 By Staff
December 17th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
At the end of the week thousands of students will be out of school and home for the holidays – returning to their classes on January 8th.
Another calendar year behind them and time to think about, talk about and plan for the balance of the school year.
 The Gazette visit to Tom Thomson took place when there was a Region wide event that was piped into every school. All the students gathered in the gym for the event.
It may well be a year during which the Board of Education closes a school – that decision will become crystal clear in 2018. Lester B. Pearson high school parents are still going door to door drumming up support for a community initiative to somehow keep that school open.
Households with children in school have an attachment to the school there children go to that starts early in the morning and runs through to well into the late afternoon.
 The food is fresh and there is plenty of it. At Tom Thomson elementary school the program for students begin at breakfast where there are two programs for students; one run by the YMCA that involves caring for the students and the other a walk in for any student that wants to meet with friends and didn’t catch breakfast at home.
The program is put on by a volunteer group of parents. Some of the students come from households where the family income doesn’t quite cover all the costs – others are students who want to meet with their chums and do what elementary students do these day.
A Regional Police liaison officer spends time at both Tom Thomson and Brant Hills – alternating between the two; parents from the community work as volunteers getting the food ready and serving the students.
 Dania Thurman serving fresh fruit to a student at Tom Thomson elementary school. Dania Thurman, a parent very active in the campaign to keep Central high school open, is one of the parents that shows up a couple of days a week and spends some time with the 60+ students who show up before she has to scoot off to her full time job.
 They gather in corners and sit wherever they can – having breakfast and getting caught up with friends. The students troop into the gym, dropping their knapsacks on the floor and heading for the group of friends they meet up with – cell phones in hand.
The program takes place every day of the week – they have been doing this at Tom Thomson for the past six years.
They feed between 60 to 70 students with the grub coming from Food for Thought a Region wide program that works with elementary and high schools to ensure that every student has access to a proper breakfast.
The Food for Thought history isn’t uncommon; a grassroots group of people who identify a problem and come together to form a solution. In this case, one of the strongest groups you can have behind your cause are the parents that get the job done.
These Parents noticed that not every child at school had food in their lunch box or that many kids had food that didn’t contain enough nutrients to fuel their minds and bodies for learning.
In 1997, the parents came together and formed an advisory committee to oversee the first 6 official Student Nutrition Programs in Halton. Fast forward to 2007, just ten years later, and HFFT became an incorporated, registered, charity with its own Board of Directors and 63 programs.
As of September 2017, HFFT has partner programs in 130 schools across Halton and feeds more than 27,000 students a week. We have over 2,100 volunteers (including 930 students) and dozens of community partners who all work together to feed students in their communities.
 The students that show up get more than half an hour to play in the school gymnasium. These two are waiting for a game to get started.  Some skip, others play a team sport. 
 By Staff
December 8th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Terra Madre Day is Slow Food’s annual day to promote the diversity of food traditions!
Children age 7-10 are invited to join us for this free workshop to work on a United Nations Nutrition Badge.
 Learn about food safety, food planning, seasonal fruits and veggies. International students will share traditional vegetable dishes from their countries. Families are invited to join at the end of the workshop to celebrate their child’s success and try some of the international dishes.
For ages 7-10 years
Student Theatre Centre, 2131 Prospect Street
Sunday Dec 10, 1-4pm
Register for free
By Staff
December 7th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Sound of Music Festival wants to add another day to their already existing paid event which is held the weekend before the festival, on Sunday, June 10, 2018 from 1 to 9 p.m. and would like to know if there is community support for the second event.
The short, one-question survey will be open until Dec. 14, 2017.
 Sound of Music wants to add an additional ticketed event day. City wants to know what you think. The festival has had a paid event since 2015 to support performances on the Father’s Day weekend and help ensure a quality festival for years to come.
In 2017, a second event was added to help celebrate Canada 150 which was very well attended.
Sandra Maxwell, supervisor of Festivals and Events explains:
“The Sound of Music Festival organizers have approached the city to ask if they can host another paid ticket event as a way of financially supporting the four-day festival on Father’s Day weekend. We would like to know if there is community support and appetite for this sort of event and encourage all residents and people of surrounding area to provide their input into this short, one-question survey.”
Dave Miller, executive director of the Sound of Music Festival adds that “… the success of last year’s additional day on Sunday, June 11 in honour of Canada 150 and the growing popularity of the ticketed Kick-off Concert, we’re hoping to have the Kick-off event for Sound of Music Festival 2018 running for two days instead of one, making it a full weekend experience.
“Proceeds will support overall costs of the event including stages, security and great musical talent.”
The Sound of Music organization has not made any comment on how much they earned from the additional day nor what they did with the extra income. A bit more transparency would be appreciated.
LINK to the survey.
 By Staff
December 6th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
This could be fun.
Former ward 4 candidate for the public Board of Education seat Margot Horne Shuttleworth has gone public with in a Facebook message to her wine loving friends.
Holiday Wine Exchange – forget the cookies — who wants 36 bottles of wine?! 🍷🍷
The weather outside is frightful, but the wine is so delightful…
Who wants to participate?
 I need a MINIMUM of 6 participants to join in a holiday wine exchange. Buy ONE bottle of wine valued at $20.00 or more and deliver it to one person. That’s it!
I will PM you the name/address and in return you will receive 6 – 36 bottles of wine!! (# of bottles depends on the number of participants).
Let me know if you are interested and I will PM you the information. Please comment on this post if you’re in. Just keep in mind, you only have to buy ONE bottle valued at a minimum of $20.00 and, if everyone participates, you can receive up to 36 bottles of wine!!!
Only comment if you are really going to participate. If you say you will and don’t, it doesn’t work for everyone else. Give it a try. It could be fun and you could stock up for the holiday season with the purchase of only ONE bottle!!….. you need to be local…. but should be fun!!
Margo Horne- Shuttleworth on Facebook at –
https://www.facebook.com/margo.shuttleworth/
 By Staff
November 6th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
 There is a huge need for more blood donors. A car accident victim could require up to 50 units of blood to survive, and a patient with leukemia could need up to 8 units of blood per week.
In Burlington, the need is for approximately 252 blood donations per week to meet the needs of our local hospital.
This year, Burlington MPP Eleanor McMahon is hosting a community blood drive to help meet the target. Please consider making a donation during November 7-10, 2017 at the Canadian Blood Services’ Blood Donor Clinic located at 1250 Brant Street.
To book your appointment or to arrange free taxi service, please contact Erica Hung at Erica.Hung@blood.ca or 289-213-1742.
 By Staff
November 1, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
This is the kind of problem our Mayor likes to have. Listen in.
Moses Znaimer was invited to present his “New Vision on Aging” that is to take place on November 7 at the Performing Arts Centre
 “The response for this event has been amazing, and we have completely “sold out”. Our wait list for tickets currently sits at 80 requests.
“If you have registered but are unable to attend, we ask that you kindly cancel your ticket or contact mayor@burlington.ca This will enable staff to release tickets to those on the wait list.”
He should be in the same situation next October.
 By Staff
October 27th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Beginning school is a big step for parents and children. The Halton District School Board wants to make that transition as smooth as possible.
 Inquiring minds Throughout November, three-year olds and their parents/guardians are invited to attend one of four Kindergarten Open Houses to learn about starting school next year.
Drop by any one of the following open houses between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Georgetown Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017 — Park PS (6 Hyde Park Dr.)
Burlington Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017 – Bruce T. Lindley PS (2510 Cavendish Dr.)
Milton Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017 – Tiger Jeet Singh PS (650 Yates Dr.)
Oakville Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 – West Oak PS (2071 Fourth Line)
At the Open House, families will:
• Explore a Kindergarten classroom
• Learn about play-based learning
• Pick up information and resource material in a free backpack
• Access information about community agencies and resources in Halton
• Get information about before and after school care
• Connect with special education staff to discuss any developmental concerns
Children born in 2014 can start Kindergarten in September 2018.
Registration for Kindergarten begins in January 2018 and takes place at the school your child will attend.
 By Staff
October 25th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Those folks in the west end that have a quarry in their back yards are ramping up for their next community meeting.
Meridian Brick has a license to operate a quarry – it was given to them in 1972.
Since that time a number of rather high end homes have been built yards away from the back yards of these homes.
 The two pink patches are existing quarries that are close to mined out. The green space to the left of the marker is where the brick company wants to quarry next – all the trees would have to go. The residents believe they have been poorly served by the city and the real estate industry in the way they weren’t properly advised that the quarry did have the right to start digging.
Tyandaga Environmental Community is going to meet on November 16, 2017, 7pm-9:30pm at the Crossroads Centre, 1295 North Service Road.
Gord Miller,former Environmental Commissioner of Ontario and David Donnelly, Environmental Lawyer, former executive director of the Canadian Environmental Defence Fund will be speaking
Meridian Brick has announced that they will be holding a follow up community meeting at the same location on November 29th – starts at 7:00 pm.
 By Pepper Parr
October 18th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
It wasn’t a great surprise – if he wasn’t employed as the Mayor what would he do?
Inside Halton published a report that had Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring announcing earlier today that he would be seeking a third term in the 2018 municipal election.
Inside Halton went on to say that the Mayors used “…the Niagara Escarpment as a backdrop where the Mayor was joined by his wife Cheryl and children Stephanie and Lisa.
When asked why he was making his intentions known almost a year away from next year’s municipal election, Goldring replied the main reason was because so many people were asking him if he was planning to run again.
 Mayor answering questions during a ward 4 debate. “And I thought this was the best way to let the community know what my intention is and that is to register in early May as a candidate,” he said.
Registration for candidates in the mayoral, Councillor or school board trustee races officially opens May 1, 2018.
Goldring said he specifically chose to make his announcement in north Burlington because the 100 per cent commitment by previous and current councils to maintain 50 per cent of the city (in the north) as rural.
“As we grow as a city, it is critical we maintain and enhance the 50 per cent of Burlington that’s in the greenbelt,” he noted.
 The rural-urban boundary – defined by Hwy 407and Dundas is not going to ever be changed by cit council. Burlington’s city council couldn’t change the regulation that has the land north of the Hwy 507 – Dundas Boundary and permit major residential development. The province and the Region would slap the city something silly if they even talked about such an idea.
The Mayor has created a straw dog.
If re-elected, Goldring said he would continue to bring what he has in the past to the office of the mayor.
“I think that’s the attitude of one of service, an attitude of collaboration, connecting with the community on a regular basis, as well as help provide direction to the city going forward, which I have done for the last seven years,” he explained, noting he didn’t see being mayor as a job, but rather a vocation.
“I’m fortunate to be the mayor, I take it very seriously. I’m honoured and privileged each and every day to do the role.”
They all say that – and Rick Goldring does take his job seriously.
During the release of the 2017 Vital Signs report by the Burlington Foundation, chair Ron Foxcroft, who likes to loosen up an audience with a little humour, told the story of Rick Goldring’s NHL career (there was of course no such things but when Ron Foxcroft is on a roll – there is no stopping him) he said there was just one thing missing – talent.
Ouch!
Goldring called the role of mayor a challenging one and currently facing a challenging time as the city is embarking on a path to adopt new municipal plans.
“I’m invigorated and inspired at the opportunity to continue to lead the city going forward,” he added.
“I look forward to the opportunity to continue to work with council, staff and the community in continuing to build and have a great city that is in fact the envy of the country and continues to be the best medium-sized city to live in Canada.”
That is part of the story – but only part. The reality is that Mike Wallace is out there beating the bushes and holding small events at various locations in the city where he meets with invited guests to re-introduce himself and measure what he might have in the way of support.
Mike Wallace wants to be Mayor so bad he can taste it.
Quite why Rick Goldring wants a third term is something one can only speculate about. He has not managed to do anything of any significance in his first two terms.
Still no Code of Conduct for city council members; Goldring sloughed that off to the city manager who is expected to come back with something – sometime.
Still no private tree bylaw – and for a committed environmentalist that is close to unconscionable.
 This graphic sets out the issue. The two pieces of land at each end are owned by the city and will be turned into Windows on the Lake. The piece in the centre is owned by the city and the province. The three property owners want to purchase that centre piece and make it private property. Other people want to see a pathway through the property running from Lakeshore, down Market Street along the waterfront and up St. Paul back to Lakeshore. City council voted t sell the land in the center. The land at the edge of the lake between Market Street and St, Paul is gone forever – thank your Mayor for that one. The city owned the land – but we sold it.
At some point there will be a decision on whether or not New Street should have dedicated bike lanes.
The decision to go ahead with the Joseph Brant Museum transformation is going to end up being as serious a mistake as The Pier. Goldring came in as Mayor the Mayor who had to deal with The Pier mess – he may well leave office having left the city with a project that is only going to such money out of reserve funds for years to come.
Later this evening – Thursday October 18, the Mayor is going to hold a Telephone Town Hall during which he will listen to what people would like to see in the budget. He is doing this because he said a survey told city hall that people didn’t want to go out to attend budget meetings.
The pictures below tell a different story.
 Burlingtonians will show up for public meetings and take an active part in any discussion This is a budge review meeting with the Director of Finance leading the discussion.  Citizens doing a solid review of a city budget. For the Mayor to suggest that people don;t want t attend is spurious at best. But the race is on. We now need to hear what Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward plans to do. The last we heard – she is in – she has wanted to be Mayor since the day she ran for the ward 2 seat in 2010.
The 2014 election was a sleeper – that will not be the story for the next 12 months.
By Staff
October 17th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Popular nutrition and lifestyle coach Mary Maciel Pearson will be speaking next week at a free parent evening titled, Living Healthy is a Family Affair.
Presented by Community & Parent Partners for Kids (C.A.P.P. for KIDS), the event is to take place at the New Street Education Centre (3250 New St., Burlington) on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 7 p.m
 Mary Maciel Pearson will talk to parents about high levels of stress family members can experience while touching on mental health issues on October 24th at the New Street Education Centre. As a well-known speaker and trainer within the Greater Toronto Area, Pearson is a regular contributor to Vitality Magazine, Tonic Toronto, Neighbours of Oakville Magazine and the Oakville Beaver. In her presentation, she will address the high levels of stress family members can experience while touching on mental health issues, fatigue and feeling overwhelmed.
The presentation will delve into the many ways parents and children can be healthy in body and mind including good nutrition, physical movement and unique ways to stay connected as a family.
Admission is free but donations toward future speakers will be gratefully accepted.
C.A.P.P. for Kids is a partnership between Halton Region, Halton District School Board, Halton Catholic District School Board, Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK), Our Kids Network, Halton Regional Police Service, Ontario Early Years Centres, Burlington Public Library, City of Burlington, and the Halton Multicultural Council.
By Connie Price
October 6th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
What a wonderful day……..just what the Burlington Seniors Community Inc. had hoped for!
The Volunteer teams of St. Christopher’s Open Doors cooks and servers and BSCI’s Board and Volunteers worked together seamlessly: all deserve credit for the efficiency with which the meal was prepared, including the 225 lbs. of turkey cooked and served.
 The Burlington Seniors Community organization organized a Thanksgiving day dinner – cooked more than 200 lbs of turkey The attendance, even though we initially thought we would limit it to 225 – 270 were fed. We didn’t turn anyone away.
The decorations and tables were inviting and attractive with a Fall theme, which afforded us the opportunity to give each table centerpiece as a Birthday Gift to whomever at the table had a Birthday nearest to the Event.
 The Thanksgiving Day Dinner took up two rooms at St.Christopher’s – 270 were fed and entertained. Turns out the Seniors can run programs of their own without having to deal with city hall. While the Guests ate, Aldershot High School Student, Alex Bella performed magic and card tricks at the tables to baffle the seniors.
The Entertainment was outstanding, fun and all seniors themselves. The performers included the New Horizons 20 piece Band, comic musical singer Bette Pender & Sinatra style crooner Fred Burnell, both from the Burlington Footnotes, the Weekly Strum Ukulele Trio and last but certainly not least Burlington’s Singing Veteran, Bill Read, who led the audience singing through a medley of old tunes with his Ukulele, including a patriotic song he had written and performed many times in the past 18 years singing for early morning commuters at the Appleby Go Station.
He concluded his performance along with the afternoon, by asking everyone to stand and sing God Save the Queen and O Canada with him.
Very emotional for many. What gifted and talented seniors we have in Burlington!
As the Guests left, they were given a Take Home Bag with items, information and literature of importance to seniors.
 Some of the types of Senior Exercise Equipment available to promote balance & increase flexibility, while encouraging social and mental health through socialization. Since BSCI’s mandate is “To be a leader for information, education, recreation and social interaction for our diverse and growing community of seniors” , we also circulated a Survey with information and questions asking the seniors’ opinions on two projects we are currently promoting and want their input and comments about. We received 152 completed Surveys, regarding our new Seniors Without Walls Program and the building of Outside Senior Exercise/Social Spaces.
These are just two of the projects that BSCI are becoming involved in to further our aim to fill some of the current gaps, especially for socially and physically isolated seniors.
The Thanksgiving dinner was a day of rolling up our sleeves and doing the work to accomplish it.
By Staff
October 4th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
This evening from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm the doors will be open at THiNKSPOT for anyone who wishes to drop-by (even if for a few minutes) as a Silent Vigil for victims of all accidents and tragedies: for families, friends, and loved ones; for survivors and first-responders who will have memories for the rest of their lives; for the psychological fear this can randomly happen again; for individuals who feel such anger and hatred that their choice is to kill another human being.
THiNKSPOT is just what the word says – a spot to think, reflect, exchange ideas, learn what other people think and explain what you think to others.
 The feature that makes THiNKSPOT work is the setting. It is located in Lowville, yards behind the Lowville Bistro, surrounded by the Walkt Rickli Sculpture Garden where there is plenty of parking across the road.
Those who take part will will create a mural from play-doh, crayons, markers, LEGO, the dry-erase wall, paint, gifts of nature, as a response based on unconditional love for every part of the system that we are connected to.
Debra Pickfield, the woman that runs THiNKSPOT, said earlier today that her “ personal belief is we are connected to every part – even the evil, anger, and hatred – because my choosing to ignore macro-level actions and events that may have caused the horror, means I am also connected to the micro-level outcome. I cannot wipe my hands and say it has nothing to do with me.”
She suggests you “ bring your families; or come on your way home from work; share with your friends and colleagues. Help us bring a collective response of community and caring that defines us – not the hopelessness and fear that separates and detaches us.”
By Staff
October 2nd, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The City is hosting a series of open houses today to celebrate National Seniors’ Day and honour older adults who make a difference in our families, workplaces and communities.
 Seniors at a meeting on the city’s transit service . The celebration will kick off with a ceremony at City Hall at 9:50 a.m.; the Mayor will do the photo op thing with song from Sing, Sing, Sing, a choral group made up of three choirs.
Open houses will be held throughout the day at city facilities featuring a variety of activities and refreshments.
Attendees at the open houses will be entered for a chance to win one of two Burlington Seniors’ Centre annual memberships and one of two Parks and Recreation $25 gift cards.
Open Houses
Location: Aldershot Pool
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Activity: Free swim
 Mayor has his membership application processed at the Seniors’ Centre. Location: Brant Hills Community Centre
Time: 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Activities: Free pickleball and badminton
Location: Burlington Seniors’ Centre
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Activities: Facility tours, entertainment, bike ride and bike demo
Location: Tansley Woods Community Centre
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Activities: Sing, Sing, Sing performance, free swim, community group representatives and information tables
 Naval Promenade at Spencer Smith Park is the perch for seniors out in force listening to the All Male Welsh Choir. All city pools and arenas will be offering free drop-in recreational or lap swims and skating for Adults 55+ on October 2nd.
No mention of the level of bus service that will be available.
By Pepper Parr
September 23, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The man is iconic and the event is epic.
Perhaps just a little over the top – ya think?
 David Suzuki – to be in Burlington in November for three days, In their media release BurlingtonGreen added that they are “THRILLED” to announce they are partnering with the David Suzuki Foundation to present an incredible three component event on November 21st, 2017, featuring the iconic Dr. David Suzuki.
Halton youth from grades 7 to 12 will be invited to register to attend a free daytime Youth Eco-Summit, followed by a special early evening “VIP” event which will then lead into the main public event. Dr. Suzuki will be at all three events!
Tickets will be available through the Burlington Performing Arts Centre box office and online at www.burlingtonpac.ca starting September 27, 2017.
Burlington Green will be releasing more about these events early next week.
The Gazette will keep you posted.
 Paul Carvahlo (Burlington Mall Representative) with Dr. Jane Goodall and event sponsor, Joe Saunders of Burlington Hydro. Burlington Green has brought in world class speakers in the past. In 2012 they brought Jane Goodall to Burlington for a similar series of events.
Note the date – events like this are formative for students who are in the process of determining their values and the way they see the world.
David Suzuki will not disappoint.
By Staff
September 22, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Representatives from Ontario’s 21 universities will be in Burlington at Assumption Catholic Secondary School on Wednesday, September 27, 2017, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., for the University Information Program (UIP).
Assumption is located at 3230 Woodward Avenue, Burlington L7N 3P1
 Assumption high school location – 3230 Woodward avenue This free event offers high school students from the surrounding area, and their parents, the opportunity to speak in-person with multiple university representatives. Any high school students in the area are welcome to attend, regardless of which school board their school belongs to.
The UIP offers students who are considering an Ontario university the opportunity to learn more about admission requirements, scholarships, residence, the application process, campus life and much more.
The event is designed to assist graduating high school students in making an informed decision before they apply to university in January 2018. The event also aims to help younger students with high school course selections in order to guide them toward future university programs.
Students and their parents will have the opportunity to learn more about Ontario’s 21 universities in either a fair- or presentation-style format, where they can visit each Ontario university representative individually.
 One of the 21 universities that will be in Burlington to tell their story. The UIP is hosted exclusively by Ontario universities. Each university participates in joint visits to high schools across the province each fall. Each UIP event is organized by the University Information Program Working Group with oversite from the Standing Committee on Student Recruitment, and the Ontario University Registrars’ Association.
By Pepper Parr
September 22, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
They decided to work as a tag team in the House of Commons during Question Period yesterday.
First Oakville North Burlington MP Pam Damoff stood and asked:
 Oakville Burlington North MP Pam Damoff “Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition has stated that he feels he should not be bound by the same ethical standards he demands of others in the House. He may have forgotten that his own party’s changes to the Lobbying Act actually make him a designated public officeholder. This might explain the confusion about the Leader of the Opposition hosting secret fundraisers.
“Could the Minister of Democratic Institutions tell the House what she is doing to pull the curtain on these types of fundraisers?”
 Burlington MP Karina Gould getting her picture taken while former President of the United States addresses the House of Commons. The Minister of Democratic institutions, Karina Gould, the Burlington MP stood up and responded thusly”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians have a right to know about fundraising events attended by party leaders and leadership candidates, as well as the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers. Our legislation will make public the information related to who is going to fundraisers, where and when they are happening, and the amount required to attend.
“We hope the opposition will support this bill in committee so that no opposition party can ever again have their leader hold secret fundraisers.
“Together let us all raise the bar.”
Words to be remembered.
 By Staff
September 22, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The last day of summer – and what did we get?
A little on the sticky side but rather nice for the most part – certainly above seasonal norms.
In Jasper, Alberta they got snow.
We no longer have weather – we have climate change.
 Jasper, Alberta on the last day of summer 2017
By Staff
September 21, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Maybe it is because Burlington has all kinds of high volume highways running through the city. Maybe it is because the men and women who make up our fire department decided they didn’t see that many serious fire any one year and decided they would focus on something and be really really good at it.
 Firefighters learning how to take the top off a car. Whichever the Burlington Fire department is as good as it gets in prying people out of badly damaged cars.
The Firefighter Vehicle Rescue Team recently competed and placed in several categories in the North American Vehicle Rescue Challenge hosted by Enfield Fire in Enfield, N.S.
The Burlington team, led by Ryan Stewart, placed first overall and first in Limited Pit, third in Unlimited Pit and first in Rapid Pit categories. Ryan Stewart was named Top Incident Commander and Mark Adams was honoured as Top Medic.
Unlimited Pit: In the unlimited pit you are free to use any tools you wish. Heavy hydraulic cutter and spreaders, pneumatic and electric tools are all permitted.
Limited Pit: In the limited pit, hydraulic tools are not allowed. In some cases not all municipalities have those hydraulic tools on every truck or available at every call. It is also a greater test of tool knowledge, using different tools that can require a greater skill set to operate.
Each team has 20 minutes to complete their work in what first responders refer to as “The Golden Hour”. The golden hour is a one-hour period following traumatic injury during which there is the greatest chances of survival.
Teams from all over the country, as well as teams from New York State, competed in the event that showcased firefighter skills and teamwork in a practical, competitive setting. Vehicle rescue teams use many skills: scene safety, vehicle stabilization, extrication and patient care. Live patients are placed into crushed vehicles in various positions of instability to simulate a real vehicle collision. Teams are given 20 minutes to safely get the patients out of vehicles.
The Burlington Fire Department has been participating in vehicle rescue competitions since 1984. The current team includes team captain Ryan Stewart, team medic Mark Adams and firefighters Chris Viegas, Liam Jewell, Frank Marciello and Scott Wells.
 Dressed for hard work – the Vehicle extraction team that brought winning prizes back to the city from a Nova Scotia based competition. The Vehicle Rescue Team practicing behind Burlington Fire Headquarters – from left to right: Chris Viegas, Frank Marciello, Mark Adams (Medic), Scott Wells, Liam Jewell, Ryan Stewart (Incident Commander) The team trains and fundraises for 10 hours each week to prepare for three weekend events each summer. Stewart returns for a second two-year rotation as captain while this is the first year for half the other members. Team members will spend a maximum of two years on the Vehicle Rescue Team and then other firefighters will be given the chance to experience this highly specialized training.
Burlington’s team trains, travels and competes at no cost to the taxpayer and relies on fundraising to cover expenses. You can help support the team by donating used electronics at fire stations located at 1255 Fairview St., 711 Appleby Line and 4100 Dundas St.
The team also accepts used vehicles for practice. Tax receipts are issued for vehicle donations. For more information, email vehiclerescue@burlington.ca or visit www.burlington.ca/vehiclerescue.
The Fire Department responds to an average of 650 to 700 motor vehicle collisions a year. The vehicle rescue team includes highly trained men and women who use the latest extrication knowledge, training, proven rescue techniques and equipment.
The first extrication competition held in the Province was hosted by the Ontario Fire College in 1984. The first BFD team competed in that competition.
 These guys clean up pretty god. From left to right: The Vehicle Rescue Team with their awards after the closing ceremonies in Enfield, N.S. Frank Marciello, Chris Viegas, Scott Wells, Mark Adams (Medic), Liam Jewell, Ryan Stewart (Incident Commander) Today the team consists of six firefighters who invest their personal time to train and compete. Each team member serves a two-year term. While on the team the firefighters are also tasked with delivering on-duty auto-ex training to their colleagues. This process closes the loop on the individual learning that occurs at the competitive level creating organizational learning for the fire department.
To date, 80 per cent of the department has participated on the vehicle rescue team.
By Staff
September 20th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
That Sesquicentennial we celebrated on Canada Day has become a gift that just keeps on giving for the federal political class.
 Pam Damoff, MP for Oakville North-Burlington. Pam Damoff the Member of Parliament for Oakville North-Burlington has announced the intention to award 15 special Canada 150 Sesquicentennial Pins to outstanding residents of her riding who positively impact and influence the community.
In the media release sent out Damoff invites all residents of Oakville North-Burlington to nominate a distinguished individual for the Sesquicentennial Citizenship Award.
Successful nominees will be individuals who strive to make a positive difference in the community, whether it is through devoted advocacy or dedication to an organization, in one or more of four main categories: environmental stewardship, youth engagement, diversity and inclusion and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
 Damoff is known for her annual New Year’s Day Polar dip. Successful nominees will be presented with a Canada 150 Sesquicentennial Pin given to MP Damoff by the Minister of Heritage Mélanie Joly. Consisting of the Canada 150 logo and a piece of the original copper which covered the roofs of Canada’s Parliament from 1918 to 1996, Sesquicentennial pins are a special keepsake to commemorate this important milestone in Canadian history.
The unique pins were made with the participation of Under One Roof, an initiative of the Ottawa-Carleton Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities, and crafted with the help of people with developmental disabilities.
 Nominations will be accepted from Wednesday, September 20 to Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at 5pm EST. Visit www.MP Damoff.ca to nominate someone today. You will be asked to include a short paragraph or two outlining how the candidate being nominated meets the above criteria.
Nominees can be of any age. All residents of Oakville North-Burlington will be considered.
Oakville North-Burlington’s Canada 150 Sesquicentennial Citizenship Awards will be presented at a special ceremony on November 16, 2017.
By Staff
September 18th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The weather was as good as it could get – and the turnout was superb for the 36th Annual Terry Fox Run
There were 1050 participants this year up from 900 last year and 70 volunteers which is about the same.
Funds come in throughout the year – so it isn’t easy to say how much was raised.
The final number for last year was $91,589.
 The Start and the Finish of th Terry Fox Run took place in Spencer Smith Park,  Team Casey people had their own T-shirt The total to date for this year is $91,971 – of that $16,691 came from Team Casey
Historically after the run another $5k to $15k comes in as donations which are accepted year round. Last year $12k came in after run day.
The past several years the Team Casey idea caught on – this year there was a tent set up for their use, it was never empty.
 They needed a drone to get the camera high enough up in the air to get everyone in the picture. The group wanted a picture with everyone in it – camera couldn’t get them all in – so a drone was used to capture everyone
For the first time ever the people who manage the Run sold out of the Terry Fox T-shirts.
The Team Casey people had their own T- shirt so the increase in sales wasn’t due to the close to 200 people who were members of the Team.
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