 By Staff
August 5, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It is a bit of an experiment – one that should produce excellent results for the Performing Arts Centre.
Free public Jazz concerts that will start at 6:30 pm on the plaza of the of the Centre
 Jude Johnson, a Burlington native, is a vocalist, songwriter and performer Jude Johnson, a Burlington native, is a vocalist, songwriter and performer and is Hamilton’s Special Music Ambassador. She was inducted into the Hamilton Gallery of Distinction in 2009. She also received the Hamilton Arts award for Arts Education in 2011.
Jude has released nine recordings including her most recent Live on Pine (2013) with Mike Malone on horns and Carl Horton on piano.
“How can I keep from Singing” is a collection of vintage inspirational gospel/spirituals. Reaching Indie Gold is her CD, “This Heart of Mine” (2001) featuring Carl Horton on piano, guests Jackie Washington on vocals, Carlos del Junco on harmonica, Brian Lee Griffith on guitar and the string quartet “Panache”.
This classy, entertaining CD is a collection of classic jazz compositions performed with intimacy, grace and joy.
 Free Jazz on the plaza of the Performing Arts Centre – an opportunity for people to see the Spiral Stella and take in some fine music. Jude has also been the unseen voice on many radio and TV commercials, been featured on CBC radio and sung on over 50 albums with such diverse artists as Daniel Lanois, Raffi (more singable songs), Paul Langielle and Stan Rogers (Turnaround), and performed across Canada at countless festivals, schools, libraries and community events.
The performance takes place on our plaza from 6:30pm-8:30pm and our bar will be open!
In the event of rain, we will move from the plaza into the lobby.
 By Staff
August 5, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
After two near death experiences the Burlington Bandits stuck it to the London Majors with a resounding 12 – 3 win in London last night.
 No one expected the Burlington Bandits to win against the London Majors in such a resounding way Tuesday evening The Bandits have struggled with the London team all season. The win last night was the first for the Bandits.
 Scott Robertson – in full array, is one of three Burlington Bandits owners. The two teams meet again in Burlington at Nelson Park for a 7:30 game. Expect to see a pumped up team.
Part owner Scott Robinson will be wearing one of his flashier pair of trousers for this game.
Schedule for the balance of the quarter finals for the Bandits and the Majors|:
(4) London Majors vs (5) Burlington Bandits
London Leads Series 2-1
Game 1: Friday, July 31 @ London – LON 12-2 – Boxscore
Game 2: Monday, August 3 @ Burlington – LON 7-4 – Boxscore
Game 3: Tuesday, August 4 @ London – BUR 12-3 – Boxscore
Game 4: Thursday, August 6 @ Burlington; 7:30pm
Game 5: Friday, August 7 @ London; 7:35pm
*Game 6: Sunday, August 9 @ Burlington; 1pm
*Game 7: Monday, August 10 @ London; 7:35pm
Cine Starz Upper Canada Place
460 Brant Street
WWW CINESTARZ.CA
SHOWTIMES August 7 to 13 , 2015
INSIDE OUT G
Fri to Thur 11:10 1:05 3:00 5:20 7:20 9:15
MAGIC MIKE XXL 14A
Fri to Thur 11:00 5:15 7:40 9:45
TERMINATOR GENISYS 14A
Fri to Thur 11:00 1:00 3:00 5:05 7:20 9:35
SPY 14A
Fri to Thur 11:00 1:10 3:20 5:30 7:20 9:30
AMY 14A
Fri & Sat 1:10 5:00 7:20
Sun to Thur 1:10 5:00 7:20 9:15
I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS PG
Fri & Sat 11:10 1:15 3:30
Sat to Thur 11:10 1:15 3:30 7:30
SAN ANDREAS PG
Friday 1:00 3:15 5:10 9:40
Sat & Sun 1:00 9:40
Mon to Thur 1:00 3:20 5:30 9:40
WATER DIVINER 14A
Fri to Thur 11:00 3:00
 By Pepper Parr
July 30th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Wheelchair Basketball Parathlete, Brandon Wagner is going to be the Burlington community torchbearer for the TORONTO 2015 Parapan Am Games Torch Relay.
 Brandon Wagner being celebrated by Mayor Rick Goldring The torch relay will visit Burlington on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2015
The Parapan Am Games Torch Relay is a five-day inspirational journey of more than 250 torchbearers who will share the Parapan Am spirit in 12 communities. The torch relay is one of the most exciting events as it sets the stage leading up to what
will be the largest Parapan Am Games ever held.
The aluminum torch stands 65 centimetres high and weighs 1.2 kilograms (or roughly the same weight as a baseball bat). With a burn time of 10 to 12 minutes, the flame can withstand winds of up to 70 kilometres per hour and is visible in all kinds of weather conditions.
The torch relay will invite communities to celebrate and share the Parapan Am
spirit throughout its five-day journey towards Toronto, the Host City of the Games.
The torch relay starts Aug. 3, 2015, and concludes Aug. 7, 2015, with the dramatic lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony in Toronto.
Burlington has many reasons to be proud of Wagner – he is a joy to watch when he is on a basketball court.
By Staff
July 29th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Poor old Joseph Brant – at least he will be at the day we celebrate his name and what he did for the city in spirit. And there will be WORDS
This year, the Joseph Brant Day Festival is an official partner of the Toronto 2015 PanAm / Parapan Am Games and is taking on a significantly different tone.
It will be a lively day at LaSalle Park where events start at 11 am and run through to 5 pm.
The captivating Beshano Bike Trials will be featured Burlington Soccer Club field games and a slew of music, art and cultural performances of the “Americas” will be featured.
The day will have an Americas flavour to it recognizing the diversity that the PanAm games brought to the Region.
 The Beshano Bike Trials will be something to watch – expect crowds larger than those in this picture. Beshano Bike Trials – 3 shows complete with incredible bicycle stuntmanship!
Musicians from the official band of the Toronto FC Major League Soccer accompanying dancers choreographed by the dance instructor and performer who opens the Mas Band launches for Carnival!
 Saúl Torres has emerged as one of the most singular talents of Spanish Rock on the continent, capable of seamlessly tying together Latin, Funk, Rock, and Flamenco! Saúl Torres has emerged as one of the most singular talents of Spanish Rock on the continent, capable of seamlessly tying together Latin, Funk, Rock, and Flamenco!
 White Pine First Nations Drum and Dance participant Dan Secord. White Pine First Nations Drum and Dance!
Dancescapes Studio with Salsa and Latin dance demonstrations and lessons!
 Laura Spada Farrucas – a Latin Fusion Duo of Laura Spada and Jorge Cuama hailing from Ecuador!
Throughout the day the Children’s Area, Museum Educational Crafts & Activities, Giveaways, PanAm Sports Challenges, Games and Obstacles, Interactive participant events including: Crossfit Altitude, Oakville Fencing Academy, Burlington Youth Soccer Club, Monkeynastic Gymnastics, Bradbury, Splitsville Entertainment & Better State Crew! Splash Park for Kids available, Hands-on Activities, Artisans and Vendors, the Famous Brant Day Silent Auction will be part of an event filled day.
And this year the food offering will be going far beyond the traditional hot dogs and burgers. Sylvia Hentz, Special Events Programmer has arranged for a food truck rally with delicious offerings from gourmet food trucks!
 Taste buds will be in for a real treat given the selection of Food Trucks that are being brought in for the Brant Day Festival at LaSalle Park The rally includes
LUCHADOR – Mexican Fusion / International Cuisine
DOBRO JESTI – Slovenian / German-inspired Cuisine
NUDULZ – Italian Food
MANGO CHUTNEY – Indian Food
URBAN EXPRESS- North American & European-style Steakery
CAFE DU MONDE – French-Parisian & International Crepes
PAPPAS GREEK—Greek Food
TROPICAL TEMPTATIONS –Premium drinks & desserts
Burlington’s taste buds are in for a treat.
Parking is always a challenge at LaSalle Park on Brant Day. Shuttle buses will be available to transport visitors from Aldershot GO Station once limited onsite parking at LaSalle Park is filled.
First shuttle bus run leaves the Aldershot Go Station at 10:00 a.m. Last bus will leave La Salle Park at 5:00 p.m.
 By Pepper Parr
July 27, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
On Tuesday we get back the use of the HOV traffic lanes on the QEW. Then we learn that the province is looking at the idea of turning those lanes into a stretch of road they can collect tolls on.
Looks like that is going to become our PanAm Games legacy from the province.
 Will drivers pay a toll to use a special lane? Those making the big bucks will – and of course the politicians who will get that feature as a perk. The HOV lanes didn’t always get a lot of traffic during the Pan Am games The two-occupant requirement, explains the province, will let more carpoolers and families access the lanes, and help Parapan Am Games athletes and officials get to and from competitions, training sessions and the airport. In addition to high occupancy vehicles, the lanes continue to be open to: emergency vehicles, public transit, licensed taxis, airport limousines, electric vehicles with green licence plates (on provincial 400-series highways only) and motorcycles (on City of Toronto roads only–Don Valley Parkway, Gardiner Expressway, Lake Shore Blvd.)
Starting this weekend, road signs will be converted to reflect the change from three or more occupants to two or more occupants. However, drivers are reminded that the new two-occupant requirement does not come into effect until Tuesday July 28, 2015.
Work to convert the signs will take place overnight to avoid traffic disruptions. The temporary HOV lanes will be in place until August 18, 2015.
Temporary HOV lanes operate from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. When not in operation, the lanes function as general purpose lanes.
The Parapan Am Games will be held from August 7 – 15 and feature 1,600 athletes from 28 countries.
Games event ticket holders can ride public transit for free on the day of the event across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (excluding UP Express).
All nice – everyone experienced some inconvenience but the PanAm games were a success – so much so that Toronto now wants to take a shot at bringing the 2024 Summer Olympics to Toronto. The city just might be ready for an event that size.
Then the news that the HOV lanes are going to become HOT lanes – the T standing for tolls
 A city worker, Robert Collins carries away one of the automatic toll-takers. The electric devices were removed from the Burlington Skyway because motorist tossing coins were too often off the target. That was back in September 30, 1964 Premier Kathleen Wynne says lessons learned from the Pan Am HOV lanes will make it easier for the province to roll out high occupancy toll lanes announced in the previous two budgets.
“What’s important is that we take the lessons from the HOV lanes,” Wynne told reporters last week.
“I have heard people talking about how they’ve noticed behaviour changes and that’s what putting in place HOV lanes is meant to do,” she said after a meeting with Toronto Mayor John Tory.
“It’s meant to change people’s behaviour and it’s why we have committed to HOT lanes, because we believe the revenue from high occupancy toll lanes put into a fund to fund public transit is an important source of revenue and we will be working to implement those,” Wynne said.
The premier said her government has been clear about its intention to implement HOT lanes.
“Whether the configurations that have been put in place on provincial roads for the Pan Am Games are exactly what will transpire when we put in place the HOT lanes, that’s not our plan at this moment,” Wynne said.
High occupancy toll (HOT) lanes are similar to high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, except drivers can use them with only one person in the car if they pay.
Progressive Conservative critic Michael Harris said HOT lanes are just a way to gouge drivers.
“Let’s be clear, taxpayers of Ontario have already paid for these roads where HOT lane tolls will be levied, now the Wynne Liberals want us to pay again for the privilege of driving on our own roads,” Harris said.
“This is just one more way to feed the Liberal spending addiction. It seems each week the Wynne Liberals think of another way to make it more expensive to live and work in Ontario — from job-killing carbon taxes, to Hydro One sell-offs to the new beer tax and now HOT lanes.”
We hope the Premier understands that behavior change also includes deciding to vote for someone else to lead the province.
 By Staff
July 24, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Work to resurface Dundas Street will take place near the 407 ETR west ramp starting July 27 to Aug. 12, 2015. The work will be completed at night.
By Staff
July 25, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
 Karina Gould, federal Liberal candidate for the Burlington seat in the House of Commons. Perhaps the Gould Liberal campaign for the Burlington seat in the House of Commons thinks the Prime Minister might pull a quickie and call the election before the October 18th date – or maybe they got a great deal on the office space – whichever Karina Gould will open her campaign office at 3350 Fairview Street, Unit 2
The ribbon cutting will take place this Saturday – the 25th between 11:00 am and noon.
Gould has had teams of volunteers doing the door to door thing for the several months. She has a young team, people full of energy and the ongoing support of Burlington MPP Eleanor McMahon who took the Burlington provincial seat after more than 70 years of Conservative representation.
 By Justin Lethbridge
July 18, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a great night for the Burlington Bandits: at the bottom of the 4th inning the Bandits had an 11 run lead en route to a lopsided 26-10 victory over the Hamilton Cardinals, Friday night in Hamilton.
 The Bandits kept hitting the ball – The Burlington Bandits pounded out 30 hits in a 26-10 win over the Cardinals Friday night.
Burlington centre-fielder Shaun Cooper had a home run, five RBI and three runs in the win. He added two doubles and a single.
Infielder Jim Martin had three hits, including a home run, six RBI and three runs. Jordan Boston had a home run, single, two RBI and three runs.
Kevin Hussey had five hits and drove in three and scored three times. Designated hitter Tyler Hardie went 3-for-7 with three RBI and two runs, while second baseman George Halim had five hits and three runs.
Right-fielder Justin Gideon had two hits, two RBI and three runs, and shortstop Keith Kandel had four hits and scored three runs.
The wind seemed to pick up in the 3rd inning and carry three consecutive deep hits by Burlington over the fence for runs.
Despite a Cardinal pitching change in the 3rd, the Bandits piled on the runs in a huge 4th inning that blew the game wide open. They continued to load the bases and bring runs in forced a second change in pitchers. Even than, the Bandits tacked on 4 more runs before a fly ball mercifully ended the onslaught with the score 18-4.
 – and they kept getting from base to base until they had a 26 – 10 win in their hands. While the 10 runs scored by the Cardinals would be more than enough for a victory on almost any other night, poor pitching put them in a hole. Burlington had a whooping 30 hits in a game that went well over three hours. Burlington was led by Jim Martin’s three runs and six RBI’s.
With the victory the Bandits pulled two games up on the Cardinals with only seven games left before the playoffs. Burlington’s next two games come in a double-header against Toronto at Nelson Park on Saturday July 18th.
Barrie still has a firm hold on 1st place in the league with Kitchener in 2nd, Brantford in 3rd, London in 4th, Toronto in 5th, Burlington in 6th, Hamilton in 7th and Guelph in 8th.
Cine Starz Upper Canada Place
460 Brant Street
WWW CINESTARZ.CA
SHOWTIMES July 17 to 23 , 2015
SAN ANDREAS PG
Fri to Thur 1:10 3:10 5:40 7:40 9:40
AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON PG
Fri to Thur 12:25 3:10 5:10 7:10 9:40
MAX PG
Fri to Thur 11:15 1:15 3:15 5:20 9:30
ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL PG
Fri to Thur 11:20 1:20 3:15 7:40 9:35
WATER DIVINER 14A
Fri to Thur 11:00 7:30 9:30
PITCH PERFECT2 PG
Fri to Thur 5:05 7:40
TOMORROWLAND PG
Fri to Thur 1:10 3:00 5:15
MAD MAX FURY ROAD 18A
Fri to Thur 9:45
HOME G
Fri to Thur 11:10 3:30
FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD PG
Fri to Thur 11:00 1:00 5:20 7:20
 By Pepper Parr
July 11, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
If it was meant as a way to get people out on the street – it worked magnificently.
Brant Street from Caroline to Lakeshore Road was shut down on a sunny Saturday while an estimated 15,000 people strolled along looking at the 100 + cars that were parked along the street – with many a proud owner sitting in a deck chair behind their car keeping an eye on the significant investment – many of these cars are as valuable as a house.
The oldest car was a 1919 Ford; the most expensive a $2.2 million Maclaren.
It was a dream day for the boys in shorts and dreams remembered for those who used to take that ’52 Chevy to the drive in theatre.
Put on by the Burlington Lions Club – it was an unqualified success by any measure. See for yourself.
 He just may have driven something like this once – perhaps his Dad taught him to drive in one!  Brant Street was closed off from Caroline to Lakeshore while an estimated 15,000 people strolled the street.  It was the fins that got to us – they were seen as the sexist thing you could imagine – but we were younger then.  We asked the photographer if it was love at first sight. “Yes it was” she said -” but don’t tell my husband.”  Not the pick ups we see on the road today.  It must have been something to drive the curves in a road with that deck sitting out there behind keeping the rear wheels on the ground. These things had real horse power.  That grill was not only something to get excited about – but it cooled that killer of an engine.  The oldest car in the show – a 1919 Ford.  A 1931 Studebaker that just reeked of class.  A neat little roadster with a jump seat and a spare tire – they were needed when these things tooled along country roads.  You could almost hear the wistful sigh coming from this observer.  They were lined up like this all along Brant Street.  When they talk about the sex appeal of a car – they are talking about curves like this
By Staff
July 7, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The unions in this city seem to be on a bit of a roll – while the city’s outside workers settled – the transit drivers have yet to accept the city’s latest offer.
The 33 front-line workers who maintain the Royal Botanical Gardens gardens, grounds and buildings, are facing the harsh reality of falling behind as their wages have not kept pace with inflation in decades.
 The union points to the pride of the RBG being an ‘ecological jewel’ and a living paradise for locals and visitors to escape to, the workers who maintain the place are not happy campers
“While RBG’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) saw his salary increase by 40 thousand dollars from 2006 to 2014, the workers who tend to the ecological jewel received 0 per cent for 8 of the past 20 years,” said Sandra Walker, president of CUPE 5167, representing RBG workers.
 Thirty three grounds workers make all this happen – they’d like to see the same increase in their pay cheque that the CEO got. “While they love the gardens, our members have truly fallen behind in ‘paradise’ because at the end of the day they have to feed their families and not just admire the beauty of RBG.”
Over the years, the workers were forced to accept none to very minimal wage increases to keep the RBG operating financially. As a result of their sacrifices to keep RBG afloat, the workers’ wages have fallen behind drastically and they are now attempting to address the wage issue in this round of bargaining talks. Their last contract expired on January 15, 2015.
Both the union and management are scheduled to return to bargaining talks on July 14 with the help of a provincial conciliator. The workers voted unanimously, a 100% mandate, to secure a fair contract that corrects the wage gap, including job action if necessary.
“According to the CEO, last year was a positive year for the RBG, with a new five-year strategic plan that aims to position the RBG as a global leader in the next decade,” said Walker. “Our members support this plan and they’ve worked hard to help RBG turn the corner, and it is now time for management to help workers with real wage increases.”
To highlight the economic challenges faced by the workers, they will hold a ‘Still Falling Behind in Paradise’ rally on Wednesday, July 8 at 5:00 p.m. outside of the RBG entrance at 680 Plains Road West in Burlington.
 By Staff
July 7, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Have you ever marvelled at that guy in front of that big orchestra and the way he waves his arms around and gets everybody to play just the way he wants?
 Symphony on the Bay has been performing in Burlington for the past 4 years at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre.(www.symphonyonthebay.com)
They were the orchestra playing the concert with the fireworks on Canada Day in Spencer Smith Park.
The orchestra will be taking part in Culture Days and is looking for people, ages 6 and up, who would like to conduct the orchestra in a” pass the baton” relay at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre on Sunday, September 27.
Anyone interested can contact Andrea Battista at abattista1@cogeco.ca.
 By Staff
July 6, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Koogle Theatre Company will be holding auditions on Sunday August 9 for local dancers!
 A Koogle Theatre event that took place in Central Park – they will be taking part in Culture Days in September They are looking for dancers of all ages for the Culture Days event on Sept 27,
Contact info@koogletheatre.com if interested.
Rehearsals will be on Sundays in August and Sept.
Culture Days, which take place in late September have grown to become almost the major growth event that involves people in the city and the thousands that visit Burlington.
Here is an opportunity to be part of the event.
Show times for Cine Starz at Upper Canada Place
460 Brant Street Burlington On.
SHOWTIMES July 2 to 9 , 2015
ME AND EARL AND THE DYING PG
Fri to Thur 11:20 1:40 3:40 5:40 7:35 9:30
WATER DIVINER 14A
Fri to Thur 1:20 3:25 5:30 7:35 9:40
PITCH PERFECT2 PG
Fri to Thur 11:15 3:25 5:20 7:40 9:45
TOMORROWLAND PG
Fri to Thur 11:20 1:00 3:00 5:20 7:20
MAD MAX FURY ROAD 18A
Fri to Thur 7:25 9:35
ENTOURAGE 18A
Fri to Thur 11:25 9:40
HOME G
Fri to Thur 11:15 1:20 3:30 5:30
WOMAN IN GOLD PG
Fri to Thur 11:20 1:20 3:20
FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD PG
Fri to Thur 1:20 5:15 7:25 9:35
By Staff
June 27, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
 City manager James Ridge wants union workers to understand the issues before the walk off their jobs. In a message to the citizens of the city Burlington city manager James Ridge, who seldom makes public comments, said on the city’s web site:
The City of Burlington’s bargaining committee is scheduled to meet with the union’s bargaining committee on Monday, June 29, 2015. The city is committed to working hard to reach a resolution that is fair to our employees and responsible to our taxpayers. If we are unsuccessful, the union has advised us that we can expect a strike.
To be very clear, the city does not want a strike. Strikes are hard on everyone–union members, management, City Council and, most especially, city residents.
Before you go on strike, we urge you to understand the issues and make sure you communicate your views with your union. We simply ask that you know what is at stake and make good decisions.
 Will there be picket lines around city hall? That last sentenced had the thread of threat in it – well what are the issues and what is at stake?
Corporations are usually loath to involve media in the labour bargaining process – it muddies things up. The city is negotiating collective agreements with two unions: CUPE Local 44, outside workers and arena/outdoor pool operators, and Local 2723, Burlington Transit workers. Both unions have stated that if there is no agreement by the end of June, they will begin strike action as of midnight (12:01 a.m.) on July 2, 2015.
The unions maintain that benefits for workers over the age of 65 are written into the existing collective agreement but are not being paid. A staff member at a senior level who asked not to be named has said that the city and the outside workers are “not that far apart but that there is considerable distance between the city and the transit drivers.”
Burlington’s transit drivers earn considerably less than their counterparts in Hamilton and Oakville.
If there is a strike there will certainly be picket lines – will the inside workers cross those pickets lines.
Get ready for some disruption.
By Staff
June 26, 2015
BURLINGTON,ON
For the second year the citizens of Burlington will have an opportunity to sign a Book of Best wishes to Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge who will turn two on July 22nd this year.
 The cover of the 2014 Book of Best Wishes sent to Prince George to commemorate his first birthday.. Citizens will be able to sign the second birthday Book of |Best Wishes outside the Brant Museum on Canada Day The Burlington Gazette has sponsored this initiative. Last year beautifully leather bound book was shipped to the Governor General at Rideau Hall who sent it along to Kensington Palace.
The Book of Best wishes will be set out at several locations around the city – and will be on display outside the Brant Museum where people can sign the book and take away a commemorative book mark.
 A commemorative book mark will be given to all those who sign the Book of Best Wishes. Our eager promotional team will be on the grounds wearing their Burlington Gazette T-shirts and directing people to the museum where the Book of Best Wishes will be available for signing from 10 am to 4 pm on Canada.
The Book of Best Wishes was bound in a deep burgundy leather with green trip.
The 2015 edition will be bound in red leather with blue trim.
By Staff
June 26, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
 A number of Burlington city administrative services will be closed Wednesday, July 1 for Canada Day.
City Hall: Will be closed on Wednesday, July 1, 2015, and reopen on Thursday, July 2, 2015.
Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities: Customer service counters at arenas and community centres are closed on July 1. Pools are open for registered swimming lessons, and Mountainside Pool, Nelson Wading Pool and LaSalle Wading Pool are open for drop-in swimming, weather permitting. See www.burlington.ca/calendar for swimming schedules. Should a labour disruption occur on July 2, please visit www.burlington.ca/labourdisruptions for updates.
Burlington Transit and Handi-Van: On Wednesday, July 1, Burlington Transit will operate a holiday service and the downtown Transit Terminal will be closed. Regular service is scheduled to resume on Thursday, July 2. The administration offices are closed on Wednesday, July 1, and will reopen Thursday, July 2. Call 905-639-0550 or visit www.burlingtontransit.ca for more information. Should a labour disruption occur on July 2, please visit www.burlington.ca/labourdisruptions for updates.
Roads and Parks Maintenance: The administrative office will be closed on Wednesday, July 1, and reopen on Thursday, July 2, 2015. Only basic and emergency service will be provided. Should a labour disruption occur on July 2, please visit www.burlington.ca/labourdisruptions for updates.
Halton Court Services: Provincial Offences Courts in Milton and Burlington will be closed Wednesday, July 1, 2015.
Parking: Free parking is available in the downtown core at all municipal parking facilities on the street, surface lots and parking garage on weekends and holidays.
NOTE: The Waterfront parking lots (east and west) do not provide free parking on statutory holidays.
All this of course will be determined by what the Outside Workers and the Transit drivers decide to do in terms of a possible strike
By Staff
June 26, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The return of Canada’s Largest Ribfest on Labour Day Weekend at Burlington’s Spencer Smith Park will be one day longer than in past years – they are adding a “Throw Back Thursday”.
 Ribfest Burlington – said to be the biggest in the province will run for an additional day in September This event, is the oldest Rotary run Ribfest in Canada and this marks the 20th anniversary. To celebrate the Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore is starting the event a day earlier
2015 will mark the 20th anniversary of an event that now draws 150,000 people to the city over the Labour Day weekend – the 2015 Festival will run from Thursday the 3rd of September to Monmday the 7th.
It all takes places in Spencer smith Park where award-winning Ribbers from all over North America show off their succulent skills and compete for titles such as “Best Sauce” and “Best Ribs”.
 Part of Premier Kathleen Wynne”s on -the-job training as she learns to flip a rack of ribs at Ribfest. The Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore which as to date raised $3 million for local and international charities and community programs, is celebrating the event with throw back music and pricing on beer and ribs.
Thursday, September 3rd to Monday, September 7th, 2015
Time: 5:30pm – 11pm on Thursday, September 3rd,
11am – 11pm on Friday, September 4th to Sunday, September 6th, and 11am – 8pm on Monday, September 7th
 By Pepper
June 26, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Some people in each community listen carefully, ask probing questions and trust their member of Council to keep them up to date on what is happening in their community and to protect the best the community has.
Every member of a city council has their own unique style; something that defines who they are and the way they see their job.
In Burlington there are a number of different political styles. Councillor Marianne Meed Ward was once out on Christmas Day picking up garbage when a resident called her t complain.
During the flood last August Ward 4 Councillor Jack Dennison walked into hundreds of basements to personally see the damage done.
Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman put his heart on his sleeve when her spoke to a group of Rotarians during the Rubfest launch and pleaded for help for the people in his community.
Ward 3 Councillor John Taylor doesn’t hold meetings for his constituents – they are more like family get togethers – he has been in office that long.
 Blair Lancaster – almost holding court with her constituents at a corn roast. Blair Lancaster in ward 6 tends to have two different public styles; one that gets used for those south of Dundas and another that gets used when she is politicking north of Dundas; there is nothing duplicitous ion this approach – she is dealing with two different mind sets and adjust her message to meet her understanding of each community.
Ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven, who gave up talking to the Gazette when we wrote something about him he didn’t like, held a community meeting.
Last Wednesday evening Councillor Craven held a community meeting to talk about the 324 townhouse project on Masonry Court being developed by the ADI Group. It wasn’t a particularly unpopular project – the meeting didn’t cheer when the presentation was over – they just thought the developer could do something that was more “livable” and “imaginative”. “Not very creative” was the most stinging comment. He was speaking to an audience of about 40 people who were for the most part involved in their community and wanted to know more.
Councillor told them that the population of Aldershot had grown by just 4000 people in the last 15 years and that without more in the way of growth the chances of there ever seeing a grocery store in the west end of the community were very slim.
 Rick Craven: Best committee chair the city has; not big on the warm fuzzy stuff through. Needs a hug badly.  Ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven – seems to have forgotten everything he knew about the ADI project on Martha at Lakeshore Road. The meeting was just like most community meetings in Aldershot; people listened and asked questions and for the most part got fair answers.
Until ..
Until one woman asked the speaker from the ADI Group to tell her a little about the company – she’d never heard of them before.
The company representative told their story – sort of. He skirted totally the situation with the 28 storey application that ADI had made to the city for an application at the corner of Martha and Lakeshore Road which the city and planning department was completely against – including Councillor Craven.
 The ADI Group’s 28 storey development proposal on the downtown core was not mentioned at a meeting about their Masonry Court development. The rules that govern development applications are such that if the planning department doesn’t do something with an application the developer can take their case to the Ontario Municipal Board. Burlington city council didn’t get to vote formally on the project within that 180 day window.
On the 181st day ADI had taken their case to the OMB.
The project is one that the city feels is a mistake from a development point of view and has been consistently vocal about.
But not a word about this issue from Councillor Craven when a constituent asked to know more about the company.
Councillor Craven had an obligation to tell his constituents that there was a problem with a major ADI development application and they were playing a very sharp game – albeit within the rules of the game.
Craven’s behavior gives a whole new definition to politicians being in bed with developers.
Background links:
Aldershot community meeting Wednesday June 23rd, 2015
Full profile on ward 1 Councillor.
Councillor chooses not to represent his constituents; property expropriated.
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