Burlington Transit Route 81 Detour Begins May 10 - will be in place for about two weeks

notices100x100By Staff

May 5th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Route 81 will detour between Mainway and North Service Road and travel along Corporate Drive starting May 10 during road construction. (For approximately 2 weeks.)

Bus stops on Heritage Road will be bagged during this time. For service , please proceed to temporary stops located on Mainway at Corporate Drive and North Service Road at Heritage Road.

Questions? Please contact customer service Mon – Sat at 905-639-0550 or email: contactbt@burlington.ca

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Sport Field Status - all closed until noon on Monday

notices100x100By Staff

May 4th, 20127

BURLINGTON, ON
The city has given up on the day to day notices about the state of the playing fields in the city.

They have decided that the sport fields are closed from Thursday May 4 through to Monday May 8 at 12pm:

This applies to all natural grass sport fields (diamonds and rectangular fields)

Baseball - player at bat with lights

Waiting for the playing fields to dry up.

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Bayview Park Leash-Free Area Closed - May 8 to 12, 2017

notices100x100By Staff

May 4th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

The Bayview Park Leash Free Area will be closed May 8 to 12, 2017 to allow for construction within the fenced area.

Thank you for your cooperation during construction.

Great view of Burlington Bay and the Skyway bridge from the south end of City View Park.

View of the bay.

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Sport Field Status - wet!

sportsgreen 100x100By Staff

May 3rd, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

Due to continued wet conditions all natural grass sport fields (diamonds and rectangular fields) are closed for today.

With reports of heavy rain in the next few days – those playing fields might be underwater for the next while.

We will keep you posted.

baseball diamond under water

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City’s annual spring street sweeping underway

notices100x100By Staff

May 2nd, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The spring street sweeping program is now underway and will be completed in about two weeks. The city requests the co-operation of residents to ensure a timely and efficient spring clean-up in each neighbourhood.

Every spring, the city begins the spring street sweeping program to clean all of the dirt and debis accumulated during the winter months. Street sweepers are working 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Residential streets will be worked on daily from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. and regional and arterials roads will be swept at night.

Residents are asked to:

• Refrain from parking on the road for the next two weeks
• Remove bins and significant leaf piles from curbsides

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Creeks wil be at elevated levels for the next few days. Caution your children - stay away.

News 100 blueBy Staff

May 1st, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Environment Canada has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Southern Ontario and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the City of Hamilton. Bands of strong thunderstorms are anticipated to impact our watershed imminently.

Watershed notice March 24-17The potential for development of severe thunderstorms capable of producing high winds and heavy rains continues throughout the afternoon and evening. Additional precipitation above the 20-30 mm of rainfall already experienced across the watershed may cause flash floods in urban areas.

Riverine flooding is not anticipated, however the forecasted precipitation in conjunction with saturated ground conditions may result in higher than normal water levels and flows in local streams.

Creeks map

There are 13 major creeks running from the escarpment through the city to the lake.

Conservation Halton is asking all residents and children to stay away from all watercourses and structures such as bridges, culverts and dams. Elevated water levels, fast flowing water, and slippery conditions along stream banks continue to make these locations extremely dangerous. Lake Ontario water levels are also high. Please alert children in your care of these imminent dangers.

This Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety will be in effect through Tuesday May 2, 2017. Conservation Halton will continue to monitor stream and weather conditions and will provide updates as required.

For further information or questions regarding this message contact:
Amy Mayes, Flood Duty Officer, Engineering, (905) 336-1158 x2302
floodadmin@hrca.on.ca

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All natural grass sport fields are closed on May 1st

notices100x100By Staff

May 1st, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

All natural grass sport fields (diamonds and rectangular fields) are closed May 1.

The report from city hall does not say why (rain most probably) nor do they say when the fields will re-open (when the rain stops probably.

Baseball glove and ball

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The GO BOLD mobility team is rolling into Aldershot on Saturday May 13th.

News 100 redBy Staff

May 1, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Next stop on the Mobility Hub train is in Aldershot.

Saturday May 13th: 10:30 to 12:30, East Plains United Church, 375 Plains Road East

The City is developing detailed plans for the “mobility hubs” around the Go Stations and they want to hear what the good people of Aldershot think about the idea

The public are invited to share ideas on a long-term vision the city is creating for the area around the Aldershot GO station.

Centre ice - fully engaged audience

It was a very engaged crowd with hundreds of questions.

The workshop will be led by City staff and external planning consultants.

The audience that attended the Burlington  GO station event was close to capacity.

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Sound of music announces its 2017 line up - includes a day of ticketed events.

som1 100By Staff

April 27, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Sound of Music Festival presented by Tim Hortons is proud to announce the Festival’s 2017 free concert schedule! Once again this year, festival-goers will be able to enjoy FREE SHOWS on Father’s Day Weekend, June 15-18.

Concerts will feature artists USS, Finger Eleven, The Trews, Moist, The Road Hammers, Wintersleep, Steven Page, Bleeker, Doc Walker, The Mahones, Harrison Kennedy, Terra Lightfoot, illScarlett and Danny Michel.

SoM stck photot for 2017The full 9-day schedule kicks off on June 10 with a one day ticketed event, featuring performances by The Offspring, Live, Marianas Trench, Smash Mouth, Spin Doctors, Killer Dwarfs, Sumo Cyco and special guests Randy and Mr. Lahey from Trailer Park Boys.

Events and activities include Downtown Streetfest, Club Series, Silver Series and Family Zone. Plus, you can look forward to another day of free shows on June 11 to celebrate Canada’s 150th, in partnership with The City of Burlington. The June 11 line-up will be announced on June 1.

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Central arena upgrades to begin in May - some program disruption is expected.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

April 26, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Improvements to the Central Recreation Centre arena and auditorium, will begin at the end of May.

Over the next year, the following enhancements will be made:

• A new passenger elevator (funded by Canada 150 Infrastructure Grant Program)
Central Auditorium and Accessibility Upgrades
• Installation of new windows to improve natural lighting
• New sports flooring
• New kitchenette
• New lining for pickle ball court
• A new universal washroom
• A new accessible ramp providing access from the lobby to the rink.

The recreation centre will remain open throughout the construction although users may experience some disruptions during construction:

• The front doors of Central arena will remain open. Visitors wishing to access the auditorium will be required to use the auditorium entrance located on the east side of the building.

• During the construction of the accessible ramp, ice users will be required to use the east and west arena pad doors to gain access to the ice.

• During the renovations of the auditorium the space will be closed for use.
Signage will be installed to help direct users.

As a result of the construction, some youth and senior programming as well as rentals will be experience service interruptions. Plans are being made to accommodate these users and renters at other city facilities where possible.

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City appoints new Fire Chief - was with the London, ON service - brings experience from the UK with him.

News 100 redBy Staff

April 26, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

David Lazenby has been named the new Fire Chief for the city. He was the Deputy Fire Chief for the City of London

Now in his 21st year in the fire service, Lazenby has held various roles in Canada and in the United Kingdom. Lazenby’s career began in the UK where he held progressive positions, including a secondment to the National Resilience Assurance Team where he helped to oversee the response to large-scale natural and man-made disasters.

Lazenby David

David Lazenby appointed new Fire Chief

As operations chief in London, Lazenby was responsible for 14 fire stations and 340 staff as well as the hazardous materials, technical rescue and water/ice rescue teams. He previously oversaw the training and communications divisions.

Prior to his current career, Lazenby spent 11 years in the private sector working as a management accountant for one of the world’s largest minerals companies.

His education includes qualifications from the Charted Institute of Management Accountants, a Diploma in Public Administration from Western University and a Certificate in Fire Service Administration from Dalhousie University.

Lazenby will oversee the operation of a fire service with about 200 full-time staff and 65 volunteers serving the community.

Acting Fire Chief Ross Monteith and Deputy Chief Karen Roche ran the fire department when former Fore Chief Tony Bavota left Burlington for Toronto where he works with that fire department. Lazenby has big boots to fill.

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Elements and Expressions: elementary student art show to take place April 25-27 at the New Street Education Centre.

artsblue 100x100By Staff

April 25, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

For the 12th year in a row the Halton District School Board is presenting the elementary art show, called Elements and Expressions, from Tuesday April 25-Thursday April 27, 2017.

The popular event will showcase the artistic flare of Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 students, as all kinds of artwork will grace the Brock Room at the New Street Education Centre, located at 3250 New St. in Burlington.

AGB kids withj art

These two tykes were showing what they produced while at the Art Gallery of Burlington. The school board exhibit will open at the New Street Educational Centre on Tuesday.

The mediums include paintings, sculptures, puppets, paper maché, crayons, pastels, ink, fabric, 2D and 3D pieces. The exhibit pieces are selected by the classroom and art teachers to highlight art curriculum expectations.

The purpose of the art show is to showcase student artwork and to share it with peers to hopefully inspire and encourage others in their creative endeavours. Nearly 2,500 students are expected to visit the New Street Education Centre to tour the works of art. Throughout the three-day exhibit, professional artists from the Burlington Art Centre will be demonstrating various art techniques such as pottery, weaving, spinning, photography, fine art and more. The artists will give students hands-on opportunities to show them that art can have a place in their future.

“Elements and Expressions provides an opportunity for students to share their work with visitors in an art-gallery like setting” said Kevin McConvey, the Board’s Instructional Program Leader – The Arts, K-12. “The art displays show the tremendous amount of work and effort students have put into the creative process. Exposure to a wide variety of creative approaches, from paintings to papier maché, is a great way to broaden the horizons of student artists and spectators alike.”
Students’ artwork will be on display during the following times:

• Tuesday April 25: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Wednesday April 26: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Thursday April 27: 9 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

New Street Education Centre

.

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Getting impaired drivers off our roads - make the right call - 911

News 100 greenBy Staff

April 22, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Despite years of awareness campaigns illustrating why driving a vehicle when impaired by drugs or alcohol is dangerous, impaired driving remains the top criminal cause of death in Canada. The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has joined with MADD Canada in the effort to stop impaired driving and to support victims of this violent crime.

Campaign 911 1

They want YOU to make the right call – 911 – when you see an impaired driver on the roads. The legalization of marijuana is going to add to the numbers that get behind the wheel impaired.

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is committed to getting impaired drivers off our roads in Halton Region and is partnering with MADD Canada to launch Campaign 911 in Halton Region. Campaign 911 is a Canada-wide campaign to encourage and empower the Canadian public to report suspected impaired driving by calling 911. By calling 911 and reporting suspected impaired drivers to police, all Canadians can play a role in reducing impaired driving crashes, deaths and injuries.

“Impaired driving is the #1 criminal cause of death in Canada, yet Halton motorists are still making the choice to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs,” said Deputy Chief Nishan Duraiappah, Halton Regional Police Service. “The Halton Regional Police Service is imploring citizens to take action by calling 911 and reporting suspected impaired drivers to police. We want to mobilize the community to share the responsibility for keeping Halton safe. By making the right call, members of the public are keeping our roads, and our communities, safe.”

265 Halton motorists were criminally charged for driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs in 2016. Impaired motorists place all Halton residents at risk. If you observe a vehicle being operated in any manner that places you or anyone else in danger, make the call to 911 for an immediate police response.

Community safety is not the responsibility of the Halton Regional Police Service alone but also Halton Region, local business and community. Community safety cannot be improved by working in isolation. By working together we can achieve community safety and stop impaired drivers.

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City wide Clean Up takes place April 22nd - register now and show up for the celebration BBQ.

eventspink 100x100By Staff

April 8th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Just two weeks away – citywide community litter Clean Up 2017 – taking place on Earth Day, April 22.

The event has grown to include 11,000 – 13,000 participants annually. BurlingtonGreen wants to reach a goal of 15,000 registrants for this year’s event.

BG Clean up

Last year these two worked in their neighbourhood. Where will you decide to work?

The organization has partnered with the City since 2011 to co-ordinate an annual event to keep our city clean. A total of 63,000 Burlington residents have participated in the six events led by BG since 2011.

It’s easy to participate:

1) form a group, big or small;

2) choose a clean-up area in Burlington (eg. field, park, creek, woodland, your schoolyard, etc.);

3) register your group on our website (link ), and reserve supplies if needed (bags, gloves);

4) do your clean up on April 22nd (schools and businesses may participate April 17-21).

BG proud grandparent - Sharman

The weather often determines how many people show up for the celebration after all the work is done. Last year Councillor Paul Sharman, on the left and BG board member Carol Gottlob selling raffle tickets attended.

With the work done everyone is invited to take part in the Eco-fair Celebration at Central Park/Library for a BBQ, eco-exhibitors, kids’ activities and live music.

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School calendar dates released - 7 professional development dates.

News 100 redBy Staff

April 6, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The school calendar for 2017-18 has been set out – just needs provincial approval.

Here it is:
School calendar

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Bayview Park Leash-Free Area Closed Thursday, April 6, 2017

notices100x100By Staff

April 4th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Bayview Park Leash-Free Area will be closed on Thursday, April 6 to allow for construction within the fenced area.

Thank you for your cooperation during construction.

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Regional staff along with police contribute $114,643.36 to United Way

News 100 blueBy Staff

March 28, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Regional government staff dug into their pockets and came up with $114,643.36 that went into the coffers of the United Way.

werfgt

Each year Halton Regional staff and the Halton Regional Police Service organize a joint campaign to raise funds for the United Way.

United Way - Change starts hereStaff gets active and involved in a range of activities including ball hockey, volleyball, dodgeball, mini putt tournaments, trivia challenges, BBQs and an assortment of other activities with proceeds dedicated to the annual United Way campaign.

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Henry is back - City awards Nelson Pool contract to the company that began the construction of The Pier. That is good news but don't expect to hear that from most of the council members.

sportsgold 100x100By Pepper Parr

March 27th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

A resident sent us a note a few days ago asking why the contractor first hired to build THE Pier and then walked off the job was hired to build the new swimming pool at Nelson

“I was surprised to learn that this project was awarded to Schilthuis Construction Inc.”

Henry Schilthuis quit the Pier construction site because he realized that the plans he was given by the city were such that a successful pier could not be built.

It took a Judge who mediated a decision on who was wrong where and who was accountable. The blame rested with the company that provided the drawings the contractor had to work from.

Nelson pool rendering

A rendering of the Nelson swimming pool – will it e open in time for the warm weather.

Schilthuis was the contractor – not the designer of the pier. When it became evident that the plans had serious problems Schilthuis brought those problems to the attention of the city and offered a solution that would fix the problems.

The city decided it didn’t like the cost of the fix and sued – Schilthuis counter sued and then everyone was hiring lawyers. In the end the insurance companies ended up paying for the mistakes.

Cam Jackson, the Mayor at the time didn’t help matters with some of his comments.

Pier crane down

When a crane toppled on the Pier the flaws in the steel that was used became evident – that is when everyone went looking for a lawyer and the contractor gave the keys to the site back to the city.

Schilthuis had a rough couple of years while the case was before the Courts. During that time every one of his sub-contractors stood by him – which is more than can be said for the Jackson voters.

Then incoming Mayor Rick Goldring found that he had a messy file on his desk.  Neither he nor his council came out of it all with much in the way of glory.  Schilthuis offered the city a solution that was less than what the city had to pay a second contractor – but at that time no one was touching Henry Schilthuis.

The city made one of its smarter moves when they gave Schilthuis the contract. The city will get value for the money it pays and the public will have a fine pool – that will be built on time.

Ward 4 Councillor Jack Dennison told his constituents in his newsletter that:
“Prior to the contractor being awarded this project, staff prequalified contractors who had extensive experience with collegiate pools and splash pads. Submissions were received and evaluated and qualified contractors were approved to bid the tender of the construction work. Schilthuis General Contractors was the lowest and most compliant bid and offered the best value.

“Schilthuis General Contractors have been in business for over 65 years and have worked with the City of Burlington on other previous projects over the years such as Aldershot Arena Renovations and Aldershot Pool Renovations.

When evaluating a General Contractor staff also evaluates their Construction Team assigned to the project includes a project manager who has worked with Schilthuis in the past.

The city is in good hands on this one

None of the key players in the building of The Pier the first time around are with the city now.

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Precipitation (big word for rain) levels result in an upgrade to watershed conditions - keep the kids away from the creeks.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

March 24th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It is that time of year. The weather is a little bit warmer and boys in rubber boots get curious and adventuresome and at times get a little too close to the creeks where the water is now flowing a lot faster.

Watershed notice March 24-17Conservation Halton advises that the Weather Office is forecasting a low pressure system moving into our watershed today (March 24th) which is forecast to produce rain showers up to approximately 20 to 25 mm. Rain is expected to continue over the weekend with total amounts between 10 to 15 mm expected on both Saturday and Sunday. The system is expected to move out of our watershed by Monday.

Water levels in watershed creeks will rise significantly during the weekend. Caution around the edges of creeks - especially with children.

Water levels in watershed creeks will rise significantly during the weekend. Caution around the edges of creeks – especially with children.

Flooding is not anticipated, however the forecasted precipitation in conjunction with saturated ground conditions will result in higher than normal water levels and flows in local streams.

Conservation Halton is asking all residents and children to stay away from all watercourses and structures such as bridges, culverts and dams. Elevated water levels, fast flowing water, and slippery conditions along stream banks continue to make these locations extremely dangerous. Please alert children in your care of these imminent dangers.

This Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety will be in effect through Monday March 27, 2017. Conservation Halton will continue to monitor stream and weather conditions and will provide updates as required.

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One weekend left to enjoy skiing at Glen Eden

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

March 21st, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Spring skiing can be really nice. It’s a chance to get an early start on your tan.

Not much left to the season though and for those in Halton, know that – Glen Eden will reopen for one last weekend of skiing and snowboarding for the 2016/17 season from Friday, March 24 until Sunday, March 26.

sd

One weekend left in the season.

A combination of some recent natural snow, the remaining man made snow and some cooler seasonal temperatures mean the skiing and snowboarding season will continue for a few more days.

Glen Eden is closed this week Monday through Thursday, and is reopening Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Lifts will be running from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Lift tickets will be $22 this weekend (rather than $38 for adults and $33 for teens), and all season passes are valid (Super Value, 5×7 and All Access). Glen Eden opened for the 2016-17 season on December 17, 2016.

“We would like to thank all the skiers, snowboarders and lesson participants who visited Glen Eden during the 2016/17 season,” said Gene Matthews, Director, Operations, Conservation Halton. “Glen Eden enjoyed a successful season this past year with visitation returning to typical levels. Our grooming and snowmaking team did a fantastic job with temperatures which were above seasonal, particularly in February.”

The Glen Eden season typically starts before Christmas and Boxing Day and is usually concluded by the end of March Break. Last season, Glen Eden didn’t open until January 8, 2016, the latest start to a season in ten years, and closed on March 12, 2016, the earliest closing in the same time frame. Recognizing the varying winter conditions Southern Ontario receives each year, Glen Eden depends on making its own snow and continuous investments in snowmaking infrastructure

If you want to hit the hills next season there is an Early Bird special for the 2017/18 season on Season Passes and for the first time ever all the Snow School programs. You can register now for the Snow School programs now for next season.

The Early Bird features the best available pricing of the year on all Season Pass and Snow School programs. It closes on April 12, 2017.

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