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.

Get Gaz yellow

 

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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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Performing Arts Centre closes Main Theatre - Community Theatre will remain open.

News 100 redBy Staff

March 13th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

After first deciding to keep the doors open the Burlington Performing Arts Centre will be following the guidelines recommended by our provincial, municipal, and cultural partners to suspend all Main Theatre events and regular box office hours of operation until Monday, April 6th.

Some new light being brought to the Performing Arts csntre with the appointment of Brian McCuerdy as the new Executive Director.

Main Theater closed – Community Theater will be open.

Ontario’s chief medical officer of health is recommending the immediate suspension of all large events and public gatherings of over 250 people due to COVID-19. The Canadian Arts Presenting Association (CAPACOA) is encouraging venues to temporarily suspend ‘final ticket sale’ policies and asking patrons who may be feeling ill to stay home. Our partners at the City of Burlington have elected to close facilities and cancel services for a 3-week period.

In an effort to contain the spread of the virus, BPAC will be suspending all events in the Main Theatre for the remainder of our 19/20 Presents season, and all rental events in the Main Theatre, as well as regular box office operations, until Monday, April 6th. The box office will continue to operate through phone and email communication.

The following upcoming events have been cancelled:
• Bay City Rollers – TUE MAR 17
• May The Force Be With You – THU APR 2
• The Dreamboats – FRI APR 3
• Burlington Teen Tour Band – SUN APR 5
• Cirque Eloize: Hotel – FRI APR 10 & SAT APR 11

Tickets purchased online for these events will receive automatic refunds online. Tickets purchased by visiting the BPAC Box Office in person or over the phone will be refunded by Box Office staff.

Performances in our 160-seat Community Studio Theatre will go ahead as scheduled as we continue to assess the situation on a daily basis. The Box Office and Lobby will be open 1-hour prior to the following events:
• Old Man Flanagan’s Ghost – TUE MAR 17, 7:30pm
• Kevin Fox: Songs for Cello & Voice – SAT MAR 21, 7:30pm
• Elise LeGrow – SUN MAR 22, 7pm

If you have recently traveled or if you feel any symptoms of a cold or flu, we ask that you do not attend. Please stay at home and contact the Box Office for a full refund.

The safety and comfort of our patrons, volunteers, artists, and staff are of utmost importance. We are making sure that our staff and volunteers are well aware of hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, we are installing hand sanitizing stations at our entrances, and focusing on keeping our venue clean and sanitary. Even so, we assure all patrons that nobody will be expected to attend these events if you are not comfortable to do so, and a full refund will be issued to you.

Box Office Information

Phone: 905.681.6000
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre
440 Locust Street,
Burlington, ON, L7S 1T7

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Conservation Halton closes almost all sites; administration offices closed to the public

News 100 redBy Staff

March 13th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Conservation Halton has made the difficult but necessary decision to close a number of their park operations.

Conservation Halton Administration’s Office will be closed to the public but will continue to operate through phone and email communications. We will also continue to receive deliveries and accept well water samples.

Mountsberg will be closed and Maple Town, as a result, will also be closed for the remainder of the season.

Crawford lake with wooden trail

The walkway will be closed at Crawford lake.

Crawford Lake will be open, with trail access, but the Longhouse Village will be closed for the immediate future and Sweet Water Season will be closed for the remainder of the season.

Mt Nemo entrance

You will be able to walk the trail

Rattlesnake Point, Hilton Falls, Mount Nemo and Robert Edmondson will remain open, with trail access, but facilities, such as visitor centres, indoor washrooms, gift shops and food services, will be closed for the immediate future, so visitors are encouraged to plan ahead.

Glen Eden will be closed for the remainder of the season.

“We understand the importance of access to nature for community health and wellness, so we have worked to keep as many of the trails as possible open for public access,” said Hassaan Basit, Chief Administrative Officer. “With so many of our industry partners closing to reduce the spread of COVID-19, we feel it is our responsibility to support these efforts.”

“Conservation Halton will look to reassess park operations on April 6.”

You can find more information and updates on park closures at conservationhalton.ca

 

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Tap a Maple Tree event cancelled.

eventspink 100x100By Staff

March 13th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Conservation Halton announced this morning that the Tap a Tree event that was scheduled for today, March 13, at the Mountsberg Conservation Area has been cancelled.

Crawford maple_syrup___Super_Portrait

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Contemporary Dance company is looking for four choreographers

artsblue 100x100By Staff

March 13th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Aeris Körper Contemporary Dance company is looking for four choreographers to participate in their spring edition of ‘PROSPECTS: an evening of dance and discussion.

Dance 1The theme for the night is Social Justice with dance and movement performers focusing on equality, privilege, society and human rights.

Applications are being accepted for two works from Burlington-based artists and an additional two from artists outside of the city. Artists of colour, those living with disabilities, new Canadians, and new generation artists 18 to 30 years of age are encouraged to apply.

As a works-in-progress platform, ‘PROSPECTIVES’ provides artists, with a variety of performance experience, an opportunity to refine their 15-minute productions and receive post-performance input from the audience.

Performances can be inside or outside with artists being encouraged to create unique seating arrangements for audience members.

Applications due by April 9, 2020 will be judged by a jury composed of choreographers who previously performed at ‘PROSPECTS’ events. Applicants requiring help completing their submissions can contact Mikaela Demers at producer@aeriskorper.com or 647-876-7159.

dance logoSuccessful choreographers will present their pieces the evening of Saturday June 20, 2020 at The Burlington Student Theatre and receive an honorarium.

Aeris Kőrper, a contemporary-based dance company, produces live performances, hosts community platforms, and leads accessible movement workshops in Burlington, Hamilton, and across the Greater Toronto Area.

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City announces recreation facilities and program registration refunds policy during COVID19

News 100 redBy Staff

March 12th, 2029

BURLINGTON, ON

With the COVID-19 situation, the City of Burlington will be offering full refunds for Recreation facilities and program registrations (including March Break programs) without any administration charge.

Councillor Sharman has held two public sessions with Senior's as part of his effort to understand their needs and develop policy that Council can put in place to serve this vital community. At most of the sessions Sharman holds his Dad is often in the audience.

Some planned events might be cancelled.

For facility rentals: organizations and residents with upcoming rentals may cancel or rebook at a future date (pending availability) with no penalty. Please contact rentals@burlington.ca.

For registrations, including March Break programs: to withdraw from an upcoming course without penalty, or to withdraw from a course in progress to receive a prorated refund, please email liveandplay@burlington.ca or visit us during customer service hours.

If you have more questions about cancellations, please reach us at rentals@burlington.ca or liveandplay@burlington.ca or 905-335-7738.

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Schools to be closed for two weeks after Spring break - Performing Arts Centre to remain open.

News 100 redBy Staff

March 12th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Minister of Education has issued a Ministerial Order to close all publicly funded schools in Ontario for two weeks following March break, in response to the emergence in Ontario of COVID-19.

This order was approved by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

This means that Ontario schools have been ordered to remain closed from March 14 through to April 5, 2020.

classroom empty

Classroom to remain empty for two weeks after Spring Break

The Cineplex movie theatre chain and the Burlington Performing Arts Centre have said they will continue to operate.

The National Hockey League has shut down for the balance of the season.

There are mixed message here which is the last thing we need.

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Shakespeare at the Rock on the move - Dundurn Castle is their new home.

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

March 5th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

In the summer the Tottering Biped Theatre (TBT) creates contemporary, highly physical interpretations of Shakespeare. Since 2016, TBT has presented original takes on Shakespeare at the beautiful Rock Gardens of the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Shakespeare at Rock 1

The cool of a summer evening at the RBG Rock Garden watching a Shakespeare production.

The team descends on the Gardens each August to present the contemporary issues they care about with flair to the words of the immortal Bard, marrying the traditional with the issues of today to inspire reflection, new perspectives, and change.

Founded in 2009 as a social justice inspired Theatre Company, they devise contemporary pieces through a workshop process spanning several years to create highly physical works of artistic excellence during the Fall/Winter.

They define their mandate as promoting conscious evolution through Theatre, emphasizing themes of social justice; their works have addressed poverty, Israeli-Palestinian relations, same sex marriage, violence against women, and mental health.

Unfortunately, the RBG has decided not to present the TBT work again after four years of collaboration and despite having the largest audience yet in 2019, so TBT found  a new home it will be Shakespeare at the Castle – Dundurn Castle in Hamilton, Ontario.

“There are some things about this change that are incredibly exciting”, said Trevor Copp, Director of TBT. “This shift will radically improve our accessibility. We have always wanted to offer ‘pay what you can’ tickets, but the RBG dictated ticket prices, making this impossible.

Dundurn Castle

Dundurn Castle will be the new home for the Shakespeare program – more space is one of the advantages.

With Shakespeare at the Castle, we will finally be able to make all tickets ‘pay what you can’ so that more people can get in and get their Shakespeare on!

“We will also now be much closer to downtown Hamilton at a location that is much more accessible by public transportation, again allowing more people to enjoy our shows and receive the benefits of the arts.

“We will also now have more artistic control over the work and be able to fully embrace our own Hamilton aesthetic while pursuing our goal of getting living wages into the hands of emerging professional artists in our area.”

Merchant - Trevor - thought

Trevor Copp watching a rehearsal.

Trevor Copp has put a brave face on a terribly disappointing decision on the part of RBG. They are going to need some help to make this work.

For those who love Shakespeare and delight in the spin that TBT gives some of the memorable productions; you will see them again – this time with a Hamilton-centric spin, no doubt.

Copps set out the situation is crystal clear language: What We Need & What You Get.

“If we can raise the money to pay our artists this year, we can save the money we raise in ticket sales and put that towards next year’s budget. So, if we can get this money together one time, we will be able to sustainably carry on this project in subsequent seasons.”

“You can help make the transformation possible – Contribute here!

“Our goal is to make this a legacy series for Hamilton and the surrounding region, and this is the make or break year that will decide if that happens.

Merchant - yellow mask

Rehearsals for the Merchant of Venice

“No amount is too small. Please consider contributing to this fantastic project!

Merchant - Antonio

Michael Harrigan in Merchant of Venice – rehearsal

This isn’t just about money. TBT’s take on Mid-summer Night’s Dream was something you will never see again.

Their production of Romeo and Juliet was different yet superb. They did Macbeth and Twelfth Night as well. Nothing shabby about any of them. This was theatre worth watching.

Keep an eye on how they are doing financially – and get on the band wagon.

 

Got Your Back $10-$99):
A social media shout out for the love! You logged in, filled it all out, and did what you could! It makes such a difference to us!

Patron Sponsor ($100-$499):
Recognition by name on our website and in our Shakespeare at the Castle programs.
Bronze Sponsor ($500-$999):
Above benefits + A poster signed by the cast and a full cast/crew “Thank You” photo
Silver Sponsor ($1K -$2.4K):
Above benefits + Pair of tickets for our dress rehearsal and Q&A talkback and photo op with the cast and director of Shakespeare at the Castle.
Gold Sponsor ($2.5K-$4.9K):
All above benefits +
– If you want to be the slick silent partner type, you get a coffee with one of our cast members before the show to learn about their experience and ask any questions you want!
OR

– If you want to shout it out, a 3-foot sign with your name or company name/logo will be displayed at the Dundurn Castle performances throughout the run + a quarter-page ad or your personal message/dedication in our program.
Platinum Sponsor ($5K-$9.9K):

How do you tell these actors that you want them to be on the stage next summer and for years after? Do something now.Contribute

 

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Income tax clinics for those who need help completing their tax return

News 100 redBy Staff

March 3, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Taxes is one of those inevitables.

Tax clinic graphicEven if you don’t owe any money to the government – you have to file a tax return in order to get the benefits that are available to low income people.

The tax forms do not get any easier.

There is help available.

Burlington MP Karina Gould, who is also the Minister of International Development, has arranged for tax experts to meet with anyone who needs help with completing and filing their income tax return.

Tax clinic locations

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Spring? Might be - Leslie Bullock saw flowers in her garden

News 100 greenBy Staff

March 2, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Signs of spring in our garden announced Leslie Bullock earlier today.

She wouldn’t stretch the truth.

Could it be?

Maybe no more drifting snow?

Spring flowers Bullock

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Bfast sets a date for its sixth annual meeting - it will be a Hallelujah event

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

March 2, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The tone of things related to transit has certainly changed in Burlington.

bfast-logo-w-type-rgb-400x133Bfast, Burlington’s for Accessible, Sustainable Transit,  an organization that struggled for years to get something, anything, in the way of traction at city hall on transit.

Elections are amazing things; Burlington now has a transit friendly council and a Director of Transit who has turned that organization into one that actually wants to see more buses on the streets.

While the event is several months away Bfast has announced the sixth annual Forum on Saturday, May 9, 2020, from 9:15-11:45am at the Burlington Seniors’ Centre.

It should be a celebration of what has been achieved in a short period of time and then take a hard look at the direction the city will go in.

Bfast 2018 forum

A typical Bfast meeting.

Electric is front and centre in the minds of Bfast and city council. The issue is when and where is the money going to come from. Electric buses are expensive and the critical charging stations come in at a Million dollars each – and just one isn’t going to cut it.

Council recently held a workshop on transit and learned about what the future of electric is going to look like. Exciting times ahead for sure.

Doug Brown, Chair, BFAST Steering Committee might well levitate when he calls the meeting to order. Note the date: May 9th.

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First annual InMemoriam Day to take place March 26th.

eventsblue 100x100By Staff

March 2, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It’s a different approach to creating a sense of community – and it could work.

InMemoriam Ceremonies are usually held by churches; given the number of people who don’t attend church regularly, this might serve a purpose.

candle

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward announced today that the city now has a “ population of almost 200,000 people, Burlington loses over 1200 of our residents each year. Each person plays a part in our city’s well-being and their loss impacts many others.

Burlington’s Annual “In Memoriam” Ceremony was created to help recognize members of the community who have passed away in the previous year. All residents who have lost a family member, friend, or loved one are invited to gather in Civic Square along with Mayor Meed Ward to reflect together, as a community, on those we lost.

Mayor Meed Ward will say a few words of support for those in attendance. The flags at City Hall will be lowered on this day in their honour.

Going forward, the annual In Memoriam Ceremony will continue to be held on the last Thursday of March.

The media release from the Mayor’s office didn’t provide much more in the way of detail.  Do people just show up or does one register somewhere?  Follow up at:

www.burlington.ca/annual-in-memoriam-ceremony

Burlington’s 1st Annual In Memoriam Ceremony
Civic Square, 12-12:30pm on March 26th, 2020

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It is going to be chilly for the Marathon on Sunday - route, transit changes + everything else you need to know about the event

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

February 27th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Starts in front of City Hall on Brant Street at 10:05 am and travels

Chilly runners 2

Waiting at the finish line.

north to Baldwin,

west on Baldwin,

south on Hurd,

east on Blenheim,

south on Locust,

east on Elgin,

south on Brant,

They come by the thousands.

They come by the thousands; numbered bibs show the count.

west on Lakeshore,

turnaround at Maple,

east on Lakeshore to Burloak,

north on Burloak,

turnaround at Spruce,

west on Lakeshore,

North on Brant to Finish.

Coolsaet crossing the Half Chilly Marathon December 2014

Crossing the finish line.

Bus route detours in effect

Burlington Transit  Routes 2, 3, 4, and 10

HSR 11 downtown 

Oakville 14A along Burloak Drive

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Road Closures

6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

  • Brant Street from Maria Street to Elgin Street
  • Ontario Street from Brant Street to Locust Street, and James Street from John Street to Brant Street.

9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

  • Lakeshore Road from Brant Street to Maple Avenue.

9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • Brant Street, Lakeshore Road to Elgin Street – access to Bunton’s Wharf via Locust Street.

9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • Lakeshore Road from Brant Street to Burloak Drive. Burloak Drive from Lakeshore Road to Spruce Avenue for turnaround – access to Old Lakeshore Road from the west maintained with delays.

9:55 to 10:45 a.m.

  • The streets along the route west of Brant Street will experience intermittent road closures.

Resident Access
Residents on Lakeshore Road or on side streets impacted by the road closure have the following options:

  • Residents on the north side of Lakeshore Road are able to use the westbound lane, but expect delays.
  • Residents on the south side of Lakeshore Road will have restricted access and are encouraged to make alternate arrangements.
  • If your residence is within the road closure and you have to access your vehicle during the race, please park on side streets north of Lakeshore Road.
  • In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Supervision
Police will be at major intersections and traffic islands. Event marshals will be available at minor intersections and major multi-resident driveways to inform
drivers of event details and road closures. Race notices were delivered to all residents, religious centres and businesses along the race route.

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Bullying - explaining it to younger children

eventspink 100x100By Staff

February 26th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Bullying in the school yard and the hallways of an elementary school has an impact that is life defining for some children.

How do parents handle the problem? What is the approach that will put a stop to the behaviour? What if your child is the bully?

Bunny - BullyLana Button, an award-winning creator of delightful stories to help young people learn, will be at The Different Drummer to introduce her new picture book, the playful, poignant and pointed story of a troubled student who overcomes her aggressions with the help of her concerned classmates.

Lana will present What If Bunny’s Not a Bully? with crafts, treats, and her inimitable storytelling in a fun-filled event this Sunday, March 1 at 11am.

Admission is free. Everyone is welcome. Please join us!

What If Bunny’s Not a Bully?
Sunday March 1, 11am
A Different Drummer Books
513 Locust Street Burlington
www.differentdrummerbooks.ca

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