By Gazette Staff
June 19th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
The Conservation Halton Foundation made history on June 11, 2026, raising a record-breaking $302,000 at its eighth annual Blue Gala. This year, funds raised will support water-based education and recreation programs for local children in our community, and events like the Halton Children’s Water Festival, which has been attended by more than 50,000 youth since its inception.
Together with the Blue Community campaign (June 13 & 14), where park fees and donations were collected for the Conservation Halton Foundation, the 2026 Blue campaign raised an incredible $345,065.
Weather was great and the location perfect.
Jim Cuddy performing.
Surrounded by the restored natural landscape at Area 8 Conservation Area, over 365 Blue Gala guests had the opportunity to hear from The Honourable Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks; Chandra Sharma, President & CEO, Conservation Halton; and Garner Beckett, Executive Director, Conservation Halton Foundation. One of the highlights of the night was a cozy and entertaining Fireside Chat with Canadian music icon Jim Cuddy hosted by Breakfast Television’s Tim Bolen.
Guests enjoyed incredible cuisine from celebrity chef Chef Corbin before the Jim Cuddy Trio took the stage to close out the evening with an incredible set that had guests dancing in the aisles. Together with strong community support from sponsorships, the Blue Auction and 50/50 raffle helped the Conservation Halton Foundation exceed its event fundraising target.
The Conservation Halton Foundation’s annual Blue gala is the organization’s signature fundraiser. Each year, it shines a light on Conservation Halton’s parks and drives essential funding to support local environmental projects. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Mattamy Homes and the many other sponsors and supporters who contributed to the event. Funds raised will support the blue spaces that contribute to healthy watersheds, and that connect youth with nature through learning and recreation programs.
Discover more from Burlington Gazette - Local News, Politics, Community
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Happy for them raising funds for a good purpose, but does anyone see a conflict of interest related to the major donors?
Are these not the same people who seek out approvals from CH (and elsewhere in the province) in relation to development projects they are proposing such as Millcroft Greens in Burlington.
How could CH issue any unbiased/ uninfluenced approvals with this in the background especially when it occurs annually and becomes a significant revenue source supporting viability of the institution. Would love to hear the explanation.
Or maybe the province could just neutralize them so we won’t need to worry about their approvals!