 By Staff
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. 
 By Pepper Parr
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.
 A Beachway resident who walks the waterfront most mornings notes that the building stands empty, looking a little derelict and forlorn between a busy children’s park and the Snack Shack pavilion.
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.
 By Staff
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
• Special guest speakers
• Live music by Acoustically Yours
• Tribute to Burlington’s own sport heroes
• Complimentary hors d’oeuvres & cash bar
Related story:
The day Terry Fox ran through Burlington.
 Burlington citizens taking part in the annual Terry Fox Run.
 By Staff
July 6th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Saturday, July 8, 2017 – 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 These roads will be closed on Saturday, July 8 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the Burlington Downtown Car Show:
• Brant Street, between Caroline Street and Lakeshore Road
• Ontario Street and Elgin Street between Locust Street and Brant Street
• James Street between John Street and Brant Street.
 By staff
July 5th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Does your day start with the sound of an alarm clock?
Or perhaps it is the kids making more noise than they should and you aren’t quite sure what they are up to so you need to slip out of bed. Coffee or tea follows.
 Good morning sun! There are people in this city who have a habit of slipping out the door very early and watching the sun rise and determining what kind of a day they are going to have.
Only in Burlington – the sun rise is part of what makes the city the place that it is.
And it is not a magazine circulation promotion tell us that we are the best city or very close to it in the province and then the whole of Canada.
That sunrise told the photographer what kind of a city she lives in.
 By Staff
July 5th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
It is one of the days in the year that people take over Brant Street – you get to stroll wherever you want from Caroline south to Locust and eye ball over 150 cars – everything from classics, exotic and iconic vehicles that will be on display.
 There will be a wide selection of electric vehicles on display. This is the 3rd Annual Burlington Downtown Car Show in support of the Burlington Lions Club. It is a celebration of the automobile taking place in downtown Burlington on Saturday July 8, 2017.
 Last year this automotive gem was on display. When: Saturday July 8th, 2017 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Why: The Burlington Downtown Car Show offers a view into the past, present and future of the automobile. This year’s show will include an Electric Vehicle (EV) ride and drive presented by Stoner & Company Family Law Associates, several replica-cinema cars, live music presented by the Leggat Auto Group and a selection of rare and exotic sports cars showcased on the City Hall terrace.
The show has attracted representation from virtually every automotive sector; modern muscle cars, off-road vehicles, tuners, European super cars as well as the classics.
 Can you imagine the motor under that hood? Local merchants support the show with side-walk sales, turning Brant Street into a pedestrian mall full of activity for the whole family.
By Pepper Parr
July 4th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Some of the bounce has gone out of Brant Street.
The Cellis Osteria has closed – there just wasn’t enough business to justify keeping the restaurant open was the explanation management gave.
 Staying alive in a tough restaurant market in the downtown core doesn’t square with the comments from the Downtown Business Association that the area is”vibrant”. The restaurant underwent a re-branding and a menu upgrade a while back – didn’t seem to make enough of a difference.
The site at the corner of Brant and James is the proposed location for a 28 storey tower that is currently in the hands of the city’s planning department.
 This proposed 28 storey tower – yet to be approved by the city – could be the beginning of a long over due boost to Brant Street. Public reaction to the proposed tower was more than decent when it was first shown to the public and the statutory public meeting didn’t raise any major issues – other than changes the building will make to traffic and a concern over the number of parking spaces.
There has been some discussion about the structure overshadowing the “iconic” city hall. Hard to see or even understand anything that is iconic about city hall – other than that it is where it is.
It is inefficient and the object of a study on just how well it serves the city’s administrative needs. That report is in a filing cabinet and isn’t likely to be made public for some time.
By Staff
June 30th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Canada Day event organizers have arranged for Burlington Transit shuttle service with three pick-up points:
Haber Recreation Centre,
Mainway Recreation Centre
and the north side of Burlington GO Station.
The buses will begin at noon and run until the fireworks end.
This is great for the people in Alton – parking will be impossible downtown – take the bus – there should be plenty o parking at the Haber Centre – schools are closed.
For specific departure times and more event information, please visit the Canada Day event website.
Burlington Transit is also operating a regular Saturday service schedule on July 1, which includes late night routes 50, 51, and 52.
 By Pepper Parr
June 30th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
If you looked out over the Lake from Lakeshore Road at Brant you could see them off in the distance – they seemed lined up with a lot of space between them.
They looked like ship under sail.
And indeed they were – a collection of Tall ships had rendezvoused in Burlington Bay and lined up to enter the canal and proceed into Hamilton Harbour.
 They were there in the thousands – on both side of th canal THE place to see the majestic ships was at the canal – each eased into the opening and headed towards the lie bridge which was up for more than an hour.
 They were almost close enough to touch as they slid by – those with big Canadian flags got a round of applause. The crowds were huge – it was as if the fleet had come home and the families of the sailors were on the dock ready to greet them.
It was standing room only on either side of the canal.
 People parked wherever there was a patch of grass It wasn’t all festivities and celebration. A Beachway resident summed up the feeling many had when the saw a parking control officer walking from car to car doing a brisk business
 His job was like spearing fish in a barrel – a shameful cash grab on the part of either the city or the Conservation Authority. This resident known for her very pointed use of the English language wrote in and said:
“What a shit show this city is…parking enforcement officer immediately giving out parking tickets near lift bridge area. People are furious.”
By Staff
June 30th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The picture that tells the city’s story today?
Those tall ships sailing through the canal on their way into Hamilton Harbour where they will be on display for Canada Day.
Thousands gathered on both sides of the canal to watch these majestic ship slide by. Those with massive Canadian flags drew rounds of applause.
By Staff
June 28th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
It will be exciting!
Eleven magnificent Tall Ships will gather on Lake Ontario near the entrance to the Burlington Bay Canal on Friday, June 30 beginning at 2:00 p.m. with all ships docking at Pier 8 at 4:00 p.m.
In order to get to that canal – you gotta sail past the Burlington Pier, the most expensive chunk of concrete in the province – but we digress.
 Where you park and where the ships are. Burlingtonians can watch the ship sail towards the canal
Prominent vantage points to watch the parade of ships on the Burlington side of the Skyway are|:
Burlington Canal
LaSalle and Bayshore Parks in Burlington.
And of course from the Pier and from a number of vantage points in the Beachway.
 The Empire Sandy Access to vantage points will be affected by the closure of Eastport Drive at the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. to enable the ships to enter Hamilton Harbour.
With the ships in Hamilton, tied up at Pier 8 the Parade of Sail launches the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta at Pier 8, Discovery Drive, on July 1.
This will be a rare opportunity – and the only place in the GTHA – to witness the spectacle of 11 Tall Ships touring Hamilton’s beautiful Waterfront.
• Free deck tours are offered from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (first come, first served – no guarantee of access past 5 p.m.)
• Ticketed Harbour Cruises available for purchase online at www.hamilton.ca/tallships. See website for cruise times and pricing, including the evening fireworks cruise that boards at 9:00 p.m.
 The Pathfinder • Family-friendly and nautical-themed activities
• Music on the Waterfront Stage featuring great musicians from Hamilton’s thriving music scene
• Numerous food vendors
• The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum’s Avro Lancaster will conduct multiple fly-overs of the Waterfront between 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on July 1st.
This event is organized by the City of Hamilton in association with Le Rendez-Vous Naval de Quebec, Sail Training International, the Hamilton Port Authority and the Hamilton Waterfront Trust.
 The Niagara More than 40 Tall Ships will be sailing Canadian waters to honour the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation in 2017, with stops in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes
It is a Hamilton event – but they do have to sail past Burlington to get to Hamilton Harbour.
By Staff
June 28th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
We didn’t see this one coming.
A date in Hamilton is said to be the most expensive you will encounter – even higher than Toronto.
The research for this dubious WORD was done by EliteSingles, a national organization in the relationship business.
 They totaled up the cost of a typical date night in Canada – and found that Hamilton is Canada’s most expensive big city for a romantic night out, with Toronto coming in second place! Those in Ottawa get off lightly – a date night in the city is below the average cost.
The full study is on their web site – including a rundown of date night costs in 10 of Canada’s biggest cities, and a global dating comparison that shows the cost of dating in 25 cities around the world.
They have highlighted the price differences in two interactive, shareable maps that you can find on our site.
If the love of your life is in Hamilton – be ready to spend more than your Canadian Tire money.
Given that just about everything in Burlington costs more than in Hamilton – especially when it come to gasoline prices – Oakville might be an option.
The full scoop is HERE
 By Staff
June 27, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Joanna Roselli from Assumption Catholic High School has been awarded the 2017 Burlington Art in Action Group scholarship.
 Joanna Roselli accepting the award with Rocco Di Ianni – Principal of Assumption Catholic Secondary School. Darlene Throop – Chair of the Art in Action Scholarship Committee and Gina Giannotti –Guidance Counsellor, Assumption Catholic Secondary School on the far right. For the last seven years the Burlington Art in Action Group, with the assistance of their sponsors, have been able to offer an Arts Scholarship to a graduating Burlington high school student continuing post-secondary education in an arts focused program.
There were four talented applicants representing four high schools from both Boards of Education. The four member jury reviewed the applications and were very impressed with the variety and quality of art presented. The winner this year of the $1000.00 scholarship is also given free admission to participate in the Burlington Studio Tour which takes place on the first weekend of November and be a part of a show at the Art Gallery of Burlington
Joanna will attend Ryerson University in the fall to study and be part of a four year program studying the business side of the arts.
The Art in Action show preview will take place in October
The Studio Tour takes place November 4th and 5th – 10:00 am to 5:00 PM. Put it in your calendar – it is one of those annual not to be missed events.
 By Staff
June 23rd, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Movies under the Stars returns on Thursday, July 6, featuring free outdoor movie screenings at 9 p.m. every Thursday until Aug. 17.
The films in the family movie series were chosen by residents through a weekly online poll earlier this spring.
The selected movies and their locations are:
Date Location Movie
Thursday, July 6 Nelson Park Stuart Little
Thursday, July 13 LaSalle Park Finding Dory
Thursday, July 20 Central Park Bandshell La La Land
Thursday, July 27 Emerson Park The Good Dinosaur
Thursday, Aug. 3 Lowville Park Shrek
Thursday, Aug. 10 Ireland Park Mighty Ducks
Thursday, Aug. 17 Spencer Smith Park Lilo and Stitch
 Good clean family fun. Each movie will begin at 9 p.m. and will be shown on a large, inflatable screen.
Healthy Kids Community Challenge will be at each event with fun activities and information on healthy snack choices for kids.
Viewers are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets.
 By Staff
June 23rd, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s tough to eke out a win when you are up against the team that has yet to lose a baseball game this season.
 On Thursday in Burlington, the Barrie Baycats’ won yet another game: 11-4
The win left the Baycats at 14-0 and vying for a fourth straight title.
For the Herd, Canice Ejoh doubled and had two RBI.
Resse O’Farrell singled three times and had an RBI and scored a run.
Nolan Pettipiece had the other RBI.
Ben Braun (0-1) took the loss, giving up seven runs on nine hits in four innings with three walks and four strikeouts.
Future games:
Saturday, June 24
Hamilton at Burlington, 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, June 25
Burlington at Kitchener, 2 p.m. (DH)
Standings
Barrie Baycats 14-0
London Majors 13-0
Kitchener Panthers 11-3
Toronto Maple Leafs 8-9
Burlington Herd 5-11
Hamilton Cardinals 3-9
Brantford Red Sox 3-11
Guelph Royals 1-15
By Staff
June 21, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
This is good news – timely as well.
The Nelson pool and splash pad are targeted to reopen on Saturday, July 15
The Recreational swims will be held daily between 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. Lap time swims can be found at: www.burlington.ca/
 Bigger and better – but no sponsorship. In 2015 the city announced that “with two severe winter seasons back-to-back, the steel tank at Nelson Pool has seen an accelerated rate of deterioration,” said Chris Glenn, director of parks and recreation. “Ensuring public safety is our top priority, and thus the need to keep Nelson Pool closed.”
Getting the pool re-built generated some vociferous debate when Ward 4 Councillor Jack Dennison wanted to hand the job off to the private sector and have a new pool in for the following summer
City manager James Ridge suggested a plan like that was not very prudent and that 2017 was the more likely with 2018 a possible opening date as well.
When the announcement on the made on the size of the pool and when it was most likely to open the city also released a report on possible sponsorship for the pool.
During a discussion on fund raising for the Nelson pool reference was made to the consultant’s analysis which estimated value for a Facility Naming Sponsor could range between $300,000 to $350,000. It is also recommended that the payment terms could be as follows:
• $30,000 – $35,000* annually for an agreement term of 8 to 10 years
• Incentive to pay upfront: 15% discount = $297,500 – $250,500
• Paid within 3 years: 10% discount = $315,000 – $270,000
There doesn’t appear to have been a taker for this deal.
Look for the photo ops when the pool opens. We recall watching Mike Wallace get himself soaked at the opening of a splash pad in Ward 3 – he was the Member of Parliament at the time.
Perhaps all seven members of city council will take a leap into the water.
By Staff
June 18, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Getting outhit didn’t stop the London Majors from outscoring the Burlington Herd.
Despite Burlington’s 13-9 advantage in the hit column, the Majors made the most of their contact with an 8-3 road win Saturday afternoon.
Chris McQueen went 2-for-5 with two RBI and two runs, while Cleveland Brownlee and LeJon Baker each doubled and drove in a pair of runs. Humberto Ruiz picked up a pair of hits and had an RBI and a run, and Brett Sabourin singled twice and scored once. Byron Reichstein walked three times and scored twice.
Cory Hammond (3-0) went six innings and allowed two runs on 10 hits with a walk and three strikeouts.
Burlington leadoff hitter Justin Gideon went 3-for-4 with a run and stolen base. Ryan Freemantle had two hits and an RBI, and Carlos Villoria drove in a pair of runs. Canice Ejoh singled and scored.
Jesse Anderson (0-1) took the loss, giving up eight runs on five hits in 3.1 innings with seven walks and four strikeouts.
London improved to 12-0, and Burlington fell to 4-9.
Future games:
Sunday, June 18
Burlington at Toronto, 2 p.m.
Tuesday, June 20
Burlington at Barrie, 7:30 p.m.
Standings
Barrie Baycats 12-0
London Majors 12-0
Kitchener Panthers 11-3
Toronto Maple Leafs 7-8
Burlington Herd 4-9
Brantford Red Sox 3-10
Hamilton Cardinals 2-8
Guelph Royals 1-14
By Staff
June 17, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Another Sound of Music weekend.
While the event continually gets awards for being one of the best festivals in the province for the people of Burlington it is their weekend event.
They flow into Spencer Smith Park in a steady stream of people – every shape, size, and gender.
The Gazette positioned a photographer at the base of the Pier and watched people flow into the park.
This is Burlington and this is what we look like.
 It has always been this way – the boys looks – the girls ignore them.
 Night settles in – there is a 10 pm curfew for the bands.  The Pier gets visitors – a parachute glider attracts attention.  The evening was about listening to the music
 The girls are checking things out.  Many make it a family event.  He is just loving life
 Mom and her team.  You know who he likes.
 She is just really happy to be where she is!
By Pepper Parr
June 17th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
It has to be the most impressive effort this city has seen, made by a bunch of people who just did not know how to take no for an answer.
The Freeman railway station – that was really just a small spur on the railway line that went through Burlington – took on a life of its own when those “concerned citizens” fought hard to keep the station alive.
 They still need donations and volunteers are always welcome – the big day will be July 1st. When your city council couldn’t find a home for the station, they did their best to try and sell it – even if it was just for kindling. No takers.
 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 found a solution. A group was formed and they managed to find some support on city council – Councillors Meed Ward and Lancaster – joined forces to hold off the willingness of the rest of city council to see the thing meet a swift death – and end the ongoing embarrassment.
The tearing up of the rail line on what is now a magnificent pathway along the edge of the lake was the end of old time rail transportation.
Now GO trains, Via Rail and freight trains snake through the city but they don’t have the colour and the character that those old railway station waiting rooms had.
 They had every reason to be smiling. Councillors Meed Ward and Lancaster pose with five members of the Friends of Freeman Station after the Council meeting that approved the entering into of a Joint Venture that would have the Friends moving the station and taking on the task of renovating the building. July 1 – the Freeman Station will get its Official Opening – the Mayor will cut the ceremonial ribbon. It should be Meed Ward and Lancaster doing that job – they earned it.
 These are some of the group that pushed their city council to working with them to save the Freeman Junction railway station. The group that runs the Friends of Freeman station have this thing about the role of the Mayor – he didn’t do all that much to keep it alive in the early days. He did, to his credit, work to get them some of the funding they desperately needed to do all the work that was needed.
The story of the hundreds of hours those guys put in – and it was mostly a male effort, should not go unrecorded.
 Hardly a weekend went by during the last year and a half without at least some people working on the renovation of th station. With the official opening day close close at hand there is a drive to get as much done as possible.
The Regions Heritage Services group has climbed aboard the effort and will be mounting a small exhibition in the space referred to as the Baggage Room.
Sarah Rolko who works for Halton Heritage Services as an assistant curator said the Friends of Freeman approached the Regional Heritage people initially for fundraising, collections management and exhibition development in April 2016.
 The station was taken off the blocks it was sitting on for a number of years and settled into their new home beside the Fire Station on Fairview. “The reconstruction process then got very busy and we were unable to reconnect with them until January 2017”, she said
“We were able to start up conversations again after meeting in January 2017 at the “Making Heritage Happen Conference” hosted by Region.
From there, we made a plan to develop an exhibit for the July 1st opening.
 Sitting on some “cribbing” with a sign badly in need of several coats of paint, the Freeman Station gets ready for its big move. The exhibit focuses on the hard work of the Friends of Freeman and other involved members of the community so far as well as the importance of the station within the community in the past, especially the major role the railway played in developing the city of Burlington.
The existence of the Freeman Station just might be the biggest thing Burlington has to celebrate and make note of as the County celebrates its first 150 years as a country.
By Staff
June 14th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Every once in a while a local governing authority does something that is just plain welcome.
 Thousands of people have driven up into escarpment country to enjoy a walk along a part of the Bruce Trail or spend some time on Mt Nemo – but there isn’t any place to park other than the side of the road.
So they park on the side of the road and the parking police drive by and issue parking tickets. That has changed there is now a parking lot.
 The lot will accommodate about 25 cars. It is located at the corner of Walkers Line and #2 Side road and is part of Mt Nemo Conservation Area.
The lot will accommodate approximately 25 cars. There will be parking fees.
These fees will be consistent with the rest of the parks at $6.75/adult and $5/child.
The road realignment and parking lot construction is to be completed by the end of July.
The parking lot is currently open on weekends. Fees will not be required until later this year or early 2018.
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