Performing Arts Centre offering unique opportunity for local youth to participate in a professional theatre production

artsorange 100x100By Staff

October 13th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Performing Arts Centre has created a unique opportunity for local youth to participate in a professional theatre production of ‘Into the Woods: In Concert’ this November and December!

Into the woods - graphic

The production was the Dora Mavor Moore Award winner for Best Production of a Musical in 2010.

As part of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s upcoming presentation of Into the Woods: In Concert, there will be  a three-week Youth Mentorship Program.

Up to 22 local youth will become a part of the ensemble, participating on stage or behind the scenes, experiencing the rehearsal process with the professional cast, and performing in a one-of-a-kind production of a Broadway classic, produced by one of Canada’s leading independent professional theatre companies.

Applications must be sent in no later than Friday October 23rd.

Physical distancing and all proper COVID-19 safety measures will be followed during the program, and masks will be required for all participants.

“Participating in this kind of production is a great opportunity for young performers, designers and fans of theatre, in general,” said Burlington Performing Arts Centre Executive Director Tammy Fox.

The program: Into the Woods: In Concert was created by the Talk is Free Theatre company based in Barrie Ontario. The opportunity to take part in this production is every theatre kid’s dream, and a unique opportunity to learn from industry professionals, said Fox.”

Applicants must be between the ages of 12 and 20, must commit to approximately 20 hours of rehearsal at The Burlington Performing Arts Centre, between November 16 and December 6, and must be open to the creative process and respectful to their environment.

An introductory workshop will be provided by Leslie Gray of Burlington’s own Koogle Theatre.

Participants can participate in acting, singing, design, directing, stage management and more, based on their interests.

Those seeking a performance role will get to act in this iconic musical alongside some of Canada’s leading musical theatre actors, whose productions credits span from Mirvish Productions, Shaw Festival and Stratford Festival.

Into the Woods performer

Into the Woods In Concert performer. Photo by Alex Medvick.

Every participant will also receive one-on-one mentorship from a member of the professional cast and/or creative team. These mentorship sessions consist of two 30-minute meetings which will be scheduled during the rehearsal and performance timeframe.

This unique opportunity to be part of the show costs $200, which includes two complimentary tickets to the production. Interested youth must apply by Friday, October 23 on the BPAC website. (https://burlingtonpac.ca/youth-mentorship-program/)

About Into the Woods: In Concert
Talk is Free Theatre presents Into the Woods: In Concert at the BPAC’s Main Theatre for 10 shows from November 27 to December 6.

Into the Woods is a musical journey that intertwines the several beloved Brothers Grimm characters and explores the consequences of their individual’ wishes and wants. Characters include Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and the Beanstalk), Rapunzel, and Cinderella to name a few. At the centre of the story is a childless baker and his wife who will do anything to have a family, but they encounter a powerful witch who has placed a curse on them. Throughout this magical journey, characters from different fables encounter each other as they fight for what they believe is their happily ever after. The original Broadway production earned three Tony Awards in 1988.

BPAC people in pic

The stage lights are back on – the Performing Arts Centre is once again operational.

About Talk is Free Theatre
Talk is Free Theatre was founded in 2003 in Barrie, ON by Artistic Producer Arkady Spivak and colleagues, and has since produced close to 100 works. TIFT’s recent production The Curious Voyage is an internationally recognized first-of-its- kind immersive experience that physically transported participants to London, England as part of an inescapable narrative. Their co-production of Sondheim’s Assassins with Birdland Theatre as a sold-out success, a Dora Mavor Moore Award winner for Best Production of a Musical in 2010 and has been named on the 10 Best Toronto Theatre Shows of the Decade by NOW.

Tickets can be purchased online or by telephone:
905-681-6000 | burlingtonpac.ca/into-the-woods
Tickets: Regular $49 / Members $44

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West Plains Bistro: part of the Taste of Burlington event - running until the 25th

By Michele Bogle
October 11, 2020
BURLINGTON, ONTARIO

West Plains Bistro is located in Aldershot. It has a warm comfy feel, almost cozy at the west end of Burlington: this little European-styled bistro is conveniently accessed off busy Plains Road. There was plenty of outdoor seating but a little noisy, so we chose to eat inside. Tripadvisor.ca rated it at #9 out of more than 300 Burlington restaurants.

West Plains Bistro

West Plains Bistro – rated #9 in Burlington on Tripadviser

What I observed upon entering: at the door was the restaurant’s ‘Food & Safety Inspection Sheet’ prominently placed for patrons to read before entering. When entering, we were greeted by mask-covered staff. There were only booths as a choice for seating. The additional tables were eliminated for appropriate spacing. Before being seated the server informed us that both doors at either end were open for improved air circulation. The tables were not pre-set. The restaurant looked clean.

‘Soup of the Day’ was red pepper with goat cheese and bacon. However this combination sounds, I can assure you that the flavours make you stop and redirect your conversation. This was a taste experience that made this cook want to attempt to recreate this soup at home. I’d return just for the soup.

Taste WPB greens on top

Smoked Salmon Crepe

Next, we chose the ‘Smoked Salmon Crepe’ as our entree. At first glance you might think that you’ve been transported into an expensive New York restaurant featured in a food magazine. The plating was beautiful and the quantity of food sitting on the plate, minimalistic. Inside this tidy package I found a fully-loaded crepe of smoked salmon, red onion and goat cheese. The dill sauce was a perfect complement to the dish.

Taste WPB pie

Pumpkin Pecan Torte

Appetite now completely satisfied, it was time for dessert. Dessert was a choice from eight delectable creations. A list of which can be found on their website https://westplainsbistro.square.site/gallery-3. It was very difficult to choose. We went with the Pumpkin Pecan Torte, which in my opinion was more of a tart, than torte, and the Peach and Apple Crumble. The crumble was mushy and there was little evidence of peach present in my dessert. I wouldn’t recommend this particular item on the menu. As a baker, my specific area of strength is in flavour profiles. After tasting the Pumpkin Pecan Torte, I would give the balance of spices within this torte, three thumbs up.

The overall dining experience was good. At $20 per person during the Taste of Burlington Pre-Fixe Dining Event, I received more than my money’s worth of delicious food.

Make sure to sign up for your Taste of Burlington Passport App found in the link below, if you haven’t already; to make ordering and your check-in process safer and easier.

https://tasteofburlington.ca/prix-fixe-program/

As a reminder this event runs only from October 5-25. Reservation required at most locations. Don’t miss out on a great opportunity to try new restaurants and or to visit some of your favourites while supporting hospitality in Burlington, Ontario.

West Plains Bistro
133 Plains Road, East
Burlington, ON L7T 2C4
905-333-9449
info@westplainsbistro.com
https://www.westplainsbistro.com

Remember, every time you participate in this event using the Taste of Burlington Passport, you increase your chances of winning the weekly gift card giveaway, or the $500 gift card to a participating restaurant of choice.

Michele BogleMichele Bogle is a Burlington resident who writes for the Gazette on community issues. Ms Bogle has taken part in the Food Network for the second year in a row to audition for the ‘Great Chocolate Showdown’ 2020 and 2021. She made it to the second stage of auditions for ‘Wall of Chefs’ 2019 and finished top 1% of auditions last year for ‘The Great Canadian Baking Show’.

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Thanksgiving Day - what's open - what isn't open.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

October 10th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

What’s open; what’s not open – Thanksgiving Holiday.
Animal Services
The Animal Shelter at 2424 Industrial St. remains closed to the public due to COVID-19.

To report an animal control-related emergency, call 905-335-3030 or visit www.burlington.ca/animal.

Burlington Transit Burlington Transit will operate a holiday schedule on Oct. 12. The downtown Transit Terminal, Specialized Dispatch and the administration office will also be closed on this day.

Schedules and specialized booking are available at burlingtontransit.ca. For real-time schedule information visit Google/Apple Maps or triplinx.ca.

City Hall Closed on Monday, Oct. 12.
The Service Burlington counter will re-open Oct. 13 and is available for the following in-person payments from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday:

– Parking permits and tickets
– Property taxes
– Freedom of Information requests
– Garbage tags
– Dog licenses
– Property information requests
– Recreation services

Service Burlington continues to offer marriage licenses and commissioning services by appointment. Please call Service Burlington at 905-335-7777 to schedule.

Cash payments are currently not accepted. Many service payments are also available online at burlington.ca/onlineservices.

Anyone entering City Hall must wear a mask or face covering unless exempted from by the Mandatory Mask Bylaw.

Residents are asked to bring and wear their own masks.

Building and Planning
Service counters for building and planning are currently closed and staff continue to process applications electronically.

For more information about building permits and business licences, visit burlington.ca/building.

For information about development applications, visit burlington.ca/developmentinfo

Halton Court Services – Provincial Offences Office Closed on Monday, Oct. 12.

Administration Counter Services, at 4085 Palladium Way, will re-open on Oct. 13 and are available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Many online services are also available, please visit Halton Court or email burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca

Free parking is available downtown, on the street, in municipal lots and in the parking garage on weekends and holidays.

NOTE: The Waterfront parking lots (east and west) do not provide free parking on statutory holidays.
Parking exemptions are currently not required for overnight parking on City streets between 1 and 6 a.m., due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. burlington.ca/parking

Recreation Programs and Facilities Arenas will be closed on Oct. 12 and re-open on Oct. 13.

Angela Coughlan Pool will be open on Oct. 12. Pre-registration is required. For scheduled programming, visit burlington.ca/fall

Roads, Parks and Forestry Administrative office closed on Monday, Oct. 12.

Essential and reduced parks maintenance services will be provided.
rlingotn.ca

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Fire fighters and anonymous young men collect for the Food Bank

News 100 yellowBy Staff

October 10th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

The Burlington Dads drove to the Food Bank earlier this week  at the end of their Food Drive in Kilbride with 167 pounds of donated food.

Food bank fire truck

Heritage Firetruck used as a back drop for food collected in the Kilbride community by the volunteer fire fighters.

The Dads partnered up with the Kilbride Volunteer Firefighters Association to do a non-perishable food collection and stopped by numerous friendly local businesses that offered their offices as drop-off points along the way. One of the Dads (Jordan Bradburn) organized the event and drove an old 1937 Ford fire truck to lead the way, proudly flying the DADs flag.

Each year at this time the Burlington Dads host their annual Ride to Provide spin marathon as their own fundraiser. In lieu of the pandemic it was cancelled, however last year’s host’s – Cedar Springs Health Racquet & Sports Club squash members helped out by collecting 40 donated turkeys from their members for us to distribute to families this weekend!

Food bank - three young men

Three unnamed young men dropped off a bin of food they had collected.

Being Squash Members, a few of them included squash as well.

One last thing –the photo is of three young men who just showed up last night and dropped off a full bin of food as a donation – anonymously! Two hockey players and a soccer player (that’s all we know). Amazing!

Are there some proud parents who want to identify these young men?

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Taste of Burlington Pre-Fixe Dining Experience at Rayhoon Eatery in Burlington

By Michele Bogle
October, 9, 2020
BURLINGTON, ONTARIO

Rayhoon

Located in the middle of Village Square; a quiet oasis – not a car to be heard

Tucked away in the quaint little Village Square is a Persian Restaurant, ‘Rayhoon Eatery’. Whether you already love Persian fare or have never tried it before, the Pre-Fixe dining opportunity during the Taste of Burlington event is the perfect time to try this restaurant. They offer a 3-course lunch or dinner, $25 or $40 per person respectively.

Rayhoon offers a good selection on the Pre-Fixe menu with gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options. All of the dishes are ‘halal’. Every third Friday, they have belly dancing for your dining entertainment. Reservations are required for all dining. Please note that they are not open on Mondays with the exception of holiday Mondays.

The eatery was clean, the waitress was attentive, polite, knowledgeable, and the music was at a soothing level, allowing for conversation.

What I observed when entering; all employees were wearing masks; spaced an appropriate distance from one another; the tables were spaced 2 metres apart; and there was a sanitation station set up at the entrance. The bathroom was clean. Before ordering, we and patrons around us were asked for names and contact info. All of the utensils were wrapped. When leaving their tables for the restroom or for departing, the staff politely reminded patrons to put their masks back on. The Taste of Burlington’s Passport offers you additional comfort when digitally ordering your lunch or dinner.

Kabob with rice

Bakhtiari Kabob

For dinner, my daughter and I chose the Pistachio Crusted Salmon and Bakhtiari Kabob. To start I enjoyed a walnut, beet and arugula salad with goat cheese and a pomegranate dressing. The combination of flavours made me feel that even if I had nothing more to eat, I’d be happy.

The Persian-inspired butternut squash soup was aromatic and delicious.

Sticky dessert

Baked Atlantic Salmon encrusted with pistachios

Next I enjoyed Baked Atlantic Salmon encrusted with pistachios and a serving of saffron flavoured rice and their walnut, berry and goat cheese salad. The salmon was fresh-tasting and very moist. My daughter ordered the Bakhtiari Kabob, complete with instructions from our server as to how to properly prepare this dish before eating.

Packets of seasoning and butter were offered to add to the rice, then my daughter was instructed to cut the lemon-spiced chicken and the incredibly tender strips of beef tenderloin into bite-size pieces along with the grilled tomato; add to the saffron-infused
rice, and voila! The medley of flavours were exotic and delightful.

Cake

Persian Spiced Sticky Toffee Pudding

We finished off our enjoyable dining experience with a Persian Spiced Sticky Toffee Pudding, which lacked enough flavour on its own but was well complimented by the drizzle of caramel sauce.The Cardamom & White Chocolate Affogato, I could eat again and again; a scoop of homemade cardamom and white chocolate ice cream, topped with slivered almonds, then to be doused with a shot of hot espresso. Simply sublime.

I would have liked to have seen some signage reminding patrons and staff to wash hands; to wear their masks and signage for the direction of restrooms so that patrons aren’t wandering around others in search of them. There were a lot of verbal cues and a large visible sanitizing station in lieu of the signage. I am satisfied and feel comfortable about returning.

If considering Rayhoon Eatery during the Taste of Burlington Fall 2020 Dining Event, make sure to call or write ahead to make a reservation.

Rayhoon Eatery
420 Pearl Street Village Square, Burlington L7R 2N1 905-637-2500
info@rayhooneatery.com
https://www.rayhooneatery.com/

https://tasteofburlington.ca/restaurants/rayhoon-eatery/ Remember, every time you participate in this event using the Taste of Burlington Passport, you increase your chances of winning the weekly gift card giveaway, or the $500 gift card to a participating restaurant of choice.

Michele BogleMichele Bogle is a Burlington resident who writes for the Gazette on community issues. Ms Bogle has taken part in the Food Network for the second year in a row to audition for the ‘Great Chocolate Showdown’ 2020 and 2021. She made it to the second stage of auditions for ‘Wall of Chefs’ 2019 and finished top 1% of auditions last year for ‘The Great Canadian Baking Show’.

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Ireland House Museum offering private group workshops.

eventsorange 100x100By Staff

October 7th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Book a Heritage Workshop at Ireland House Museum with your private group of 4-6 people, $30/person.

Heritage workshop graphicAll workshops take place in the historic house at the hearth and are available on Saturdays (beginning in November), Sundays (sold out in October) and Mondays. Workshops include all supplies and a guided tour of Ireland House Museum. Masks are mandatory. We offer a choice of one of three experiences:

• Heritage Fall Baking Workshop
• Heritage Food Preservation Workshop
• Heritage Soups & Stews Workshop

This is one way to get out of the house and enjoy something other than Netflix.

For the truly creative – you might order in a lunch, with a decent wine (it is a private lunch) and make a day of it.

Link to the booking page is HERE

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Taste of Burlington begins on a wonderful fall day - dine in or take out offered

eventspink 100x100By Michele Bogle

October 5, 2020

BURLINGTON, ONTARIO

 

The Taste of Burlington 2020 launches today with 35 of your favourite participating restaurants offering their best under circumstances that are far from normal.

An event that started in 2008  with just 12 restaurants taking part has steadily grown.

The event starts Monday October 5th and runs through to the 25th.

This fall, each participating restaurant is again offering mouth-watering pre-fixe menus with appeal for anyone’s palate.

Taste of Burlington has made ordering easier, with extra perks.

Sign up for the ‘free’ Taste of Burlington Passport to view menus on-line. The more times you dine out, using the app, the more chance you have of winning the weekly gift card give-away, or the grand prize of $500 to a restaurant of choice.

Some participating restaurants have special offers for returning. Tallying of the contest used to be by ballot-box, but can now be done digitally.

Kelly Harris, Marketing Specialist with Tourism Burlington and Co-ordinator of Taste of Burlington writes, “Quite excited about this as especially with the pandemic, the ballots don’t have to touch so many hands.”

But wait!, there’s more. If you choose to dine in at any of the participating restaurants, the app allows you to order from the pre-fixe menu without touching anything but your own device.

Dining out at a new or favourite restaurant, has been made easier, safer and more economical with the Taste of Burlington Passport App.

As a cost-saving measure to the restaurateurs, if dining out, there is only pickup available. No delivery. The app also allows you to choose the patio, takeout, or dine in. As well it can be used to make reservations, required for this dining event.

Within this link to the list of participating restaurants, you’ll find the quick and easy application for the passport, if you don’t already have it.

Check each restaurant’s website for dates and times available. Not all locations have their own parking, so leave enough time to find city parking, if dining in.

When dining in, as a patron you can expect the Public Health Guidelines as set out by Halton Region to be rigorously observed.

As an on-going series, I’ll be reviewing some of the participating restaurants to assess, not only the value and quality of the pre-fixe menus offered, but of the safety measures exercised by those restaurateurs.

Michele BogleMichele Bogle is a Burlington resident who writes for the Gazette on community issues. Ms Bogle has taken part in the Food Network for the second year in a row to audition for the ‘Great Chocolate Showdown’ 2020 and 2021. She made it to the second stage of auditions for ‘Wall of Chefs’ 2019 and finished top 1% of auditions last year for ‘The Great Canadian Baking Show’.

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Which is the birthday girl?

News 100 yellowBy Pepper Parr

September 30th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

One of the three female members of city council is a birthday girl today.

Can you figure out which one?

Audit Kearns 5

Lisa Kearns

Meed Ward with chain Sept 23-19

Marianne Meed Ward

Councillor Stolte looking for a response to her motion - put forward last April

Shawna Stolte

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A public promise will go a long way to creating the confidence the hospitality sector needs to get back on its feet.

SwP thumbnail graphicBy Pepper Parr

September 29th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Several months ago the Gazette published a piece on a program called the “Post Promise”, which is a self-declaration that a business is working to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Post promiseOnce completed, a business is provided with the necessary communication and implementation tools to educate employees on the five key steps to workplace safety, which were created to be consistent with what has been recommended by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Make the promise today: Click HERE.

Businesses who make the promise will be able to use and prominently display the POST Promise logo which is a nationally recognized symbol of a business’ commitment to doing their part to protect their customers’ and employees’ health and safety as COVID-19 restrictions ease. Participating business can also purchase a kit which will include additional communication tools like window decals, posters and tent cards which can be used to further build awareness of their commitment within their place of business.

Businesses that want to apply for some of the grant money that is being made available ($2500 per grant) will not be eligible unless that have made the POST promise.

I have yet to see one of these decals on the window or door of any restaurant or commercial establishment.

The program is free – and for me and the circle I travel knowing that a location is safe and is prepared to go that extra distance to ensure that I am kept safe while I am in their establishment is something I look for.

cafe crowd - no six feet here

The weather has been great – the traffic on the patios has been good. What happens when the weather chills on us?

The hospitality sector is looking for all the help they can get including financial support from the city and the Region. The want help from the federal government as well.

They are in a very tough sector. When the restaurant business is good it can be great – but it can also be a grind. You take all the problems home with you.

I don’t understand why these decals aren’t on every front door and every print piece a restaurant has. Put it on the menu – tell me that I am going to be taken care of.

The hospitality sector is, unfortunately, close ground zero for the huge spike in infections.

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said in a prepared statement that “Consumer confidence to participate in the economy is still very low, and hopefully this will help the public feel more comfortable visiting their favourite local shops.

Photo-ops of the Mayor in a restaurant that has the Post Promise decal on their front door would help.

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Set out as a silent protest about what we are not doing about climate change.

News 100 greenBy Pepper Parr

September 26th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Shoe strike 1a

A silent protest.

There they were.

Set out ever so neatly within Civic Square – more than 230 pairs of shoes.

They were part of a silent protest about what we are not doing about climate change.

It was billed as a climate strike inviting everyone in Burlington to join in demanding that all levels of government act immediately on the urgent climate crisis.

The social distancing rules had to be respected. How do you do that?

The people who organized the event identified two places where the shoes could be dropped off. The Rolling Horse Community Cycle in Aldershot and a private home in Millcroft.

Participants were invited to insert a note inside their shoes to convey their message about why urgent action on climate change is important to them.

This was a silent protest. There were no opportunities for speeches or public announcements or political leader photo ops.

After the silent protest the shoes were collected and returned to hosts or donated to a local charity that will distribute them to those in need.

Shoe striike 1 b

Many of the shoes had notes in them – setting out the wish, hope, aspirations and dreams of those who had walked in those shoes earlier.

Similar Shoe Strikes were to take in Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills; those situations didn’t work out very well.

Oakville found that their plans were upset with the COVID-19 rules on how many people could gather in a group.

Milton ran into bureaucratic problems – the need for a permit and the need for insurance.

Fridays for Future will be co-coordinating similar Climate Strikes throughout Canada. Locally, organizers come from a cross-section of groups: Burlington Biodiversity Team, Students for Change Halton, BurlingtonGreen Youth Network, Burlington Citizens Concerned about Climate Change (BC4), and local residents.

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A Superload will slow traffiic down a bit on Monday.

News 100 redBy Staff

September 25th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

There will be short duration rolling road closures in Burlington from Monday September 28, 2020 at 10 p.m. to Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at 5 a.m.

There will be eight trucks in the convoy – the biggest will weigh 320,000 lbs, the smallest 50,000 lbs.

Superload

Three of the eight trucks in the 8 vehicle convoy.

The trucks are taking the load to a ship in Hamilton that will sail to France and offload there.

The job done consists of huge frames with lots of pipes for fuel processing.

Nearly 2 years in the making, from design assistance, route surveys, feasibility studies and a multitude of meetings, finally on Monday evening, September 28th the convoy will start their engines.

More than 70 third party contractors were involved in getting a convoy with varying overall dimensions up to 125’ x 26’ x 24’4” and gross weights from 260,000 to 320,000 lbs, will start out on a journey from Burlington, ON to the Port of Hamilton.

These rolling closures are for a Superload Project move from the Town of Oakville to the Port of Hamilton. There are seven loads moving in convoy with support vehicles including utility trucks and police escorts.

The following roads will see temporary road closures on the night of the move to ensure a safe passage of the convoy, please refer to the attached map:

• Michigan Dr – road closed on both directions from 10:00pm to midnight
• Intersection of Burloak Dr & Great Lakes Blvd / Michigan Drive – road closure in all directions from 10:30pm to midnight
• Burloak Drive between Great Lakes Blvd and North Service Road – northbound direction lanes closed from 10:30pm to midnight. Traffic will use the remaining lanes.
• Intersection of Burloak Drive and North Service Road – road closure in all directions from midnight to 1:00am
• North Service Rd between Burloak Drive and Appleby Line – road closure from midnight to 1:00am
• Intersection of North Service Rd and Appleby Line – road closure in all directions from 1:00am to 1:30am
• North Service Road between Appleby Line and Walkers Line – road closure in all directions from 1:30am to 2:00am
• North Service Road between Walkers Line and Guelph Line – road closure in all directions from 1:30am to 2:00am
• North Service Road between Guelph Line and Brant Street – road closure in all directions from 2:00am to 2:30am
• Intersection of North Service Road and Brant Street – road closure in all directions from 2:30am to 3:00am
• Brant St. from North Service Rd. to Upper Middle Road – northbound lanes closed between 2:30am and 3:30am. Traffic will use the remaining lanes.
• Intersection of Brant Street and Upper Middle Road – road closure in all directions between 3:30am and 3:30am
• Brant Street from Upper Middle Road to Dundas Street -northbound lanes closed between 3:30am and 4:00am. Traffic will use the remaining lanes.
• Intersection of Brant Street and Dundas Street -road closure in all directions from 3:30am to 4:00am
• Dundas Street from Brant Street to Kerns Road -westbound lanes closed from 3:30am to 4:30am

Superload Route Map

Eight trucks transporting heavy equipment to a ship in Hamilton.

Please note that travel times may vary according with conditions on field. Emergency vehicles passage will always be maintained.

If the move is unable to commence the night of Monday, September 28, the contingency dates for the move through Halton Region are Tuesday, September 29 to Wednesday, September 30, 2020 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The move is being conducted and managed by Precision Specialized Inc. based out of Burford, Ont.

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A Shoe Strike - a Silent Protest on what is not being done about Climate Change

News 100 greenBy Staff

September 21st, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

A Shoe Strike

What is a shoe strike.

First it is taking place on Friday September 25th.

Why?

WHAT: A unique youth organized climate strike inviting everyone in Burlington to join in demanding that all levels of government act immediately on the urgent climate crisis.

HOW: Due to social distancing, the climate strike will be held in a representational manner, with the community invited to share a pair of their SHOES to represent their participation. Shoe Strikes have been effective in several locations and countries around the world. Participants are invited to insert a note inside their shoes to convey their message about why urgent action on climate change is important to them. Youth organizers will summarize the notes and relay them to local political leaders.

NOTE: This will be a silent protest. There will be NO opportunity for speeches or public announcements or political leader photo ops.

Shoes pile ofShoes can be dropped off in advance at: Rolling Horse Community Cycle (650 Plains Rd E #2) & 2466 Newport St. (a house near Headon Forest Dr.) beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 22nd & up until Thursday, Sept 24th. Shoes can also be placed at the shoe strike location (tent. scheduled at Civic Square, City Hall, Brant Street) between 10am and noon on Sept. 25.

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 25 – Shoe drop off from 10am to noon. Silent Shoe Strike display from 12 noon to 2pm. After 2pm shoes will be collected and returned to hosts or donated to a local charity that will distribute them to those in need.

WHO: Similar Shoe Strikes will take place in Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills on the same day, approx. at the same time.

Fridays for Future will be co-ordinating similar Climate Strikes throughout Canada. Locally, organizers come from a cross-section of groups: Burlington Biodiversity Team, Students for Change Halton, BurlingtonGreen Youth Network, Burlington Citizens Concerned about Climate Change (BC4), and local residents.

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Youth Fall Recreation programs from Parks and Rec are open for registration

News 100 greenBy Staff

September 20th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

After a bumpy six month period during which Parks and Recreation had to shut down everything they normally do while the province was put into a lock-down mode – they are now operating an interesting COVID (abundance of caution) program. Registration started yesterday at 9:00 am.

The youth fall recreation programs will be available for online registration starting Sept. 19 at 9 a.m. at burlington.ca/fall. Programs available are for youth ages 0-18 years, school breaks and individuals with disabilities. Programs are available for viewing now at burlington.ca/fall.

Program Information
Fall programs will look different this year due to COVID-19 but have been designed to offer the highest levels of quality, safety and a variety of activities.

Programs will run for three sessions, each three weeks long, starting on Oct. 13, 2020, and include:

• Pre-school (0-5 years) – Offering parents an opportunity to play and create with their little ones, while using both indoor and outdoor space. These programs will give parents and their tots the chance to run and play with our gym equipment, and to create their own works of art. Pre-registration and COVID-19 screenings are required for all programs and participants must attend with a parent or caregiver.

student hand art NOT HDSB

Different artistic expressions

• School-Age (6-12 years) – Looking for some fun after school? Whether you want to play a sport casually or let your creativity fly, we have a program for every interest. Learn to play pickleball and disc golf as we make the most of our gyms and parks. If art is more your jam, then join our staff as we explore different artistic expressions. Pre-registration and COVID-19 screenings are required for all programs.

• Teen (11-18 years) – Haber welcomes back No Socks for Ivan on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Youth can come shoot hoops and listen to music.

Tansley Woods

Tansley Woods Community Centre

There will be limited space in the gym and staff will be monitoring the capacity at all times. Participants can still drop-in for free but must complete a COVID-19 screening prior to accessing the program. If sports are not for you, we have a creative program at Tansley Woods Community Centre on Wednesday evenings. This is a paid program and participants will need to pre-register before attending.

• Individuals with Disabilities (4 years+) – New this year! Welcome to our new opportunities for families to partake in physical activity and socialization at our Brant Hills Community Centre. Play a game in the gym using our equipment or enjoy some passive activities in our program rooms. Pre-registration and COVID-19 screenings are required, and participants must attend with a parent/caregiver or support worker.

Pks and Rec youth programs• School Breaks (4 -12 years) – Following the success of our summer camps, join us on days when school is not on! Come enjoy a day of active games, crafts, and awesome activities. Using the same safety guidelines as our summer camp programs, participants will be in small groups with reduced staff-to- participant ratios, and assigned specific equipment and supplies to avoid sharing, and designated areas to maintain physical distancing considerations. Pre-registration and COVID-19 screenings are required.

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 our staff will return your call to assist you.

Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation Services touted the new program saying: ““Recreation and socialization in a positive environment have significant impacts on kids of all ages. Our redesigned programs will give them opportunities for creativity, socializing and physical activity in a safe, welcoming environment.”

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City will hold 5th Telephone Town Hall September 23rd

eventsorange 100x100By Staff

September 9th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The City is going to host a fifth Telephone Town Hall on September 23rd that will focus on COVID-19 as we head into the fall season.

The event will be between 7:00 and 8:00 pm when information will be shared and questions answered.

These events have been very useful – it serves as a place for people to go when looking for answers and gives the city a sense as to where the concerns are.

That the Director of Education for both the Catholic and the Public Boards of Education are taking part suggests where the serious concerns are.

The Mayor will host the event; taking part with her are:

Tim Commisso, City Manager at the City of Burlington
Pat Daly, Director of Education at Halton Catholic District School Board
Stuart Miller, Director of Education at Halton District School Board
Eric Vandewall, President and Chief Executive Officer at Joseph Brant Hospital
Mary Battaglia, Director of Roads, Parks and Forestry, City of Burlington
Denise Beard, Manager of Community Development, City of Burlington
Allan Magi, Executive Director of Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services, City of Burlington
Rory Nisan, Ward 3 City and Regional Councillor

Members of Burlington City Council will be present and listening.

How to Participate
Residents who would like to participate in the town hall can do so in the following ways:

1. Register in advance: Burlington residential phone numbers will be randomly selected to be part of the telephone town hall. Residents who would like to be added to the telephone call list can email getinvolved@burlington.ca by the end of the day on Sept. 22.
Please note: if you registered for any of the previous town halls (held on March 26, April 14, June 4 or July 16), you are not required to register your phone number again. To remove a name from the call list, email getinvolved@burlington.ca by the end of the day on Sept. 22.

2. Join by telephone: Anyone who does not receive a telephone invitation can call 1-800-779-0904 just before 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23 to join the town hall. For those individuals calling in, please be advised more than one attempt may be required due to the high volume of traffic on the phone lines. If the first call does not connect, please hang up and dial the 1-800 number again.

Once the call begins, a moderator will provide participants with instructions for how to submit their questions to the leadership panel.

Many of the questions not answered during the call will be posted, with answers, to the City’s website at burlington.ca/townhall, along with an audio file and full transcript of the call after Sept. 23.

 

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The show will go on. Burlington Student Theatre is returning to the stage –six feet apart

artsorange 100x100By Staff

September 9th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

Burlington’s Student Theatre programs will be returning this fall with opportunities for youth ages 4 to 17 years.

Actors from Burlington Student Theatre were on hand for the turning over of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre.

Actors from Burlington Student Theatre

Beginning Sept. 29, participating young actors and actresses will be performing at either the Burlington Performing Arts Centre or the Student Theatre building. No experience is necessary to participate.

Online registration for Burlington residents opens Sept. 12 at 9 a.m. Non-Burlington residents can register on Sept. 18 at 9 a.m.

Student Theatre will meet all the health guidelines put out by Halton Region Public Health, which include lower ratios and capacity, physical distancing, mandatory health screening and enhanced facility cleaning.

The final performances will be filmed, edited and played on-screen.

There will be no live performances.

Burlington Student Theatre Film Festival presents a screening of Matilda and Frozen from Summer Arts Camps.

Two films featuring participants from the summer Student Theatre will be played at the Burlington Student Theatre Film Festival at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre.

RAINER NOACK with wild lady

Rainer Noack – inspirational leader at the Student Theatre

Tickets are available online. COVID-19 precautions will be in place for each screening.

• Saturday, Sept. 12 – 12 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 13 – 12 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 19 – 12 p.m.

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 our staff will return your call to assist you.

As residents continue to rediscover many of their favourite spaces and activities in the city, City services may look different as we work to stop the spread of COVID-19. The City’s commitment to providing the community with essential services remains a priority.

Chris Glenn

Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation Services

Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation Services points out that “Student Theatre has a great history of working with our youth and giving them not only a fun time, but also opportunities for them to grow. As with every program we’re offering, things will look a bit different but will still be filled with friendly faces and high-quality service.”

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Rib Fest on Labour Day attendance bigger than on Canada Day

eventsblue 100x100By Staff

September 9th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

They made it work.

Despite a downcast day a total of 2,751 cars drove into the Burlington Centre, carefully worked their way through a maze and decided which ribs they wanted, paid and drove home with the sweet smell of freshly charred ribs filling the vehicle.

Rib Fest traffic Sept 7

The flow of traffic was smooth – not even a fender bender.

Sami Bogle, part of the operations team at Lakeshore Burlington Rotary Service Club who held their second Drive Thru Rib Fest.

The cancellation of the annual fall Rib Fest was a covid fatality but that didn’t stop Rotary.

Rib fest volunters Sept 7

Volunteers are what make event like the Rib Fest work. From left to right) they are: Meiling Menin – grade 10, Maija Fotr – grade 9, Annika Fotr – grade 11 and Margaret Hayes – Rotary Burlington Lakeshore

ribbers rib fes Sept 7

This is what was on the menu.

Bogle said: “ I’d say it was a successful day! We had great feedback on social media about the choice of vendors, live music, and the change in logistics to ensure that the traffic was kept off of the main roads. The 2,751 cars, was just over the number we had on Canada Day.

“Though it was an overcast day, the weather was still great, so we feel very blessed. Our main concern had been the safety of our guests, vendors and musicians if the forecasted thunderstorms had persisted.”

Related news story:

How it all came about – the big pivot.

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Craig Gardner reports: 'Looks like a great day for Rotary'.

eventsblue 100x100By Staff

September 7th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Here is what we are getting from the front lines at Rib Fest – taking place at the Burlington Centre (formerly the Mall).

Just back from Rib Fest (they let us put up some signage to advertise Terry Fox event), reports Craig Gardner who is heading up the 2020 Terry Fox Run.  He faces the same problem the Rotary was up against – their events were cancelled and everyone had to scramble to come up with an alternative.

“People started showing up at 9 for RIBS – by time I left shortly after 11 am the lineup was getting rather large. Looks like a great day for Rotary.

“Everything is nicely laid out easy to navigate and will hold lots of cars. Appears to be much better lay out than July 1.

Another Halton resident sent us a note about her visit to the “Valhalla of Ribs” adding – I attended at about 11:10 by which time 500 or 600 had already preceded me.

The volunteers do an excellent job of answering questions and keeping the long snaking lines of vehicles moving toward the Valhalla of ribs.

I wanted to get try ribs from two vendors but that’s impossible with the current, but necessary, setup.  And how to choose the ribs you want to try?

Advice to me, which I followed, was to choose the shortest line.

Map Sept 2020

 

The entrance is off Fairview – lots of signage – you can’t miss it.

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Rib Fest at Burlington Centre still very much a go - open till 7 this evening.

eventsred 100x100By Staff

September 7th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

When asked how they were coping with the weather – which wasn’t all that good while the folks setting up the Labour Day Rib Fest at Burlington Centre  (formerly the Mall) they came back with:

“For now, we are all set up and ready to go. Hopefully the weather cooperates for us. So it is very much a go.”

If the Rotarians can do the hustle when things looked doubtful at 7 in the morning – the least the rest of us can do is get into the car and make a point of picking up some of those Ribs.

Map Sept 2020

 

Entrance to the event will be off  Fairview this time – look for the directional signs – they will be everywhere.

Jay Bridle, Canada’s Largest Ribfest Co-Chair described the event this way:

“We are excited to keep our Labour Day tradition of delivering delicious ribs & fantastic entertainment live during these challenging times” says Brent Paszt, a Past President of Rotary Burlington Lakeshore, and Co-Chair of Canada’s Largest Ribfest. “While the event may look different from what we are all used to seeing, you can still expect award-winning BBQ Teams to be on hand serving the ribs, pulled pork, and chicken that guests have come to expect from Ribfest” added

“Canceling our annual long weekend event that attracts upwards of 175,000 guests was a huge disappointment and really impacted our ability to support those charities and individuals who need it most, now more than ever” says Rotary Burlington Lakeshore President, Jay Thomblison; “Proceeds from this event, along with those generated from our successful inaugural Canada Day Drive-Thru, will enable us to continue that support”.

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.

The four award-winning rib teams in attendance will include Camp 31 BBQ, Billy Bones BBQ, Pistol Pete’s Smokehouse, and Silver Bullet BBQ. There will also be food offerings from East Side Mario’s and Blaze Pizza, Twisted Tomato, 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.

Over the course of 24 years, Canada’s Largest Ribfest, a fundraising initiative of Rotary Burlington Lakeshore, has raised over $4.5 million for local, national, and international charities.

 

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St. Matthews takes a break on Labour Day

News 100 blueBy Staff

September 6th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

They have been collecting food and passing it along to the agencies that have a client base that needs it.

They won’t be open this Monday.

Not Monday-Last Backpack

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Labour Day Rib Fest - starts at 10 runs till 7pm

eventsblue 100x100By Staff

September 6th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

Just a day away.

The Labour Day Rib Fest or how a local service club turned a disadvantage into an advantage.

If you looked around there was still some sitting room.  The weather was close to perfect and the music was good - great way to bring a summer to a close.

This was the way it used to be – when times were normal.

The Rib Fest, approaching its 25th year of operation had to shut down its plans to celebrate the raising of funds for the community and feeding a really large crowd.

That wasn’t something they were very good at doing – so they did a big pivot and put on an event on Canada Day that was a success and decided to do it again on Labour Day – that will be Monday,

Entrance to the event will be off  Fairview this time – look for the directional signs – they will be everywhere.

Map Sept 2020

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