 By George Wolfson
September 30th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The majority of gambling platforms allow users to play both for real money and free games. However, the winnings can be obtained only when playing for real money (with the possibility of their further withdrawal to a card or online wallet).
 The majority of gambling platforms allow users to play both for real money and free games. To increase your chances of receiving such a prize, it is worth listening to helpful advice from experienced professionals. If you are just starting your way in gambling, then you should pay attention to the no deposit bonus and the conditions to win without investing your money.
What Is No Deposit Bonus?
This reward is one of the casino promos that provides players with cash when they open an account or try a new game without replenishing it. In fact, there are not too many places where you can get real money with no deposit So, these bonuses offer a great opportunity to try a new casino or new game with minimal risk.
Gambling platforms may offer two types of such rewards:
1. Cashable: they allow the player to withdraw both the bonus money provided and the winnings;
2. Non-cashable: they cannot be withdrawn, because the casino deducts it from the total winnings.
The main purpose of such gifts is to advertise the brand, as well as quickly increase a client base. Usually, gambling platforms use no deposit bonuses in order to attract new customers or reward regular players.
 Understand the pros and cons of using no deposit bonus gambling – then have fun. Thanks to this offer, players can try something new without risking their own money. Online casinos can also provide free rewards on any new game so that visitors can play it and only then replenish the account.
Pros and Cons of Using No Deposit Bonuses
It should be noted that everything has its positive and negative sides, and all types of free rewards as well. So let’s pay attention to the pros and cons of using no deposit bonuses:
Advantages:
1. Having used these rewards, you will be able to study the whole functionality of the site and make sure that it is worth your trust;
2. You will be able to test the game in the real money mode and understand the principle of its work;
3. The player does not spend his own money and, as a result, he does not have to invest his own funds, if something is wrong with a casino.
Disadvantages:
● Small size. If you think that casinos are giving hundreds of dollars, then you are wrong. Usually, the reward starts from $10-20 free dollars to several dozens of free spins;
● The original bonus will not be allowed to withdraw immediately after the receipt. The withdrawal option appears only after playing a wager;
● These rewards are issued for a small number of games. As a rule, the use of free spins is limited to one or a few video slots.
Having considered the pros and cons of using no deposit bonus, you are ready to start. Good luck!
 By Staff
September 23, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The federal government said through the Throne Speech delivered today that municipalities might be given the right to ban hand guns.
 Hand guns seized in police raids It is going to be interesting to see what the reaction is to this one.
 By Scot Stevens
September 23rd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Steve Nash, the Hall of Famer, is now the new head coach of an NBA outfit – the Brooklyn Nets.
During his nineteen-year career, Nash had a reputation for being one of the most fascinating point guards in the business. And now he gets his opportunity to recreate that magic as a coach.
There’s a combined hope that Nash’s arrival will see the duo of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving continue with the Nets. And if this happens to be the case, it’s worth checking out the odds on basketball whenever the team is in action. Durant missed out for the entire season in 2019/20 due to a ruptured Achilles tendon injury. At the same time, Irving was limited to twenty appearances due to a persistent shoulder problem which required surgery.
Nash knows Durant well, thanks to his previous role as a player development consultant with the Golden State. So, this will stand him in good stead when he gets to work with the team as head coach. The familiarity between the staff and players continues, as Jacque Vaughn, who was leading the Nets when the season ended, will take on the role of lead assistant moving forwards.
The Nets head coach position was always going to attract a lot of suitors, because of the infrastructure and players. Therefore, it will come as no surprise that Sean Marks, the Nets general manager, met with multiple high-quality candidates, and could have made a case for any one of them landing the role. After the talk of Marks being keen on hiring Gregg Popovich, his former boss, colleague, and Spurs coach, came and went, he brought in a former teammate in Nash.
The forty-six-year-old, who hails from Johannesburg, South Africa originally, has the quality which Marks was looking for, and they will serve him well as he leads the Nets through their next era. As a coach, the two-time MVP star is a natural leader, who knows how to communicate effectively and will prove to be a fantastic mentor for the players at his disposal. He also has a high-level of basketball intelligence, which will rub off on those around him. But, most importantly, Nash is known for being a team player. He puts the collective first, and it’s this selfless attitude which is undoubtedly a crucial reason why he got the job.
Jacque Vaughn reverting to his former role as the lead assistant to the Nash as head coach will be a boost to everyone as well. He was in the running to continue as head coach for a while, according to Marks. It will come as no surprise after steering the Nets after the restart, without a lot of top players, to the Eastern Conference’s number seven seed position.
He knows the organization and its values inside out and will help Nash to drive the culture in the right direction.
He’s also an excellent coach on the court, who can enable the development of players.
By Pepper Parr
September 22nd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
We are going to hear a lot about the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the bid Hamilton is making to have them held in that city.
The original Games were held in Hamilton in 1930 – known then as the British Empire Games.
The Empire no longer exists and if the Games do come to Hamilton for 2026 there is no certainty that there will even be a Commonwealth.
But we digress.
Back in May the Commonwealth Games Federation asked the Hamilton contingent to consider a bid for 2026 because it likely wouldn’t be challenged.
 That got the Hamilton people changing gears and getting really serious – even though the number to pull this off is set at $1.4 BILLION – much of which would come from the federal and provincial levels.
Mayor Meed Ward is meeting with top level lawyers at Gowlings in Hamilton where she will chat with the Paletta people about how Burlington can be part of the pitch that is being made to get the games to Hamilton for 2026. No word on whether this is to be a virtual meeting or in the Gowling Board room that is big enough to let everyone sit six feet apart.
 Bronte Creek Meadows: Zoned as Employment – would an Olympic Village qualify? The Paletta’s have significant property interests in Burlington – some of which are zoned as Employment Lands – what if there were a Games Village on the Meadows on Upper Middle Road where it turns into Burloak.
Bronte Park is right across the street – can you see the picture that is developing?
The Mayor will be meeting with Louis Frapporti, Managing Partner at Gowlings and a huge believer in all things Hamilton.
It will be interesting to hear what the Mayor has to say at the September 28th City Council meeting.
Now if the Mayor would get into the habit of holding regular media events we could put the question to her.
By Staff
September 21st, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Released last month, Always Remembered, is the sixth book about the Expos to be written by Danny Gallagher, a former Sudbury Star sports reporter and Sudbury Shamrocks baseball player, who called the Nickel City home from the mid-1970s to the mid-‘80s.
 “What I wanted to do was keep the Expos legacy alive with this book,” said Gallagher, reached at his residence in Oshawa, Ont.
“Writing about the past allows the fans to experience all of those feelings from the past in the present, now, and hopefully, it contributes in some way to bringing back baseball to Montreal.”
 The 264-page volume is a collection of vignettes, some short and some longer, from throughout the team’s stay in La Metropole du Quebec. Gallagher zeroed in on some of the most well-known names and events in the history of the Expos, as well as part-timers who played significant roles in their own way.
Burlington Centre on the 26th – Gallagher will be on hand from 1:00 to 1:30.
 By Pepper Parr
September 20th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
They are an 1100 member strong organization that lace up and play the “good old hockey game” on rented ice around the city.
Saturday night was the season opener – it was a lot different than it was last year.
To start – the season at this point is in place for up to Thanksgiving – the COVID infection rate is impacting everything.
Several of the eight divisions got ice time – on ice that wasn’t quite up to the standard most of the players wanted, at least at the Central
 They laced up under street lights and entered the area through different doors – in for those starting – out for those who had played their game. Arena where the players laced up in the dark on plastic chairs set out six feet apart.
A carpet was spread out and there was enough light to get the laces in place.
Many of the players arrived in pickup trucks, got into their shoulder pads, knee pads and jerseys along with the hockey pants and walked over to where the chairs were to lace up their skates.
Players going in to play hockey went in through one set of doors – those who had completed a game came out a different door.
In between the games everything gets wiped down.
The league make up has eight divisions with usually six teams in a division.
Those teams get balanced after 10 games – in a normal season.
COVID normality has changed everything in what is usually a 50 game season.
Scot Cameron who does media for the club, as well as play goalie for one of the teams, was waiting for the ice time his team had been allocated.
 Larry Hallett, goalie for the Black Hawks in the Green Division rolls his equipment out to his vehicle after a 4-0 loss on ice he didn’t think was up to scratch. Larry Hallet, who plays goalie for the Black Hawks in the Green Division, was rolling his pads out to his vehicle and commented on the ice, then ventured into comments on the game he had just played.
“It was 4-0 for the other guys” he said, “the puck seldom left our end of the ice.
“The game was basically over ten minutes after it started – almost every power play resulted in a goal for the other team.”
Larry seemed OK with that. The challenge for these guys was the shape they were in and the length of time since they were last on the ice.
And there is always another game.
 By Staff
September 2, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 Closes for the season on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020. LaSalle Pool and Mountainside Pool will close until next spring as of Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020.
Weather permitting, Nelson Outdoor Pool will remain open until Oct. 11 and spray pads will remain open until Oct. 12, 2020.
Angela Coughlan Pool’s renovation is nearly complete. An announcement on its re-opening and program offering will be coming soon.
Recreation Fee Assistance
Recreation is for all, regardless of financial situation. Recreation Fee Assistance is funding made available to resident individuals or families who need help to pay for City of Burlington recreation programs.
For more information or to apply, visit burlington.ca/feeassistance. You can also leave a confidential voicemail message at 905-335-7738, ext. 8501 and our staff will return your call to assist you.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward exulted in saying: ““The extended dates for Nelson Outdoor Pool is great news for our community as we continue to spend more time outside to stay active and healthy while mitigating the spread of COVID-19.
“I am thrilled our teams here at the City of Burlington have been so responsive and flexible in making these changes and I know residents will appreciate this great news.”
 Chris Glenn, now Director of Recreation Services was once a life guard Chris Glenn, now Director of Recreation Services was once a life guard at a swimming pool. He said: “Following the plans laid out in our Council-approved Recreation re-design plan, we’re offering more and more programs for people to join, re-connect socially and get back into the activities they enjoy with confidence in our safety precautions.
Extending Nelson Outdoor Pool to Oct. 11 will give people more opportunities to take advantage of outdoor swimming. As always, we have great instructors, great lifeguards and we’re very thorough with our COVID-19 prevention practices.”
 By Burlington Terry Fox Run Committee
August 25th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
*Disclaimer: The Terry Fox Run is a grassroots event with no corporate sponsorship. We rely on our community for support to make this possible year after year. One of the ways that we raise more money for cancer research is to encourage companies and families to participate as a team. Teaming Up for Terry helps motivate members, encourages fundraising with goals and challenges and promotes cooperation and team-building. We are honoured to have so many supportive teams running and walking in the Burlington Terry Fox Run. Team adidas is one of those teams.
Teams are such an important aspect of the modern Terry Fox Run. And one of the biggest teams across Canada is Team adidas. Though the Terry Fox Run has no corporate sponsorship, adidas has been a supporter since the very beginning. It all started with a pair of shoes.
We simply cannot talk about Team adidas without mentioning the iconic blue and white running shoes that Terry wore during his Marathon of Hope. On November 3, 1979, a 21-year-old Terry Fox wrote a letter to adidas asking for a donation of 26 pairs of running shoes. As a broke university student who had been sidetracked by cancer treatments, Terry didn’t have the financial means to fund his dream alone. The rest is history.
 Tissue paper inside the adidas Terry Fox limited edition shoe box. This year, adidas released replica shoes to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Terry Fox Run, along with various limited-edition Terry Fox t-shirts.
“Forty years ago, a young man had the courage to reach out and ask for help to embark on mission to bring awareness to a horrible disease that affects so many of us.” – Janette Wilson, Executive Assistant at adidas Canada.
Meet Janette Wilson
Though I could write an entire blog on the adidas shoes and how they’ve become synonymous with courage and determination, this post is about Team adidas. In order to get both a national and local perspective on the team, I reached out to Janette Wilson, Executive Assistant to the President at adidas, Chairperson of Team adidas and Burlington resident.
 Team Wilson – On the left – Janette Wilson, Executive Assistant, husband Sean, daughter, Alex, Granddaughter, Sydnee and Mike on the right – Mike (Alex’s Fiancé) Janette Wilson has been with the organization since 2012, but Team adidas started in 2006 – before her time. That said, Janette and her family, as Team Wilson (a team within Team adidas) do the walk every year at Spencer Smith Park (except for last year when they were in Peterborough for a family wedding). Obviously, this year will be different, as well.
Pivoting to Virtual
During normal times, Janette and her counterparts at work would be busy encouraging employees to do the run in the traditional sense. In addition to that, they would be organizing other fundraising events, which will sadly not happen this year due to COVID. This is why Team adidas is laser focused on the virtual event – getting as many people as possible involved online collecting donations in their communities.
“Everybody has been encouraged to walk, run or ride wherever they are,” said Wilson. “Whether it’s in their neighbourhood, the local park or their cottage. So, they’re still encouraged to get out there and participate.”
Team Goals
With the roll out of the commemorative replica shoes and various other Terry Fox products, adidas hopes to raise one million dollars and donate 100 per cent of the net proceeds to the Terry Fox Foundation. When I spoke to Janette, the company was over halfway there.
“We have encouraged staff to join Team adidas online,” said Wilson “to help us reach a goal of $100,000 and to-date we have raised over $34,000.”
 Janelle Cherniwchan, Store Manager, Richmond, BC. and friends, Ayumi Kanzaki & Yvonne Lum Team adidas is also encouraging a bit of friendly competition within the organization. Eight teams under the umbrella of Team adidas are competing against each other for who can raise the most money. Each team is tasked with raising $12,500 for that internal competition, and so far they have raised over $32,000.
In addition to the team initiative, the retail stores have been collecting donations at the register for the past seven months (minus the months stores were closed due to COVID). In spite of the obvious challenges on the retail side for 2020, the program has been quite successful, raising almost $49,000 so far.
Team Wilson’s Goal
On a more local level, Janette Wilson has committed to shaving her head if her team/family reaches $40,000 by August 31, 2020. She chose the amount for the 40th anniversary.
“If by some miracle I reach that goal, I’d be more than happy to do it,” said Wilson. “
She knows her goal is a lofty one, but also knows that plenty of people in her life are willing to donate if it means they get to watch her shave her head. She isn’t even worried about the prospect of being bald for a little while, as her hair grows fast, she says.
When I asked her what her advice was to others looking for ways to participate this year during this difficult time, she mentioned for favourite quote from Terry: “Anything’s possible if you try.”
“Whether you give by donating online or participating on run day, you’re going to make a difference,” said Wilson. “A little goes a long way.”
 adidas Canada meeting room If you want to make a difference and want to see Janette Wilson shave her head, you can donate to Team Wilson to support the cause and help her reach her goal.
Thank you, Janette, for your continued support of the Burlington Terry Fox Run. We are also grateful to adidas for helping Terry over 40 years ago and continuing to keep his dream alive today.
Sponsor Team Wilson:
 By Staff
August 24th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
You may have seen some of them – the Terry Fox Posters in the bus shelters around town.
There will be some lawn signs and the display case at city hall will include Terry Fox material.
 Each of these women had their own reasons for running this race and each ran it in their own way. Hundreds do just that during the Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research The annual Run was to take place in September – but got Covid cancelled.
That hasn’t stopped the people who do the fund raising from getting out there and getting those dollars in for the critical research.
The medical research community has done some really fine work – tens of thousands are alive today because of that research which has been due directly to the people who raise money and do that run.
 For Burlington Terry running through Burlington was the beginning of a 40 year relationship. Burlington has had a special relationship with the Terry Fox Foundation – starting a year or two after the Run ended in Thunder Bay.
Craig Gardner, the chair of the Burlington Run this year has been working on every possible way to get people out and doing their Run.
 The monument is a Burlington statement – one that the city is very proud of having. He recently told the Gazette that initially before covid-19 he was hoping for $130K which would be their best year ever.
Last year was their second best year ever $121K.
2005, the 25th anniversary was the best year at $127K.
Then, with covid-19, people told us ½ of last year would be a reasonable target so $60K.
Now with four weeks to go and already $24K donated, they think they might hit $100K.
There is one bigger event planned for the adidas person Janette Wilson which could bring in $20K or more alone if they can pull it off.
The Terry Fox T shirts have run into some Covid bumps as well.
When you are out for a walk in Spencer Smith Park and you see the Terry Fox marker – I suspect you do what most people do – you pause and remember when you became aware of that magnificent young man.
Let’s not let him down.
By Pepper Parr
August 17th 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Recreation Services Redesign plan for the fall to slowly reopen more recreational facilities including rinks and indoor pools to increase the number of recreational programming, activities and rentals available to Burlington residents was approved by City Council lasty Thursday at a Special Meeting.
Earlier in the day a Standing Committee heard delegations from a number of people who outlined the impact the COVID-19 rules were having on the private facilities sector of the sports community.
 Coach Dave Coach Dave, taught Councillor Nisan enough to get him to the point where he was a respected athlete during his high school days. Councillor Kearns was listening carefully while Coach Dave delegated and then spoke up and said: “So you’re the Coach Dave my kids talk about. “Who are your kids asked the coach? “That will be a conversation for another time” said Kearns
 “That will be a conversation for another time” At that point all Coach Dave needed was one more supporter and he could have gotten almost anything he asked for. Councillor Galbraith, who runs a fitness club piped in and said he fully understood the financial pressure on the private facility locations.
City Council approved a rental rate reduction of 25 per cent and added more funds to support Recreation Fee Assistance.
The rental rate reduction will help off-set the reduced revenue recreation providers are experiencing due to smaller group sizes, cleaning and additional costs associated with COVID-19.
Recreation Fee Assistance
Recreation is for all, regardless of financial situation. Recreation Fee Assistance is funding made available to resident individuals or families who need help to pay for City of Burlington recreation programs.
For more information or to apply see burlington.ca/feeassistance. You can also leave a confidential voicemail message at 905-335-7738, ext. 8501 and staff will return your call to assist you.
Arenas and Indoor Pools
Some indoor pools and rinks will open for fall programs and rentals.
Indoor pools opening will include Angela Coughlan and Centennial Pool. Nelson Pool, weather permitting, will stay open until Thanksgiving, Oct. 12, 2020.
Central Arena is open. Appleby Arena ice pads 3 and 4 will open soon. Other arenas will open once demand for ice rentals reach 40-60 hours per week at each arena.
Stay tuned for recreational skating programs to resume later this fall.
By Staff
August 14th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Did you know that Burlington has a Rifle and Revolver Club? It is located on the upper part of King Road in Bayview Park.
David Bot, president of the club, is one of the applicants involved in a challenge in Federal Court to the Government of Canada’s order prohibiting firearms designed for sporting or hunting.
 Gun and rifle club located in a safe isolated location. A city park with a fabulous view. Competitive shooters, gun ranges and businesses based in Ontario and Québec have launched a challenge in Federal Court to the Government of Canada’s order prohibiting firearms designed for sporting or hunting.
On May 1, 2020, the Government of Canada enacted Order in Council 2020-298 that made Regulations reclassifying as prohibited a large number of previously non-restricted or restricted firearms. The Regulations broadly refer to nine models and their variants as well as two categories of firearms based on bore size and muzzle energy. Over 1,500 models of firearms are now prohibited, meaning that several hundred thousand sporting and hunting firearms are unusable and now worthless.
The applicants bringing the challenge include the following:
The individual applicants know each other through their lawful competitive shooting activities. All are members of gun clubs responsible for the operation of their respective federally approved shooting ranges as well as the International Practical Shooting Confederation, which operates worldwide.
 Competitor at a shooting competition in Burlington. The business applicants have suffered direct foreseeable losses as a result of the challenged regulation and each of the owners of those businesses are competitive colleagues of the individual applicants through their respective sporting activities.
Lawyers for the applicants, Eugene Meehan, Q.C. and Thomas Slade of Supreme Advocacy LLP in Ottawa, filed the application for judicial review in Federal Court on August 11, 2020.
“Parliament makes it clear that firearms reasonable for sporting or hunting cannot then be prohibited by Cabinet regulation. Just as Canadians have to follow the law, so does Cabinet,” said Meehan. “Many of the newly prohibited firearms have been imported, sold, regulated, and used for years for sporting and hunting. It is inauthentic to say otherwise. Urinating on somebody’s leg and calling it rain is constitutionally indefensible.”
 Bay View Park has a skyline view that is probably the best in the city. “The number of challenges to the Regulations are a sign of their dysfunction. This particular challenge is designed to complement rather than conflict with those other cases. We specifically are not bringing a Charter challenge, but instead are focusing primarily on the fact the government overstepped its statutory mandate. The government’s narrative keeps changing. The facts don’t,” said David Bot, President of the Burlington Rifle and Revolver Club.
The Executive branch of government can make regulations by way of Orders in Council. Executive legislation, however, is not subject to the same high scrutiny as laws passed by Parliament. For this reason, it is important that the government is careful in making regulations and ensures they adhere to limits established by Parliament and Parliament’s legislative intention.
 By Lauren Wilson
July 16th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Ontario has an impressive track record when it comes to producing incredible athletes. It’s no surprise that Ontario has given us some of the finest ice hockey players in history, with Bobby Orr hailing from the town of Parry Sound and Wayne Gretzky growing up in Brantford.
Burlington has its own tradition of churning out talented ice hockey players, but sport in Ontario is not all about the puck.
 Harvard student Dwight Filley Davis spent $750 for the crafting of a beautiful silver bawl that was completed on February 9, 1900. It became the Davis Cup, the premier international team event in men’s tennis. It is run by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and is contested annually between teams from competing countries in a knock-out format. Canada has made massive waves in the tennis world in recent years, to the point where the nation reached the Davis Cup final in 2019. It took a strong Spain side, featuring a certain Rafael Nadal, to stop Canada from winning tennis’ premier team competition, with the youthful nature of the Canadian side boding well for the country’s future.
Quebec has played its part in making Canada a powerful tennis nation in the 21st century, with Eugenie Bouchard and Felix Auger-Aliassime both Montreal natives. However, Ontario has played an even more prominent role. Here’s a look at two tennis stars who have enjoyed highly successful careers in recent times, and two younger players who appear destined for greatness.
The established stars: Daniel Nestor and Milos Raonic
Daniel Nestor was born in Belgrade in 1972, but he made Toronto his home at a very early age. The adopted Ontario citizen became one of the sport’s greatest doubles players of all time, accumulating some incredible statistics during his career. Nestor became the first ATP doubles player to win 1000 matches, and he was ranked in the top 100 of the doubles rankings for 1134 consecutive weeks between April 1994 and April 2018.
That’s mind-boggling, but it gets even better; Nestor became the first player in doubles history to win every Grand Slam, every Masters event, the Tour Finals, and the Olympic competition at least once. Nestor’s partnership with Sébastien Lareau secured Canada’s first-ever Olympic tennis medal as they won gold in the 2000 Sydney games – proof of Nestor’s remarkable influence on furthering Canadian tennis.
 Milos Raconic will go down as one of the most formidable tennis players in history. Nestor amassed 12 Grand Slam titles in total, but such a title has eluded Milos Raonic. From an early age, Raonic was tipped as someone who could dominate men’s tennis. While his serve continues to overpower opponents and will go down as one of the most formidable in history, Raonic approaches his thirties with a 2016 Wimbledon final as his biggest Slam achievement. However, Raonic has still enjoyed a long and successful career on the ATP tour, with his career-high ranking of 3 the best achievement by a male Canadian singles player.
The future prospects: Denis Shapovalov and Bianca Andreescu
However, Raonic’s ranking record may be in danger from the 21-year-old Denis Shapovalov, a powerful hitter who grew up in Vaughan. Just like a young Raonic, Shapovalov has been tipped for big things. You’d expect to see Shapovalov among the favourites in online sports betting markets for Grand Slam events for years to come, with Canadian punters hopeful that Shapovalov can go one step further than Raonic and join tennis’ elite group of Slam champions. With a career-high ranking of 13 and a stunning win over Nadal under his belt, the signs look good that Shapovalov can go right to the top.
 Bianca Andreescu, the 19 year old who took the tennis world by storm and stunned Canadians who immediately took her to heart. Someone who has already got there is Bianca Andreescu, who was born on the shores of Lake Ontario in Mississauga. A 19-year-old Andreescu stormed her way to the US Open title in 2019, emerging as the first Canadian to win a Grand Slam singles title. How can she be included as a future prospect rather than an established star? Andreescu would be right to be aggrieved given her incredible achievements already (sorry, Bianca, if you’re reading this), but there’s still so much more to come from this remarkable talent.
Whereas Raonic appears to be on the decline following an outstanding career, the sky is the limit for Andreescu. CNN agrees that she has all the shot-making ability and the mental strength to go down as one of the all-time greats.
In fact, Ontario could watch two of its own dominate on both the WTA and ATP sides for years to come. The exploits of Andreescu and Shapovalov will no doubt inspire young tennis fans in Burlington to pick up a racket and follow in the footsteps of their fellow Ontarians.
 By Staff
July 15th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Are the kids bored – looking for something to do?
Very few families have every piece of sports equipment their kids would like to use.
The City has developed a program where sports equipment can be borrowed.
The program is being run out of the Brant Hills Community Centre. Equipment is borrowed for a one-week period from Tuesday to Monday.
Equipment booking can only be done online at burlington.ca/playlending with pick-up and drop-off at the east entrance of the Brant Hills Community Centre.
Some of the equipment available to borrow includes hockey sticks, croquet set, cornhole, bocce, tennis rackets, ladder toss and much more.
The full list is available on burlington.ca/playlending.
All equipment and bags will be thoroughly sanitized between uses to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
If you have questions – use the email address: communityconnects@burlington.ca.
 Manager of Community Development, Denise Beard, on the right, demonstrates how to handle a hula hoop Denise Beard, Manager of Community Development make a good point when she said: “Anyone wanting to try a new sport or activity should check out some of the equipment we have for free lending. You or your kids might find a new favourite activity they really like and want to pursue further. It can also be that it’s just something different to break up the monotony that can fall upon the dog-days of summer. Now that we have casual use of our parks, it’s another great opportunity to get out and play outside.”
 By Staff
July 10th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
In her newsletter A Better Burlington, Mayor Marianne Meed Ward praises that jewel of a beach iin the Bechway part of the city – and then warns people of the traffic and parking problems.
Pay attention – she is trying to help.
“As the hot summer temperatures continue, the City of Burlington is reminding residents and visitors of some of the ways they can stay cool while continuing to protect the health and safety of the community and preventing the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
 It is an incredible stretch of sandy beach – it will be busy and there isn’t enough parking. “Burlington’s beautiful waterfront at Beachway Park is a popular destination when temperatures are high, however, visitors to the beach are reminded:
“ The City of Burlington continues to be in a state of emergency due to COVID-19. Please continue to respect physical distancing measures at all times
“ Keep two metres away from others (e.g. the length of a hockey stick) sitting on the beach and in the water
Gather in groups of no more than 10 people who are part of your social circle
Move to the right on the Waterfront trail to make room for others to pass safely.
“The City will be taking some additional measures to educate residents and control parking around the Beachway. City of Burlington Park Ambassadors and Parking Enforcement Staff will also be in the vicinity to assist with these measures.
Additional signs will be placed informing visitors of:
 He’s doing his job – probably grateful you gave it to him. No parking zones, tow away zones
Cost of parking tickets on signs (where possible)
“Parking lot full” signs at street entrances
Physical distancing signs at more locations.
“Parking spaces at Beachway Park are limited and the lot fills quickly. Visitors are reminded to:
“Consider coming back another time if the parking lot is full, or parking their vehicle in an alternative location where parking is permitted and space exists on the beach to ensure physical distancing
Avoid parking illegally – City bylaw officers will be enforcing ticketing and towing to discourage overcrowding at the beach.
Outdoor Pools and Spray Pads
 Wading pool at LaSalle Park will be packed. Don’t hog the available time in the water Beginning Saturday, July 11, the outdoor pools at Mountainside Park and Nelson Park will be open for lap and leisure swims. Spray pads throughout the city and the LaSalle wading pool are also open, since July 4.
In following provincial guidelines on the safe reopening of pools, online registration and pre-payment is required and available for Burlington residents only. No walk-ins are accepted at this time. To create an account and/or register, go to liveandplay.burlington.ca.
In addition to pre-registration, the number of swimmers allowed in each pool will be restricted to ensure physical distancing. Time-limits will also be in place to allow more people to enjoy the pools and for staff to disinfect the area for the next group of swimmers.
Important note for parking at Nelson Pool: Visitors registered to swim at Nelson Pool should note the parking lot is closed for paving and will reopen upon completion. Pool patrons are asked to park at the Pauline Johnson Public School parking lot at 4350 Longmoor Dr., access off Longmoor Drive.
Cooling Centre
Extended heat warnings are issued by Halton Region when forecast temperatures are expected to be at least 31°C and overnight temperatures are above 20°C for at least three days, or the humidex is at least 40°C for a minimum of three days.
During COVID-19, when an extended heat warning is issued, the City will open a cooling centre in the auditorium in Central Arena, located at 519 Drury Lane, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Community members can use the facility for one-hour increments and will be screened for COVID-19 when they arrive. Measures will be in place to ensure physical distancing and visitors are encouraged to wear a non-medical face covering. Please stay home if you are ill and always practice physical distancing (2m).
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward “Our Beachway Park is a gem in Burlington and a destination not just for our community but others across the GTHA. While we look for ways to cool down during these hot summer days, we need to remember we are still in a pandemic and COVID-19 is still very much a part of our lives.
I’m grateful to our City staff for putting together so quickly a strategy to mitigate overcrowding at our beach and illegal parking, while encouraging everyone heading down there to follow safety and health guidelines. Our beach can be a great escape during these tough times – let’s ensure everyone who uses it has a positive experience.
By Staff
July 3rd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Summer is in full force.
The pools are open – well at least most of them.
LaSalle Pool Opening July 4; Mountainside and Nelson Outdoor Pools Opening July 11
The opening dates are a little earlier than Parks and Recreation expected; they will be open for lap and leisure swims.
 Swimming pools are open. Check out the available programs and register for a spot. This isn’t however going to be a normal summer. While things look good on the surface there is amongst us a virus that can’t wait to jump from someone who has COVID19 to someone who doesn’t.
This virus is passed from person to person.
The Provincial Guidelines on the safe reopening of pools means pool access will now be done through online registration and pre-payment for Burlington residents only.
There will be no walk-in pool access accepted at this time. To create an account CLICK HERE t
To help ensure physical distancing, the number of swimmers allowed in each pool will be restricted. Time-limits will also be in place to allow more people to enjoy the pools and for staff to disinfect the area for the next group of swimmers.
To view the programs and times: Click Here ,
Residents will have an opportunity to register no more than 25-hours before the start of the program. Residents are asked to book only one swim per day to help accommodate as many swimmers as possible and to complete a health screening questionnaire.
 Nelson pool New Procedures at the Pools
The health and safety of Burlington residents is of the upmost importance. In compliance with the Provincial Guidelines for opening aquatic facilities and for the health and safety of all guests, the following standards will be in effect:
• Bring proof of registration to the pool
• Enter the pool using only the entry point; exit the pool using only the exit point at the opposite end of the pool
• Outdoor showers will be available for use before entering and re-entering the pool
• Use of changerooms is limited to washroom use only; guests should arrive wearing swimming attire and to change and shower at home afterward
• On-deck viewing is not available
• Physical distance of 2m (6ft) must always be maintained; within the pool and on the pool deck
• Guests will be asked to exit the deck area without delay after each swim to allow for cleaning and disinfection before the next swim
• Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs as use of deck furniture will be restricted
• Guests are encouraged to bring their own filled plastic water bottles – water fountains will not be available;
• All play equipment will not be in use, including splash features, diving boards, climbing wall, and waterslide
• Regular supervision requirements apply. Visit burlington.ca/playstandards
Lap Swimming
The pools will be divided into double lanes. Registered swimmers are to swim clockwise on the black line of one lane and come back on the black line of the next lane, forming a loop.
Leisure Swims
To help support physical distancing,
Mountainside and Nelson Pools will be divided into shallow, middle and deep areas.
By Staff
June 25th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The City announced the opening of spray pads on June 26. Redesigned summer camps and outdoor pool programs will begin on July 13.
Following public health recommendations and the Province’s emergency orders, COVID-19 precautions and preparations will be in place to reduce the spread of the virus. All redesigned programs and services will look very different from pre-COVID-19 programs and will still be high quality, fun, active and create great summer memories.
 This place will be busy on Friday. To ensure crowd management, all programs and pool use (including lap and rec swims) will require pre-registration and payment. There is no registration required for spray pads.
All programs and offerings can be viewed online at burlington.ca/summer.
Registrations are only being accepted online at liveandplay.burlington.ca. If you need assistance, please call 905-335-7600 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday or email liveandplay@burlington.ca.
Anyone attending a camp or swim must follow strict COVID-19 procedures. Staying home if the participant or any family member is sick or has come in contact with anyone who is sick. Wash hands frequently, cough and sneeze into sleeve/arm and follow all City rules and regulations. Masks and face coverings will be optional.
 Is this a summer day camp setting? Summer Camps
Full-day summer SNAP camps for kids aged four to ten years will be held at Brant Hills Community Centre, Tansley Woods Community Centre, Aldershot Arena and Haber Recreational Centre.
Performing Arts Camp for kids ages nine to 15 years will be held at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre.
Camp activities will include outdoor games, crafts, art and nature-based activities.
 Funny hats and smiling faces – all part of the summer day camp experience. Camper’s safety is the first priority. Staff will receive enhanced training on the additional health and safety regulations. There will now be one dedicated staff to every four children, with a maximum of two staff and eight campers in a room.
Each camp group will stay together for the entire week, and not interact with other groups.
To support and enhance the safety of campers and staff, caregivers will receive a phone call before camps begin to emphasize the importance of following the camp code of conduct and do a pre-camp health check.
Completing the call with staff is required for your child to be admitted to camp. In addition, parents will learn about the cleaning of facilities with special attention to high touch surfaces like door handles and counters. Each camp group will have dedicated spaces and washroom facilities to further reduce exposure to other groups.
Caregivers will also be sent an email with a video link to where to drop campers off, facility layout and set up as well as were to pick up the camper at the end of the day.
Registration dates, beginning at 9 a.m.:
• Monday, June 29 for camp programs July 13 and July 20
• Monday, July 13 for camp programs July 27 and Aug. 3
• Monday, July 27 for camp programs Aug. 10 and 17
• Monday, Aug. 10 for camp programs Aug. 24
Outdoor Pools
Nelson Pool and Splash Park, Mountainside Pool and Splash Park and LaSalle Splash Park will be ready on July 13.
The number of people allowed in at any time will be kept low so people can maintain physical distancing. The play features at Nelson and Mountainside will remain closed. To register online for lap and rec swims 25 hours prior to start of program time, go to liveandplay.burlington.ca.
The number of kids in those wading pool will be lower. In addition to the outdoor pools, spray pads will open on Friday, June 26. For a listing of locations, go to burlington.ca/waterplay.
At the spray pads, please ensure your child stays two metres away from anyone not in your social circle or household. If a spray pad is crowded, please try another spray pad or come back another day.
As residents continue to rediscover many of their favourite spaces and activities in the city, City services may look different as we work to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The City’s commitment to providing the community with essential services remains a priority. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at Burlington.ca/Enews and download the free City of Burlington app.
 By Staff
June 24th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 Tough year for the boating community. The boats will not be going into the water.
In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of volunteers and boaters, the boards of directors for the LaSalle Park Marina Association (LPMA) and the Burlington Sailing and Boating Club (BS&BC) have announced the LaSalle Park Community Marina and BS&BC sailing programs will not operate for the 2020 summer season.
The decision to close the marina made sense – it puts into stark relief the decision to use $4 million from the Hydro Reserve fund to pay for the building of the wave break. Talk about unintended consequences.
The decision to close the marina was made by the LPMA and the BS&SC, who took the following into consideration:
• Volunteer safety – in order to install the docks at the marina, volunteers are required to work within small boats where physical distancing is not possible.
• Shortened boating season – construction of the new wave break at the LaSalle Park Community Marina was delayed due to impacts from COVID-19. While the wave break is now completed, the LPMA estimates the installation of the docks and placement of boats in the water would take four to five weeks, resulting in a significantly shorter boating season.
• Financial impacts – with COVID-19 precautions and a shortened boating season, many boaters have indicated they will not be launching their boats, impacting the funding needed to operate the marina.
Public Boat Launch
The public boat launch at LaSalle Park Community Marina will also remain closed for the summer for boats on trailers. A portion of the parking lot typically used for boat trailers will not be accessible as it continues to be used for the storage of boats and finger docks.
Residents are still able to use the marina area to enjoy views of the water, bird watching and to launch canoes and kayaks that are not on a trailer.
Lurking in the background is the matter of how will Burlington manage to renew the lease they have on property owned by Hamilton and used as both a public park and the Marina Association. Two years left on that lease.
By Pepper Parr
June 12th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
There will be something in the way of a summer program if and when the province decides to let Burlington move to Stage 2 of the re-opening of the province.
Splash pads will be open. Splash pads will open – not all of them.
 Some rinks will be open – Appleby and Aldershot will not be opened – nor will Skyway Some of the ice rinks will be open but only for groups that have the permission of their Sports organization. The one expected to make the most use is the figure skating people.
The Parks and Recreation people need to be assured that there will be at least 40 hours of ice time rented, preferably 60 before they begin to make ice – a process that will take two weeks.
 Outdoor pools will be open Outdoor pools will be opened – subject to whatever the province puts in place in terms of rules and approval from the Regional Public Health Unit.
Mayor Meed Ward said she would like to see at least one indoor pool made available.
There will be something in the way of a Summer Camp program – here as well – the city is waiting for the rules.
How many children can there be in any one camp; where will the camps be held. At this point the Standing Committee that met virtually on Thursday has more questions than answers.
It did give the Parks and Recreation people an additional $300,000 to spend – that was on top of the $500,000 that was already in the budget.
By Staff
June 5th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Those fences along the Beachway didn’t last all that long – they certainly raised the hackles on the back of a lot of necks.
Some felt the city was a little heavy handed – but the rules were were pretty clear – Beaches were closed.
At a Special Meeting of Council on Wednesday, Council approved interim modifications to the City’s parks operations service, including the removal of the fencing currently in place at Beachway Park.
 If the people in the center are all from the same family this would be legal. The rules are in place for a very good reason – they prevent the transmission of the virus. The changes to the parks service also allow for temporary washroom facilities to be installed at Spencer Smith Park, Beachway Park and Burloak Park with enhanced service.
The fencing at Beachway Park will be taken down next week and the portable toilets and handwashing stations will be installed at Beachway Park, dependent on availability.
When walking along the beach, residents are reminded to continue to be vigilant about public health practices and provincial directives to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including:
• Maintaining 2 metre physical distance from anyone you don’t live with
• Gathering in groups of 5 or fewer
• Staying home if you feel sick
• Washing and sanitizing hands before and after visiting the area.
 The washroom facilities in the Pavilion on the Beachway are in terrible shape. They have been in need of an upgrade for some time – that work is not scheduled to start until September. Access to washrooms
The washrooms in the pavilion at Beachway Park will remain closed as a result of pre-existing structural issues which are scheduled to be corrected with construction in September 2020. In their place, portable bathrooms and hand washing stations will be made available and cleaned by City parks staff on a regular basis.
The temporary washroom facilities at Spencer Smith Park, Beachway Park and Burloak Park will be installed once available from the supplier, approximately the end of June. The re-opening of other city park washrooms, with enhanced cleaning, will be phased in.
Beach maintenance and safety
City Council approved the hiring of students and temporary staff to assist with this important service and general parks maintenance. City parks staff will provide reduced beach maintenance, including grooming the beach and enhanced cleaning of washrooms. Please place waste in receptacles or take it home with you for disposal to help keep the beach safe for everyone.
Halton Region monitors public beaches to help ensure safe water quality for swimmers. Water quality testing at Beachway Park by Halton Region Public Health is currently not taking place. For updates and more information, please dial 311.
The resumption of City services and spaces is something everyone is looking forward to, but caution that it is vital to continue to do it slowly and carefully with the right precautions.
The city is asking for your patience and understanding as the City works to ensure it has resources and policies in place that align with Provincial regulations and the latest guidance from Halton Region public health to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
City pools and splash pads are still closed until the province loosens up the rules.
By Claire Nash
May 31st, 2020
BURLINGTON. ON
The gambling scene has certainly come a long way over the last few decades.
With the proliferation of online casinos and gambling platforms, the opportunities for high-quality and dynamic playing have never been greater. Although America tends to enjoy the more robust reputation for gambling possibilities – it is home to Las Vegas after all – there are actually a few key differences in gambling legislation that give Canada’s casinos a bit more freedom. That’s good news if you’re looking for an awesome online casino for Canadians that will present few obstacles to the gameplay. There’s no doubt that you can certainly find excellent gambling sites no matter where you are, but it’s a good idea to take a few minutes to understand the different laws that govern this activity in Canada and the United States.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act
Back in 2006, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIEGA) was introduced into US legislation under President Bush. Although it has since been clarified and it’s restrictions loosened, it initially served to prevent payments on various kinds of online gambling. Although in its current iteration it focuses mostly on determining how betting on sporting events can be done, it still causes some headaches below the border. Ultimately, it can make it difficult for players to use certain types of payment when playing at online casinos. The way it is implemented varies state-to-state, meaning that some places enjoy more streamlined access to online casinos.
You can learn more about that here.
There is less red tape in Canada
Despite the fact that the UIGEA doesn’t necessarily prohibit online gambling, it can simply add another step and therefore acts as a big enough inconvenience to dissuade some players from taking advantage of all the online gambling opportunities that exist.
 In Canada, on the other hand, there is no need to overcome these limitations. No federal framework governing the parameters of online casinos exists, and therefore they can operate more freelance and are only subject to the controls imposed by each jurisdiction. Overall, the lack of an overarching legal requirement makes it easier to transfer money directly to the gambling site of one’s choosing, using a variety of payment methods, and to be able to withdraw without hassle. With fewer impediments to account for, it provides a pleasant and coherent online casino experience.
You should still do your research
That being said, there are always going to be crooks out there ready to take advantage of a loosely governed situation, and it is therefore important to do a bit of research before deciding where to play. Keep in mind that having a gambling license is just the first step in running a fully legal operation, and in order to ensure that everything is being done above board, you should dig around a bit and see what you can find about the casino in question. If anything seems fishy, you’d be well advised to look elsewhere. There are plenty of great gambling opportunities that are 100% legal, so there’s absolutely no need to put yourself at risk.
The last word.
Online gambling is legal in both Canada and the United States, and both countries offer plenty of legal online casinos to choose from. Due to the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which exists exclusively in the United States, it can be a little bit more difficult to transfer and withdraw funds for certain types of gaming. As it stands, there is no equivalent legislation in Canada so it presents a more economically flexible environment in which to explore the world of online casinos and gambling. Nevertheless, it is also advisable to research a specific casino before playing.
|
|
