer research including funding of cancer research at McMaster in Hamilton.
Isadore Sharp, founder of the Four Seasons Hotel chain, met with Terry before he passed away to get Terry’s okay to have an annual run (Izzy had lost a son to cancer in 1978).
It was at this time that Terry set the rules that all Terry Fox Runs to follow; those rules are still in place today.
There are to be no Corporate sponsorship, no entry fee, no minimum donation, not a timed run, family event, all funds raised must be forwarded to the foundation, any goods or services required to hold a Terry Fox Run must be donated or be covered by specific donations from third parties (e.g. food, service, or security requirements), locally everyone involved with the run is a volunteer, no paid staff.
 The monument to the time Terry Fox ran through Burlington was a citizen initiative, conceived and paid for by private donations. The only hitch with this project was how difficult city hall made to get it done. The citizens prevailed. “As you can imagine” said Gardner, “ it is a lot of work to host a run under these rules. We find Burlington a great city in terms of local businesses generosity in donating goods and services without a tax receipt and without the ability to advertise their donation, but we find it very hard to solicit cash.
“We have minimal cash obligations of about $200 per year for honorariums for St. Johns Ambulance, a radio club that helps make our run secure and licenses to play music from SOCAN and RESOUND.
“The city bill which is in the neighbourhood of $700 for park rental and park staff for the 4 hours we are in the park Sunday morning is by far our largest cash expense.
“To uphold Terry’s wishes and as a Canadian hero we request the city permanently waive the fee for this event in his honour. Majority of the cities in Canada waive this fee, as is the case in Oakville. Our plea is to make every dollar we raise go towards the research of finding the cure for cancer.”
See link for details on the way funds are to be used go to: https://www.terryfox.org/our-role-and-research/policies-and-guidelines/
The reply from the council committee was one of the fastest we have seen – slam, bam and it was done.
The recommendation will go to Council on the 17th.
This should have been done years ago.
Will others come a calling asking for the same break? Might, but they have quite a barrier to get over.
The Gazette has covered every Terry Fox run for the past eight years.
Don Carmichael, chair of the Terry Fox run in 2012, meets with part of his team to go over the final check-ins before the event gets serious and the crowds begin to show up.
 It has always been a family event. Many of the pictures we cherish the most are set out below.
 When you cross that finish line – a cup of water is real welcome. The Terry Fox organization in Burlington covers all the bases.  A really special team – Casey Cosgrove and his supporters.  Many people see the Terry Fox run as a unique thing that happened in Canada and was the result of one Canadian’s supreme effort. The Canadian flag just seems to be a part of the event – and there were plenty of them handed out.
 By Pepper Parr
June 11th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
At just about every city council Standing Committee meeting there are a number of reports that are listed as part of the Consent Agenda.
These are reports that the Clerk’s Office doesn’t feel will require debate.
Any council member can ask to have an item taken off the Consent Agenda – which is what happened Monday evening when Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan asked that the report on changes to the design of Civic Square be taken off the Consent list – he had some questions – which led to close to an hour of discussion and a number of council members with their noses out of joint.
 What Civic Square looks like today. The holding of the event to recognize the loss of a member of Walk Off The Earth and the Burlassic Park site for the Raptors games have changed the way the city sees the use of the space. The only reason the item was on the Consent Agenda was because the cost of the project had gone over the permitted delegated spending level.
 Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan spotted a problem with a report – saved council and the city from a major embarrassment. Councillor Nisan had problems with the process that was used and pointed out that Civic Square was a flagship location and the level of public engagement should have been much higher. He argued that there was no opportunity for Council to comment.
Nisan wanted the report deferred so that Council could get to see what the final project was going to look like.
It was explained that the Capital Works people were up against a very tight deadline in terms of the work that had to be done and the need to get that work done before a March 2020 date which is when the funds that came from the provincial government would no longer be available.
Mayor Meed Ward jumped on that issue saying she shared the concern and wanted to know why the design was not in the report and added that what she was hearing from people was a significant level of being “underwhelmed”.
 The objective was to create a shade structure(s) to complement planned upgrades to the small gathering place in front of City Hall. Staff had come back to Council for approval to spend more than they were permitted to spend – council got huffed over not being asked to approve the final project.
There were two public information sessions and an on-line survey.
 The city describes Civic Square as a small yet vital gathering space located in the heart of downtown Burlington and acts as the front entrance to City Hall. In addition to providing residents and visitors a space to stop and rest, Civic Square is also home to a variety of arts and culture events. Had Councillor Nisan not asked the Executive Director of Public works some questions this project to re-design what Civic Square was going to look like would have been a done deal.
Deferring it to the next Standing Committee cycle would have created timing problems on several levels – so Council decided to have the Capital Works people return the next day with a detailed report on what the site was going to look like.
Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns was fully aware of what was planned – she clearly dropped the ball on this one.
There will be some scrambling on Tuesday while Council scurries to recover from this gaff. Staff didn’t think they had a problem. The shade devices will be gone by the time council finishes with this matter.
The Gazette reported at length on the project – council members missed that one.
Link to related news stories: Gazette new story in February – it was all there for anyone to read.
Gazette story in December of 2018 on the changes coming to Civic Square.
 By Pepper Parr
June 6th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The Freeman Station has announced their operating hours.
 The station is open today because of hard work done by a group of volunteers. Interesting to note that they have items that are for sale and that the model railway in the lower level of the building is now open.
Every child from about the age of five should be given a chance to tour the place and begin to understand how Burlington grew from a farming and produce community to what it is today.
A group of people started six years ago to save the structure at a time when the city wasn’t even able to sell it as kindling.
Some brave souls worked hard to find a location and then to raise the funds to keep it in one piece and put it on a foundation – all during a time when the city had basically given up on the idea of their being an historic railway station that the public could tour.
 Some of the people that made the Freeman Station possible at a city council meeting. A developer, (the Molinaro Group) with some prodding from a ward Councillor was able to put some Section 37 money into the building and when a particularly tough time hit them then Mayor Rick Goldring came through for them.
The Freeman Station is now a fact – built and operational – now what to do with it?
The hours of operation are impressive – it will call for a lot of volunteer time to keep the doors open. The people that did such a marvelous job of refurbishing the place do not have the skill set to market it effectively and run it on a day to day basis.
 Rendering of Brant Museum – scheduled to open in July. It needs a home within the city bureaucracy – the most obvious home is within the Museums Burlington set up that over sees Ireland House (which is very well run) and the transformed Joseph Brant Museum that as sucked up some $10 million in public money and is scheduled for a July opening.
 Barbara Teatero, Executive Director Museums Burlington The paucity of information that has come from the Museum operation has been a situation that is part of the way the current Executive Director has operated. There will soon be an occasion for new leadership of the Museum operation – once the city treasurer gets used to the kind of money the transformed Museum is going to need to be operational.
Some major surprises coming on that front.
Culture has never been a top of mind issue for city council – it is seen as a nice to have – something every city Burlington’s size has – but for Burlington not something that there is much heart and soul in.
By Staff
June 5th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlassic Park public viewings confirmed for Games 3 and 4 moving to Central Park Bandshell
The local broadcasting of games 3 and 4 of the NBA finals that has Toronto’s Raptors facing the Oakland Golden State Warriors in a seven game series that is now tied at one game each will be taking place at the Bandshell in Central Park due to construction at City Hall
 Golden State Warrior stadium in Oakland California – better viewing in Burlington. Games 5, 6 and 7 will be at Civic Square in downtown Burlington.
The following are the dates, times and locations for Burlassic Park NBA Finals public viewing parties:
Game 3 Wednesday, June 5: Central Park Bandshell. Viewing party begins at 8:30 p.m.
Game 4 Friday, June 7: Central Park Bandshell. Viewing party begins at 8:30 p.m.
Game 5: Monday, June 10. Civic Square. Viewing party begins at 8:30 p.m.
Game 6: Thursday, June 13. Civic Square. Viewing party begins at 8:30 p.m.
Game 7: Sunday, June 16. Civic Square Viewing party begins at 7:30 p.m.
 Construction at city “viewing party” has moved to the Band shell at Central Park. The City of Burlington will be hosting game viewings rain or shine. As the games are likely to go beyond 11 p.m., City Council has granted a Noise Bylaw exemption for all days.
Road Closures
For all games at Civic Square, Brant Street will be closed from James to Elgin Streets from one hour before the viewing parties begin and will be reopened soon after the game is over.
Event updates will be available on the City of Burlington social media accounts and residents are encouraged to following along for event shares via the hashtag #burlassicpark
 By Staff
June 3rd, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington proclaimed June to be Pride Month and raised the Pride Flag over City Hall. On June 23, the pier will be lit up with beautiful rainbow-coloured lights.
 From the left: Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith, Tara Thorp representing Free Mom Hugs Hamilton-Wentworth, ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna, and Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns. Earlier today, Deputy Mayor and Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna read the proclamation and helped raise the Pride Flag at Civic Square. He said “I am pleased that Burlington is a leader in safe, welcoming and inclusive communities. We all have a right to love and to be accepted.”
 By Staff
June 3rd, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
On Friday, June 14, 2019, students from the Halton District School Board will participate in the 32nd Annual Special Athletes’ Track Meet at Garth Webb Secondary School (2820 Westoak Trails Blvd, Oakville). The track meet for athletes with physical and developmental challenges will take place from 9:30 a.m. – -2 p.m. Opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m.
 Concentration! This year, more than 320 athletes are expected to participate, a significant increase considering only 12 athletes participated when the event began in 1987. Coaches, school staff and home school peers, friends, family members and volunteers provide support and encouragement for the athletes.
The Special Athletes’ events include 50m/100m races, softball throw (precision and distance), bean bag throw, Bocce (traditional), T-ball, and Frisbee throw.
 Effort! Additional events and stations have been added to the schedule including hoops/ropes and sensory exploration stations.
This event provides Special Athletes with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and celebrate their successes with fellow students, friends and family. The Optimist Clubs of Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville and Burlington will be donating and serving hot dogs, hamburgers and cold drinks at the meet.
The rain/heat date for this event will be Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at Garth Webb Secondary School.
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 By Staff
June 3rd, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
 The Lowville Festival has announced its program for their fifth annual season in north Burlington’s majestic Escarpment country.
The Festival has been offering high quality performances of music, theatre, visual arts and spoken word in a variety of venues along the Guelph Line in the beautiful historic hamlet of Lowville.
 Dan Hill, composer of the legendary hit song Sometimes When We Touch will be on stage in Lowville in June. This year the Festival will consist of the one gala headline attraction, the legendary singer-songwriter Dan Hill. The concert, which will be held in the air-conditioned St. George’s Anglican Hall, where last year we presented Sarah Harmer and Ben Heppner, will mark the first Burlington performance in many years of popular Canadian balladeer Dan Hill, composer of the legendary hit song Sometimes When We Touch and many other hit parade successes.
He will be presented in a very intimate context with keyboard and backup singer.
 Hayley Verrall to back up Dan Hill at Lowville Festival. Hayley Verrall, the young Burlington folk/country singer-songwriter will open for Dan Hill.
Seating for this special gala performance is limited to 180 patrons, so order your tickets soon.
You do not want to miss this up-close-and-personal concert.
The Lowville Festival is the vision of its two Founding Co-Artistic Directors: Lorretta Bailey, a Lowville resident, has performed in musical theatre productions across Canada, including the original Toronto production of Les Miserables; and Robert Missen, proprietor of the Bobolink Agency, an artist management agency, was the 2016 inductee into the Burlington Performing Arts Centre Hall of Fame.
Burlington Hydro and the City of Burlington the generous supporters of the 2019 Festival.
DAN HILL IN CONCERT
Saturday June 22nd 7:30 pm
St. George’s Hall
7051 Guelph Line, north of Derry Road
TICKETS $40 advance/$50 at the door
Available at www.lowvillefestival.com or at Different Drummer Books
Media Contact: Robert Missen, rmissen@sympatico.ca or 905-632-6047
 By Staff
June 1st, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
A heavenly fragrance is drifting through Royal Botanical Gardens’ (RBG’s) Arboretum, marking the official start of lilac season.
Weekend lilac celebrations at Royal Botanical Gardens’ Arboretum include live entertainment and tours
Visitors to RBG can captivate their senses amongst one of the world’s largest and diverse lilac collections as it reaches peak bloom while enjoying weekend entertainment, guided tours, and special events.
On June 1 & 2; between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. there are a number of events at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Arboretum.
 It’s a little like walking through a perfume factory with fresh air to bring new fragrances to your nose. Discover Lilacs
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Arboretum
Discover the seven colours of lilacs and learn about our world-renowned lilac collection.
 Four of the seven different types of lilacs at the RBG. Guided Tour: History of Lilacs
11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.; Arboretum
Follow a Garden Interpreter as they walk you through the story of our lilac collection. Meet at the start of the Lilac Walk.
Entertainment: Hands On Exotics
Saturday June 1
11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m.; Arboretum
Join us for a Jurassic Adventure! Get up close with a boa constrictor and other reptiles, and learn about these scaly friends.
 This is what relaxing is all about. Voices from the Past
11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Arboretum
Keep an eye out for Isabella Preston while wandering through our Lilac Collection. Hear her stories about her work as one of Canada’s first female horticulturalists.
John Deere – Saturday June 1
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Arboretum
John Deere will be on-site all day as the proud sponsor of the 2019 Lilac Blooms. Take a photo with a John Deere tractor and enjoy some of their give-aways and promotions that will be available.
History of Hendrie Park Heritage Walk
Saturday June 1
11 a.m. and 2 p.m. ; Hendrie Park
Learn about the history of RBG’s most popular garden area and hear the stories of the people who have changed this landscape and left their mark. Meet in the tunnel.
 Full bloom! Wildflower Walk
Sunday
1:30 p.m.; Hendrie Park
Join a Garden Interpreter for a guided walk along our trails and see what wildflowers are in bloom! Meet at the Nature Interpretive Centre front deck.
Discovery Packs
Daily
10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Arboretum
Borrow a Discovery Pack from the Discovery Cart to take with you around the Gardens. These packs are complete with activity books and other tools to help you explore.
“The clearly visible impacts of climate change are accelerating and are threatening to disrupt the lives of billions of people around the world. Notably the lives and livelihoods of younger generations are at stake. Acting now with better education can have a major impact a few years down the road, when young people come of age and can make the decisions that shape society” – Climate Education Initiatives Pick up Pace. United Nations Climate Change article, May 2, 2019
By Staff
May 30th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Youth are aware of this and are demanding change. They want action to prevent irreversible destruction of our planet and to ensure a future for themselves and their descendants. Across the world, environmental skills and awareness are needed to bring about this change.
At the same time, 12% of Canadian children ages 9-19 are affected by mood and anxiety disorders. Less than 20 per cent of these children will receive appropriate treatment. Children and teens with mental illness symptoms are at much higher risk of experiencing mental illness as adults.
 Students on a school environmental project – planting trees. There is a large body of both experimental and observational evidence supporting the beneficial impact of the natural environment on mental well-being. Studies indicate that connection to nature is significantly related to lower levels of overall, state cognitive and trait cognitive anxiety.
Imagine if these two critical issues of our time, environmental stewardship and mental health, could be simultaneously addressed.
We don’t have to imagine. A school that can achieve this already exists. For 35 years, a school in Halton Region has been offering experiential environmental leadership high school education programs for grades 9-10 (Trailhead) and 11-12 (The Bronte Creek Project) including a Specialist High Skills Major in the Environment. These programs are offered to all students in the region who are interested in the environment and take place in a natural setting which promotes social and mental well-being. A highly dedicated staff imparts academic excellence and develops environmental expertise in their students.
Testimonials over the long years of their existence attest to the success of these programs. This is best conveyed through the words of the students themselves:
 “Being at BCP (The Bronte Creek Project) so far has changed my life and will continue to. I love it so much, it is so healthy being out in nature all day, and for people with anxiety, it is really beneficial. Being in BCP gives you a new perspective on life, how it is changing and how it will continue to change if we can’t do something about climate change.” – Current BCP student
“Although it was 23 years ago, the BCP remains … the greatest experience of my entire life … I wanted my own kids to take this program.” – BCP student from 1996 class
The Halton District School Board is now ending these programs as a cost-cutting move.
These programs are a vital solution and there is no alternative in the school system. They should be the model for education that produces healthier and better adjusted adults to guide our society through the challenges and uncertain times ahead.
For the sake of our future, for our children’s future, the decision to end these programs is unacceptable and must be reversed.
Our goal is to obtain as many signatures as possible in a short period of time, before June 19th 2019.
Please use the #KeepBCPandTrailheadRunning when sharing or discussing this campaign on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
Sarah Judd signed this petition
Jessica Kennedy signed 2 hours ago
Lisa Richardson signed 2 hours ago
1,835 have signed. Let’s get to 2,500!
You too can sign the petition – CLICK here.
By Staff
May 30th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
 Pathways in Paletta Park are being eroded. It isn’t just the ball parks that are having water problems: The Beachway, LaSalle Park and parts of Paletta are closed due to high water levels.
The Burlington Beach Regional Waterfront Park—the Beachway—is closed until further notice due to high water levels. The closure includes all beach rentals and services.
 Shoreline in the Beachway is being ereoded. The closure takes place to protect public safety and will remain until the lake-level goes down. There is significant sand erosion and debris at the shoreline.
At this time, the playground, concessions, washrooms, parking and the recreational trail will remain open.
The lake-level is approaching the recorded all-time high of 2017, and it is anticipated to continue to rise.
City staff will be removing the floating public docks at LaSalle Park. A contracted crane service will be performing the dock removals which is tentatively scheduled for Friday, May 31. The public boat launch will stay open and the docks will be re-installed once the lake-level has returned to normal.
 Washouts along with Groyne Trail at LaSalle Park LaSalle Park, west and south of the Sailing Club, the stone dust trail has been closed due to The pedestrian bridge on the Groyne Trail has been locked closed and barricades are in place.
 Docks at LaSalle will be taken out of the water until levels fall. Trail access at Paletta Park remains closed along the east side of the park, as well as a section of trail on the west side of Shoreacres Creek at the waterfront, where shoreline erosion has occurred.
Murray Cameron, Manager of Parks Operations explains that rain has raised Lake Ontario water levels; everyone is being asked to stay away from the beach until the water is low enough for us to at least get a clean-up crew in place.
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By Pepper Parr
May 29th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
At the 2019/2020 Season Launch Tuesday evening the Burlington Performing Arts Centre inducted the Burlington Footnotes Senior Performing Troupe into the Hall of Fame.
 Footnotes on stage Since its inception in 1995, the organization has grown from six to more than 100 members. These swingin’ seasoned adults prove that it’s great to have life experience as they celebrate the art of staying young. They have danced their way into the hearts of countless audiences.
Their annual show, Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance, is performed three times over two days each June, and always sells out becoming a fast-favourite with BPAC audiences and local tour operators who bring bus loads of visitors to Burlington annually.
In addition to being audience favorites. The Burlington Footnotes Senior Performing Troupe Inc have been recognized and endorsed by many of Burlington’s elected officials over the years.
 Established in 2013, the Hall of Fame recognizes people or organizations that have made significant contributions to the performing arts in Burlington. This year, BPAC is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of the Burlington Footnotes Senior Performing Troupe.
The Footnotes is an enthusiastic troupe of senior dance performers who demonstrate various dance styles: tap, jazz, ballet, clogging, hip-hop, and musical theatre. Their group also includes musicians and singers. They represented Burlington twice as the City’s Golden Age Ambassadors, performing in our twin city of Itabashi, Japan.
 By Pepper Parr
May 29th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
They drift into the Performing Arts Centre as couples, sometimes as small groups and mill around the large open room chatting with neighbours, catching up with friends they haven’t seen in a while.
The evening is part of an annual event – the launch of a new season at the Performing Arts Centre. By the end of the evening those same people line up at the ticket office to purchase their tickets for future events. That line this year appeared to be quite a bit longer than it was last year.
Tammy Fox, Executive Director of the Performing Arts Centre, announced that there were seventy productions that was a balance of local talent mixed in with some international caliber talent.
The season will feature more local artists presented on the Main Stage and in the Community Studio Theatre than ever before.
 The Dreamboats – Rock and Roll the way you remember it. Some of the local talent featured this season includes: Tom Wilson and his literary recital Beautiful Scars and Burlington’s own Symphony on the Bay with the JUNO-nominated Sultans of String, fronted by local musician Chris McKhool.
Ancaster resident Jayne Eastwood hits the Main Stage in October with her comedic super-group Women Fully Clothed and on Halloween you can shake your Hot Patootie with Tim Park and friends for his Rocky Horror ‘Acoustic’ Show. November sees the next big thing in Country Music, Oakville native Vanessa Marie Carter, hit the stage with local singer Evan Farrell. The Gazette reporter didn’t realize he was sitting beside Vanessa’a mother until he asked – her prolonged applause gave her away; the applause was justly earned.
 Steven Paige – once with the Barenaked Ladies will be on the Performing Arts Centre Stage. Former Barenaked Ladies front-man Steven Paige takes the stage with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra.
It is an impressive line up.
There are also many international superstars including the return of favourites: The Nutcracker, The Andy Kim Christmas, April Wine, and Burton Cummings. Tiffany, Mary Wilson of The Supremes, Sesame Street Live, and Charo! Are also being welcomed to the Performing Arts Centre.
Two annual festivals – the free Burlington Downtown Jazz Festival in August and The Cultural Diversity Festival programmed in tandem with Ontario Culture Days in the fall.
The 2019/2020 season showcases international and homegrown talent in every genre including music, dance, theatre, comedy, illusion and family entertainment.
Ticket purchases are limited to BPAC members until June 5th when they go on sale to the public.
There were a couple of presentations that had people sitting up in their seats: The Dreamboats were stunning – the energy and the music – pure Rock and Roll. This will be a sold out event.
There appeared to be more in the way of Family entertainment and material for children. It seemed as if there was less in the way of Classical music.
The Jazz offerings – wonderful describes them best.
 Tammy Fox pulled it all together – 70 Performances for the 2019 – 2020 Performing Arts season season that cover the entertainment interests of just about everyone. BPAC pricing is ALL-IN and includes all taxes and fees: what you see, is what you pay! BPAC Members have exclusive access to buy tickets for one week before the public sale on June 5. Enjoy the perks of membership while supporting BPAC.
Tammy Fox deserves kudos for putting together a balanced, interesting program with several delightful surprises – not an easy task.
By Staff
May 27th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
If there are yoga exercises being done on Sundays then summer weather must be here.
 They were done in Civic Square in the past –they have moved to a location outside the Performing Arts Centre – 440 Locust Street
Kicks-off June 2nd!
Runs every Sunday | 10am – 11am
Fit in the Core is back again for the summer beginning June 2nd! Join us for free fitness featuring a different class & instructor every Sunday outside the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. All you need to bring is a mat & water bottle.
This event will be canceled in the event of rain. Please stay tuned to social media @DTBurlingtonOn (Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) for cancellation announcements in addition to our webpage.
 By Staff
May 22, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Due to the amount of rain the City has had over the past few weeks, the following Grass Multi-use Fields and Ball Diamonds remain closed today:
• Berton Park F1
• Berwick Green Park D1
• Brada Woods Park D1
• Brant Hills Park D3, F1, F2, F3
• Clarksdale Park D1
• Frontenac Park F1
• General Brock Park D1
• Ireland Park F3, F4
• Kerns Park D1, D2
• Kilbride Park D1, D3, F1
• Landsdown Park D1, F1
• Leighland Park D1, D2
• Lowville Park D1
• Maple Park F1
• Millcroft Park D3
• Newport Park F1
• Orchard Community Park F1
• Palmer Park F1
• Pearson High School Fields
• Sheldon Park D1, F1
• Sherwood Forest Park D1
• Skyway Park D2
• Tom Thompson Diamond
• Wellington Park F2
All other fields are open.
Not much left to use is there?
By Staff
May 21, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Takes place on Friday – one of the most interesting fund raisers you are likely to come across in this community.
Open Doors, taking place at St. Christopher’s Church on Guelph Line has an entertainment line up, a silent auction that includes sightseeing flight over our beautiful city, a northern getaway at a beautiful lakefront cottage or a B&B experience in wine country. You will be amazed by the choices of items on which to bid and the generosity of the donations made by our local businesses.
 Open Doors is a group of 15 community based programs at St. Christopher’s Church that support our neighbours with Community Food, Families and Parenting, and Community Resources. As a community hub we schedule our programs so that you can access many resources in the same visit.
The Open Doors is one of the ways St.Christopher’s supports these efforts. The evening, May 24th 7:30 to 10 pm is a fun-filled evening of entertainment, delicious food and drink, and a lively silent and live auction. Auction items will include beautiful garden art doors painted by students from the Halton District School Board, an antique wheelbarrow filled with your favourite wines.
They’d love to see you at the Open Doors Gala on May 24, 2019. To purchase tickets please follow this link:
By Staff
May 20, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The choir of Port Nelson United Church presents its annual spring concert on Sunday, May 26 at 7:30 p.m.
The concert, entitled Celebrate!, features performances by the Choir of Port Nelson United Church under the direction of Stillman Matheson.
The special musical guests for the evening are the members of the Hamilton Children’s Choir, with artistic director Zimfira Poloz. Accompanists are Brent Fifield and Laura Pin, with trumpeter Nora Nolan.
 Choir of Port Nelson United Church “The choir of Port Nelson United Church will be presenting a varied program that will appeal to all lovers of choral music,” said Matheson, director of music at Port Nelson. “The Hamilton Children’s Choir will deliver a memorable performance, as they always do.”
Among the featured works on the program from the Port Nelson choir are Benjamin Britten’s “Jubilate Deo”, three pieces by Toronto composer Eleanor Daley, and Randall Thompson’s “Choose Something Like a Star”. The choir will also perform Mark Sirett’s “O God, Whose First Creative Word” which was commissioned by the Port Nelson choir to commemorate the completion of the Rekindle Project.
Ilumini, the senior choir with Hamilton Children’s Choir, will perform a variety of repertoire spanning many languages, cultures and eras, including Malaysian folk song “Wau Bulan”, arranged by Malaysian-Canadian Tracy Wong, a world premiere by Canadian Steven Webb, “Li Ngu Weko”, and a crowd-pleasing piece in the Mexican huapango style by Stephen Hatfield, “Las Amarillas.”
“Our Ilumini singers have been busy preparing a programme full of surprises for our guest appearance with Port Nelson United Church,” said Poloz. “We are thrilled to share some of our favourite pieces from Europe, the Americas, and Asia, including the premiere of a piece we will bring to Hong Kong on tour this July. We hope that our music makes you breathe deeply, sigh with wonder, and delight in the beauty of young singers sharing their full hearts and voices.”
 Port Nelson United Church This year’s spring concert honours the memory of Rev. Donald Gillies, a long-time minister with the United Church of Canada who was a member of the Port Nelson congregation in his retirement. Gillies was a talented organist and a proud supporter of the Hamilton Children’s Choir, and his family is generously sponsoring the concert.
“He was a much-loved member of our congregation, and we wanted to honour his life and contributions through music,” said Matheson.
The evening is also a celebration of renewal, as this year, Port Nelson marked the official opening of its newly renovated and accessible sanctuary and community space.
Admission is by a free will offering. All proceeds benefit the ministry of music at Port Nelson United Church.
Port Nelson United Church is located at 3132 South Dr. in Burlington in the heart of the Roseland community.
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