 August 25, 2013
By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON. And there it was. Burlington’s first piece of public art that was the result of a joint private benefactor, public funds sculpture sitting outside the two-year old Performing Arts Centre.
The art was the result of an idea Burlington businessman Dan Lawrie had that led to a conversation with former Centre Executive Director Brenda Heatherington, about a sculpture for the Centre. The idea worked its way to city council where they agreed to add to the generous financial contribution Lawrie had made.
 And there it was: Burlington’s Spiral Stella unveiled. That brought the city’s Public Art contractor Jeremy Freiburger into the picture. He was tasked to put together a jury to decide what should be installed. A jury was selected and a decision made. Throughout the process the public was involved and the result was a gathering of citizens on a bright sunny day, to unveil the 17 foot sculpture done for the city by New Brunswick based artist Peter Powning.
The jury, made up of Burlington Art Centre president Ian Ross, artist Trevor Copp, Emma Quin, Executive Director of the Ontario Craft Council narrowed the 119 entries down to three finalists and chose Peter Powning’s submission.
 And now the Stela gets its first public close up. Do they like what they see? Will it grow on people? Was it a good idea? The city wanted art that involved the public and that brought out the idea of a “cultural mulch”; a phrase that was as new to Burlington as it was to the artistic community. Cultural Mulch was described as “stories about who we are and where we grow.”
 People gather around to see what has been placed into the sheets of bronze that are attached to the Stela. The word was spread quickly as people photographed and “tweeted” about what they were seeing. That led to a number of sessions where Powning took plaster impressions of various artifacts the public brought in. Powning had no idea what the next person in line was going to give him. Some brought in old keys, other brought in a pair of binoculars that had belonged to their grandfather. Another person brought in a pocket watch fob while yet another brought in a ticket from the opening day of the Centre.
 The Spiral Stela was certainly getting a lot of attention from the unveiling day crowd. What was that piece, and that piece there, where did that come from. The Stela needs a close look and some time to figure out what it’s all about. There were medals and toy trucks – anything the people of Burlington thought described who they were. With the plaster impressions done Powning trucked it all back to his workshop in New Brunswick where bronze castings were made which were then attached to the stainless steel obelisk shaped structure.
The Spiral Stela is now, like the Pier, part of the city and in time the public will come to appreciate what they have outside the Centre. Jeremy Freiburger, who also wrote a Cultural Plan for the city, believes Burlington has begun a change to a more artistically sophisticated city.
Ward 2 Councillor described what had happened very well when she said “the role of public art reflects what a community is” and what is crafted into the sheets of bronze on the Spiral Stela certainly describes the city, rather proudly.
Public art was described by Dan Lawrie as a “manifestation of a community coming together” and is a lot more than a possession but rather “a collection of memories that will get passed from generation to generation. It is a perpetual memory and a permanent landmark.”
The beauty of a piece of art is usually in the eye of the beholder. When good art is made part of the public environment the understanding of what art can do and the impact art has on our daily lives goes through a transition. Some art is accepted immediately while other art is part of controversial conversations for a long time.
Peter Powning spoke later to a small audience at the Art Centre about public art and the impact it has had on his career. Powning earns his living working full-time on commissions which come from the corporate sector but is driven now to a considerable degree by the municipal sector.
 It was Dan Lawrie’s idea and his willingness to put up $37,000+ of his own money that started the process that ended with a piece of public art being unveiled outside the Performing Arts Centre. In 1983 Powning was able to convince a developer to include funding for art in a project budget. One of his early projects was a piece of art in the Market Square in St. John, New Brunswick that Powning said is “still there and holding up very well”.
The value of public art explained Powning is that it gives a community an opportunity to say who they are – to say what a locality’s destiny is. It is a cultural eruption that has value that accrues to a community.
When Powning saw the notice Burlington published for public art submissions and he looked at the site he immediately saw some very interesting potential. When he learned that the city wanted significant intense community participation Powning knew this was a project he could develop and convinced the jury he was the man to do the job.
Powning was one of three finalists out of the 119 artists who responded to the call.
 Rick Burgess, on the left with Mayor Goldring and sculpture benefactor Dan Lawrie look over the newly unveiled piece of public art. Public art explained Powning can be “serene, bold or provocative”. If it results in controversy there is growth in the thinking of a community and as long as it is not too far outside commonly accepted boundaries acceptance takes place.
Powning feels public art helps a community gets away from the “big box” culture that is dominated by a profit or loss report. Buildings are put up for profit where the objective is to keep costs down. Spending thousands of dollars on something that does not have a profit attached to it is a hard sell not only to developers but to the general public as well. If you have been following the comments about spending public money on the Freeman Station you will get a sense of how the public debate plays itself out. Pay particular attention to the comments part of the story.
The evolution of art for the public has grown from bronze statues of Kings and Queens and major public figures, usually military types to the Rebecca outside the Art Centre that is still surrounded by controversy.
 Cultural projects manager Angela Paparizo and Stela selection jury member talk about the next project for the city? Powning points out that public art has moved away from themes and is not tied down to anything specific but is now much more interpretive.
Powning convinced the public art jury to go along with his Stela approach but had no idea what he would be given by the public to work with.
As individual artifacts were put in front of him he had to make the plaster impression but at the same time listen to the story people told and remember what he heard and what he felt as he listened.
All these words and feelings were taken back to New Brunswick where the creative process began. Where should the individual artifacts be placed? Is there a theme that comes out of what he was given? Is there a theme he wants to create? What are the space limitations he has to deal with?
 Were you there? You should have been. People milled about and asked questions and talked about this newest addition to the city’s cultural fabric. “There are no rules for this kind of work – it is pure visual improvisation”, said Powning.. There are breakthroughs as you are doing the work. “You count on those” added Powning who has done a number of Stela’s across the country. One of the more outstanding Stela’s was done in Canmore, Alberta where there was a theme based on eagles that would fly between two mountains at the edge of the city. Eagles became the theme for that Stela and Powning built on it.
Burlington didn’t have a single theme. For once the Burlington bookends of the lake and the Escarpment didn’t take over the dialogue; instead Powning worked from material given to him by the community.
The result is a bronze structure that now stands outside the Centre that is expected to become the hub of a community’s cultural aspirations.
Powning and his wife, a writer, were married when Peter was 19. They had decided they were going to live “off the grid” long before that was an accepted phrase. They were part of the “back to the land” movement, and live in a place where the telephone line doesn’t always work the way most of us expect it to work. They have enough in the way of solar panels on their buildings to supply most of their energy and grow much of the food they need.
Powning will keep in touch with how Burlington reacts to and grows with its Stela. Public art does have to be maintained; you can’t put it up and just leave it there. Burlington’s Spiral Stela is covered with a coating of wax that makes it easier to clean and Powning will probably come back to Burlington to put a new coat of wax on the sculpture in a couple of years.
 Performing Arts Centre board chair Rick Burgess on the left with artist Peter Powning centre, talking to a city staff member. Before getting driven to the airport to return home, Powning asked for some time to get back to his sculpture and take a few pictures – he has been so busy getting it installed and talking about it that he hadn’t had any time to photograph the work.
The public will now begin walking over to the Stela just the way they now walk out onto the pier. In the not too distant future the city hopes to have a web site with many different views of the Stela where people can tag different parts of the bronze pieces.
The art does need some sort of a plaque or notice put in place that explains what the object on the bronze portions are all about – and that’s about the only criticism one can make about the unveiling of the Spiral Stela in front of the Performing Arts Centre on a sunny Sunday morning. We did good.
 August 25, 2013
By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON. It was expected to be a pretty simple task. Get the Spiral Stela from the shipping yard it was stored in down to the Performing Arts Centre and erect it.
 The time had come for Burlington’s Spiral Stela to be moved to its final home – outside the Performing Arts Centre. It wasn’t a mammoth structure. The crane would handle it easily and there was nothing complex about the task. Get it upright and lower it onto the four large bolts that had been installed, tighten up the bolts – and it`s done. Right?
If you remember the installation of the Orchids in November of 2011 on Upper Middle Road you’ll understand that Burlington and art are not quite in total, smooth sync – yet.
 The Spiral Stela, getting ready to stand up and be locked into place – ready for the public to see for the next 100 years. Getting the piece of art off the truck and onto the plaza outside the Centre was the easy part. The crane operator and the artist worked together and eased it to the ground.
The base of the Stela is a ¾ plate of stainless steel with four holes drilled. There is an additional plate of steel that is thinner attached to the top of the base plate. It too had holes drilled into it.
A member of the installation team took a long steel rod and pushed it through the holes in the steel plates to ensure that nothing would block the bolts as the Stela was lowered into the base.
 What do you mean the holes don’t line up? The bolts on the base plate in the foreground are supposed to slide into the holes on the structures base plate. They didn’t. Oops Oops – the rod did not go in – something was blocking the rod. Shades of the Orchids installation on Upper Middle Road when the installation team there discovered that the size of the bolts and the holes they were to slip into were not the same and a mobile crew with some very heavy-duty equipment was called in on very short notice to solve that problem.
Burlington was facing the same problem with the Stela: this time the inner plate had holes that were just a little smaller than the holes on the outer plate.
 Jeremy Freiburger works his cell phone – there has to be someone out there he can reach to solve this problem. How did this happen he wonders? It’s 7:00 am and it isn’t easy to find technical people at that hour – no one is at their shops yet. Jeremy Freiburger, the city’s public art program management contractor began t work his telephone list.
Off went one of the technical team to get a drill bit that would widen the holes. That didn’t work. Freiburger continues to madly work his cell phone – chasing down the people he needs to reach The plan was to have the Stela installed and veiled before the public was up and around.
The Stela was not to be seen by the public until it was officially unveiled on the Sunday afternoon..
More urgent phone calls. The technical team made another trip into Hamilton and came back with some grinding device that was inserted into the holes. Grinding noise, dust all over the place. Was it working?
 Close, close, very close – then the Spiral Stela was in place and could be locked down. Peter Powning put his finger inside the hole – the 1/8th of an inch of lip had been ground away. The installation could continue. The crane lifted the Stela upright, eased it in over the base plate and gently lowered into place – a little jigging and it slipped over the bolts and a much relieved Peter Powning put on the lock nuts and prepared to secure what is known in architectural circles as an obelisk.
 Done – now all they have to do is put the veil in place and Stela is ready for her public unveiling. Now all they had to do was strip away the packing material put the veil over the structure and they would be ready for the unveiling.
The veil was made of material that landscaping people use. Relatively heavy black cloth that Freiburger and his wife stitched at home. “We basted the pieces together so lightly that a decent tug and they would come apart.
Four tales were attached to the veil. Mayor Goldring, Peter Powning, the artist, Dan Lawrie, the benefactor and Chair of the Performing Arts Centre, Rick Burgess would be at the end of each tail to give them a gentle tug.
The public will then see a unique piece of work that has the city and its history stamped all over it.
 August 24, 2013
By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON. The Friends of Freeman Station have confirmed that the historic train station will move from the Burlington Fire Department headquarters to the station’s new location the week of Sept. 9. The station, built in 1906 by the Grand Trunk Railway, will be moved from its perch beside the Fairview Street fire station to corporately-owned land a couple of hundred yards away.
While the distance is short – the move signified, finally, that the station is going to be restored and won’t get torn apart for kindling.
 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 led by Councillors Meed Ward and Lancaster more here. The move is the result of an agreement reached in 2012 between the city, the Friends of Freeman Station and manufacturer Ashland Inc.
“Stations aren’t supposed to move. Trains come and go and stations are supposed to wait for trains to stop,” said James Smith, president of the Friends of Freeman Station. “It looked like time and neglect would be allowed to take their toll on Freeman Station but today we are announcing encouraging news. The train station is moving and will be restored. I encourage people from across Burlington to watch this dramatic and historic move.”
The volunteers of the Friends of Freeman Station have worked since 2011 to save, stabilize, repurpose and find a new home for this piece of Burlington’s history. They have enlisted local companies to help return Freeman Station to its former condition.
“I am impressed and heartened by the work of the dedicated volunteers, supporters and donors who have given so much to preserve and restore Freeman Station,” said Mayor Rick Goldring. “This community effort ensures that Freeman Station has a role not only in Burlington’s past but also in its future.”
In May, McCulloch Building Movers installed steel beams under the structure. In June, Murison Restoration began preparing the station for the move. King Paving is getting the new site ready.
In a prepared statement Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward said: “I want to thank all the volunteers who generously gave their time to make this move a reality. Without your efforts, the Freeman Station would have been lost. With this move, restoration work can begin so future residents can enjoy the station and learn about Burlington’s rail history, from delivering produce from our farms, to sending our young people to serve our country in the Great Wars.”
 Steel beams are taken off a truck to be slid underneath the station so that it can be lifted off the ground, eased onto a flatbed and move the couple of hundred yards to its new home – where restoration will begin. Typical fluff statement when the truth is that were it not for Meed Ward and Ward 6 Councillor Blair Lancaster the station was a goner. These two women refused to let the station get chopped up for fire wood and convinced their colleagues on Council to give the community some time. Councillor Sharman’s behaviour during the debate was close to shameful. And we didn’t see all that much in the way of leadership from the Mayor.
 The deal gets done. City formally signs the agreement with the Friends of Freeman Station to have them take possession of the building and take on the task of restoring the structure. Burlington came perilously close to losing the historic structure. However, after a lot of discussion, loads of bureaucratic back and forth, the Freeman station is about to be taken for another ride. It has experienced several in its more than 100 years of existence.
Early in September the trucks that move buildings will ease the flat-bed beneath the station and ease it down onto the truck and then move it all of 250 yards and settle it into a location where the major renovation will begin. The structure weighs 45 tonnes. It is made of wood and shingles with a brick chimney. It is nearly 1,200 square feet.
 August 24, 2013
By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. While the association of police chiefs ratified a resolution that would expand enforcement options for illicit possession of cannabis, giving officers the ability to issue tickets similar to those for driving infractions or jaywalking, it wasn’t jaywalking police regional police were doing on Donegal Drive yesterday.
 A police photo-op – the politicians want their pictures taken and take advantage of every opportunity to get in front of a camera. The police do much the same thing – every opportunity to show the public what they’ve been doing for them is used. This week they scooped up all these drugs and cash. In August 2013, the Halton Regional Police Service commenced an investigation into a marihuana trafficker from the City of Burlington and yesterday members of the 3 District Burlington Strategic Support Team executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at a residence on Donegal Drive and seized approximately 460 grams of marihuana (over 1 Pound), 31 grams of Hashish (over an ounce), a quantity of cocaine, $3,165 CDN funds, packaging material and digital scales.
Police have arrested and charged the following persons:
Justin LIDKA (24 yrs) of Burlington charged with possession of a controlled substance (marihuana).
Michael CRAMPTON (21 yrs) of Burlington charged with:
Trafficking a controlled substance (marijuana)
Possession for the purpose of trafficking (marijuana)
Possession for the purpose of trafficking (hashish)
Possession of cocaine
 Police look for patterns in criminal activity. Is there a pattern here? A drug raid took place earlier in the month on Lakeshore Road then another drug raid on Donegal Drive yesterday; are there links between the two? Both parties were released on a Promise to Appear in Milton Court on October 8th and 15th, 2013.
Investigators remind the public to utilize Crime Stoppers to report any illegal drug, gang or gun activity at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637(crimes).
 Part 2 of a 5 part series.
August 23, 2013.
By Gordana Liddell
BURLINGTON, ON. Most established towns have a sense of belonging within. When a family moves in, it takes time for them to feel embraced; to feel like they are a part of the neighbourhood. But when an entirely new community is built, it is a struggle both ways to connect the old and the new. The whole city has to adapt to its mere existence, and the struggle to embrace it as a legitimate part of their town is very real. Often the older, more established part of the city isn’t really aware of the “newcomers” – they don’t travel to that part of town. After all, wasn’t it the long-time residents that helped to make the city what it is today?
Alton Village is here. They are loud and they are proud…and they have money. And they have a history they are proud to recognize. Relatively speaking, – it’s not cheap to live in Alton. The majority of the population in this new community is made up of young families. These up and comers have not “up and come” into their wealth. They have worked for it; they are new money. And because they are used to a payoff coming only from hard work, they can also bear the work of what they have to go through by living in a construction zone. Some old Burlingtonians may not have the will or even the pioneering spirit to go through that.
 There was a time when the Village was basically a construction site – the skate park had not been constructed and the community centre wasn’t even a hole in the ground. That was then – this is now. City Hall staffer Cindy Mercanti points out what is going to go where in the new community In older Burlington, the houses are older, the money is older, and sometimes the mentality is older. Often, these are good things. Bigger yards, interesting architecture, beautiful neighbourhoods, and solid traditions. But along with the old, sometimes comes old ways of thinking that are not good for anyone. There is none of that in Alton. And thank God for that. Inclusivity thrives in the village. The area is so much more cosmopolitan in nature, it is a pleasure to see. Kids are lucky to grow up in an area surrounded by this and to grow up not even knowing any different. The rest of Burlington could take a lesson here.
When construction on Alton Village began, it arose beyond Burlington’s previous urban border; extending north of what anyone had considered before to be “town”.
 There is never any question as to where the Village starts – can’t say that for Headon or The Orchard now can you? Mention Alton Village to residents to the south of Highway 5, and quite often the only reaction you’ll get is a confused look and a slight tilt of the head, suggesting disdain. “Where?” will be a frequent response.
Sometimes, though thankfully rarely, the response will be that of a sneer, accompanied with the explanation that “Real Burlington” lies south of Dundas. Seriously? The implication that living in Alton is the equivalent of living on the wrong side of the tracks is ludicrous. People have invested their life savings, and they certainly deserve to feel like a part of the city they moved into.
 Nothing anywhere near something like this in any part of Burlington. Alton has charted new territory in the way neighbourhoods are developed. This set of buildings will house a Recreation Centre, a high school and a public library with a large series of parks right across the road. At one point, any given area was considered “New Burlington”, wasn’t it? Some old timers even have the backward (and very wrong) idea that anything north of New Street is not the “real Burlington”. What an odd thing to think, and an even odder thing to want to be true. If people truly wanted their small towns to stay excruciatingly small, then they should perhaps have chosen to buy their home a touch further away from the Golden Horseshoe…one of the most continuously and densely populated bands of civilization in North America…because, guess what? It’s going to grow.
Perhaps because these cynics are afraid (ashamed) of their inability to think ahead, they must instead redirect their fear (anger) and focus on the originally established town line instead. Isn’t this kind of thinking sort of…provincial? Can we not liken Alton to a family that grows in size? Are the original members the best? Or the only “real” family members? A city is like a growing family is it not? If it does not feel like one, well…it should.
This phenomenon is not unique to Burlington. Ask any Miltonian and they can easily pinpoint the boundaries and differences between “New Milton” and “Old Milton”. Probe a little further and some residents of the latter group will undoubtedly use the term “Real Milton”.
 Everything about Alton Village was going to be different. City council talked about modern, artistic looking bus shelters – how would this idea have fit into the community? The expansion of a city always comes with growing pains. But there is no need for division. We should all relish the fact that when our city grows, there is more for all of us to see and do. Consider the influx of tax money, (Alton is no stranger to the Burlington tax scale), and the jobs created by the construction, the plazas, and not to mention what’s yet to come on Palladium Way. The facilities and parks in Alton are shiny and new and are for everyone in Burlington to use.
You’d think that the problem might be that we all get a little shy and apprehensive with the new and the unknown. But I don’t think it is. Altonites are not the shy new guys. They are worldly, educated, and, unlike many original Burlington residents, have moved before and are accustomed to change. There is a boldness about these residents. They are tough and wise. They have a pioneering spirit, embrace newness and bring a fresh energy to the city. It’s the rest of Burlington that needs to get accustomed to Alton, not the other way around.
Alton Village wasn’t much of a force in the 2010 municipal election; it was a collection of moving trucks but it didn’t take them very long to figure out how things worked and when there were problems with properties along one of the creeks they were quick to learn how to resolve their problem.
 The Village has its own pub with entertainment that you don’t find “downtown” The residents of Alton know how things work. They are experienced; many of them have lived in a new community previous to this one. They know what to expect. They moved into an area where everything was built and planned just for them: the library, schools, gigantic parks, a community centre, stores, pubs and restaurants they can walk to, and soon many residents will be able to walk to work. They are even getting their very own LCBO. Aldershot doesn’t even have one of those…but then, is Aldershot a part of “real Burlington”? I have nothing against Aldershot. Just trying to make a point here.
It takes time for “neighbours to reach a sense of comfort; for the newcomers as well as for the long-time residents.
 A skate board park that is the envy of every part of the city. Burlington didn’t do things like this when they built Headon or The Orchard. Alton Village is getting a lot of goodies The residents of Alton do need time to embrace their new surroundings. Some may not even explore what their own city has to offer, but instead go back to their old stomping ground. They might not go to the Burlington pools or parks in the summer, but trek back to Milton or Mississauga for a dip. Perhaps instead of shopping in their new town, they will go back to the malls that they know; back to the familiar and the comfortable. As soon as we all embrace the fact that urban Burlington now reaches north to the 407, we will begin to become a single city with plenty to offer one another. There is no need for division…we just need to get to know and appreciate one another.
And we can then all work to ensure that the Burlington we all are – stops at the 407-Higway 5 boundary and that the rural lands are a vital part of our city.
Everyone deserves to feel like they belong. Especially when they are at home.
 Gordana Liddell is a writer. Her passion is travel. We were able to convince her to travel about the community that first got her to Burlington and to focus on where she and her husband decided to settle.
Liddell has written a five part series on the Alton Village. Part 1
 August 23, 2013
By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. Shortly after 9 p.m., YESTERDAY, a 31 yr old Waterdown man was operating his 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 600cc motorcycle northbound on Guelph Line, north of the QEW. He had a 31 yr old Burlington woman as a passenger.
For yet to be determined reasons, the motorcyclist lost control as he attempted to make a left turn onto westbound Mountainside Drive. This caused the motorcycle to flip onto its side and eject the riders.
A 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt being driven by a 42yr old Hamilton man made contact with the motorcycle and the rider in the intersection. It is unknown at this time if the Chevrolet contributed to the reason as to why the motorcyclist lost control. The Chevrolet driver was not injured and was released from the scene.
Both the motorcycle rider and his passenger suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. Due to the fatalities, the Collision Reconstruction Unit (C.R.U.) was called in and took carriage of the investigation.
Guelph Line was closed in both directions for approximately six hours while the C.R.U. conducted their At-Scene investigation.
Police will not be releasing the names of the decedents at this time.
Any witnesses to this collision are asked to contact the C.R.U. at 905.825.4747 ext.5065.
 August 22, 2013
By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. Retail store robberies usually take place at night when it is dark but a lone male suspect entered the Macy Mart variety store located at 437 Brock Avenue in the City of Burlington indicated he had a weapon and demanded cash.
No weapon was seen and after being given a quantity of cash the suspect fled the store and was last seen running out of the variety store on foot. No weapon was seen. The store employee was unharmed during the robbery. The time was approximately 4:50 p.m.
The suspect is described as follows:
Male, white, 5’6″ – 5’10’, thin/skinny build, 16-19 years old, dark hair with a red bandana covering his face, large dark sunglasses, baseball hat, wearing a light-colored “hoodie” with white drawstrings, white t-shirt, dark sneakers and black pants.
The male is presumed to be armed and members of the public should not approach this individual. Immediately call the Police and report his location.
Any person with information related to this investigation, the identity of the suspect are encouraged to contact the Three District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext 2316, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting ‘Tip201’ with your message to 274637(crimes).
 August 20, 2013
By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON. Stela is in town. She arrived late last night and slept in for a bit this morning. Later today she will begin unpacking and getting ready to meet people in her new home
 Stela having a nap at a truck yard in midtown Burlington You know what it’s like when you move to a new place and everyone in the new place knows you well, or they think they do, and they want to drop in and get caught up. You’re still living out of cardboard boxes and every member of the family wants to drop in. It gets a little hectic, all these people – they see themselves as members of your family – and want to tell you what you should do next. Jewish and Italians families do this sort of thing all the time – but truth to tell the WASPs are just as bad.
Anyway – you have to meet them and you do love everything you hear about the new city and you’re kind of excited.
So – what are you going to wear for this “grand entrance” into your new town?
 Stela has a good bottom to her. She’ll need it – she’s going to stand outside the Performing Arts Centre for a long time proudly showing off her jewely and her fine lines. Turns out Stela is quite a looker. Double D’s, or that’s what we’ve heard, but she isn’t showing very much right now. That Double D might be the name of the guy that’s transporting her around town.
When she gets set up at her new place the lower part of Stella will be covered up with some kind of skirting. Some thought was given to draping her with a tent but she is very tall and there was nothing large enough to cover all of her.
When you get to see her she will be wearing quite a bit of jewelry – she tends to overdo it a bit. Sometime she wears every piece of jewelry she owns.
Friends and family members will get to see her Sunday afternoon at a reception on the Plaza of the Performing Arts Centre
This is the way we saw the entrance of the Spiral Stela into the city.
The news spinners at city hall tell the story in their way.
People from across Burlington who contributed personal belongings to a public art piece are being asked to come to The Burlington Performing Arts Centre on Sunday, Aug. 25 to celebrate the installation of the sculpture they helped create.
Created by Canadian artist Peter Powning, Spiral Stela is a tall stainless steel sculpture wrapped with a bronze spiral made from imprints of local residents’ cherished items – a process Powning calls “cultural mulch.” More than 200 objects were submitted by residents and incorporated into the work.
 Above is the design sample submitted by Peter Powning. what Burlington will see Sunday afternoon will be quite a bit different. First the Spiral Stella will be to the left of the ramp leading into the Centre. The overall look will be the same but Burlington’s Stela will have more than 200 local artifacts cast in Bronze attached to the base of the structure where people can see and touch the work. The latest piece in the City of Burlington’s Public Art program will find its home at the corner of Locust and Elgin and the city wants you to come see and feel this truly public work. Spiral Stela, an obelisk-shaped sculpture by New Brunswick-based artist Peter Powning, will stand tall outside the Burlington Performing Arts Centre.
Keeping with the public spirit of public art, it was created with the help of Burlington residents this past winter. Powning used an interactive process he calls “cultural mulch” to construct bronze bands which will enrobe the structure – bands that were made from the tactile impressions formed by people’s heirlooms such as jewellery, keys, instruments, and tools, which they brought to Powning during public “casting sessions.” Powning then shipped the Burlington-made plaster impressions to his studio down east, where they were cast once more in bronze, and the 17-foot tall sculpture took its final shape.
The Burlington Public Art Program, is managed by CoBALT Connects, that oversaw the selection of a jury that chose the Spiral Stela from 119 designs submitted for this location from internationally acclaimed artists.
 August 20, 2013
By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. The city announced the winner of the sand castle contest – an event that drew more contestants than last year.
The event seems to attract families that burrow away in the sand with everyone either oiling sand or pouring water and warily watching what the other contestants are doing. There were 5 adults, 8 children, 9 families, and 3 youth contestants pre-registered this year:
 This developing artist was waiting for the rest of her team and ensuring that her plot would be easily found Gorgeous weather and a beautiful waterfront location brought tens of thousands of attendees out to the 22nd Annual Children’s Festival this past weekend. The city reports 6500+ people on the Beachway Saturday and just as many at Spencer Smith Park on Sunday.
Besides the locals doing their thing the city brings in “professional” sand castle builders who do their thing.
 This has the look of a production line – serious stuff and a lot of fun as well. Imagine families from different parts of the city competing against one another. Next years perhaps. Sandi ‘Castle’ Stirling and Nick Blandin, winners of several North American sand sculpting awards, and Sharon Nesbitt, People’s Choice winner from the 2010 competition, along with Raymond Poirier were doing really fun stuff. The four sculptors created their circus themed master pieces throughout the event.
In the Adult category the winners were:
1st prize adult Dale Andrews
2nd prize adult John Bowron
3rd prize adult Karen Barnes
In the Youth category the winners were:
1st prize youth Julia Barnes
2nd prize youth Michael Girard
3rd prize youth Jacob Pacaud
In the Child category the winners were:
1st prize child Bree MacDowell
2nd prize child Sarah Bowron
3rd prize child Kate Green-Johns
In the family category the winners were:
1st prize family Bowron Family
2nd prize family Pearson Family
3rd prize family Andrews Family
The People’s Choice Award went to Lauren Sawras
The Saturday’s festivities ended with a free movie – free event Madagascar 3.
 The Beachway part of the Children’s Festival isn’t just about sand castles. Face painting and demonstrations are a large part of the event as well. Here a young girl appears a little apprehensive while one book looks on with delight while the brother and sister give the process a quizzical look The Children’s Festival is a free annual event that takes place the third weekend August and spans The Waterfront at Downtown Burlington with beach fun on Saturday in Beachway Park and traditional family fun in Spencer Smith Park on Sunday. To be involved in next year’s festival, please contact the City of Burlington’s Event Office at festivalsandevents@burlington.ca You can reach them by telephone at: 905-335-7766.
 Part 1 of a 5 part series.
August 19, 2013
By Gordana Liddell
BURLINGTON, ON. Whenever I walk through a forest, I try and picture what it used to be like when only the indigenous people were here. I look for arrowheads, (never with any luck), and I always try and just take in the sounds and smells around me. Those things have not changed, so it must have sounded and smelled the same to them. The actual place is still the same place.
When it comes to Alton Village, walking through the neighbourhoods, with freshly paved sidewalks and nicely manicured lawns, cars drive by and the dogs are on leashes. I would wager a healthy bet that not too many people have ever wondered what this area was like pre-construction. One of the reasons being that many of us know what it was like. A big empty field, or former farmland. Nothing more and nothing less. Much like what we would see driving while along Dundas St west of town…for now, that is.
Well the truth is that Alton, like most places, does have a history.
 Even in their wildest imaginations – the Alton family would never have thought those farm fields would look like this – imagine the increase in value. Now, I really need to preface this article by stating that it was very difficult to put together the dates and names and to make perfect sense of the information that I found. Nearly every historian that I spoke with, every library book that I looked at, (yes…actual books. Google couldn’t get it done, but when doing research on pioneers it seems fitting to do stuff the old-fashioned way, wouldn’t you say?), the archives from the history room…nothing I found corresponded with anything else I found. Nevertheless, I will present to you the facts as I was best able to determine them.
Let’s begin with John Cleaver. The land that Alton Village sits on was originally owned by John Cleaver who, along with his wife Mary, arrived in Canada in 1805 from Pennsylvania. It’s unclear as to why they came to Canada but given the year, many resources come to the conclusion that it was quite possibly due to post American Revolution unrest.
In 1806, Nelson Township, (what most of us today call “Burlington”), held a land lottery and Mr. Cleaver drew the lot that Alton Village now rests on. He was awarded the 200 acres from the areas that are now called Dundas St. to Walker’s Line to No.1 Sideroad.
Subsequently, John Cleaver brought his bride to the area, and he built their matrimonial home; a log cabin, undoubtedly with a good threshold over which to carry her. (I think it was a requirement in those days. ) The Cleavers settled there and began their family. One of their daughters was named Charlotte and this is the girl who caught the eye of one Thomas Alton.
Thomas Alton was a young lad from the area of Appleby, in Westmoreland County, England. In fact, many of the original families in Nelson Township came from there. (For reference, this area is in the Northeast part of England, about 100 kms north of Manchester.) Thomas was born in 1795 and immigrated to Nelson Township in 1819. I did the math for you…he was 24. Like many of our grandparents, parents, or even our generation of immigrants, he came across the ocean with very little, only 75 English Pounds to his name. I can’t imagine what that amount translated into 200 years ago…but I would venture a guess that it was not a tremendous amount.
Now come all the different interpretations of young Thomas’ venture…
Thomas Alton settled in Nelson Township, where he rented out 40 acres of land for 4 years.
or…He bought land at the rate of 1 Pound per acre on the north side of the “Middle Road”, which is now the QEW, the second lot west of Appleby Line.
Or…He applied for a crown grant in which essentially, the crown, (the governing body), transfers ownership of the property of the piece of land, turning it from public to private property. In order to get a grant, and to keep it, certain conditions had to be met in order to receive the title. A specific amount of the land had to be cultivated, the applicant must live on the property, and a homestead had to be built on the property. He was first granted the land on the north side of the Middle Road, the second lot west of Appleby. He continued to farm it and acquire more land until he owned 1250 acres.
Then he met the lovely Charlotte. And in 1822, Thomas Alton married Charlotte Cleaver.
 The Altons built a house that has stood the test of time. The basic structure seen here still comes through loud and clear in the structure that stands on what is now called Settlement Court It is said that Mr. and Mrs. Alton “acquired” the land that is now Alton Village in 1830 from Charlotte’s father, John Cleaver. And they subsequently built a brick house, (which used to have a Dundas Street address, but now graces the modern-day street of Settlement Court). Different records show the brick house being built in 1837 as well as circa 1860. Let’s just say it was built in the mid 1800’s.
 Beautifully and faithfully restored – the Alton house is now tucked away in a part of the Alton village, And as the family grew in size over the years, so did the house, as well as the number of outbuildings on their farm including, a barn, garage and sheds.
Based on the different sources, all evidence seems to point to some of the same conclusions.
 Not a lot of pictures in the early days. The Alton-Cleaver marriage is said to have produced 16 children – might have been 17, one of whom was David who married Mary Ann Breckon on February 2, 1854 The one consistent thing that I did read about Thomas Alton was that he was a hard worker and an industrious man. Essentially, he came to the area, “got” some land north of the Middle Road, increased the land’s value and bought more, and he made it work.
So, at some point, we think that Thomas and Charlotte are living on their farm which is now Alton Village. (I say at some point because the years 1822 to 1830 remain unaccounted for). They had 16 kids, (some sources say 17), and that’s a whole lotta branches on the tree, but it wasn’t unusual for the time. One son was named Joseph. He married his bride Hannah, and this couple lived on the famed homestead from the 1850’s. The Alton descendants continued to live there well into the 20th century. Joseph and Hannah had a son named Thomas…was this the Thomas that is referred to; that the area and the street are named after? Did his granddaddy ever even live on this property? One source tells me that even this is uncertain. (If it means anything, I personally think Thomas Sr. did live there, as most evidence suggests so).
One of the most interesting stories I dug up was that the Alton homestead is part of a legend. In 1837, while William Lyon Mackenzie King was seeking refuge during the Upper Canada Rebellion, one of the homes to take him in was the Alton home. They helped to feed, clothe and hide him, and they disguised him and gave him horses so that he could keep right on going. The Alton and Cleaver men were said to have met up with a party of Tories in search of Mackenzie and they held them off at gunpoint and forced them off of their property. Mackenzie eventually made it to the American border and sought refuge there for a while.
 Frontier or not – they still had to eat and milk was a big staple in most diet – the cows just stood there while the woman milked them. The house as it stands today is clearly seen in the background. It may be the suburban suburbs now, but it really was quite the frontier land, complete with shootouts and outlaws.
Frontier it was, and it was very hard to get around. The area of Appleby, current day Alton Village, was pretty isolated, and the population was very sparse. Believe it or not, the best time of the year to get around was in the winter when the snow was packed hard and it made driving a carriage possible, otherwise the roads were very tough to drive on. Then, in 1847 (again, that year is a sketchy detail), the Great Western Railroad had reached the area. Now people had access to Niagara Falls, Hamilton, London, Windsor, all now because of the train. Things began to change then, as they tend to do when a train rolls through.
The land was eventually handed down, not to a family member, but to a beloved farm hand that went by the name of Richardson. When was it handed down and why to a farm hand? I don’t know. But I do know that the person who sold the land was not named Alton…or Cleaver.
Enter the development of modern-day Alton, starting with the catalyst which was highway 407.
 The Mike Harris government gave the province the 407 highway then sold it to an Italian firm who now have the ability to take your license away from you if there is a dispute over the payment of a toll road charge. On the upside – the highway did allow for the creation of the Alton Village we have today. The 407 was planned back in 1972, began construction in 1987 and opened in 1997 from the 410 to the 404. In 1998, the part of the 407 that borders Alton today, (the Winston Churchill to the 403 segment) was built. The land needed for this 407 extension was purchased from Mr. Richardson for $50 million.(Nice.)
And so it followed that when the 407 was built, the area between Dundas to the 407 was no longer a naturally rural area…and the urban border got moved north. So, in 2004, developers then bought up this remaining land form Mr. Richardson for $20 million. They got their permits, and in 2006, the development of our beloved Alton Village began.
Today that house, that one and a half story piece of history, sits atop its own little hill, right within our own subdivision, on the suitably named Settlement Court. It’s a living testament to our history and the fact that there is a story that preceded all of this construction.
It has been beautifully preserved and restored and in 2007 it was designated a heritage building. I was lucky enough to be invited into the home. The gracious owner showed me around and pointed out the numerous original elements, and it was obvious that painstaking care and hard work had been taken in order to preserve the integrity of the property. It is a museum within our neighbourhood.
I was told that between the years 2007-2009, Mattamy sold the house to an employee in his early 20’s. This man obviously knew what a gift it was and took great care to restore it, and in 2009 he sold it to the current owners. Luckily for all of us, both the previous as well as the current owners have treated the house in the special way that it deserves, also with a sense of obligation to its history.
Upon entering the home, I was struck by all of the beautiful wood. All of the original floors, trim and doors have been preserved beautifully. The rooms are currently being used as they were originally intended and it’s easy to let your imagination go and feel what life was like in this house so many years ago.
Once in the front door, you are standing in the hearth area, the dining room, which leads to the kitchen. From this one room, two staircases lead the way upstairs, originally one way for the family, and the other for the maids. Some details you would not see today are a field stone foundation, a cellar door with a trapdoor leading outside, 150 year old doors and hardware, a beautifully ornate doorbell, and a bell on top of the house. The architectural work on the outside of the house are period, such as the gable and the porch details, and help to make the house stand out in a subtle way. Oh…and there’s that triple sized lot with the creek running behind it…that stands out, too.
The owners were looking for a character home, and boy did they bag a good one. For both the interior and the exterior to be maintained in the period, and within that character, shows a great deal of caring. It blends in…somewhat…but it still stands out. It’s not that obvious at first glance, but when you drive by, that sideways facing house catches your attention.
The Cleaver-then-Alton homestead is an important historical gem to us. The property and the people who lived in it, played a significant role in the settlement of Nelson township, and subsequently, Alton Village.
The Cleaver’s also had a great deal to do with the history of this land. It was, after all, originally Cleaver land. Well, it was originally Aboriginal land, then crown land, then…well, that’s the type of argument that starts wars.
The fact is that when the original families immigrated to the area, they all had large families and, the sparse population being a factor, they intermarried. The Alton’s and the Cleaver families were both large, powerful and prominent. And they were both a part of Alton Village history.
Just as every person has a story, I believe that every place has a story.
The details of “who” and “when” remain unclear…mysterious even. Like a woman who doesn’t reveal everything about herself, including her age, there is a certain mystique about her…she “keeps them guessing”. The same holds true for the history of an area. Not knowing absolutely everything lends itself to infinite possibilities. It lets our imaginations add colour and our own details. It’s more interesting that way…because it keeps them guessing.
All the historical pictures are from the Burlington Historical Society digital archives.
 Gordana Liddell is a writer. Her passion is travel. We were able to convince her to travel about the community that first got her to Burlington and to focus on where she and her husband decided to settle.
 August 18, 2013
By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. Burlington’s Children Festival is a two-day event. The first at Beachway Park takes place at the water’s edge. The second day is at Spencer Smith Park and is a little more commercial and has dozens of activities for the little guys.
As we strolled around here is the picture we saw.
 It was Mommys and babies and Dads and kids – and sunscreen for this little guy.  These two knew what to do when they got tired.  This young lad was surprised when he made the bell on the sledge-hammer attraction actually ring.  Working off the energy on the treadmill.  There were lineups for some of the attractions – but they were free and the lines moved quickly and smoothly.  As they get a little older – they are ready for bigger challenges. This group works their way through a children’s obstacle course.
 August 19, 2013
By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. They have been holding the event every year for the past 20 years. It’s a two-day event, usually during the second half of August. One day on the Beachway Park where the sand castle contest was the big deal – as well as some impressive face painting.
 This little girl likes what she sees but the boy behind her isn’t so sure.  Beach tents were a new addition to the Festival. They were available for rental this year.  It was people, people, people – for almost as far as the eye could see along the Beachway.  Some people knew how to get in on the event and stay cool at the same time. Not sure how much reading got done..  These sand castle competitors were clearly a family effort.  Lots of plots for sand castle competitors – there didn’t seem to be as many this years as there were last. The city did make it possible for people to register on line for a space. Perhaps more promotion is needed.  Mom getting ready to pass the football. Day two was at Spencer Smith Park where there was dozens upon dozens of things for kids to do..
A family can get out for the day and spend less than $3 per child and have a healthy, full, fun day. The $3 gets the child an ice-cream.
The event is put on by the city’s Festivals and Events department and is actually a profit centre. The city looks for sponsors for everything – and for the most part they get the sponsorship they need.
It’s not a news story; it is a great picture-taking occasion. There are no speeches given. We didn’t see one single politician – but that doesn’t mean they weren’t there.
How many people showed up? Very hard to tell. Certainly in the thousands – perhaps as high as 4000 on the Sunday at Spencer Smith.
If you weren’t there – the pictures tell the story.
If you were there – are you in the picture.
Sunday at Spencer Smith was just as interesting and clearly as much fun for those who got out for the day.
 August 19, 2013
By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON. Stella is moving from New Brunswick to the corner of Locust and Elgin, perched on the edge of the plaza outside the Performing Arts Centre.
Stella is a beauty – her full name is Spiral Stella and she came out of Peter Powning’s studio in New Brunswick. Her pedigree? Pure Burlington – with several centuries of history all over her.
Spiral Stella is the most recent piece of public art set up in the city. This latest effort is the result of a generous donation from Dan Lawrie, a Burlington businessman who, besides being a successful insurance company owner is also an artist in his own right.
 Dan Lawrie, an artist in his own right and also collector sits with a piece of art that is part of his collection. It was the Lawrie donation that got the city to He approached the city and offered to donate $37,500 for a major piece of public art. The city went to Jeremy Freiburger, head honcho over at Cobalt Connects, its managing partner for the Public Art Program and he set up a volunteer committee that would judge the submissions that came in
And come in they did. There were 119 submissions from artists from across North America.
 Olympian Melanie Booth brought her medal to have an impression made and hopefully have it become part of the Spiral Stella sculpture. Jeremy Freiburger, on the right, the city’s managing partner for the Public Art Program, admires the medal. Trevor Copp, one of the members of the jury that chose Powning’s submission is beside Ms Booth. The committee narrowed the 119 down to five and asked the public for comment: more than 500 people responded and out of those comments came the decision to select Powning’s Spiral Stella.
Powning was not a newcomer to Burlington. He has five pieces of his work in the permanent collection at the Burlington Art Centre. Link to first stage
 Powning made impressions in artist’s clay which he took back to his studio in New Brunswick and made bronze castings that will be affixed to the Spiral Stella. Shown here is one of the early castings. See anything that you recognize?  Boy who just cannot keep his eyes off the work artist Peter Powning does as he makes impressions in clay – the first stage of the creation of the Spiral Stella that will sit outside the Performing Arts Centre. Powning uses artifacts that come from the community to tell its story. Hundreds trooped over to the Burlington Art Centre to have an impression made of their artifacts. No one knew exactly where there object was going to appear on the Spiral – Powning didn’t know either when he was making the impressions. What would go where was the creative part of the project. Next Sunday we will get to see what Powning decided to do.
It should be quite stunning.
 Work crew prepares the base for Peter Powning’s Spiral Stella that will arrive in town later this week and be unveiled on Sunday, Originally the sculpture was going to be to the north of the walkway leading into the Performing Arts Centre but besides being open to a street where a vehicle could run into it, the location was too close to an oil pipeline that runs underneath Elgin Street. The sculpture will not sit to the left of the walkway and be part of the Performing Arts plaza. Much better location for this art.
Burlington is clearly on a roll. The pier was successfully opened, the public loves the place and now we are going to see an exceptional piece of art in a location where thousands can see the work.
The last piece of public art the city put up was nice enough but it got plunked down in the middle of a high traffic road where care zoomed by as they slipped through a railway grade separation on Upper Middle Road.
Nice art, wrong location.
Stella will be in a great location.
 August 17, 2013.
By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON. The city, finally, put out a media release on the renting of the Paletta Mansion to a restaurant operation.
City Council approved the renting of the property after running advertisements looking for someone who could do something with a property that had all kinds of prestige but they couldn’t turn on a profit on the place. There was a time when the sales and rental numbers for Paletta were mixed in with the numbers for Geraldo’s at LaSalle Park. When one of the bean counters at city hall took the numbers apart – Paletta didn’t look very good.
 This could become the front entrance to an upscale, fine dining high end restaurant. Would the grounds still be available to the public? It looked so bad that the city decided to look for a professional operator to do something with the place. All the history and the fine restoration work were nice to look at but the space just wasn’t used enough and it was clear the city didn’t have the capacity to run it.
It took more than one Expression of Interest advertisement to bring in the kind of operator the city had hoped would come forward. But they did get a bite and this time there was something well worth reeling in. In a media release the city announced that it “will soon sign a contract with Radius restaurant group, a Hamilton-based company, which will become the service operator at the city’s historic Paletta Mansion starting in January 2014.
They appear to have attracted someone who has the experience and the reputation to make the site work as a very high-end, fine dining location.
The grounds are exceptional, the setting is picture perfect. There is all the parking that one can ask for. Look for valet parking once the place opens.
There hasn’t been a lot of detail available from the city on the lease agreement. City hall wasn’t prepared to release details until the fine print on the lease agreement had been worked out. The questions to be asked before the ink dries on the lease is: just what is being rented? Just the Mansion? The grounds surrounding it? The sweeping lawn south of the wide stone deck that give a great view of the lake?
Will the grounds become a private enclave? Birders will tell you that some of the best pictures they get are on the Paletta grounds.
Early attempt to reach the company that was going to lease the property proved futile. When we finally managed to get someone from the company on the phone – we got disconnected.
City council approved Radius after the city received four bids as part of a request for proposal process. They add that details “of the agreement will be made public once the contract is signed later this month.” The existing vendor will stay in place until December 2013. Until then, all bookings for Paletta Mansion will continue as usual.
Paletta Lakefront Park and Mansion is located on 14 acres of waterfront parkland. It offers community space, a lakeside park with walking trails, a beautifully restored heritage mansion and breathtaking views.
The mansion is used for corporate and public meetings, weddings and social functions. It is considered one of the finest representations of great estate homes designed and built in Burlington between 1912 and 1932.
The property at one time was actually owned by Laura Secord. There is nothing recorded that suggests she ever visited the property. Flipping land was apparently one of the ways to turn some cash back in those days.
There are some questions that need to be asked as the city wades into a deal with a new operator. The city didn’t provide any details when it announced the company it would lease the location to. Radius. When the tender for the pier was announced the city provided numbers.
Radius hasn’t been at all forthcoming with information.
The Mansion is a gem, the setting is superb and there is an opportunity to put a very high-end dining establishment in the buildings.
We will dig about a bit and see what else we can come up with.
 By Staff.
August 17, 2013
BURLINGTON, ON. It was a knock on the door that wasn’t welcomed but for police in the Integrated Drug, Gun and Gang Unit the raid at a house at 4319 Lakeshore Road, Burlington was well worth the effort.
 Police evidence taken from a LAkeshore home is set out for display. This wasn’t a small street level dealer. Police have moved up the food chain on this one. Found in the house, which was entered under the authority of a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant:
Approximately seven pounds of cannabis marihuana,
three ounces of cocaine,
110 grams of cannabis resin,
$4000 CDN funds,
Carl COLLETT (47 years of age) has been charged with the following offences;
Possession for the purpose of trafficking to wit: cocaine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Possession for the purpose of trafficking to wit: cannabis marihuana (exceeding three kilograms), contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Possession for the purpose of trafficking to wit: cannabis resin (not exceeding three kilograms), contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Production of a controlled substance to wit; cannabis resin, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Collett has been held for a bail hearing and will appear in court on August 17th 2013 in the City of Hamilton.
 By Staff
August 15, 2013
BURLINGTON, ON. It is usually the foot of Brant Street that has the high E.coli count but this weekend it is the Beachway Park that has the higher count.
During the summer months, the Regional Health Department monitors water quality at selected recreational beaches. Beaches are selected for testing based on their use for swimming and other water sports. Monitoring is done once a week or more if necessary.
 Beachway – the biggest waterfront beach in Burlington is reported to have a high E.coli count A pilot project is being undertaken at Beachway Park for the 2013 beach sampling season to examine potential factors influencing water quality. Therefore, Beachway Park will be sampled more frequently.
 Sign at foot of Brant Street: Not the clearest sign you’ll ever read – but the water has been tested. Swimmers are still advised to swim at their own risk. A beach is considered unsafe to swim if water tests show high amounts of E. coli bacteria. Conditions posted are based on samples taken from the previous day.
The posting of a not safe notice for the Beachway is really unfortunate – this is the weekend that the Beachway Park will be flooded with people – the Children’s Festival is taking place.
 By Staff
August 15, 2013
BURLINGTON, ON. Burlington’s Annual Children’s Festival, now celebrating its 20th year is a festival that’s all about kids having FREE fun – circus style!
This two day event takes place on the waterfront with Day 1 focused on the Beachway Park and Day 2 focused on Spencer Smith Park.
 Lots that were registered are marked out – waiting for keen competitors to show up. The Sand Castle competition is one of the most popular events. So popular that the city put together a process that allows people to reserve a space to build their sand castles. For years families have been gather along the Beachway and building their castle – with a keen eye on what their neighbours were doing.
This competition fills up fast! Great prizes in all four categories including a sandcastle trophy and participation gifts for child and family categories! Pre-register to compete as only pre-registered entrants are guaranteed a spot. Those interested in participating on event day are first come, first served and spaces are limited.
 This was a family event and these people were serious competitors. Close out Day 1 by returning to the Beachway with your lawn chair and blankets and take part in the outdoor screening of a circus movie! Cozy up afterwards in front of a 25 ft. outdoor screen on the beach. Movie starts at 8:30 p.m!
The Day 1 schedule:
 Vote for your favourite creation in the People’s Choice Award. Judging begins at 4 p.m followed by an award ceremony on the beach at 5 p.m.
Day 2 schedule:
 Day 2 takes place at Spender Smith Park where it is usually packed – but great fun. Starts at 10:00 am end at 6 p.m. The park will be overrun by circus performers and animals, themed around circus fun. Children will enjoy great activities: Live Entertainment; Play Zones; Circus Inflatables; Character Meet & Greet; Themed Shows and a Kids’ Marketplace.
 By Pepper Parr
August 15, 2013.
BURLINGTON, ON. Two people had a chat one evening. It came about when one of the two telephoned the other. One of the two was as far right on the political spectrum as Attila the Hun while the other was on the left side of the political spectrum – sort of where Tommy Douglas stood.
The lefty didn’t have a clue as to why the right-winger wanted to meet – and knew even less when the meeting was over.
Sometime after that a woman of a certain age was having a friendly drink in an Elizabeth Street establishment and happened upon a man who was quite well into his cups and informed the woman of a certain age that the Conservatives in this city were going to put up a slate of candidates that would fix things at city hall.
 Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward. Unbeatable? Some Tory’s seem to think so. The well-informed individual did admit that there would be problems with Ward 2 where Marianne Meed Ward could probably not be beaten but he was confident that the Tories were in for life in Ward 6 where they believed Blair Lancaster could not be beaten.
 Miss Photo Op – never misses a camera opportunity – but then so do most of the other Council members. Councillor Blair Lancaster in the center with Burlington Olympians in red. Ms Lancaster husband is on the far left. The lady of a certain age asked why, given the dis-satisfaction expressed by many of the north Burlington residents, they felt the Beauty Queen could not be beaten? “She was Miss Canada in 1970 you know” was the response. That tiara may have something to do with Lancaster’s 2010 win – but, truth be told she won by 125 votes against a candidate who didn’t live in the ward. If Phil Buck, who shouldn’t have been in the race to begin with, were not on the ballot Mark Carr would be the council member for Ward 6. Carr by the way will not run in 2014.
So where is this Tory sweep going to come from?
Is there a Tory in Ward 1 that can beat Craven?
Can anyone beat Taylor in Ward 3?
There is a very credible candidate in the wings who will run in ward 4 – don’t expect Dennison to run again.
 Is Paul Sharman safe in Ward 5? Is he a Tory – and if he is, do the Tory’s want him? They didn’t want Brian Heagle provincially.
Is the Mayor vulnerable? Is there anyone on the horizon that could come in out of the cold and beat Rick Goldring? It certainly isn’t going to be Carol D’Amelio. Philip Papadopoulos might find he has money he doesn’t need and mount yet another mayoralty campaign.
Perhaps the man in his cups, who has served as President of Burlington Conservative riding associations in the past, was engaged in wishful thinking. Or is there really a cabal out there wanting to fix city hall?
 By Ray Rivers.
August 15th, 2013
BURLINGTON, ON. Still in the news and not going away. Senator Wallin blew all the goodwill she earned from her interview with Mansbridge when she jumped to the microphones to preempt the formal release of her expenses audit. She claimed the audit was flawed and unfair, but then announced that she is going to pay what they have assessed anyway. So if it was flawed, why pay it?
 Her file has now been forwarded to the RCMP along with fellow Conservative senators Patrick Brazeau and Mike Duffy. And then there is a Liberal, Mac Harb, who is sitting with a huge repayable expenses bill to his name. Harb apparently claimed a permanent residence which was uninhabitable – without water and under construction.
Oh, and Harb also accepted loans from a numbered company doing big business with the feds – something he must have known to be a no-no.
 Senator Mac Harb – thinking it over? Mac Harb, was a good loyal Chretien trooper, an Ottawa MP, whose reward for service was a Senate seat. He has a web page that lays out the things he is fighting for. He is apparently engaged in some laudable activities but where does he get his mandate? Are these activities official Senate business or just his pet peeves?
When Stephen Harper was elected in 2006 he swore not to appoint any senators until the Senate was reformed. Of course he did. Then in December 2008, when it looked like the NDP and Liberals were forming a coalition to take over government, Harper panicked, prorogued Parliament and decided to stack the Senate. He appointed 18, the most ever named on a single day. Wallin and Duffy were among the appointments that day. It is pretty clear their roles were to support the PM and the Conservative party, doing what both parties had been doing for years.
The NDP has never been in power or they too would have stacked the Senate with supporters. Instead, they sit on the side lines and complain about the unfairness of it all. And they are right! They point out that senators have no constituents, few responsibilities and no serious job description. They are only required to pop-in to the Red Chamber occasionally to show they are still breathing and pick up their pay and expenses cheques. For the most part they do politics, sit on corporate boards or live la vida loca.
Wouldn’t we all like a job like that? Do we remember former Liberal Senator Andrew Thompson? Now there was someone with an original perspective on his job. Vacation in Mexico and show up in Ottawa for a total of two weeks in seven years. You could just see him sauntering up to the Red Chamber on his burro and clearing the cobwebs from his Senate seat with his poncho.
 Mike Duffy, toasting – on the public’s dime? Not all senators are this delinquent, of course, but many are totally embedded in their party’s politics. For example, Liberal David Smith has co-chaired national political campaigns and Wallin and Duffy were clearly appointed as fundraisers. Which explains all those partisan political expenses rejected by the independent auditors for that pair. Let’s get this straight, we are willingly paying senators over $130,000 a year so they can work for their political party as volunteers.
 Senator Brazeau, being escorted from the Parliament buildings. Brazeau, is another case. He had been arrested on a domestic matter and is also under investigation for his expenses claims by the RCMP – not your upstanding public official. Even so, he is unlikely to lose his seat unless he goes to prison. In which case he will have another 37 years left to draw pay as senator, earning $5 million in salary over that time, plus travel and living expenses – and his pension.
The Conservatives and Liberals don’t want to get rid of the Senate. They’ll tell you how we need this, so-called, Chamber of Sober Second Thought. But the evidence is in. It is just a place to reward the politically faithful with a patronage appointment and give them a salary while they do their party’s bidding.
 Ray Rivers was born in Ontario; earned an economics degree at the University of Western Ontario. He taught in New Zealand and earned a Master’s degree in economics at the University of Ottawa. His 25 year stint with the federal government included time with Environment, Fisheries and Oceans, Agriculture and the Post office. Rivers left the federal government to consult for private sector and government clients. He completed his first historical novel The End of September in 2012; a story about what might have happened had Quebecers voted for sovereignty association in the 1980 referendum. Rivers is active with ratepayers groups, a food bank, environmental organizations, community journalism and policing. He has run for municipal and provincial government offices and held executive positions with Liberal Party riding associations. He developed the current policy process for the Ontario Liberal Party.
 By Staff.
BURLINGTON, ON. August 14, 2013.
Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation inched itself a little closer to their $60 million goal to complete the redevelopment and expansion of the hospital.
The Burlington Lions Club has committed $75,000 over the next 5 years towards getting the job done.
Burlington was told by the provincial government that it has to come up with $120 million of the $300 million + it will cost to upgrade the hospital. The project is the first major upgrade to our hospital in over 40 years.
The city took on half of the $120 million – that part is shown on your tax bill. The rest has to be raised by subscriptions from the community.
 Burlington Lions showing their support for the redevelopment and expansion of the Joseph Brant Hospital – $75,000 over five years. First installment ready for deposit. The Burlington Lions Club is one of over 45,000 Lions Clubs throughout the world. All clubs are members of Lions Club International, a non-profit organization made up of men and woman who volunteer their time for fundraising activities to benefit their communities. Chartered as the Lions Club of Burlington on April 27th, 1925, the group is currently known as the Burlington Lions Club; a group of passionate service people, 36 members strong.
The Burlington Mall Farmers Market, operated by Burlington Lions Club members began in 1960. The Market is open from May to October, Wednesdays (8am-2pm), Fridays (8am-4pm) and Saturdays (8am-2pm). The vendors carry a variety of locally grown fresh produce, baked goods, meats, cheese, eggs even some small craft items. Shopping at the Farmer’s Market lets you get fresh food and support your community at the same time.
 When completed, the hospital will take on the look and feel of a campus with its entrance re-oriented to LAkeshore Road. The first phase is the construction of the new McMaster Family Medicine facility that will bring 10 new family practitioners to the city. Three levels of parking will be built above the medical offices. Anissa Hilborn, JBHF President explained that the hospital foundations “ partnership with the Burlington Lions Club is an excellent example of how Community members and organizations can engage and contribute to our Hospital’s fundraising goals. The Burlington Lions Club holds an excellent weekly Community event, and has shown their passion and philanthropic commitment by donating funds back to our Community.”
|
|
