Here’s how the people of Burlington are staying active this fall

By Aria Wilson

October 26th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

Burlington residents are putting themselves out there—and it’s helping them in the long run.

Colder weather can bring about less time outside and more time alone. While some might think of this as a way of staying comfortable, others can find it isolating.

The Halton Outdoor Club’s Annual Fall Fair (2025) Photo credit Marlis Butcher`

On Wednesday, The Halton Outdoor Club hosted the Fall Information Fair of 2025 at the Burlington Lions Club to spread the word. The room was buzzing with excitement and decorated with tables of information about the club events.

Susan Mansfield, the marketing and communications director of the club says the nonprofit organization is looking strong heading into the upcoming cold seasons.

When asked about the best part of the Halton Outdoor Club, she said, “The camaraderie, it’s really all for one or one for all.”

Sports director of hiking, Lisa Raftis highlighted the importance of community, stating that there is space for “all levels, at every level” of athleticism.

Not only does the club cater to all ages and skill levels, but the value of walking in a group, especially for young women, is safety.

Frank Vajda, another sports director of hiking, says that the hikes are generally filled with more women than men, with most hikes becoming social events.

If you are thinking of becoming a part of the club, you can attend two events for free before paying the $90 membership fee.

The Halton Outdoor Club takes on kayaking. Photo credit : Marlis Butcher]

It’s no wonder that people are on the lookout for ways to stay healthy and social. A study conducted by Cambridge University showed a general population shift towards lower moods as the year progresses.

One Burlington local, Mathew Cooke is a member of the Golden Horseshoe Mixed Chorus and the Burlington Men’s Shed.

When asked about how long it took Cooke to feel the mental benefits of joining a group, he said, “It takes about a year for that loneliness to start to fade and to start to feel more like you’re a member of a group, your participation is valued, and your contribution is valued.”

“[Men’s shed] started with retired men getting together in a garden shed, thinking of things to do and socializing,” Cooke said.

Burlington Men’s Shed has recently been added to the course curriculum as a senior’s program at the Burlington Seniors’ Centre.

It costs members of the Burlington Men’s Shed 10 dollars per month to join the nonprofit organization.

When Cooke was asked what Men’s Shed is for, he said retired men can have a “difficult time” feeling prepared for a life without “structure” and “system.”

Cooke said there are weekly activities and bigger, less frequent events organized by Burlington Men’s Shed.

This November the Burlington Men’s Shed intends on painting the town with festivities by decorating the area in lights.

When asked if he would recommend this type of organized activity to Burlington residents, without an inkling of hesitation, Cooke said, “Absolutely. Yes.”