 By Pepper Parr
June 18, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Sculpture Garden in the Courtyard of the Art Gallery of Burlington is going to get a treatment with the work of Spanish artist Jordi Alfaro, originally from Spain but now a resident of Dundas, Ontario.
 Spanish artist Jordi Alfaro with one of his Arrieros exhibition pieces. Photo Credit Reid Flock Designed specifically for the unique architectural space, Alfaro has transformed the AGB courtyard into a sculpture garden for his Arrieros exhibition.
Alfaro has used the abstract nature of the design of the Courtyard and created a series of monolithic forms that complement the straight horizontal and vertical lines of both the architecture and the plantings of the space.
 Polished pieces appear to be hiding in the lush vegetation of the Courtyard at the AGB. His single large sculptures and his stacked round forms have the evocative sense of prehistoric monuments like Stonehenge in England, or Carnac in France, but their often bright coloured glazes and crisp bands of colour hint at minimal sculpture out of the 1960’s.
Placed in amongst the plantings or out on the concrete surfaces, these works engage the viewer asking them to navigate the space with an increased awareness.
 There is some of the contemplative nature that one finds in some Zen stone gardens in this piece – part of the Arrieros exhibition. These works suggest the contemplative nature that one finds in the Zen stone gardens in Japan but is totally unique to this artist. The quiet strength of these works transforms the space into as oasis of calm on an otherwise busy day.
 Looking like sentries at the top of an entrance these two piece in the Arrieros exhibit wait for a visitor There is a quietness about the Courtyard – the kind of place to take in some of the sunshine, read a newspaper over a cup of espresso.
Curated by Jonathan Smith, the AGB-tailored exhibition will run from June 13, 2015 to September 30, 2015, with the opening reception taking place Sunday, June 28, 2pm – 4pm.
AGB Members will be offered free admission to the exhibition. More information on the benefits of AGB membership can be found here
 By Staff
June 18, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It apparently wasn’t comfortable enough for the six foot male who held up the receptionist at the Comfort Inn on the south Service Road.
The Halton Regional Police are gathering information on a hotel robbery that occurred late Wednesday night at the Comfort Inn Hotel, located at 3290 South Service Rd, in the City of Burlington.
The preliminary investigation points to an unarmed suspect entering the hotel lobby at 11:50 pm and demanding money from the clerk. The suspect fled the hotel on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.
Police searched the area for the suspect with negative results. The clerk at the hotel was not injured in the incident.
The suspect is described at Male, white approximately 6 foot, medium build, wearing all black clothing.
During the robbery the suspect concealed his identity.
Anyone who may have witnessed the suspect in the area or has information that would assist in this investigation is asked to call the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext 2315 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the internet at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com.
SHOWTIMES and feature line up for June 19 to 25, 2015
CineStarz is located in Downtown Burlington at 460 Brant Street in Burlington
HOME G
Fri to Sun 11:35 1:20 3:10 5:35 7:15 9:00
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INSIDIOUS CHAPTER 3 14A
Fri to Sun 1:45 3:40 5:30 7:30 9:20
Mon to Thur 1:15 3:20 5:15 7:10 9:10
WOMAN IN GOLD PG
Fri to Sun 1:30 3:30 5:30 7:30
Mon to Thur 1:00 3:00 5:00 7:00
ALOHA PG
Fri to Sun 11:30 5:45 9:30
Mon to Thur 3:45 9:00
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Mon to Thur 12:45 2:15 5:40
POLTERGEIST 14A
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FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD PG
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CINDERELLA PG
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EX MACHINA 14A
Fri to Sun 4:00 7:40 9:40
Mon to Thur 3:30P 7:15P 9:15P
AGE OF ADALINE PG
Fri to Sun 11:40
Mon to Thur 1:10
Admission General $5.99
Admission Senior / Children $4.99
Admission Tuesday $3.99
 By Pepper Parr
June 17th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The labour picture in Burlington is getting that cloudy look.
Two CUPE locals have passed the “no board report” point and are now moving on to mediation which will take place June 29th.
If they can’t settle with the city at mediation they can go on strike July 2nd.
The view among many was that the outside workers would find a way to settle with the city but the transit workers are very far apart – strike is quite likely with the bus drivers.
 The sign in the window might not say open for parts of July. The unions have one issue which they both want to see some movement on – workers over 65 do not get health and welfare benefits – even though it is apparently written into the collective agreement.
Burlington has never paid those benefits to people over 65 and is apparently now taking the position that not paying the health and welfare benefits is a past practice and does not have to be paid.
The unions claim they have served a legal notice on the city and want the benefit, as it is written into the collective agreement, paid.
The size of the health and welfare package is lower for the outside workers than it is for other union locals, according to the union.
It sounds as if the outside workers are going to use the howl that will come from the public if the pools and splash pads are shut down for July to make their point.
City Council has standing Committee meetings on the 6th, 7th and 8th of July – so they can’t just leave town. If the Outside workers strike – do the Inside workers respect the picket lines?
 This bus might stay in the garage for part of July – and not because it is out of gas. Wages are the issue for the transit workers. The union claims that Burlington transit drivers earn $7 an hour less than those in Hamilton and $3 an hour less than those in Oakville.
Putting money into transit is a hard sell in this city.
 By Staff
June 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Nelson Wading Pool will be open to the public noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2015 due to water main construction work in the area.
It will be closed the rest of the day.
The wading pool will reopen on Friday, June 19, 2015 at 11 a.m., weather dependent.
What did the people in the Nelson community do to deserve this?
 By Pepper Parr
June 17, 2104
BURLINGTON, ON
The city decided to spend some of our tax money on gussying up parts of the city. Norton Park had a lovely stretch of wall that was just dying for the hand of an artist.
Through its public art program, the city selected artist collective, PA System (Patrick Thompson and Alexa Hatanaka), to install the mural in Norton Community Park.
“The mural will provide a sense of community pride in Alton,” said Scott Stewart, general manager of development and infrastructure. “We look forward to seeing the mural..” he said.
Art outdoors on a lovely late Spring day spells photo op – and sure enough the city’s media managers scheduled such an event.
 The is the eastern side of the wall. while we were photographing this collection of high school students from Hayden High happened along and we knew instantly that we had a real photo opportunity. The Gazette frowns on photo ops just for the sake of getting your picture in the paper – but we thought the art was worth sharing with a wider public. So we travelled up to Dundas to see how the northern half of Burlington lives and walked through the park to see what had been done.
You don’t have to walk very far to get the gist of the mural – colour – it just screams of colour on a wall that is easily 20 feet long and 10 feet high – with two sides to put paint on.
Artists were asked to consider student involvement, community diversity and the wide range of uses for the site in their concept development and installation process. The city’s public art program steering committee received 23 mural applications and shortlisted three artists: Charles Johnston, Lesia Mokrycke and PA System (Alexa Hatanaka and Patrick Thompson).
“Resident-submitted comments guided the jury’s selection and were considered in addition to artistic merit, technical considerations and student engagement around each finalist’s work,” said Angela Paparizo, the City of Burlington’s manager of arts and culture.
Burlington residents were able to view and comment on the proposals during Culture Days in September, at Haber Recreational Centre, and online. The community jury reviewed the feedback, including 340 comments, along with the artistic and technical merits of each proposal to make their selection.
“PA System’s past experience working with community members to create unique and inspiring murals is impressive,” said the jury’s statement. “The use of bold colours and patterns will create a year-round focal point for the park and the abstract nature of the design allows for a broad range of interpretations, allowing each viewer to connect to the work in their own way.”
 It was built as a wall to shelter people from the wind and turned out to be a great place for a mural. This is the inside of the wall About the Artists
PA System, which is comprised of artists Alexa Hatanaka and Patrick Thompson, have a broad background in community-based art projects, youth projects and mentorship. For the past 10 years, Hatanaka and Thompson have worked on a range of visual arts projects in the arctic. They have created numerous murals in the hamlets of Cape Dorset, Igloolik, Iqaluit and Hall Beach as well as in the Northern Quebec towns of Kangiqsujuaq and Kuujjuaq, and have facilitated youth projects at York University, the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, and the National Gallery.
Hatanaka and Thompson exhibit and paint murals across Canada and around the world. Their work can be seen in the Royal Ontario Museum, the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona and the Guanlan International Printmaking Base.
The high school students who posed for our photo op thought it was great work and pulled out their cell phone and asked that we take pictures of them with the art work.
Real photo ops.
By Pepper Parr
June 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
If you live in Burlington the main thing you hear about the Pan Am Games is that they are taking place in Hamilton and the people who run the province want us to reduce our time on the QEW by 20%.
The hotel that was to be built on Lakeshore Road for the games hasn’t even gotten as far as a hole in the ground.
Our piece of the Pan Am Games action looks as if it is going to be limited to having one of our very own carry the torch from the Discovery Centre to the pier – 200 metres.
 The Pan Am Torch The Torch is going to arrive in Burlington at the intersection of Brant and Leighland and be carried down Brant Street, cutting through a couple of local streets, until it gets handed over to Ashley Worobec, a local chiropractor who is a total fitness advocate and in superb shape.
At press time Ashley didn’t have her uniform yet but she is nevertheless pumped.
Worobec’s parents are flying in from Calgary to watch their daughter run that 200 metres – the plans are to have hundreds of people line the route.
The sports organizations in Burlington have been asked to encourage their members to line the route and cheer on our runner.
Parts of Brant Street will be closed to traffic as the Torch is brought to Spencer Smith Park in what Denise Beard, Manager of something with Parks and Recreation, described as a “rolling closure” – the security will lead and follow the runner.
 When she runs her 200 metres on Friday she will be carrying the Pan Am Torch – Ashley Worobec Worobec says there is a “shroud of mystery” surrounding the proceedings. ”I get picked up at 3:45 and get taken to the hotel where I get my uniform and then they tell me what I am doing.”
“I know that I will be handing the torch off to Mark Oldershaw”, Canada’s Olympic paddling hero. “We all end up at the Sound of Music stage where the Mayor is giving a speech.”
Worobec isn’t sure if she gets to keep her uniform but she will be able to buy one of the torches. “I don’t get to keep the one I run with – but I am allowed to buy one – for $550. We are going to put up in the lobby of the clinic.”
 Pan Am Torch route – Worobec is expected to begin her run at the Discovery Centre at 5:45 pm on Friday. No one is really sure how many people are going to be following the event – it takes place right in the middle of the last Sound of Music weekend – so there will probably be large crowds.
Worobec expects to start her 200 metre run at 5:45 on Friday at the Discovery Centre.
Worobec knows that she will be running along the Naval Promenade and thinks she is going to end up somewhere near the gazebo.
Her husband is going to be buying a half a dozen white balloons he will fill with Helium “so I can see where my parents are.”
Sounds like a lot of fun – and very disorganized.
 By Staff
June 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s all about the environment – global warming, flooding and much different weather patterns than we are used to – there is a lot of talk; the fifth State of the Environment Report (SOER) for Burlington, prepared by the Sustainable Development Committee was presented to a Council Standing Committee earlier this week. SOERs have been presented to council in 1998, 2004, 2007 and 2011.
 Does sustainability mean ensuring the Escarpment is never touched? The purpose of the document is to provide information on the state and health of Burlington’s environment and to make recommendations for improving it.
The SOER identifies eleven themes, and reported on:
Why it was measured
What was measured – indicators
What was found – indicator values and trends
What is happening to address the issue
The 2015 document points to progress is being made in certain areas of the city related to environmental sustainability:
The Cootes to Escarpment Land Strategy and Park System has partnered various levels of government, agencies, utilities, and non-government organizations to preserve and expand natural areas and engage the community on the value of these lands. The system is one of the most biologically rich areas in Canada with more than 1,580 documented species and habitat for more than 50 species at risk.
Under Places to Grow and with a firm urban and rural boundary, the city will continue to transform from a suburban community to a more urban built environment that should support a sustainable transportation network.
Support for urban agriculture and local food opportunities, such as community gardens, continues to grow.
Halton Region continues to experience success in reducing the waste diversion rate by expanding programs for local residents.
Greenhouse gas emissions from the community and city operations are decreasing.
Water efficiency efforts appear to be working as water consumption on a per capita basis appears to be decreasing (for low rise residential development). However, it is acknowledged that there are challenges facing the city and partner agencies going forward:
The uncertainty of the impacts of climate change, not just with local infrastructure, but with health, food security, the natural environment, among others. A regional adapation strategy should be considered.
The automobile is still the preferred mobility option in Burlington and changing the modal split in favour of other sustainable modes like transit, walking and cycling will require ongoing support in these areas.
The urban forest is under threat by invasive species and urban development, making the Urban Forest Master Plan an important resource.
The Sustainable Development Committee recently prioritized their top ten recommendations in the SOER:
 The use to which we put the land we have – who gets to make those decisions? LAND USE PLANNING:
1. That the city focuses on future land planning opportunities for mobility hubs, with design principles supporting energy efficient and smart development with a sustainable transportation network.
 Regional Chair Gary Carr tasting honey while on an agricultural tour. RURAL LANDS & AGRICULTURE
2. That the city expand the position and responsibilities of the Community Garden Coordinator from seasonal part time to support the local food movement in Burlington, by encouraging local food production and distribution, and supporting urban and rural agricultural programs.
TRANSPORTATION:
3. That the city undertake Transportation Modal Split surveys on a more consistent basis than the Transportation Tomorrow Survey. It is recommended that this survey include questions to detail why residents of Burlington choose their preferred mode of transportation and what steps need to be taken to encourage residents to rely on more sustainable transportation options.
ENERGY:
4. That the city continue the implementation of the Community Energy Plan with a focus on fuel and cost savings, by switching from gasoline vehicles to electric/hybrid vehicles, investigating opportunities for local sustainable generation (e.g. district and renewable energy), improving efficiency, increasing community engagement and improving the built form.
 Water – it can work for us and it can work against us. Either way it is a resource to be managed so that it can sustain the community. WATER:
5. That the city implement repairs and actions to mitigate future flooding impacts based on the results of the current study being carried out by the City of Burlington, Region of Halton and Conservation Halton in a cost effective manner. The study should include an update of the design standards for the stormwater system considering climate change impacts. That the city follow the principles (e.g. electrical boxes above flood level) required by Alberta when remediation is being carried out on residences, etc. (particularly where residences have been flooded repeatedly).
6. That the city request a geotechnical report through the development review process to ensure the proper design is applied when building construction takes place near or below the water table, particularly in low lying areas where the water table level is near the surface. Ensure the Ontario Building Code requirements are implemented, such as waterproofing of the foundation walls and measures to mitigate a reduction in the bearing capacity of the soil.
7. That the city, in partnership with Conservation Halton as appropriate, undertake a series of pilot projects on city properties using Low Impact Development stormwater management techniques to treat stormwater runoff at its source rather than conveying it through the traditional stormwater infrastructure.
CLIMATE CHANGE:
8. That the city ensure community resiliency by working with regional partners including Halton Region, Conservation Halton and the local municipalities to develop a climate change adaptation strategy.
SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS & DEVELOPMENT:
9. That the city implement green building standards to require builders to include sustainable building measures in their projects.
10. That the city continue to undertake a training program for city staff who deal with planning applications and building permits to obtain LEED accreditation and to make use of the LEED Neighbourhood checklist developed by the SDC.
The Sustainability Advisory Committee is made up of volunteers who have taken on a mammoth task. At times the city has asked them for comments they weren’t able to provide; with these periodic reports the city gets solid data but then struggles to leverage the data and inform the public.
 Tires pulled out of creeks by clean up crews – the tires got dumped there by people who should know better. Burlingtonians are particularly willing to pitch in and do what needs to be done to make the difference. Thousands turn out for the Green Up – Clean up event; hundreds trooped to the Beachway to plant trees. The task now is to get the message out – which is easier said than done. The Sustainable Development Committee plans to make their report available within the community. Copies will be distributed to the Burlington Public Libraries and local senior elementary and secondary schools as a resource document. An electronic version will be provided on the city’s website. The Committee will promote the on-line link to the SOER to minimize the number of printed copies.
It is going to take more than dropping copies off at the library and at schools to get the depth and breadth of just what sustainability is all about. On that score the committee gets a low C grade – great stuff but it has to go much further than a presentation to council and being put in the libraries.
It comes back to that leadership issue – doesn’t it?
 By CM Dixon
June 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a cool spring night in Barrie as the Burlington Bandits made their way North to Coates Stadium to take on the defending champion Barrie Baycats. After a slow start to the season the Bandits had finally filled out most of their roster and were looking to turn a corner for the rest of the season. Didn’t make it this time – the Baycats took the game – 4-2
Going into the homes of the champions coach Kyle MacKinnon was confident with his clubs’ chances, “We just have to compete at their level. Obviously they’re a good team, but both times we came up here last year we were in a good spot, so if we come out with a high compete level, we’ll be okay.”
 Adam Odd was named batter of the game – but it wasn’t the one that the Barrie Baycats beat the Burlington Bandits 4-2 The game got going quickly and Burlington’s defence was soon on display with LF Justin Gideon making a sensational diving catch in the bottom of the first to steal a hit from Ryan Spataro. Only to one-up himself in the bottom of the sixth when he made a leaping catch as he crashed into the wall, stealing away what would have been an extra-bases hit for Kyle DeGrace.
“I tracked the ball off the bat and I thought it was going to be short, but it just kept carrying,” said Gideon as he described the play. “It just kept carrying and I found myself against the fence, I jumped and I didn’t even know I caught it until I looked at my glove.”
In the end it just wasn’t enough for Burlington as their own errors gave the game away to Barrie, most notably in the fifth inning. In the inning Barrie’s SS Branfy Arias was hit by a pitch; he then stole second, when sliding into second the ball got lost in the confusion and ended up in centre field, allowing Arias to make it to third safely. The very next batter hit the ball at 3B Nolan Pettipiece, who tried to tag Arias at third instead of getting the out at first, allowing Barrie’s DH Glenn Jackson to cash in a run on a fielders choice, making the game 2-0 Barrie, instead of potentially ending the inning.
It wasn’t all bad for Burlington though, as starting pitcher Dylan Perego gave the Bandits a strong start, pitching 6.1 innings and striking out four batters before the wheels came off in the seventh when he gave up three hits, walked one, hit a batter, had two bases stolen on him and gave up two runs before being replaced by Brandon Hillier.
The night belonged to Perego’s counterpart, Barrie’s starting pitcher Chris England. England threw 8 shutout innings to lead the Baycats to the 4-2 victory. England was just getting back into the role of being a starting pitcher, “it was a little bit different getting back into the swing of things, getting my momentum and getting my pitch count up too. It was just a little bit awkward last week, I hadn’t started in a long time, it’s a little bit about getting into routine and today I was able to follow my routine back from college and luckily I had success because of it.”
 The season has a lot of room left – the Bandits are going to need it to catch up. They are one step from the bottom of the ladder. Coach MacKinnon wasn’t happy with the loss “offensively we could have competed a bit better early,” said the coach, “maybe cashed in on a couple situations. Overall I’m never happy about a loss but it’s something to build off, that’s for sure.”
Burlington’s next game is at home against the Guelph Royals on Thursday night. The game goes at 7:30pm at Nelson Park as Burlington will try to snap a two-game losing streak.
The Bandits are real, real close to the bottom of the standings ladder – The team has won 4, lost ten games – but things are a lot worse for the Guelph Royal.
 By Staff
June 16, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
One would have thought the close to depressing heat would have taken most of the water off the fields – apparently not – the following sport fields are closed for June 16th 2015
Ireland D1
Ireland D3
Brant Hills D3
 By Pepper Parr
June 16, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Council met Monday afternoon and evening as a Standing Committee looking at Development and Infrastructure issues. There was one Council member missing, which is unusual for |Burlington.
 Meed Ward’s husband says he has never seen his wife this immobile – – resting while recovering from a concussion. The chair of the committee just makes a comment that a person will not be attending and they let it go at that.
The missing member of Council at both the afternoon and evening sessions on Monday was Marianne Meed Ward who was injured in an automobile accident Friday afternoon.
Her vehicle was rear ended late Friday afternoon.
On the Saturday she went into a walk in clinic. After describing her symptoms the doctor concluded that she was suffering from a concussion and advised her to get bed rest, and avoid activities requiring intense mental stimulation including work.
Meed Ward continues to experience the symptoms and has been resting for the last three days. “I haven’t seen her this immobile in years” was the comment her husband made. He adds that “She’s keen to get back to work but recognizes that she has to rest to properly recover.”
 Missing from a Standing Committee meeting – recovering from concussion due to her car being rear ended. For the chair of the committee to announce that the |Council member would not be present when she was at home recovering from an accident that was going to keep her in bed for as much as a week doesn’t quite fit with the tag line the city adds to everything they send out: “Burlington is one of Canada’s best and most livable cities, a place where people, nature and business thrive.” Common decency got left out.
It would have been civil to comment that the Council member was in an accident and was expected to recover and return to her desk soon.
Movie line up at the CineStarz Upper Canada location at 460 Brant Street for June 12-18.
WOMAN IN GOLD PG
Fri to Sun 11:45 1:45 3:45 5:20 7:30
Mon to Thur 1:00 3:00 5:00 7:00 9:00
ALOHA PG
Fri to Sun 9:30
Mon to Thur 1:00 7:15 9:20
MONKEY KINGDOM G
Fri to Sun 11:45 1:50 3:45 5:45
Mon to Thur 1:00 3:30 6:05
POLTERGEIST 14A
Fri to Sun 1:50 5:30 7:20 9:10
Mon to Thur 1:00 3:40 7:45 9:30
FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD PG
Fri to Sun 11:45 3:35 9:30
Mon to Thur 1:30 5:30 7:10
CINDERELLA PG
Fri to Sun 11:45 1:45 3:45 5:45 7:30
Mon to Thur 5:10
FURIOUS 7 PG
Fri to Sun 1:15 3:00 7:15 9:10
Mon to Thur 4:30 7:00 9:10
EX MACHINA 14A
Fri to Sun 7:45 9:40
Mon to Thur 2:30 7:35 9:30
AGE OF ADALINE PG
Fri to Sun 11:45 3:25 5:30
Mon to Thur 1:30 3:00 5:10
PAUL BLART MALL COP 2 PG
Fri to Sun 11:40 1:20 5:45 7:20 9:40
Mon to Thur 2:45 4:25 9:30
Admission General $5.99
Admission Senior / Children $4.99
Admission Tuesday $3.99
By Pepper Parr
June 16, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
There was a major problem being corrected – the city was finally doing something it should have done years ago – but it was at least happening. It came close to falling off the rails when Councilor Dennison went on and on about paving the path for the Window on the Lake with asphalt rather than concrete.
The issue was the creation of three Windows to the Lake that was being debated by the Development and Infrastructure Committee
 There will finally be well marked public access to the edge of the Lake where people can sit and enjoy the view. With the sale of the lake edge land now a done deal the next step was to create properly marked windows to the lake. The design staff came up with was good – it should have been a ten minute discussion but this council managed to use up close to an hour getting to the 4-2 vote for the staff recommendation.
Deedee Davies, Co-Chair of Burlington Waterfront, a volunteer group of citizens committed to increasing access to and protection of the waterfront across Burlington, including the Bay commend staff their method of demonstrating that staff listened and acted on comments received through the public engagement process.
Davies who is also a member of the Halton Regional Waterfront Parks Advisory Committee representing Burlington said: “It gives us confidence in the concepts and plans presented when we see that staff acted upon issues and concerns raised.
The Green Street Window- to-the-Lake was included in the construction of the Market and St. Paul Street windows. “It is important for the City to demonstrate with action its intention to continue work on developing and opening up public access to the Windows-to-the-Lake that exist as diamonds in the rough. Green Street is already receiving some maintenance by Parks staff, so it makes sense to formalize and properly fund this Window while the opportunity exists” said Davies
Earlier, in discussion with the Mayor, Davies said they were told it was the City’s long-term plan to continue to develop Windows-to-the-Lake rather than open up the trail along the waterfront on city-owned lands such as Water Street.
 Decent Windows – to -the – Lake were the best the public could get when the city decided to sell the land shown above to the owners of the land that abutted this space. We were pleased to see the Staff Report recommend using the balance of the proceeds received from the sale of the old Water Street Road allowance to the abutting property owners to fund the development and improvements to other Windows-to-the-Lake.
Davies reported that the Burlington Waterfront Committee “did two studies, several years apart, of the 12 Windows-to-the-Lake and found little to no progress on the undeveloped Windows. The measure of a city is its follow through on its commitments to its citizens.
She added that: “A city demonstrates it priorities not in what it puts on paper, but where it allocates its money. The City now has the proceeds from the sale of their Water Street Lands to the adjacent private landowners to further act on their long- term plan commitment. The City can earn the trust of its citizens, by demonstrating that when it makes a commitment it follows through, by adopting this Staff recommendation.”
 What could have been: The public could have had a pathway – maybe even a bike trail, through land the city and the province owned. City council didn’t have the foresight to accept a Staff recommendation and smart property owners moved in and bought the land for less than half a million. Great deal for the property owners – huge loss for generations of ordinary citizens. Burlington is known for its waterfront. It is a significant part of the attraction to visitors, and residents and businesses locating here. Key to having a waterfront, whether it be lake or bay, is being able to access it by more than the fortunate few who can own a piece of it. Every opportunity to see and experience the waterfront draws people under the spell of the water and keeps them loyal to this wonderful city.
Burlington Waterfront strongly encouraged members of the Development and Infrastructure Committee to endorse the three recommendations in staff report and expresses its desire of Council to take the proactive step of approving the three Staff recommendations of this report at their Council meeting on June 22nd.
The Staff recommendation was approved on a 4-2 vote with Councilor Craven and Dennison voting against the recommendation.
 By Staff
June 15, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Nelson Wading Pool and Splash Pads are open, weather dependent, Saturday, June 13 to Monday, Sept. 7.
 The pool was scheduled to open for the 2015 summer season. As part of preparing for the summer opening, city staff conducted a pool inspection after the winter season. The pool structure has been deemed unsafe for public use by a structural engineer. Attempts were made to see if any short term solutions could be found for this summer season however, repairs measures are too extensive. As a result, Nelson Pool will not open for the summer 2015 season.
The Tim Hortons free swims scheduled for July 6 and Aug. 9 at Nelson Pool will be relocated to Centennial Pool, 5151 New St.
The July 6 swim will run from 1:30 to 4 p.m. and the Aug. 9 swim will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 By Guida Feliz
June 15, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Sound of Music Kick-Off came alive at the Waterfront. It could not have been a more perfect weekend. The hot Saturday sun beat down on the Burlington Sound of Music Festival while the beat of the concert music played to a high energy crowd.
 Head banging with style – or the photo op of the day. Whichever – the sound drove the crowds wild at the Saturday SoM Kick Off. The crowds of adoring fans arrived in droves to watch their favourite bands. The food trucks lined up along the boardwalk. The Waterfront was busy with boats anchored to listen to the music. Everyone showed up to enjoy this event; families, dog lovers, teens, people of all ages came out to support the Burlington Sound of Music Festival Kick Off.
As I walked through the main gate I could see the teams of volunteers attending to everything from ticket scanners to assisting people and answering questions. I ran into Ted Mills, ‘really I had to move to avoid being run over by him’ Ted wore a bright yellow t-shirt with the words “Event Control”.
I asked him if he had a few minutes to chat with me. I asked him how long he had been a volunteer with the event. He smiled and said “14 years’. Ted told me he was very proud of the event and felt this was a great event for Burlington to host. Ted loves what he does and this is his way to give back to the Burlington Community.
I also had a chance to chat very briefly with the Ticket Scanner volunteer. She smiled and told me this event was great. She explained the ticket scanning was a great idea; and a great way to keep the line ups moving quickly so everyone could get to their concerts. .
I was excited to be joining the other photographers and journalists who were taking photos of Burlington’s own Finger Eleven as they performed. We all gathered by the front gate waiting to be escorted by the media coordinator to the media pit. We hung
our cameras over our shoulders and got “ready to aim snap and capture” the band Finger Eleven in concert.
 Fingers 11 – working that instrument at the Sound of Music Kick Off on Saturday. Finger Eleven was introduced to the excited fans by the Host of CHCH news anchor Nick Dixon. The band was formed in 1989. The first guitarist came out whaling his electric guitar joining the drummer and base guitarist. Then we all got a real treat, a ‘head banging” show from the guitarist.
As he began to play his guitar he was hidden behind his long long black hair. His hair flew in the air as he dropped his head back and forth to the sound of his guitar. Throughout each song he bounced across the stage with such energy; the loud applause and cheers could be heard for miles. Finger Eleven was one of many concerts during the Burlington Sound of Music Kick Off this past weekend.
There were fans standing inside the media ‘Pit’ as well. Concert go-ers wishing to get real close to their favourite band; could do so by purchasing a $60.00 ticket plus another $25.00 which gave them access to the ‘Pit’. “Yes you could stand inches from the stage.”
This apparently is the first time the Sound of Music has asked for payment to gather at favoured spots right up close to the stage – where we were told when we could click our cameras and when we couldn’t.
Historically the Sound of Music has been a free event – is there a change in policy in the works? Could we see the Sound of Music as a fully ticketed event in the future?
 Kristin and Justin Butler; owners of the Chimneys food truck doing their first SoM event. I noticed long line ups at the food trucks. So, I took a few minutes to chat with Kristin and Justin Butler; owners of the Chimneys food truck. This was their first time at the Burlington Sound of Music Kick-Off and found the energy invigorating.
I was able to chat with David Miller, Executive Director of the Burlington Sound of Music. He was a very busy man this weekend. According to David, there were a few unexpected glitches; this only meant they will look closely at how to avoid future issues. Concentrating on making it even a better experience. He is very proud of the event which he has been heading up for nine years.
This was the Fourth year of the Burlington Sound of Music Kick-Off. I asked David who was the brainchild behind the idea for a Ticketed Event. He told me it was a ‘collaborative effort’.
He explained how the Burlington community and others have been asking for a bigger and better concert line-up. David was able to fill that request by adding bands such as: Our Lady Peace, Finger Eleven, Collective Soul and David Wilcox, to name a few. He also mentioned that the ‘Free’ weekend at the Burlington Sound of Music has also been a success.
During the ‘Free’ weekend there were a few options: the Front Row Concert Tickets cost $25.00; the Sweet VIP Concert Tickets cost $100; this includes a drink and a meal.
Every year the money raised goes to a different recipient. This year the recipient is the Joseph Brant Hospital, Music Therapy.
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 By Staff
June 15, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The following Sport fields are closed for Monday June 15, 2015
All Clay Diamonds
Maple F1
Central F1
Tansley F1
 By Staff
June 12, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It is week #8 for our “Fugitive Friday” initiative whereby the Halton Regional Police, Burlington station is reaching out to the public to help locate wanted persons and hold them accountable for their actions.
There are numerous people who continue to evade the police and the court system and continue to live out in our communities while having a warrant for their arrest in place.
Every Friday, the Burlington Offender Management Unit will share information on a wanted person in hopes that the public can assist in locating the individual.
We will share “Fugitive Friday” information on our website and via social media through Twitter @HRPSBurl and @HaltonPolice.
In this edition of Fugitive Fridays the 3 District, Burlington Offender Management Unit is searching for another couple, Sean KELLY 34 years old and Jessica HAYNES 28 years old of Hamilton, ON.
It is alleged:
• In January of 2015 the accused parties committed numerous Frauds and Thefts in Burlington
• The accused parties were located and arrested in possession of stolen property while trying to commit a Fraud and Theft at a store in Burlington
• Upon investigation KELLY provided police a false name in an attempt to hide his identity
• Haynes was released from 3 District on an appearance notice and KELLY was held for bail and appeared in court at which time they were both released on separate appearance notices with court imposed conditions
• The accused parties were required to attend court in February 2015 in Milton which they failed to do and warrants were issued for their arrest
• KELLY has 15 convictions for various offences including Robbery, Thefts, Impersonation and Fail to Comply. HAYNES has 1 prior conviction for Assault.
 Sean Kelly, 34 KELLY is now wanted by Halton Regional Police Service for:
• Fraud Under $5000
• Theft Under $5000
• Personation with Intent
• Fail to Re-Attend Court
 Jessica Haynes, 28 HAYNES is now wanted by Halton Regional Police Service for:
• Fraud Under $5000
• Theft Under $5000
• Fail to Attend Court
• Fail to Comply Undertaking
Sean KELLY is described as 5’9”, 150 lbs with blue eyes and brown hair. KELLY also has Tattoos left arm – “Celtic band”, left elbow – “Sun”, Right elbow – “Make your own luck with a star”.
Jessica HAYNES is described as 5’2”, 120lbs with brown hair and green eyes. Jessica has a pierced tongue and a Tattoo right forearm – “Hourglass”. Both parties are known to frequent Halton, Hamilton, and the surrounding areas. KELLY also has ties to New Brunswick.
Anyone who may have witnessed this male or has information that would assist investigators in identifying him are encouraged to contact D/Cst Bulbrook – Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Offender Management Team at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2346 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
June 12, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
They want you there and while they won’t send a yellow taxi to pick you up – they have arranged for the buses to run just a little longer so you can stick around Spencer Smith Park a little longer and take in more of the Sound of Music.
The Festival organizers have arranged for shuttles from the Burlington GO station to the Downtown Transit Terminal
 Shuttles will run from the Burlington GO station to the John Street terminal – just a hop, skip and a jump to Spender Smith Park Extended transit service will also be offered during the kick-off event on Saturday June 13 and again during the Festival weekend as noted below:
Saturday June 13 & Saturday June 20
3 North from the Terminal – 10:30, 11 and 11:30 p.m.
3 South from the Terminal – 11 and 11:30 p.m.
10 East from the terminal – 11 and 11:30 p.m
Friday June 19
3 North from the Terminal – 11 and 11:30 p.m.
3 South from the Terminal – 11 and 11:30 p.m.
10 East from the Terminal – 11 and 11:30 p.m.
By Staff
June 12, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Detectives from the Halton Regional Police Service Child Abuse and Sexual Assault (CASA) Unit have charged a Burlington man in connection with historical sexual assaults stemming back to 1973.
In a media release police said “the accused male has ties to both the Halton and Hamilton regions as he has been actively involved in religious groups, while also practicing as a certified reflex therapist for the last 18 years in Burlington.”
Arrested and charged with two counts of Indecent Assault on a Female, and one count of Sexual Assault is David Allison HOLT, age 68, of Burlington, Ontario.
Mr. Holt is due to appear in Milton Court on the 8th of July, 2015.
Police encourage anyone with information related to this investigation to contact Detective Constable Alanda Prescod at the Halton Regional Police, CASA Bureau – 905 825 4747 Ext 8977 or alanda.prescod@haltonpolice.ca or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
June 12, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Millcroft Park diamonds D1, D2, D3 and
Ireland Park D1, D2, D3 are closed for today due to the rain.
All other sport fields remain open.
That’s the word from Parks and Recreation
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