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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.  City wants you to use the brand new sidewalk on June 7th to the 9th.  This part of the Waterfront Trail is closed June 7th to 9th.
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.
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 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.  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  A couple chose this wonderful June Saturday to marry – using the Discovery Centre as the local.
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.
If the Herd win the game it will be their first win of the season.
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.  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  Walk Off the Earth – added to the free day of great music on the waterfront. 1:00 Valley  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.
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 .  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!
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 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 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.
 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.  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?
May 23rd, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON In 1972 Paul Henderson scores the “goal of the century” 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 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.  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 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 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 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. 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.
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.  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.  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.  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.  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. 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.
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 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  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 Giraffe and Bird Pamela Duncan Edwards Oliver Has Something to Say! Lana Button Willow’s Whispers Marilyn Helmer Fog Cat Heather Rath Ode to a Flattened Toad Jennifer Maruno When The Cherry Blossoms Fell Cathy Miyata Starring Me Sharon E. McKay Charlie Wilcox Sylvia McNicoll Best Friends Through Eternity Jennifer Mook-Sang Speechless Patricia Storms Never Let You Go Children’s Book Illustrators Lorenzo Del Bianco Hockey Science Wendy Whittingham Miss Wondergerm’s Dreadfully Dreadful Pie Patricia (Patty) Gallinger My Mannequins Adult Authors Elizabeth Crocket Extra Candles Jen J. Danna Dead, Without a Stone to Tell It Lorene DiCorpo Worth Travelling Miles to See A. E. Eddenden A Good Year for Murder Jennifer Filipowicz Wardroids Ian Hamilton The Water Rat of Wanchai Emerson Lavender The Evaders Denise McKay Old Lady Sweetly Is Twenty John Lawrence Reynolds Free Rider Lee Lamb Oak Island Obsession Alexandra Oliver Meeting The Tormentors in Safeway Lynda Simmons Getting Rid of Rosie Janet Turpin Myers Nightswimming Dee Wilson A Keeper’s Truth Mark Zelinski Heart of Turtle Island: The Niagara Escarpment Gary Evans Images of Burlington Jane Irwin Burlington Former Resident Authors Robert Bateman Life Sketches Linwood Barclay Broken Promise Melodie Campbell The Goddaughter Jill Downie Daggers and Men’s Smiles Kim Echlin The Disappeared Lawrence Hill The Book of Negroes Miranda Hill Sleeping Funny Marni Jackson The Mother Zone Christopher Moore The Story of Canada Anitha Robinson Broken Worlds Gisela Sherman The Farmerettes
May 14th, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
The London Majors rolled to a season-opening 17-4 win over the Burlington Herd Friday night at Labatt Park. Byron Reichstein and Cleveland Brownlee combined to drive in 14 runs. Reichstein had five hits, including a double and home run, and finished with nine RBI. He also scored three times. Brownlee went deep twice and had five RBI and two runs. Burlington scored three of its runs in the top of the first inning before the offence dried up.  Herd hasn’t made it out of the barn yet. Carlos Villoria drove in two of the runs, while Andrew Leggo and Matt McCue had the other RBI. Justin Gideon doubled once and scored twice, and Nolan Pettipiece singled and doubled. Ryan Beckett took the loss, giving up seven runs (two earned) on five hits over two innings. Burlington made five errors. The home opener for the Herd didn’t go much better on Saturday. The Kitchener Panthers won a 4-2. John Whaley and Canice Ejoh each had a pair of hits for the Herd. Ejoh and Justin Gideon scored Burlington’s runs. Derek Zwolinski took the loss, allowing five runs on three hits over three innings, striking out three and walking three. Schedule for the season: May 12 May 13 May 18 May 20 May 21 May 25 May 26 May 27 Jun 3 Jun 4 Jun 8 Jun 9 Jun 10 Jun 11 Jun 16 Jun 17 Jun 18 Jun 20 Jun 21 Jun 24 Jun 25 Jun 27 Jun 29 Jun 30 Jul 4 Jul 7 Jul 8 Jul 13 Jul 14 Jul 15 Jul 20 Jul 22 Jul 23 Jul 27
May 8th, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
It’s an annual event – the 18th and an occasion when the police pull out all the stops and show the public what they do and how they do it.  Mini robots will be on display. Much of the equipment the police have to serve and protect a community is on display. There will be demonstrations where police officers work with a member of the K9 unit.  K9 unit on patrol Takes place Saturday May 13th between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m at HRPS Headquarters 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville. Rain or Shine: No Pets Please. There will be HMC Connections volunteer interpreters (Arabic, Urdu, Chinese, Spanish, Polish, Punjabi, Russian, Korean, Portuguese and French) available through the Information booth  Police officers going through a training exercise. ASL interpreter services available through the Information booth and ASL interpreting for all stage presentations Live Demonstrations and Interactive Displays, Family-Friendly Entertainment and Rides are part of the day. The HRPS Pipes & Drums and Chorus will be on hand – all the celebrate what the police do and to celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Children’s Safety Village  Chief Tanner takes the salute A BBQ provided by Troy’s Diner ($) FREE Admission & On-Site Parking
May 1, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
Next stop on the Mobility Hub train is in Aldershot. Saturday May 13th: 10:30 to 12:30, East Plains United Church, 375 Plains Road East The City is developing detailed plans for the “mobility hubs” around the Go Stations and they want to hear what the good people of Aldershot think about the idea The public are invited to share ideas on a long-term vision the city is creating for the area around the Aldershot GO station.  It was a very engaged crowd with hundreds of questions. The workshop will be led by City staff and external planning consultants. The audience that attended the Burlington GO station event was close to capacity.
April 28th, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
It is going to be a whole new product line. Media were invited to check out – a new truly comprehensive Medical Wellness Center. Dr. Ira Price, internationally renowned for expertise in cannabinoid medicine is announcing a new Synergy Health Services clinic to serve Burlington area patients. An exciting new concept, the new clinic truly is a comprehensive Medical Wellness Center, adding vape yoga, massage, acupuncture, exercise therapy and a ground-breaking Cannabis Exploration Center to the Synergy model.
Catering was to be provided by JONNY BLONDE, a celebrated local eatery known for its chef inspired, locally farmed, anti-biotic-free ethical eats. Members of the local business community who donated many great prizes for the exciting raffles that were to take place throughout the evening were going to be on hand. This had the look of a great evening; something to talk about for weeks.  It is going to be a whole new product line. Dr. Price seems to have come to term with the three-month suspension for misconduct given to him by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, for altering a medical record and misleading a college investigator. Synergy Health Services’ website lists Price as an assistant clinical professor, Division of Emergency Medicine, at McMaster University. We weren’t able to “celebrate this innovative new addition to the Burlington health landscape” – we had to work the next day.
April 24, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
To make sense of this article you have to understand Walt Rickli. He lives in Lowville, he is an artist, he works with stone. He is passionate about everything he does. He told us earlier today that…”Many years ago some of the original founding families of Lowville decided there needed to be a park for kids to play in. Land was severed and the community got together and built what is now Lowville Park. “I am sure they never imagined the positive impact it would have on people some 50 years later. It’s this type of visionary dreaming that I believe makes the world a better place. “Fast forward to 2017… I discovered that the River Ruin property is for sale….the real estate agent Don Robertson is a friend of mine. This property has been our communities best kept secret, the walk to past the ruins (a side trail to the Bruce Trail) is magnificent… the old Cleaver house ruins are a testament to the stone masons of the time and is an important part of our heritage.  The property is listed at $699,950.
 Known locally as the River Ruins So… This Thursday April 27th, 8:00 to 9:00 ish, at the Lowville Schoolhouse there will be a gathering of people do discuss this idea. It will be an informal meeting where we can openly discuss the concept and see if there is a spirit to continue. My thought is that at the very least our community would get together for a night and dream…how cool is that. This concept of community is not limited to imposed city boundaries…what I am saying is…it doesn’t matter if you don’t live in Lowville. If the vision excites you, you are welcome to join in. If you are not able to attend and would like to be part of this please let me know. I will send out a note after the meeting to inform interested and excited people as to what the outcome of the meeting was… Also if there is anyone who you know might be interested please pass along an invitation.” Rickli closes with the word: Somnium – Dreaming in Latin You can reach Walt at: walt@waltrickli.com> They do things like this in Lowville.
April 21st, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
The following is a portion of the report of the Director of Education to the Halton District School Board trustees: Robert Bateman High School to be closed June 2019 and students re-directed to Nelson High School and M.M. Robinson High School. The International Baccalaureate Program to transfer from Robert Bateman High School to Burlington Central High School, effective September 2019. Lester B. Pearson High School to be closed June 2018 and the students re-directed to M.M. French Immersion program to be moved from Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School as of Students from the “Evergreen” community (currently undeveloped) will be directed to M.M. Aldershot High School will be explored as a site for a magnet program or themed school.
April 11th, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
There are six flag poles outside city hall. We aware of them, especially when they are at half-staff – we wonder who died. The city frequently uses the lead pole – the one closest to city hall, when it wants to raise a “special Interest” flag. The Rainbow flag is an example.  City hall with its six flag poles. Last week the Mayor raised the autism flag. People tend to either shrug or think “that’s nice” and move on if they happen to see a special interest flag. For the families that have children whose health is somewhere on the autism spectrum the raising of that flag is much more than a passing event. It is the community’s acceptance that an acknowledgement has been made and that there is some level of acceptance and understanding.
A year or so ago, a group of parents with older – more than 18 years of age – family members met in a day long workshop at ThinkSpot in Lowville to think through an approach they wanted to make to the provincial government about the care and welfare of their children. For these parents there is a terrible, dreadful fear over who will care for their autistic children. They worry about who will take care of their children when they are no longer able to do so. They have special needs that are not provided once they are past the age of 18. “They just get dumped” was the way one parent put it. Out of that workshop came an application for a Trillium grant that allowed the creation of a plan for a different approach to the care of older autistic people. That flag going up a pole at city hall in Burlington was more than a simple flag raising occasion – it was a sign and an acceptance that change was needed and that change was taking place. Who would have thought that Julia, an autistic child, would become a main character on a hugely popular children’s television program. Raise more than a flag to that step forward.
April 10th, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
City council has decided that growth and development is, to a large degree, going to be centered around Mobility hubs and they want you to help them do that work.  Four mobility hubs – expected to be the preferred locations for future commercial growth and development. There are two meetings taking place. The city has invited the public into their new Locust Street Grow Bold offices on April 12th. “Individuals interested in learning more about the Mobility Hubs studies are welcome to drop by to meet the city staff working on the Mobility Hubs studies and to ask questions. Refreshments will be provided along with fun activities and games.” Takes place on Wednesday, April 12 – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Mobility Hubs Office, 1455 Lakeshore Rd., Unit 7 (across the street from the ESSO gas station)  Mary Lou Tanner, Director of Planning and Building for the city. Mary Lou Tanner, Chief Planner and Director of Planning and Building explains the purpose of the meeting: “The city needs to hear from the entire community about what they love and value in their downtown so that we can create a long-term vision that continues to make downtown Burlington a great place to live, work, shop and play. “There is a lot of interest in our downtown from developers. As our city grows, we will receive more and more requests for new buildings of all sizes. With input from the community, the land-use policies created through the Downtown Mobility Hub study will help ensure we have the type of growth in our downtown that we want.” Once approved, the policies created through Burlington’s Downtown Mobility Hub study will be adopted as part of the city’s new Official Plan. The offices on Locust Street are not that large – if the weather is good the overflow can spill out onto the side walk cafes on Lakeshore.  Home to the people who are going to focus on our growth. On April 20th, city Councillor Marianne Meed Ward will return to her Downtown Visioning project and focus on mobility hubs and the role they play. This meeting takes place at Burlington Lions Club Hall, 471 Pearl St., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Halton Region is anticipated to grow from 530,000 to one million people by 2041. The Province of Ontario’s provincial growth plan, Places to Grow, mandates the City of Burlington plan for a population of 193,000 by 2031. Just what are mobility hubs? There is a general idea but specifics and details are far from being worked out. The prime objective will be to find ways to move all these people around efficiently. To get this worked out in the next 18 months is a challenge and include it in the Official Plan A number of years ago Burlington Transit decided they would shut down the small terminal office on John Street where people were able to buy bus tickets and update their Presto cards. That idea didn’t last very long – what was stunning to many who know something about transit was that the idea actually got to a city council meeting.  John Street transit station was at one point thought to be past its Best Before date. Clearer minds looked at the property again and decided it could get an upgrade to the status of a mobility hub. What the city has done is set out where the mobility hubs are to be located and have produced a draft Official Plan that focuses on the four locations. Mobility Hubs locations are around the city’s three GO stations, Aldershot, Appleby and Burlington, and the downtown bus terminal; this is where new growth and development over the next 20 years is to take place. The city plans to hoist a number of engagement opportunities over the next 18 months to gather input from residents and businesses about how they’d like to see these areas grow and change in the future.
April 7th, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
 It wouldn’t have been quite this bad. Just not all that nice. The opening of Tyandaga Golf Course for the 2017 season has been postponed until Friday, April 14 due to this week’s wet weather. With climate change we may well have to get used to a much different kind of seasonal weather. For more information, please call 905-336-0005 or visit www.tyandagagolf.com.
April 8th, 2017 BURLINGTON, ON
Just two weeks away – citywide community litter Clean Up 2017 – taking place on Earth Day, April 22. The event has grown to include 11,000 – 13,000 participants annually. BurlingtonGreen wants to reach a goal of 15,000 registrants for this year’s event.  Last year these two worked in their neighbourhood. Where will you decide to work? The organization has partnered with the City since 2011 to co-ordinate an annual event to keep our city clean. A total of 63,000 Burlington residents have participated in the six events led by BG since 2011. It’s easy to participate: 1) form a group, big or small; 2) choose a clean-up area in Burlington (eg. field, park, creek, woodland, your schoolyard, etc.); 3) register your group on our website (link ), and reserve supplies if needed (bags, gloves); 4) do your clean up on April 22nd (schools and businesses may participate April 17-21).  The weather often determines how many people show up for the celebration after all the work is done. Last year Councillor Paul Sharman, on the left and BG board member Carol Gottlob selling raffle tickets attended. With the work done everyone is invited to take part in the Eco-fair Celebration at Central Park/Library for a BBQ, eco-exhibitors, kids’ activities and live music.
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