 By Staff
August 11th 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Art Gallery has an impressive list of event taking place; some are current – others taking place in the future – you might want to note the dates
Exhibitions
 Alize Zorlutuna We Who Have Known Many Shores by Alize Zorlutuna
May 10 – September 1, 2024
Lee-Chin Family Gallery
Alize Zorlutuna will be visiting the gallery throughout the summer to host visitors for an exhibition tour, tea and gathering in the space for conversation. Visit the gallery on August 10, 11 or 31 at 2pm to meet the artist.
 Magdolene Dykstra Exchanging Presence by Magdolene Dykstra
June 29 – October 6
Perry Gallery
Gain a profound sense of connection and self-expression through the collaborative clay works in Magdolene Dykstra’s exhibition. This interactive show explores themes of visibility, individuality, and community, all central to the AGB’s values. You can even add your thumbprint in clay to the shared pile.
The place as an object and the object as a place, by José Luis Torres
February 2 – January 12, 2025
Located in the Incite Gallery
With José Luis Torres’ exhibition, visitors will have a unique experience that blends community participation with the dynamic exploration of art, creating a shared space of creativity and stories. Bring an item that means something to you to add to the room – just make sure you’re okay with leaving it behind!
Become an exhibition sponsor!
Whether you’re a business or an individual, you have the option to sponsor an upcoming exhibition in our Lee-Chin Family Gallery or Perry Gallery. Contact Alex Tindale to learn more.
 Summer camps at the gallery, with about 50 kids AGB Summer Camps
Summer camps are in full swing here at the gallery, with about 50 kids coming in each week to make exciting artworks inspired by our exhibitions, play outside and make new friends. We have a number of spots available for 4-6-year-old campers during the week of August 19-23, so sign up on our website or reach out to Annie at annie@agb.life if you’re interested!
AGB Shop
Discover one-of-a-kind treasures at the AGB Shop. Featuring handcrafted ceramics, paintings, glassware, and more by Canadian and local artists.
 Eye catching leather purse – the kind of quality and imaginative products on sale at the Art Shop  Decorated wine glasses – in the Art Shop
Artist Feature: Tamara Kwapitch
 Tamara Kwapich “Much of my inspiration is drawn from fables and ancient myth, these stories are rich in imagery and speak across time about our collective human experience. This wondering and wandering has led me down some curious rabbit holes which is always a great place to find stories!”
Tamara Kwapich is a professional artist working in the Hamilton, Burlington, region for the past 25 years. She has B.A. in both Fine Art and Landscape Architecture from the University of Guelph.
Art Sales
Art Sales features over 100 artists and a collection of over 300 pieces, featuring our newest artist, Marvin Terry.
We’re Hiring
Director of Development & Communications
Are you a hardworking, adaptable, and organized fundraiser ready to make a real impact? Here’s your chance to help grow an arts organization. Join our supportive team, where your voice matters. With your extensive fund development experience, you’ll lead the charge in creating and implementing fundraising strategies and engaging donors. Collaborate with the Executive Director and staff to foster meaningful donor and community relationships and develop a capital campaign strategy. You’ll also play a key role in planning and hosting events to raise awareness and support. Your efforts will shape the future of the Gallery and our community’s arts and culture scene.
Click Here to learn more.
Development in the News
Recently a significant contribution from the incite Foundation for the Arts was in the news, sharing the impact of their support on our Living Lab. To learn more about our Living Lab, read on.
 By Pepper Parr
August 11th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Interesting how different Members of Parliament interact with their constituents.
Several MP’s in other communities are running advertisements asking for people to suggest names for people who could become recipients of the King’s Medal.
Every Member of Parliament is allocated a number of medals to hand out.
The Gazette isn’t seeing anything from the three MP’s that serve the community. Karina Gould, Pam Damoff and Mark van K make a big deal out of the handing out of the medals – but not much, so far on who the recipients are chosen.
 By Bryan Zarpentine
August 11th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
As much as Ontario can be a sportsman’s paradise for all of the fun it offers adventurers and outdoorsmen, the province offers so much more. On days when the weather is a little too cold or you don’t quite have the energy to be outside, there are countless ways to have fun indoors throughout Ontario. Naturally, the province’s biggest cities are filled with amazing museums. Let’s take a look at some of the top museums, as well as the other activities that residents and visitors of Ontario can do if they’d prefer to stay inside.
Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum is both the largest museum in Canada and arguably Toronto’s most iconic architectural landmark. On the outside, you’ll see a striking facade that’s designed to resemble a giant crystal with glass and aluminum facets. Of course, the real fun is on the inside. That’s where you’ll find an astonishing array of cultural and natural history artifacts. The museum is a journey into the past, including the era of dinosaurs, Ancient Egypt, and Canada’s First Peoples. That just scratches the surface of the Royal Ontario Museum, so there is bound to be something for everyone.
 For the true hockey fan – all the jerseys are there for you to see and purchase if you wish. Hockey Hall of Fame
When in doubt, visitors to Ontario should check out the Hockey Hall of Fame. Even if you’re not the biggest hockey fan, it’s a way to immerse yourself in Canada’s national sport. This iconic venue houses hockey’s ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup. You can view the original trophy in Lord Stanley’s Vault or have your picture taken with the modern version. The Hall of Fame’s museum takes a look at hockey’s origins, the Zamboni, and the NHL’s greatest players. There is also an interactive ice rink for visitors to test their stick skills, which always makes for a fun time.
Bird Kingdom
If you’re interested in birds, needless to say, Bird Kingdom is the place for you. It’s the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary! Guests can wander through a rainforest and discover hundreds of tropical birds. Bird Kingdom is able to replicate the natural habitats of both common and exotic birds, creating an authentic experience that even some zoos can’t match.
Museum of Illusions
Toronto’s Museum of Illusions might be the perfect place to bring inquisitive children. There are interactive exhibits, each showcasing a unique trick that will challenge anyone’s perception of reality. It’s a truly unique museum that visitors won’t soon forget. The entire visit can be done in as little as 30 minutes, making it the perfect museum for young kids with a short attention span.
 There is nothing like this market anywhere else: two floors of food choices. If you want a snack while touring the place a peameal bacon on a bun is a must. St. Lawrence Market
As far as indoor farmers markets are concerned, the St. Lawrence Market is the pinnacle. When you get there, grab a sandwich or a pastry from Carousel Bakery and then walk around to enjoy over 100 different vendors. You’ll find cuisine from all over the world, giving you the opportunity to expand your taste buds. The market has multiple floors that have artisanal foods, fresh produce, and even souvenirs that will help make the experience memorable.
Online Casino Games
In some cases, you don’t even need to leave home to have a good time. That’s the advantage of online casinos, which are quickly gaining in popularity throughout Ontario and the rest of Canada. From slots to card games, just about every game you’d find in a traditional casino can be found in one of Canada’s online casinos. More importantly, they can be accessed from anywhere if you have a mobile device and a good Internet connection. The trick is to explore various casino bonuses that can give you free bonuses to get new users started the right way.
 Northern Ontario’s top tourist destination. The kids will want to spend the full day. Science North
Science North is Northern Ontario’s top tourist destination. Located in Sudbury, there are four levels of interactive fun, not to mention a digital planetarium, an IMAX theatre, and several special rotating exhibitions. You can enjoy live animals, beautiful tropical butterflies, and countless other science-based experiences. There is so much fun to be had at Science North that you won’t even realize how much you’ve learned by the time you leave.
Acadia Earth
Arcadia Earth is the best way to explore underwater worlds and fantasy lands. It takes visitors on a multi-sensory journey of what a more sustainable future might look like using technology and art installations. The goal is to inspire others to help create a better and more sustainable world. AT the same time, it helps to showcase the overwhelming beauty of our planet. Like any good museum, Acadia Earth helps to educate and entertain at the same time.
By Pepper Parr
August 10th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Mayor Meed Ward, like almost everyone in the city, realized there was a need for a fund they could use to help people who were in serious financial difficulty as a result of the flooding.
The approximately 65mm of rain on July 16, 2024 led to the flooding of 1288 homes in Burlington, some of which experienced significant damage, causing unexpected financial hardship for many.
It became clear that Burlington lacked a centralized resource for both the intake of charitable donations and for the distribution of support.
Thus the discussion on how to establish a fund.
The Motion put forward by the Mayor was moved by Councillors Bentivegna, seconded by Councillor Sharman.
The Mayor, who was chairing the Special meeting of Council, asked if there are any questions of myself as the author or of staff.
 Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte had a question for City CAO Hassaan Basit:
“How much time and effort do you think would be required to pull together this report for October 7, and what other priorities would have to be back Bernard in order to make that happen?”
Probing questions tend to come from Councillors Kearns and Stolte. Kearns was away at a Police Services Bard event – she is a member of that Board.
CAO Basit responds:
Looking at the direction, Councillor I think the intent here is to present some high level options:
 CAO Hassaan Basit: There isn’t a lot of effort required to do that. What is the feasibility of this?
What are some high level criteria?
What could be some different models to give Council some option?
Does the city seed some funding?
Is it totally community generated?
Do we hold the funds until an Emergency happens, and then transfer it.
“There isn’t a lot of effort required to do that. If the direction was to come up with a fully baked program with all sorts of criteria, and then then, yes, that would be problematic to deliver by October 7th. To present some options and alternatives to Council where it would be narrowed down we can then discuss how long it’ll take. It would require legal, financial, lots of resources to go into it to fulfill this, to bring some high level options, some things for consideration, we should be able to manage it.”
Stolte then asks the Mayor: Is that your understanding high level? The mayor nods – she agrees.
Councillor Nissan: Yes, similar, similar questions. “So as you and staff go through options and recommendations what are you going to tell us? Will you tell us if it’s a good idea, before you go ahead and tell us how to how you want to do it, or will you potentially provide alternatives that would achieve the objectives of Council?
Is that also going to be in the scope? Or do you interpret this as we’re doing a Burlington Resiliency fund?”
CAO Basit: “Let me focus on the last part of very last part of that sentence, which is to support the community during national disasters and emergencies.
“I would be focusing on options to develop a Burlington Resiliency fund and to say how we could financially support Burlington residents during a disaster,
“I would be looking at a fund as a vehicle to assist during emergencies, for disaster relief and what at are the different ways to structure that fund?
“If we come back finding one is not required I like presenting options. There may be an option to say, you could do all this, or we could simply bolster our reserves that we have, like severe weather reserves or whatever, and focus on developing criteria for various scenarios.
We could still be a little better prepared to have some scenario. So, so it may be that be a range of options, perhaps, to kind of get to what you’re what you’re asking, which is, what if it’s not a fund as such, but, but other ways to, you know, we’ll try and see if we can include that in the analysis, but primarily it’ll focus on the fund as the vehicle.”
 Nisan: “Okay, so I’m quite happy to go ahead and support the analysis to look into the fund and how we would do it, but I certainly will ask in October if you as CAO think this is the right idea and the right way to go forward, before we actually approve the way that we would do it. I’m all for improving our resiliency just based on what we have in front of us. I don’t know if this is the right way to do it, but I’m hoping that through your reporting, we’ll have a clear understanding of that.”
Councillor Bentivegna: “I guess I’m reading this as a report that we’re going to look at the high level information as to how we’re going to support the community, and that support to the community and our residents comes in multiple fashions, and that includes regional help and provincial help.
“How are we going to move forward so that we all are on the same page?”
Councillor Sharman: “I’m just going to make a comment. I recognize that people who got flooded are struggling. There’s a lot of empathy for those folks around the community, and everybody’s asking questions about what’s the city doing about it, and how can we help those people, especially those who are in really difficult position, situations.
“I believe that the analysis and this conversation needs to be had. If we get into it and do a deep dive, I’m going to be asking questions like do we underwrite the entire insurance industry? They are basing all their choices on data, and they’re finding they can’t underwrite the flooding in certain homes, so they are not going to do that.
“Furthermore, we’ve got a lot of people who are financially challenged at the best of times, and they find themselves with a flooded basement, and all of a sudden they can’t live a home anymore, and their credit cards are maxed out, and all the rest of it. The question is, to what degree can we help? We have social services at the region who have to or can participate. So what is the nature of our relationship with all of those circumstances?
“I’m assuming you will be considering that as you come back, you’ll take a look at, you know, the broad perspective and the opportunity to make a make some sort of contribution, some provide benefits to the community and maybe individuals, all of which requires significant administration and data collection.
“I think the work is valid. It needs to be discussed. How will it land, is a whole other matter. I’m ready to go on this.”
Councillor Stolte: “I agree with a lot of the comments made. I appreciate the compassionate perspective on why this is coming forward, and I certainly would like to see what options might be available. It is a bit of a slippery slope, because, as councillor Sharman said, that’s always more complicated than what it appears on the surface, and we could be getting ourselves into quite a difficult situation if we move forward with something that’s too inclusive.
“I’m curious to hear what options might be available, and I’m cautiously optimistic that we might be able to find something that will work.
 Mayor Meed Ward: This is is not a keep people whole, Mayor Meed Ward: “I want to absolutely echo everything that’s been said and the the questions that have been asked and just so you know what’s in my mind. I didn’t want to be too specific. I think the analysis has to be done and the options have to come forward. But it’s not in my mind that we will be rebuilding and restoring basements to their original condition. It’s not in my mind that we will be buying people a vehicle if they lost it because the water increased.
“We simply don’t have that kind of resources, and that’s exactly what the provincial Disaster Relief Fund is there for because they do have the resources.
“This is is not a keep people whole, if they’ve ever experienced an emergency that is simply not something that we have the resources to do. But can we do more? I believe we can, and I just want to, and I believe all of our hearts are in this place. We want to leave no stone left unturned, to see what is what is reasonable, what is possible, very mindful as well.”
Councillor Stolte: “So we want to contain it. We want to have good criteria, but we want to see what our options are, and the option to work with a partner like a community foundation, then we don’t have all the additional administrative costs on the city side.
“Having said that, it may, if we have a really good policy based criteria program that can just, it’s just a check box, and there’s not a lot of administration, maybe we keep it in house, but we don’t know any of that.
“I always believe that before we make a decision one way or the other, to rule something in or out, to fund something or not, that we have better and more information to do that with, and we are the October timeline was right around the time we’ll be discussing budget, so if there is something that we want to seed in the budget, at least we have that window of opportunity. And we may not, but let’s give ourselves some options so we can make a good decision. So I hope that that helps everyone.”
Mayor: I am not seeing any other speakers, so we will turn it to the clerk for the recorded vote on this.
Councillor, Galbraith, support; Councillor, Nissan support; Councillor Stolte support; Councillor Sharman support; Councillor Bentivegna support; Mayor Meed Ward support. That carries. Councillor Kearns was absent.
Where is this idea likely to go? It doesn’t appear to have all that much in the way of breathing room. Councillors didn’t get excited. The CAO now has to make time and determine which staff member will take on the task.
We will know in October. Keep in mind that the Mayor does have those Strong Mayor powers and she can just push it into the budget and rack up the brownie points she is going to need in 2026
 By Lucy Roberts.
August 12th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Today, there are plenty of world-class sites to choose from, all of which are fully licensed and regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
 Here is a closer look at what’s new in the gaming scene in Toronto, with details about some of the hottest new computer-generated and live dealer casino games, the biggest online jackpots that are currently up for grabs on these sites, which other games are currently trending, and more.
How old must I be to play online casino games if I live in Ontario?
To register a free account on a legally permitted new online casino in Ontario that’s fully licensed and regulated by the AGCO, such as the official TitanPlay – Online Casino and Sports Betting website, you must be at least 19 years old.
What are some of the hottest new online slots to play in Ontario in 2024?
If you are looking for something new to play in 2024 and think you will enjoy playing online slot machines that are rich in features from award-winning software providers and game development studios, then you may like to try one or more of the following hit titles before playing anything else:
 Online slot: Medusa’s Stone. Company: Pragmatic Play
Online slot: Magic Lab. Company: NetEnt
Online slot: Trigger Happy. Company: Big Time Gaming
Online slot: Cherries Gone…Rich. Company: BRAGOnline slot: Viking’s Legacy Everyway. Company: Red Tiger Gaming
Online slot: Le Bandit. Company: Hacksaw Gaming
Online slot: 3 Coin Cowboy. Company: Atomic Slot Lab
Most are playable (in the real money/free-play mode) from as little as C$0.10 or C$0.20 per spin. They load fast in Firefox, Opera, Safari, Chrome, Explorer, Edge, Vivaldi, and most other decent web browsers, and they all have plenty of in-play features and bonus rounds, immersive storylines, popular game themes/genres, and impressive animated sequences.
Honourable mentions
Some of the other popular new computer-generated online slots with high or above average RTP% (return to player) payout rates that you may also like to try if you enjoy playing any of these other top suggestions are Twisted Lab – RotoGrid, Ze Zeus, Jelly Belly Megaways, The Wild Kiss, Rainforest Gold, and Primate King Megaways.
What are the hottest new live dealer games trending in Ontario in 2024?
 If you fancy taking your online gaming experience to the next level, then you may like to try some of these popular new live dealer games from Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play before trying computer-generated slots.
Pragmatic Play recently launched a new European Roulette live dealer game with up to 888x win multipliers called Lucky 6 Roulette. Other new Pragmatic Play live dealer games are Live Mega Baccarat and Snakes and Ladders Live.
Some of the hottest new live dealer games from Evolution Gaming that are trending right now are Live Video Poker, Live Funky Time, Live Prosperity Tree Baccarat, and Live Fan Tan.
Which online slots currently have the biggest jackpots?
If you are looking for slots with big online jackpots (fixed coin and progressive jackpots), then you need to check out the Dead Man’s Trail, Powerspin, and Templar Tumble from Relax Gaming, Bankers & Cash from BRAGG, any of the Drops & Wins slots from Pragmatic Play, or any of the Daily Jackpot slots from Red Tiger Gaming.
Final thoughts
Don’t forget that trusted sites like TitanPlay also have the latest and most competitive odds for the world’s biggest sporting events, such as the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. They even have a range of markets for some of the most notable upcoming eSports events.
 When signing up to trusted sites like this, don’t forget to head straight to the responsible/safer gambling section when logging into your new account, where you can set deposit limits and session time reminders in just a few seconds.
Setting your limits will help you stay in much better control of your bankroll and ensure you remain within your budget each time you log in to play online casino games or place sports bets, which keeps things safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.
 By Staff
August 9th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Rents are said to be “moderating” – not by much.
Developers who are really feeling the pinch like hearing the financial types talk about Bank of Canada rates dropping to 3.5% by next January.
The challenge will be to hang on until then.
Bunch of graphs set out below tell the story.
The data displayed comes from Urbanation Inc – rentals.ca
 As we came out of the pandemic rents soared. When the curve will change is still a major unknown.  Prairie province rents are much lower – the demand isn’t what it is elsewhere in the country. How much of this difference the result of market conditions or government mistakes.  The need, especially in Burlington, is for two and three bedroom units – up until very recently the developers have not focused on those sizes.  Sharing space doesn’t seem to solve the problem – except for Ottawa and Montreal. Quebec has traditionally had more rental properties – being a renter in Quebec doesn’t have the same social difference. In Ontario the objective is to get into the market – whereas in Quebec the objective is to find a good place to live.
 By Pepper Parr
August 9th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Walking up those front entrance steps is not something the witnesses that the RCMP will be interviewing are looking forward.
While the Premier has said “we have nothing to hide” when he learned of the move on the part of the Mounties (what did the public expect him to say ‘lie through your teeth and hope then ever figure it out?) it will be a WORD experience. Hopefully the mounties will wear their uniforms and havbe the red serge jack on a hook behind the door and their hits on a table close by.
 There won’t be much in the way of Spring in their steps as the witnesses walk into the RCMP detachment offices.  Those uniforms have a settling effect Those uniforms have a settling effect when the guy you are facing is asking tough direct questions. Will the witnesses have their lawyers with them?
First disclosed by the Star, current and former Progressive Conservative aides are sitting down with the Mounties to discuss Ford’s controversial 2022 decision to open up 7,400 acres of the two-million-acre Greenbelt to housing development.
Interviews with members of the RCMP “O” Division’s Sensitive and International Investigations unit, the elite Ottawa-based branch that probes political crimes and corruption, are being held at the force’s Greater Toronto Area detachment.
In a statement Friday, Ford’s office confirmed that aides and former staffers were being interviewed.
 Doug Ford Ford said: “We’ve always said we would co-operate.” What else could he do?
The “cooperation” will include the premier and current or former staff conducting interviews as witnesses, which are currently underway,” the premier’s office said.
The RCMP would only “confirm that the investigation is ongoing.” Officials close to Ford said the premier has not yet been approached by the RCMP.
But sources say the RCMP appears to be currently focusing on potential witnesses rather than anyone actually suspected of wrongdoing.
The news came on the first anniversary of the auditor general’s explosive report into the land swap that ultimately triggered the police investigation.
Ford scrapped his Greenbelt land-swap scheme last Sept. 21 in the wake of an Aug. 9 report by then-auditor general Bonnie Lysyk that found developers connected to his Progressive Conservatives had been “favoured” in the government’s surprise move to allow houses to be built on the environmentally sensitive land.
 Bonnie Lysyk wrote the report that put the story on the front page. Many forget that it was NDP leader Marit Stiles who asked that a report be produced Ford scrapped his Greenbelt land-swap scheme last Sept. 21 in the wake of an Aug. 9 report by then-auditor general that found developers connected to his Progressive Conservatives had been “favoured” in the government’s surprise move to allow houses to be built on the environmentally sensitive land.
Lysyk, who told the Star this week she has not been contacted by the Mounties, said the rezoning ballooned the value of the 15 properties in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area to $8.28 billion.
Her 97-page report — and a subsequent review by integrity commissioner J. David Wake released on Aug. 30, 2023 — appear to be serving as guidebooks for the RCMP investigation.
 J. David Wake Some of the witnesses now being interviewed were named by Wake in his 166-page report. He interviewed 62 people — most of whom were in the presence of their legal counsel — during the course of his review.
News that the RCMP investigation is heating up comes as Ford, whose Tories have a large lead in public opinion polls, has been considering an early election call next year instead of waiting for the scheduled June 2026 vote.
Bonnie Crombie, leader of the Provincial Liberal Party said Friday was “a sad day for the people of Ontario, who deserve and need so much more than a government embroiled in criminal investigation.”
“The people of this province need to know exactly how Doug Ford was involved in this scandal.”
 By Staff
August 8th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The fall recreation programs are now available for online viewing at liveandplay.burlington.ca.
Adult Programs
Fall registration for Adults 19+ and 55+ programs will begin online on Thursday, Aug. 15 at 7 a.m. Registration for Adult programs will take place on a weekday (Thursday) instead of a weekend (Saturday).
 This change aims to provide residents with more in-person support at various locations, with goals of improving the overall user experience and reducing wait times. Staff-assisted phone registration for those unable to or without access to online registration is available starting 7 a.m. by calling 905-335-7738.
In-person support for registration for Adult Programs will be available on Thursday, Aug. 15 starting at 7 a.m. at Customer Service desks at Tansley Woods Community Centre, Haber Community Centre, and Burlington Seniors’ Centre. Please note staff have the same access to programs as is available on the City’s website and coming in person does not grant priority access.
Following this pilot, a review will be done to improve the process to continue to enhance and make the overall registration a better experience.
Kudos for the Parks, Recreation and Culture people for finding ways to improve the level of cistomer service
Aquatic, Youth and Music Programs
Registration for fall and winter youth programs, fall swimming lessons and fall, winter and spring aquatic leadership begins on Saturday, Aug. 17 at 9 a.m.
To help aspiring lifeguards plan their journey through training and certification, participants can register for fall, winter and spring courses.
Registration for fall and winter private music lessons are on sale beginning Aug. 10, 2024.
Non-resident registration opens on Friday, Aug. 23, at 9 a.m.
Pre-Registration Day Assistance
For those looking for assistance on navigating the online registration system before registration day, the Burlington Seniors’ Centre has created a free session to help prepare you. A staff member will help you navigate the registration process on your own device, so you are ready to register on your own for Aug. 15. To register call 905-335-7738 or visit a customer service desk in person. Course dates and times are:
- Aug. 8, 9:30 to 11 a.m.
- Aug. 14, 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Registration Assistance
Residents who need extra support or lack online access to register can call 905-335-7738 for assistance on launch day.
In-person registration support will be available after the launch at recreation customer service counters during regular business hours and program times.
For additional support, you can email the Recreation customer service team at liveandplay@burlington.ca or call 905-335-773. Phone and email support is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information on how to set up an account or register online, visit burlington.ca/registration.
Recreation Fee Assistance
Recreation Fee Assistance is available for all individuals or families who may need help to pay for City of Burlington recreation programs. For more information or to apply, visit burlington.ca/feeassistance.
 Emilie Cote, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture Emilie Cote, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture said: “As always, we have a wide variety of recreational programs that suit all ages and abilities. Whether you’re looking to stay physically active or socialize, we have something for everyone. No matter which type of program you pick, there are many mental and physical benefits to participating in recreation and leisure activities.”
Links and Resources
burlington.ca/recreation
burlington.ca/registration
burlington.ca/feeassistance
By Staff
August 8th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Heather Johnson, Director, Volunteer Halton maintains that “People get involved in their community when they are asked to contribute. Your volunteer postings are a key ‘ask’ – let’s ensure they are concise, comprehensive, and compelling!
They are putting on a FREE workshop on creating robust volunteer recruitment posts in VolunteerConnector!
You’ll learn how to:
- Showcase the benefits of volunteering for the volunteer
- Embedded link to your organization’s online application form
- Duplicate posts and use postal codes to reach all your target audiences
Creating Robust Postings in VolunteerConnector
1-Hour on-line workshops (via ZOOM) – all events from 12:00pm – 1:00pm
- Thursday August 15, 2024: Creating Robust Postings in Volunteer Connector | CDH (cdhalton.ca)
- Thursday September 19, 2024: Creating Robust Postings in Volunteer Connector | CDH (cdhalton.ca)
- Thursday October 17, 2024: Creating Robust Postings in Volunteer Connector | CDH (cdhalton.ca)
Registration for each workshop closes at 10:00am the same day. Questions? Reach out to volunteer@cdhalton.ca.
By Pepper Parr
August 7th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Anne Marsden made the following delegation at a Special meeting of City Council on Wednesday August 7th:
The process adopted for the applications includes the one we are delegating on – an application for official plan amendment and zoning bylaw amendment for the for 1393 Grahams Lane development is blatantly wrong.
The applications on this council agenda see the public input reduced from the comparable norm prior to August 7 by by removing the committee review process.
 Marsden: “Councillors need to take a stand on this one and have this application go to the appropriate September committee.” Committee, according to you folks, is where the work is done and recommendations only are made to council. All we hear is Council. Committee does not approve. Only Council can approve. Rarely do we delegate at both committee and council on the same subject, unless there is something drastically wrong with the process, as there was earlier this year.
Our mayor’s memory is short. She encouraged and led a huge number of delegates to stop the 10 minutes of committee being reduced to five. However, she removes 10 minutes public delegation time on an application that one member of the public states developing a residential building in this area does not seem to be based on logical thought.
If this works for applications, why do we not do away with Standing Committees altogether? How can councillors, in all conscience make a decision on this application to change the zoning by law and approve the application based on a 94 page report that was only available on the calendar less than a week ago, with a holiday weekend and kids and grandkids home from school in between. We find it an impossible task to consider the full report for this delegation in the time that has been made available to us.
Councillors need to take a stand on this one and have this application go to the appropriate September committee and return the 10 minutes public delegation time back to the public Bill 185 removed the refund provisions of Bill 109 and therefore the city would not have to provide any fee refund as a result of failing to make a decision within 120 days, September will give the community where I live that was reputedly consulted on this, to this, on objections to this change in zoning and low rise to high rise the opportunity to review it properly.
Most that I talked to in my community had no knowledge of the issue, and our condo board have not been able to give the time to allow our community to come up with a joint present position, as they know most are unaware of the application, never mind the 94 page report.
 Anne Marsden delegates regularly at City Council. She has run for the Office of Mayor in the past If councillors allow themselves to be making any decision on this at all, it should be number two, refuse the application. However, we believe the four councillors who we supported in their efforts to restore democracy to our governments could and should have their own plans to end the current plan to drastically diminish public input into what is supposed to be a democratic decision making process by a transparent and accountable Council.
Members of Council should not be making the decision without properly hearing from the public. 33% of the normal delegation time is not hearing from the public or compliant with engagement charter. The mayor has, throughout made comments that the community has been heard, but from an advocate’s perspective, they certainly were not. This is particularly disturbing, bypassing committee in the month of August, when the public does not expect such decisions, they usually don’t even meet. You are committed to work for the best interests of the city.
It is not in the best city’s best interests to drastically reduce public input. Not only that, why would you allow the committee where someone else is in the chair of the now strong mayor to be reduced to a dispensable process. Four of you stood up for a democratic process previously. You can and should do it again. If what you said previously was from the heart, what is the use of having committee chairs other than the mayor? If committees are being bypassed, and you are all allowing it to happen.
Ms Marsden does at time ramble a bit – but on this one – we think she is dead on. Deciding to skip the Standing Committee stage meant there was no opportunity to get public input – what we are seeing is a continuing practice of taking short cuts.
By Pepper Parr
August 8th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
When City Council met on Wednesday there was a lengthy discussion on what took place during the July 15-16 flooding. Staff talked about what they were able to do and what they were not able to do.
What the public didn’t hear was as much as a single word from the residents that took to brunt of the damage. Some of the homes that were flooded are reported to be beyond repair and will have to be torn down.
The public knows what they hear from friends and neighbours.
For reasons that I don’t understand – there was no room on the agenda for public participation directly related to the flooding during the Special Council meeting.
There was to be one delegation, who unfortunately was not able to attend. The women had an emotional meltdown and just didn’t show up. That should not be seen as a reflection on the woman.
Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna had what appeared to be some very useful data.
 Councillor chooses not to share data. He told members of Council saying: “I don’t have all the answers. I know we’re going to meet with residents and go through it. The who’s going to delegate earlier today is so stressed out they did not delegate.
“I have a 21 page, I’m not gonna say minute by minute, but certainly half hour by half hour.
“Events of the two days that are unbelievable, and the photos are even more unbelievable.
“That’s my concern right now – it all starts out with that communication and that cooperation that fell through the cracks.”
The Gazette asked Councillor Bentivegna if he would share the information he received. There was no response.
It does all start out with communication Councillor – you appear to have a different definition as to just what it is that should be communicated.
By Staff
August 7th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
City Council has approved a new flood relief grant program designed to assist homeowners rebuilding and repairing their homes after the July 15th/16th storm.
Program details
 For a number of reasons water wasn’t able to be absorbed or run off through culverts – is just lay in the streets for several days. The City of Burlington’s latest flood recovery measure will cover the cost of building permit fees for homeowners who experienced flooding damage during the severe weather event on July 15 and 16, 2024. Eligible homeowners will not be charged for zoning certificates and/or building permits needed for interior renovations.
Who is eligible for the new grant?
To qualify for the grant funding, homeowners must meet the following criteria:
Flooding occurred in the residential dwelling in connection with the July 15 or July 16, 2024, weather event.
Flooding was reported to Halton Region at 311.
A Halton Region representative has investigated and determined the water damage occurred within a residential dwelling due to the July 15/July 16, 2024, weather event.
 The home owner will not have to pay for a permit to repair the flood damage to their homes. Homeowners did not have home insurance coverage or had their insurance claim denied, as confirmed by their insurance company.Renovations must be like-for-like replacements.Eligible zoning certificate and building permit applications must be submitted before Dec. 20, 2024.
Why the requirement to have been denied insurance coverage?
What’s covered?
The following fees for qualified work will be covered in the City’s newest grant program.
Zoning Certificate Fees:
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Residential basement finish
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Additional residential unit
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Building Permit Fees:
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- Interior alterations/renovations
- Additional residential unit
Other flood-related financial assistance available
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- Halton Region Ex Gratia Grant of $1000
- Halton Region is offering a $1,000 Ex Gratia Grant for Public Sewer Backup, aimed at helping eligible residents offset insurance deductibles or other flooding-related costs not covered by insurance. Please call 311 to learn more.
- Burlington Flood Relief Grant of $1,000
- The City of Burlington is offering a Flood Relief Grant of $1000, to residents with confirmed residential flooding not eligible for the Halton Region grant. Please call 311 to learn more.
- Burlington Home Flood Protection Program
- Since 2017, the City of Burlington has offered the Home Flood Protection Program to help homeowners reduce their risk of basement flooding and minimize damage if flooding occurs. The program offers homeowners up to 50 per cent of the cost of Home Flood Protection Assessments which aim to find potential ways that water/sewage can enter your home.
- Burlington Plumbing Permit Fee Grant Program
- Since the 2014 flood, the City of Burlington has offered a Plumbing Permit Fee Grant Program covering the cost of a building permit associated with specific improvements done in homes or businesses to reduce the risk of basement flooding.
- Halton Region’s Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program
- Halton Region’s Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program offers financial support for residents who make improvements to prevent stormwater from entering the wastewater system and reduce the risk of flooding from sewer backup. Available subsidies include backwater valve installation, downspout disconnection and more.
This item slid through Council very quickly.
Mayor Meed Ward said: “The recent flooding has had a devastating impact on many Burlington residents. Our goal with this additional flood relief program is to ease the financial burden of rebuilding and help our community recover as quickly as possible.”
Links and Resources
 By Pepper Parr
August 7th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Event is one of the good things about living in Burlington. The line up for the two day event is set out below
 LAVI$H
Sat Aug 10, 2024 at 2pm
LAVI$H was born in Lusaka, Zambia, to parents who emigrated to Winnipeg, where they sought a better life for their seven children.
Informed by everything from African stylings to hip-hop, pop, and even metal, Zambia-born and Winnipeg-raised singer, songwriter, and artist LAVI$H has been quietly grinding towards a monumental introduction.
Feeling Buble:
 A Michael Buble Tribute
Sat Aug 10, 2024 at 4pm
Jay Davis, star of the West End, brings to life the music of the finest Canadian crooner of our time. He’ll be accompanied by his 4-piece combo, including Neil Henry on guitar, Gord Mowat on bass, Matt Newton on Piano, and Tim Shia the percussion expert.
Ammoye
Sun Aug 11, 2024 at 2pm
 Singing songs of love, life and justice, 6-time Juno nominee, Ammoye delivers a wholly unique future forward reggae sound that incorporates old-school rocksteady, dancehall and dubstep with gospel, soul and R&B.
Heather Bambrick
 Sun Aug 11, 2024 at 4pm
As one of Canada’s top Jazz vocalists, Heather has collaborated with some of the best around and has appeared as a guest performer with numerous Jazz ensembles.
 Space is limited – so get there early. There is a bar set up inside and, should it rain – everything gets moved indoors  A past ace performer.
By Staff
August 6th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
You just might want to write your Member of Parliament on this one.
There’s a behind-the-scenes battle brewing over how to use billions of dollars of surpluses piling up in the federal public service pension plan.
The country’s largest pension plan has been running a surplus for years, but it has now reached a “non-permissible” level under the law, sources indicate. The government will have to reduce the surplus once the Office of the Chief Actuary provides an updated report on the plan and its surplus size this fall.
 As of March 2023, Treasury Board reports the plan was running a $42.4-billion surplus. The plan has two funds. One is unfunded with benefits paid out of government coffers for service prior to 2000. The other is funded and invested by the Public Sector Pension Investment Board to pay benefits for service after 2000.
It is the surplus in the post-2000 fund that’s at the centre of a looming tussle. It’s unclear just how big that “non-permissible” level of surplus is. Sources, who are not authorized to publicly speak about the plan, say it was about $1.5 billion in March 2023, but may have grown tenfold since then.
The government has options to reduce the surplus. First, it’s required by law to stop its contributions. It could also allow members to reduce their contributions or transfer excess funds to the consolidated revenue fund until the unpermitted surplus disappears. Government and members split the cost of contributions, each contributing about $3.1 billion a year.
The unions want to see some of the surplus shared with employees. The government and its unions have clashed over a pension surplus before and the government always maintains that any surplus belongs to taxpayers, not workers.
 Public servants have an enviable defined-benefit pension plan,, which have all but disappeared in the private sector, but not all public servants get the same generous benefits.
A two-tier pension system has been in place since the Harper government introduced it, a move that infuriated unions and sparked a “hands off our pension” campaign in 2012.
Bureaucrats who joined before January 2013 are in tier one and can retire with full benefits at age 55 with 30 years. Those who joined after 2013 are in tier two and have to wait until age 60 with 30 years of service.
That move was supposed to save $2.6 billion by 2018 and an ongoing $900 million a year.
The giant Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) has been quietly lobbying the government to do away with the second tier.
The Harper government also required public servants to contribute more to their pensions, a change that didn’t provoke much resistance.
Union leaders’ outrage over the tiered pension didn’t resonate much with workers at the time, largely because the change had no impact on them. It only affected new hires. Now, after a hiring surge over the past five years, Treasury Board reports employees in tier two now form the largest group of working members in the plan.
PSAC isn’t discussing the proposal or how much eliminating the second tier could cost, but it believes it’s affordable because of the surplus.
Unions are represented on the plan’s pension advisory committee, which advises and makes recommendations to Treasury Board President Anita Anand on how to run, design, and fund the plan.
“I think there would be a fight if they reallocated (the surplus) without giving consideration to the people who made it in the first place,” said a labour observer who is not authorized to speak publicly about the plan.
Pensions lead into the incomprehensibly murky world of accounting and different standards that have left experts at loggerheads for years. Some even question whether the fund or a surplus even exist given the money all comes out of the same government pot.
All these factors complicate an understanding of the pension plan’s financial health and the impact on workers and employers.
The government has the added complication that it operates some of the country’s biggest plans. It has one for public servants, one for the military, and one for the RCMP. They account for the government’s second– biggest liability after the federal market debt.
With rising debt and deficits, the performance of these plans becomes increasingly critical. The plans are also in the sights of some Conservatives, who want to reduce the cost of plans if they are elected as the next government.
 The government’s defined-benefit pension plan is public servants’ most prized asset. It is unlike most pension plans: it doesn’t follow normal pension standards and accounting rules. It isn’t jointly managed with employees. Public servants have zero investment risk. Their pensions are guaranteed by statute, regardless of how the pension fund performs or if it runs a deficit. The government is on the hook for any deficit, so it claims it is entitled to the surplus.
“Public servants take no risk, so they deserve no reward,” said pension expert Malcolm Hamilton.
“If that fund performs badly, you’re not going to have any members of the pension plan say ‘maybe we should take part of the pain.’ Yet, when it does well, they predictably turn up and say, ‘well, we should get part of that because it’s our pension fund.”
The pension plan impacts government finances, and the extent of the impact has been much debated over the years.
The C.D. Howe Institute has long argued public servants don’t contribute enough for their pensions, leading to an underestimation of future liabilities for taxpayers that are much larger than recorded on the books.
However, the Liberals may have emboldened the unions to ask for a share of the surplus. Anand recently promised to amend pension legislation so border officers and thousands of other front-line public safety workers can retire with pensions after 25 years of service – known as “25-and out.” The unions would like to extend that to other public safety workers.
Hamilton, the pension expert, argues that sharing a surplus and extending pension benefits to a larger class of public-safety workers are two separate issues.
The government may have signalled its intentions for the surplus with a little-noticed change in the budget bill. It allows the Public Sector Pension Investment Board to move funds to the consolidated revenue fund, the government’s main bank account, where its money is collected and spent.
The public-service plan, like other defined-benefit plans, has run surpluses because of high interest rates and market returns since 2019. In fact, the government amended the Income Tax Act to increase the allowable size of non-permitted surpluses to 25 per cent of liabilities.
The plan has also run deficits like, for example, in 2014, when prolonged low interest rates after the 2008 market crash, along with public servants’ increased life expectancy and lower-than expected market returns, came home to roost. The government made up for the deficit.
Public servants feel hard done by these days. Unions argue that the employer should show some goodwill after the Phoenix and Canada Life debacles, especially with the mandatory order forcing employees back into the office three days a week. Public servants are also key voters in the National Capital Region, and the Liberals face what polls indicate will be a significant challenge in the next election.
By Staff
August 6th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Note the event and the date.
This is something you will want to pay attention to. The King Road site will have a massive impact on the growth and development of the city. A decade from now will probably see a shift westward in the economic center of Burlington.
The event is being put on by the Burlington Chamber of Commerce. Registration has to be done at their web site: https://www.burlingtonchamber.com/
By Staff
August 6th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 CBC Radio broadcaster Dr. Brian Goldman Dr. Brian Goldman, a regular guest on CBC radio said:
The new #Covid KP3 subvariant is spreading like wildfire.
 We thought this was over – doesn’t appear to be – MASK UP You may want to consider masking for larger gatherings indoors.
Some hospitals have returned to required masking.
My anecdotal sense is that KP3 is much more than “a cold.”
By Staff
August 5th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 Turn natural fibres into brilliant colours There is a workshop at the Art Gallery to introduce participants to the basics of dyeing natural fibres with plants and flowers.
The workshop will address the ethics for growing and harvesting plants, the importance and variety of mordants (this is what makes the colour stick!) and how to approach different fibres (cotton, wool and silk).
The workshop will introduce the basics of eco-printing flowers and leaves, as well as creating a dye bath with plants.
Participants will be working with plants and flowers that are in season. Participants are invited to bring flowers and plants they have grown or harvested ethically to use in bundle dyeing. This workshop is appropriate for all ages; participants ages 12 and under should be accompanied by an adult.
When attending any of our public programs please consider bringing non-perishable food and hygiene products to donate to the Burlington Food Bank. Like so many communities, Burlington has seen an alarming 20% increase in the need for assistance with groceries over the last year. We are collecting community contributions to support the food bank’s efforts in meeting the growing demand for food security.
Dyes Workshop with Alize Zorlutuna; Saturday, August 17 · 1 – 4pm EDT
To register click HERE
By Staff
August 5th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 Mary Alice St. James explaining an election issue to several seniors. The Federal government has announced a funding program that will have seniors helping seniors create programs that meet their needs.
Last week, Labour and Seniors Minister Steven MacKinnon announced a call for funding proposals under a new Community-based Projects stream of the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).
The NHSP program is a federal grants and contributions program that provides funding for projects that make a difference in the lives of seniors and in their communities.
The new Community-based Projects stream will provide federal funding to support community-based projects designed by seniors for seniors that empowers seniors in their communities and contributes to improving their health and well-being.
The application is now live as of August 1st, and further program information and eligibility criteria and application can be found here.
Organizations can apply for funding until the application deadline on September 12, 2024 (3:00 pm EST).
By Julieta Belen Correa
August 6th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Timothy Adams—a professional poker player coming from Burlington—has so far made total live earnings of $38,580,851. That puts him in the second place on the Canadian all-time money list, being preceded only by Daniel Negreanu.
The biggest chunk of his earnings comes from playing poker tournaments on the top Canadian poker sites, where he excels with his advanced card-counting strategies.
 It can be a game of chance – for many it is a game of skill. He didn’t always have the enviable bankroll that he has today. Adams’ poker days began when he was 18, as he started participating in online tournaments. His alias was “Tim0thee” and it seems like it brought him a lot of luck—he won more than $500,000 on Full Tilt Poker and $2,000,000 on PokerStars.
Adams had humble beginnings by participating in low-stakes tournaments, with his first recorded win coming in May 2007. By snatching fifth place in a US tournament, he managed to earn $3,765. The buy-in for this tournament was a modest $340, which is how much many players who play poker in the best online casinos spend during an average night of fun.
Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for him to win six- and seven-figure prizes and participate in tournaments with a buy-in of $250,000. His first such win came in 2012, at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), where he finished seventh in a big event.
Speaking of WSOP, it’s nice to mention that, so far, Timothy Adams has managed to win one gold bracelet. This achievement happened back in 2012 when he finished first in a $2,500 No-Limit Hold’em Four-Handed event. Apart from the gold bracelet, he also brought home $392,476 in winnings. For comparison purposes, Daniel Negreanu—which was mentioned earlier—currently has seven gold bracelets.
Fast forward to recent years and we can see Timothy Adams making some big wins and serious cash. In 2019, this Burlington poker player earned $3,536,550. He participated in an event in South Korea—the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series—and won first place. This wasn’t his first high-roller event, but it was one of his first major wins in a game of such magnitude.
As for his most recent big win, it came in 2021, when he finished 4th in a $50,000 Super High Roller Bowl Europe tournament. As a prize, Adams won $1,127,500.
 A facial expression – can you read it? Timothy Adams keeps the secret of his success to himself. Whether it’s his complex card-counting strategies or betting patterns that are keeping him on top of the game, it’s obvious that it’s working for him
For someone to be as successful as Adams is in poker, they have to be great at observing their opponents and reading body language. The subtle changes in one’s behavior can tell a lot about the strength of one’s hand, which is what professional poker players use when estimating risks. Not to mention how great they have to be at bluffing—after all, they can’t let other players read their next move.
By Staff
August 4th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
“All we wanted to do was encourage neighbours to help us collect some food and money that could be sent to the Burlington Food Bank. We asked the Food Bank to send us one bin – we ended up filling four bins: 1000 pounds of food and $3000 in cash.”
Daryl Fowler had drafted a bunch of friends who, like him, were small business entrepreneurs who donated and helped make the event work. “They knew how to put things together. Fowler operates FlasheGas, an independent HVAC operation.
“We found that we needed to ask our neighbours if we could use their drive ways.”
 Wearing an ear to ear smile Daryl Fowler with his wife Hannah stand behind four of the six bins that were filled at their first food drive event.
This year the event looks like it will be bigger. Takes place on Sunday August 4th – running from noon to 4:00 pm at 555 Elwood.
Ice cream, bouncing platforms; the first one we booked didn’t work out and we had to scramble to get another operator in place.
Face painting, a balloon artist and a magician will be part of the event. Tyler Fergus will be dazzling the kids with his magic performances.
There will be a draw for a BBQ donated by Canadian Tire.
What happens if it rains? “Rain or shine” said Fowler, “the event takes place.”
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