 By Staff
June 17th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Canada’s Largest Ribfest is “Popping” back up this Canada Day!
 Canada’s Largest Ribfest, a fundraising initiative of Rotary Burlington Lakeshore, is thrilled to be returning to Burlington Centre for a “Pop-Up” drive-thru event, this Canada Day, July 1st, 2021.
The public is invited to the Burlington Centre parking lot, at 777 Guelph Line from 10am to 7pm to experience the fun and flavour of Rotary Lakeshore’s Drive-Thru Ribfest in a safe, socially-distant way. “The safety of our guests, rib teams & volunteers is top priority, while also supporting the charities who need us most right now.”, said Jay Bridle, Co-Chair of Canada’s Largest Ribfest.
Over the course of 25 years, through Canada’s Largest Ribfest, Rotary Burlington Lakeshore has raised over $4.5 million for local, national, and international charities.
 It worked just fine last year. It will be even better this year. “Canceling our Labour Day weekend event that attracts upwards of 175,000 guests for a second year
in a row is a huge disappointment and really impacts our ability to support those charities and
individuals who need it most, now more than ever.” remarked Canada’s Largest Ribfest Co-Chair,
Brent Paszt. “Our Drive-Thru Rib Events enable us to continue that support”; he added.
Rotary Burlington Lakeshore President Jay Thomblison stated that, “after the success of last year’s
Rotary Drive-Thru Ribfests, we saw fit to try it again, not just once, but twice this summer! Proceeds
from this event, along with those generated from our upcoming Labour Day Drive-Thru, will enable
us to continue that support that our charitable friends rely on.”
Guests are asked to enter Burlington Centre from the Fairview Street entrance and will remain in
their vehicles for the duration of their visit. Food vendors will take orders and payment (cards
preferred) and will deliver each completed order to your vehicle. Gloves and masks will be worn by
all staff, vendors, and volunteers.
Four award-winning rib teams in attendance will include Camp 31 BBQ, Billy Bones BBQ, Uncle
Sam’s BBQ, and Sticky Fingers BBQ. There will also be food offerings from East Side Mario’s,
Blaze Pizza, Tiny Tom Donuts, and Ontario Corn Roasters, ensuring that there’s something for the
entire family. The event will also include live music for guests to enjoy while they wait in the
comfort and safety of their vehicles.
Special thanks to our lead sponsors, Burlington Centre and Cogeco, who are once again supporting
the event, showing that the community is dedicated to helping Rotary Burlington Lakeshore raise
funds for their important work.
 By Staff
June 16th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It is a sign of the way Burlington wants to configure the way streets are used – the car is no longer king.
Kaylan Edgcumbe, Manager of Integrated Mobility, explains that “Cycling is becoming more popular for commuters and recreational riders and is great for the environment and our collective health.”
The City of Burlington is hosting an online public information centre (PIC) on June 23rd, in the evening via Zoom to inform residents about road resurfacing and installing new cycling infrastructure on Plains Road from Spring Gardens Road to Waterdown Road in 2022.
 Map showing where the re-designed road will be.  The newly designed Plains Road will begin at the intersection of Waterdown and Plains Road and run right out to the RBG. Part of the City’s Integrated Mobility Plan and Cycling Plan, this infrastructure will be the first of its kind in Burlington and will improve safety of cyclists, pedestrians and motorists.
The new infrastructure will include cross-rides, cycle tracks and protected intersections while maintaining existing vehicle lanes.
Cross-rides – Similar to crosswalks for pedestrians, they allow cyclists to safely cross intersections and stay on their bikes. They are generally connected to dedicated cycling features such as segregated bike lanes, cycle tracks and other cycling infrastructure.
Cross-rides will allow cyclists to travel in one direction or both directions.
Cycle tracks – Cycle tracks are dedicated cycling lanes that run beside the road but are physically separated from vehicular traffic by either a curb or buffer space. Depending on the style of cycle track, they may be at the same or different level as the sidewalk.
Cycle tracks are for cycling only and are generally different from sidewalks as they are made of asphalt, while sidewalks are made of concrete.
Cycle tracks are usually one-way and follow the direction of traffic.
Protected intersections – To make intersections safer and more comfortable for people walking, cycling and driving or riding in motor vehicles, the City of Burlington is implementing the ‘protected intersection’ concept where possible. The concept is based on a tested Dutch design that has been implemented throughout the United States and Canada. Features include: corner safety island, forward stop-bar, setback cross ride and cross walk, and designated bike signals.
Online Public Information Centre
This virtual PIC will offer residents information on the project scope, scheduling, traffic impacts and the chance to discuss any construction disruptions from the work.
Date: June 23, 2021
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
How to join:
Step 1: Visit burlington.ca/PlainsRoadResurfacing on your computer or mobile device.
Step 2: Click on the Zoom Meeting Link
Step 3: Enter Passcode: 2xiAQa
 The poles carrying utility wires (cable and telephone) wires on the north side will be removed and the cable buried. Residents may also join the PIC by phone:
Dial: 1-647-374-4685 or 1-647-558-0588
Webinar ID: 957 7126 2277
Passcode: 072754
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/aktOjgFpP
infrastructure for Burlington.
The work being done here will enhance the safety for everyone – not just cyclists – while maintaining the existing vehicular lanes. Cycling is becoming more popular for commuters and recreational riders.
Part of the re-design job being done includes the removal of all the poles carrying telephone and cable TV wires. – the cables will be buried.
The project is a pilot – the city wants to learn how people adapt when there is an opportunity for them to make more use of bicycles.
Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith thinks it’s a great idea and was pleased when his ward was chosen as the location for the pilot.
All he wants now is a Rainbow Crosswalk outside the RBG that would tell people entering the city from the Hamilton side that Burlington is an inclusive city.
 By Pepper Parr
June 14th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 Adam van Koeverden talking to a constituent in Milton Later today, Adam van Koeverden, the Member of Parliament for Milton will announce a federal investment to Standard Broadband to improve high-speed Internet access in Zimmerman and areas of North Burlington.
We will report on that event when we have more detail.
Were my friend, the late Monte Dennis, still with us I am certain he would be asking why the federal constituency of Milton is not called Milton-North Burlington.
The constituency held by Pam Damoff in Oakville is named Oakville-North Burlington.
The residents of North Burlington managed to bring a halt to the dumping of landfill at the Burlington Air Park – surely they could rouse enough political energy to bring a about a change in the name of their constituency.
By Pepper Parr
June 12th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Early reports on the opening of restaurants and bars are that things went well. The turnout was brisk and the weather supported getting out and relaxing with friends over what a colleague used to call An Adult Beverage.
 A location where you can see and feel the lake. The Port House is located at the Waterfront Hotel The province was in Step 1 of the Re-open plan which permitted
STEP 1
This step was expected to begin on June 14 or two weeks after 60 per cent of adults in Ontario have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Ontario officials said 58.5 per cent of the adult population have received a first dose as of Thursday. They added that the province would need to wait two weeks after hitting the vaccination target before entering the first step in order to monitor the vaccine outcome.
In this stage, outdoor activities and gatherings will be first to open but with some restrictions and limits.
Here’s a full list of what will be allowed:
- Outdoor gatherings for up to 10 people
- Outdoor dining for up to 4 people per table
- Non-essential retail at 15 per cent
- Outdoor religious services, rites and ceremonies with capacity limited to permit two metres of physical distancing
- Outdoor sports, training and personal training for up to 10 people
- Day camps
- Campsites and campgrounds
- Ontario parks
- Outdoor horse racing and motor speedways
- Outdoor pools, splash pads and wading pools
We stay in this stage for 28 days and if the new infection levels hold the province will move into Stage Two.
The target is to get past the 70% of the population vaccinated and as close to not more than 200 new infections each day.
The hospitality sector has been desperate for a Re-open date that would hold. The province had indicated it would probably be June 14th – than at close to the last day they moved that to the 11th giving restaurants and bars an additional weekend.
 It was certainly welcome but played havoc with scheduling.
Most commentators believe the province is through the worst of the pandemic and that we could be in for reasonable summer, providing we follow the rules and get everyone vaccinated.
The Delta variant has been found in Halton but does not appear to be rampant at this point. We are the best defence against that variant.
Vaccination Centres across the problem are busy with a large number of young people showing of for the inoculation.
The Centre I attended for my second dose at the First Ontario Art Centre in Milton had nurses doing the needle thing at five different parts of the building..
It was problem free while I was there.
 Healthy traffic – content customers.
June 11th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Statement from the Mayor
The devastating loss of life that took place in London, Ontario earlier this week has affected us all and united us in heartbreak and grief, especially our Muslim friends and neighbours.
 Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward It is important that we take action to support our Muslim community and convey loud and clear that hate and violence will not be tolerated in our city, nor our country.
Our local Halton Mosque will be hosting a prayer service, open to the community, at Spencer Smith Park tomorrow afternoon between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
A traditional Muslim prayer service will take place first, where non-Muslims are welcome to observe. That service will be followed by a unifying prayer for the entire community.
We have confirmed with our Member of Provincial Parliament that under current provincial regulations, there is no limit on outdoor gatherings for religious services, other than what the outdoor space will accommodate with required physical distancing.
We ask everyone to stay 6 feet away from individuals or families you don’t live with, and wear a mask even outdoors if physical distancing is a challenge. The City of Burlington, including City Council, are supportive of this event and its intention to provide a way for our community to come together in support of the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion.
We have seen similar events take place already this week throughout many cities and towns, including London, Hamilton and Oakville.
Halton Regional Police Service will be on site at the event and fees for legal parking spaces in municipal parking lots, street spaces, and garages will be relaxed during that time frame.
By Pepper Parr
June 10th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Mosque is planning a Call to Prayer Service in Spencer Smith Park at 1:30 pm on Friday.
 Muslim Call to Prayer Service to take place Friday at 1:30 pm The occasion is to offer prayers and support to the Muslim Community and the family of those people tragically killed earlier this week.
Specifically where in Spenser Smith this will take place – details will follow.
City Hall staff have once again turned on a dime to make this event happen. Many people dropped whatever they were doing to figure out how to deal with the details.
 By Pepper Parr
June 9th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It is surprising the effect Burlington has on people who choose to live here.
 Julie Neal with her son Emmett and two Bottle Drive volunteers Julie Neal and her family have been in Burlington about three years. It was the community she and her husband chose to live in when circumstances required a move.
Her experience was like thousands of others – a Mom meets a Mom because their children seem to get along and they play together. Then another Mom is introduced and then there is a local event that the Moms help out on and before she knew it Julie was involved in a fund raising drive through a connection with Burlington Dads.
“ I had lived in Toronto for more than 15 years and was convinced I would be there for the rest of my life. I was an elementary school teacher and I loved my job. I ran a Scottish Dancing school which I tried to keep up after moving to Burlington.
“That didn’t work out. For the first number of months I would drive into Toronto regularly to meet up with friends but after a while I found I was putting down roots in Burlington and the trips to Toronto became fewer and fewer. It has been some time since I drove the QEW.
“My children have taken to Burlington – the youngest knows nothing about Toronto.
“I was asked by new friends if I could help out with a bottle drive fund raiser that took place four times a year and I jumped right in.
“The group raised $8000 which stunned me. The people of Burlington just turn up when there is a need.”
The pandemic however changed everything.
“There were a lot of people who needed help and I convinced the people that I started working with that we could do a one day event and really have an impact.
“The “one day” event is Saturday June 26th.
“The North Burlington Baptist Church let us use their driveway which will allow people to drive in and drive out and not have to look for a place to park during the last drive.
“We have arranged for cargo vans to take the bottles and cans to the collection centre in Stoney Creek. We have to bag the bottles and cans and add a tag stating how many items there are in each of the clear plastic bags.
“What is making the June event much more interesting is the support we are getting from the hospitality sector. More than 45 locations have given us Gift cards that we will be giving to people as prizes. Everyone who drops off bottles or cans or food items will be given a ticket that gets put into a draw.
 “The Gift Cards are at the $25 level for the most part. When I dropped into one retail operation and asked if they would like to take part they gave us eight cards.
Couple of differences this event explains Julie, “We are asking people to separate the bottles and the cans so that we can move them to the collection centre quickly. We expect the cargo vans will be used to make several trips.”
The funds raised through the bottle drive will go to the Compassion Society – the food will go to the Food Bank.
In the newspaper business we interview hundreds of people. A comment Julie made as we were ending the interview surprised us. She was talking about how much she was enjoying the work (and there is a lot of it) that has to be done and said: “Who am I? I’m just a nobody loving the community I now live in”.
A relative newcomer to the city making an incredible contribution. Make a point of taking those cans and bottles to the drive in on the 26th – they will operate from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Every bottle and can will be needed to reach that $8000 target.
By Pepper Parr
June 9th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The increase in the traffic in Spender Smith Park brought an issue to a head at the Standing Committee on Tuesday.
 Mayor did not take kindly to Kearns comments. Tempers flared just a little bit and the Mayor chose to ask to speak on a Point of Personal Privilege after Councilor Kearns made a comment about the Mayor needing to get out on the street and see for herself that people were not wearing face masks.
Kearns got kind of feisty with her remarks. She can at times be rather sharp with her words.
The item being debated was Options to increase physical distancing on Brant Street in response to Covid-19.
Recommendation:
Direct the Director of Transportation to proceed with one of the options the Transportation department had set out in their report.
A report which they put together on very short notice that called for them to work with the Burlington Downtown Business Improvement (BDBA) and the Ward 2 Councillor on soliciting input from downtown businesses on the approved option.
Earlier in the year, May 8, City Council Directed the Executive Director of Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility and the Director of Transportation Services to explore options to increase the ability for physical distancing and safe passage in response to COVID-19 for the area of Brant Street (Caroline Street to Lakeshore Road) for Saturdays and Sundays, from July 3 – September 5, 2021; to come back a report and recommendation to the June 8, 2021 Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility Committee meeting. (SD-10-21)
The current conditions on Brant Street from Lakeshore Road to Caroline Street includes a lane configuration consisting of one travel lane in each direction with curbside parking predominantly on both sides of the road. Truck loading and 20-minute curbside drop-off zones also exist within the curbside parking lane. During normal conditions, there is no charge for parking after 6 pm and on weekends.
A review of recent traffic studies available on Brant Street north of Caroline Street has revealed traffic volumes on Saturday and Sunday are approximately 1,000 vehicles per hour (both directions).
As part of the 2021 Temporary Patio Program, there are 4 establishments with applications pending approval to use portions of the public right-of-way along Brant Street.
Options Considered
The identification of options to provide physical distancing along Brant Street took into consideration the current lane configuration, the extent and type of traffic control devices required to maintain safety and potential impacts to residents, business and others utilizing the roadway. The focus in determining options was to seek additional space for people to comply with physical distancing guidelines while walking or waiting.
The options identified include the following:
Option 1 – Close the parking lanes to extend the sidewalk
This option involves closing the curbside parking where it exists on both sides of Brant Street. This space will become a pedestrian area and an extension to the sidewalk, as illustrated in Figure 1.
With this configuration, the pedestrian area is proposed to be separated from the traffic lanes by using freestanding movable delineators. These devices are weighted but portable and provide separation for the pedestrian area while capable of being placed and removed each Saturday and Sunday until September.
The existing curbside pick-up will require relocation and/or removal should this option be endorsed by Council.
 *Image courtesy of NACTO Streets for Pandemic Response & Recovery
Option 2 – Full closure of Brant Street from Lakeshore Road to Caroline Street
This option involves a full road closure on Saturdays and Sundays and provides the maximum available space for physical distancing.
 Parts of Brant Street have been closed in the past. The Hospital Bed Race takes over the street for close to half a day when it takes place. The traffic control required for this option involves the placement of barricades and road closed signs on Brant Street located at both Lakeshore Road and Caroline Street and at all intersecting roadways within this closed section. As a result, traffic on Lakeshore Road cannot turn onto Brant Street and traffic heading southbound on Brant Street towards Caroline Street will need to be directed east or west. In addition, the 6 streets intersecting with Brant Street would need to be signed, barricaded and closed to local access only.
While the full closure option provides the maximum space available for physical distancing on Brant Street, it has the following impacts:
• Displacement of non-local or through traffic onto adjacent streets.
• The current 20-minute curbside drop off areas would be inaccessible resulting in impacts to area businesses.
• The current loading zones will be inaccessible for trucks to load and unload if/when providing deliveries to local businesses on weekends.
• Restricts access to driveways, laneways and parking lots along Brant St.
• Impacts transit routes and requires buses to be re-routed around closed sections of road, in turn affecting bus schedules and potential customer confusion as transit re-routing would be limited to weekends only.
A variation of this option could include modifying the limits of the closure. For example, a possible change could include a full closure of Brant Street from Lakeshore Road to Elgin Street. While many of the issues related to a full closure still exist, they are lessened as a result of a shorter section of Brant Street being closed.
A number of municipalities have made the decision to close a street that was once a major thoroughfare. The response from the commercial/retail sector was seldom positive but when the change did take place business for most retail operations improved and different kinds of commercial moved in.
Closing Brant Street permanently from Caroline to Lakeshore was a long term dream of former Councillor John Taylor – perhaps the time for that idea has come
Option 3 – Status Quo/enhanced pedestrian delineation
Under existing conditions, pedestrian circulation can be, at times, challenging at key intersections and/or higher volume business entrances along Brant Street. In 2020, staff worked with the BDBA in developing and installing enhanced pedestrian queuing delineation and signage which helped to guide the public around locations that were identified as pinch points. This delineation will be re-installed and refreshed again for 2021.
Financial Matters:
The key costs to providing either option includes the traffic control materials to support the closures and the staff resources to set up and remove every Saturday and Sunday. Costs for each option have been estimated and summarized below.
 The associated costs will be identified as Covid19 related with the potential for these costs to be offset by Covid relief grant funds. Engagement Engagement Matters:
This report attempts to provide Council with options however due to the short turnaround to provide Council with a follow up report, staff have not engaged the community to date. Support from the Burlington Downtown Business Association (DBDA) and Downtown businesses is key for any of the described options to be successful. Following endorsement of a preferred option by Council, it is anticipated the Ward Councillor will lead the engagement of businesses and the BDBA with staff assistance as required.
 There are retailers that get it – and they are the ones that succeed. The shopping bag that lady is carrying isn’t empty. The folks that run Joelle’s understand retail. Council members were all over the map on this issue.
Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith wanted the status quo – do nothing.
Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns was tough on this one. She argued that the city had not done a very good job of patterning Brant Street and that there were a lot of gaps that were more walk-in offices than traditional retail offices.
She said there was a “romanticized view” of just what the street did for the city suggesting some thought there would be “seniors frolicking ” in the street.
 Councillor Kearns spars with the Mayor who used a Point of Personal Privilege to admonish her fellow Council member Kearns said the city had reached a breaking point with congestion in the downtown core and that the congestion would only get worse as the city opened up.
Speaking for the retail community Kearns said they wanted to be able to use some of the street to boost their sales after a very financially hard 18 months.
Kearns then took a swipe at the Mayor suggesting that she get out and walk the streets and see for herself what was happening. remark to which the Mayor took offence and brought it up as a Point of Personal Privilege.
It didn’t strike this reporter as something that was out of order but the Mayor was clearly distressed.
Kearns, who was full of comments, pointed out that when things open up on Friday there will be lineups at the outdoor patios; there will be line ups outside the cannabis shop and crowding on the side walk.
The egress and ingress into those places where people are allowed to go was also problematic.
 Brian Dean, top toff at the Downtown Business Association out advocating for the interests of the downtown merchants. Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan told Kearns and Stolte that he would love to have a chat about the issue but wanted them to take the idea of closing Brant off the table.
Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte was right beside Kearns, however when the issue came up she asked Council to defer any decision until the July meeting arguing that there were just too many unknowns and that this was not the best time to make a decision.
Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman liked the idea and was prepared to go along with Stolte and Kearns to defer for a month.
Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna said that the interests of the business community were really important and that he wanted to hear what they had to say before he went along with any of the options. He also told his council colleagues that they had not done their homework.
Council was told that Brian Dean, top dog at the BDBA, was for the status quo. The idea of doing nothing gave the phrase “taking care of business” a whole new meaning.
 By Staff
June 7th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
On Friday we will be able to step away – just a bit – from the rules that have kept us safe for the past year and a half. Some people will be able to go back to work.
There are many for whom the jobs at are just not there yet. They are the ones that need help for a while yet.
St. Matthews Church on Plains Road holds a drive through every Wednesday from 10 am to 4 pm – help out if you can.
By Pepper Parr
June 7th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
If you were a member of the Burlington Provincial Liberal Association you would have received a notice like the one below.
We put the information in the public domain so that citizens who will vote on the provincial government they want in June of 2022 understand how the Liberal candidate was chosen.
Important Notice – Action by you is required to vote. Please read carefully.
1. Register for voting no later than Sunday, June 13, 2021 at 5PM.
2. Cast your vote online or by telephone on Saturday, June 26, 2021 from 11AM-8PM.
Notice of Nomination Contest
Burlington
Notice is hereby given of the vote of the Nomination Contest to nominate the official candidate of the Ontario Liberal Party in the electoral district of Burlington.
Eligibility to Vote (Membership Cutoff)
You are eligible to vote in this contest if you are:
1. A resident of Burlington who was a member of the Burlington Provincial Liberal Association on Sunday, June 6, 2021 by 5 PM; or
2. A non-resident of Burlington who has been a member of the Burlington Provincial Liberal Association continuously since November 18, 2016.
Registration for Voting
Due to ongoing restrictions for large in-person gatherings, the voting for the nomination contest will be conducted electronically. To register to vote, you must reply to this email attaching a scan or a photo of your identification by June 13, 2021 at 5PM. Identification can be:
Option 1: ONE government issued ID with your photo, name and current address. (examples: driver’s license, Ontario photo card)
Option 2: TWO pieces of ID
• one issued by a widely recognized major institution (governments, financial institutions, or education institutions) showing your name (examples: birth certificate, passport, health card, band membership card, student card, credit card); AND
• one issued by a widely recognized major institution showing your name and your current address (e.g. bank or credit card statement, utility bill, tax assessment)
Alternative to email, you may send the IDs over WhatsApp to 437-237-3598. WhatsApp messages must be sent from a phone number registered to your membership record, or the membership record of another person in your household.
Please be assured that your identification will be deleted.
If you require assistance on registration, please email us by replying to this email.
Voting
Once you are registered for voting, you will receive an email with credentials, a PIN number and instruction to cast your ballot. You will be able to cast your ballot online or by telephone.
Voting will be open on June 26, 2021, between 11AM and 8PM. The vote will be conducted by preferential ballot. You will be able to rank your preference or simply vote for one candidate.
Candidate Presentation/Speeches
A live webcast will be held where you can hear speeches/presentations by the candidates for the nomination. A video of the webcast will be posted and available for viewing later.
Date: June 23, 2021
Time: 7 to 8 PM
To register for this live webcast, please visit:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6086705471716886798.
Getting nominees was certainly not a slam dunk for Liberals in Burlington.
The Gazette published extensively on the process that that took place. It was more like a public spectacle rather than a well organized process where the Liberal Party association in Burlington acted like adults and kept the public informed.
Related news stories:
Kearns announces: Want to be the Liberal candidate in 2021.
Kearns: decides she doesn’t want to be a nominee
Mariam Manaa
Andrea Grebenc
 By Staff
June 6th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
This isn’t the first time the Neal Family has done a bottle Drive. Each time they hold a drive the amount they raise increases.
The last one came in at $8000 and loads of food plus significant cash donations.
 Julie Neal with her son explaining how the bottle drive got started and then just grew. One person drove in from Kitchener with a load of bottles.
The volume has gotten to the point where they are asking people who drop off bottle to separate the cans from the bottles.
The drop off point this time is the North Burlington Baptist Church located at 1377 Walkers Line – just north of Forest Run Avenue
They open at 9 and will close it up at 4 pm.
It all takes place on Saturday June 26th.
They are hoping they can pass the $8000 mark they set last time. This is serious business.
 This is what they were dealing with last time.
 By Pepper Parr
June 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
In an earlier version of this story there was a headline that was inappropriate. It was revised. The production happens to be about sex being used as a weapon. The three members of council are part of the production. Apologies to anyone who was offended.
There was a time when radio is all there was. And it was great.
Radio captures the mind and lets the imagination run rampant.
There were those classic programs: Johnny Dollar the report of a private investigator and what he spent his fee on. There was Allan Mills and his program. There was that Bed Time story that CBC used to run.
Television was never able to do what radio does.
 The audience will be “out there” instead of these seats. The people at the Performing Arts Centre are taking us back to what radio was all about: words, tone and inflection all used to capture the imagination and build up a sense of what was being communicated.
Because The Show Must Go Online the Burlington Performing Arts Centre Presents Dangerous Liaisons Online
BPAC will stream a virtual reading of the classic play, Dangerous Liaisons (Les Liaisons Dangereuses) next Friday, June 11 and Saturday, June 12. Tickets for the stream cost $20 per household, or $15 for BPAC members and volunteers. To thank Burlington-area front-line healthcare workers for their sacrifices during this pandemic, they can contact the BPAC Box Office for complimentary tickets to the show.
 Three council members amongst the cast. Adapted to run approximately 60 minutes, this reading will be directed by Stratford Festival director Richard Ouzounian. The incredible cast features local artists and politicians, including Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Councillors Lisa Kearns and Rory Nisan, KooGle Theatre’s Leslie and Christopher Gray and others.
For those of you who remember the moment when the Mayor sang from the passenger seat of a Smart Car – you can once again hear the dulcet tones of a women who trained to sing opera. Listen to how she did.
“After such a long time without being able to entertain the people of Burlington, it is exciting to be back doing what we do best – and that is putting on a show,” said BPAC Executive Director Tammy Fox. “Working with a director the caliber of Richard Ouzounian and a cast that mixes talented performers and enthusiastic local leaders is fun, energizing and just the tip of the iceberg of what we can accomplish when we are able to welcome patrons back.”
Participating restaurants Paradiso and Pepperwood Bistro have prepared delicious prix fixe takeout meals to accompany a night at the online theatre, so patrons can make it a true dinner and a show experience. Hungry theatre patrons can find all the details about their tantalizing dinner options through the BPAC website.
About the Show
Les Liaisons Dangereuses is a 1985 play adapted from the 1782 novel of the same title by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. The plot focuses on the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont, rivals who use sex as a weapon of humiliation and degradation, all the while enjoying their cruel games. Their targets are the virtuous (and married) Madame de Tourvel and Cécile de Volanges, a young girl who has fallen in love with her music tutor, the Chevalier Danceny. In order to gain their trust, Merteuil and Valmont pretend to help the secret lovers so they can use them later in their own treacherous schemes.
About the Cast
The Marquise de Merteuil – Leslie Gray
The Vicomte de Valmont – Christopher Gray
Madame de Tourvel – Councillor Lisa Kearns
Cécile Volanges – Arielle Nielsen
Madame Volanges – Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
The Chevalier Danceny – Councillor Rory Nisan
Madame de Rosemonde – Bev Mattson
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Virtual Play Reading of Dangerous Liaisons
June 11, 2021 & June 12, 2021 at 7:30 p.m.
Streamed from The Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Tickets can be purchased online or by telephone:
905-681-6000 | https://burlingtonpac.ca/events/dangerous-liaisons/
Tickets per household (All-in): Regular $20 / Members $15
The full schedule of BPAC Presents events is available here:
burlingtonpac.ca/bpacpresents – Tickets and dinner choices
facebook.com/BurlingtonPAC | twitter.com/BurlingtonPAC | instagram.com/burlington_pac
By Pepper Parr
June 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
In a grand gesture yesterday the Premier announced that outdoor graduation events were going to be permitted.
That news came as a surprise to every high school principal in the province.
The Halton District School Board was taken by surprise when they heard the news.
 Bateman high school graduation in 2017 “At this point we don’t even know if we will be able to do it. Many Boards have already said they will not be doing it” said a news source.
“The Ministry has not given any direction, we haven’t spoken to Public health about it yet. It was a total surprise to us he announced it.
“Many schools have already planned their virtual events, which weren’t easy. Also don’t forget he said a celebration for every grade not just graduation.
The school board “will be going over this next week” – what they need is clear direction from the Ministry of Education. “… we have also yet to receive any written confirmation or direction from the Ministry.
The Premier said that there would be graduation events for every grade – which has not been the custom for Ontario schools. The long standing practice has been for high school students to graduate. More recently there have been graduation events for those completing elementary school.
By Staff
May 27th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
June is the Month of Play – Get Outside and Play.
That is the message coming out of city hall.
Heard in households across the city are the words: “ Can we go outside and play”
The terribly mixed messages coming from the province are being ignored. In Burlington most of the rules are being followed – some more responsibly than others.
Vaccination rates are climbing creating the sense that we are almost out of this aren’t we?
To kick off June, Mayor Meed Ward has proclaimed June as the Month of Play and the City of Burlington is encouraging residents to get outside, play, have fun, stay safe and be active with a variety of options.
 First piece of summer cake at LaSalle Park Straight from the desk of the Mayor: “June is the time of year where the City’s parks, trails, outdoor pools, splash pads and events come to life. Being active is a powerful way for residents to maintain or improve mental and physical health. As we celebrate June as the Month of Play, we encouraged residents to get active indoors or outdoors and enjoy options the City offers, safely.”
Get Outside and Play Challenge
The Get Outside and Play Challenge begins on June 1 and continues until June 30. The Challenge is a fun way to learn more about Burlington while completing the activities.
• Download the app from burlington.ca/playoutside
• Search for the Get Outside and Play Challenge (Game code ZDB8GE)
• Create login as a family or a group
Let’s Fly a Kite – Presented by the Rocca Sisters Team
Let’s fly a kite on Father’s Day, June 20.
Together, let’s celebrate play and fill the sky with colour starting Father’s Day, June 20. This June, the City will be offering a limited supply of FREE Kite Kits to Burlington residents. Registration is required and will open on June 7, 2021. Learn more at burlington.ca/kitefestival.
 Picnics – with the weather we are having – great idea. Recreation and Parks Month
June is also Recreation and Parks Month, so Parks and Recreation Ontario has provided a list of fun activities for everyone.
Splash Pads and City Outdoor Pools
The City has 9 splash pads, including a new splash pad location, Brant Hills Park Splash Pad 2300 Duncaster Dr. All splash pads are now open. For a list of locations, visit burlington.ca/outdoorplay.
LaSalle Splash Park and the outdoor pools, Mountainside Outdoor Pool and Splash Park and Nelson Pool and Splash Park are expected to open June 14, also pending Provincial regulations and public health restrictions.
Learn more at burlington.ca/waterplay.
Tim Hortons Free Summer Swimming
 There are always swimming pools. Check out the available programs and register for a spot. Tim Hortons Free Swims will be offered from June 19 to Sept. 5, 2021, pending Provincial regulations and public health restrictions. Registration will be required. Learn more at Burlington.ca/timsfreeswims.
Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture might be beginning to think that he is close to being able to operate a normal recreation program and comes close to bursting when he says: “June is the month of play is a big kick-off to the summer. Everyone is eager to get outside and play, to explore our city and we’ve got so many great opportunities for families, individuals and people of all abilities.”
Links and Resources
burlington.ca/timsfreeswims
burlington.ca/waterplay
burlington.ca/playoutside
burlington.ca/kitefestival
By Staff
May 25th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Have you ever wondered how organizations manage to get corporate sponsorship for their events?
Festivals Ontario is holding a virtual event that will feature Judy Haber, a woman considered best in class in the Sponsorship industry. Judy has been selling Corporate Sponsorship and Naming Rights for the past 25 years.
 Judy was instrumental in packaging and selling events that included The Shoppers Drug Mart Toronto Marathon, The Bay Street Rat Race, and over the last 10 years has spearheaded the B&O Yorkville Run for Charities. Since inception, the B&O Yorkville Run for Charities has raised millions of dollars for local not for profit groups, with sponsorship support from companies that included New Balance, Lexus, Equinox, Camrost Felcorp, Hill Street Beverages, Whole Foods, and other like brands.
The events have consistently covered their operating expense with Corporate Sponsorship.
Join Judy on Thursday, May 27 at 1:00pm for an hour of insight on the current landscape of Sponsors, how to package and sell community events, and answers to your specific question.
 Send these to debbie@festivalsandeventsontario.ca by tomorrow (Wednesday) at 12 noon.
Click on the link below to register for free, reserve your space, and get the ZOOM link.
 By Staff
May 21st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
On Tuesday, May 25, the City of Burlington will be using a low-flying helicopter to apply a bio-pesticide over four wooded areas to control gypsy moth populations. The gypsy moths eat the leaves of trees, causing significant defoliation and potential long-term impact to the City’s urban forest.
 This moth will eat your tree bare Application of the pesticide will be completed between 5 and 7:30 a.m. and is expected to take 5-10 minutes for each park.
The areas identified for spraying include:
- City View Park
- Kilbride Park
- LaSalle Park
- Zimmerman Park
City staff will be stopping traffic on roads nearest the park while the helicopter is spraying. The road closure will take 15 minutes or less.
 The aerial spraying is being done as safely as possible. An interactive map is available on burlington.ca/gypsymoth that allows residents to enter an address so they can see where the address is in relation to the spray areas.
The second spray date will be posted on the City’s Twitter and Facebook accounts @CityBurlington and online at burlington.ca/gypsymoth at least 48-hours before the spraying.
 Steve Robinson Forestry Manager Steve Robinson, Manager of Urban Forestry explains: “The weather forecast shows good conditions for the aerial spraying and the gypsy moth larva are at the right stage in their development for the treatment to have maximum impact on them. A successful reduction in their number will help protect the health of our trees and the environment which is a win for everyone.”
 By Staff
May 18th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Aldershot Village BIA outdoor Vendor Markets are running for the 2021 season!
Spots are limited so apply soon for this summer / fall season.
 The markets will take place on four Saturdays 9am to 1pm: July 17th, Aug 21st, Sept 18th & Oct 9th
Interested?
Head to the BIA website for the application and all the details.
Call for Market Vendors!
Email: events@aldershotbia.com for more detail
By Staff
May 18th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
If you are in need of food support, please call us or email before Thursday this week so that we can arrange for delivery on Friday. If you need your delivery for Thursday evening then please contact us by Wednesday this week.
 We hope you all enjoy a nice Victoria Day long weekend and have a chance to get outside and enjoy this wonderful warm sunny weather. Great for our mental health!
If you are in need or know of someone who could use our help, PLEASE have them email us at info@burlingtonfoodbank.ca or call 905-637-2273 to make arrangements to have food dropped at their door or make arrangements to pick it up through our curb-side pickup option. If you are a resident in Burlington, we are all here to help. Don’t struggle – give us a call.
The people who handle the food intake and then pack the food packages that go out to homes in Burlington need a break and it is a public holiday.
 By Staff
May 17th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
How well did Burlingtonians behave on Sunday when the weather was about as good as it gets this time of year?
The Parks Culture and Community Department decided not to have staff in the parks keeping an eye on people – looks as if it wasn’t needed.
The pictures that follow are worth a thousand words.
 Pictures like this get put on post cards.
 Watching the geese at the LaSalle Marina.  Feeding the chipmunks at RBG – these are the best fed creatures in the city.  This is typical Burlington – spending some time at one of the few places in the city that deserves to be called iconic  This is what social distancing is all about. Now if we can get this across to the younger set – we just might have a complete summer.
By Staff
May 16th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 Facing the lake and tempting the waves on bright sunny day. What a beautiful day it was!
 Not many of these people chose to wear masks. Families were out enjoying the weather; the kids were playing and there was a gentleman tempting the waves with his flute.
Sunday is going to be just as big a blessing.
Enjoy what our staff photographer recorded.
City staff are in a bit of a holding pattern, waiting for direction from the province as to what can be opened up and when.
We know that there won’t be a traditional Sound of Music event; they are working up a program – nothing yet on what they are going to be able to do.
 Soaking up the sunshine out by the Skyway with a breeze coming in off the Hamilton Harbour. Ribfest might be able to open up – if the new infection numbers are low enough.
 Everyone wanted to be on the turnstile.
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