 By Staff
July 23rd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Former Conservative MP and Burlington mayoral candidate Mike Wallace has been awarded the Order of the Rising Sun by the Japanese Embassy in Canada.
 Mike Wallace with Japan’s Order of The Rising Sun Award July 2018. This is a very significant award. The award puts him among 140 foreign nationals named earlier this year to the award of civil and military merit. The Ontario MP represented Burlington from 2006 to 2015 and is now running for mayor of the city in this October’s municipal race. He was previously elected four times to the Burlington city council before entering federal politics. Wallace was presented the award in a private ceremony at the Japanese Embassy in Ottawa.
When Japanese Ambassador to Canada Kimihiro Ishikane presented the medals in July, Wallace had a strong cheering squad, with his wife Caroline, parents, sister and former staff all at the ambassador’s Rockcliffe Park residence.
“I am deeply honoured by this award,” Wallace said. “It is the Japanese version of Canada’s Order of Canada.”
Wallace’s fellow award 2018 award winners include former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, U.S senators Robert Corker and John McCain, among others.
Wallace “contributed to promoting parliamentary relations and friendship between Japan and Canada,” as an MP and former co-chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group, the 2018 medal list document said.
He was named co-chair of the group in 2011 after serving on the group’s executive five years before that. At the time he said he wanted Canada to pursue an active diplomatic relationship with Japan.
Japan was especially grateful for the leadership Wallace demonstrated in coordinating Canada’s response to the 2015 Fukishima disaster.
 Burlington’s Chain of Office, worn by the Mayor when he chairs council meetings and at Official events. “I want to follow our community’s lead in solidifying both economic and cultural ties with Japan as we have done locally with our sister city, Itabashi, Japan,” he said.
The Order of the Rising Sun outranks the Burlington Chain of Office. Would Wallace wear both – assuming he wins the election.
 By Pepper Parr
July 23rd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Generals sometimes haven’t a clue as to what is going on within the ranks.
And it is those in the ranks, in the trenches that make the Sound of Music Festival work.
And those people are very angry and anxious about what is happening to an organization they are passionate about.
There are 21 different committees that work to make the event happen each year.
 Brant Street getting ready for the Sound of Music. One of the key committees was scheduled to meet last Wednesday to wrap up the 2018 festival. Each committee chair is obliged to present a report about their festival experience – what worked well, what didn’t, areas to focus on for next year.
The comments the Gazette is getting include:
“It helps us to plan for next year. We received a message indicating the meeting was cancelled with no further information provided until Peter Martin sent a message stating Dave was no longer with the festival and that the Board had cancelled the meeting.
“We have demanded a meeting to understand why this happened and to present our reports. The board has no idea what half the committees do. For some, it’s their first year on the board. We also want answers as we reported to Dave and have no issues with him or his leadership.
“As many of us have resigned in protest (with no comment from the board), Peter only wants to have the current chairs at the meeting. Our operations rules state outgoing chairs have a duty to present their report. I would like that opportunity. I would also like to know why Dave Miller was fired because I believe it is a two or three year witch hunt come to fruition.
“It says so much about Dave’s leadership that many, many long-standing volunteers have resigned. It also speaks volumes about Peter Martin’s lack of leadership that it has been almost a week and nothing has been said about his dismissal to the people who worked the most closely with him. He is selectively reaching out to certain volunteers and ignoring others because he does not understand nor value the people who gave their time and effort to building the festival.”
The people who have commented have asked that their names not be used at this time. Several want to speak publicly but are waiting until scheduled meetings take place.
The Gazette has reached out to the president Peter Martin and the Corporate Secretary Rich Anderson.
There has been no response yet.
City council is basically on vacation until early September. The Gazette has asked the Mayor’s office for some comment. Nothing so far.
By Pepper Parr
July 23, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The sudden and very unexpected firing of Dave Miller as the Executive Director of the Sound of Music Festival could have serious ramifications for the city if some announcements are not made soon
The Festival is basically a volunteer operation with just four paid staff members running a $2 million dollar operation.
Peter Martin, president of the Sound of Music has not made a public statement.
The chairs of the various committees that do the work are upset and ready to make comments on their own, however everyone the Gazette has talked to have asked that their names not be used at this point.
 When the music is good the crowds are great – so what happened? One committee chair has said that “Peter Martin is only selectively replying to requests for information.” This committee chair said: “ I sincerely hope that if he takes on this co-executive director position that he does not draw a salary as that would he a further conflict of interest for him.”
The Festival has 21 committee chairs that make the Festival work.
People directly involved in the organization point out that the Festival gets something in the order of $400,000 in grants annually and that the Sound of Music has to submit reports on what they did with the grant money in order to qualify for future grants.
With the chairs as upset as they are there is some doubt in the minds of many that it might not be possible to hold a Festival in 2019.
Festivals are big business for the communities that hold them – and they are competitive. Burlington has been a leader in the Festival business for a number of years and has worked to expand the size of the event. City council has not been as keen as the Festival leadership on growing the business.
One person told the Gazette that Miller was let go with no explanation to the membership and that there does not appear to be a replacement in the wings.
 Dave Miller, former Executive Director of Sound of Music. Miller is at this point negotiating a severance package.
The people who do the volunteering are a dedicated bunch. Some use their vacation time to work the festival; there is a group that take a room at the Waterfront Hotel and sleep five to six people in the room they rent while they work the Festival.
There is the story of the volunteer who put in 140 hours over a 12 day period.
The Board in place now has four new members that are reported to have little in the way of Festival experience.
The current Board of Directors is made up of:
Peter Martin – President; Peter Van Dyk – Vice President; Scott Newport – Treasurer; Rich Anderson – Corporate Secretary, Andy Porecki – Director; Ashlee Sorochan – Director; Cyrus Jeejeebhoy – Director; Karen Loranger – Director and Pat Leyland – Director.
The Gazette asked one committee chair who elects the Board of Directors? The response was – “I don’t know.”
 Crowds were on the thin side during the ticketed events held during a Kick Off weekend. The Sound of Music Festival is a non-profit organization and has a set of bylaws that sets out who can be a member of the organization and who gets to vote.
The Executive Director of a non-profit cannot be a member of the Board. An Executive Director is appointed by the Board to run the organization.
 The Sound of Music is constantly looking for new revenue sources – Sweet Seats was part of an initiative to generate more revenue. The regulations that set out what a non-profit can do are quite different than the rules that apply to a corporation. The biggest difference is that a non-profit does not have any equity – no one can participate in the distribution of profits. There are no shareholders – just members.
None of the volunteers the Gazette spoke to could say just who the members are.
 By Staff
July 23, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Mall is undergoing a major rejuvenation and upgrade – is a world wide brand going to be part of that re-branding?
Miniso is a discount store that started in Tokyo and is beginning to open the North American retail sector. Burlington appears to be its next location.
 A brand that is planning on 6000 locations in North America – expected to open at the Burlington Mall in the fall. Miniso, positioned as a Japanese lifestyle brand is part Chinese variety retailer, part discount store that could give other low cost variety stores more than a run for their money.
They already have stores in downtown Toronto at the Eaton Centre and at Bramalea City Centre, Square One and Erin Mills Town Centre. A store is expected at Oakville Place.
The stores are known for selling low price but high quality products, including cosmetics, accessories, stationery, electronics accessories, home decor, kitchenware, and snacks.
According to the brand’s website, the brand launches new products every seven days; shoppers are not likely to get bored.
 Packed with low cost – high quality goods the Miniso brand will keep the shopping crowd busy. An opening date has not yet been announced, the Burlington Mall is planning on an official opening of the refurbished mall and the announcement of five new restaurants and a number of new tenents.
The company was founded in 2011 by Japanese designer Junya Miyake and Chinese entrepreneur Ye Guofu, the company is headquartered in Guangzhou, China. In 2016, the company’s sales revenue reached $1.5 billion, up from $769.9 million one year previous.
Miniso has expanded outside of the Chinese market and operates 1,800 stores in Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa, North America, and South America. It plans to eventually open 6,000 stores worldwide.
By Pepper Parr
July 19th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Is there trouble at the Sound of Music?
Dave Miller The Gazette has been told by a source that has asked for full anonymity on the information that
Dave Miller , Executive Director of Burlington Sound of Music Festival, was fired by his board at a special meeting last night.
Our source adds that there are several other volunteer resignations as a result.
Miller has been the Executive Director for more than a decade.
The Gazette is following up on this story. Most of the people we have reached out to have gone to ground.
Update
The Gazette has been able to confirm that the Sound of Music Board parted ways with Dave Miller last night.
He said he also believed that several of the senior volunteers also left the organization.
In a comment during our short discussion Miller said that he wasn’t able to say much at this point in time but would have something to say in the future – and added that the future wasn’t going to be sometime next week.
 Sound of Music – an award winning event that draws thousand into the city is reported to have fired their Executive Director.
 By Staff
July 18, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s time to put on a happy face and enjoy an evening of fun watching young people put on a performance.
It is young people acting in some cases for the first time – and they are good.
 They are guided and directed by the KooGle theatre people for a weekend of performances.
KooGle Theatre Company’s Youth Production of BYE BYE BIRDIE opens this Saturday, July 21
…Set in the late 1950’s, this irresistibly fun musical tells the story of a Rock ‘n Roll teen heartthrob recently drafted into the army who is about to give one last performance on the Ed Sullivan Show ~ which will make the town of Sweet Apple, Ohio ~ all shook up!
July 21
1:30pm and 6:30pm
July 22
1:30pm
Theatre Burlington, 2311 New St.
All tickets are $10 and are
General Admission Seating
To reserve your tickets, please call
905-633-8788 or email info@koogletheatre.com
 By Staff
July 18th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
There are times when the city slogan – Burlington is one of Canada’s best and most livable cities, a place where people, nature and business thrive., makes sense and actually applies to the city of Burlington.
 They packed the Mainway arena to talk about how Burlington could best welcome Syrians to the city. Back in December of 2015 the Mayor of Burlington called a public meeting public meeting on Syrian refugees to gauge what there was in terms of community support. Many were surprised at the size of the turnout – Mainway Arena was close to packed.
 The turnout was impressive. Eleeza at the time a 10 year old, stood to tell the audience that she was raising funds to buys toys for the children who were arriving at the airport. People began putting money in her hands.
Burlington was capable and more than ready to welcome the new comers.
Just over a year ago Rory Nisan arrange for a candle light vigil to be held in Civic Square to recognize the senseless slaughter of six people at a mosque in Quebec city.
The idea took on a life of its own and is now an annual event when different faith groups get together and celebrate what they have.
ONE BURLINGTON FESTIVAL: Building Bridges Between Faiths
The event is to take place in front of the Band shell next to Central Library on August 6 from noon – 4 p.m. In the event of rain, the festival will be moved inside Central Arena.
“I am excited for this Festival and have been meeting with Muslim friends from the mosque, Hindu and Jewish groups and a variety of Christian leaders – and we will be able to learn about different faiths and cultures while sampling many different ethnic foods,” said Rev. Orville James, minister of Wellington Square United Church.
 Osob Adus, Burlington Citizen of the Year and well-known community activist, said the festival is a way of knowing and embracing the beauty of all faith traditions and creating bridges between them.
“Mutual understanding and respect are the foundations for building communities across the borders of difference,” said Adus, a Muslim.
Now in its second year, One Burlington Festival was initially held as a response to the Quebec City mosque mass shooting that occurred the evening of January 29, 2017 at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City.
This year, the festival will open with an Interfaith prayer led by five clergy representing different faiths. An Indigenous smudging ceremony will follow.
Throughout the afternoon, along with free food, entertainment from different cultures will be featured. Performers include local singer-song writer Kim Verrall and violinist Sophie Huang; the Burlington Slam Poets who are celebrating their 10th anniversary; First Nations performer Jimmy Dick and his family and dance groups from the Sikh, Persian and Afro-Canadian communities.
 Children’s activities and games include compiling a faith passport for which every child will earn an ecologically-friendly prize.
The ecological theme of this year’s festival focuses on building an understanding of the connections between faith and ecology. Everything from Eco-dinnerware to a green clean-up team are embedded in this year’s event.
By Pepper Parr
July 17th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Joelle Goddard-Cooling said it all – “I can see that the writing is on the wall” – Brant Street is going to have at least two tall buildings opposite city hall.
Despite strong arguments for something significantly different, Ward 2 city Councillor and candidate for Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, city council voted 5-2 to approve the Staff Recommendation for a 17 storey building with an additional floor with amenities
 Joelle’s on Brant Cooling, in a letter to members of Council said she and her husband operate a business on Brant Street and are “bracing ourselves for years of construction, noise, traffic interruption, mess, parking issues, loss of business. With my resident hat on, I have spoken to many of my friends and neighbours downtown and concern is very real – I hear that “this is not why we moved here” a lot.
“That being said, we have chosen to do business here and have had continued growth in our business for twenty two years this September. We landed at 457 Brant Street after three previous moves, at that time there were very few businesses surrounding us. We have been given credit for encouraging some of the revival we saw happening on Brant Street over 15 years ago. In fact, I personally was presented with a Queen’s Jubilee Award for my encouragement, mentoring, BDBA volunteering and genuine marketing and promotion for the downtown. We have watched businesses come and go, developers assemble parcels and leave unsightly empty spaces and we have also watched businesses come and thrive.
 Centre Market tucked in a parking lot for Sunday only operations – gives the core a level of civility other parts of the city just don’t have. “Development on Brant will definitely displace some of the anchor, destination businesses – ones that have created like minded environments for our longtime customers and who support downtown through lease hold improvements, street beautification and branding and marketing. A shining example is the Centro market every Sunday which suits the customer we are all trying to attract and which provides and amazing sense of community for the local residents.
“This is a lot of work for the organizers and volunteers and it is not a money making opportunity for Centro but a genuine community benefit. I have spoken to numerous other business owners who have shared their thoughts with me. Some have a good relationship with their property owner and are actively contemplating relocation. Others with a deep history confessed their worry with options of retirement, bankruptcy, and the challenges & uncertainty through the construction years.
“Those new to the retail area have hedged their bets on our amazing downtown and I can’t answer their questions on if Brant Street will be down to one lane through the construction? What types of retail can we look forward to once these building are erected? It seems that it has been difficult to fill this type of space over at Pearl and Pine.
Will there be many small spaces for (higher than now) rent in the future? What stipulations are being put into place to ensure that what goes in has value to all of the new residents and helps to build a sustainable downtown – the one that is visioned?
“Will we have additional police presence, garbage and street cleanup and snow removal? Will city staff, the developers, the BDBA, Economic Development and the residents be able to work together to address all of these issues and concerns? We have loading zone issues and parking struggles now. These are all priorities to businesses new, old and to come.
 Keeping it all there is the challenge. “What can we do now to set up the downtown for success in the future? Discussions with Brian Dean recommend that you endorse a retail study by the BEDC, with the support of BDBA that takes a true and very hard look at current and future retail trends downtown.
“This is mandatory as a tool to guide redevelopment. It will outline the need to retain successful businesses, adapt the size of commercial units to meet the needs of small business, help existing and future business understand the impact of demographics and spending habits of the next generation of downtown residents. It will guide and help the BDBA in partnership with commercial developers better merchandise and recruit meaningful and sustainable businesses that will help to optimize our commercial mix.
“I will go one step further and ask that you consult with the retail, service and hospitality experts that already exist downtown who are very aware of who their customer is and what is needed to flourish. Value in this study is through internal resources – we are at a critical point where the people that live this every day need to have their retail experience leveraged. We would welcome this opportunity.
To recap, here are some of the concerns we hope can be addressed:
Transition planning and support for the current tenants – relocation, assistance through construction street closures – giving this business value and seeking their input
Sidewalk closures – we need the sidewalks open, this construction will create a dead retail space from the Elgin Promenade to Centro if not kept as a pedestrian through way on both sides of the street
Parking lane closures cannot happen, parking is a huge issue now and during construction
What is the traffic flow plan? The traffic study was highly defended last Tuesday night but people are not buying it. We need confidence in a plan here.
Loading zones – how do we attract businesses that will sustain a walkable community without these?
Cleanliness, Beautification and Pollution. Our streetscape has been neglected for years while undergoing the streetscape study, now with the development we are told to wait until the development is done to fix the sidewalks. We have been the closest to the development of the Berkley – what will be done to keep Brant Street enjoyable under the unavoidable noise, congestion, construction materials, detours etc pollution?
How is the coordination of TWO tall buildings AND a hydro burying project on James going to be managed by the City?
To maintain some beauty in the area, empty storefronts need to be addressed. How about working with the property owners and developers to utilize space in a positive way – ie pop ups, creative art installations, a unified expectation of maintenance and appearance, pest control, co-operation with the BDBA for improved window coverings or branding? What can we expect here?
General Safety of the area is a concern, we know the City works hard to keep us safe, we did experience a gas line problem at the John & Caroline site and it was scary. We need a sense of protection for emergency management – ie power failure, gas lines, water table issues
Vibrancy? Will the developments be built in a way that will accommodate rooftop or first floor restaurants? Will there be attention made to create the charm and character desired by the residents at the first floor level? Will the public space be useful – what will be happening here in the open area(s) that isn’t happening in the Elgin Promenade or City Hall open area(s)?
 Joelle Goddard Cooling “We have talked heard the phrase win-win the past few weeks. Residents, business owners and everyone who cares wants to be involved. I truly hope that beyond the mandated development this council put value in what exists here now and has been here in the past.”
 By Staff
July 16th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
 It was getting discouraging. The home team could always be found at the bottom of the standings.
Why were the results so dismal?
Then, from almost out of nowhere, the Burlington Herd come pounding back and beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 for their second win in a row.
The Herd got the win, their first at Christie Pits this season, just 24 hours after thumping the first-place Kitchener Panthers 11-4 to improve their record to 9-17.
 Say that again – The Herd beat the first place team with a resounding 11-4 win.
So why are they in the bottom of the league?
Maybe things have begun to turn around for the team?
Or maybe it was the threat of moving the team to Welland that inspired the players.
Related news story:
Herd president investigates what Welland Stadium has to offer.
 By Pepper Parr
July 13th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
A candidate for one of the city council seats sent us a proposal that had come to his attention via ECoB: Engaged Citizens of Burlington that he felt council should consider.
The proposal is to use some of the community benefit money that would be a part of the process if the 409 project proceeds to move the Kelly’s Bake Shop from its current Brant street location to an empty city lot at John and Caroline, allowing Kelly’s Bake Shoppe to remain in the downtown core.
 Kelly’s Bake Shop has become a destination for many. A condo development threatens the existence of the buisness. While the sentiment is nice – this idea is fraught with problems.
First, John Street north of Caroline is not actually a street – it is a lane way and there might be issues over what can be built on a lane way.
Second, City Manager James Ridge brought to council’s attention that any rental the city might do would have to be at market rates – the Municipal Act requires him to do that.
Third, should the city be in the business of favouring a specific commercial operation? This is not the purpose of municipal governments. It opens the door for all kinds of cronyism – and if Ridge is against anything, his stomach would turn if he saw that happening on his watch.
The desire to do something for the cupcake store is based on an emotional concern – that’s not what city hall is about.
 Kelly Child’s is a very talented marketer – trying to convince a city to give her special treatment. It is the Gazette’s understanding that Kelly Child’s has yet to meet with the Economic Development Corporation; that organization is in place to work with commercial operations that need help.
What Kelly Child’s has done is play the “crying in public” card for sympathy and support. This is a business situation and we are talking about public money – be very careful.
The candidate said he has “spoken to Kelly Childs and confirmed that this is a proposal she would be happy to consider.”
I’ll bet she would be happy to consider the proposal.
The candidate, who we have deliberately not identified; (we don’t want to embarrass him any more than he has embarrassed himself by promoting a totally cock-a-mammy idea), said he “believes this is an excellent and inventive idea worthy of full and urgent examination by Council and Staff, and I will be supporting that examination.
 John Street at Caroline looking south – a proposed new location for Kelly’s Bake Shop. The building on the property has been demolished “Kelly’s Bake Shoppe is a Burlington success story that may become a Canada-wide and international success story. Burlington should do everything it can both to protect the heritage property and recognise the tenant’s special contribution to the downtown.
“I believe that this is a proposal well worth getting out to your readers today.”
Hmmm … is this what we want on city council?
Salt with Pepper is a column reflecting the opinions, views, observations and musings of the Gazette publisher.
 By Pepper Parr
July 12th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington Foundation has announced that one of Burlington’s finest Everyday Community Heroes is being honoured with the 2018 Distinguished Philanthropist of the Year Award.
Dorothy Borovich will be honoured at Burlington Foundation’s People Power 2018 celebration of giving event on October 18.
 Dorothy Borovich in her physiotherapy clinic. “Dorothy’s contributions to the Burlington community have had an incredible, positive impact in countless ways,” says Colleen Mulholland, President and CEO, Burlington Foundation. “A tireless giver, volunteer and leader, Dorothy consistently demonstrates a caring and generous commitment to our city, particularly in the areas of youth, police services and health and wellness.”
The Distinguished Philanthropist of the Year award presented by Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life offers the chance to publicly honour and thank a noted philanthropist for their positive impact on Burlington and surrounding communities. This year’s award recognizes and celebrates an Everyday Community Hero and Dorothy is the first female in Burlington to receive the stand-alone award since it was established in 2009.
Dorothy has been actively involved as a volunteer in Burlington for more than 20 years and was a member of the Burlington Foundation Board of Directors from 2002-2005. She also founded the Crystal Ball which continues to be a significant source of funding for Joseph Brant Hospital.
Dorothy’s extraordinary work has been instrumental in establishing a variety of endowment funds with the Burlington Foundation to support youth, police services, and health and wellness.
 Dorothy Borovitch with Shiel Patel during a 2014 flood fundraising event She is co-founder of Youthfest, a group that established a fund and holds an annual event that connects youth to meaningful volunteer opportunities. As a committee member of Community Cares Halton, she was one of several leaders who created a fund and established the Halton Heroes Gala in support of police officers and their families who have been injured or killed in the line of duty. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, she established Healthy Reflections Canada and a fund that supports treatment for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are financially challenged.
Borovich was named the Citizen of the Year for 2016.
“I’m honored to receive this award from the Burlington Foundation. As a business owner since 1990 and Physiotherapist for over 30 years, it’s been a privilege to assist our clients in improving their quality of life,” says Dorothy Borovich. “As part of our business philosophy, civic duty is a responsibility that contributes to the health of our community. I’m blessed to work in a profession that I absolutely love. It provides me with the ability to give back and meet some incredible people along the way. For me, it’s the greatest gift!”
Our relationship with Ms Borovich is a personal one. Adjusting to a hip replacement wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be – I needed some help in learning to walk properly. I asked my friend Ron Foxcroft to refer me to someone – she is standing right over there said Foxcroft who pointed to Dorothy during a 2014 Flood Fund Raising event.
She kept me on a basketball court much longer than I expected said Foxcroft who refereed basket ball games around the world. “The knees could only take so much damage. Dorothy kept me in business as a referee.
My own therapy went well – the only downside was reading her handwriting – seems everyone in the medical field has their own unique chicken scrawl. The hands on instructions were great – when Dorothy tells you to bend – you bend.
By Staff
July 11, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
In an emotional farewell, Kelly Childs and her daughter told a city council committee last night that they were throwing in the towel and would not continue the operation of their bake shop on Brant Street when their lease expires.
The bake shop became a popular drop in for hundreds of people. The property is part of an assembly being done by Reserve Properties who have a development application before the city to build a 23 storey tower on the south east corner of Brant and James.
The building the bake shop is in now is on the municipal registry but has not been designated a Heritage site.
The developers let council know that it would not be possible for any commercial operation to be in the building while construction is taking place. And, the plan being proposed, would call for a slight shift in the actual location of the building.
 Kelly Childs on the right with her daughter Aaron going over the schedule for a day in the bake shop Childs told council that all that will be left is a board and batten façade with nothing inside. The developer is committed to keeping both the bake shop building and the building that was once an ice house that is now a jewelers shop on John Street, both were intended to give any development some heritage credibility.
Childs told the committee that the store had traffic that amounted to 12,000 people a week visiting the location – a phenomenal number. It would amount to more than 1700 people in a single day assuming a 7 day a week operation. An eye brow raising number.
By Staff
July 10th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
More on those pictures being worth 1000 words.
The Planning department had a handful of renderings done suggesting what the downtown core of the city could look like when the Grow Bold initiative has blown through the community.
 A rendering of Brant Street at city hall looking north. Looks like the kind of thing a real estate agent would prepare as part of a sales brochure. CITY HALL
The drawing had a nice gentle pastel look to them. Nice enough to frame.
We then came across a photograph of what the properties on the east side of Brant street look like today.
 This is a montage of properties on the east side of Brant street with Brant Florist on the left. Comparing with the drawings was a little jarring.
The model prepared by some students who lived in the St. Luke community gave the public a bit of a glimpse of what was coming down the pipe.
 Looking west towards city hall through the two towers that might “frame” city hall in the future. The one on the right has already been approved by city council. A picture is indeed worth 1000 words.
By Pepper Parr
July 7th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The story about the milkweed plants in a garden was, for the most part, gathered electronically.
There wasn’t a chance to meet and do an interview with the woman who got a note from a bylaw enforcement officer saying the milkweed plants on her garden had to go. Burlington, Ontario considers milkweed, the only plant that monarch butterflies lay their eggs on, a weed that must be destroyed or removed.
In Burlington bylaws are enforced when someone complains – and someone did complain.
 Doreen Nicol – an actionist! They chose the wrong women to push around.
When she read the bylaw notice Doreen Nicoll began making phone calls and lining up support and contacting local environmentalists to see if there were any alternative solutions. “I did this’ said Nicoll, “because trimming milkweed to the required height of 8 inches or less means that the tops of the plants containing all of the leaves, which are home to valuable monarch eggs, caterpillars, and chrysalis, would be removed and that would have devastating results.” Nicoll argued that the milkweed was a plant – not a weed and that it was an important part of the environment.
 A milkweed plant – home to valuable monarch eggs, caterpillars, and chrysalis. She reported that a very wise environmentalist, who wished to remain anonymous, told her about the time her neighbour reported her for growing milkweed in her naturalized garden. It seems the neighbour wanted the city to force this woman to grow grass instead of flowers.
Nicoll had removed the grass “in my very tiny front yard and erected a very low wall to contain my new garden. Originally, I planted native, heritage plants, most of them edible and all of them able to survive on rain water alone.”
“Over the years there have been plenty of transitions. Some plants thrive for years only to suddenly decline or disappear and be replaced by a completely different variety. This was survival of the fittest playing out in my garden thanks to the effects of climate change.”
The end result was the city notice being withdrawn and Nicoll being told that the bylaw on weeds is being re-written to allow milkweed plants.
 Doreen Nicoll is an actionist; a word that isn’t part of the lexicon most of us use. She has been politically active in the past; she ran against Carol D’Amelio for a city council seat in 2003 – came in second and wasn’t able to give D’Amelio much of a run for her money.
D’Amelio got 55.5% of the vote; Nicoll got 25.9%; the city wide turnout was 16.55% of the eligible voters.
Born in Scotland Doreen came to Canada in 1963 was raised in Ajax, went to Ryerson to where she studied food and English. She also went to George Brown College and described herself as a Journeyman Chef.
Nicoll worked for a period of time in the hospitality business and went back to school at Western University and became a teacher. She now teaches Family Studies for the Peel Board of Education.
The family moved to Burlington in June of 1997
Somewhere along the way, after the five children were born and raised, she began to write. Her focus was gender violence. In a piece she did for the Hamilton Spectator on the relationships between men and woman she wrote: “Their actions send a clear message to their own wives, daughters, sons as well as the neighbourhood at large, that men feel they have the innate right to mistreat and intimidate women.”
 Nicoll writes from a social justice perspective. There are some things that are just plain wrong and she has the courage of her convictions to stand up and say so.
She has won several awards; a couple of “Maggies”, (Hamilton Independent Media Awards) and an Anvil – both awards that come out of the Hamilton community.
This time Nicoll was fighting for the environment – the right to grow milkweed in her garden.
We have no idea what it will be next: but of this we can be certain – there will be a next.
 By Pepper Parr
July 6th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a short, to the point message.
“We won! City will no longer be removing milkweed from private residences!”
 The bylaw officer should have realized what he was up against when he saw the sign. This was a big deal for Doreen Nicoll. The Burlington resident was paid a visit by a bylaw enforcement officer telling her that the milkweed in her front yard garden had to be removed.
The bylaw officer clearly didn’t see the sign in the garden – Nicoll was not someone to trifle with.
We asked for some pictures of her garden – she explained that some wild roses that blew in from another yard years ago that had taken over the garden. The kids moved home. “I had marking, exams, report cards, and then the heat wave hit. So, not every part is beautiful right now. Have a big yellow bag of mulch waiting in the driveway for cooler weather.”
 A very pleasant garden. It is a very attractive garden that will have milkweed as part of the flowerbed. And Burlington now has a bylaw enforcement officer who knows much more about milkweed now than he did a week ago.
This whole mess was the result of a phone call someone made to the bylaw enforcement office complaining about the milkweed.
Nicoll explains that “milkweed started to grow, probably a throwback to when this land I live on was farmed. I’ve also purchased milkweed and over the past decade or so and all of it has done quite well. This is a particularly good year.”
Ward 2 Councillor and candidate for Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said: “You did it everyone! Based on your advocacy, research, information, city staff listened and will be bringing a bylaw forward in September to remove milkweed from “weed” list to allow it to be grown.
“Well done to all!! In the meantime, the bylaw on milkweed will not be enforced. Tweet from city of Burlington: “City staff have drafted a new lot maintenance bylaw affecting tall grass and weeds. The draft bylaw goes to Council in September and will align with the provincial Weed Control Act. Until then, the city will not enforce the removal of milkweed.”
In electronic communication with Nicoll we learned more about how she approaches life. “you should know I’m also active in ending gendered violence, an ally for Indigenous Nations and Peoples, as well as working to end hunger and poverty. All of these issues are intertwined.
 Doreen Nicoll – Burlington actionist. “I also like to be called an actionist — a term I am borrowing from Mike Nagy chair of the Wellington Water Watchers.
As Mike told me in an interview, “All it takes to be defined as an acitvist is to write a letter or contact your MP or simply ask for better health care. But, over the decades the term has too often become associated with negative connotations.” The difference is I learn about the issue, take action, follow-up, and rarely if ever give up.”
Our kind of woman.
The original news story.
By Hillary Walker
July 5th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Online poker has gained incredible popularity, with thousands of players from all over the world competing with each other in so-called poker rooms. Many of them are in search of a quality gambling portal known for its brand promotions, credibility, secure financial flow, quality gameplay, and modern online poker software. Therefore, if you are dreaming of opening an online poker platform, gaming software is the first thing you should consider.
It is poker software what sets such a great gaming atmosphere in an online gambling platform, making each participant feel like he is at a real table. In order to establish that inspiring atmosphere, it is necessary to select a company for poker platforms software development in a responsible manner.
At this point, you may have a lot of questions: where to start, which programs for poker exist and how to find a professional company, etc.
What Stands Behind Poker Software Development?
If you still desire to have an online poker room, then your the next step will be creating software for a gaming portal. There are many options to choose from: Delphi, Java, C ++, React – all may qualitatively serve the purpose. At the later stage, you will need to certify a gambling activity of your organization not to be fined or criminally liable. However, if you are hiring a professional company to develop a gaming software, you will get a consultation from an expert in the industry.
 How Much Will You Pay for Online Poker Software?
The question of financial investments is among the most popular ones; it should be understood that a good poker room requires serious investments. Fixed amount will be necessary for the purchase of a good software.
On top of that, you will need to get a license and invest into the technical side of the issue. If there is even the slightest chance that the work of the website infringes quality standards at one time, no one will certify such a project. It is necessary to think in advance how you will develop your business and maintain its activities.
Tournaments to Be Supported in a Poker Room
Apart from regular online poker games, it is also important to support tournaments in an online poker room.
Qualitative software must contain a package the following types of tournaments:
● Regular championships held at a certain time;
● Sit’n’Go (time-out tournaments that are held once the gaming table is full);
● Heads-up (duel where only two players participate);
● Freerolls (tournaments with free participation).
If you strive to have a platform for playing poker, there is always a chance to purchase the entire software package and save yourself from troubles. Hiring a professional company, you can get high-quality and advanced solutions for building a strong and highly competitive business.
An RNG certified platform will help you develop your business in the shortest term and take an honorable place in the market.
By Staff
July 5th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The $11.4 million expansion of the Joseph Brant Museum will add 14,000 square feet that includes four exhibit halls, two multi-purpose rooms, a lobby, shop, resource centre and storage for over 25,000 artifacts and historical treasures. The plan is to have “blockbuster” exhibitions from around the globe.
We have been waiting for news on what the first travelling exhibit at the transformed Joseph Brant Museum would be about.
 First exhibit at the transformed Joseph Brant Museum is going to focus on pin ball machines. Something relevant to the community for certain – right?
Something that had at least a bit of an historical tinge to it.
Something unique perhaps?
The new is that the first travelling exhibit will involve pinball machines and rock ‘n’ roll!!
Yeah! Many people were afraid of something like this.
 It was Dan Laurie’s idea and his willingness to put up $37,000+ of his own money that started the a process that ended with a piece of public art being unveiled outside the Performing Arts Centre. On the positive side – the Gazette has learned that Dan Lawrie intends to commission a statue of Joseph Brant. Nothing more in the way of details – it’s a great idea.
 Spiral Stella. Lawrie was one of the moving forces behind the installation of the Spiral Stella outside the Performing Arts Centre.
The Museum plans to host travelling exhibits from across North America.
Construction is on schedule and the museum will re-open next summer.
 By Staff
July 5th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
You didn’t think there wasn’t a price for all the free car gawking on Brant Street on Saturday did you?
There will be Downtown Car Show Road Closures
On Saturday, July 7, the fourth annual Burlington Downtown Car Show will take place on Brant Street, between Caroline Street and Lakeshore Road.
In order to meet the needs of the event, the following road closures will be in effect on July 7 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closures:
• Brant Street, between Caroline Street and Lakeshore Road
• Ontario Street and Elgin Street, between Locust Street and Brant Street
• James Street, between John Street and Brant Street
By Staff
July 3rd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Downtown Car Show in support of the Burlington Lions Club is a celebration of the automobile showcasing 200 classics, exotic and iconic vehicles that will be displayed in downtown Burlington on Saturday July 7, 2017.
 The cars aren’t for sale – just for looking. There is no admission, 200+ cars will be on display including classics, cruisers, muscle cars, odd ball and exotic sports cars. They will be displayed on Brant Street between Caroline Street and Lakeshore Road – Saturday July 7th, 2018 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Burlington Downtown Car Show offers a view into the history of the automobile. This year’s show will include Main Stage music sponsored by the Burlington Downtown Business Association, a Kidz Zone supported by Stoner & Company Family Law Associates, and a Corvette Corral supported by Leggat Auto Group.
 All muscle! Civic Square will be a showcase of rare and unique cars. A wide variety of vendor offerings will be present along Brant Street.
Mayor Rick Goldring will officially open the show at 12:00 noon from Main Stage, located next to the new Burlington Promenade.
The show has attracted representation from virtually every automotive sector; modern muscle cars, off-road vehicles, tuners, European super cars as well as the classics.
 A Classic that was on display at a previous car show. Local merchants support the show with side-walk sales, turning Brant Street into a pedestrian mall full of activity for the whole family.
The car show people don’t say how much is raised for the Burlington Lions other than “the event is one of their bet fund raisers.
By Pepper Parr
July 3rd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
We did not write this.
We pass it along to you for your edification from Community Mindfulness Burlington.
They are inviting residents to a series of free drop-in mindfulness sessions in Burlington parks in July and August.
The mindfulness sessions are led by volunteers from Community Mindfulness Burlington and partly supported by the City of Burlington’s Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund.
Mindfulness is a type of meditation where a positive mental state is achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations.
Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or meditation cushion. Mindfulness activities are inclusive and secular. All welcome to participate.
 Dates
• Sunday, July 8, 10 to 11 a.m., Mountainside Park. Mountainside Arena community room in case of inclement weather
• Sunday, July 15, 10 to 11 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Aldershot Arena community room in case of inclement weather
• Sunday, Aug. 12, 10 to 11 a.m., Mountainside Park. Mountainside Arena community room in case of inclement weather
• Sunday, Aug. 26, 10 to 11 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Aldershot Arena community room in case of inclement weather
Your tax dollars at work!
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