 By Staff
June 2, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The members of the Performing Arts Centre get first dibs on tickets – membership has its benefits. The Box Office is open to everyone on Tuesday June 7th – Box Office opens at noon.
It is quite a season
We have set out what is being offered along with prices. Note the benefit to members – might be worth your while to take out a membership.
The 2022-23 season.
This is not an order form. You call the Box Office –
Tuesday to Friday from 12pm to 4pm
Payment: Cash, Interac/Debit, Credit Card (VISA, MasterCard, AMEX), Gift Certificate
905 -681-6000
 By Staff
June 2nd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Sound of Music offering for 2022
Tickets available on the Sound of Music web site.
 By Staff
June 2nd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
After months of interviews, meetings and deliberations, the Burlington Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for its 2022 Business Excellence Awards presented by RBC.
 The Chamber has named 22 local organizations as potential winners of awards in a variety of categories. Award nominations are based on overall business excellence and the criteria include excellence in business leadership, community contributions, entrepreneurship, environment, employee welfare, innovation and market growth.
The finalists are:
HOSPITALITY & TOURISM
• Front Line Tours
• QB Sports Bar Grill Games
MANUFACTURING
• Precision Record Pressing
• BSB Manufacturing
• URtech Manufacturing
RETAIL
• She’s Got Leggz
• Familia Fine Foods
• Joelle’s Clothing
SERVICE (Large)
• RFB Construction
• Tip Tap Pay Micropayments
• Alexanian Carpet and Flooring
SERVICE (Business-to-Business)
• Urban in Mind
• Joe Apps Technology Support
• Stratus Building Solutions
• Frederikse Law
SERVICE (Business-to-Consumer)
• Waters Edge Salon and Spa
• No Excuse Boxing
• Burlington Denture Clinic
NOT-FOR-PROFIT
• Goodwill Amity
• Lighthouse for Grieving Children
• Food for Life
While the list of finalists is now public information, the names of the winners remain a closely guarded secret. The winners will be announced at the Chamber Business Awards Gala set for June 28 at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. This highly anticipated event is being emceed by acclaimed Burlington fashion designer and entrepreneur, Joseph Tassoni.
By Staff
June 2nd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Moon in June Road Race is happening at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 4. These races require road and lane closures in Burlington.
Streets will reopen as soon as possible following the end of the race. Vehicles parked illegally in the area will be tagged or towed to allow emergency access.
 Road Closures
3 to 11:30 p.m. – James Street between John Street and Brant Street
5 to 11:30 p.m. – Brant Street between Ontario and Elgin Street
6 to 11 p.m. – Brant Street between Caroline Street and Lakeshore Road
7:15 to 9:30 p.m. – Lakeshore Road (east bound) between John Street and Brock Street; Brock Avenue between Lakeshore Road and Elgin Street; Elgin Street between Brock Street and Maple Avenue
Exit Points
• Baldwin Street/Victoria Avenue at Brant Street
• Maple Avenue at Ontario Street
Traffic Lane Closures
• Southbound Brant Street between Baldwin and Caroline Street
• All other streets on the race route will have one lane open for local access
Resident Access
Emergency Services access will be maintained at all times along the event route.
Traffic Supervision
Police will direct traffic at major intersections and event marshals will help runners and motorists at multi-residential driveways and on side streets. Race notices were delivered to all residences, religious centres and businesses affected by the races.
 By Pepper Parr
June 1st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The new normal took shape Tuesday evening when Sean Cullen took to the stage at the Performing Arts Centre to introduce the program for the 2022-23 season.
The Performing Arts has a lot to offer this season.
And Cullen was in a very giving mood.
 Sean Cullen in conversation with a fan. He has a way with getting an audience to eat out of his hand – he spots people in the audience and knows instantly that he can play them.
A young woman in the front row was asked if she was from Burlington. She was she answered. Cullen moved on and then came back to the woman asking “where did you go to university.” “Western” she responded
Cullen turns away again and looks over his shoulder asking: “What did you study?”.
“Economics” the woman answers. “How’s that working out for you he asks” getting the laugh Cullen knew was in the audience?
It wasn’t a full house but is was a very respectable turn out.
The event had Cullen serving as the MC with four acts that would be performing during the season doing a short performance.
There was two short pieces of classical music performed by Francine Kay who hunches over the keyboard ready to pounce on the keys – and dazzled the audience.
Memberships in the Performing Arts Centre Hall of Fame were awarded to Gary De Groote and Don Allan. De Groote commented that it was the first time he had worn a jacket in two years.
 Tammy Fox , Kathy Manness, Executive Vice President, Burlington Chamber of Commerce, Megg Markettos, Manager, Marketing and Development BPAC Tammy Fox, the Executive Director of the Performing Arts Centre spoke for a few minutes: the public needs to see and hear more of her – she has a quick wit, a sharp tongue and likes audiences – that hasn’t always been for BPAC.
While she is an administrator – there is dramatic talent there; a waste to keep it behind a desk
For the first time in my memory there was an In Memoriam moment during which several names appeared on the screen followed by photographs. When the name of Boris Brott, killed tragically by a hit and run driver, the audience rose to its feel applauding.
Regrettably there was no mention of the loss of Walter Mulkewich, former Mayor and quite an orator when he turned it on.
The purpose of the evening was to give Performing Arts Centre members an advance opportunity to buy ticket – the Box Office was held open for them for three days before the public can purchase tickets.
We will list the features in a separate article.
 The purpose of the evening was to give BPAC members a taste of what the season was going to be about and to give them first crack a ticket sales. The Box office was the destination for most of the audience. Some needed a little more time to decide what they wanted to take in during the season  . With Cullen taking his last friendly poke at the audience people were invited to go out to the Family room, enjoy an adult beverage and some food and just mingle – something many had not done for the last two years.
 They didn’t run out of bottles of a refreshing bubbly white wine. The Adult Beverage tables were kept busy.
The Performing Arts staff now bend their will to getting ready to welcome the first acts
By Staff
June 1st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
City of Burlington has installed new Pride Banners in recognition and celebration of Burlington’s LGBTQ2S+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, TwoSpirit) community for the month of June, which is Pride Month.
Pride Month is a time when we celebrate the diversity in the LGBTQ2S+ communities, acknowledge their history, the hardships they have endured, and the progress that has been made.
 The banners were designed in consultation with representatives from the LGBTQ2S+ community and are installed along Brant Street from Fairview Street to Ghent Avenue. They are part of the City’s Pride recognition and are in addition to the four Rainbow Crosswalks installed around the City.
The four Rainbow Crosswalks are located at:
• Lakeshore Road at Burlington Avenue
• Upper Middle Road at M.M. Robinson school entrance
• Fairview Street and Drury Lane
• Plains Road West and Botanical Drive
 A project dear to the Mayor’s heart The Lakeshore Road Rainbow Crosswalk location was selected by a committee of representatives from organizations from the LGBTQ2S+ community. This was the City’s first Rainbow Crosswalk and was installed and unveiled in June 2020.
At the June 22, 2021 Burlington City Council meeting, Council voted to fund three more rainbow crosswalks. Council approved up to $50,000 from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund for the installation of the three rainbow crosswalks in 2021. The locations were chosen using survey feedback that asked the community to choose their top six locations from a list developed in consultation with council members and members of the former rainbow crosswalk team. City staff reviewed the six locations to determine the three locations that were installed in 2021.
 Indeed they did not weather well These three locations did not winter well and have sustained damage. The defects in the crosswalk material has resulted in parts of the rainbow crosswalk coming away from the pavement. This damage is being repaired under warranty at no cost to the City and will be done when ideal repair conditions are met. The material used in the rainbow crosswalks needs the road to be dry with mild overnight temperatures above 10 degrees Celsius.
Pride Rainbow Banners
The Street Banner Program will include Pride rainbow themed banners along major streets in Burlington. These rainbow crosswalks and banners will be important features and key landmarks geographically and socially for the city.
 By Staff
June 1st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
June is the Month of Play and a perfect time for the city’s parks, trails, outdoor pools, splash pads, cultural areas, and events come to life with activities, people, and fun.
As the city celebrates June as the Month of Play, they encourage residents to get active indoors and outdoors and enjoy everything the City offers.
Get Outside and Play Challenge
Our annual Get Outside and Play Challenge will begin on June 1 and ends on Aug. 29, 2022. We encourage Burlington residents to explore all the places and spaces in Burlington with over 90 activities available. The activities and challenges have been created so teams of individuals or families can participate in completing at least 90 activities in 90 days.
Great prizes await the winning team. Contest rules, information on the challenge and list of prizes are available on our website at burlington.ca/playoutside.
June is also Seniors Month.
Adults 55+ can join in the fun at all City Recreation and Community Centers across Burlington. Programs include fitness, sports, arts, games, socials, learning and music activities; and participants can join in programs offered online, indoor, outdoor and/or by telephone.
Choose from registered programs of different lengths, and/or drop-in single visit pay-as-you-play programs (reserve a drop-in spot online or by phone in advance). Select inter-generational programs for anyone 19 and older or enjoy peer-age programs for adults 55 and older, if preferred.
For more information about June activities or other programs for Adults 55+, visit burlington.ca/adult.
Concerts in the Park presented by the Rocca Sisters
Concerts in the Park returns June 19 until Aug. 28. Sit back and enjoy free music at the Central Park Bandshell every Wednesday and Sunday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The list of concerts can be found at burlington.ca/concerts.
Longest Day of Play
June 21 is the longest day of the year and also the longest day of play. Why not take advantage of the day and plan an event in your neighbourhood park? View the Love My Neighbourhood resources at burlington.ca/neighbourhood.
Pop Up n’ Play
Pop Up n’ Play is back this year in select locations in Burlington parks. Drop-by with your kids for fun times using imagination to create a different play experience through making a mess, building, and creating. Learn more at burlington.ca/popupnplay.
Skate Hub
Beginning June 4, residents can borrow a pair of skates at the Appleby Ice Centre through the Skate Hub. Sizes and selections are limited and borrowed on a first come, first served basis.
Festivals and Events
There are plenty of festivals, events and cultural activities available this summer. Visit burlington.ca/calendar to view the full calendar. For events hosted by the City, including Canada Day, Kids Mini Fest and Movies Under the Stars, visit burlington.ca/events.
For more information on all recreation programs and services, visit burlington.ca/recreation.
Burlington is a city where people, nature and businesses thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at Burlington.ca/Enews and follow @CityBurlington on social media.
 Chris Glenn, Director, Recreation, Community and Culture Chris Glenn, Director, Recreation, Community and Culture
“There is always something fun to do around the city with all of our parks, trails and greenspace. Get outside and play, be active, have fun or just enjoy the space around you. The possibilities are endless.”
By Staff
June 1st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
One of our correspondents set out one view on the Public Meeting that took place virtually last night with the statement:
Smoke and Mirrors adding that the “the city doesn’t have a clue what it will be doing with the space other than the 15-20% of the building ( approx 40,000 square feet) that Brock is perhaps willing to sign a 20 year lease.
The space has to be ready by September 2024, and I have to wonder if there is a clause that if the renovations are not completed in time they can simply walk away from the lease.
The parking issue was skirted around, very similar to how the city deals with parking and traffic ” We will do this in phases and the existing parking will be sufficient”. What happens when phase 2 and 3 are complete? No mention of the timeline between the 3 construction/renovation phases. I can see this going on for years and years before it becomes “the much needed community centre”.
The City has not even looked into the cost of the removal of the asbestos. They have no plans to do this until the sale is finalized. Who does this ??? – go into such a large project without knowing what the cost will be for this removal ( this will be a very expensive proposition )- as you know it can be more dangerous to remove the asbestos.
I found it interesting that in 2014 the City paid to renovate a pool that didn’t belong to the city.
 The HDSB who took art in the virtual event, skirted the issue as to what it will do with Gary Allen.
No company in the private sector would go through with the purchase or renovations of Robert Bateman without having all the necessary costs involved known before acquiring the property.
 Early thinking on what the site could look like. The only thing I got out of this meeting is how much or should I say how little space Brock is going to lease and that in my opinion this is what is driving the speed in decision, especially since Tim Commisso indicated that the city is the only one interested in the Bateman Property.
At the close of the meeting City manager Commisso said “ I think the fact that this is going to create a really strong facility and legacy for our community. But it’s been a year of us trying to look ahead while also seeing what the immediacy of having to make a decision about the purchase.
I’m not going to make any apologies for the fact that we’ve done as much as we can as much due diligence, but we don’t have all of the answers that perhaps people think we might or should have. In order to make the purchase decision.
 Partly because we’re under a prescribed process that really requires us to be responsive to the school board in terms of meeting their needs. I will say the worst thing that can happen is that somehow that we weren’t involved in this process or whatever. And I won’t even speculate on what that means. But, you know, I think we made a commitment. And counsel certainly made that commitment that we would go through this process and try to do as much as we could in advance. But we don’t have all the answers. We do commit to is the process from here.
So let the design you know, what’s the community centre going to look like? What are the uses? How is that going to be done parking through zoning will all be public thing. It’s really a part of a process.
I think that we see moving forward and we hope and we encourage as many people as possible to get engaged now. Because I think at the end of the day, you know, this is a facility that we all want to be proud of. And I think by having our partners in there to really showcase I think the fact that Burlington is creating a hub here, so I’ll leave it at that.
I know I’m kind of over my comments over the time, but I just wanted to acknowledge that says that this is a unique project. It’s not like we bought a piece of land and then we started planning for it. We have to meet a prescribed timeline in order to purchase it because we’re an eligible agency. And then we have to essentially make sure that we design and program that properly. So that meets the needs of the community over the long term. In my years this has probably been the most challenging facility projects that I’ve worked on. And I’ve worked on quite a few of them.
The Gazette had two meeting taking place at the same time and has not found a way to be in two places at once.
We will review the recording a d go through the transcription we have of the event and report back real soon.
 By Pepper Parr
June 1st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Our final data set from the on the street, one on- interviews carried out by Jason Octavio, a Sheridan Journalism student is set out below
Our survey began May 6th and ended yesterday.
People were engaged where people congregate, at the mall, at he LCBO stores, at supermarkets and on the main streets of the city and at the GO stations.
It is not as tight a race as it was at the middle of the month. Two things were evident. A lot of people do not plan to vote and a lot of people did not want to say who they planned to vote for.
The proof is in the pudding as they say.
The results will begin to flow in shortly after the polls close. The Gazette will do what it can to provide a flow of local information and the ideally, interview all the candidates before the evening is over.
Your job now is to decide who you want to be your representative at Queen’s Park.
 We got a call from an Orchard Park resident asking why we did not provide coverage to the election race in the riding of Oakville North Burlington. It was a matter of resources – we just didn’t have the manpower needed to do a survey in that riding.
The candidates for the riding of Oakville North Burlington are set out below.
By Pepper Parr
May 31st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The reader who has asked, for good reasons, to be left as an anonymous writer explains why the City Manager is fronting the Public Information meeting this evening.
There is still very little information from the city Communications department other than that the event is taking place and here is how you can take part.
A big site with loads of potential has become a big problem The reason why Tim Commisso, city Manager, will host the upcoming Community Updates tomorrow is due to the need to follow the City’s governance processes.
In the case of the Bateman situation, the City under the direction of the City Manager must present what recommendations may be considered for the elected City Council for approval.
 What will the City manager put on the table this evening? That would require a written report that citizens could read and form opinions. There is no written report.
In other words, the City negotiates to derive their recommendations but can’t approve their recommendations. City Council must ensure public input is received prior to making any approval decision associated with the recommendation from City staff. The known exception relates to legal matters associated which typically have already been made but are now appealed to a higher authority or which were not made in a timely fashion as dictated by published guidelines issued by the higher authority.
In our case, City Council has yet to receive a recommendation from City staff. As such City staff may present what has been received and to seek public feedback on the same. Any decision sought from City Council is unlikely to be made prior the end of session in mid-July and instead be postponed until after the Municipal election in October by the newly elected City Council.
The same goes for HDSB matters. The Director of Education presents recommendations for the elected Board of Trustees approval. In other words, the HDSB staff under the Director negotiates to derive their recommendations, but can’t approve their recommendations.
To do otherwise opens the doors to a conflict of interest. The elected members guard the purse and ensure that the rules of governance are followed.
It is up to each member of the public to be vigilant to ensure that changes to any rules of governance do not negatively compromise the public as a result of proposed recommendations made by the HDSB, the City or the Province.
The Municipal electorate has to be satisfied as to the steps already been taken by City staff on a matter which enhances the City delivery of services to the community in a cost effective manner. Likewise, the HDSB electorate has to be satisfied as to the steps already taken which enhances the delivery of education services in a cost effective manner.
This meeting is taking place because there has been so much blow back from citizens; something had to be done – so the City Manager is going to explain what has and what he expect will take place.
At the risk of being rude – the people of Burlington can read – provide a detailed report on what the options are, what the expenses are and what the long term contribution to the city will be.
Then let Council get input from staff and then make a decision.
The problem with this, a traditional and accepted practice in the municipal world, is that this project has become something several members of Council want and they are going to do everything possible in order to show what they are capable of.
What they are capable of is the mess the public is looking at.
The event this evening is being recorded and we are told will be available for view “soon” after the meeting.
The meeting details are:
 By Pepper Parr
May 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Editorial Opinion
The public has listened to what the politicians have had to say since May 3rd.
It is now time for the voters to decide what they want in the way of political leadership.
The Gazette has watched the candidates for some time; years in the case of Andrew Drummond, about a year and a half for Miriam Manaa and about three months for Natalie Pierre.
It is our view that Ontario needs a Premier over whom there is some ongoing control and we advocate for a minority government. It is clear that the Progressive Conservatism have a strong lead provincially and will form the next government.
The Gazette believes that either Liberal Miriam Manaa or New Democrat Andrew Drummond would serve the public well.
 Liberal candidate Miriam Manaa Manaa has some experience working with elected members – those who belittle her work experience do not understand just what elected officials do. Manaa was not at a desk licking envelopes; she was doing case work and working closely with a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons.
Drummond is a stronger policy person than Manaa and he has a significant amount of experience in a very competitive industry.
If elected Manaa would bring some of the Burlington diversity to the legislature.
 Andrew Drummond candidate for the New Democratic Party If elected Drummond would bring strong policy chops to the job.
Both would serve the people in the Burlington constituency well once they settle in.
As impressed as we were with Natalie Pierre, the Progressive Conservatives have not earned the right to have their candidate sent to Queen’s Park.
 Natalie Pierre, Progressive Conservative candidate We see it as unfortunate that a political party would flout the traditional practice of putting their candidates before the public and listening to what they have to say,
The public never had the chance to learn more about the woman. They appear to have taken the position that the PCs have it in the bag and the public de damned.
 By Pepper Parr
May 31st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
It is still a tight race but the Liberals appear to be widening the gap.
Some readers have misunderstood what the Gazette has been doing.
The survey we have carried out is for the residents who are in the Burlington constituency.
Our survey has been one on one short interviews with more than 750 at this point. We will be surveying for an additional day.
We asked people four questions.
Question 1: Do you know there’s going to be an election in June?
Question 2: Do you know anything about the issues?
Question 3: Are you going to vote?
Question 4: Would you like to say who you will vote for?
Of interest is that the province wide polling being done by the Toronto Star has the Burlington seat leaning PC.
Burlington has been a rock bed of conservative people and Conservative voters; for the Star to suggest it is leaning PC would have the Star agreeing with the Gazette.
Of course it all comes down to what the voters think. We will never know what they think – but we can urge you to think and then vote.
 By Staff
May 31st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington is inviting artists, artist-led teams and community groups to submit their ideas to create art in Burlington public spaces celebrating Burlington’s diverse communities.
A total of $29,000 is available for up to eight projects, depending on the proposals submitted.
 Public art attached to the bridge on Regal Road. Proposals may include, but are not limited to murals, sound / light installations, artist designed seating, children/youth projects, temporary art projects, or artist designed crosswalks. Interactive projects are encouraged.
The public art program will support successful applicants by providing resources and staff support through the planning, installation and execution of the project. This can include connections to artists and fabricators, assistance with permits and permissions as well as general project support where applicable.
Information Session
Applicants are invited to an optional information session to learn more about this public art opportunity and the application process.
 Publicly funded art on an electric utility box at Port Nelson Park – a location that was once a major port for what was then the Township of Nelson Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Online – Please RSVP to kim@cobaltconnects.ca before June 15, 2022 for virtual meeting details.
Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is open to individual artists, artist teams, artist collectives, ad hoc groups, or arts and culture organizations, as well as partnerships and collaborations between arts and non-arts applicants. Applicants from equity-seeking groups are especially encouraged to apply. The deadline to apply is Friday, July 15, 2022.
For deadlines and more information on how to get application help and/or apply, please visit www.burlington.ca/publicart.
Timeline:
Deadline Activity
June 16 Voluntary online information session
July 15 Application deadline
By July 31 Successful artists selected; enter into a contract with the City of Burlington.
August Project development: Artists work with Public Art staff to develop and approve Detailed Project Proposal
September – December Project execution (TBD – based on individual project requirements)
 Councillor Sharman speaking to Angela Paparizo. By diverse backgrounds the city includes: seniors, youth, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour), LGBTQ2S+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, TwoSpirit) and those with disabilities.
Angela Paparizo, Manager of Arts and Culture tells the arts community: “We want your creative ideas to activate a community space and will provide project support to make it happen!
Please join us for more information on June 16 and be sure to submit your ideas by July 15. We look forward to hearing from interested artists, whether you are an emerging or established artist.”
By Pepper Parr
May 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
It was set up as an event to celebrate what the Brant Inn was, especially in its heyday and to let the public see the SkyClub that rests atop the actual museum and beside the Joseph Brant residence.
 The Joseph Brant Museum on a Saturday evening The evening was also a fund raiser and one of those opportunities to get out and be with friends.
There was a band – the Smooth Blend Quartet – that did encourage some people to get up and dance.
Most of the dancing was done by Robert and Beverley of danceScape fame. The moves they made on the dance floor are things most of the attendees wouldn’t dare try.
Later in the evening Robert and Beverly taught a large group the Mambo. Everyone was having fun.
 The Pier from the SkyClub atop the Joseph Brant Museum. The Brant Inn would have been in that space in the lower left hand corner of the photograph The surprise, a real surprise for everyone was the SkyClub. The view on the east side took in the location where the Brant Inn used to stand.
Dan Lawrie, who didn’t chance any of the dancing, told his friends the place was one of the best kept secrets in the city.
The food was also a surprise – prepared by the chef’s at The Williamsburg kitchen it was better than many expected at this kind of event.
I will let my partner describe the food once she has had a chance to talk to the people at The Williamsburg.
By Staff
May 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The following was passed along to us by a reader who was given the information by the city’s Communications department.
Director of Communications Kwab Ako-Adjei, Director, Corporate Communications & Engagement said:
“As with any public meeting the City holds, including virtual meetings, those in attendance will have an opportunity to ask questions. We are finalizing the details of how the questions will be asked, we will let those in attendance know at the beginning of the meeting how they can ask their questions.
“City Manager Tim Commisso will be leading the discussion along with other City staff (to be confirmed) that can speak to the project.”
 Want to see just how good those facilitating chops are. Finalizing the details the day before the event is cutting it kind of close – but better late than never.
The City Manager will lead the event – our recollection is that this will be the first time Tim Commisso will chair an event. His practice is to make a comment during a meeting.
It will be interesting to see just how good his facilitating chops are.
By Staff
May 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Bike Month, is being celebrated in Burlington through to the end of June.
The city sees this as an opportunity for people to try riding a bike for the first time, learn new skills, or simply have fun and connect with new people.
 Special lanes for bicycles and the speed at which vehicles travel along city roads are an ongoing concern . Riding a bike is one of the best ways to get around and explore your community. Fifty per cent of trips in Burlington can be done in a less-than 20-minute bike ride.
Burlington is once again holding a draw to give away bike racks for businesses and organizations to encourage cycling to their locations and offering a series of cycling webinars to celebrate Bike Month in Burlington.
Bike Rack Giveaway
The City, in cooperation with the Burlington Cycling Committee and the Integrated Transportation Advisory Committee, has 25 bike racks to give away this year. Each rack holds about 10 bicycles and is valued at $700. Interested parties are asked to email Dan.Ozimkovic@burlington.ca with contact information by June 15, 2022.
 Bike rack that will be given to 25 locations Selected organizations will be required to pick up and transport their bike rack to their private property and install the bike rack on a concrete pad for public use.
The City has been providing various organizations in the community, such as places of worship, small businesses and schools, with free bike racks for the past eight years.
Free Cycling Webinars
Residents are invited to learn about cycling with kids, bike maintenance, road rules and other cycling topics with the City’s free webinars.
 Basic maintenance is important
Family Biking
June 2, 7 to 8 p.m. Webinar information – Zoom link
June 20, 7 to 8 p.m. Webinar information – Zoom link
 Knowing the rules of the road Basic Bike Maintenance
June 13, 7 to 8 p.m. Webinar information – Zoom link
June 26, noon to 1 p.m. Webinar information – Zoom link
 By Staff
May 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
With the pandemic receding from our day to day lives – that doesn’t mean it is over – the lock downs and restrictions are not as harsh.
We didn’t have a chance to update our readers on event at the Art Gallery of Burlington.
 Joiri Minaya, Container #3, 2017. Archival pigment print, 40” x 60“
. Courtesy of the artist. Here Comes the Sun is running until August 13th, 2022 in the Perry Gallery.
Four artists are featured – Irene de Andrés, Katherine Kennedy, Joiri Minaya and Ada M. Patterson
The exhibition was curated by Noor Alé
Here Comes the Sun traces the origins of extractive tourism industries through the works of contemporary artists whose practices examine the interconnections between colonial legacies of crop plantations and service economies in the Caribbean.
Gesturing towards the Caribbean’s complicated relationship with the tourism industry, Irene de Andrés and Katherine Kennedy deliver criticisms of international stakeholders and land developers who stand to benefit from the economic, social, and environmental well-being of the region. Countering the intrusive colonial gaze, Joiri Minaya exposes fictitious representations of the landscape and the exoticization of Caribbean women. Ada M. Patterson subverts images of crops to offer a lamentation on the place of sugar and tourism in the Barbadian cultural imaginary.
The works problematize the paradise trope ascribed to the Caribbean by the West and pose questions about its construction: What are the historical foundations of this trope? Why, and for whom, was it built? Together, these works resist the Western gaze, address the shared complicity between tourists, diasporic communities, and land developers, and critique reductive conceptions of the Caribbean as a site of escapism.
The exhibition title is borrowed from Jamaican-born writer Nicole Dennis-Benn’s titular fictional novel. In Here Comes the Sun (2016), Dennis-Benn narrates the lives of three Jamaican women against a backdrop of power dynamics, economics, and gender inequities to advance conversations in the Global North about the complexity of tourism industries.
Here Comes the Sun has been generously sponsored by DJB Chartered Professional and the Ontario Arts Council.
The AGB is supported by the Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Trillium Foundation, and the Canada Council for the Arts.
By Pepper Parr
May 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The public meeting about the city’s purchase of the Robert Bateman High school property from the Halton District School Board is going to take place – and that at this point is all we can tell you.
We don’t know who is going to facilitate the event; we don’t know which staff members will be taking part, we don’t know if the public will be able to ask questions.
It is a large piece of property – huge potential. Will members of Council be on hand – they were the ones that made the decision to, in principle, buy the property.
A lot of just don’t know around this story.
We have asked the city of the event will be recorded.
We expect that this will be a turning point for this initiative.
The public wants answers.
We now get to see just how engaging the city is and how transparent they will be Tuesday evening.
 By Pepper Parr
May 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Stop the Campbellville Quarry
Protests, email efforts, using social media to the max – they are all part of bringing about a change in what a government wants to do.
The Reform Gravel Mining Coalition took things a couple of steps further – the set themselves up as Third Party Advertisers.
A third party is any person or entity that is not a political party, candidate or constituency association, and that engages in political advertising.
 Thousands were mailed out to the residents of Halton They were able to raise funds and paid for the printing of thousands of brochures that were put in the mail to everyone they felt was impacted by the plans for the Campbellville Quarry which Premier Doug Ford is on record saying it would not be permitted to grow.
That speech by the Premier is on their web site.
We asked for a copy of the pamphlet and were told that they had spent all their advertising money.
We explained that ours was a news story about a group of people putting their shoulders to the wheel to prevent a quarry development from taking place.
Third party advertisers are not a new addition to the game of politics. They just haven’t been used all that much.
The work done by the Reform Gravel Mining Coalition is a welcome example of what should be done more often – the words coming from the candidates need to be balanced by more public points of view.
Third Party Advertisers are bound tightly by all kinds of rules which is unfortunate – the public needs every opportunity possible to get their views out into the public domain.
The political parties flood the airways – television and radio – telling THEIR story which is often short a lot of facts.
Graham Flint, co-chair of the group, said the coalition formed after decades of “chronic” quarry development in the province.
“After years and years of having individual communities deal with aggregate issues, a group of us felt that it was time to form a broader coalition and elevate the issues that these individual communities were facing to to a higher level to awareness across the province overall,” Flint said.
“Gravel mining is not a benign activity,” Flint said. “It destroys the natural environment and damages communities. Its product is the feed source for highways and sprawl, the various things that are accelerating the climate crisis that we need to get under control.”
 By Pepper Parr
May 29th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
 This is an act of trust – the power that is in your hands is being given to someone else with the understanding that they will govern fairly and responsibly, You have in your hands the power that is the engine of every democracy.
It belongs to you.
On Thursday you will give that power to others and expect them to govern responsibly and to ensure that everyone is treated fairly.
That the pressing interests and concerns are given the attention and the resources needed.
Climate change – the Premier needs some help from the public on that one.
The building of new highways. This one has a direct link to climate change and the real needs of the province. Highway 413 is something you want to pay attention to.
Putting together a long term care program that is not in place to just line the pockets of the private sector.
Housing – and more importantly affordable housing.
Education – our students have been short clanged during the pandemic – we need to right that change.
The power to bring about what is needed is in your hands today – on Thursday you will give that power to someone else.
 Will we remember them? Don’t make your decision on who to give it to based on how your grandfather voted.
Do what you know is right – and you do know what is right – when you cast your ballot. Most important cast that ballot. You have a few days to think about who you want in place to run this province.
The race in Burlington is very tight – every vote will matter.
The men and women who have served this country trough several wars put their lives at risk to defend the democracy we have deserve your attention on Thursday.
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
|
|
