 By Katelyn Goodwin
September 3rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
While covering the Rotary Rib Fest at Spencer Smith Park on Friday I talked to some of the people about the recent coyote attacks reported in south central Burlington.
 Signs and whistles were the tools the city was using to combat the coyote problem. While many folks come from outside the city simply to enjoy the Rib Fest, there are those residing within Burlington and on the outskirts who are aware of these attacks and were aware of what the city is doing to manage the problem.
Those from outside Burlington are aware of the attacks, though unaware of how the city is handling them.
For the most part residents believe the city is doing all they can and should educate people on the issue; some think the city cannot do a whole lot more than they already are – others claim they are providing minimal info and should be providing more.
Other people noted the distribution of whistles for the use of ‘hazing’ wild animals they may encounter, saying it was a decent solution for the time being.
Two women had many thoughts to share on the subject. One believed a reason for the sudden aggressive behaviour in coyotes stemmed from the issue of some people feeding wild animals, causing them to become more territorial. She also believed the elimination of the coyote suspected to have been the one that bit and scratched the leg of an eighteen-year-old girl south of Lakeshore Road as well as attack a two and a half-year-old toddler was ‘unfortunate, but necessary’.
While she stated she did not enjoy hearing about the elimination of any animal, she did not want any other residents or children injured by them, or any small pets attacked and killed.
 It was the new normal everyone wanted. Few masks in sight. The other woman said she felt sorry for the coyotes, believing us to have taken more of their habitat/territory away, though acknowledged what had to be done under city orders to take safety precautions. She was particularly concerned about the uncharacteristic aggression in the animals suddenly, calling it ‘worrying behaviour’.
As noted, there are differing thoughts from both Burlington residents and residents outside the city about these unprovoked coyote attacks and what the city is doing to manage the problem even during an enjoyable event such as the Rib Fest, with people coming to their own conclusions on what is being done/needs to be done to resolve the problem.
The interesting thing about asking people questions at a large public event is the answers you get. One woman from New York city was in town visiting and decided to take in the Rib Fest to see what it was like.
 This is what brings them back to Burlington’s Rotary Rib Fest! 
 By Staff
August 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Do you love to sing popular music,
like Elvis’ “Love Me Tender“ or “That’ll Be The Day”
Come “join” our choir!
No tryout required!!
These are the people you gotta talk to:
Alex Fiddles https://www.mypopchoir.com
Jane Cooper-Kelly 905-802-8487
My Pop Choir (MPC) sings popular music in two- and three-part harmony.
We are holding summer rehearsals by candlelight, in a beautiful garden setting, backing on to the Centennial Multi-use Path in the Lakeshore School Community.
MPC is a community-based choir, with one qualification for membership:
“You gotta love to sing” 🎶 No tryout required. 😊
When/Where:
Wednesday August 31. 2022
Final rehearsed songs to be sung at 8:30pm
Between Martha Street and Seneca Avenue
How:
Hop on your bike or take an evening stroll…
Look for the twinkling candlelight…
Listen for the magical voices of…
This sounds like a fun event – wish we had heard about it earlier so more of you could take part.
 By Pepper Parr
August 31st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Good speakers are always a delight to listen to – you learn a lot and you find the time was well spent.
The Burlington Historical Society will feature John McDonald at their September 12th meeting that will take place at 7:00 pm in the Centennial Hall at the Central Library
 John McDonald – to talk about the former Halton County Jail – now the Milton Town Hall and what Prohibition was like in the Region. McDonald was born in Milton, Ontario and is a lifelong resident of Halton. He graduated from Ryerson Polytechnic Institute and has served as a Member of Council with both Halton Hills and the Region of Halton.
John has conducted extensive research throughout the Halton area since the early 1970s including numerous presentations and walking tours. This work has resulted in the publication of three books: Halton Sketches, Halton Sketches Revisited and Halton’s Heritage. He is a founding member of the Esquesing Historical Society.
 Once the Court House and Jail – now Town of Milton offices John was awarded the Ontario Heritage Community Recognition Program “Certificate of Achievement” and recognized for his community efforts and historical research when presented with the “Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal”.
Join John for a fascinating look at the history of the Halton County Courthouse and Jail as well as the impact of the Temperance Movement and Prohibition in Burlington
 By Staff
August 27th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Councillor Paul Sharman of Ward 5 is reported to be running a public education session on hazing techniques on Sunday, August 28
The event will begin at 9 a.m. at Pineland School on Meadowhill Road; Burlington
Animal Control staff will also be in attendance.
Councillor Sharman commented that “The city is committed to eliminate animals that attack people and draw blood. My best wishes to the people who were bitten for a speedy recovery.”
By Pepper Parr
August 24th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
More on that Circus.
The Gazette called their always reliable General Manager Heidi McGaw to get more back ground on the event.
 Circus workers are putting up the tents She wasn’t available – word is that Heidi has run away and joined the circus.
Circuses have that effect on people
The schedule is as follow:
First show Thursday night 7 pm. You can get in half an hour before hand.
Friday: a show at 4 pm and a show at 7 30 pm
Saturday three shows
Noon
4 pm
7:30 pm
Sunday two shows: 1:0 pm and 5 pm.
 You can get into the big tent half an hour before the show starts but you have to have your tickets first
They have a number of different ticketing programs.
General admission is $40 got two people. Candy floss is not included.
 By Pepper Parr
August 24th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Big Top is in town
It runs from Thursday through to Sunday.
The BIG tent can hold 3000 people.
 Two big tents – circus is in town – runs from Thursday to Sunday. No animals but there will be clowns, trapeze artists, acrobats and people running all over the place; don’t know if it is a three ring circus – they are the most exciting.
 The event is to take place in the Burlington Central parking lot – you can’t miss it.
Nothing yet on ticket process.
There will be line ups at the ticket station.
By Staff
August 23rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Applefest Fall Fair at Ireland House Museum
When: Saturday, October 1, 2022, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Ireland House Museum
Cost: $10/adult, $8/child (3 – 12 years), under 2 are free
Celebrate the changing of the seasons at Ireland House Museum’s Applefest Fall Fair. The day will feature main stage entertainment, vendors, Museum tours, farm animals, historic demonstrations and a mini local food market. Treat yourself to a serving of our signature house-baked apple crisp!
Capacity is limited, please pre-register for the event and note your selected arrival time. Reservations are available on the hour. Walk-in guests will be accommodated space permitting.
New this year! Treat yourself to a serving of our signature house-baked apple crisp.
Registration link:
By Staff
August 19th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 This is how the races are won. This is how the races are won.Catamarans slip through the water so quickly with the boat often resting on just one of the pontoons – they are a delight to watch.
On Saturday and Sunday they will be holding a regatta to celebrate their 40th anniversary.
The races will take place off the shores of the beautiful Burlington Beach park, just east of the Lift Bridge in Burlington.
SAT. AUG. 20 & SUN. AUG. 21, 2022, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
 Lined up along the beach ready to slip into the water They are expecting 50 catamaran sailboats and about 100 sailors (2 sailors per boat) to race over these two days, mainly drawing from our own club members and other racers from clubs primarily in southern Ontario and as far away as Sarasota, Florida, USA.
There will be a lot of exciting activity on and off the beach this Saturday and Sunday.
By Staff
August 19th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
A VegFest featuring vegan products from local vendors, and welcoming any and all – from the vegan-curious to the experienced vegan.
Takes place on on August 20, 2022 at Burloak Waterfront Park from noon until 7pm
 The free, family-friendly outdoor event will have something for everyone, including kids’ activities, demos, speakers, and a live band.
Visitors can experience delicious plant-based food and drinks, as well as health, beauty, and fashion products from a wide array of vegan businesses based in Burlington and surrounding communities.
The first 200 attendees will also receive a FREE swag bag filled with samples and coupons generously donated from our vendors and sponsors. Donations to buy plant-based food for the Burlington Food Bank will be accepted with a chance to win a prize for every $10 donation. A free shuttle will run throughout the day between Appleby GO station and Burlington VegFest.
The event will run from the official ribbon cutting and opening speech by Mayor Marianne Meed Ward at noon and will end at 7pm.
Plant-based lifestyles are on the rise across the West in response to health, environmental, and ethical concerns. Activists recognize the urgent state of these crises and Burlington VegFest hopes that this event will inspire and enable more people to take action to create a kinder, healthier, equitable planet for humans and animals.
By Staff
August 15th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The City is inviting community groups and local indigenous communities to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Spencer Smith Park on September 30th between 4 and 7 p.m.
 An indigenous dancer – it will be interesting to see if performances like this will take place on the 30th The city will provide free space within the park for groups to set up their own displays, interactive events, or information booths.
“This is an official open invitation to the community to set up an information booth, display or interactive event to help work towards a better understanding of the past as a way forward to a better future.” Says Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture.
Groups wanting to participate can register by contacting the Festivals and Events office HERE . There is no cost for groups hosting an event or display and there is no cost for people to attend.
Details for participating groups
- Set-up time: 2 to 4 p.m.
- Event time: 4 to 7 p.m.
- Tear-down time: 7 to 8 p.m.
- City to provide park access and insurance only
- No electrical or water hook-up will be available
- Participating groups must bring all resources/supplies such as tables, chairs, tents, stage/riser,.
- Tents must be no bigger than 10 by 10 feet
- No staking anything to the ground. Tents should be secured with weights
- No parking. Participants are to use available downtown parking. Vehicle access to the park for drop-off must be pre-arranged indicating number of vehicles entering between 2-2:30 p.m. Vehicles must be removed from park no later than 3 p.m. Tear-down begins at 7 p.m. and vehicles may be brought back into the park at that time for load in
Details and updates can be found at burlington.ca/events.
By Staff
August 15th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 The Burlington Historical Society got an invitation from a group in Oakville to take part in a tour of Bronte Village that is being held during the balance of August and early September.
For those who want to get a look at the way Oakville is promoting their communities to their citizens – you might want to take this in.
Your chance to get a close up and personal look at Burlington takes place on September 10th Doors Open Burlington will be held.
Virtual content will be available year-round.
The event showcases the infrastructure and cultural landscapes that shape and define the community. Doors Open is a province-wide program under the Ontario Heritage Trust.
Join us to catch a behind-the-scenes look at cultural and historical sites around Burlington. Explore the city and discover the stories of Burlington.
By Pepper Parr
August 13th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The weather was perfect – the setting was good.
The one hiccup with the sound system didn’t get in the way of a solid presentation from Amanda Martinez as she sang her way through an all Latin programme.
There was hardly a space to put a chair – this year there were tables set up on the sidewalk.
 Tables were set up on the sidewalk creating more space for the several hundred that attended There were people across the street sitting on benches and about 20 chairs were set up inside the Performing Arts Centre.
This was the 13th annual Jazz on the Patio programme that is put on and is free to everyone.
There are sponsors – this year it was the Burlington Downtown Business Association.
 It was a good performance – soft, easy on the ears with just enough energy to appreciate the artists. Martinez draws on her Mexican – South African roots …
Career highlights include headlining the Blue Note jazz club in NYC, the FIFA World Cup in South Africa and the Pan American Games in Mexico and Canada.
This afternoon she enchanted an audience that is getting used to not being in a rigid pandemic routine.
 The band members were good – there was one especially nice session where the flugelhorn was put to very good use. For many the afternoon was their first outing in a long time.
It was a quiet audience – on occasion there was a polite burst of applause.
Burlingtonians certainly show up for these events – but you never get the impression that the music has gotten into their bones. No one danced in the space inside – and there was plenty of room.
A few people swayed to the music and one woman stood up and clapped and waved her arms in the air.
But that was about it.
This a decidedly seniors crowd – its always been that way for this event.
We left after the first of two performances. Bumped into some friends, caught caught up on their lives and noticed that a lot of people were going to stick around for the second performance. Given that seating is really limited – wondered is that fair.
This is a free public event – let’s let everyone get a seat at the table.
There are two performances on Sunday:
 People stretched out – took in a nice lazy summer afternoon.
 By Staff
August 12th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Noni Kaur has used a a superstitious Indian phrase to name and define the exhibot that opens at the AGB on August 16th, The work was curated by Jasmine Mander
Nazar na lage loosely translates to “knock on wood”, a superstitious Indian phrase meant to ward off negative energy. Artist Noni Kaur’s vibrant rangoli work welcomes visitors back into the gallery after years of pandemic upheaval. A cultural practice in India and Singapore, the art of rangoli uses coloured materials to decorate floors in domestic and public spaces. Traditionally made from powder pigments, flowers, rice, or sand, this practice attracts positive energy for celebrating auspicious occasions.
 The shape of Kaur’s rangoli begins with an O, a historic symbol of feminine energy. As the work morphs and curves, it begins to take on an abstract human form. Kaur’s work highlights the effect of cultural conditioning on labour-intensive rituals of preparations. The process takes months to complete – beginning by hand-dying mounds of desiccated coconut and then forming the design in situ. The shape of Kaur’s rangoli begins with an O, a historic symbol of feminine energy. As the work morphs and curves, it begins to take on an abstract human form.
As time passes, the desiccated coconut and non-toxic materials allow the artwork to become a repository of energy for the microbial systems living in the installation.
The mylar window works depicts the microbial formations occurring deep in the rangoli. Images of the cellar forms are projected on the sculptural floor installation as the sun’s light changes throughout the day.
As the work slowly decays over the course of the exhibition, it mirrors the cycle of life, death, and return to the earth.
 Noni Kaur Noni Kaur is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist and educator. Kaur’s works are an embodiment of her response to intersectional identity across cultures and communities as a Singaporean woman of Punjabi descent in Canada. Her immersive, reactive, multi-sensory installations bridge gaps between gender, culture, the body, and the non-human world, through her expansive, topographical landscapes of desiccated coconut installations. The works are live conversations about lived experiences, assimilations, materiality, rituals, and bridging gaps of the human and post-human environments.
Kaur’s work has been featured in international venues including: the Havana Biennale, Cuba; the Asian Art Biennale, Dhaka, Bangladesh; the Fukuoka Triennale, Asian Art Museum, Japan; White Columns, New York; the Henie Onstad Kunstenter, Oslo, Norway amongst others. Kaur lives and works in Toronto, Ontario.
AGB Hours
Tuesday & Wednesday 10 AM – 9 PM
Thursday – Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday & Monday CLOSED
 By Staff
August 9th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The announcement today from the Performing Arts Centre must have taken a lot of weight off the shoulders of people who have had to sit and wait for the lock-downs to be lifted.
There have been events at the Performing Arts Centre but it was far from the “show business” they were supposed to be doing.
The curtain for the Season will rise on September 15th. Air Supply will be first on the programme.
The announcement read: “After a long couple of years of pandemic closures, re-openings, and restrictions, The Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) is thrilled to be reopening our doors and sharing our 2022/2023 Season which begins September 15th, 2022.
 Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell’s mutual air zodiac signs, spent a decade at the top of the charts and released nearly an album per year for almost 20 years September 15th Air Supply, the iconic Australian pop band that was founded in 1976 is back in Canada and kicks off our 2022/2023 Season. The band that was named for both Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell’s mutual air zodiac signs, spent a decade at the top of the charts and released nearly an album per year for almost 20 years leaving a long legacy of love songs. Russell and Hitchcock will be gracing our stage, performing hits such as “All out of Love”, “Lost in Love”, and “Without You” on Thursday September 15th at 8:00pm.
September 20th, We are excited to welcome Tom Cochrane with Red Rider back to BPAC again this year on Tuesday September 20th at 8:00pm. Cochrane’s contribution to the Canadian music scene is immense and spans over 4 decades. Even after releasing 17 albums over the course of his career, filling larger arenas, theatres and festival stages, Tom Cochrane says those early days that built character and helped him find the content for many of his songs that he performs to this day, never leave him.
 Tom Cochrane Tom is one of only 3 male singer songwriters to have a diamond certified album in Canada, selling over a million copies. Songs such as “Life is a Highway” and “Lunatic Fringe” have made it to the international charts and will possibly be performed on our stage next month!
 Johnny Reid Our first SOLD OUT show of the Season is Love Someone – An Intimate Evening with Johnny Reid. Performing on Thursday September 29th and Friday September 30th at 8:00pm, there are only a few single seats available for purchase online. What a wonderful sign for the performing arts that everyone is ready to be back in the theatre!
 Glass Tiger Rounding out our first month of the Season is Glass Tiger on Friday October, 14th at 8:00pm. Enjoy iconic cuts like the 1986 release “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)” to their recently released album “33”. The new album takes the classic Glass Tiger sound with a new, raw, maturity that the band says is them coming back to their original roots of picking up a guitar and starting a band!
This is a show not to miss!
By Pepper Parr
August 7th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
I almost forgot.
Thursday of last week was the eighth anniversary of the flood.
 At what point did the vehicle just stop. It didn’t get a mention anywhere.
Lot’s of talk about Climate Change – which is basically the message the gods were sending us in 2014
I wonder how many people are still recovering from that disaster – and how many lives were changed forever because of the flood that devastated some neighbourhoods and left others bone dry.
By Pepper Parr
August 1st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 50 lbs in that sack This is a story about much more than a $10,000 cheque that the Burlington Legion (Branch 60) presented to Road to Recovery -they cal it Ruck.
It is the story about a group of people who are walking a trail from Tobermory to Queenston Heights supporting a GoFundMe Drive to support Homeless Canadian Veterans.
For the moment a photo of the group as they set out on day xx after spending the night at the Legion sleeping on foam mattresses on the floor, having a hearty breakfast and loading up the next 20 to 25 km march.
 Along with the Ruck crew are Branch 60 President Murray Sutherland (far right) and Vice Presidents Dan Lauzon (bottom left) and (John Mattocks far left). The GO Fund Me account is HERE.
 The $10,000 donation came from the Legion’s Poppy Fund.
By Staff
July 31st, 2022
Burlington, on
Superb summer weather. Why would anyone want to be indoors?
Perhaps something that will give your brain a bit of a buzz. No – not THAT kind of a buzz.
One where conversation and thoughts and different points of view on a daunting but critical subject.
Peace.
One Burlington meets at the Performing Arts Centre from noon to 4:00 pm on Monday.
 Tomorrow, Monday, at 12:15 pm in the Studio Theatre Rev. Michael Coren, known for his controversial history as a conservative journalist and TV presenter before his change of heart and subsequent ordination in the Anglican Church.
Coren will lead a panel of thinkers on the subject of “Working for Peace”.
Panelists come from a range of experience as faith leaders and educators.
Two Prayer Rooms are available for a little private time away from the crowd.
By Staff
July 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
There a number of commercial organizations in Burlington that go out of their way to give back to the city in which they do business. Of course the events they sponsor keep their name in the public eye with a favourable view.
Nothing wrong with that and we congratulate those that see their role as working with the public to make Burlington a better place.
 A fun example of this Giving Back is:
THE ROCCA SISTERS PRESENT – KIDS MINI FEST!
Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
At three locations:
Brant Hills Park (2255 Brant St.)
Cumberland Park (562 Cumberland Ave.)
Millcroft Park (4520 Millcroft Park Dr.)
Great picture!
 By Staff
July 27th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
It couldn’t happen at a more inopportune time.
The pool at the Aldershot High school will be closed on July 29
 Pool to be closed from 9:00 am to 4:00 on the 29th – Friday Halton District School Board will be completing maintenance in Aldershot Highschool which will impact Aldershot Pool.
As a result, Aldershot Pool will be closed on July 29 for drop in programming from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will re-open for programs at 4 p.m.
That is a very short period of time for any kind of work to be done.
Kudos for the short break in the swimming schedule.
Let’s hope they can stick to the schedule.
Please check online before heading to the pool for a drop in program. The other indoor pools, as well as our outdoor pools, are open as usual. burlington.ca/dropinandplay
By Staff
July 27th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Gazette asked for some comment on the street party that was partially funded by the city and attended by the Mayor last weekend.
Here is the response from Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture:
“Love My Neighbourhood is a program that has been running for several years. It provides a one-time per year grant of up to $500 per neighbour, resident or street section, condominium, or apartment group in Burlington.
“Not all applications require the full $500 support. These funds support the neighbourhood with nominal costs associated with insurance coverage, equipment rental fees and entertainment with the neighbours also contributing to the overall event.
“Organizers must agree to provide a free and inclusive event or activity to their community. Invitations are often sent by the organizers to their local councilor or all members of council.”
There is a list of what is what is and is not covered by funding.
The information on the city website is crystal clear on alcohol and cannabis:
 Is that wine in those glasses – maybe it’s water. Is alcohol or cannabis permitted?
“The City will not fund or permit the purchase of any alcohol beverages, tobacco or cannabis products. Alcohol or cannabis products are not permitted at Love My Neighbourhood events or on public property.”
Here is the link to the rules for those applying for a grant – they are lengthy and they are very clear.
Director Glenn said: “To date, we have approx. 70 applications for 2022.” And adds: “Hopefully this helps clarify.”
To some degree it does. We will ask now if there is a procedure in place to recover the grant and will Glenn advice members of Council individually what the rules are?
The one thing this incident has done is raise the profile of the program.
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