By Staff
July 20, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Wow!
That is something to watch. All that energy.
Quite a show. Video lasts just over a minute.
Runs for just over a minute – astounding, CLICK HERE
Lightning display over Sussex in the UK yesterday evening
|
||||||||
|
July 19th, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
The city is hosting a celebration to officially mark the opening of the new Nelson pool and splash pad from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Nelson pool grand opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting. Admission will be free all day, and there will be family activities and giveaways.  Artists rendering of the Nelson pool which has been open since July 8 – reader says it’s beautiful. The Mayor and Ward 4 Councillor Jack Dennison will be on hand for the photo op. The ceremony will take place at noon. The pool party is from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The pool has been open to the public since July 8th.  That water bucket would be a good place for the official opening photo op. The upside for the public is the free admission. A comment from a reader read: “New one is beautiful! Tried it out yesterday. Pricey, at $6.50/adult swim (Oakville is $4), but what a lovely facility. So glad the city decided to make the investment. Now they just need to make it affordable!”
July 19th, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
Everesting – do you know what it means? Think Mount Everest and the attempts that are made to get to the top. A group has created an event that will have cyclists driving 2.4 km up Kerns Road 73 times which would be equal to the 30,000 feet that has to be climbed to get from the base of Mount Everest to the peak. The 29,029 vertical feet climb on bikes, over the course of 20 hours, to equal climbing the summit of Mt Everest. The event is seen as the Ultimate Mind-Body Challenge; this will be the first Everesting attempt in Halton. The 29,029 vertical feet climb on bikes, over the course of 20 hours, to equal climbing the summit of Mt Everest When : July 22nd 2017 Why? Joey Orfanogiannis.  Joey Orfanogiannis with family and friends At 6 years old Joey and his family lives were changed forever. On January 4th, 2016 they had to hear the words “your child has cancer”, words that would thrust him into the challenge of his life at a very tender age. Joey was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia “A.L.L.” When most kids would be counting the minutes until recess, Joey was counting “arm pokes” – how many needles he would receive for blood tests prior to receiving a port into his chest which would become a pathway for chemotherapy and give him a break from all the needles. He would count spinal taps to administer chemotherapy that would protect his brain. He would face numerous setbacks and painful surgeries coupled with nights that would leave him reeling in pain. Through it all Joey never wavered and never backed down, he stood tall when most would fall and fought back when most would give up. We are happy to report that Joey is winning the fight with the same determination and looking forward to the word “remission” in March of 2019 Through it all, the statistics for children’s cancer became deeply troubling to his parents. Aside from cancer being the leading cause of death in children, as well as the medical issues that occur after cancer survival from the heavy medication, one of the scariest facts is that children’s cancer research is grossly and consistently under-funded. It receives just 4% of government funding on an annual basis. Joey’s parents knew something had to be done and wanted to help in an immediate and impactful way. They knew the challenge needed to be daunting, something that seemed as insurmountable as fighting cancer, and from that idea the Everesting event came to life. It’s important to remember that no matter how difficult it may be to climb the cumulative height of Mount Everest over nearly 20 hours, it pales in comparison to the challenges faced by Joey and the many children battling cancer every day. Joey will be running a lemonade stand and all the proceed will be going towards fighting cancer. Grupetto will be serving coffees starting from 9am till noon. Riders from the 30 top cycling clubs in the province will be taking part including the elite team Morning Glory from Mississauga and CCF Racing from Burlington. The road will not be closed – it is seen as a very quiet road in a cycle friendly community. Anybody can ride and no one will be ask do donate as the riders are coming to support the cause of fighting cancer and to bring awareness about how many kids are affected. All Proceeds go directly to the Toronto Sick Kids and Montreal Children’s hospital for research funding in support of Pediatric Oncology.
July 18, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
Here is why we like the work we do. We did short piece on the slice of pizza that will be available at the Pizza Pizza outlets in the Burlington. It was a promotion from the pizza chain that is celebrating the 50th anniversary. A Gazette reader comes back with: “How come the plains rd pizza pizza is not participating?” (We left the typos in the comment.) We have no idea why the Plans Road outlet isn’t participating – and we will look into that. Minutes later another reader adds that: “…and you can wash your Pizza Pizza down with a FREE root Beer at A&W this week Saturday July 22 2017. So there is some good news from time to time.
July 18th, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
David Vollick has been serving as the Town Crier for the city of Burlington for at least five years. He gets called upon to ring his bell and bellow out the message he is in the room to deliver. A number of months ago during the day the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation was trying to set a new Guinness Book of Records record for the largest crowd forming a letter of the alphabet. They did their level best to get a crowd that would form a huge J in Spencer Smith Park. They didn’t quite make it – the falling rain didn’t help.  David Vollick in “full throat” making an important announcement. Vollick was awarded First Place in a recent Town Crier competition. But Vollick was there with his footwear covered in mud. We asked Vollick a sensitive question – who pays the cleaning bills? David looked at the ground and sadly said that he was still playing the cleaning bills. A Beachway resident offered to send Vollick a cheque to cover the cost of some of the dry cleaning. When Vollick appeared before city council saying he was setting himself up as a Town Crier for the city – the biggest question was – how much is this going to cost us? Vollick said it wasn’t going to cost the city anything – he would just like their blessing for what he was setting out to do. He did wonder aloud if there might be some support for the cost of dry cleaning the uniform that he has to get done twice a year. They didn’t offer a dime but the city calls on him frequently. However there has been some sunshine in Vollick life. He recently entered a Town Crier’s contest in Easton, Pennsylvania where he was awarded “First Place”. In his constituency newsletter Ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven thanks David “for representing Burlington and the Museums of Burlington.” But nothing for the cost of cleaning the uniform.
July 18th, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
There is no free lunch – right? But a slice of pepperoni and cheese pizza slices for 99 cents – from a brand name operation is as close to free as you’re going to get. And onion rings at 50 cents is reason enough to head out to a Pizza Pizza this Saturday. To entice you to get there early – there are $10 gift cards for the first twenty five people who show up at the four Pizza Pizza locations in Burlington, Why the close to free lunch?
WHEN: Saturday, July 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. WHERE: Pizza Pizza 2184 Mountain Grove Avenue
July 18th, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
August is going to Shakespeare month for those who enjoy the bard. Othello will be on an outdoor stage in Lowville where Thinkspot sponsors the Driftwood Theatre Company annually, The single performance will be on August 2nd – 7 pm; bring an outdoor chair. Later in the month, Trevor Copp will direct the Merchant of Venice at the RBG Rock Garden. Last year, the first that Copp used the RBG location, was stellar in several ways.  Last year’s production of Midsummer Night’s Dream was the first time Trevor Copp mounted a play at the RBG – it was an outstanding success. Audiences loved the outdoor setting. The cast of Midsummer Night’s Dream was fresh, energetic and used the outdoor location to great effect. A QEW accident presented the cast from getting to the location – no problem – just re-schedule. The Merchant of Venice will run from August 14 – September 1, 2017. Monday – Friday, 7:00PM (No Saturday shows.) Copp sets out the story line: Dark in its humour and bawdy in its romantic hijinks, The Merchant Of Venice takes audiences on a journey of love, mercy and (in)justice. And for the second consecutive year, Trevor Copp will direct the production; Copp is the founder and Artistic Director of the Tottering Biped Theatre. The Shakespeare at the Rock ensemble create a strikingly physical, playfully contemporary, abridged re-imagining of one of William Shakespeare’s classics. Shakespeare at the Rock began with a simple idea: that audiences and emerging artists alike need not quench their creative thirsts in Toronto or elsewhere; that beautiful and captivating work is done right here in our own backyard; that local artists can stay local and still be paid for their work. Last year’s inaugural production was a unanimous success in this respect: sold-out crowds, a total attendance of over 2000 patrons, and a cast comprised of many recent graduates from McMaster, Brock, Waterloo, and Sheridan Theatre programs. Returning to tell this season’s tale of ‘a monster made not born’ are the ever-talented Jesse Horvath, Zach Parsons, Claudia Spadafora, Alma Sarai, and Micheal Hannigan. In addition, this year’s ensemble is enlivened by the artistry of newcomers, Chris Reid, Jamie Kasiama, and Shawn DeSouza-Coelho. Tickets through the RBG Box office.  Hamlet; a previous Driftwood Theatre production performed outdoors in Lowville. Othello will be produced this year – August 2nd. Othello is a Driftwood Theatre production. The troupe travels the province each summer doing a different Shakespeare play. Thinkspot has sponsored the company for a number of years.
July 16, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
A string quartet and an electronic band playing outdoors on a sultry summer night.  Illitry will perform with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra at the Rock Garden. Photograph by Martin Bazyl It’s part of what summer is supposed to be and on July 20th at 7:00 pm the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and the electronic band Illitry will perform together at the RBG Rock Garden.  One of the gems Burlington shares with Hamilton. They will be performing work by both classical and contemporary composers. Catch a mini guided tour of the Rock Garden during intermission. Admission to the Gardens is included with the price of ticket. Cash bar and concession items will be available for purchase prior to the concert and during the intermission. Rock Garden AFTERDARK: Stick around following the show to have a drink and enjoy the tranquility of our famous garden, meet the musicians and listen to their favourite tunes. Garden opens at 6pm to those who have purchased tickets. Seating is first come first served. Tickets available at: CLICK HERE Ticket prices: Adult (13 years and older) $30.00
July 16. 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
It’s a little like the gift that keeps on giving. If you thought the Canada 150 theme was just for Canada Day – think again. The Ontario Liberals plan to get all the mileage possible out of that one by renaming the event at Ontario 150. It looks as if each provincial Liberal is going to hold an event at which you the public get asked to nominate 150 people as special. Burlington MPP Eleanor McMahon tell us she is “so thrilled to announce a call for nominations for the Burlington 150 Awards! “
Burlington150 celebrates people who contribute to: Celebrating diversity/inclusion You don’t even have to live in Burlington to be nominated but “their work must have had a direct impact on our community. You are not limited to the number of people you wish nominate! Nominations close September 30, 2017.  McMahon out in the community. FOUR EASY WAYS TO NOMINATE 1. Website: www.eleanormcmahon.onmpp.ca This wouldn’t be a way to collect names of people that can be called upon to vote for the re-election of the Burlington MPP in 2018 – would it?
July 13th, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
A brand new swimming pool that has been open less than a week gets closed due to heavy rain and forecasted thunderstorms. There is no justice. The city has closed all the outdoor pools today, Thursday July 13, 2017. Mountainside Pool and Splash Pad, Nelson Pool and Splash Pad and LaSalle Wading Pool and Splash Pad will re-open Friday July 14, 2017 on their regular schedule.  Nelson swimming pool.
July 12, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
Weather is always a conversation topic. Weather determines much of what we do – If it is raining you aren’t going to go shopping and that impacts the retailers. Heavy snow – allow more time to get to wherever it is you are going. Brilliant sunshine – head for where there is water if you don’t have to be in an office at a desk. Weather just is – we make the best of it each day. Knowing what the weather is going to be like for a day comes from a number of sources. Radio is usually the top source – the two weather TV channels have huge audiences. Sometimes just looking up and you can tell what the weather is likely to be for the day. Our roving photographer captured this scene this morning. Looks like a pretty decent day waiting for us.
July 10th, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
A number of years ago, the late Eric Cunningham, a former member of the provincial legislature for nine years, made some comments on the “project details” of a plan to improve the Joseph Brant Museum and the “expansion” to a “Community Heritage Centre.” In 2008 when the comments were made the museum was looking for $8 million to totally rebuild the museum and expand its size by more than 300%. Today that cost has risen to $10 million  The late Eric Cunningham. Cunningham was pretty blunt: “Frankly, until this was drawn to my attention, I knew about as much about the plan, as I did about the Museum itself. This Museum is owned and operated by Burlington taxpayers. It has been open to the public since 1942. It houses artifacts “owned and used” by the late Joseph Brant, as well as the Eileen Collard Collection of Historic Costumes and Textiles. “The operating funds are largely derived from Museums of Burlington (read taxpayers) which supports the Ireland House on Guelph Line. Currently, taxpayers are paying $552,000. per year to support these two facilities. “I know little about Ireland House except that it is a nice building. What I know about the Joseph Brant Museum is that people in the “witness protection program” could stay there without fear of being caught….because hardly anyone goes there. “I was horrified to learn that my local Ward One member of Council favours a scheme to expand the Joseph Brant Museum by 14, 000 square feet at a cost of almost $8 million. Almost $2 million capital costs would come from Burlington. With the exception of an additional $2 million from donors, the balance would come from Ottawa and Queen’s Park (read taxpayers). Eight people currently work at the Joseph Brant Museum, and there is a recommendation to Council that we should add one more at a price tag of $35,000. “After living in Burlington on and off since 1954, I paid my $4. and made a visit to the museum for the first time. Two very nice young women greeted me. I saw a photo exhibit by the late Frank Wright which frankly could be displayed anywhere. There was some form of a replica canoe in the front room. Anyone wanting to see anything regarding Chief Brant had to go upstairs. “What was there was pretty slim. Old photos of the Town back when. The “costume” section was not memorable.  The Joseph Brant Museum. “I signed the guest book. Likely less than five hundred guests signed the book since 2007. Mausoleums get more traffic than this place. “On a per capita basis, the Joseph Brant Museum gets less traffic than the RBG, our Cultural Centre across the street, and most church basements. “It matters little to me that the Joseph Brant Museum expansion plan (tripling the size?) may be paid for by other levels of government. Those are taxes that we all pay. Money advanced for this ill-advised nonsense will need to be borrowed as both senior levels of government are running deficits. “By all means buy some new paint for the Joseph Brant Museum and keep pushing the school tours. But no more tax money for this foolishness.” Eric Cunningham died at the age of 65 on January 1, 2015
July 10th, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
Ward 6 Councillor Blair Lancaster asked her colleagues to “backstop” the Museum Boards $1 million request so that the work on the plans that will triple the size of the Joseph Brant museum can begin. Lancaster is banking on the province to come through with the needed funds – if they don’t – the city will not get back the funds it advanced.  A small museum that was focused on the story of the man who basically founded the city could undergo a significant change today. “I wanted to provide you with an update on the Joseph Brant Museum and to seek your support for moving the project forward” said Lancaster at a Standing Committee meeting last week. The following funds have been committed reported Lancaster: City of Burlington: $2,120,000 committed, with the same amount allocated Total Committed Funds: $9,688,559 Lancaster reported that there is “an approximate funding gap of about $1M. The city has a request before the Provincial Government for the remaining funding.” She added that “Previous estimates of the total project cost were about $10.4M, those estimates were based on construction starting in early 2017. Staff have noted that the project cost may be higher depending on when construction begins; there is usually a premium on construction costs if substantial work occurs over the winter months. Lancaster was asking that the city provide funding from the Capital Purposes Reserve Fund, Councillor Marianne Meed Ward, who was chairing the meeting, asked if Lancaster’s motion could be amended to have the Museum Foundation promise to repay the city the money the city was being asked to put up was not received from the province. “No” was the quick blunt response from Lancaster. Along with the request for funds was a mention of the need to transfer some property from the hospital to the city.  The replica of the original Brant House will be pivoted and then raised to create a new street level entrance. The property on which the museum sits has a bit of a checkered past. It was a 3,450 acre tract of land Brant got from the Missisauga’s. Brant built the house and lived in it for some time. He farmed about 100 acres and was said to have developed “a fine orchard”. At some point the property slipped into the hands of the federal government. Some of the land appears in the Joseph Brant Hospital financial statements as the “Brant Trust”  Aerial of the architect’s rendering for the new museum. The city now needs to get that trust transferred into its hands – a task that is not going to be a slam dunk. While the facts are not completely clear, the land appears to have been kept in a Trust that is managed by the hospital. At one point former Mayor Walter Mulkewich remembers measuring the distance the Brant Museum had to be moved to allow an expansion to the hospital.  It will be a substantially different building and be the entrance way to the Beachway community that the city has planned. Lakeshore Road will be a much different place when all this is done. At the time Mulkewich said he remembers a trip to Ottawa where talks took place with the then department of Public Works to get the permissions needed to move the Brant house the couple of hundred yards that were necessary for the hospital to add to their structure. The city has its Finance department working on the land transfer. The motion Lancaster was putting forward called for the Director of Finance to report back to Council in September providing an update on the land transfer, updated capital costs, operating impacts and the provisional financing required.  Lakeshore Road today: This point in the road is just past where the new museum will be built. The debate on the matter last week was limited to comments from Councillors Craven, Sharman and Lancaster with Meed Ward serving as Chair disagreeing with Lancaster on a number of points. Councillor Dennison, who has never been a fan of tax payers money being used for all that much in the world of culture. Councillor Craven said it was time for a sophisticated city to have a sophisticated museum. The motion for the “back stop” funding was approved. Neither the Mayor nor Councillor Taylor spoke to the motion. There are a lot of questions about both the funding and just what is going to be done at the much bigger museum operation. Will it even be a museum? The public will never get inside the building that is a replica of the original Brant house. The house will be used for administrative purposes.  The gorget, presented to Brant by King George III is perhaps the best piece in the collection. The actual Brant collection borders on pathetic. The “library” is a collection of books that do not appear to be catalogued and are pretty tattered. There are a number of very good paintings and the museum does own the gorget presented to Brant by King George III. Don’t mention the words “ongoing research” about Brant – no such thing. There isn’t anyone on staff that knows all that much about the man. There seems to be a drive to create a place that can house touring shows that the city can attract. In all the chatter about a “world class” museum no one from either the Museum Foundation or the Museum Board has ever outlined the kind of event the city would have taking place in the space.  John Doyle – Burlington Museum Foundation  Larry Waldron – Burlington Museum Board The funds that the Museum Foundation has raised came from a bequest to the Museum Foundation that turned out to be a lot larger than many expected. We are talking millions here. Larry Waldron and John Boyle have worked for more than a decade to get a new museum built – they need just another million to get shovels into the ground. City council was told that the Museum Board has a business model that will cover any increased operating expenses – that business model has yet to see the light of day. Given the level of transparency of Museum affairs in the recent past – nothing should be taken for granted. A number of months ago the Museum was closed – a fact that was not revealed to anyone at the time. Lancaster who was on the Museum Board representing the city wasn’t aware of the closing. At the time the Brant Museum was closed it was because of the re-building of Lakeshore Road which made sense – the decision to not re-open without at least making the city council representative aware of the decision is something that was never satisfactorily explained.  Museum Board Executive Director Barb Teatero appearing before city council. One can only imagine the conversation that took place between Councillor Lancaster and Barb Teatero, the Executive Director of the Museum Board that manages both the Brant Museum and Ireland House over that matter. Another concern is the location of the much enlarged museum. The entrance will be on Lakeshore Road which will become the main entrance to the Brant Hospital – including ambulance traffic. That road is a single lane as it rounds the museum – the tour buses that are going to ‘bring those thousands of visitors to the museum’ has the potential to clog traffic. Far too many questions for city council to put up $1 million that they may never see returned. The Motion that was approved at Standing Committee was passed. It now goes to city Council this evening: July 10th. Whereas, the City of Burlington continues to support the expansion of the Joseph Brant Museum; and Whereas, with the financial contributions from the Federal and Provincial Governments, the Museum Transformation project is closer than ever to being realized; and Whereas, the city has a request before the Provincial Government and we continue to work with them to secure the remaining funds Therefore, be it resolved that the Council of the City of Burlington: Support the continuation of staff and the Museum Foundation efforts to resolve the transfer of lands; provide updated costing for the project; and ensure the fundraising campaign is underway Approve provisional financing in the amount of $1M from the Capital Purposes Reserve Fund subject to not realizing further Provincial Government funding Direct the Director of Finance to report back to Council in September 2017 providing an update on the land transfer, updated capital costs, operating impacts and the provisional financing required. The motion which goes to council this evening July 10th, has the potential to become a rabbit hole that will be home to tales of wonder. Related article
July 9th, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
The city will celebrate the Burlington Teen Tour Band’s 70th anniversary at a concert on Sunday, July 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Central Park Band shell.  Burlington Teen Tour Band opened The Pier. The BTTB started in 1947 in a room on top of a store on Brant Street with 75 young and eager musicians. Since that time the BTTB has grown into Canada’s Premier youth marching band. Burlington is probably the only city in the country that has a band that represents the citizens at all major events and flies the city’s flag at events around the world.  The BTTB opened the Performing Arts Centre. The BTTB represented the city in Holland during the 75th Anniversary of the end of WWII and will march in the Rose Bowl parade later this year. Bring you chairs and take in a significant celebration – something the city can be very proud of.
July 8, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
The Pinemeadow Park splash pad is currently out of order due to an electrical failure. It has been determined that the existing electric system is beyond repair and requires a full replacement. The cost to replace the electrical system is not within a reasonable budget, therefore the splash pad will be removed and not replaced. There is an opportunity to add a Natural Playground to the park (see below). Pinemeadow Park is still open. During the removal of the splash pad, some areas of the park may be closed for safety during construction. Earlier this summer, the Ireland Park splash pad opened as planned, and was installed to replace Pinemeadow Park splash pad. The Ireland Park splash pad is accessible to people with disabilities, greater water conservation, has supporting park facilities, and serves the larger community. Pinemeadow Park – Natural Playground Opportunity: A group of residents looking to construct a natural playground at Pinemeadow Park was successful at securing $5000 from the city to assist them in developing a natural playground (see below for What is a Natural Playground).  Natural Parks are a totally different approach to what children get to play with and on. There is an opportunity to expand the natural playground and add a water element into the project, thanks to a potential donation from a private foundation but a show of community support is needed. The funder needs to see community is willing to assist in the design and build of certain aspects of the playground. If you are interested in getting involved connect with Denise Beard, Manager of Community Development, at denise.beard@burlington.ca and follow the existing community Facebook group at www.facebook.com/BurlingtonNaturalPlaygrounds. Becky Ellis, 905-335-7600, ext. 7363 is an additional resource person at city hall. The city has substantial amounts of money in its various reserve funds – to tell the public that the Pinemeadows splash pad is beyond repair and that the “cost to replace the electrical system is not within a reasonable budget” is quite a bit less than the residents of the best mid sized city in the country deserve. The ward Councillor might want to provide the constituents with a more detailed explanation and then find the funds needed to fully repair the splash pad.
July 8th, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
Brantford Red Sox player, Nic Burdett, went 4-for-5 and drove in a pair of runs as the Red Sox beat the Burlington Herd 10-5 Friday night at Arnold Anderson Stadium. After falling behind 1-0 in the top of the first, the Red Sox scored twice in the bottom of the inning and tacked on four runs in the second to pull away. Brandon Dailey, Benjamin Bostick and Dennon Koziol each had two hits, an RBI and a run, while Dan Jagdeo drove in a pair with two hits. He also scored once. Nate DeSouza had two RBI and a run, Andris Rizquez went 2-for-4 with two runs, and Cody Mombourquette had an RBI. Matt Martinow (2-3) went six innings for the win, giving up three runs on eight hits with a walk and strikeout. The Herd production came from John Whaley who went 3-for-4 with two RBI and a run. Justin Gideon added a pair of hits and scored twice, Nolan Pettipiece had two hits and a run, Andrew Mercier added two hits, and Quinton Bent picked up an RBI. Ryan Beckett (1-3) allowed six runs on nine hits over four innings to take the loss. He walked three and struck out one. Guelph Royals cease operations. Future games: Standings
July 7th, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
The Gazette got a request from the Burlington Sports Alliance asking if we had any photographs they could use in a celebration of Terry Fox and Courage in Sport at the Art Gallery of Burlington on July 14th at 7:00 pm. The event is part of the Canada’s 150 celebration with the Burlington Sport Alliance inviting people to show up at the Gallery. We had a picture in our photo data bank that was given to us a number of years ago by Mark Mulholland who was on Lakeshore Road when Terry Fox ran through the city. We wrote a short piece on that picture which produced a note from John Oakes who was also on the sidewalk waiting for Terry Fox to pass by. Oakes tell of his experience: “When I took those photos I was 21 years old and about to start the Applied Photography course at Sheridan College. “His run of course was followed by all. And I arrived early to get some photos of what was to become historic event. I easily recall that even before he appeared you could feel the electricity in the air, the anticipation was so great. “I have never experienced anything like that since. The crowd was electric! “When he came into view, the crowds began cheering increased as he grew closer. People who had been milling about now lined the road, waiving and cheering. People stepped out placing donations in the plastic cup. “When he waived to me it was an incredible moment I could feel. It conveyed so much. In that flash; how much he appreciated everybody coming out and the agony that he must be in. I could see on his face even making a wave took a lot of effort on his part. “He was bigger than life. Everybody felt so special as he ran past. To this day making eye contact with him is a wonderfully vivid and everlasting memory. “Looking at those photos today I can see the Odeon movie theater was still in operation. At least it looks like their marquis sign is still up; you can see the Royal Bank building at Brant Street. “These pictures are real time capsules now. That prosthetic leg strapped must have been miserable. I remember reading about the chafing and sores he developed. “Hero’s like him are not made any more.” The next annual Terry Fox run takes place September 17th – it will be the 37th time that Burlingtonians remember the man that started it all.  First of a four part photo sequence. Fox is approaching. We get a view of a Burlington that doesn’t exist anymore.  Second photograph in the sequence: Terry Fox is getting closer and, as John Oakes tells the story: the crowd was electric.
July 7th, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
It was a good idea at the time and was one of the few achievements of the now defunct Waterfront Advisory Committee that had been formed by then Mayor Cam Jackson in 2010. Today the building has a broken window at the front and is boarded up on one side. The Pump House, a building that went through a major, and expensive upgrade, was available for rental. Many hoped it would be used as an upscale coffee shop but the best the city was able to do was find someone who wanted to use the space as a rental facility for small watercraft and beach umbrellas.
Much of the beach has been eroded by high lake water levels – thus no traffic – there isn’t much beach for people to use. The business that was in the Pump House has called it quits and moved their operations to Binbrook.  The Pump House was once a residence. Note the railway track in the foreground. People want to know what will become of a building that used to have a perfectly dry basement and was once actually a residence that was yards away from a rail line.  This beach is now underwater – nothing from the city on what the long range plan is to cope with the higher water levels.  A concept picture of what planners thought could be done with the Beachway – then the water rose. The city and the Region are currently working on extensive and expensive plans to remake the whole of the Beachway community – coping with Mother Nature apparently wasn’t work into the scope of the work that would be undertaken.  Councillor Craven inspecting the Pump House on the Beachway – thought the place could serve as the Official Residence for the Ward Councillor Not a word, so far, from the ward Councillor who once said the Pump House could perhaps become his constituency office.
July 6th, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington does have a special relationship with Terry Fox. That relationship exists because people went out of their way to foster the memory of the several hours he was in Burlington. For the past 36 years thousands of citizens have taken part in the annual Terry Fox Run that raises funds for cancer research.  A monument noting the day Terry Fox ran through the city. Paid for by citizens who had to battle city hall at times to make this happen. That led to the erecting of a monument in Spencer Smith Park that notes the time that Fox passed through the city.  Mark Mulholland captured Terry Fox running along Lakeshore Road in 1980. The Gazette was fortunate enough to be loaned a copy of a picture of Terry Fox running through the city taken by Mark Holland. That event on the 14th is to celebrate Fox and Courage in Sport at the Art Gallery of Burlington on July 14th at 7:00 pm The event is part of the Canada’s 150 celebration with the Burlington Sport Alliance inviting people to show up at the Gallery for an evening of celebrating Terry Fox and Courage in Sport. The evening will feature: • Terry Fox exhibition from the Canadian Museum of History Related story: The day Terry Fox ran through Burlington.  Burlington citizens taking part in the annual Terry Fox Run.
July 6th, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
Saturday, July 8, 2017 – 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• 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.
|
 |
|||||||
|
Copyright © 2026 Burlington Gazette – Local News, Politics, Community - All Rights Reserved Powered by WordPress & Atahualpa |
||||||||
It’s Pizza Pizza’s 50th anniversary and they are celebrating with a pizza party for the whole family! The four Pizza Pizza locations in Burlington will be hosting community pizza parties on Saturday, July 22 as a way to thank its customers for their continuous support during their 50 years of operation.
“In a year focused on celebrating our province and country,” said McMahon “let’s honour 50 women, 50 men and 50 youth who embody the qualities and values that make our province great and who have dedicated their time and talent towards community service in Burlington.
