 Jane Goodall, renowned environmentalist will be in Burlington this week. Major coup for the BurlingtonGreen people and a day those attending her events will never forget. By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON September 17th, 2012 It is going to be a boffo week for the BurlingtonGreen crowd.
Dr. Jane Goodall is now in Canada; the BG’s are incredibly thrilled to have her first event presentation taking place right here in Burlington on Wednesday, September 19 !
Goodall will be sharing fascinating stories from the field, her reflections on global conservation and hope for the future of the planet to both a daytime audience of 700 Halton youth attending our annual “Imprints” Youth event followed by a sold out evening event also taking place at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre.
Not only can ticket holders look forward to this rare opportunity to get inspired by this world renowned environmentalist and UN Messenger of Peace, but there will also be a variety of great opportunities to learn more about how individuals can get involved with and support the important work of both the Jane Goodall Institute and BurlingtonGreen.
There will be a raffle for a chance to win a hugely popular paddleboard courtesy of Mountain Equipment Co-op. There will be book signing by Dr. Goodall, eco-displays and a fast paced but awesome Eco (silent)Auction too ! Click here for a sneak peak of the amazing auction packages that have been creatively and thoughtfully compiled that event participants will have an opportunity to bid on and take home!
The evening will be the perfect opportunity to celebrate some of our greenest achievers in Burlington following Dr. Goodall’s message of how individuals can truly make a difference. A worthy recipient from each of our award categories(individual, school, child, group, youth & business) will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join Dr. Goodall on stage to receive a special presentation – wow!
Clearly, the BurlingtonGreen people are excited – and they should be. This is a major achievement on their part. For those of you who didn’t manage to get tickets – stay tuned – we will tell you as much as we can about this really important visit.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON September 13, 2012 We didn’t notice the appointment at first, the city has an awkward process of treating the names of people as confidential and making them public once they’ve been approved by Council. The sheet of paper with the names on it gets handed out at the end of a meeting and at times they don’t have copies for everyone at the media table. Whatever, I missed the list.
Burlington has a Committee that accepts nominations for Civic Recognition in a number of categories: Youth, the Arts, Senior of the year and Citizen of the year. The award has been given since 1965; one of the nicer events the city holds. The Civic Recognition Committee is comprised of 10 voting members, including: 6 citizens from the community, and four representatives from media and information agencies.
The event takes place, usually in May of each year . It is the one event that we do not cover as media; we buy our ticket and sit in the room as citizens recognizing honouring those who have served the city.
 Keith Strong – recruited Jane McKenna as the Progressive Conservative candidate for Burlington then helped manage her winning campaign. Strong appears to have gotten McKenna on to the Citizen’s Recognition Award committee as well. This is a citizens event – it is not a political event. But this time out the people who were placed on the committee that reviews the submissions and chooses the winner in each category has a distinct political flavour to it – and that isn’t good for the process which was to recognize people who have made Burlington a better city no matter what their political stripe.
Most people have a political persuasion – but they are not “politicians”. They believe in an approach to government that is different than what others believe.
In October of 2010 the Clerks Department placed advertisements in the Update section of the Burlington Post seeking volunteers to fill vacancies on various local boards and citizen committees. In response to the advertisement, applications were received from a number of individuals expressing interest in the committees.
Part of the city’s Strategic Plan is to “engage citizens more effectively in City Council’s decision making processes”. Through citizen committees and boards, Burlington residents are provided the opportunity to offer Council advice and recommendations on various matters and/or organize activities that strengthen the community’s connection to the municipality.
The selection process for the Burlington Civic Recognition Committee was undertaken in February, 2011. The interview team for the committee was comprised of Committee Chair and its Past Chair. Staff from the Clerk’s Department also assisted with the process. The number of applicants this year did not exceed the number of available positions.
The interview team’s recommendation was based on the committee’s needs as well as the applicant’s knowledge of the role, relevant skills and experience, expressed dedication / commitment / time availability, and communication skills.
On February 24, 2011, the Council made the names for the Burlington Civic Recognition Committee public. Each person is to serve for a term that expires December 31, 2013 or until their successor is appointed, which suggests the appointee could be there for a very long time.
 Does a sitting politician belong on a Citizen’s recognition committee? Jane McKenna now sits on the Board that chooses those who are to be recognized based on the nominations sent in. Lisa Boyko, Linda Cupido, Bob Hilton, Jane McKenna, Ann Coburn and Keith Strong were appointed.
Strong was the previous chair of the committee so he was re-appointed.
Jane McKenna was recruited as the Ontario Progressive Conservative candidate for Burlington by Keith Strong who was heavily involved in her campaign. McKenna went on to win the seat during the provincial election.
A number of people who are recognized for their contribution to the city go on to serve in a political capacity. That’s fine. But to put a sitting politician on a committee that is there to recognize others adds a political strain to a process that is there to recognize people for what they have done – not for which political party they favour.
Staff at city hall should have seen this one for what it is – political manipulation. We can do better than this.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON September 17, 2012 If what football fans saw on Saturday at the Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton is an example of what we might see during the 2012 United Way campaign – this is going to be one heck of an event.
During the game – which Hamilton won against the Edmonton Eskimos 51-8, the United Way campaign did their kick off and announced a target of $7 million of which $2 million is the Burlington portion.
 City of Burlington Clerk’s department did a great job last year during the United Way campaign drive. Interesting to see what they do this year. Burlington campaign has a $2 million target More than 20,000 fans took part in the kick off the 2012 United Way Campaign which got off to a roaring start as ArcelorMittal Dofasco President & CEO, Juergen Schachler and company Employee Donations Fund chair Larry Meyer announced a combined donation of $500,000. They presented a cheque on the field at halftime to Burlington Campaign Chair, Hon. Paddy Torsney and Hamilton Campaign Chair, Dr. Nick Bontis.
ArcelorMittal Dofasco extended an additional challenge to the community to step up for the United Way. The company and employees announced they would match an additional $50,000 for money raised through new workplace campaigns, new leadership donations of $1,000 or more, leadership donations that increase by a minimum of 10%, or donations that increase to the $1,000 level (the increased amount). The program is designed to inspire the people of Hamilton and Burlington to help build community strength by donating to the United Way.
With more than $1,134,732 already raised via corporate and individual contributions, the community has already begun to show their support for United Way. Of that total, the United Way family, (Board of Directors, Campaign Cabinets and staff) contributed $88,359.
 Nick Bontis is chair of the United Way Campaign for Burlington and Greater Hamilton. He teaches at McMaster where his mile a minute delivery dazzles his students. Bontis dazzled an Economic Development luncheon earlier this year. Nick Bontis of McMaster University fame found himself having to hand off quite a bit of the kickoff event to Paddy Torsney who is heading up the Burlington part of the campaign. Bontis did some serious damage to one leg during a soccer game. Don’t think that’s what they intended by “kick off”.
Torsney, who had never kicked a football in her life, got some tutoring and did a more than credible job at “getting some air” under the ball. For the United Way campaign team they too feel there is some air underneath their efforts.
“We have a lot of younger people involved in the campaign this year”, said Torsney and ” we are going to put part of our focus on those smaller corporations in Burlington that don’t have an employee program”.
The Burlington team has two families involved in the campaign who both have twins – “they obviously now know how to manage their time – they will do great work for us” said Torsney.
Brian Ferguson of VM Ware is onboard as is Gayle Cruikshank of Food for Thought. Kim Phillips, a city of Burlington General Manager is handling the campaign at city hall as well as the government sector.
Torsney, the one time Member of Parliament for Burlington wants to grow the $2 million target for Burlington by seeking additional leadership donours and getting into companies that currently don’t have a program that allows their staff to donate through a payroll program.
Deb Pickfield of ThinkSpot is heading up a unique “mystery night” event that will appeal to this community.
“Community investment is a longstanding tradition for our company and our employees,” says Juergen Schachler. “We know that continuing to build the strength of Hamilton and Burlington is an important part of being a business leader. For 100 years, the company and its employees have been a key pillar in the community. With our additional challenge, we are inviting others to step up to help the United Way as they continue to create change in our communities”.
 Paddy Torsney heads up the Burlington side of the United Way campaign for 2012. Expect a call from her – soon. Over 222,000 residents rely on United Way programs and services. In the weeks ahead we will tell you more about the people and the services that are delivered because the donations are made.
United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton works to effect long-term changes that make a measurable difference in the community. When you donate to the United Way you are having a direct impact and are changing the lives of those in need in our community.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON September 13, 2012 Two Spencer’s Restaurant Chef’s will duel it out at the Farmer’s Market on Friday. Chris Hayworth and Andrew McLeod will shop from the different vendors at the market and then cook up a meal, using what they bought at the market – all organic, that visitors to the market can sample at the tables Barry Imber, the driving force behind the idea of an organic market in downtown Burlington, plans to set out for people to use.
 It’s not a crowded market but it does have a consistent flow of traffic during the two hours it is open. Great produce, pork offerings are very good and each week someone else shows up with a new product. We got great sour-dough there last week.  Fresh bread – straight from the ovens – but you had to get there while the basket still had something in it. The Farmer’s Market, located off John Street just north of James back in behind Centro Gardens, focuses on local organically grown produce, meat and dairy.
It started up during the early summer and while traffic has not been overwhelming, it is consistent with people drifting in and out during the noon to 2:00 pm window they are open.
 Chef Chris Hayworth shows how he will use his knife at the Chef’s Duel scheduled for Friday just after noon at the Farmer’s All Organic market on John Street. Imber decided to give the location a bit of a promotional boost and challenged the two Spencer’s chef’s to duel it out over their stoves using just the produce available at the market.
 Candace Ivezich, sales agent with LeavoyRowe, purveyors of fine meats just might be Chef Hayworth’s secret weapon. Hayworth plans to play it by ear and see what is on sale- and then use his creative imagination to pull together a meal he is sure will win the day for him.
Hayworth is a full range chef but he tends to like to focus on the appetizer part of the menu – and where he can he goes local.
Could be fun – certainly will be tasty.
Chef Hayworth has a bit of an advantage – he has a supplier that wants him to win; that might tip the scales.
At press time we had not heard from Chef McLeod – maybe he has decided to concede and won’t show.
You be the judge – and see what they serve up.
 REVISED
By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON September 13, 2012 Earlier this week the Halton Regional Police got to play with their newest toy – what you and I would call a model airplane with a small engine in it. Others might call the thing a drone. The police called it a UAV – Unmanned Aerial Vehicle which they use to identify illegal outdoor marijuana grow locations.
Members of the Drug and Morality Unit, Guns and Gangs Unit assisted by members of the Forensic Identification Services conducted an outdoor marihuana eradication initiative and found 744 plants in north Milton and Halton Hills. The police estimated street value of the cannabis marihuana seized at $744,000, which would value each plant at $1000 Someone is fibbing here.
Shortly after publishing the story we got a note from an Ontario based company who pointed out to us that they made the UAV. They said: “Reaching out to draw your attention to the fact that the small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used by Halton police was actually a Canadian-made local product – the Aeryon Scout sUAS – rather than US product shown in the story.”
We used the only picture we could find to illustrate the story we ran.
Odd that the Halton Regional Police made no mention that the product they use was made in the province.
 The Aeryon Scout, made by a Waterloo firm that is a recognized leader in the development and commercialization of small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Aeryon Labs Inc. was founded in 2007 and is located in Waterloo, Ontario, part of Canada’s Technology Triangle. A recognized leader in the development and commercialization of small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems, Aeryon Labs is the trusted partner of civil and military customers, resellers, other commercial business partners around the globe.
The Aeryon team has developed the Aeryon Scout, an easy-to-use, battery powered, unmanned aerial intelligence gathering system. The Scout can be flown by anyone with only a few minutes of training due to its simple point-and-click navigation and camera control systems. Fully stabilized and weather-sealed, the Scout can fly anywhere, anytime in the most demanding weather and wind conditions – when other systems simply cannot fly.
The Aeryon labs team brings together engineers with experience from a broad range of fields, including computer and electrical engineering, video processing, digital video compression, telecommunications, mechanical and mechatronic system design and software development. Our team has the strength of numerous post-graduate degrees in robotics and image compression and brings significant experience from leading global organizations such as LSI, Cisco, Raytheon, RIM and L3-Wescam.
The Aeryon Scout was used by the Libyan Free Forces during the removal of the Gadhafi government.
 Investigators remind the public to utilize Crime Stoppers to report any illegal drug, gang or gun activity at 1 800 222-TIPS(8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637(crimes).
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON September 12, 2012 There they were, out on the field, grunting, running, stretching their limbs – more than thirty of them practicing as the Bateman High School Senior Football team.
 The protesting team – from the left: John Phelps, Chad Doan, Kennedy Dyet and Chris Bishop. When the football players learned their team had been scrubbed from the football schedule they took to the streets in protest. They made their point and the football team is back on the field. Now they might have to deal with a teacher work stoppage. They had to protest to get there – but after a part of a day out on the street waving signs and seeking support for their team – they were back in business.
No one remembers when there was a demonstration by students at Bateman before and it took courage to make the decision to protest when they learned that their wasn’t going to be a Senior Bateman football team on the field for 2012.
Chris North sent an email to Our Burlington – we ran with his letter and followed up with a visit to the school to see how the protest and demonstration went. While there, we saw some student behavior that was great, we saw kids talking in groups the way students around the world talk in groups and we saw students that were behaving – let’s be blunt about this – it was just plain dumb behaviour. We certainly heard about that from more than 45 students and the parents of students. That’s all part of an interactive process where people get to say what they think. We will comment on how that went later in the week.
This piece is about the football team – the guys that decided they weren’t prepared to see their team disappear from the roster. Chris Bishop led the group that was made up of Chad Doan, Kennedy Dyet and John Phelps. All are back at Bateman doing an additional year to upgrade their marks. All have clear plans to attend university with a pretty good idea of what it is they want to study.
 Four high school football players who felt their team was wronged and took to the streets in protest. They made their point and are now back on the football field. Gotta be at least eight proud parents out there. From the left: John Phelps, Chad Doan, Kennedy Dyet and Chris Bishop. Doan wants to study psychology. “I’m interested in the way people behave and want to learn more about that”, said Doan, which led to questions about how the school administration behaved when they decided to shut down the team.
Chris Bishop thinks he wants to study criminology and maybe look into law. Another student wants to study sports management.
The students felt they were told it would be “impossible” for a senior team to be put together and so they were scrubbed from the schedule.
“They had a mind-set and didn’t think we could field a team” said Dyet who coaches a team in the Burlington Minor Football Association.
These four young men didn’t see it that way. They believed they could mount a team but, just as important to them was the rule that would mean there would be no team playing the following year if they did not mount a team this year – and these four young men didn’t want to see that happen to those that would follow them.
Kennedy Dyet wonders why they had to protest. “We were told there was nothing they could do for us” but once the protest was underway the principal of the school met with the football players and asked how he could help.
It looks as if the Phys-ed people had given up on the students and pulled the team from the schedule. The students say they weren’t told the team was being pulled. There was clearly a lot of energy and enthusiasm on the part of at least some members of the team, which when identified, moved the administration to get behind the students. Now the football players have to get the school behind the team and begin winning some games.
On Tuesday evening there were 29 seniors out on the field – huffing and puffing through the exercises. It looked like a good workout from the side lines.
The Bateman Seniors are a Tier 3 team – they want to move to at least Tier 2 and see Pearson and Aldershot as the schools they have to beat. “We’ve got six to seven regular games in the season” explained Dyet “and then the semi-finals.
 Football team protests the scrubbing of their team from the schedule. Administration changes its mind – team out practicing – next they have to win some games. Chris Bishop feels the support they need is now there for them within the administration but also feels that it wasn’t there for them before they hit the streets with their signs. “The principal did meet with us at the Bistro and asked us what it was we wanted and we told him we wanted our team on the field. “Mr. Heffernan said he would do everything he could to help us – that’s all we wanted” said Bishop.
Kennedy Dyet added that the volleyball players are battling for a program “and we think what we’ve done will help them get what they feel they deserve.”
“We had faith that we could make out point” added Dyet “and now we have to do the hard work.”
The players commented on the new coaching staff they have. “These guys have great history commented” commented Chad, “one of our coaches was with Team Canada.”
Is there a problem with the commitment level on the part of the phys-ed staff and the school administration at Bateman? May have been. Had they given up on their students and as Kennedy put it, brought a “mind set” to the table that prevented them from seeing what the students wanted and what they were prepared to do.
Will the “no strike” legislation the provincial government has passed impact this football team that has shown it wants to be out on the field playing the game. Are teacher politics going to get in the way of the educational process the way it did in when the Mike Harris government was battling the teachers?
The young men we talked to were polite, focused, left me feeling there was a clear sense of purpose and an objective they had thought through. I came away with the feeling that there are eight proud parents out there somewhere.
The task now is to develop and condition their team and support them with enthusiasm that provides the energy and that extra bit of “make it happen” that a cheering crowd can give a team. All four young men know exactly what a cheering audience can do for athletes.
Go Wild!
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON September 13, 2012 Burlington’s Mayor Rick Goldring seems to have taken that insurance tag line – Freedom 55 – to heart. Now that he is 55 years of age he has decided to become a member of the Senior’s Centre. This man recognizes a bargain when he sees one – coffee at the centre is $1 a cup.
 Mayor Rick Goldring has his membership application processed at the Seniors’ Centre – filling another of his campaign promises. The Mayor chatted with the Heather Pilling, supervisor of Adult and Senior programming for the city and the lady responsible for the operation of the Seniors’ Centre. Newly appointed Ms Pilling appears to have passed the first acid test with what is a tough crowd to keep happy. “She’s as different as chalk is from cheese when you compare her with the other person who was here” commented Joe Veitch, who was in the process of filming the Mayor’s membership event at the Centre.
 Heather Pilling the newly appointed Supervisor of Adult and Seniors programming for the city, welcomes Mayor Goldring as a new member. Pilling will be the city’s eyes for a constituency that can get cranky at times and very vocal. Veitch is one of the people taking part in the WNEB Buffalo television station’s plans for an Our Town segment. Joe Veitch as a film producer/director – imagine that?
Becoming a member of the Senior’s Centre was a campaign promise made by the Mayor – he made the promise a second time – the day the city gave the Seniors’ Centre more money than one could carry in a wheel barrow. On that occasion the city basically bought the support of the seniors with money to pay outstanding taxes, money to pay for their incorporation and money to cover the insurance they will need. Those seniors will be in for a bit of a surprise when they realize they aren’t going to get gifts like that every year – 2014, an election year might be the exception.
With his 55th year upon him and a membership card in his pocket the Mayor crossed the street to the Band shell park and mingled with the seniors out enjoying their annual Brown Bag picnic.
Then he did what every politician has to do – he made a speech – a very short one. This man knows how to read his audience.
While everyone is vaguely aware that we are an ageing society it is only when the fact is laid out in raw numbers that the point is really made. 17% of Burlington’s population is over 65 and 45% of the population is over 45 – according to 2011 census data. 46% of the seniors in Halton live in Burlington, according to 2006 census data.
We can see where this is going. If the trend continues we will become a city with an older population, albeit one with high disposable income if the number of high end retirement homes going up. There are two under current construction that are more than six stories high – more like warehouses for older people. And they are not cheap.
The handi-van showed at the picnic site frequently and there was a decent flow of taxis which suggests how many seniors will be getting around town.
 Lining up for a Brown Bag lunch – annual Seniors’ Centre event held at Central Park this year. Last year the LaSalle Park event got rained out. For the Mayor it was a good day. As he walked into the park around the band shell one constituent called out: “Hello there Mayor Rick”. He’s got that vote.
 Mayor Goldring talks about seniors and their issues with a community representative. The Brown Bag picnic, an annual event, is for a demographic that is also a market. Vendors with various products and services took part in the event. Keeping a constituency happy is however just part of the job – the Mayor also has to look longer term and get his community thinking about what we are going to do in terms of serving this aging population. On October 17th, the Mayor has invited Dr. Samir K. Sinha MD, DPhil, FRCPC Director of Geriatrics Mount Sinai and the University Health Network Hospitals, Assistant Professor of Medicine University of Toronto and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and a Medical Advisor to the Toronto Central Community Care Access Centre.
He will be talking about how communities serve their ageing population. October 17th at the Performing Arts Centre. In the past these events have been close to full – if this matters to you – get there early.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON September 11, 2012 Mayor Rick Goldring finally gets his Cabaret off the planning Boards and onto the stage of the Burlington Performing Arts centre where both the Arrogant Worms and The Lighthouse will take to the stage.
The day before the Mayor does his thing Burlington’s Gordie Tapp of Hee Haw fame is going to MC A Laugh a Minute — The Mike Wallace Roast.
 Wallace does know how to laugh and take a joke – expect him to be at his funniest while his colleagues roast him royally – with Gordie Tapp leading the crowd – it will be a riot. The Wallace event, taking place Friday September 28, is sponsored by the Burlington Federal Conservative Riding Association. The guest list of roasters includes Halton Riding Conservative MP Lisa Raitt and Michael Chong, Tory MP for Wellington-Halton Hills.
Cocktails are at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m.
Mayor Goldring came up with the Gala idea some time ago and had to shift the dates but he is now ready to have the curtains of the Performing Arts Centre stage pulled back for an evening of entertainment, receptions and both live and silent auctions. This might be your chance to get one of the Mayor’s election signs.
A variety show featuring special guests Lighthouse and The Arrogant Worms, along with some very talented local artists will make up what the Mayor says is “ sure to be an extraordinary evening”.
Lighthouse is a Canadian band whose music includes elements of rock, jazz, classical, and swing. They won Juno Awards for Best Canadian Group of the year in 1972, 1973 and 1974. Some of their hits include One Fine Morning, Sunny Days, Pretty Lady and Can You Feel It.
 Featured performers at the Mayor’s Cabaret – the Arrogant Worms bring their music to the Performing Arts Centre. The Arrogant Worms were formed in Kingston, Ontario and consist of Mike McCormick, Chris Patterson and Trevor Strong. Their musical comedy act has been played on three continents to crowds as large as 100,000 and they have sold more than 150,000 copies of their 12 albums. The Arrogant Worms have been described as “too much fun for their own good.”
Funds raised from this event will benefit The Burlington Performing Arts Centre. Tickets, $150 with a tax receipt issued for $100 are on sale now at The Burlington Performing Arts Centre box office.
Dress code is polished casual; that’s a new one. In addition to the show, there will be pre- and post-show receptions and silent and live auctions.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON September 11, 2012 The registration tables will be set up, the weather should be fine and the 1000 people expected to take part in the 2012 Terry Fox run will do what Burlingtonians have been doing for 30 years – running to honour both the memory and achievement of a remarkable young Canadian.
The organizers of the event think it is probably the longest continuously held run in Burlington
They are expecting about 1000 runners/walkers/joggers/bikers/skateboarders this year for the non-competitive run, no entry fee, no minimum pledge event. They just want people to show up and run.
 Terry Fox was one of the most remarkable young Canadians this country has ever seen. His example, his courage and his contribution is one that every young person in our high schools can learn from. The event is always held on the third Sunday in September. Registration begins at 8am at the Comfort Station on Lakeshore road
5 and 10 KM runners go off at 9:00 am; Family run begins at 10:00 am. Pets welcome (there are water bowls and dog treats), roller blades, strollers, bikes, strollers – all are welcome.
The event has a family atmosphere with some fitness instructors from Cedars Springs leading warm up exercises.
There will be a Master of Ceremonies from Cogeco TV as well as a disc jockey pumping out tunes. Add in face painting, balloons and water stations along the route and its hard to go wrong with this one..
There are more than 100 volunteers that make this happen.
 Starting gate – the point at which you begin your 5 or 10 k Terry Fox run The route is one of the most beautiful anywhere in the province. It starts at Beachway Park pavilion behind Joseph Brant hospital, along the waterfront through Spencer Smith Park to the Waterfront Hotel where the runners turn around and head west to the lift bridge at the Canal where the runners turn around once again and head back to the pavilion. That run will rack up 5k – if you want to make it 10k then you do the same thing all over again.
The run is followed with a free BBQ and other food giveaways We have a live band playing at the Compass along the run route to entertain the runners. There are no corporate sponsorships; everything is donated with roughly 85% of all funds raised going directly to cancer research.
Committee chair for 2012 Terry Fox run is Don Carmichael.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON September 11, 2012 This morning at 9:35 a.m., an employee of a Burlington CIBC bank, located at 575 Brant Street, contacted police to report a suspicious bag left in the ATM vestibule.
Police attended and a determination was made to enlist the assistance of the Explosives Disposal Unit.
Appropriate measures were enacted to minimize any risk to public safety and established procedures were utilized to ‘disrupt’ the package.
Which is the police way of saying the bag was removed from the premises. Halton Regional Police have a robotic unit that can be used for such situation
At this time, investigators are unable to determine whether the bag was innocently left behind by a customer or deliberately placed to resemble a threat. Further investigative efforts are being undertaken.
Editors note: We don’t share the view that public art has to come from within the community it is intended for, but Margaret Lindsay Holton makes a number of critically important points in this column and we welcome the opportunity to make her informed views available.
 By Margaret Lindsay Holton
BURLINGTON, ON September 10, 2012 According to the City of Burlington’s Public Art Master Plan 2009-2018 (aka PAMP), the most important thing about public art is its purpose. “Public art is a force for place making – for expressing and evoking connections among people and places that are meaningful to the community and civic life.” It goes on, “Public Art has been recognized as a significant tool for building livable cities, for urban beautification, and for economic development”
“A successful Public Art Program makes public space more attractive, interesting, and comfortable, resulting in benefits for both residents and visitors. Beyond these tangible results, the process of creating public art within a framework, that includes community input, can lead to far-reaching social benefits. This is not simply about creating something for the community; instead, it is about creating community”.
 Burlington based artist and Our Burlington columnist Margaret Lindsay Holton wants to see Burlington artists at least considered in the selection process. None of the artists who made the final three are from Ontario. One is from Quebec, one from New Brunswick and the third from Maine, USA. Photo by Our Burlington It concludes, “By reflecting a community’s values, and its past, present, and future, public art can embody and symbolize a community’s sense of identity.” (Italics mine.)
According to the public survey done for this Master Plan, Burlingtonians overwhelmingly identify with the thematic subject of “local history”, followed closely by “the natural environment”. Take note of that – ‘local history’ and the ‘natural environment’. We will be coming back to those two heartfelt perfectly natural themes of identity in a moment.
So, just so you that know, the above was, and remains on the City of Burlington website as, the stated purpose of the City of Burlington’s ‘Public Art’ initiative.
However, most interesting about Burlington’s Public Art Master Plan was City Council’s abdication of the responsibility for actually running the Public Art program. Instead, Council voted, in 2009, to let an ‘external body’ handle it. And there, to my mind, lies a bit of a problem. An ‘external body’ active in Burlington, is one thing, but an ‘external body’ outside of the City limits is quite another.
In 2009, the City’s Public Art Reserve Fund had $186, 578 on account, with another $190,000 ‘pending’. Today, that annual fund, topped up by various agencies of the Government of Ontario, has allocated approximately $250,000 to that ‘external body’ in the form of one Jeremy Freiburger, Chief Cultural Strategist of Cobalt Connects, of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Mr. Freiburger was hired by the City of Burlington to implement not only Burlington’s Public Art program but, latterly, a Cultural Action/Policy Plan too. Jeremy certainly is an engaging and charming fellow who is struggling somewhat to ‘make it happen’ here, BUT, why didn’t City just align with the long-established ‘Creative Burlington’ group? You know, the group that had to close shop in 2011 because there was insufficient City funding for them to continue to operate. With no track record in this community, Jeremy Freiburger’s Cobalt Connects, has, within just three very short years, received over TEN times the funding that the grassroots ‘Creative Burlington’ group was begging for from Council to stay afloat.
…. hmmmm ….
How can a Public Art program in Burlington, one that is both meaningful and significant for developing a ‘rooted’ Burlington identity, be developed by, and decided by, an ‘external body’ from outside the City limits? In other words, WHY does the City of Burlington have to go to a self-professed “entrepreneurial” Hamilton-based arts-bureaucrat to FIND the Roots of our own cultural identity?
Something is missing in this cultural equation. That missing component is, in fact, us, the actual living breathing communities that comprise the City of Burlington – from established Aldershot to newly developed Alton, from rural Lowville to the developed Lakefront, from tony Tyandaga to solid Mountainside, from sprawling historic farmlands of the north to the apartment blocks and heritage roosts of the downtown core. Within this Public Art ‘dialogue’ we, as Burlingtonians, are sadly missing the one element that makes Burlington so culturally unique, our very own voices.
 Yes, they are bike racks. You won’t get arrested or ticketed for attaching your bike to one of them. One of recent Burlington Public Art initiatives, of 2010, administered by Jeremy, was the development of these bike racks. Yes, that is what they are. (Promise, you won’t get arrested or ticketed for locking up to one.) Over 180 designs were submitted by 76 ‘international’ artists until 10 designs, chosen by Jeremy and his appointed ‘independent’ jury, were placed on a shortlist. After a public vote, six finalists were paid $1500 each for those designs – Martyna Dakowicz, Jen Hsieh, Zhiyang Mao, Kyle Reed, Wesley Tsang, and Xiaojing Yan. Not one is an active Burlington-based artist, or has ‘roots’ here. Perhaps that is why these bike racks have FAILED on two accounts: 1) as bike racks – [have you ever seen ANY bike locked up to these objects over the past year?] and 2) as ‘local’ Public Art. Admit it Jeremy, few here have any idea what these cut-out metal thingys bolted to several downtown sidewalks are all about …
The Palladium Park Public Art Benches Competition of 2011 was no different. A talented artist from Kitchener-Waterloo received the commission, not one of Burlington’s own.
Sure, call me parochial, but how, exactly, can the heralding of Burlington’s cultural spirit, local history and natural landscape begin with ‘outsiders’? It’s like having a paid professional singer sing our favourite childhood lullaby from a hastily composed score, rather then singing in chorus, with one heart and soul, by rote, what we all know and love so dearly. (A tad hyperbolic, but methinks you catch my drift.)
Surely the point of this exercise, in all its forms, is to celebrate our own, to support and promote the struggling ‘grassroots’ art community here, and by so doing develop and reflect a truly Burlington-based arts culture. No? On the other hand, perhaps the REAL Public Arts objective, as the ambitious Jeremy Freiburger and his select ‘external body’ of jurors interpret it, is not at all about the nurturing of, or the reflecting of, Burlington’s ‘sense of identity’, past or present. Rather, perhaps their end objective is simply to create a generic ‘urban beautification’ of Burlington for well-heeled out-of-towners (and investors) using titillating ideas by “recognized” artists who have no cultural or spiritual connection to this place. Or, perhaps, the purpose is to create a roster of “recognized” artists who, hopefully, (no guarantee), will someday garner an international reputation that will substantially inflate their monetary worth, and thus, increase the investment holdings of the City of Burlington Corporation’s Public Art Inventory. Perhaps. Who knows. One thing is clear, the PURPOSE of Burlington’s Public Art program is slowly, and somewhat stealthily, tip-toeing away from the standing Public Art Master Plan.
Anyway, for sake of argument, let’s assume for a bit that the REAL objective, (not the one so meticulously outlined in the PAMP), is to develop a no-name ‘pretty suburban city’ dotted with public art works by artists-from-elsewhere whose careers will continue to develop far away from the City of Burlington. With this revised concept in mind, we can better understand Mr. Freiburger’s jury’s choice of three finalists for the Burlington Performing Arts Centre Public Art Competition. More at the public art web site.
 From the top left, going clockwise – the Cooke Sasseville submission, the Spiral Stella by Peter Powling and the In the Round by Aaron Stephan. The three finalists with concepts, clockwise, are: Cooke-Sasseville from Quebec City. Concept: ‘Stay Connected’, 15ft x 7ft, an abstract ‘technical console with cables’. Peter Powling from “the hills of New Brunswick”. Concept: ‘Spiral Stella’, 16ft high x 30 inches wide, sky reflecting bronze obelisk. and Aaron Stephan from Portland, Massachusetts, U.S.A. Concept: ‘In the Round’, circular 28 foot disc covered with 15,000 pixel-people on globe. Not one of these evidently talented artists is from Burlington, or even the Golden Horseshoe region of Southern Ontario, Canada.
Obviously each artist has devoted a great deal of thought to develop a ‘Public Art’ concept that ‘reflects’ Burlington’s identity back to itself (sort of) and each idea stands as an indisputable ‘Burlington Public Art’ monument that will eventually engender local community pride and a long term legacy of some kind. Still, it seems a great pity to me that not one of these fine artists is from here. I mean, there isn’t even a finalist design concept from the very talented, locally-minded and “recognized” Les Drysdale, who, though admittedly not a Burlington native, is, at least, from the Golden Horseshoe region. His work can be seen on his web site.
How appropriate it would have been to have one of Les’s evocative story-evoking ‘local history’ statues grace the square at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre of, love him or loathe him, the indisputably talented Jim Carrey. Imagine a multi-dimensional fully animated vignette by Les – of Jim – as ‘The Mask’, the ‘Grinch’, and the ‘Joker’ characters all rolled into one piece. It would celebrate local talent on multiple levels, (Jim grew up in Aldershot), successfully promote the Centre as a ‘living’ arts showcase, inspire local and visiting performers, and nudge all of us, as a community as a whole, to identify with the ‘Dream Big’ ‘Just Do It’ persona of Jim. It would also, I believe, be an engaging and memorable tourist attraction. And it could all be done for the $90,000 commission prize fee. Ah well, simply put, this kind of ‘from here’ idea has not been “recognized” by the jury. And more’s the pity, I say.
Let’s re-consider all this, for a moment, from a slightly different perspective.
 Sculpture by Shona artists reflect their homeland culture & sense of identity. ZimSculpt is currently showing at the Royal Botanical Gardens (until October 8th). Two talented and soulful sculptors from the Shona tribe, Passmore Mupindiko and Patrick Sephani, are carving up million year old rocks especially imported for this exhibit from their home country, Zimbabwe, Africa. Now imagine that. They have imported huge hunks of stones from their own mountains to carve here. Voluptuous stone sculptures crafted by their own tribemen’s hands abound throughout the Hendrie Gardens. These bold sculptures really are powerful art objects: thematically, technically and culturally. Cumulatively, these Shona-made sculptures reflect a profound ‘sense of identity’, from a wholly unique place on the planet, Zimbabwe.
 These Shona-made sculptures are part of an exhibit currently at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Now, flip it. Imagine a roster of Burlington-based sculptors (or artists), who are supported and “recognized” by our very own City Council (or equivalent ‘external body’ made up of Burlington art enthusiasts). Imagine them going to Zimbabwe (or France, or anywhere else) to showcase their powerful works in a high-profile public art space. Imagine them as they chip away at their own imported ‘mountain’ rock – the Niagara Escarpment. All who see – and buy from them – would know these talented artists reflect an equally profound ‘sense of place’. Why? Because these respected artists reflect another far off Earth location, one with a wholly unique natural and local identity. And yes, these soulful and talented artists ARE from that wonderful place of Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
…. Get the picture?
If we don’t believe in our own, nobody else ever will either.
Culturally-diverse earth roots are not only important, but essential. Without them, we just become rootless, isolated and detached global misfits, flipping the dials, pushing the buttons, endlessly searching … searching … searching … for the one place we so studiously ignore at our own communal peril – Home.
Ask Patrick, ask Passmore, those soulful Shona sculptors representing their far off village communities of Zimbabwe. Now, ask the diverse voiceless village communities who live harmoniously within the City boundaries of Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Ask the artists who live, work and play here. They, and we, all know that: not only does ‘Charity begin at Home’, but home really is where our Heart – and Art – is.
Margaret Lindsay Holton is both an environmentalist and a community activist. She is an artist of some renown and the designer of a typeface. She is also a photographer and the holder of opinions she will share with you in an instant. She appears as an Our Burlington columnist every two weeks.
© Photography and photo montages by Margaret Lindsay Holton, 2012, unless otherwise noted.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON September 11, 2012 After many months of keeping everything under wraps, Jeremy Freiburger finally opened the curtains and is letting the public see what the three Burlington judges have chosen as finalists for the public art that is going to stand in front of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre.
Burlington is slowly learning that if you want the public to buy into an idea – let them know what you are up to; ask their opinions and listen to what they have to say.
You can view models of the three finalists at the Central Public Library or see large photographs at City Hall and Tansley Woods – and that is about as far north as the public viewing will go. Something for the city to look into – the people north of Upper Middle Road are just out of luck when it comes to knowing much about what goes on at city hall, unless they want to drive well outside their community
 The currently unadorned Performing Arts Centre may soon get some public art. The plans are to place the art in the small fore-court – shown in the right of this photograph. Art is a very subjective thing. Many people feel that they know what they like the moment they see it – and that is certainly true. But taste is something that is developed; something that evolves over time. That development takes place when you see and experience different forms and examples of art. Some feel that public art should come from within the community – others feel the search should be world wide.
The judges are: Ian Ross, executive director of the Burlington Art Centre, Emma Quinn, executive director of the Ontario Craft Council, Trevor Copp, artistic director of Tottering Biped Theatre, Natalie Eldershaw, 4th-year Sheridan College art student.
The steering committee that oversaw the process included: Avery Brooks joiner – local youth involved in Culture, Dan Lawrie – project donor; Brenda Heatherington – BPAC Executive Director, site stakeholder; Mary-Ellen Heiman – member of BPAC Board and Denise Beard, Acting Manager of Community Development Services for the city of Burlington
The three finalists, chosen out of the 119 submissions to the Call for Submissions the city put out in March of this year, were asked to then create a small model and provide some detail on what they proposed to create.
Those models are now on display at the library on New Street
The project got its start when Burlington businessman Dan Laurie expressed an interest in sponsoring some public art that would be placed in front of the Performing Arts Centre, at the intersection of Elgin and Locust streets in downtown Burlington. Laurie put up $37,500 of his own money and the city used $75,000 from its Public Art Fund
The Cooke-Sasseville submission, Stay Connected, is made of stainless steel; aluminum; powder-coat paint. It is 15 feet high x 27 feet wide.
 The Cooke-Sasseville submission is certainly the most colourfull of the three. How will the bright colours stand up to weather over the long haul? In explaining their submission Cooke-Sasseville had this to say: “We are proposing the creation of a monumental and playful sculpture that stems from the idea of representing, on an exaggerated scale, a well-known, easily identifiable object that is closely tied to the performing arts: a technical console and connecting cables. Our proposal is visually striking and evocative in its usage of space and it will transcend the objects that it represents, becoming an almost abstract work that brings to mind both vegetation and the human circulatory system. The work will be firmly fixed to the ground and expand into space in a systematic manner, schematizing a perfectly orchestrated choreography where the notions of movement, exchange and transmission are represented.”
“The work that we are submitting suggests a never-ending openness towards the sky and it may be interpreted in many different ways, from the simple representation of everyday objects to the schematization of complex fractals. In doing this, we wish to glorify that which may seem banal but which is really essential, or that which is not seen but which plays a crucial role in the creation of major artistic productions: the technical side of the production as well as the importance of collaborations, human contact, encounters and communication.”
 A scale model of the Cooke-Sassville submission. These Quebec based artists have done a significant amount of public art work throughout North America. The Peter Powning submission, Spiral Stella, is to be made of stainless steel; cast bronze and stand 16 feet high and be 30 inches wide.
 The Spiral will be 16 feet tall and include in the bronze casting artifacts from the community that could well make this one of the most intriguing pieces of art in the city. Powning explains his submission this way: “My intent with this proposal is to produce an iconic sculpture of scale that has impact from a distance but which also provides an intimate experience up close. I propose a sculpture that offers an opportunity for discovery, an enhanced sense of local identity, and education opportunities; a community touchstone honouring Burlington and the Performing Arts Centre; its history, natural environment, culture and identity. A key element of this project will be community participation in providing important cultural and historical artifacts to include in the cast bronze spiral. I think of this bronze relief as cultural mulch, incorporating artifacts from the historical to the contemporary.”
“The elements I will be working with are meant to balance content and form in a dynamic approachable sculpture. The obelisk will reflect the sky, patterns of cloud and ambient light, changing hues as the day progresses, the cast bronze provides visual and textural contrast as well as an intimate tactile experience. The formal obelisk shape organizes the various parts of the sculpture in a unified, recognizable whole. In close proximity, it reveals a material richness with layers of cultural content gathered from the people and institutions of Burlington in cast bronze relief. From a distance, this monumental sculpture will be visible as a landmark.”
 The section that appears in blue is the part within which the artist will include local artifacts. No one knows at this point what will be included if this submission is chosen – but if it is chosen – expect everyone in the city to come up with something – it’s going to be out there for everyone to see for at least 50 years – perhaps forever. What doesn’t become immediately evident in the artists comments is that the people of Burlington will contribute a large part of the Spiral – and he has no idea what the public contribution will be. Somehow, what people want to see included in the spiral will get to the artist who will include it in the final structure. That could be very informative and certainly reflect the community.
Aaron Stephen calls his submission In the Round which will be made of cast zinc alloy; architectural zinc sheet and have a diameter of 28 feet.
 The In the Round submission is far more complex, and intriguing, than evident in this picture. That globe graphic is made up of more than 15,000 small figurines. Interesting approach but the location and the height of the art will need some consideration. “In the Round”, says the artist, “is composed of over fifteen thousand small human figures traversing the wall of Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s fly tower. Each three-inch metal figure interacts in a unique way. Some mill about, some talk, walk, or just look around – simply depicting a crowd of individuals interacting as we do in everyday life. From a distance the minutia of this crowd disappears while a larger whole becomes apparent. Each individual figure acts as a pixel defining the collective image of a twenty-eight foot world globe.”
“Anyone who has attended a live performance has experienced the curious moments that immediately precede the actual event. In the lobby, crowds mill around and everyday conversation takes place. There is a unique energy in the air that can only be described as communal anticipation. The evening takes a turn as the performer(s) appear on stage. In a brief moment, what previously seemed to be a haphazard group of audience members becomes a single entity.”
“Like the distinctive beginning of a live performance, In the Round encompasses the same feeling of anticipation, movement, and energy. It represents the moment in which the community of Burlington becomes fully engaged and implicated with those on stage.”
 Examples of the more than 15,000 figurines that will be used to shape a graphic of the globe in the In the Round submission. The “official” illustration doesn’t do justice to this submission. That it will be at the back of the theatre is a limitation. What is shown in the official picture is a graphic of the world – what you don’t see is the 15,000 little figures that will make up the globe.
All three submissions have merit. Several are unique in the approach they use to involve the person looking at the art.
The city has asked the public to “Tell us what you think!” and have provided a place on the city web site for comments on all three pieces of art. Log into WHERE and tell the city what you think. If you can – get over to the Library, and look at the maquettes (fancy word artists use when they really mean to say a model of what they have in mind)
There are also ballot like forms upon which people can write their comments.
The judges will review the comments and come to a final decision. That final decision doesn’t have to be the selection of a specific piece of art.
The three judges chose three submissions – they could have chosen five or ten but there wasn’t enough money in the budget to give every artist the $1500 grant to prepare the model.
Once the judges go over all the comments they will decide which of the three submissions should become the art that will be placed outside the Performing Arts Centre. The judges do not have to choose one of the three finalists – the decision they make will depend on the public feedback.
The challenge for the judges is – are they going to lead public opinion and help shape it or are they going to follow public opinion. Attempting to lead public opinion in Burlington is not always a rewarding endeavor.
If public opinion is strongly against any of the three submissions the judges can decide that none of the three put forward is what the public wants. What do they do then – and why were just three of the 119 submissions selected?
The selection process had two parts to it. First review everything that came in and then invite the three the judges thought were the best and ask them to prepare a model of what they were proposing. Each artist was given $1500 to build their mode. There wasn’t enough in the budget they had to work with to invite more than three.
This is the second major public art project for Burlington. The “orchids” ,done by Irish artist Alex Pentek, were liked by many – but just as many couldn’t understand why it was placed in the middle of busy Upper Middle Road, where it is extremely difficult to see the art as you duck under the railway overpass. Very poor location.
The Performing Arts Centre is seen as a prime public site and with the right art it will be something people will come to see; providing the city selects what the public is prepared to accept.
Make a point of getting to the library to look at the models. And let the city know what you like and don’t like – and add why you like what you see as well.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON September 10, 2012 The 62 year old school bus driver involved in a collision while driving a school bus near Bronte Harbour in Oakville last week has succumbed to his injuries.
Jim Leroux, of Burlington, passed away Saturday morning at Trillium Health Centre in Mississauga. Recently retired, Mr. Leroux started working as a school bus driver last year.
The Leroux family would like to thank those members of the public and emergency services personnel for taking care of him at the crash site.
 Burlington driver of school bus that crashed in Oakville succumbs to his injuries. Cause of death not released. Police will not be releasing the cause of death. The Coroner will be making that determination in the next 30 days.
The bus, operated by Attridge Transportation passed a mandated MTO inspection in July of this year.
A mechanical inspection of the bus by police revealed no mechanical defects.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON September 10, 2012 The team was supposedly shut down because they couldn’t field a full squad – but that wasn’t the way the Bateman Wilds saw things so they took to the streets with an early Monday morning sidewalk protest in front of the school.
 Bateman High’s Phys-Ed staff didn’t think the school could field a full squad and took steps to cancel the fall program. Football players took to the streets in protest Chris Bishop – certainly a football player given his size, was the spokesperson for the group and the person who sang the team cheer the loudest.
 There are teachers at Bateman High that would like to see this much effort IN the classroom. The football players take their message to the streets. If a football squad needs 30 people, there were more than 30 enthusiastic students out there this morning. `We`re here for the day” explained Bishop, as he headed back to the fellow football players on the side walk exhorting every car that passed to honk their horns in support.
Bishop added that “if you put enough pressure on something there will be a change” and he fully expects the staff at the high school to rescind the decision.
Bishop thinks the school didn’t give the football players the time they needed to pull their team together and feels they acted a little too early in shutting them down.
 Not everyone at Bateman High focuses on football. This crowd, steps away from the protest, chats away before time to get into a classroom approaches. Different folks – different strokes. Bateman High, located on New street east of Appleby Line is your typical large school where cars stream into the driveway to let students out and buses slip in and out efficiently.
Many of the students knew nothing about the football protest. Like any other suburban high school there are different groups; the “fashion plates” are easy to identify; the geeks not so easy but they are there. The women on the field hockey team with their sticks in hand as well as the “couple” that have something going.
The chatter between the different groups is loud at times, but not unduly so. They carry a lot of books in those bags on their shoulders.
They stream off the bus that stops in in front of the school and all seem to arrive in large bunches.
 Female student casually dropped the donut wrapper on the ground and puffed away on her cigarette while enjoying her coffee. The wrapper, shown on the right, blew away into the street. Not the best or the brightest at Bateman High. There are the “cool” ones; the slightly older crowd who, the morning I was there certainly weren’t anything to be proud of. The smoking was bad enough – don’t they read? – but the blatant littering – one swishy female student just dropped the donut wrapper on the ground, while another cool dude with the crowd kept spitting on the sidewalk. They certainly weren’t representative of the crowd; this lot did little for the schools reputation.
 Bateman High staff look on as student protesters wave their signs and tell their side of the story. Can staff and students work this out? Will the Bateman Wild be on the field this season? Stay tuned The football players planned on being on the street for the day. At some point they will meet with the principal and the Phys-Ed people and work out a solution. Someone in the Phys-Ed department is wishing the students had shown this level of enthusiasm earlier in the football season. First practice is a couple of days away. Will the “Wild” be on the field? In strength?
Could this kind of enthusiasm take them to the finals?
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON September 9, 2012 The Mayor had lunch with Eric the Great, the chief cheese at the hospital; who picked up the tab?
 Mayor Goldring lunched with hospital President Eric Vandewall – who picked up the tab? Many people in the city shuddered when the sod was turned in Hamilton for the new Navistar plant that will open there in 2013. That was our lunch Hamilton was eating.
Navistar has been in Burlington for more than 50 years. It began as International Harvester- the road is named after them. They were one of the biggest farm implement manufacturers in the world.
They felt they needed to move out of Burlington and were looking at Mississauga as a possible new location when smart people in Hamilton – saw the opportunity and moved really fast and scooped the opportunity. They are now going to be in a new building sometime in 2014.
In 1958, Harvester International poured in nearly $12 million to build the 215,000 sq.-ft. building that still stands today. A 38,000 sq.-ft. butler’s building has since been attached to the original edifice to store extra product.
The Burlington location was chosen for its close proximity to the QEW and major highways, Pearson International Airport and the C.N.R. railway tracks for swift shipment across the nation. Nothing about the transportation part of the equation has changed – but as a Navistar official recently told the Hamilton Spectator: wasn’t on Navistar’s site selection radar the “can do” attitude of city officials changed that.
“Navistar was looking for a location and our location was not on the list of preferred sites,” he said. “We met with the mayor on one day’s notice and he said the city would do everything possible to make this happen. We do developments in many places, but Hamilton has shown it is truly the place to invest. Hamilton is clearly a municipality that wants investment and can deliver service.”
Here’s to another 50 years of Navistar in the community, said an official at the time. So much for that statement.
A good one got away on us – and no one has yet given a really good reason for that happening.
No shortage of land in this city for an operation of that size. With the plant go 60 some odd jobs – Burlington gets left with a site that will be vacant for some time. We didn’t do so good on the economic development front on this one.
The city has three senior positions they want to fill. A new fire chief, a new Director of transit, a new third general manager. The plan apparently is to bring in the third general manager first and then have that person oversee the new hires
The city ran three really small pictures of the finalist in the public art selection for the front of the Performing Arts Centre. The pictures, which appeared as part of an advertisement in City Update, a supplement to a local newspaper, were smaller than a business card. Not sure why they bothered – or did they think that was as much as the public could handle?
 One of the two Chef’s that will do a cooking duel at the Farmer’s Market next Friday was announced during the week. Barry Imber got really creative and set up a duel between two of the Chef’s over at Spencer’s Restaurant on the Waterfront that will take place at the Farmer’s Market September 14th.
 A strictly business crowd may not be a place for a children’s party service provider to drum up some business – but Laura Martin keeps saying – they all know people who have children. Laura Martin, operator of a home daycare business as well as the lady who runs a children’s party business, told her Facebook friends: “I’m going to my first Business Networking event tonight, I’m excited! Maybe I’ll see some of you there.” The Business in Burlington group, that meets once a month at the Waterfront Hotel asked men to show up in Bermuda shorts – that request fell a little short but Laura Martin was there networking like crazy.
A city Council committee got the final report from the Heritage Advisory Committee – expect to see some conflict with the way the Planning Department view the heritage file and the recommendations in the report – which is a solid step forward – but probably not the final say on the subject.
There was enough steel on the pier for the construction crews to work a Saturday shift. Progress on the construction side. Nothing that we can report yet on the legal side.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON September 4, 2012 Our Burlington is going to shift gears a bit and spend less time covering city council meetings and some city council committee meetings. The shift will be gradual and the focus will move to finishing items that were started and want to finish. But we will no longer cover council committee meetings on a regular basis.
The web site was designed to be a newspaper on a web site; something that would cover as much of what goes on in the city as possible without the space constrains the print media faces. We had the added advantage of being able to maintain the content and make it available at any time. No one wraps fish bones with our pages.
As an experiment and as a response to the Shaping Burlington recommendations – Our Burlington has succeeded.
Why the change? Energy, financial, legal, but mostly the realization that what we started out to do, was not achievable by one person and at this stage in my life, it is not prudent to use the limited resources of a retiree for a project that might produce enough revenue to cover the cost of operation.
We foolishly thought the job that needed to be done could be done on a part time basis. The truth was that the job required seven days a week with me at the keyboard till well past 1:00 am far too many days.
My wife, the reason I came to Burlington, wondered what she had gotten herself into. We haven’t been able to spend the time together that we expected.
We haven’t been to a play yet this year – haven’t managed a night out to a movie either – thank goodness for DVD’s.
We are at the $20,000 level in terms of real cash we have spent on the newspaper on a web site – could have gotten elected to Council for that amount of money.
I am fortunate to have a small circle of advisers who don’t, for the most part, have a political axe to grind. Their advice has been consistent – make the changes you need to make
I started a theology class at McMaster a year ago, and while I bought the text books, I didn’t get to read most of them and I completed just one of the term papers. I hope that in the months ahead I will have the time to continue my study of Isaiah and perhaps return to the classroom. The choice was the Waterfront Advisory Committee or Isaiah – wisdom prevailed. That committee has four more meetings left in its life – they won’t be ignored.
I migrated from Toronto, where I lived in The Beach and found life rich and fulfilling there. I am an urban animal and loved, fed off and contributed to the community I lived in. It will come as no surprise to you that I was the founder, 45 years ago, of a weekly community newspaper that still publishes 40 pages a week.
The world of suburbia is not one that I have taken to very easily. I used to be able to get into Toronto once every three or four weeks for my “urban “fix” but the demands of the web site curtailed that pleasure.
 Without the Escarpment – we might as well merge with Oakville. Burlington has so many positive things going for it: the geography is such a gift, your children will not be shot to death on the main streets, it is for the most part a crime free city, although that is changing with the number of criminals who see this city as easy pickings.
What constantly surprises me is how Burlington, with all that it has going for it, is so bland. We are known for nothing. A city as wealthy as this one is, doesn’t seem capable of excelling at something. We have a terrible school board; one that doesn’t seem to care about real education and is close to incapable of listening to the parents of the children who attend the schools it runs. Senior people within the Board of Education actually deliberately fail to tell parents the truth. And they get away with it. Thank Mike Harris for that one with his decision to gut the system of school trustees we had.
Burlington accepts gas prices that are usually three to four cents a litre higher here than they are in Hamilton, yet far too many people go bananas when members of Council get a pay raise that is determined by an independent citizens committee. The city has values that are incompatible with each other.
This city fails to appreciate the amount of time our Council members put in. Few fully understand that their council members do double duty as Regional Councillors. And we pay them a portion of what they are worth.
The seven of them oversee a city that has more than 1,000 full time equivalents and they oversee a budget that is one of the largest in the city. And we pay them something around $120,000 a year; little wonder we are not able to attract the kind of talent the city needs to serve as council members.
 The Mayor is out close to every evening each week. His ward is the whole city and every one wants a piece of him. Not a healthy life for a man with daughters that need face time. They are out close to half of the evenings in a week; they take telephone calls at home every night. The amount of time Mayor Goldring spends on civic business isn’t healthy.
There is a lot to look into: What do the sales numbers at the Performing Arts Centre look like? If they were great we would be hearing all about them. We’re not hearing anything – that’s a clue.
Where are we with employment lands? Council and some member of the community got their nickers in a knot when it was announced that a church was going to be built on a piece of land that faced onto the 407 – which meant an opportunity for a corporation to show their name and trade mark to those passing by was lost. I kind of thought that a cross was a pretty good trade mark and one that I certainly want to see out there for everyone to see. But the Economic Development Corporation spokesperson didn’t see it that way, Unfortunate. Was there the sound of relief when we learned that it was going to be an Anglican church and not a mosque?
Speaking of employment lands – what is going to be done with the downtown core? Are we going to build a new city hall and stop paying rent to property owners? Is city hall talking to Paletta International about some kind of a land deal? And is it time to know more about what the Paletta’s have planned with their other property holdings? The tendency is to look at developers as rapacious – but if we knew the full story of the Paletta family, I think there is a great success story to be told. We will see what we can do at that level in the future.
Eagle Heights and the development at Tremaine and Dundas needs more attention. There was some very good citizen involvement on the Tremaine development that we have yet to tell you about.
 For a park of this dimension – this was the best that could be done for the Official Opening. Had they called it Apeldoorn Park – there would have been hundreds of people on the site – still a chance to change the name. The story of the City View Park will unfold once the Pan Am Games are over – it is a little on the messy side. Now that the city has pulled the plug on the re-development of the Roads and Parks Maintenance building on Elgin the embarrassingly little park that was going to have the name of our sister city Apeldoorn attached to it won’t happen. Hopefully the Dutch community in Burlington will push to have City View Park, from which by the way – you can’t actually see the city – or so I am told by my colleague David Auger.
The Pier needs constant watching – we appear to have the construction issues under control – the legal issues and the financial fallout from that has the potential to take the cost of that pier up to as high as $20 million. Ouch!
 Beachway Park – one of the most significant stretches of water open to the public in the province. The Beachway has tremendous potential for the city – but the city is going to have to get a wiggle on and actually take charge of this one – or we will end up with next to nothing.
The Official Plan review is going to need all kinds of help. As a subject is as dry as toast and some very creative initiatives are going to have to come out of city hall if the public is to get an opportunity to have a meaningful part in this process. That will need to be followed.
The development of the east waterfront – with all kinds of possibilities has to be given a new home. The demise of the Waterfront Access Committee means there is no longer a focus on this part of the city – other than what the Planning department chooses to do. It will get developed – there are developers who already have dibs on critical pieces of the puzzle. The when and the how any development down there takes place is something this city can and should determine. Former Toronto Mayor David Crombie talked about the power of a “bully pulpit” but Mayor Goldring hasn’t managed yet to master that skill.
Ensuring that the Escarpment isn’t abused and ravaged by highways that really aren’t needed is an ongoing concern, as is what we are actually going to do with all that property between Dundas and Derry Road –there is very little real farming going on in that part of the city. Instead it has become an enclave of the very well off who have large estates – there is a 20,000 square foot home looking for approval on Cedar Springs Road – and that is just the beginning.
For those with more money than they can count – there are some great offerings along Guelph, Walkers and Appleby Lines.
The quality and calibre of our representatives at the federal and provincial level is disappointing. Is this the best we can do? The Tory’s had to recruit McKenna who brought no experience or predilection for politics. Marvellous Mike Wallace was to be the Mayor that followed Rob MacIsaac into that office but Cam Jackson pulled a fast one and scooped up that prize. Then when Jackson was booted out as Mayor he wasn’t exactly able to go to Wallace for some kind of a federal appointment.
The city has treated Jackson terribly. He wasn’t a disastrous Mayor. He didn’t do anything illegal. And yet there wasn’t a dinner for him to wish him well and send him along to the next phase of his career. Cam Jackson was a career politician. Many claim he was a career politician in high school – a genuine product of the community. His treatment since losing office has been pretty shabby.
This city can produce better than what we have in terms of federal and provincial representation. It’s out there – it just has to be encouraged, nurtured and supported.
So – you can see – there is a lot to be done.
We’ve also found that our readership, which has grown 10% every month for the past six months, and we haven’t spent a dime on advertising or promotion, wants more about their community and what takes place where they live.
Sports has been all but neglected and for a city with some 10,000 kids playing soccer and six Olympians amongst, that is a serious oversight.
And then there is the Board of Education and the Police Services Board and the Region. It just never ends.
We will persevere.
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 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON September 9, 2012 We haven’t done very much on sports in Burlington – it comes down to the manpower we have available. Saturday afternoon, while returning from an interview I noticed a lot of people in Palmer Park standing there holding umbrellas in a pretty consistent rain. I pulled over and parked.
 It was raining, the ground was wet, slippery and the football was hard to hang onto – but the game went on. There were two games going on – and it was wet. The players were slipping and sliding and there was a lot more falling on the ball than passing it – but it was high school level football. I took some pictures, asked a bystander who was playing and what the name of the league was.
 Parents buy the equipment, drive their kids to the practices and the games – and then have the joy of sitting in the rain to take it all in. The joys of being parents. The Argos and the Alouettes of the Burlington Minor Football Association were on the field I was looking at. Came home, downloaded the pictures and wondered how I could work them into a story.
Because community journalism is something that is always fresh and full of surprises – here is the balance of the story.
“My name is Christopher J. Bishop and I am a returning student at Robert Bateman High School (RBHS). Last year I was a part of the senior football team of our school. We did not win many games, but we had one thing, and it was heart. We were a family. Many of my brothers of the team stayed an extra year to play the sport we love, with the most returning students we’ve seen. Last year we played with a roster of around 18 members. Every year we have training camp in the summer before school and our season starts to get trained and a step up on other schools. This year was a bit different; we had new members added to our family, Coach Kevin Holmes and Coach Podlewski. With more than 20 years of coaching experience and time played in the CFL, the team had a new program ahead of them, and was ready to pave a path for the years to come of Bateman football.
“We regularly had 18 players out to practices just like the previous years, training harder and learning the game of football better than we ever had before. With dedication and commitment we were excited for our new season of ball, and being a part of the change. A week before today, our goal was to get 20 players out to have an even more successful year than the last.
“We still made it out to practice and spread the word around the school. Last night though around 5:00PM it changed. The director of physical education at our school, Tim Middlebro, told the coaches to tell the team that we were cancelling the team and folding the season.
“Students and players spoke to coaches, staff, and administration to see if there was any way of participating this season with our team, the Wild. Principal Regan Heffernan spoke to members of the team explaining that the issue was the lack of players coming out.
“Mr. Heffernan suggested that if 30 players were out to practice the decision would be reconsidered by the school. Taking the knowledge, players of the team rallied together using social networking to assemble an increased line-up of players for the team. Then today, with a shocking number of 32 players gathered, the team was told that Tim Middlebro went to a pre-season football conference the night before with the board explaining he wanted the team cancelled.
 The students on the Bateman High School football team would love an opportunity to play in the rain. According to their side of the story they are not being given the chance they feel they deserve. “The team arrived at our change room to find the door locked and nobody was there to open it. We had to search for a phys-ed teacher who reluctantly opened it. We shortly then after were forced out of the room by our ex-coach, Geoff St-Dennis. He had not yet been involved in the senior program this year, yet however today, he made his second appearance. They told us we couldn’t practice without a coach and that we’d have to leave, however, Coach Podlewski was waiting to see his 30+ players in the parking lot near the side of the field. Once the staff heard of this, they told us we couldn’t practice because “there was no longer a senior football program at Robert Bateman High School.” Within a moment our new found ‘family’ had been ripped apart.
“Many of the players took a stand, telling the coaches it was unfair, bringing up points on how we hadn’t even been given a time frame or knowledge that the team would be folded. The coaches, who decided to coach junior this year, informed us that we were folding the team because they were afraid that if our senior team folded, our junior team would receive a penalty or suspension from the league for the next year. They stripped senior students of their chance to play one last time so the program would have a chance in later years. Some of our players returned solely for football. I looked around the room seeing players in tears. Grown, high school, football jocks crying. We tried to fight hard. We did everything we could within our school to keep our program alive, but our coaches stabbed us in the back.
 For a parent watching a BMFA game on a rainy Saturday afternoon – a fashion statement is still possible. “Tomorrow, we will be protesting out front of our school. Signs, People, anything we can get our hands on to bring attention. We hope that you will be able to join us because all we want is for people to know that we want a football team. We are hoping for more than 100 players, students, parents, and community members coming together for the cause.”
We will try and be there – learn what’s going on.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON September 8, 2012 – This is a dodgy subject; what do you say when you learn that someone you know took their own life or that a member of a family you know well committed suicide. You’re stunned and you wonder if there was something you should have done, could have done. And what do you do now?
Society is at least talking about suicide. The Region of Halton is partnering with the Talking about Addictions and Mental Illness (TAMI) program to offer two community forums to help break the stigma associated with suicide, help people to talk openly about suicide, and show how everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention
Personally I’ve never understood the stigma sometimes attached to suicide – these are family tragedies that need the help, compassion, understanding and support of the community to be part of the healing.
 There is a point where utter desolation becomes more than a person can handle. An understanding of what depression is; what it does and how best to cope with it is part of the process. Ignoring it or even worse stigmatizing it socially just drives this very real problem underground where we can’t deal with it .
Monday, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, and the Halton Suicide Prevention Coalition (HSPC) is partnering with the Talking about Addictions and Mental Illness (TAMI) program to offer two community forums.
Both events will be running from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. on the following dates and locations:
September 10: Holy Trinity High School – Theatre, 2420 Sixth Line, Oakville
September 13: Craig Kielburger Secondary School – Auditorium, 1151 Ferguson Drive, Milton
Suicide can be a difficult subject to talk about and that often stops individuals and families from reaching out for support. Regional chair Gary Carr adds: “That’s why I think it’s wonderful that both the Coalition and the TAMI program are coming together to help reduce the stigma and use World Suicide Prevention Day as an opportunity to open the dialogue.”
 “I am sure the event will be powerful as those who attend will hear from both a professional from the HSPC and a speaker sharing his personal experience with suicide. I’m also looking forward to attending the Coalition’s annual general meeting (AGM) on November 9 where Mr. Bob Rae, Member of Parliament, Toronto-Centre will be the keynote speaker detailing Canada’s National Suicide Prevention Strategy. I hope Halton residents will take the time to attend either the community forums or the coming AGM.”
Halton Region plays a key role in both the Coalition and TAMI. Funding is provided by Halton Regional Council. Professional staff from the Health Department work directly with community partners sharing their expertise and experience. Those partners include: Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Halton Branch, The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), The Schizophrenia Society of Ontario (SSO), the Phoenix Program, ADAPT (Halton Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Assessment, Prevention and Treatment Services), the Halton District School Board, the hospital sector and individuals affected by suicide.
Mental health needs the same attention and resources as physical health. One is no less important than the other.
For anyone who is suffering from depression, having suicidal thoughts, or is a survivor of suicide, help is available in Halton. Visit HSPC’s website for more information about suicide prevention and resources.
For information about services available to those struggling with mental health issues, visit Halton Region’s website, or call the Family Health Information Line and speak directly with a public health nurse.
Chairman Carr puts this perfectly when he says: “Together, we can break the silence and reduce the stigma to help save someone’s life.” The key word is ‘together’.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON September 10, 2012 Beds will be on the move up Brant Street on Sunday, Sept. 23 as the annual Amazing Bed Race returns.
From noon to 3 p.m. teams will compete to see who can push a bed the fastest over a straight-line 100-metre course starting from City Hall.
The event raises funds for The Rotary Club of Burlington North and the Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital Foundation. In its first two years, the Amazing Bed Race has raised more than $170,000.
 As long as all the wheels are on at the Finish Line – 100 yards away – it’s legit. Thirty-nine teams participated last year with 34 registered so far this year. Teams will fund raise, build or borrow a bed, decorate it and race it.
Each team is guaranteed two races. They will be timed with the fastest 16 squads moving into a single elimination round. Teams will race two at a time with the fastest of the 16 being declared the overall winner.
Last year’s event added a Kids Stroller Race and it will be held again this year. It is open to kids between the ages of 4 and 12. They will race with their own stroller in a straight line for 25 metres wearing a helmet. It runs from 12:45-1:15 p.m.
 Amazing Bed Race. The event is a fund raiser for the hospital foundation. Prizes will be awarded to the grand champion bed-racing winner, to the top fundraising team and for the best-decorated bed/team.
Registration has been extended to Sept. 13. Day-of sign in is at 11 a.m. If you are interested in registering a team, sponsorships, fundraising or need more information, contact Emma Fitzpatrick at the Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital Foundation by e-mailing efitzpatrick@jbmh.com or calling 905-632-3737, ext. 5542.
Donations can be made at https://www.amazingbedrace.ca/.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON September 7, 2102 It was blatant. Three woman walked into a store at the Burlington Mall August 13th, and began taking baseball caps off the shelves and stuffing them into the large shoulder bag one of them was carrying.
The police did what police do and earlier this week one of the three suspects was arrested and is being held for a bail hearing later today.
The crime took place at the ‘Lids’ store located at the Mapleview Mall.
One woman has been arrested; two others are being sought. The suspect threatened to cut the employee if he did not let go of the purse. The victim complied and all three suspects fled the scene. Estimated value of stolen property is $1600.
As the suspects were leaving the store, a store employee confronted them and grabbed the purse containing the stolen property. The suspect responded by brandishing a utility knife that was concealed in her bra. The suspect arrested, is believed to have been the one armed with the knife. The other suspects are still being sought.
Arrested is:
Alicia CALDERON, 32 years, of Brampton. CHARGES: Robbery, Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, Carrying a Concealed Weapon.
The two additional suspects are described as:
#1 – non-white, 5’6″ – 5’7″, 160-170 pounds, long black hair, wearing a short sleeved t-shirt, beige shorts, pink or white baseball cap and yellow flip flops
#2 – non-white, 5’6″ – 5’7″, 160-170 pounds, short black hair, wearing a black and white handkerchief wrapped around her head, grey pants or possibly blue jeans and a black short sleeved t-shirt
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825-4747 x2315, Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-TIPS(8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637(crimes).
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