Provincially regulated gaming sites have done very well in the Ontario market.

By Staff

February 2nd, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

The comments made by readers of the Gazette were appreciated. I made the decision to cease publishing very early – at around 3 in the morning, when I had to come to the conclusion that I just did not have the financial resources that were needed to continue. A number of people congratulated me on “my retirement.” This was not a retirement.

The runway had come to an end – continuing with the financial resources available was no longer possible. Readership grew almost every month.

Since the announcement, a number of people have asked: How can we help ? So there will be conversations in the days ahead. I am required to keep the newspaper “in print” for a number of days; so whatever I was doing in the past I will be doing for a little longer.

Last Thursday, iGaming Ontario (iGO) released its Q3 revenue report. OntarioBets.com shared the following information

The province is now into regulating online Gambling in Ontario – it has proven very lucrative business for the gambling site operators.

In the period between Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2022, online casinos and sportsbooks collected $11.53 billion in wagers, a 91% increase over Q2 (July 1 – Sept. 30, 2022) and does not include promotional wagers or bonuses.

Total gaming revenue in Q3 was $457 million, a 71% quarterly increase.

The online Ontario market went live on April 4, 2022 after decades of grey market operations. Since then, 36 operators and 68 sites have launched as part of regulated gaming and sports betting.

There was a 45% quarterly increase in active player accounts, bringing the total to 910,000, with an average monthly spend of $167 on each account.

It looks like even with a decades-long history of a billion-dollar grey market, fully legal regulated gaming in Ontario is only going to get stronger as the market matures.

For the full story, please visit: Ontario iGaming and Sports Betting Numbers Up Sharply To End 2022 (ontariobets.com)

 

Return to the Front page

Burlington MPP Natalie Pierre to hold a Meet & Greet at the Joseph Brant Museum on Saturday.

By Pepper Parr

February 2nd, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

The comments made by readers of the Gazette were appreciated. I made the decision to cease publishing very early – at around 3 in the morning, when I had to come to the conclusion that I just did not have the financial resources that were needed to continue. A number of people congratulated me on “my retirement.” This was not a retirement.

The runway had come to an end – continuing with the financial resources available was no longer possible. Readership grew almost every month.

Since the announcement, a number of people have asked: How can we help ? So there will be conversations in the days ahead. I am required to keep the newspaper “in print” for a number of days; so whatever I was doing in the past I will be doing for a little longer.

No shadow – Spring will be early?

Wiarton Wille didn’t see his shadow earlier this week, that must have been signal enough for MPP Natalie Pierre to come out as well and hold a Meet & Greet at the Joseph Brant Museum on Saturday.

Natalie Pierre reading a Motion into the record last December

The Constituency office is located on Harvester Road at 3027 in suite 306.

There is no mention of the Meet & Greet event on Pierre’s Facebook page.

On December 19th, the Legislative Member for Burlington read a Motion into the record asking for mandatory Mental Health education for high school students. She was given a standing ovation by the members of the Legislative assembly.

Pierre has not been seen all that much in the community other than a few events – one in particular at the Art Gallery.

The Gazette has not been able to do an interview with Pierre. We did have an opportunity to spend five minutes with her before she was elected.

Related news story:

When Natalie Pierre was running for office she was polite and empathetic but didn’t say all that much

Return to the Front page

Seniors’ care first. Bickering later. The long term care crisis subject of a Zoom call on Friday

By Pepper Parr

February 2nd, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Baby Boomers – They are the generation that changed everything as they went from babies to teenagers to parent to grandparents and now as people that need care in their waning years.

The Baby Boomers have always been noisy, they forced change and they now want better service from the governments that taxed them.

A community based Long Term Care Coalition has said it has to be: Seniors’ care first. Bickering later.

We were told in 1996 how big the problem was going to be – 30 years later governments are not yet ready.

In 1996  Boom Bust and Echo became a national phenomenon that demonstrated the power of demographics to help us understand the past and forecast the future. The book was on the Canadian best-seller lists for over 3 years and sold more than 300,000 copies. Boom, Bust & Echo revealed Canada’s demographic profile at the beginning of the 21st century, as a new population shift had profound implications for our economic and social life.

People want a comprehensive seniors’ care plan, using the law to combine principles and enforceable standards into health care funding.

This call is going to be the subject of a ZOOM call on Friday, February 3, 2023, 9:30am ET

Zoom link: https://torontomu.zoom.us/j/97351675823

Seniors’ having dinner at a Waterloo area long term care home.

Mike Perry, co-founder, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes Long-Term Care Coalition will be joined by Dr. Amit Arya, a Palliative Care Physician working in long-term care.  Laura Bulmer, RN, Chair, Canadian Association of Continuing Care Educators: CACCE and founder – HSPAOntario: www.hspaontario.org

WAith them will be Dr. Joseph Wong, Founder of Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care; Yee Hong annually serves more than 15,000 individuals across the Greater Toronto Area. It is the largest non-profit nursing home in the country, providing a full continuum of community care and supportive housing services.

This group is calling for a true national plan for seniors’ care, with transparent, measurable and mandatory conditions that are enforceable, securing improved services in long-term, home and palliative care. With a new wealth of front-line staffing in decent working conditions, the Health Care Transfer can be the core foundation of healthcare across the nation.

 

Return to the Front page

Pair of FREE tickets to Music Hall 2023 - skill testing question

By Pepper Parr

February 2nd, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Two free tickets to what is always a smash hit at the Drury Lane Theatre.

The cast to Music Hall 2023.

Music Hall 2023 runs from March 3rd to the 26th   and we have a pair of free tickets.

There is a skill testing question:

What is the name of the retailer that is returning to a Burlington mall later this year

The answer is part of a Gazette news story in January.  Use the search feature on the web site to find it – if you don’t already know

Send you answer to

newsdesk@bgzt.ca with the words Free tickets in the subject line.

We need an email address and a telephone number that we pass along to the ticket people at the Drury Lane Theatre who will work out which date you want to attend and which seat/table you want.

The first person we hear from wins the tickets. We will determine who was first with the correct answer from the time line on the email.

The name of the winner will be sent to the communications people at Drury Lane Theatre – they will be in touch with you to choose the date you want to attend.

Go quickly – tickets are probably going to sell out.

Related news stories:

Music Hall 2023 very close to half way to SOLD OUT

Music Hall – 2023 production

Return to the Front page

Drip, drip, drip - over time it can wear away a stone. New Democrats are like a dog with a bone - and they are not letting go.

By Staff

February 2, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Drip, drip, drip – water can wear away stone. Information on just who bought land and when did they know the government was going to change policy on Greenbelt land use.

Drip drip.

When there is a leak in an eaves trough or a bucket – water seeps out drop by drop – drip by drip.

Let that dripping go on long enough and you can wear away a stone.

Marit Stiles, Incoming Leader of the Ontario NDP, revealed new information about the Ford government’s plan to carve up the Greenbelt, indicating that a land development company seems to have had advance knowledge of the plan before it was made public.

“The more information we uncover about Ford’s scheme to tear up the Greenbelt, the more concerned I become”, said Stiles. “Protected land became extremely lucrative overnight, and Ford donors seem to have benefited enormously from land they had just purchased. Maybe they were just incredibly lucky. But something doesn’t seem right to me.”

Marita Stiles – will become the leader of the New Democrats at Queen’s Park later this month.

Three days before the announcement to tear up the Greenbelt was made public, Rice Group, a land development company, told the Mayor of King Township that a parcel of land could be provided for a nominal fee for a local project. At the time, that land was a protected part of the Greenbelt. Just three days later, the Ford government announced their intent to make the land available.

“This finding indicates to us that somebody knew something”, said Stiles. “I am confident that the Integrity Commissioner will review this information and provide Ontarians with the answers they deserve about the Greenbelt”.

The Office of the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario opened an investigation on January 18, 2023, after finding “reasonable and probable grounds” to investigate Ford’s actions to carve up the Greenbelt. Stiles submitted additional evidence last week.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has amended the Greenbelt Area boundary regulation to add 13 new Urban River Valley areas and lands in the Paris Galt Moraine in Wellington County and remove 15 areas of land. Add lands in the Paris Galt Moraine in Wellington County to the Greenbelt Area Remove or re-designate 15 areas of land totalling approximately 7,400 acres from the edge of the Greenbelt Area that are serviced or adjacent to services and will be used to build housing in the near term. The investigative reporters want to learn more about who bought the lands that are being taken out of the Greenbelt and how much did they know before they bought ?

Timeline

  • November 24, 2022 – Stiles wrote to the Auditor General requesting an investigation into the Ford government’s decision to open up 7,400 acres of Greenbelt land for development.
  • December 8, 2022 – Formal Integrity Commissioner complaint filed.
  • January 12, 2023 – Stiles and the other opposition leaders sent a letter to Auditor General requesting both a value-for-money audit and an environmental impact assessment of the government’s decision to remove lands from the Greenbelt.
  • January 18, 2023 – Integrity Commissioner and Auditor General confirm they will be conducting investigations.
  • January 27, 2023 – Additional information is submitted to the Integrity Commissioner.

Drip, drip, drip.

Related news stories:

Investigations

Return to the Front page

Spring recreation programs and summer camp registration opening soon

By Staff

February 1st, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

Mark your calendar as the City Spring 2023 recreation programs for preschool, youth and teens and Summer Camps are opening for online registration Feb. 11.

Both the spring session and summer camps will provide a variety of fun, interesting and active options. Programs are available for viewing now.  Adult Spring 2023 programs for ages 19+ and 55+ will be viewable March 1, and open for online registration March 11.

Registration Dates and Program Highlights
Date Time Program

There is no age limit for summer camp.

Saturday, Feb. 11 9 a.m. • Spring programs for preschool, youth and teens including swimming lessons, aquatic leadership, PA Day programs and more.

Burlington Teen Tour Band at Performing Arts Centre

• Summer camps including S.N.A.P., youth, music, theatre, individuals with disabilities.
• Youth interested in joining the Junior Redcoats or Burlington Teen Tour Band can email bttb@burlington.ca for more information.
• Log in and register at liveandplay.burlington.ca.

Saturday, March 11 9 a.m. • Spring Adult programs for ages 19+ and 55+ including:
Non-resident registration opens Feb. 17 for Youth programs, and March 17 for Adult programs.

Assisted Registration

Residents who need extra support or do not have online access to register for programs, can call 905-335-7738 for staff-assisted telephone registrations starting Feb. 11 and March 11 at 9 a.m. The Recreation customer service team is also available through email at liveandplay@burlington.ca. Phone and email support is available Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In person registration is available starting Monday, Feb. 13 at the Tansley Woods Community Centre

In-person registration is available starting Monday, Feb. 13 at the Tansley Woods Community Centre and starting Monday, March 13 at Burlington Seniors’ Centre.

For more information on how to set up an account or register online, visit

Recreation Fee Assistance
Recreation is for all, regardless of financial situation. Recreation Fee Assistance is funding made available to resident individuals or families who need help to pay for City of Burlington recreation programs. For more information or to apply, visit burlington.ca/feeassistance.

Links and Resources – Click on the link
burlington.ca/feeassistance

burlington.ca/registration

 

Return to the Front page

Music Hall 2023 - Twelve performances - 46% sold. This could be sold out before opening night

By Staff

February 1st, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Carrie Mines

Tickets to take in the 2023 Drury Lane Theatre edition of Music Hall are now on sale

Ticket sales started last week and at this point they have sold 46% of the 1656 seats available. That 46% indicates the production is selling faster than normal given they are a month away from opening!

If this is something you were thinking of taking in – move quickly – they just might reach sold out before opening night.

Drury Lane takes you on a worldwide excursion of Music Halls; venturing to Vaudeville in New York City, Cabaret in Paris, Kabarett in Berlin and Music Hall in London while enjoying the flavour of this art form past and present.

The production embraces British and American versions of this popular live entertainment. However, the attraction to this comedic musical variety form also has strong roots in Glasgow, Warsaw and several other European cultures.

This compilation is strongly oriented to the stylings and methods utilized from 1890 to 1950.

The Pearlys – Jennifer Welosky, Michael Belton, May Farquhar

Related news story:

Music Hall 2023.

March 3-26th -12 performances over a 27 day time frame.
Drury Lane Theatrical Productions
C: 289-260-7169

Online ticket purchases

Return to the Front page

Black Lives do Matter and this is the month to make that point every chance you get.

By Pepper Parr

February 1st, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

On the 30th of January, at 3:00 am I made the decision to cease publishing.

I had to come to the conclusion that I just did not have the financial resources that were needed to continue.

The comments made by readers of the Gazette were appreciated. A number of people congratulated me on “my retirement.” This was not a retirement.

The runway had come to an end – continuing with the financial resources available was no longer possible even though readership was setting new records every month

Since the announcement, a number of people have asked: How can we help ? So there will be conversations in the days ahead. I am required to keep the newspaper “in print” for a number of days; so whatever I was doing in the past I will be doing for a little longer.

February is celebrated as Black History Month.

Special events take place, a Declaration is read by the Mayor at City Council meetings and events are organized by the Black community.

A number of years ago a group held a dinner and dance; I was expecting to see people doing the “limbo” and other West Indian dances. No such luck. For the most part it was slow waltzing. Food was good.

There are flags flown during Pride Days, Terry Fox Days and on days that Aboriginal events take place – so far no flag to celebrate the Black Community.

Well over 1000 people descended on City Hall to declare very loudly that Black Lives Matter

A number of years ago more than 1000 people, young people for the most part, marched on city and sat on Brant Street and in Civic Square.

Black Lives Matter statement done in chalk on the sidewalk outside city hall.

Sometime later large chalk graphics were drawn on the sidewalk in front of city hall with the words Black Lives Matter – and indeed they do.

When we look south and read of the carnage that is being done to the Black people we shudder and hope that this type of thing never happens in our country and our city.

It is when the public goes out of its way to recognize and celebrate people of colour and ensure that they have the same benefits and opportunity as the result of us.

This is the month to do as much as you can to make a difference and ensure that Black Lives do Matter

Return to the Front page

Super Bowl LVII - a tour

By Staff

February 1st, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The comments made by readers of the Gazette were appreciated. I made the decision to cease publishing very early – at around 3 in the morning, when I had to come to the conclusion that I just did not have the financial resources that were needed to continue. A number of people congratulated me on “my retirement.” This was not a retirement.

The runway had come to an end – continuing with the financial resources available was no longer possible. Readership grew almost every month.

Since the announcement, a number of people have asked: How can we help ? So there will be conversations in the days ahead. I am required to keep the newspaper “in print” for a number of days; so whatever I was doing in the past I will be doing for a little longer.

The Super Bowl is a massive North American event that for many is the sports highlight of the year.  It is an American game. Of course Canada does have a footballl league.   Hockey is the sport for Canadians.

One of the pages from the “tour” of the State Farm Stadium at which the Super Bowl will be played.

Everything about the Super Bowl is over the top.

Some of the advertising creative breaks new ground.

The Half Time Show sometimes rivals the Oscars.

The stadiums are engineering marvels.

Super Bowl LVII will take place in Phoenix Arizona in the State Farm Stadium/

Here is a link to the the Stadium through which you can tour the structure.

On each page there are “portals you can click on to go deeper into the structure.

The field they play on sits on a huge tray outside the stadium and is rolled in for the game.

Amazing.

 

Return to the Front page

Super Bowl LVII is approaching - will you wager on anything about the game?

By Ashley Marsh

January 31st, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Super Bowl LVII is approaching quickly. The NFL’s championship game will be played on Sunday, February 12, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona at State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals. It will be the first time since 2020 that a home team won’t be contending for the Super Bowl title at their own stadium.

For many Canadians in the Burlington area, the event will be a big one for a few reasons. While the annual Super Bowl regularly draws in over 100 million spectators, this year might see more viewers tune in thanks to the availability of sports betting. Ontario recently launched its online markets, which means that fans who normally stick to the CFL might explore the US’s league.

This season’s Super Bowl odds have revolved around a few favourites in the last two months. These include the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs. While the Bills have experienced another crushing postseason defeat, the Chiefs look ready to compete for another Lombardi Trophy.

They’re favourites with odds of +235 to take home the title, but not all fans are following Super Bowl moneylines. Instead, they’re focused on other bets that don’t concern the game’s outcome. These have proved especially popular with CFL fans who don’t feel strong loyalty toward a particular NFL team and who instead just want to enjoy the big game.

Below are some key examples of novel non-sporting bets that are proving popular in the run up to the event.

Rihanna will take the stage.

Halftime Performance by Rihanna

Philadelphia Eagles

The biggest market for non-sporting events for the Super Bowl is the halftime show—and that’s because the NFL goes to lengths to weave arts into its offerings. The halftime show is one of the most coveted performances in the world, and one that leads musical stars to pay their own money to produce and perform. This year, Rihanna will take the stage—and it’s a big deal, as the recent mother hasn’t performed live since 2019. She also swore to boycott the Super Bowl in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick in the past.

The Queen of Pop is back however—and she’s commanding attention from sportsbooks. If you’re a fan of Rihanna, then consider predicting which song she’ll perform first and last. You can also wager on other outcomes, like what sort of outfit Rihanna will wear, whether she’ll descend from the sky, and whether she’ll bring on a guest performer.

 National Anthem by Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton is a country music star who will be performing the National Anthem—another highly coveted Super Bowl act. He’ll be joined by Babyface, who will sing ‘America the Beautiful’ and Sheryll Lee Ralph, who will sing ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’.

Kansas City Chiefs

If you’ve got a gut instinct about how one of these vocal performances will go down, then you can wager on it. Most of the bets will focus around Stapleton, as the National Anthem is the main focus before the game kicks off. You can wager on things like what Stapleton will wear and how long the song will run for.

Commercials from Leading Brands

Vocal and musical performances aside, the Super Bowl is also one of the most important games for major brands and their advertising efforts. Each year, some of the US’s most popular brands pour their resources into creating the most memorable and catchy ads. Some seek to pull at viewers’ heartstrings, while others are looking for laughs.

If you’re a fan of cinematic ads, then dive into markets on halftime commercials. They cover a variety of outcomes, like which brands will be shown first, whether companies will include the same characters or songs in their commercials, and even how many dogs will appear in commercials this year.

 A Speech from the Winners

One of the zaniest types of prop bets offered on the Super Bowl covers the speeches made by winners after the game. These speeches often come from the game’s official MVP and unofficial MVPs alike—and you can wager on what these players will say and in what order. For example, one prop bet covers the question of who the MVP will thank first—his team and teammates, his city and fans, his family, or his coach?

 

Return to the Front page

The End - The Burlington Gazette will cease publishing.

January 31st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON

The comments made by readers of the Gazette on the decision I made to cease publishing were appreciated. I made the decision to cease publishing very early – at around 3 in the morning, when I had to come to the conclusion that I just did not have the financial resources that were needed to continue. A number of people congratulated me on “my retirement.” This was not a retirement.

The runway had come to an end – continuing with the financial resources available was no longer possible. Readership grew almost every month.

Since the announcement, a number of people have asked: How can we help ? So there will be conversations in the days ahead. I am required to keep the newspaper “in print” for a number of days; so whatever I was doing in the past I will be doing for a little longer.

 

 

Everything has a beginning and everything has an end.

The end for the Burlington Gazette is today.

Pepper Parr

 

 

Return to the Front page

City has $120,000 for public art at the Skyway arena - not yet built - why the hurry. Spend the money on the art next year or when the place opens

By Pepper Parr

January 30th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

Headline revised:  The arena is under construction

The shovels are in the ground yet –  the construction is underway.

No matter – despite the fact that taxpayers are looking at a 7.08% tax increase (just 5.80% of that is the result of the city spending) there is a Request for Expressions of Interest from anyone who wants to put art work on the new Skyway Arena – there is a budget of $120,000 CAD. Deadline: Friday March 10, 2023

A new arena was necessary; that part of the city is undeserved with ice rink capacity. But $120,000 at this point in time ?

In the announcement put out today the City of Burlington invites professional artists to submit Expressions of Interest to create an exterior public art installation for the plaza area of the new Skyway Community Centre (129 Kenwood Ave, Burlington, Ontario). This competition is open to all Canadian and International professional artists* and/or artist-led teams.

*A professional artist is an individual who has specialized skills and/or training in hi/her artistic discipline (not necessarily in academic institutions), has a history of public presentation and is critically recognized as an artist.

The building will have the best and the latest in technology. And of course it needs public art.

An artwork proposal is not requested at this time. This is a two-phase process: in Phase One, applicants will be reviewed on the basis of artistic merit of past work, professional qualifications and experience. In Phase Two, short-listed artists will be required to submit a preliminary artwork concept proposal that will be displayed for public comment and jury review.

Artists selected for the short-list will be provided with a full Request for Proposals outlining detailed artwork specifications prior to developing their proposals. Short-listed artists will be paid an artist fee of $1500 to develop their proposals.

Click HERE to learn more…

Related news story:

There was at least one councillor who thought fiscal prudence had been ignored.

Return to the Front page

Just a signature isn't going to cut it - huge opportunity for the city to leverage the Commonwealth Games. It can happen

By Pepper Parr

January 30th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Oscar Wilde once famously quipped that the definition of a cynic is “one who knows the price of everything but the value of nothing.

It was interesting to listen to Council last week discuss the adding of the signature of Mayor Marianne Ward to a list of Mayors in the Region supporting the idea of bringing the 2030 Commonwealth Games to the Burlington Hamilton community that included eight other municipalities. Throughout the discussion council members were adamant – not a dime of city money was to be put into the venture.

That’s about price. Bur what about value?

The Games are big business – run successfully they attract the attention of millions to the community and can leave lasting economic and social impacts.  Run badly, well most of us remember Montreal.

As far as the Commonwealth Games franchise is concerned, the 2022 Games recently took place in Birmingham (UK): a second tier UK city living in the shadow of London struggling through hard economic times.  Interim reporting about the value of the Games to Birmingham are now available.  These reports are from reputable organizations, such as global accounting firm KPMG, undertaken on behalf of the UK government.  Those reports highlight the success of the Birmingham event and point up the major benefits of bringing arts and culture together with major sporting events.

Lou Frapporti, former Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger and Hamilton Bid Group President P J Mercanti checking on how things went at the Birmingham Games in 2022

Birmingham created a six month Festival that enveloped the games and drew an audience of more than 2.4 million and reached more than 41,000 participants.

What Birmingham had was an international calibre event that they leveraged to create the Festival that added £100 million in direct economic impact.

The region-wide Festival worked with 993 organizations, 4,954 creatives and had diversity at its heart, according to independent evaluations.

The Festival successfully enhanced more than eight out of ten residents’ and non-residents’ perceptions of Birmingham.

The Birmingham 2022 Festival, was a six month celebration of creativity that brought not only pride and joy to the city – it gave a dramatic boost to the regional economy.

There are nine independently-produced reports – available here – that evaluate the successes, learnings and impact of the vibrant and dynamic six-month cultural programme. They include the insights and learnings on individual projects and initiatives during the Festival and a commitment to cement Birmingham’s reputation as an international centre of cultural and creative excellence.

Councillor Sharman as Deputy Mayor has responsibility for getting the city’s Strategic Plan updated. The Commonwealth Games is something he will surely include in the long term thinking. City Manager Tim Commisso can ensure that the staff resources needed to make the Games real in 2030

They reveal powerful impacts on communities across the region and how it had diversity at its heart by engaging with a wide range of communities that represent ethnic diversity, gender, LGBTQIA+ and disability identities.

It would be wonderful if the smarter thinkers at city hall dug into the Birmingham successes and learned how they might apply to Burlington in advancing the city’s strategic plan, and then considered whether or not investment was warranted

There is an opportunity here for the City Manager to create a small ( 3 or 4 people) who would work with Anita Cassidy at Economic Development to poke around at the data and the opportunity to see  if closer collaboration with the bid organizers, senior levels of government and neighbouring municipalities is warranted – putting a Burlington perspective on it.

The reports also show a direct economic impact of £100 million to the economy –

A private sector property that is being considered as the locale for some of the 2030 Commonwealth Games events.. King Road at the bottom, Aldershot GO station at the top of the aerial photograph with the GO train tracks on the left and and hwy 403 on the right.

The evaluation shows a total attendance for the Festival Programme of 2,467,588, with 96 per cent of attendees rating their experience as good or excellent, while eight out of ten residents of the region said it had improved their own perceptions of where they live.

The combined workforce was 4,954 including staff and freelancers, with an additional 1,315 volunteers contributing to the Festival.

The Birmingham 2022 Festival successfully engaged 41,894 residents in active arts or cultural activities with the majority of participants directly engaged in an event performance or a creative project, with eight out of ten saying they had either gained new skills or improved skills.

The Festival directly commissioned 34 per cent of the projects while the overwhelming majority (63 per cent) saw more than £1.7 million distributed through the Creative City Grants programme that brought communities together with artists to create work for the Festival – from visual arts through to dance. This helped to take the Festival to people and places who would not normally engage with the arts. The Festival also brought in £47 million directly from tourists.

Raidene Carter, Executive Producer of the Birmingham 2022 Festival, said: “In delivering the Festival as part of a Commonwealth Games, we commissioned a body of work which reflected this wonderful region and shone a light on our creativity and heritage. It showed the true power of bringing arts and culture together with a major sporting event, making the cultural festival and the sporting festival greater than the sum of their parts.

“The Festival was brave enough to have honest conversations about what it means to be a Commonwealth city and region, and this led to welcome challenges we can all learn from as arts and culture-makers, alongside powerful statements about how we want to reflect ourselves to the world.

“Undoubtedly, this has had a positive effect on audiences and participants alike who felt healthier, happier, and closer to their communities and more in touch with the city and wider region.

“There is great insight from the reports for future host cities of both sporting and cultural festivals to digest and learn from …”

Mayor Meed Ward – just signing a letter isn’t going to cut it.

The Brits have a national lottery. Anne Jenkins, Executive Director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “They were thrilled to award Birmingham 2022 Festival with a £3million grant to support its six-month celebration of culture and heritage.

Would the Ontario Trillium Foundation give some thought to supporting something like this in Burlington?.

Getting the Commonwealth Games to the Burlington Hamilton community with all the benefits that entails is going to take more than signatures on a letter.

It is going to take people who can see just a bit over the horizon and become aware of the huge potential – folks who are focused on value and not just the price  – they did it in Birmingham – not a reason in the world why it couldn’t be done in Burlington.

It will need some political courage and some really creative thinking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return to the Front page

A more sustainable approach to meeting the food security needs of those whose kitchen cupboards are close to bare is needed

By Pepper Parr

January 30th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Food security for a growing number of people has become more than a phrase.

The need cannot be met with groups that take the initiative to help out – they have done a superb job of covering some of the need. More is needed.

The food banks and church groups that support those who need help in feeding their families has become more than a pressing issue.

Later today those involved in the delivery of food will be taking part in an announcement that is expected to bring changes to this sector.

The changes in food security needs seen in recent years has led to the identification of the necessary steps to ensure a better, stronger food security network across the Region of Halton. The announcement will be a preview of what should be a huge leap forward in addressing the food security issues seen across the region as a whole.

The announcement will be made this afternoon at 4:00 pm.

Return to the Front page

Covid19 is a virus we now have to live with - we can manage the spread

By Staff

January 30th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Covid 19 is basically with us forever. Like measles and mumps and polio.

This virus is with us – probably forever. It can be controlled – the same way we control measles.

We managed to get some control over measles – regular vaccinations of students at school solved that serious problem.

The World Health Organization said recently that: Higher levels of immunity worldwide through vaccination or infection “may limit the impact” of the virus that causes COVID-19 on “morbidity and mortality,” the committee said.

Every child has to be vaccinated to attend school. This is the kind of world we live in.

“But there is little doubt that this virus will remain a permanently established pathogen in humans and animals for the foreseeable future. While Omicron versions are easily spread, “there has been a decoupling between infection and severe disease” compared to that of earlier variants.”

Committee members cited “pandemic fatigue“ and the increasing public perception that COVID-19 isn’t as much of a risk as it once was, leading to people to increasingly ignore or disregard health measures like mask-wearing and social distancing.

It is a different world – we need to be aware of what we are up against – we do know what we have to do.

Return to the Front page

Amazon automates - incredible feat of logistics management

By Pepper Parr

January 28th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

If how things work interests you – take a few minutes and watch how Amazon does it.

Robot delivering a package to a conveyor belt.

These little orange things carry those big yellow things very quickly

Most people realize that they have automated everything.  You have to see it to believe it.

Yes there are issues with the way staff are treated – some of the injury rates and disturbing, the number of items they have to pick and pack  in an hour is astonishing.

Seeing it all in action is – well take a moment and see just how they get that package to you as quickly as they do.

Each one of those yellow racks get carried around by the small orange carriers. They weigh as much as 600 kg

 

 

Return to the Front page

Another survey - this time on a street parking permit initiative

By Pepper Parr

January 28th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The City wants to create a new residential parking permit program for residential on-street parking.

If you just heard 100 people shout out: Halleluiah, the sound came from the Orchard where parking is a real problem.

City hall wants feed back and is asking residents to take a short online survey no later than Monday, March 6, 2023. The information gathered from the survey will be used to inform City staff.

Link to the survey is HERE

They will use the information to:

• Create an on-street parking permit program;
• Balance on-street parking with safety, road use, enforcement and emergency vehicle access;
• Create consistent rules and regulations city-wide and
• Create a residential on-street parking permit that meets residents needs based on changing conditions

Parking in the Orchard community has been a problem from the very beginning. Planners at the time were going to ensure that transit service to the community would lessen the need for vehicles.

As parking needs change in Burlington, the City is working to offer residents parking options to manage parking needs and the growth of our city through development. Residents are encouraged to take the survey to let staff know how to best serve residents. The goal of the on-street parking permit program is to provide a permit program that works safely and maintains emergency vehicle access.

The parking permit survey opened on Thursday, Jan. 26 and closes on Monday, March 6, 2023. Staff will present a report with the survey results and a permit program to the City’s Community Planning, Regulation & Mobility Committee and City Council this summer.

Katlan Edgcumbe, Manager of Integrated Mobility explains:

Katlan Edgcumbe, Manager of Integrated Mobility

“Parking in our city has seen a lot of changes over the years. Now we need to offer you parking options to help you manage new ways of working, your changing family and the growth of our city through development. This survey is your chance to let us know how we can best serve you, our residents.
These changes look different for all of us and there are numerous factors to consider. For some, adult children and parents may be living at home, for others that live in tighter neighborhoods – parking may be an issue due to the design of the community.
We want to know what is ideal for all of our residents so we can provide a permit program that works safely and maintains emergency vehicle access.”

 

Return to the Front page

Zellers Launches Nation-wide Poll to Bring Back Canada’s Favourite Zellers Diner Delicacies for Food Truck Experience

By Staff

January 28th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Food Trucks Will Appear for Throwback Event, Then Hit the Open Road

The Zellers sign comes off the store in the Burlington Mall. The brand will re-appear as in-store operation inside the Hudsons Bay locations

Zellers has convinced themselves that Canadians are craving a taste of nostalgia and they plan to dish it out.

As the country gets ready to reunite with the Zellers experience within select Hudson’s Bay stores, the retailer has heard loud and clear the call for the restaurant return!

Although an in-store diner just isn’t possible in a 10,000 sq ft footprint, Zellers is mobilizing a fleet of food trucks to greet customers at its first locations opening this spring. Set to appear
over a series of days, the Zellers Diner on wheels will pull into various locations and serve shoppers with some fan favourites from the fondly remembered Zellers Family Restaurant. And while Zellers is tuning the engines and pumping the tires, Canadians have been tasked with building the menu.

Starting today, Zellers has launched an Instagram poll @zellersofficial listing 10 menu items; 9
from the original restaurant (adding one new veggie option for good measure).

For one week, people can weigh in on their favourites and the top five will make the cut. Following the initial stops at the store locations – and if customers embrace the comeback – the Zellers Diner on wheels will gear up to head out for its cross-Canada debut. Tour dates and locations to be shared at a later date. And of course, with the launch of Zellers.ca, customers from coast to coast will have access to the Zellers experience from day one.

Now Polling: The Zellers Diner Menu Items

1. Big Z Burger
2. Fries and Gravy
3. Hot Chicken Sandwich
4. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
5. Onion Rings
6. Quesadilla
7. Poutine
8. Hot Dog
9. Chicken Fingers
10. Veggie Burger

Visit @zellersofficial and let your taste buds do the talking.

Food Trucks have proven quite popular in Burlington. Hudsons Bay and its brand Zellers hope to make some marketing mileage out of the nostalgia.

Now a Hudsons Bay brand, Zellers holds a special place in Canada’s maple leaf-shaped heart. And now, with a brand spankin’ new zellers.ca website and 25 locations (to start!) within
Hudson’s Bay stores across the country, customers can expect a helpful, playful shopping experience packed full of low prices day in, day out. With a core focus on design and value – and
a hint of the nostalgia that Canadians know and love – Zellers is gearing up to become the new go-to, from lifestyle to home and almost everything in between.

Return to the Front page

The Rowdymen will take to the Stage February 11th

By Pepper Parr

January 27th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

What do you get when you combine a rock and roll guitarist with an orchestral percussionist and an accomplished musical theatre performer?  You get The Rowdymen, a band devoted to sharing the music of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Come From Away, the smash-hit musical based on the true story of 7,000 stranded airline passengers on September 11, 2001 who were welcomed and cared for by the people of Newfoundland.

The Rowdymen are professional guitarist Gerry Finn, east-coast musician Greg Hawco, and Canadian musical theatre stalwart George Masswohl, who have come together to keep the beloved music from the acclaimed musical Come From Away alive, while treating audiences to traditional and contemporary music and culture from “the rock”.

In no particular order: Gerry Finn, Greg Hawco, and George Masswohl,

Come From Away, the smash-hit musical based on the true story of 7,000 stranded airline passengers on September 11, 2001 who were welcomed and cared for by the people of Newfoundland, was created by David Hein and Irene Sankoff and produced by Michael Rubinoff. The musical has toured around the world and the songs such as “Welcome to the Rock” and “Screech In” have found a special place in hearts and homes across the globe.

These songs, as well as many other traditional Newfoundland classics and some original work will reverberate through the Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s Main Stage Theatre on Saturday February 11, 2023 at 8:00pm.

“Introducing The Rowdymen to the people of Burlington is such an enormous pleasure and privilege for me”, says BPAC Executive Director Tammy Fox.  “I have known both George Masswohl and Greg Hawco for many years, personally and professionally, and I leapt at the opportunity to include their exciting new project in our 22/23 Season.

Come From Away creators David Hein and Irene Sankoff have given their blessing to The Rowdymen to include songs from their musical into the band’s repertoire, which I know our patrons will love, however any fan of traditional east coast music is guaranteed a high-energy, rollicking good time!”.

The Rowdymen guarantee to impress.  George Masswohl, originally from St. Catherines, Ontario, played Mayor Claude in Come From Away in Toronto.  The pandemic shut down the show but Masswohl went back to Newfoundland and led a guided tour company, sharing many of the actual sites and even people that inspired the musical.  It is in Newfoundland that Masswohl and two others formed The Rowdymen.  As George Masswohl says “We formed this band to play Newfoundland music but in a new way.  Our sensibilities all come together and create something different”.

Originally from Bell Island, NL, and now a resident of Hamilton, ON, Greg Hawco, brings eclectic percussion, mandolin and bouzouki to the group, along with his passionate east-coast vocals.  Hawco is well established as a musician and composer and his music has been enjoyed on shows such as ‘Republic of Doyle’ (starring his brother Allan Hawco) and ‘Caught’, and his classical compositions have been performed around the world.  Greg performed in the live band during the Toronto run of Come From Away.

Jerry Finn

Juno Award winner and multiple nominee, Gerry Finn, has been playing guitar across the globe for over 25 years.  He has received multiple gold and platinum album awards here in Canada and abroad.  Some of the bands he has shared the stage with include; Killer Dwarfs, David Usher, INXS, Iron Maiden, Bruce Cockburn, Burton Cummings and more!  Originally from St. John’s, NL, he’s known for his powerful heavy-metal guitar skills, which energize the East Coast sounds of The Rowdymen.

 

The Rowdymen: MUSIC FROM THE ROCK

Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 8 p.m.

Main Theatre

Tickets: Regular $39.50 / Members $34.50

Tickets can be purchased online or by telephone  Box Office

The full schedule of BPAC Presents events is available HERE

f

Return to the Front page

City taking a timid approach to its sesquicentennial anniversary

By Staff

January 27th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

2023 marks Burlington’s 150th anniversary; A journey that began in 1873 when the villages of Wellington Square and Port Nelson merged to become the Village of Burlington. The Village of Burlington became the Town of Burlington in 1914 and the City of Burlington in 1974.

Naval Memorial on the Promenade at Spencer Smith Park

The King Edward VII Memorial Fountain was made in Hamilton. It once sat at Brant/Water Streets and later Spencer Smith Park. It spent time in storage until being restored by the Optimist Club of Burlington and relocated to City Hall for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977.

The event, a sesquicentennial anniversary, is not one anyone at city hall is getting very excited about. The plan at this point is to, throughout the year, add features to help commemorate the anniversary. These will be marked with a new identifier for the occasion.

To help mark the occasion, a graphic identifier has been designed to highlight events and opportunities for residents to celebrate Burlington’s anniversary the city created an Identifier, designed to capture the complexity and beauty of the land and the people.

The symbol is in recognition of the Indigenous history of the land that goes beyond 150 years, honouring the diverse Indigenous peoples that have lived in this area.

The identifier uses four shapes and colours to represent Burlington:

Green represents nature and the land.
Yellow symbolizes unity and our multi-cultural community.
Light blue symbolizes freedom as we continue to live in peace and harmony
Orange represents commitment to Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation.

That the city is doing this much is due to the persistent pressure from a resident who had to remind city hall that the anniversary was taking place this year. Anne Marsden delegated on this but got little in the way of response at the time.

There is now a much more public recognition of the role the Indigenous community played in the creation of the city – heck it was their land before we arrived and basically took it from them.  What the city doesn’t have yet is something that stands out, a statue perhaps of Joseph Brant.  All we have at the moment is Sweetgrass park hidden away close to a school that now has the same name.

We have more work to do.

Return to the Front page