 By Staff
February 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
As temperatures rise, the annual migration of a local endangered species across King Road begins.
The City will close a section of King Road to allow for Jefferson salamanders’ breeding migration.
Starting on Monday, March 5, King Road, from North Service Road to Mountain Brow Road, will be closed so the salamanders can cross the road safely and find a mate. Local traffic for all properties between North Service Road and the escarpment will be maintained. King Road will reopen for through traffic on Tuesday, April 2, once the salamanders are expected to finish their annual crossing.
 The Jefferson Salamander was the reason an Ontario Municipal Board hearing decided not to grant an extension to a license. Burlington has closed this section of road since 2012 so the salamanders can cross safely. They are a nationally and provincially protected endangered species. They are also the species that brought an application to extend the license to mine the Nelson Quarry to a screeching halt.
About the Jefferson salamander
In Canada, the Jefferson salamander is found in Southern Ontario in select areas of deciduous forest, mostly along the Niagara Escarpment.
 Properly promoted the creature could become a viral reference for Burlington. Jefferson salamanders spend most of their lives underground. As the weather warms up and the spring rain starts, the salamanders surface and begin their voyage to breed in temporary ponds formed by run-off. They lay their eggs in clumps attached to underwater vegetation. Adults leave the ponds after breeding. By late summer, the larvae lose their gills, become air-breathing juveniles and leave the pond to head into nearby forests.
Adult salamanders migrate to their breeding ponds during wet rainy nights. They are drawn to the pond where they hatched and can be very determined to reach it, sometimes crossing busy roads to get back to their birthplace.
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Quick Facts
- The Jefferson salamander is protected at both the provincial and national levels. It was added to Ontario’s endangered species list in 2011.
- Jefferson salamanders have a grey or brown-coloured back, with lighter under-parts. Blue flecks may be present on the sides and limbs.
- Adult Jefferson salamanders are 12 to 20 cm long. The long tail makes up half this length.
- Females tend to be larger than males. The males have swollen vents during the breeding season.
- Unlike most small animals, Jefferson salamanders can live a very long time; up to 30 years of age.
Lesley Matich, Manager, Science and Monitoring, Conservation Halton
“For over a decade, Conservation Halton has partnered with the City of Burlington to ensure that the Jefferson Salamander can safely make the trek across King Road, towards their spring breeding ponds. These efforts have a direct impact on this endangered species’ capacity for survival and long-term recovery. We are proud to partner with the City of Burlington again this year to support the salamanders’ spring journey and protect biodiversity in our watershed.”
 By Pepper Parr
February 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Joan Ford, the former Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation of the City of Burlington has gone on to a well-earned retirement.
Her last six months were not what she had hoped they would be – which is unfortunate for the city. As the CFO – she was the best this city has had in more than a decade.
 This is the Joan Ford we admired and respected. She didn’t speak of profits or losses – instead spoke of favourable and unfavourable variances. She grew a department that was innovative in the way they presented financial information. She once gave Councilors the budget on a memory stick that they could manipulate the data on to look at changes they might want to make – and see the impact. 
Her department was probably the best run in the city – they all knew what they were doing and did their jobs very well.
Asked who would serve as the interim – Communications said:
After Joan retired, all finance managers started rotating on a monthly basis as the Acting Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer. The job responsibilities have been divided up amongst the managers.
 By Staff
February 26th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Skills Competition returns ready to host hundreds of HDSB students at popular event over two days in March
The 32nd annual Halton Skills Competition will take place over the course of two days ‒ March 1, 2024 at West Oak Public School (2071 Fourth Line, Oakville) from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and March 5, 2024 at the New Street Education Centre (3250 New St., Burlington) from 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
 More than 800 Grade 4 – 8 elementary students will showcase their skills in collaborative groups across various disciplines including robotics, animation, construction, mechanical engineering and TV/video production.
“Due to overwhelming interest, this year’s elementary competition will span two days. The competition engages students in solving authentic problems and fosters collaboration-based critical thinking. It also determines qualifying teams to advance to the provincial Skills Ontario Competition scheduled for May 6 in Toronto.”
“Participation in the Halton Skills Competition goes beyond the immediate thrill of the competition and highlights its contribution to student development and helps” students see future opportunities in the skilled trades, fostering innovative approaches and bridging the gap between theoretical learning and hands-on practical real-world scenarios” said Sarah Patterson, Instructional Program Lead – STEM Assessment and Instruction.
 By Staff
February 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
That One Fare program Metrolinx has put in place starts today.
 As announced earlier this month, the province – in collaboration with Metrolinx and local transit agencies – is working to connect communities across the region. Through Ontario’s One Fare Program, transferring from one transit system to another will be simpler, more convenient and more affordable.
Ontario’s One Fare Program allows transit users to only pay once when traveling between the TTC, GO Transit and participating transit systems like Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay and York Region Transit.
When travelling between systems, the discount will be applied automatically when you tap a PRESTO card, credit or debit, or PRESTO in Google Wallet to connect between GO Transit, TTC and all participating transit systems.
What you need to know:
- Free transfers: For trips between the TTC and GO Transit, your TTC fare is free, regardless of travel direction and the cost of your TTC trip is discounted from your overall trip cost. For trips between the TTC and other local transit systems, the second fare of your trip is free.
- Transfer flexibility: Transfers are valid for two hours when trips start on local transit and three hours when you tap on a GO bus or train.
- Proof of payment: The payment method you use to tap is your proof of payment. Customers paying with PRESTO in Google Wallet, credit or debit card, must tap on and off with the same card.
 For an adult who commutes five days a week, the One Fare Program could save them up to$1,600 per year.
You can learn more about Ontario’s One Fare Program here and watch a step by step video on our YouTube channel.
By Pepper Parr
February 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The interest in the development plans Alinea has for their King Road property has been remarkable.
There is a lot more to tell.
The information we have is from the Burlington Economic Development Corporation.
A delegation will be made by an Alinea representative early in March who will undoubtedly expand on what we know so far.
Included in the renderings that are now available is a recreation – entertainment area that includes a hotel and ice rinks.
 All that ice + a hotel. Is this the early stage of another attempt to bring an NHL franchise to Hamilton? Go station is part of the property. 
By Staff
February 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Expect this report that will be before Council next week to slip through as a Consent item.
Council seldom likes to talk about just where they tax money they collect goes.
Set out below is the surplus during the year – they used to call it the “positive variance” during the days when Joan Ford was the Chief Financial Officer.
There was no formal announcement on when Joan decided someone else could do the job (not as well we might add) and the city appointed an Interim CFO – without saying who does the job on an interim basis.
The Operating budget performance report as at December 31, 2023 goes to Council as a Receive and File finance department report that instructs the Acting Chief Financial Officer to allocate the 2023 retained savings based on the strategy outlined in a finance department report.
The 2023 retained savings is $1,136,504 subject to the year-end audit.
As is usual practice, accounts payable, year-end accruals and year-end transfers to/from reserves funds have been made in 2023.
The following tables provide information regarding transfers to and from reserve funds for the City’s net zero operations:
Development Application Reserve Funds
In 2005, the Engineering Fee Stabilization Reserve Fund, the Building Permit Stabilization Reserve Fund and the Planning Fee Stabilization Reserve Fund were created to ease budget pressures should development revenues slow down due to economic and/or market conditions.
As of December 31, 2023, the following year-end transfers were made prior to the calculation of the year-end retained savings.
Engineering Fee Stabilization Reserve Fund
The increase in Subdivision Administration Fees has resulted in a provision of $83,156 to the reserve fund. The reserve fund will be used over the next five years to phase out our reliance on this funding source in the budget.
Building Permit Stabilization Reserve Fund
Building permit services are based on a “Fee for Service” model that is not supported by municipal taxes and is in full compliance with legislation. The intent behind establishing a Building Permit Stabilization Reserve fund is to provide municipalities with a sustainable tool for providing and maintaining building permit and inspection services throughout a fluctuating construction industry and overall economy. The Building Permit revenues for 2023 are $5,660,977. These revenues are offset by expenditures (both direct and indirect as per the Bill 124 model), resulting in a provision the reserve fund of $1,325,379. Building experienced higher than budgeted revenues as a result of record high permit activity for new townhouse blocks compared to previous years.
Planning Fee Stabilization
Planning fee revenues experienced an unfavourable variance of $1,373,444. High interest rates, market conditions and other external factors led to a significant reduction in application volume in 2023. In addition, instability in terms of the legislative and regulatory environment contributed to application reduction. Homeowners opted to re- invest in their homes through renovations, additions and creation of Additional Residential Units. The unfavourable variance in revenues was offset with a draw from the Planning Fee Reserve Fund.
Recommended Retained Savings Dispositions
The 2023 unaudited retained savings are $1,136,504. It is recommended that the funds be allocated as follows: (Note: Where reserve fund balances are provided, they reflect the balance prior to recommended disposition).
$1,000,000 Provision to Multi Year Community Investment Plan
The Multi Year Community Investment Plan (MCIP) estimates capital infrastructure requirements related to master plans completed to date (Parks Provisioning Master Plan, Integrated Mobility Plan, Fire Master Plan, etc.) as well as land requirements that may facilitate some of these infrastructure developments. The preliminary MCIP was presented in April 2022 (CM-03-22). Phase 2 of the Plan was presented to Council in December of 2023 (F-26-23) and highlighted capital infrastructure needs of approximately $1.1 billion over the next 25 years. The 2024 Financial Needs and Multi-Year Forecast recommended a provision of $2,200,000 to a reserve fund to begin a funding plan towards these needs. Through budget deliberations, this provision was reduced to $975,871. The allocation of
$1,000,000 in retained savings towards the MCIP will assist the City in executing on its master plans.
$136,504 Provision to Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund
It is recommended that $136,504 be set aside to finance one-time expenditures. Over the last few years numerous spending commitments have been placed on the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund. This transfer amount will replenish prior one-time funding drawn from the reserve fund and serve as prudent planning to absorb any future potential unbudgeted expenses. The uncommitted balance in this reserve fund is $3,403,530.
The Tax Rate Stabilization Fund gets treated as a “piggy bank” that Council can dip into when there is a project they like. The idea that it might be applied as a refund to tax payers has never been considered.
 By Staff
February 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Millcroft Greenspace is an early, state of the art example of Green Infrastructure for stormwater management in Burlington, Ontario.
The floodplain, known as the Millcroft Golf Course, is currently designated as Major Parks/Open Space and was engineered to integrate creeks and naturalized ponds, allowing natural drainage from the nearby escarpment. The greenspace acts as a buffer before runoff continues through southern Burlington to Lake Ontario. The fairways are designed to be 2.5 metres below the rear lot lines of the neighbouring homes, which now benefit from decades of tree coverage and vegetation growth to slow the flow through the channels.
The concern for the community is that should the proposed development proceed the millpond will disappear which changes significantly the way storm water will flow through the Millcroft community south to Lake Ontario passing through other communities where the damage could be severe.
Burlington has already seen what severe flooding does to individual homes.
 Managing of the storm water is a very real problem.  The community argues that if the storm water management infrastructure is changed it may not be possible to handle the flows they way they are now managed. The community has been struggling to convince the province that a Ministerial MZO (Ministerial Zoning Order) should be put in place. Mayor Meed Ward has said, frequently, that she is working with the provincial government to bring this about.
 The water comes very close to the edge of the house; the drainage system (seen in the bottom left in the picture on the right) works very well. Most recently the area MPP, Effie Triantafilopoulos met with MPP Matthew Rae (Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing), Hannah Anderson (Director of Stakeholder and Caucus relations) in an effort to get the issue before Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs who is kind of busy dealing with the fallout from Greenbelt scandal.
MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos, the MPP for the Millcroft community would like to see the Minister of Housing, issue a Minister’s Zoning Order to stop the Millcroft Greens development on the Millcroft Golf Course lands, or, alternatively declare a provincial interest at the Ontario Land Tribunal hearing starting on March 5.
The two organizations have made the point that the seat Triantafilopoulos holds in the provincial legislature could be at risk
The meeting was via a Zoom call, not the best circumstances the press an argument.
The Ontario Land Tribunal is scheduled to hear the Millcroft Greens, the developer that has appealed a City Council decision.
There are two community groups opposing the development; both are raising funds – about $70,000 each, to cover the cost of professional witnesses. The focus of the arguments being put forward by each group are not the same: one MGA is focused on the storm water issue while the other is focused on the 98 homes the developer wants to build.
The community is concerned that the City has not made all the information it has available which means that it is not likely to get before the OLT hearing
The OLT hearing is scheduled to begin March 5th – the sound of the clicking clock is getting louder.
Related news articles:
Community relationship with City Hall has nor been all that healthy
By Pepper Parr
February 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
It might turn out to be the most imaginative development City Hall has seen, something that could change the focal point of the city.
Today Ground Zero for Burlington is Spencer Smith Park and the intersection of Brant and Lakeshore Road.
That just might change.
Set out below are some of the renderings that will be presented at a Council Standing Committee next week on the development plans for the lands at 1200 King Road.
Much more to come – here is where it is all going to start.
 The property sits between Hwy 403 on the north and the railway line on the south; between the Aldershot GO station on the west and King Road on the east.
 The rendering is conceptual at this point. A lot of green space. Could the Sound of Music be located here?
 By Mila Gonzales
February 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Online casinos are fun and accessible because of the huge volume of games they provide and availability 24/7. However, online platforms also attract users by providing bonuses. This article explores how casinos use bonuses for successful marketing.
It’s a well-known fact that today, many players prefer gambling at online casinos. There are several reasons for this trend when players choose platforms like PinUp casino, some of which include a wide range of games, accessibility, mobile play, and bonuses. However, it’s also because of successful marketing tactics that provide players with bonuses and loyalty programs.
This article explores how casinos, like Pin Up Casino Online, use psychological tactics to attract players with bonuses and rewards. You will learn about some interesting personalized tactics that reward players for their loyalty.
Reward System and Client Retention Marketing
We all indeed love gifts; we also enjoy it when, instead of getting exactly what we paid for, we get more. That’s why using bonuses and loyalty programs helps attract new players and retain the existing ones on gambling platforms like Pin-Up Casino.
Here are a few examples of bonuses used by gambling platforms:
 A player chooses a casino that provides the the kind of bonus the appreciate the most. A welcome bonus. It’s a promotion for creating an account and making the first deposit. It could be a deposit bonus, free spins, or other gifts, as in the example with Pin-Up online casino.
No-deposit bonus. It is one of the biggest appeals for players because you get a gift without paying money. Today, these promos have wagering requirements to dispel the so-called bonus hunters who take advantage of online platforms.
Free spins or chips. Many casinos provide free spins for slots or chips for card and table games.
Loyalty programs. These are VIP clubs with different reward systems. Some clubs focus on all loyal players and offer to complete tasks for rewards. Other clubs target high rollers and provide the best conditions so that they would keep gambling.
As a result, a player chooses a casino that provides these bonuses.
Now, all casinos offer promotions because players wouldn’t use their services. These promotions have a similar effect on our brain as gambling in general — we get a dopamine rush for getting a reward.
Personalized Marketing
 Casino offers personalization that improves your gambling experience. Suppose you have a favorite online store and a personal account. The store collects information about you whenever you visit their website and buy something. At some point, you may receive an email with offers similar to those you bought. That’s how this online store uses personalized marketing to entice you to buy more. It’s okay, because you usually get offers on things you need.
Casinos offer similarly. They analyze your behavior and patterns. If you prefer online slots, the gambling platform may send you a promo code for free spins. If you love betting, the platform will offer some bonuses on sports. Thus, the casino offers personalization that improves your gambling experience.
Conclusion
The reward-based system triggers positive signals in our brains. We all like praise and rewards, and bonuses at online casinos play into our desire to receive gifts. It’s not a bad thing that online platforms entice us with their gifts because we get a better experience when engaging in common behaviors, like gambling.
 By Pepper Parr
February 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
It is a requirement of the Municipal Act that a report be submitted to Council on remuneration and expenses paid to Councillors and appointees to local boards by March 31, of the following year.
Accordingly, under the provision of the Municipal Act, the attached itemized statement is submitted disclosing remuneration and expenses for each Member of Council and Appointed Members of our Local Boards and Committees for the year ended December 31, 2023.
 In 2023, each Councillor had a budget of $10,000 to cover expenditures such as meetings, printing, mileage, newsletters, postage, professional development, telephones, and advertising.
In 2023, the Mayor had a budget of $31,087 to cover similar expenditures to those listed above, excluding the costs of leasing a vehicle for business use.
In 2022, Council approved the implementation plan for the recommendations arising from the Council Renumeration Review Working Group. Through this report by-law 45-2022 was enacted to establish a Council Special Initiatives Reserve Fund. Annually deposits to this reserve fund are made reflecting unspent discretionary funds in the respective Mayor and Councillor budgets. These funds can be utilized by Council members for special initiatives as approved by the Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer.
In 2023, a draw of $1,630 was approved by the CFO for special initiatives in Ward 2. A year end a contribution of $23,139 was transferred to the reserve fund representing the total unspent discretionary budget of Council. The total balance of this reserve fund at the end of 2023 was $71,097.
Members of City Council are also members of Regional Council. They earn salaries from the Regional Level as well.
Regional data for 2023 is not yet available.
Regional Councillors received anywhere from $7,073 up to $71,933.
Burlington Ward 3 City and Regional Councillor Rory Nisan, who was elected as the Board of Directors’ Vice President at Large last month, took home the biggest pay among councillors at $71,933.
Burlington Ward 6 Regional Councillor Angelo Bentivegna ($69,220).
 City Council meeting
By Pepper Parr
February 24th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Sleepless in Our Cities is a fundraising event that aims to raise awareness around the issue of poverty in our local communities, by asking participants to sleep in their cars overnight as they raise money for our friends and neighbours who need our support.
 Ten hours in the vehicle – and no the engine was not left running. Event participants will sleep overnight in their cars on Friday, February 23 from 10 PM to 8 AM the following day. This form of participation is an act and gesture intended to raise awareness of poverty in our local communities.
On Friday Matt Wickham slept in his car – no word yet on what he was able to collect in the way of donations.
Along with his day job of Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sales & Operations at Cogeco Matt is the Chair for the 2024 United Way Drive to raise $12,500,000.
That would be defined as “above and beyond”.
By Staff
February 22, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 MAD executives met with MPP Matthew Rae (Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing), Hannah Anderson (Director of Stakeholder and Caucus relations), MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos, and Millcroft Greenspace Alliance to encourage the Minister of Housing, MPP Paul Calandra, to issue a Minister’s Zoning Order to stop the Millcroft Greens development on the Millcroft Golf Course lands, or, alternatively, to participate with a provincial interest at the Ontario Land Tribunal hearing starting on March 5.
MAD provided a detailed report outlining the reasons why this development must not proceed, along with our flood and wildlife Google drive files and Community videos.
Millcroft Greenspace Alliance expanded on the stormwater issues.
We would like to thank MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos for her strong support, as well as for setting up this meeting. Effie encouraged MPP Rae to use any tools in their toolbox to stop this development.
While we are hopeful that the Province will take action, we must be prepared to participate at the OLT hearing starting March 5. To this end, Allan Ramsay, the planner MAD has hired to represent them at the OLT hearing, has submitted a Reply Witness Statement in response to the new material provided by Millcroft Greens.
In a media release MAD said: “Now that we are closer to the OLT hearings and our professional advisors have provided us with more certainty in our strategy, MAD has developed a revised budget, which requires that we increase our fundraising goal from $40,000 to $70,000. The key reasons for the increase are:
 Many feel, and their is evidence to support their concern that property values could decrease by 20% if the Millcroft Greens development is allowed to proceed. “For Allan to complete the reply witness statement and respond to the City of Burlington draft plan conditions.
“For Allan to attend Millcroft Greens’ expert witness testimonies and all other parties’ witnesses that precede him.
“For the increased costs related to Allan Ramsay’s revised witness statement.”
The meeting that MAD was able to set up is something Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said she could get done many months ago.
The support from City Council on this file has been very thin.
Related news story.
Mayor says she can get the problem solved.
By Pepper Parr
February 22, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
And just what does this mean?
The Sound of Music is a Not for Profit organization with an board that is appointed rather then elected.
The Performing Arts Centre is an arms length from the city organization that uses property owned by the city.
 More questions than answers about the joining of forces at this point. Now that we know who the players are – they seem to be on the same team.
Steve Cussons, no slouch as an entrepreneur He is the Chief for a large printing that makes significant use of technology – does much more than putting ink on paper.
He is remembered for taking several large strips off Rick Goldring when he was running for re-election in 2018.
His involvement with Sound of Music, where he is the Chair is new. The SoM Programming Director is Tammy Fox who is the Executive Director at the Performing Arts Centre.
Quite what “Presented by …” actually means isn’t clear at this point.
Tammy Fox has extensive background as agent and representative for a number of prominent people in the the music and stage performance sector.
Much more to learn about this undertaking. At this point – it seems to have more upside than downside.
 By Staff
February 22, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
At some point people serving on a Board of Directors need to move on.
It becomes essential to ensure that every Board, be it a commercial operation or a Not for Profit, have a plan in place to to replace a person who leaves a Bard after completing their term of office. Being a Board member is not a lifetime commitment.
 Board succession planning is a critical task designed to ensure the health of the Board and its ability to govern and provide leadership to the organization it serves. A well-developed board succession plan enables the nonprofit’s team to minimum negative impacts caused by departures, which helps maintain a consistent work flow during transitions.
Join presenter Heather Johnson for Succession Planning: Developing a Board Building Strategy on Tuesday February 27, 2024 at 1:00pm. The third in the CDH Educates 2024 workshop series, this workshop will walk you through how to develop a succession plan for your Board and Committees to conduct year-round recruitment for these very important roles.
This workshop is for: CEOs, Chairperson, senior leadership team members and everyone who is involved in the recruitment and orientation of new Board and Committee members.
SUCCESION PLANNING: Developing a Board Building Strategy
Tuesday February 27, 2024
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Via ZOOM
Registration is now open! Register today at cdhalton.ca/events
Registration closes on Monday February 26 at 4:00pm.
By Staff
February 22, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
March Break – so many things to do – how do you choose?
 A library is now much much more than books. The Burlington Library has a – we don’t know how many – programs. What we can tell you is there is a place where you can use filters to find what you are interested and if it is taking place in you community,
Filter by age, location and event type.
Check out what’s on offer and sign up – they tend to go quickly.
Click here to look over what is available
 By Staff
February 21, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
We are seeing more of that SOLD OUT sigh for Performing Arts Centre events.
Fleetwood Mac is now a two performance event with one sold out. Hustle if you want a seat.
Let’s look forward a couple of weeks and see what is scheduled.
 Darcy Oake, an illusionist. February 27th in the Main Theatre: Darcy is a performance artist whose modern interpretation gratifies the hunger of audiences seeking spectacle and nail-biting feats of illusion. Inspired by classic sleight of hand techniques and large scale stage illusions, Darcy transports the crowd to another dimension with exhilarating visuals and logic-defying exploits.
Over 200 million viewers tuned in to Britain’s Got Talent to witness the birth of a phenomenon: the unveiling of an electrifying new illusionist, Darcy Oake. From sleight of hand to death-defying escapades, this master magician grabbed the world’s attention, ushering in an exciting new era of an age-old art form.
Ticket Prices
Regular: $59.50 – $79.50 (All-in)
Member: $54.50 – $74.50 (All-in)
On the 29th, in the Community Studio Theatre Dizzy & Fay with their undeniable chemistry that is Inspired by the composers of the American Songbook bring an original jazz sound to the stage.
Dizzy’s passionate piano and Fay’s romantic voice are the perfect pairing; resulting in original jazz songs that sound fresh, while also echoing timeless standards.
Their intuitive musical charm is captivating on record and on stage where audiences are fast becoming life long fans. These two songsmiths arrived on the Canadian jazz scene with their debut album ‘Songbook’, which received a glowing review from The Wholenote and made several top 20 in 2021 lists.
Now, just a year later, Dizzy & Fay have released their sophomore album Hooked. Like Songbook, it too features all original compositions, but with the addition of bass, drums, horns and a 28 piece philharmonic orchestra on selected tracks. It’s clear that with two albums in two years, the Dizzy & Fay Songbook is only just beginning.
Ticket Prices
Regular: $49.50 (All-in)
Member: $44.50 (All-in)
March 2nd, SOLO brings Bizet’s Carman to the stage of the Main Theatre
 Southern Ontario Lyric Opera Chorus and Orchestra will combine French lyricism together with Spanish rhythms are at the heart of Bizet’s popular Carmen.
Come and experience the passion of one of the most beloved operas of all time!
It will be presented fully staged.
Sabatino Vacca, Conductor
Ticket Prices
Regular: $74 (All-in)
Senior 65+: $49 (All-in)
25 and Under: $25 (All-in)
Child 12 and Under: $10 (All-in)
Show Length
Act 1: 45 mins.
Act 2: 40 mins.
Intermission: 20 min.
Act 3: 35 mins.
Act 4: 25 mins.
 A Performing Arts favourite – Classic Albums Live and its roster of A-list musicians from across the country will be performing Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours exactly as you remember hearing it, note for note, cut for cut.
Founded in 2003 by Craig Martin, Classic Albums Live takes the greatest albums and recreates them live on stage – note for note, cut for cut, using the best musicians. “Think of it as a recital,” says Martin, “these albums are historic and stand the test of time.” Forgoing costumes and impersonations, Classic Albums Live has found success in concentrating solely on the music. “We don’t dress up or wear any sort of costume. We just stand there and play. All of our energy is put into the music. We want the performance to sound exactly like the album,” says Martin.
With 100+ shows a year across North America, Classic Albums Live has seen massive success in performing arts centres and theatres. Fans in Texas, Las Vegas, Florida, New York and central and east coast Canada have all continued to support the series and make it a sustaining, successful show. “We grew while others withdrew,” says Martin, commenting on the decline of concert ticket sales, “We created something that endures and connects. These albums are sacred to people. We deliver exactly what we promote – ‘note for note, cut for cut’ accuracy.”
It’s this type of accountability that works for the series.
Wed Mar 6, 2024 at 8pm
Thu Mar 7, 2024 at 8pm – SOLD OUT!
Venue
Main Theatre
Ticket Prices
Regular: $69.50 – $89.50 (All-in)
Member: $64.50 – $84.50 (All-in)
Book tickets HERE
By Staff
February 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Region of Halton now has a new Commissioner of Health and Medical Officer of Health.
Dr. Deepika Lobo as served as an Associate Medical Officer of Health since joining Halton Region in 2019 and has been Acting Commissioner of Health since September 2023.
The job is one of the most critical in the community ; managing the pandemic was a task that, at the time, proved to be a challenge that took every skill then Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hamidah Meghani had to keep the public informed and to put in place the data collection procedures that were necessary. She was newly appointed at the time and faced a situation that shut down the world for a period of time while a full understanding of what COVID19 was and how to deal with it.
Jobs like that burn people out.
Dr. Lobo’s experience, knowledge, and leadership capabilities will keep our public health services strong and keep our residents healthy.”
 Dr. Deepika Lobo: Commissioner of Health and Medical Officer of Health. Dr. Lobo completed her residency in Public Health & Preventive Medicine through the DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University and is a Fellow with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Lobo obtained her Doctor of Medicine from Kasturba Medical College at Manipal University in India, and has the degrees of Master of Public Health and Master of Business Administration from McMaster University.
The Halton Region Health Department provides a range of accessible and effective Public Health and Paramedic Services programs. Public Health programs support the physical and mental health and well-being of residents that aim to reduce health inequities, protect and promote health, and prevent injury and disease. Paramedic Services provide advanced 24/7 pre-hospital emergency care and community paramedic programs and deliver public awareness programs, including CPR, public access defibrillation, and injury prevention.
By Pepper Parr
February 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 The property to the right of Cooke Blvd is where there are thousands of housing units. At the top left there is a proposed storm water holding area. While not clear just where park space should be they are at least indicating there should be some park space. With some creative thinking a park could be build atop of the storm water pond. It has been done elsewhere before. A public meeting has been scheduled for March 4, 2024 on an ADI Developmen Group in the Aldershot community on Masonry Road
The meeting is a Statutory meeting required under the Planning Act.
It is an occasion when the public can put question to Staff and the developer if they choose to participate.
The is an event that needs as much participation from the public is as possible – why? We will get to that in a bit.
Proposed Development
The applications propose to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to permit a mixed-use development comprising three tall buildings with retail uses at ground level and residential uses above.
In the original proposal (2022): Building A (northwest corner of site) was 36 storeys tall including a 4-storey podium. Building B (southeast) was 26 storeys tall. Building C (southwest) was 36 storeys tall. Buildings B and C shared a three-storey podium. The proposed buildings contained a total of 1,139 residential units and 231m2 of ground-level retail at the corner of Masonry Court and Cooke Blvd. 1,031 parking spaces were proposed within five levels of underground parking.
 A rendering of the additional three towers ADI wants to add to an already big development – you will have to look really hard to see where park space will be located. In the revised proposal (2023): Building A (northwest) is 33 storeys tall including a 12-storey podium. Building B (southeast) is 29 storeys including a six-storey podium that steps down to three storeys on the north side. Building C (southwest) is 31 storeys including a six-storey podium. The buildings are no longer connected to each other, and a plaza has been introduced at the ground level between Buildings B and C. The total number of residential units has increased from 1,139 to 1,165. The total amount of retail floor area has increased from 231m2 to 495m2. The total number of parking spaces has increased from 1,031 to 1,145 spaces within 6 underground parking levels.
The developer provided renderings that make the three tower development look very inviting. There was a point when much of the space was to be park space – that idea didn’t get the push it needed from the ward Councillor.
The Statutory meeting taking place March 4th is a public event and you can participate virtually and delegate to City Council. Delegating is tricky – if you need some help – pop us a note at publisher@bgzt.ca and we will take you through the steps.
 It does look inviting – but where is the park space for the 2000 families in the community. The community that ADI built is much more than the three towers they want to add. Set out below are some of the buildings. There is much in the way of community space and there doesn’t appear to be much in the way of small community organizations. The ADI people invest in building – they don’t invest in creating community nor does the ward Councillor.
 This is the eastern boundary of the Station West development that is walking distance to the GO station.  It was a big bold development set on property bought by xxx from Paletta who will tell you now that selling the property was not one of the best decisions.  This is one portion of what it a very large development that needed a small supermarket and some park space.  Another part of a very big development that has few social amenities. The Bateman Community Centre is going to provide all kinds of space for the public. The ADI development is a stiff walk to LaSalle Park
By Pepper Parr
February 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Part two of a three part series on Bateman engagement taking place
 Denise Beard: Manager of Community Development. During her lengthy outline of what had been done in terms of engagement Denise Beard, Manager Manager of Community Development made mention of a pilot program that would take place at Tansley Woods. “We want to investigate this notion of community coming together a little more. The idea of using the open community space at Tansley where people could come together really resonated with us.
“There is some space up there within the community center to really open and turn it into a space where people can connect and socialize – using the rooms that might be available if nothing’s programmed. Can we open them up to allow community to use those spaces?
The notion of social anchor, a phrase coined by Beard and her team, was something she said the community really took to – they were both loud and clear about having places where people can connect and socialize. Can we open them up to allow community to use those spaces and see what happens?
Maybe a communal kitchen where people could bring their food and then eat together and break bread together as it were.
 There is space at Tansley Wood that isn’t being used all that much – could be a pilot site for Bateman program development. “We’re looking to try to do things like that at Tansley to assess over the next couple of years what that might look like at Robert Bateman..The objective is to help guide us in the design of that space moving forward.
We’ll be striving to see just what a social anchor pilot at Tansley Woods would look like. The people we spoke to were intrigued and our team is eager to see how that takes off and hopefully we can learn how to meet the community demand we expect to see in the in the future at Bateman.
The second thing that I wanted to ask about is more of a question. It’s just been so much conversation, not so much thank goodness this winter because it’s been a little bit warmer and we haven’t had too many critically cold nights. But the idea of a warming center or possibility of overnight shelter on cold nights has that been built in at all to this idea of the pilot social anchor at Tansley and or potentially Bateman down the road.
 There are three large rooms that would serve as pilot sites. An opportunity for people to use the showers at Tansley if people had to stay overnight.
Mayor Meed Ward thought it was a brilliant idea and Council seemed to go along with it.
Beard now has a bit of a runway she can use to get back to some of the people she talked with and take the idea a little further.
Interesting approach – let’s see where they take it.
Related news story:
Engagement on Bateman programs is taking place.
By Staff
February 21, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Metrolinx wants you to remember the One Fare Program that will launch next Monday, February 26, 2024!
The province – in collaboration with Metrolinx and local transit agencies – is working to connect communities across the region. Through Ontario’s One Fare Program, transferring from one transit system to another will be simpler, more convenient and more affordable.
 It is just that simple. Ontario’s One Fare Program allows transit users to only pay once when travelling between the TTC, GO Transit and participating transit systems like Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay and York Region Transit.
When travelling between systems, the discount will be applied automatically when you tap a PRESTO card, credit or debit, or PRESTO in Google Wallet to connect between GO Transit, TTC and all participating transit systems.
What you need to know:
- Free transfers: For trips between the TTC and GO Transit, your TTC fare is free, regardless of travel direction and the cost of your TTC trip is discounted from your overall trip cost. For trips between the TTC and other local transit systems, the second fare of your trip is free.
- Transfer flexibility: Transfers are valid for two hours when trips start on local transit and three hours when you tap on a GO bus or train.
- Proof of payment: The payment method you use to tap is your proof of payment. Customers paying with PRESTO in Google Wallet, credit or debit card, must tap on and off with the same card.
 One far will get you into Toronto and almost wherever you want to go in that City. For an adult who commutes five days a week, the One Fare Program could save them up to$1,600 per year.
You can learn more about Ontario’s One Fare Program here and watch a step by step video on our YouTube channel.
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