 By Pepper Parr
December 21, 2016
BURLINGTON,ON
We need to get through Christmas – but when that is done – and if you have an appreciation for modern dance and would like to take part in a class – mark the date Tuesday, January 3 from 5:30pm – 7:00pm at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre
 FORM Contemporary Dance is putting on a free workshop that will flow through various exercises to find avenues to access confidence, explore and express creative range and physicality.
Tuning awareness to the sensations, feelings, emotions and ideas that are naturally present and allowing them to blossom into breathtaking movement.
The people at FORM are remarkably creative – if dance is your thing they are as good as it gets.
 By Staff
December 20, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Was it ET who mouthed the words “Home” in the 1982 American science fiction fantasy that put Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup confectionary product at the top of the list or millions of kids.
 It was a movie that shaped the minds of at least one generation – and still leaves viewers warm and fuzzy. Burlington won’t be giving our any candy but they are putting out a call for anyon who used to live in the city to come home and see just how much we have grown up.
And indeed – there is a lot to show off. The Pier, despite its price does make a difference to the waterfront and the new Gazebo will be in place for the festivities July 1st, 2017 – which is Canada’s Sesquicentennial – our 150th birthday.
Will it be anything like the Centennial? Probably not but we have a lot to celebrate as a country.
 How much is there to show those former Burlingtonians should they take up the offer to “come home” in 2017? Tourism Burlington has launched a new marketing campaign called Come Home 2 Burlington which encourages former Burlingtonians to rediscover the city’s fabulous events, restaurants, shopping and attractions. It also asks residents to be #HometownProud ambassadors by inviting family and friends to visit during 2017.
Not a bad idea – let’s see how they flesh it out.
 By Pepper Parr
December 20, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It almost worked.
It sort of worked but either the technology wasn’t quite right or the people pushing the buttons weren’t properly trained.
For those watching the live web cast of the last city council meeting for the year there was a peek at the way the decisions made by Council members are going to be recorded.
 A partial screen shot of the first electronically recorded vote taken at city council on December 19th, 2016. The new software did not work as effectively as it was supposed to – they will try again next year. In the past votes were by a show of hands with Councillors popping their hand up and down before there was a chance to see specifically who had voted which way.
The Mayor would glance left and the right – figuring there was a majority and declare the vote had carried.
The official minutes of a Council meeting would just say that the vote carried or failed – you had no way of knowing how your member of Council actually voted if you wanted to find out where they stood on something that took place several months or even a year previously.
Council decided some time ago to move from the raising of hands to record city council votes to an electronic process that called for council members to use a small keypad to cast their vote. Once that was done a screen would appear with the result.
The Gazette will publish these the day after each council meeting.
Unfortunately the men and women you elected to council don’t want you to see how they vote at the Standing Committee meetings – which is where, for the most part, the real debates take place. Votes at that level are still a “put your hand up in the air” process. Several Councillors seem to be a little shy about letting anyone one see how they votes – they put their arm up a couple of inches, wiggle their hand and feel they have done the right thing. Councillor Craven is the worst offender.
The rationale one gets from Council members is that they may well change their minds after a Standing Committee meeting. And the problem with that would be?
One would like to believe that the ability to change your mind after hearing from your constituents and reflecting on what took place would be seen as a sign of a mature politician; apparently not.
 All their votes taken at city council meetings will be electronically recorded. The first attempt to do this failed – system was not fully tested before going live. For the immediate future city council votes will be recorded, which council members will tell you are the ones that really count?
 By Staff
December 19th, 2016
BURLINGTON,ON
The City has temporarily closed Mainway Arena as the result of unexpected repairs.
Two of the three compressors used at the arena to help maintain the ice surface have stopped working and require replacement. The new compressors are expected to arrive early this week with installation estimated for the Golden Horseshoe Tournament starting on Dec. 27 in Burlington.
 Parents aren’t going to be able to take watch hockey games or skate free at the Mainway area until perhaps as late as the 27th. “Ensuring Mainway Arena is open and available to ice users as soon as possible is a priority for the city,” said Chris Glenn, the city’s director of parks and recreation. “Plans are being made to accommodate ice users at other city arenas where possible.”
Residents with questions about their ice rentals scheduled at Mainway Arena can call 905-331-7465.
For information about public skating at other locations around the city, visit www.burlington.ca/play.
 By Pepper Parr
December 19th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
There is a developer who has completed a land assembly and is now meeting with the planning department.
And the project isn’t going to go anywhere in the immediate future – because the concept of a mobility hub and an Innovation District are still being thought through within the Planning department.
At a recent council meeting Burlington Economic Development Corporation Executive Director, Frank McKeown pointed out that the city needs to understand innovation districts from a land use perspective.
First problem is that the city’s Official Plan does not recognize the concept of an Innovation District.
 Something along these lines was planned for Burlington’s downtown core – but McMaster stiffed the city when a nicer deal came along. The Burlington Employment Lands Policy Recommendations and Conversion Analysis report describes the general features of an Innovation District and provides a series of case studies and research. In general, the research affirms that innovation districts are composed first of an economic development marketing strategy, and that land use policy interventions are used to:
• Implement the vision
• Address land use compatibility
• Provide incentives
There is a role for land use planning policy to support the initiative by enabling area specific planning and working closely with any given anchor institution.
The success of innovation districts requires a mix of attributes and features. The right institutional anchor in place, the unique features of the area (old waterfront, older industrial area, natural heritage/open space), and transit and active transportation options are all critical to the success of an innovation district.
Planning staff have considered the recommendations offered in the Burlington Employment Lands Policy Recommendations and Conversion Analysis report and have determined that there is an opportunity to identify one or more potential innovation districts in the city.
The first step in any innovation district process is the development of the economic development strategy and brand designed to leverage the economic, networking and physical assets of the area. Where a strategy is developed an area specific plan should be initiated in support of the strategy that considers critical elements in support of the district including connectivity and access to the District.
After reading that paragraph you know that there isn’t going to be a near future answer to any of the issues raised.
 Station West – the ADI Development Group project that is currently being marketed.  It’s an empty field today – expect to see it become an active construction site during 2017. The development will include both apartments and various forms of townhouses. Burlington decided a few months ago that it was going to go back to square one with its official plan and give up on the mandated requirement to review the existing plan – and has decided to write a brand new plan. That new Official Plan has to fit in with the Go Bold, Go Smart and Go Beautiful mantra that is coming out of the Planning department.
No one is really sure just what the slogan means and there has yet to be a public meeting of any sort to explain it to the public at large.
The Official Plan, say staff, should identify a general framework for identifying an area with potential to function as an innovation district and the approach for supporting these areas through land use planning.
In the near term the identification of a special study area around the existing DeGroote School of Business should be included as a potential innovation district.
Getting something off the ground has always been a front burner issue for the Economic Development Corporation – that dream has been in the works for more than three years. It may well end up still born.
Through the work on the Mobility Hub Area Specific Plans, staff suggest some consideration of connectivity to the potential innovation district should be included. This special study area is located within an area of employment. As such no sensitive uses like residential should be permitted in this innovation district. There is potential for accommodating sensitive uses like residential in proximity to the potential innovation district such as along the Fairview Corridor or in association with the Appleby GO mobility hub.
The ADI Development group appear to have all the clearance they need for their Station West Development in Aldershot and at one stage during the Strategic Plan discussions Aldershot was the hot button choice for the first Mobility Hub – that seems to have cooled of somewhat,
A plan for the area such as a Mobility Hubs Area Specific Plan or considered through an area specific plan for the innovation district would assist in identifying opportunities to cross significant barriers in the area (rail line, creek) and to link the innovation district to the intensification area identified along Fairview Street.
 All the essentials are in place – couple of huge outdoor parking lots and a several floor indoor parking lot. A GO station. Space for private cars, taxis and city buses all converge on the site. Is there the potential to create an innovation centre in the area that now has a garden centre and several automotive dealers along Fairview east of the GO station. Land use economists argue that land in this areas should be used for a more productive use. There are a couple of monkey wrenches that mess this thinking up a bit.
The DeGroote School of business location on the South Service Road is not one of the Mobility hub ideas being looked at. The four in the thinking stage are at the Aldershot GO station, the bus transfer location on John Street, the Burlington GO station and the Appleby GO station.
The Bureaucrats have to do their work – and credit to the Planning department, there are some very competent people over there who, if we give them the time and the resources needed, they will get it right.
Meanwhile there is a developer with three large junks of land that have been bought and paid for waiting to have the concept meeting with the planners to see what they think. The planners told the developer to come back when they are ready.
Nice – maybe the city could give the developer a tax holiday on the property while they wait?
By Staff
December 19th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
There will be no Burlington Transit service on December 25 (Christmas Day) and January 1 (New Year’s Day).
For information on the level of service provided from Dec. 24, 2016 through to Jan. 2, 2017, please see our Holiday Service page which contains last trip departure information for early end to service Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) and extended trips on select routes offered on Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve).
 By Pepper Parr
December 19th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
We don’t always get it right.
And this time we got it very wrong.
We picked up a note on Halton District school Board trustee Richelle Papin’s Facebook page in which she wrote:
 Well….Bye bye Ontario 😢😢😢 I finally got the answer I have been waiting for…for MONTHS😊 I’m happy to announce that in a few weeks, I am moving to Halifax.
Didn’t want to make it known to anyone, not even my friends or other family members, but I felt it was better this way!
I will be heading out the end of January … right after New Year’s to start my new life!
To start a new beginning!
I will try to phone everyone individually, but thought it would be easier to post on Facebook.
There was a second part to the posting. We did not see the additional wording nor did we follow up with Ms Papin to ensure that what she write was true.
The wording wasn’t all that clear but our failure to follow up is where we were clearly wrong.
A Gazette reader pointed out to us that there was a second part to the note on the Facebook page that we didn’t read. When we checked and saw the second part we immediately took down the article.
Ms Papin asked that we retract the article – which we did and she wanted an apology – which we will give her but we do so somewhat reluctantly
The Halton District School Board is in the process of making a very significant decision that will have a very significant impact on two high schools in the city; one of which, Lester B. Pearson, is in Papin’s ward. The “fake” Facebook page posting is not in the least amusing to those high school students parents.
Our mistake, and it was a mistake, we missed something.
Ms Papin’s act was deliberate, intended to by funny.
Richelle Papin is not moving to Halifax and she does not intend to resign from the Halton District School Board – that is something the voters in her ward can deal with in 2018
No one was amused.
 By Pepper Parr
December 19th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s that time of year when people get together to get caught up. You have lunch with people you’ve not seen for a good part of the year that is coming to an end.
Your plans, their plans and what the kids are doing – they all get covered.
Sports – not much can be said about what the Leafs are doing. The American election will take up some time – most of us seem to have the feeling that the best we can do is wait it out – maybe the guy will fix some of the problems down there.
Local politics will get many people going – except for the dyed in the wool Tories – most people just shake their heads over the McKenna nomination.
What about city hall? Well members of council did stand up to staff and reject the recommendation that the ADI Development Group application for Official Plan and zoning changes be approved for a property they want to develop in Alton.
That is expected to be made final at the city council meeting Monday evening.
The question then might well be – how fast can the ADI group file an application with the Ontario Municipal Board.
Few have anything good to say about the “road diet” that New Street was put on – other than why did six of the seven council members vote for it?
 Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward and Mayor Rick Goldring at an event in Spencer smith Park Those with a bent for the world of politics will say to their friends – well you should run for office. And that is what apparently happened last week. We got the following from a reader who has been in Burlington for well over 20 years and lives south of the QEW.
“Out to lunch today for an Xmas luncheon with a bunch of very influential people. They suggested that I could mount a campaign to beat both MMW and Rick Goldring ! Surprised me. Seems to me that more people are pissed off then I thought! Not my intention but what are your thoughts? Could we make it happen!!!!!
Our reader went on to say that: “Their feeling as expressed to me was why should they have to choose between a true green party candidate or a liberal without having a conservative on the ticket?
“They are pissed off with the better than us attitude of our current leaders! They say they have become arrogant and way too confident because in their opinion they as a group were all re-elected.”
Interesting note. No names for you – not at this point. There may have been more wine than usual at that lunch.
By Staff
December 119th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
RecExpress will be shut down from 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20 until 2 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016 to allow for system upgrades.
RecExpress is a city service that allows people to register for recreational programs.
By Pepper Parr
December 17, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
Call it intensification.
Call it developers knowing what a hot market looks like.
Call it money looking for a place to grow.
Whichever, the city is just a hustle and a bustle with residential building.
 First of the five towers going up on Fairview next to the GO station and across the driveway from Walmart. This building is sold out. There is the Paradigm on Fairview next to the GO station and across a driveway from Walmart that will definitely undergo an upgrade once the Paradigm condo owners start moving in. Expect to see Sushi in the coolers.
 The Berkeley – first of three phase project.  Back hoes deepening the site for concrete pouring. Just a bit south at the intersection of John and Caroline the first phase of the Berkeley has broken ground.
The 20 storey condominium is digging the hole in the ground and will begin pouring concrete doping the form work to be able to pour concrete.
This project consists of three buildings – the upscale 20 storey structure made up of three storey columned stone and precast podium from which will rise a 17-storey glass tower condominium. The residential building will front on to Pine Street. On Caroline, the northern boundary of the development plans are for a multi-storey building to be known as MedicaOne. In between the two here will be an eight floor parking garage that will have a grass roof.
It has taken some time to get this project to the point where construction could begin. One of the issues was getting hydro to the site. The developer was expected to pay for the full cost of hauling the necessary power lines from the substation on Lakeshore Road up to the project. Anyone building between the development at John and Caroline and Lakeshore was going to be able to tap into the lines the Carriage Gate people had paid for – which wasn’t quite the way Nick Carnacelli saw it. He stood his ground.
 Parking levels for the Bridgewater are being completed – a single garage will serve all three buildings with the entrance off the bottom of Elizabeth street. Moving further south – the parking levels that will serve the three buildings that will make up the Bridgewater development are now well under way. The parking levels will be four at the north end and three closer to the lake.
 An architect’s rendering of the Bridgewater project – seen from the lake. Bridgewater is another three structure development all attached to each other with a shared underground parking arrangement.
The 22 story condominium that will set a record for height in this city. It was defied as a “legacy” site when it was approved in the mid 90’s. No one has ever explained what it means to be a legacy; some think it was the crack that opens the door to really high – high rise.
All this got done when then Mayor Walter Mulkewich wore the chain of office.
The assembly of the land with the related zoning changes began in 1985. One needs to be patient to develop in Burlington.
 The public portion of the Bridgewater project seen in the center There will be an eight storey Marriott hotel and a seven storey condominium south of the hotel. The entrance to the hotel will be on Elizabeth Street.
There will be an opening on Lakeshore Road between the hotel and the condominium that will give the public access to open space that will lead right to the water’s edge.
The 22 storey’s did catch the attention of other developers who are pushing for 26 storeys across the street and other developers who talk privately about 40 storey structures along Lakeshore – there are after all those wonderful views of the Lake. How high up do they have to go to be able to see Niagara Falls?
 On a cold Friday the only people working on construction sites were those doing back hoe work. Here shale is being broken up on the Saxony site. Head west where the Saxony is also digging away. They are chipping through shale for the three levels of parking that will be put in for the five storey structure.
 The Saxony was one of those project that went through with hardly a hitch – and sold out without even opening up a sales office. To get a sense as to just how hot the Burlington market is – the Saxony rented space in the Sims building – kitty corner from the construction site, for a sales office. They didn’t even have to open up a sales office – the units were sold out before they could get any furniture in.
The Saxony has done a superb job of creating a high end property that includes a small theatre. Residents will be able to reserve the theatre to show a recent release movie to friends. Can’t you just see a bunch of the guys gathering to watch the Montreal Canadiens beat the Toronto Maple Leafs – again, in what will be a private theatre?
This is probably not one of the measure s used to make Burlington the Best mid-sized city in the country. It is a hop skip and a small jump from the Pier that we paid twice the price that we expected to pay.
With the city well into the first week of winter, which doesn’t begin officially until Wednesday of next week – there wasn’t any concrete pouring being done on any of the sites.
Just too darn cold.
 It was a Friday and it was cold. The men who build the forms and direct the pouring of concrete didn’t want to work – so they didn’t. The Paradigm has sold out on two of the first three towers going up on this five tower site. The city is probably ahead of the intensification target it was given – what we aren’t seeing are office towers where people who live in the city can work.
Construction is going great guns – economic development – not nearly as well. Has the Economic Development Corporation got any announcements in the pipeline?
The vinyl record pressing operation that is about to be fully operational certainly wasn’t impressed with what the city did for them.
 By James Burchill
December 16, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
As odd as it sounds, some people would rather die than walk into a room of strangers and talk to them! It makes no logical sense to me, but deep in the shadow of my childhood fears, I can still hear my mother’s warning, “Don’t talk to strangers!”
Decades later that modern “monster under the bed” still grabs our feet making us recoil horrified at the prospect of speaking to a room full of strangers. Instead we slip quietly into the room. Avoiding eye-contact, we slink toward the back of the room, anywhere but out in the open where the people are!
We fiddle with our phones, we pretend we’re busy. We distract ourselves, all the while feeling frustrated at our weakness. Our lack of courage. Our inaction. If we’re not careful that feeling will chase us from the room, once again confirming our belief “networking isn’t for us.” It’s a vicious cycle and something to avoid.
Firstly you need to give your head a shake. People don’t bite – unless you’re at a “special party” and the bartender is wearing rubber … in which case you’ve lost me and I suggest you move along – there’s nothing to see here.
 When the finish with their texting – they might manage to network. But if you’re at a B2B networking event where people are clothed in business attire, chatting in small groups to other people of similar dress, then you’re definitely in the right place and there are some things you need to remember.
(1) People go to networking events to talk to other people. They want to connect. They want to know each other. They want to discover commonalities – that’s how it works.
(2) Everyone gets nervous. It’s normal, it means you give a damn – you care. You want to do good, to make a positive impression. You don’t want to waste your time or theirs. That’s good. Just don’t let the “nerves” stop you. Slowly take a deep breath, hold it for a few seconds and then slowly exhale. Smile as you do it. Now put one foot in front of the other and walk into the room.
(3) Its’ NOT about selling. People get too hung up on the idea you’re supposed to be some super salesman. That’s all wrong, it’s about connecting not convincing. It’s about finding common ground, not working the room. When you meet people you simply smile, extend your hand and say, “Hello, my name is James, what do you do?” Of course I recommend you use your own name …
(4) You’re not interrupting. When you walk up to a small group of people pay attention to their body language and facial expressions. If the group seems ‘open,’ stand at the edge and listen. Smile. Wait for it … Someone will invite you in. Then you do the whole ‘stick out your hand, smile and say “Hello, my name is …”‘ and take if from there. If the group is closed or it’s only two people with their feet pointing toward each other then smile and move on. Basically it’s all about manners – don’t intrude and don’t be rude. Simple.
(5) Make it about them. If you forget everything else, remember this: MAKE IT ABOUT THEM. Because soon enough they’ll make it about you if you ask good questions. Be curious. Find out what they do. Listen. Pay a genuine compliment when you can. Avoid the touchy topics like looks, clothing, sex, politics and religion. Try to compliment their work. For instance, I love it when people figure out how much time I spend writing and say something nice about how I make it look easy.
 It’s about making the connections – there is a right way to do it and a wrong way to do it. Remember, at the end of the day networking isn’t about working the room, it’s about turning a roomful of strangers into friends … one person at a time. And be patient, growing strong relationships takes time so relax, take a deep breath and smile.
Oh, and one parting thought for you … I’m not an extrovert, I’m introverted. Introverts aren’t incapable of networking – we just do it differently. It’s not all about the wow, it’s about the now – being present and truly connecting with people. Many extroverts draw their energy and enthusiasm from the room (which is often why it’s not as hard for them to network.) Most introverts draw their energy from within – which is why it’s often so draining afterwards but equally rewarding.
 Some of the best small business networking done in Burlington is at the SFN – Social Fusion Networking that Gazette columnist James Burchill sponsors. He packs a pretty good crowd in the Performing Arts Centre I guess what I want you take away is that you’ve probably been thinking about networking in the wrong way. Forget the sales pitches. Make friends. Take is easy. Take a breath. Smile. Whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert doesn’t matter … I’m a Gemini – so what right? Precisely. Have some fun and for the umpteenth time … SMILE, they won’t bite … unless the bartender is wearing rubber in which case you’re own your own bucko!
 James Burchill is the founder of Social Fusion Network – an organization that helps local business connect and network. He also writes about digital marketing, entrepreneurship and technology and when he’s not consulting, he teaches people to start their own ‘side hustle.’
 By Pepper Parr
December 16, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
Sometimes all the pieces come together at just the right time.
Last week a handful of Halton Learning Foundation were gathered in a room putting nice fashionable winter coats into bags for distribution to students in the Region
 Halton Learning Foundation volunteers, Tracey Ehl-Harrison (trustee) on the right and Sarah Pollock, on the left pack winter coats for students that don’t have the winter clothing they need. Jeff Blackwell, who is an HLF Board Member is bent over on the far left, Sheri Armstrong is in the center. Mountain Warehouse had donated 400 winter coats for elementary school students who were going without. The city was still experiencing decent weather – at best you needed a light sweater – winter was on its way but had yet to arrive.
The Foundation holds an annual fund raising event – Benefit Bash – that is always a fun event.
During their 2015 Benefit people from Mountain Warehouse offered to donate quality winter coats. Their offer was quickly accepted.
Executive Director, Lesley Mansfield commented on the gift and said: “We are incredibly grateful to Mountain Warehouse for their support of HDSB students – those who face the financial barrier to buy a warm winter coat.
These wonderful coats were sent out within two days of their arrival here to schools across Halton by many of our HDSB trustees and it’s thanks to Mountain Warehouse, that these children can now make it to school in warmth and play outside at recess. This is their second year of support and the joy on the children’s faces when they receive their coats is simply indescribable. Thank you Mountain Warehouse!”
It took some time and some paper work for the clothing to arrive – when it did the Foundation knew exactly where the clothing was going to go.
The clothing was packaged, labelled and sent on its way through the Board of Education’s distribution system.
All the winter parkas got to the students days several days before the snow started to fall.
 The Foundation has a unique Christmas gift opportunity – if you have someone on your list and you are looking for a unique, interesting gift – this is one they will never forget. Check it out. See the link on the advertisement that is on the right side column of most Gazette pages.
 Sherri Armstrong Sherri Armstrong, who does communications work for the Halton Learning Foundation handled all the logistics and made sure things got done when they needed to get done.
Sometimes things just come together the right way at the right time.
By Staff
December 16th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It isn’t bed time reading but it is the kind of information for parents that are at all concerned as to just what is happening at the school board.
 Board of Education staff have recommended Central high school be closed in 2018 The possible closing of two high schools in Burlington has drawn attention to the financial side of the Board of Education – they make up a sizable chunk of your tax bill.
 Lester B. Pearson high school has been recommended for closure in 2018. The Halton District School Board has posted the 2015-16 financial statements, for the year ending August 31, 2016, on the Board’s website at www.hdsb.ca (search: financial statements).
The 2015-16 audited financial statements include:
Management Report
Independent Auditors’ Report
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
Consolidated Statement of Financial Operations
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Debt
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For residents who do not have Internet access, the Halton District School Board’s 2015-16 financial information is also available:
• By mail, by calling the Business Services Department 905-335-3663, ext. 3261
• For pick-up at the J.W. Singleton Education Centre, 2050 Guelph Line, Burlington
By Pepper Parr
December 16, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Gazette columnists, Ray Rivers and James Burchill – usually write every week.
Ray Rivers covers the political scene – where his trenchant observations and at times acerbic comment has resulted in a significant following of hos Top of mind column.
 Ray Rivers write a regular column for the Gazette, raises chickens and plays the guitar whenever a group will let him in. Rivers has chosen a rural lifestyle – raised sheep at one time – has a dozen chickens and a barn with stalls that his grandchildren would like him to house ponies in.
Rural means getting around differently in winter weather and we are definitely experiencing winter weather which means the Rivers column won’t make it into his regular Friday spot.
 Burchill – It’s all about networking. James Burchill, who writes Money, Management and Mojo will fill that spot today.
Both are going to take a couple of weeks of for the holidays – look for them again in January. Burchill apparently has a couple of new ideas up his sleeve.
Rivers, just might pop in with a column when he sees something that he just has to comment on comes along.
 By Staff
December 15, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Mercedes-Benz Burlington presents a Christmas Collage Ice Show that will be performed at the Rotary Centennial Pond at Spencer Smith Park Burlington.
 The Christmas Collage is becoming a popular event in Burlington The event is scheduled for Friday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m.
An ice performance showcasing local youth talent. The one hour choreographed ice show encompasses 7 ice sports; figure skating, synchronized skating, speed skating, ringette, hockey, sledge hockey and curling.
 Great time to tour the Festival of Lights set up throughout Spencer Smith Park. This is the third year the ‘Christmas Collage’ has featured by local youth at the Rotary Centennial Pond in Burlington.
This is a great opportunity to walk through all the Festival of Lights decorations spread throughout Spencer Smith Park
 By Staff
December 15th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Herd, you knew them as the Burlington Bandits, members of the Intercounty Baseball League (BL) announced today that the team has signed right handed pitcher Brandon Hillier.
Hillier, a 6-foot, 160-pound, right hander out of Orangeville, Ontario, will add leadership to the Herd pitching staff for the 2017 IBL Season.
 Right handed pitcher Brandon Hillier has signed with The Herd – the what? The Herd – the re-branded Burlington Bandits. Entering his third season in Burlington, Brandon has recorded a 0-3 record with a 8.63 ERA in 57.1 innings pitched.
Brandon spent the 2014-15 season with Clarendon College before joining Indiana Tech this season.
He played nine games with what was then the Burlington Bandits last season
The Herd take the field for the first time on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at the Barn (Nelson Park).
The home town attendance has slowly grown – we now see families out for an evening of some pretty good baseball
 Season tickets and group packages are now on sale by calling (905) 630-9036 or by visiting the team’s new website, burlingtonherd.com.
Looking back at the games we reported on last year and thinking about the Christmas Season – a pretty good gift idea for the family would be a set of seasons tickets.
The Herd can be followed on social media platforms (“iblherd”), including Facebook.com/iblherd.
By Staff
December 15th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
There is a bunch of Happy Campers in the Britannia Road offices of conservation Halton – they’ve got snow,
Add to what was given to us naturally – the team that runs Glen Eden have been out with their snow making machine – you will be able to be on the hills from 8:30 am to 9:30 pm starting this Saturday December 17th
Cold December temperatures and Glen Eden’s snowmaking team were assisted by between 15 and 20 cm of the natural white stuff which fell earlier this week.
This weekend, Glen Eden will have four lifts running (two chairs and two carpets), three runs open (Nighthawk, Boomerang and Escarpment Run), both Learning Centres will be operational and the Terrain Park will be open with limited features.
The latest information can be found on the Glen Eden website, www.gleneden.on.ca, as to which runs and lifts will be open, as well as the Terrain Park location, number of features and other details. Glen Eden is also offering an Opening Weekend Special with reduced lift ticket prices.
“The team at Glen Eden is looking forward to welcoming skiers and snowboarders this weekend,” said Sean Durkin, Manager Glen Eden. “The cold temperatures have kept our snowmaking team busy and it was helpful to get the assist from Mother Nature with some snow this past weekend to help us get ready. In light of the typical weather received in our area this is why Glen Eden has continued to invest in snowmaking technology.”
Like all ski and snowboard operations in Ontario, Glen Eden was impacted by the extremely mild winter last year and opened January 8, 2016, the latest opening date in the last ten years. In the other nine years (including this year), Glen Eden has been open before Christmas seven times, Boxing Day once and December 27 the other.
The Terrain Park is where a lot of the action happens at Glen Eden. The “Big” Parks, Nighthawk and Falcon during peak season have upwards of 40 of the most progressive features dedicated to these two runs. Glen Eden has lots of options for keeping things fresh while pushing your limits and developing your skills.
Glen Eden is home to one of the largest Learning Centres in Ontario, with a wide variety of lessons and programs for all ages and abilities. Group lesson programs run starting on Boxing Day, there are also private and semi-private options. Visit the Glen Eden website, www.gleneden.on.ca, or call Visitor Services at 905-878-5011, ext. 1221, for more information.
 Glen Eden’s Discover Skiing and Snowboarding is a lesson program for first timers and beginners and are available starting this weekend. During the season Discover is offered weekends, holidays, and March Break from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and 6 to 9 p.m. on non-holiday weeknights. Glen Eden’s snow pros will help ensure you learn the basics – equipment, stopping and turning. By the time you complete the program you should be ready for the big hills. Discover is available on a first-come, first-serve basis unless you’re booking a large group. For groups of 20 or more people please call 905-878-5011, ext. 1278, at least one week in advance.
Glen Eden is located on Kelso Road, near Tremaine Road and Highway 401, and is a 20 minute drive from Mississauga, Burlington and Hamilton and is operated by Conservation Halton. During the season, Glen Eden is open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. for skiing and snowboarding with the Snow Tube Park open on the weekends.
 By Staff
December 15th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
They come in at the rate of about 5 to 10 a day.
The scams – the attempts to dupe people out of their money – playing on that level of greed we all have. This time to angle is to convince you that the United Nations (can’t do much better than that in terms of legitimacy can you?)
 Here was the attempt to learn enough about you identity so they can drain your bank account:
We wish to inform you that the United Nations (UN) has authorized us to remit to you a total amount of Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars for humanitarian work in your country after the United Nations Summit For Refugees and Migrants held in New York, United states on 19th of September 2016, your email address were nominated among the World email Database in your country as one of the United Nations coordinator in your country.
Your Cash amount was paid out to us by the United Nations, and they have successfully succeeded in depositing your whole funds with us here at Western Union in Italy or payment through our correspondence bank.
They have now ordered us to take full responsibility in the transfer process of your funds and thus commence the immediate remittance of your funds to you. Please find link herein for your perusal https://refugeesmigrants.un.org/summit
Be duly informed that because of our Western Union transfer policy, your funds will be paid to you via our Western Union Daily Transfer limit of $4,400.00 USD. This means that you will Continuously receive a daily amount of $4,400.00 USD, and this amount Can be collected from any of our numerous Western Union outlets in your current location.
To begin the claim process of your daily payment as stated above, kindly furnish us with the following;
Full Name:
Address:
Phone Number:
Upon the receipt of the above mentioned details, your first transaction will be activated and we shall then proceed to provide you with the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) for the First installment and we will continue to email you others after 12 hours of receiving each payment.
For more information on your payment status: Contact Person James Mazzini For Dario Pellizzari OR call our 24 hours Helpline @ +39 3511564018, for any inquiries on the above message.
Once these thieves get just some basic information they will pick every inch of skin off your bones. Id it looks to good to be true – it’s because it isn’t true. Be vigilant!
Related story:
Just how they operate.
By Staff
December 15th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Festival of Lights is the city’s longest running festival, lighting up the city’s waterfront for the holiday season. It’s a magical sight for the whole family, especially the young at heart.
 The festival has gained the reputation in the region and beyond as the ‘must-see’ lighting extravaganza for the holidays. With winter snow on the ground is a part of the season tradition for this city – and it seems to get better each year.
Spencer Smith Park at Christmas time – what would Mr. Smith have thought of what we have been doing for several decades and calling it a Festival of Lights (FoL)
The displays are set up each year by a combination of community, corporate sponsor, and high school volunteers. Volunteers for the set up and take-down are coordinated by Burlington Electricity Services.
   Here’s the breakdown:
There is Burlington Taxi team, a Festival of Lights sponsor
The King Paving team, another Festival; of Lights sponsor
The Robert Bateman High School team (School Partner) and participating Oakville High School, TA Blakelock team
Burlington Electricity Services team (Coordinator and Main Sponsor)
Community Volunteers (Craig Gardner, Ken Spanik and Justin Boudreau)
Approximately 25 volunteers participated in setting up the lighting displays in Spencer Smith Park for this year’s Festival.
The newest display – ‘He Shoots He Scores’ – is displayed for the first time this year and was designed and built by the students of Burlington’s Robert Bateman HS, with assistance from students at TA Blakelock HS Oakville.
The Santa Claus parade is another event that kicks off the season. Our friends over at True Essence have done a short video that does a slightly different take on that event. Have a look – and Enjoy.
 By Pepper Parr
December 15th 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
They do it every year – and each year it has grown to the point where there are very few seats available.
The event caters to part of the North West part of the city from Brant over to Guelph Line and north of the QEW the Glad Tidings Christmas dinner.
A community organizer working out of the Community Development Halton offices has built a support system that engages young people and watches out for single parents, people at risk and those who need a different kind of care.
 Part of the more than 350 people who enjoyed a Christmas dinner at Glad Tidings church. Luke who lives just off Palmer Drive and takes great pleasure in pushing the traffic light button for people is in the room. He recognizes people but is quite shy – until you reach out to give him a hug and he returns an embrace that is as real as they get.
 Risha Burke It took the organizing energy and genius of Risha Burke to create a network of churches and community groups that hadn’t worked all that well before.
There isn’t an event that comes anywhere near what this group gets done.
 The food just kept on coming – so did the people. Several years ago, when funds were being sought from the city to maintain the staffing that was in place – other council members (no need to name them) objected to this kind of work being paid for by the city. Social welfare was a Regional responsibility they said.
What Burke does amounts to building “social capacity” a structure that lets people help themselves and look out for each other. There is nothing quite like it anywhere else in the city.
There are churches that have good programs – St Luke’s Anglican is one – that tend to cater to the needs of the congregation. Glad Tiding, the church that hots the event, has a large congregation they also have one of the largest community halls in the city.
What they do works – other communities have picked up on parts of what Burke does but none of have created the reach and the depth.
The Christmas Dinner is just one event.
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