By Staff
May 14th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
When left to following the rules most Burlingtonians comply.
A Gazette reporter/photographer got out into the parks and the waterfront – things were quieter, people were following the rules – getting the exercise and fresh air they needed,
The pictures tell the story.
 Ships at anchor while a couple test the waters for fish. There were actually three ships at anchor – unusual for Hamilton.
 The little guy wasn’t exactly sure what he wanted to do despite a lot of coaxing from Dad; the other two new exactly what they wanted to do,

 Looks like this man is working on his tan and doing a crossword puzzle. Great social distancing.
 Mom just wants to know why the camera is pointed at her.
 Very few people on the Beach on a Thursday – it will be different on a weekend that is forecast to have great weather.
By Staff
May 14th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 Boat from the Regional Police Marine unit were cruising the waters opposite the Beachway.
While Halton Regional Police Chief Tanner may have said his people would not be involved in crowd issues in Burlington there was one of the boats from the Marine fleet patrolling the waters off the Beachway on Thursday.
Those boats do not patrol on a regular basis – someone told them to be out there. Watch for them on the weekend. We might see a much needed shift in police involvement.
The boat didn’t come in very close – but the Officer was on deck with binoculars.
By Staff
May 12th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The parks were closed by the province; then they were opened when the province realized the closing was a dumb decision.
 This boy just wants to play and that yellow tape is in the way.
But not all the parks are open and that is a concern for an Aldershot parent who lives in the Georgian Court community where the park put in place and maintained by the housing company is closed.
 Mayors says: Go ahead and use the park. It wasn’t a public park.
Her unit looks right out over the park and her son just does not understand why he can’t be outside playing.
Nor does his Mom who is a stay at home parent and asked not to be personally identified.
She is part of a group of parents who are all stay-at-home mothers and do everything they can to keep their children active and outdoors as much as possible.
In Burlington when you have a problem – you call the Mayor, who explained to our parent that indeed the parks are open.
 Georgian Court Management explains their position – which isn’t the same as that of the Mayor. Problem is they are talking about different kinds of parks.
Some miscommunication in there somewhere – the Office of the Mayor didn’t understand that the park that had been closed was not a city park.
Our parent didn’t know who her ward councillor was. We’ve put the two of them together to see if someone can explain to the community when the private community park can be opened.
By Staff
May 11th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Mayors of the four Region of Halton and the Chair of the Region reiterate their call to safely reopen outdoor activities
As the Province of Ontario considers extending the Stay-at-Home emergency order beyond May 20, today, Halton’s Mayors and Regional Chair are reiterating our call to safely reopen outdoor activities.
Outdoor activities done safely with physical distancing and masking are a necessary support to physical and mental health, especially during this prolonged period of lockdown. Guidance provided by the COVID-19 Science Advisory Table for Ontario, that has also been endorsed by the Ontario Medical Association, encourages safe outdoor activities. •
Keeping people safely connected: Maintaining social connections and outdoor activity are important to our overall physical and mental health. This means allowing small groups of people from different households to meet outside with masking and two-metre distancing.
It means keeping playgrounds open and clearly encouraging safe outdoor activities. As noted by the Science Table: “Policies that discourage safe outdoor activity will not control COVID-19 and will disproportionately harm children and those who do not have access to their own greenspace, especially those living in crowded conditions.”
While the Halton Mayors and Regional Chair continue to discourage large gatherings in any setting, small groups can be at the same amenity at the same time as long as they are following the health guidelines. We also stand with our Halton students who are calling for a safe return to sports when health guidance and evidence suggests it is safe to do so.
The Halton District School Board’s (HDSB) Student Senate recently passed a motion declaring sports essential in students’ lives and created a Safe Sports subcommittee, co-chaired by two Halton students. The committee seeks to work with the Province to develop a plan for the safe return of sports, beginning with low-contact sports such as track and field, tennis, badminton, and swimming.
Given that many sporting activities occur in city facilities, the four Halton municipalities stand ready to partner with the Province, school boards and our local fitness providers in planning for a safe restart of sports.
In light of the evidence and advice from the Science Table, we renew our call to the Province to review and reconsider the list of currently prohibited outdoor activities. We further call on the provincial government to consult with school boards and our youth to design a safe return to sports plan, so that low-contact sports can resume as soon as it is safe to do so.
Halton Regional Chair, Gary Carr; Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, City of Burlington; Mayor Rob Burton, Town of Oakville; Mayor Gordon Krantz, Town of Milton; Mayor Rick Bonnette, Town of Halton Hills
By Staff
May 10th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
On Wednesday, May 12, Halton Region will open a new COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at Gary Allan Learning Centre at 3250 New Street in Burlington.
Lots of parking space
Starting today, eligible residents can book to their vaccination appointments at the new location through Halton’s online booking system.To book an appointment CLICK HERE.
“Based on expected supply, Halton Region is pleased to offer more options for residents to get their COVID-19 vaccine,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “We are making great progress on vaccinating our community, but our ability to open appointments to more eligible groups and expand vaccination options remains dependent on ongoing and predictable supplies from both the Provincial and Federal governments.
In addition to our new Burlington clinic, we also have capacity in our current clinics to significantly increase what we are doing now – we are ready to get more people vaccinated as we receive more vaccines from the Federal and Provincial governments.”
Halton Region now has seven COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics across the region, operating seven days a week. In addition to opening the new Burlington location, clinic hours will be extended into the evening at the FirstOntario Arts Centre location in Milton starting May 18. This will provide more options for residents to book their vaccination appointments at a time most convenient for their schedules. Residents are reminded that all appointments must be made through Halton’s online booking system and walk-ins will not be accepted.
“Getting more people vaccinated each and every day will help us get closer to achieving community protection,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. “I encourage everyone to book their appointments when it’s their turn. The best vaccine for you is the first one you are offered and the more people we are able to vaccinate each and every day, the closer we can get to returning to normal.”
Halton Region Public Health is reminding all residents to continue to adhere to public health measures, regadless of vaccination status. This includes staying home as much possible, only going out for essential reasons and only gathering indoors or outdoors with their households. When out in public for essential reasons (getting groceries or medicine, attending medical appointments or work) or enjoying outdoor activities, residents are reminded to wear a mask and keep a two-metre distance from anyone outside their households.
By Pepper Parr
May 10TH, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Part two of a two part article.
Chief of Police Stephen Tanner met with city council virtually last week – covered the full spectrum of what they do for the municipalities in Halton .
 Chief Tanner in conversation virtually with Council.
In 2020 there were 44,675 calls for service to the police; impaired driving charges increased by 100% during part of 2020 when bars and restaurants were closed.
Police officers now have much more in the way of personal devices that help get the job done. He said he expects that in the not too distant future they will be able to finger print a person on the spot and be able to access RCMP and Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) data banks. Chief Tanner certainly liked it.
In the past the police used to transport 300 to 400 individuals who were in custody to court hearings. The advent of virtual hearing via Zoom has basically ended the need for that service.
During the question and answer part of the meeting the Chief mentioned that there was going to be an additional court house operation somewhere on the South Service Road, he paused and wondered aloud if he was supposed to be making those plans public.
The comment that caught people by surprise was word that the police were not going to be involved in the public patrolling of parks and other places where large numbers of people gather.
A comment made at council meeting last week that a city staff member had been involved in an incident that put her personal safety at risk brought the approach the Chief had suggested into question.
If the police cannot be called upon when there are public safety issues who do municipal administrations turn to?
During the council meeting mention was made of the mounted patrol Toronto has and the appearances they make in parks. Burlington doesn’t have mounted police officers but there are a lot of bicycles that could be used.
 Tickets handed out by police do not result in positive relationships.
Media were not able to learn who the staff person was and just what had happened; only that the Spencer Smith Park Ambassador program was on hold until the there is more information.
During the virtual session with the police Chief Tanner talked about the police relationship with the city. Mention was made of the number of tickets that were handed out by police – did not result in positive relationships.
Expect there to be discussions about the quality of the relationship with the police and the matter of public safety.
Part 1 of a two part article
By Staff
May 8th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario government, in partnership with the federal government and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, has launched the COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative for small and medium-sized businesses across the province.
The COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative will provide free rapid antigen tests for employees of small and medium-sized businesses through participating local chambers of commerce and other organizations. The program will screen for asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 in the workplace that might otherwise be missed, helping to keep workers and their families safe and businesses open.
More than 760,000 rapid test kits have already shipped to 28 chambers and more than 50 others have expressed interest in participating.
 Rapid testing kit – Non-chamber members with 150 employees or less are welcome to participate in the initiative.
“With the success of the StaySafe Rapid Testing Pilot in Waterloo Region, expanding rapid testing to small and medium-sized businesses across the province will help keep people working and safe,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
“Adding rapid antigen testing to the arsenal of protections for small and medium-sized businesses, especially in regions with hot spots, is one more important step towards keeping businesses open and economic recovery.”
“The rollout of the COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative through local chambers of commerce will make rapid tests accessible for more employees of small and medium-sized businesses,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction. “This initiative is providing Ontario’s hardworking business owners with more tools to prevent outbreaks and will ensure their employees can stay on the job with the best protection possible.”
“Our government’s top priority is protecting the health and safety of all Ontarians. As we continue to vaccinate more Ontarians, testing remains a key component of Ontario’s pandemic response,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
“By supporting the use of rapid antigen tests by more businesses, our government is helping to provide an additional layer of protection for workers and their families.”
Ontario has already begun delivering rapid testing kits through the Provincial Antigen Screening Program to workplaces for asymptomatic staff in key sectors such as manufacturing, warehousing, the supply chain, mining, construction and food processing. As of April 30, about 7.6 million rapid antigen tests had been sent through the program to nearly 1,500 workplaces.
This includes nearly 200 essential industry sites, most of them in hot spot areas.
The COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative builds upon the success of this existing program and delivers tests into the hands of small and medium-sized businesses across the province.
 Simple finger prick – with results in 15 minutes,
Making COVID-19 rapid tests accessible to all small and medium-sized businesses is part of a greater strategy to decrease the impact of COVID-19 on the people of Ontario and the economy. This includes stay-at-home measures, paid sick days, education campaigns on how to stay safe, significant testing and tracing capacity, and a robust vaccination distribution plan to make sure that every Ontarian who wants to be vaccinated will be vaccinated.
Quick Facts
• To contact participating local chambers of commerce and boards of trade about the COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative, visit the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
• Non-chamber members with 150 employees or less are welcome to participate in the initiative.
• The COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative applies to businesses allowed to be open under current orders.
• The StaySafe COVID-19 Rapid Screening Pilot program in Waterloo Region is a collaboration among the Government of Ontario, Health Canada, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and participating member chambers, and Communitech.
• There are more ways for organizations to easily find out how to access rapid antigen tests. Visit ontario.ca/testingonsite to find out more.
• A COVID-19 rapid screening test can be performed anywhere (e.g., on-site, at the place of employment) and does not require shipping a specimen to a lab for processing. It takes about 15 minutes to yield a result.
• Rapid antigen point-of-care testing does not replace public health measures, such as symptom screening, physical distancing, masking and hand hygiene. Any positive results from a rapid antigen point-of-care test must be confirmed with laboratory-based chain reaction (PCR) testing.
• Employees can self-swab using a COVID-19 rapid test under the supervision of a trained employee or business owner.
• Frequent screening with rapid antigen tests increases the chances of early identification of cases in otherwise asymptomatic individuals.
• Organizations participating in the Provincial Antigen Screening Program can now search for a service provider offering point-of-care rapid testing services through a directory on the Ontario Together website. Service providers offering point-of-care COVID-19 testing services can also apply to be listed.
• Ontario has also released guidance for individuals or organizations that choose to participate in COVID-19 testing that falls outside of the public health care system, to ensure there is appropriate oversight and consumer protection and that public resources are supporting public health initiatives.
By Staff
May 7th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
As of Thursday, May 6, 2021, 218,614 doses have been administered in Halton to priority populations identified by the Province.
This represents about 42 per cent of Halton’s population who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The vaccination status dashboard on the Region’s web site – www.halton.ca/COVIDvaccines – is updated Monday to Friday between 12 and 2 p.m.
Information on eligible residents and appointment dates is set out below.

By Eric Vandewall
May 6th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
This week, I would like to offer a message of hope in these uncertain times, and a call for kindness and compassion.
These past 14 months have been incredibly difficult for everyone. The long, difficult road we have all travelled has transformed our lives in ways we could ever imagine.
 JBH President Eric Vandewall
Without question, we have all made difficult sacrifices, from in-person connections suddenly ending, sports and activities cancelled indefinitely, and having to adjust to new health and safety provisions intended to protect us. So much anxiety comes from not knowing if the worst is yet to come, or when we will be able to put this pandemic behind us. Those feelings and experiences can have a significant impact on our health and wellbeing.
This week is Mental Health Week. Now, more than ever, please check in on each other and take some time to reflect on your own mental health. A kind gesture goes a long way in making someone’s day better. Let other people know that you are thinking about them, send them a reassuring message, and use kind and inclusive language. Also, know that it is OK not to be OK. If you are struggling, it is vital to open up to someone who you trust or seek out mental health supports available, including virtual supports.
Finally, I would like to offer some hope. Over the past few days, there has been a slight downward trend in not only the number of daily new COVID-19 cases but also in daily COVID-19 critical care hospitalization occupancy rates. While this is early positive news for all of us, and in particular, for our amazing staff and physicians at the hospital, please remember that hospitals in many parts of the province remain under considerable stress. Halton Region continues to see the highest number of cases now since the beginning of the pandemic.
The situation remains precarious, yet hopeful. In terms of our hospital’s capacity, today JBH is at 83% capacity. We are currently caring for 17 patients with confirmed COVID-19 as well as presumed and resolved cases – 12 of the confirmed COVID-19 patients are in Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The most important thing we can all do to continue to drive daily case numbers down, is to continue to follow public health measures, follow the lockdown guidelines, and get your COVID- 19 vaccination when it’s your turn. I ask you to continue to wash your hands, wear a mask and maintain physical distance.
Together, we will get through this. The road behind us has been a long one, and I can promise you that with your help, we will all cross the finish line together.
By Pepper Parr
May 6th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Council went into a Closed Session yesterday on six different items; one of which related to a person (believed to be a staff member) who could be named- thus the need for privacy.
There are reports that a city employee was harassed, or injured while doing their job.
There is basically no information but the city has suspended its Park Ambassador program.
Someone was hurt.
Staff put forward all kinds of information on city policy related to workplace violence.

Earlier today Regional Police Chief Tanner told council during a virtual delegation that the police would not be getting involved in matters relating to how people in the parks behaved.
Everyone was walking away from the issue and saying that it was going to be up to the public to be cautious and tell the bylaw people that they saw a problem y calling the Covid hot line that few people even know exists.
The number is 905-825-4722: write it on the palm of your hand or the cuff of your shirt because things are getting nasty out there.
The best the city seems to be able to do is issue a communication to the public.
 Amber Rushton
Amber Rushton, a city staff member that Tim Commisso once said he could not do without, provided some data that normally comes from the Public Health Unit. She has commented in the past on her difficulties with them.
Rushton was providing data on the damage and the impact the Covid variants were having on the transmission and level of infections.
The last line of the statement she read out is truly troubling: “Mental health tribulations, civil unrest, anti-government movements, social isolation strains = short term crisis + Long Term Community Recovery.”
In my experience as a reporter I have never heard a civil servant make a statement like that in public. I bounced that off people who have deep civil service experience – their experience was the same. Rushton was not wrong; however the solution to the issues she highlighted are not better public communication.

 Denise Beard: in the seven years we have covered Ms Beard and her work at city hall we have never seen her as concerned and disturbed as she was today.
Denise Beard, one of the Parks and Recreation managers said “there was a violent incident that came up in the Closed session of Council” that took place yesterday.
A bylaw department staffer said that “no one thought this would happen – there is a lot of animosity out there”
When the idea of creating the Park Ambassadors positions someone said they were going to be on site to help people enjoy a “Disney like experience”.
Ward 2 Councilor Lisa Kearns said the public needs to be warned about what not to expect in the parks and asked “why is nothing being done about the way people are congregating in the parks. This is getting dangerous.”
 Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte
Councillor Stolte wanted to know: “How do we communicate this to the public adding that “we need to land a message that explains what we can and what we cannot do to protect the public.”
It is going to take more than more signs – a change in public behavior is what city hall is asking for.
City manager Tim Commisso added that “that’s the crux of what we face” adding “the public is not aware” and that this is another opportunity to look at our communication plans.
Kwab Ako-Adjei, Director of Communications for the city said his people are working with the bylaw staff on a communications plan adding that there would be massive blow back from the public.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward told council that she had a meeting with police and bylaw people and met with the communications people to develop some initial material for members of Council and their staff.
The solution seems to be that the onus is for individuals to follow the guidelines – which at this point is to Stay at Home – that rule is in place until May 20th.
This is an important story. It impacts everyone who lives in Burlington and gets out to enjoy the parks and get some fresh air. When a staff member with significant field experience uses words like “Civil unrest, anti-government movements” and points out that “short term crises” = Long Term Community Recovery we need to pay close atention
Unfortunately not everyone in Burlington reads the Gazette – would you make a point of sharing this story with ten people in the city you know. The message is critical – we are in serious trouble.
By Staff
May 6th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
City Council approved the 2021 Tax Levy Bylaw at its meeting on May 5, 2021.
The bylaw allows the City to bill 2021 property taxes and set payment due dates for final tax bills on June 22 and Sept. 22, 2021. Final tax bills will be mailed in late May.
The 2021 Tax Levy Bylaw reflects the budget processes of both the City and Halton Region. The province provides the education tax rates.
 City of Burlington 2020 and 2021 Urban Residential Property Taxes per $100,000 Current Value Assessment (CVA)
COVID-19 Property Tax Relief
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic impact, on March 3, 2021 Burlington City Council approved a 2021 COVID-19 Property Tax Deferral Payment Plan program. The application-based program provides relief to residents and businesses that continue to face financial hardship due to the pandemic.
Eligible property owners who are unable to pay property taxes by the regularly scheduled tax due dates can apply to defer taxes under a pre-authorized payment plan. Those eligible may include unpaid balances from March 1, 2020 onward in the deferral plan and can choose which month they would like to start the monthly payments. The remaining options for start dates are June 1, or July 1. Equal monthly withdrawals will be made that will allow for the property taxes to be paid in full by Dec. 1, 2021.
Property owners enrolled in this payment plan will not be subject to penalty and interest charges as long as payments are made.
Please visit Burlington.ca/property tax for more information or email pap@burlington.ca to register.
Quick Facts
• The City of Burlington collects property taxes for the city, Halton Region and the Halton district school boards. The total combined tax levy for all three entities is approximately $439 million.
The city’s levy is $182 million; the city collects $141 million on behalf of Halton Region; and $116 million on behalf of the Halton district school boards. The taxes levied for Halton Region and the Halton district school boards are remitted to them.
• Burlington City Council approved an increase to the Low-Income Seniors Property Tax Rebate. For eligible property owners, the rebate has increased from $525 to $550 for the 2021 tax year.
By Pepper Parr
May 4th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Have the people at Parks and Recreation taken dancing lessons?
 We should know by next weekend if the signs are going to make a difference
They have had to pivot on almost every project they have on the go.
 The sign is certainly in the right place.
When the Gazette reported that there were large numbers of people gathering inappropriately we mentioned that there were no signs in place.
We reported that story on Monday (it did great things for our readership) – this afternoon we got a response from Chris Glenn who sent us three pictures of signs that are in place in the park.
Chris Glenn reported: “The signage is in place at SSP and other locations. Included a couple examples below.
The park ambassadors and other compliance monitoring / enforcement options are being discussed with council this week, primarily at the EICS meeting under the COVID verbal update. Will know more after this discussion.”
They are scrambling but they are on top of it. Realize that much of the communication between staff members is by cell phone from their homes.
 The message is certainly clear enough. Add a couple of bylaw control officer ans the small crowds will disappear.
By Pepper Parr
May 4th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a last minute motion put on the agenda by Councillors Stolte and Kearns. The wanted it know that it was a joint motion in response to the number of people who were outside walking the streets and getting needed exercise and fresh air.
The motion read:
Direct the Executive Director of Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility and the Director of Transportation Services to explore options to increase the ability for physical distancing and safe passage in response to Covid-19 for the area of Brant Street (Caroline Street to Lakeshore Road) for Saturdays and Sundays, from July 3 – September 5, 2021 with a recommendation and report back to the June 8, 2021 Community Planning Regulation and Mobility Committee.
 The two of them cooked up their motion; asking council to waive the rules and have it heard immediately.
Reason:
Community feedback has been significant in response to overcrowding on Brant Street downtown sidewalks south of Caroline Street to Lakeshore Road due to increased local resident use, outdoor retail/curbside queueing, and flow through of Spencer Smith Park users.
Options should be an interim response to public health concerns directly related to the ongoing relevance of Covid-19 community transmissions. Options are intended to manage physical distancing requirements in response to observed increases of non-vehicular usage of the City’s municipal assets. Under no circumstances should any modified use be an invitation to congregate in the expanded space. For further clarity, there will be no advertisement, event coordination, sponsorship opportunities or promotional efforts made to draw crowds.
Whatever Staff have to say will be heard at Council on My 18th.
Related news story:
By Pepper Parr
May 4th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 Signs appear everywhere in the supermarket. The private sector gets the message – why isn’t city hall getting the message?
When I walk into the Fortinos on Guelph Line I am met with a small cluster of signs telling me that I need to keep a six foot distance between other people in the store.
When I walk into the Fortinos in Hamilton at McNabb and Main, there is a young man asking me if I have experienced any Covid19 symptoms – when I say no – he directs me to the hand sanitizer to get a squirt.
For the hundreds of people who were in Spencer Smith Park on the weekend – there apparently wasn’t a single sign nor were there any visible bylaw enforcement people on hand.
What happened to the Parks and Recreation plan to have Ambassadors on hand, they would be traveling in pairs, to explain the rules and to “educate” people, for, if the signs we are seeing on people’s lawns is any indication, there is a lot of educating to be done.
City council will be meeting today – and if they stay true to past practices there will be comments from the Mayor on how necessary it is for people to Stay at Home.
People don’t want to stay at home and it would appear that they don’t want to listen anymore either.
Would it be a stretch to suggest that they no longer trust the Public Health Units or the elected officials either.
 Nothing telling these people hat congregating like this is not permitted.
That would suggest we are experiencing a breakdown in the trust the elected must have if they are to effectively lead. While this is a stretch: this is the kind of situation that leads to anarchy.
There is a plan, or rather there was a plan to have city staff on the ground as it were to observe and explain to people.
Will those young men and woman who chose the municipal sector to create careers that involved public service feel safe approaching people and asking them to respect the rules?
What if one of the visitors to our city strikes a city employee? Of course they will be charged if we can find and identify them. The immediate result will have either the police or one of the ten bylaw enforcement officers escorting the Ambassadors.
This is not a pretty picture.
Why are we in this situation? What clues did we miss? Do the people with the signs on their lawns not talk to their Councillors?
We have not heard a word from the ward 2 Councillor. Why?
 “When the going gets tough; the tough get going” Time for the Mayor to get tough.
If there was ever an occasion for the Mayor to go into a closed session with her Councillors, all the members of the city’s leadership team as well as the Executive Directors to have so hard discussions – this would be one of them.
Some kind of a statement from the Emergency Control Group is also called for.
We are heading into a season that will include a lot of hot summer weather which will attract thousands.
By Pepper Parr
May 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
If we were wondering how deeply felt the opposition to the current Stay at Home order is – the signs appearing on Burlington lawns might be a hint.
 Sign on a Burlington lawn
The Gazette published pictures of the way people chose t gather at Spencer Smith Park on the weekend.
Then we heard about the signs – there are two that we are aware of in the city.
The organization behind the signs has a web site – this is a cute one.
www.NoMoreLockdowns.ca
It is going to take a significantly different approach to change the way people behave – Council will have its hands full with this one.
Asked for comment earlier today, the Parks and Recreation department has yet to respond; they handle park related issues.
By Staff
May 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
No one is certain as to when the hockey season will start – but the Burlington Cougars are going ahead with their Player Prospect Camp.
The rules will be a little different: Covid19 protocols are in place and will be strictly adhered to.
 Showing the coaching staff what you have going for you when the skates are laced up.
The Player Prospect program has been a great success in recent years helping players to develop and showcase their on-ice skills with the assistance of the Burlington Cougars coaching staff.
Registration for the 2021 camp will be on a first-come first-serve basis if roster spots become limited due to COVID-19 guidelines. If registration(s) occur and you are unable to attend due to these circumstances and/or if we are limited in our capacities due to these guidelines, a 100% refund will be issued.
Please contact us directly if you have any specific questions or concerns. The health and safety of our players, coaches, staff and community are of the utmost importance to the Burlington Cougars organization and we are utilizing all resources at our disposal to be align with these strictures.
Summer 2021 Program Details
Friday, June 11, 2021: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Saturday, June 12, 2021: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Sunday, June 13, 2021: 11:00am – 12:30pm
All sessions will take place at Appleby Ice Centre in Burlington (1201 Appleby Line, Burlington, ON)
Registration
We are currently accepting registration and payment for our 2021 Prospect Camp. Please complete the forms below to initiate your registration. All registrants must complete the
Click here to complete the COVID-19 Questionnaire.
This form must be completed by each player prior to admission, participants will have to complete this questionnaire each day.
Contact Burlington Cougars Head Coach and General Manager, Mark Jooris, for more information regarding the 2021 Burlington Cougars Prospect Camp – (905) 467-9119.
markjoorisburlingtoncougars@gmail.com
COST: Players – $367.25 ($325+HST)
Payment for Burlington Cougars Prospect Camp 2021 can be made by cheque or e-transfer. Cheques can be made payable to ‘Burlington Cougars.’ E-transfer payments can be sent to BurlingtonCougarsOJDL@gmail.com. You will receive a confirmation email once we process your payment.
By Staff
May 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Public Health Office has announced new vaccination schedules.
Eligible Halton Residents can (dependent on supply) now book appointments starting
50+ who cannot work from home Monday, May 3 (as previously announced)
40+ who cannot work from home Wednesday, May 5
30+ who cannot work from home Friday, May 7
16+ who cannot work from home – (attending school in-person does not qualify) Monday, May 10
To learn more about Halton Region’s COVID-19 Vaccine Program, including who is currently eligible and how to book an appointment, please visit halton.ca/COVIDvaccines.
By Staff
May 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Cougars will be continuing their Goalie Identification Camp for the 2021 season.
The program has been a great success in recent years helping players to develop and showcase their on-ice skills with the assistance of the Burlington Cougars coaching staff.
 Strut this kind of stuff and you will go far beyond the Cougars.
The 2021 Burlington Cougars Goalie Identification Camp is taking place in accordance with municipal, provincial and federal health and safety guidelines pertaining to COVID-19. Registration for the 2021 camp will be on a first-come first-serve basis if roster spots become limited due to COVID-19 guidelines. If registration(s) occur and you are unable to attend due to these circumstances and/or if we are limited in our capacities due to these guidelines, a 100% refund will be issued.
Summer 2021 Program Details
Wednesday, June 9, 2021 – Group One: 6:00pm – 7:20pm | Group Two: 7:30-8:50pm
Thursday, June 10, 2021 – Group One: 6:00pm – 7:20pm | Group Two: 7:30-8:50pm
All sessions take place at Appleby Ice Centre in Burlington (1201 Appleby Line, Burlington, ON)
Registration
Please complete the forms below to initiate your registration.
Click here to complete the COVID-19 Questionnaire. Please note that this form must be completed by each player prior to admission, and ask that all participants complete this questionnaire each day.
Payment and Contact
 The puck is out there somewhere – this goalie wants to make sure it is not behind him.
CONTACT: Please contact Burlington Cougars Head Coach and General Manager, Mark Jooris, for more information regarding the 2021 Burlington Cougars Goalie Identification Camp at (905) 467-9119 or
markjoorisburlingtoncougars@gmail.com
COST: Goalies – $310.75 ($275+HST)
Payment for Burlington Cougars Goalie Identification Camp 2021 can be made by cheque or e-transfer. Cheques can be made payable to ‘Burlington Cougars.’ E-transfer payments can be sent to BurlingtonCougarsOJDL@gmail.com. You will receive a confirmation email once the payment is processed.
By Staff
May 3, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
What would we do without informed readers with cameras.
A Gazette reader sent us the following.
Her comments:
“So much for the “stay at home” order. These were taken Saturday. It was not even the busiest time. There is zero enforcement happening. Sunday was worse.
 The blossoms are beautiful – but where were the park Ambassadors the city was going to have in place to “educate” people and explain what the rules were and why they needed to be adhered to?
 The new version of the Gazebo proved to be a popular gathering spot. There wasn’t as much as a sign to tell people what the Stay at Home order meant.
By Staff
May 2, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
A group of Canadian doctors in a letter to the government published in Macleans magazine said over the weekend that the country needs a two week circuit breaker to prevent to spread of Covid19 and its numerous variants.
 Dr Annand Kumar, Winnipeg Critical Care doctor talking to Rosemary Barton on CBC. Dr. Kumar was one of the doctors who signed the letter.
The letter said “… a maximum COVID-19 infection suppression strategy with the goal of reducing infections to very low levels, and halting new outbreaks with aggressive contact tracing and local measures” are needed. “We can initiate this strategy right now by starting with an intense circuit-breaker shutdown until case counts fall sufficiently to allow individual contact tracing, testing and isolation.
“Occasional limited local shutdowns, together with more rapid rollout of COVID-19 immunizations, can be utilized to control the epidemic.”
In Ontario the Public Health Units have identified 114 hot spots where vaccinations are available to anyone over the age of 18.
Hot spots are locations where there are corporations or clusters of places where people work and where there has been a sudden rise in infections. They are identified by postal code.
The Public Health Units send in teams of people to do on the spot vaccinations
The list below doesn’t mean much to the average reader but it does point out the number of locations where the virus is out of control.
 Intensive Care Units are close to the breaking point in terms of capacity.
Once the virus is in a community, even something as small as a postal code, it gets transmitted.
Durham Region Health Department L1S, L1T, L1V, L1X, L1Z
Halton Region Public Health L9E
City of Hamilton Public Health Services L8W, L9C
Niagara Region Public Health L2G
Ottawa Public Health K1T, K1V, K2V
Peel Public Health L4T, L4W, L4X, L4Z, L5A, L5B, L5C, L5K, L5L, L5M, L5N, L5R, L5V, L5W, L6P, L6R, L6S, L6T, L6V, L6W, L6X, L6Y, L6Z, L7A, L7C
Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit L3Z
Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency ServicesN2C
Wellington-Dufferin Guelph Public HealthN1K
Windsor-Essex County Health Unit N8H, N8X, N8Y, N9A, N9B, N9C, N9YYork Region Public HealthL0J, L3S, L3T, L4B, L4E, L4H, L4J, L4K, L4L, L6A, L6B, L6C, L6E
Toronto Public Health M1B, M1C, M1E, M1G, M1H, M1J, M1K, M1L, M1M, M1P, M1R, M1S, M1T, M1V, M1W, M1X, M2J, M2M, M2R, M3A, M3C, M3H, M3J, M3K, M3L, M3M, M3N, M4A, M4H, M4X, M5A, M5B, M5N, M5V, M6A, M6B, M6E, M6H, M6K, M6L, M6M, M6N, M8V, M9A, M9B, M9C, M9L, M9M, M9N, M9P, M9R, M9V, M9W
Southwestern Public Health N5H
Is this the beginning of a 4th wave?
Dr. Kumar said “every time we think we have gotten ahead of the virus we have been proved to be wrong.”
|
|