 By 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.
 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
 By 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.
 The 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 – 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.
 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 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.
By 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.
 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:
 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.
 “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
 “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!”
By 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.
 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.
 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.
 By 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.
 Each 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.
 The 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.
 By Staff
March 1st, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
 It 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.
By 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.
 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.
 That 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.
 February 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.
 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.
 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.
 By 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:
 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.
 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
 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.
By 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 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
 Four 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?
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.  At 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 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.
 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.
 By 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 For alternative swim opportunities, please visit www.burlington.ca/play
By 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.
By 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.
 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.
By 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.
 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.
By 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.
 The 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.
By Pepper Parr
December 19th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
In the world of politics – timing is everything – where more can happen in a week than takes a year in most sectors of endeavour.
The Gazette received a media release from the Region earlier today announcing that they will receive more than $1.8 million in funding for new bike lanes, multi-use trails and other cycling infrastructure improvements from the provincial government’s Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling (OMCC) fund. The City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills and the Town of Oakville were also among 120 municipalities that received the funding.
 Hopefully not as much as a dime of this new cycling funding will get spent on New Street. The Region were the people that dug the road up to put in new water-mains. Whew, said the editorial team at the Gazette – imagine if that funding announcement had arrives two weeks ago – the New Street Road Diet might have survived.
The Region will use this funding to expand the Region’s cycling infrastructure. These investments will help improve cyclist safety and make cycle commuting a more appealing option for Halton residents. Accessible cycling infrastructure will also help reduce the reliance on motor vehicles and contribute to cleaner air across Ontario.
 There are still a lot of cars on the roads but cyclists are claiming some of that space – and the push is on to make more room for those who want to use their bikes in a safe environment. “Through Halton’s Active Transportation Master Plan, we have already built approximately 190 kilometers of on-road exclusive bike lanes and paved shoulders along Regional roads for residents to safely bike on,” said Halton Regional Chair, Gary Carr. “With this funding from the OMCC, we will be able to build on our successes and continue to offer cyclists a safe, convenient way to get around Halton Region.”
Given that it is the Region that got the funding – there isn’t much hope of their passing any of it along to the municipalities. Hopefully the Region will decide to spend some of the money on widening the shoulders of Walkers Line so that cyclists can use the road and not be in any danger from those driving vehicles.
 Guelph Line just north of the Lowville Bistro – can this part of the road be widened for cyclists? Spending some of those dollars on Guelph Line – at least up to Collard Road where the trucks turn west to get to the quarry – it is really tough to share the road with an 18 wheeler,
 Walkers Line where it intersects with the 1st side Road. There are no shoulders on this road for cyclists This investment from the province is part of Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan and is funded by the province’s cap on pollution and carbon market. Translated that is the increased prices at the gas pumps.
The Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling Program builds on Ontario’s Cycling Tourism Plan: Tour by Bike and the Ontario Municipal Cycling Infrastructure Program.
By Staff
December 19th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Glen Eden is preparing for its best opening week conditions in recent memory!
Cold December temperatures have allowed Glen Eden’s snowmaking team to make snow day and night over the last 10 days. The hills will be set to open this Thursday, December 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Glen Eden expects to be fully operational with all lifts and trails open. The Learning Centres and the Terrain Parks will also be ready.
 A really exhilarating view. The trip down is a real high. Glen Eden is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. except for December 25 when it will be closed for the day. The latest information can be found on the Glen Eden website, www.gleneden.on.ca, as to which runs and lifts will be open, as well as the Terrain Park location, number of features and other details.
“The team at Glen Eden is looking forward to welcoming skiers and snowboarders for another fantastic season,” said Gene Matthews, Director, Parks and Recreation. “Our snowmaking team has been working around the clock to get the hill ready with the best conditions possible. We are confident all visitors will be pleased with our surface conditions whether they are learning to ski or snowboard, out enjoying some runs with family and friends, or throwing it down in the Terrain Park.”
 All the lifts are in great working order – ready for the first skiers on Thursday. In the last ten years, Glen Eden has been open before Christmas seven times, Boxing Day once and December 27 the other. The only time in the last ten years Glen Eden did not open until January was 2016. Opening date that year was January 8 during an el nino winter.
Glen Eden is home to one of the largest Learning Centres in Ontario, with a wide variety of lessons and programs for all ages and abilities. There are two Christmas Camps during the holidays. Camp #1 starts on Boxing Day, and Camp #2 starts January 2, 2018. Group lesson programs run starting on Boxing Day, there are also private and semi-private options. Visit the Glen Eden website, www.gleneden.on.ca, or call Visitor Services at 905-878-5011, ext. 1221, for more information.
 Glen Eden: They have been laying down snow for the past ten days – conditions will be great for the Thursday opening. The Terrain Park is where a lot of the action happens at Glen Eden. The “Big” Parks, Nighthawk and Falcon have upwards of 40 of the most progressive features dedicated to these two runs during peak season. Glen Eden has lots of options for keeping things fresh while pushing your limits and developing your skills.
Christmas Theme Day – December 23
Skiers and snowboarders are invited to celebrate the holidays a few days early during Opening Weekend at Glen Eden at the Christmas Theme Day on Saturday, December 23. Visitors can join in the fun and help us decorate our On-Slope Christmas Trees on the Learning Centre. Wear your Santa hats, ugly Christmas sweaters and bring your sweet tooth for some candy canes. Keep your eye out for a special guest in a red suit while enjoying the slopes at Glen Eden!
New Year’s Eve Ski & Dine – December 31
Join us for New Year’s Eve on the slopes, for music, s’mores, campfire, a ginger ale toast, dinner and more from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. The Ski & Dine package is $39 per person and includes lift ticket and dinner in the West Lodge. New Year’s Eve dinner will be snacks, salad, pasta, dessert and soft drinks. Reservations are required. New Year’s Eve Ski & Dine tickets can be purchased on the website www.gleneden.on.ca or at the Visitor Centre by December 26, 2017.
 She’s ready! Glen Eden’s Discover Skiing and Snowboarding is a lesson program for first timers and beginners and are available starting this weekend. During the season, Discover is offered weekends, holidays, and March Break from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and 6 to 9 p.m. on non-holiday weeknights. Glen Eden’s snow pros will help ensure you learn the basics – equipment, stopping and turning. By the time you complete the program you should be ready for the big hills. Discover is available on a first-come, first-serve basis unless you’re 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 located on Kelso Road, near Tremaine Road and Highway 401, and is a 20 minute drive from Mississauga, Burlington and Hamilton and is operated by Conservation Halton. During the season, Glen Eden is open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. for skiing and snowboarding with the Snow Tube Park open on the weekends. For more information visit the Glen Eden website, www.gleneden.on.ca, or call 905-878-5011.
 By Staff
December 19th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Not just a bunch of Old Timers strapping on the shin pads the Burlington Old Timers Hockey Club looks for situations where some help is needed and find a way to have a good time and help out others.
They did that late in November with a Christmas Dance at the Legion and raised $3,575 for 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 SpeakEasy, featuring Lloyd Millar, from our White division and as a Special Guest Singer/Performer, 16 year- old Alyssa MacKenzie joined the band for a few songs.
Through player donations, prize table raffle tickets and a delicious Christmas Home Baked goods table the league was able to raise $3,575 for the Burlington Food Bank to help them with their ongoing contribution to our community!
 Shown here are the BOWSER Babes, BOD members, League Convenors, and Colin Ashdown (event organizer) presenting Robin Bailey (Burlington Food Bank) with a cheque for $3,575 The Food Bank is committed to ensure that no one in Burlington struggles with hunger. They provide food to those in need. In order to do that they need funding – the Oldtimers came through.
By Staff
December 6th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Parks and Recreation department appears to now have a marketing unit.
They are offering rentals at up to 40% Off during the holiday season.
Starting December 1st, through to January 7, 2018, all Ice, Gyms, Pools, Auditoriums and Community Rooms will be on sale. For more information and terms and conditions: visit burlington.ca/rentals.
Some of the $$ off opportunities are:
By Staff
November 23rd, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Parents never stop being proud of their kids. You see it at the Christmas concert when those grade fivers are on the stage singing their little hearts out.
You see it at graduations and of course at their weddings.
 Dave Foxcroft to referee the 105th Grey Cup game. Ron Foxcroft is wearing one of those million dollar smiles when he tells people that one of his boy’s, Dave, is going to officiate at the 105TH Grey Cup game on Sunday, November 26th at TD Place.
Ron doesn’t mention that the Tiger Cats didn’t make the cut this year
This group of officials were the highest rated officials at their respective positions during the 2017 season.
Referee: #30, Dave Foxcroft. This will be his 18th Season as a referee; he has worked 273 Games – this will be his 5th Grey Cup Game.
Ron’s comment – pretty neat!
No comment from his Mom – she would have said ditto!
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