 By Gazette Staff
October 2nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) is now accepting nominations for its 2025 Hall of Fame Award, which honours individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the performing arts in Burlington.
 Established in 2013, the BPAC Hall of Fame celebrates artists, cultural leaders, and community champions whose work has enriched Burlington’s cultural life. Past inductees include Charles Cozens, Chris McKhool, Helen Zdriluk, the Burlington Teen Tour Band, and many more.
Nominations for the 2025 BPAC Hall of Fame Award are open until Monday, November 3, 2025, at 5pm. Submissions may be made online, by email, or in person at the BPAC Box Office. Full nomination forms, eligibility details, and submission instructions are available at burlingtonpac.ca/community/hall-of-fame.
The 2025 Hall of Fame recipient will be announced and honoured during the Sultans of String: Christmas Caravan performance on Friday, December 19, 2025 at The Burlington Performing Arts Centre. The recipient will also receive a custom award created by local artist Teresa Seaton.
“BPAC’s Hall of Fame is about celebrating the people and organizations who have shaped Burlington’s performing arts community through their talent, leadership, and dedication. These individuals and groups have inspired audiences, supported artists, and helped build a vibrant cultural life in our city. We look forward to shining a spotlight on another deserving inductee this December,” said Sara Palmieri, Executive Director of The Burlington Performing Arts Centre.
By Gazette Staff
October 1st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Art Gallery of Burlington has partnered with Chartwell Retirement Residences to offer free Seniors to deliver Seniors’ Programming at the AGB this October.
October 1 is National Seniors Day an occasion for all Canadians to join in celebrating older adults across Canada—whether a parent, a co-worker, a neighbour, or a friend.
 Exploring creativity at the AGB clay studio through a new series of hands-on workshops. The AGB is inviting seniors in the community to explore their creativity in the AGB clay studio through a new series of hands-on workshops. Each two-part session invites you to hand-build a clay vessel with guidance from AGB artist educators Dawn Hackett Burns and Heather Kuzyk, then return the following week to personalize your creation with glazes inspired by the freedom of expression found in Russna Kaur’s exhibition
Chartwell Retirement Residences’ sponsorship of this program supports free registration for participants 55+ years old, all materials and kiln firings, and a tour of the AGB’s fall exhibitions. The program will conclude with a special reception for participants of both sessions in the Gallery’s lounge Thursday, October 30, 2–4 pm. Coffee and tea will be served.
Registration is free for participants ages 55+.
Participants can register on a first come, first served basis– space is limited to 12 participants per session.
Photo Credit: Jing Marchant and Mina Dragojevic from Sheridan College’s Bachelor of Photography.
Expressive Clay for Seniors
Session One
Tuesdays, October 14 & 21, 2025: 1:30–4 pm with Dawn Hackett Burns
Session Two
Thursdays, October 16 & 23, 2025 10 am–12:30 pm with Heather Kuzyk
REGISTER HERE
Chartwell Reception: Thursday, October 30, 2025 – 2–4 pm. AGB Lounge
About the Instructors
Dawn Hackett Burns is an acclaimed ceramic artist and Sheridan graduate who lives in Greensville, Ontario and has been teaching clay classes for over ten years. Her own clay practice often references place and culture and utilizes pattern and repetition. Nature is also a recurring subject. She has a gift for designing lessons and projects that fuel imagination and get artists of all ages excited about building with clay.
Heather Kuzyk is a versatile and creative visual artist. She is a graduate of Sheridan College in both the Craft and Design and Art Fundamentals Programs.
She is the recipient of the Gardiner Museum Award for Ceramic Excellence. Following graduation, Heather has built a passionate career spanning 24 years as a dedicated arts educator. Her varied skill set includes ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, drawing, and design. When she is not sharing her love of the arts, she can be found dabbling with new media and looking for unique and interesting ways to express herself creatively.
By Pepper Parr
October 1st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
In an article published in the Gazette the day before Truth and Reconciliation Day, Sheila Cote-Meek, a member of the Temagami First Nation said: “Reconciliation is a journey. It’s an ongoing commitment to move forward together and build institutions that are more inclusive of Indigenous People. ”
 Mayor Meed Ward with Indigenous Elder White Eagle during Truth and Reconciliation Day That was certainly the case in Burlington on Tuesday when hundreds of people walked from the Pier, where the tower was lit up in orange, to the Canal.
There were ceremonies before the walk.
 Hundreds walked from the Pier to the Canal. If one walked about the city, orange T-shirts prevailed.
Will this event take place ten years from now? Will more of the 94 Calls to Action have been achieved?
That could happen.
 By Pepper Parr
September 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
For once Council has taken a firm stand and decided not to spend.
While we will not see a decision until later in the month the Staff report says the following:
 Will the Sound of Music come to an end? Decline Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival Inc.’s 2026 funding request and discontinue municipal financial support due to ongoing financial instability and non-compliance with Agreements conditions; and
Approve the reallocation of $150,000—originally designated for Sound of Music in the 2026 Operating Budget—to the Community Investment Fund. This adjustment will enhance support for a broader range of festivals and events across Burlington, promote greater equity and sustainability in cultural programming, and create opportunities to potentially support a new music festival and/or provider in 2026; and
Direct staff to report back to Council on exploration of potential opportunities for a different form of music festival and/or a different operator of a music festival at Spencer Smith Park, following a call for expressions of interest from potential event organizers; and
Remove Council’s Ex Officio appointment from the Burlington Sound of Music Inc. Board of Directors. A Council Member was appointed in 2022 for the duration of the term, building on a 2019 request from SOM to reinstate a Council-appointed ex officio position.
Not what most people were expecting.
Was it the right decision?
Council has begun to hear the concerns about the out-of-control spending.
Love to hear what you think.
By Gazette Staff
September 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 City of Burlington administrative offices will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 30 to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. For a list of which City services and facilities are available on Sept. 30, please see the summary below or visit burlington.ca.
Orange Shirt Day
Sept. 30 is also recognized as Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots day inspired by the story of Indian Residential School Survivor Phyllis Webstad. As part of Orange Shirt Day, residents can come to Spencer Smith Park (1400 Lakeshore Rd.) to reflect and take part in a Walk for Reconciliation and Peace, hosted by local Indigenous people.
Opening remarks will begin at 5 p.m., from the pavilion at the east end of the park, with a walk to follow along the Waterfront Trail ending at Beachway Park for a tobacco ceremony. Additional details can be found on the city’s online events calendar at burlington.ca/calendar. Participants are encouraged to wear orange shirts and moccasins if they have them.
We encourage residents to visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website for educational materials and resources.
| City Service |
Holiday Closure Information |
| Animal Services |
The Animal Shelter at 2424 Industrial St. will be closed to appointments on Tuesday, Sept. 30. To report an animal control related emergency on a holiday, please call 905-335-7777. |
| Burlington Transit |
Burlington Transit will operate on a regular weekday schedule on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Find real-time arrival information and plan your trip using Google Maps. From a mobile phone, access Google Maps and click on your bus stop to see arrival times. From a computer, select your bus stop, then click on ‘See Departure Board’ to view arrival times.
Customer Service and Specialized Dispatch will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 30. |
| City Hall |
Service Burlington and the Building, Renovating and Licensing counter on the main floor of City Hall at 426 Brant St., will be closed to all appointments and walk-in service on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Many service payments are available online at burlington.ca/onlineservices. If your request is urgent, call 905-335-7777 to connect with the City’s live answering service.
For online development services, MyFiles can be used by residents who have applied for Pre-Building Approval. Check the status of Pre Building Approval applications at burlington.ca/MyFiles. |
| Halton Court Services – Provincial Offences Office |
Court administration counter services at 4085 Palladium Way will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Except for the Sept. 30 closure, telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. All in-person services are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Many services are also available by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or online at Halton Court Services. Payment of Provincial Offences fines is available 24/7 at paytickets.ca. |
| Parking |
Paid parking will be in effect on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
NOTE:
- The Waterfront parking lots (east and west at 1286 Lakeshore Rd.) do not provide free parking on Sept. 30.
- Parking exemptions or City-Wide Parking Permits are required to park overnight on city streets and for longer than five hours. Visit bylaw.burlington.ca for parking exemptions.
- Parking Lot 4 at 421 John St. is closed for construction on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
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| Recreation Programs and Facilities |
Recreation facilities are open for rentals and registered/drop-in programs on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Drop-in recreation program schedules are available at burlington.ca/dropinandplay.
Customer Service
Recreation, Community and Culture customer service is available to assist you in person at recreation facility counters during program times. Customer service is also available:
- By email at liveandplay@burlington.ca
- By phone at 905-335-7738, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (including Sept. 30) and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
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| Roads, Parks and Forestry |
The administrative office will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Essential services will be provided as required. |
Burlington is a city where people, nature and business thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/subscribe and follow @CityBurlington on social media.
Links and Resources
 By Gazette Staff
September 27th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Is the thought of making dinner filling you with dread? Or are you looking for somewhere to go for a great night out?
Purchase a ticket to the Eagles Nest Dine Out Charity Raffle and you could win one of two gift card collections to exceptional local restaurants!
First Prize is valued at $1800 and includes gift cards to:
Second Prize is valued at $400 and includes gift cards to:
All proceeds from the raffle help Eagles Nest provide affordable mental health services to the community.
Full details and purchase tickets from this link.
Raffle ends Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 8:00pm!
Eagles Nest is a not for profit organization that provides mental health services the the Burlington, Waterdown and Hamilton Communities –check them out
 By Gazette Staff
September 24th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Bring the family to BPAC this Saturday to celebrate Culture Days!
Enjoy a full day of FREE arts activities and performances by beloved local artists and organizations.
 By Gazette Staff
September 24th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
2025 marks the centennial of Dr. Oscar Peterson, one of the greatest pianists in jazz history.
 Oscar put everything he had into all his performances. Audiences leaned in to hear the way his fingers pressed the keys. To celebrate his legacy, we invite you to experience a world-class concert with the Oscar Peterson Centennial Quartet, featuring pianist Robi Botos, bassist Mike Downes, special guest guitarist Jocelyn Gould, and drummer Jim Doxas.
 Oscar Peterson Centennial Quartet, These exceptional jazz artists will highlight Oscar Peterson’s most famous compositions, such as “Place St-Henri,” “Hymn to Freedom” and “Cakewalk.”
Additionally, during the evening, Oscar Peterson’s daughter, Céline Peterson, will join the quartet to offer an intimate look into her father’s exceptional life and career.
Don’t miss this once-in-a-century celebration.
Thu, Oct 2, 2025, at 7:30pm
Tickets here
 By Gazette Staff
September 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Coming up this Saturday!
 Live demonstrations in the historic house Ireland House This event will feature live demonstrations in the historic house and a market offering a variety of fibre art-related products. There will also be a children’s activity station Admission is pay-what-you-may.
Pre-registration is not required, 10am to 2pm at Ireland House Museum.
Celebrate Culture Days and visit Ireland House Museum for our Heritage Fibre Fest.
Explore the rich world of fibre arts, showcasing techniques and traditions that would have been popular among the Ireland family—and still are today!
By Pepper Parr
September 20th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 There was an item in the news feed we get from BurlingtonGreen that was much different than what we usually get.
An organization that goes under the name: Drawing the Line. It is international in scope. The opening line goes like this:
Most of us can’t make ends meet – wages are low, rent is sky-high, groceries are unaffordable. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Carney has ordered a 15% cut to our public services while billionaires and corporations get richer off our suffering. Corporate elites attack the working class, particularly Black, Indigenous and racialized people, women, migrants, disabled, queer and trans people, and the unemployed. This isn’t an accident – it’s corporate rule designed to extract wealth from working people. We refuse to accept poverty while the wealthy hoard billions. We call on the federal government to tax the ultra-rich, end corporate subsidies, and invest in the affordable housing, food, healthcare, transit, education, arts and culture, public services and good jobs that our communities need to thrive.
Our future is on the line, and people everywhere are rising up to demand climate justice, peace, and real democracy. In Hamilton, we’re drawing the line for a better world: with clean energy for all, protection for people and nature, and accountability. The Hamilton event will take place in Gore Park. There isn’t going to be an event in Burlington
This is more than a single mobilization. It is an invitation to community groups and social movements across the country to unite, to learn from each other, and to form and strengthen coalitions that will continue to build beyond September 20th.
Congratulations to Burlington Green for making this available. It will be some time before Burlington holds events like this – the city sees itself as just too polite to raise its voice.
For those who are interested, you can sign up for updates HERE
 By Gazette Staff
September 17th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Hailed as a “children’s musical star” (National Post), Chris McKhool is one of Canada’s most popular musicians for young people.
This fall, Chris is bringing three PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN performances to BPAC’s Studio Theatre.
These “cushion concerts” will have an area for kids to sit up close to the stage, creating a relaxed environment for everyone to enjoy!
Kids and their parents scat-sing, become a rhythm section, and join Chris and friends on stage to play rare percussion instruments from around the world!
There are three performance dates: September 28th; November 16th, December 13th – all are at 1:00 pm in the Studio Theatre.
Tickets for Fiddle Fire on September 28th HERE
Tickets for Earth Sea Fire on November 16th HERE
Tickets for Celebrate on December 13th HERE
This award-winning show is fully interactive, as kids join the band on stage and sing songs about taking care of our planet.
Chris celebrates the multicultural mosaic of our country with songs about the many traditions honoured each year across Canada.
By Gazette Staff
September 11th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Get ready!
Culture Days 2025 runs from September 19 to October 12.
Join the celebration of creativity with thousands of free arts, culture and heritage events happening across the country—with more being added daily.
 Saturday October 4 and Sunday October 5 at Royal Botanical Gardens – Hendrie Park, Burlington, Ontario. FREE FAMILY FUN for everyone from tots to teens. This year’s Culture Days runs from Friday, Sept. 19 to Sunday, Oct. 12. Don’t miss your chance to join Burlington artists, cultural groups and creative organizations for free, interactive events and activities across the city. Discover hands-on workshops and live performances, author talks, music and meditation at the Art Gallery of Burlington, Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Burlington Public Library, Museums of Burlington and Tourism Burlington.
Culture Day Highlights
Tourism Burlington’s Culture Crawl — This choose-your-own-adventure tour features signature arts and heritage experiences.
Click HERE for details.
The website isn’t the easiest to navigate – the list of events with specific times and locations is there – it just takes a pit of effort to find it all
 Ireland House Museum for our Heritage Fibre Fest! Explore the rich world of fibre arts, showcasing techniques and traditions that would have been popular among the Ireland family—and still are today! The event will feature live demonstrations in the historic house and a market offering a variety of fibre art-related products. There will also be a children’s activity station, where kids can make their own spool knitting and weaving creations. Admission is pay-what-you-may. The more you participate, the more points you can earn points to redeem for exclusive local swag.
Public Art Walk, Waterfront Trail at Beachway Park – This self-guided tour showcases the visual and written works of 20 Burlington artists and writers. It’s a creative and accessible way to experience Burlington’s thriving cultural community beside Lake Ontario.
Culture Days is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a national network of cultural connections. It provides Canadians with opportunities to participate in, and appreciate, all forms of art and culture. Culture Days promotes free, interactive activities and events for the public. The festival welcomes participants to create, share and celebrate a life enriched by arts and culture.
By Gazette Staff
September 11th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 If you want to be a better dancer, this is an event to take part in danceScape is inviting the Burlington community to its Fall Open House, offering free, beginner-friendly dance lessons for all ages and experience levels. The event takes place at their studio on 2077 Pine Street, Monday, September 15, and Thursday, September 18, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Participants can explore a variety of dance styles, including Ballroom (Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba, Cha Cha, Jive/Swing), Salsa and Latin Club (Salsa, Merengue, Bachata), danceTONE (high-energy cardio), danceFLOW (gentle Tai Chi/Qigong-inspired movement), and Wedding Dance tips. No partner or prior experience is required.
Guests will enjoy free sample lessons, light refreshments, friendly instructors, and a welcoming, zero-pressure environment. The Open House also provides a preview of danceScape’s Fall 2025 group classes, beginning September 22.
Pre-registration is required, and VIP passes can be reserved. Click HERE
 By Pepper Parr
September 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 The city will spend $500,00 on this event, and staff will put in untold hours – to what end? The Food for Feedback event takes place Saturday, September 13, between noon and 4 p.m. at Central Park
This is the fifth Food For Feedback event, which the city feels is a perfect example of engaging with the public.
Our sense of the event is that the engagement is one-way – citizens don’t have much in the way of opportunity to tell Councillors and staff what they think.
Putting dots on a poster is just not communication.
 Food Truck line-ups in 2024 It costs the city close to $50,000 each year to put on the event. Is there measurable value for money? Some city staff don’t think so.
The Free Food is good – we urge you to go and ask questions.
The City wants to know what you think. Do what you can to walk around the site, meet neighbours and exchange views with friends. And, ask questions.
Why are you doing this?
How is it going to make my life in Burlington better?
And if you have comments, send them to us.
 By Gazette Staff
September 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington Beach Catamaran Club (BBCC) is holding the 2025 Hobie Cat 14 North American Championships in Burlington September 8-11, 2025.
 The Championship will follow the BBCC BUMS Regatta, which will be held on September 5-7, 2025.
7 days of Great Racing.
Where: At Burlington Beach – follow the trail – you can’t miss the place.
 Take the Waterfront Trail – you won’t miss the place.  This is thrilling to watch. Mastering the wind
By Gazette Staff
September 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Vintage Wheels & Wings. See hundreds of vintage vehicles along with our famous vintage aircraft collection!
September 21, 2025 at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Time: 9 am to 2 pm
Admission: BUY ONLINE & SAVE –
 Vintage cars at the Wheels and Wings event. Adults $16 (Age 18+), Kids $12 (Ages 6-17).
At the door – Adults $20 & Kids $15 (tax included). Free admission for museum members and children 5 & under. Complimentary passes are not valid for this special event.
VINTAGE VEHICLE PRE-REGISTRATION SOLD OUT! We are now at maximum capacity for vintage vehicles. Unregistered vintage vehicles will not be admitted to the show.
A VINTAGE vehicle is one that was manufactured 20 years ago or more (so 2005 or older).
As this is an outdoor event, some car owners may elect to leave early if inclement weather is expected.
By Pepper Parr
September 4th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
There are some events that are sad.
 When we lose a member of the community, we grieve and at the same time celebrate what they did while they were with us.
On Sunday at the Seniors’ Centre, between 2:00 and 4:00 pm, friends and family will gather to Celebrate the Life of Freda Veitch.
When Joe Veietch and his daughters organized this event, they tried to determine how many people they should expect. “75 maybe a few more” suggested Joe.
To date, 150 have indicated they will attend.
The Family has asked that those attending wear something red t reflect both Freda’s approach to life and the roses that she nurtured for years
By Gazette Staff
August 30th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
On Sunday September 7, 1:00 pm, LANA BUTTON introduces One Can at A Different Drummer Books – 513 Locust Street Burlington
Admission Free
Our brilliant friend Lana Button, award-winning creator of delightful stories to help young people learn, visits us with her new picture book, written in collaboration with Eric Walters and illustrator Isabelle Malenfant, a moving story of community and helping families in need, One Can.
 “The text is finely tuned to a child’s understanding…the focus is on considering what the recipient needs, and what we can give. A perfectly calibrated introduction to the concept of economic differences.” —Kirkus Reviews
 By Gazette Staff
August 27th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Known for their hits “Chills,” “Keep It Simple,” “Lawn Chair Lazy,” and countless others, Ontario-based James Barker Band is proof that big dreams can grow from small-town roots. Fueled by friendship, grit, and a shared love for storytelling, this band has gone from local dive bars to headlining stages around the world, amassing millions of global streams, multiple No.1 hits, and the devotion of fans along the way.
Don’t miss them perform live at BPAC
Special guest Kalsey Kulykwill be with them.
Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 7:30pm
Tickets
By Gazette Staff
August 27th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
It is going to cost two twoonies ($4.00) to get into RibFest this year.
If the weather turns fowl and there is rtain you will be able to stay dry.
The Rotary people have erected this massive tent that can shield a lot of people.
 This tent will keep a lot of people dry should there be rain.
 There is a clear line of sight to the bandstand. Rotary has put together a very lively list of entertainers. The event takes place at Spencer Smith Park, running from August 29-Sept 1, 2025 ·
Friday to Sunday 11:00 am to 11:00 pm,
Monday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
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