 By Staff
June 15th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Be prepared to be mesmerized by the brilliant colour combinations of the iris collection at the Royal Botanical Gardens’ (RBG) Laking Garden – they are at their peak bloom.
 Royal Botanical Gardens’ (RBG) Laking Garden Visitors can also explore the peony collection and perennial borders while enjoying live entertainment, guided tours, and presentations at the RBG Discovery Cart.
“You really have to come to RBG and immerse yourself in this collection to gain a full sensory experience that iris can provide,” said RBG Curator of Collections, Alex Henderson. “We have over 1,000 iris displaying an array of brilliant colour and the fragrance is truly captivating.”
Planted in 1947, the iris collection was RBG’s first herbaceous collection of importance with the main focus on tall bearded iris. There are approximately 250 species of wild iris found around the world and several are planted here.
 Set on a fertile terraced plain, formerly a market garden, the site is home to RBG’s herbaceous perennial collections. The name iris derives from Greek meaning rainbow, referring to the wide variety of flower colors found among the many species and cultivars. RBG’s collection includes award-winning bearded iris and hundreds of others including miniature bearded, dwarf bearded, intermediate bearded, border bearded, tall bearded, Siberian, spuria and wild species iris.
The garden also features a broad selection of tree and herbaceous peony cultivars, as well as several ancestral wild species. The Greeks referred to peonies as ‘the Queen of all herbs’ while the Chinese considered them ‘the King of all flowers’. Over time, peonies have been used ethno-botanically as a medicinal plant, as a spice, for making tea, as a perfume and the seeds were even used as jewelry.
Peonies are divided into three groups. Herbaceous peonies, which die back to the ground each winter, Tree peonies, which are one- to two-metre tall woody shrubs that bloom ahead of their herbaceous cousins, and the latest introduction of Intersectional (Itoh) hybrids, a cross between the two. The herbaceous peony collection is predominantly on the lower terrace near the gazebo while tree peonies are found on the upper terrace.
RBG’s Laking Garden (located at1260 Spring Gardens Road, Burlington) is set on a fertile terraced plain, formerly a market garden, and is home to RBG’s herbaceous perennial collections. The belvedere at the end of the path offers a panoramic view over the entire garden.
This garden, overlooked by a small cottage, offers the visitor an insight into the depth and breadth of perennial plants.
 By Staff
June 14th , 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
To discourage speeding and to encourage safe driving on our neighbourhood streets, the city has established a road safety lawn sign campaign. Signs are available to residents free of charge (one per household).
 How to get a sign:
If you are in ward 4 (maybe this applies to all wards) Shawna Stolte the ward 4 Councillor
1- will deliver signs to residents. Send an email to ward4@burlington.ca with the following details:
Name:
Address:
Survey Participant: Yes or No
Transportation staff will be conducting a short survey in late 2019 or early 2020 to get feedback about the program. Please indicate if you do or do not wish to participate when sending your email.
2- Pick up a sign at City Hall, Service Burlington counter, 426 Brant Street, weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Sign Placement:
Please ensure that sight line obstructions are not created when placing your sign. The sign must:
▪ be set back a minimum of 0.6 meters (2 feet) from the curb or edge of the roadway;
▪ not obstruct the travelled portion of the roadway, median, traffic island, sidewalk, bicycle path, or multi-use trail;
▪ be inserted into the ground using the wire frame only;
▪ be placed where it will not obstruct sight lines for pedestrians, cyclists or drivers; and
▪ be placed as supplied and without further illumination or the use of reflective tape.
Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte clearly wants those sign out on as many lawns as possible. Support her.
 By Staff
June 14th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The operators of the Schlegel Villages, long term care and retirement homes, are doing their part to put an end to ageism.
 The Elder Wisdom bench – at entrance #5 Burlington Centre They have come up with a unique idea – set benches out and invite people to spend some time with a senior to talk about their experiences.
They use benches painted in a signature green and putting them out in very public places.
The program is called Elder Wisdom – they use the hash tag #ElderWisdom and will be visiting the Burlington Centre (was once called the Burlington Mall) on Monday June 17th from noon to 2:00 pm.
Seniors from The Village of Tansley Woods will be at the Centre with the green #ElderWisdom bench to share in conversations with the Burlington community.
#ElderWisdom is a social awareness campaign aimed at highlighting senior wisdom and contribution in our communities in hopes to honour the wisdom of the elder, end ageism.
Ageism is a form of discrimination, often experienced by seniors. Our elders have a great deal of wisdom to contribute to their communities. However, societal norms marginalize seniors, treat them with disrespect, make them feel unwelcome and generalize as if they were all the same.
 Wisdom moving from the senior to a senior police officer. Examples:
• comedians and talk show hosts joke about seniors and memory loss;
• doctors often talk past the senior patient to an adult child as if the senior wasn’t even in the room and
• younger adults mock seniors for being ‘slow’.
Ageism robs seniors of choice, independence, dignity and negatively impacts their quality of life.
It’s an interesting approach to a problem that limits the degree to which seniors can be active participants in the growth and well being of their communities.
Burlington Centre – June 17th noon to 2:00 pm
The green bench will be at entrance number 5.
 By Staff
June 13th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Crime Stoppers of Halton, in partnership with Halton Regional Police Service, is targeting the dangerous and increasingly widespread trafficking and dealing of Fentanyl and other opioids.
“Fentanyl and related opioids are becoming ever more common in Halton Region and that raises concern for the safety of our communities,” says Constable Nadine Clarke, police coordinator at Halton Crime Stoppers. “Every tip from the public is investigated and every dose of Fentanyl taken off our streets is a life potentially saved”.
“Halton Crime Stoppers offers rewards of up to $2000 for valid tips that lead to an arrest, and all tips are 100% anonymous. Halton Crime Stoppers will never ask for your name, address, phone number, e-mail address or other personal information.”
Anyone with information on the trafficking or dealing of Fentanyl and related drugs in Halton Region are asked to contact Halton Crime Stoppers either by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
 By Staff
June 4th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Since the beginning of this year, the Halton Regional Police Service has seen an increase in the number of suspected opioid overdoses in the communities they serve. Each of these overdoses comes with its own emotional and physical toll.
Across the country, an estimated 4,400 people died after apparent opioid overdoses in 2018. Each of these lives — the lives of mothers, sons, brothers, daughters, fathers, sisters and friends — makes the opioid crisis a significant public safety concern.
Halton Region is not immune to the impact of the opioid crisis that is devastating communities from coast to coast. While our Region has not experienced the same scope of overdoses and deaths as other parts of the country, Halton has been significantly impacted.
The opioid crisis does not distinguish between age, socio-economic, gender, geography or cultural boundaries.
We recognize that the impact of opioid use will be a long-term challenge for the community. This is why the Halton Regional Police Service is working collaboratively with stakeholders to develop and deliver comprehensive strategies and interventions to address the issues related to the illicit use, misuse or abuse of opioids in our community.
This includes work across various sectors to build resiliency in all four municipalities through the Halton Region – Community Safety & Well-Being Plan.
If you have a friend or family member who uses drugs, these tips may help save a life in the event of an overdose:
• Never use alone. If an overdose occurs, having another person nearby can save your life.
• Remember that any drug can be cut with, or contaminated by, other agents or drugs (e.g. fentanyl), which in very small amounts can be harmful or fatal. Know your tolerance and always use a small amount of a drug first to check the strength.
• Carry naloxone, a drug that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone is available free-of-charge in Halton at:
o Halton Region clinics (in Acton, Burlington, Georgetown, Milton and Oakville) and Halton Region Needle Exchange Program (Exchange Works)
o Some local pharmacies. To find a pharmacy that distributes naloxone, visit the Ontario government’s Where to get a free naloxone kit web page.
• Don’t run. Call 9-1-1. An overdose is a medical emergency. Know the signs of an overdose and call 9-1-1 right away. Our frontline officers, and other first responders in Halton, carry naloxone and we want to assist. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides broad legal protections for anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose. This means citizens, including youth, will not be charged for offences such as simple possession for calling 9-1–1 in an emergency.
“The Halton Regional Police Service recognizes that addressing the devastating impacts of the opioid crisis requires a holistic, long-term, collaborative approach. We are leveraging all internal resources and taking all measures to actively investigate and prosecute those responsible for trafficking in illicit narcotics,” said Chief Stephen Tanner.
“In parallel, we continue to work with strategic partners to further our understanding of the upstream factors that contribute to this issue. Our community demands and deserves the best from us, and their well-being and safety is our priority.”
“Last year, 40 people in Halton died from an opioid overdose. Each of these deaths matters greatly, and is preventable. We want to talk about opioid overdoses – to reduce the stigma against people who use drugs, and to ensure that people who use drugs get the support they need.
 Halton Regional Police Chief Stephen Tanner “We are already working to ensure that people who use drugs, their families and friends, can access free naloxone through our clinic and outreach programs, and to equip first responders in Halton to carry naloxone which saves lives.
“This is a complex issue that requires a community wide response. We are committed to working together with our partners on a local response.” Said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health]
Resources for those with addictions
We encourage all parents to have open and frank conversations with their children about the very significant risks and dangers associated with the use of any illicit drug, and in particular opioids. There are many online resources available, including the website drugfreekidscanada.org.
There are agencies and supports in place within our community to assist individuals suffering from addictions, and their families, including:
ADAPT – Halton Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Assessment Prevention & Treatment Services
ADAPT is a non-profit, community-based, outpatient addiction, assessment and treatment agency funded by the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, and the United Way to provide a range of services throughout the Halton Region. ADAPT is dedicated to empowering persons with alcohol, drug and/or gambling concerns, and their families, to manage these concerns and to lead fulfilling lives through the provision of comprehensive assessment and treatment services, corresponding to need. ADAPT’s services and programs are available for adults and youth and include:
• Assessment, Treatment and Referral Services (Adult)
Days Ahead Program – Assessment, Treatment and Referral Services (Youth)
• Community Justice Programs
• Know the D.E.A.L. Program (Youth)
For more information about ADAPT services or to book an appointment, call the Intake Desk at 905-639-6537 ext. 0. If this is long distance, call 905-693-4250 ext. 0. Collect calls are also accepted. Hours of operation are from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association) – Halton Region Branch
CMHA provides support for mental health and addictions through education programs, free walk-in counselling programs, crisis intervention through the Crisis Outreach and Support team (COAST program), support and peer-support programs.
For more information on CMHA services call 905-693-4270 or toll-free 1-877-693-4270.
If someone is experiencing a mental health crisis:
• Call COAST at 1-877-825-9011 (TTY: 1-844-646-1700)
• Go to the nearest hospital, or
• Call 9-1-1
Connex Ontario
Provides free and confidential health service information for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental illness and/or gambling. Information and referral services are live-answer 24/7, confidential, and free: 1-866-531-2600
Halton RAAM (Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine) Clinic
The Halton RAAM Clinic provides evidence-based addiction medicine treatments for a variety of substance-use disorders, including alcohol, opioids, tobacco, and benzodiazepine tapering.
The clinic accepts referrals from any source, including self-referral, and patients can also arrive on a walk-in basis. Call 1-888-388-7226 for an appointment.
Halton Region Exchange Works program
Exchange Works is a program of Halton Region’s Harm Reduction Services. As part of this program, outreach workers and public health nurses operate a mobile outreach service in Halton Region that involves:
• Exchanging used injection/smoking supplies for new injection/smoking supplies
• Providing health information to clients
• Distributing safer sex supplies
• Referring clients to community agencies that have the tools to help access rehabs
Services offered:
• Safer injection supplies
• Safer steroid supplies
• Safer inhalation supplies
• Safer sex supplies
• Nasal naloxone training and kits
• Education
• Written information and referrals
• STI and HIV testing, along with Hep A + B vaccines
• Presentations (by request)
You can access Exchange Works by:
• Texting or calling mobile outreach services (on a confidential cell phone)
Mobile Outreach Services
905-330-3305 (North Halton: 905-702-4200)
Monday-Thursday 4:30-8:30 p.m.
• Visiting one of the Halton Region clinics.
Needle exchange services available at Burlington and Oakville clinics
Monday-Friday 1-4 p.m
 By Staff
June 3rd, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington proclaimed June to be Pride Month and raised the Pride Flag over City Hall. On June 23, the pier will be lit up with beautiful rainbow-coloured lights.
 From the left: Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith, Tara Thorp representing Free Mom Hugs Hamilton-Wentworth, ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna, and Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns. Earlier today, Deputy Mayor and Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna read the proclamation and helped raise the Pride Flag at Civic Square. He said “I am pleased that Burlington is a leader in safe, welcoming and inclusive communities. We all have a right to love and to be accepted.”
 By Staff
June 1st, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
A heavenly fragrance is drifting through Royal Botanical Gardens’ (RBG’s) Arboretum, marking the official start of lilac season.
Weekend lilac celebrations at Royal Botanical Gardens’ Arboretum include live entertainment and tours
Visitors to RBG can captivate their senses amongst one of the world’s largest and diverse lilac collections as it reaches peak bloom while enjoying weekend entertainment, guided tours, and special events.
On June 1 & 2; between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. there are a number of events at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Arboretum.
 It’s a little like walking through a perfume factory with fresh air to bring new fragrances to your nose. Discover Lilacs
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Arboretum
Discover the seven colours of lilacs and learn about our world-renowned lilac collection.
 Four of the seven different types of lilacs at the RBG. Guided Tour: History of Lilacs
11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.; Arboretum
Follow a Garden Interpreter as they walk you through the story of our lilac collection. Meet at the start of the Lilac Walk.
Entertainment: Hands On Exotics
Saturday June 1
11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m.; Arboretum
Join us for a Jurassic Adventure! Get up close with a boa constrictor and other reptiles, and learn about these scaly friends.
 This is what relaxing is all about. Voices from the Past
11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Arboretum
Keep an eye out for Isabella Preston while wandering through our Lilac Collection. Hear her stories about her work as one of Canada’s first female horticulturalists.
John Deere – Saturday June 1
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Arboretum
John Deere will be on-site all day as the proud sponsor of the 2019 Lilac Blooms. Take a photo with a John Deere tractor and enjoy some of their give-aways and promotions that will be available.
History of Hendrie Park Heritage Walk
Saturday June 1
11 a.m. and 2 p.m. ; Hendrie Park
Learn about the history of RBG’s most popular garden area and hear the stories of the people who have changed this landscape and left their mark. Meet in the tunnel.
 Full bloom! Wildflower Walk
Sunday
1:30 p.m.; Hendrie Park
Join a Garden Interpreter for a guided walk along our trails and see what wildflowers are in bloom! Meet at the Nature Interpretive Centre front deck.
Discovery Packs
Daily
10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Arboretum
Borrow a Discovery Pack from the Discovery Cart to take with you around the Gardens. These packs are complete with activity books and other tools to help you explore.
“The clearly visible impacts of climate change are accelerating and are threatening to disrupt the lives of billions of people around the world. Notably the lives and livelihoods of younger generations are at stake. Acting now with better education can have a major impact a few years down the road, when young people come of age and can make the decisions that shape society” – Climate Education Initiatives Pick up Pace. United Nations Climate Change article, May 2, 2019
By Staff
May 30th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Youth are aware of this and are demanding change. They want action to prevent irreversible destruction of our planet and to ensure a future for themselves and their descendants. Across the world, environmental skills and awareness are needed to bring about this change.
At the same time, 12% of Canadian children ages 9-19 are affected by mood and anxiety disorders. Less than 20 per cent of these children will receive appropriate treatment. Children and teens with mental illness symptoms are at much higher risk of experiencing mental illness as adults.
 Students on a school environmental project – planting trees. There is a large body of both experimental and observational evidence supporting the beneficial impact of the natural environment on mental well-being. Studies indicate that connection to nature is significantly related to lower levels of overall, state cognitive and trait cognitive anxiety.
Imagine if these two critical issues of our time, environmental stewardship and mental health, could be simultaneously addressed.
We don’t have to imagine. A school that can achieve this already exists. For 35 years, a school in Halton Region has been offering experiential environmental leadership high school education programs for grades 9-10 (Trailhead) and 11-12 (The Bronte Creek Project) including a Specialist High Skills Major in the Environment. These programs are offered to all students in the region who are interested in the environment and take place in a natural setting which promotes social and mental well-being. A highly dedicated staff imparts academic excellence and develops environmental expertise in their students.
Testimonials over the long years of their existence attest to the success of these programs. This is best conveyed through the words of the students themselves:
 “Being at BCP (The Bronte Creek Project) so far has changed my life and will continue to. I love it so much, it is so healthy being out in nature all day, and for people with anxiety, it is really beneficial. Being in BCP gives you a new perspective on life, how it is changing and how it will continue to change if we can’t do something about climate change.” – Current BCP student
“Although it was 23 years ago, the BCP remains … the greatest experience of my entire life … I wanted my own kids to take this program.” – BCP student from 1996 class
The Halton District School Board is now ending these programs as a cost-cutting move.
These programs are a vital solution and there is no alternative in the school system. They should be the model for education that produces healthier and better adjusted adults to guide our society through the challenges and uncertain times ahead.
For the sake of our future, for our children’s future, the decision to end these programs is unacceptable and must be reversed.
Our goal is to obtain as many signatures as possible in a short period of time, before June 19th 2019.
Please use the #KeepBCPandTrailheadRunning when sharing or discussing this campaign on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
Sarah Judd signed this petition
Jessica Kennedy signed 2 hours ago
Lisa Richardson signed 2 hours ago
1,835 have signed. Let’s get to 2,500!
You too can sign the petition – CLICK here.
By Staff
May 28th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Another report card – we didn’t do all that well in the 2019 Canada Road Safety Week Enforcement initiative. Infractions were xx% higher than in the previous year.
During the week of May 14 -20, the Halton Regional Police Service conducted heightened traffic enforcement on area roadways. Officers focused on what has become known as the ‘Big 3’ road safety issues:
 call 9-1-1 for an immediate police response when you see this kind of behavior. Don’t call while YOU are driving. aggressive driving,
distracted driving
and impaired operation – by alcohol and/or drug.
During Canada Road Safety Week CRSW, which included the Victoria Day Long Weekend, Halton Regional Police Service officers laid a total of 3,306 non-criminal charges and warnings related to all forms of driving offences.
Charges included:
1. Speeding, Careless Driving and Stunt Driving (1,599 charges);
2. Sign and traffic light-related offences (473 charges);
3. Documentary infractions-licencing and insurance (456 charges); and
4. Cell phone- electronic devices (129 charges).
The total number of charges laid represents a 23 per cent increase over the number of charges laid during the 2018 CRSW campaign.
Halton officers also intercepted and criminally charged 13 impaired drivers during the campaign for excess blood alcohol, commonly referred to as ‘80mgs or over’. An additional 8 drivers were suspended following roadside breath alcohol testing for registering ‘warn range’ breath alcohol readings.
The Regional Police Service is “grateful” for the vast majority of citizens and area motorists who remain committed to road safety across the region.
If you observe a vehicle being operated in a manner which places you or anyone else in danger, please call 9-1-1 for an immediate police response.
By Staff
May 23rd, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Seventy Halton District School Board elementary and secondary students participated in the 30th annual Skills Ontario Competition on May 6-8, 2019 in Toronto; a total of six Gold medals earned.
The annual three-day competition is the largest skilled trade and technology competition in Canada with more than 2,400 students participating. A broad range of skills and careers are represented across the manufacturing, transportation, construction, service and technology sectors.
Students representing the HDSB at Skills Ontario first participated in the 30th annual Halton Skills Competition on April 2, 2019 competing with approximately 1,000 elementary and secondary students in Halton. From the HDSB, 40 secondary students advanced to Skills Ontario.
Gold medal finalists (Secondary):
• Landscape Design – Nashwa Bilal, Grade 12 student at Craig Kielburger Secondary School
• Website Development – Mark Hutchison, Grade 12 student at Acton District High School
• Baking – Emma Kilgannon, Grade 11 student at Craig Kielburger Secondary School
Silver medal finalists (Secondary):
• Robotics and Control Systems – Noah Tomkins and Ella Walsh, Grade 12 students at Burlington Central High School
• Computer Aided Manufacturing – Michael Wong, Grade 10 student at Garth Webb Secondary School
Bronze medal finalist (Secondary):
• Electrical Installations – Callum Cornell, Grade 12 student at M.M. Robinson High School
Gold medalists in select contests are eligible to represent Ontario at the Skills Canada National Competition on May 28-29, 2019 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Emma Kilgannon and Mark Hutchison will advance to Skills Canada next week.
Of the elementary teams to advance to Skills Ontario, four out of eight teams placed in the Top 3 in their competition and seven out of eight teams placed in the Top 10 in their competition.
Gold medal finalists (Elementary):
• Technology – Ryan Irvani, Adam Qureshi, Alexis Tervit, and Daniel Zusman, Grade 5-6 students at Oodenawi Public School
• Lego Robotics – Venya Balaji, Manasva Katyal, Arnav Narang, and Meilin Song, Grade 8 students at West Oak Public School
• Video Production – Sam Onay and Bernard Ying, Grade 8 students at E.J. James Public School
 Bronze medal finalist (Elementary):
• VEX IQ Crossover – Aliza Ahmad, Sarim Khan, Pranav Marthi, and Maxwell Zanerips, Grade 6 students at Oodenawi Public School
Top 10 finalists (Elementary):
• Lego Robotics – Silver Creek Public School finished in 5th place (out of 16 teams)
• Green Energy – W.H. Morden Public School finished in 6th place (out of 22 teams)
• VEX IQ Crossover – McKenzie-Smith Bennett Public School finished in 7th place (out of 15 teams)
 By Staff
May 13th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
M.M Robinson High School will be cancelled today (Monday May 13) due to a water main break on Upper Middle Road in Burlington.
There is no water available at the school. We have been advised by Halton Region that the repairs will take more than 6 hours.
School bus transportation has been cancelled.
The J.W. Singleton Education Centre (Halton District School Board office), located on the same property as the school, will also be closed today.
Further updates will be provided as information is received.
By Staff
May 7th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
This is a really nice news story.
Not too many of this kind of story comes out of the police service.
Halton Regional Police Service and Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) Partner Sign Memorandum of Understanding
The Halton Regional Police Service and Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) have a long history of partnership and collaboration in responding to and supporting youth in Halton who experience mental health issues.
 ROCK is a community based, multi-service organization that works to promote and achieve optimal mental health in children and youth from birth to 17 years of age and their families.
Members of the Halton Regional Police Service experience many mental health related interactions with youth. Police are often called to, or become aware of, youth who are experiencing a mental health crisis, or in need of mental services.
Currently, Police can facilitate mental health services through referrals to the Halton Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST).
However, COAST services are not generally available to youth under the age of 16.
 Rendering of an enlargement to the Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) facilities on James at New Street, Together, the Halton Regional Police Service and ROCK have developed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which was signed by both organizations on May 7, 2019 during Children’s Mental Health Week. This enhanced partnership will allow Halton Regional Police Service members to directly refer youth under 17 and their families to ROCK, with their consent, in an effort to provide improved mental health support.
For questions regarding this initiative, please contact Inspector Sue Biggs of the Regional Community Mobilization Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 4754
By Staff
May 6th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
On March 27, 2019, the Halton Region Health Department reported the majority of Halton is a risk area for ticks carrying the bacteria which causes Lyme disease. This is a result of active tick surveillance (tick dragging) conducted by the Health Department in 2018 and Halton has been included in Public Health Ontario’s updated estimated risk area map.
 Nothing cute about this creature. The black laegs are what xxx “Halton Region supports the health and well-being of all residents,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health. “Like many municipalities throughout Ontario, most of Halton is considered a risk area for ticks and Lyme disease.
While the risk remains low, residents should be aware of areas where ticks may be present and how to protect themselves and their families from tick bites.”
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by the bite of an infected blacklegged tick, which are usually present in wooded, brushy or tall grass areas.
Residents throughout the region should continue to take precautions to prevent tick bites when enjoying the outdoors. Here are some steps to protect your health:
• If possible, avoid known tick areas (such as wooded, brushy or tall grass areas) and stay on trails when outdoors.
• Cover up by wearing long sleeved, light coloured shirts and pants with tightly woven fabric.
• Tuck your shirt into your pants and your pant legs into your socks to keep ticks away from your bare skin.
• Wear shoes that cover your entire foot, avoiding sandals or open shoes.
• Spray clothing and exposed skin with an insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin.
• Check your clothing and body for any ticks after spending time outdoors, especially around the groin, armpits and hairline. Carefully remove any ticks from yourself or a family member.
• Check your pets regularly for ticks as they could carry ticks inside your home.
 The southern part of Halton is where the infestation appears to be highest.. The Halton Region Health Department conducts tick surveillance in the spring and fall. Residents should continue to submit ticks to the Health Department for identification.
By Pepper Parr
May 1st, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
With provincial funding for education taking a beating from the Doug Ford government the Halton District School Board has decided to celebrate Education Week from May 6-10, 2019 by focusing on innovative learning in action, and celebrate inclusivity and student and staff achievement.
The HDSB will celebrate through a different lens each day of the week to focus on the importance of schools, staff, families and the community working together to support the well-being and success of students.
 Stuart Miller, Director of Education is on the right – chatting with a teacher during a robotics event. “Education Week is an opportunity to reflect on the exciting learning opportunities taking place across our Board and celebrate the many successes of our students and staff,” says Stuart Miller, Director of Education for the HDSB. “We recognize that student success and well-being requires a partnership among schools, staff, parents/guardians and the community, and during this Education Week, we celebrate students and the entire network of people that support them each day.”
Monday, May 6 – #LoveMyHaltonSchool Social Media Contest: To kick off Education Week, students, staff, and parents/guardians are encouraged to share activities and initiatives taking place at their school on social media using the hashtag.
Take a picture – perhaps of the crossing guard that you like, or a teacher that has really been helpful – something that expresses what you feel about your school and use the hashtag to publish it.
Tuesday, May 7 – Engagement & Achievement: The HDSB will highlight how students are engaged in their learning, school, and community, and how staff contribute to a collaborative learning environment.
Wednesday, May 8 – Stewardship & Resources: The ways in which students are provided with innovative and creative opportunities and supported through technology and resources within accessible and equitable environments will be explored.
Thursday, May 9 – Equity & Well-Being: Examples will be shared of how the HDSB strives to provide an inclusive and caring learning environment while advancing a culture of respect that supports the well-being of all students and reflects the changing needs of school communities.
The Board is proud to recognize the success of students through its annual Celebration of Student Excellence event on Thursday, May 9 at Garth Webb Secondary School (2820 Westoak Trails Blvd, Oakville), beginning at 7:30 p.m. One student per school is honoured for their excellence in academics, athletics, self-improvement, community work, citizenship or student leadership. A link to the livestream of the ceremony will be on the homepage of the HDSB website (www.hdsb.ca).
Friday, May 10 – Celebrating Excellence: Following the previous evening’s Celebration of Student Excellence, the accomplishments and successes of HDSB students and staff will be recognized.
 Hundreds of parents crowded into Aldershot high school to learn more about the new iStem program to be offered in September. The HDSB has a number of things to celebrate as the begin the process of ending one school year and thinking about the next year. In September the iStem program will begin at Aldershot high school where more than 100 students will take part in an exceptional program that has the potential to be expanded throughout the Region.
iStem – a program that focuses on science, technology, engineering and matheatics. All taught with a leaning towards entrepreneurship.
Numerous HDSB schools have organized events during Education Week that focus on student success. They include:
Nelson High School: Students will visit Schlegel Villages retirement community on Tuesday, May 7 to learn about employment opportunities in the health sector of long-term care.
A number of schools will be participating in the 14th annual secondary school student art exhibit, State of the Art, which will be held at the New Street Education Centre (3250 New St., Burlington) from May 8-10.
Created by Grade 9-12 students, the works of art incorporate painting, sketching, sculpture, photography and mixed media. The opening reception will be held Wednesday, May 8 from 6-8 p.m.
On Wednesday, May 8, McKenzie-Smith Bennett Public School, in Action will provide an information night for families to engage in wellness activities such as zumba and soccer and participate in a session with staff from Woodview Day Treatment Programs, who will speak about childhood anxiety.
Eastview Public School, in Oakville, will host a student-led assembly on Thursday, May 9 to discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion. Students will read the novel You Be You and create art pieces representing themselves.
Education matters – without one you could be flipping burgers for the rest of your life or welcoming people at WalMart. Graduate.
 By Staff
April 29th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
There is said to be excitement at city hall over the launch of the Art and the City, a self-guided downtown public art walking tour.
If you can get away from your job – join Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and arts and cultural staff for the official launch on Monday, May 6 at 10 a.m. The tour will start at City Hall, rain or shine.
The event is part of the City’s launch of ParticipACTION’s Community Better Challenge and Burlington Walks the Talk program.
Art and the City is available online and accessible from any mobile device. The free web app offers a new way to explore Burlington’s downtown and learn about public art in the process. The tour provides artwork information, photographs and a suggested walking route. The web-based map works across all platforms and allows residents to tour highlights from the public art collection using any internet-enabled smartphone or tablet.
 Alumina was commissioned by the Art Gallery of Burlington in 2008. Payce explores the relationships between form and imagery and the connections of objects and ideas in his artwork. Alumina was inspired by late eighteenth century French Sevres vases and Renaissance Mediterranean apothecary jars (albarelli). Looked at from a different angle they could represent the milk cans that used to be part of the landscape before Burlington was a city. Explore Burlington’s public art collection on this self-guided tour any time and at your own pace. Tour highlights include Portal (across from City Hall), Lady of the Lake (Spencer Smith Park) and Benevolent Angel (Burlington Public Library – Central Branch). Art and the City is divided into two parts and includes 25 public artworks in total.
A limited number of printed guidebooks will soon be available at all city facilities, the Art Gallery of Burlington, Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Burlington Public Library, Museums of Burlington and Tourism Burlington. Art and the City is also available online in PDF format to download, save, and print. Both formats are available online at burlington.ca/publicart.
“Public art is but one of the many things in Burlington that makes our city livable and enhances the lives of our residents”, said Mayor Marianne Meed Ward in a prepared statement. “ Our collection is quite extensive and unique, and there is something for everyone. The Art in the City walking tour is a great way to see the fantastic pieces we have located in the downtown area and it’s a great way to get some physical activity in, especially now that spring is here.”
By Staff
April 26th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board trustees are reaching out to communities in the Region to gather feedback from parents/guardians, students, and community members to include in their submission to the Ministry of Education’s consultations on class size, mandatory e-learning courses and hiring practices. The Ministry’s proposed changes include an increase in average class size of one student in Grades 4-8 and an increase in average class size in high school from 22 to 28 students.
 Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School The meetings will take place at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria at three schools across the region:
• Thursday May 2, Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School (3040 Tim Dobbie Drive, Burlington)
• Wednesday May 8, Abbey Park High School (1455 Glen Abbey Gate, Oakville)
• Monday May 13, Milton District High School (396 Williams Avenue, Milton)
The agenda will be interactive, with Trustees briefly setting the context followed by participants working together to provide feedback around key areas including class size, e-learning and hiring practices.
Participants are asked to bring a Wi-Fi enabled device (phone, tablet or laptop) to assist in the feedback-gathering process.
 Director of Education Stuart Miller confers with Board chair Andrea Grebenc. “It is critical that Trustees hear from the community on these important issues,” said Andréa Grebenc, Chair of the Halton District School Board. “As Trustees, our mandate as set out by the Education Act is to maintain focus on student achievement and well-being, to assist the Board in delivering effective and appropriate education programs to its pupils and to bring concerns of parents, students and supporters of the Board to the attention of the Board. Holding these meetings will assist us to meet these responsibilities in an informed way.”
To learn more about the Ministry’s consultations and the Education Action meetings, visit www.HaltonEducationAction.ca.
To indicate interest in attending a meeting, find a map to meeting locations, or to request a copy of the final submission for the consultations from the Board of Trustees to the Ministry of Education, please refer to the website. Confirmation of attendance is requested for planning purposes.
All are welcome to attend.
By Pepper Parr
April 24th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
In the past few months Community Development Halton has sponsored a number of special focus courses – five that we can count so far.
This is not a traditional area for CDH – an organizational that does a lot of research and spawns organizations that get spun off and continue to serve the wider community.
 One of the more recent focused day long course offerings from Community Development Halton.
Food 4 Thought and the Age Friendly operation are two examples.
 Retired MPP Ted McMeekin in conversation with a former Community Development Halton contract staffer. The CDH Board has gone through some significant changes – financial constraints have called for some cut backs in the number of hours staff work and a push on bringing in some revenue.
CDH came out of what was once known as the Burlington Social Planning that was headed up by retired MPP Ted McMeekin.
Like every worthwhile organization CDH is going through a transformation and learning to adapt to changing circumstances on the funding side and an even greater need for more in the way of actionable data and the creation of services that meet identifiable needs.
By Pepper Parr
April 24th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board issued 154 redundancy letters yesterday to secondary school teachers. This is in addition to the 150 redundancy notices that were issued last week to elementary school teachers.
 Stuart Miller said last week that the issuing of the notices is a requirement under the Collective Agreement the school board has with its unions.
Miller was unable to say which high schools will lose teachers come September.
It is worth noting that two of Burlington’s seven high schools were closed: Lester B. Pearson was closed last June – its students were transferred to MM Robinson.
 Robert Bateman High School is scheduled to close – the actual date was moved back and is now planned for this June. The bulk of the Bateman students will be going to Nelson High School where new facilities are being built for students with special needs.
Those who keep a close eye on public school matters wondered if the decision made three years ago to close two of the seven high schools was not a smart move – even though it wasn’t seen as a smart move at the time.
Miller said in an earlier interview that the province might come through with additional funding or school principals might find a way to shift course offerings and make it possible for a school to keep its staff.
And there is also the matter of retirements – those might open up some spaces that had to be declared redundant.
It is a pretty fluid situation for school administrators – a very uncomfortable situation for teachers who have been told they might not have a job in September.
Related news story:
Elementary school teachers get redundancy notices.
By Pepper Parr
April 18th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
There are 150 elementary school teachers with the Halton District School Board who have been told that come September 1st, they don’t have a job.
The “redundancy” notices they received were required under the collective agreement the school board has with the elementary teachers union.
That’s the bad news – and there is more to come.
Director Miller Stuart Miller, Director of Education for the school board said we will learn next week what we will have to issue in terms of redundancy notices to high school teachers.
In an interview Miller said that some of the elementary teachers might get recalled but at this point we still don’t know what our grant structure from the province is going to be. We usually have that information by now – it might be the end of May before we know what we will have in the way of grant money, what individual schools need in the way of teaching staff and what we will have in the way of retirements.
The provincial decision to increase the number of students in elementary school classes after grade 4 and the need to have bigger high school classes isn’t helping.
Redundancy notices are issued on the basis of seniority which means the newer and usually younger teachers are the first to get let go.
 Teachers reminding the public just what it is they do. Miller did add that the notices have to be issued at this point – “I am hoping that the province sees us as a board with a growing population. We are opening a new school in Oakville.
“I am working with all the secondary school principals to learn what they think their needs are going to be.
“Right now we are dealing with a lot of if’s and maybes.”
While the Halton |Board has a good working relationship with its unions – those unions don’t like what they see coming their way from the province. Think strikes in the educational sector.
Cold comfort for those teachers that got the letters telling them that there is no place for them come September.
By Staff
April 18th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
As most people get ready for a long weekend, hoping that real spring weather will show up, some time might be found to plan for the next set of school holidays.
The Halton District School Board released the calendar for the 2019-2020 school year.
The calendar has to be approved by the Ministry of Education.
Getting a calendar to this point is no small feat. The two major school boards have to get their ducks lined up and then they need to look at what else there is in the way of public holidays.
So far we are not seeing very much in the way of accommodating the Muslim community.
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