Herd loses the Home Opener to Kitchener: 6-0

sportsred 100x100By Staff

May 12, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

May 12 IBLThe Kitchener Panthers had a 6-0 win over the Burlington Herd Saturday afternoon at Nelson Park.

It was the first game of the season for the Herd and second for the Panthers, who lost their season opener.
Hauck (1-0) threw 82 of his 135 pitches for strikes, striking out 12 and walking four.

Offensively, Keegan Marsden went 3-for-5 with three RBI. Mike Gordner and Brian Burton each had two hits and scored twice. Gordner added an RBI, and Burton swiped a base. Mike Andrulis added a sacrifice fly, and

Mike Glinka singled, tripled and scored a run.

For Burlington, Jensen Park singled and Robbie Cant doubled to pick up the Herd’s hits.
Clay Miller (0-1) took the loss, allowing one run on one hit with four walks and seven strikeouts over four innings.

The scheduled game May 12 between the Brantford Red Sox and Guelph Royals at David E. Hastings Stadium was previously rescheduled to Tuesday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Future games

Sunday, May 13
Burlington at Barrie, 2 p.m.
London at Kitchener, 2 p.m.
Guelph at Toronto, 2 p.m.
Hamilton at Brantford, 2 p.m.

Thursday, May 17
Barrie at Burlington, 7:15 p.m.

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Burlington gets to see the Herd on Saturday the 12th at Nelson Park

sportsred 100x100By Staff

May 7th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

IBL statsThe Barrie Baycats’ quest for a fifth straight Intercounty Baseball League title started with a 3-1 win over the visiting Kitchener Panthers Sunday afternoon.

Baycats winning team

The Barrie Baycats were the top team in 2017 – got off to a good 2018 start by winning their home opener.

Kyle DeGrace and Kevin Atkinson each had solo home runs in the decisive seventh inning as Barrie increased its lead to 3-0. Brandon Dhue singled home Branfy Infante in the sixth.

Emilis Guerrero (1-0) went seven scoreless innings for the win, scattering two hits with one walk and six strikeouts.

Chris Nagorski picked up the save after giving up a run on three hits with two strikeouts in the ninth.

Mike Gordner drove in the Panthers’ run, while Colin Gordner had two of Kitchener’s six hits.

Adrian Yuen (0-1) took the loss after giving up a run on two hits in an inning.

Panthers starter Christian Hauck went three scoreless innings, walking four and striking out five while allowing one hit.

The Toronto Maple Leafs opened the 100th Intercounty Baseball League season and 50 years of ownership under Jack Dominico with a 10-6 win over the London Majors at Christie Pits Sunday afternoon.

Toronto led 7-0 after the first inning and held off a late London surge for its first win of 2018.
Jonathan Solazzo went 2-for-5 with a home run, two RBI and two runs, while teammate Julian Johnson hit a three-run blast in the Leafs’ seven-run first.

Mike Reeves had two hits, two RBI and scored three times, Dan Marra had three singles and scored a run, and Adam Odd went 2-for-4 with a run.

Leafs starter Zac Sloan (1-0) benefitted from the offence, going five scoreless innings and allowing one hit with four walks and four strikeouts.

Petro De Los Santos picked up the last five outs for the save, allowing a run on no hits with two walks and a strikeout.

Edward Salcedo led London’s attack with two hits, including a home run, while driving in three and stealing a base. RJ Fuhr singled twice and scored three times, and Chris McQueen singled once and scored twice. Byron Reichstein had the other RBI.

Joan Montero (0-1) took the loss, allowing seven unearned runs on five hits in two innings as the Majors committed three errors. Montero struck out one and walked one.

Herd T-shirtThe Burlington Herd were taken out of contention in the quarter finals; winning just the game. Their 2018 Home opener takes place on Saturday May 12th at Nelson Park – 1:05 pm. The Herd plays the Barrie Baycats on Sunday.

Future games
Friday, May 11
Toronto at London, 7:35 p.m.

Saturday, May 12
Brantford at Guelph, 1 p.m.
Kitchener at Burlington, 1:05 p.m.

Sunday, May 13
Burlington at Barrie, 2 p.m.
London at Kitchener, 2 p.m.
Guelph at Toronto, 2 p.m.
Hamilton at Brantford, 2 p.m.

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The Burlington Herd, our baseball team, will play their first game in the 2018 season May 12th - in a league that has been around for 100 years.

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

May 6th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

A century of baseball in Ontario started in 1919, the IBL kicks off its 100th season this weekend.

The opening game will be a rematch of last year’s championship series as the defending champion Barrie Baycats play host to the Kitchener Panthers for a Sunday afternoon matinee.

The Baycats swept the Kitchener Panthers to win their fourth title in a row last summer.

Herd player sliding home Ph by Crystal Young

Herd player sliding home in a 2017 game. Ph by Crystal Young

Meanwhile, down the 400, the Toronto Maple Leafs play host to the London Majors in another afternoon game. The IBL has a number of events planned to celebrate its 100th Season and thanks to Rawlings, the league will use commemorative baseballs this season.

Sunday is another milestone as this marks the 100th season for the Panthers and the 50th season for Toronto Maple Leafs owner Jack Dominico.

The IBL finishes off its first century with eight teams as the Guelph Royals return after failing to finish the 2017 season. The Royals, with new owner Shawn Fuller at the helm, have no intentions of living in the basement this season.

Veteran IBL baseball man Steve Scagnetti wasted little time in putting the Royals back in the mix. The Royals acquired reigning MVP Sean Reilly as well as first baseman Justin Interisano from the Kitchener Panthers and have former Panthers field manager Dave TeBoekhorst at the helm.

Hamilton Cardinals, who struggled last season, also have new ownership. A community group, led by P.J. Mercanti, looks to revitalize the Steel City franchise. In conjunction with that new ownership, the city of Hamilton has committed to major improvements to Bernie Arbour Stadium.

The London Majors have their home opener next Friday night while the Burlington Herd open up Saturday followed by home openers for the Brantford Red Sox and Kitchener Panthers next Sunday.

contest

Fill out the form on the Herd website for your chance to win: Three Tickets to the Locker Room Lager Opening Day All-You-Can-Eat Seats behind home plate Three Burlington Herd T-Shirts Three tickets to a July Toronto Blue Jays Home Game Contest closes on May 10th, 2018 at 11:59 p.m.

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Planning to play online roulette? – Do you want to play the American or European version

sportsgold 100x100By Steve Marks

May 4th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It is one of the most universally recognized casino games, both at land-based casinos as well as online casino establishments: roulette attracts a great multitude of gamers each day from every part of the world.

Roulette is one of the popular gambling terms that have made it to our day-to-day vocabulary!

roulette 2

In American roulette the wheel is at the head of the roulette table.

While everyone knows that roulette is about spinning the wheel, and betting on various options, there are some distinct differences between the popular versions of roulette.

Although American and European roulette are quite similar to each other, you must know the subtle differences between the two if you wish to play them on a regular basis.

It’s also important for anyone wanting to win consistently from roulette, to play only at a reputed casino. For instance, playing roulette at Mr. Green,  you’re guaranteed the fairness of the roulette games and your payouts being handed over to you

How these two versions differ?
Roulette evolved gradually and simultaneously over a period of time in America and Europe. However, certain differences started emerging between the two from the early stages. These differences included their unusual table layouts, the way in which wheel was positioned, including different colour-coded chips.

If it is your lucky day you could bag huge roulette wins such as this one!

However, it’s the American roulette with its wheel at the head of the roulette table, and simpler betting options, which has been widely adopted throughout the world. If there is one big difference between these two roulette styles, it’s to do with the number of zeros in them.

The single zero roulette emerged sometime in 1843 when Bad Homburg Casino went in with the game thinking that a roulette game with a lower casino edge would increase their casino’s popularity. Once they moved to Monte Carlo Casino, their prediction became a reality and the version was soon exported to the different parts of the world.

It was Las Vegas and Monte Carlo that determined the gambling trend during the 20th century. While the Monte Carlo’s single 0 roulette game came to be recognized as the European roulette, the 00 version of the US became the American roulette.

These zeros in roulette are often called the bankers slots as they’re the numbers that give casino an edge over the player.

roulette 1

Roulette is one of the popular gambling terms that is part of our day-to-day vocabulary!

About American roulette
American roulette employs both 0 and 00, having a house edge of 5.26%, significantly higher than European roulette (with a single zero).

Regardless of the lower odds, purists often go with the American version, staying loyal to roulette in its original form. American roulette has been widely adopted in land-based and online casinos throughout Europe, US and UK.

About European roulette
As mentioned earlier, European roulette only has one 0 in it, making a total of 37 outcomes possible. As a result, the house edge reduces to 2.7% in European roulette, significantly lower than the American version.

Not just that, European roulette also has a betting option known as ‘En Prison’ wherein players are allowed to take back half of their bet amount, on the even/odd bets, whenever the ball lands on the 0.  The house edge goes down even further in case of such 50/50 gambles.

On the whole, European roulette appears as slightly more even and beneficial game, making it more popular among the beginning roulette players.

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Tyandaga Golf Course will officially open Saturday, April 28. Spring specials!

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

April 24th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

Time to dust off your golf clubs and shine your shoes.

The City of Burlington’s Tyandaga Golf Course will officially open for the 2018 golf season on Saturday, April 28.

Tayandaga golf course

5, 803 yards of scenic terrain and 18 holes

Tyandaga offers memberships, tournaments, clinics, private lessons, men’s and women’s league play, and in-season and off-season rentals. The course combines a perfect mix of urban convenience with rural beauty, natural waterways, contours and mature trees as well as dining and catered private or corporate events.

Players wishing to book a tee time can do so online at www.tyandagagolf.com.

Tyandaga Golf Course is an 18-hole course with 5, 803 yards of scenic terrain characterized by its natural waterways and broadleaf woods

Spring specials on green fees include $45 to ride in a golf cart and $30 for golfers that are walking

 

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Supremes take Gold in a cheer-leading competition.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

April 18th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The girls in the Junior Prep Level 1 Division from Supreme Cheerleaders won Gold at the Ontario Cheerleading Federation (OCF) National Championships this past Saturday at in Brampton.

The team had athletes between the ages of 9 and 14 who put on an winning show to beat out five other teams in their division for this title.

Cheerleaders - Superstars National Champs

They put on an winning show to beat out five other teams in their division for this title.

Tracey Page – Co-owner, Supreme Cheerleading said: “These amazing young ladies represented both Supreme Cheerleading and the city of Burlington with pride and enthusiasm this weekend. They were an absolute joy to watch and the entire Supreme family of coaches, athletes and parents could not be prouder of this great group of young athletes.

Supreme Cheerleading provides athletes the opportunity to sweat, smile, learn and grow in a supportive team environment. More on the organization at  – https://join.supremecheerleading.com

#REIGNSUPREME

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LaSalle Park Marina could be looking at an early draft of their obituary.

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

April 16th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

There is one good aspect to a report the city sent out over the signature of the city manager and that is the information in the report has been made available to those who have identified themselves as stakeholders in what takes place at the LaSalle Park Marina in Aldershot.

The downside is that the LaSalle Park Marina Association may be looking at a draft of their obituary.

The Trumpeter Swan people see the report as a win for them.

LaSalle Park MArinaThe report is set out in its entirety – it suggests a direction that will make Burlington a different city – a lakeside community with little more than a ramp available for those who want to launch watercraft and the end of the marina association. Boaters would be driving to Hamilton and becoming part of that boating community.

It will certainly galvanize the boating community.

There is the sense that the philosophy and practice of the current city manager is to shove the people who use a service out of the managing of the service. That is what was done with the seniors at the Seniors’ Centre – there was a time when the members were heavily involved in the program and the day to day operation of the smart little Bistro they ran.

Those days are over for the seniors.

LaSalle Park - bring about a boat on its way to the water.

LaSalle Park – a boat on its way to the water.

The marina decision will be made by city council – first kick at that can will take place at a May 10th meeting. Will Council make a decision on this matter before the municipal election or will the LPMA members push for a decision from whatever gets elected in October.

The report prepared by the city:

City of Burlington staff are preparing a report to Council on the future of the Marina at LaSalle Park, and are providing you with preliminary information regarding the proposed recommendations in the report. The report will be brought to the Committee of the Whole on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 1:00 pm in Council Chambers.

LaSalle Marina - baots lined up

Boats out of the water for the winter at the LaSalle Park Marina

The report to Council will be structured around the following decision tree:

1. We will be asking Council to provide direction on whether the City should continue to provide marina services. A major capital investment is needed to remain in the service, and it is therefore an appropriate juncture for Council to consider whether to continue to provide the service.

2. If Council chooses not to continue the service, the City would assist in relocating LPMA members’ moorage to Hamilton or other marinas, wind down the joint venture and distribute assets appropriately, and take necessary steps to retain Burlington Sailing and Boating Club, including Able Sail and the boat launch ramp at LaSalle Park Marina.

3. If Council wishes to continue providing marina services, a breakwater replacement must be purchased and installed by the City. Staff’s recommendation will be an improved floating breakwater paid for by the City with an estimated cost of $4 million. Staff will also recommend that the City negotiate a revised relationship with LPMA, to include an operating agreement that will ensure continuity of marina operations.

Background

The option the LaSalle PArk MArina Association hopes is chosen through the Environmental Assessment due MArch 2013.

The option the LaSalle Park Marina Association hopes is chosen through the Environmental Assessment done in 2013. The city staff don’t appear to be on side for any of this.

 

Staff agrees with the LaSalle Park Marina Association (LPMA) and Grant Thornton conclusion that the marina is not viable without improvements to the existing breakwater.

In the absence of an improved breakwater, the marina, which is already losing members and recreational boaters, will face increasing challenges with insurance, and will at some point become unviable. That could occur within a few years. The current wave break is at its end of life and is being assessed on a year by year basis.

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Burlington Old Timers tape up their hockey sticks to recognize the tragedy in Saskatchewan.

News 100 blueBy Staff

April 13th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Watching how the country has pulled together as we all react to that horrific collision between a transport tractor trailer and as bus carrying a bunch of young people to a play-off hockey game in a small Saskatchewan town pulls the best out of all of us.

hockey sticks

On front porches…

The funds raised to date has been phenomenal; more than $10 million so far – and those hockey sticks on front porches with candles glowing n the night brings a lump to the throat.

And then we learn that yet another person, a young woman, the only one on that bus, succumbed to her injuries – and we feel that sinking feeling in our hearts. And the deaths may not be over yet.

The Burlington Old Timers Hockey Club taped up their sticks with green tape and the words Humboldt Strong issued a statement:

hockey sticks 2

Outside a Tim Hortons coffee shop – how Canadian can you get.

“We wish to express our deepest sympathies for the players, families of the players and support staff that have endured the recent nightmare in Saskatchewan. Our prayers go out to all of you involved in the Humboldt Broncos tragedy.

“Our members have been donating funds from their teams and personally as well all week long. They have been wearing hockey jerseys and placing their sticks out at night with candles, and being creative in their own ways during our playoff games here in Burlington. Last night, during one of our BOHC playoff games, two teams taped their sticks with bright, green tape for the game. It was their way to show the player’s tribute, respect, and honour for the victims of the Humboldt teams’ tragedy.

BOHC-Humboldt_01“Most of us have been on the team bus or have had kids travelling to play in neighbouring cities and we all feel for your pain right now. As a league we try to concentrate our charitable donations each year and direct toward the Carpenter Hospice and to the Burlington Food Bank.

These organizations depend on our support every year. We ask that if you would like to join in the support for the Humboldt GoFundMe initiative you can do so here directly… https://ca.gofundme.com/funds-for-humboldt-broncos

BOHC-Humboldt Bench“As a Club we will continue to direct our support as much as possible to the two charities we have locally that need our help. Any donations turned into the Club will be redirected to Humboldt if requested. Thank you to everyone that has already passed along their requests for supporting those in Humboldt!”

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New Street on its way back to becoming the road it once was.

News 100 yellowBy Pepper Parr

April 5, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Work has begun to resurface New Street from Guelph to Walkers after pilot

Following the end of the New Street pilot project, work to resurface New Street from Guelph Line to Walkers Line is now underway and will be finished in mid-May.

New street - being rebuilt

It was an idea that should never have gone forward – public by-in and acceptance was just never there. The cycling community hasn’t convinced the average driver that the roads need to be shared.

In 2016, the City of Burlington began a one-year pilot on a section of New Street between Walkers Line and Guelph Line, reducing the number of lanes from four to three with buffered bike lanes.

In December 2017, City Council approved a staff report to convert the existing bike lane pilot project on New Street between Guelph Line and Walkers Line back to the original four-lane configuration.

As part of the staff report about the pilot, City Council approved a recommendation to add cycle tracks on New Street between Guelph Line and Burloak Drive for consideration in the 2019 capital budget, subject to receiving provincial and/or federal government funding. Cycle tracks are physically separated from vehicle lanes, most commonly by the curb.

Quick Facts

• Prior to the resurfacing, work to repair a significant storm sewer failure east of Guelph Line will be completed.
• The total time estimated for the repair work and resurfacing is about eight weeks.
• There is no cost to revert New Street to four lanes. The stretch of New Street between Guelph Line and Walkers Line was scheduled to be resurfaced in 2017 as part of the city’s capital budget.

survey04

The survey will close on April 6th – takes two minutes to complete. Totally anonymous.

The no brainer position:

Let this one go.  It was a mistake from the get go – because there was not the buy-in from the general public that was needed and council ended up with egg on its face.

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The Herd will play their home opener against Hamilton Cardinals May 13th - it is the leagues 100th anniversary.

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

March 19th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

Our home opener is on SATURDAY, May 12th at 1:05 p.m. vs. KITCHENER PANTHERS.

It is going to have to get a little bit warmer before the mind thinks it has just heard the crack of a bat. Not too far off – unless there is one more snow fall for us out there.

The Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) published their 2018 Schedule recognizing and celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Opening day logoEach team will again play a 36-game schedule. Weekends comprise a large majority of the schedule as 68% of the games will be played on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (99 of the 144 games).

Burlington’s The Herd will host their first game when they meet the Kitchener Panthers on May 12th.

survey01The schedule for Herd home games is: Kitchener Panthers on May 12 and July 14, Barrie Baycats (2017 IBL Champions) May 17, June 17, July 12, rival Hamilton Cardinals May 19, June 7, July 7, Toronto Maple Leafs May 26, June 23, Brantford Red Sox, May 31, June 9, July 28, and London Majors June 2, July 5, July 21.

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Chilly Half and Frosty 5K Road Temporary Closures on March 4th

eventspink 100x100By Staff

March 1st, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

Coolsaet crossing the Half Chilly Marathon December 2014It may turn out to be a sloppy run on Sunday when the March 4, 2018 the Chilly Half Marathon and Frosty 5k Run take place in support of cancer care at Joseph Brant Hospital.

If the weather forecast holds the roads could be recovering from a lot of snowé

Minor traffic delays can be expected.

Road Closures

6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Brant Street from Ontario Street to Elgin Street
• James Street from John Street to Brant Street

9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Brant Street, Lakeshore Road to Elgin Street (access to Bunton’s Wharf via Locust Street)

9:45 to 10:30 a.m.
• Lakeshore Road, Brant Street to Eastport Drive

9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Lakeshore Road, Brant Street to just west of Burloak Drive (access to Old Lakeshore Road from the west maintained with delays)

Lane Use
The three traffic lanes on Lakeshore Road will be separated by two lines of cones from Burloak Drive to Maple Avenue: north lane emergency vehicles, centre lane westbound runners and south lane eastbound runners.

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Denis Gibbons: From alter boy to world class hockey researcher covering seven Olympic hockey tournaments.

sportsgold 100x100By Pepper Parr

February 26th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

When the 23rd Winter Olympic Games closing ceremonies were over Denis Gibbons was able to get to bed at a decent hour and not be up all night watching events that set a record for the number of medals won by Canada as well as new records in a number of sports.

Gibbons book cover picture of him

Denis Gibbons

That was a big change for Gibbons who has in the past served as a free-lance reporter in seven different Olympic hockey tournaments from 1988 to 2014.

Hockey and Gibbons go back to the days when Father David Bauer was a major force in the development of hockey in this country.

Gibbons, as an altar boy at St. Joseph’s Parish in Acton, followed the St. Michael’s Majors, the team Father Bauer coached, very closely. He was hooked on hockey for life.

During his first trip to the Soviet Union Gibbons found it difficult to get a real sense of what was going on – he didn’t know a word of Russian and the Cyryllic lettering completely baffled him. But hockey was hockey and he didn’t have to know Russian to understand the game.

Gibbons decided to learn Russian and see if he could get a free-lance assignment to cover the 1980 Olympics.
He got himself into a Russian class at McMaster University where it took him several efforts to come away with decent marks – but he eventually learned the language and got a job as researcher for the ABC television network in the 1988 Olympics.

Gibbons decided his experiences covering Olympic hockey were worth a book.

Gibbons Dennis N. Book coverThat book – Hockey My Door to Europe, which details his experiences that included being detained by the Czechoslovakian police and being in Europe when the Berlin Wall fell, is a detailed look at how hockey was covered by the television networks and the role Gibbons played in getting information out to the public.

The book has a Burlington angle – the Burlington Cougars midget reps were paying a visit to Semperk Czechoslovakia in 1983 to take part in a tournament. During some off time Gibbons was walking about with two cameras around his neck taking pictures. He attracted the attention of the STB – the Czech secret police.

For those interested in hockey – the book is a must.

A review will follow.

Gibbons is a former editor of the Burlington Post and currently free lances for the Bay Observer.

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Cougars lose their opportunity to be part of the OHJA finals

sportsred 100x100February 22, 2018

By Pat Shields

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The road to the playoffs for the Burlington Cougars got a little bumpy on February 17th when they lost to the Mississauga Chargers. The Cougars were then 5 points behind the 8th place Orangeville Flyers for the final playoff spot with just four games left on the schedule.

It was a tough start for the Cougars who were playing at the Appleby Ice Centre, with the Chargers’ Matthew Brassard finding the back of the net to open the scoring at the 4:10 mark of the first period. Burlington would knot it up before the end of the frame though, with Mitchell Morrison scoring his 14th goal of the season.

Mississauga came out firing in the second period, out shooting the Cougars 13-7 thanks in part to some powerplay opportunities. The Chargers would take the lead at the midway point of the frame as Brandon Yeamans scored his 12th goal of the season.

Cougars Feb 17th game

The Cougars played hard – handily out shooting the Chargers by a 19-8 margin

The Cougars battled valiantly in the third period, handily outshooting the Chargers by a 19-8 margin and coming close to tying the game. The tying goal turned out to be elusive though, with Burlington failing to find the equalizer and all but shutting the book on their playoff hopes.

Cougars goaltender Justin Richer turned in another impressive performance in the loss, stopping 33 of 35 shots.

The hope for the team to keep its playoff chances alive when the St. Michaels Buzzers come to town for a Family Day matchup.

It didn’t got well enough. Despite a physical effort in Monday’s Family Day game, the Burlington Cougars came up short against the St. Michael’s Buzzers by a score of 3-0 and were eliminated from playoff contention in the process.

Burlington set the tone early playing a physical brand of hockey in the first period, but fell behind in the latter stages of the frame. Buzzers captain Cameron Searles broke the scoreless tie with his 16th goal of the season to give St. Michael’s the lead heading to the first intermission.

Cougors out of the playoffs

The Cougars were on the wrong side of a number of power plays, the undisciplined play didn’t help

The teams traded chances in the second period and while the Cougars found themselves on the wrong side of a number of power plays, were unscathed by their undisciplined play as the score remained 1-0 for the Buzzers heading to the third period.

With their season on the line the Cougars came out flat in the final frame, surrendering an insurance marker just 8 seconds in, this time with Buzzers Jonah Alexander finding the back of the net.

Burlington would continue its penalty trouble throughout the period, unable to establish much offensive momentum. Alexander would then ice the game with an empty netter with less than two minutes to play.

The Cougars now have just two games remaining in the 2017-18 season.

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Comments on the cycling survey - are the right questions being asked?

News 100 greenBy Staff

February 6th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Joe Gaetan is a Burlington resident who lives in a high rise on Maple Avenue.

He cycles about 1,250 km a year in Burlington and another 250 km while vacationing in Palm Springs CA

Gaetan finds Palm Springs a much better place to cycle than Burlington, mainly because of their wider streets.

The Cycling survey is online.

He completed the online Cycling Plan survey and has some comments:

Sharrow-bike-lane-marking-1024x768

Do sharrows give a false sense of security?

“In terms of increasing the amount of cycling, I don’t believe there is much Burlington can do that will cause me to cycle more. But here are few things than could be considered when reaching out to us in surveys. I am not a big fan of cycling sharrows as I believe they give one a false sense of security and I go out of my way to avoid using streets that have sharrows.”

Here are some things/comments ideas etc. that impact cycling and could possibly be added to the survey.

Will this MAyor on this bike ever get to ride on a separate and safe bike lane on the LAkshore Road? Not if they MAyor folds at city council this evening.

Mayor Goldring on his bike, Councillor Dennison on roller blades – a photo op.

Cycling Frequency ( how often and how far)
Daily, weekly, kms. cycled per year etc
In which months do you cycle using check boxes Jan to Dec

Why I don’t cycle to certain destinations?
Fear of having bike stolen
Location and type of bike stands

Things I fear the most as a cyclist:
Distracted drivers
City buses
Pick-up trucks with large side mirrors
Young children suddenly crossing my path
Pedestrians with head phones

Cycling driver dooring a cyclist

Driver education.

Why do I cycle?
Exercise
Pleasure
Shopping

Things I would like to see
Bike licensing ($5 per person vs bike we have 4 bikes)
Mandatory lights and bells
A cycling awareness program to cyclists, pedestrians, motor vehicle owners
Something on electric bicycles

The city is well into the construction of the Elgin Promenade – a bike/walking path that runs from Brant to Martha and will connect with the Centennial Path.

Elgin promenade

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City has begun to gather data that will be used to shape the Cycling Plan.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

February 4th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

City Hall is inviting the public to share their thoughts and ideas about what would improve cycling in Burlington.

The feedback will be used to help shape the city’s new Cycling Plan which will guide the future of cycling infrastructure in the city.

Burlington is at a unique time in its history. In the past, growth has meant the development of new neighbourhoods but growth in the future looks very different for Burlington because our city has very little room left for traditional suburban-type development.

Cycling survey photo

Cycling as the city seems to want to portray it. Is it a realistic picture?

Instead of growing out, Burlington City Council has made the decision to grow up and intensify in key urban areas. This direction, approved through the city’s Strategic Plan in April 2016, will enable Burlington to curb sprawl, protect the rural area and make efficient use of land and infrastructure.

The 2016 Census data shows Burlington grew by 7,535 people between 2011 and 2016 – a 4.3% overall growth rate. The provincial Places to Grow policy mandates that Burlington plan for a population of 193,000 by 2031, however, the city will reach this population number within the next few years.

As the city plans for future population growth with documents like the proposed new Official Plan and Mobility Hubs, it must also plan for how people will move through the city.

Over the last 30 years, Burlington’s transportation network has accommodated growth by building more roadways. This strategy is no longer sustainable. The city does not have the space to build new roadways and the financial cost to maintain a larger network of roads is significant.

A 21st century city is built around a different transportation model, one designed to provide people of all ages and abilities with more travel choices for things like walking, transit and cycling.

Burlington’s Cycling Plan was last updated in 2009. Since that time, the following cycling investments have been made:

Implementation of over 200 kilometers of on-road and off-road cycling infrastructure

Trail - CentennialFour metre-wide multi-use paths paved along hydro corridors

The New Street Pilot Project was an experiment to reduce road capacity and add on-road buffered bike lanes.

That idea didn’t work out; after considerable public reaction the city decided to abandon that initiative. What city hall learned was that is was going to have to be much more transparent when new initiatives are being brought forward.

Among current initiatives are:

Consideration given to include cycling facilities as part of all new road reconstruction projects with a preference for implementing on-road bike lanes

The use of bright green pavement markings at major intersections to clearly mark cycling lanes.

The new Cycling Plan will build on these successes and recommend new programs and policies that seek to provide safe, comfortable, and convenient routes for cyclists of all ages and abilities.

How do people feel about the use of bicycles.  The graphic represents where public opinion was in 2009.  Has it moved very much?

Cyclists by type

The Cycling Plan is now on the public engagement phase – gathering feedback that will be used to help shape the Cycling Plan.

What is confusing is the disparity between what city hall tells the public and what people see on the street.   The city uses a photograph of a relatively young person on a bike in the winter. Cyclist - winterAt the same time city hall and all the members of council tell the public that Burlington is becoming a city of seniors and that the seniors population is where the population growth is taking palace.

This citizen isn't smiling. Was she one of the hundreds that were basically locked in theoir homes during the five days of heavy winter weather because streets were not cleared?

This citizen isn’t smiling. Was she one of the hundreds that were basically locked in their homes during the five days of heavy winter weather because streets were not cleared?

Those seniors are for the most part not going to be riding bicycles.  Pushing walkers is what we will see on the streets,

Opportunities to participate are available through an online survey open until Feb. 23, 2018.
https://luraconsulting.mysocialpinpoint.com/citythatcycles#/

There will be a series of Drop-In events throughout the community.

Staff will be showing up all over the city seeking input and reaction.

Monday, Feb. 5, 6:30 – 9 a.m. – Nelson Recreation Centre,
Friday, Feb. 9 6 – 8 a.m. Appleby GO Station,
Friday, Feb. 9 – 4 – 7 p.m. Mountainside Community Centre,
Tuesday, Feb. 13 – 7 – 9:30 a.m. – Tansley Woods Community Centre,
Wednesday, Feb. 14 – 6 – 8 a.m. – Aldershot GO Station,
Wednesday, Feb. 14 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Brant Hills Community Centre,
Saturday, Feb. 17 – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mainway Recreation Centre

The number of Drop In events is impressive. These began at the end of January – six have taken place so far.

What the city has to learn is just how the public views the use of bicycles – are they a form of family exercise and part of the recreational plan or are they a form of transportation that will replace the car and at times be used instead of public transit.

The city has budgeted funds for where a cycling bridge over the QEW could best be located.

The Gazette is aware of one business person who keeps her bicycle in her office and uses it for short trips in the downtown core.  You are not going to see this lady biking to Hamilton.

Cycling Bus Bike Rack use

How heavily are the bike tacks on buses being used?

The extent of bicycle use the public is prepared to live with is the issue – hopefully city hall will not come up with any surprises.  The information gathering has to follow the education part – a major shift is going to take place in the way people get around their communities – the car has been the mode of choice for the past three or four decades – that is going to change and the public will have to understand why.

Failure to do that will see another uproar that will equal the reaction to the 23 storey high rise opposite city hall and the plan to turn New Street into a road that would have few lanes for cars and lanes on either side of the road for bicycles.

City Cycling Plan – 2009

The New street Road Diet kerfuffle.

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Angela Coughlan Pool - Service Disruption

notices100x100By Staff

January 18th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

Angela Coughlan Pool – Service Disruption

Angela Coughlan Leisure Swim on Thursday January 18 from 5:30-7:30pm has been cancelled due to a maintenance issue.

Angela Coughlan Pool

Angela Coughlan Pool

For alternative swim opportunities, please visit www.burlington.ca/play

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Walking soccer - a low impact sport - space available - $5 a game.

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

January 4th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Walking Soccer

When – Every Tuesday Morning Starting January 16th , 10 am to 11:30 am

Where – Sherwood Forest Domes

How Much – $5.00 per player/pay as you go

Anyone interested to email Gord King at gking@burlingtonsoccer.com to make sure we have enough players.
January 16th is free for everyone who registers their interest before January 8th.

Walking Soccer

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Georgetown resident was the one millionth 2017 visitor to a Conservation Halton location.

News 100 greenBy Staff

December 23rd, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It’s a day Jamie Leslie isn’t likely to forget.

She was at Kelso/Glen Eden with her Dad, Dave day on Friday when she was declared the one millionth visitor in 2017 to a Conservation Halton location.

The visits number includes those who have enjoyed recreational programs and services at Crawford Lake, Hilton Falls, Kelso / Glen Eden, Mount Nemo, Mountsberg, Rattlesnake Point and Robert Edmondson.

The Conservation people have been working towards that millionth visitor number for some time. Chief Administrative Officer Hassaan Basit and Director of Parks and Recreation Gene Matthews made the target number a must for the year.

Jayme Leslie millionth visit Cons Halton

Georgetown resident Jayme Leslie was the one millionth visit to a Conservation Halton location.

Jayme, a Georgetown resident, received a gift package which will give her and her family the opportunity to keep enjoying our parks in 2018 and beyond. The package included a Glen Eden Season pass for 2018-19, a Halton Parks Membership for one year, merchandise and maple syrup from Mountsberg.

Basit, who is intense, but not the kind of guy that goes over the top with his comments. On this occasion however he got excited and said: “As we approach the end of the year it is fantastic to be able to celebrate a milestone like one million visits and we would like to thank everyone who came to enjoy our beautiful conservation areas.”

Visitation at Conservation Halton’s conservation areas has grown steadily over the past few years. In 2013, visits went over the 800,000 level, and last year almost reached 1,000,000. During that time period, the number of visits to Hilton Falls, Mount Nemo and Rattlesnake Point has more than doubled as people are enjoying the scenic views from those parks which are each along the iconic Niagara Escarpment and other activities like hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing.

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City of Burlington asking for feedback on playground structures.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

December 22nd, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Not the best time of year to ask people to find a couple of minutes to respond to a city survey. Things are so busy that the supermarket in my part of town is going to be open until 11 pm tonight.

Nonetheless – know this: The City will be replacing 14 playgrounds over the next two years and is encouraging families who use the specific parks to complete a survey to say which kinds of playground features would be most wanted.

Beginning Dec. 28, 2017, city staff will be at nearby recreation centres asking for input.

The online survey is HERE and will be available until January, 31, 2018.

Park survey

Location of the 14 parks that will be upgraded in 2018

Playgrounds to be replaced in the next two years are:

1. Brada Woods Park, 5196 Brada Cr.
2. Breckon Park, 4471 Spruce Ave.
3. Brittany Park, 1370 Headon Rd.
4. Champlain Park, 2101 Mountain Grove Ave.
5. Cumberland Park, 562 Cumberland Ave.
6. DesJardines Park, 1811 Imperial Way
7. LaSalle Park, 50 North Shore Blvd.
8. Maple Community Park, 750 Maple Ave.
9. Maplehurst Public School, 481 Plains Rd. E.
10. Optimist Park, 2131 Prospect St.
11. Sheraton Park, 594 Sheraton Rd.
12. Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Rd.
13. Sycamore Park, 3157 Centennial Dr.
14. Tansley Woods Park, 4100 Kilmer Dr.

Chris Glenn, director of Parks and Recreation explains that: “The survey results will be used to create plans for the parks that will be specific to that park. Talk to your kids about what kinds of play structures they like. Ask them if they prefer straight or curving slides, monkey bars, poles, swings and other fun, interactive equipment.”

The survey questionnaire runs 17 pages – we will run it again in the New Year when you have more time for this kind of thing.

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Cougars battling to hold their own in the Ontario Junior Hockey League.

sportsred 100x100By Pat Shields

December 20th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

After two disappointing losses against the Jr. Canadiens and Patriots last weekend, the Burlington Cougars battled back with a strong effort on Friday night at Appleby Ice Centre against the North York Rangers. The Cougars looked to mount a late game comeback after two 2nd period power play goals put the Rangers ahead, but the push came up short with the Cougars dropping their 3rd straight game, 2-1.

“The last two games the work ethic that we demand wasn’t there, and it was a lot better tonight I thought,” Cougars head coach Terry Richardson said following the game.

Burlington came out with a strong effort in the 1st period, neutralizing North York’s strong and physical play to the tune of a scoreless draw after 20 minutes.

Cougars - Rangers take it 2-1The Cougars and their 17th ranked penalty kill found themselves in some trouble in the second stanza, surrendering powerplay goals to Dante Fantauzzi and Grayden Gottschalk in the latter portions of the period.

The Cougars made things interesting with a 3rd period push, out-shooting the Rangers 16-6 in the frame and breaking the shutout with under a minute to play on Josiah Degazon’s 6th goal of the season. That is as far as they could climb though, dropping their record to 0-3 vs. the Rangers this season.

“They’re one of the top teams in the league – older, big, strong and they play well together. No one likes to lose, but we can see some of the things we work on every day in practice coming into the game now,” Richardson said. “We out shot them in the 3rd period, we just have to bury some of our chances.”

Richardson’s team will enjoy a couple more days off before they host the Mississauga Chargers on Monday afternoon at Appleby Ice Centre, and look to snap their 3-game losing streak. Puck drop will be a 2:00pm.

Note: The December 17th game against the Kingston Voyageurs has been postponed to Monday, January 15 at 1:00pm at Appleby Ice Centre.

The Burlington Cougars are a Canadian Junior “A” ice hockey team from Burlington, Ontario. They are a part of the Ontario Junior Hockey League.

 

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