 By Staff
May 9th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Community Development Halton and the Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton are hosting a web cast on the 18th starting at 6:30 pm
Link to registration page is HERE
The panel consists of subject experts that will guide a conversation on income security issues in advance of the election in Ontario on June 2. Minimum wage, social assistance, basic income, employment precarity, and childcare, are all on the docket for this important discussion.
This stuff matters – this is the time to get informed.
SPEAKERS
Tom Cooper, Director, Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction
Carolyn Ferns, Public Policy Coordinator, Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care
Pam Frache, Organizer, Workers’ Action Centre, and Coordinator, Justice for Workers campaign
 By Pepper Parr
May 7th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Social media is one of the communication channels that gets a bad wrap.
The politicians will complain loud and publicly that social media is misused and abused and then do just that – exploit what can be done with Twitter and a Facebook account.
 These boats will stay where they are until the 17th – while the city scrambles to find a way to put insurance coverage in place. Former American president Donald Trump was an artist with the way he manipulated messages and created a following of millions until he was banned from Twitter.
Last week the city was presented with a really messy situation at the LaSalle Park Marina. Boats could not be put into the water because required insurance could not be put in place.
Burlington’s Mayor is heavily invested in the marina issue. She chose to support the installation of a needed wave break and convinced the rest of council to go along with pulling $4 million out of the Hydro Reserve Fund to pay for the wave break.
The insurance problem was something someone should have been on top of – but that is spilled milk
The boaters need a fast response which may not be something the city bureaucracy can deliver – municipal government just doesn’t work that way.
Mayor Meed Ward put out a note on social media saying:
 Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith needs all the help he can get in his re-election bid. The Mayor will support him – returning the favours he has done for her. That Tweet didn’t quite square with the recommendation that was debated at Council. Someone at city hall has put out a more moderate message.
 A more moderate message was posted about an hour later. What the public doesn’t need is politicians exploiting a serious problem.
Director of Parks Recreation and Culture Chris Glenn did a good job of managing the issue during the debate.
Staff from Legal set out what the insurance problem is and what will have to be done to get insurance coverage in place.
There is a very real chance that the boaters may lose their boating season.
There are reports that some members of the LPMA have pulled out and are looking for a place to locate their boat. The problem with that is – there isn’t that much capacity in the immediate area.
There are a lot of view points out there.
 By Pepper Parr
May 4th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Things are definitely getting back to normal.
Bingo is coming back.
The games will be played at the Polish Hall.
 Polish Hall – new home for regular bingo games It took city council hours of listening to deletions from two bingo game operators, who both wanted the Burlington market, which was described as prime by one of the bingo game operators.
When there is more time to write we will explain the complexities of bingo game operations – which are charity based.
A bingo operator must have sponsors from the charitable sector.
How much do they charities get – they get 45% of the proceeds.
 By Staff
May 3rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Community members needed to join the Mountainside Pool Revitalization Public Art Steering Committee
The city’s public art program is looking for community members to join the Steering Committee for the Mountainside Pool Revitalization Project public art mural.
 Rendering of what the pool and the shade area would look like The Steering Committee will provide input into project goals and themes, create a shortlist from the applicants and the winning artist.
The public art program is commissioning a professional artist to paint a mural as part of this project. This revitalization will create a new attractive, fun and welcoming multi-use outdoor swimming pool. The goal is to revitalize the Mountainside Pool so it is inviting and encourages participation through swimming and water play while fostering an active and healthy lifestyle.
Three artists will be shortlisted to create preliminary design concepts for the public review and comment. The community Steering Committee will evaluate the public feedback plus the technical proposal to select the winning artist.
 The pool is heavily used. Steering Committee Roles & Responsibilities
• Attend a project start-up meeting (online) to brainstorm project goals and themes
• Review and score artist proposals to select a shortlist of three artists
• Review design proposals and public feedback of three short-listed artists to select winning artist
• All scoring can be done remotely using an online submission system. Jury meetings will be held via videoconference
Honorarium
Steering Committee members will be given an honorarium of $200 as a token of appreciation for their time commitment and participation in the project.
Time Commitment
• Three meetings via videoconference
o Project Start-up: one hour
o Select Shortlist: two hours
o Select Winning Proposal: two hours
• Review and score artist submissions: this task can be done remotely using an online review system (approximately five hours)
Project Timeline
Deadline Activity
May/June 2022 Meeting #1: project start-up meeting (videoconference)
September 2022 Review and score artist proposals (online)
October 2022 Meeting #2: Select shortlist (videoconference)
January 2023 Public consultation
February 2023 Review and score shortlisted design proposals and public feedback (online)
March 2023 Meeting #3: Select winning artist (videoconference)
May/June 2023 Artwork installation and unveiling
 Some art work would certainly help this entrance How to Apply
Interested applicants should send:
1. Their name
2. Contact Information
1. address
2. phone
3. email
3. And a brief statement outlining why they are interested in joining the Steering Committee (250 words maximum)
Applications should be submitted to Kim Selman at kim@cobaltconnects.ca or at burlingtonpublicart.com/get-involved/jury-roster/ before Friday, May 6.
For more information, please visit www.burlington.ca/publicart.
 Councillor Sharman speaking to Angela Paparazzo Angela Paparizo, Manager of Arts and Culture explains what this initiative is all about.
“Not only is this a great opportunity for an artist to design and create a beautiful mural for the revitalized Mountainside Pool, it is also an exciting opportunity for residents to join the steering committee to help us select the right artist for this project. I welcome anyone who is thinking about applying to contact us with any questions.
Residents are encouraged to submit their applications before May 6. It is my hope that Burlington residents will get involved in this opportunity to choose an artist and evaluate the mural submissions for Mountainside.”
By Staff
May 3rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
One Burlington, the group that celebrates faith, culture and embraces diversity. is hosting a fund raising concert for Ukraine
The event will take place at St. Christopher’s Anglican Church on Saturday, May 14, 2022 – 2:00 pm
The funds raised will go to the Canada Ukraine Foundation.
 Members of the Ukrainian community filled Civic Square awhile ago – things in their country have not gotten any better. Continued support is badly needed. A suggested donation of $20 per person would be appreciated. For those who might want to donate in advance the CU Foundation website A tax-receipt will be issued.
Several professional artists are donating their talents for this important cause.
 Charles Cozens has more than 150 CD’s in circulation. Jeff Madden, tenor, will be performing uplifting material from the American musical theatre songbook. Mr. Madden starred as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys and Kevin in the ensemble cast of Come From Away.
Charles Cozens and Colin Maier are the duo, JoyRide.
Cozens is a renown accordionist, Maier plays numerous instruments in this dynamic duo.
Andrea Battista is a violinist with the Burlington Symphony Orchestra and Chair of the Burlington Arts and Culture Council of Burlington. She will accompany Jeff Madden and entertain us with a solo performance on the piano.
There are several performances by local groups as well
GuZheng Group presents young people on the Chinese Zither, a harpsichord-like instrument. Dressed in traditional costumes, this ensemble is amazing to watch.
Several Ukrainian churches have pulled together a choir to perform. .
A Bandura duo will perform on this traditional Ukrainian lute-like instrument. The closing act will be a presentation by the young company of the Tyrsa Ukrainian Dancers.
 Tyrsa Ukrainian Dancers. Fabulously dressed in embroidered shirts, bright red skirts and pants and ribboned caps, these young people will raise spirits and smiles as well as funds!
One Burlington is organizing this event in co-operation with the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Holy Protection of the Mother of God.
One Burlington has been presenting events since 2017. It is dedicated to bringing people together to learn more about each other to create understanding and acceptance. Their website is at oneburlington.net
There is a desperate situation in Ukraine – they need our help now – be as generous as you can.
 By Pepper Parr
May 2nd, 2022
BURLINGTON.
Beginning to get interesting.
The following trotted along to the office of the City Clerk and put the passport on the table and handed over the filing fee.
 Tony Brecknock, centre: video expert Some interesting new names. Tony Brecknock hasn’t seen the inside of the Council Chamber in a decade. He was a major player in the school closing issue and he ran a candidate as a school board trustee.
 Robert Radway Robert Radway, a high school teacher (20 years in) teaches history. Wasn’t sure he would resign as a teacher – he wants to clear up that issue very quickly.
 Councillor Paul Sharman: Thinking it over very carefully The other are current members of Council. Sharman has his nomination papers ready for filing. He was soliciting people at the Chamber of Commerce event recently. Expect Paul to be very cautious – there is a brass ring for the taking if he is careful.
Needs to build a credible organization to pull this one off. He should be looking for a cracker jack campaign manager that he will listen to.
Stick around – this crowd is not going to wait for the election of a new Premier get in the way of raising funds and building a team.
A report that has some credibility was the ward that even if she is acclaimed – Mayor Meed Ward will still run a campaign. Has she not learned that Ann Marsden is planning on running. Expect her name to appear on the list soon.
Was it the weather?
Was it because May 1 is traditionally a day for the working people – a time when the men and woman who do the hard work that leaves muscles sore and backs aching.
May 1st turned out to be the first Sunday in May; a time when Canada celebrate and remember those lost in the Battle of the Atlantic
Canadians commemorated the 77th anniversary of the end of action in the Battle of the Atlantic and the sacrifices of the thousands of Canadians who fought valiantly from 1939-1945 during the longest campaign of the Second World War.
The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest Second World War campaign. Vice-Admiral Craig Baines, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, put it all too well when he described it as “cold, wet, dangerous. Fought with courage, dedication and honour. Our world today – who they were then, and who we are now is forever connected by their sacrifice.”
 These were the ships that fought the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest naval battle in history. Shown here is HMCS Haida, currently tied up in Hamilton. The Battle of the Atlantic began on September 3, 1939, with the sinking of the SS Athenia by German submarine U-30. Allied forces fought for control of the North Atlantic Ocean to supply the war effort from 1939 to 1945, making this the longest campaign of the Second World War
The RCN grew from a mere 6 destroyers and 3,500 personnel in 1939, to 373 fighting ships and more than 100,000 sailors by War’s end – one of the largest navies in the world.
Our sailors and airmen sank or shared in the destruction of some 50 U-boats while they escorted some 25 thousand merchant ships during the war to deliver more than 165 million tonnes of life & war-sustaining cargo to Europe in a merchant navy that became the world’s fourth largest.
 Rick Wilson isn’t certain as to exactly where the battle for control of Lake Ontario took place but believes it was just offshore from the Naval monument. These accomplishments were fueled by an impressive shipbuilding effort that saw more than 400 merchant ships built in Canadian shipyards that also churned-out 281 destroyers/corvettes & frigates, 206 minesweepers, over 250 tugs and over 3,000 landing craft.
In 1943, Rear-Admiral Leonard Murray was put in charge of the Allied Air and Naval forces in the Northwest Atlantic; the only Canadian to command an Allied theatre of conflict in either World War.
Throughout the Battle of the Atlantic, 24 Canadian of the 175 Allied warships were lost. 2,600 merchant ships including 62 Canadian vessels also met the same fate.
The human cost: more than 2,700 RCN/RCAF and 1,600 Canadian Merchant Navy personnel died.
Just weeks before the end of hostilities, HMCS Esquimalt was sunk and 44 died in the Halifax approaches, in April 1945.
Fought largely by reservists in small ships built in Canada and operating from Canadian bases, the defence of North Atlantic trade against the submarine menace defined a naval role for Canada within a much larger alliance. After 1945, the RCN became one of the best anti-submarine warfare navies in the world.
lmost 7,000 women served their country in a wide variety of crucial roles during the War.
 By DENIS GIBBONS
May 2nd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Freeman Station, Burlington’s historical gem, was celebrated Saturday at a Grand Reopening following a lengthy restoration by volunteers with the help of an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant, resulting in a sparkling new edifice.
New panels were installed, as well as new flooring, painting was done, the ceiling restored and the original windows, including the distinctive Jane Irwin oval window at the end of the room, reconstructed.
 Ed Keenleyside, president of the Friends of Freeman Station, Ed Keenleyside, president of the Friends of Freeman Station, said the Grand Trunk Railway Station is 100 per cent operated by volunteers. He outlined a three-way, five-year legal agreement which has made the project possible.
“Solenis Chemicals (an adjacent plant) has been very good to allow us to use this land,” he said. “The building is owned by the City and all artifacts by the Friends of Freeman Station.”
The wooden station, named after Freeman village founder Joshua Freeman, was originally located on the CN rail line near the corner of Brant Street and Plains Road. In 2005, it was moved, in order to save it from demolition, when a third track was installed.
 Lifted off the blocks it had perched on for a couple of years the station got hoisted by a crane and lowered into it new home that had a full basement. It’s the only building in the city whose historical and architectural significance has been recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Culture and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
This station was built in 1906 to replace a previous one destroyed by fire.
 While it looked like a taxi – it was a full time inspection vehicle that could use railway tracks to inspect the condition of the rail bed, Motorists driving by might have noticed a bright yellow old-time car in the front of the station. It’s a Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo rail inspection car. Currently, it’s in a shed but will be brought out again as soon as necessary adjustments are made.
Roger Ryan, whose wife is the niece of Stan Roskovich, the last person to work as station agent before it closed in 1988, showed up with a bag of memorabilia.
VIA Rail and GO Transit trains still were using the station up until then.
 R. Paul Johnson, 88, plays the role of station agent. Photo by DENIS GIBBONS Eighty-eight-year-old R. Paul Johnson, whose grandfather Alfred Johnson once operated the swing bridge for the railway over the Burlington Canal, posed as station agent for the day.
There are 12 tour stops at the Freeman Station. Among them are the station master’s office, baggage room, waiting room, a giant caboose and boxcar and a memorial to Burlington’s fallen military heroes who left from the station to defend their country in war. Some never returned and are buried in European cemeteries.
The waiting room will be available as meeting space for use by small groups.
 Sitting on some “cribbing” with a sign badly in need of several coats of paint, the Freeman Station gets ready for its big move. Before the location beside Burlington Fire Department headquarters on Fairview Street, between Brant and Maple Avenue, was settled on, Burlingtonians listed Beachway Park directly across from the Joseph Brant Museum as their first choice.
It has a significant historical context because the Hamilton Radial Railway and Hamilton & Northern Railway used to run right past it parallel to Burlington Beach.
Passengers from Toronto used to disembark at a nearby station for dinner and dancing at the old Brant Inn.
 The Freeman station got moved around a number of times while the city figured out what it wanted to do with the thing. When city council failed to come up with a solution citizens did. Central Park and Maple Park also were considered and Aldershot resident Bill Fasullo recommended Hidden Valley Park where it could be rented by the local model railroad club and second to move it close to the Aldershot GO train station, which is on the same rail line it used to service.
The Burlington Sports Hall of Fame had earlier indicated an interest in using the building. The City of Toronto also had asked about using the old station as a gift shop at its Toronto Rail Heritage Centre.
Future open house dates include May 21, June 11, July 1 (Canada Day), August 8, September 10 and October 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
By Staff
April 29th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
This is a really neat program.
Donated formal wear is available for students to choose from on May 9 and 17
Dresses, suits, shirts, ties available for students to browse at drop-in sessions
 The Halton District School Board will host open houses in May for students to select, at no cost, donated formal wear for upcoming prom or graduation events.
Called Fashion Forward, students will have the opportunity to view and try on formal wear in a friendly and welcoming environment. Students may select from a variety of new and gently-used attire that has been donated for proms, graduations and other special events.
There are many different styles, colours and sizes of formal dresses available as well as suits, shirts, ties and shoes.
The dates to browse for formal wear are Monday, May 9 and Tuesday, May 17. Each open house runs from 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. and will be held at Elsie MacGill Secondary School (1410 Bronte St S, Milton).
It would have been nice if the selection opportunities were held in each municipality – maybe next year.
Students are required to bring student identification to the open house they attend.
 By Pepper Parr
April 28th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Asked if she would run again Coun. Stolte cited her “disappointment and frustration had overwhelmed her on the day but that she was waiting for the results of this coming weeks reports regarding the in camera closed meetings. Coun. Stolte expressed her sincerest gratitude for the many constituents, larger community members and staff that have been very thoughtful and encouraging
Getting people to take part in a ward meeting is a tricky business. Council members can promote the event but it is up to people to actually get out to the meeting. Covid has limited what people are prepared to do.
 City technical types basically set up a broadcast studio in the Community Room at Tansley Woods. From there they can broadcast out, allowing Councillor Stolte to speak to people participating in the room remotely and bring in people who are participating from their home or office. Theoretically this could have been an international event if there were people in the United States or the UK who had some experience helping people to get to know their neighbours. Lisa Kearns was the first Councillor who managed to set up a hybrid meeting and make it work. The live people in the AGB, where Kearns holds her meetings had less than eight people first time out.
 Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte, who announced during the Integrity report delivery and debate that she was not cut out for this kind of work and that she would not run for office again in October.
 Glenn Nicholson, served as a community focal point on his street when many of his neighbours were flooded in 2014 A potential candidate showed up at the ward 4 meeting Wednesday night along with eight others and 30 people taking part on line.
Taking part on line requires the creating of what amounts to a small broadcasting studio to capture what is being said by those who participate on line and those in the meeting room, which in this case was in the Tansley Woods community centre.
Stolte went one step further than Kearns when she had a city staff member taking part virtually and talking about a city program we had not heard about before.
Burlington now has a small collection of “connectors” – people who help other people connect to others in their neighbourhood.
Sounded like a really good idea that seems to be working. Something to follow up with for more detail.
At this point here is what we can tell you.
A connector “self-selects” – they do that by getting in touch with Jennifer Spence at City Hall
Spence meets with the person, often over a cup of coffee and talks about what the person would like to do, what they know about the program and then explains in detail what the program is and how these self-selected connectors can do their thing. You can reach city staff running the program at: communityconnects@burlington.ca .
 Mary Alice St James, a retired elementary school principal and a candidate for Council in ward 5 during the last municipal election, identified herself during the meeting as a “super” level connector, which is something that would be hard to argue with.
By Pepper Parr
April 28th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
If Milton can do it – Burlington certainly can.
The Milton Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Bell as a Community and are putting together what they will bring to an and this once-in-a-lifetime experience we have all been working through.
So many of us have been working remotely and not able to network and gather like we once did.
Milton is setting out to change that – Burlington has the capacity to do that.
 Rotary managed to rescue and event despite COVID19 – how can Burlington create an event to rescue its citizensÉ Rotary found a way to take over the Burlington Centre parking lot for their modified Rib Fest – perhaps the Chamber can do something similar.
The Milton Chamber is calling their event the ‘Welcome Back from Hibernation BBQ’ to network, see new and familiar faces, enjoy local food and drink, all while enjoying some music.
Watching and waiting to see what might come out of the woods in Burlington.
 By Staff
April 27th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Natalie Pierre, Progressive Conservative candidate for Burlington. The race is on.
The Liberals announced their election office opening for Sunday.
Learned earlier today that the Progressive Conservatives are going to do them one better and open their office at noon on Saturday in the plaza at Fairview and Appleby Line. South Western corner of the intersection.
Expect the federal candidate in the last election to be on hand to show Natalie Pierre the ropes.
 By Staff
April 27th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Mariam Manaa
For those of you who think as Liberals, you will want to know that the Burlington Liberal candidate, Mariam Manaa will be holding the Official Opening of her campaign office that will be located at 790 Guelph Line, unit 4
The event will take place at 3:00 pm this Sunday and feature Burlington MP and Cabinet Minister Karina Gould.
The city has yet to see the Progressive Conservative candidate Natalie Pierre.
Will the Mayor Meed Ward be on hand – don’t count on that.
 By Staff
April 26th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
One of the things that makes the Art Gallery difference and distinct are the Guilds.
They are the foundation on which the Gallery as it exists today was built
Friday the Guilds come together and show the public what they have been doing while the pandemic took away the opportunity to visit the Gallery and enjoy what it has to offer.
A day or so ago we were shown a photograph taken by Frank Meyers that has been accepted for the Exhibition that opens on Friday.
 A Frank Meyer photograph that has been accepted for the All Guilds Exhibition that opens on Friday
Attend and see what else they have to share.
The annual exhibition celebrates the guilds who make, learn, share, and teach at the Art Gallery of Burlington.
 Burlington Fine Arts Association,
Burlington Handweavers and Spinners Guild,
Latow Photographers Guild,
Burlington Potters Guild,
Burlington Hooking Craft Guild,
Burlington Sculptors and Carvers,
Digital Arts Guild of Burlington.
Exhibition runs through to August 13th
AGB Hours
Tuesday – Friday 12 PM – 5 PM
Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday & Monday CLOSED
 By Staff
April 26th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Southern Ontario Lyric Opera (SOLO). We will be performing at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre on Saturday May 14th featuring two outstanding young Canadian singers.
Southern Ontario Lyric Opera (SOLO) Presents:
Encore!
Favourite Moments in Opera
Saturday May 14, 2022, 7:30 P.M.
Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Karoline Podolak, Soprano
Alexander Hajek, Baritone
Southern Ontario Lyric Opera Chorus and Orchestra
Sabatino Vacca, Conductor
Join them as they present a programme of operatic favourites featuring works by Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, and more!
For tickets please call the Box Office at 905 681 6000
Or online at https://burlingtonpac.ca/events/solo-encore-favourite-moments-in-opera/
By Pepper Parr
April 24th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Call it ore-election campaigning or maybe a chance to get out for some fresh air and sunshine.
Our reporter bumped into Ward 2 councillor Lisa Kearns who was leading a walking tour of the downtown area on Saturday to review and discuss current, significant planning projects in various stages. A total of 10 high-rise projects were discussed. One has been rejected by city council. Two are under construction, one has been approved by the Ontario Land Tribunal, two approved by the OLT subject to conditions, one subject to site plan approval and three under appeal by the City
 Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns took some of her constituents on a tour – her fifth tour so far this year, showing her the location of the ten projects that are in various stages of development. In this picture Kearns is steps away from the Waterfront Hotel that is the object of a development application asking for Official Plan changes and zoning bylaw changes to build two structures that will top off at 40 stories.
Kearns said she could live with the 20 and a bit buildings the city planners are talking about.
The developer will undoubtedly take an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal where they are reported to be represented by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP,, a highly regarded law firm that just might get something a bit better than a defeat.
With the sun shining and people getting out for some exercise the Alienated Grandparents Anonymous had a crowd on a walk through the downtown area protesting in front of the office of MPP Jane McKenna, Ontario’s associate minister of children and women’s issues, during their march through the downtown on Saturday.
 Parental alienation needs to go. That’s the message marchers delivered on Saturday. Photo by DENIS GIBBONS Members of the Alienated Parents and Grandparents Peer Support Group, Our Alienated Grandchildren Matter, and Alienated Grandparents Anonymous stopped in front of the office of Burlington MPP Jane McKenna, Ontario’s associate minister of children and women’s issues, during their march through the downtown on Saturday.
By Staff
April 22nd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Earlier this year, Council approved the temporary patio program for the 2022 patio season to continue to support local businesses.
Sidewalk detours and patio set-up will begin next week in the downtown and will run until Oct. 31, 2022.
Sidewalk Detours
 Maybe the patios will bring warmer weather? Some patios will be installed on City sidewalks. These sections of the sidewalk will be detoured onto the road with traffic barriers. These barriers will help with pedestrian safety.
City of Burlington staff will be installing the sidewalk detours during the week of April 25, 2022.
The sidewalk detours for patios are being installed in downtown Burlington on:
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- The north side of Pine Street between Elizabeth Street and Pearl Street
- The north side of Lakeshore Road between Brant Street and John Street
- The north side of Lakeshore Road between Locust Street and Brant Street
- The west side of Brant Street between Elgin Street and Lakeshore Road
- The east side of Brant Street between Maria Street and James Street
- The north side of Elgin Street between Locust Street and Brant Street
 By Staff
April 21st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
What a thrill this is going to be. And what an experience as well
And if the Raptors can hang in and give the 76ers a good run for their money and pull off a miracle as well – the kids who listen to the virtual broadcast will never forget the day.
The Halton District School Board has Toronto Raptors Superfan Nav Bhatia talking to students in a HDSB-partnered learning resources launch nationally.
 Nav Bhatia has attended almost every Raptors home game since the teams first season in 1995. Nav Bhatia will join classrooms virtually on Wednesday, April 27
The Halton District School Board is welcoming Toronto Raptors Superfan Nav Bhatia to classrooms as part of a virtual learning engagement next week.
Bhatia will join Kindergarten to Grade 12 classes virtually on Wednesday, April 27 to empower and uplift students through his messages of “strength in diversity” and “uniting the world through basketball”. This visit comes after HDSB students have been engaging in learning about Bhatia’s journey through educational resources and activities developed by HDSB staff.
The Superfan Nav Bhatia Foundation plans to make this “Superfan Workshop” available to schools across Canada.
Bhatia will speak to:
- Kindergarten – Grade 6 classes from 9 – 9:30 a.m.
- Grade 7 – 12 classes from 9:40 – 10:20 a.m.
Nav Bhatia is the legendary Toronto Raptors fan who has attended almost every home game since the team’s first season in 1995. His journey as a beloved fan, successful business owner and inspirational community builder is told through the recently released CBC documentary Superfan: The Nav Bhatia Story.
“After watching the documentary, the HDSB’s Human Rights & Equity Team knew this was a story meant to live in classrooms and with youth,” says Rob Eatough, Superintendent of Education with responsibility for Equity, Inclusion and Indigenous education. “Aligned with core principles of Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy, such as affirming identity, representation and critical consciousness, Nav’s story provides rich entry points for student learning and connects with the Equity & Inclusion area of focus in the HDSB’s 2020-2024 Multi-Year Strategic Plan”.
With multiple connections to curriculum areas such as Language, History, Health, Civics and Careers, Equity Studies and more, the HDSB developed Superfan learning resources and activities for staff to engage students. In partnership with the Superfan team, these learning resources will now inspire youth across the country as the Superfan Workshop launches nationally.
At Chris Hadfield Public School in Milton, teacher-librarian Lisa Turbitt arranged for several classes to watch the Superfan documentary and collaborate on responses to questions such as, “How has Nav helped to create a sense of community?” and “What messages can you take from Nav into your own life?” The school shared their thoughts on social media with the hashtag #HDSBeSuperFan. Turbitt says this expression of student voice captured Bhatia’s attention and now HDSB students and Superfan Nav Bhatia will have a chance to meet.
“We hope this is just the beginning of a long and ‘super’ relationship,” says Eatough.
By Pepper Parr
April 21st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce held its Breakfast before 9 event – at the QB Sports Bar – the place was packed.
 Terry Caddo , President and CEO, chatting up a Chamber of Commerce member Was that because it was the first opportunity for people to get out and mix and get back to the networking that is such a big part of the Chamber world – or was it because Ron Foxcroft was the speaker?
Foxcroft never fails to deliver. Much of his story has been told man, many times – but it is always entertaining and each time you come away knowing more than you knew when you walked into the room.
 He was promoting his recent book: The 40 Ways of the Fox – all the proceeds go to City Kids.
Terry Caddo, the newish President of the Chamber was meeting the membership and telling them what was planned – he will release the revised Strategic Plan at the end of the month.
Paul Sharman was on hand – his networking amounted to his giving people his nomination papers to sign. While I didn’t actually see the document I was told that they were nomination papers for the ward 5 council seat which he currently holds.
Wait Parr, you might ask. Haven’t you been saying that Sharman is going to run for the Office of Mayor? Indeed I have – and I still believe that Sharman will eventually file new nomination papers.
He did something similar in 2010. He had filed papers to run as Mayor against Cam Jackson. When Rick Goldring also filed nomination papers running for Mayor, Sharman pulled his Mayor nomination and filed for the ward 5 seat which Goldring was giving up.
 Cheryl Goldring signing the Sharman nomination papers. We all know how that worked out. Sharman won in ward 5, Goldring was made Mayor. Four years later, Sharman wins again in ward 5 – Rick Goldring losses to Marianne Meed Ward.
And the person signing the Sharman nomination papers? Cheryl Goldring – Rick’s wife.
Only in Burlington.
By Staff
April 20th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton District School Board families, staff and community members are invited to the Director’s Panel Series on Identity, Inclusion & Human Rights to raise awareness on historical and contemporary issues of identity, inclusion and human rights. The next session in the panel series will be:
Self-Determination and Anti-Colonial Practices:
Indigenous Rights, Education and Food Sovereignty
Tuesday, April 26 at 6 – 7:30 p.m.
This will be a virtual event, with the livestream linked on the HDSB website (www.hdsb.ca).
Registration is not required.
This session will not be recorded.
Panel speakers include:
• Marie Battiste, Mi’kmaw Educator, Author and Special Advisor at Cape Breton University, Professor Emerita, University of Saskatchewan
• Sheri Longboat, Associate Professor and Researcher, University of Guelph
• Tabitha Robin Martens, Assistant Professor, University of British Columbia
• Nancy Rowe, Education Consultant & Treaty Partner, Michizaagiig, Ojibwe, Anishinaabe Kwe
Those interested in attending the event can submit a question to the panel before or during the panel discussion through this Google Form: https://forms.gle/L5AxQvpErhR9wpkG9
“Each session in the series will explore how issues of identity and inclusion intersect with education,” says Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board.
 Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. “This provides an opportunity to create awareness of multiple perspectives of insight and analysis on how individual identities can be reflected and engaged in the broader HDSB community. This panel series aligns with the Board’s commitment to raise awareness of diverse community perspectives and the need to broaden resources to support inclusion and student achievement, as reflected in the HDSB’s Multi-Year Plan 2020-2024 and the Human Rights Equity Action & Accountability Plan – The Way Forward.”
Future sessions in the series include:
• Perspectives on Islam and Islamophobia (Tuesday, May 31 at 6 – 7:30 p.m.).
Previous panel sessions include Antisemitism: The Longest Hatred (Feb. 7), Black Excellence: Today and Every Day (Feb. 28) and Two Spirit & Transgender Awareness: Beyond Bathrooms (March 29). Full recordings of these panel discussions are available to view on the Director’s Panel Series on Identity, Inclusion and Human Rights webpage.
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