 By Pepper Parr
February 22nd, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The Gazette keeps hearing about problems at the Seniors’ Centre on New Street. For the most part they are small niggling little issues but when collected together they suggest there is a deeper issue.
 Seniors’ Centre staff showing their concern for the comfort and safety of people who use the facility. Do the staff really care about the people they are supposed to be serving?
These are seniors; the people who have paid their dues and have the right to quality time and more than just a measure of dignity.
The week was registration week – the Gazette published a news report on some of the problems that were being experienced with the registration process and the impact a change in the way programs are paid for was having on some people.
Earlier today we were sent a photograph of a sign that had been set up outside the entrance door advising: For your comfort and safety please do not line up outdoors.
The doors should be opened as early as possible so that the seniors can be both safe and comfortable.
There is a care taker in the building – he could unlock the doors and people could wait in the auditorium.
People get to the Centre as early as possible so they can obtain a number and be in the registration line based on the number they hold. These people want to take courses – many of them that are exercise classes. They want to remain healthy and active – but the staff seem to want them to stand out in the cold.
Burlington is a city that talks about the way it cares for its citizens but refuses to open the doors to a public building so that older people can get inside and stay out of the chilly if not downright cold weather.
What is wrong with these people?
Related news story:
Empathy appears to be in short supply as Seniors’ Centre
 By Staff
February 22nd, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
If music played on a piano is something you enjoy – and if that music is classical at its very best – mark March 10th on your calendar and log into the Performing Arts Centre web site to book tickets.
 Gryphon Trio: Piano, with Strings Attached Throughout the 2018/19 season, BPAC is celebrating The Piano, presenting a four-concert series showcasing this magnificent instrument in distinct piano presentations, with some of Canada’s keyboard masters. GRYPHON TRIO: Piano, with Strings Attached is the latest installment in the concert series.
One of the most accomplished piano groups in the country, described as Canada’s foremost Piano Trio will be on stage at BPAC for a 1:00 p.m. and a 7:00 pm performance that will include:
Haydn’s Piano Trio in G Minor, Beethoven’s Piano Trio in E-flat Major, and after intermission, they will be joined by a guest violist to perform Brahms’ Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, one of the quintessential Romantic piano chamber works.
Throughout the 2018/19 season, BPAC is celebrating The Piano, presenting a four-concert series showcasing this magnificent instrument in distinct piano presentations, with some of Canada’s keyboard masters. GRYPHON TRIO: Piano, with Strings Attached is the latest installment in this poignant concert series.
 Gryphon Trio in concert: Roman Borys, Annalee Patipatanakoon, and Jamie Parker. The multiple JUNO-winning Gryphon Trio returns to Burlington to perform chamber piano masterpieces. This year, the Gryphon Trio celebrated its milestone 25th anniversary. Throughout their history, they have firmly established themselves as one of the world’s preeminent piano trios, garnering acclaim and impressing international audiences with its highly refined, dynamic and memorable performances.
The trio is made up of Roman Borys, Annalee Patipatanakoon, and Jamie Parker. Roman is the Artistic and Executive Director of the Ottawa Chamber Music Society, Annalee and Jamie serve as OCMS’s Artistic Advisors in addition to their responsibilities at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music, where Jamie is the Rupert E Edwards Chair in Piano Performance and Annalee is the Associate Professor of Violin and Head of Strings.
GRYPHON TRIO: Piano, with Strings Attached
Sunday, March 10, 2019, 1:00pm & 7:00pm
Main Theatre
440 Locust Street, Burlington, ON, L7S 1T7
Tickets:
$49 Regular
$44 Member
Group pricing available
*All prices include tax and fees.
To Purchase Tickets:
Online: www.burlingtonpac.ca
Over the Phone: 905.681.6000
In Person: Monday – Saturday, 12:00pm -4:00pm, or 1 hour before the show
 By Staff
February 21st, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Registration for both 2019 Spring and Summer recreation programs opens February 23, 2019 for Adults 19+ and 55+. People can register for both programs at 9 a.m., doors will open at 7:30 a.m. for early arrivals.
Registration is available online at burlington.ca/play, in-person at Burlington Seniors Centre, Tansley Woods and Brant Hills Community Centres, or City Hall. Non-residents will be able to register on March 1, 2019.
 The Spring/Summer Live and Play guide, featuring listings for city recreation, sport and culture programs is available online on the City of Burlington website. Printed copies of the guide are available at City Recreation Facilities, City Hall and the Burlington Public Libraries.
The spring session programs begin April 1 and the summer programs will begin on July 8.
Following registration day, in-person registration is available at any customer service location. A listing of locations and hours is available at burlington.ca/servicehours.
For those choosing to register for both spring and summer programs, the option for a deferred payment for summer registration is available. Customers can access this payment option by registering in-person.
 Senior citizen former Mayor Rick Goldring signs up as a member at the Senior’s Centre. Today was program registration day. The City of Burlington would also like to remind residents financial help is available through the Recreational Fee Assistance program for those that qualify.
Recreation Fee Assistance
Recreation Fee Assistance is funding made available to individuals or families who need help to pay for City of Burlington recreational programs.
Fee Assistance can be used for:
• Registered Programs
• Drop-In Programs
• Passes and Memberships
One Gazette reader explained that at a class at the Seniors’ Centre “we were told that the City had decided that moving forward there will be only 2 registration periods. This will start with the February 23rd Registration.
How this will work is as follows: On February 23rd seniors will be registering for programs. Seniors will be able to register for the spring session and/ or the summer session. Some of the classes have very limited space availability and if they don’t register for both in February chances are they won’t get into the class in the summer.
For some residents having to pay for both the spring and summer session could be problematic. We were also told that if the Senior’s membership to the Centre expired before the end of the last class the computer would basically kick them out and they will not be registered in the course. So it would mean that the senior has to pay for both sets of sessions plus the membership fee. Also the City is holding their money for months before completing the session.
We were also told that for those seniors who come into the centre to register, if they could not pay for everything at once arrangements could be made.
What about those seniors that register at home online – they do not have this option of spacing out their payment? More seniors register online, why should this option not be made available to them?
For those seniors who are away ( snowbirds) how will they know that the summer registration starts on February 23rd.
The reader made the point that “once again decisions seem to be made that are not discussed in advance with those who are most affected by these changes.”
 “Parks and Rec tried to make seniors bring their own equipment for Pilates (like large Pilate balls and bands) starting in the Spring and only when this came to light and reported on did Parks & Rec back down.
There appear to be a number of administrative level issues within Parks and Recreation when it comes to how the Seniors’ programs are managed. The issue seems to be at the leadership level – staff do not appear to be very empathetic to the issues seniors face.
 By Staff
February 20th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
If you were one of the several hundred people who spent some time on Family Day – Monday at LaSalle Park and you took some pictures you think are pretty good – make a point of entering them in the photo contest.
More details in the attached news story. Deadline for entries is 10:00 pp.m., Friday February 22nd.
Send your entries to
swans@bgzt.ca
Details on photo contest sponsored by the Gazette in partnership with the Trumpeter Swan Coalition.
Trumpeter swans take center stage at LaSalle Park on Family Day.
There were some very good pictures taken – one of the many is set out below.
 This picture was taken by a Gazette staff photographer.
 By Pepper Parr
February 21st, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Just how does the city budget get created and passed and what do the members of council do to ensure that tax payers are getting value for money?
Staff in the Finance department present a draft budget to city council
That draft is the result of a process that has each department putting together their budgets which gets vetted by a team that consists of senior staff, the Director of Finance and the city manager.
The public get to delegate on the draft budget.There was email feedback, there was a telephone town hall, the city made use of its Get Involved service that lets people say what they think on various issues. And then there was that button-holing that politicians have to live with from residents who want something for their special interest or community.
Members of Council inevitably have questions – with the current five new members of Council there is not only a steep learning curve but also a lot of questions that are often specific to their wards.
The following is a list of some of the questions individual council members asked. The name of the council member who posed the question is not provided – unfortunately.
Service: Recreation
Question: Securing Sponsorship Funds by Naming Corporate Assets
Who is responsible for generating sponsorship funds through the naming of corporate assets?
 The Haber Law Group got naming rights to the Recreation Centre in Alton for 20 years – paid millions. Response: To date, naming opportunities have been done on a project by project basis with Parks and Recreation staff usually taking the lead. A sponsorship package is approved by council and potential sponsors are sought. Most recently the city was successful in securing a naming opportunity for the Haber Recreation Center; unsuccessful in securing a sponsor for the renovated Nelson Outdoor Pool.
Funds secured are placed in a reserve to support future capital renewal of the asset that was named. There have been differences of opinion on whether the city should secure sponsorship for the overall name of an asset, with there being more comfort with naming components within an asset.
A review of the corporate sponsorship policy will be undertaken later in 2019, early 2020
 It was Regional budget dollars that paid for the re-build of New Street. Infrastructure no matter who pays – in the end it is coming out of your pocket. Question: What would be the impact on the overall 20-year asset management plan if the increase in the infrastructure renewal levy was decreased to 1% instead of 1.25% for this year, and what is that amount worth?
Response: A 0.25% decrease would reduce $400,000 of funding to the capital program in 2019 and $8 million of funding over the next 20 years ($24 million over the 60-year Asset Management Plan). $4 million of projects would need to be removed from the 10-year capital budget and forecast.
The capital projects impacted by the reduction risk higher costs in the future to complete and additional costs by the way of minor maintenance expenditures until the work can be done. The projects timing in the capital program is based on assessed condition, warranting the required work, deferring work can impact the resident’s experience and derived quality with the asset.
Question: Provide a list of statutory and discretionary development charge exemptions and a list of ineligible services.
Response: List of statutory and discretionary development charge exemptions and list of ineligible services:
The Development Charges Act along with regulation O.Reg. 82/98 provides legislated statutory development charge exemptions for the following:
• Industrial building expansions up to 50% of the gross floor area
• Intensification within existing residential developments with up to 2 additional dwelling units permitted within existing low-density dwellings and 1 additional dwelling unit permitted within medium and high-density dwellings
• Municipalities (City and Region)
• Board of Education and local board, as defined in the Education Act
The City’s existing DC by-law (46-2014) also provides non-statutory exemptions from payment of development charges with respect to:
• Hospital, excluding any portion of the lands, building or structures occupied by the tenant of the hospital
• A place of worship
• Conservation authority
• Seasonal structure and temporary venues
• Parking garages
• Agricultural uses
• Canopy (structure with one or no walls, ie. Gas pump islands)
Ineligible services:
In accordance with the Development Charges Act and O. Reg 82/98, a development charge by-law may not impose development charges to pay for increased capital costs, prescribed as ineligible service listed below:
• Cultural or entertainment facilities, including museums, theatres and art galleries
• Tourism facilities, including convention centres,
• Acquisition of land for parks, including woodlots
• Hospitals, as defined in the Public Hospitals Act
• Landfill sites and services
• Facilities and services for the incineration of waste
• Headquarters for general administration of municipalities and local boards
• Lands for parks, includes land for woodlots and land because it is environmentally sensitive
Project: Funding for Capital Projects from Parks and Recreation Reserve Funds
Question: How are the reserve funds managed and what amount of funding is coming from them for capital projects?
Response: The Parks and Recreation Department utilizes reserve funds to partially support capital initiatives for the repair and renewal of facilities and associated program amenities/enhancements in the Organized Sport Support, Recreation and Culture service areas.
 Angela Coughlan Pool Reserve Funds related to facilities and programs are funded by a 5% surcharge place on user fees. Funds from these Reserve Funds are used to offset a portion of capital costs related to repair, renewal and enhancement of facilities and programs in the asset type, for example; surcharges collected at Angela Coughlan Pool would be placed in the “Pools” Reserve Fund and used for pools asset renewal projects.
Projects presented through the capital budget that are funded or partially funded through Reserve Funds illustrate details as such under the budget summary.
Service: Municipal Law Enforcement (additional By-law Enforcement
Question: Bylaw: getting from 6 (proposed budget) to 8: I understand Parks and Recreation have a parks enforcement office, and parking enforcement is also separate from bylaw. Can we redeploy a parks and rec, and a parking officer to bylaw to bring the total bylaw complement to 8 officers? Or redeploy one officer from animal control to bylaw to achieve one of the 2.
Response: Parks and Recreation have Park Ambassadors who work with sports groups on proper park etiquette and problem-solving issues (lights on, lights off etc). These are part- time staff who work in summer months.
Parking Enforcement is contracted out to a 3rd party provider (Core Commissionaires) and the enforcement officers are not City employees.
Moving an animal enforcement officer would result in service reductions to customers and Animal Control Enforcement overall. This would impact the work the animal enforcement officers do on investigations, ticketing, and coyote management (as examples).
Service: Road and Sidewalk Maintenance
 Would this stretch of sidewalk qualify? Question: What would be the cost of plowing the pathway at Brant Hills Community Centre? Are there any other locations not currently maintained in the winter?
Response: The additional cost to maintain this pathway is minimal and could be accommodated however there are significant safety concerns during freeze/thaw conditions given the hilly nature of the pathway.
There is a further 57 km of footpaths not in the road allowance that are not maintained in the winter. To maintain all of these pathways in the winter would require significant resources including additional staffing and capital equipment.
Given the significant amount of work and resources required to partially implement the new minimum maintenance standards on sidewalks adding additional footpaths is not recommended at this time.
Service: Transit
 What would free transit cost the city? Question: What is the cost to provide seniors with free transit between 9:30 am and 3:30 pm Monday to Friday?
Response: The estimated cost is $300,000 for conventional transit and $60,000 for para-transit service.
Service: Recreation
Question: What expansion have we done to the pickleball program to address demand?
Response: We have been successful at obtaining grant funding to support a program expansion at various locations throughout the city. To date, we have also considered partnering to maintain this program expansion as well as looking to convert outdoor tennis courts, in specific target areas, to outdoor pickleball courts. Funding ends after this year. To date, all program expansions have had to be funded by grants which is not sustainable.
Service: Recreation and Organized Sports
Question: Have we been able to meet the community need in terms of fee assistance and other similar type requests?
Response: To date, we are able to meet the demand we receive through the various funds available such as Community Matching Fund, Fee Waiver and Fee assistance programs. Financial assistance is supported in part by the tax base and also by external funders / donors.
Service: Local Boards
 Performing Arts Centre get a substantial subsidy. Question: What savings would be achieved by holding the boards and Committees to 1.5% across the board instead of 2%?
Response: The total savings of reducing the city’s contribution to the local boards to a 1.5% increase instead of a 2% increase would be $75,457 as detailed below:
Service: Corporate Expenditures (VDRF)
Question: Can the provision to VDRF (Vehicle Depreciation Reserve Fund) be reduced? Showing a $402K increase.
Response: The Vehicle Depreciation Reserve Fund is used to fund the replacement of the city’s Fleet vehicles (excluding conventional buses). The policy approved in 2018 is to increase the provision by 4% annually. In addition, $270,000 of tax supported funding previously required for debt charge repayment (see $500k reduction in debt charges) was restated to support the Handi-van renewal requirements. Handi-vans were previously replaced using funding from gas taxes.
Service: General – HR Budget Summary
Question: Why is HR up 7.1%? Is this the head count increase?
Response: 7.1% HR increase includes business case requests as well as the base budget. Base budget increase is 4.8% and when you exclude the regulatory/contractual obligations as well as the 2 staff for Halton Hills fire communications and the road patroller that is funded by the Region, the base budget increase for HR is 3%.
Question: What is the total amount of budget reductions required to get the increase to 2.99%?
Response: $1.6 million of on-going savings would be required to reduce the proposed budget from 3.99% to 2.99%.
The challenge for this new city council is determining what will be cut? Will this council focus on projects in their wards or will they take a longer term approach and structure the budget to ensure that the public gets value for the money spent.
We will report on that debate which takes place today.
 The seven members of city council who sit in this renovated council chamber will decide just what your tax bill is going to amount to.
By Pepper Parr
February 19th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The weather was great!
 Michael Jones talks to Liz Benneian about the turnout for Family Day – it was great. It had been a tough weekend weather-wise but it changed for Family Day and particularly for those who took the opportunity to gather at LaSalle Park and watch the Trumpeter swans and walk among them.
 People walked about the swans while those with impressive camera equipment were clicking away. The swans were at one point on the very edge of extinction and in some communities they are still at risk.
 At feeding time the birds cluster and poke away at the food. The birds with light brown colouring are younger birds. But at LaSalle Park on Monday they were out there for all to see. Liz Benneian stood at the entrance telling anyone who would give her two minutes more than they ever thought they would know about the swans and the problems and victories that the Trumpeter Swan Coalition have experienced.
The Gazette sponsored a photo contest with the Coalition. There wasn’t very much in the way of lead time but at the end of the day there were more than a dozen entries with more to come.
There are some stunning pictures that will be shared once the judges have done their job.
 Liz Benneian uses every opportunity she gets to tell the swan story. The Coalition shares the waterfront space with the Marina – that relationship gets stiff from time to time. With changes on city council there appears to be a much better relationship coming to the surface.
 A swan about to take flight. The public participation was good – and the people on hand to tell the swan story were exceptionally well informed.
 They mate for life and swim around in pairs much of the time. Is there a lesson here for the rest of us?  The swans gather in a small cove at the eastern end of the waterfront park.
 By Larisa Wong
February 18th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
One of the most popular social media platforms is Snapchat. It has grow in popularity ever since launching and it is particularly a hit with young adults and teens. If you use Snapchat, then you probably see many emojis, but do you actually know what they are and what each one means? Don’t worry because the rest of this article will go into more depth about what they are and what some of them mean.
What Are Snapchat Emojis
Snapchat emojis tracks the way you and your friends on the platform interact with one another. The emojis that show up on your friends tab can be affected by various factors, such as how often you and your friend send one another snaps, the length of time you’ve been friends and other users you interact with. These are the main factors.
Think of Snapchat emojis as other emojis that are commonly used on social media sites, but they are slightly unique.
What Do They Mean
Here is what the most popular emojis mean:
 The Baby Face– Do you see this emoji? If so, then you’ve just added someone new to your Snapchat’s friends list. If you just joined Snapchat, then this emoji will be shown frequently. Think of the baby face emoji symbolizing that you are brand new to the site or that you have new friends on Snapchat, if that makes sense.
The Birthday Cake Emoji– If the birthday cake emoji pops up near one of your friends as you’re scrolling your list, then you can probably guess what it means. If not, it means it’s their birthday. When a person signs up to Snapchat, they provide their date of birth and on that date is when the emoji will appear near their name. Don’t forget to wish them a happy birthday if you notice this emoji near their name.
Fire– Have you been snapping with a friend for at least three days in a row? If so, then you’ll see the fire emoji on your list. The number next to the flame will represent how many days your streak is. If it’s four days, then the number for will be next to the fire emoji.
Hourglass– This emoji means that your streak is about to end with the person that it is next to. All you have to do is send them a quick snap. After you do this, your streak will continue, but do remember that chatting along won’t keep the streak going. This is why you’ll want to take snap selfies via the selfie camera.
Grimace– The grimace emoji appears when you share a best friend with the friend that the emoji is showing next to. It indicates that the person interacts quite a bit with the friend you interact with regularly. The more you interact with specific users, the more likely you’ll end up seeing the grimace emoji appearing.
 The Smile Emoji- This emoji means the users is one of your good friends because of how frequently you interact with them. It also means they send you many snaps and so do you, but it does not indicate they are your number one best friend. The more active you are on Snapchat, the more of a chance you have of spotting this emoji.
The 100– This is one of the best emojis on Snapchat. Make sure you take a screenshot of it if you come across it because it means that you are on a huge streak. To be more specific, it means your streak with a specific person has hit the 100 day mark, which is quite impressive.
Purple Zodiac Sign– When you click on a user’s name to view their profile and you see a purple Zodiac sign near them, it means they have entered their birthday. The Zodiac symbol for that month shows up. If you ever get curious about who has entered their date of birth and what their Zodiac symbol is, then click on people’s profile.
Gold Heart- The gold heart emoji indicates that you and the person are best friends on Snapchat. It means you have sent this person many snaps and they have done the same. In fact, it means you’ve sent them the most and they’ve sent you the most.
 Sunglasses– The sunglasses emoji means you and the person share a close friend. A close friend does not mean they are one of your best friends, but it is a user who sends you snaps on a regular basis. Don’t be surprised to see this emoji pop up regularly as you become a more frequent user of the platform.
Now you know what Snapchat emojis are. You also have an idea of what some of them mean. With that said, if you’re not using emojis on Snapchat, then you should start.
Larisa Wong is a recognized expert on the use and meaning of emojis She works out of the Murcia region of Spain which borders on the Mediterranean Sea.
Related link:
More on the Snapchat people.
 By Pepper Parr
February 15th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The city has plans to upgrade the look and feel of civic square and they are asking artists who have an interest in making the city a nice place to live to submit their ideas.
Upgrading the Civic Square has been one of those things the city hasn’t asked the citizens of the city to chime in on. They will get a chance to get their views in between May 13th and 27th.
 The flag poles will be moved further up Brant Street opening up Civic Square. The overall design has been determined and artists are being asked to come up with some ideas on what kind of shading there should be and what it could look like.
The competition closes on March 15th – for those that are artists there is all the detail you will want right here.
There is a fee of $115,000 for the artist(s) chosen to do the job.
In the two diagrams that follow the city sets out what will be put where in terms of the flag poles – the six are going to be upgraded to eight.
There will be additional furniture and some tidying up around the fountain.
The objective is to create a shade structure(s) to complement planned upgrades to the small gathering place in front of City Hall.
The creation and installation of the artwork is a two phase process. First phase is a look at what has come in in the way of ideas; phase two will be narrowing down to a short list of artists who will be asked to provide a preliminary art work concept.
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.
Civic Square will be undergoing a renewal project to improve the quality of Civic Square as an extension of Burlington’s downtown main street. The primary objectives are to improve accessibility and overall character and to better support the community and local downtown businesses.
o Addition of lighting and moveable seating,
o Replacement of existing clay brick pavements and drainage system,
o Overall grade to be raised to eliminate steps and improve accessibility,
o Perimeter concrete planter/seat walls to remain but seat caps will be replaced,
o Addition of new trees, moveable planters and other plantings,
o Relocate existing flagpoles and adding two (2) more for a total of eight (8),
o Existing clock and decorative water fountain to remain in place.
In the instructions to the artists we learn that: “The overhead shade structure(s) will be installed on the south side of Civic Square. Ideally, this shade structure should be comprised of two to three (2-3) separate canopies, each supported by an independent foundation. The shade structure(s) will complement other site amenities including the concrete planter/seat wall, moveable seating, lighting and custom paving to create a space that is welcoming and open to pedestrians. It is anticipated that these amenities will further encourage the casual use of the space.”
Under a separate tendering process, the City will procure the contracted construction for Civic Square and Brant Street renewal in June so that on-site work can begin in late June.
The Civic Square tender project will not include the construction of the shade structure however it will include a lump sum cash allowance for the construction of the shade structure footings. The cost for the construction of the footings is not part of the $115,000 for this commission, as it will be paid for out of the construction budget for the Civic Square Project.
The contractor for the Civic Square project is anticipated to be complete and off-site by end of September. The artist will be expected to install the shade structure in October/November 2019.
Estimated Project Timeline (2019)
 By Pepper Parr
February 15th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a quiet but very successful evening for ACCOB – the Arts and Cultural Council of Burlington. It was their second Annual General Meeting – something many weren’t certain was ever going to take place eight years ago.
The first seed that grew into what exists today was put into the ground when Trevor Copp delegated at city council saying he wanted to be able to work in the city he lives in. Copp is a performing artist.
City council heard what Copp was saying and over time funding was found to do some research and create a plan. Much of the research was done by an admittedly well qualified researcher who is based in Hamilton.
 Arts people in the city took part in many Cultural Action Plan sessions when they were organized as as an Arts and Culture Collective. The early phase hard work has paid off. A plan was put in place, ACCOB was formed and over time they were able to convince the city that they needed support within city hall. Funds were found for a culture manager who over a period of time was given funds to add a half time support staffer.
The organization has a bank account with money in it and is now ready to take the next step and create a Strategic Plan.
 Bernadette Ward, the Executive Director of the Oakville Arts Council ACCOB brought in a guest speaker, Bernadette Ward, the Executive Director of the Oakville Arts Council – an organization that has been operational since 2004.
There normally isn’t much in the way of questions after an AGM – unless there are a lot of concerns and complaints. There were a lot of very good questions at the Tuesday evening AGM.
 Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman with Angela Pappariza, Manager Culture for the city of Burlington. Paul Sharman made an appearance – he is probably the member of council who will prove to be their strongest supporter. Sharman is a council member who actually buys a ticket and attends events at the Performing Arts Centre. Ask him for comment on an opera and chances are you will learn far more than you expected.
Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan may well turn out to be a strong arts advocate as well; his parents met each other at the Student Theatre
 Cheryl Goldring with some of the art her husband hung in his office. Cheryl Goldring, an accomplished artist in her own right, told the audience that she is in the process of putting together a fund raiser for the Performing Arts Centre in early April – she expects to involve something in the order of twenty different performing artists.
Sounds a little like the Blue Jeans Festival that was put on at BPAC in its early years. Her husband played the piano, admitting that he had missed several of the piano classes while Mike Wallace danced to the Gene Kelly tune Dancing in the Rain.
Goldring had a lot of questions for Ward, the Oakville Arts Council Executive Director – look for something from her in the months ahead. She can now make more of her profile as an artist and bring about a stronger appreciation and a better response to the arts in this city.
 ACCOB president Tim Park with Kim Verral. Tim Park was returned as President and is serving as Treasurer until they can find someone to do the numbers work.
The task for the year ahead is to put together a strategic plan and work at maintaining their visibility in the community. The web site has been upgraded,they have money in the bank, they are now recognized by the city as the group that will serve a critical role in the building more capacity for the arts community. They also now have a strong working relationship with the Performing Arts Centre.
 By Staff
February 15th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
LaSalle Park in Burlington is home to the largest over-wintering population of Trumpeter Swans in Ontario.
 On Family Day, Monday, February 18 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. members of the Trumpeter Swan Restoration Group and the Trumpeter Swan Coalition will be on hand to introduce you to these magnificent birds that have fought their way back from extinction with the help of a group of dedicated volunteers.
Hear the Trumpeter Swans’ amazing stories and learn more about them from the team of women who band and tag the birds.
Bring your camera and take part on the photo contest. More details HERE
The event is free. All ages welcome.
The event will be held along the shoreline of LaSalle Park 831 LaSalle Park Road. Booths will be set up near the boat launch. Banders and taggers will be working in the beach area.
The pictures are awesome – they are really beautiful creatures and Burlington is home to hundreds of them.
The Trumpeter Swan Coalition in Burlington is committed to protecting the birds and their habitat – something that hasn’t always been easy in Burlington.
The Coalition is holding a gathering of those who want to observe and learn more about the birds on Family day at LaSalle Park.
The Gazette has partnered with the Collation to hold a photo contest.
There will be first, second, and third cash prizes of $100; $50 and $25.
Anyone can enter a photograph.
Two requirements:
The photograph has to be taken at LaSalle Park and it has to be taken on Family Day Monday, February 18, 2019
The event: Trumpeter Swan Day at LaSalle Park
11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
No pets please.
You submit your photograph in a digital format to:
swans@bgzt.ca
 Please provide:
Your full name
Email address
Telephone number
Every photo sent in will be acknowledged.
Winners will be announced by the Trumpeter Swan Coalition in about a week after Family Day.
Updates will be published in the Gazette and on the Trumpeter Swan Facebook page.
 By Staff
February 12, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
In a statement released today from the Office of the Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said:
Our city has lost another highly-regarded leader of our community with the passing of Robert Douglas
“Bob” Brechin. He died on January 25th after a long struggle with Parkinson’s and Cancer.
 Robert Douglas “Bob” Brechin. A known family man and civic-minded career-man of 40 years at Dofasco, Mr. Brechin also served as an Alderman for Burlington City Council for 19 years, between 1978-1997, and was elected as a Halton Regional Councillor serving between 1991-97.
His work with Dofasco provided Mr. Brechin with a career that spanned accounting, sales, and international marketing and time as the director of a Canadian tin plate recycling council.
In addition to an illustrious career, Mr. Brechin was very active in the community, getting involved with the Hamilton and District Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Manufacturing Association in Exports, Canadian Exporters’ Association, Society of Management Accountants, and the Niagara Escarpment Committee in a variety of committee chair and board member functions.
He also volunteered his time with the St. Raphael Parish and Burlington Reuse Centre, as well as joined board and fundraising activities for the Hamilton/Burlington YMCA, United Way of Burlington, Hamilton- Wentworth, Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital, Burlington Art Centre, LACAC (now known as Heritage Burlington) and the Canadian Institute of International Affairs.
Mr. Brechin will be greatly missed by the residents of this city and all those he impacted through his service to the community and region.
On behalf of Burlington City Council, I want to express our gratitude for Mr. Brechin’s service to our city over the years and send my deepest condolences to Mr. Brechin’s wife of 67 years, Edith, his family and friends.
 By Staff
February 10th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
  Poverty is not a popular coffee shop conversation; we have it but we don’t talk about it. This social behavior on the part of Burlingtonians is a combination of “see no evil” and the ostrich with its head in the sand.
 The reality is that – there rare poor people in Burlington and the New Democrats talk about it. The Progressive |Conservatives talk about ensuring that everyone can get a job but keep the minimum wage so low that some people need two job to get by.
MPP Sandy Shaw (Hamilton West – Ancaster – Dundas) is going to be in Burlington on Tuesday, February 12th to give a talk on the Ontario NDP’s efforts to fight poverty.
Ted Hildebrandt (Director of Social Planning at Community Development Halton) will also be speaking about the face of poverty in our region, and particularly the hidden face of poverty in Burlington.
The evening will start off with a simple pasta dinner – no charge to attend and it is open to anyone interested in making Ontario a better place to live, regardless of political affiliation.
The event is from 6pm to 8pm February 12th at the auditorium in Central Arena.
By Staff
February 8th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The City’s skate lending program is expanding to Appleby Ice Centre. Residents of all ages can access a variety of skates and other equipment on a first come first serve basis, year-round.
The Skate Hub is located in the lobby of ice pads 1 and 2. There is no sign-out form required and there is no time limit on the equipment. The hours of operation are the same as facility hours.
The skate lending program is also available at the Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond on weekday evening, weekend and holidays.
 Put them on right and you can enjoy swirling around the ice. Skate Lending Hours of Operation of the Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond.
• Weekday evenings: 5 to 10 p.m.
• Weekend and Holidays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Both locations have a variety of sizes.
 Rotary Centennial Pond. Donations Needed
Anyone with used skates, gloves, sticks or helmets in good condition can donate them to the lending program. Donations can be dropped off at any Burlington community centre, arena or pool, City Hall, as well as Emma’s Back Porch, Gator Ted’s and Wendel Clark’s Restaurants.
For more information on skating in Burlington, visit burlington.ca/skating.
By Pepper Parr
February 7th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Is the $4 million funding given to the LaSalle Park Marina by the last city council at risk?
 Gary Scobie – prefers that the marina not get a dime but if the $4 is approved – make it a loan. Mayor Meed Ward made mention of talk about rescinding the decision made by the previous council.
Gary Scobie who delegated on the use of the Hydro Reserve fund – something few people knew anything about.
Scobie argued that the city has no business giving that amount of money to a private organization that sits on land owned by the city of Hamilton when there are not much more than a couple of hundred members of the LaSalle Park Marina Association.
 The option the LaSalle Park Marina Association hopes is chosen. It was a messy debate when the $4 million was first put on the table.
What isn’t clear at this point is whether or not the $4 million is a loan or an outright gift.
Scobie said he didn’t want any money going to the Marina but if money did go to the organization it should be in the form of a loan.
The funds were needed for the installation of a breakwater – without an upgraded breakwater membership in the Marina will plummet – no one will want to tie up at a marina that insurance companies will not cover.
Rescind – it was a surprising word to hear.
More healthy debate on that one.
By Staff
February 6th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
They are the largest swans in the world, native only to North America and they have made an amazing comeback from the brink of extinction. On Family Day, Monday, February 18th, come to LaSalle Park, in Burlington, to meet the Trumpeter Swans and hear their amazing story of conservation success.
 The event will be held between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. when members of the Trumpeter Swan Restoration Group and the Trumpeter Swan Coalition will be on hand to introduce you to these magnificent birds that have fought their way back from extinction with the help of a group of dedicated volunteers. Hear the Trumpeter Swans’ amazing stories and learn more about them from the team of women who band and tag the birds.
The event will be held along the shoreline of Lasalle Park, 831 Lasalle Park Road. Booths will be set up near the boat launch. Banders and taggers will be working in the beach area. LaSalle Park is the largest over-wintering site for Trumpeter Swans in Ontario. Between 125 to 200 Trumpeters gather near the harbour from December to March.
The event is free. All ages welcome. Dogs make the Trumpeters nervous so please leave your pets at home.
By Staff
February 5th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
February is Heritage Month in Burlington.
 Empire Loyalist Union cemetery in Aldershot. The Ghent’s were a significant family when Burlington was known as Wellington Square. The City of Burlington’s Heritage Committee has been busy planning another exciting Heritage Month, Topics and events will include Black history, First Nations, Freeman Station, Burlington architecture, movies, panel discussions, stories and more. The full calendar listing is at bpl.on.ca and burlington.ca/calendar.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said: “Great cities aren’t made overnight. Our connections to the underground railroad, First Nations, the industrial revolution and, of course, our contributions to the great wars are well documented. Thanks to the efforts of the Burlington Heritage Month Committee and Heritage Burlington, they are also becoming well-told.”
Howard Bohan, Chair, Heritage Burlington had this to say:
“We are proud to offer such interesting and diverse historical and educational opportunities. Special thanks to the Burlington Heritage Month Committee and to Martha Hemphill of the United Empire Loyalists Association for her leadership.”
Black History Month is bringing the African and Caribbean immigrant experience to this city.
 Ancilla Ho Young takes part in an unveiling of noted Black citizens. She is with Mayor Meed Ward and an unidentified person. Burlington Caribbean Connection, in partnership with the City of Burlington, Halton Regional Police Service, both Halton school boards and the Halton Multicultural Council, is staging its third annual Black History Month Celebrations with two events in February.
The play Once On This Island, is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) at Nelson High School.
Once On This Island is a Caribbean version of Hans Christian Anderson’s tale of the Little Mermaid. It’s described as a colourful musical tale of love, loss and redemption performed by a group of Caribbean peasants as they wait out a violent storm.
The story tells of a young peasant girl who leaves her village in search of her love. It is the peasants’ version of what became of her, filtered through faith and imagination, music, drama, love and race.
Admission to the event is free but a donation box will be available to help fund events for next year. If you would like to attend but did not receive an invitation, call 905-332-9098 to reserve a seat, or send an e-mail to: thebcc2000@yahoo.ca.
The Halton District School Board celebrates Black History Month as a tremendous opportunity for our students to learn more about, and for our schools to highlight, the very significant contributions Black Canadians have made to the very fabric of Canada,” says Stuart Miller, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board.
 The $10 bill was released by the Mint to celebrate the contribution Viola Desmond made to progress for Black people in the Maritimes. The Halton District School Board named a school after the woman “In addition to the teaching that takes place all year, the month of February provides students even greater exposure and deeper learning into the many achievements of African Canadians. As a Board, we are so proud to have two of our elementary schools named after individuals who courageously stood up for civil rights in Canada (Viola Desmond PS) and bravely brought freedom to thousands of people escaping slavery through the Underground Railroad (James W. Hill PS).”
Some of the events taking place at Halton schools to celebrate Black History Month include:
• Robert Bateman HS (Burlington): Dwayne Morgan, a spoken word artist and motivational speaker, will visit the school on Feb. 21. He will conduct a Black History Jeopardy workshop where students can answer a series of Black History questions.
• Anne J. MacArthur PS (Milton): Students and staff will be led through a lively assembly on Feb. 5 by the organization Stay Driven, in which students and staff will learn about Black Canadian history.
• James W. Hill PS (Oakville): On Feb. 6, Inspiration Republic will host three performances at the school featuring the life stories of historical African Canadians: James W. Hill, Viola Desmond, Mary Ann Shadd, and Elijah McCoy.
• Ethel Gardiner PS (Halton Hills): On Feb. 7, Babarinde Williams will lead Grade 3-8 students and staff through a presentation about Black Canadian heroes. Kindergarten to Grade 2 students will participate in a drumming workshop, led by Williams.
Celebrating Black History Month aligns with the Equity and Well-being goals contained in the Halton District School Board’s Multi-Year Plan. The goal is to ensure every student learns in a respectful culture of high expectations that values diversity, and that students will see themselves reflected in their learning.
 By Staff
February 4th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Some competitive forces in the entertainment sector.
The Burlington Chorale Singers have an event on the 16th at St. Christopher’s United Church on Guelph Line. Link to that event is set out below.
The Performing Arts Centre is celebrating Valentine’s Day with legendary lovers Elizabeth Barret Browning and Robert Browning!
 Canadian Rep Theatre is coming to The Burlington Performing Arts Centre on Valentine’s Day to explore one of the most famous literary romances of all time in a staged play reading. The legendary lovers Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning were “rock stars” of their era, passionate in their belief that poetry could change the world.
How Do I Love Thee? explores a web of passions and desire, inspirations and fear, addictions and anger, where love, despite or perhaps because of its myriad of contradictions, still endures.
Canadian Rep Theatre focuses on innovative approaches to established works from the contemporary Canadian canon, along with challenging new plays that resonate with the diverse face of Canada in the 21st century. BPAC is thrilled to have this amazing company as part of their 2018-19 season with Helen’s Necklace in the fall and now How Do I Love Thee?, which played to rave reviews in Toronto and was nominated for 5 DORA Awards including Outstanding New Play and Outstanding Direction.
How Do I Love Thee? is written by the award-winning playwright Florence Gibson MacDonald and directed by one of Canada’s most well-respected theatre icons, Ken Gass. The original cast returns from the Toronto production that was called “luminous,” “gut-wrenching,” and “magnificent” by The Toronto Star.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at BPAC with two of the world’s most legendary lovers. Stay after the show for a talk-back with the cast and Director Ken Gass.
 Elizabeth Barrett’s volume Poems (1844) brought her great success, attracting the admiration of the writer Robert Browning. Their correspondence, courtship and marriage were carried out in secret, for fear of her father’s disapproval. Following the wedding she was indeed disinherited by her father. The couple moved to Italy in 1846, where she would live for the rest of her life. How Do I Love Thee?
Canadian Rep Theatre
Written by: Florence Gibson MacDonald
Directed by: Ken Gass
Featuring: Irene Pool, Matthew Edison, and David Schurmann
Thursday, February 14, 2019, 8:00pm
Approximate run time: 90 minutes
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Community Studio Theatre
440 Locust Street, Burlington, ON, L7S 1T7
Tickets:
$29 Regular
$24 Member
Group pricing available
*All prices include tax and fees.
Another Valentine event.
 By Pepper Parr
February 5th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a short meeting. Scheduled as an occasion to take a deeper look at the budgets being developed for the 2019 tax year – there was just the one delegation – that from,James Sisson, a retired city hall employee who finally got to make a delegation directly to city council. As a city employee he didn’t make delegations.
 James Sisson His concern was to urge Council not to pass a tax increase of more than 5% – Mayor Meed Ward told Sessions that the Finance department has put forward a budget with a 3.99% increase and that she was looking for a way to get that number down to 2.99%
 Liz Benneian, spokesperson for the Trumpeter Swan coalition. The meeting heard a delegation from Liz Benneian, spokesperson for the Trumpeter Swan coalition. She gave a brief review of the history of the swans and why they are here in Burlington. Benneian told council that there are about 1000 trumpeter swans and that they have been in Canada for the past 35 years. There was a time when the birds were basically extinct – a citizen retrieved some eggs and had them hatched – the beginning of the flock in Burlington. More on that when we can get a copy of the delegation – it’s quite a story.
 City Council heard a detailed delegation on the Trumpeter Swans that hang out at LaSalle Park. The delegation was significantly different than past delegations when a former council member would hammer delegations over the damage the swans did to LaSalle Park. It was a different story last night – even Councillor Sharman had kind words for the delegation.
Council meetings frequently place what are called “consent: items on the agenda; these are items that are passed without comment but can be pulled from the consent list and debated should a council member want to do so.
The Burlington Hydro financial statements were approved on consent. They will go to Council later in the month. Burlington Hydro is owned by the city – it produces a very healthy dividend each year and has a reserve fund that has been reported to be at $48 million.
More than $4 million was drawn from that reserve fund to pay for the improvements to the LaSalle Park Marina.
The Gazette will take a closer look at the financial report.
It was a quiet, short meeting – with one little gem of information. When Liz Benneian told council that there was a plaque elsewhere in the province celebrating the Trumpeter Swan that was the core of the flock in Burlington the Mayor asked why there wasn’t a plaque in Burlington. Benneian explained that the swan had been killed at Lake Simcoe. “We will have to fix that”, said the Mayor.
Trumpeter swans – large flock call LaSalle Park home. Expect to see an event at LaSalle Park where the Mayor will unveil a plaque celebrating “pig pen”; a Trumpeter Swan who apparently recognized and responded to his name when it was called out.
By Staff
February 4th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
You can buy chocolates.
You can give her flowers – you’ve certainly done that before – but there is an opportunity to do something really different.
Take her to an event where you will hear Cole Porter lyrics and enjoy some original music being delivered by the Burlington Civic Chorale. She can of course take you.
DELIGHTFUL, DE-LOVELY, DE-VALENTINE’S CABARET
 DELIGHTFUL, DE-LOVELY, DE-VALENTINE’S CABARET – to be done by the Burlington Civic Chorale. Cole Porter’s witty lyrics and sophisticated tunes take centre stage at the Singers Valentine’s Cabaret Saturday, February 16, 7:30 pm, at St. Christopher’s Anglican Church, 662 Guelph Line, in Burlington.
Wine and cheese, affordable silent auction items, and memorable desserts all add to the Valentine’s afterglow.
Tickets are $25 at the door, or in advance by calling 905-577-2425.
Contact: Janet Gadeski, Public Relations Manager, 905-632-2085; 289-230-4713; jgadeski2@gmail.com
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