 By Pepper Parr
July 18th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
 For those who want a bite to eat – Curb Side will be there.
It is the best summer event deal in the city. Might not draw the mobs that Sound of Music pulls in but for a great entertainment day – ‘Jazz on the Plaza’ is tops
Highly anticipated annual community event, showcases a series of emerging and established Canadian musicians in an al fresco setting.
Tammy Fox, Executive Director of the operation has taken it all a step further with the inclusion of a Food Truck. Curbside will be on hand for those that want a little more than the bar offers.
The performers for each of the two day event are:
Saturday August 12th
 Elise LeGrow – a Canadian vocal powerhouse ELISE LEGROW
Sat Aug 12, 2023 at 2pm
With a raspy, spellbinding style and elegant, dynamic mystique, Elise LeGrow is the Canadian powerhouse defying pop culture chronology, wowing Questlove, Betty Wright, and a crew of R&B legends along the way.
 Heather Bambrick Sat Aug 12, 2023 at 4pm
Heather Bambrick, one of Canada’s top Jazz vocalists, has collaborated with some of the best around and has appeared as a guest performer with numerous Jazz ensembles. If you’re a CBC listener you will know her well
Sunday August 13th
 Ori Dagan ORI DAGAN
Sun Aug 13, 2023 at 2pm
Award-winning jazz singer-songwriter Ori Dagan has attracted a dedicated and growing audience, both in his native Toronto and internationally.
 Micah Barnes and Billy Newton Davis Micah Barnes and Billy Newton Davis: Former Nylons in Concert
Sun Aug 13, 2023 at 4pm
This show features Billy Newton Davis performing “Sammy & Me” about his real-life experience working with Sammy Davis Jr., and Micah Barnes taking you on the roller coaster ride of his career in “Micah at The Sands Hotel”!
 By Pepper Parr
July 18th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Healthy communities are places where people who need help are given the help they need. In Canada the organization that does that best is the United Way. Today the organization is an international network of over 1,800 local nonprofit fundraising affiliates.
In 1887, a Denver woman, a priest, two ministers and a rabbi got together… It sounds like the beginning of a bad joke, but they didn’t walk into a bar; what they did do was recognize the need to work together in new ways to make Denver a better place.
Every year local branches hold a fund raising drive – giving the average person an opportunity to share what they have with others who don’t have what they need.
It begins with a tug-of-war – your team pulling a 202,000 pound Airbus A300 fifty yards along the tarmac at the Hamilton International Airport.
The United Way Halton & Hamilton together with UPS®, invite you to the 5th Annual Plane Pull on September 16th, 2023.
How It Works
Each team will get one opportunity to pull the plane 50 feet across the tarmac in the shortest amount of time.
The team with the shortest combined time wins bragging rights and great prizes!
Prizes will be awarded to the three fastest teams, top team and individual fundraisers, and teams with the most spirit (costumes are encouraged!)
Bring your friends, colleagues and family!
Whether you are pulling the plane or cheering from the sidelines, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained including a face painting, bouncy castle, food trucks, and more!
Don’t think you have the muscles to pull the plane but still want to contribute? Join us as an event sponsor! Contact Sarah Hodgson -shodgson@uwhh.ca
First – Register on line – you can do that HERE; then start fund raising.
There is no registration fee; each team must fundraise at least $1,500 to be eligible for prizing. This counts towards your workplace campaign total.
Once you have registered, your individual fundraising page makes it easy to approach your friends, family, and neighbours to help you reach your goal. Tax receipts will be provided for donations over $25.
Participants will be asked to share their experience on social media: follow @UnitedWayHH using #LocalLove
Now you start the fund raising.
Send your custom fundraising page to your family and friends to help you reach your personal goal!
Each participant is encouraged to raise a minimum of $1,000 to help reach our collective goal of $225,000 to support those in need throughout our community .
Next step – Register is as an individual or is as a member of a team.
Everything has Rules and Regulations.
Maximum of 15 people per team, must be 18 or older to participate.
 The Royal Bank Team pulling the Airbus A300 at the Hamilton International Airport. Each team will get one opportunity to pull the plane 50 feet across the tarmac in the shortest amount of time. The team with the shortest combined time wins bragging rights and great prizes!
Prizes will be awarded to the three fastest teams, top team and individual fundraisers, and teams with the most spirit (costumes are encouraged!)
The United Way is a great community service organization. In the days ahead we will tell you all about what they do. who they help and – where the funds raised are spent.
A number of years ago all the local United Way organizations realized that there was strength in number – that resulted in the Burlington, Oakville, Milton, Halton Hills and Hamilton organizations merged and became UWHH – United Way Halton Hamilton with a goal of raising $11 million this year.
By Staff
July 17th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington’s Heritage Advisory Committee invites you to take part in an exciting lineup of activities for Heritage Week, Aug. 5-12, 2023. In honour of Burlington’s 150th anniversary, a special week of heritage events are planned, focusing on sites that have shaped Burlington throughout its history.
A detailed schedule of all the events taking place during Heritage Week, including locations and how to register, is set out below:
Registration is open between July 10 to 28. All are welcome.
Schedule of events
Heritage Week is organized by the members of Heritage Burlington, in collaboration with the Burlington Historical Society, Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington Public Library, Burlington Museums, Beach Canal Lighthouse, Freeman Station, Halton Black History Awareness Society, Heritage Services – Halton Region, and David Craig of History Pix, along with a growing list of other organizations.
 Michele Camacho, Chair, Heritage Burlington Michele Camacho, Chair, Heritage Burlington, one of the really good examples of what an Advisory Committee can achieve said: “Heritage Week is a time to celebrate the many aspects of Burlington’s various heritages. The celebrations are even more special this year, as Burlington celebrates its sesquicentennial anniversary. Heritage Burlington is so glad to be able to welcome the community to take part in a fantastic lineup of events to mark this milestone. Thank you to our civic partners, community groups, and volunteers who make learning more about the history of our community interesting and fun. A special thanks to Marsha Paley, Co-Vice Chair of the Heritage Burlington Advisory Committee for her leadership.”
By Pepper Parr
July 14th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The City announced the 2023 recipients of the Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund (NCMF).
 It was a number of years ago but these four lads, working with their parents got funding to improve the ball diamond at the park next to their school. The fund was created to inspire Burlington residents to actively champion projects in the community to improve, build and strengthen the social contract and enhance the quality of life for everyone.
Bringing neighbourhoods and communities together to make new connections and create a sense of belonging is just as important as the project itself.
The funds objectives are:
- Improve, build and strengthen Burlington neighbourhoods
- Create a greater sense of belonging
- Foster individual well-being and community pride
- Inspire residents to become more actively involved in the community
- Build stronger relationships
Public Pollinator Garden ($3,640)
This project aims to create a public pollinator garden at Port Nelson United Church. The pollinator garden will provide a safe and nurturing environment for pollinators while enhancing the beauty of the area.
Burlington Tennis Club ($5,000)
This project aims to install and provide outdoor public Wi-Fi and web cameras in the west end of Central Park, near the Burlington Tennis Club.
Sycamore Park Neighbours ($9,981)
This project aims to build a bumping space within Sycamore Park in the Palmer community. Bumping spaces are places where people can “bump” into neighbours. It allows informal interactions with community members, meet-ups with friends and forming friendships and connections. The project includes three round metal picnic tables, one of which will be accessible for those who use wheelchairs, and a sensory garden. Sensory gardens are intended to stimulate sight, sound and touch.
On balance this is a good program. On occasion a bit too much goes to well established community groups but on occasation the department takes a chance on something different – the bumping stations could be interesting.
For more information on the Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund, visit burlington.ca/matchingfund.
 By Staff
July 13th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
 Are they having fun? If you’re looking for some summer fun but aren’t part of a summer camp this year, the Art Gallery of Burlington is offering Stroller Tours each Thursday from 10 – 10:30 AM.
They meet inside the doors of the Lakeshore Roads entrance and for the first ten minutes of touring, ten minutes of story time, then ten more minutes of exploring.
For those who have not yet had an opportunity to introduce their children ti an art gallery – this is a nice way to get them started.
A special way to experience art together.
 By Staff
July 13th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre (‘BPAC’) is seeking local performance-based artists and collectives to participate in our 2023 Culture Days ‘Live & Local’ Artist Showcase on Saturday, September 23rd at BPAC.
 Selected artists will also be considered for participation in BPAC’s 23/24 Season ‘Live & Local’ Series. This call is open to all Burlington-based artists, in any performing arts discipline. This includes, but is not limited to, music (all genres), dance, theatre, comedy and family entertainment.
Burlington-area emerging, community-based artists are invited to apply, and we encourage applications from Indigenous, equity-seeking and racialized communities. The creation of BPAC’s Live & Local Artist Development Initiative program is intended to support local artists and to connect artists and the community through activation, engagement and presentation opportunities.
Applicants should be Burlington-based or strongly affiliated with the City. Examples would include artists who work, live or go to school within the City, or who are connected to the Indigenous heritage of the land.
Applications are now being accepted. Deadline for submission is Friday, August 4th, 2023.
The application form can be accessed HERE
‘LIVE & LOCAL’ ARTIST SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- What is your performing arts discipline? (Music, Singing, Dance, Theatre, Drama, etc.)
- Provide a list of past performances in the Burlington area (indicate paid or volunteer)
- Describe your artistic goals and how the LIVE & LOCAL program could contribute to your success as an emerging artist (Max. 100 words).
- Supporting Materials – Please provide two (2) digital samples of your work and website link.
Artists will be provided with an honorarium and technical support. Showcase performances will be approximately 30 minutes in length each, and BPAC staff will determine which venue is most suitable for your showcase performance (Community Studio Theatre, Main Theatre, Family Lobby or Outdoor Plaza).
BPAC’s Live & Local Series is generously sponsored by Daniel Durst of Desjardins Insurance.
 By Dannielle Cousland
July 12th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Ontario area is an excellent place for sports fans. It has many professional sports teams and lots of people who love sports. Burlington, Ontario, is one of these places. It has some top sports spots where people can watch or play different sports. From cycling and soccer to golf and football, these places have seen many sports events and helped local athletes improve their skills.
These sports places in Burlington are not just for athletes, though. They’re also for everyone in the community who wants to get moving, stay fit, and have fun.
For those fans who desire to take their love for games up a notch, exploring the betting options here at Cloudbet can add an exciting dimension to the experience.
 Thousands of people use the Velodrome as their base when they bike through the hundreds of miles of country roads. The facility has bicycle storage space as well. The Mattamy National Cycling Centre
The Mattamy National Cycling Centre in Milton, Ontario, distinguishes itself as a paramount track cycling facility. Established for the 2015 Pan American Games, the Centre stands as Canada’s first-ever indoor velodrome following the UCI regulations and the second such facility in North America, joining the prestigious ranks of the VELO Sports Center in Los Angeles.
The indoor cycling arena sports a 250-meter timber track incorporating two high banks angled at 42 degrees.
Originally, the Velodrome hosted 2,500 spectators during the games. Post-event, it transformed into a home base for Cycling Canada’s national track cycling program, reducing its seating capacity to 1,500.
Supplementing the cycling track, the facility integrates a diverse recreational space, including a fully-equipped cardio and strength training fitness centre, a group fitness studio, a 300-meter walking/jogging track, and three courts dedicated to volleyball, basketball, and badminton.
Glen Abbey Golf Club
Public golfers and ClubLink members can avail themselves of the world-class facilities at Glen Abbey Golf Club, a renowned golfing destination since the turn of the millennium. This exceptional venue has witnessed unforgettable moments, including Tiger Woods’ shot of the year from a fairway bunker on the 72nd hole of the Canadian Open in 2000, leading to his victory by a single stroke.
 A Jack Nicklaus design – a place where Tiger Woods played some of his best ever golf. Glen Abbey made headlines in 2009 as the 25th RBC Canadian Open host. This landmark event marked the 100th playing of Canada’s national championship, further cementing the Club’s status in the annals of PGA Tour events.
Oakville Soccer Club
 Awarded Ontario Soccer’s Gold Standard for Club Excellence Founded in 1972, the Oakville Soccer Club has become Canada’s largest amateur soccer club. It boasts a thriving community of over 19,000 participants and over 900 volunteer and professional coaches. The Club operates from a sprawling 100,000-square-foot indoor soccer facility on Pine Glen Road in North Oakville.
Recognizing its high standards, the Oakville Soccer Club was awarded Ontario Soccer’s Gold Standard for Club Excellence and the Genworth Community Builder of the Year Award at the 2018 Oakville Awards for Business Excellence.
Nelson Stadium
Nelson Stadium, an outdoor sports facility in Burlington, Ontario, offers a multifaceted venue for sports enthusiasts. The stadium is operated by Nelson High School and owned by the Halton District School Board and accommodates up to 1,500 spectators.
Final Thoughts
Burlington and the surrounding communities truly shines as a sports destination. The top-notch facilities offer an impressive variety of opportunities for sports lovers. Not only do these venues stage exciting events and competitions, but they also contribute to the local community by encouraging everyone to stay active and enjoy sports.
 By Staff
July 8th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
On Monday, July 10th from 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm the BGYN will be hosting a panel of incredible Guest Speakers from A Greener Future.
We will welcome Nicole, Maddi and Paige to share their journeys with us. Plus, event guests will learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities right here in Burlington.
Check out our IG page for more info about each individual speaker.
Visit the link in our IG bio or check out our Youth Network webpage for the Zoom link.
 By Staff
July7th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Yesterday we published an article on how different communities were handling a situation where the world had reached its hottest day in recorded history July 3rd and then see an even hotter day on the 4th
 The article was an in depth look at what communities are up against when record setting heat condition prevail. Included in the article was mention of a book: The Heat Will Kill You First, in which veteran journalist Jeff Goodell makes a searing case that most of us think about extreme heat is all wrong, and to disastrous effect.
We wondered what Burlington was doing in the way of revising its plans or at least discussing with the Leadership Team what the city and its citizens might be up against. We sent a note to the City Communications department asking:
Can you confirm that meetings have and are taking place to prepare for the opening of additional locations where people can cool off during the intense heat waves. The response we got consisted of a list of the locations people could get away from oppressive heat.
The response is set out below. It was almost as if nothing had or was being done.
 What happens when there isn’t enough room for all the parents who want to find a place for their children to cool off ? Cooling Centre information: Where to go in Burlington
Library locations:
Aldershot Branch
550 Plains Rd. E.
905-333-9995
Alton Branch
3040 Tim Dobbie Dr.
905-634-3686
Brant Hills Branch
2255 Brant St.
905-335-2209
Central Branch
2331 New St.
905-639-3611
New Appleby Branch
676 Appleby Line
905-639-6373
Tansley Woods Branch
1996 Itabashi Way
905-336-5583
The Communications department added:
The adjustments that summer camps make during a heat wave include:
- Provide staff and children opportunities for additional water breaks
- Engage in outdoor activities in the morning hours in shaded areas
- Encourage staff and children to stay indoors in air conditioned rooms during the height of the heat wave; simultaneously, we also incorporate a more regular break schedule and utilize air conditioned, cooler spaces at times when heat is less intense but it’s still hot outside.
- Utilize splash pads, and some of our camps include swimming as a means to cool off
- Play additional water games as another means to cool off
-
 There are too many parts of the city where facilities like this just don’t exist.
By Staff
July 6th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
An evening listening to local musicians on the historic grounds of Oakridge Farm at Ireland House Museum starts on the 14th and runs through to the end of August.
The outdoor stage will feature local musicians on select Friday evenings throughout July and August.
Performances are from 7:30pm – 8:30pm, gates open at 7pm. There will be lawn games to play and light refreshments available for purchase from local vendors. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and relax while listening to local talent.
Admission is “pay what you can”, the suggested donation is $5/person (cash, debit or credit accepted). Donations will be collected at the front and back gates of Ireland House Museum. Your donation provides support to the exhibitions, collections management, special events and education programs that bring our mission to life.
REVEL Realty Inc., Brokerage is sponsoring the event.
Summer Music Series Schedule:
July 14 – Hayley Verrall
July 21 – Sarah Church
July 28 – Jeremy Guther
August 11 – Warren Jones
Aug 18 – Natalie Reis
Aug 25 – Dan Taylor
 By Pepper Parr
July 5th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Things at the Burlington Chamber of Commerce are not healthy.
It is a leadership matter. Membership has grown. The administrative practices within the Chamber of Commerce – have grown – in the wrong direction.
 Burlington Chamber of Commerce Terry Caddo The President Terry Caddo has alienated a number of people and points out “we know who they are” with no hint that the concerns and complaints are being carefully looked at and the plan is to find an agreed upon resolution.
The Chamber recently held a Scholarship Breakfast for students who were awarded Chamber of Commerce scholarships and invited all the local MPP’s and MP’s to take part. There was no media release that we are aware of that the event was taking place.
The photograph the Chamber released included the students who won the scholarship – but no mention of who they were and which high school they attended. The name of the politicians were included.
The Gazette did get a note from Chair Randy Smallbone saying they would provide name in the future. What prevents the Chamber from providing the names now – the parents of those students would appreciate seeing the children recognized.
Our headline on the original story was incorrect. The politicians took part in the event to do the presentation of the certificates and to talk to the students about their plans for their futures. There was no mention of the role the politicians played in the breakfast event.
We don’t make things up – we do our best to report. Given that we didn’t know the event was taking place we did the best we could with what we came across.
By Pepper Parr
July 4th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce held a breakfast on June 29th to honour and recognize the recipients of the Burlington Chamber Scholarship Fund.
The recipients were graduating students chosen from each Burlington high school and all were highly deserving of the honour.
The photograph provided had all the high school recipients seated in the front row with the politicians (Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna, MPP Natalie Pierre, MPP Effie Triantafiloulos, MP Karina Gould and MP Pam Damoff) standing behind them.
No mention of who the students were or the high school they represented.
The Chamber of Commerce was doing its best to curry favour with politicians. Did they get their priorities mixed up? Obviously not from their perspective.
The disappointing part of this photo op exercise is that the politicians had nothing to do with the scholarship program; they were invited to attend and like lemmings showed up to get their picture taken.
 In no particular order: Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna, MPP Natalie Pierre, MPP Effie Triantafiloulos, MP Karina Gould and MP Pam Damoff. The people at either end of the back row were not identified.Neither was the gent in the pink jacket; he is the Chair of the Chamber Randall Smallbone
 By Staff
July 1st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Nothing Official yet from City Hall but a reliable Gazette readers sends the following:
“The pier is fenced off & the normal van that is used to transport the fireworks is being unloaded.
“I think it’s a GO.”
That’s all there is at this point.
There is an option.
Fireworks as we know them have always been popular.
That is changing.
There are now drone light shows – because a picture is worth more than 1000 words we will let you see for yourself. Click HERE
The only thing missing is the loud sounds.
Do tell us what you think.
Too late for Burlington to make a switch this year.
Next year?
By Staff
June 29th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
New this year on Canada Day – Brant Street will be closed for pedestrian use only.
Weather permitting, the Burlington Downtown Business Association will be animating Brant Street from noon to 3 p.m.
Activities range from musical and dance performances to a craft tent, various giveaways, a game station, pedal bikes and lots more.
 By Pepper Parr
June 28th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
 It took the work of a relatively small group of men and women who would not give up saving the station from being sold as kindling,. Others followed the original group and did the scrubbing and painting it took to get the building to the point where it has become a destination point for visitors to the city.
Given that this country was made coast to coast by the railways it is fitting that it too be celebrated on Canada Day.
Sir John A, Macdonald did everything legal and illegal he could to dig out the money needed to get to the point where the Last Spike was driven in on November 7, 1885, at Craigellachie, B.C, marking a momentous occasion — the completion of Canada’s trans-continental railway.
Freeman Station was a part of the railway that took produce from the farm fields around Burlington to retail locations in Belgium and elsewhere in Europe.
For the city it was more than just a railway station. It was a symbol of progress, connection, and community for the people of Burlington. For almost a century, it served as a gateway to Canadian travellers, immigrants, and workers.
This station was built in 1906 by the Grand Trunk Railway (GTR).
 Volunteers raised the funds to have the structure moved to its final resting place. There is a coin embedded in the concrete – how many people can tell where the coin was placed and what the denomination of the coin is? Put you answer in the comments section.  Today, after over a decade of fundraising and a full restoration by an all volunteer group, Friends of Freeman Station, the station stands in its relocated home on 1285 Fairview Street, open only during our public events, class visits and station rentals.
The original location of the station is but a short walk away on the other side of Brant Street.
By Staff
June 16th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
 The City of Burlington is looking for resident feedback on City-run recreation programs.
Feedback is welcome from the community as a whole – past and current participants and those that haven’t registered in our programs. Feedback from everyone will help to understand the needs of the entire community.
The survey will ask questions about what City-run recreation programs you have participated in, what programs you would be interested in and, would like to see offered. This review will help the City understand the recreation needs of our growing community.
It will also help align the programs the City offers to serve all residents and visitors for aquatics, skating, inclusion, sport, camps, adults, older adults 55+ and programming in general for years to come.
The results of the survey will be shared in a report to Council in Fall 2023.
The survey is open until Sept. 1, 2023. You can access the survey HERE
 By Staff
June 2nd, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
 BurlingtonGren will be holding their Annual General Meeting June 27th at the Burlington Central Library. (2331 New Street, Burlington)
They will report on the impact they have achieved during the past year, and we will vote in a slate of Board of Directors.
Guest presenter Grant Linney, climate advocate and author, will talk about how he lives lightly on the earth including the renovation of his 1940s home to have a zero-carbon footprint.
By Pepper Parr
June 2nd, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
 Ray Rivers has been writing opinion pieces for the Gazette for more than ten years. We’ve managed to scrape together a bit of cash from time to time to thank him for his column. On occasion I have been able to visit with Ray and his wife Jean at their home in Mountsberg where we enjoy a decent bottle of wine and differ on political issues.
We frequently have a friendly low value wager on who will win and who will lose.
Rivers is a bit of a cynic and sees Trump back in the White House.
He is also a playwright and an actor and is taking part in a production taking place in Stoney Creek from June 9th through to the 18th.
The least we could do is promote the event.
 By Staff
June 1st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre kicked off their new 2023/2024 season last night at the main theatre to a sold out audience.
 Dizzy & Fay Host Elvira Kurt was the emcee for the evening and did a bang up job keeping the event rolling.
There was opportunity for two of the acts for the new season to do a short *live* teaser.
Clerel (from Montreal) wanted to share a song with the audience after walking along our “boardwalk and enjoying our beautiful weather. He sang a French time as he played guitar.
 Brian Dean, Executive Director Downtown Business Association with Tammy Fox Executive Director Performing Arts Centre Later, duo Dizzy & Fay (he’s on piano and she does the vocals – for only original material) and they did a jazzy tune that was met with a roaring applause.
The new season has “something for everyone”.
There’s even a “Pet Theater” where trained house pets perform circus acts. All the pets are rescue animals.
Elvira recommended this one – even if only to see “a cat actually perform and not just groom itself”.
45 acts are listed in the booklet for the 366 day season.
Yes – Dizzy & Fay are playing Feb 29 2024.
There’s ballet, comedy, music, sing-a-long, rock, dance, and jazz on the patio.
And more in the works.
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