 By 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.
 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.
 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  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.
By 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.
The entrance is off Fairview – lots of signage – you can’t miss it.
 By 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.
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.
 By 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.
By 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.
 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.
By Staff
September 5th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Thousands of students will be trooping back to school – some will not have a shiny new backpack filled with the things needed at school.
Doesn’t sound like a big deal but for the kid with no backpack – it can be devastating.
Those of you who have been there understand.
 This is what goes into 300 Back Packs.  Burlington Together, a group that is steered by Beth Martin Snooker, pulled together a group earlier today and packed supplies into 300 Back Packs – no small feat.
Snooker ensured that mentions are made and sponsors recognized.
“A HUGE thank you to everyone who volunteered at St. Christopher’s this week and at the backpack program today. We prepped over 300 backpacks to help kids be ready for heading back to school! Thank you also to everyone who donated backpacks, school supplies, sanitizer, masks, toys and general good vibes!
“MASSIVE thanks to community partners Open Doors of St. Christopher’s, Food4Kids Halton and Compassion Society of Halton.” A special shout out to Mike McMillan for his donation of over 70 hand sanitizers this afternoon! And a huge thank you to Bill Leggitt and the Rotary Club of Burlington North who gave us a very generous donation which we used to fill the gaps in needed items.
 These are the ‘packers’ – some spent most of the day getting the job done. “Thanks to Corrine Batchelor for the donations of toys and games for the JK/SK/Gr1 bags. And thanks to Lisa Kearns for the donation of 300 masks and for stopping by with delicious treats for the volunteers.
“Thank you to Wellington Square United Church and Burlington Food Bank for sharing your backpack donations with us. Thank you to the Women’s Giving Network for the amazing hygiene kits. Thank you to Umicore Autocat Canada and RCAP Leasing for very generous donations of Walmart gift cards, backpacks and supplies. Thank you to Staples Canada store #14 for your donations of backpacks and supplies!
“Special shout outs to Christina Mulder for rocking this program, Julie Lansley who helped us ALL DAY today, volunteers Nick, Andrea & Danny, Adria, Melanie, Jess, Christine, Lisa D, Jackie B (all day!!), Lisa F, Marie, Gwen, Carmela, Sandi, Judy, Sandra, Michelle, Charlene, and Nick. I’m so sorry if I’ve missed you, it was a long day!
“As usual, NONE of this could have been accomplished without YOU, so my eternal thanks for your community generosity.”
 By Staff
September 1st, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
They are referred to as service organizations. Lions, Optimists, Rotary – and several others.
They are clubs whose membership gets together to do things for the community they live in. Some are international organizations.
Burlington has four different Rotary clubs.
Twenty five years ago John Thorpe and Bob Penning came up with the idea of bringing a Rib Fest to Burlington. The two had seen several in the United States and thought it might work in Burlington.
The growth of the Rib Fest was phenomenal – there are now Rib Fests across the country – but there is only one CLR – that stands for Canada’s Largest Rib Fest – and large it is.
When Covid-19 knocked everything off the calendar – Thorpe and Pennington kept hoping that the province would open things up in time for them to hold their 25th annual event.
“When we learned that CNE was cancelled we were toast – we had to put away all the hopes” said Thorpe.
These two don’t give up very easily. They came up with the idea of holding a smaller event – made it a Drive-Thru and convinced the people at Burlington Centre to let them use the parking lot for Canada Day.
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 – that was in 2017 Close to 3,000 cars later and a lot of cash in hand – they didn’t rest on their laurels – they wondered – could they do it again on Labour Day.
They can and they are going to.
The Rotary promotional people got into gear and everyone had something to say.
The public is invited to stop by the Burlington Centre parking lot, at 777 Guelph Line from 10am to 7pm to experience the fun and flavour of Canada’s Largest Ribfest in a safe, socially-distant way.
Looks like an obstacle course – it’s the only way to get great ribs on Labour Day. “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 Jay Bridle, Canada’s Largest Ribfest Co-Chair.
“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”.
 John Thorpe and Bob Penning – brought the Rib Fest to Burlington 24 years ago – this was to be the 25th anniversary. Guests are asked to enter Burlington Centre from the Fairview Street entrance and to remain in their vehicles for the duration of their visit. Food vendors will take orders and payment (cards preferred) and will deliver each completed order to your vehicle. Gloves and masks will be worn by all staff, vendors, and volunteers.
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.
Where does all that money go? Rotary has a scholarship program that really helps a lot of graduating high school students get to college or university.
And the community sees a lot of that money work its way into the small organizations that makes Burlington the city it is.
 Some of the organizations in Burlington that have received financial support from the Lakeshore Rotary.
By Staff
September 1, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Mark your calendar and get ready for a fine feed of not only finger ‘lickin’ good Ribs but you can pick up a bag of donuts and some fresh corn at the Burlington Lakeshore Rotary annual Rib Fest that takes place Monday September 7th, (Labour Day) at the Burlington Centre parking lot.
Couple of differences this time –
The entrance will be off Fairview – west of Guelph Line. There will be all kinds of signage,
The map set out below shows the route you will be taking once you are on the property.
Looks a little daunting – fear not the rate at which the traffic moves will ensure that you are not sitting in your car very long and there will be all kind of ushers to guide you.
Opens at 10 – runs until 7.
Last years just shy of 3,000 cars came through the parking lot.
You’re not allowed to get out of your vehicle – you won’t have to – everyone will come to you.
Just have your credit card at hand and you will find yourself on the way home with the sweet smell of those ribs with a side order of corn and some of those tiny donuts to leave you ‘feelin’ fine. They accept cash, debit, and credit, but payment by card is preferred.
What’s on the menu? Four ribbers to choose from.
By Staff
September 1st, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
By Pepper Parr
August 31st, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
How Burlington’s Lakeshore Rotary pivoted when it became obvious that they would not be able to hold their annual Rib Fest event at Spencer Smith Park. is an interesting story.
That pivot was succesfull enough for the very small team that made it happen on Canada Day decide to do it again – a bit differently but the same finger lickin ribs along with the sauce of your choice.
In June it was begining to look like summer was bound to become the summer of no fun with the cancellation of Canada’s Largest Ribfest, the Sound of Music festival, the City of Burlington’s Canada Day celebrations in Spencer Smith Park, as well as countless events, festivals and concerts in nearby cities.
 There were four ribbers at the Canada Day Drive Thru – all winners Canada’s Largest Ribfest held annually on Labour Day weekend is more than just an event the residents of Burlington look forward to, it is the major fundraiser of Burlington Lakeshore Rotary. The funds raised at CLR (short for Canada’s Largest Ribfest) goes to support so many great causes in Burlington and beyond, the team knew we had to come up with alternative ways to raise money in this COVID world.
Canada’s Largest Ribfest was born 25 years ago out of an idea that Rotarians Bob Peeling and John Thorpe brought to club after visiting a Ribfest in the USA.
 They came from the north –  They came from the south – They brought the idea of a Drive-Thru event to the club leadership – in the typical Rotary way the answer was – why not. Peeling and Thorpe then started working the telephones to make it happen.
They called in every favour they could think of. Burlington Mall came on side quite quickly – all they wanted was an opportunity for their tenants to be able to stay open.
The team was small. Thorpe describes it this way: – Key people on the committee were – no order other than the old guys are at the start – Bob, Paul, and Bill have all been involved from Day 1.
 At a glance it could have been mistaken for a downtown New York City traffic jam – there wasn’t a single bump report from the close to 3000 cars that flowed through. Bob Peeling, John Thorpe, Paul Kadlick, Bill Pittman, Jay Thomblison, Margaret Hayes, Eva Quijano, Karen Matthews and Dean Williams.
Peeling and Thorpe have an almost family relationship with the ribbers. The only unknown was – will people show up?
People showed up and while the cool breezes off the lake and the smell of ribs being cooked wasn’t in the air the event worked. It worked so well that the Rotarians are going to do it all over again.
September 7th – small changes in the way traffic will feed into the location – there wasn’t really anything wrong with the way they did things on Canada Day.
John Thorpe on the left and Bob Penning on the right. They were the two that brought the idea of a Rib Fest to Burlington at a time when they were not known by many. Decades later it is the event that closes the summer season. These two determined that there would be an event this September as well. Thorpe explained that ” While it will help replace some of the funds that we would have raised at Canada’s Largest Ribfest, the idea was to also help bring some fun back into summer after months of lockdown, and to help others affected by the shutdowns.
As much as Canada’s Largest Ribfest is an important part of the social fabric of the community, it also has numerous suppliers that have been affected.
By holding a Drive-Thru, we were able to help the Rib Teams and their employees, we were able to help some musicians that haven’t played in a live venue for months, the sound, electric and special event contractors, the sign makers and many others were helped.
Most importantly, we will be able to help local groups that we support from the funds we raised, and we helped create smiles and enjoyment in the 2,688 cars that came through.
By Staff
August 30th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Beth Martin Snook, the mother of two who Created Burlington Caremongers – renamed it Burlington Together and went on to attract 8000 people who became part of a group that worked well together.
She decided to share some group stats. By working together, donating, and connecting this group has been able to do amazing things! Cannot wait to see what we can do together in the future.
 Impressive stats – no matter how you look at them. The people who took part in what started out as a Gazette initiative and soon grew to the point where a team of about 30 people got involved in the cutting of cloth to be made into masks, then making the masks , then preparing them for delivery to various community groups including two city Councillors.
 Connie Price, right and Penny Hersh, left with Lisa Lunski do the handover of the last batch of the more than 3,000 masks that were made.
What was particularly interesting was the way in which the design and fabrication of the masks changed as new people got involved and added their skill sets and experience.
 Jan Mowbray at her bias binding-making machine stitching together the ties used in early versions of the face masks. City Councillor Shawna Stolte with her daughter wearing masks from the Gazette initiative. 
 By Staff
August 24th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
You may have seen some of them – the Terry Fox Posters in the bus shelters around town.
There will be some lawn signs and the display case at city hall will include Terry Fox material.
 Each of these women had their own reasons for running this race and each ran it in their own way. Hundreds do just that during the Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research The annual Run was to take place in September – but got Covid cancelled.
That hasn’t stopped the people who do the fund raising from getting out there and getting those dollars in for the critical research.
The medical research community has done some really fine work – tens of thousands are alive today because of that research which has been due directly to the people who raise money and do that run.
 For Burlington Terry running through Burlington was the beginning of a 40 year relationship. Burlington has had a special relationship with the Terry Fox Foundation – starting a year or two after the Run ended in Thunder Bay.
Craig Gardner, the chair of the Burlington Run this year has been working on every possible way to get people out and doing their Run.
 The monument is a Burlington statement – one that the city is very proud of having. He recently told the Gazette that initially before covid-19 he was hoping for $130K which would be their best year ever.
Last year was their second best year ever $121K.
2005, the 25th anniversary was the best year at $127K.
Then, with covid-19, people told us ½ of last year would be a reasonable target so $60K.
Now with four weeks to go and already $24K donated, they think they might hit $100K.
There is one bigger event planned for the adidas person Janette Wilson which could bring in $20K or more alone if they can pull it off.
The Terry Fox T shirts have run into some Covid bumps as well.
When you are out for a walk in Spencer Smith Park and you see the Terry Fox marker – I suspect you do what most people do – you pause and remember when you became aware of that magnificent young man.
Let’s not let him down.
By Staff
August 22, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Now that we are out of lock-down, we can look back and wonder what we did with all that time.
Whatever it was – it was probably done on line.
And just what were we looking at or looking for?
A survey of Google searches done by the Economist and presented as a graphic is most revealing.
By Staff
August 20, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
This could be interesting.
HUGE NEWS! We’re almost there!
Thank You! Thank You! To all of you who are spreading the word about this movement! What if for one day everything stopped, and we all just listened to the music? …We may find out soon!
Let’s keep going. it should be easy to get 50 more cities, but another 37 countries will take some work. LET’S DO THIS! Let’s change the world!
Please register to be officially counted and added to our worldwide map of participants at: https://tinyurl.com/PMOTPD-2020
Explore the map at https://tinyurl.com/PMOTPD-MAP-2020
Or email your name, location and a photo to: PlayMusicOnThePorch@gmail.com
Related news story:
This Mayor has great pipes: she may sing for us from her porch!
By Staff
August 20, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
A Different Drummer Books and Harper Collins Canada invite you to what Ian, proprietor of Different Drummer, is calling a a memorable encounter with a phenomenal person of letters.
If you’ve never heard of Thomas King – you are a diminished personality. He is funny, erudite and a great story teller.
The CBC series, The Dead Dog Café Comedy Hour which ran from 1997 to 2000 was some of the best radio you will ever hear. It should be available to the public from the CBC archives.
King is going to introduce his new novel Indians on Vacation as a discussion on line with Deborah Dundas, Friday August 28, 7pm, Live Online via Zoom
Registration to the ZOOM cast comes with the purchase of an autographed copy of the book. $32 – well worth the price.
 Thomas King, revered throughout the nation for his broadcasting, his social activism and his witty and profound fiction including Green Grass, Running Water and The Back of the Turtle, shares his irresistible new novel in a riveting online event.
Thomas King discusses Indians on Vacation and the passions and concerns that have shaped his long, colourful life in a vigorous conversation with Deborah Dundas, Books Editor of the Toronto Star, on Friday, August 28 at 7pm.
“From the first page, Thomas King’s sardonic and very funny voice leads us to places we never expect to go…European and Indigenous history collide, and there’s no one better to examine the aftermath.”–Deborah Dundas
To access the event, please purchase Indians On Vacation (autographed copies!) from A Different Drummer Books. They will send you the code required to log in via Zoom.
The book is $32, tax included, and will be available starting on the release date, August 25.
To purchase a signed copy, please contact us at 905 639 0925 or diffdrum@mac.com, or use the PayPal button at this link.
Books can be picked up at the bookshop, or delivered to you, no extra charge.
 By Pepper Parr
August 16th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Summer in the city on a quiet Sunday
Whatever heat there is going to be hasn’t arrived yet.
The streets are quiet. Groups gather around the strip malls.
In the downtown core there is a place where the traffic builds – the Centro Market that is tucked in behind the store on Brant Street – accessed off John Street.
 Social distancing limits the number of people who can actually shop – a decent line up, seen on the right, with people waiting for their turn. Life when there is a pandemic hovering over us like a huge dark cloud changes much of what we do.
 People line up, waiting for their turn to enter the market while a guitarist plucks at the strings. At the market it means standing in line – six feet apart, properly masked waiting for someone in the parking lot doing their shopping to leave so that the next person in line can go in.
There is a quiet casualness to it all. A musician plays a guitar quietly.
 The back hoe rests – waiting for the construction workers to return on Monday. Yards to the south of the market there is a massive back hoe parked for the weekend – waiting for construction workers to show up on Monday to continue with the excavation of the site that will see The Gallery, a 24 story development that will, when completed, change not only the look but also the feel of the downtown core.
Just to the north of the market – the Bentley, another condominium takes its place. As high as it is – it doesn’t feel as if the building is looming over the street even though it is flush with the side walk.
None of it seems to change the feel of the market in a parking lot.
 Produce is set out on table on on the tail gates of vehicles. What is missing is a spot where one can sit at a table with a checkered table cloth drinking good coffee, perhaps a double espresso and a croissant.
Can one hope?
By Staff
August 14th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Clean Up Green Up – the annual Burlington Green initiative that cleans up the litter that others leave behind will be different this year..
The program is in its tenth year – and has run into the pandemic wall.
Gathering the way they have in the past with garbage bags and gloves isn’t possible with the required social distancing.
The truly wonderful get together that used to take place in Civic Square won’t be possible either.
The creative minds at Burlington Green have found a way around the WORD – Clean Up Green Up is going to take place whenever you want it to take place and wherever you want it to take place.
They understand that the earth can’t wait. Litter has been accumulating in ditches, hydro corridors, along beaches and waterfronts, and posing serious risks to nature. We can still practice responsible social distancing while caring for the planet.
 Clean Up Green Up – all year long. Here is how it will work:
Determine a location in Burlington that your family, friends or small community group would like to clean up.
Let us know about your clean up by filling out the Clean Up Form and you can look forward to receiving the following benefits:
 When they take part in the Clean Up Green Up at a young age – they tend to stay with it – these two are proud as punch with what they managed to get done Your family/group will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a $50 gift card courtesy of the Burlington Centre! (where you can buy eco-friendly products, food etc.)
You have the opportunity to receive FREE clean up supplies for your group. Litter collection bags and gloves are available for pick-up by request and while quantities last.
We would love to receive a photo of you and your loved ones/group members ‘in action’ with the litter you collected. Send it along to us and we’ll be sure to post it on our Green Wall of Fame webpage for all to see!
Review our handy tip sheet for proper waste collection and safety information 0n the Burlington Green website. .
Ensure a safe Clean Up by following the most up-to-date COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Safely clean up your selected area in the community, count the number of full bags of litter you collected and take a group photo with your collected litter.
 Found in Sheldon Creek – one of the hot spots. Bring ALL collected waste home with you and dispose of it through your residential curbside collection. (Please do not leave collected waste at any parks, trails, businesses or green spaces, as city waste collection is not available at these locations.)
Send an email (cugu@burlingtongreen.org) to us with your attached group photo, and the total number of bags of litter you collected. We also invite you to let us know the location of any larger waste items or litter “hot spots” you spotted during your clean up so we can flag it for further attention.
 By Staff
August 9th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Pride Crosswalk went in about a month ago – this month the Black Lives Matter iconography has been painted on the sidewalk in front of City Hall.
There was an informal presentation with the Mayor and two Councillors (Nisan and Galbraith) today at 11:30 am.
Surprisingly, there were no people of colour on hand to take part.
 The artist took the statement a little beyond just words.  The Mayor, properly masked, speaking to residents and giving the Black Lives Matter iconography a little official touch. The artist was present at the time; she wishes to remain anonymous.
The names written on the large white letters are the names of Canadian and American people.
The painting is acrylic base and will remain until mid September 2020.
Another Burlington inclusivity statement. When the city take the steps to ensure that affordable housing is built in the city we will have moved beyond statements.
 By Staff
August 6th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The City is going virtual and is calling for local artists, cultural professionals and creative organizations to host free, interactive online events and activities during the 11th annual Culture Days.
 Scarecrows from the Burlington Student Theatre were on hand to see the Burlington Performing Arts Centre handed over to the community. Might we see them on our computer screens? Culture Days is extending beyond the traditional Culture Days weekend to a more inclusive and interactive four-week schedule of activities. Kicking off Sept. 25 and running until Oct. 25, Culture Days invites everyone to participate in and show appreciation for arts and culture in their own community and nationwide.
This year’s theme is Unexpected Intersections – encouraging creative and outside-the-box thinking to reveal new avenues of discovery, learning, and expression. In light of the current situation with COVID-19, Culture Days recommends digital presentations, do-it-yourself activities and self-guided programs.
 The Culture Days website encourages creators of every kind to showcase thousands of virtual and in-person activities. Visitors can find small-gathering or self-guided events near them, while going digital allows participants to virtually cross the country and discover live-streamed performances and other online presentations.
Culture Days encourages organizers to plan digital presentations. For in-person events, organizers should take a self-guided or pre-registered, limited capacity approach. Organizers must make sure they are following municipal, regional, provincial and public health guidelines in their jurisdiction. Ontario Culture Days has created resource pages for organizers and ways to discover Ontario arts and culture from home for audiences.
Event organizers may be eligible for funding through the Community Support Fund. The Community Support Fund combines existing grant programs to provide financial support to residents and community groups who want to enrich and connect the Burlington community through sport, recreation, art and cultural experiences. This is a one-time per year funding program designed to recognize the importance of supporting Burlington’s communities during these challenging times. By providing access to funding, the City is looking for innovative ideas to connect and enhance our community through events and activities that offer meaningful opportunities to strengthen and nourish community spirit.
If you would like to host a Culture Days event, register your event online with Culture Days at culturedays.ca. For more information about participating in Culture Days, assistance on finding a location for your activity, and possible partnership opportunities with the cultural boards, contact Adam Belovari at 905-335-7600, ext. 7335 or adam.belovari@burlington.ca by Aug. 31.
About Culture Days
Culture Days has become the largest cultural event in Canada, attracting an estimated 2.5 million annual attendees to thousands of free activities and performances hosted by artists, cultural organizations and municipalities in hundreds of communities across Canada. Burlington has been a little slow in getting on the Culture Days bandwagon – perhaps the virtual approach will be the nudge people need to take part.
 Councillor Sharma in conversation with Angela Paparizo Angela Paparizo, Manager, Arts and Culture urges residents to think about taking part: “As we plan for Burlington’s Culture Days in the midst of COVID-19, this is an opportunity for Burlington artists and cultural organizations to showcase their talents and engage our community. While Culture Days this year will look different, we have a rare chance to share Burlington’s arts and cultural community beyond our city. I encourage and look forward to once again working with the Burlington arts and culture community to present another successful Culture Days this year.”
Links and Resources
Culturedays.ca
Burlington.ca/culturedays
Community Support Fund
By Pepper Parr
July 27th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
There have been 38 applications for patios on private property and 12 on city property for outdoor locations where people can dine and enjoy a cool one.
There are a number of applications in process.
 Dining alfresco in downtown Burlington: it will be interesting to see how creative the restaurateurs can get. The city is now going to consider allowing temporary tents as well.
The bylaw that is in place for outdoor patios has to be repealed first and a new bylaw out in place.
Council will meet as a Standing Committee Tuesday morning and will then meet as a Council and approve the new bylaw.
Let’s see how that goes. We will of course report on how this works out. There are a few locations that are in the process of erecting tents – which suggests this is a done deal.
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