 By Staff
March 1st, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
This seems to happen every year – the date for submitting nominations for Burlington’s BEST gets extended.
We never know if there haven’t been enough in the way of nominations or if people need more time to get the paper work done.
If more time is needed – be in touch with the Clerk – she is very good at helping people get all the documentation in place.
If you haven’t thought about who you would want to nominate – look no further that the people who delegated at city council for a slow down on the rate at which the city is proceeding with adoption of th draft Official Plan.
The delegations done by Jim Young, Deedee Davies and Gary Scobie are amongst some of the best we have heard. These people don’t have an axe to grind – they are informed and speak intelligently and with passion about the city they live in and care about.
The are the E in the word engagement.
They understand that what happens to the downtown core impacts everyone.
 The 2017 Burlington BEST The city announced that those wishing to nominate a fellow resident for a Burlington’s Best Award can now do so until Wednesday, March 7, 2018. The original deadline has been extended by seven days.
There are eight award categories:
• Citizen of the year
A person whose volunteer activity has made a significant and sustained contribution to the vibrancy and wellbeing of the Burlington community in 2017.
• Junior Citizen of the year
A high school student, 18 years or younger who has made a significant contribution to the Burlington community in 2017.
• Senior Person of the year
A person, 55 years or older, who has made a significant contribution to the Burlington community and advocated on behalf of seniors in 2017.
• Environmental Award
An individual or group that improved and/or protects Burlington’s environment in 2017.
• Arts Person of the Year
An individual who has contributed to the arts in Burlington as an artist, patron or advocate including but not limited to, visual arts, media arts, musical arts, performing arts and literary arts in 2017.
• Community Service Award
An individual or group whose volunteer activity has contributed to the betterment of the Burlington community in 2017.
• Heritage Award
An individual or group who has demonstrated a commitment to the preservation of Burlington’s heritage, and has volunteered their time in an effort to support the preservation of Burlington’s heritage in 2017.
• Accessibility Award
An individual, organization or business that has made significant contributions to increase access and participation of people with disabilities in the Burlington Community in 2017.
Jim Young for Senior; Deedee Davies for Citizen and Gary Scobie for Community service. Just an opinion.
Salt with Pepper is an opinion column written by the Publisher of the Burlington Gazette.
 By Staff
March 1st, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Thanks to the generosity of their sponsors and donors, Friends of Freeman Station has raised to date over
$600,000 toward the restoration of Burlington’s historic Freeman Station. They need $200,000 to finish the job, and would like to get that in place this year.
 The Freeman station as it stands today is the result of a lot of sweat and generously donated dollars. The project is three quarters complete, and we are anxious to finish so visitors, including school children, can benefit from viewing the many aspects of the completed station.
There will be an amazing interactive educational diorama, artifacts and the beautifully restored 1906 railway station itself with its historic displays, and the charming main floor small group meeting space fulfilling a growing need in the City.
The first $50,000 of this last phase push for donations will be matched by the City of Burlington. This means your donation will be doubled. This matching funds offer, is for a limited time, it is important for you to donate now.
 Those stones were originally ballast in ships that came to Canada from Scotland. They are now part of the station. A popular form of donation is to sponsor a whinstone for $100. Whinstones were ballast in sailing ships, and originated in Scotland in the 1800’s. They formed the dado wall around the station when it was built in 1906 – they have now been put them back in place. They can be dedicated to anyone or anything you like, such as family members, or a business.
Also naming rights are still available for many parts of the station. As an example, for a $250 donation, your name or dedication could be placed on a piece of freight on a baggage cart, or for a $500 donation your dedication could be placed on a crossbuck. Sponsorship of large items, such as the very visible signal tower, is also available.
Please contact us for a complete list of available naming rights.
It is easy to donate. Just go to the Website www.freemanstation.ca, go to the Donors page, and follow the prompts. Or put a cheque in the mail to the address below. Charitable tax deductible receipts are issued for all donations over $25.
The conductor has called out “All Aboard”. Please climb on board the train and help us steam ahead to reach our goal. You can send that cheque to: Friends of Freeman Station, PO Box 91536, Roseland Plaza, Burlington, ON L7R 4L6
 It was Community Benefit money from the Strata development that helped the Friends of Freeman begin the process of saving the station. With all the doings at city hall about the kind of development that is going to be permitted and where those towers are going to be located and what will there be in the way of community benefits – it is useful to remember that part of the Molinaro community benefit that was part of the height and density given for the construction of the Strata went to the Freeman Station.
Staff at the time said Freeman could only have the money if the station was located downtown. They wrote a memo to council to that effect saying the station couldn’t have the money because of the Fairview location.
Ward 2 city Councillor Marianne Meed Ward did some research and found the original document council passed did not restrict the donation to a downtown location. She presented that to council and the station got the funding – $25,000
 By Staff
March 1st, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
 It may turn out to be a sloppy run on Sunday when the March 4, 2018 the Chilly Half Marathon and Frosty 5k Run take place in support of cancer care at Joseph Brant Hospital.
If the weather forecast holds the roads could be recovering from a lot of snowé
Minor traffic delays can be expected.
Road Closures
6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Brant Street from Ontario Street to Elgin Street
• James Street from John Street to Brant Street
9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Brant Street, Lakeshore Road to Elgin Street (access to Bunton’s Wharf via Locust Street)
9:45 to 10:30 a.m.
• Lakeshore Road, Brant Street to Eastport Drive
9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Lakeshore Road, Brant Street to just west of Burloak Drive (access to Old Lakeshore Road from the west maintained with delays)
Lane Use
The three traffic lanes on Lakeshore Road will be separated by two lines of cones from Burloak Drive to Maple Avenue: north lane emergency vehicles, centre lane westbound runners and south lane eastbound runners.
 By Deedee Davies
February 27th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
This is one of a series on delegations that were made at a Statutory public meeting on the draft Official Plan now being prepared by staff and debated at council.
Thank you for this opportunity to stand before you and share my thoughts on the latest version of the Plan.
I was not going to come. After you approved the application for 421-431 Brant St at James I was disillusioned by the Planning staff and most of my elected officials. When the 24 storey application arrived a few weeks ago for the other corner I experienced an ‘I told you so moment”. And then when OMB approved the Adi development at Martha and Lakeshore, in part because the city was not averse to height, I threw up my hands in despair – as my perception is that you have lost control of our downtown on us.
 Deedee Davies at a Waterfront Hotel redevelopment meeting with Linda Davies, (no relative on the right) and Councillor John Taylor. So why am I here? This is YOUR last chance to get it right. If you screw up this opportunity, there is no going back. Downtown will be ruined FOREVER. I am here because I want to tell you what’s missing from the Plan to protect the downtown Burlington I use and love. I know we have to intensify.
However, I feel this Plan is not going to give us what we need. I will lay out my reasons for this concern. I’m hoping my speaking here can lead to improvements. My views are shared by so many other people who are not speaking here tonight. Please don’t let me and them down.
 The Ontario Municipal Board made the 26 storey Nautique the new standard for the developers. I am not going to go on about the heights in the various precincts. I believe they are all much too generous. It will destroy the feel of our downtown, and they are unnecessary for us to meet any of our targets. I’ve said it all before so I am not going to repeat it tonight.
First off, I want to tell you that I read the entire new draft OP. Yes from cover to cover.
 Someone somewhere said that a high rise would be dripped into the middle of Village Square – that got squashed during the council/staff meeting on Wednesday. However, there was a time when the ADI group tried to buy the Village Square from the XX interest. They weren’t able to put a deal together. I would like to thank you for removing the tower from the centre of Village Square and also for removing the Cannery designation from the NE corner of Brant and Lakeshore.
Chapter 1 talks about the desire to achieve a complete community. This is what I want to focus on tonight. These would include all the amenities needed for residents in the downtown to live, work, and play here. It includes parks, recreational facilities, offices, medical services, daycare, seniors gathering areas, youth gathering areas, and a mix of housing, etc. After reading the entire document, and in particular Chapter 3 on Complete Communities, and then comparing it to the buildings that are coming into our downtown, I don’t see how the two can be reconciled.
If the future means everyone living in towers, how can we replicate the living experiences of what people currently enjoy in neighbourhoods? We need developers in Burlington to include amenity spaces for basketball courts, tennis courts, road hockey rooms, just like they are doing in Toronto, in the latest towers being built there. They also need to build community garden spaces on the sunny side patios or roofs so residents can grow their own vegetables. We need some creativity about what we are expecting from the developers. We know we are going to get the “smooth jazz” pool, bar, and lounge that every developer includes for their hipster clientele. Challenge them to Grow Bold in their design. I spent 35 years in the Federal Government dealing with contractors. I know the games they play. They bargain hard for what they were going to give you anyway, just so you feel like you won something, when in fact you lost, because you gave away more than what you would have got if you hadn’t blinked first.
In Chapter 2 under Population and Employment Distribution, Table 1 shows a population in 2031 of 193,000 of which we are not far off. It also shows an employment target of 106,000 for which we are further off. Why are we focusing so much on residential instead of putting in place policies that will attract employment to our downtown? For a Complete Community, how can we get the Daycare centres, the hardware stores, grocery stores, entertainment venues, that we will need to satisfy the activities of the residents? How can we tailor our specifications so that developers will include these spaces in the towers they propose building? Currently, we are lucky to get one floor of office. The condos will come without trying as they are cheap to build.
As an example in the Chapter 3 Policies you only state you will examine opportunities for partnerships to increase the supply of affordable housing. Why not include a standard of one unit for each additional floor of height granted above what the current zoning is that must be provided to the Region as part of the Community Benefits – similar to what you included for public parking and office space.
Also in Chapter 3 Parks and Open Spaces are addressed. It even states an objective of ensuring an adequate and equitable supply are available throughout the city. And yet Lions Park is showing a designation of half St Luke’s/Emerald Neighbourhood Precinct and half Downtown Core Precinct. That would mean that the neighbourhood could lose the park and potentially gain 2.5 storey and 17 storey buildings. Why is it not protected under the Downtown Parks and Promenades Precinct?
With all the intensity planned for the Downtown Core Precinct, I am surprised there is still no mention of a new park south of James and north of Lakeshore on the east side of Brant. There will be thousands of people moving into this area. If we are looking for Complete Communities, where is the park for this community? Any family in this area would need to cross a major road to reach an existing park. Are the children to play on the new promenade?
In Chapter 6 on Infrastructure and Transportation, it talked about Active Transport for pedestrians and cyclists with such measures as wide sidewalks and barriers to protect cyclists. These are important in our crowded downtown streets. We can’t make the roads narrower to achieve this so we need greater setbacks for the buildings. I didn’t see this proposed anywhere.
 Couriers are going to need places to park when they are making deliveries, taxis will have to park somewhere while waiting for their passengers to arrive. Chapter 6 also covered Goods Movement. This is critical in our intensified downtown if we want it to function well as we already have problems with most buildings built to their property lines. There are no places for couriers to deliver packages, moving vans to move residents, delivery vans to deliver goods, pick up and drop off places for visitors coming for residents, trades people to make repairs to units, taxis to wait for their fares to arrive. Are they all to double park on the active roadway lanes?
These issues must be dealt with clearly and effectively in our Plan and not left to developers to provide these necessities, out of the goodness of their hearts.
In Chapter 7 under Design Excellence I read all the “Shalls” and was left with the impression we don’t need to award extra height for much if developers complied with all our design excellence standards. Unless these are only our wish list that we get with Section 37. It should be mandatory for buildings to be built to these standards. This is Burlington, folks. Don’t sell yourself short by thinking no one will develop here if you ask for too much. They will come and they will build. Just be clear and firm on everything you want. Don’t give it away. It is too precious.
In Chapter 8 on the Downtown Urban Centre, one of the objectives is to conserve cultural heritage resources and maintain character defining areas. The most significant aspect of our downtown, other than its waterfront and unique shops is the heritage look and eclectic feel of our downtown streets. Yet I don’t see this anywhere in the document. Our shop fronts are unique. There are many heritage buildings that are not yet designated.
 Just a “dumpy” little town that doesn’t make the best economic use of the land. Contrast this with developers who want to create their landmark glass towers. Mr. Carnicelli referred to Brant Street as dumpy when we were speaking out about losing the character of Brant Street with new development so you can see they are not going to protect or recreate this aspect. It is up to city planners and Council to embed this in our OP. We can have new heritage look and feel built with the new construction coming.
In the section on the Downtown Core Precinct is states that one additional storey will be granted for every 150 sq metres of dedicated office floor space and every 8 underground parking spaces dedicated for public use. So if they build 150 metres of office space they get an additional 750 metres of residential. These standards are much too generous for what we get in return. Please make it fairer to the city.
In Chapter 8 you also address downtown parking. It says the city will explore opportunities for public private partnerships to expand the supply of public parking. How about just putting it right in the requirements that X number of parking spaces must be provided for public use in relation to the amount of commercial space they have at ground level. End of discussion.
In the explanation of Community Benefits in Chapter 12 you talk about giving extra height, density, or intensity for providing what should be standard in any development proposed for our downtown. A sustainable building? Come on. It doesn’t cost extra to do this stuff any more. It saves money down the road in operations – but then developers don’t care about that stuff because they don’t operate these Goliath’s after they build them. A floor of office – our standards already state some buildings need three uses while others only need two. Make them all three purpose and get something useful for your Section 37 instead.
I’m about out of time, so I hope my thoughts will encourage you to take a bolder stance on what we need to have in our OP to have a better downtown. Please don’t rush this through approval. The Region won’t be considering it until 2019. Take the time to get it right. Thank you for listening.
Related comment and opinion:
Opinion: Jim Young
Opinion: Gary Scobie
Opinion: Lisa Kearns
Opinion: Jim Barnes
Deedee Davies chaired a Waterfront Watchdog committee for a number of years. She kept a close eye on who was doing what and held public meetings to keep people up to date. Should be seen as one of Burlington’s BEST
 By Staff
February 28th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
 The entire hamlet of Lowville in north Burlington will be “wearing of the green” on St. Patrick’s Day this year.
The Lowville Festival will be joining forces with Lowville United Church to present WHEN IRISH EYES ARE SMILING, a rollicking and shamelessly sentimental tribute to St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, on the evening of Saturday March 17th. The concert, which is a fundraising event for both the Festival and the church, will be held in the sanctuary of Lowville United at 7:30 pm.
The event will feature songs and stories of the Emerald Isle as interpreted by a number of Burlington’s finest performers. These include Stuart Laughton, one of the founding members of the legendary Canadian Brass; Major 7th Band, a popular Celtic-inflected folk group; Festival Co-Artistic Directors Lorretta Bailey and Robert Missen; Michael Mulrooney, Music Director at Tansley United Church and one of the country’s finest keyboard artists; and Lowville storyteller George McNaught. All of the artists are donating their services for the night.
This is not the first time that the two organizations have collaborated. The Lowville Festival has appeared at Lowville United every year since its inauguration in 2015. Two years ago they presented a sold out fundraising tribute to Scotland called The Heather in the Hills. Last year’s Irish celebration was so successful that it was decided to present another one.
 Expect to see the church packed on the 17th – lots of clapping and foot stomping. You will hear all of your favourite Irish and Celtic tunes including Danny Boy, Come Back to Erin, Molly Malone and Irish Rover. As is always the custom, the audience will be encouraged to sing along on a number of songs.
Tickets for the concert are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and are available through both the Church Office (905-335-0911) and at Different Drummer Books. Order your tickets soon as we anticipate another sold out event.
 By Staff
February 22, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
A call – it was actually more like a plea, from Trevor Copp more than five years ago for changes in the way culture seen as part of the fabric of the city and the way it was funded has developed some roots.
 Trevor Copp ACCOB, – Arts & Culture Council of Burlington, was formed, studies were done on what the public wanted in the way of culture and how that public was interacting with the cultural offering.
ACCOB was able to get the city to put real dollars on the table and to convince the city that ACCOB would play a significant role in how some of the public money was used.
The latest plus was the announcement that the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) and ACCOB have formed the BPAC / ACCOB Community Studio Theatre Initiative – a new funding opportunity for community artists and arts & culture organizations to help offset the costs associated with renting The Centre’s Community Studio Theatre.
 Part of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s annual Festival of Trees. Funds for this new initiative are raised through The Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s annual Festival of Trees, the first of which took place in November and December 2017. Funds raised will be used to cover the base rent of the BPAC Community Studio Theatre for 4 days in 2018.
Interested artists, arts organizations, and cultural organizations are invited to submit applications on or before Saturday, March 31 at 11:59pm to artscultureburlington@gmail.com. They applications must meet the following requirements:
• Applicants must be members of the ACCOB ($25 annual membership fee) at the time of submitting their application. Visit www.artscultureburlington.ca/membership/ for more information
• Applicants may be individual artists OR a collective / arts & culture organization
• Applicants must be from Burlington or the Burlington area, which for the purposes of this funding program encompasses Halton Region and the Hamilton-Wentworth Region
• Applicants must submit a maximum 500 word document outlining WHO they are; WHAT they want to do (artistic scope of the project); WHEN they would like to do it and WHY they are deserved of the funding
• Priority will be given to applicants who have not had the opportunity or means to rent the Community Studio Theatre in the past
The ACCOB Board of Directors will adjudicate the applications and contact those chosen to be the recipients of the funding. Successful applicants will be contacted no later than Monday, April 16, 2018.
 By Kelly Drennan
February 22, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Kelly Drennan is a graphic designer and emerging visual artist, who has curatorial and sales experience in commercial galleries. She received a BA (Hons) in Studio Art from the University of Toronto Scarborough and a Diploma in Graphic Design from George Brown College. She is a past member of the James North Art Collective, and has exhibited her work in and around Hamilton and Toronto. Kelly is a board member at Hamilton Artists Inc., and manages www.earlscourtart.com. She works and resides in Hamilton, Ontario.
There is something very James Dean about the work of Julio Ferrer that is on exhibit at the Art Gallery of Burlington.
The exhibit features portraits of all 23 Canadian Prime Ministers
 Hamilton artist Julio Ferrer Ferrer’s best known work features iconic figures with political narratives in a pop art style. The artist typically outlines his images in black ink and fills in the rest with high-octane colour. His work is graphic, with a comic book/street art edge.
Both a painter and printmaker, Ferrer is so skilled and paints in such a way that it is sometimes difficult to tell which is a painting is and which is the print.
Recently, Ferrer added some much needed colour to Canadian politics. In honour of Canada 150, he was commissioned to paint portraits of Canada’s 23 Prime Ministers… and paint them he did. They are energized and juicy. It can be noted that this is probably the first time Justin Trudeau will have flaming red hair, and Stephen Harper a magenta suit. Titled “Prime Time”, the paintings are currently on display at the AGB.
Born in Cienfuegos, Cuba, Ferrer graduated from the National School of Visual Arts (Havana) and The International People’s College (Denmark). His work has been exhibited Internationally and he has won numerous awards. Ferrer lives in Hamilton, Ontario with his wife and son.
Ferrer said his earliest memories “are from when I was 6 years old. I used to fill notebooks with drawings and was eager to finish one to start another.
“The world around me. The everyday news. The politics. The music; they all inspire my work.”
Everything Ferrer starts in the search for an idea. “Once that idea reveals, I make a doodle to remember it and after a few days if I still consider it is a good idea, I do my sketch and I transfer to canvas. My technique is quite slow. In order to get the flatness of the colours I do several layers of each colour until I think is flat enough. Red takes up to 10 layers. The work with the lines is very precise. The larger the painting the more difficult the lines are but that challenge is what I enjoy the most.”
When painting he uses acrylics and oils; when print making Serigraphy and Monotypes are the mediums.
Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and Hokusai have been the prime influences.
 Sir John A. MacDonald – the first of the 23 Prime Ministers this country has had. Ferrer believes the role of an artist is to criticize the bad things that happen in society. Always being smart in the way you project your thoughts and find original ways to reach the people and make them think about any issue that you intend to talk about.
 Seven of the 23 Prime Minister: How many can you name? Much of Ferrer’s work has been described as tongue in cheek. He responds to that with: “I like the viewer to enjoy not only the quality of my technique but to smile and even laugh with my ideas and to make them think. I find that through humour you can get a unique connection with the viewer. First comes the laugh, then the deep thought.”
By Staff
February 21st, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
There are three things that are distinctly Canadian – hockey, curling and Maple Syrup.
The maple sap is about to flow and Mountsberg and Crawford Lake Conservation Areas are gearing up for the start of the maple harvest. One of the great traditions of springtime in our area is maple syrup season and each year we welcome thousands of visitors to Mountsberg’s Maple Town and Crawford Lake’s Sweet Water Season.
 The sap comes out one drop at a time – and only if the temperature is just right. Starting this Saturday, February 24 until April 2 (open on weekends, March Break and holidays) Mountsberg Conservation Area welcomes visitors to the working sugar bush at Maple Town and Crawford Lake
Conservation Area presents Sweet Water Season, a celebration of the Indigenous origins of maple sugaring.
Regular park admission fees apply for Maple Town and Sweet Water Season, Halton Parks members only need to show their membership for admission. Best of all, you can visit two parks for the price of one, as admission to one park may be used at any other Conservation Halton park (except Glen Eden) when visiting the same day.
 The sap is distilled from sweet water into a nice thick sweet and sticky treat. Canada produces approximately 80 per cent of the world’s pure maple syrup. Canada’s maple syrup producing regions are located in the provinces of Quebec (primary producer), Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. There are more than 10,800 maple syrup farms in Canada with more than 40,000,000 trees, according to the Government of Canada.
Maple Town
The sugar bush at Mountsberg’s Maple Town has been producing maple magic for more than 150 years and educating the public for over 30 years.
The park will tap about 400 trees this spring and the watery sap will be magically transformed into sweet maple syrup in the Sugar Shanty. How will it be served? Over hot pancakes in the Pancake House, of course! Maple candy tasting, guided wagon rides and tours of the sugar bush with Conservation Halton’s knowledgable staff round out the Maple Town experience.
 Served on corn bread – it is close to a delicacy. Sweet Water Season
The skill of maple sugar making was first learned from First Nations people who have been enjoying the tasty treat for generations. A trip to Crawford Lake will help you step back in time to learn how maple sugar may have been made in an Iroquoian Village over 600 years ago. Sweet Water demonstrations occur at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and conclude with a tasty morsel of cornbread soaked in maple syrup. Don’t know what type of syrup you enjoy most? Syrup is similar to wine with many distinct flavours! Treat yourself to syrup sampling flights at noon and 2 p.m. Maple taffy on snow will also be available from 11a.m. until 4 p.m. (weekends and March Break) – a truly Canadian delight.
Want to kick your maple experience up a notch? Join us for one of these special events!
• Sugarmaker’s Breakfast: Have you ever wanted to tap a tree and learn how to make syrup at home? Come to the Sugarmaker’s Breakfast at Mountsberg with sittings at 8 or 9 a.m. on February 24 and 25 (pre-registration required).
• A Taste of Maple: Meet Chef Johl Whiteduck Ringuette in the Deer Clan Longhouse and learn about the Indigenous heritage of maple and Indigenous cuisine in the GTA! Chef Johl will be providing tasty samples from his team at NishDish Marketeria. Join us for A Taste of Maple, Sunday, March 18 from 1 to 2 p.m. for $25 (pre-registration required).
By Pepper Parr
February 18th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
There was provision in the construction budget for a harsh winter. And we have had several harsh days and a lot more snow than many wanted.
But the weather does not appear to have slowed down the construction that will expand the Joseph Brant Museum from its current 50000 square feet to 17,000 sq. ft.
 Brant Museum with holes cut out in the foundation ready for the steel beams that will move the house a short distance. The Joseph Brant house is a replica of the house Mohawk native Joseph Brant, Thayendanegea, built on a 1798 Crown land grant.
The expansion by contractor Aquicon Construction, on behalf of the City of Burlington, will add more than 12,000 square feet to its current size that will the Museum to become a cultural destination and a place to host national exhibitions and the collection of artifacts. Or so we are told.
 Brant Museum as it is expected to look like when construction is completed in 2019. The current 5,000-square-foot museum will be expanded to provide barrier-free space for gallery displays, interactive programming, the storage of collections and community outreach.
Construction will take 18 months, depending on weather
The total project amount is approved at about $11 million, which includes a contingency fund and allows for cost increases due to a winter construction period. Funding includes:
$2.9 million from the City of Burlington
$4.5 million from the Government of Canada
$1.5 million from the Province of Ontario
$2.5 million from the Joseph Brant Museum Foundation
 Retaining wall on the west side of the Brant Museum site is being put in place. The museum has 25,000 artifacts and receives about 18,000 visitors a year. The new space will meet all the display and security criteria to attract national travelling exhibits. Put quotation marks around that “about 18,000 visitors a year and then add a question mark.
 Sturdy sell beams that will be slid under the Brant House and then moved by heavy duty equipment to the resting spot while construction of the 12,000 addition is completed. The current museum will be moved in the weeks ahead to a spot adjacent to the construction so that the creation of the great hall that will be underground can be built.
Then the house will get moved back to where it will remain for some time to come.
This house has been moved a number of times – the title to the land was a bit of a land registry challenge; it was in the hands of the hospital in trust and is now believed to be back in the hands of either the city or the Museum Foundation.
 Joseph Brant – Mohawk warrior, Captain in the British army – Thayendanegea to his people. Joseph Brant, Thayendanegea, lived from 1742 to 1807 but never lived in the house that is being moved around. In 1798, the Mohawk warrior and British captain was granted 3,450 acres at the head-of-the-lake (Burlington Bay) by King George the third.
The site is now a muddy construction site that will see the house get a number of bright blue steel beams slid underneath the foundation so it can be lifted and moved. These are always delicate procedures.
The plan is to have the site completed sometime in 2019.
No word yet on what the public can expect in the way of program for the expanded museum which is a little odd – the kind of exhibits that move from location to location are usually scheduled years in advance. The museum does not appear to have any plans to do any original programing.
This project is a good example of collaboration between the city, the federal and provincial governments and the Burlington Museums Foundation. There were a lot of bumps along the way.
 On site almost daily during the second construction of the Pier was the late Gordie Tapp checking on the progress. Here he talks with Pier Project Manager Craig Stevens. Craig Stevens is the city lead on the project; he is the city hall staffer who took over the construction of the second attempt to get The Pier built. He also brought in the Performing Arts Centre – on time and on budget.
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By Staff
February 15th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Is anyone going to nominate the people refurbishing (rebuilding is probably a better word) the Freeman Station as one of Burlington’s BEST.
 The Freeman station got moved around a number of times while the city figured out what it wanted to do with the thing. When city council failed to come up with a solution citizens helped by Councillors Meed Ward and Lancaster. The struggle to save the structure was huge – no one wanted the thing, a city planner said it was falling apart and the city couldn’t sell it for fire wood.
Here is an outline of what they achieved during 2017. The detail comes from the Friends of Freeman station.
2017 – Canada’s sesquicentennial – began full of hope at the Freeman Station. The right to display the Canada 150 logo was given to Friends of Freeman Station: Arian Cuvin unfurled it for us at the Station.
Some of the Whinstones can be seen in the foreground – the station rested on blocks for years – a group of citizens saved the building when council proved they couldn’t make anything happen. Construction continued using the original Whinstones being cemented into place. These are the original granite blocks that were salvaged from the original station and have been stored since 2005 when it was moved from the original site. The mortar is thick and white – the same as it looks in the old photos of the station from 1910.
Inside the Station we were able to acquire the original GTR Locomotive license issued to Mr. Barber Freeman on October 1 1907. His great nephew drove in to see the certificate where it remains at the station.
In February the Friends of Freeman Station participated at the Heritage Fair at the Central Library.
 Tool rack set up for the volunteers who put in hundreds of hours of work. In April – the weather was good and construction continued inside and outside the Station. The baggage room was completed.
Halton Region Services designed and installed several interpretive panels inside the Station.
Finally on July 1 we opened our doors in celebration of Canada Day. Our temporary platform was built and festooned with red and white bunting. A bagpiper played as our guests including the Mayor, our MPP and MP as well and sponsors and volunteer representatives cut the ribbon. The dignitaries said they set a record for number of official duties done in one day that day.
Over 800 people came by, the public response was very favourable.
Work continued as a small office was built on the east side wall. Further wall paneling installed.
 This is a vehicle that could run on the rails – it was donated to the Freeman station. We also gathered several artifacts including an original 300 lb bronze bell from a 1917 GTR Locomotive. A CN speeder – small two-seater work-cab that ran on rails in the 1960’s and STILL works fine. We finished two 4 wheel rail carts in fire engine red.
Then on Sept 30 we opened our doors to our 2nd open house of the year Doors Open Burlington. On this day we welcomed 1,000 visitors. Burlington’s own Top Hat Marching Band provided live entertainment for us.
Then in the fall we set up a mock-up of our diorama – a 1/24 scale model of Burlington in the 1920’s that we will feature in our basement. Many people came by are we are very thrilled to see that project completed.
 Putting the cement foundation on place once the station had been moved. In the late fall we FINALLY got our basement poured. Four inches of concrete spread over 60 tons of crushed stone and gravel. Then smoothed and sealed but not before running the fresh water and sanitary pipes and connecting to the mains. We now have electricity, gas and water at the station.
That addresses the basement – but we can’t forget the attic where insulation was literally stuffed to the rafters for the first time in this 100+ year old building.
We also participated in the Remembrance day ceremony by laying a wreath at the cenotaph and a month later made it into the Burlington Santa Claus parade for the third year in a row.
Are we finished?
No not quite yet. Washrooms and HVAC are slated to be installed in early 2018 but more importantly another distinctive characteristic feature of the station will be installed in early January.
The first thing people will see upon entering will be our magnificent hard wood flooring – and you can walk on it. Oak and hard maple locally grown in Burlington that has been planed and sanded into boards then carefully laid in place by hand.
 Some of the early members of the Freeman Station initiative listening to city council debate what would happen to the structure. The city couldn’t come up with a solution – the citizens came to the rescue and as a result of some very hard work the building was saved. The team of about twenty workers – all volunteers – men and women and some youth lending their time and skills amounting to about 7,000 labour hours in total.
Is there any other community group that can top that record?
By Staff
February 1`5th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington’s Best Committee is reminding anyone who is planning on submitting a nomination for a Burlington’s Best Award that the deadline is Feb. 28, 2018.
Nominations for the Burlington’s Best Awards, formerly known as the civic recognition awards, opened January 2 for eight award categories.
Burlington’s Best Awards is an awards program that honours Burlington’s most outstanding citizens. The winners in all categories are revealed at a celebration held in May of each year.
 Each recipient is given a stained glass piece that is handcrafted by Teresa Seaton. There are eight award categories:
• Citizen of the year
A person whose volunteer activity has made a significant and sustained contribution to the vibrancy and wellbeing of the Burlington community in 2017.
• Junior Citizen of the year
A youth, 14-18 years of age, who has made a significant contribution to the Burlington community in 2017.
• Senior Person of the year
A person, 55 years or older, who has advocated on behalf of seniors and/or made a significant contribution to the Burlington community in 2017.
• Environmental Award
An individual or group that improved and/or protects Burlington’s environment in 2017.
• Arts Person of the Year
An individual who has contributed to the arts in Burlington as an artist, patron or advocate including, but not limited to, visual arts, media arts, musical arts, performing arts and literary arts in 2017.
• Community Service Award
An individual or group whose volunteer activity has contributed to the betterment of the Burlington community in 2017.
• Heritage Award
An individual who has demonstrated a commitment to the preservation of Burlington’s heritage, and has volunteered their time in an effort to support the preservation of Burlington’s heritage in 2017.
• Accessibility Award
An individual, organization or business that has made significant contributions to increase access and participation of people with disabilities in the Burlington community in 2017.
The 2016 winners pose with their awards. From left to right: Jim Clemens (Heritage), Sylvia Baliko, Tetra Society (Accessibility), Dave Page (Senior), Mayor Rick Goldring, Marion Goard (Community Service), Dorothy Borovich (Citizen of the Year), Mehr Mahmood (Junior), Kale Black (Environmental) Absent: Margaret Lindsay Holton (Arts Person) Visit burlington.ca/best to nominate someone deserving of civic recognition for their hard work, compassion and dedication. Nomination forms can be completed online at burlington.ca/best or by picking up a nomination form at the clerks department at City Hall, 426 Brant St.
Calah Brooks, chair of the Burlington’s Best Committee said: “When preparing your submission, it’s important to have specific examples of how and why your nominee’s impact and contribution deserves civic recognition. Also, be sure to include the required testimonials from folks who have been involved with the nominee so a full picture can be painted of how and why they made a difference in our community. The City Clerk’s office is available to assist with any questions”.
 By Staff
February 12th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Automation. The gig economy. Skyrocketing debt. Limitless social connectivity. These are just some of the challenging realities Canadian youth, parents, employers, educators and government face as we help youth and young adults transition into a changing workplace.
 Thursday, March 8, 2018, 7:00 – 8:30 pm at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Join Burlington Foundation, in partnership with RBC, for a night of timely conversation featuring renowned McMaster educator, author and Top 30 global management guru, Dr. Nick Bontis.
 Nick Bontis teaches at McMaster where his mile a minute delivery dazzles his students. Following his high-energy presentation, Nick will moderate a lively panel discussion with business, government, education and young adults. This vital talk will shine the light on opportunities, obstacles, collaborations and actions we have before us now, and in the future as we help young Canadians achieve personal and professional success. For when young Canadians prosper, business and community do.
Panel members include:
Eleanor McMahon; MPP Burlington, President of the Treasury Board, Minister Responsible for Digital Government
John Romano; Co-founder, Nickel Brook Brewery Co.
David Santi; Dean, Engineering Technology, Mohawk College
Roman Turchyn; Vice President, Human Resources, L3 WESCAM
Erinn Weatherbie; Co-creator of Kelly’s Bake Shoppe & Best-selling Cookbook “Made With Love”
Charlotte Zhen; Analyst, Deloitte Canada, Young Professional
 This is a FREE event open to all, with voluntary non-perishable food donations being collected in support of Burlington Food Bank.
Register here.
 By Staff
February 8th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
A number of administrative services will be closed for Family Day on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018, reopening Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018.
City Hall: Closed Monday, Feb. 19 and will reopen Tuesday, Feb. 20.
 Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities: Activities and customer service hours at city pools, arenas and community centres vary over the holidays. Please visit burlington.ca/play for a complete listing of program times and burlington.ca/servicehours for hours at customer service locations.
Burlington Transit and Handi-Van: On Monday, Feb. 19, Burlington Transit will operate a holiday service and the downtown Transit Terminal, Handi-Van Dispatch and the administration office will be closed. Regular service resumes Tuesday, Feb. 20.
For real-time schedule information please call 905-639-0550 or visit burlingtontransit.ca.
Roads, Parks and Forestry: The administration office will be closed Monday, Feb. 19 and will reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 20. Only winter control and emergency services will be provided.
Halton Court Services: Provincial Offenses Court in Milton and Burlington will be closed Monday, Feb. 19 and reopening Tuesday, Feb. 20.
Parking: Free parking is available in the downtown core, on the street, municipal lots and the parking garage on weekends and holidays.
 By Staff
February 6th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Joe Gaetan is a Burlington resident who lives in a high rise on Maple Avenue.
He cycles about 1,250 km a year in Burlington and another 250 km while vacationing in Palm Springs CA
Gaetan finds Palm Springs a much better place to cycle than Burlington, mainly because of their wider streets.
The Cycling survey is online.
He completed the online Cycling Plan survey and has some comments:
 Do sharrows give a false sense of security? “In terms of increasing the amount of cycling, I don’t believe there is much Burlington can do that will cause me to cycle more. But here are few things than could be considered when reaching out to us in surveys. I am not a big fan of cycling sharrows as I believe they give one a false sense of security and I go out of my way to avoid using streets that have sharrows.”
Here are some things/comments ideas etc. that impact cycling and could possibly be added to the survey.
 Mayor Goldring on his bike, Councillor Dennison on roller blades – a photo op. Cycling Frequency ( how often and how far)
Daily, weekly, kms. cycled per year etc
In which months do you cycle using check boxes Jan to Dec
Why I don’t cycle to certain destinations?
Fear of having bike stolen
Location and type of bike stands
Things I fear the most as a cyclist:
Distracted drivers
City buses
Pick-up trucks with large side mirrors
Young children suddenly crossing my path
Pedestrians with head phones
 Driver education. Why do I cycle?
Exercise
Pleasure
Shopping
Things I would like to see
Bike licensing ($5 per person vs bike we have 4 bikes)
Mandatory lights and bells
A cycling awareness program to cyclists, pedestrians, motor vehicle owners
Something on electric bicycles
The city is well into the construction of the Elgin Promenade – a bike/walking path that runs from Brant to Martha and will connect with the Centennial Path.
 By Staff
February 6th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
After overwhelmingly positive feedback from last year’s initiative, Pam Damoff, MP for Oakville North-Burlington has announced the launching the Young Women in Leadership program for the second year in a row during the week of April 9-13, 2018.
 Pam Damoff, Member of Parliament for Oakville North Burlington. The program will offer young women in Halton an opportunity to job-shadow in a local business, agency, organization, or government. Damoff is seeking local businesses and organizations, as well as young women currently in high school, pursuing post-secondary education or just starting out in their careers, to participate in this year’s program.
 The Damoff Women in leadership class of 2017. Work experiences are a critical component of preparing youth for transition to adulthood. The need for a career shadow initiative for young women came out of a roundtable on women’s empowerment that I hosted on International Women’s Day in 2016. The goals of the Young Women in Leadership Program are to support young women in:
• developing an understanding of different occupations in order to make informed career choices
• increasing knowledge of specific occupational skills and workplace settings
• gaining career readiness skills, including the “soft skills” that employers look for in entry level workers
• building confidence in professional environments
The program will require commitment of one day throughout the week of April 9-13. Those interested in participating this year as a mentor, please contact the Program Coordinator, Elexa Stevenson, at pam.damoff.a3@parl.gc.ca or call the Damoff office at 613-992-1338.
If you are interested in participating this year as a mentee, please fill out this Google form. Please indicate your interest by March 16, 2018 at the latest.
 By Staff
February 5th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Martin Amis, one of Britain’s most influential writers for over forty years, is not only a brilliant satirist but an outstanding critic and essayist will be in Burlington on February 21, 7pm., Shoreline Room in The Art Gallery of Burlington.
 Martin Amis Mr. Amis visits Burlington to present his newest book The Rub of Time, a collection of wittily diverse essays showcasing his caustic, insightful intelligence.
His novel Time’s Arrow was a finalist for the Man Booker Prize; and Money: A Suicide Note won acclaim from both Time Magazine and The Guardian, cited by both as one of the best 100 novels written in English.
Leading the conversation with Mr. Amis is Richard Crouse, canny and irreverent author, broadcaster and film critic, long-time cinema correspondent for Canada AM, CTV NewsChannel and CP24.
Sponsored by The Different Drummer, Tickets are $10. Please contact us at (905) 639 0925 or diffdrum@mac.com to reserve.
By Pepper Parr
February 1, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Our focus is Burlington – if it didn’t happen here we tend not to say anything.
There is an event that isn’t going to take place in Burlington – it should be premiered here at the Performing Arts Centre.
Trevor Copp, the artist who delivered the delegation at city council that moved the dial just enough for things to begin to happen. The city owes the man much.
Copp is doing what he is just great at – mime.
 His Searching for Marceau is being done:
IN TORONTO (this weekend)
at the Pia Bouman Theatre, 6 Noble St
Fri & Sat Feb 2-3 @ 8pm, Sun Feb 4 @ 2pm
Tix available at the door only $20
IN KITCHENER (next weekend)
at the Registry Theatre, 122 Frederick St
Sat Feb 10 @ 7:30pm, Sun Feb 11 @ 2pm
Tix at (519) 578-1570 or registrytheatre.com
Why this production is not on the stage at the Performing Arts Centre defies explanation.
Here is what some of the arts critics have to say about Copp.
“A master of contemporary theatre….there is a sensitivity to the performance, an indefinable sense of risk taking that signals the true artist”
– Gary Smith, The Hamilton Spectator
“…inspirational cross-training for the soul… there is a deep seated need for this kind of physical art that people don’t even realize they have anymore. In the age of Netflix and downloads, return to the campfires of our primitive ancestors and feel how theatre first stirred our souls. And as a bonus, feel the incomparable magic of the man in the box bit done by someone who studied at the Marcel Marceau School in Paris and clearly knows what he’s doing.”
– Diane Lachapelle, Apt. 613 Blog
“He moves with beautiful fluency…simply too creative for words. Highly skilled….a fresh fusion between acting and modern dance”
– View magazine
 This is what a mime sounds like. The production Searching for Marceau ……finds a budding young Mime trying to make sense of his two fathers: the real one raising him and the far away Marcel Marceau. The imaginary and the real battle in this theatre/mime piece that reinvents Marcel Marceau’s Mime tradition for the 21st Century.
At some point the world will recognize Trevor Copp for the marvelous mine that he is. The best way I can put it is to say – In the words of Marcel Marceau…
 By Staff
January 26th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board is hosting the 2018 HDSB Secondary GSA Student Conference on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at Milton District High School (396 Williams Ave, Milton).
 The all-day event, with the theme Queering Valentines, begins at 9 a.m. with a marketplace of community partner displays including the Positive Space Network, the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity and Egale Canada.
The conference features keynote speaker Teddy Syrette, a two-spirited genderqueer activist. Board Superintendent of Education Rob Eatough will also address the conference.
Organized for students and by students, the day offers LGBTQI2S+ youth and allies the opportunity to connect, converse and create with each other. Facilitated conversation spaces throughout the day include Inclusion in Sports, Trans Inclusive Environments, LGBTQI2S+ Literature, Spoken Word Workshop, and Indigenous and Two-Spirit Perspectives.
This conference is one way the Halton District School Board ensures all Halton schools are positive spaces that welcome, recognize, and respect diverse genders and sexualities.
By Staff
January 23, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Next Door Kitchen, 650 Plains Road East in Burlington, is hosting a Toonie Breakfast on Saturday January 27th, 2018. Proceeds from the breakfast will support Halton Food for Thought (HFFT) Student Nutrition Programs.
 If you are out and about, want to have a fabulous breakfast or simply want to stop in to see their new space and support HFFT, maybe we will see you there!
Enjoy breakfast on your own or with your family and neighbours at one of their amazing harvest tables while learning more about Next Door and all the resources it provides our community.
The Student Nutrition programs ensure “no student goes hungry at school”… one healthy breakfast at a time!
 By Staff
January 21st, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
There is life for the Hamilton team in the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) who announced the team will be on the field this spring under new – joint – ownership.
 The joint ownership program, modeled after the Barrie Baycats, which has a 20-person ownership group, will breathe new life into the Hamilton team, ensuring the team has the funding and support needed to once again become a competitive baseball club, and make team ownership an exciting and affordable reality for local baseball fans.
 The Barrie Baycats took the IBL trophy in 2015, 2016 and 2017. John Kastner, the Intercounty Baseball League commissioner said “Hamilton has a long history of baseball, but in recent years, maintaining that history and commitment has been in jeopardy. Under this new model, we believe the team is now in a position to be able to continue that history with a solution that will see this team supported in a new and sustainable way.”
Carmen’s Group and the City of Hamilton have both committed to helping facilitate the joint ownership program, and that work is underway. “We are thrilled to help rebuild one of Hamilton’s oldest flagship sports teams,” said PJ Mercanti, CEO, Carmen’s Group. “This is a fantastic opportunity for community funders and baseball fans alike to come together, support the team and experience great baseball, at an affordable price, close to home. There is tremendous potential for community engagement that we have here before us and we anticipate a great deal of interest.”
The City of Hamilton will use existing capital budget dollars to ensure Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium is ready to go for the Cardinals’ 2018 season, and together the IBL, Dean DiCenzo the team’s General Manager, Carmen’s Group and the City are working on a plan to recruit the new owners. As a starting point and in keeping with the proven Barrie model, the group is aiming for 20-25 joint owners at $5,000 apiece. A management board of five or six members will be elected by the ownership group.
Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger previously met with team representatives and strongly supports rallying behind the team. “The Hamilton Cardinals have a long, 60-year history in this city and I could not be more pleased that they’re getting a chance to resurrect themselves through this new ownership model,” he said. “This team is passionate and resilient, and I look forward to seeing our community come together to support them this coming season, and for many seasons to come.”
To inquire about becoming a joint owner of the Hamilton Cardinals, please contact PJ Mercanti at pjmercanti@carmensgroup.com.
The Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) is the top level baseball league in Ontario, boasting ex-major league professional and elite NCAA college baseball players. The 2018 season will mark the IBL’s 100th season. The IBL is the fifth longest continually operated baseball league in the world and serves as a valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff. More than 40 IBL players have advanced to Major League Baseball or returned to the IBL following the their MLB careers. The league is comprised of teams from Barrie, Brantford, Kitchener, London, Toronto, Guelph, Burlington and Hamilton.
 Hamilton Cardinal right-fielder Connor Bowie stretches to snag a fly ball during a 9-4 loss to the Burlington Herd. Founded in 1958, and part of the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL), the Hamilton Cardinals are celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. They are the second oldest sports team in Hamilton and last won the IBL Championship in 1978. Players range in age from 19-35. Many are former major leaguers and minor pro players as well as current and former NCAA/U sports players. Home games are played at Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium in Hamilton, Ontario. For more information, visit www.hamiltoncardinals.ca.
Carmen’s Group is a leading hospitality and entertainment brand in Hamilton, Ontario. Established in 1978, they have created and operate some of the Hamilton region’s most beloved establishments: Carmen’s, the Best Western Premier C Hotel, Baci Ristorante, the Hamilton Convention Centre, The Lakeview, and Dundas Valley Golf & Curling Club.
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