 By Staff
March 25th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The closing of a high school is never a pleasant experience particularly when many in the community were opposed to the closing.
At the Lester B. Pearson High School they are calling the occasion a Celebration that will take place over two days: June 1 and 2, 2018
 The Pearson high school students were always an active bunch: during a teacher strike they protested the bill before the provincial legislature. The people organizing the event want to know who is interested – past and present students, alumni, and former staff are being asked to an interest survey by April 7
A full slate of engaging activities are being organized to celebrate Lester B. Pearson High School (1976-2018) on Friday, June 1 and Saturday, June 2, 2018. Events are planned for students, alumni and staff, both past and present, to celebrate the school’s 42-year history. Lester B. Pearson High School will close at the end of June 2018, with students moving to nearby M.M. Robinson High School.
All events will be held at Lester B. Pearson High School (1433 Headon Rd, Burlington). The two-day celebration will include a number of activities to recognize and honour accomplishments over the decades of students, staff and the wider Pearson community.
Friday, June 1, 2018 – Patriot Generation Sports Tournaments and Pep Rally with world renowned Burlington Teen Tour Band, food trucks and entertainment, play and watch ball hockey, basketball, touch football, soccer, volleyball, and enjoy socializing with longtime friends.
Saturday, June 2, 2018 – Open House with Decades Showcase, Tours and Closing Ceremony with Lester B. Pearson’s granddaughter, Patricia Pearson, and founding principal, David Katz, along with music, videos and representatives speaking about the decades. Reception to follow.
To assist with planning, everyone attending the celebrations is encouraged to complete the Lester B. Pearson Celebration: Save The Date Survey and learn more about the planned events. The survey will remain open until Saturday, April 7, 2018 and will help event organizers confirm what activities are of interest to attendees and how many people to expect.
So far, approximately 300 surveys have been completed, with more than 650 attendees expected to attend, including students and staff from the 1970s through to current day.
 To learn more about the celebration activities, like and share the Celebrate Lester B. Pearson High School Facebook page, follow @CelebrateLBP on Twitter, visit www.CelebrateLBP.com or email celebrateLBP@hdsb.ca.
For additional information, contact: Loraine Fedurco, Principal, Lester B. Pearson High School: 905-335-0961
It will be an occasion filled with mixed emotions.
 By Staff
March 25th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Little did we know.
Our original headline on this story read: High tea at the AGB this afternoon.
We got our ears boxed when the CFUW advised us that – Please note that the phrase “high tea” refers to the evening meal of the working classes in Britton, sometimes even just referred to as “tea”. What University Women are holding is “afternoon tea”. The correct spelling for Britain is <
The Canadian Federation of University Women is holding a 40th anniversary March Hare fund raiser this afternoon at the Art Gallery from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
The CFUW is an organization that is dedicated to fellowship, advocacy and education. They have in the past sponsored debates during election campaigns and have a scholarship program.
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location
Art Gallery of Ontario 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Burlington ON
 By Staff
March 23, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Gazette is currently running a ridership survey.
One of the question we asked was: Does Burlington need a higher level of public transit service?
 While incomplete, the survey data so far on transit is instructive. The survey will run for a number of weeks to give everyone a chance to have their say. The number of responses has been very healthy and there are some interesting results. At this point the best we can say is that there are some very clear trends – will they hold for the duration of the survey. We can’t say at this point.
We asked our readers this question: Does Burlington need a higher level of public transit service? Close t0 70% said yes. The Burlington For Accessible Sustainable Transit (Bfast) people have been saying this for years. It is only in the past six months that there has been the sense that city hall was listening.
 The Forum is one of the best organized citizen efforts to gather information and influence city decisions. One year the then Director of Transit chose not to attend; he is no longer with the city. Bfast has been a consistent, and we think very effective transit advocate. They are holding another annual transit feedback event.
They are beyond a doubt the most informed community group when it comes to transit in Burlington. Our research tells how Gazette readers feel about the state of transit in the city.
The Transit Users’ Forum is on Saturday April 21st at the Burlington Seniors’ Centre from 10 am to 12:30. There will be a free continental breakfast.
The city did a survey of their own earlier this month. The city appeared to want to find out what it is going to take to get people out of their cars and onto transit.
Director of Transit, Sue Connor, in a prepared statement said: “Improving Burlington’s transit service is a priority for the City of Burlington. As our population grows, providing a variety of convenient, reliable options to help people get around the city is essential. The Transit Plan, along with other city plans like the Transportation Plan and the Cycling Plan, will help to bring this vision to life. To help develop the Transit Plan, we want to hear from Burlington Transit riders to learn more about how they currently use public transit and equally as important, we want to hear from people who do not ride the bus to find out what might encourage them to consider transit. This information will help Burlington Transit start to improve its level of service.”
 The Transit User Forums attract not only those who rise the bus. This photograph includes the Member of Parliament and the downtown member of city council. Public response to the survey did not appear to be all that high, the city sent out a second request asking people to complete the survey.
Stephen white, a vocal critic made this comment:
“There are likely five key target markets and customers for Burlington Transit: 1) seniors; 2) those who don’t drive; 3) GO Train commuters; 4) students; 5) persons on fixed income or social assistance who can’t afford a car. Start by identifying the commuting habits, preferred destinations, schedules and preferences of these people, and actively seek their input on scheduling. Certain commonalities and trends will emerge.
“Second, investigate communities in which public transit is working well to identify what they are doing that we aren’t. Case in point: St. Catharines Transit. They have 44 bus schedules compared to 26 I counted on Burlington Transit’s website. A friend of mine who lives in central St. Catharines tells me she can get anywhere in the city within an hour needing only one transfer. She comes to Burlington occasionally and bemoans the time lags and multiple transfers it takes for her to get anywhere here. St. Catharines has 60,000 fewer residents than Burlington. Why is their system so much better than ours?
 When a transit user is grumpy – they are really grumpy. “Third, let’s focus on doing a few things really, really well rather than spreading our resources too thinly. If it is problematic to design a public transit loop that integrates certain outlying neighbourhoods into the transit grid then fill in the gaps with dial-a-ride services or contracts with Uber. And let’s stop trying to persuade certain population groups to ride transit when, quite realistically, there isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell they will ever do so. A family of four on Saturday morning going to kids hockey practice, then McDonalds’s, then Rona, aren’t going to be riding Burlington Transit anytime soon.
“Finally, if it requires us to cut prospective clients a deal to get them on the buses, increase ridership and improve mobility then let’s do it. In 2010 Carol D’Amelio floated the idea of free public transit for seniors when she ran for Mayor. In Oakville a program lets seniors ride on certain routes on certain days. As a taxpayer I’d sooner pay for those in need to use the transit system for free on certain days or times rather than having the things travel empty.”
The last Transit Users Forum was very well attended. The next one should be interesting.
By Staff
March 22, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Easter weekend
City hall will be closed Friday, March 30 and Monday, April 2, 2018 for Easter weekend.
Burlington Transit and Handi-Van
 Burlington Transit will operate a holiday service. On Friday, March 30, Burlington Transit will operate a holiday service and the downtown Transit Terminal and Handi-Van Dispatch will be closed. Regular service resumes Saturday, March 31. The administration offices are closed Friday, March 30 and will reopen Tuesday, April 3.
For real-time schedule information, please call 905-639-0550 or visit www.burlingtontransit.ca .
Roads, Parks and Forestry
Closed Friday, March 30 and Monday, April 2. Only winter control and emergency services will be provided.
Halton Court Services
Provincial Offences Courts in Milton and Burlington will be closed Friday, March 30 and Monday, April 2.
Parking
Free parking is available in the downtown core, on the street, municipal lots and the parking garage on weekends and holidays.
Parks and recreation: Hours vary for Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities
Activities and customer service hours at city pools, arenas and community centres will vary over the holiday weekend. For program times, please visit burlington.ca/play. For customer service hours, please visit burlington.ca/servicehours.
Good luck on figuring out what is open and what isn’t – the web site information is very poorly organized.
 Skating rink on the Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond at Discovery Landing has officially closed. However city hall continues to remind us that: Burlington is one of Canada’s best and most livable cities, a place where people, nature and business thrive.
The outdoor skating rink on the Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond at Discovery Landing has officially closed for the 2017-2018 season.
By Pepper Parr
March 22nd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Think in terms of dance that is both fluid and dramatic that runs for more than an hour while you are expected to walk about the space to observe. It is called installation art. Not sure what that is?
Spend some time at the Art Gallery of Burlington on Sunday April 8th, starting at 3:30 in the afternoon in the Lee Chin Gallery and learn more about it.
The performance runs for 70 minutes but you’re not expected to stand around for the full 70 minutes.
Peggy Baker, a dancer who has choreographed an event that is about how we care for each other will be performing with a group of dancers.
The event is a collaboration between the Performing Arts Centre and the Art Gallery of Burlington.
The rehearsals took place at the Performing Arts Centre where 16 local performers – community members, dancers, actors, yoga practitioners worked with Baker to refine the program that explores the nature of both giving and receiving care.
 … the basic duality of caregiving – the giving and receiving of water. While working in pairs, the performers will use one-of-a-kind pitchers and bowls – contributed by local ceramic artists – to represent the basic duality of care-giving – the giving and receiving of water. The audience is encouraged to move around the space and view the dance installation from all sides and differing perspectives.
This unique experience is a free event.
 Peggy Baker, dancer, choreographer. Peggy Baker, the dancer, choreographer that created this work describes it this way: “MOVE calls up a multitude of ancient and timeless images; earth being plowed, the molding of clay, the kneading of bread, a midwife at work, a storm gathering, the swell of an ocean, the movement of a glacier, the heaving of a continent, the passing of time…”
It is dance that is energetic and at the same time contemplative and quiet.
At The Art Gallery of Burlington, Sunday, April 8 at 3:30pm
This event is a partnership between the Burlington Performing Arts Centre and The Art Gallery of Burlington.
 By Staff
March 21st, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
It is that annual run around the Bay that has been taking place longer than the Boston Marathon. It draws thousands of people and closes roads all over the place.
 It is a big crowd for the oldest road race run in North America. The Around the Bay Road Race takes place on Sunday March 25, 2018 and will result in road and lane closures between 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• QEW Toronto-bound exit ramp to North Shore Boulevard East. Detour via Fairview Street
• North Shore Boulevard East, Niagara-bound entry ramp to the QEW. Detour via Fairview Street
• Plains Road West at York Boulevard. Detour via Highway 6 and 403
Traffic Lane Closures, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Southbound lane of King Road from Plains Road East to North Shore Boulevard East. Local access only. Northbound traffic is not affected
• Eastbound lane of North Shore Boulevard East and North Shore Boulevard West from Plains Road West to QEW exit ramp west of Joseph Brant Hospital. Westbound lane open to westbound traffic only
• Eastbound curb lane of Plains Road West from York Boulevard to North Shore Boulevard West. Two-way traffic will be maintained
 By Staff
March 19th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Our home opener is on SATURDAY, May 12th at 1:05 p.m. vs. KITCHENER PANTHERS.
It is going to have to get a little bit warmer before the mind thinks it has just heard the crack of a bat. Not too far off – unless there is one more snow fall for us out there.
The Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) published their 2018 Schedule recognizing and celebrating its 100th anniversary.
 Each team will again play a 36-game schedule. Weekends comprise a large majority of the schedule as 68% of the games will be played on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (99 of the 144 games).
Burlington’s The Herd will host their first game when they meet the Kitchener Panthers on May 12th.
 The schedule for Herd home games is: Kitchener Panthers on May 12 and July 14, Barrie Baycats (2017 IBL Champions) May 17, June 17, July 12, rival Hamilton Cardinals May 19, June 7, July 7, Toronto Maple Leafs May 26, June 23, Brantford Red Sox, May 31, June 9, July 28, and London Majors June 2, July 5, July 21.
 By Staff
March 19th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Entrepreneurship, networking and jazz – will they work together?
 Wendel Clark’s Classic Grill and Sports Lounge, 380 Brant Street Silicon Halton is holding a MeetUp 101 on Wednesday – 7:00 to 10:00 pm at Wendel Clark’s Classic Grill and Sports Lounge, 380 Brant Street
The invite is for those who own a business or work in one or the public sector and have an innovation and entrepreneurial mindset.
In environments characterized by uncertainty and continuous change, the success of our enterprises will depend on our capacity for innovation; figuring out stuff on the fly. To put it in other words, we will need to develop a capacity for improvisation. The essence of jazz is collective improvisation and depends on the spontaneous, dynamic and creative interplay of the performing artists. But improvising isn’t winging it! The freedom so essential for its performance, however, is grounded in a rigorous individual and collective discipline.
The makers of jazz music figured out a long time ago how a diverse but highly interdependent collection of individuals can perform collaboratively and put the theory of synergy into practice.
To the extent that improvisation is about experimentation and exploration, an innovative culture which fosters entrepreneurialism and inventiveness is essential.
Added to the program is a short talk on: It is possible to be an entrepreneur and keep you “day job”. In fact, it’s possibly one of the most rewarding things you can do. We’ll show you why you should consider becoming a 10% entrepreneur and why it’s important in today’s day and age.
Already an entrepreneur? We’ll cover what it means to be a 110% entrepreneur too.
Tickets at Eventbrite.
 By Staff
March 16th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Sound of Music Festival announced today that the “All-American Rejects” and “Everclear” will be playing the Saturday, June 9th Kick Off to Sound of Music Festival.
 Sound of Music – pulls more people into the city than any other annual event. Kick Off weekend is a ticketed event that launches a week of free music on Burlington’s Waterfront. The concert offers a two day, one stage show with more bands to be announced in the coming weeks.
The Kick Off Concert will be held on Saturday, June 9th and Sunday, June 10th with gates opening at 1:00 pm on both days, show ending at 11:00 pm on Saturday and 9:30 pm on Sunday.
Tickets for Saturday are $65, tickets for Sunday are $55 and the 2 Day Pass is $110 + fees/tax, purchase at soundofmusic.ca now. Prices will go up.
 All-American Rejects Since the start of their career, alt-rock/power pop titans The All-American Rejects have sold over 10 million albums worldwide and helped define a post-emo sound that was the soundtrack of a decade. With smash hits “Gives You Hell”, “Dirty Little Secret”, “Move Along”, “Swing, Swing” and “It Ends Tonight”, their songs have become an indelible slice of the era.
It’s been 20 years since Everclear released their 1997 multi-platinum smash So Much For The Afterglow, yet the album remains a beloved fan favorite, and continues to inspire new generations of musicians & fans today.
 Everclear performing live at the Saban Theatre Los Angeles Photo by Alex Huggan. The free Father’s Day Weekend concert lineup for June 14-17 will be announced April 25, 2018.
 By Staff
March 10th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Ray Rivers, our political columnist, plays a guitar in a small band and from time to time takes to the stage.
He and I were in pretty much constant contact during the afternoon watching the CBC’s excellent election coverage of the Progressive Conservative leadership contest.
For political junkies it was pure oxygen.
Rivers had to get to the theatre in Oakville where he has a part in a play before he could write his column.
The play, Dead Men Don’t Itch, is nearing the end of its four – day run. There is a Matinee on Sunday – show up and he will autograph your program for you.
 Rivers performs on stage on a ‘noir’ comedy. His column should be up for you on Sunday – assuming Ray remembers to set his clock ahead one hour.
 By Staff
March 9th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The annual closure of King Road to allow for the safe passage of the endangered Jefferson salamanders during their breeding migration will begin on Monday, March 12 for three weeks.
King Road will be closed from the base of the Niagara Escarpment to Mountain Brow Road.
The City of Burlington has closed the same section of road since 2012, for an approximate three-week period, to allow for the safe passage of the endangered Jefferson salamanders during their breeding migration.
 The Jefferson salamander, native to the northern part of the city appears to have become a mascot for the Region. The Jefferson salamander is found in Southern Ontario in select areas of deciduous forest, mostly along the Niagara Escarpment.
These salamanders spend the majority of their lives underground. As the weather warms up and the spring rains begin, the salamanders emerge and migrate to breed in temporary ponds formed by run-off, laying their eggs in clumps attached to underwater vegetation. Adults leave the ponds after breeding. By late summer, the larvae lose their gills, become air-breathing and leave the pond to head into the surrounding forests.
Adult salamanders migrate to their breeding ponds during wet rainy nights. They show a strong affinity for the pond in which they hatched and can be very determined to reach it, sometimes requiring them to cross busy roads.
Since the first full road closure in 2012, there has been no road mortality of Jefferson salamanders observed by Conservation Halton staff during the road closure.
Jefferson salamanders have a grey or brown-coloured back, with lighter under-parts. Blue flecks may be present on the sides and limbs. These salamanders are 12 to 20 cm long. The long tail makes up half this length. Unlike most small animals, Jefferson salamanders can live a very long time, up to 30 years of age.
While the city accommodates the Conservation Authority to close the road for a three week period – the Jefferson salamander has been very good for the people who opposed to expansion of the Nelson Quarry on Collings Road.
 It took $2 million out of the legal department’s budget to pay for the year long tribunal that decided the Jefferson Salamander was important and that an expansion of the existing quarry should not be permitted. The expansion was to be in the smaller outlined area. The larger area is the quarry that is reaching the end of its productive days.  The existence of the salamander and its possible extinction was a large part of the argument for not allowing the application for an expansion.
Much of North America has a groundhog day – Burlington owes the Jefferson Salamander some significant recognition – a future Mayor could declare a Salamander day and perhaps revise the city crest to include the critter.
By Staff
March 9th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Ministerial Statements are usually about matter of State.
Burlington’s Member of Parliament has broken new ground just about everywhere she has walked – so announcing the birth of her son shouldn’t be any different.
Today, Minister Karina Gould, Member of Parliament for Burlington, issued the following statement:
 Oliver, Karina and Alberto. The husband looks more tired than anyone else. Congratulations to all of them. My husband, Alberto, and I were thrilled to finally meet our son, Oliver, earlier this week. We are grateful to be able to say that everyone is happy and healthy.
I would like to extend a special thank you to the Burlington & Area Midwives – particularly the amazing Lucia, Sarah, Diane and Paige – and the nursing staff at Jo Brant Hospital for their care and support during my pregnancy and delivery.
I will be spending time with my family now, but I look forward to returning to work when I am ready to resume my duties as Canada’s Minister of Democratic Institutions. The Democratic Institutions portfolio will be in the good hands of Minister Scott Brison, assisted by Parliamentary Secretary Andy Fillmore, while I am on leave. Burlington constituents should continue to contact my MP office for any assistance or services they require.
As we join so many other Canadian parents who juggle the responsibilities of career and family, Alberto and I want to thank everyone for their kind words and support.
 By Staff
March 7th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
 Spring is about to bloom!
An opportunity to jump into puddles, the sugar bush, hiking, and more during March Break from March 12 to March 16. Mountsberg and Crawford Lake are brimming with activity during Maple season. If you want to go for a quiet hike, you can check out Hilton Falls, Rattlesnake Point, Mount Nemo and Robert Edmondson. You can also take your final runs of the season at Glen Eden.
Maple Town is on at Mountsberg Conservation Area
Mountsberg is open daily during March Break from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hike out to the Sugar Bush with the kids to Maple Town. Learn how sap is tapped from the maple trees, and boiled into syrup. Sample ooey gooey maple syrup on thick pancakes at the Pancake House, or try homemade maple candy in the Sugar Shack.
Wagon rides on the Sugar Bush trail occur all day (there is an additional fee for the wagon rides). Once you’ve satisfied your sweet tooth, stop by the barn to see what new baby animals have arrived, and run off some energy in the play barn.
 Want to experience a real nose-to-beak experience? Visit the Mountsberg Raptor Centre, and walk along the Wildlife Walkway for a visit with our resident raptors, like Pip the American Kestrel, or Chomper the Great Horned Owl. During March Break, Raptor Shows will be on at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.
On March 14, you can meet the Conservation Halton Forestry Crew with cross cut saw and tree cookie branding demonstrations.
Sweet Water Season at Crawford Lake
Crawford Lake is open daily during March Break from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. During the spring, treat your taste buds to Sweet Water Season, the sweetest festival at Crawford Lake in the Iroquoian village. Explore the Turtle Clan and Deer Clan Longhouses. Learn how the Iroquoian peoples prepared ‘sweet water’, before sampling gooey maple syrup in a demonstration. After a tasty snack, feel the return of the birds and nature, and explore the Hide and Seek trail. Along the way, you’ll see complex wood carvings of Species at Risk like the Monarch Butterfly, the Hooded Warbler, and the mascot of spring: the Jefferson Salamander. You can also visit the exhibit First Harvest: Celebrating Sweet Water.
Sweet Water demonstrations will be at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and 3 p.m. Syrup Tasting flights will be at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Come and taste Taffy on Snow from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Other March Break activities
The ski and snowboard season is winding down at Glen Eden, however they still have a special event this upcoming weekend with food and live entertainment. Check out Glen Eden’s Food Truck Weekend March 10 and 11 and sample some great food from local vendors.
 The view from Rattlesnake Point Rattlesnake Point has a medley of activities during the spring. Book a campsite for the weekend, and bring the family for a back-to-nature experience on the Niagara Escarpment or hike on one of the three trails for a restorative nature walk.
Hilton Falls is an outdoor athlete’s heaven. Rushing rivers and budding greenery are a photographer’s delight. There are three mountain bike-only trails that are a mix of novice level, and technically challenging rock-gardens. Hikers, horseback riders, and families: there are still tranquil trails and water features like the Hilton Falls, or the reservoir to experience quiet nature.
By Pepper Parr
March 7th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
There was a time when almost everyone in this city – except for the die-hard alternate entertainment types – even knew what a Poetry Slam was.
We first heard Tomy Bewick at the No Vacancy event at the Waterfront Hotel four years ago.
 Tomy Bewick – performing. He was different.
By the way – whatever happened to the No Vacancy event? Their first run was an astounding success – then everything went downhill from there.
The Poetry Slam used to take place at the Black Bull before it met its maker – the new Black Bull doesn’t have the parking nor the space the old location had.
Now they are in the eastern end of the city at the Windjammer By The Lake.
The Black Bull had a decent menu and the service was just fine. The social media on the Windjammer is mixed. The Gazette will try it out – one has to hear Tomy at least once a year.
The March Slam is next week – March 15th; featuring artist Gavin Russell. Cash prizes.
Last month to qualify for Finals in April, and last month of $5 cover.
March 15 at 7:30 PM
Windjammer By The Lake in Burlington, Ontario
By Staff
March 5th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
This Wednesday March 7, 2018, the Burlington Handweavers & Spinners Guild is hosting their Biennial Auction Sale in the Art Gallery of Burlington.
 This is an incredible sale of all things related to fibre, weaving and spinning. There will be reference books and magazines, fibre, yarn, beading equipment, weaving equipment, spinning wheels and so much more.
All bidders must register for $2 per person at the event. This buys your bid # and a sale catalogue that will be your bid # card/paddle.
PREVIEWS 6:00pm March 7th, 2018 .
AUCTION STARTS PROMPTLY 7:00pm.
All proceeds of the sale, go to Burlington Handweavers & Spinners Guild.
Absentee bids may be arranged through the auctioneer, Bonnie S. before 4:00pm on March 7, 2018. More details about the auction, as well as arranging for absentee bids, can be found on the BHS Guild Facebook Events Page.
By Staff
March 2, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Mr. Taroo Enomoto, lives in Burlington’s twin city, Itabashi, Japan.
In the past 29 years he has personally donated close to $40,000 to the city including a donation of rhododendrons to the Paletta Lakefront Mansion.
 Taroo Enomoto waving to people watching the 2012 Sound of Music parade. This man from Japan has donated close to $40,00 to the city of Burlington. Next week the city will accept the most recent donation; $1,022 to the Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK).
Mr. Enomoto was in Burlington for a visit a number of years ago.
He is a small man who doesn’t speak English and found himself in the Council Chamber accepting a recognition and appreciation scroll from the Mayor. Burlington apparently doesn’t have a “key” to the city that it presents.
A day later Mr. Enomoto was in a car that was in a parade waving to people on the street.
There is something both quaint and honourable about this man – he took to Burlington and made it a part of the way he lives his life.
The cheque presentation will take place next week.
By Staff
March 1st, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
 It may turn out to be a sloppy run on Sunday when the March 4, 2018 the Chilly Half Marathon and Frosty 5k Run take place in support of cancer care at Joseph Brant Hospital.
If the weather forecast holds the roads could be recovering from a lot of snowé
Minor traffic delays can be expected.
Road Closures
6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Brant Street from Ontario Street to Elgin Street
• James Street from John Street to Brant Street
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 to 10:30 a.m.
• Lakeshore Road, Brant Street to Eastport Drive
9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Lakeshore Road, Brant Street to just west of Burloak Drive (access to Old Lakeshore Road from the west maintained with delays)
Lane Use
The three traffic lanes on Lakeshore Road will be separated by two lines of cones from Burloak Drive to Maple Avenue: north lane emergency vehicles, centre lane westbound runners and south lane eastbound runners.
By Staff
February 28th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
 The entire hamlet of Lowville in north Burlington will be “wearing of the green” on St. Patrick’s Day this year.
The Lowville Festival will be joining forces with Lowville United Church to present WHEN IRISH EYES ARE SMILING, a rollicking and shamelessly sentimental tribute to St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, on the evening of Saturday March 17th. The concert, which is a fundraising event for both the Festival and the church, will be held in the sanctuary of Lowville United at 7:30 pm.
The event will feature songs and stories of the Emerald Isle as interpreted by a number of Burlington’s finest performers. These include Stuart Laughton, one of the founding members of the legendary Canadian Brass; Major 7th Band, a popular Celtic-inflected folk group; Festival Co-Artistic Directors Lorretta Bailey and Robert Missen; Michael Mulrooney, Music Director at Tansley United Church and one of the country’s finest keyboard artists; and Lowville storyteller George McNaught. All of the artists are donating their services for the night.
This is not the first time that the two organizations have collaborated. The Lowville Festival has appeared at Lowville United every year since its inauguration in 2015. Two years ago they presented a sold out fundraising tribute to Scotland called The Heather in the Hills. Last year’s Irish celebration was so successful that it was decided to present another one.
 Expect to see the church packed on the 17th – lots of clapping and foot stomping. You will hear all of your favourite Irish and Celtic tunes including Danny Boy, Come Back to Erin, Molly Malone and Irish Rover. As is always the custom, the audience will be encouraged to sing along on a number of songs.
Tickets for the concert are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and are available through both the Church Office (905-335-0911) and at Different Drummer Books. Order your tickets soon as we anticipate another sold out event.
 By Pepper Parr
February 25th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
So – who was in the room?
The meeting was intended as a Candidates Workshop sponsored by ECoB – Engaged Citizens of Burlington.
There were prospective candidates from wards 2, 3, 4, a possible for 5 and 6
 Carol Gottlob  Carol Gottlob, the ward 4 potential had run before and did exceptionally well for a campaign that was very short on boots on the ground and just as short on the financial support side. To win she would have to work at knocking on doors full time and her job as a teacher limits what she can do until school is out. A credible candidate who sits on the BurlingtonGreen board.
 Rory Nisan Rory Nisan, expected to declare publicly very soon. His campaign manager was handing out business cards.
Gareth Williams, a former chair of the Burlington Sustainability advisory committee and a prospective ward 3 candidate was there. He is said to have a campaign team waiting in the wings; Williams is also said to be close to the Mayor.
 Gareth Williams Lisa Copper and Jeff Brooks, 2014 candidate for ward 3 were scooting about.
Greg Woodruff was in the room – a ward 1 resident who wants to leap frog being a city council member and grab the brass ring – which most of us call the Chain of Office. Woodruff ran for Regional Chair in 2014 – his 5812 votes then are, in his mind, high enough to propel him to the Mayor’s seat.
There were no council members in the room but the Manager of the Mayor’s re-election campaign manager David Vandenberg was there. He is close to Mike Quackenbush who is also a ward 3 hopeful.
 Could three of the people in that center row end up sitting at the horseshoe in the city council chamber? Williams, Fiorito and Gottlob would be a change. Standing in the background on the left is David Vanderberg, the manager of the Mayors re-election team. Vince Fiorito is thinking about running in ward 5 but has to get his run for the Burlington seat as a Green candidate in the provincial election behind him. Fiorito is a very strong environmentalist who thinks that he will gain enough in the way of profile during the provincial election to give him something in the way of an edge when he files nomination papers for the ward 5 city council seat where he would run against Paul Sharman.
Ken White hasn’t formally announced – he has been working diligently to ensure that the ward doesn’t have 10 candidates running for the council sear. White had a former city planner with him at the ECoB workshop might be a conflict there.
Michael Jones stood up and told the room that he would run for the ward 2 seat just as soon as Meed Ward announces she is running for Mayor. There are two other probable candidates for the ward 2 seat. Leah Reynolds is believed to be Meed Ward’s choice. Given the role she played in ensuring the Central high school remained open she could be a shoo-in but another female candidate with a much stronger pedigree could snatch the prize from Reynolds. Meed Ward has said she is aware of a candidate that would serve the ward very well.
 The ladies that made the meeting happen: From the left Dania Thurman. Lisa Kearns and Penny Hersh. Is there a candidate amongst the three? The ECoB Candidate Workshop drew a young crowd which is really healthy; they were given a solid grounding of the election rules by Elaine O’Brien that apply to municipal elections which are set out by the provincial Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
A firm understanding of those rules is vital. The audience was told that candidates need a campaign manager, they need someone to handle the financial affairs of the campaign and they need a disciplined approach to winning.
The outline that was handed out to anyone interested in running for office is on the ECoB web site.
Peter Thoem, a single Councillor for ward 2 was pretty direct in his comments. “You will have status” he said. “People will respect you and you will have a mountain of paper work in front of you.” Thoem told the audience that on many occasions he had just a couple of days to read complex material and arrive at an understanding.
Thoem made the most important point of the meeting: It is a people business he said; if you don’t like and genuinely care about people – you shouldn’t be in politics.
One has to wonder if anyone delivered this message to the current council.
 Former candidates that have won and and have lost gave the audience some of the best advice they are ever going to get. How much of it did they hear? From the left: Mark Carr, Diane Leblovic and Peter Thoem. During the Q&A part of the meeting Mark Carr, who was defeated by Blair Lancaster in 2010, told the audience that the staff at city hall “are not your friends – they are accountable to you”.
Did the audience listen and were the speakers heard?
Hard to tell – some of the candidates are very well organized and have the discipline that is needed. Are any of them out knocking on doors? Didn’t look that way.
Has every prospective candidate picked up a copy of the two budget books from city hall and spent the hours needed to make sense of the document? Do they understand how municipal finances work – that cities cannot run deficits and that there are millions tucked away in reserve funds that the city can dip into.
Have any of those candidates mapped out their door knocking schedule – have they figured out where the incumbent is weak and how they can lay claim to those voters?
 Identifying the vote and getting it out on Election Day. Diane Leblovic, a former school board trustee, was pretty direct – “identify your supporters and make sure they vote on Election Day. Offer them a ride if that is what it takes.”
I had breakfast with a man who expects he will run in the election – and asked him if he had a map of the ward and if he had figured out how many doors he could knock on in a day. If he took the number of streets and estimated the number of houses and multiplied the two then divided that by the number of days he could campaign, he would have some idea of what he was up against.
He gulped, then paid for the breakfast.
The 2014 election results.
By Pepper Parr
February 13th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
It is do or die time for ECoB.
They are holding a Workshop for anyone who wants to know more about how to get involved in a municipal election or how to run become a candidate.
 ECoB, the Engaged Citizens of Burlington, is small in size but are punching well above their weight. They will be appearing on Cogeco TV’s The Issue this week and on the 22nd holding the workshop at the Tansley community Centre.
We are about to see how many people are prepared to put themselves forward as candidates in their ward.
This is when the rubber hits the road. We hear of people who plan to run but have yet to make an announcement; we know of people who have made up business cards that describe them as community advocates, we learn of others that say they have a team in place and will announce at a future date,
 We also report on people who have said they will not be running this time – but perhaps in the future.
If there is an event that is going to attract anyone interested in being involved in a campaign – the Workshop is probably that event.
|
|
