 By Pepper Parr
June 14, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
They were very attractive – close to beautiful and graceful – not words that are normally used to describe males – but they certainly applied to the eleven Arabian stallions that were running around a field on a magnificent farm in the Escarpment.
 Megan Morris is drawing the horses towards her with a bucket o grain in her hands. Two of the horses were more interested in what the photographer was doing. The horses were part of a herd of 65 horses that are part of the Cavalia Odysseo that will be performing in Mississauga under a massive tent for a 12 day run.
 Once the horses knew there was grain for them they clustered around to shove their noses into the bucket. This was a rest and recreation occasion for the animals that get fed eight times a day – five meals of hay and three of grain.
The animals were very curious when we walked into the field to take some pictures – we wanted to see how they handled things when they were being fed grain so Megan Morris, one of the grooms fetched a bucket of oats – the horses gathered around her very very quickly.
These are exceptionally well trained animals that have careers that are as short as a year and can last as long as six years – then it is full time retirement for them.
 Megan is in the middle of the herd on a site that is about as majestic as it gets in the Escarpment, They live for up to twenty years – when there performance days are over they are adopted by people, often their trainers.
Laure Warda, the communication lead, explained the adoption procedure – the rules are pretty rigid
While they are performing these horses work with their riders and their trainers to complete very exacting routines.
 The brown spots disappear as the horse ages. They will leave the fields in the Escarpment on Thursday and get trucked into Mississauga where they will perform under a huge tent.
The riders and the horses have a relationship that is based on the needs, preferences and emotions of the animals. A performance will last no longer than 15 minutes – but that 15 minutes is the result of hundreds of hours of training.
The shows begin June 21st and run through to July 16th. Tickets can be ordered online
 By Staff
June 12, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
If you are using the GO train service to get to the Sound of Music Festival there is a shuttle service the organizers have arranged from the Burlington GO Station (access from the North side off Queensway Drive) to the Downtown John Street Transit Terminal.
 The crowds will descend on Lakeshore Road and steam into Spencer Smith Park – Thursday is the official beginning of the annual music blowout! The fare of $3 per person for the round trip Shuttle ride helps to keep this convenient program sustainable. Children under 5 years are free.
Shuttles operate on a continuous loop as follows:
Thursday, June 15: 6 p.m. to Midnight
Friday, June 16: 6 p.m. to Midnight
Saturday, June 17: Noon to Midnight
Sunday, June 18: Noon to 8 p.m.
Extended service is also available on Routes 3 North and South (to Burlington GO Station) and eastbound Route 10 buses at 11 and 11:30 p.m. on Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17, 2017.
For more information on travelling to the festival please refer to Burlington’s Sound of Music website.
By Pepper Parr
June 12, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Last week Burlington MPP Eleanor held her now annual Tea for the city’s seniors. The day happened to also be close to her first anniversary as a Member of the Wynne Cabinet and a member of the Treasury Board.
We wanted to hear what McMahon had to say about the move from being a back bencher to becoming a member of Cabinet and then appointed to Treasury Board – which is the group that looks at where the money is going to come from and how it is going to be spent.
 McMahon with Bill Reid Sr of the year 2016 McMahon explained that as a member of Treasury Board she is in a position where she is at times on one side the Treasury Board table asking questions and on other occasions on the opposite side answering questions. She has to explain and justify the plans her Ministry has and get them past the Treasury Board – and that isn’t always easy.
McMahon is the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Sports for the province. At the federal level each of those three is a separate department.
She has a Deputy Minister that reports to her and three Assistant Deputy Ministers that report to her deputy – the job is as close as one is going to get to heading up three ministries. And these aren’t little ministries. McMahon will tell you that culture contributes as much to the provincial gross domestic product as construction – which was a bit of a surprise to this reporter.
 The Art Gallery of Burlington for funding for a van that lets them take art out into the community. Culture is a big deal that pulls the Minister into the soon to begin renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) – content and intellectual property are now big drivers of an economy. And keeping an economy healthy is the biggest part of the job for every Cabinet member.
McMahon will let you know every chance she gets that Ontario is going to have a balanced budget. While relatively new to provincial politics – her 2014 election win was her first venture as a politician. She was personally recruited by Premier Kathleen Wynne; the fluently bilingual Minister has worked in the private sector with Petro Canada, the Ontario Medical Association, the Chamber of Commerce and the United Way.
It was her United Way experience and contacts that made it possible for her to pick up the phone and convince them to let the 2014 flood relief program to use their web site platform to begin collecting donations.
When McMahon first stepped into the provincial legislature we asked her: “What’s it like?” How did you feel when you first walked in the Legislature and took your seat”?
“There are 13 million people in Ontario” explained McMahon. “And just 107 in the Legislature – that fact just overwhelmed me. I am one of those 107 and the 13 million expect me to make good decisions for them.”
While it seems like a long time ago – the 2014 flood was a baptism by fire for McMahon. She had to convince the province to get on board with a matching dollar program and that was not a simple task. The province initially said no – which had McMahon working the telephones to get that decision changed.
The city raised $905,000 which the province matched on a 2 for 1 basis creating a fund of $2,715,000 that was distributed to people whose homes had been flooded.
 Seniors get top billing with McMahon. It isn’t all drudgery and work – McMahon stood up in the legislature recently and said the province needed to have some fun – the rubber duck was coming to Ontario.
A lot of her colleagues on the opposition side of the legislature hammered her for spending tax dollars foolishly – McMahon explained that the rubber duck was going to visit communities that asked to be destinations. “They got it” said McMahon who added that thousands of people will show up to do selfies with the 161 foot tall rubber duck.
The Ontario 150 Tour in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary features a summer of entertainment in waterfront cities and towns. It launches on Canada Day weekend in Toronto and then travels to Owen Sound, Sault Ste. Marie, Midland, Amherstburg and finishes in Brockville on August 13th.
McMahon couldn’t say if the duck was coming to Burlington – each destination works out its own arrangement with the festival organizers.
What a draw that duck would be as it slid by the Pier and moved on into Hamilton harbour.
That wasn’t something the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport was going to get into. She is now in early election mode – pounding the pavement with the provincial Liberal organization getting the word out on the job she has been doing.
 McMahon moved her office out of a dreary high rise and into a new building with much better exposure. As she works the election trail there will be some explaining to do – the sale of part of Hydro One has a lot of people upset – they don’t think Crown Jewels should be sold.
The huge sums of money being put into infrastructure are a plus and the eventual electrification of the GO train service along with 15 minute service are welcome.
A government heading into its 15th year of leading the province raises some eyebrows. McMahon sees it all a little differently – she saw her win in 2014 as putting a Liberal in the Legislature to represent Burlington for the first time in 70 years.
 By Staff
June 11th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
On the morning of Saturday, June 10, the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer announces a record-breaking 5,042 riders raise $20,533,000 for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre as the 10th annual Ride commenced in Ontario.
 The starting point for 5042 riders. In 10 years, the Ontario Ride has raised over $175 million to support Personalized Cancer Medicine, research, treatment advances, education and new standards of care at The Princess Margaret, across Ontario, and around the world. Nationally, the Ride to Conquer Cancer has raised over $359 million to-date and is Canada’s largest peer-to-peer fundraising event
 Day 1  Day 2 Thousands of Riders rode their way yesterday to Camp at McMaster University in Hamilton, and today, Sunday, many will embark to the finish line in Niagara Falls. In total, Riders will travel over 200-kilometres this weekend on one of three routes.
The event is organized by Cause Force, an industry leader in producing active lifestyle events for non-profit organizations across the globe. In this case the organization is the Princess Margaret Hospital and its cancer treatment program.
Enbridge gets to put its name on the event as, presumably, the lead financial supporter.
The Ride to Conquer Cancer® is an incredible two-day, 200-kilometre cycling journey through the beautiful countryside that raises crucial fundraising dollars for top cancer institutions around the globe and supports their missions to conquer cancer.
The Ride offers participants a fully supported event, catering to all needs from registration to the finish line, and creates an unforgettable event experience for Riders, Crew Members, volunteers, sponsors, donors and supporters. The Canadian Ride to Conquer Cancer series is the largest peer-to-peer fundraising event in Canada.
$175 million over ten years – someone is doing something right.
 By Staff
June 9th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
 Bill Reid, Ontario Citizen of the year for 2016 He is heard at the Appleby Go station each Remembrance Day – singing.
For Bill Reid this is a duty he feels he has to those who fought in the World Wars.
Earlier this week, the province recognized Bill as the Senior of the Year for 2016 and, as expected Bill not only sang but did a rendition of “In Flanders Fields” before a decent audience at the annual tea that Burlington MPP Eleanor McMahon held at the Centennial Library.
Bill, born in Halifax, served in the Army during the second world war in Belgium. “I never fired a shot in anger” he told his audience.
During the golf season Bill makes it a point to get in 9 holes as often as he can – he made no mention of what his par is.
 Bill Reid with his three daughters, a granddaughter, his wife and a son in law. Bill was there with his wife of 60 years and his three daughters along with one of his granddaughters. When MPP McMahon announced that the day was also the sixtieth wedding anniversary Bill’s wife said she wanted a recount.
It was that kind of event – an occasion to honour and recognize someone who had served his country and continues to serve his community.
 By Pepper Parr
June 8th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
This is a decidedly different approach to fund raising – one that follow the “who you know” rule.
Trevor Copp put on a wonderful production of “Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Royal Botanical Gardens last summer.
It was the most enterprising event in last summer’s cultural event season.
Like anything to do with culture – there was money to be raised.
 Midsummer at the RBG Copp explains: “We are trying to raise money to make our summer production of ‘The Merchant of Venice’ happen.”
“Wait” he cautions – “don’t glaze over yet: we aren’t asking for money. We are asking for names. We have this whole corporate campaign on the go – great acknowledgement for these great businesses to the thousands who come out this summer.
“We have the charity status. We have the great cause. We have the list of key corporations to approach. We just don’t know who exactly to connect to – and that’s the key. So: do you know decision makers from this list you could introduce us to?
 Trevor Copp, founder of Tottering Biped Theatre wants as much contact information from you as possible. 1. Banks: TD, RBC, CIBC, Scotiabank
2. Tim Hortons
3. Pizza Pizza
4.Burlington Hyundai
5. Lexus of Oakville
6. Theatre Aquarius
7. Downtown Hamilton
8. Burlington Downtown
9. Schlegel Villages
10. ArcelorMittal
11. Investors Group
12. Hamilton Cleaners
13. Stresscrete Group
14. Effort Trust
15. Budds’ BMW Hamilton
16. Turkstra Lumber Hamilton
17. Burlington Hydro
Roll out your Rolodex and see who you know – and pass the names and the contact detail to Copp. He will be eternally grateful.
The production last year overcame one difficulty after another – but the show usually went on – and it was a production worth seeing.
This summer – at the RBG – outdoors – in August.
 By Staff
June 6th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
It looks like it is going to be that kind of a season – rain delays which will play pure havoc with the schedule.
Doesn’t appear to be having an impact on the Burlington HERD – still 0 for 7
 This is looking like a season that will see ha;f the schedule rained out! The Herd was going to visit Kitchener but that got rained out
All games have yet to be rescheduled.
Future games:
Tuesday, June 6
Burlington at Hamilton, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 8
Guelph at Burlington, 7:15 p.m.
Standings
London Majors 7-0
Barrie Baycats 6-0
Kitchener Panthers 5-2
Toronto Maple Leafs 5-3
Brantford Red Sox 2-5
Hamilton Cardinals 1-4
Guelph Royals 1-6
Burlington Herd 0-7
 By Staff
June 6th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer Road Closures – Saturday, June 10, 2017
The 10th annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer bike race will take place on Saturday, June 10, 2017.
 This is the Quebec crowd during the 5th Annual Ride to Conquer Cancer – expect a smaller crowd in Burlington on the 10th of June. The following road closures will be in place:
• Millar Crescent will be closed to traffic between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.. Local resident access only.
The following lane closures will be in place:
• Cyclists will travel in the dedicated lane while vehicular traffic will be allowed to travel one way in the opposite direction along the event route.
Emergency services access will be maintained at all times along the event route.
By Staff
June 6, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The next BurlingtonGreen event is a film presentation on Bikes versus card – a must see movie for the Gazette commentators who regular toss barbed comments at each other.
Wednesday, June 7th – a look at both the struggle for bicyclists in a society dominated by cars, and the revolutionary changes that could take place if more cities moved away from car-centric models.
Wednesday, at 6:30 pm – Central Library, 2331 New Street, Burlington
$5 admission (free for BG members).
Following the film, there will be time for audience discussion about the challenges and opportunities for cycling in Burlington with our event guests from the Burlington Cycling Advisory Committee.
Click here to see the film trailer.
 By Staff
June 4, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
A Toronto Maple Leaf baseball player pulled off a three-run home run that capped a five-run ninth inning for the Leafs, who defeated the Burlington Herd 8-2 Saturday afternoon at Nelson Park.
 For Burlington, Carlos Villoria went 2-for-4 with an RBI, Kevin Hussey drove in a run, and Canice Ejoh had two singles, two runs and two steals. Burlington swiped five bases in total.
Four errors hurt the Herd, as only two of the eight runs allowed were earned.
Starting pitcher Rich Corrente (0-1) gave up three runs (one earned) in seven innings, scattering three hits while striking out three and walking two.
The Herd dropped to 0-7.
Future games:
Sunday, June 4
Burlington at Kitchener, 2 p.m.
Tuesday, June 6
Burlington at Hamilton, 7:30 p.m.
Standings
London Majors 7-0
Barrie Baycats 6-0
Kitchener Panthers 5-2
Toronto Maple Leafs 5-3
Brantford Red Sox 2-5
Hamilton Cardinals 1-4
Guelph Royals 1-6
Burlington Herd 0-7
By Staff
June 4th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Saturday – It was as perfect as it was going to get – different people enjoyed the day in different ways.
 Spencer Smith Park seemed close to empty – resting up for the thousands that will fill the park for the Sound of Music. Spencer Smith Park was close to abandoned except for those with children who enjoyed the joys of a splash pad.
 The Splash Pad in the Park had a consistent flow of visitors both young and older – pets as well A couple used the Discovery Centre as the local for their wedding while other
 A couple chose this wonderful June Saturday to marry – using the Discovery Centre as the local.
 By Staff
May 29, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Just ducky!
An Ontario government grant of about $120,000 that is going toward a giant rubber duck for Canada 150 celebrations is ruffling some feathers.
 A six storey tall rubber duck with selfie appeal. Will we see it in Burlington Bay. It will be a huge draw. The six-storey-tall, 13,600-kilogram yellow duck is being brought to Toronto by the Redpath Waterfront Festival, at a total cost of $200,000, combining other funding such as corporate sponsorship.
It’s being billed as a tourist attraction — with particular Instagram and selfie appeal — and will also be taken to other communities in Ontario.
Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Eleanor McMahon said the province has been funding the waterfront festival for the past three years and it does a good job promoting tourism.
 Burlington MPP and Minister of Tourism and Sport defends the rental of a rubber duck to celebrate our 150th birthday – what would Sir John A. have to say about that idea? “This year they’ve decided to add a duck to the equation,” she said. “I think it’s an important contribution to our 150th celebrations. It’s just another example of the fun that people are going to have this summer.”
Lea Parrell, the co-producer of the waterfront festival, said it’s hoped the duck will have a positive effect on tourism.
The $200,000 cost includes renting the duck from a man in the United States who owns it, transporting it, inflating it, using a crane to lift it onto a barge, towing the barge, bringing it to other Ontario communities, marketing, and on-site support such as portable toilets and extra fencing so people don’t fall in the water, Parrell said.
The giant rubber duck is based on similar floating structures by a Dutch artist that have travelled world, Parrell said.
No word yet on whether the duck will be seen floating at the end of the Pier sometime during the summer. Selfies galore.
By Ken Pagan
May 29th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Justin Gideon is staying positive and, with a touch more confidence in his game, the results are showing on the field.
The Burlington Herd leadoff hitter, fresh off being named the IBL Batter of the Week, continued pumping out the hits on Saturday, mashing a long home run to centre-field as part of a 3-for-5 day in an 8-7 loss to the Brantford Red Sox.
Gideon, who turns 22 next month, is fourth in the IBL with a .478 batting average after six games, and leads the league with 11 hits and four doubles. His nine runs scored are second-most in the IBL.
 Justin Gideon, IBL Batter of the Week for May 15-21 swings for the win-less Burlington Herd “I’m feeling more confident,” said Gideon, now in his third season with Burlington’s IBL squad. “As a rookie, sometimes you’re kind of hoping for hits, but when things are going well, you’re expecting to get hits and that makes a huge difference. I think that positive attitude really helps.”
He was named IBL Batter of the Week for May 15-21, after going 7-for-9, which included a monster 5-for-5 game in a 14-12 home loss to the Barrie Baycats.
“I haven’t changed too much with my approach, just some subtle things,” he said. “On the mental side, I feel like I’m playing with a lot more confidence, especially with being a leader on the team. I think you have to have that confidence regardless of how you’re doing.
“You have to take things one at-bat at a time. You can’t look at your day and see that you’re 0-for-2 and be scared to go 0-for-3. You have to look at the next at-bat and try to get a hit. You have to have a short memory.”
Gideon has played four seasons of OUA baseball at Brock University, where he has thrived, twice being named Brock’s MVP and earning OUA Top Hitter accolades. He was second in the OUA with a.469 batting average and two homers in 64 at-bats in 2014 and followed with a .422 average and three homers and a league-leading 30 runs scored in 2015.
 But things came untracked in the 2016 fall season, when his average fell below .200
“It was just a combination of things,” he said. “I try not to make excuses, but it was just a slump I couldn’t get out of. It’s a lot shorter season and there are not as many at-bats (to come out of it), so it was just tough.”
However, he is making the most of a shot at redemption to get things back on track with the Herd this season. As the team’s table-setter and centre-fielder, he wants to continue setting high standards on the field.
“I want to bring a sense of leadership and try to keep a positive attitude among the guys and perform well every game,” he said. “ Even if I’m not performing offensively, I want to bring it defensively and just always be hustling and play with the same intensity every game.”
By Staff
May 29, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington will kick off the summer event season at its annual Kite Festival on Sunday, June 4 at Brant Hills Community Centre and Brant Hills Park between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
 Next Sunday, June 4 at Brant Hills Community Centre and Brant Hills Park between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Rain or shine Residents are invited to join in the fun, explore their creativity and build a kite for free, while supplies last. Supplies are generously donated by Canadian Tire. Event attendees will fly their kites in the open space at Brant Hills Park all day to help fill the sky with colour.
The Kite Festival is a family-friendly event presented by the Rocca Sisters & Associates, with a variety of vendors and entertainment. Fun activities include face painting, balloon animals and a Canada 150 chain link activity.
The festival will take place rain or shine. Brant Hills Community Centre is located at 2255 Brant St. and Brant Hills Park is located at 2300 Duncaster Dr.
 By Staff
May 29, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
It took the Brantford Red Sox five games to pick up their first win of the season, and it came against another win less team – the Burlington Herd who have gone six games without a win.
Dan Jagdeo’s solo home run with one out in the top of the ninth inning lifted the Red Sox to an 8-7 victory over the Burlington Herd Saturday afternoon.
Brantford is 1-4, and Burlington is 0-6.
Ricky Murray had three hits and drove in a run and scored once for the Red Sox. Chris Dennis and Nic Burdett each had an RBI and run, while Benjamin Bostick singled twice, scored twice and had an RBI.
Brandon Dailey had two hits and two runs, and Cody Mombourquette drove in a pair.
Tyler Soucie (1-0) earned the win, giving up a run in one inning of relief. He walked one and struck out one. Tanner Guindon tossed a scoreless inning with two strikeouts for his first save.
Starter Justin DAmato went 3.2 innings and allowed five runs on five hits with three walks and four strikeouts.
For Burlington, Justin Gideon went 3-for-5 with a home run and two RBI, while Canice Ejoh also had three hits, two RBI and a run. Cooper Lamb had two RBI, and Grant Okawa had two hits and scored twice.
Kyle Symington (0-1) took the loss, giving up a run on two hits in an inning. He struck out one.
Starter Brad Smith gave up six runs (four earned) on seven hits in three innings. He walked three and struck out one.
 By Pepper Parr
May 27, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Despite having to make close to last minute changes to the venue – forgetting about a performance under canvas and moving to inside a church hall, the 3rd Annual Lowville Festival pulled it off.
The “The hall at St. George’s was packed to the rafters Friday night” and with Liona Boyd on the playbill little wonder.
Saturday night:The Second City Comedy Troupe doing their Canada: The Thinking Man’s America is going to sell out. If you want to try and get a ticket – call BobMissen at 289-260-1109
Sunday, May 28; 2pm – St. Georges Anglican Church – Motus O Dance Theatre will be doing “Alice”; the production is a decidedly delightful look at a classic.
 Alice in Wonderland characters with such energy and excitement – they leave audiences breathless. Rich in athleticism and innovative dance and theatre, ALICE is an exhilarating adventure that spins you off into another land. ALICE is an adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s whimsical stories, “Alice in Wonderland” and “Through The Looking Glass”. In her search for home, Alice must maneuver herself through this topsy – turvy world. ALICE is a one hour show that brings to life all your favourite characters with such energy and excitement that the audience is left breathless. Part Dance Part Theatre Part Triathlon.
While not intended as a performance for children – the production will widen the eyes of those from 12 to 80.
Growing the business:
The Lowville Festival organizers held their events during the first two years inside church halls and decided they were ready to outgrow those spaces. They were leaving behind some fine performances and wonderful memories but they needed more space.
Lowville Park was a beautiful location but there wasn’t a building they could hold events in. They got creative and decided a large tent – the kind of think travelling circuses used to use – would draw audiences and also add some charm and adventure to an event. The Festival was going to go under canvas.
 The tent was a great idea – but the grounds were too soggy after several days of rain. A venue change was needed. The tent would keep any rain out – but the rain we have experienced this month left the grounds in the park soggy and soaked with water. It just wasn’t going to work.
The Festival organizers had to make changes – and they had to move very quickly which took them back to those tried and true church halls.
Second City this evening; Alice Sunday afternoon – both well worth the price of the tickets – if you can get one.
Saturday, May 27; 1pm to 4pm – Lowville United Church – Free Event!
Sights and Sounds in the Escarpment in collaboration with the Art Gallery of Burlington
Sponsored by: Ontario Trillium Foundation
By Staff
May 27, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The city thinks they are unsafe —high water levels – decided to close the following areas:
 Tuck Creek bike path. Informal paths along Tuck Creek from Regal Road to Tuck Park
The floating public docks and pedestrian ramps at the LaSalle Park Marina boat launch
The pedestrian bridge at the waterfront trail is also closed (at LaSalle Park)
The beach at Burlington Beach Regional Waterfront Park—the Beachway (closed May 17, 2017)
Recent rains have damaged the banks of Tuck Creek below Regal Road, making the informal trails very dangerous to any pedestrian or cyclist.
 LaSalle Park boat ramp High water has also created unsafe conditions at the public boat launch and the pedestrian bridge leading to the LaSalle Park breakwater. The floating docks and pedestrian ramps will be removed early next week until the lake level recedes. The public launch will remain open at this time.
 Bridge at LaSalle Park almost washed out. Residents are warned to stay away from the noted creek block and park areas until the repairs have been made and exercise caution at our waterfront parks during this period of record high lake levels.
 By Pepper Parr
May 26th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
 Town Crier David Vollick gets the announcement meeting off to a good start. For $4.5 million – he really rang that bell. The cheque was just short of $4.5 million but the happy faces at the Joseph Brant Museum this morning were not quibbling.
 Barbara Teatero, Executive Director Museums of Burlington A project that started 22 years ago when the first report was produced and became the life work of Barbara Teatero was made real with the federal government announcement that the renovation – rebuild of the Museum is now funded.
It is going to cost considerably more than $4,479,000 to do all the work that is planned but without the federal money the project was never going to break ground.
 John Doyle  Larry Waldren John Doyle and Larry Waldron wore smiles that came close to lighting up the room that had 40+ people crammed into it while Town Crier Dave Vollick rang his bell and proclaimed the way only Vollick can proclaim that the museum was going to go through a significant change.
Construction schedules are being worked out – tenders will have to be let and scheduling completed.
Allan Magi had to tell city council a number of months ago that he was faced with a very challenging problem – organizing the construction without knowing for certain that the money was in the bank.
The Capital Works department will now be able assemble the internal team and begin with a project that will add another cultural destination for people who choose to visit Burlington.
 Architect’s rendering of what the new Joseph Brant Museum could look like when it opens. The new museum will have triple the space of the existing facility; the hope is that the space will be able to attract top tier travelling exhibits to the city.
While the politicians were doing what they do with words Ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven cast a glance toward Doyle and raised an eyebrow and tipped his head – they had pulled it off.
 Those waters were the view that Joseph Brant had each morning when he stepped out of his house that was on what he described as Burlington Bay. That path in the middle of the picture was once a two track railway line into the town. It was a big day – it will take a couple of years to get to the Opening Day – and a fitting one for Joseph Brant who made Burlington his home for the last years of his life.
What will he think when the new Museum is opened?
 By Pepper Parr
May 26, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Weather, weather, weather.
The rain has thrown the Lowville Festival plans into a tizzy.
In the tradition of theatre – the show must go on and it will.
The plans for doing The Second City Comedy Troupe’s production of Canada: The Thinking Man’s America and Alice in Wonderland have had to be changed
 St Georges Anglican Church is at 7051 Guelph Line, ten minutes north of Lowville Park, just north of Derry Road. The performances scheduled for the Festival tent in Lowville Park will now take place in St. George’s Church Hall at 7051 Guelph Line, ten minutes north of Lowville Park, just north of Derry Road.
The affected performances are:
• The Second City Comedy Troupe’s production of Canada: The Thinking Man’s America at 7:30 pm on Saturday, May 27; and
• ALICE IN WONDERLAND by Motus O Dance/Theatre Company at 2 pm on Sunday, May 28 – Fun for the family!
St. George’s Hall has been a venue for festival events since 2015. Liona Boyd and the Lowville Festival Choir perform there on Friday evening, May 26, at 7:30 pm. The Hall will be dry and the indoor space will add a feeling of intimacy to the performances.
Show schedule:
Friday, May 26; 7:30 pm – St. George’s Parish Hall
To Canada with Love: Celebrating Canada 150, featuring Liona Boyd and the Lowville Festival Choir
Saturday, May 27; 1pm to 4pm – Lowville United Church
Free Event!
Sights and Sounds in the Escarpment in collaboration with the Art Gallery of Burlington
Sponsored by: Ontario Trillium Foundation
Saturday May 27th – 7:30pm; St. George’s Parish Hall
Second City Comedy Troupe: – Canada: The Thinking Man’s America
Sunday, May 28; 2pm – St. George’s Parish Hall
Motus O Dance Theatre’s Alice.
St. George’s Church Hall at 7051 Guelph Line, ten minutes north of Lowville Park, just north of Derry Road.
Representatives of the Festival will be at Lowville Park to re-direct anyone who is not aware of the change.
For information, please call: Bob Missen 289-260-1109
By Staff
May 25, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Yo!
 We wanted to let you know that the ticket price for Sound of Music June 10 Kick-Off Concert is going up on May 29.
Time to purchase if you haven’t already!
Spread the word and let your friends know that seven bands for $60 (plus fee and tax) can’t be beat.
Gates open at 1:00 pm.
Quick peak promo
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