 By Staff
March 11th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 14, 2021, at 2:00 A.M.
The practice in many communities is to change the batteries in the smoke alarms and to adjust the clocks.
Homeowners:
As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to install and maintain smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas.
Landlords:
As a landlord, it is your responsibility to ensure your rental properties comply with this law.
Tenants/Renters:
If you are a tenant of a rental property and do not have the required number of smoke alarms, contact your landlord immediately. It is against the law for tenants to remove the batteries or tamper with the smoke alarms in any way.
 By Staff
March 10th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Is it too much to hope for a small live event that gets identified as The Sound of Music?
The Performing Arts Centre is clearing a path – they are the venue for a virtual event that will feature Monster Truck with Helix The Band – they want to build up a storm at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) stage on March 27.
 Hook up great speakers to the lap top and let it blast. Virtual but real. Until live audiences return, you can be there virtually to rock and roll.
VIP Livestream Passes and Regular Livestream tickets on sale today at 12:00pm at https://burlingtonpac.ca/events/monster-truck/
*This is a virtual event only, however the ticket system will ask you to ‘select a seat’ – this is only arbitrary for the purpose of counting tickets in the system.*
VIP Livestream Passes include: ticket to the show, autographed Monster Truck limited edition poster, Sound of Music T-shirt, virtual meet & greet with the band, chance to win an autographed Monster Truck guitar, and a $25 gift card to a local restaurant.
Heck, with all that booty – why didn’t they throw in lunch as well?
.
 By Staff
March 10th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Brant Museum has come up with something that will get the kids outdoors.
They are calling it an Around the Town Easter Egg Hunt: a chance to explore and learn about some of Burlington’s most notable heritage sites on an Easter egg hunt around the city.
Your ticket includes an Egg Hunt passport, Easter popcorn, and supplies for Easter crafts that will be led through virtual instruction. Ideal for children ages 6 – 12 years old.
Tickets are $10 per child. Easter packages will be available for pick-up at Joseph Brant Museum from Tuesday, March 30th to Thursday, April 1st between 10am – 3pm.
A mention of why we celebrate Easter would have been nice. The 6-12 age group should understand the Christian part of our Christian Judaeo fundamentals.
 By Staff
March 9th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 If you didn’t get to strap on the blades this winter – you’re out of luck. Rink now closed. The Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond is now closed for the season due to the warm weather.
There are still opportunities to skate outdoors at the outdoor artificial surface at Hidden Valley Park (1137 Hidden Valley Rd.).
Register at burlington.ca/dropinandplay.
By Staff
March 7th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Someone believes there is going to be a Spring followed by a Summer during which the city Parks and Recreation department will offer the best program it can and still abide by whatever COVID19 conditions are in place.
Registration for spring recreation programming opens March 13
Spring programs can be viewed now at burlington.ca/recreation.
Burlington residents can register for in-person, outdoor and virtual programs for Adults 19+, Adults 55+ on March 13 at 9 a.m. Registration for Youth programs will happen at 11 a.m. on March 13.
An account is required to register online. You can create an account or register at liveandplay.burlington.ca.
Residents can call 905-335-7738 for staff-assisted telephone registrations.
Anyone with questions or needing assistance can contact the Recreation, Community and Culture Department by email live&play@burlington.ca or if you need to speak to someone, call 905-335-7738 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends.
 Everyone can’t wait until the COVID19 crisis is behind us. Gyms and play fields that have been closed will burst with activity. Can’t wait. If restrictions change due to the pandemic, we will do our best to adjust and modify the program.
Safety requirements are in place for all programs and include Bring Your Own everything, and the requirement for masks for all non-physically active programs.
Anyone participating in an in-person program will need to fill out the mandatory health screening form at burlington.ca/screening before each session.
Outdoor programs will require participants to dress for conditions and will run rain or shine. Cancellations due to extreme weather conditions of thunder, lightning or high-winds or in the case of unforeseen staff absence will result in credits to affected customers.
Recreation Fee Assistance
Recreation is for all, regardless of financial situation. Recreation Fee Assistance is funding made available to resident individuals or families who need help to pay for 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.
 Director of Recreation, Community and Culture, Chris Glenn Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture has said he is “ taking a cautious, phased-in approach to re-opening our recreation facilities. We want to welcome everyone back but we’re doing it with an abundance of caution to ensure staff and participants remain safe and have confidence in our safety procedures.
“Many of our programs for the spring will take place outside, too. For those who still want to enjoy our virtual programs, we still have our Active-at-Home videos and TelePALS running. Keep checking the website as we are adding more programming frequently.”
By Staff
March 5th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Parks and Recreation people, despite feeling like a yoyo – open, closed, then open again only to be closed once more have set out a program that they hope will take on a life of its own
 There will be a summer – what it will be like is almost a guess at this point in time. •Adult / Older Adult Programs: Gradual return to more in person programming including the operation of the Seniors’ Centre and other locations like Tansley Woods, Haber and potentially Brant Hills. Mainway auditorium (group fitness and indoor pickleball) to remain closed for necessary capital renewal work.
•Tyandaga Golf to open early spring, weather dependent. General golf offerings with potential for smaller / modified league play. Tournaments not considered at this time.
•Summer Camps looking to be scaled back due to restrictions and facility availability and offered at City locations including Haber Recreation Centre. Development of more park pop up and play activities around the city.
•Student Theatre continues to operate various levels of programming & camps with potential use of both Student Theatre and BPAC.
•Teen Tour Band resuming in-person practices and supporting any local events. Not looking to do any travel over the summer months.
•Pools to be open including Nelson, Mountainside and LaSalle outdoor locations offering a variety of recreational swim opportunities and partnered clubs with limited swimming lesson programming.
By Staff
March 2nd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington is joining the rest of the Region and communities in close proximity – they are getting rid of the need to get permission to hold a tag day.
 Organizations will still be able to hold tag days – they just won’t need permission from the city to do so.
They will have to get permission from the property owners –ie, LCBO and Supermarket locations, which tend to have the kind of traffic that makes the tag day successful
The volume of Tag Day requests has significantly declined over the last few years.
In 2020, the City of Burlington issued 15 letters of permission; compared to 33 letters of permission in 2019 and 33 in 2018. Historically the numbers have been higher:
2017: 39
2014: 49
2012:111
 In 2013, a similar report recommending discontinuation of the tag day program was provided to Council and they chose not to discontinue the program at that time. If a decision is made to discontinue, the Licensing section would advise charities that moving forward in 2021, Tag Days would now be managed strictly by the property and business owners.
This goes to City Council where it will be approved – from that day forward (allow 20 days for people to file objections) and all the taggers have to do is get permission from the locations.
By Staff
February 26th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
That light at the end of the tunnel may not be a train rushing towards us.
 The good folks at the Joseph Brant Museum announced they are re-opening with a limited schedule (Tuesday – Friday from 10:00am – 3:00pm) beginning Tuesday, March 2.
Currently on view are the Burlington Gallery and the Costume Gallery.
Admission rates are 50% off the regular rate until April 9. You’ll also enjoy 20% off all items in the gift shop. Masks are mandatory.
The Children’s Discovery Gallery remains closed due to COVID-19. Our next special exhibition in the Showcase Gallery will open later this spring, details to be announced.
 That cigarette wouldn’t be at a gathering these days. The Brant Inn virtual event that takes place March 12th still has room for anyone interested in what looks like a great event. The Gazette is seeing impressive interest in this event on its comments section. One reader wrote in to tell us about his experiences as a young man.
Another reader said: “One individual I know paid his way through university back in the 1950’s by selling “mickey bottles” out of the trunk of his car–just imagine, the Brant Inn didn’t have a liquor license!
Elizabeth Hamidbasha recounts her experience writing: “I remember it well! It was a great place. The 1950 Miss Canada pageant was held there. Interviews from CHML were part of every Saturday night programming. When summer came along and you couldn’t afford a ticket, you sat on the railroad tracks and just listened.
“For lots of people it was free Saturday night entertainment and just as good as being a paying guest. One time Audrey Hepburn had lunch there without being recognized. She had just made Roman Holiday and was visiting here with her fiance’, James Hanson- now Sir James Hanson. Hanson owned Hanson Transport, based in London, England, and he had established a company in Hamilton. He was visiting Harold White, manager of the Canadian office, and had brought along his fiance. While the men were having a business meeting Elsie White- Harold’s wife- took Audrey for lunch at the Brant Inn.
“Imagine – nobody recognized her! But, it was early in her career and who would have expected Audrey Hepburn to be in Burlington, Ontario!!”
 By Staff
February 17th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Recreation facilities welcome back participants in recreation programming that will start to re-open with a phased approach starting the week of Feb. 16.
Not all programs and facilities will be opened immediately; re-staffing and facility preparation is underway.
All Adult Virtual Fitness, Learning and Music Registered Programs already running until March 26 will continue as is with no change at this time.
Drop-in skating, lap swims, recreation swims and Aquatic Fitness will start to re-open this week and programs and locations will increase over the next two weeks. All programs can be viewed and registered for at burlington.ca/recreation.
Restrictions for City facilities and recreation as a result of moving in the Red (Control) Phase in the Province’s COVID-19 framework include:
• 10 people maximum for indoor programs such as ice pads, gymnasiums, etc.
Outdoor events limited to 25 people at a time • 25 people maximum for outdoor programs
• Drop-in recreation programs will have a maximum capacity of 10 people, this includes skating and Aquatic Fitness
• Pool capacities for drop-in recreational swimming and lap swims will be reduced to ensure physical distancing can be maintained
• Bistro Express Curbside Pickup will again be accepting phone orders and providing nutritious home-style cooking for reheating at home. Pickup at Seniors Centre Main Entrance. Tap payment only accepted
• In-person instruction, including Learn to Swim and Aquatic Leadership courses will have a maximum capacity of 10 people
• Indoor pickleball activities are cancelled. Outdoor pickleball is available in Optimist and Leighland parks, weather permitting
• No spectators permitted at sports and recreational fitness facilities except for parent/guardian supervision of children
These restrictions will impact program providers in the following ways:
 Team sports are on hold. • For all team sports, indoor and outdoor game-play is not permitted
• Teams in City facilities and on City fields can adjust their programming to training and skill development with a maximum of 10 people indoors, up to two coaches and 25 people outdoors. Program participants are encouraged to reach out to their organization for additional information
• If you are a participant in a non-City program or team sport, please connect with your organization to understand how this may impact you
• No spectators permitted at sports and recreational fitness facilities except for parent/guardian supervision of children
• Parents/guardian must maintain 3-meter distance while in facilities
• No contact permitted for team or individual sports
 Public performances – including at the Performing Arts Centre are not taking place. . Limit duration of stay in a City facility or on City fields to 90 minutes (does not apply to sports)
• Require active screening, contact information and attendance for all patrons
• No live performances. Performing arts rehearsal or performing a recorded or broadcasted event permitted
• Singers and players of brass or wind instruments must be separated from any other performers by plexiglass or other impermeable barriers
By Staff
February 16th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
We have had a lot to say about the Burlington Food Bank – as publishers it is one of those stories that just doesn’t stop giving.
Sometime it’s same old, same old – people collecting food to help out but from time to time there is a twist.
 Julie & James Neal along with their son Emmett and friends, Jamie Kozub from the Burlington Dads and TJ Tobin worked the Palmer – Tansley community.
There was one of the rather nice short videos – never more than two minutes – done by Scot Cameron that celebrated the more than $7,500 that was collected.
The Neal’s started a bottle drive 4 weekends ago and after the first weekend, they had raised $733. Soon afterwards they began sharing the event on social media, going door to door in the neighbourhood with flyers, and then some friends started to help out.
Barra Fion and Gator Teds then lent their cube van to the bottle drive when they realized the team were going back n forth so often with their empties.
Julie posted results to date and other media helped out with some promotion. They ended up with $4,000 in the last weekend adding to a grand total of 2,070 lbs of food along with $8,015 from bottle returns/donations.
In Julie’s words, this event brought a full community together, Palmer-Tansley Woods, to make it happen.
The really beautiful part was the last couple of seconds of the video – a hand reach is from the left side of the screen.
Take a look. The Video
That’s what your city is really all about.
“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 live in Burlington, we are here to help. Don’t struggle – give us a call.”
By Pepper Parr
February 16th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The irony of it all.
The province puts everyone in a lock down mode – restaurants are closed – no place to go – nothing to do but get out for long walks.
The lockdown gets lifted – and then the snow begins to fall and it keeps falling.
 Traffic will move on the major highways – getting out of the driveway will be the challenge The only thing one can do is find the shovel and begin moving the stuff.
 No picnic today There is an upside – today is also Shrove Tuesday, a Christian celebration marking 40 days before Lent. The day is celebrated by serving pancakes.
Probably the best thing you can do today – pancakes, maple syrup and butter – with 15 cm + of snow.
About as Canadian as you are going to get today.
By Staff
February 10th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s a bit of a grind but something Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte has gotten into doing every Friday – taking the van and touring the ward to pick up any Food Offerings that have been left out for her to take to the Food Bank.
A number of weeks ago Stolte realized (it was her aha moment) that while driving around the ward to check in on what was happening she could also be picking up food donations and truck them over to the Food Bank.
She sent out a note, asked the Gazette if we would help out and delivered her first collection which amounted to 443 lbs of Food and $500 in cash. “In just under 2 hours during my regular tour of the ward I had the pleasure of dropping by 33 participating households.”
The second round took place last weekend. To date, reports Stolte, “we have collected 856 pounds of food and hundreds of dollars in cash donations!
 Those single door step donations create the flow of food needed to take care of those that need a hand up. Results from the first week of the Stolte initiative. Cash donations can be made directly to the Burlington Food Bank website and will automatically receive a tax receipt provided a full name and address are provided and please comment for your donation to be included in the Ward 4 Friday Food Drives so we can add your generous donation to our Ward 4 Grand Total!
Together we can keep the shelves at the Burlington Food Bank stocked and help our community through this challenging time.
Please spread the word to your Ward 4 friends and neighbours and have them register for pickup at
ward4@burlington.ca.
“I will be offering this safe, contact-free pickup every Friday.”
The following is a list of the Top Ten Most Needed Items this week:
Canned Meat (Ham, Turkey, Chicken)
Large Juice (1L Tetra or Cans)
Rice (1kg or 2kg sizes)
Peanut Butter
Cookies
Canned Tomatoes
Shampoo, Deodorant, Toothpaste and Toothbrushes
Hot Cereal (Oatmeal/Porridge Single Servings)
Canned Fruit
Large Soup (Ready To Eat)
Thank you and stay well,
 By Frank van Dam
February 8th, 2021
BURLINGTON ON
For people who love to go out, 2021 is likely to be another dismal year, unfortunately. None of the recent news has been overly positive, and much less so for those of us who like to move around a lot.
 The picture inside isn’t any better. The hospitality sector has been hit very hard. Unfortunately, with the way things are going, it looks like a lot more curtailing of movement and sacrifice is on the cards for us for the foreseeable future. In short, things are getting better for Burlington residents, but they are getting better very slowly. There is light at the end of the tunnel for all of us, but it’s still very far away.
Where we stand right now
Doug Ford’s lockdown orders are into their third month now and show no sign of letting up. In fact, in neighbouring Oakville, Halton Regional Police recently chased a crowd of socially-distanced families off a very popular local tobogganing hill. Technically, apart from emergencies, we are expected to not even leave our region. There is no indoor dining at all at this time, something most of us didn’t think we would miss as much as we do. Everything is closing earlier, which is leading to more stress and sometimes more traffic jams, which in turn add even more to the stress.
For people who like to travel, the news might be even worse. The federal government has imposed new and very strict quarantine measures for returning international travellers. In fact, they are so strict, they are facing legal challenges now. However, they are still very much in effect. The Trudeau administration has also issued an order banning cruise ships from docking at Canadian ports for the next year, that is until February of 2022! People either support or hate these measures, and it’s not to spark an argument, but the regulations are in place, and we will have to obey them.
 First we had it – then we didn’t have it – and now we aren’t certain as to just when the vaccine will arrive. Vaccines delayed… again
On the vaccine front, the news isn’t the best, either. Both Pfizer and Moderna (the only two companies the Canadian government has approved to sell vaccines as of now) are unable to deliver the required orders of the vaccines on time. This pushes the whole timetable backwards. Honestly, this news could be much worse, and we suppose that gratitude is still in order because the vaccination program is still advancing. It’s just that it is approximately 20 or 25% slower than it was supposed to be. But it’s hard to keep a positive frame of mind with so much uncertainty.
It also bears no small mention that there is a psychological price to pay for all this confinement, all this uncertainty, and all this upheaval in our personal and professional lives. We’ve all literally had to completely redefine and overhaul so many aspects of our lives, often things we thought would never change. And let’s be honest here, none of us really knows what a post-pandemic world is actually going to look like. New industries may spring up out of nowhere before this is over, and many other types of businesses may well wind up having being made permanently obsolete.
 There are walk-able winter trails within minutes of the downtown core. So, what are we to do?
We strongly recommend that readers get their daily fresh air and exercise by walking around Burlington, which is truly a beautiful little city and very walkable. Anybody who isn’t doing this every day is missing out on an important little piece of sanity. For people who have too much time on their hands (many of us), online entertainment is a great option. Play card games or free online casino games, stream some movies or pick up a gaming console. Realize that this time shall pass.
We will get through this mess by sticking together like we always do.
By Staff
February 6th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Shadi Salehian, Chair of One Burlington, and Dan Fraser, organizer for the upcoming Share the Love, are the driving force behind the city-wide Food Drive from Feb 6 to 13th.
Dan and his wife Merrilee Fraser have been spearheading this Food drive by contacting grocery stores and faith groups in Burlington: they are very surprised how welcoming and generous their fellow neighbours have been. A diverse, integrated Burlington is a stronger, kinder and more interesting community to live in.
One Burlington was founded by several faith groups after the Quebec mosque shooting in 2017, One Burlington celebrates the multi-faith, multicultural foundation of our community. They believe the contributions of our diverse faith and cultural groups continue to strengthen Burlington and make it one of the best places to reside. It’s an organization of over 40 faith and non-faith groups who hope to create opportunities for people of different backgrounds to come together in a peaceful and cordial manner; to learn about and experience aspects of each others’ faith and culture.
If you are in need or know of someone who could use their help PLEASE have them send an email to 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 the curb-side pickup option. If you live in Burlington, they are here to help. Don’t struggle – give them a call.
By Staff
February 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
For Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte it was one of those “aha” moments.
It has been her practice to use Fridays to drive around the ward and see what’s happening; look for problems that need attention and satisfy herself that the ward is as OK as it can be, given the circumstances.
Hang on, she said to herself – If I am driving around why not pick up whatever food I can convince people to leave on their porches and take it to the Food Bank.
And so off she was. Last week the results were pretty clear. People will help out – just make it as easy as you can for them.
She maps out her route for Friday and prints out the Thank-you notes she leaves behind.
 What happens when the vehicle is full but the rounds have not been completed? The results speak for themselves.
“So proud of the fantastic response to the first Ward 4 Friday Food Drive!
“In just under 2 hours during my regular tour of the ward I had the pleasure of dropping by 33 participating households and collected; 443 pounds of food and $500. Cash donations.
 The results of the Food Drive go directly to the Food Bank Hoping that this initiative will continue to gather momentum over the coming weeks as more and more Ward 4 households participate and support our local Burlington Food Bank.
The drill on making this happen goes like this:
Email ward4@burlington.ca by 4pm tomorrow (Thursday) to schedule a contact-free, front porch pick up for this Friday’s Food Drive.
You will receive an email confirming the pickup. Place your donation on your front porch by 10am Friday labelled “Friday Food Drive”. The items will be collected in a safe and contact-free manner and delivered straight to the Food Bank.
By Staff
February 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
In partnership with the Burlington Food Bank, One Burlington is organizing a city-wide food drive named Share the Love from February 6-13, 2021 just before Valentine’s Day.
Drop-Off Locations:
 City Hall- Burlington Fire-Halls
- Grocery Stores with
- @BurlFoodBank Bins
You may also donate online.
We all know what to do. Let’s ensure than the Food Bank has what it needs to take care of those who need help.
There was an occasion in January when 58 households were taken care of.
 By Pepper Parr
February 2nd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It sounded like a great idea. It was certainly imaginative and done right it could be a great way to spend an evening during what are difficult times.
The price seemed just a little steep: $55 per person.
In the 1940s and ‘50s, Burlington’s very own Brant Inn was host to some of the most famous entertainers in the world. Join us for “An Evening at the Brant Inn” for a joyful glimpse into our past.
The Brant Inn was famous for a period of time.
 Outdoors on a summer evening – it must have been a great place to get out for dinner. The Inn closed when the ownership changed – poor management led to its demise. Your ticket includes a take-out dinner prepared by Pepperwood Bistro Brewery & Catering, dessert from COBS Bread Headon Forest, a beverage by Nickel Brook Brewing Co., dance lesson and demonstration by danceScape via Zoom, and live musical entertainment broadcast from the Joseph Brant Museum.
 Front entrance – it was the place to be on New Year’s Eve Order by March 5 for pick up on March 12 from the Joseph Brant Museum between 12 noon to 6 pm, then tune in from home at 7 pm for your evening entertainment.
Regular price, $55/person, ($49.50 for Museum members), includes tax. Limited quantity available.
By Staff
February 1st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
In honour of Black History Month, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) and its Black Internal Support Network are soliciting the community’s help in the design and creation of a Black Heritage Police Cruiser.
“Due to the pandemic, we are unfortunately unable to organize or participate in Black History Month events like we historically have,” says Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie. “This cruiser is a unique way for us to highlight our commitment to working with and learning more about our region’s African and Caribbean community, not only during Black History Month, but year-round.”
This initiative is in collaboration with and supported by the following community partners:
 The Regional Police have in the past wrapped a vehicle supporting a part of the community. • African Caribbean Council of Halton
• Black Mentorship Inc.
• Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce
• Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton
• Caribbean and African Coalition of Canada
• Halton Black History Awareness Society
• Halton Regional Police Association
• I am. I can. I will.
Together, the HRPS and these community partners envision this dedicated police vehicle featuring key figures and imagery that celebrate the region’s rich history of African and Caribbean culture.
“This wrapped vehicle will symbolize the Service’s commitment to, and solidarity with, the black community,” says Constable David Joseph, who proposed the design project in collaboration with members of the HRPS Black Internal Support Network. “Together with our community partners, we hope this project will help expand our collective awareness and appreciation of black heritage in Halton.”
All residents of Halton are encouraged to submit design proposals that highlight the rich history of African and Caribbean culture in the Region of Halton. From contributions to the Underground Railroad, to key figures, and significant historical landmarks, the vehicle wrap could highlight a number of contributions from right here in our own region.
Submissions will be accepted throughout Black History Month, February 1 – 28, 2021. A selection committee comprised of the HRPS Black Internal Support Network and community partner representatives will select a winning design. The individual who submits the winning design proposal will be awarded a one-time $2,500 youth scholarship to be used personally or by someone of their designation for post-secondary education. This one-time scholarship is proudly funded by the HRPS and the eight community partners listed above.
Visit to learn more about the contest and submission criteria, and to submit your design.
The HRPS would like to thank its community partners for their support of this initiative. This project is just one of many ways we are working together to strengthen the way we serve our diverse community.
The HRPS would also like to thank the community in advance for its submissions. The final design and content of the cruiser will be at the discretion of the HRPS, in consultation with the submitter and the HRPS Black Internal Support Network.
By Pepper Parr
January 25th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
There are times when having to do something ‘virtually’ turns out to be a plus.
The Halton District School Board held their second Symposium on the Rights of the Child. It came very close to being cancelled after more than a year of work that looked like it was going to be laid to rest by COVID.
They had a fabulous speaker lined up and were looking forward to a good turn out.
That was in March of last year – and of course things changed for everyone.
The Halton Director of Education, Stuart Miller said that it looked as if the event would have to be cancelled but senior staff and the Director took a closer look at what they were up against and realized that if they web cast the event through their Facebook page they would draw much more than the 250 + they got in 2019.
They certainly got much more than the 250 + – there were 3400 people logged into the Facebook page. Stewart points out that many of those log-ins were from a classroom that would have had 15 to 20 students taking part. There could have been 5000 students listening.
 One of the strongest speakers in Canada, Stephen Lewis addressed thousands of Halton students virtually on Friday about the Right of the Child. They were fortunate to have one of the great Canadian orators and a very passionate advocate for social justice in this country. Stephen Lewis, a Companion of the Order of Canada, the holder of 42 honorary Doctorates, is a living legend.
Hearing Lewis speak when he is really passionate about his subject is something one never forgets.
Lewis led students and community partners in a day long program focused on children’s rights. “I spent a large chunk of my life” said Lewis, “dealing with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.”
“When I worked with UNICEF, I was responsible for travelling around the world to persuade governments to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child and take all of its clauses seriously. The Convention provides a tremendous range of rights for children, all of which I hope to be addressing before you.”
Lewis was joined by Michel Chikwanine, now a motivational speaker, author and human rights activist based in Toronto and originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Chikwanine is more than a child advocate. When he was not much more than a young boy he was kidnapped from the soccer field outside his school in the Democratic Republic of Congo; he and his childhood friends were “recruited” to be rebel soldiers.
 Michel Chikwanine: Kidnapped as a young boy and forced to serve as a child warrior Chikwanine is a compelling speaker. People find themselves riveted to their seats when he speaks.
At the end of what was a very full day the Students were to create a Call to Action, a document that would set out what they wanted to do about improving the Rights of the Child.
Superintendent Rob Eatough will be responsible for overseeing the development of these Calls to Action.
Tomorrow the Gazette will publish interviews with some of the students who took part in the event.
By Staff
January 23, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Play equipment lending and other outdoor activities are available now.
There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor, active, and fun winter play with the City of Burlington. Dress appropriately, stay safe and enjoy a winter wonderland!
 Snow shoeing – great winter fun. Play Equipment Lending Library is available with winter-play equipment such as snowshoes, glow in the dark soccer, snow play kit, tug of war, and horseshoes and is intended for use by one family at a time. A list of play equipment is available HERE
• Equipment can be borrowed, starting Jan. 14.
• $50 deposit is required at the time of booking
• Play equipment is available for pick-up and drop-off only at the Brant Hills Community Centre, 2255 Brant St.
• Late and administration fees may be deducted from the $50 deposit
The outdoor ice at Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond is open. Located at the Waterfront at Downtown Burlington – the rink is open most days from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and skating is free; however, online, pre-registration is required and can be booked no more than 25-hours in advance.
To accommodate as many community members as possible we ask that they only book one skate per day. The rink is very popular and capacity is reduced for COVID-19 safety. If you cannot come to the rink at your reserved time, please cancel your time so the next group can have an opportunity for fun and activities.
Anyone having difficulties with registering or cancelling their reservation time, please email Customer Service at liveandplay@burlington.ca.
To pre-register, visit burlington.ca/skating.
For up-to-date information on ice conditions at Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond, please call 905-335-7600, ext. 8587. To learn more about the pond’s features and rules, visit, burlington.ca/pond.
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