Wellness movement workshops facilitated by local artists at Performing Arts.

eventsblue 100x100By Staff

March 5th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It is a different kind of event.

Nice part is – it’s free – takes place at the Performing Arts Centre on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at 4 PM – 5:15 PM
series of FREE wellness movement workshops facilitated by local artists. These sessions will be fun, relaxing, rejuvenating, and a chance to reboot. This will be a time to delight in the diverse creative approaches and energies of four exceptional local artists.

Click for registration – which is mandatory.

Body space outreach

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It was Burlington residents who were the movers and shakers behind getting the Grey Cup game to Hamilton for 2021.

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

February 27th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON.

 

There was a time when the Honorary Colonels for the two regiments based in Hamilton were residents of Burlington.

There was a time when people in Hamilton were giving consideration to moving the football team to Burlington – that one turned out to be wishful thinking of a property owner.

Ivor Wynne stadium

Ivor Wynne Stadium the home of the Canadian Football League team, The Hamilton Tiger-Cats is found in a residential area in Hamilton east end. The stadium was built in 1930 to host the British Empire Games, becoming the home for the Tiger Cats in 1950.

The holding of the Grey Cup in 2021 is now more than wishful thinking. It’s a fact and the smart thinkers are lining up to get their ticket orders in. The true believers in Hamilton are planning for the victory parade. The Tiger Cats have to first get to the point where they are actually in the Grey Cup game.

The Tiger Cats have won the Grey Cup eight times – they won it during a home field game in 1972 when they defeated the Saskatchewan Rough Riders in a thriller of a game..

A local resident brought to our attention that it was Burlington residents who made the big, big difference in getting the 2021 Grey Cup game to Hamilton.

Randy Ambrosie tosses a football as he speaks during a press conference in Toronto, Wednesday July 5, 2017. The CFL says Ambrosie will serve as the 14th commissioner in league history. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Randy Ambrosie CFL Commissioner

Randy Ambrosie the Commissioner of the CFL, and an Aldershot/Burlington resident along with Matt Afinec, a lifetime Burlington resident and President of the Hamilton Tiger Cats were the movers and shakers that made it happen.

Matt Afinec_Super_Portrait

Matt Afinec, President of Hamilton Tiger CAts

Matt is also a member of the board of directors of the Burlington Foundation. Jim Lawson the Chair of the CFL, and President of Woodbine Entertainment grew up on North Shore Blvd in Aldershot which is almost as good as living in the city.

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Confusion on registering for program at Parks and Recreation; empathy appears to be in short supply.

News 100 redBy Staff

February 21st, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Registration for both 2019 Spring and Summer recreation programs opens February 23, 2019 for Adults 19+ and 55+. People can register for both programs at 9 a.m., doors will open at 7:30 a.m. for early arrivals.

Registration is available online at burlington.ca/play, in-person at Burlington Seniors Centre, Tansley Woods and Brant Hills Community Centres, or City Hall. Non-residents will be able to register on March 1, 2019.

Live and play spring 2016The Spring/Summer Live and Play guide, featuring listings for city recreation, sport and culture programs is available online on the City of Burlington website. Printed copies of the guide are available at City Recreation Facilities, City Hall and the Burlington Public Libraries.

The spring session programs begin April 1 and the summer programs will begin on July 8.

Following registration day, in-person registration is available at any customer service location. A listing of locations and hours is available at burlington.ca/servicehours.

For those choosing to register for both spring and summer programs, the option for a deferred payment for summer registration is available. Customers can access this payment option by registering in-person.

Mayor Rick Goldring has his membership application processed at the Seniors' Centre - filling another of his campaign promises.

Senior citizen former Mayor Rick Goldring signs up as a member at the Senior’s Centre. Today was program registration day.

The City of Burlington would also like to remind residents financial help is available through the Recreational Fee Assistance program for those that qualify.

Recreation Fee Assistance
Recreation Fee Assistance is funding made available to individuals or families who need help to pay for City of Burlington recreational programs.

Fee Assistance can be used for:
• Registered Programs
• Drop-In Programs
• Passes and Memberships

One Gazette reader explained that at a class at the Seniors’ Centre “we were told that the City had decided that moving forward there will be only 2 registration periods. This will start with the February 23rd Registration.

How this will work is as follows: On February 23rd seniors will be registering for programs. Seniors will be able to register for the spring session and/ or the summer session. Some of the classes have very limited space availability and if they don’t register for both in February chances are they won’t get into the class in the summer.

For some residents having to pay for both the spring and summer session could be problematic. We were also told that if the Senior’s membership to the Centre expired before the end of the last class the computer would basically kick them out and they will not be registered in the course. So it would mean that the senior has to pay for both sets of sessions plus the membership fee. Also the City is holding their money for months before completing the session.

We were also told that for those seniors who come into the centre to register, if they could not pay for everything at once arrangements could be made.

What about those seniors that register at home online – they do not have this option of spacing out their payment? More seniors register online, why should this option not be made available to them?

For those seniors who are away ( snowbirds) how will they know that the summer registration starts on February 23rd.

The reader made the point that “once again decisions seem to be made that are not discussed in advance with those who are most affected by these changes.”

Burlington Seniors Centre“Parks and Rec tried to make seniors bring their own equipment for Pilates (like large Pilate balls and bands) starting in the Spring and only when this came to light and reported on did Parks & Rec back down.

There appear to be a number of administrative level issues within Parks and Recreation when it comes to how the Seniors’ programs are managed.  The issue seems to be at the leadership level – staff do not appear to be very empathetic to the issues seniors face.

 

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Skate lending program expanded to Appleby Ice Centre

News 100 redBy Staff

February 8th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The City’s skate lending program is expanding to Appleby Ice Centre. Residents of all ages can access a variety of skates and other equipment on a first come first serve basis, year-round.

The Skate Hub is located in the lobby of ice pads 1 and 2. There is no sign-out form required and there is no time limit on the equipment. The hours of operation are the same as facility hours.
The skate lending program is also available at the Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond on weekday evening, weekend and holidays.

figure skates

Put them on right and you can enjoy swirling around the ice.

Skate Lending Hours of Operation of the Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond.

• Weekday evenings: 5 to 10 p.m.
• Weekend and Holidays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Both locations have a variety of sizes.

Skating rink Discovery Landing

Rotary Centennial Pond.

Donations Needed
Anyone with used skates, gloves, sticks or helmets in good condition can donate them to the lending program. Donations can be dropped off at any Burlington community centre, arena or pool, City Hall, as well as Emma’s Back Porch, Gator Ted’s and Wendel Clark’s Restaurants.

For more information on skating in Burlington, visit burlington.ca/skating.

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Angela Coughlan Pool will be closed from March 18, 2019 to the spring of 2020 for renovations and upgrades.

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

January 4th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

People used to say “there must be something wrong with the water” but in Burlington we seem to say “what’s with the swimming pools in Burlington?” They are either closed for repairs or they are being rebuilt.

This time it is the Angela Coughlan Pool next the MM Robinson high school that is closing for renovations; a Public Information Session planned

Angela Coughlan Pool will be closed from March 18, 2019 to the spring of 2020 for renovations. Some pool programs and staffing have been shifted to other locations to help accommodate participation levels across the city.

A public information session is planned for January 16 at Angela Coughlan Pool from 7-9 p.m. Staff and architects will be available to discuss plans and gather feedback.

The renovation project will provide important and necessary repairs and upgrades to the facility. The result will be a more efficient, up-to-date and modern pool facility and will include the following:

• Partial pool deck replacement around the lap pool
• Retiling of the lap-pool deck
• Lap pool tank repairs
• Replace HVAC and upgrade dehumidification system
• New LED lighting
• Plumbing improvements
• Change room renovation

Change Room Renovation

Coughlan pool upgrade 2

Architectural rendering of planned upgrades to Angela Coughlan pool.

The City of Burlington is working towards providing equal rights, respect and dignity through access and privacy. The new inclusive change space will provide fully private change and/or shower areas for all, removing the need to have designated “Men’s” or “Women’s” changerooms, including:

• Fully private change and shower areas with seating and hooks for hanging personal items

• Common areas open to everyone where clothing is mandatory

The inclusive change space is designed to allow for clear sight-lines down all the isles from the pool deck as well as from the community centre hallway for maximum safety.

The result will do away with the open changeroom concept. All changing will happen in private stalls. All common areas are clothing-mandatory.

Previously, Angela Coughlan had nine private change stalls split between both the Men’s and Women’s changerooms. There will now be 31 private change rooms.

Coughlan pool upgrades 1

Architectural rendering of planned changes to Angela Coughlan pool, Private change rooms.

Private change areas
The 31 private change areas will include:

• 24 private change areas
• Five private change areas with showers
• Two accessible change stalls with roll in private showers and adult change tables
• Four private washrooms with sinks

Common areas
The common areas will include shared amenities such as:

• Lockers
• Rinse stations
• Sinks and counter space
• Mirrors
• Wall-mounted hair-dryers and bathing-suit spinners

Other municipalities and jurisdictions who have done similar renovations include the Calgary YMCA, Sudbury Valley area, University of Guelph and Saskatchewan schools.

 

He is no longer "acting"; it's now the real deal as Chris Glenn gets appointed the Director of Parks and Recreation for the city.

Chris Glenn, Director of Parks and Recreation for the city.

Chris Glenn, Director of Parks and Recreation, describes the new change-room concept as “exciting” – wouldn’t go quite that far. He adds that:  “We are fortunate that our pool facilities already have a family/universal changeroom concept where everyone is welcome to use for their own personal comfort. The proposed inclusive change space for Angela Coughlan Pool builds on this concept, allowing everyone to have comfort and privacy while changing. We want to remove any barriers to participation and know that personal comfort is very important to many. This is a new and exciting concept to Burlington that just makes good sense.”

Coughlan H&S

Angela Denise Coughlan

Angela Denise Coughlan, (October 4, 1952 – June 14, 2009) was a Canadian competition swimmer. At the peak of her competitive swimming career from 1968 to 1971, she was the best Canadian female freestyle specialist, going undefeated in freestyle events at Canadian meets during that time, as well as breaking a world record and 13 Canadian records.

As a member of the Canadian national swim team, she anchored the 4×100-metre freestyle and 4×100-metre medley relay teams, and earned both individual and team relay medals at the 1967 Pan American Games, the 1968 Olympics, the 1970 Commonwealth Games and the 1971 Pan American Games.

Named Canadian Female Athlete of the Year in 1970, she retired from competitive swimming in 1972 at the age of 19. Part of her post-competitive career was spent as a swim coach and mentor to younger swimmers.

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Glen Eden to open on Saturday: snow making machines have been working around the clock.

News 100 blueBy Staff

December 22, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Hard to believe but Conservation Halton announced that Glen Eden will open Saturday, weather permitting at 8:30 am.

The Ridge Chair, Updraft Chair, Caterpillar Carpet and Little Dipper Carpet will be running, which should service ten runs, including some terrain park features.

Glen Eden hills

Some of the Glen Eden runs

For a limited time, Glen Eden will also be offering a promotional lift ticket price of $30 to reflect the limited terrain. Once the remainder of the lifts and runs are open, lift tickets will return to regular rates. It is anticipated that this could happen as early as Boxing Day.

Also, as a gift to pass holders, Glen Eden will be accepting all passes on December 22, 23 and 24! Glen Eden will be closed on December 25 for Christmas and then open on Boxing Day, at which point regular pass access will apply.

“Our snowmaking team has been working around the clock to get the hill ready,” said Gene Matthews, Director, Parks and Recreation. “We are excited to start the 2018/19 season and we look forward to seeing visitors on the hills learning to ski or snowboard, out enjoying some runs with family and friends or throwing it down in the terrain park.”

The terrain park is where a lot of the action happens at Glen Eden. During peak season, Nighthawk and Falcon have upwards of 40 of the most progressive features. The terrain park is the perfect place to push your limits, improve your skills and keep things fun. There’s no better place to hang out after school or work and you won’t find a community like Glen Eden at any other hill. It’s the most fun you can have on 240 vertical feet.

GlenEden from top of hill

View from the to at Glen Eden

Glen Eden is also a great place to get your start and prepare for even bigger adventures with lesson programs for all ages and skill levels—whether you have a little one starting out on skis or a big kid ready to hit the terrain park. There are two Christmas Camps during the holidays. Camp 1 starts on December 27 and Camp 2 starts January 2, 2019. Group lesson programs start on Boxing Day. There are also private and semi-private options available. For more information, please visit the Glen Eden website at www.gleneden.on.ca or call Visitor Services at 905-878-5011, ext. 1221.

New Year’s Eve Ski and Dine – December 31
Come celebrate the new year with Glen Eden! The New Year’s Eve Ski & Dine package includes one lift ticket and dinner. Guests can pick up their lift ticket at the Visitor Centre any time during open hours to enjoy a full day of skiing and snowboarding. Dinner, featuring lasagna (vegetarian option available) with salad, dessert and soft drinks, will be served in the West Lodge at 6 pm. There will also be a roaring fireplace and s’mores kits provided after dinner. Please note that Glen Eden will close at the regular time. This is a family event intended for an early New Year’s celebration. Reservations for this event are required by December 28, 2018.

glen_eden_ski_snowboard_area_2_159582

Learning how to use a snowboard.

Discover Skiing and Snowboarding
Discover Skiing and Snowboarding is a beginner lesson program that starts this weekend. During the season, Discover is offered on weekends, holidays, and March Break from 9 am to 4 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm on non-holiday weeknights. The snow pros at Glen Eden will help you learn the basics of equipment, stopping and turning to get you should be ready for the big hills. Discover is available on a first-come, first-serve basis unless you are booking a large group. For groups of 20 or more people, please call 905-878-5011, ext. 1278, at least one week in advance.

Glen Eden is operated by Conservation Halton, and is located on Kelso Road, near Tremaine Road and Highway 401; a 20 minute drive from Mississauga, Burlington and Hamilton. Glen Eden is open seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., except for December 25, when it will be closed for Christmas. For more information, please visit the Glen Eden website at www.gleneden.on.ca.

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City services holiday schedule: transit, courts, parks and recreation.

News 100 redBy Staff

December 21st, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

A number of City of Burlington administrative services will be closed for the holidays on Monday, December  24, 2018, reopening Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019.

Activities and customer service hours at city pools, arenas and community centres vary over the holidays. Please visit burlington.ca/play for a complete listing of program times and burlington.ca/servicehours for hours at customer service locations.

City council photo Xmas

Burlington Transit and Handi-Van
The Downtown Transit Terminal is open Dec. 24, 27 to 31. It will be closed December 25 and 26, 2018, as well as Jan. 1, 2019. Handi-Van live phone booking is available December 24, 27 and 28.

The Downtown Terminal and Handi-Van live phone booking will be closed December. 25 and 26, 2018 and Jan. 1, 2019.

Handi-Van booking online is always available at burlingtontransit.ca.

For holiday and real-time schedule information, visit burlingtontransit.ca.

Date Transit service schedule/hours
December 24 Weekday schedule ending at approximately 8 p.m.
December 25 Holiday schedule
December 26 Saturday schedule
December 27 to 30 Regular schedules
December 31 Weekday schedule with the last Route 50, 51 and 52 buses leaving the Burlington GO station at 12:55 a.m.

January 1 Transit Holiday schedule
The Burlington Transit administration offices will be closed on December 24, 2018 and will reopen on Jan. 2, 2019. Call 905-639-0550 or visit www.burlingtontransit.ca for more information.

Animal Shelter and Control
The Animal Shelter will be closed from December  24 to 26 and 30, 2018 and Jan. 1, 2019. On December 31, the shelter will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.

For more information or to report an animal control-related emergency, call 905-335-3030 or visit www.burlington.ca/animal.

Roads, Parks and Forestry
The administrative office will be closed on Monday, December 24, 2018, reopening on Wednesday, January 2, 2019. Only small removal of snow? and urgent services will be provided.

Halton Court Services
Provincial Offences Courts in Milton and Burlington will be closed from December 24 to27, 2018 and January 1, 2019.

PLEASE NOTE: The Milton POA Court will close on Thursday, January 17 and the Burlington POA Court will close on Thursday, January 31 to move to the new Halton POA Courthouse opening on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.
Parking

Free parking is available in the downtown core in municipal lots, on-street and the parking garage during the month of December and on Jan. 1, 2019. There is a maximum of three hours for on-street parking spaces.

NOTE: The Waterfront parking lots (east and west) do not provide free parking during December or on statutory holidays.

Do you have family and friends visiting for the holidays? A reminder that there is no parking on city streets overnight between 1 and 6 a.m. Exemptions to allow overnight parking on city streets may be obtained by calling 905-335-7844 or visiting www.burlington.ca/parking.

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Appleby Ice Centre - Rink 4 closed for repairs; December 22 to January 5th.

News 100 redBy Staff

December 22nd, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

Apleby free skate

The Appleby Free Skate is sponsored by Tim Hortons.

 

Appleby Ice Centre – Rink 4 is shut down for emergency repairs and is expected to re-open in early January.

The Tim Hortons Free Holiday Skate on December 22 and January 5th, have been moved to Mainway Ice Centre

Rink 1. The free skate times have been slightly modified to 7:30 – 8:30 p.m., 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. and 9:30 – 10:30 p.m.

Three of the four rinks at Appleby Ice Centre are fully operational.

Other program changes during the shutdown include:

• Dec. 21: Skate 19+, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. moved to Appleby Ice Centre, Rink 3

• Dec. 27: Skate 19+ has been moved to Mainway Ice Centre – Rink 2 from noon to 1 p.m.

• Dec. 29: Public Skate is cancelled. Participants are encouraged to attend the Tim Hortons Free Holiday Skate at Mainway Ice Centre between 1 and 4 p.m. or Central Arena between 5 to 8 p.m.

• Dec. 29: Skate 19+, 8:30 to 10 p.m. moved to Appleby Ice Centre Rink 2

• Jan. 2: Skate Ability has been moved to Rink 1 at Appleby Ice Centre.

Programs and renters have been notified and moved to other rinks within Appleby Ice Centre or arenas within the city.

Appleby Ice Centre

The Appleby Ice Centre is one of seven rinks in the city that has recreational skating time.

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BOWSER babes cough up big bundle of cash for the Food Bank.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

December 18th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The BOWSER Babes at Burlington Old Timers Hockey Club contribute to the Food Bank every year using the proceeds from their Christmas Dance. The cash was turned over in November – $4500. Went to the Food Bank.

On November 24th the BOHC hosted a Christmas Dance at the Burlington Royal Canadian Legion in support of the Burlington Food Bank.

On hand were some of the best dancers in the league and their wives! The fabulous live band for the night was the Stone Monkeys, featuring Shantelle Pfau on vocals, and as a Special Guest Singer/Performer, Cassidy Cummings, an aspiring Burlington youth and recent graduate of Mohawk’s Music programme.

BOHC-Christmas-Dance 2018

Shown here is Wendall Ahearn (President, BOHC), the BOWSER Babes (Barb Charon, ??, ??, ??, Michele Wood), Robin Bailey (Burlington Food Bank), and Colin Ashdown with Angelo Sottana (event organizers).

Through player donations, prize table raffle tickets and a Christmas Home Baked goods table the league was able to raise $4,500 for the Burlington Food Bank to help them with their ongoing contribution to our community!

Burlington Food Bank
The Food Bank is committed to ensure that no one in Burlington struggles with hunger. They provide food to those in need. If you or someone you know is hungry and in need of help, call them at 905-637-2273. https://www.burlingtonfoodbank.ca

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Pond in Spencer Smith Park will open December 8th; tobogganing locations announced.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

December 5th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Burlington is set for winter fun with the launch of its Neighbourhood Rink program, the opening of Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond at the Waterfront at Downtown Burlington and dedicated locations for tobogganing.

Neighbourhood Rinks
The Neighbourhood Rink program is back for a fourth year and encourages neighbours to come together to maintain a natural outdoor ice rink in their local park.

City staff will install boards for ice pads in various parks throughout Burlington that will be maintained by neighbourhood volunteer groups. The rinks are open to the public and free to use. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact skating@burlington.ca. The deadline to apply for a rink is Dec. 31, 2018.

Skating rink Discovery LandingThe outdoor ice at Rotary Centennial Pond is scheduled to open on Saturday, Dec. 8, weather conditions permitting. Located at the Waterfront at Downtown Burlington, the pond hosts nearly 9,000 skaters each year. The rink is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and skating is free. On Christmas Eve, the rink will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and then closed for Christmas Day.

Skating Lending Program
The city is asking residents to donate gently used skates they no longer need. These skate donations will be used for the lending program at Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond, which began in 2016. The skate lending program is available weekends and school holidays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on weekdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Skate donations can be dropped off at city pools, arenas and community centres.

For up-to-date information on ice conditions at Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond, please call 905-335-7600, ext. 8587. To learn more about the pond’s features and rules, visit, burlington.ca/pond.

det

Sliding in Lowville park

Tobogganing
The city has designated six areas in the city that are safe for tobogganing. They include:

• LaSalle Park, east of the parking lot
• Tyandaga Park at hole number four on the west slope
• Central Park on the hill northwest of the community garden
• Brant Hills Park, southwest of the tennis courts
• Nelson Park on the east side of park, north of the Centennial bike path
• Lowville Park on the hill at the southwest end of park.

Get outside and enjoy the many parks, outdoor spaces, play fields and recreational play experiences that support active living and a healthy lifestyle for all ages, abilities and cultures.

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Centennial Pool - Service Disruption: will reopen Thursday at noon

notices100x100By Staff

December 5th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Due to a mechanical issue Centennial Pool is closed Wednesday, Dec. 5 and the morning of Thursday, Dec. 6. The following swims have been cancelled:

Wednesday, Dec. 5 2018
Water Running 10-11am
Aquafit 10am-11am
Adult 55 Plus Lap Swim 11am-Noon
Lap Swim Noon – 1:30pm

Thursday Dec. 6 2018
Lap Swim 6:00-9:00am
Water Running 9:00-11:00am
Swim Training 11:00- noon
Service will resume at 12 noon on Thursday.

centennial pool - inside

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City clarifies policy on equipment used in exercise classes - some seniors claim that isn't what they are hearing.

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

December 3rd, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Last week the Gazette published a story about changes some seniors called us about with the exercise classes at the Senior’s Centre. There is a link to the news story at the bottom of the page.

The city sent the Gazette a response – statement this morning setting out their position. That response – statement is set out below:

Rob Axiak

Rob Axiak, Manager of Recreation Services.

“My name is Rob Axiak and I am the Manager of Recreation Services for the City. I would first like to apologize for any misinformation that may be out there that has resulted in this article and subsequent commentary. We are looking to send out more accurate information regarding personal equipment for fitness classes over the next two weeks.

Prior to information going, please rest assure that equipment will always be provided by the city for our fitness programs. It was never our intention to remove equipment and to force individuals to bring their own. Some who currently participate had expressed an interest in bringing their own equipment to programs for a variety of personal reasons. We fully support this and encourage anyone who would prefer to bring their own equipment to please feel welcome in doing so.

For those who prefer to have the convenience of using city issued equipment readily available onsite, well that is perfectly acceptable too!

Our goal is to remove any barriers to participation and provide individuals with options based on your own personal preference. Hope that clarifies and thank you for your ongoing interest and participation!”

A source the Gazette takes as reliable, who has asked not to be identified, said when she read the news story she went to the Customer Service desk at the Seniors’ Centre and asked what the policy was and was told that “this is what is going to happen”.

Our source asked the customer service to confirm that information with staff in the offices behind the Customer Service counter. “It took a while but the Customer service person did return and said the policy will be going into effect in the Spring and that people will have to bring their own equipment.”

Axiak appears to be saying that people participating in the exercise classes can bring their own equipment if they wish and that equipment will still be available at no cost to those people taking classes.

Our source said “this is how the Parks and Recreation people operate. Rather than make a clear statement that they publish, they float a trial balloon and wait to see what there is in the way of reaction. If there is no negative feedback it becomes policy.

“Staff don’t take responsibility for the mistakes they make.”

The city has either shifted their position or people taking the exercises did not fully understand the city’s position. Classes were informed by people delivering the exercise classes. Those people are not full time city employees involved in setting policy – they are contract people delivering a service.

Link to the original news story:

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Seniors taking exercise classes upset over program changes that will require people to provide their own equipment.

News 100 blueBy Staff

November 29th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

The city has asked that we publish a statement they have made related to this news story.  That response can be found HERE. 

The city Parks and Recreation department runs a number of programs for the seniors in the city.
Some are exercise related and the some people taking part in those classes, for which they pay a fee, are not happy.

One Exercising Class was told that they would have to provide their own equipment – for health reason.

The equipment includes yoga mats, stretching bands and exercise balls.

resistence bands

Sitting on exercise balls and working with resistance bands is part of most classes – transporting that exercise ball seems unfair the class participants.

Yoga mats and the resistance stretching bands are not much of a problem but the Aldershot resident who talked to the Gazette wondered how a senior was going to use public transit with an exercise ball on her lap.

What also bothered the people in the exercise class was that the message was delivered by the class instructor and not a member of the Seniors’ Centre staff. The change is to be effective with the Spring classes which begin in April of next year.

“Many of the people in the class are on fixed incomes: said our source. “They were shocked and perturbed and couldn’t understand the health reasons.”

The group is getting ready to put together a petition asking that the new plan not be put in place.

Comments from people who were uncomfortable providing their names centered around policy changes without any input from the program participants.

Seniors Centre

The Gazette sat in on a meeting where seniors were asked to comment on the programs that were being offered at the Senior’s Centre on New Street. Few words were spoken because there were a number of staff in the room and participants didn’t feel free to speak their minds. That seemed to be a policy approach at the Centre that wasn’t appreciated.

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Gift of Giving Back sets new food donation record.

News 100 redBy Staff

November 10th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Ann-Marie Burton (Gift of Giving Back and Burlington Food Bank) was very busy at Robert Bateman HS Wednesday Nov 7 as they announced donations amounting to 601,639 lbs.

Giving back 2018

Shown here with Ann-Marie are some of the helpers including Brooke Ellsworth-Hewson, Megan Burton, Tess Gates and Scarlett Staszkiel (members of the Barracudas Novice A team)

Shown here with Ann-Marie are some of the helpers including Brooke Ellsworth-Hewson, Megan Burton, Tess Gates and Scarlett Staszkiel (members of the Barracudas Novice A team)

This new national record for Food donations in Canada was acknowledged by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Giving back by year

Founded in Burlington, Ontario in 2005, The Gift of Giving Back is now the largest food drive of its kind in Canada that supports, educates and empowers thousands of young hockey athletes, baseball athletes and high school students to compassionately give back to their community. Summer and late Fall annual initiatives are launched to Help our Kids Feed Kids in their community.

Giving back logoOriginally launched by the Burlington Eagles, the campaign has grown to include more than 85 male and female youth hockey teams from: The Burlington Girls Hockey Club (Barracudas), Burlington Cougars and the Burlington Eagles. In 2017 we were pleased to announce that baseball teams from BOMBA have joined us in our cause.

Together with their parents and community leaders, amount to more than 3,500 volunteers who make this all possible. An exciting addition in 2018 was our partnership with the Burlington Gymnastics Club.

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Two Burlington high school students off to the Grey Cup for the experience of a lifetime.

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

November 2, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Two Burlington high school student-athletes, Andrew Burrows from M.M. Robinson High School and Brantt Burnstein from Nelson High School were selected from hundreds of applicants in a nationwide search for Canada’s most inspiring young football players, to represent Burlington at the 2018 CFL Grey Cup in Edmonton.

Burlington was the only city to have two applicants selected in the preliminary round.

Gearing up for the trip to Edmonton the two athletes played against each other in season final football game in Burlington on a rainy Halloween day afternoon. WHO WON

Grey Cup

Two Burlington high school football players will be in the stands in Edmonton to watch the 2018 CFL game.

For any Canadian high school football player, this trip to the Grey cup game represents the sporting opportunity of a lifetime. Brantt and Andrew‘s selection is part of the Nissan Kickoff Project, which aims to showcase the nation’s most notable high school football players who not only shine on the field, but also off it.

Brantt and Andrew are part of a group of approximately 70 high school football players from across the country that will be part of a Welcoming Dinner and an Exhibition match between that will be played. The 70 young men will be split into two teams and play against each other.

Brantt Burnstein

Brantt Burnstein plays for Nelson high school.

Brantt was nominated by his coach for his demonstrated ability to be a respected leader on and off the field, which led to him being named team captain on the Nelson Lords. Additionally, Brantt’s passionate about giving back to the Burlington community by volunteering his time twice a week to coaching offensive skills to younger football players.

Andrew Burrows headshot

Andrew Burrows plays for MMR

Andrew was nominated by his coach for his dedication towards football, school and his family. He is an ambitious student-athlete which is demonstrated in his flawless attendance record at team practices, while balancing his school work and maintaining a high academic average. Moreover, Andrew is admired by those around him for his willingness to support his parents in caring for his younger brother with autism, who also attends M.M. Robinson.

The first 10 All-Canadian TITAN finalists include:

  1. Andrew Burrows – Burlington, ON
  2. Brantt Burnstein – Burlington, ON
  3. Cameron Creechan – Chatham, ON
  4. Craig Coleman – St. Thomas, ON
  5. Mason McGriskin – North Bay, ON
  6. Dominic Hall – Fredericton, NB
  7. Daniel Velocci – Dartmouth, NS
  8. Eric Choquette – La Ronge, SK
  9. Josh Yee – Calgary, AB
  10. Brandon Martens – Virden, MB

 

 

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Foxcroft: Get behind the new Mayor and concentrate on getting the Tiger Cats to the Grey Cup.

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

October 23rd, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

While the rest of the city adjusts to the new reality at city hall, Ron Foxcroft puts the changes in perspective and lets us know what it is that is really important

“So happy that silly time is over, and no more political campaigns until 2019.

“I enjoyed working with Mr. Goldring, who was a man of integrity, leadership and class.

Foxcroft with Goldring

Ron Foxcroft on the right talking to Rick Goldring

“Marianne ran an efficient and masterful campaign, with drive and innovation.

“She has shown to be a team builder, with enormous enthusiasm, and energy.

“We all know that there is much difference between campaigning and managing.

“We must get behind our new Mayor, to help create an environment where managing the company (City) can be successful.

“Managing companies in this new complicated world is very challenging.

“It takes new skills, far from the days, where a hand shake was gospel.”

Oskee Wee Wee. Now we concentrate on getting the Tiger Cats to the Grey Cup.”

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City will work with communities to set up an outdoor rink for winter skating.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

October 18th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Applications to run an outdoor neighbourhood ice rink are now available from city hall.

The City of Burlington is encouraging neighbours to come together to maintain outdoor community ice rinks at their local park this winter. Applications for the Neighbourhood Rink program are available now at burlington.ca/neighbourhoodrink.

Applicants can choose from 10 city parks that have a dedicated water supply or another local park without a water supply. Groups looking to organize a neighbourhood rink will need a minimum of six people from their community to maintain the rink. Applications are due by Dec. 31, 2018.

The following parks can accommodate an ice rink:

  • Outdoor skating rinksBrant Hills Park
  • Bridgeview Park
  • Central Park
  • Ireland Park
  • LaSalle Park
  • Nelson Park
  • Orchard Park
  • Sheldon Park
  • Sherwood Park
  • Tansley Woods Park

If your preferred rink location not on the list? Apply and let’s work together to see if we can make it happen.

City staff will install rink boards and hoses in each requested park and provide a training manual with tips on ice maintenance. As the colder weather arrives, each neighbourhood group will flood the rinks to get them ready for a first skate and then maintain them throughout the winter.

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Coming to Burlington: an outdoor viewing party of the live Sportsnet broadcast of the evening’s featured NHL game

News 100 yellowBy Staff

October 17th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The city is looking for volunteers for Rogers Hometown Hockey event that will hit the city October 27th and 28th.

Rogers Hometown Hockey will be welcomed to the city in the midst of largest food drive campaign in Canada, the Gift of Giving back. Young Burlington hockey players will be canvassing communities to gather non-perishable food donations. Residents are encouraged to continue to give generously.

Hometown hockeyThe weekend will feature a ball hockey tournament, local musicians on stage, activities and will end on Sunday evening with an outdoor viewing party of the live Sportsnet broadcast of the evening’s featured NHL game with Tara Slone and Ron MacLean on site in Burlington showcasing our great city.

The volunteers will help with various aspects of the events being held in downtown Burlington.

There will be two areas for volunteer hours: waste sorting and popcorn distribution.

The online application form can be found at burlington.ca/hometownhockey. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 21.

If you have any questions about the positions available, please contact sports@burlington.ca.

For more information about the events during the Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour stop in Burlington, visit burlington.ca/hometownhockey.

About Rogers Hometown Hockey
Each week during the 2018-2019 NHL season, the Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour will visit a different community across the country with a weekend of free outdoor hockey festivities for all ages, culminating in an outdoor viewing party of an NHL game broadcast every Sunday, with Ron MacLean and Tara Slone hosting live onsite from the Sportsnet Mobile Studio.

The family-friendly weekend tells the stories of local upcoming talent and alumni, provides an inviting atmosphere for the community to come together to show their passion for the game and ultimately, celebrate the game of hockey which has been woven tightly into our great Canadian culture.

Related news story.

First news of the Hometown Hockey event.

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Cougars take an early lead against Stouffville - and keep it.

sportsgold 100x100By Chris Perrelli

October 13th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Burlington Cougars kicked off an action-packed weekend Friday night versus the Stoufffville Spirit at Appleby Ice Centre. The Cougars came away with the important 2 points in a 5-2 victory.

The Cougars pounced early on a struggling Stouffville club and before the fans could even reach their seats, they were up by two and never looked back.

Just 1:04 into the first period, Jacob Buch opened the scoring with his sixth goal of the season. Then 14 seconds later, Keanan Stewart doubled his team’s lead with his fourth of the year.

Cougars coach“We came out buzzing,” head coach Mark Jooris said describing his team’s strong start to the game. “They’re a good hockey team. The parity in the league is really strong. They can score, they can play with good teams. We were in tough tonight.”

Early in the second period, Zach Lawrence sent a laser past the Spirit netminder to extend the lead to three. That’s all that the Cougars would muster in the middle stanza, as Stouffville turned up the heat for the remainder of the period.

Despite being outshot 13-8 in the period, Stouffville drew within one goal at 3-2. The end of the period could not come fast enough as Cougars goalie Thomas Lalonde fought off the late Stouffville surge. Lalonde entered the game in search of his first win of the season, and it was within reach.

Lalonde would get some run support from Mitchell Morrison on the powerplay halfway through the third. 16 year-old McKay Hayes added an insurance marker for the Cougars with his first career OJHL goal, set up by an incredible no-look pass from Andrew Salt.

The Cougars defencemen held Stouffville to just 6 shots in the third en route to Lalonde’s first win. The 18-year-old made 21 saves on 23 shots to secure the win for the Cougars.

“I thought the guys played really well in front of him,” Jooris said. “It’s huge for his confidence. He’s a great goalie, he just needed that first win. It was really important to him.”

Cougar west division Oct 11

Cougar west division Oct 11

Next up, the Cougars hit the road to Buffalo for a two-game weekend series versus the Jr. Sabres. Burlington enters Saturday’s matchup tied in the West Division standings with Buffalo at 13 points apiece. Coach Jooris hopes the team can carry this momentum into a very important, albeit early, series with their division rival.

“They know how important these points are. It’s the old cliché; take it a shift at a time, a game at a time. We have to make sure we’re competing every shift or else it slips away from you.”

Puck drop is set for 7pm at the HarborCenter on Saturday.

 

 

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Burlington Cougars looked out of gas and over-matched on Saturday night in Brampton.

sportsgold 100x100By Pat Shields

October 8th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Coming off of double overtime game on Friday night, their fourth straight game requiring extra time, the Burlington Cougars looked out of gas and overmatched on Saturday night in Brampton. The Admirals (formerly the Orangeville Flyers) were all over the Cougars, emerging victorious with a 8-2 win.

Cougars - BurlingtonIt was a tough start on Saturday for the visiting Cougars, with the Admirals jumping ahead 2-0 midway through the first period on tallies by Justin Vernace and Hudson Lambert. Moving to the second stanza, it was more of the same for the Cougars as they struggled to control the pace of play and fell further behind on the scoreboard.

jacob_buch_ Couger

Jacob Buch on the left

Brampton added two more goals to extend its lead to 4-0, before Cougars forward Jacob Buch got Burlington on the board with his 5th goal of the season. That was as close as the Cougars could claw though, as Brampton added three more goals before the end of the frame to go up 7-1 and chase Cougars goaltender Thomas Lalonde in the process.

In the third period, Cougars forward Max Lightfoot found the back of the net for his 3rd goal of the season. Brampton would get it back before the end of regulation though, with David Mastropaolo netting his first goal of the campaign.

It was another tough outing for the Cougars special teams, as they were unable to convert on 5 power play opportunities, while going 4-for-5 on the penalty kill.

Looking ahead, Burlington’s schedule won’t allow for much rest time as they are set to host the Milton Icehawks on Monday afternoon at Appleby Ice Centre. Puck drop will be at 2:00pm.

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