By Staff
June 4, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Bandits (1-8) dropped both games of a double-header to the Hamilton Cardinals (3-9) both by scores of 8-5 in front of 647 Bandits’ fans at Nelson Park.
Hamilton started the scoring early in the first game by bringing home Geoffrey Seto off two wild pitches by Jack Dennis (0-2).
 647 people at a Bandits ball game is some kind of a record.
The Bandits would get on the board in the second bringing in five runs off a RBI single by Justin Gideon and walks by Shawn Mayhew and Julian Johnson.
The Cardinals would come alive in the following innings, putting up two runs in the 3rd, 4th and 5th to bring the lead to 7-5.
The Cardinals would add a run in the final inning to seal the win. Cardinals Jonathan Palumbo (2-0) would take the win.
Game two saw a much more even affair as the contest went to extra innings. The Cardinals would open up the scoring in the first driving in two runs off a Connor Bowie RBI single.
The Bandits would respond down 3-0 in the third with a four run inning. John Whaley would drive in a run with a single, followed by Canice Ejoh RBI single and a Carlos Villoria single that would drive in two runs to bring the score to 4-3.
The game would become tied in the 6th with a single by Jonathan Palumbo to score Marcus Dicenzo.
The game would remain tied through the 9th inning before the Cardinals exploded in the 10th with a four run inning to take the win once again 8-5.
Burlington’s Christian Hauck would take the loss going 4.1 innings while giving up five hits and four runs with two strikeouts and two walks. Hamilton’s Jonathan Palumbo would take the win going 4.0 innings allowing one unearned run and striking out one.
Burlington replaces Hamilron as the team in the league holding to the bottom rung.
Panthers Win 6-2 Saturday over Guelph
The Kitchener Panthers beat the Guelph Royals 6-2 Saturday to win their ninth of their last 10 games.
The game was tied 3-0 after the opening inning and remained the same until the fifth when the Royals got on the board with one run.
Kitchener would add more insurance in the 6th with three runs and would never look back as they kept the Royals to only one more run in the 7th to take the game 6-2.
Panther’s starter Noelvis Entenza (3-1) took the win going 6.0 winnings striking out seven batters and allowing two runs. Royal’s starter Adrian Yuen (0-1) took the loss allowing three earned runs in 0.2 innings pitched.
Red Sox Offence Explodes in 17-5 win over Baycats
The Brantford Red Sox bats were hot Saturday night as they recorded multiple runs in five innings.
The Sox would start early with a three run lead after a sacrifice fly by Brandon Dailey and an RBI double by Jeff Hunt.
The Red Sox would continue in the third with two runs before exploding with a five run inning in the fourth following four hits and two walks to score runs, a RBI single by Ben Bostick and a sacrifice fly by Brandon Dailey.
Brantford would follow the fourth with three runs in the fifth including a two run home run and four runs in the sixth to seal the win.
Barrie’s offensive highlights include home runs by Ryan Spataro and Jordan Castaldo but it wouldn’t be enough to stop the Red Sox.
Brantford’s starter Grant Tebbit (1-1) took the win going 7.0 innings allowing three earned runs while striking out three and walking two. Barrie’s Nate Arruda (0-3) took the loss putting 3.0 innings of work allowing four earned runs with three strikeouts and three walks.
UPCOMING GAMES
Sunday, June 5th
Guelph at London; 1:05 PM
Burlington at Toronto; 2:00 PM
Brantford at Kitchener; 2:00 PM
Barrie at Hamilton; 2:00 PM
By Staff
June 3, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Bandits tried to shake off last week’s heartbreaking extra inning loss. At least, that was the hope. The reality was a 12-1 blowout delivered by Guelph, sending the Bandits (1-6) back to the drawing board on a three-game losing streak.
 Bandits owner Scott Robertson – in full array, wonders if taking a bat in his hands will help the team.
The highlights were few and far between for the Bandits; the Royals dominated with a five run inning in the second that included a grand slam by Chandler McLaren.
Burlington starter Liam Munshi (0-1) struggled, giving up seven runs in 1.1 innings of work. The right hander gave up home runs to Guelph’s Keegan Marsden.
The Bandits collected just four hits in the game. The Guelph Royals pounded out 10 base knocks – five of them for extra bases.
Guelph’s starter Richard Gill took home the win for the Royals going 7.0 innings only allowing four hits and one earned run.
The Bandits are now 1-6
UPCOMING GAMES
Friday, June 3rd
London at Hamilton; 7:30 PM
Toronto at Brantford; 8:00 PM
Saturday, June 4th
Hamilton at Burlington; 1:05 PM (Double Header)
Kitchener at Guelph; 1:00 PM
Brantford at Barrie; 7:00 PM
By Staff
May 31st, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
On Friday, June 10, 2016, students from the Halton District School Board will participate in the 29th annual Special Athletes’ Track Meet at Craig Kielburger Secondary School, 1151 Ferguson Drive, Milton. The track meet for athletes with physical and developmental challenges will take place from 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
When the event initially began, 29 years ago, there were only 12 special athletes participating. Coaches, school staff and home school peers, friends, family members and volunteers provided support and encouragement for the athletes. This year, more than 300 special athletes are expected to participate – a remarkable increase in participation during the event’s 29-year history.
The Special Athletes’ events will include 50m/100m/400m races, softball throw, slalom – wheelchair or ambulatory (non-wheelchair), long jump – wheelchair (independent) or ambulatory, precision throw beanbag, precision Bocce, T-ball, traditional Bocce and Frisbee.
This event provides Special Athletes with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and celebrate their successes with fellow students, friends and family.
The Optimists Clubs of Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville and Burlington will once again be donating and serving hot dogs, hamburgers, cold drinks, and freezies at the meet.
By Pepper Parr
May 31st, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
How does a large national organization with a brand that is instantly recognized and at one point had a currency that was unique to them work with community organization to help out?
Everyone knows about Canadian Tire and when groups in the community are looking for help and support they frequently ask Canadian Tire.
The requests can get out of hand – how do you say no?
The daughter of the founder of the Canadian Tire operation, Martha Billies came up with an idea that would raise funds to help pay for sports equipment for children whose parents could not afford the price.
She called it Jumpstart which is now in its 11th year.
Brad Gordon, general manager at the Burlington Canadian Tire, explained how it works and some of the funny quirks that crop up when people work at helping each other.
 While the focus was supposed to be on the fish in the pond – both boys kept looking at all those bicycles
The store set up small play stations throughout the sprawling location and let people just bump into them. There was a free pop corn station, a fishing station and a BBQ stand.
The BBQ station was manned by volunteers from the Ontario correctional service. “These guys have been coming to this event for the past three years – this is the way they volunteer and give back to their community” said Glenn Butt, owner of the franchise who explained that every penny raised goes into the Jumspart fund. All the administrative costs are paid for by the corporation.
The distribution of the funds is done by local chapters that include organizations like the YM and YWCA, the Children’s Aid and Halton Woman’s Place. There are five intake organizations that determine where the needs are.
Harry Bell chairs the chapter that takes care of needs in the Halton – Hamilton communities.
Brad Gibson, store manager in Burlington, moves about the store on a Saturday afternoon seeing much more than most people see with his very practiced eye.
 They look pretty tough – they should be – they are officers from the Ontario Correctional Service but last Saturday they were a couple of pussy cats serving burgers to people who were donating to the Jumpstart fund.
He explained that within the Canadian Tire organization there is a high level of competition between the different stores to see who can raise the most at the store level. The Burlington store placed second last year in its market area.
Commercial organizations like Canadian Tire are a focal point for the community – much of what people need to comfortably live their lives is found on their shelves. The company uses their brand to help groups raise funds and contributes in its own way to helping people who need help.
 The growth of the Jumpstart fund has been impressive – every dollar collected in the Burlington community is spent in the Burlington community – and the administrative costs are picked up by the Canadian Tire corporation.
During the annual drive for Christmas gifts – The Toys for Tots – frequently referred to as “Cram a cruiser” we had people coming into the store buying a dozen hockey sticks and putting them in the police cruiser and walking back to their car – they didn’t stop to talk – they just gave. A number of people walk to that police cruiser with their arms filled with stuffed toys.”
“This is a very generous community”.
All the results for the 2016 Jumpstart haven’t been tallied yet – the traffic looked pretty good on Saturday and those correctional officers said they were doing a brisk business.
By Pat Shields
May 29, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Bandits (1-5) found themselves in tight this past weekend, with consecutive losses in heart breaking, extra inning fashion.
On May 27 Burlington relinquished a 6-4 lead in the 9th inning, and ultimately fell 7-6 to the Brantford Red Sox (4-2) in a 4 hour and 19 minute game. Just over 12 hours later, the Bandits dropped another close matchup to the defending champion Barrie Baycats (4-2) by a score of 4-3.
Despite the two tough losses against strong opponents, Bandits field manager Jeff Lounsbury felt confident with his team’s performance and execution in both games.
“We played well – we pitched well and we hit well against two tough teams. Unfortunately, I think our next curve is to learn how to win those games,” Lounsbury said.
It took the Red Sox 12 innings to beat the Bandits on Friday night, with Brantford second baseman Benjamin Bostick singling in the winning run. After holding a 6-4 lead in the ninth inning, Brantford scored two runs on a triple by third baseman Ricky Murray to extend the game.
Ryan Beckett (0-1) got the start for the Bandits, going five innings and surrendering four earned runs on six hits. Beckett also struck out two and walked two batters before giving way to the bullpen. Reliever Alex Nolan (0-1) ultimately took the loss, following three Red Sox hits in the 12th inning.
Red Sox pitcher Tanner Guindon (2-0) notched his second victory against the Bandits this season, after pitching 2.2 innings and allowing just one hit. Although Burlington struck out a season-high 18 times on Friday, they also registered 13 hits.
Bandits’ outfielder Justin Gideon led the way, going 5/6 with two runs scored and one RBI. Following Saturday’s game Lounsbury spoke highly of Gideon’s play as of late, specifically his approach at the plate.
“He’s starting to make the adjustment that he needed to make. He made a correction and it looks like it’s showing already,” Lounsbury said.
In their Saturday afternoon matchup with the Barrie Baycats, the Bandits got an early start, scoring two runs in the 1st inning on a triple by left fielder John Whaley.
Burlington once again held a two run lead, until a 3-run homerun by Barrie third baseman Jordan Castaldo put the Baycats ahead 3-2 in the 6th inning. The Bandits rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the 9th on an infield single by pinch hitter Brad McQuinn.
 If attitude wins games and coaxing a better performance from the coach really works – the Bandits should break through any day now. We’re waiting. They are currently one place away from the bottom of the league.
However, Barrie took a 4-3 lead the very next inning on a sacrifice fly by second baseman Conner Morro and didn’t look back.
Bandits reliever Brandon Hillier (0-1) took the loss despite allowing just one hit in his 2.1 innings of work. Starting pitcher Jack Dennis (0-1) looked strong in his 7.2 inning outing for the Bandits, with Castaldo’s long-ball being his only blemish on the day.
“Our starting pitching has been great and our bullpen has done a great job,” Lounsbury said. “You could tell we were a little tired today energy-wise, but that’s no excuse.”
After Baycats starting pitcher Matthew St. Kitts (1-0) left the game with an injury in the 6th inning, three Baycats’ relievers combined to limit the Bandits to just four hits, with Chris Nagorski (1-0) getting the win. The Bandits once again struggled with their plate discipline, striking out 16 times on the day.
“We’re continuing to work on it,” Lounsbury said of his team’s strikeout frequency. “We’re starting to barrel up the ball a little bit better.”
Burlington will look to break back into the win column on Thursday, June 2 when they welcome the Guelph Royals (2-5) to town.
First pitch will be at 7:30pm at Nelson Park.
The Bandits are putting on a Youth Baseball Day Saturday June 4th starting at 9:00 am
Pancake breakfast
Skills and drills with Bandits players
UPCOMING GAMES
Tuesday, May 31
Guelph at Hamilton; 7:30 pm
Barrie at London; 7:45 pm
Wednesday, June 1
Kitchener at Toronto; 7:30 pm
Barrie at Brantford; 8:00 pm
Thursday, June 2
London at Kitchener; 7:30 pm
Guelph at Burlington; 7:30 pm
By Staff
May 28, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
In Burlington, the Bandits forced extra innings with a ninth inning run before the Barrie Baycats scored in the 10th inning to take a 4-3 victory on Connor Morro’s sacrifice fly.
The Baycats are now win 4-2 and in a four-way tie for second place while the Bandits sit seventh at 1-5.
Morro led the Baycats with four hits while Jordan Castaldo hit a three run homer in the sixth inning to give Barrie a 3-2 lead. Tony Hyrnkiw also added two hits.
John Whaley’s two run triple in the first gave Burlington a 2-0 lead. Jim Martin add three hits for the Bandits.
Winning pitcher Chris Nagorski (1-0) pitched the final two six innings, giving up one run on three hits with two strikeouts. Starter Matt St. Kitts went five innings, allowing only three hits with three walks and nine strikeouts.
Burlington starter Jack Dennis went 7.2 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits with three walks and four strikeouts. Reliever Brandon Hillier (0-1) took the loss, pitching 2.1 innings allowing only one hit, one walk and two strikeouts.
The Burlington Bandits are one above Hamilton in the InterCounty Baseball League.
By Staff
May 27, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
Aldershot Arena has now reopened for scheduled rentals and programs.
The arena was closed on April 22 to allow for electrical system replacement following a transformer issue.
By Staff
May 27th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Kitchener Panthers are on a winning streak – they pounded out 17 hits en route to a 14-3 victory over the Hamilton Cardinals and an unblemished 6-0 record to sit atop the Intercounty Baseball League.
The Cardinals are now 0-6 and still seeking their first win.
The weekend schedule for the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) is as follows:
 Good family time when the Burlington Bandits play to the hometown boosters. Price is certainly right.
Friday, May 27
Guelph at Hamilton, 7:30 p.m.
Toronto at London 7:35 p.m.
Burlington at Brantford, 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 28
Barrie at Burlington, 1:00 p.m.
Brantford at Guelph, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 29
Brantford at London, 1:05 p.m.
Hamilton at Toronto, 2:00 p.m.
Barrie at Kitchener, 2:00 p.m.
Burlington Bandit games take place at the Nelson stadium tucked in behind Nelson High school – plenty of parking – but leave your car well back from the field – foul balls tend to bounce off the hood or the roof of parked cars.
By Staff
May 26, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
More than 30 local schools across the city have signed up to participate in Bike to School Week, a Metrolinx initiative that encourages local teachers and students to use active transportation for their daily commute to school between May 30 and June 3.
We have a question – why is Metrolinx doing this – they run the GO train service.
 School board trustee Andrea Grebenc wants to see every students using a bike to get to school.
This should be a local initiative – by either the city or the school board – both would be great. School board trustee Andrea Grebenc wants every student on a bicycle.
“This event is a great way to encourage more kids and adults to leave the car at home for short distance trips,” said Vito Tolone, the city’s director of transportation. “We have seen a 600 per cent increase in the number of schools participating from 2015.”
Schools that registered for Bike to School Week by May 6 were entered into a draw for a chance to win one of 20 bike racks, provided by Healthy Kids Community Challenge Burlington and the city.
The winning schools that will be getting a bike rack are:
Aldershot Elementary School
Alton Village Public School
CH Norton Public School
Charles R. Beaudoin Public School
Dr. Charles Best Public School
Gary Allan High School (STEP Program)
Glenview Public School
Lakeshore Public School
Maplehurst Public School
Mohawk Gardens Public School
Pauline Johnson Public School
Rolling Meadows Public School
Sacred Heart of Jesus Elementary School
Sir Ernest MacMillan Public School
St. Gabriel Elementary School
St. John Elementary School
St. Mark Elementary School
St. Paul Elementary School
St. Raphael Elementary School
Tom Thomson Public School
 This is a school in need of a bike rack.
Schools that register for Bike to School Week before June 1 still have an opportunity to be entered into a draw to win a Can-Bike rodeo for their school in the 2016-17 school year.
“Being active on their way to and from school not only helps children get to know their community better but also improves their health,” said Chris Glenn, the city’s director of parks and recreation. “Active transportation is fundamental to building a healthy community.”
For contest rules and regulations, please visit www.healthykidsburlon.ca. To register for Bike to School Week, visit www.biketoschoolweek.ca.
By Pepper Parr
May 25, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The bike lobbyists have made their mark and cycling lanes are now real and most of the people behind the wheel of a car have come to realize that they are going to have to share the road. Finally!
 New Street is a major street in the city – putting safe separate bike lanes on it makes sense.
Now – what kind of bike lanes?
Public safety and cost will be the considerations. The car still prevails in this city and it will be difficult for this council to spend the dollars for what is really needed – and that is a bike lane that is separate from traffic.
When people are out cycling they should not be in any fear at all for their lives.
Most of New Street can accommodate a bike lane that is off the roadway and completely safe for younger people who are not yet completely confident on their bikes, a place where seniors who might wobble a bit will not have to fear that they will slip into passing traffic.
 Councillor Jack Dennison, on the right, with members of the Mayor’s Millennial advisory committee in th background talks to a resident about the bike lanes. Little doubt where Dennison is on bike lanes – will he go along with the completely safe and separate lanes.
City council will probably go along with bike lanes – something they couldn’t muster the courage to do when the debate was over putting in dedicated bike lanes on Lakeshore Road. The Mayor was for the idea when it was being debated at standing committee but lost the courage he had when it got to city council.
There were some pretty simplistic and quite frankly stupid arguments put forward at the time by people who should have known better.
Citizens should not expect their city council to make this happen – it is going to be up to the cycling lobby to show up in force as delegations and for the members of the Mayor’s new millennial advisory committee to say – enough – get on with it and do the right thing.
It is pretty clear that there is an appetite for bike lanes on New Street – what kind is the issue.
The price tag for the right kind of bike lane comes in at $3.96 million – not cheap but worth the price when you think of the parent that will be racked with fear when they hear on the radio that a child on a bike has been struck by a passing pickup truck that had wide mirrors – and they have children that use their bikes.
We are stick with cars for some time yet – the Mayor recently said that New Street is the street he drives on most in the city. Council needs to make sure that the bike lanes put in are the safest possible.
That isn’t going to be easy with price tags that range between $3.96 million to $940,000 and a low figure of $250,000 for the different options.
You will hear people talk about the $3.96 million being a Cadillac version – it isn’t – it is the safest version.
 This sidewalk – North side of New Street looking east from Robert Bateman high school as made for bike lanes.
 South side of New street doesn’t have the same width – but the potential is there to widen.
Bob Jerk, one of the city engineers explained to this reporter that in parts of the city the space already exists – “Right outside this high school, which I attended” he said.
The pictures are worth a thousand words.
By Staff
May 22, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The position on the score board is looking quite a bit better.
The Burlington Bandits scored four runs in the ninth to break open their game against Hamilton and win 10-5.
Julian Johnson had three of the Bandits’ 15 hits. Justin Gideon, Shawn Mayhew, Kevin Hussey, Carlos Villoria and Nolan Pettipiece all had two hits. Pettipiece added two RBI, Villoria and Mayhew each drove in a run, and Gideon scored three runs.
Christian Huack (1-0) picked up the win with three innings of relief. He allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits, walking three and striking out five.
 Finally – a win on the scoreboard.
Starter Ryan Beckett went five innings and allowed two runs on four hits. He struck out five and walked two.
For Hamilton, Chris Beer had two hits, two RBI and two runs. Kyle Adoranti drove in a pair of runs, Darek Bishop had an RBI, and Marcus Dicenzo had two hits and two runs.
Benson Merritt (0-1) took the loss, allowing two runs (none earned) on four hits in five innings of relief, walking two and striking out two.
Tim Black started, going three innings and giving up five runs on eight hits, striking out one and walking one.
Burlington improved to 1-3, and Hamilton fell to 0-5.
Toronto Maple Leafs won 8-6 over the Brantford Red Sox Sunday afternoon.
Toronto improved to 3-1 and Brantford fell to 2-1.
The Kitchener Panthers kicked off their home schedule with 21 runs and 27 hits in a 21-1 rout of the Guelph Royals Sunday afternoon.
Kitchener improved to 4-0, while Guelph dropped to 1-3.
The London Majors and Barrie Baycats split a doubleheader Sunday afternoon in Barrie.
Baycats took the first game 3-2
In Game 2, London starter Elis Jimenez (1-0) threw a seven-inning four-hit shutout as the Majors won 4-0. Jimenez struck out three and walked four.
London is 3-1 and Barrie 2-2.
Upcoming games:
Monday, May 23
Kitchener at Guelph, 1 p.m.
By Staff
May 21, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Bandits are not the only team in the Inter-County Baseball League who have yet to win a baseball game so far this season; Hamilton shares that honour with the Bandits. Maybe it’s the water in this end of the lake?
The Kitchener Panthers hit four home runs in their 12-1 win over the Burlington Bandits Saturday afternoon.
 The Bandit batters showed up – they just didn’t manage to round all the bases very often.
Sean Reilly hit two longballs and added a single. He had three RBI and three runs. David Whiteside had a home run, two RBI and three runs, and Darren Saunders had a pinch hit solo blast.
Frank Camilo Morejon drove in three on a pair of doubles and scored a run, and Tanner Nivins had two hits and a run.
Eric Hall (1-0) threw five shutout innings, allowing five hits while striking out three and walking one.
Carlos Villoria had a single and double for the Bandits. Canice Ejoh scored the team’s lone run in the sixth inning.
Barinder Rakkar (0-1) took the loss, giving up seven runs (four earned) on four hits over three innings. He walked four and struck out three.
Kitchener improved to 3-0, and Burlington dropped to 0-3.
Toronto Maple Leafs edge the Guelph Royals in ninth
GUELPH – Jonathan Solazzo scored on a bases loaded walk in the the top of the ninth inning as the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Guelph Royals 6-5 Saturday afternoon.
Justin Marra came to the plate after a single, hit by pitch and walk and walked on a full count to bring in the winning run. Solazzo had three hits, an RBI and run, while Grant Tamane and Dan Marra each had a hit and RBI. Will Richards had an RBI and Ryan White added a pair of hits.
Dillan Mulholland (1-0) threw 171 pitches in a complete game. He allowed four earned runs on six hits, walking six and striking out eight.
Chandler McLaren, Richard Gill, Aaron Loder and Brendan Power each drove in a run for Guelph.
Ryan Greco took the loss, giving up two runs on two hits in 2.1 innings of relief. He walked four and struck out one. Starter Matt Schmidt got two outs, allowing a run on a hit and walking two while striking out one.
Toronto improved to 2-1, and Guelph fell to 1-2.
Brantford Red Sox leave Hamilton in the dust with their convincing 15-1 win over the Cardinals
past Cardinals BRANTFORD – Ricky Murray and Nate Burdett each drove in four runs to pace the Brantford Red Sox to a 15-1 win over the Hamilton Cardinals Saturday afternoon.
Murray and Burdett each had two of the team’s 20 hits, and Murray also scored twice. Leadoff batter Benjamin Bostick had three hits, three RBI and three runs. Tyler Patzalek had three hits and scored three times, Brandon Dailey went 4-for-4 with an RBI and two runs, Dan Jagdeo drove in a run on two hits, and Graham Tebbit had three hits and two runs.
Nathan Forer (1-0) picked up the win, allowing one run on four hits over six innings, striking out eight and walking two.
For Hamilton, Tyler Hardie and Jason deVos each had two hits.
Kyle Adoranti (0-1) went two innings, giving up nine runs on eight hits, walking three and striking out two.
Brantford improved to 2-0, and Hamilton dropped to 0-4.
Upcoming games:
Sunday, May 22
London at Barrie, 1 p.m.
Burlington at Hamilton, 2 p.m.
Guelph at Kitchener, 2 p.m.
Brantford at Toronto, 2 p.m.
London at Barrie, 3:30 p.m.
Monday, May 23
Kitchener at Guelph, 1 p.m.
By Staff
May 20, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
This is nice news – the arrival of some warmer weather means the opening of the city’s splash pads on Saturday, May 21 followed by pools beginning June 18.
 The Nelson pool – which won’t be open this year.
“Splash pads and pools provide a fun way to spend a summer day,” said Chris Glenn, the city’s director of parks and recreation. “As the warmer temperatures return, the city’s nine splash pads and six pools will provide families with a quick and easy way to cool off all summer long and to stay active together.”
A complete list of splash pads can be found at www.burlington.ca/swimming.
Pool Openings
The summer swimming season opening dates include:
June 18
• Mountainside Recreation Centre – Outdoor Pool and Splash Park
• LaSalle Outdoor Wading Pool and Splash Pad
June 30
• Angela Coughlan Pool
• Burlington Centennial Pool
• Tansley Woods Community Centre
July 4
• Aldershot Pool
 Michelle Benoit – getting in some pool time last year.
The outdoor pool and splash pad at Nelson Park will be closed this summer for construction. All swimming programs have been accommodated at other city facilities. For updates about the replacement of the outdoor pool at Nelson Park, please visit www.burlington.ca/nelson.
If you have questions contact staff at swimming@burlington.ca.
By Staff
May 20th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
This does not look good for the Burlington Bandits – two games played; two games lost and two games rained out.
The Brantford Red Sox plastered the Bandits 6-0 Thursday night.
Brantford used five pitchers to scatter five hits with two walks and 11 strikeouts. Matt Martinow pitched the first three innings, giving up one hit while walking a pair and striking out three.
Tanner Guindon (1-0) picked up the win, striking out three without walking a batter over two innings. He allowed one hit.
Brantford improves to 1-0, while Burlington drops to 0-2.
Upcoming games:
Friday, May 20
Hamilton at London, 7:35 p.m.
Saturday, May 21
Kitchener at Burlington, 1 p.m.
Toronto at Guelph, 1 p.m.
Hamilton at Brantford, 2 p.m.
By Staff
May 19th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Tansley Woods pool is closed for the remainder of the day due to an unforseen maintenance issue. The pool is expected to reopen at 6:00 a.m. on Friday May 20, 2016
The following programs are cancelled:
• Combo Lap Swim 10:30am-noon
• Lap Swim Noon – 1:30 p.m.
• Water Running 1:30-2:30 p.m.
• Swimming lessons 5 to 8:30 p.m. Information on make up options will be distributed at next week’s lesson.
• Aqua Boot Camp at 7:35 p.m.
• Leisure Swim 7:30-9:00 p.m.
• Swim Training 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The Aldershot pool closing announcement used the same wording – they were close for several days.
They rarely say what they mean by an unforeseen maintenance issue.
By Staff and Pat Shields
May 19th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Bandits (0-1) will have their fingers crossed for clear skies when the Brantford Red Sox (0-0) come to town on Thursday night.
The Bandits have played only one game in the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) regular season thus far, thanks to inclement weather on the weekend. The Red Sox are in a similar position as both of their opening games last weekend were postponed.
Although the Bandits showed signs of rust in their home opener against the London Majors (1-0), simply getting back on the field and seeing live pitching should help their cause significantly.
 Bandits would like to get out of the dugout and onto the field – 0-1 so far this year.
Burlington will have their hands full with the perennial powerhouse Red Sox, who have won 15 IBL championships since joining the league in 1934.
Brantford finished 3rd in the IBL last season with a solid 22-13 record. Their playoff run ended early though, as they fell in Game 5 of their first round matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Bandits fared well against the Red Sox last year posting a 2-3 record in five closely matched meetings, including taking the final two contests.
To notch their first win of the 2016 season, the Bandits will need to get to Brantford pitcher Nathan Forer. The 4-year veteran finished 2nd in the IBL last season with a 2.51 ERA, to go alongside a 6-2 record.
Burlington and Brantford will begin play at 7:30pm at Nelson Park on Thursday. The Bandits will be back in action on Saturday, May 21 when they clash with the league-leading Kitchener Panthers (2-0).
Elsewhere in the league:
The Barrie Baycats and the Toronto Maple Leafs game saw the Baycats record an 8-5 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs Wednesday night.
Barrie and Toronto are both 1-1.
Upcoming games:
Thursday, May 19
Brantford at Burlington, 7: 30 p.m.
Friday, May 20
Hamilton at London, 7:35 p.m.
Saturday, May 21
Kitchener at Burlington, 1 p.m.
Toronto at Guelph, 1 p.m.
Hamilton at Brantford, 2 p.m.
By Staff
May 8, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Bandits, didn’t stand a chance against the London Majors Saturday, losing 7-1.
 Burlington players celebrate the end of a double-header last season – they didn’t have much to celebrate the first game of this season.
Burlington only managed four hits, and scored one run in the eight inning. Oscar Perez pitched five innings, giving up one hit, no runs and two walks.
For Burlington, Ryan Beckett went four innings, giving up eight hits and three earned runs and four strike outs.
Burlington plays Toronto on May 15th at Christie Pits.
Hamilton Drops Season Opener to Guelph
The Hamilton Cardinals opened the 2016 IBL season with a road game in Guelph against the Royals. Guelph would take advantage of some miscues by Hamilton to score eight unanswered runs in the latter half of the game to win the game 8-1. The Cardinals played the game shorthanded while they await players who are still with their American college teams.
Hamilton opened the scoring in the top of the first when Jason de Vos, who was hit by a pitch and advanced to second on a passed ball, came in to score when Nate Mastervick reached base on a throwing error charged to the shortstop.
The Cardinals looked to add to their lead in the fourth. Mastervick led off with a single, the first official hit of the season, but was caught stealing before Jon Saporsantos could reach base on a single of his own. Brandon Tamburro would join Saporsantos on the base paths with a walk but a groundout by Tim Black would end the inning.
Guelph got on the board in the sixth inning when they sent ten batters to the plate and got some help from four Cardinals errors. The Royals loaded up the bases thanks to the first error of the inning and then a ground out by Brendan Powers would bring in a run to tie the game at one. Aaron Loder then reached on an error which brought in a pair of runs.
Turner Spears would then double and bring in a fourth run in in the inning. Spears would later score to give the Royals a 5-1 lead. Guelph would go on to score three more runs in the bottom of the eighth to take the game 8-1.
For the Cardinals, Rhys Tapper made his first career start in the IBL and took the loss going five and two-thirds innings, allowing five unearned runs on one hit, walking four and striking out one. Kyle Adoranti went the final two and a third innings allowing three runs, one was unearned, on two hits, walking four and striking out one.
For Guelph, AJ MacKey went seven innings for the win, allowing one run on three hits, walking three and striking out eight. Zack Pearson and Jeff MacLeod would each throw an inning on the mound for the Royals, combining to allow a hit, a walk and striking out three.
Kitchener Panthers Spoil Barrie Baycats Home Opener
The Kitchener Panthers defeated the Barrie Baycats 14-8 on Saturday afternoon to improve to 1-0 on the regular-season. Kitchener reliever Shane Courtney recorded the victory, tossing two innings while giving up one earned run on two hits. Panthers centre fielder Tanner Nivins led the way at the plate, going three-for-four with three runs batted in.
Barrie reliever Brad Bissell took the loss, giving up four earned runs on three hits in one and one-third innings pitched. After the loss, Barrie centre fielder Glenn Jackson said he and the rest of the team are just happy to be back on the field.
“It is always good to be back, even though this was like a spring training game for all of us today. “It is just nice to be back with the boys, even though the result was bad. I think we shot ourselves in the foot, but we know how it goes.
“There is fifty-one more games to go until the journey ends, so we figure it is what it is.” Jackson added that while today was a pretty ugly game, he said Barrie starter Matthew St. Kitts impressed.
“Yeah, Chris Archer man. “He is going to be one of those studs man. You think of him, Bissell, Santos (Arias), (Brett) Lawson and (Adam) Rowe, and we are in a really good spot to compete.”
Jackson concluded by saying while the Baycats did shoot themselves in the foot defensively, it does not take away from how impressive Kitchener’s offense was today.
“To me, when you talk about home field advantage, this is when you will need it. When they are swinging it, you want home field advantage.
“Our head-to-head battles this season will be big games.”
The Baycats next regular-season contest is next Saturday against the Guelph Royals from Coates Stadium in Midhurst.
By Staff
April 22, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON

Aldershot Arena
Aldershot Arena is closed due to unforseen maintenance issues.
The Arena is expected to re-open Tuesday April 26th at 4pm.
By Pepper Parr
April 20, 20016
BURLINGTON, ON
Bikes, bicycles – call them what you want – they are an issue.
Burlington has a very active cycling community. The city talks of a commitment to cycling but struggles a little bit when it comes to allocating the dollar and struggles quite a bit more when it comes to actually sharing the road.
During the lengthy discussion Tuesday evening on what was possible in terms of cycling lanes along New Street Mayor Goldring glanced at the clock and said he could now announce that Burlington was now the holder of a silver award from the Ontario Bicycling Summit that was meeting in Toronto. Burlington previously held a bronze level award.
That didn’t’ do much to help council agree on just what they wanted to do with bike lanes on New Street which is currently undergoing huge water and waste pipes upgrades that has the road torn open for significant stretches.
 New Street is being torn up for the installation of new waste and water pipes. The job is going to make the street a less desirable route through to September.
The current phase, from Guelph Line to Martha is going as smoothly as these things can go. The Region must surely owe everyone along this stretch of road a car wash – dust galore.
The debate Tuesday was over what would be done with New Street between Guelph Line and Burloak.
We are going to have to wait until July before there is a clear answer – the issue got bounced back to the city manage and his team to come back with detailed recommendations and attach costs to them.
Council was in a bit of a giddy move most of Tuesday. Councillor Craven who Chairs the Development and Infrastructure Standing Committee has decided more attention needs to be paid to the Rules and Procedures bylaw and has begun to crack down on members of council who habitually flout the rules. The two worst offenders are the members of council who have been there the longest – Taylor of ward 3 and Dennison of ward 4.
Cycling for Dennison is a way of life, Councillor is also an avid cyclist – the Mayor has been known to ride a bike as well. Councillor Taylor hasn’t seen the seat of a bike in ten years. For Taylor it is a safety issue – and New Street is a major thoroughfare.
There are several types of cyclists – some use their bike as their man form of transportation – throughout the year they ride their bikes to and from work.
 While the city debates the use of bicycles on New Street the Region really disrupts traffic while new waste and water pipes are installed. Progress.
Others will use their bikes for short trips – but the majority of people in Burlington tend to use their bikes on the weekends or in the evening when they are out with friends.
The enthusiast would like us to use our bikes more often – they want cycling to be a large share of the model split – a phrase many people don’t even understand. Some seem to feel that cycling is going to be a large part of solving our reliance on cars – expecting Burlington to become another Amsterdam where the majority use their bikes is to misread the people of the city.
The focus needs to be on better transit – imagine what could happen if city council spent as much time looking for transit based solutions to the way we move people around? But we aren’t there yet – nor is the laying down of new waste and water pipes on New Street.
The standing Committee recommendations on the cycling issue were almost as muddy as New Street – they will come back to a city council meeting May 9th – we will see then what they decide to do.
On Monday the dust was pretty thick – water trucks were brought in to keep the dust down – we got a nice layer of mud but no dust.
New Street construction schedule
By Pepper Parr
April 19, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It took several hours but the Community and Corporate Service Standing Committee did agree to recommend that council authorize the Mayor to write letters of support for loans and grants the LaSalle Park Marina Association wants to apply for.
Councillor Jack Dennison (Ward 4) wants the letter to be strong and forceful – it will need to be – the Marina Association is looking for $12 million.
 The option the LaSalle Park Marina Association hopes is chosen through the Environmental Assessment. The design will add 100 slips plus 20 available for transient use and more significantly provide a solid barrier that will allow fish stocks to return and breed and put an end to the wave agitation
John Birch, Executive Director of the LaSalle Park Marina Association , has been toiling for a number of years at getting a permanent breakwater built for Burlington. In his delegation to council last night he pointed out that Bronte has a marina that was paid for by the federal government, Kingston got a large chunk of federal money as did a number of other municipalities in the province. It is Burlington’s turn, said Birch.
It may well be – but it is going to be a tough.
Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward was the only member of Council to vote against the writing of a letter. Her argument was that city council has not yet voted on whether or not they want to approve a expanded marina.
 Trumpeter swan – magnificent creatures that many think need the marina space at LaSalle Park to survive the winters.
Meed Ward felt that a letter at this time was premature and inappropriate. One citizen wondered how council would react if Birch was able to raise the funds needed – would the city be able to see beyond all that funding and make the best decision for the city.
Birch points out that Burlington is a waterfront community – he got that part right.
The Trumpeter Swan Coalition, they don’t want the expanded marina built and point out that a waterfront community means making space for not just boats but for the swans as well.
There were some very good delegations made – the Gazette will report on these in more depth at a later date.
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