Eleven Arabian stallions getting some rest at a farm in the Escarpment

News 100 greenBy Pepper Parr

June 14, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

They were very attractive – close to beautiful and graceful – not words that are normally used to describe males – but they certainly applied to the eleven Arabian stallions that were running around a field on a magnificent farm in the Escarpment.

Megan feeding C

Megan Morris is drawing the horses towards her with a bucket o grain in her hands. Two of the horses were more interested in what the photographer was doing.

The horses were part of a herd of 65 horses that are part of the Cavalia Odysseo that will be performing in Mississauga under a massive tent for a 12 day run.

Megan feeding A

Once the horses knew there was grain for them they clustered around to shove their noses into the bucket.

This was a rest and recreation occasion for the animals that get fed eight times a day – five meals of hay and three of grain.

The animals were very curious when we walked into the field to take some pictures – we wanted to see how they handled things when they were being fed grain so Megan Morris, one of the grooms fetched a bucket of oats – the horses gathered around her very very quickly.

These are exceptionally well trained animals that have careers that are as short as a year and can last as long as six years – then it is full time retirement for them.

Megan feed B

Megan is in the middle of the herd on a site that is about as majestic as it gets in the Escarpment,

They live for up to twenty years – when there performance days are over they are adopted by people, often their trainers.

Laure Warda, the communication lead, explained the adoption procedure – the rules are pretty rigid
While they are performing these horses work with their riders and their trainers to complete very exacting routines.

Stallion - young - colour leaves

The brown spots disappear as the horse ages.

They will leave the fields in the Escarpment on Thursday and get trucked into Mississauga where they will perform under a huge tent.

The riders and the horses have a relationship that is based on the needs, preferences and emotions of the animals. A performance will last no longer than 15 minutes – but that 15 minutes is the result of hundreds of hours of training.

The shows begin June 21st and run through to July 16th. Tickets can be ordered online

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Sound of Music sets up a shuttle bus service from the Burlington GO station.

News 100 redBy Staff

June 12, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

If you are using the GO train service to get to the Sound of Music Festival there is a shuttle service the organizers have arranged from the Burlington GO Station (access from the North side off Queensway Drive) to the Downtown John Street Transit Terminal.

That red light was a sign - Sound of Music didn't get the $37,000 they felt they needed as fall back money if the weather turned on them and events had to be cancelled. Note that the pier in this 2011 picture isn't visible because there was nothing to see. The city plans on offocially opening the pier during the Sound of Music festival this summer. SOM should charge the city a fee for horming in on theior event.

The crowds will descend on Lakeshore Road and steam into Spencer Smith Park – Thursday is the official beginning of the annual music blowout!

The fare of $3 per person for the round trip Shuttle ride helps to keep this convenient program sustainable. Children under 5 years are free.

Shuttles operate on a continuous loop as follows:

Thursday, June 15: 6 p.m. to Midnight
Friday, June 16: 6 p.m. to Midnight
Saturday, June 17: Noon to Midnight
Sunday, June 18: Noon to 8 p.m.

Extended service is also available on Routes 3 North and South (to Burlington GO Station) and eastbound Route 10 buses at 11 and 11:30 p.m. on Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17, 2017.

For more information on travelling to the festival please refer to Burlington’s Sound of Music website.

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An event that told of changing times - reaffirming an Oath of Allegiance was not a huge occasion for Burlington in 2017

News 100 redBy Staff

June 12th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It was billed as an opportunity for Canadians to re-affirm their oath of allegiance to the Crown while new Canadians were being made citizens.

reaffirmation event - crowd

It wasn’t a huge crowd – the numbers were a refection of changing times.

We had no idea what the turnout would be like.

Hundreds – thousands? It was closer to the latter.

reaffirmation - new citizens

Burlington’s newest citizens – youngest was 11 the oldest 97

Oath

The Oath

Within the group of people who were given certificates of citizenship the youngest recipient was 11 years old and the, most senior was 97.

There was a time in this city when most of the population would have attended an opportunity to reaffirm their oath to King and Country – time have changed.

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Burlington Herd let the Barrie Baycats stay at the top of the league while they remain in the bottom half.

sportsred 100x100By Staff

June 12, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Well – everyone knew it wasn’t going to last forever – and they were up against the top team in the league – Barrie Baycats with a 10-0 record.

52 pitcher

Rich Corrente

Carlos Villoria earned the Burlington Herd’s RBI.

Justin Gideon and Eddie Chessell had two hits apiece atop the lineup. Gideon also scored a run.

Brad Smith (0-1) took the loss, giving up four runs (three earned) on six hits in 2.2 innings before leaving the game with an injury. He didn’t walk a batter and struck out three.

Barrie improved to 10-0, and Burlington dropped to 3-8.

Standings
London Majors 10-0
Barrie Baycats 10-0
Kitchener Panthers 9-2
Toronto Maple Leafs 6-5
Burlington Herd 3-8
Brantford Red Sox 2-9
Hamilton Cardinals 1-7
Guelph Royals 1-11

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Five thousand bicycle riders raise $20,000 + for cancer research.

eventsgreen 100x100By Staff

June 11th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

On the morning of Saturday, June 10, the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer announces a record-breaking 5,042 riders raise $20,533,000 for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre as the 10th annual Ride commenced in Ontario.

Ride to conquer

The starting point for 5042 riders.

In 10 years, the Ontario Ride has raised over $175 million to support Personalized Cancer Medicine, research, treatment advances, education and new standards of care at The Princess Margaret, across Ontario, and around the world. Nationally, the Ride to Conquer Cancer has raised over $359 million to-date and is Canada’s largest peer-to-peer fundraising event

Enbridge Day 1

Day 1

Enbridge Day 2

Day 2

Thousands of Riders rode their way yesterday to Camp at McMaster University in Hamilton, and today, Sunday, many will embark to the finish line in Niagara Falls. In total, Riders will travel over 200-kilometres this weekend on one of three routes.

The event is organized by Cause Force, an industry leader in producing active lifestyle events for non-profit organizations across the globe. In this case the organization is the Princess Margaret Hospital and its cancer treatment program.

Enbridge gets to put its name on the event as, presumably, the lead financial supporter.

The Ride to Conquer Cancer® is an incredible two-day, 200-kilometre cycling journey through the beautiful countryside that raises crucial fundraising dollars for top cancer institutions around the globe and supports their missions to conquer cancer.

The Ride offers participants a fully supported event, catering to all needs from registration to the finish line, and creates an unforgettable event experience for Riders, Crew Members, volunteers, sponsors, donors and supporters. The Canadian Ride to Conquer Cancer series is the largest peer-to-peer fundraising event in Canada.

$175 million over ten years – someone is doing something right.

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Herd has taken three in a row - impressive

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

June 11th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Now that they know just what they are supposed to do on the baseball diamond the Burlington Herd is clearly on a roll.

The won their Saturday afternoon turnout against the Brantford Red Sox 4-1 to sweep the home-and-home with the Red Sox.  Third game in a row that the team has won

Herd T-shirtCanice Ejoh, Cooper Lamb and Grant Okawa all picked up a hit and drove in a run. John Whaley and Justin Gideon each singled, doubled and scored. The host Herd broke a 1-1 tie with a three-run sixth.

That was enough offence for Burlington hurler Rich Corrente, who tossed a five-hit complete game. Corrente (1-1) struck out four and walked two and has a 1.12 earned-run average in four games (three starts).

Tyler Soucie (1-1) took the loss for Brantford, giving up three runs, three hits and three walks in two-thirds of an inning. He relieved Justin DAmato, who went the first five and allowed a run on five hits with three strikeouts.

Burlington improved to 3-7, and Brantford dropped to 2-8.

The Herd is feeling a lot better about their game these days.  They are up against Barrie Baycats on Sunday who have yet to lose a game.

Future games:
Sunday, June 11
Burlington at Barrie, 7 p.m.

Standings
London Majors 9-0
Barrie Baycats 9-0
Kitchener Panthers 8-2
Toronto Maple Leafs 5-5
Burlington Herd 3-7
Brantford Red Sox 2-8
Hamilton Cardinals 1-6
Guelph Royals 1-10

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Burlington Herd gets out of the InterCounty baseball league basement - wins two in a row.

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

June 10th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Now that they have won a baseball game in the InterCounty Baseball League, the Burlington Herd appears to like that idea and went on yesterday to defeat the Brantford Red Sox 4-2

Trailing 2-1, the Herd took the lead with two runs in the seventh inning and added an insurance run in the ninth. Carlos Villoria had two hits and an RBI for Burlington, which improved to 2-7 – the same record as Brantford.
Canice Ejoh and Nolan Pettipiece each singled and drove in a run. Justin Gideon went 3-for-5 with a run, and Eddie Chessell singled, doubled and scored.

Herd player sliding home Ph by Crystal Young

Herd player sliding home. Photo by Crystal Young

Ryan Beckett (1-1) threw four innings of relief for the win, giving up a run on three hits with three walks and two strikeouts. Starter Brandon Hiller lasted five innings and allowed one run on one hit with two walks and two strikeouts.

Chris Dennis homered for the third time this season and drove in both Brantford runs. Benjamin Bostick singled and scored.

Matt Betts (0-2) took the loss, giving up two runs on five hits in an inning. He took over for Graham Tebbit, who went six innings and gave up a run on three hits with a walk and three strikeouts.

A Herd that is not in the basement is nice to see.

Future games:

Saturday, June 10
Brantford at Burlington, 1:05 p.m.

Sunday, June 11
Burlington at Barrie, 7 p.m.

Standings
London Majors 9-0
Barrie Baycats 8-0
Kitchener Panthers 7-2
Toronto Maple Leafs 5-5
Brantford Red Sox 2-7
Burlington Herd 2-7
Hamilton Cardinals 1-5
Guelph Royals 1-9

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Will thousands of citizens turn out for a public re-affirmation of the Oath of Citizenship this Sunday?

eventsblue 100x100By Staff

June 9th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

This Sunday in Spencer Smith Park, on the Sound of Music TD stage there will be a ceremony at which Canadians will have the opportunity to stand and re-affirm their Oath of Citizenship.

The event will be led by the Mayor and the event will be short.  It takes place at 2:00 pm at the Sound of Music TD stage

The oath goes like this:

I affirm
That I will be faithful
And bear true allegiance
To her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second
Queen of Canada
Her Heirs and Successors
And that I will faithfully observe
The laws of Canada
And fulfill my duties as a Canadian citizen.

Canadian flagAmericans hold their hand over their heart when they make statements like this – we Canadians just stand.

Most of us will be holding a piece of paper reading the words because most of us have probably never said them even once in our lives.

Canada is a Constitutional Monarchy, something most Canadians don’t realize either. We are quick to say that we live in one of the best countries in the world – and that would be true.

Canadian flag at Quebec referendum

During the Quebec referendum tens of thousands of Canadians took part in moving a huge Canadian flag through the crowds. They want the country to remain united as one.

Keeping it that way for the future is going to be a challenge which we are certainly up to.

As I read the Oath I wondered what other people will think about that “bear true allegiance” phrase – and I wonder as well how many people will be out on Sunday in Spencer Smith Park following the Mayor as we re-affirm our duties as Canadian citizens.

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Herd earns first win - eight players drove in at least one run in an 18-11 victory over Guelph

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

June 9th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Finally – a win for the Herd.Herd-logo

Nine different players picked up at least one hit, and eight players drove in at least one run in an 18-11 victory over the Guelph Royals Thursday night. That qualifies as a team effort,

Ryan Freemantle went 3-for-5 with a home run, two RBI and two runs. Eddie Chessell had three hits, three RBI and a run, Carlos Villoria singled three times and drove in a run. He also scored once.

Herd batters

Herd bats came alive

Canice Ejoh singled, doubled and scored four times and had an RBI. Justin Gideon singled and had an RBI and two runs, Logan Stewart and Nolan Pettipiece each had a pair of RBI and scored a run, and Andrew Mercier had an RBI. Kevin Hussey and Resse OFarrell each scored twice.

Adam Prashad (1-2) earned the win, giving up four runs on eight hits in seven innings, walking three and striking out six.

Guelph hit three home runs in the loss. Matt Schmidt went 3-for-6 with a home run and four RBI, Mike Hart homered, drove in two and scored three times, and Darren Saunders added a solo blast.

Marquis Kidd singled and drove in two, and Quinton Bent singled twice, doubled and scored twice.

Starting pitcher Cam Gray was pulled without recording an out. He was charged with three runs without allowing a hit and was hurt by three walks. He didn’t register a strikeout.

Burlington is 1-7, and Guelph is 1-8.

Future games:
Friday, June 9
Burlington at Brantford, 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 10
Brantford at Burlington, 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, June 11
Burlington at Barrie, 7 p.m.

Standings
London Majors 8-0
Barrie Baycats 7-0
Kitchener Panthers 7-2
Toronto Maple Leafs 5-5
Brantford Red Sox 2-6
Hamilton Cardinals 1-4
Burlington Herd 1-7
Guelph Royals 1-8

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Rained out game does nothing to help the Burlington Herd. Still at the bottom of the league standings.

sportsgreen 100x100By Staff

June 7th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

One supposes that being rained out is better than losing the ball game.

Either way – the rained out game between the Hamilton Cardinals and the Burlington Herd still left the Herd at the very bottom of the InterCounty Baseball League standings.

No make-up date has been announced.

Future games:
Thursday, June 8
Guelph at Burlington, 7:15 p.m.
Friday, June 9
Burlington at Brantford, 8 p.m.

Standings
London Majors 8-0
Barrie Baycats 6-0
Kitchener Panthers 6-2
Toronto Maple Leafs 5-3
Brantford Red Sox 2-6
Hamilton Cardinals 1-4
Guelph Royals 1-7
Burlington Herd 0-7

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Waterfront Trail in the Beachway Park is closed June 7 - 9, 2017

notices100x100By Staff

June 6, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Waterfront Trail along Beachway Park will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists on Wednesday, June 7 through Friday, June 9, 2017 for shoreline protection work and construction.

Please use the sidewalk on Lakeshore Road during this time.

Lakeshore Road to hospital

City wants you to use the brand new sidewalk on June 7th to the 9th.

Waterfront Trail - from east - few people

This part of the Waterfront Trail is closed June 7th to 9th.

 

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BurlingtonGreen sponsors a film on bikes vs cars - guess who wins?

eventsgreen 100x100By Staff

June 6, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The next BurlingtonGreen event is a film presentation on Bikes versus card – a must see movie for the Gazette commentators who regular toss barbed comments at each other.

Wednesday, June 7th – a look at both the struggle for bicyclists in a society dominated by cars, and the revolutionary changes that could take place if more cities moved away from car-centric models.

Wednesday, at 6:30 pm – Central Library, 2331 New Street, Burlington

$5 admission (free for BG members).

Following the film, there will be time for audience discussion about the challenges and opportunities for cycling in Burlington with our event guests from the Burlington Cycling Advisory Committee.
Click here to see the film trailer.

 

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We couldn't have asked for much more - weather was close to perfect.

eventspink 100x100By Staff

June 4th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Saturday – It was as perfect as it was going to get – different people enjoyed the day in different ways.

Spencer Smith - empty

Spencer Smith Park seemed close to empty – resting up for the thousands that will fill the park for the Sound of Music.

Spencer Smith Park was close to abandoned except for those with children who enjoyed the joys of a splash pad.

Kids in splash pad

The Splash Pad in the Park had a consistent flow of visitors both young and older – pets as well

A couple used the Discovery Centre as the local for their wedding while other

Discovery Centre wedding

A couple chose this wonderful June Saturday to marry – using the Discovery Centre as the local.

 

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A baseball game with $1 ice cream on what might turn out to be a sunny afternoon. Definitely a family event.

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

June 1, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Like Ice Cream? Who doesn’t!

The Herd, Burlington’s InterCounty Baseball League member will be playing the Toronto Maple Leafs this Saturday at the Nelson ball park.

Herd ice creamThere is a special treat – $1 ice cream day presented by Murphy’s Ice Cream Parlour.

If the Herd win the game it will be their first win of the season.

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Walk Off the Earth added to the FREE Sound of Music June 11th concert.

eventsred 100x100By Staff

June 1st, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

They are thrilled – you might be delighted.

The Sound of Music Festival, in partnership with the City of Burlington, announced this morning that there is going to be an additional day of FREE concerts on Sunday, June 11.

Spoons - female lead

Sandy Horne –

Canada 150 Day Celebrations will take place on Burlington’s Waterfront from 1 pm to 9 pm. Sunday’s shows feature a full roster of Burlington performers including Valley, White Pine Dancers, The Killin’ Time Band, The Spoons, Tebey and Walk Off The Earth.

A Citizenship and Reaffirmation Ceremony will take place at TD Stage at 2 pm. In attendance will be Hon. Karina Gould, MP, Hon Eleanor McMahon, MPP and Mayor Rick Goldring as Master of Ceremonies.

Newcomers to Canada will partake in The Oath of Citizenship, accepting the responsibilities and privileges of becoming a Canadian Citizen.

This is a public event that family, friends, residents and visitors are welcome to attend. Everyone is encouraged to re-affirm their Canadian citizenship by taking the Oath with our newly appointed Canadians.

June 11 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

You Tube just might have given Walk off the Earth the boost they needed to really make a mark on the musical scene. Are we looking at another spoons in the making?

Walk Off the Earth – added to the free day of great music on the waterfront.

1:00 Valley
1:45 White Pine Dancers
2:00 Greetings, Citizenship & Reaffirmation Ceremonies
3:15 The Killin’ Time Band
4:30 The Spoons
6:00 Tebey
7:30 Walk Off The Earth

Many people see the Terry Fox run as a unique thing that happened in Canada and was the result of one Canadian's supreme effort. The Canadian flag just seems to be a part of the event - and there were plenty of them handed out.

This is about as Canadian as you can get – how many people who are already Canadian citizens will show up to re-affirm their Canadian citizenship by taking the Oath with the newly appointed Canadians.

This day is a celebration of our values, and our country, along with an unbelievable roster of local performers.

“This is a bit of a dream come true as a music lover and resident of Burlington, there couldn’t be a greater expression of hometown pride”, says Rian Malloch, the Festival’s Programming Chair.

The shows are FREE, VIP upgrades to Sweet Seats and FrontRow are available for $29, limited quantity. Visit soundofmusic.ca for full line-up, schedule and show times.

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I was wondering - she asked: would you promote the Save Our School Walk?

eventspink 100x100By Pepper Parr

May 31st, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

“Hope all is well” she said and added “hope you are enjoying today’s beautiful weather.”

The she added: “ I was wondering if you would be so kind as to promote the Save Our School Walk which is this Saturday, June 3rd at 11 am .

Delegation May 8 HDSB

Some of the Pearson high school parents during delegation night at the Board of Education.

The Walk is a last minute effort by the parents whose children attend the Lester B. Pearson high school that has been recommended for closure in 2018.

It is a high school that has been hornswoggled by the Board when the feeder schools they once had got attached to Hayden high school – which was a death sentence for Pearson – but they are going to do whatever they can between now and June 7th when the eleven Board of Education trustees decide what to do.

Join the walk!LBP JUNE 3RD WALK FINAL VERSION - (1) (1)

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National Ride your Bike to work day: Where are those plans for bike lanes on New Street?

backgrounder 100By Staff

May 29, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

Revised 12:50 pm May 29th, 2017

Today is Bike to Work day.

Did Burlington celebrate the event?

They did – in an event at Civic Square but there wasn’t a line of bikes along New Street.

Not this year – that road is in the process of being rebuilt between Guelph Line and Appleby.

Where are things with the cycle lane for New Street?

Not much recent information on the city’s web site. The original plans to do a pilot exercise in 2016 didn’t work out all that well.

In his blog the Mayor said in 2016 that …

Goldring selfy - the

Goldring selfy – the day he took the bus to work. Provided by the Mayor’s office.

City Council supported a staff recommendation for a one-year pilot for bicycle lanes on New Street between Walker’s Line and Guelph Line.

A majority of council (6-1) supported this decision. It was our team of transportation experts that recommended what is being called a ‘road diet’. Simply put, that means taking New Street from four lanes to three lanes (two travel lanes and a centre left turn lane), with bike lanes separated by painted buffered lines on each side.

There are a few key things to note as we measure data and carefully listen to residents during the bicycle lane pilot project on the two-kilometre stretch of New Street:

This is a pilot project scheduled to last one year. Our staff will be tracking detailed data and we invite feedback from everyone using that stretch of the road.

The pilot is a litmus test to see if the painted lanes result in a positive experience for people who want to ride their bicycles, while causing a minimal impact for drivers who also need to get where they are going in a timely manner.

This is an ideal time for the pilot to be done as this section of road is scheduled for resurfacing in 2017. This means there will be no cost to revert the lanes if the pilot is determined to be unsuccessful by staff and ultimately, council, or keep the new lane configuration when the road is resurfaced.

I live by New Street and as such, take it every day, at different times. I will experience first-hand the traffic delays, if indeed there are any.

The key measurement for me will be the impact on the automobile driver. If there are significant traffic issues as a result of this new configuration, we can simply repaint the road. This one-year test allows us to see if New Street is the right place for bike lanes.

The multi-purpose pathway from Burloak Drive to Martha Street is good for recreational cycling. However, it is a busy mixed use pathway that includes not only cyclists but walkers, skateboarders, walkers with dogs and young children. A friend of mine broke his wrist after a young child darted in front of him causing him to slam on the brakes and fall. This means it is not ideal for people cycling along the pathway for transportation, especially when travelling at higher speeds.

The pathway is also not useable when it is dark as the average light from a bicycle is not bright enough and does not shine far enough to create a safe ride. The pathway is not lit at night. There are also numerous crossings where vehicles have the right-of-way.

New street - being rebuilt

New sewer pipes and a resurfacing of New Street put the new bike lane plans on hold.

Furthermore, the pathway does not provide meaningful connections to the many amenities right along New Street.

 

Bike lanes on Fairview

Data presented to a city Standing Committee by the Cycling Advisory Committee in 2016

The cycling enthusiasts explain that bike lanes on New Street by themselves will not have much of an impact – a fully developed cycling master plan with bike lanes throughout the city are what is needed and that is going to take some time.

Bike lanes - New Street - Guelph Line to Burloak

Data provided by the Cycling Advisory Committee in 2016. Not much, if anything has happened since then.

Changing public opinion on bike lanes would seem to be the biggest obstacle.

The idea had support from a limited number of people; it was then so poorly executed that what little support got pummeled badly – can it be revived?

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The issue: Which is more important, mining shale to make bricks or the 6000 – 9000 trees that will have to be cut down to mine that shale. Think climate change while you muse on the question.

News 100 greenBy Pepper Parr

May 23rd, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

In 1972

Paul Henderson scores the “goal of the century”
The World Hockey Association begins
Global Television begins broadcasting in Ontario
Heritage Canada is established
Lester B. Pearson dies.
Average Cost of new house $27,550.00
Average Income per year $11,800.00
Average Monthly Rent $165.00
Cost of a gallon of Gas 55 cents
Richard Nixon announces he will resign

In 1972 the province of Ontario issued a license to remove shale for brick making from lands in the western part of the city

The Tyandaga Environmental Coalition Inc. (TEC) is a group of concerned residents opposed to a planned expansion of that quarry for the purpose of shale extraction.

The scene - quarry

The Tyendaga community and its neighbour – three quarry sites.

The TEC has been slugging this one out for a number of years. They incorporated as a not for profit, created a web site, put up an on-line petition – 1,850 to date and now they get ready for another community meeting at which the brick making company will explain what they plan to do next.

That next is expected to be the cutting down of something between 6,000 and 10,000 trees on the 34 acre property.

While TEC does its best to prevent the mining of shale for brick making – which will require the cutting down of at least 6000 tress Ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven Congratulates and thanks IKEA and “Tree Canada” for their recent initiative in Kerns Park where over 60 IKEA volunteers planted about 300 new trees in the park.

The irony is painful.

TEC made the comment that: “In the light of your support for the “Tree Canada” project we would also respectfully point out that just as important as the planting of saplings (for the future generation) is the saving of those trees that have already been planted and have survived all the elements both man-made and natural – trees that are now enormous contributors to our clean air, healthy lifestyle (for the current generation), and our overall well-being.

The TEC people say the “… need, at a minimum, to have the MNRF decision (to issue the original quarry license) to be re-evaluated in the light of the ‘HERE and NOW – 2016’. We appreciate that the MNRF does not have a history of reviewing their decisions but in this case we believe that the area under question has undergone such a dramatic change in the last FORTY-FOUR YEARS with the enormous growth in industry, schools, residences, traffic, etc. that it would warrant an exception to their rule.

They add that “There is also reason to believe that there are endangered species that were not identified in the original quarry request. Essentially, Forterra has become an urban quarry in a pristine area of Burlington.

Trees

As many as 9000 tress will be cut down so that the shale can be mined for brick making.

Meridian Brick (formerly Forterra Brick) plans to clear-cut approximately 40 acres of prime forest to expand its commercial shale quarrying operations (the east cell) beside the residential Tyandaga neighbourhood in Burlington, Ontario.

TEC urges the Honourable Kathryn McGarry (Ontario Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry), and, the Honourable Glen Murray (Ontario Minister of the Environment and Climate Change), to revoke Meridian Brick’s permission to quarry their east cell.

By revoking the permission to quarry this land, the government would demonstrate strong leadership in correcting planning oversights that were made decades ago, long before an understanding of fair and just environmental principles emerged in Ontario law and before the possible health hazards associated with quarry operations were fully appreciated.

Cancelling the 44-year old “sleeper” permission to quarry land held by Meridian Brick would save an important and healthy forest, protect habitat for all species, flora and fauna – including those that are at-risk and endangered and help protect Ontario’s watershed and residents’ health.

TEC is fighting an uphill battle.

In an Information document made prepared for members of council and made available to the public the city’s view point is set out. Brick making is a big industry in Burlington.

The Information document explains that: “There is considerable background relating to the quarry including but not limited to the relationship to the nearby Tyandaga subdivision, land use planning matters and details regarding the quarry licence and operation. To this end, this document will serve as a background paper that offers a summary of the key facts.”

Three areas in North Aldershot are licenced for shale extraction under the Aggregates Resource Act (ARA) – West, Centre and East. The Aldershot Quarry has been in operation since the 1920’s and was first licenced under the Pits and Quarries Control Act in 1972 and then subsequently under the ARA in June, 1990.

Under the Aggregate Resources Act, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry:

Oversees the rules governing aggregate management
Inspects aggregate operations and responds to complaints
Enforces compliance
Ensures rehabilitation is carried out on sites

Extraction operations are governed by a site plan approved as part of a licence that was finalized in 2010 under the Aggregates Resources Act.

The quarries are designated as Mineral Resource Extraction in the Burlington Official Plan and zoned MRNA (Mineral Resource North Aldershot).

Licenced extraction areas are protected by the Provincial Policy Statement and are permitted to continue without the need for an Official Plan or Zoning By-law amendment or development permit.

Forterra Brick owns and operates the three clay brick plants and four shale quarries within the City. Forterra Brick (under various previous names and ownership) has owned and operated brick plants and quarries in Burlington since 1956.

Forterra Brick manufactures an estimated 55% of the clay brick produced in Canada and 45% of that is made in Burlington.

Currently the Aldershot plant uses shale from the west quarry and the Burlington plant (Dundas Street) uses shale from the centre quarry. The west quarry is reported to have approximately 3-5 years of shale reserves while the centre quarry has approximately 6-8 years of reserves. Times depend on demand for brick.

Both the west quarry and centre quarry were mined by National Sewer Pipe dating back to 1929. Hanson Brick has operated in both quarries since the late 1990’s. Until 2005, operations in the centre quarry were periodic and since then, the operations have been continuous. There has also been limited excavation in the east quarry. The West quarry is still operational, but with limited life.

Three quarry sites

Three quarry sites

This is a shale quarry site which produces Queenston shale for brick making. Queenston shale is the only type of shale used for brick making in Ontario today. Much of Ontario’s remaining Queenston shale is no longer accessible due to urban development in southern Ontario.

Shale extraction does not involve explosives. It’s a mechanical process where the topsoil and vegetation is stripped away (using bulldozers and tree chippers) and the underlying clay is left to weather. As the quarry deepens, piles of weathered shale are excavated by front end loaders and trucked away.

The excavated material from the Aldershot quarries is trucked away to the Aldershot brick plant south of the west quarry and to the Burlington quarry located on Dundas Street, east of Appleby Line.
The material is transported using the North Service Road with approximately 110 truckloads per week. The quarry does not operate on weekends.

The site plans for the approved licence show three operational cells (quarries). In the near future, operations at the site will open a new cell within the existing approved licence area – known as the east cell (quarry). This is not a new licence area or a licence expansion. The remainder of the quarry is active and quarry operations were found to be in compliance when inspected by the Ministry in 2015.

East Quarry: In 2015, the City was notified by Forterra of its intention to start preparing the east quarry for extraction.

The east quarry is 16.4 hectares in size and approximately 10.8 hectares will be disturbed.

Clearing the land is the first step in preparing for shale extraction. Tree clearing was scheduled for the winter of 2016-2017 for the east quarry; however, a mitigation plan for endangered species is required which may delay the timing of the tree clearing.

Quarry Rehabilitation: The entire east quarry will be rehabilitated in accordance with the Greenbelt Plan to 100% forest cover. The rehabilitation requirements of the Greenbelt Plan were incorporated into the site plan finalized in 2010 under the Aggregates Resources Act.

Westhaven Drive Subdivision: Houses on Westhaven Drive were constructed well after the quarry property had been licenced for aggregate extraction.

On May 12, 1997, City Council approved the Westhaven Drive subdivision, adjacent to the east quarry.
The application was appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board by residents on Forestvale Drive and it was approved with some minor amendments on May 25, 1998.

At the time the subdivision application was made in 1995, Dust Assessment and Noise Control studies were submitted to the city for the future east quarry to demonstrate compatibility.

These studies were reviewed and approved by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy who stated in a letter dated, October 24, 1996 that it “is satisfied that the land use compatibility issues raised earlier have been addressed.”

All purchasers are informed of the following warning clause registered on title:

“The purchaser acknowledges the presence of a future extractive industrial land use to the west and that extraction may take place during the daytime only.”

The Tyandaga Environmental Coalition Inc. (“TEC”) has been formed to represent a number of families residing adjacent to the proposed quarry. The TEC did contact the city to request confirmation that certain OMB Minutes of Settlement conditions were fulfilled relating to a site plan, noise and dust matters. The city confirmed that the conditions had been cleared by staff.

Neighbourhood Meeting: On September 22, 2015, at the request of Councillor Craven, Forterra held an information session with local residents to explain their plans and to answer questions. At the meeting, the neighbours were invited to form a committee that could meet with Forterra Brick to discuss the concerns of the neighbourhood. The September 22nd meeting was attended by Councillor Craven, approximately 50 members of the public and planning staff. An optional tour of the west quarry took place prior to the meeting and was attended by approximately 9 residents.

Ministerial Review: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry was asked to comment on a request for a ministerial review of the licence granted to Forterra Brick and we are advised by Eleanor McMahon, MPP that there is no process under the ARA for a ministerial review of an approved licence.

Regular inspections of an operating quarry are conducted by the Ministry and the Forterra quarry operations were found to be in compliance when inspected by the Ministry in 2015.

Forterra Brick is holding a meeting for anyone who wants to talk to them Thursday evening at the Crossroads Centre on the 1259 North Service Road just west of Kerns Road.

The overriding question for the community and city hall is this; which is more important mining shale to make bricks or the 6000 – 9000 trees that will have to be cut down to mine that shale.

Think climate change as you muse about this one.

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The burst of excitement and pride for our 150th birthday has yet to show itself.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

May 15th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

The full throated celebration of our 150th birthday has yet to be revealed by the city – traditionally there has been a Strawberry social at the museum – with that place shut down – no longer open for business – the public doesn’t know what the plans are for July 1st.

Love my hood - Canada

Are the citizens of this city going to hold 150 different neighbourhood events to celebrate the Sesquicentennial?

The Mayor has high hopes – he is looking for 150 Love My Hood events – the city is putting some cash on the table to make those events happen. Love My Hood provides resources, support, funding up to $300 and eliminates some common barriers in event hosting. Click here for details on that opportunity.

Library tour - stand of books

Recognizing 71 Burlington authors past and present.

The Library has an interesting series of events a display of books written by Burlington authors past and present.

Freeman Junction sign BEST

THE best citizen initiative during the past five years. They kept it alive.

Freeman Station has grabbed a spot in the events that will take place on Canada Day – the Sesquicentennial version. The Mayor is going to be on hand for that event – we hope that Councillors Lancaster and Meed Ward will set aside the differences they have and be recognized for stepping forward and doing what it took to keep the station away from the wrecking ball until citizens began to do what the city wasn’t able to do.

There is a member of city council who we hope has the decency not to show up – he did almost everything he could to convince the citizens who kept the Freeman Station alive to give up. Citizens got it to the point where it is now close to the best piece of history the city has – exceeded only by Ireland House.

The council member might manage to find it within himself to apologize and make a donation to redeem himself.

CF 18 - with 150 colours

An Air Force CG18 jet – decked out in Sesquicentennial colours – will take off from the Munro Airport in Hamilton and do a cross country tour.

Hamilton has got an interesting event taking place – it really isn’t their event – the federal government is the force behind this one – but the CF18 jet decorated with Canadian colours will set out on its Canadian tour from the airport in Hamilton.

Burlington might get lucky and convince someone somewhere to have that jet do a couple of barrel roles over Burlington Bay as it flies out of the Munro International airport.

The city might be holding the Canada Day cards close to their chest until we have Victoria Day behind us.
A number of administrative services will be closed for the Victoria Day weekend on Monday, May 22, 2017, reopening on Tuesday, May 23, 2017.

City Hall: Will be closed on Monday, May 22, reopening on Tuesday, May 23.

Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities: Activities and customer service hours at city pools, arenas and community centres will vary over the holiday weekend. Please visit burlington.ca/play for a complete listing of program times and burlington.ca/service hours for hours at customer service locations.

Burlington Transit and Handi-Van: On Monday, May 22, Burlington Transit will operate a holiday service and the administration offices including the downtown Transit Terminal and Handi-Van dispatch will be closed. Regular service resumes Tuesday, May 23. Call 905-639-0550 or visit burlingtontransit.ca for more information.

Roads and Parks Maintenance: The administrative office will be closed on Monday, May 22, reopening on Tuesday, May 23. Only emergency service will be provided.

Halton Court Services: Provincial Offences Courts in Milton and Burlington will be closed on Monday, May 22, reopening on Tuesday, May 23.

Parking: Free parking is available in the downtown core at all pay machines located on the street, municipal lots and the parking garage on weekends and holidays.

The gardeners will beat a path to the nurseries in the city as they plan to get their gardens in.

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Library celebrating the 71 authors who are part of the history of the city. Display of their books will be shown at each library.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

May 15th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Burlington Public Library has come up with an interesting way to celebrate and recognize the role that literature has played in the growth of this country.

They have put together a traveling book display that will move from library branch to library branch during the balance of the year.

The schedule is:

May 12 to June 5 – New Appleby branch
June 6 to July 3 – Tansley Woods branch
July 4 to Aug 7 – Kilbride branch
Aug 8 to Sep 4 – Alton branch
Sep 5 to Oct 9 – Brant Hills branch
Oct 10 to Nov 6 – Central branch
Nov 7 to Dec 4 – Aldershot branch

The display will include copies of 71 books written by authors who live or once lived in Burlington. It is the library’s way of celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday

Library tour - stand of books

Part of the traveling display – 71 authors from a city the size of Burlington is something to celebrate.

The book display will feature books from a variety of both children’s and adult’s authors and illustrators. Special edition Canada 150 bookmarks will be handed out.

Maureen Barry, CEO, Burlington Public Library adds that “Canada has a long and proud literary arts heritage and an exceptional reputation for storytelling worldwide. Here in Burlington, we are privileged to have a wealth of talent connected to our city. That’s something worth celebrating.”

The commemorative book display project was initiated and inspired by Burlington author, Sylvia McNicoll. Ian Elliot, owner of A Different Drummer Books, assisted with the selection of authors and books featured in the exhibit.

Children’s Authors
Rebecca Bender

Giraffe and Bird
Don’t Laugh at Giraffe

Pamela Duncan Edwards

Oliver Has Something to Say!

Lana Button

Willow’s Whispers
Willow Finds a Way
Willow’s Smile

Marilyn Helmer

Fog Cat
That’s What Bears Are For!

Heather Rath

Ode to a Flattened Toad

Jennifer Maruno

When The Cherry Blossoms Fell
Cherry Blossom Winter
Cherry Blossom Baseball

Cathy Miyata

Starring Me

Sharon E. McKay

Charlie Wilcox
War Brothers

Sylvia McNicoll

Best Friends Through Eternity
The Best Mistake Mystery

Jennifer Mook-Sang

Speechless

Patricia Storms

Never Let You Go
The Ghosts Go Spooking

Children’s Book Illustrators

Lorenzo Del Bianco

Hockey Science
Dirty Science

Wendy Whittingham

Miss Wondergerm’s Dreadfully Dreadful Pie

Patricia (Patty) Gallinger

My Mannequins
Yesterday’s Santa and the Chanukah Miracle

Adult Authors

Elizabeth Crocket

Extra Candles

Jen J. Danna

Dead, Without a Stone to Tell It
Lone Wolf (as Sara Driscoll)

Lorene DiCorpo

Worth Travelling Miles to See

A. E. Eddenden

A Good Year for Murder
Murder at the Movies

Jennifer Filipowicz

Wardroids

Ian Hamilton

The Water Rat of Wanchai
The Courturier of Milan

Emerson Lavender

The Evaders

Denise McKay

Old Lady Sweetly Is Twenty

John Lawrence Reynolds

Free Rider
Beach Strip

Lee Lamb

Oak Island Obsession

Alexandra Oliver

Meeting The Tormentors in Safeway
Let The Empire Down

Lynda Simmons

Getting Rid of Rosie
Island Girl

Janet Turpin Myers

Nightswimming
The Last Year of Confusion

Dee Wilson

A Keeper’s Truth

Mark Zelinski

Heart of Turtle Island: The Niagara Escarpment
Canada’s Royal Garden

Gary Evans

Images of Burlington
Vanished Burlington

Jane Irwin

Burlington
Old Canadian Cemeteries

Former Resident Authors

Robert Bateman

Life Sketches

Linwood Barclay

Broken Promise
Far From True
The Twenty-Three

Melodie Campbell

The Goddaughter
The Bootlegger’s Goddaughter

Jill Downie

Daggers and Men’s Smiles
A Grave Waiting
Blood Will Out

Kim Echlin

The Disappeared
Under The Visible Life

Lawrence Hill

The Book of Negroes
The Illegal

Miranda Hill

Sleeping Funny

Marni Jackson

The Mother Zone
Don’t I Know You?

Christopher Moore

The Story of Canada

Anitha Robinson

Broken Worlds

Gisela Sherman

The Farmerettes

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