The Forming of The Rising Sons - a Burlington band that once stood in the limelight - now doing a reunion in a sold out event

Event 100By Robin McMillan

August 20, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

The Rising Sons came to be in September of 1964 in Burlington Ontario when a couple of my friends; Peter Davidson, Dave Best, Ron Canning, and Mike Kotur decided to form a band.

Band Burl Central HS

The crowd at the Black Swan this weekend will remember events like this – it is going to be a blast from the past for those who managed to get a ticket – it is a sold out event.

Dave, Pete and I were already good friends. Actually Peter and I knew each other in grade 5 while attending Burlington Central Public School and we met Dave there. I was transferred to M. M. Robinson High (North Burlington) in 1963, the year of the school’s grand opening. It was there that I met Ron Canning and his friend Mike Kotur, who talked me into practicing with them in the drummer position of the new group. I wasn’t crazy about this at first, but gave in and tried out.

Robin and his Ludwigs at Skyway

Robin and his Ludwigs at Skyway

I was already a drummer with another band in Burlington — some of you may remember “Little Brutus and The Assassins” — but decided to pack it in because nothing was really happening. I contacted Peter, who was a fabulous pianist and organist, and Dave, who was taking bass guitar lessons at the Stan Bernard House of Music at the time. We all got ‘less than professional’ instruments and began to practice at Ron’s house in North Burlington. Of course we had to come up with a catchy name (it wasn’t easy) but the song “House of the Rising Sun” by Eric Burdon and The Animals was hot in ‘64, and it was Dave’s idea for a play on the word sun, so we became “The Rising Sons”.

First photo

It was their first serious photo – their Mothers were proud.

First Audition
Our first audition was at St. Stanislaus Church in Hamilton about four months later, but the audition turned out to be horrible. St. Stan’s politely suggested we practice hard and come back in six months for another try. The whole audition was terrible and we were pretty discouraged. Actually we felt like we were laughed out of the place. Dave thought that maybe he could talk to his father, a prominent doctor in Burlington, to back the group financially with some decent equipment. After some hard persuading, Dr. Best gave the OK and before you knew it, we were in business with the ‘best’ of everything: Fender, Gretsch and Rickenbacker electric and bass guitars, Fender amps, a Hammond B-3 organ with a Leslie tone cabinet (the ‘pipe voice’ of the electric organ), Ludwig drums with Zildjian cymbals, and a P.A. system that was second to none. When we played again at St. Stan’s a few months later, we brought the house down. The Hamilton kids had never seen anything like this before. WOW! We were really on top of our music — tight and professional, with a fantastic sound — and I was up high on a drum platform. The months of practising really paid off and St. Stan’s booked three more dances immediately, and all were huge successes. The Hamilton Spectator wrote that The Rising Sons were the ‘biggest and most popular group’ in Hamilton and surrounding area.

Rising Sons Van 3

It was transportation and it was what they used in those day.

The 1150-CKOC Rising Sons
Soon our group was in huge demand, playing the Hamilton, Ancaster, Dundas, and Burlington area so often that CKOC 1150 radio in Hamilton approached us and asked if we would be interested in being their official “OC Busy Bees” band, and they would promote us on the air and book us for some extra dances. We were known as “The CKOC Rising Sons” and received lots of much-needed publicity pretty well every day. John Stoneham, one of their on-air disc jockeys (now a retired stuntman), usually introduced us at all of our dances.

The Toronto Market
We were pretty pleased that the band was doing OK locally, but we wanted to break into the Toronto market. It was September 1965 and, as luck had it, my father Bob McMillan was the sales manager of Elgin Ford on Bay Street, Toronto’s largest Ford dealership. Dad worked out a terrific promotion for Elgin, bringing in hot rods for a ‘racing weekend’ with the very popular new Mustangs, plus many high performance cars and racers directly from the Ford Motor Company in Detroit. Elgin called the promotion “The Elgin Ford Shindig”. The dealership spent a bundle for advertising with 1050 CHUM and CFRB 1010 as well as all the major newspapers in the city. The Rising Sons were tied into the promotion with two shows per day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the Elgin Ford downstairs garage area — three tremendous days.

Robin Burl Central HS

Robin at Burlington Central High School

Thousands of people showed up. The promotion was a massive success and, as a result, we were immediately well known in Toronto. It was this quick start that introduced the Sons to booking agencies and clubs in Toronto. Our first Toronto agency was Bigland. (Later we signed with the Yorkville Booking Agency.) This breakthrough kick-started the group into a bigger market … and more money. We played all the well-known teen clubs including Ronnie Hawkins’ Hawks Nest on Yonge Street (our favourite downtown venue), Club 888 (also on Yonge St.), as well as The Gogue Inn, which had three floors of groups playing at once. If you didn’t care for one group you could go to another floor and check out another group.

Our First Recording
The Bigland Booking Agency was owned and managed by well-known Toronto entrepreneur Ron Scribner, who not only booked the Sons in and around Toronto, but also thought that we should have a record released. He booked a recording session as soon as he could at the Hallmark Recording Studios in Toronto. Hallmark had a four-track recording board, which was a big deal at that time, and it was here that we recorded “Land of A Thousand Dances” released on the Columbia label, featuring Ron singing the lead, Pete singing background, and Mike contributing lead guitar work. This record really didn’t do much, although CKOC played it quite frequently, as did some smaller radio markets in Canada. But once again we received lots more publicity in the Hamilton/Burlington region with autograph sessions in local record stores. The flipside was a song Mike wrote and sang lead on called “Don’t Look Away”, which sounded nice and easy going.

Meeting The Rolling Stones
On Halloween, October 31 1965, The Rolling Stones were in concert at Maple Leaf Gardens, and the Toronto Music Union required Canadian musicians on the scene. They asked us to attend, and Ron and I stayed backstage during the show. What an exciting night! Two limo’s pulled in with a police escort and out walked the Stones. They left for their dressing rooms for about an hour and then decided to come out and look around. Mick Jagger walked quietly to the other end of the backstage area and looked closely at a new Mustang convertible that was parked in the corner. I thought that it was now or never to approach Mick and try to get a picture with the two of us, and to try for an autograph. Everyone knew that Mick wasn’t the friendliest guy in the world, so I walked quietly up to him and in a very polite tone asked, “May I have my picture taken with you and an autograph?” And without smiling, he nodded and said “Sure”.

I knew a photographer from the Toronto Telegram (now the Toronto Sun) and it was all set up. Just a few minutes after the picture was taken a well-known Toronto radio announcer touched Mick on the shoulder and said “Hey, Mick, come here,” and Jagger quickly turned around to the announcer and tried to kick him (but fortunately missed by a mile). You could cut the atmosphere with a knife, but Jagger just walked away thinking absolutely nothing of it. About 20 minutes later Charlie Watts came out and talked with both Ron and me for about 15 minutes. Charlie was very friendly guy and talked all about cities he’d played in and said that he was looking forward to Boston the next night where he would meet some friends.

Standing Sons

The Rising Sons were the Standing Sons and they stood tall

The 5 Rising Sons
Not sure exactly the year — I think about late 1966 — a group from California with the name Rising Suns guested on the Johnny Carson Late Night Show on NBC . The very next day a couple of CHUM’s announcers talked about the ‘Sons’ on the Carson show, thinking they were us, and how fabulous this was for a ‘Toronto group’. This caused a lot of confusion and we had to do something fast. We decided we needed to change our name, but to what? So we simply added the 5 to the name, and it worked out perfectly.

Outside annie's House

Outside Annie’s House

The Second Recording “Annie”
About a year after the Bigland scene, The Yorkville Booking Agency, operated by Bill Gilliland of Arc records, took over our group and booked us to record a new tune in 1966. “Annie Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” was a bubble gum song that suited us since we appealed to a younger audience. This 45 was also on the Columbia label. We recorded the vocals in Toronto and the music bed was recorded in New York city because they had an eight track recording studio. WOW, eight tracks! She Just Likes MeThe tune did pretty well as far as getting some air play on CHUM and other stations across Canada and in some better markets like Montreal, Winnipeg, and Halifax. This put us up a few notches, with a little more money again per engagement, and landed us as one of the 14 groups to appear at Maple Leaf Gardens for CHUM’s “Toronto Sound Show”.

Toronto Sound Show
The Toronto Sound Show was September 24, 1966. The other 13 groups appearing were: The Big Town Boys, The Last Words, Bobby Kris & The Imperials, The Secrets (“Here Comes Shack”), Little Caesar and the Consuls, The Paupers, The Spassticks, Luke and the Apostles, Susan Taylor, The Tripp, R. K. & The Associates, The Ugly Ducklings, and The Stitch-in-Thyme. There were two appearances for each group, one in the late morning and another in the afternoon or evening. Many of these groups were signed with The Yorkville Agency, and were also managed by Bill Gilliland, who was a well-known promotional guy in the Toronto area.

Skyway near the stage

Skyway near the stage

About the 5th song in for each group, CHUM radio would cut in and go to ‘live air’ on-stage. Apparently there were about 12,000 kids at the first show and 20,000 for the second! It was like a Beatle concert: kids screaming and trying to get to the stage, police arm-in-arm trying to keep them back. It was an unbelievable experience for all the bands. Ron borrowed my cufflinks (worth about $30, which was not cheap in ’66) and got so excited with the crowd he threw them into the audience and watched the kids go crazy. I brought 10 pairs of drumsticks so I could throw them to the screaming crowds on each side of my drum platform, and the crowd yelled for more.

The Toronto Sound Show was Peter Davidson’s last performance with the Rising Sons, as he was off to the University of Waterloo. We really missed him, especially me, having known Pete for years.

After the show on that very night we had another booking in Belleville for 800 CLUB with DJ Dave Charles, so we had to get away as fast as we could to make the show on time. The kids mobbed us outside the Gardens and climbed all over our van trying to get autographs. We had to have a police escort for two blocks to escape. Needless to say, this show really helped us to get bigger and better audiences in the Ontario market.

The Canadian National Ex.
The Sons also played at the Canadian National Exhibition — better known as the CNE or just plain ‘EX’ — in Toronto, and we performed live many times on the stage behind CHUM’s Satellite Station, just inside the Princess Gates, and other locations around the grounds. I loved radio from about the age of 10, and I used to visit the EX just to sit, watch and listen to the radio stations in action broadcasting live, so it was a real thrill for me to be actually involved with CHUM and the satellite station.

Robin and his Ludwigs at Skyway

Robin and his Ludwigs at Skyway

The 1050 CHUM and After Four
As mentioned above, 1050 CHUM aired weeks of promotion for their After 4:00 show every Wednesday night on CHUM’s Groove-yard Show with Brian “The Prez” Skinner. Weeks before the big show, Brian would pick a spokesman from each group who would be a guest on his radio show Wednesday evenings. Brian took a liking to us, and he and I really hit it off. He invited me to be his guest on his show every other week for about a month and a half, including one evening at the CHUM Satellite Station.

TV and Radio promotions
The Toronto Sound Show also helped promote our record “Annie”. All of the well-known groups that appeared on the Toronto Sound Show became frequent guests on CTV’s coast-to-coast After Four program, and the Toronto Telegram supplement with the same name gave a huge boost for all the groups every weekend. Dave Mickey from CKEY and CHAM broadcast a dance show in Hamilton called “Mickey’s a Go Go” on CHCH 11 Saturday afternoons, and The Sons guested there. We also appeared on WKBW TV in Buffalo, which led to our appearing with the Gentrys, a group from Nashville who had a big hit world-wide with “Keep on Dancing”.
There were radio interviews all across Canada with the CBC and also with many independent radio stations in different towns and cities wherever the Sons were playing. The Toronto Telegram even had a weekly Rising Sons cartoon strip on Saturdays in the After Four section during the summer of 1966. The strip was created and drawn by Kimmy Coons from Hamilton, who at the time was Dave’s girlfriend. Kimmy had managed the group in the formative years. (I was lucky enough to find one of these cartoon strips from The Hamilton Spectator, and would dearly like to find others.)

What was ‘The Village’ all about?
During the 1960s, Yorkville Avenue in downtown Toronto was the center of ‘hippy culture’ in Canada. Many of Canada’s folk musicians got their start playing the coffee houses in this area, and Yorkville flourished as Toronto’s bohemian cultural centre. It was considered by some to be the breeding grounds for some of Canada’s most noted musical talents, including Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, Ian & Sylvia, and Neil Young. Funk artist Rick James got his start in Yorkville, as did many others. Yorkville was then known as the Canadian capital of counterculture and the hippie movement. In 1968, nearby alternative college Rochdale, a part of the University of Toronto, opened on Bloor Street as an experiment in counterculture education. Yorkville was truly Canada’s hippie heartland, full of coffeehouses, boutiques, longhairs, draft dodgers, and freaks. Yorkville was also a tourist attraction, the tourists preferring to watch the excitement from the safety of their cars.
In the village, the Beatle-haired kids, drugs and free love were rampant. But the Yorkville hippies were not all love and marijuana. They held a major sit-in protest in 1967 to protect their street from cops, tourists and fume-belching cars. They wanted to preserve their island of co-operation and love from the violence erupting in the world.

The Yorkville Years with The Rising Sons
This was the greatest and most exciting time of all for us, and more than half the fun of those early years and especially 1967 (the ‘summer of love’) was performing in Toronto in the Village. There were fantastic coffeehouses right next door to each other: The El Patio (our favourite Village club) where we played quite often, The Riverboat, The Mynah Bird, The Flick, The Penny Farthing, and The Purple Onion. We loved to eat at the Upper Crust restaurant on the corner just across the street. The great thing was that bands could play from Monday through Saturday every night, which was a great way of tighten up the act and meet people from all over North America.

Expo ‘67 in Montreal
One of our greatest and most exciting experiences was performing at Montreal’s Expo ‘67 in June of that year. We played at the Garden of Stars pavilion. The Garden of Stars was a unique triangular building in the heart of ‘La Ronde’ and featured Children’s Theatre in the morning and then ‘Action Time’ for the younger jet-set, followed by Rock ‘n’ Roll dances later in the afternoon and evenings.

Expo was divided into two sections or islands. One island had pavilions from countries around the world showing their industry and culture as well as fabulous foods. The other island was called La Ronde, where we played. This fun island had more great food plus entertainment, rides and lots to see and do for younger people. The Garden of Stars was host to many great acts from around the world. International celebrities and local acts performed there together. We were at Expo for two weeks, and I must say we were paid very well, although living expenses were extremely heavy. Invited groups would perform an afternoon show for two hours and an evening show for young people from everywhere in the world. When the show started, the floor would open up in sections with go-go dancers appearing on giant round platform stages that would rise up through the floor. Our record “Annie Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” was quite popular in Montreal on CFOX the year before, and we were guests on a couple of top Montreal radio stations.

From here it was off for a fun two-week “vacation” to play in Belleville and Brockville at the local Tiki Clubs. The owner of this chain of clubs had a fabulous ‘yacht’ with lots of food on board and BBQs on shore. He invited us into his home and us treated like kings … we loved it there. It was at The Tiki Club in Belleville that I fell for a girl name Cathie, who was sitting close to us at the front table with a few of her friends. I dated her for a few years and married her in 1971 back in Belleville.

Bruce Ley joins The Sons
It was around this time that we brought a good friend of our Hamilton days into the group. Bruce Ley lived in Westdale, a suburb of West Hamilton. He was the bass player with the Hamilton group The Pharaohs, who were extremely popular in the Hamilton and Burlington region. Bruce had a knack for singing softer songs and became the Sons organist, replacing Pete as well as Mike, who left the band shortly after we returned home from a Winnipeg performance.

Bruce wrote a song for his girl friend Jone (no, not Joan) and called the song “To Jone”. This was a pretty good tune, reminiscent of the Young Rascals, and was recorded on the new Yorkville label. It received some pretty good air play in some markets. We changed our name for this recording to “Willapuss Wallapuss” just for fun. I believe Ron got the name from an Alice in Wonderland story. The flip side was named “Sacrificial Virgin” … kind of a spooky sound with Bruce on the organ, with elephant-sounding noises in the background, a trombone, and a chair pushed across the floor, with the rest of us making all kinds of crazy noises. Bruce went on to be a songwriter for children’s shows and did very well.

The Terry Black Comeback
In late ‘67or early ’68, Bill Gilliland approached us and asked if we would be interested in having the well-known singer Terry Black join the group. Terry had some great hit songs — “Unless You Care”, “Only Sixteen”, “Little Liar” to name a few. He had also appeared on some popular American teen shows including NBC’s Hullabaloo, ABC’s Shindig, and Dick Clark’s American Bandstand.

Originally from Vancouver, Terry emerged in 1964 after winning Male Vocalist of the Year at The Maple Music Awards, and had moved to California to join Dick Clark’s Cavalcade of Stars show. After a brief stint in Hollywood — where he came so-o-o-o-o close to playing a role alongside Elvis Presley as Elvis’s younger brother — Terry returned home to Canada. Bill Gilliland signed him to Yorkville along with his arranger, Pat Riccio Jr. (who later became Anne Murray’s musical director).

The Sons didn’t really mind this change and here’s is how it worked. The Sons would play for the first set, then Bruce would take a break during the second set when Terry appeared with Pat to perform a completely different music program. Bruce would then appear again for the third set. This went on for about a year. Sadly, Terry Black died in 2009 after a struggle with Multiple Sclerosis.

The Sons Today    Pete Robin Ron Dave

The Sons Today Pete Robin Ron Dave

The End … Surprised smile
It was October 1968 when we decided that not much was really happening and not much would happen. Times had changed, music had changed, and there wasn’t much to do and few places to play that we hadn’t already done over and over. It was at this point that everyone decided to go their separate ways and try other things. Dave and Ron went back to school to improve their education. Peter was still attending the University of Waterloo. Mike Kotur went to work at Stelco in Hamilton, where his father worked. Bruce headed off to Toronto where he worked in children’s television shows writing songs. I went to work with my dad back in Hamilton and Burlington. A few years later, Terry Black co-founded a band called Dr. Music. You may have heard of them.

Dave now lives in Hamilton and I’ve returned to Burlington. Dave and I talk every now and then, and I see him once in a while. Peter lives in New Brunswick and emails me on occasion. After a stint in Niagara Falls, Ron and his long-time wife Roberta are now in Thorold. Bruce Ley lives on a ranch in Halton Hills. As of this writing, we’re still trying to locate Mike Kotur. I continue to run Rockin’ Robin DJ service and, as near as I can tell, we’ve all survived the experience and are still having a grand time of it.

It’s been 50 years since the Sons’ heyday. On Friday August 21, 2015, four of the original Rising Sons will be performing the music that made them famous. at the Black Swan – it is a sold out event.  As an added treat, they have invited fellow musicians The Ragged Edges, another well known band from the same era, who will also perform.

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Burlington youth invite federal candidates to speak to them; the event is seen as a kind act.

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

August 19, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Youth from across the Burlington have been invited by the 3 Things for Burlington team to hear what the Federal Election Candidates have to say about issues related to young people and to learn how a federal election works.

There will be an interactive discussion designed to ensure the politicians hear the voice of youth and understand that youth issues are important.

The event takes place Monday, 31 August 2015 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Burlington Public Library – Central Branch Centennial Hall.

The event is being put on by 3 Things for Burlington, a youth led initiative that wants to inspire others, initiate change, and impact our community.

Free tickets can be had by clicking on the link to the left

3 things for BurlingtonTheir core activity is to encourage everyone in the city to take part in three kind acts each day and share your story with the group.  These young people believe Burlingtonians will feel more connected to their community and to others.

When two members of the group, Bryan Giron and Chris Choi, delegated before city council they got a very enthusiastic response – didn’t see any kind act in the days that followed – maybe the concept doesn’t apply to elected officials.

Randi Minaker is the project lead with a group of teens that sit on a Steering Committee who plan all of the events, and discuss how they could better spread the word about the project.

These teens encourage every citizen in the City of Burlington, no matter age or ability, to take part in 3 random acts of kindness. Once people complete a kind act we ask that they either check out our website, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to share their story with us.

By sharing your story with us we believe that it will inspire others to take part in this initiative. After all, 3 Things for Burlington is all about inspiring others, initiating change, and impacting community.

3 Things for Burlington has been around since early 2015, their official launch party was in July. A youth committee came up with the idea for the election related event and they were able to get funding for the project through the Laidlaw Foundation.

Election signs - many

Some of Burlington’s youth will be taking part in an event where candidates for federal office will be speaking directly to youth and there issues.

The 3 Things for Burlington Steering Committee decided that they wanted to host a Federal Candidate Discussion for youth as one of their 3 Things. They noted that young people tend not to vote when they come of age because they are not educated enough on what their candidates stand for.

At this event, which all candidates from all parties have been invited, youth will be educated on the political platforms of our candidates, and have the opportunity to ask any questions. They will be learning about issues that directly impact youth, and how an election works.

This event is politically neutral, none of our team is a part of any political party; they have made sure that all candidates were invited.

The format will have each candidate addressing the people who show up followed by time for questions as well. They will also have a welcome package with information about the upcoming election, how it works, and other important info.

Minaker helped the teens set up the event.  She works for Community Development Halton.

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Temporary changes to the bus service to Hamilton; Detour Routes: 1, 1X and 101 Express on Aug. 20, 2015

News 100 redBy Staff

August 19, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

When something happens in Hamilton it sometimes impacts Burlington.

Temporary changes to the bus service to Hamilton;

Detour Routes: 1, 1X and 101 Express on Aug. 20, 2015
Due to the closure of Bay Street from 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. between King Street and York Blvd in downtown Hamilton on August 20, 2015 Burlington Transit routes 1, 1x and 101 Express will be detoured as follows:

• Regular routing to King Street and Bay Street,
• Right on Hess Street,
• Left on Cannon Street,
• Resume regular routing

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Deer Clan longhouse at Crawford lake the setting for series of workshops on aboriginal teachings.

Event 100By Staff

August 19, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

What do the aboriginal people have to teach us? Is there something in their teachings that can be applied to the world we live in today?\
The Conservation Halton Crawford Lake Conservation Area will be holding a series of workshops led by Anishinaabe artist, musician, activist and educator, Eddy Robinson.

Deer Clan longhouse

Inside the Deer Clan Longhouse – this is not the kind of dwelling the aboriginal tribes lived in.

The event will take place in the Deer Clan Longhouse, a stunning modern space located within a reconstructed 15th century Iroquoian Village.

The three workshops are on: how traditional ways can be practiced in an urban world; the importance of the teachings of the drum and song in building strength and community for Anishinaabe people.

Choose from three workshop themes; Anishinaabe Drum Teachings, Anishinaabe Songs, or Urban Indigenous Ways of Knowing, or join us for all three.

These workshops offer the opportunity spend an evening learning about our collective history while joining in on music and traditions that enrich the soul.

“Through stories and song, Eddy works towards a day when the power of knowledge, inclusiveness and sharing of First Nations cultures helps our nation and all its’ people become connected and stronger.”
~ Wab Kinew (Canadian hip hop musician, broadcaster, and university administrator)

Saturday, August 22
• Anishinaabe Drum Teachings, 4 to 6 p.m.
• Urban Indigenous Ways of Knowing, 7 to 9 p.m.

Saturday, August 29
• Anishinaabe Songs, 4 to 6 p.m.
• Urban Indigenous Ways of Knowing, 7 to 9 p.m.

Workshops tickets are $25 per person (+HST). For more information or to register visit www.conservationhalton.ca/events.

Eddy Robinson is Anishinabe (Ojibway/Cree) and a member of the Crane Clan, a leadership clan for the Anishinabek. Born and raised in Toronto, he is a First Nation citizen of the Missanabie Cree First Nation. It was in the city that he found his cultural identity and got in touch with his spirituality through spending time with Traditional Healers and Elders visiting Toronto.

Over the past 20 years, Eddy has worked in Indigenous communities throughout Ontario, striving to improve the quality of life for his people. Eddy has evolved into a noted Anishinaabe artist, musician, activist and educator, and is a member of the National Speakers Bureau.

About Crawford Lake Conservation Area
Crawford Lake is located at the corner of Guelph Line and Conservation Road (formerly Steeles Avenue) 15 km north of the QEW, and 5 km south of the 401 in Milton. The pristine waters of Crawford Lake have drawn people to its shores for hundreds of years. The rare lake, with surrounding boardwalk, is nestled in lush forests atop the stunning Niagara Escarpment where visitors can watch soaring turkey vultures glide through the Nassagaweya Canyon.

Conservation Halton sign - angle

Conservation Halton is the community based environmental agency that protects, restores and manages the natural resources in its watershed. The organization has staff that includes ecologists, land use planners, engineers, foresters and educators, along with a network of volunteers, who are guided by a Board of Directors comprised of municipally elected and appointed citizens. Conservation Halton is recognized for its stewardship of creeks, forests and Niagara Escarpment lands through science based programs and services.

You can step back in time and explore the 15th century Iroquoian Village that has been reconstructed on its original site at Crawford Lake. The spirits still sing in the longhouses where tools, animal hides and the smell of smoke let you experience the rich history of Ontario’s First Peoples.

 

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Cinestarz - SHOWTIMES August 21 to 27 , 2015

Cinestarz logoCine Starz Upper Canada Place
460 Brant Street,

Burlington, ON

WWW CINESTARZ.CA

 

SHOWTIMES August 21 to 27 , 2015

VACATION 14A
Fri to Thur 11:00 1:00 3:00 5:35 7:40 9:40

SOUTHPAW 14A
Fri to Thur 1:00 3:15 5:00 7:20 9:40

INSIDE OUT G
Fri to Thur 11:15 1:15 3:15 5:15 7:20

IRRATIONAL MAN 14A
Fri to Thur 11:10 1:30 5:35

MAGIC MIKE XXL 14A
Fri to Thur 9:40

PAPER TOWNS PG
Fri to Thur 11:15 1:15 3:20 7:40

SPY 14A
Fri to Thur 11:00 1:10 3:20 5:30 7:30 9:35

TERMINATOR GENISYS 14A
Fri to Thur 11:15 7:15 9:30

AMY 14A
Fri to Thur 3:15 5:20 9:20

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Sports fields closed due to foul weather

News 100 blueBy Staff

August 14, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

We are having our share of rain – and it is interrupting what people can do in the parks

The following Sport fields are closed on Friday August 14, 2015:

Ireland D1 & D2
Millcroft D1 & D2
Nelson D1
Sherwood Forest D1, D2, D3, D4

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Nelson pool will not open at all this summer.

News 100 redBy Staff

August 11, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

The  Nelson Pool will not be opened at all this summer and into the immediate future due to structural tank deterioration.

Beats the heat doesn't it?  Your tax dollars at work.

Nelson Outdoor Pool, which first opened in 1963, was scheduled to open again this summer. As part of preparing for the summer opening, city staff conducted a pool inspection after the winter season. The pool tank’s structure is made of steel and is fitted with a commercial grade pool liner. The steel structure has corroded beyond repair and has been deemed unsafe for public use by a structural engineer. Attempts were made to see if any short term solutions could be found for this summer season however, repair measures were too extensive. The tank was scheduled for replacement in the capital budget in 2019.

“The pool was to reopen June 13, but with two severe winter seasons back-to-back, the steel tank at Nelson Pool has seen an accelerated rate of deterioration,” said Chris Glenn, director of parks and recreation. “Ensuring public safety is our top priority, and thus the need to keep Nelson Pool closed. Plans were made to accommodate program participants and renters at other city pools.”

Accommodations have been made to offer additional recreational swimming times and lessons at other city pools. Nelson Wading Pool and Splash Pad are open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. until Sept. 7, 2015.

Staff will conduct a formal review this fall of Burlington pool users’ needs with a primary focus on summer use. The review will analyze the impacts of Nelson pool being closed and will compare user data from previous years. Capital works will prepare preliminary design and cost scenarios for consideration.

The city will ask pool users and the community for feedback that will be taken into consideration when staff make a formal recommendation to committee and council later in the year.

 

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KooGle Theatre still looking for dancers with a yen for jazz

theartsBy Staff

August 10, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Leslie Gray over at KooGle Theatre Company is still looking for strong jazz style dancers in their 20’s, 30’s for the Culture Days event on Sept 27 at 1pm.

Jazz dancersRehearsals begin Sunday August 23; they want to get the team in place as soon as possible.

These are usually fun events – email Leslie at info@koogletheatre.com

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Burlington Bandits shut out the London Majors for the first time and force a sixth playoff game Sunday afternoon.

element_sportsBy Justin Lethbridge

August 7, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

A tight defensive game resulted in the Burlington Bandits shutting out the London Majors 3-0 to force a game six in Burlington.

Bandits # 2 at bat

The bats were big enough on Friday night to keep the team alive in what was a very tight defensive game.

It was a much needed win for Burlington, not only to stay alive in the best-of-seven series, but to shutout a Majors team that has scored well against the Bandits so far this series.

It was the Bandits first win this season against London pitcher Oscar Perez who earned 10 strikeouts while allowing nine hits and three runs through nine innings of work.

Burlington’s Dylan Perego earned his second win of the series. Through eight innings he allowed six hits and no runs with three strikeouts.

Leftfielder Justin Gideon got a run in the first as well as bringing in third baseman Levi Larmour for a run in the ninth.

Centerfielder Cooper got his second home run of the series in the seventh inning.

The two teams get back at it at 1pm Sunday afternoon, at Nelson Park.

A Burlington win would force a seventh game back in London on Monday night.

Bandits Burlington players celebrate the end of a double-header

The Bandits had every reason to celebrate Friday evening – it was a remarkable win against London – and the first shut out as well – 3 -0 Marvelous!

There are many that didn’t think the team was going to make it out of London Friday night – there is spunk in them yet.

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Burlington wants to showcase its Pan Am Spirit at Sandcastles Festival taking place in Beachway park Saturday August 8th

 

Event 100By Staff

August 6, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

The annual  Sandcastles Festival that takes place in the Beachway Park Saturday August the 8th will get a big dollop of the city’s Pan Am spirit.

That Pan Am spirit is being poured onto and into almost everything going on in the city.

Sand castle

Can you improve on this? Then get yourself down to the Sandcastle Festival in the Beachway Park.

The city issued a media release that said: “Burlington is proud to be part of the TO2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games celebrations and felt that the Sandcastles Festival would make an ideal Panamania event,” said Mayor Rick Goldring. “As the games come to a close, we encourage everyone to come out, see sand sculptures take shape and enjoy a day of Pan Am-themed activities on the beach.”

This year’s Sandcastles Festival will feature a Pan American theme. Saturday’s main attraction includes a sandcastles competition held at Beachway Park and Pavilion, 1100 Lakeshore Rd. Sculptors of all ages and abilities are encouraged to register in one of three categories:

Family, noon to 4 p.m.

Friends, ages 13 and older, 1 to 4 p.m.
Child, ages 4 to 12 years, 2 to 4 p.m.

Saturday also includes sand-sculpting demonstrations by sand-sculpting masters Sandi “Castle” Stirling and Nick Blandin (winners of several North American sand sculpting awards), Sharon Nesbitt, (2010 First Place Adult and People’s Choice award winner), Raymond Poirier and Dale Andrews (2014 First Place Adult and People’s Choice award winner). Their creations will incorporate the Pan Am theme of this year’s event.

The Sand Sculpting Competition will award first, second and third prizes in each category as determined by the master sand-sculptor judges. A People’s Choice Award is selected by festival attendees who fill out a ballot. Prizes include a custom sand-sculpture trophy for first prize for each category and great prizes provided by Canadian Tire Burlington stores for all prize levels.

A nominal fee is required to enter the competition. Entrants are strongly encouraged to preregister at any city facility or via RecExpress to guarantee a spot. On-site registration opens at 9 a.m. and is first-come, first-served, if any spots are still available.

This has the look of a production line - serious stuff and a lot of fun as well.  Imagine families from different parts of the city competing against one another.  Next years perhaps.

This has the look of a production line – serious stuff and a lot of fun as well. Imagine families from different parts of the city competing against one another.

Saturday event attendees are encouraged to use active transportation and bike, walk or roll to the festival using the Waterfront Trail. There is also a free shuttle to Beachway Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Two shuttles will be running between the beach and two free parking locations: Inland Waters, located at 867 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington and the City of Burlington parking garage at 414 Locust St. This shuttle bus will be waiting in the bus lane at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (located north of the parking garage).

Parking is free on Saturdays in all downtown municipal parking lots (with the exception of the Waterfront east and west lots at Discovery Landing/Spencer’s Restaurant).

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Burlington Bandits look to even playoff series with London Majors - Nelson Park at 7:30 pm

element_sportsBy Clinton Dixon and Justin Lethbridge

August 5, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

A huge comeback victory by the Burlington Bandits has given this first round series a whole new complexion. While the Majors have outscored Burlington all year, the Bandits have stuck around in most games including in Game 2. Despite losing 7-4, Burlington went toe-to-toe with London up until an eighth inning collapse.

A Bandits win on Thursday would even the series but it won’t come easily. Especially if London turns to Oscar Perez to pitch. Perez was not only their season leader in Strikeouts with 49 and 2nd on the team in wins with six, both marks good for 3rd in the league, but is 3-0 with 17 Strikeouts against Burlington this year.

Bandits Burlington players celebrate the end of a double-header

Will the Bandits be able to do the high fives Thursday night when the game is over. They have a solid chance of evening up the series.

While London has outhit the Bandits so far this series, Burlington’s 12 runs in the 9th inning of game three gives them the momentum. The last two games have shown Burlington that they can hold their own and if the Bandits can get it an early lead in game four, it could give them the confidence they need to overcome the higher seeded Majors.

Two things are clear going into Thursday night’s game 4 between the London Majors and the Burlington Bandits in the Quarterfinals of the IBL Playoffs.

One is that there will be a lot of runs scored; the two teams have combined to score 40 runs in the first three games alone.

The other is that this series is a long way from over. After Tuesday night’s comeback in the ninth-inning by Burlington, the Bandits still find themselves trailing 2 games to 1, but with a revitalized team that will look to make some noise going forward.

“The Box Score doesn’t really show it, but we actually hit the ball hard all night,” said Coach Kyle MacKinnon, who admits that the team was starting to become frustrated after not being rewarded for their good approach at the plate. “Once it did happen, the floodgates kind of busted open. Hopefully we can carry that over into Thursday night.”

If the Bandits do want to make a serious run at this series on Thursday night, they’re going to have to slow down two of the leagues hottest hitters – Cody Mombourquette and Paul Lytwynec, who have a combined batting average of .538 so far this series. The man who is tasked with slowing them down is Matthew St. Kitts.

Bandits Burlington's pitchers shut Toronto down

Is it an offensive game or a defensive game: the Bandits need to get early runs and then keep the momentum – they have been 9th inning heroes in the past though

St. Kitts gave up 8 hits and 6 runs before he was pulled in the middle of the fourth-inning when the two teams opened their series on July 31. Even though the numbers sound terrible, Coach MacKinnon isn’t worried. “I was talking with someone else in the league; they were saying that we’re probably in pretty good shape because they haven’t seen Matt St. Kitts have back-to-back bad starts. Now obviously you don’t want to bank on that, we’ve got to do our part as well, but it’s always good knowing that the rest of the league sees how good he is and hopefully he can bring it Thursday night.”

Giving St. Kitts that help will be Keith Kandel, Justin Gideon and Adam Odd, all three are new to the team this year. Gideon and Odd have been absolute superstars this season and this series especially. Adam Odd has hit 0.333 so far this series, while fellow IBL rookie Justin Gideon has hit an outstanding 0.571 with eight hits and three runs scored. Veteran Keith Kandel has been chipping in as well, batting 0.500 in the series so far, but it’s his leadership that’s helped the Bandits more than anything else so far.

“Keith Kandel, he’s our shortsop, he’s an import from the States. He’s played the last two years in Guelph and the year before that in Kitchener – so he knows what it’s like to be in the league and to go deep in the playoffs and make a run. He’s added a calming veteran influence to our team, which is nice.” Said Coach MacKinnon.

Bandits last gme 2013 - Dad and the boys

This is about to become an exciting series – will the public fill the stands?

All that’s left in Coack MacKinnon’s eyes is the bullpen. The Coach seems confident that the Bandits can win a close game if they take a lead into the eighth or ninth-inning, but is quick to point out that his middle-relievers need to step up and deliver on Thursday.

If they’re able to do their job, there is no reason that the Burlington Bandits couldn’t come from behind and shock the London Majors, but for now they’re going to take it one game at a time.

The game will get underway Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. at Nelson Park.

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First in a series of Jazz concerts during August at the Performing Arts Centre. Jude Johnson will open on Friday evening.

Event 100By Staff

August 5, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

It is a bit of an experiment – one that should produce excellent results for the Performing Arts Centre.

Free public Jazz concerts that will start at 6:30 pm on the plaza of the of the Centre

JUDE Johnson at PAC

Jude Johnson, a Burlington native, is a vocalist, songwriter and performer

Jude Johnson, a Burlington native, is a vocalist, songwriter and performer and is Hamilton’s Special Music Ambassador. She was inducted into the Hamilton Gallery of Distinction in 2009. She also received the Hamilton Arts award for Arts Education in 2011.

Jude has released nine recordings including her most recent Live on Pine (2013) with Mike Malone on horns and Carl Horton on piano.

“How can I keep from Singing” is a collection of vintage inspirational gospel/spirituals. Reaching Indie Gold is her CD, “This Heart of Mine” (2001) featuring Carl Horton on piano, guests Jackie Washington on vocals, Carlos del Junco on harmonica, Brian Lee Griffith on guitar and the string quartet “Panache”.

This classy, entertaining CD is a collection of classic jazz compositions performed with intimacy, grace and joy.

The place is going to nee an oxygen tank nearby for the next little while.  The search is one for a new Executive Director.

Free Jazz on the plaza of the Performing Arts Centre – an opportunity for people to see the Spiral Stella and take in some fine music.

Jude has also been the unseen voice on many radio and TV commercials, been featured on CBC radio and sung on over 50 albums with such diverse artists as Daniel Lanois, Raffi (more singable songs), Paul Langielle and Stan Rogers (Turnaround), and performed across Canada at countless festivals, schools, libraries and community events.

The performance takes place on our plaza from 6:30pm-8:30pm and our bar will be open!

In the event of rain, we will move from the plaza into the lobby.

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Bandits whip the London Majors in a 12-3 win that no one saw coming. Teams play again on Thursday in Burlington

element_sportsBy Staff

August 5, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

After two near death experiences the Burlington Bandits stuck it to the London Majors with a resounding 12 – 3 win in London last night.

Bandits womp Majors - box score

No one expected the Burlington Bandits to win against the London Majors in such a resounding way Tuesday evening

The Bandits have struggled with the London team all season. The win last night was the first for the Bandits.

Scott Robertson - in full array, is the owner of the Burlington Bandits and also co-chair of the This Magic Moment event.

Scott Robertson – in full array, is one of three Burlington Bandits owners.

The two teams meet again in Burlington at Nelson Park for a 7:30 game. Expect to see a pumped up team.

Part owner Scott Robinson will be wearing one of his flashier pair of trousers for this game.

Schedule for the balance of the quarter finals for the Bandits and the Majors|:

(4) London Majors vs (5) Burlington Bandits
London Leads Series 2-1
Game 1: Friday, July 31 @ London – LON 12-2 – Boxscore
Game 2: Monday, August 3 @ Burlington – LON 7-4 – Boxscore
Game 3: Tuesday, August 4 @ London – BUR 12-3 – Boxscore
Game 4: Thursday, August 6 @ Burlington; 7:30pm
Game 5: Friday, August 7 @ London; 7:35pm
*Game 6: Sunday, August 9 @ Burlington; 1pm
*Game 7: Monday, August 10 @ London; 7:35pm

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CineStarz - SHOWTIMES August 7 to 13 , 2015 - Pop corn is said to be the best in the city.

Cinestarz logo

 

Cine Starz Upper Canada Place
460 Brant Street
WWW CINESTARZ.CA

 

SHOWTIMES August 7 to 13 , 2015

INSIDE OUT G
Fri to Thur 11:10 1:05 3:00 5:20 7:20 9:15

MAGIC MIKE XXL 14A
Fri to Thur 11:00 5:15 7:40 9:45

TERMINATOR GENISYS 14A
Fri to Thur 11:00 1:00 3:00 5:05 7:20 9:35

SPY 14A
Fri to Thur 11:00 1:10 3:20 5:30 7:20 9:30

AMY 14A
Fri & Sat 1:10 5:00 7:20
Sun to Thur 1:10 5:00 7:20 9:15

I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS PG
Fri & Sat 11:10 1:15 3:30
Sat to Thur 11:10 1:15 3:30 7:30

SAN ANDREAS PG
Friday 1:00 3:15 5:10 9:40
Sat & Sun 1:00 9:40
Mon to Thur 1:00 3:20 5:30 9:40

WATER DIVINER 14A
Fri to Thur 11:00 3:00

 

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Brandon Wagner to be the Burlington Torch bearer for the Pan Am Parapan Games

element_sportsBy Pepper Parr

July 30th, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Wheelchair Basketball Parathlete, Brandon Wagner is going to be the Burlington community torchbearer for the TORONTO 2015 Parapan Am Games Torch Relay.

Wagner Brandon with Mayor

Brandon Wagner being celebrated by Mayor Rick Goldring

The torch relay will visit Burlington on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2015

The Parapan Am Games Torch Relay is a five-day inspirational journey of more than 250 torchbearers who will share the Parapan Am spirit in 12 communities. The torch relay is one of the most exciting events as it sets the stage leading up to what
will be the largest Parapan Am Games ever held.

The aluminum torch stands 65 centimetres high and weighs 1.2 kilograms (or roughly the same weight as a baseball bat). With a burn time of 10 to 12 minutes, the flame can withstand winds of up to 70 kilometres per hour and is visible in all kinds of weather conditions.

The torch relay will invite communities to celebrate and share the Parapan Am
spirit throughout its five-day journey towards Toronto, the Host City of the Games.

The torch relay starts Aug. 3, 2015, and concludes Aug. 7, 2015, with the dramatic lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony in Toronto.

Burlington has many reasons to be proud of Wagner – he is a joy to watch when he is on a basketball court.

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Brant Day at LaSalle Park will have a strong Americas theme this year and a tie in to the Pan Am Para Pan games plus an interesting Food Truck Rally.

Event 100By Staff

July 29th, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Poor old Joseph Brant – at least he will be at the day we celebrate his name and what he did for the city in spirit. And there will be WORDS

This year, the Joseph Brant Day Festival is an official partner of the Toronto 2015 PanAm / Parapan Am Games and is taking on a significantly different tone.

It will be a lively day at LaSalle Park where events start at 11 am and run through to 5 pm.

The captivating Beshano Bike Trials will be featured Burlington Soccer Club field games and a slew of music, art and cultural performances of the “Americas” will be featured.

The day will have an Americas flavour to it recognizing the diversity that the PanAm games brought to the Region.

Beshano Bike Trials

The Beshano Bike Trials will be something to watch – expect crowds larger than those in this picture.

Beshano Bike Trials – 3 shows complete with incredible bicycle stuntmanship!

Musicians from the official band of the Toronto FC Major League Soccer accompanying dancers choreographed by the dance instructor and performer who opens the Mas Band launches for Carnival!

Saul Torres

Saúl Torres has emerged as one of the most singular talents of Spanish Rock on the continent, capable of seamlessly tying together Latin, Funk, Rock, and Flamenco!

Saúl Torres has emerged as one of the most singular talents of Spanish Rock on the continent, capable of seamlessly tying together Latin, Funk, Rock, and Flamenco!

Dan Secord native dancer in full dress

White Pine First Nations Drum and Dance participant Dan Secord.

White Pine First Nations Drum and Dance!

Dancescapes Studio with Salsa and Latin dance demonstrations and lessons!

ilaria-spada- Laura Spada

Laura Spada

Farrucas – a Latin Fusion Duo of Laura Spada and Jorge Cuama hailing from Ecuador!

Throughout the day the Children’s Area, Museum Educational Crafts & Activities, Giveaways, PanAm Sports Challenges, Games and Obstacles, Interactive participant events including: Crossfit Altitude, Oakville Fencing Academy, Burlington Youth Soccer Club, Monkeynastic Gymnastics, Bradbury, Splitsville Entertainment & Better State Crew! Splash Park for Kids available, Hands-on Activities, Artisans and Vendors, the Famous Brant Day Silent Auction will be part of an event filled day.

And this year the food offering will be going far beyond the traditional hot dogs and burgers. Sylvia Hentz, Special Events Programmer has arranged for a food truck rally with delicious offerings from gourmet food trucks!

Food truck LUCHADOR

Taste buds will be in for a real treat given the selection of Food Trucks that are being brought in for the Brant Day Festival at LaSalle Park

The rally includes

LUCHADOR – Mexican Fusion / International Cuisine
DOBRO JESTI – Slovenian / German-inspired Cuisine
NUDULZ – Italian Food
MANGO CHUTNEY – Indian Food
URBAN EXPRESS- North American & European-style Steakery
CAFE DU MONDE – French-Parisian & International Crepes
PAPPAS GREEK—Greek Food
TROPICAL TEMPTATIONS –Premium drinks & desserts

Burlington’s taste buds are in for a treat.

Parking is always a challenge at LaSalle Park on Brant Day. Shuttle buses will be available to transport visitors from Aldershot GO Station once limited onsite parking at LaSalle Park is filled.

First shuttle bus run leaves the Aldershot Go Station at 10:00 a.m. Last bus will leave La Salle Park at 5:00 p.m.

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We get to use HOV lanes with two occupants in the vehicle - as we prepare for the day when we have to pay to use that lane with just a single occupant in the car

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

July 27, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

On Tuesday we get back the use of the HOV traffic lanes on the QEW. Then we learn that the province is looking at the idea of turning those lanes into a stretch of road they can collect tolls on.

Looks like that is going to become our PanAm Games legacy from the province.

HOV lane during Pan Am

Will drivers pay a toll to use a special lane? Those making the big bucks will – and of course the politicians who will get that feature as a perk. The HOV lanes didn’t always get a lot of traffic during the Pan Am games

The two-occupant requirement, explains the province, will let more carpoolers and families access the lanes, and help Parapan Am Games athletes and officials get to and from competitions, training sessions and the airport. In addition to high occupancy vehicles, the lanes continue to be open to: emergency vehicles, public transit, licensed taxis, airport limousines, electric vehicles with green licence plates (on provincial 400-series highways only) and motorcycles (on City of Toronto roads only–Don Valley Parkway, Gardiner Expressway, Lake Shore Blvd.)

Starting this weekend, road signs will be converted to reflect the change from three or more occupants to two or more occupants. However, drivers are reminded that the new two-occupant requirement does not come into effect until Tuesday July 28, 2015.

Work to convert the signs will take place overnight to avoid traffic disruptions. The temporary HOV lanes will be in place until August 18, 2015.
Temporary HOV lanes operate from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. When not in operation, the lanes function as general purpose lanes.

The Parapan Am Games will be held from August 7 – 15 and feature 1,600 athletes from 28 countries.

Games event ticket holders can ride public transit for free on the day of the event across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (excluding UP Express).
All nice – everyone experienced some inconvenience but the PanAm games were a success – so much so that Toronto now wants to take a shot at bringing the 2024 Summer Olympics to Toronto. The city just might be ready for an event that size.

Then the news that the HOV lanes are going to become HOT lanes – the T standing for tolls

A city worker, Robert Collins carries away one of the automatic toll-takers.  The electric devices were removed from the Burlington Skyway because motorist tossing coins were too often off the target. toll booth Burlington Skyway September 30, 1964 Hamilton historical collection

A city worker, Robert Collins carries away one of the automatic toll-takers. The electric devices were removed from the Burlington Skyway because motorist tossing coins were too often off the target. That was back in September 30, 1964

Premier Kathleen Wynne says lessons learned from the Pan Am HOV lanes will make it easier for the province to roll out high occupancy toll lanes announced in the previous two budgets.

“What’s important is that we take the lessons from the HOV lanes,” Wynne told reporters last week.

“I have heard people talking about how they’ve noticed behaviour changes and that’s what putting in place HOV lanes is meant to do,” she said after a meeting with Toronto Mayor John Tory.

“It’s meant to change people’s behaviour and it’s why we have committed to HOT lanes, because we believe the revenue from high occupancy toll lanes put into a fund to fund public transit is an important source of revenue and we will be working to implement those,” Wynne said.

The premier said her government has been clear about its intention to implement HOT lanes.

“Whether the configurations that have been put in place on provincial roads for the Pan Am Games are exactly what will transpire when we put in place the HOT lanes, that’s not our plan at this moment,” Wynne said.

High occupancy toll (HOT) lanes are similar to high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, except drivers can use them with only one person in the car if they pay.

Progressive Conservative critic Michael Harris said HOT lanes are just a way to gouge drivers.

“Let’s be clear, taxpayers of Ontario have already paid for these roads where HOT lane tolls will be levied, now the Wynne Liberals want us to pay again for the privilege of driving on our own roads,” Harris said.

“This is just one more way to feed the Liberal spending addiction. It seems each week the Wynne Liberals think of another way to make it more expensive to live and work in Ontario — from job-killing carbon taxes, to Hydro One sell-offs to the new beer tax and now HOT lanes.”

We hope the Premier understands that behavior change also includes deciding to vote for someone else to lead the province.

 

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Dundas Street Resurfacing at 407 entrance - to be done at night.

News 100 blueBy Staff

July 24, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Work to resurface Dundas Street will take place near the 407 ETR west ramp starting July 27 to Aug. 12, 2015. The work will be completed at night.

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Federal Liberal candidate opens her campaign office this Saturday

News 100 redBy Staff

July 25, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Gould Karina H&S

Karina Gould, federal Liberal candidate for the Burlington seat in the House of Commons.

Perhaps the Gould Liberal campaign for the Burlington seat in the House of Commons thinks the Prime Minister might pull a quickie and call the election before the October 18th date – or maybe they got a great deal on the office space – whichever Karina Gould will open her campaign office at 3350 Fairview Street, Unit 2

The ribbon cutting will take place this Saturday – the 25th between 11:00 am and noon.

Gould has had teams of volunteers doing the door to door thing for the several months. She has a young team, people full of energy and the ongoing support of Burlington MPP Eleanor McMahon who took the Burlington provincial seat after more than 70 years of Conservative representation.

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Burlington Bandits wallop the Hamilton Cardinals in a 26-10 win on a night when the wind certainly helped the Bandits

element_sportsCBy Justin Lethbridge

July 18, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It was a great night for the Burlington Bandits: at the bottom of the 4th inning the Bandits had an 11 run lead en route to a lopsided 26-10 victory over the Hamilton Cardinals, Friday night in Hamilton.

Bandits batter

The Bandits kept hitting the ball –

The Burlington Bandits pounded out 30 hits in a 26-10 win over the Cardinals Friday night.

Burlington centre-fielder Shaun Cooper had a home run, five RBI and three runs in the win. He added two doubles and a single.

Infielder Jim Martin had three hits, including a home run, six RBI and three runs. Jordan Boston had a home run, single, two RBI and three runs.

Kevin Hussey had five hits and drove in three and scored three times. Designated hitter Tyler Hardie went 3-for-7 with three RBI and two runs, while second baseman George Halim had five hits and three runs.

Right-fielder Justin Gideon had two hits, two RBI and three runs, and shortstop Keith Kandel had four hits and scored three runs.

The wind seemed to pick up in the 3rd inning and carry three consecutive deep hits by Burlington over the fence for runs.

Despite a Cardinal pitching change in the 3rd, the Bandits piled on the runs in a huge 4th inning that blew the game wide open. They continued to load the bases and bring runs in forced a second change in pitchers. Even than, the Bandits tacked on 4 more runs before a fly ball mercifully ended the onslaught with the score 18-4.

Bandits game 26 - 10 July 17

– and they kept getting from base to base until they had a 26 – 10 win in their hands.

While the 10 runs scored by the Cardinals would be more than enough for a victory on almost any other night, poor pitching put them in a hole. Burlington had a whooping 30 hits in a game that went well over three hours. Burlington was led by Jim Martin’s three runs and six RBI’s.

With the victory the Bandits pulled two games up on the Cardinals with only seven games left before the playoffs. Burlington’s next two games come in a double-header against Toronto at Nelson Park on Saturday July 18th.

Barrie still has a firm hold on 1st place in the league with Kitchener in 2nd, Brantford in 3rd, London in 4th, Toronto in 5th, Burlington in 6th, Hamilton in 7th and Guelph in 8th.

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