 By Staff
September 14th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
It is a tradition in this city.
Every September for the past 37 years Burlingtonians have run, walked and cycled in an event that raises funds for cancer research in the name of Terry Fox.
One of the city’s first sons, Casey Cosgrove, was lost to cancer last year days before the run.
 An aerial view of the “run” last year. Thousands of people have done the “run”.
Last year they raised $103, 576, the 37 year total is $1,930,304
This year’s run is on Sunday September 16th
 The Terry Fox marker – yards away from Lakeshore Road – the route he took when he ran through the city. Burlington Schools last year raised $121,492 and in total they have raised $1,843,076
This year school run is Thursday September 27th
 Terry Fox on his run through Burlington. Burlington is one of the few, perhaps the only, city that has a monument to mark the day Terry Fox passed through the city.
The details:
The 38th Annual Burlington Terry Fox Run.
This year the Start/Finish is at the east end of Spencer Smith Park by the Pier in front of the Waterfront Hotel. This is a non-competitive family friendly event with runners registering at 8 am and starting at 9 am.
The family run begins at 10 am. Family run includes runners, walkers, strollers, roller blades, dogs, but unfortunately NO BIKES.
Following the run enjoy free food, face painting, balloon animals, massages, tattoos as well as a live band, DJ and MC’s.
 By Staff
September 14th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
All welcome at the Burlington Seniors’ Centre’s Breakfast @ the Bistro event on Sept. 15
The Burlington Seniors’ Centre is inviting all seniors to enjoy a Breakfast @ the Bistro on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 from 8:30 to 11 a.m.
For $6 plus tax, older adults will receive a breakfast and enjoy good company, conversation and entertainment by Dixieland Plus.
 The Bistro, the heart of the Seniors Centre. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. with coffee and tea. Breakfast will be served starting at 9 a.m.
There are seniors who are new to Burlington who want to get involved and some whose circumstances have changed.
The only thing wrong with the Seniors’ is that there is just the one – in the centre of the city.
Burlington is at the point where it needs a Seniors’ Centre in the East end – the planned Lakeshore Villa Plaza is a good location and something in Aldershot as well.
Breakfast @ the Bistro program is a monthly breakfast program where the community is welcomed to gather for a breakfast buffet followed by social time and entertainment.
This month, participants will enjoy a performance by Dixieland Plus, a nine-piece group who re-create the free-flowing Dixieland style of New Orleans, plus some of today’s more modern tunes.
For more information about Breakfast @ the Bistro and Burlington Seniors’ Centre events, please visit Burlington.ca/adult55 and look for “Day Trips and Socials.”
 By Staff
September 12th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The first series of tournament to kick-off the 2018-2019 season were held last weekend; the Burlington Eagles came ready to compete in 2018-2019 with an unprecedented 6 Tournament Championships.
Burlington Eagles Elite players from different ages and levels were competing all over Southern Ontario. The amazing efforts of all the players is recognized as they continue to demonstrate why the Burlington Eagles Elite is considered one of the top programs in Ontario.
The six teams bringing home the Championship hardware this weekend are:
 1: Minor Bantam AA Gold, Team Sponsored by Burlington Mall: Vaughan Ranger Early Bird
2: Minor Bantam AA Blue: Team Sponsored by National Sports :Garden City (St. Catharines)
3: Minor Bantam A, Team Sponsored by Sport Chek: Niagara Falls Early Bird
4: Peewee A, Team Sponsored by Mark’s: September Showdown
5: Minor Peewee AA Gold, Team Sponsored by Mark’s Commercial: Vaughan Ranger Early Bird
6: Atom A, Team Sponsored by Global Fuel: KMHA Early Bird
 By Staff
September 12th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board is proud to be hosting a Human Rights Symposium this year to bring together educational and community partners to engage in vital conversations focused on Indigenous Rights and the current realities faced by Indigenous Peoples. The Symposium will take place on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at the Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel & Conference Centre (3063 South Service Rd., Burlington).
 Jesse Wente  Susan Aglukark A full day of learning is planned with breakout sessions. The symposium is highlighted by two keynote speakers – Canadian singer songwriter Susan Aglukark, followed by CBC broadcaster, film and pop culture critic Jesse Wente. An agenda and list of workshop presenters can be viewed here.
Registration for the Human Rights Symposium opens Tuesday, September 11, 2018. Registration includes breakfast, lunch, keynotes and workshops. To register now, click here.
 A blanket ceremony done by Nelson high school students. The ceremony is a powerful depiction of the shrinking land mass that the First Nations used to have, This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
“Human Rights is the work and responsibility of all members of society,” says Rob Eatough, Superintendent of Education for the Halton District School Board. “As such, we’re looking forward to bringing educators and community partners together to listen and engage in focused learning about Indigenous rights and actions to move us forward in a good way.”
“The Halton District School Board recognizes the importance of engaging in vital conversations to challenge our thinking,” says Stuart Miller, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. “The Human Rights Symposium provides an opportunity for community partners to gather together to examine important issues connected with implementing the National Truth & Reconciliation Calls to Action.”
For event details or support with the registration process, please email symposium@hdsb.ca.
By Staff
September 12th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Arts and Culture Council of Burlington (ACCOB), in collaboration with the City of Burlington and the Art Gallery of Burlington, is presenting a celebration of the City’s rich artistic and multicultural tapestry at the Art Gallery of Burlington on Friday September 29th, 2019 from 6:30- 9 pm.
This free event, which is open to everyone young and old, will feature some of the city’s finest performing and visual artists in various spaces within the AGB.
True to the theme of the 2018 Culture Days, RHYTHM AND BEAT- an exploration of drumming and rhythm- the event will feature a number of examples of drumming from Indigenous, Asian and Caribbean groups within the city. In addition, the Gallery will be humming with a wide variety of musicians, dancers, singers, poets, choirs, orchestras, theatre and opera companies, as well as numerous visual artists from various genres.
This celebration marks the launch of Burlington’s Culture Days festivities, which will take place throughout the weekend of September 28th- 30th.
 Culture Days is a national initiative that was founded in 2010, that aims to raise awareness, provide accessibility and encourage participation and engagement in the arts and cultural life of the country. It is taking place in communities across Canada.
A variety of performances, workshops and demonstrations will take place at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre throughout Saturday and Saturday. Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm, the Museums of Burlington will host Doors Open, a province-wide event that celebrates heritage sites, noteworthy buildings and places of interest through the City.
 Denise-Delilah McQuabbie was Miss Shawanaga First Nation. She will perform at the ACCOB Culture Days event at the Art Gallery A variety of special activities will be taking place in a number of these locations. All of these activities offer free admission.
The Arts and Culture Council of Burlington was incorporated in 2017 with the express purpose of increasing public understanding, knowledge and appreciation of arts and culture in Burlington and region; to be a catalyst to inspire, engage, connect and advocate on behalf of members of the artistic and cultural communities; and to promote and foster artistic and cultural development in the city.
More details about artists and performances on September 28th will follow shortly.
RHYTHM AND BEAT: BURLINGTON CULTURE DAYS LAUNCH
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 28TH, 2018
6:30- 9 PM
ART GALLERY OF BURLINGTON
1333 LAKESHORE ROAD, BURLINGTON
FREE ADMISSION
 By Staff
September 12th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Colleen Mullholland, president of the Burlington Foundation, announced the appointment of Leena Sharma Seth as the Manager Grants and Donour Relations.
 Leena has been working to empower people and communities for over two decades. Passionate about creating strong and equitable communities, Leena has leveraged this passion in service for organizations that include Global Vision (Kuala Lumpur), Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton, and over the past five years with the Halton Poverty Roundtable. Leena is a trained community mediator and completed a Master’s in Conflict Analysis & Management at Royal Roads University in 2012.
Leena is a collective impact champion, having experienced its power to advance impact in her work at the Halton Poverty Roundtable. Leena looks forward to supporting her own community of Burlington as Burlington Foundation continues to grow and focuses on helping all those in need, today and for tomorrow.
Please take this opportunity to update your contact information. Leena can be reached at: lsharmaseth@burlingtonfoundation.org or at 905-639-0744 x221.
By Staff
September 11th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
For those who want to peddle around the city and try using a bicycle there are now bikes that you can borrow at the Seniors Centre on New Street across the park from the library.
The city now has a Borrow-A-Bike Program for older adults and it is s ready to roll.
 Nice bright colours and now cross bar that you have to get your leg over. The bikes have easy-to-shift gears and no cross bar, the two step-through bicycles and one three-wheeler bicycle are perfect for new and experienced cyclists. Baskets, horns, locks and helmets are included with each bike borrowed in the no-cost program.
Participants must visit the Burlington Seniors’ Centre to complete a waiver before signing bikes out. The bicycles are available during regular business hours from April to November, weather permitting.
The City of Burlington encourages people of all ages to get outside and enjoy the many parks, outdoor spaces, playfields and recreational play experiences that support active living and a healthy lifestyle for all ages, abilities and cultures. Explore the many play experiences. Get Outside. Live & Play Every Day.
The bicycles were donated with provincial funding through the Burlington Cycling Advisory Committee.
Mandy Newnham, Supervisor of Recreation said: “The Borrow-A-Bike program was developed collaboratively with the Burlington Cycling Committee with the goal of making the joy of cycling accessible to all. The sturdy, yet stylish, bicycles are a comfortable and safe way to feel the wind in your hair. Grab a friend and tour the area or pick up groceries while cycling along the path, without any storage or maintenance worries.”
 By Staff
September 11th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
There is that fall festival hymn:
Come, ye thankful people, come,
Raise the song of harvest home!
All is safely gathered in,
Ere the winter storms begin;
 Loads of things for the younger ones to do. Burlington’s rural roots made farming a part of our DNA. The folks at Ireland House do an annual event that takes a stab at experiencing the tradition this Sunday, September 16, 11 am to 4 pm.
Meet baby farm animals (bunnies, goats, ducklings & chicks!)
Burlington Horticultural Society – make a fall floral arrangement in a mason jar
 The hay maze is a challenge – hopefully someone explains where the hay came from and what farmers do with it. Face painting
Children’s crafts
Fair-style games: can stacking, ring toss, horseshoes
Historic house tours and demonstrations
Hay maze
Pony rides
Vendors’ market
Main stage entertainment
Applefest Fall Fair is part of the Museums of Burlington program that takes place with the assistance of many volunteers.
Admission is FREE, courtesy of our sponsor, The Rocca Sisters Team.
Parking is available at MM Robinson High School, 2425 Upper Middle Road.
By Staff
September 10th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The reception for the Fourth Biennial Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Fibre Art took place at the Art Gallery of Burlington Sunday afternoon.
 Ode to Lavallèe: Artist: Art KWilt Connections: Illene Atkins, Dorothy Holdenmeyer, Marg Notar, Judy Pearce, and Nancy Winn. The AGB has developed a reputation for showing this art form – this year they did themselves proud. There is some very very fine work on the walls of the Michael Lee Chin gallery.
The exhibition is on until the 16th of September – admission is free. Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
There is a second Artist Talks on the 15th. More information on the talk – call the AGB 905-632-7796
The event showcases 90 works by 60 artists from across Ontario, in fabric, paper, yarn, thread and mixed media materials. The goal of the Fibre Art community is to raise the profile, awareness and acceptance of Fibre Art as a true art form.
 Corrosion – Artist: Mary Pal Fibre is an art form that has come into its own – it was seen as a craft that grew into an art form that is popular with a growing audience.
It is the kind of thing you have to see and spend time looking at to fully appreciate.
Several of the pieces on display are quite stunning.
Well worth the time – allow yourself a couple of hours – you might find yourself thinking in terms of something you would want to put on your walls.
 Sunset Over the Village – Artist: Chris Liszak
 By Staff
September 10th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The calendar for drop-in recreation activities is experiencing difficulties.
To ensure you have accurate information, please use the online Live and Play catalogue until further notice.
 Log in and use the browse and register service – Drop in service isn’t fully operational. A number of people have complained about using the on line service, saying it is quite difficult – we are following up on this.
By Staff
September 6th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The staff at the Nelson Youth Centre tell the story about Ben, a young boy who was rapidly losing his way.
He was 13 years old with a long history of failures when he came to the Centre. He was very angry and defensive and was not about to trust anyone. Ben had no friends and too many people had let him down in his young life. In addition, his teachers and school were not feeling hopeful that he would be able to continue in the main stream. His mom loved her son but was at loss on how to help him. We knew that Ben desperately wanted to fit in and have a friend of his own but lacked the skills and confidence to make this happen.
Over time while attending the program and with the support of the Centre’s staff Ben was able to figure out who he was and what he wanted. Ben found his voice. During the 6 months he was in the program, Ben began to connect with his peers and express himself in a healthy and socially acceptable way. He was also able to connect with his teacher in a way that allowed him to benefit from the learning environment. He was finding hope and a place for himself in this world.
Ben was given the task of mentoring new children coming into the program; he now had a purpose and a way to share with others what he had learned about himself and what he needed to be successful. He successfully graduated from the Centre’s program and was unrecognizable as the boy who first came to our door. Ben was now seen as a leader in school, had multiplied his friends, and was moving in a positive direction.
A year later, in high school, Ben returned to the Centre as a volunteer. Nelson Youth Centres had made such a difference in his life, connecting him to school, family and friends he wanted to pay it forward. Ben was able to help others a see a future as bright as own!
By Staff
September 6th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
It was forty years ago when Ron Gardner founded the Nelson Youth Centre.
It has been serving the children and youth ages 6 to 18 in Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills.
Nelson Youth Centres is an accredited children’s mental health centre.
The occasion is being celebrated with a party on September 15, 2018, 10:30 to 3:00 at our home base on New Street.
Current and Past Board Members will be taking part; they include Burlington philanthropist Susan Busby (retired school principal), Chris Lawson (Halton Regional Police Services), Martin Venema (Sr Director RBC), Ron Gardner (Founder, Funding Innovations). Activities for the day include tours of the newly renovated building.
 The Nelson Youth Centre on New Street in Burlington, Nelson Youth Centers started out in a community room in Port Nelson United Church in 1978. The Church provided a space to turn our vision into reality for youth and children in our community. In 1982 with the support of the City of Burlington Nelson Youth Centres moved into our current home on New Street, where they are able to offer group therapy. The Centre has developed an After School Treatment Program.
 Over the next 40 years and with the generous and ongoing support of our community, the Centre expects to expand their services. The Centre now has thirteen full time staff members.
Every year, the Centre changes the lives of over 300 children.
Nelson Youth Centers started out in a community room in Port Nelson United Church in 1978. The Church provided a space to turn the vision into reality for youth and children in our community. In 1982 with the support of the City of Burlington Nelson Youth Centers moved into their current home on New Street.
By Staff
September 6th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Different Drummer books is sponsoring Tim Cook, multiple award winning, nationally revered historian and author The Secret History of Soldiers, How Canadians Survived The Great War on Wednesday September 19 7pm at Art Gallery of Burlington
Dr. Cook will discuss The Secret History of Soldiers in a riveting presentation in the Shoreline Room at The Art Gallery of Burlington on Wednesday September 19 at 7pm.
Admission is free, but space is limited–please register for the event at this link or by contacting us at (905) 639 0925 or diffdrum@mac.com.
 By Pepper Parr
September 4th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Setting up a new business in downtown Burlington is both a challenge and an exciting opportunity when the whole family is involved. For Marie Helene Mongrain and Steven Hewson and their daughters Ericka, the 17 year old who is getting great experience as a shift supervisor and Emma, 12 – and a little too young to be working retail but very much involved in thinking how the business relates to the city this is an all hands on deck operation.
 Newest retailer in the downtown core. Lineups at 10 pm. Serving ice cream in a shop that might be quiet in the mid-afternoon of a weekday but is as busy as a shop can be on the hot weekend days as far into the night at 10 pm when they close is a truly family business.
They opened three months ago on John Street, steps away from Lakeshore Road, which is as downtown as you are going to get and are recording cash flow numbers that are 40% higher than projected.
Smack in the middle of the condo alley and yards away from Spencer Smith Park the site is perfect said Steven. “We looked at a number of locations but there was nothing that we felt was what we needed. When we walked by this location we knew we were going to take it the moment we saw it.
 I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Crème de la Crème is more than an ice cream store. You start by standing in line, there is always a line – short and it moves quickly. While you are in that line you get handed a menu – yes a menu to help you decide what you want. The choice of toppings is something to behold.
Then you watch as your order is made up. You choose the cup or cone size you want and in a matter of minutes you begin to enjoy the taste of really good ice cream.
The ice cream and toppings are brought in from Mavros, a Toronto supplier.
The chocolate offerings which are just short of magnificent are from Leonidas, a chocolate manufacturer with the right to use the emblem of the Court of Belgium.
The chocolate that is dripped over the ice cram is also imported from Belgium.
Marie, a nurse by training who still has that hint of a French accent in her voice, is very much a full partner in this venture. She had wanted to be in something that was a family business for a long time – she just wasn’t sure what that business would be.
They two met in Banff at a time when Steven didn’t know quite what he wanted to do with his life. He tells his side of the romance this way: “I went to Banff to ski and came home with a wife.” Marie Helene just smiles while she spoons ice cream from a small cup.
Steven worked in marketing and was involved in setting up franchise operations in the automotive field with several partners and decided to leave the security of something that was certain and get into retail which is always far from certain.
The core part of the business is doing very well – Steven and Marie are already thinking their way through the next level of the business they are building. Additional locations? Hamilton and Stoney Creek are getting a close look.
 The fine chocolate choices will increase. The current Burlington customer base is solid and growing – now they want to take that base into additional products with chocolate being an obvious choice.
Steven appears to want to become the location for the finest chocolate in the city.
With the customer count reaching 600 a day on occasions the location is adding to the vibrancy that is sometimes seen on city streets.
It takes an hour to get the shop opened up and an hour to close it down. The equipment has to be cleaned and made ready for the next shift – this is a seven day a week operation.
Fresh fruit is purchased every day.
There are currently more than 25 types of chocolate on the shelves.
 Crème de la Crème is going the traditional marketing route of setting aside a portion of the earnings that they give back to the community.
Their youngest daughter Emma chooses an ice cream flavour for each month which gets promoted as Emma’s Choice. Included in the recent choices – there have been just the three so far, was a Pride ice cream.
Is ice cream a seasonal product? How do you sell it in January?
You don’t sell ice cream in January. The plan is for the whole family to take a month long vacation – somewhere south where the weather is warm and they can get there daily scoop of ice cream
By Staff
September 3rd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The citizens are going to tell their stories about the Brant Inn, a locale that at one time had Burlington on the map. People came from around the world to play music at the Brant Inn – it was a jumpin place in its day.
KooGle Theatre has received a grant from the City of Burlington Arts and Culture Fund to tell the story of the Inn
 The grant will allow KooGle to begin their research/creation phase for their production of a currently untitled musical based on the historic Brant Inn – the show will revolve around the true stories that local residents (and their families) have about their time at The Brant Inn.
Did you attend The Brant Inn in it’s heyday?
Did you have a relative who went there and told you their stories?
 Were you in a band who played there? We want to hear your story, your memories – to help us piece together our future musical production!
Please contact Leslie at info@koogletheatre.com to set up a meeting. Interview begin in September.
This is a really smart idea – kudos to the people at city hall who made this happen.
 By Staff
September 3rd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Art Gallery of Burlington is hosting Fibre Content: a community event that features the best of contemporary Canadian Fibre Art.
 Showcasing works in fabric, paper, yarn, thread and mixed media materials, the goal is to raise the profile, awareness and acceptance of Fibre Art as an art form.
The event takes place from Saturday September 8 through to Saturday September 15
 Floating in Blue – Triptych, Gunnel Hag ARTIST TALKS AND HANDS-ON EVENTS
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2018
 Spring Thaw, Tracey Lawko One Stitch at a Time
Lecture by Tracey Lawko | 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Her Enduring Love of Surface Design
Lecture by Gunnel Hag | 2 to 4 PM
Playful Abstract Creations
Workshop with Albert Cote | 2 to 4 PM
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2018
How I Do What I Do – When I Don’t Know What I’m Doing
Lecture by Mita Giacomini | 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Her Unique Use of Wash-Away Water Soluble Film
Lecture by Pat Hertzberg | 2 to 4 PM
Eco Printing on Paper and Rust / Tannin
Workshop with Chandra Rice | 2 to 4 PM
 By Staff
September 3, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a horrific event that captured the minds of everyone in Toronto and every other community in the province.
The S. S. Noronic had caught fire at the early morning hours of September 17th, 1949xxx in the morning. By the time the fire was brought under control there were 139 people dead and a ship that was once the “Queen of the Lakes” was a charred hull.
Fred Addis, nautical historian will be giving the lecture that is free
The lecture takes place at the New Street Branch of the Public Library September 12th, 2018 – starts 7:00 pm
By Staff
September 2nd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Craig Gardner, chair of the Burlington Terry Fox Run tells the story of two girls in the Cavendish Drive and Longshire Drive area who set up a lemonade stand/bake sale on Saturday and raised $633.15 for the Terry Fox Foundation.
 Grace and Isabelle celebrate a successful lemon aid and bake sale – raising xxx for the Terry Fox Foundation. Proud mom Tanya Blizzard-Carden has nothing but praise for her daughters Grace and Isabelle.
The annual Terry Fox Run takes place Sunday September 16th.
 By Staff
August 25th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The 100th Intercounty Baseball League final will begin Aug. 28 when the Barrie Baycats host the
Kitchener Panthers at Coates Stadium.
 Barrie Baycats batter. Barrie finished first in the regular season and has swept its way through the first two rounds of playoffs, going 7-0 against Burlington and Hamilton. The Baycats are gunning for a fifth straight
Dominico Cup title and would be the first team to win five consecutive championships since the Brantford Red Sox won six straight from 2008-13.
 A Kitchener Panther batter. Kitchener has been a finalist in two of the last four seasons, including 2017 when it lost to Barrie in four games. The Panthers finished second in the 2018 regular season and are also undefeated in the playoffs, sweeping Brantford and Toronto.
Best-of-seven Dominico Cup final
Game 1: Tuesday, Aug. 28 at Barrie, 7:30 p.m.
Game 2: Thursday, Aug. 30 at Kitchener, 7:30 p.m.
Game 3: Saturday, Sept. 1 at Barrie, 7 p.m.
Game 4: Sunday, Sept. 2 at Kitchener, 7 p.m.
*Game 5: Tuesday, Sept. 4 at Barrie, 7:30 p.m.
*Game 6: Thursday, Sept. 6 at Kitchener, 7:30 p.m.
*Game 7: Saturday, Sept. 8 at Barrie, 7 p.m.
* If necessary
 By Pepper Parr
August 23rd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Is it deliberate?
Or is it from an organization that is now so dysfunctional that the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing.
We published an opinion piece by ward 2 city council candidate Roland Tanner who wrote about a meting that was very poorly promoted, pointing out that even the ward Councillor and candidate for Mayor didn’t know about it.
We did a follow up piece on how a public meeting on such a critical matter could be so poorly promoted. We kept coming across the Get Involved part of the city web site.
 Those who know or should know how to communicate effectively: Back row, left Kwab Ako-Adjei, Senior Manager of Government Relations and Strategic Communications,. Bottom row, centre Donna Kell, Manager of Public Affairs and to her left city manager James Ridge. They would have signed off on the ChAT report. While we were reading up on Getting Involved we came across ChAT – an interesting group that, in their group photograph, has several city staff in the group – including Kwab Ako-Adjei, Senior Manager of Government Relations and city manager James Ridge.
In April 2013, Burlington City Council approved the first Burlington Community Engagement Charter. The Charter was created by citizens with support from staff. It is an agreement between and among Burlington City Council and the community concerning citizen engagement with City government and establishes the commitments, responsibilities and fundamental concepts of this relationship.
Ako-Adjei and Ridge surely know something about communicating.
ChAT had their most recent annual report on the web site.
Some excerpts from that document
1. Ensure notification is as widespread as possible:
a. Use communication tools that include City of Burlington website, local print media, online digital communication, direct delivery and social media.
b. Reach out to groups/individuals that may be affected by proposed developments, policies, initiatives, studies and municipal projects.
c. Create and develop partnerships that will help reach out to citizens.
d. Ensure that communication plans include early and widespread notifications.
e. Where appropriate, provide progress and/or completion notices.
2. Ensure notification is given early enough so that the citizens may be fully engaged:
a. Set up and maintain a way for citizens and groups to subscribe or sign up for early notification through email, social media or other means.
b. Advise the public of proposed developments, policies, meetings and major projects as soon as possible. For major projects and public meetings, at least two weeks notice to the public is expected. Exceptions will be made in emergency situations where less than two weeks notice will apply.
3. Support staff in providing early and widespread notification so that it becomes part of the corporate culture:
a. Provide staff training in effective public engagement practices through workshops and e-learning opportunities.
4. Collaborate with citizens and partners in empowering citizens through different means of communicating:
a. Use existing resources in the community to help to provide information as soon as possible.
b. Develop and use networks for information sharing of contacts.
5. Clearly communicate meeting dates and deadlines:
a. Schedule public meetings to take place early and with opportunities for public input into decision- making.
b. Create a central point on the City’s website where all dates are available.
c. Ensure dates are reflected on City project pages on the website.
d. Include dates in all relevant communication materials.
Is this happening?
It is so immoral for a city to publish statements like this and then fail miserably to deliver on the promise.
The people who work at city hall want to be seen as professionals – and they should be. But there is nothing professional about how that public meeting Wednesday night came into being.
Burlington once had a city manager who made mistakes – and he had the decency to apologize publicly for the mistakes he made.
And he wasn’t crass enough to define his mistakes as a “learning opportunity”.
Related opinion and news stories:
Roland Tanner opinion piece
Public meeting that failed.
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