 By Ryan O’Dowd: Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
August 23rd, 2021
MILTON, ON
Things are changing in Milton.
Gord Krantz was a Conservative from the moment he drew his first breath a long long time ago. His next election will be his 21st.
Last week he stood beside Liberal candidate Adam Van Koeverden Main Street and said:
 Milton Mayor Gordon Krantz standing with Liberal candidate Adam Van Kouverden during the opening of the campaign office. “People are probably well aware I do not need a microphone, I have a built-in one. And of course I’ll be turning my microphone over to Adam in just very few moments. When Adam invited me here I accepted his invitation without any hesitation whatsoever. And one of the main reasons is just to say thank you for putting your name forward to run for public office, such as Adam has.
“This job is not easy. He goes around knocking on doors to find out what people are thinking. Hopefully most of it is good, some not and I’m well aware of that. Now, how do I know that my last election was my 21st election? ”
“Adam and I work well together” said Krantz. And if that isn’t an endorsement – then just what is an endorsement?
When Van Koeverden got the microphone he spoke about pandemic recovery in the form of his Sports for All Initiative, how Canada can afford $10 a day child care, where Erin O’Toole and the Conservatives really stand on abortion, mental health, and a disputed bill to ban conversion therapy.
One of the main reasons Van Koeverden got involved in public service he said “was to champion physical activity and recreation”. To those who know him as an Olympic Gold medalist this comes as little surprise. He cited this inspiration speaking about his new Community Sports for All Initiative which invests $80 million to help communities with the lowest sports participation recover from the pandemic. Van Koeverden’s focus on sport and activity is not to groom his kayaking successor – the Liberal candidate’s primary concern is health: physical and mental.
 Adam Van Koeverden opening his campaign office on Main Street in Milton. “Sport, physical activity and recreation represent physical health, mental health, social cohesion, and development. I’m not pushing competitive sport, I’m not pushing for more high-performance sport funding. What I’m pushing for is a change to how and why we fund sport in Canada, and that’s to achieve better health outcomes for Canadians. Sports are expensive in Canada.
“There are numerous barriers between access to physical activity and people, and it’s my obligation as an Olympic athlete as a champion for sport, and as a legislator to ensure that those opportunities to live your healthiest life, to learn physical literacy, and to develop, are universally available,” said Van Koeverden.
COVID-19 hit the entire sports and recreation sector hard. Van Koeverden cited “devastating” research from Canadian Tire Jumpstart indicating at least one of the four young women and girls involved in sport will not be returning post-pandemic, a figure representing 365,000 young women and girls. The study acknowledged lower but significant figures for boys as well.
 While Adam Van Koeverden is not shy when it comes to talking about his Olympic achievements – and they were substantial – he is sincere about the need to introduce more sports activity at all age levels but especially young people. Studies have shown youth have been at high risk of experiencing poor mental health during the pandemic, particularly relating to concerns about social ties. Mounting mental health issues and loss of prime developmental years demand a return to normalcy, and Van Koeverden suggests available community sport would play a part.
The program also focuses on inclusivity with Van Koeverden mentioning safe environments for racialized groups, LGBTQ plus groups, Indigenous youth, and people living with disabilities as a priority.
Van Koeverden tied $10 a day child care to pandemic recovery as well, and when pressed on expenses the Milton incumbent insisted the program pays for itself.
“It’s so important that women get back to work, and if they can get back to work by knowing that their little ones are in early learning and childcare programs which are good for their social development, good for their education and also affordable, and that’s a win-win-win. Programs like this pay for themselves because when women get back to work the economy benefits.
“COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted certain groups, that’s women, that’s racialized, that’s LGBTQ plus individuals, that’s lower-income families who were struggling before the pandemic, it’s small businesses and restaurant owners who haven’t been able to serve a meal in almost a year and a half. It’s been challenging, but our government’s been there for people who needed a helping hand, we’ve listened and we’re addressing any gaps found in our programs,” said Van Koeverden.
The Liberal candidate accused Conservative leader Erin O’Toole of “talking out of both sides of his mouth” on abortion. Van Koeverden acknowledges that while O’Toole may vote pro-choice himself he still needs support from the Campaign For Life Coalition, and other anti-abortion groups. Asserting it’s irrelevant if O’Toole is personally pro-choice if 81 of his MPs aren’t and a vote for O’Toole is a vote against pro-choice, regardless of where the federal candidate stands himself.
 There was a time when we didn’t talk about these issues – today they are front and centre – but the divide between the political ideologies is still far too wide. “O’Toole needs to stand up and say clearly that his party will not allow for any legislation that restricts access to women’s reproductive rights, women across the country need to hear that from them. There’s a lot of women who are considering voting Conservative but want to know that their rights, to safe and available abortion, will not be restricted. And we’re seeing it in New Brunswick where clinics are being closed and access is restricted.
“It’s not an all or nothing thing, just because O’Toole voted on a pro-choice level a couple of times to demonstrate that he’s pro-choice there’s a lot of gray area, and the gray area is going to far-right groups and social conservative groups to ask for their support and to tell them that he’ll act in their best interest, he’s talking outside of both of his both sides of his mouth,” Van Koeverden said.
Van Koeverden said he’s happy to hear conservatives talking about mental health but condemns more than half their caucus voting against a bill to ban conversion therapy as hypocritical.
“I’m a huge advocate for mental health and more funding for mental health, but they’re very selective about who gets these mental health services, because any conservative that voted against Bill C-6, which is a bill to make conversion therapy, and I don’t even like to use the word therapy because it’s not therapy, gay people don’t require therapy, they require love, what’s missing in that equation is compassion and empathy, and support, so they don’t feel like they’ve got to change.
 The lasting impact of the pandemic will be the damage done to mental health. The first big step is accepting that people suffering from mental health issues are sick – not weak, and they need treatment. “If any Conservative MP voted against Bill C-6, and then spoke up in the house about mental health services that is a very very clear contradiction and indicates they’re hypocrites because the group that is most vulnerable to things like suicide are disenfranchised LGBTQ plus youth who don’t have the support of their families and feel like outcasts in society. And those youth, and especially the youth who have been subjected to the horrible and horrendous practice of conversion practices, those youth are disproportionately likely to try to commit suicide. So if we’re going to be putting a five-point plan together as the leader of the Conservative Party has, and one of those pillars is to talk about mental health, I welcome that, but I say, mental health for everybody, not just people who vote Conservative. Especially groups that are disproportionately impacted by mental health issues and aren’t supported in many groups in society,” said Van Koeverden.
Bill C-6 on conversion therapy has been contentious, when the bill was debated Conservatives who voted against Bill C-6 asserted their issue was with the definition of conversion therapy. Many Conservative objectors began by stating they support banning conversion therapy but not the proposed legislation. For their part, Liberal members suggested they had been open to re-write the definition but the Conservatives had stalled and functionally squandered that opportunity.
O’Toole voted for Bill C-6 and his platform proposes to re-introduce legislation to ban conversion therapy with the amendment that the ban does not criminalize non-coercive conversations which addresses unclear language the Conservatives objected to.
Bill C6 amends the Criminal Code to, among other things, create the following offences:
(a) causing a person to undergo conversion therapy without the person’s consent;
(b) causing a child to undergo conversion therapy;
(c) doing anything for the purpose of removing a child from Canada with the intention that the child undergo conversion therapy outside Canada;
(d) promoting or advertising an offer to provide conversion therapy; and
(e) receiving a financial or other material benefit from the provision of conversion therapy.
It also amends the Criminal Code to authorize courts to order that advertisements for conversion therapy be disposed of.
Speaking to the public, Van Koeverden spoke about being there for his neighbors focusing on COVID-19 response, work done within the Region of Halton, and climate change as a top priority.
“I have a youth committee and they would never let me forget about climate change,” said Van Koeverden.
 Adam Van Koeverden takes a selfie with part of his campaign team 
 By Staff
August 23rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It appears that the Mayor is sponsoring or holding events in the downtown core but not telling very many people about them
That has some residents ticked.
Mayor Meed Ward just may be doing the right thing.
 The Caribbean Association was giving it a go – What the city doesn’t need is large crowds of people gathering to take part in an event. Tough to maintain social distancing under those circumstances.
Holding small pop-up type events does help give people something to do.
Our reporter toured the downtown area and on up to the Orchard and then on over to Bronte Creek Park and found few people outdoors – they heat was surely part of the reason for people staying home.
The Mayor opened Black/Caribbean month. Residents are complaining that no one was notified. “The only way I found” said our reader, “about last night was chatting with one of the girls involved. I was watching the BPAC music and she said I should come to City Hall on the 21st for a party. I asked if she was sure and she said Yes – the Mayor is putting it on.
“That’s when I went to the tourist office to dig a little deeper. They send out happenings in Burlington all the time.
“Marianne told me the last time, they didn’t want to advertise the prayer celebration for the indigenous kids, prayer for the Muslim family (hundreds of attendees), pride party… so as to keep the numbers down.
“Is that not selfish to the rest of Burlington?
 Wasn’t much of a crowd.. Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns got wind of the event and sent out a late notice. Our reader thought this should have been “virtual”
“Pretty much like all the rest of MMW’s “events”. If we can’t celebrate CANADA DAY (except virtually), how is it we can celebrate all these other days outdoors?
Our writer though that the downtown business people might have been able to benefit as well had there been more notice.
“Two Saturday ago”, continued our reader (who chose not to be identified) the same thing. Party at Spencer Smith Park put on by the mayor and nothing advertised so that we could all attend. I found out after the fact.
“I’m not sure if you are aware, but next Saturday it’s back at Spencer Smith again.”
There are times when the Mayor can’t win for trying. Managing public expectations is not a simple task.
 By Max Bowder: Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
August 20th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
With students heading back to school in the fall, parents are also looking for extra curricular activities their children can take part in.
Parents are searching for programs that offer social connection, a sense of normalcy and fun in an environment that puts safety first.
Scouts Canada which is a non-profit youth service organization that helps children of all ages get in touch with nature, have great adventures, learn outdoor skills and care for the environment as well as be good and helpful members of their community.
“Scouts Canada is a youth serving organization, each section … is designed for the age group kids get to choose what interests them and then help lead their own adventures,” Andrea McLoughlin, customer service.
 Getting Scouters outdoors where they understand nature and lean to care for the environment. The organization has operated for close to 115 years and currently has 50,000 youth participating all around Canada supported by 12,000 volunteers.
Scouts Canada did not shut down during pandemic with the exception of putting a short hiatus during emergency breaks and continued to operate while in the pandemic although needing to scale back in person activities, put mandates in place and have virtual programs.
Scouts Canada has had great success in its programs with no reported transmissions of covid-19 cases.
They have ensured the health and safety of the scouting community by implementing a 5-stage reopening plan which provides members and families with clear easy to follow guidelines to ensure safe in-person adventures.
Some provinces are even in Stage Five, which effectively lifts internal restrictions for all Scouting activities while deferring to all municipal and provincial public health restrictions.
Some of the guidelines includes indoor gatherings up to 25 people and outdoor gatherings up to 50 people, cohorts (Patrols) of a maximum 8 youth, and overnight camping allowed in cohorts only, with tents or shelters preferred, Face coverings and physical distancing are required.
 Orienteering – learning to use a compass and know where they are in the woods and the direction they need to go – a great Scouting experience. “Our mission really is creating well rounded youth who are active members of the community, who care about the environment, who have faith and life skills … who can take on any adventure and be prepared for it,” said youth program specialist Siobhan Ward.
Registration for January to December 2022 Scouting opens on September 1 for existing members, with registration for new members starting September 15th. New members who join before 2022 will benefit from free participation in Scouting for the remainder of 2021.
Executives of Scouts Canada worked fast to go in different direction when covid slowed them down in March but when members turned to virtual meetings, they came up with new strategies which they say came organically despite not meeting in person for almost a full year and ran incredible programing.
Scouts Canada also sponsors the Program No One Left Behind which subsidizes costs for families experiencing hard ship.
“Providing a safe environment for young people in Canada to connect with their peers and get outdoors is our number one priority this fall,” said Executive Commissioner & CEO, Andrew Price.
 Chopping wood, learning to light a camp fire and how to put it out properly. Before they do that the marshmallows get roasted. The virtual programs still give children the experience of scouts Canada even from their houses by giving kids exercises and explore their local communities.
Scouts Canada is looking for volunteers to help fill a number of rewarding roles including running Section meetings, as well as positions focusing on finance, administration, teaching first aid and outdoor skills, leadership, communications, fundraising or property management.
Adults of all ages can sign up at https://www.scouts.ca/volunteer, Scouts.ca/Join
 Max Bowder is a second year journalism student at Sheridan College. He is part of a team with the Gazette on the Local Journalism Initiative funded by the federal government. Before enrolling at Sheridan Max volunteered in a community in Argentina where he worked with young people. He is a Burlington resident who helps out on the family farm in Milton.
 By Pepper Parr
August 16th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
We asked Tammy Fox, Executive Director of the Performing Arts Centre if it was safe to say that the Jazz on the Patio event was a SOLD OUT occasion?
 Elise LeGrow letting it fly – check the specs. Want to hear a Happy Voice response?
Yes every performance sold out. Incredible weather. Couldn’t have asked for a more rewarding return to live music!
Hopefully there will be more in the way of outdoor music. The people of Burlington need something to make them feel good.
 Can a da – remember – it was THE theme song that pulled the country together during Expo 67 Maybe Tammy Fox could impersonate the late Bobby Gimby and lead a small band along Brant Street and out to the end of the Pier.
 By Staff
August 11th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
An extended heat warning has been issued by Halton Region for Aug. 11-13, 2021.
When a heat warning is issued by Halton Region, residents can stay cool at all open Burlington Public Library branches.
Heat warnings are issued by Halton Region when temperatures are expected to be at least 31°C and overnight temperatures are above 20°C for at least 3 days or humidex is at least 40 for at least 2 days.
 Cooling Centre information:
• Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the heat warning
• Community members can use for 1-hour increments
• Screening for COVID-19 upon arrival
• Measures in place to ensure physical distancing
• Non-medical face coverings required
Central Branch
2331 New St.
905-639-3611
Aldershot Branch
550 Plains Rd. E.
905-333-9995
Alton Branch
3040 Tim Dobbie Dr.
905-634-3686
Brant Hills Branch
2255 Brant St.
905-335-2209
New Appleby Branch
676 Appleby Line
905-639-6373
Tansley Woods Branch
1996 Itabashi Way
905-336-5583
 By Staff
August 9th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Next Saturday, August 14th, is Free Comic Book Day, and we’re celebrating by learning about comic design with Intro to Drawing Comics.
 What a neat idea – the Library deserves kudo’s for this program.
The sad part is – registration is full – there is a waiting list.
Learn the basics of comic design from artist Christopher Chamberlain in this virtual program.
Use the link to get yourself on that waiting list.
 By Ryan O’Dowd; Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
August 9th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Large crowds gathered for the Burlington Artscape Leaf Walk today to celebrate Burlington frontline workers and artists in support of the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation (JBHF).
Event-goers, of which there numbered fifty to a hundred at a time, walked among fifty-one 4 foot tall leaf canvasses on the yard. The paintings in all manner of style from realism to abstract are unified by the theme of the love of Burlington. The canvasses are available for sale for $750 per canvas, over 30 have already sold with 100% of proceeds going to JBHF.
 It was a community event with art scattered all over the Grace United Church lawn. The work was done by local artists as a fund raiser for the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation. Jodi Harrison, Burlington Artscape founder, said she had been working on the idea for the project prior to the pandemic but that COVID-19 created immediate demand.
 Megan Hazen, new to Burlington and only beginning to discover the city, made this visual statement of how she feels about the city. “I got a phone call from the JBHF and they said we are in dire need and we need help. And a lot of artists have found sanctuary in their paintbrush and their canvases in being able to express themselves. I thought what a great synergy, what a great way to do this. With COVID it’s natural to want to help the hospital and to get the community involved, we’re all in the same boat and all striving for the same things,” said Harrison.
Harrison spoke about the love of Burlington theme which called upon artists to create Burlington-inspired works.
“We have trails, we have the beautiful community, the wonderful downtown core. We have so much inspiration for artists and there is so much to capture so what greater gift to artists than to say ‘go ahead, paint your love of something,’” said Harrison.
Many of the local artists were in attendance and spent time speaking with the public about their leaves.
Some were long time Burlington residents, like Ron Greig who contributed “Turtle Crossing,” inspired by a unique turtle crossing sign he drives past once a day. He saw a snapping turtle on the trail one day and rendered it by the crossing in exquisite detail. “Turtle Crossing” has already sold.
 One of the 50 painting created to financially support the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation. Greig also provided a portrait of his daughter-in-law, who is a doctor and was assigned to work in long-term care facilities during the pandemic. Entitled “Thank You,” the painting is a tribute to frontline workers. In Greig’s note displayed by “Thank You,” he wrote about finding his inspiration when challenged by the pandemic and discovering it in the frontline workers.
“It’s been difficult not to focus on the negative. When I finally got back into my studio I wanted to paint something related to current times and if I could, help out in some way,” wrote Greig.
If “Thank You” is sold $3000 of the proceeds go to the JBHF.
Other artists such as Megan Hazen were new to Burlington and only beginning to discover the city. Hazen painted “the Garden,” (which has also sold) a vibrant and colorful visage of a fox, deer, and butterflies in a bed of flowers as a bird soars above against a blue sky. She said the wildlife was the continuity from her more rural former home that’s backyard was frequented by wildlife visitors to finding them again in Burlington’s parks, trails, and waterfalls.
“It’s great to give back to the hospital now that I’m here and meet so many other amazing artists in the community because it’s been hard the last couple of months,” said Hazen.
And just as people found Burlington in different ways with different relationships to the city so to were the artists assembled from disparate artistic backgrounds. Some of the artists were established and others were newer to the scene, some of them were contacted by Burlington Artscape, others answered online postings about the event, others found out through the grapevine of the art scene but they all call Burlington home and many have personal connections to Joseph Brant Hospital.
Student volunteers assisted with the event and musical artists from Mohawk College performed.
CIM metals, a local family-owned Burlington company, crafted the leaves.
Numerous sold pieces will remain on display, depending on the buyer’s preferences, for the subsequent leaf walks.
Harrison said while there are no concrete plans for the future of the Burlington Artscape she didn’t rule out a similar event in the future. Based on the success of the fundraiser it’s not hard to imagine a continuation.
Dwayne DiPasquale, Director of Development at JBHF, was optimistic about the prospect of working with Harrison and her team.
“They’re so committed to the hospital there will be fundraising again with them. We’re lucky, we have this incredible concept,” said DiPasquale.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward mugs for the cameras during the display of the 50 maple leaf shaped canvases that were actually made of aluminium and given to 50 local artists to put the “love for Burlington” The remaining artwork is available for purchase now as Burlington Artscape moves towards its goal to raise $37,500. 100% of proceeds will go to support the critical needs of the hospital.
Today’s Leaf Walk ran from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, subsequent leaf walks will take place on August 15th and 22nd at Grace United Church (2111 Walkers Line).
You can view much of the artwork @burlingtonartscape on Instagram but I recommend you go out and see it yourself and experience the Leaf Walk. After 18 months of pandemic-induced Netflix marathons experiencing art, entertainment, celebration and community make for a welcome change of pace.
Mayor Meed Ward was in attendance and lauded the success the event has already had on its first of multiple August dates and praised those involved while speaking to the Gazette, adding that “Over 30 paintings have sold already and I’m sure they’ll all go by the end. It’s incredible to see people coming together.”
By Staff
August 5th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 Robin Bailey of the Burlington Food Bank and Jean Longfield with Rick Dale explain the importance of the Saturday event.
It happens on Saturday.
Between 11 am and 4 pm
In the parking lot at the Burlington Centre, formerly the Burlington Mall.
The Kids Feeding Kids program that is part of the Gift of Giving Back that has been so successful in the past.
The Drive By will be set up in the part of the Centre parking lot at the Fairview and Guelph Line corner – right underneath the sign
The pandemic called for a pivot which resulted in the Food Drive By on Saturday.
There are a lot of people who rely on food from those organizations that help those who need support.
A short video on just how important this event is for the welfare of the city and those who need support.
Look for the kids wearing their hockey sweaters in place to pick up whatever you bring.
By Staff
August 5th,2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Friday night DOWNTOWN.
 There are places downtown that are just what we need at this point in our getting back to normal. The Chocolate Jam 7pm – 10pm
Location: Miss Bailey Brown Chocolates | 433 Brock Ave.
This is a promising night of music and talent….your talent!! Open mic for covers, original songs, karaoke, musicians, poetry and spoken word. The event is free & outdoor with limited seating. We also have it on good authority that they will be serving their famous Chicken and Waffles.
Live Music 8pm till late.
The Block Co. | 395 John St.
Join The Block Co. for cheese, charcuterie, wine and LIVE MUSIC every Friday starting between 8 and 9pm and going ‘till late! Stay tuned to their social media @theblockco2016 for musician announcements. Seating is limited, please call ahead to make a reservation. 289-337-9911
Live Music 10pm till late.
The Dicken’s | 423 Elizabeth St.
Head on over to The Dicken’s for their return of live music on Friday nights kicking off at 10pm!
By Max Bowder: Local Journalism Initiative reporter
April 5th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Story walks have been set up in several Burlington parks over the last few months with the expectation of giving children an enthusiasm for reading as well as allowing them to enjoy the outdoors.
 Different stories in different parks; a program that will be continued into the fall. The Story Walk was created by the Burlington Public library along with friends of the institution and the City Parks Recreation and Culture department, to create a new learning experience that allows learning to become more interactive and hands-on giving kids a more creative way to learn while also encouraging physical activity as well as literacy while children can enjoy being outside.
A Story Walk creates this fun by having a children’s story divided into a number of pieces and post each piece of the story down a walk way so that children can enjoy the outdoors while also searching for the next piece of writing in their story.
When children have a story in pieces, it encourages them to find the other pieces of the story which promotes literacy in the children while also giving them entertainment in searching out the story as a scavenger hunt while also letting children get out in nature and get exercise.
Story Walks are expected to become an effective teaching tool as it helps children in so many areas of their lives. One does not require a reservation – they can be visited any time of day.
The Walks are expected to develop children’s interests in reading stories and give them an initiative for the outdoors with it being an activity to be done with a teacher in a class or with parents on a walk.
 This is the story of a giraffe and a bird that comes to life  Walks from one story sign to another are like turning pages in a book. Not quite a chapter book yet. The Burlington public library will continue to put up more Story Walks in parks including:
• Centennial Bikeway, Longmoor Drive (Nelson Park area)
• Francis road bike trail, Francis Rd
• Central Park, 2299 New St
• Tansley woods trail, 1996 Itabashi way
• Sherwood forest park, 5270 Fairview St
Story walk locations coming soon include Lowville Park and Norton community park near the duck pond.
The stories in these parks will include:
 • The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do – by Ashley Spires,
• Families love Each Other – by Marcus Logan,
• Windows – by Julia Denos,
• Giraffe and Bird – by Rebecca Bender,
• Red house, Tree house, Little Baby Brown Mouse – by Jan Godwin,
• Water Only Please, by Camilla Judge-Aviss,
The stories are intended for children starting at age 3 – there is something in the story and the pictures for every elementary school student.
  Max Bowder is a second year journalism student at Sheridan College. He is part of a team with the Gazette on the Local Journalism Initiative funded by the federal government. Before enrolling at Sheridan Max volunteered in a community in Venezuela where he worked with young people. He is a Burlington resident who helps out on the family farm in Milton.
 By Pepper Parr
August 4th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Food Bank Executive Director Robin Bailey put the situation in plain black and while.
 An incredible record of performance The damage the pandemic has done to the annual Gift of Giving Back food raising event is going to have a negative impact on what the food banks are able to do.
In the past, Jean Longfield and her team have done a superb job of rousing the team spirits of young people involved in sports and using that energy to produce tonnes of food that kept the food banks running quite well.
When Longfield came up with the idea in 2007 it just grew and grew – to the point where she was able to pass the idea along to other communities.
 Jean Longfield talking to a television reporter about the success of the Gift of Giving Back program. John Tate is in the background. This year, there will be a food drive – it won’t use the traditional Gift of Giving Back – instead they will work under the banner of xxx and work with Burlington Centre to create a location people can take food to and have it picked up from the cars parked in the lot.
It won’t be the same – the buzz that always existed around the Giving Back event was exciting; seeing student after student come into the high school gymnasium with cartons of food that other people would need was a sterling example of our young people learning to care for others.
For Jean Longfield this must be an anxious period of time. She put everything into making the program better year after year.
To be stopped in your tracks by a pandemic is understandable – but that doesn’t lessen the disappointment.
By Alicia Mattroni
August 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Five Most Romantic Surprise Proposal Ideas for you
It all starts with a proposal. Every woman dreams of finding her prince charming, falling in love with him, and settling down eventually. Before settling down with her love, she would also want him to propose to her most romantically. She wants to have that thrilling experience of his man going down on one knee and proposing to her for marriage.
When a proposal is perfectly planned, you would hear a definite and loud yes from your ladylove.
If you were short of ideas, find below five romantic ideas to propose to your woman.
 Choosing a romantic location and asking for her hand in a public place is very very romantic. Take your woman to a romantic destination
You have been dating for some time now and are madly in love. When you decide the time is right to pop up the question, consider proposing to her most romantically. Is she a travel person? Consider taking her to a romantic destination and keep it a surprise. Make the day extremely special and buy jewelry in Burlington. Ensure that you devote the moment to her alone. Plan a trip to a romantic destination with her and discuss deeper matters with her. When you feel the moment is right, ask her the question.
 The ring in a cake – never fails to surprise. And if you made that cake yourself – watch the delight. Hiding the proposal ring in her cake
It has been the best way to propose to the woman you love for marriage. Ensure that you take her out to a nice and cozy place where the two of you could have a moment with one another. Make sure she has a great time in the place. The ambiance should be romantic enough to get her in the mood. Let her know you have a special treat for her in the form of a desert. Give her a piece of the cake where you have hidden the ring. Talk to her while she explores the ring in the cake. It would be a pleasant surprise for her when you go down on one knee asking her for marriage.
Proposing in public
Foremost, you should be sure of her feelings for you when you propose to her in public. You do not want embarrassment in a public place. Now that you have her confidence, rest assured your woman would be enthralled with your affection in public. Women love it when their man shows her public affection without caring what the world thinks. It would be highly romantic to ask her for marriage in public with a maple leaf diamond ring.
 You will never go wrong if you choose a quiet romantic location to ask her to marry you. Just be sure to make it a total surprise. The old school proposal never fails
Plan a romantic candlelight dinner where the two of you can have some quality time. Arrange some soulful music to make the evening full of romance. While she is surprised with the arrangement, pop up the question when you feel the time is right. You can go down on one knee to ask her for marriage, as it is the traditional way to do it.
Proposing with fireworks
Did your eyes sparkle when you first met? Your proposal should have glitter and fireworks to make it more romantic. Light up the sky with fireworks and as the light flashes, catch the glitter with a beautiful diamond ring.
Proposing has been an important aspect of a marriage and has been around for a significant length of time. Rest assured it holds immense value to date. It should be the most romantic thing and should be planned perfectly.
By Ryan O’Dowd: Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
August 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 The 10th anniversary was a banner year – then the pandemic took over and determined what we could do and what we couldn’t do. There is still a way to make it happen. This Saturday the Gift of Giving Back will host Help Feed Our Kids: Drive-Thru Food Drive at the Burlington Center parking lot (777 Guelph Line, Guelph, and Fairview entrance) from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Contributions will stock the shelves of the Burlington Food Bank and ensure the community’s most vulnerable are fed.
Robin Bailey, Executive Director with the Burlington Food Bank, acknowledged the GGB as their largest food drive and cited difficulties posed by missing events during the pandemic, despite tremendous community support.
“With no school food drives, no churches, and no Gift of Giving Back (in its traditional form) it’s been a really tough summer for us,” said Bailey. “We’re hopeful that [Saturday’s event] is going to get our stocks back up.”
 They brought food in by the carton. It was a superb program that got way-laid a bit by a pandemic. The Burlington Food Bank reports that 48% of their 2020 clients were first-time food bank users in their annual report, and the food bank serviced 39% more people than they had in 2019. Even prior to COVID-19 food bank reliance was trending up, Bailey says these trends will continue as long as the cost of living and minimum wage fail to keep up with inflation, to that end he wants to remove the stigma from food bank use.
“We think it’s important for our branding and marketing to let people know that we’re here for them if they do need our assistance. There’s a bit of a stigma and we’re hoping that that stigma is getting sort of worn down that people go, ‘you know what, it’s a community support that the community is behind and wants to help us, not go hungry and be able to help pay other fees, whether it be rent or their electricity or whatever it might be,’” Bailey said.
The GGB has raised 4.6 million pounds of food since its inception, which they calculate is a community benefit exceeding $1.8 million. The GGB, founded in 2005 by Jean Longfield, has become such an integral part of the community that the City of Burlington raises its flag at city hall to usher in the period of giving and community work.
The annual GGB food drive is touted as the largest of its kind in Canada. From its inaugural 2007 event up until 2019 GGB would pack gymnasiums full of food bins with the help of community sports teams and students. COVID-19 put a halt to their traditional food collection method in 2020, but that didn’t stop the GGB.
The GGB operated out of the Burlington Center in 2020 collecting food for those quarantined. Previously their list of contributions included those to the Compassion Society, Food4Life, the Carpenter Hospice, Salvation Army, the Women’s shelter, and the Burlington Food Bank.
 The Gift of Giving Back has always been a team effort. These girls are smiling when they see the chart showing the amount of food the brought in posted. Despite their perseverance in 2020, the GGB’s donations (measured in pounds) were down 77.9 percent from the previous year’s haul and 84.3 percent from their all-time high in 2018: (a national record for food donations at the time, a feat acknowledged by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau,
Social distancing and safety protocols will be enforced at the drive-thru.
The GGB requests contributors stay in their vehicle while volunteers unload donations for a safe contact-less drop-off. The volunteers will be wearing personal protective equipment.
They encourage young donors to wear their sports jerseys and spirit wear, decorate their cars, and make signs. Such community spirit will bring a sense of normalcy to the proceedings that in previous years would yield enough food to fill 3 high school gymnasiums.
Young athletes would work with their teams in a good-natured competition to cart in a haul of goods so vast transport trucks were required to shift them to distribution centers.
For obvious reasons that isn’t happening this year, however, young people still played a vital role at the Burlington Food Bank, Bailey explained.
“It was students that really propelled us through the first parts of COVID. They were the ones that were deemed to be a little bit safer to contribute,” Bailey said, “without them, we wouldn’t have had the ability to stabilize and serve the community as well as we have throughout 18 months of the pandemic.”
The 2021 event will be less showy than some of GGB’s memorable offerings but Bailey, Longfield, Tate and their respective teams are still there and still working, and the donations are needed, particularly in uncertain times.
 Ryan O’Dowd is a Sheridan College journalism student who is part of a federally funded Local Journalism Initiative that will have him reporting for the Gazette well into 2022. He is a Burlington native who plays the guitar.
 By Max Bowder
August 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Speculation, due to the rise in covid cases, that the Chili Half marathon might have some problems with scheduling, Kelly Arnott, the race organizer, announced that they expect to proceed as planned and that as of now the Chili Half Marathon is on for March 6th, 2022.
The Chili Marathon’s organizer Kelly Arnott has taken all precautions to ensure the safety of all those competing in the marathon.
“We follow the rules and regulations that Athletics Ontario has set out for safe road races,” said Arnott.
 Krista Duchene and Kelly Arnott As a part of her safety policies, every runner competing in the race will need to be fully vaccinated in order to assure public safety, other policies include no big line ups at the start of the race (having runners show up at the time they are seated), having one racer start every 10 seconds and participants needing to bring their own water as there will be no water stations.
Runners must wear a mask at the start of the race and are allowed to take it off while running, putting it back on as they approach the finish line.
Arnott has said if the marathon approaches during a Covid spike, the marathon will be done virtually or even cancelled.
Virtual marathons allow anybody to compete in the marathon by having everyone run from where they choose such as in their neighborhood or even on a treadmill and record what their distance was, how long they ran for and what pace they ran at.
Arnott also has the experience of knowing how to run a marathon in a pandemic as she organized one of her marathons in the middle of the SARS outbreak.
Winners of the marathon usually win cash prizes (up to $500) as well as free future entries and free hotel rooms.
 Krista Duchene – ran in Burlington and grew to become an Olympian qualifier. Prominent Canadian Olympians have competed in and won in the Chili Marathon including Krista Duchene and Reid Coolsaet.
Duchene competed in the Chili Marathon as her first run after breaking her femur in the Banque Scotia 21k De Montreal Marathon which required rehabilitation after her injury.
Duchene winning the Chili Marathon had qualified her to run in the Dusseldorf Marathon which qualified her for the Olympics.
Arnott will also be hosting a garage/bake sale as a fundraiser for the Holy Cross church at 3455 Lakeshore Road, west of Walkers Line on Saturday August 7th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
The Chili Half Marathon has raised $200,000 for Joseph Brant hospital and continues to raise money today, people are encouraged to donate on the Chili Marathon home page
Arnott was approached some time ago by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation to host the first “CIBC run for the cure” marathon in 1992 and continued to host the event for the next five years during which they raised more than $1 million.
The Chili Marathon has been happening for over 20 years with the first being hosted in 1999 (back then called the Millennium Marathon).
Arnott started her long marathon organizing career when she opened her first store in Village Square called the Village Runner after working in her dad’s shoe business.
The Village Runner was a high end fashion shoe store before financial circumstances compelled her into selling running shoes, which then evolved to running programs.
 If there is a good reason for a race – Kelly Arnott will do everything she can to organize one. The Canada Day event in 2016 was an example. It was there she decided to put on races and programs to teach people how to run for marathons.
Arnott has remained active in her community for over 25 years; she ran for a City Council seat in 2014 coming in second of 4 candidates.
That election was “an eye opener … its not really a 60% effort it, it’s either 100% or nothing,” said Arnott
Max Bowder is a second year journalism student at Sheridan College. He is part of a team with the Gazette on the Local Journalism Initiative funded by the federal government. Before enrolling at Sheridan Max volunteered in a community in Venezuela where he worked with young people. He is a Burlington resident who helps out on the family farm in Milton.
By Pepper Parr
August 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 Hassaan Basit, President and CEO of Conservation Halton Hassaan Basit, President and CEO of Conservation Halton said last week that from January until now, their parks have seen around 850,000 visitors, which is a 30 to 40 per cent increase from last year.
Someone is doing great business. People are getting out; something that is beginning to look like normal seems to be on the horizon.
 The line up of cars at some of the Conservation Authority parks takes space outside the grounds.
 By Max Bowder
July 31st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington Blue Jays fans were so excited to finally be able to watch their team play at home after a 670 day delay.
 Police officers investigating fight on the GO train heading for the Blue Jays ball game. Their patience got extended Friday night due to a violent altercation between fellow passengers on the 17:48 train at Appleby Go station.
Witnesses say it began with yelling and light altercations before more people got involved which resulted in one man being taken off the train by paramedics with serious but none life threatening injuries.
As a result of the fight the train was cancelled and all had to wait for the 18:07 train to arrive which caused them to miss the beginning of the game.
 Some of the boys waiting it out while the police investigation end. Their train was delayed and they missed the opening – but the Jays brought it home and kept everyone happy. Despite the delay, the Blue Jay fans maintained their excitement and watched as the Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 6-4.
One of the Jays home runs brought the crowd to their feet – something they had not been able to do for a long time.
Jays pitcher, Ross Stripling sat down for an interview with MLB news, saying “… I hope we do it big because that’s what we wanna do and I’m sure that’s what the fans want to do.”
Roger Stadium had been closed since 2020 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic and the Canada – United States Border being closed.
The Blue Jays were forced to relocate to Sahlen Field in Buffalo temporarily for the season before being given a National Interest Travel Exception by the Federal Government.
 It took quite a bit of patience but getting the game was worthwhile – Jays to Kansas City Royal 6-4  When you are in the stands you want to be showing your colours. Several fans were not concerned about Covid at this large event even with the Delta variant spreading. The dome of the Roger Centre was kept open during the game.
“We are double vaxed and relaxed,” said blue jays’ fan, Mike Hamilton.
Many lifelong Jays’ fans were among the passengers on the go train with one man I talked to telling me he has been buying tickets and watching every year since 1985.
Many fans did not have any expectations from any of the players on the Jay’s team but were all hoping that they would win.
Fans enjoyed watching The Blue Jays play in Buffalo during the extent of the Covid pandemic
Fans were also willing to point out that some areas of the Jays game needed to be improved, particularly with their pitchers, calling out Ross Stripling.
Other fans gave enthusiasm for other players such as Teoscar Hernández saying he is “underrated and doesn’t get enough press.”
Many fathers who had been avid Blue Jays fans since childhood brought their young sons out to the game with the intention of making them fans as well.
“I’m very excited!” said one fans son Mickey.
“I think he’s more excited about the food,” Mickey’s father quickly added.
Max Bowder is a second year journalism student at Sheridan College. He is part of a team with the Gazette on the Local Journalism Initiative funded by the federal government. Before enrolling at Sheridan Max volunteered in a community in Venezuela where he worked with young people. He is a Burlington resident who helps out on the family farm in Milton.
 By Staff
July 23rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
In a normal world members of Council would be in full vacation mode with most of the seven out of town, maybe out of the province or out of the country.
This is not yet a normal world.
 Councillor Sharman has two major events in his riding; Councillor Bentivegna has a number of back yard meetings planned.
Mayor wasn’t specific but she will be out there meeting and greeting and accepting the adulation from her tribe.
Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte stunned us when she released her summer plans: twelve pop up events in parks within her ward where she will be waiting for people who want to talk to her.
They will ask: Is she running again? She is.
The pop ups run from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm There will be signage in place – you won’t be able to miss her.
By Staff
July 20th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Jazz on the Patio at the Performing Arts centre has been one of those rare summer treats. The music was always fine, when they put in a cash bar it became an opportunity to enjoy a rather decent Chardonnay – in a Styrofoam cup – can’t have everything.
We missed the event last year.
 A much different setting this year – two performances each day.
It is back this year – runs from Saturday, August 14 & Sunday, August 15, 2021 with two performances each day. Rain or Shine – BPAC Outdoor Plaza.
The Downtown Jazz Festival will be a ticketed event this year.
COVID guidelines require all outdoor events to be ticketed for contact-tracing and self-screening purposes.
The 2021 Jazz Festival will also be a paid event this year, both because we are just beginning to emerge from the financial challenges of the pandemic, including 15 months without our usual sources of revenue being available to us, and because current capacity restrictions are only permitting us to accommodate a maximum of 120 patrons, rather than the pre-pandemic audiences of 300 – 400 that we typically see for these performances.
The ticket prices are nominal. The event is being staged as a very intimate (while physically-distanced!) environment, which will not be visible from the street. Together with the BDBA they will be offering prize draws to patrons; local restaurants will also be selling special meals onsite.
It’s going to be a very special event; exciting, and a long-overdue return to live entertainment in downtown Burlington!
 Elise LeGrow.  Lydia Persaud The Festival will feature Kellylee Evans, Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar, Lydia Persaud, and Elise LeGrow.
Members pre-sale started on Monday, July 19 at noon.
Public on-sale starts Monday, July 26 at noon.
Single performance tickets are available for table seats (minimum 3 tickets for a table) and stool seating. Or, grab a 2-show pass for Saturday and/or or Sunday. See ticket pricing below.
 Kellylee Evans Saturday August 14th – two performances:
Juno Award winner Kellylee Evans at 4:00 pm
And Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar at 6pm</span
Sunday August 15th two performances:
Lydia Persaud at 2pm
Elise LeGrow at 4pm
Single Performance Tickets
Table Seats – Upper Plaza:
Regular: $35 (All-in, minimum purchase of 3 seats)
Members: $30 (All-in, minimum purchase of 3 seats)
Stool Seats – Lower Plaza:
Regular: $25 (All-in)
Members: $20 (All-in)
By Staff
July 20th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 We first met Melanie Hawtin when she was playing wheel chair basketball at the Haber Recreational Centre.
What impressed us was not only the skill but her competitive nature. When she wanted the ball – she went after it and usually got the ball.
We didn’t know all that much about the woman – we just liked what we saw. She was once on the fast track to a promising career as a wheelchair racer. A native of Oakville, Hawtin started racing as a child and quickly became a decorated athlete within the sport with hopes of representing Canada at the Paralympic Games.
Melanie is part of the Canadian Team representing Canada at the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics. We will report on how the Canadian Team does.
 That dream was put on hold after surgery forced her to take a hiatus from the track. It was during that hiatus that Hawtin started playing wheelchair basketball. She began competing with the Burlington Vipers club before going on to represent Ontario at the women’s national championship in 2013.
As a former competitive track athlete, speed is Hawtin’s greatest asset and she quickly outmanoeuvres her opponents up and down the basketball court. She ultimately drew the attention of the National Team program and made the Senior Women’s National Team in 2014. She made her Paralympic debut two years later at Rio 2016, where Canada finished fifth.
In 2019, Hawtin underwent shoulder surgery and did not compete at the 2019 Parapan American Games.
When she is not training with the National Team, Hawtin is busy honing her skills at the wheelchair basketball National Academy in Toronto.
Off the basketball court, Hawtin spends time with family and has a genuine love for fashion.
By Staff
July 20, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington will open online registration for indoor summer recreation programs for adults 19+ and adults 55+ beginning Saturday, July 24 at 9 a.m.
Registration for swimming programs at Tansley Woods, Aldershot, Centennial and Angela Coughlan pools will also open on Saturday, July 24 at 11 a.m.
A complete listing of indoor summer programming can be found online at Burlington.ca/recreation.<
Drop-in programs
Registration for drop-in recreational swimming and skating programs at indoor City facilities is required 25 hours in advance of the program start time. Drop-in swimming programs start today, Monday, July 19, and skating programs will resume Tuesday, July 20.
New self-serve option for withdrawing from drop-in programs
New this season, participants have the ability to withdraw from drop-in programs online by logging into their Live & Play account. More information about the new feature is available online at Burlington.ca/recreation.
All City programs will continue to follow public health guidance when required, including physical distancing, capacity limits and wearing masks or face coverings. Individuals participating in an in-person program will be required to fill out the mandatory health screening form at Burlington.ca/screening before each session.
• Individuals who have questions or require assistance can email live&play@burlington.ca or call 905-335-7738 between 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends.
• Recreation fee assistance funding is available to resident individuals or families who require assistance with the cost of City of Burlington recreation programs. For more information or to apply, visit burlington.ca/feeassistance. You can also leave a confidential voicemail message at 905-335-7738, ext. 8501 and staff will return your call to assist you.
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