Building Resiliency: City launches Emergency Preparedness Week and National Youth Week

News 100 blueBy Staff

May 5th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Timely – very timely.

With the province locked down while we deal with a pandemic that has infected tens of thousands and been the cause of death for tens of hundreds the city is offering advice and direction on how to better prepare for what we are going through.

depressed girlThe focus is on the young people, partly because this is National Youth Week.

The theme  for the Emergency Preparedness initiative is  “Putting on your resiliency backpack” and being prepared.

The best thing residents can do to protect themselves and the community is stay home, practice physical distancing and use online tools for social connectedness.

In an emergency, protecting yourself from mental stress and harm is just as important as protecting yourself from physical harm.

Within the web site page burilngton.ca/covid19resources, there are several organizations offering mental health supports and resources across the City. Many workplaces also offer similar resources and supports through workplace employee assistance programs.

One of the largest law firms in the country is sponsoring a Mental health in the age of dramatic change and uncertainty event.

Tips for protecting your mental health

  • Mental health graphicBe aware of your thoughts and feelings. It is normal to feel anxious
  • Limit the news you are watching or reading and ensure it is from a reliable news source
  • Reach out to friends and family through phone calls, video chats, texts
  • See resources and supports offered through burlington.ca/covid19resources
  • Keep healthy habits: eat healthy foods, stay active, get a good night’s sleep, drink water
  • Limit, reduce or avoid alcohol, drugs and caffeine
  • Take advantage of your employer’s employee assistance programs for mental health

Stress and anxiety can be high for youth during emergency situations, too. Many youths are working the front lines at grocery stores, restaurants and delivery.  They are at risk and they feel at risk – and many of them wonder – does anyone care?

There are organizations, resources and supports to support youth mental health in Burlington such as the Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK).

ROCK has put together resources and suggestions to help support children, youth, and families at this time of uncertainty. They are committed to live answering phone calls from the hours of 9 – 5 p.m. each business day. Families will have the ability to speak directly to a ROCK staff person. They have also created the opportunity to connect families to a pathway coordinator staff who will assess and support connection to brief virtual consultation services.

REach them in a number of ways:

rockonline.ca

Main Line: 289-266-0036

Crisis Line: 905-878-9785 – 24/7

Youth falling apartYouth are also invited to participate in the No Socks for Ivan daily challenges, which can be found on No Socks for Ivan’s Instagram page at burl_youthvoice. Daily challenges include posting about binge-worthy shows, books, shout-outs to essential and front-line workers, dance moves, athletic feats and more.

The Mayoris certainly onside pointing out that “There’s no better time than now to explore the issues around emergency preparedness and mental well-being. The City’s new webpage provides a wealth of information on supports and resources, and I am so impressed at how dozens of organizations from across our community collaborated to put this information together in such a short time. We are all facing resiliency challenges right now and we need these amazing local supports more than ever. I am thankful for the great work they continue to do to help our residents in these trying times.”

Amber Rushton, now the Community Emergency Management Coordinator, a who happens to have a lot of experience organizing communities and projects that take place in those communities saiid: “As we reflect this week on the importance of emergency preparedness and mental health and wellness, I ask that individuals, family members and friends of all ages across our community reflect on one vision: Putting on your resiliency backpack. What could you put in yours? How could you fill your neighbours? How could you fill your family members or your friends?

“These are unprecedented times and it’s still important to be prepared and take care of ourselves, which includes physical distancing, healthy habits and reaching out for health and mental health resources. Remember: in community we persevere, taking the right steps each day toward a more resilient tomorrow.  Stay healthy and be kind to one another. You are not alone.”

Links

  • Youth Week: burlington.ca/youthweek
  • Mental Health Week: mentalhealthweek.ca/
  • Emergency Preparedness Week: burlington.ca/epw

COVID-19 Links and Resources

  • For further COVID-19 information, including where to get tested, please visit Halton Region Public Health halton.ca/coronavirus
  • COVID-19 Resources: burlington.ca/covid19resources
  • Residents can stay informed at burlington.ca/coronavirus as well as on our social media channels: @cityburlington on twitter and facebook.com/cityburlington
  • Questions about the cancellation of Recreation programs can be directed to rentals@burlington.ca or liveandplay@burlington.ca or 905-335-7738
  • Government of Ontario: ontario.ca/coronavirus
  • Government of Canada: canada.ca/coronavirus
  • World Health Organization: who.int
  • Joseph Brant Hospital: josephbranthospital.ca/covid-19

 

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If you're isolated and need some help in getting food into your kitchen - that help is a phone call away.

News 100 blueBy Staff

May 4th, 2020

Burlington, ON

 

Robin Bailey, Executive Director of the Burlington Food Bank explained in his short broadcast this morning that there are people who never thought they would have to rely on a Food Bank. He said: “We recognize that these are stressful times and you may not have ever thought that you’d be in this situation.

Bailey Apr 8

Robin Bailey – he is there to help.

“We are here to help you make things a little bit better for you and your family, confidentially, people don’t need to know where it’s coming from. It’s the start of the month and that’s budget time, so now we all have the stress of being alone and the financial stress. Allow us as part of your community to help you out right now. Give us a call.

“If you are in need or know of someone who could use our help have them email us at info@burlingtonfoodbank.ca or call 905-637-2273 to make arrangements to have food dropped at the door. If you live in Burlington, we are here to help.

More about the Food Bank and how you can help.

 

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On balance the public behaved reasonably well - there were exceptions but the message has certainly gotten through.

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

May 3rd, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It was the first really nice sunny warm day since the decision was made to lock down the province with the Mayor telling anyone with ears to stay home – and when they do go out for some exercise to walk and not stop to talk.

The only way, the public has been told, to put an end to the pandemic is to ensure that the virus is not spread from person to person.

The Regional Public Health unit produces daily reports showing that infections in the Region are rising every day – not by a huge number – but they are rising.

That curve we have been told about is not flattening.

But – sunshine, good weather – what do people do?

Playground beachway

Playground was vacant – surrounded by yellow tape.

I drove around the city in the northern part and then down into the waterfront and along the Beachway.

A couple of things were immediately evident. There were more police vehicles on the street; there were a lot of bikers roaring along and hundreds of young people on their bikes.

The vehicular traffic was not really heavy. On the residential streets most driveways had several cars parked.
I didn’t see very much in the way of sidewalk crowding.

Wore mask

Some people wore masks – which they slipped away from their faces once they were outside the supermarket.

Some people wore masks, some didn’t. Did see one couple – she wore nothing – he wore a mask and a shield.

There were children out and about but there weren’t hundreds of them.

People were respecting that six foot rule – for the most part.

Fortino

Each of the major supermarket chains has taken their own approach to staking out how they choose to respond to the public concern. Business for this sector is great.

Brant and Lakeshore is definitely the pinch point the Mayor has mentioned several times.
Supermarket parking lots, as well as Costco weren’t packed solid but there was a steady flow of traffic in and out.

Lowvillw Park

Lowville Park – CLOSED

Mt Nemo

Mt Nemo -CLOSED

Parks were all closed. Saw a couple of coffee shops that were opened but you couldn’t sit down.

Queen's Head patio

A hard sight for those who enjoy a cold one while sitting out on a patio.

The Queen’s Head patio was barren – a terrible sight for a drinking man.

Promenade well spaced

People were reasonable spaced, most people respected the pedestrians only rule.

Pedestrian traffic on the Promenade was steady and for the most part well-spaced out.

The message has certainly been heard and there didn’t appear to be a lot of worry from the people we spoke to – tough to have much in the way of a conversation six feet away from someone.

Two weeks from now we will see new numbers from the Public Health Unit and get some idea if our individual behavior is working.

I stood and watch small groups, 10 to 15 people, gather at intersections; some wearing masks other less than a foot away from people who were not wearing a mask.

Brant - Lkshore crossing

This is probably the location that bothers the public health people the most – Brant and Lakeshore – where people cross to get into Spencer Smith Park.

City manager Tim Commisso said last week that he shudders when he thinks about what could be going on amongst those small groups of 10 to 15 people.

We will know soon enough.

The Provincial government wants to open things up – give people some breathing room and let some business operations open up.

It is going to be tricky; these are perilous times.

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Talk about cheek - the Mayor makes no apology for breaking the rules on public processions.

News 100 redBy Staff

April 30th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

In a Statement from City Hall we are told that:

“Communities all over the world are finding new and unique ways amid the social distancing requirements of COVID19 to celebrate significant milestones, including birthdays, retirements, weddings, health progress and more.

“One of these ways is “drive-by” processions. Family and friends drive by the location of their loved ones to wave and offer some cheer from a safe, social distance.

“These drive-by celebrations have a small but powerful, positive influence on the participants, the recipients as well as the surrounding neighbourhoods and we need to find a way to support them in a controlled and legal manner.

“Some of these have grown significantly in size, duration and frequency.

“Upon review of provincial emergency orders, any parade larger than five vehicles at one time would be prohibited. Halton Region Public Health discourages parades but has provided some guidelines below that allow for limited ability for small scale, local processions.

MMW on procession toJB

A segment lifted from the YouTube film on the drive by to the hospital – events that the province has pointed out are not permitted.

Wow! Talk about cheek – a few weeks ago the Mayor was at the front of a procession to the hospital where she hopped out of her car – megaphone in hand to tell the hospital staff how much they were appreciated.

We learn today that Provincial emergency orders prohibit any organized public events of more than five people, including a parade.

As such an organized public event in the form of vehicle parades for birthdays or other celebrations of more than five people who not members of a single household are prohibited by O.Reg. 52/20.

Region of Halton Public Health has guidelines for parades. These events would first have to comply with the provincial emergency orders in size.

These drive-by parades are becoming more common and can be a way to celebrate an event. However, it is important that public health measures continue to be followed during these types of events.

Mayor hospital clap

Mayor Meed Ward on her first drive by with a good dozen public vehicles behind the car she was in – sirens blaring – lights flashing. She just loves a parade.

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward explains: “The drive-by parades have given a lot of joy to people in a creative way, amid the physical distancing restrictions of COVID-19 and at a time when we’ve been unable to socially connect like we used to.

I was honoured to participate in one recently. These parades have been an awesome idea when they’ve been kept to a certain scale — unfortunately, the larger they get, the harder it is to maintain physical distancing and keep health and safety protocols in place. We need to follow the provincial emergency orders and public health advice and keep the size and frequency of these events to a reasonable scale. Our focus is keeping everyone safe and healthy, and I’m very proud of our residents who are thinking of creative ways to socially connect while doing so.”

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Kearns want her constituents to know that she is still with them - holding an online event to talk to her tribe.

eventsblue 100x100By Pepper Parr

April 28th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

This could be fun – and goodness knows we need something other than black humour.

Lisa Kearns taking questions

Never quite sure what Lisa Kearns is going to say when she has a microphone in her hands.

Lisa Kearns, Councillor for Ward 2, has announced that she is going to hold a virtual constituency meeting.

In a message to everyone on her mailing list she said:

You’re invited to a Ward 2 Virtual Community Update Meeting on Thursday, April 30th, 2020 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The best place for you is at home, please join me through Zoom technology (video and/or audio) to connect with the community.

Hear about what’s happening at City Hall and in your City. Engage on what matters to you.

CoVID-19 Response
• City Hall News
• Planning & Development
• Construction & Projects
• Healthy Living
• Environment
• Q&A Session

As always, everyone welcome.

Kearns is what we journalists call “good copy” – you’re never sure what she is going to say or how the words are going to flow from her mouth.

The best I ever got from covering her events was that “Phoney baloney” line.

So tune in on Thursday – it might be better than the movies – and given that the theatres are closed, Lisa Kearns is all you have going for you Thursday night.

Kearns virtual

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Light and easy workout - live every Friday, to honour RCMP Constable Heidi Stevenson

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

April 28th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Ashley Worobec is a self-described Type-A personality.

She runs. A typical day is up at 5:00 am and out running 5km with her dog.

Career wise she is a chiropractor working at a sports clinic.

Heidi Stevenson

RCMP Constable Heidi Stevenson, mother of two children killed by a shooter evading police to be honoured by people doing a 10 minute workout every Friday.

The tragedy in Nova Scotia last week moved her to use her workout skills and develop a short program to honour the memory of RCMP Constable Heidi Stevenson.

The initiative she has just begun is hosting “Movement You”, which is a 10-minute workout, LIVE online on her Facebook and Instagram pages (search “Dr. Ashley Worobec”)-“ it’s a way for me to connect with my community and to encourage my patients to stay active and moving, which is something I believe passionately in”, said Worobec.

Ashley movement“Last Friday was the first time doing this, and it was a wild success, with my kids participating in the workout too. I plan on making this a weekly thing, every Friday at 11:45am, with movements that people can do easily in their living rooms.

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July Downtown car show - cancelled

News 100 blue

By Staff

April 28th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The summer is beginning to look quite quiet; the Burlington Downtown Car Show has been cancelled.

Carshow Blue car

Remembering when

Ron Baker, organizer and promoter of the event announced today that “Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the uncertainty of protocol for social distancing in early July, the Burlington Downtown Car Show is cancelled for this year.

car show crowd

Best argument ever for making Brant a pedestrian only street – car show crowd filled the street

‘The Car Show has become a mainstay of summer in the city. Five hundred meters of Brant Street in downtown Burlington is turned into a pedestrian mall with as many as 200 cars on display.

“The idea has always been to present a celebration of the automobile”, stated Ron Baker, car show founder. “We have had representation of every decade of the automobile on display, from 1910 to present day”. The show has attracted over 100,000 visitors in the past five years.

The summer of 2021 is an option.

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Virtual Business Support Forum at DeGroote date changed to May 5th

News 100 blueBy Staff

April 23rd, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

 

Something is brewing between the city and the University campus on the South Service Road. Mayor wasn't ready to let that cat out of the bag this morning.

Next COVID-19 Virtual Business Support Forum will be held at DeGroote – on the South Service Road.

The Business Strategy & Planning session with DeGroote School of Business on April 28 has been rescheduled to May 5.

The event is part of the Team Burlington COVID-19 Virtual Business Support Forum Series.

COVID-19 Virtual Business Support Forum Series (1)

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The outhouse will be an experience - talking to people will be wonderful

News 100 yellowBy Pepper Parr

April 16th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Without naming anyone – got the following from friends.

They, like hundreds of people, are looking for a way to break out of this social isolation we are all coping with.

outhouseThe friends said: “Once I’ve got the deck up – I can set up some social distant chairs and invite you two over – each bring our own picnic hamper including drinks and glasses –

“I have an outhouse so nobody needs to go into the house – but at least we can talk to each other without wearing a mask if we’re a metre or so apart.”

The outhouse will be a new experience but we do need to talk about that 1 metre distancing when all current advice recommends 2 metres.

Might wait until the next Town Hall the Mayor puts on and ask the medical experts if this would be acceptable.

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Burlington Green has a neat project for children - turning milk cartons into bird feeders

eventsgreen 100x100By Staff

April 16th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

At a time when parents are looking for ideas and small projects to keep their children active Burlington Green has put forward a neat idea – Put your Waste to Work.

They want to Up-Cycle cartons into bird feeders to help attract pollinators and encourage biodiversity right in your backyard.

BG milk carton projectBurlington Green will demonstrate how to create bird feeders from old juice or milk cartons on Facebook Live. This event is suitable for ages 8+.

When: Thursday, April 16th at 2:00 pm via Facebook Live. To watch, follow the event live on the Burlington Green Facebook page.

Please register for this event here.

Missed the event? Not to worry! You can view the video on our Facebook page following the event.

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St. Matthews United Church Annual Plant Sale still a go

eventsgreen 100x100By Staff

April 7th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It is a 20-year tradition – the Annual Plant Sale at St. Matthews United Church on Plains Road.

They are not about to let a pandemic shut them down.
The event has been re-branded and is now a “Drive-through Plant Sale”

Plant sate CORRECT

As usual, they will take Pre-orders now, paid for and picked up the first part of May, when the orders will be brought out and put in the trunks for people as they drive up. “Our way of living may have changed, but people will need to be in their gardens by that time for therapy and we at St. Matthews are adaptable. However, due to maintaining distance, this year there won’t be any sales on the day of pickup.  You place your order, pay in advance and pick them up” advised Connie Price.

If you don’t have a computer or on-line access drop off your order, with a cheque please, at the Church’s outside Mail-box on dates as shown on the flyer.

Deadline for Orders is April 12th.

The response to the Pre-paid Drive-through hands off Pick-up method has been very positive.

Thank you for sharing or ordering for yourself and stay safe.

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District school board expects the school year to start September 8th - between now and then all options are on the table

News 100 blueBy Staff

April 1st, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

HDSB sign and benchSomeone seems to have forgotten to do a reality check.

The Halton District School Board today released the proposed school calendar for the 2020-2021 academic year.

At the March 25, 2020 Board meeting, trustees of the Halton District School Board approved the proposed calendar dates for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. Final approval of the calendar by the Ministry of Education is anticipated later in Spring 2020.

Will there be an academic year? In the event that there is the calendar proposed is set out below.

School calendar 2020-2021The school year calendar is developed with input from the School Year Calendar Committee consisting of representatives from interested and affected groups, including parents/guardians. The 2020-2021 school year calendar is aligned with the Halton Catholic District School Board calendar, to consolidate resources on school bus transportation, which is shared between school boards.

The calendar outlines the Professional Activity days (PA) for staff when schools will be closed to students, as well as school breaks and holidays. The first day of school for the 2020-2021 school year is Tuesday, Sept. 8.

These dates will be provided to schools to be shared with students and parents/guardians, and they are also posted on the Board’s website at www.hdsb.ca (refer to the Calendar on the home page).

The date is April 1st – is this a prank?  Apparently not.

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Classes start again - lessons will be delivered electronically.

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

March 31st, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The students will be back in school – no later than next week.

Directors of Education from across the province have been in conference calls with the Ministry of Education – classes are to resume.

The Boards are waiting for the last bit of documentation from the province – “We want to be sure we are fully aligned with the province” said Miller.

It will be all electronic and there will be bumps during the first week or so.

Stuart Miller

Stuart Miller, Halton District School Board Director of Education

Stuart Miller, Halton District School Board Director of Education met with all his principals today and will begin meeting with the teachers tomorrow.

And yes they have followed the rules – they know the game.

Much of the communication is being done electronically. Miller does short videos and sends them out to the teachers.

Parents will be getting letters and later in the week Miller will go before the camera again and will talk to the students electronically.

HS student at computer

For most high school students the transition to electronic learning will not be that difficult. There will be exceptions

Secondary students will be doing regular classes – they just won’t be in the room with the teacher. The technology is  in place and, according to Miller, a lot of teachers are biting at the bit to get back to teaching. Will attendance be taken?   probably at the high school level.
It will be a little different at the elementary level – the focus will be on literacy and numbers.

Will parents be in the classroom? They can if they want.

Everyone is going to have to be flexible and patient.

child behind paper

Elementary students will be challenged – parents will have to be in the room – but with creative teachers at the other end of the internet connection it can work,

Miller said that the unions are on side – “everyone realizes this is a different time and a lot of rules are going to get bent. He added that at the same time there are going to be some interesting realizations.

Education is on a new course – the board wants it to work and the parents don’t want the length of time their children are out of the classroom to last much longer.

It will be interesting to see how this works out.

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All recreation facilities, parks, playgrounds, sports fields and City administration facilities to the end of June.

News 100 blueBy Staff

March 30th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19, the City of Burlington has decided to suspend all City-run spring programs and extend the closure of all recreation facilities, parks, playgrounds, sports fields and City administration facilities to the end of June.

During this time, all bookings will be cancelled, and refunds will be given. Organizations and residents are asked to please be patient as refunds may take up to two weeks to process. Questions related to rentals can be sent to rentals@burlington.ca. For registrations, email liveandplay@burington.ca.

This decision, made by the City’s Emergency Control Group, follows the guidance of the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada and the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health to prepare and plan for the months ahead.

The City of Burlington regularly plans in quarters, including Council’s 4-year strategic workplan, Vision to Focus. We need to make decisions now that affect programming weeks and months out, to provide some certainty to our community and to our many community partners.

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward explains that: “This decision is absolutely necessary to protect the health and well-being of our employees and our community, as we plan for the best but prepare for the worst.

“COVID-19 numbers are still rising in our City through community spread. So we must continue to work towards flattening the curve through social and physical distancing and staying home. That means we can’t gather together at recreation facilities, community centres, sports fields and parks.

“We don’t know exactly how long this situation is going to last. By planning ahead, we can redirect resources where most needed, put non-essential projects on hold, and remain agile enough to open things up earlier if the situation changes. And once this is over, we will come together again as a community to celebrate. Let’s each do our part to get through this, healthy and whole.”

We are asking everyone to remember they have a role to play in slowing the spread of COVID-19:

Please continue to keep out of park facilities including

o playgrounds,
o sports fields,
o skate parks,
o dog off-leash areas and
o community gardens.
o If you need some fresh air and activity, it’s okay to walk, cycle or jog through our parks, but please do not linger.
o Stay 2 metres (6 feet) away from everyone else in the park or on a trail.
o Please take your waste home with you to dispose of it.

During this extended closure we will continue to maintain our essential services and those services that provide direct support to keep our residents and staff safe. These include areas such as Burlington Fire, Burlington Transit including Handi-Van, Traffic Services, ByLaw Enforcement, Roads, Parks and Forestry Operations, Building Inspections and Service Burlington.

With this announcement the administration wants to assure residents that the business of the City will continue during this critical time.

“Our staff that are able, are continuing to work from home to maintain City services such as Community Planning, City Capital Works and various Corporate Services. During this unprecedented time, we are continually looking at ways for us to work more efficiently and to use taxpayer dollars wisely. We have already put in place spending restraints on all non-essential purchases during this time and will look to utilize our staff where we can instead of outsourcing.

“The majority of the City’s expenditures is paying our hard-working employees and we must continue to ensure we have the staff needed to get us through these challenging times. This means we will maintain our full-time staff workforce. They will continue to work remotely during this period or be redeployed where possible into essential service areas. We are also aware of other organizations that may need assistance, like the Region of Halton, where we may be able to redeploy staff.

“For our part-time staff, we will look at various options including evaluating government assistance programs being offered by the provincial and federal governments.

“Once we have looked at options for our staff, as a last resort we will also consider layoffs as required.

“We also know we’re not going to be back to 100 per cent on Day 1 after this pandemic has ended. We have to set the expectations for ourselves as a City and the public that it won’t be business as usual the first day we’re back from this. However, having plans in place for the next three months means we’ll be able to get back on our feet, operating at 100 per cent again that much sooner.

“This situation is evolving every hour and we are continually monitoring. The City of Burlington will continue to keep you informed.

Commisso stare

Tim Commisso, City Manager

Tim Commisso, City Manager adds that “Over the last few weeks our focus and priority has been on dealing with the immediate impacts of COVID-19 which has included meeting daily and taking specific actions based on analysis of virus spread and in partnership with public health.

“Clearly, we now need to look ahead and make decisions that are in best interests of our community and staff. We still need to do all we can to prevent the spread of the virus and continue to deliver our essential services in addition to providing certainty and stability for the next several months. We remain committed to strong financial management and ensuing we have adequate resources to meet this challenge.”

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Transit User's Forum scheduled for May postponed to Fall

News 100 blueBy Staff

March 26th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The scheduled Burlington Transit Users’ Forum, has been postponed.

bfast-logo-w-type-rgb-400x133No new date has been set, Bfast will examine holding the Forum this Fall when the picture becomes more clear with regard to the COVID-19 virus.

doug-brown-with-buses

Doug Brown in his happy camper mode.

In a statement released Wednesday, Doug Brown said: “This postponement is a disappointment to all of us, but we at BFAST will continue to make submissions to City Council and staff to promote continuing improvements to a transit system that was making excellent progress in providing better service and significantly increasing ridership before the virus hit.

Brown said: “We see three major issues for transit on the agenda now. The first is to ensure that our City Council continues to support improvements to the system.

“The second is to make Council aware that, while we support the City’s efforts to develop a Climate Action Plan, its current approach will worsen traffic congestion and not achieve the admirable goals it sets forth.

“The third is to participate in the development of the City’s Integrated Mobility Program. To this end, we have been meeting regularly with City staff to help ensure the Plan points us toward a transit-oriented future.

“Despite our disappointment in postponing the Transit Users’ Forum, we are excited and optimistic about the medium-term prospects for transit in Burlington and look forward to continued progress.”

 

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Conservation Halton closes all parks: public not following social distance rules

News 100 redBy Staff

March 21st, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The public has not paid enough attention to the requirement to maintain a social distance between people they come into contact with.

Conservation Halton made the decision to close all parks indefinitely as of March 22nd.

Mt Nemo - birch trees

Made for pleasant outdoor walks – people using the park on Saturday did not stay far enough apart. This social distance stuff is serious.

On March 13, we reduced staff in our parks and gatehouses, cancelled all programming and closed some of our parks, while leaving others open for people to engage in passive recreation. We also suspended our regular fees and encouraged visitors to pay what they can. The parks were still served by Park Rangers and other park operations staff with no direct contact with customers. They were monitoring conditions, parking, and visitor safety for adherence to social distancing related to COVID-19.

Our parks were extremely busy on Saturday March 21 with a spike in hiking visits from 12pm onward. Although many of our visitors have respected social distancing, our Rangers observed and reported concerns with crowding in some areas, parking lot capacity and illegal parking, and people entering areas that are marked as closed.

Mt Nemo entrance

Now closed o the public

Considering these challenges, all Conservation Halton parks will remain closed indefinitely. These include Kelso, Mountsberg, Crawford Lake, Rattlesnake Point, Hilton Falls and Robert Edmondson Conservation Areas. All sites will be monitored for illegal access and trespassers will be charged.

“These are extraordinary times and we are not in a position to use staff resources to manage non-compliance with park rules or control crowding proactively. Our collective response to COVID-19 has to be all or nothing when it comes to social distancing.” said Hassaan Basit, Chief Administrative Officer.

Mt Nemo waking trail

People were not staying far enough apart on Saturday – trail now closed.

“Unfortunately, while most people have been very responsible, some have demonstrated a complete disregard for the health advice we must all follow. This leaves us no choice but to close the parks indefinitely. We can not risk the safety of any member of our staff or the broader community.”

“For parents with children at home, Conservation Halton has prepared some online resources to support learning about nature without leaving your home. You can find them on our website at conservationhalton.ca/nature-home-learning-resources.”

Important related news story:

Why is social distance important?

Get Gaz yellow

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Aldershot community working with St. Matthews on food collection

News 100 redBy Staff

March 21, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

St Matthews AldershotSt. Matthews-on-the-Plains Church, through a Partnering Aldershot, helping our neighbours have food initiative, are trying to make it easy for people to donate food safely without personal contact, while helping to keep the Aldershot food distribution agencies’ shelves from being completely depleted.

St Matthews flyer At St. Matthew’s driveway drop-off, there is also a list of needed items and a chart of a lot of the places in Burlington where those in need can get food. All the agencies have instituted ‘safe distance’ policies.

There has also been a group of volunteers formed, who are willing to deliver Food Hampers from the Aldershot distribution agencies to the front door of those in need and who can’t or shouldn’t go out.
Aldershot is a true ‘village’ pulling together to help each other.

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Now that you know you are going to have the kids at home for at least two weeks - maybe more - what do you do with them?

graphic coping redBy Pepper Parr

March 20, 2020 – 6:06am

BURLINGTON, ON

 

One of the people we turn to for advice and comment on the work we do each day commented that all the articles on COVID-19 are making the Gazette look like wallpaper – it’s all the same.

And it does look that way today.

History will tell us that this virus, like 9/11, will have changed the world as we have known it. The outcome of what is really a war against a disease is one we have to win and one we can win if we use the brains and skills we have and the discipline we must develop.

graphic coping greenWe will get through this by helping each other.

The Gazette is developing a series Coping with COVID-19 & the kids.

A couple of times each week we will publish articles on what parents are doing to continue raising their children under very trying circumstances.

A number of parents are working with us to talk about ideas they will be using to care for their children for what is probably going to be longer than they realize.

Ashley with bib number

Ashley Worobec with her New York Marathon bib number.

Ashley Worobec, the chiropractor who runs and completes marathons is the mother of two; an 11 year old son and an 8 year old daughter. .

Amber Rohol, the brains behind the Active Parents website and the mother of two 11 year old girls will be joined by Nicki Rivers, a teacher at a private school and the mother of two children.

The objective is to have these three women along with members of the Gazette Advisory group prime the pump as it were – sending ideas out and receiving ideas from other parents.

This is ideally a two way flow with parents building on the ideas that come in.

Where should we start? Baking – get the kids into the kitchen and make cookies or bread. When I was raising my daughter I had to make a cake for a Girl Guide meeting. I used a cake mix but something didn’t work out all that well – the middle was mushy.

Active p logoI didn’t panic – I just got creative – scooped out the mushy middle and filled the center with jelly beans. My daughter was delighted – she wouldn’t be embarrassed – one parent asked me for the recipe.

graphic coping blueWe expect to have the editorial feature up and running in a day or two.

The team behind this will not be meeting – it will be viral – with lots of telephone calls and emails. Be part of what we are setting out to do.

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Significant changes in the way the community celebrates and entertains itself on the way.

News 100 redBy Staff

March 18th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Decisions are being made in the community that give us some sense as to what we might be in for as we struggle to deal with COVID19.

Ribfest south lake side

Most of the “ribbers” may decide to just give up on this season due to COVID19

The chief medical officer of health for Ontario has recommending the immediate suspension of all large events and public gatherings due to COVID-19.

The Oakville Family Ribfest was not scheduled until the end of June 2020 – more than 90 days away.

Sound-of-Music-Festival-2017 large crowd

A crowd like this isn’t going to be permitted this summer. No word yet from the Sound of Music on what their plans are.

The Rotary Club of Oakville Trafalgar, announced today that the event will be postponed until June of 2021

The health and safety of all the families in our community are our top priority. Strong measures are required to manage the transmission of this virus and the timeline required to eliminate the risk of COVID-19 in Ontario will be prolonged so we believe it is prudent to take this preventative action.

There is much that we do not know about this virus – the biggest over-riding concern may well be how much we have to adapt to cope.

No word on the Burlington Ribfest or the Sound of Music.

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Art Gallery joins the list of locations that will be closed to the public.

News 100 redBy Staff

March 14th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Art Gallery of Burlington has joined with other community organizations in an effort, led by the City of Burlington, to protect the health of our community by suspending all of our programs and services and closing our facility beginning Saturday, March 14, for a minimum of three weeks.

Prepaid Nash AGB

The seven day a week operation ends during the shutdown of everything in the city.

Although we know this will be an inconvenience to many and a burden to some, we are proud and determined to do everything we possibly can in response to the challenge of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

Please rest assured that we will happily provide full refunds for all of the camps, courses, tours, venue rentals, and other paid services that will be impacted by this closure, although we request your patience due to the large number of clients involved.

We will be posting all updates on our website, and a staff member will be available by telephone from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday, until the gallery reopens.

Guilds 2018 levee

Guilds will not be able to meet at the Gallery

To our colleagues in the Guilds of Arts Burlington and to our many volunteers, we regret that we will not be able to offer any use of the facility during this closure, and we also regret that all of the work we have planned together with you must be postponed throughout this time, but we ask you to please be in touch with us if you require our assistance.

At this time we are working to review and revise our plans for our programs and services, and we look forward to welcoming the whole community back into the Gallery as soon as we are able.

We are very grateful to our friends at the City of Burlington for their leadership under extraordinary circumstances, and we harbour no doubt whatsoever that together we are doing the right thing for this community.

With Hope and Confidence,

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