 By Staff
November 8th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
It is a sombre annual event.
It’s a time to pause, reflect, think of those we lost, wonder why we feel we have to go to war.
 Soldiers leave for war watched by their families at Union Station in Toronto, 1914. Canada has never been a war zone. Our young men and women have gone to war. In Burlington they marched up Brant to the train station and boarded trains that took them to Montreal where they boarded ships to England where they waited. And then it was time to sail for Europe where battles that are beyond the imagination took place. For those men who were on the front lines and survived to return were never the same.
 Troops in the British Columbia Duke of Connaught’s own rifles marching-down Eighth Street in New Westminster. Did that Father return. We will listen to the news and hear the rattle of the sabres as the President of the United States postures and puts us all in danger.
Compare his words with those from the song – “All we are saying is give peace a chance.”
Teresa Seaton has found a way to take the remembering beyond what we have done in the past.
On Saturday afternoon when the parade is over she has invited people to her gallery to listen to Dave Barry begin a presentation that will start with an introduction of Canadian historical art that will examine the contribution of Canadian war artists in both WW1 and WW2 and the aftermath of 9/11.
The city events begin with a Sunrise Remembrance Day Service at 9 a.m., at the Naval Ships Memorial Monument in Spencer Smith Park.
The Remembrance Day Parade starts at 10:30 am at Central Public School and proceeds along Brant to Elgin Street, Elgin to Locus Street, Locust to Ontario Street
The Remembrance Day Service begins at 11:00 am with the 45 to 60 minute ceremony at the Cenotaph, on the north side of City Hall.
 By Staff
November 8th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
They have been doing it for 17 years – the annual Halton Regional Police Service Toys for Tots Holiday Campaign
 The campaign is a program that aims to provide toys to less fortunate families living within Halton Region.
This year they have partnered with Canadian Tire, the Salvation Army, Mandarin Restaurant and Halton Honda to collect and provide toys to families in need.
The official kick-off will be on Wednesday November 15, 2017; 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at Canadian Tire, 777 Guelph Line, Burlington.
 It’s one of those programs that calls for all hands to be on deck – more than 4000 needy families benefit. In 2016, the Halton Regional Police Service Toys for Tots program raised more than $248,810 in toys, gift cards, cash and food for 4,350 local families in need.
Honorary Regional Police Officers, wrestling living legends and humanitarians, Tiger Jeet Singh and Tiger Jeet Singh Jr. will be part of this festive season of giving.
For more information about the Toys for Tots program, visit www.haltonpolice.ca under Events or contact Constable Steve Elms at 905-825-4747 ext. 5240 or steve.elms@haltonpolice.ca.
 By Staff
November 7th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
There are some pretty big names on the Sound of Music stages – and they all started in a basement somewhere and did the rounds of the bars in some of those ‘Godforsaken towns’ in the province.
No one “started out” at the Sound of Music Festival – you earn your way to their stages.
 Sound of Music – huge crowds descend on the city – everything is about the music. The Festival is now accepting band submissions for next year’s event that will take place June 9-17, 2018.
The Festival line-up features an eclectic blend of emerging artists, past favourites and current performers. Past shows have included: Marianas Trench, 54-40, Walk Off The Earth, Our Lady Peace, The Tea Party.
The Festival celebrates Canadian and local musical talent, with a preference to performances with a repertoire of original music, and for those who have not played at the Festival in the past 2-3 years.
 He “owns” that stage and the crowd is all his! The Sound of Music wants to know if you have local roots – make sure you let them know about what you’ve done in the local market.
The required questions must be fully answered. Compensation is provided and will be negotiated at the time of booking.
We will accept applications via Sonicbids from October 2 to December 31, 2017.
Please include:
Band name and short bio (100 words)
A minimum of 2 songs
Contact information
Suggested performance fee
Due to the high volume of submissions, those sent via mail, e-mail or social media will not be considered. Only those sent via Sonicbids will be contacted.
Never forget that Walk Off the Earth was once just four guys and a gal and one guitar.
 By Pepper Parr
November 7th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
This doesn’t sound very nice.
The adult soccer people are upset – again.
There seems to be a bit of a turf war (no pun intended) with the Burlington Youth Soccer Club on one side and the Burlington Soccer League (BSL), Burlington Women’s Recreational Soccer League (BWRSL), Burlington Old Timers Soccer Club (BOTSC), and Burlington Ladies Soccer League (BLSL) on the other.
 Adult soccer players feel they are not getting their share of time in the soccer domes – have formed a consortium and are taking a petition to city council. Burlington adult soccer communities claim they have been displaced by the inaction of the city which they claim has allowed the Burlington Youth Soccer Club (BYSC) — without external input or approval — to deny long-standing dome users their rightful place in the City-owned and tax-payer financed domes while leaving the public facility largely empty.
In a petition the BSL, the BWRSL, the BOTSC and the BLSL are circulating, they maintain that: “After contributing initial funding for development and rental fees for 15+ years the during which the groups have contributed well in excess of $600,000 to the Sherwood Forest Park Domes they are being kept out as of this fall.
Apparently “No negotiations were offered by the City or BYSC and no conversations toward working together have taken place. Instead the adult soccer clubs have had their programming replaced — and in some cases duplicated — by the BYSC in an effort to create a monopoly for soccer in Burlington.
This forces residents to pay higher fees for fewer games at a lower quality or to travel outside of the City in which their tax dollars helped to fund this soccer facility.
The petition is on line – look at the facts, talk to those adults who play soccer and then consider making your voice heard.
The Burlington Youth Soccer Club has become quite a bit more aggressive in their marketing and promotion efforts and while they are the largest soccer organization in the city there has always been considerable animosity between this very large club and the smaller groups.
We recall a meeting a number of years ago (2011) at city hall during which a number of woman with babies in their arms or in strollers massed in the council chamber to make their point. Council backed down and the issue was resolved. Link to that story set out below.
Women’s soccer teams want time slots back
There is something that isn’t right with the way things get managed within the Parks and Recreation department. Currently the seniors that used to have a considerable amount of influence with the way things were run at the Seniors’ Centre found themselves locked out of the office they were using and told to find accommodation somewhere else – the city took over much of the programming the seniors were doing. They formed their own organization and are offering some interesting and innovative programs.
Now the adult soccer groups seem to find that they too are not part of the “collaborative” process that the city administrators like to brag about.
The adult groups are asking city Councillors to intervene. They don’t want to mess with the Mother’s
By Staff
November 6, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
A number of years ago the people at the Parks and Recreation learned about an approach to community organizing they thought could benefit the people of the city.
 Denise Beard, Manager of Community Development Services Denise Beard, Manager of Community Development Services heard Jim Diers speaking at an event and thought his approach made a lot of sense.
Diers was brought in – spoke to several groups and was taken on by the Parks and Recreation people to advise and consult.
 Jim Diers The Parks and Recreation people didn’t buy into everything Diers suggested but they did take to the idea of working with neighbourhood groups and providing funds to develop neighbourhood initiatives.
The program is working and is being used again in 2018.
The program – Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund, is now accepting applications – the deadline for submissions is Feb. 26, 2018.
Designed to inspire residents to lead neighbourhood and community projects, the Fund provides up to $5,000 to support projects led by local groups, like the group of students from Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School who painted a beautiful 700 square-foot mural in Norton Park, which was unveiled on Oct. 24, 2017.
An information session will be held on Nov. 22, 2017, from 7 to 9 p.m., in room 247 of Burlington City Hall, 426 Brant St. Anyone interested in applying for funds is encouraged to attend the presentation, speak with staff and network with other grant applicants or past recipients.
 This bunch decided the ball park next to their school needed an upgrade – they took their ideas to city hall and were awarded a matching grant. How the Fund works
The Community Matching Fund program provides up to $5,000 in city funding to support neighbourhood and community group-led projects in Burlington. Approved projects receive up to 50 per cent of the funding from the city. The neighbourhood or community group will match this funding with an equal contribution made up of any combination of volunteer hours, donated services, donated materials and supplies or other funds raised, such as cash donations.
The city has funded 14 community projects.
 By Pepper Parr
November 3rd, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
They have been doing this for fifteen years.
It has become a bit of an institution for those who appreciate the arts.
The Art in Action tour begins again this year on Saturday the 4th and continues on Sunday the 5th. 10 am to 5 pm. Each of the nine locations are usually clearly marked.
During the tour you will find yourself crossing paths with people you met earlier in the day – it’s a really pleasant way to make new friends.
 Map with locations of the nine tour stops. You will meet artists and you may find yourself buying something during the tour or you might decide when you get home that you did like the piece of art and want to make a purchase.
In the past we have had notes from people who saw something they liked and asked if we could put them in touch with the artist.
 The Cat – it spoke to me. Done by Claudette Losier I saw a postcard of a painting that I liked – the painting wasn’t part of the exhibit. I was intrigued by the work – and met the artist sometime later and asked where the original painting was – “In my house” she explained. “Would you like to buy it” The painting is now in my home – still haven’t decided how I want it framed. That cat speaks to me.
Get the cat in here.
Keeping something alive for 15 years and watching it grow is no small feat. The Art in Action people scrounge and find sponsors. For the past number of years they have awarded a scholarship to a budding student – some of whom grow to the point where they take part in the tour.
The artists are there to sell their work – but they do a lot more than that – they take the position that they want to grow the number of people who see art as an important part of their lives.
 Don Graves, showing a piece of his work to an interested patron. She bought it. Don Graves sees his role as teaching people what art can come to mean in their lives – watching him show a small painting to two women a number of years ago and letting them get comfortable with the work before they bought it – and buy it they did.
 Stained glass artist Teresa Seaton at her work table. Some of the artist’s work at their easels or tables during the tour. Teresa Seaton is often seen putting together a stained glass piece while people look on.
There are 27 artists showing at nine locations. Some new faces and some we have seen before and want to see what they have done in the past year.
More detail on the Art in Action web site Click here.
 By Staff
November 2, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
We work in the dark. We make sense of what we can. But we don’t know what we have until we hear from you.
 That’s Trevor Todd asking that you “Come to see our workshop on the longest process of Tottering Biped’s history: Journey to the East, inspired by Herman Hesse’s novella.
The date got changed – we have no idea what the original date was – but it is now November 8th at 7pm at the Performing Arts Centre.
Journey to the East Follows a WWI refugee fleeing the trenches of France. Loosely based on Hermann Hesse’s novella. It is a meditation on the spiritual aftermath of war.
Ticket price can’t be beat: Pay-What-You-Want.
 By Staff
November 1st, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Sound of Music isn’t just a week long music feast beside a big lake.
The organization puts on events and will be doing a – From Nothing to Something class.
 Music can be achieved by mixing creativity, teamwork and some basic movement. Turn a zipper into a scratching turntable. A bottle for a cowbell. Clap, tap or stomp in a pattern. Use multiple voices to layer and create impact.
Body percussion is fun, challenging and interactive!
Sign up your 9-12 year old kids for this free workshop! Space is limited. Maximum 20 children. Reserve your spot today.
WHERE: The Halton HiVE, 901 Guelph Line, Burlington (parking is free)
WHEN: Sunday, November 19 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm
There is no cost to attend but pre-registration is required. Download the form, (Just click on the red type above to get the form) fill it in and email it, along with any questions to musiced@soundofmusic.ca.
The Sound of Music year-round music education workshops are sponsored by Terrapure Environmental.
By Staff
November 2, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
1942 – America – The Stage Door Canteen – a place where Bette Davis served the desserts. Marlene Dietrich and Lauren Bacall danced the night away. Red Skelton told the jokes and Bing Crosby crooned. The place was the Stage Door Canteen and the guests were the steady stream of GIs headed off to war. Many were leaving home for the first time and the Canteen offered a welcome opportunity to forget their anxieties—if only for a time—with entertainment, fellowship and a little American spirit.
Wellington Square United Church will be putting on a musical: Stage Door Canteen, at 1.30 pm on November 5th.
The original Stage Door Canteen was a bustling social club established in New York in 1942 that became a home away from home for soldiers, sailors and marines. Similar clubs spread across the United States and as far away as London and Paris.
It’s here where hordes of servicemen and young women put worries of the war aside and danced to the music of famous bands. They listened to stars such as Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby sing “As Time Goes By” and “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”. Actress Helen Hayes served sandwiches and famous actors cleared away plates.
Memories of this bustling social club will come alive again at Wellington Square United Church.
 What began as a place for service people to gather and relax went on to become a Broadway show that played around the world. It’s a musical trip down memory lane that begins with lunch at 1 p.m. followed by the show, Stage Door Canteen, at 1.30 p.m.
“The purpose of the show is to honour Remembrance Day, and Canada’s 150th birthday, and allow people to sing those songs again while reviving the hope of that day,” said Juanita Maldonado, musical director at Wellington Square and an accomplished singer, pianist, organist and guitarist.
The program includes a wide variety of entertainers such as a dynamic new musical group out of Burlington, called Hotsy Totsy, who will sing old standards from the 1940s and 1950s. Complete with costumes and characters, they will take guests back on a nostalgic journey to the war and post-war years in Canada and England. A 12-person troupe of senior dance performers who specialize in tap, jazz, clogging, hip-hop and musical theatre will also entertain.
“A lot of the music at the Stage Door Canteen was filled with a longing for someone to return from the war,” said Maldonado. “One thing that I love most are the songs that tell stories of those who have been away, and come back, such as ‘Kiss Me Once and Kiss Me Twice, It’s Been a Long, Long Time.”
Tickets are $20. and everyone who attends is encouraged to join in the program and sing along.
To purchase a ticket, please call the church office at 905-634-1849.
By Staff
October 31st, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Is this the beginning of a shift from the idea of road diets?
The City is reminding pedestrians and cyclists to follow proper etiquette and safety practices when using a shared pathway to ensure the safety of all users.
Multi-use pathways in the city are a shared space. Residents are reminded to abide by the following etiquette:
• Keep to the right
• Warn others when approaching or passing
• Faster trail users yield to slower traffic
• Use lights at night
• Keep dogs on leash
Sounds like the transportation people have stopped talking about how to comport ourselves on a street that is on a “diet”.
But – “Burlington is one of Canada’s best and most livable cities, a place where people, nature and business thrive.”
 Vito Tolone, Director of Transportation Services Vito Tolone, Director of Transportation Services had this to say about using pathways for cycling: “Walking and cycling on the city’s multi-use pathways is a fun and healthy activity, but it’s important to ensure everyone’s safety. Please be respectful to fellow pathway users and remember that the speed limit on pathways in Burlington is 15 kilometres an hour.”
Quick Facts
Approximately 208,000 cyclists and 280,000 pedestrians use the Beachway multi-use path annually.
Cyclists that need a bike light or bell can get one from the City of Burlington, free of charge, while supplies last.
For more information, please contact Dan Ozimkovic at dan.ozimkovic@burlington.
By Staff
October 31, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
 Retired Teachers of Ontario members presented the Friends of Freeman Station with a grant of $4000. Left to Right: Ron Danielsen, FOFS President; Ruth Miller, RTO Project Sponsor; Penny Hambly, RTO Awards Committee; Carolyn Hilton, RTO Awards Committee; and Claudia Stewart, RTO-District 15 President. Retired Teachers of Ontario (RTO) announced approval of a grant application by Friends of Freeman Station (FOFS) to fund a computer control system for its historic model railway educational exhibit. The money will be used to purchase the central “brains” of a planned interactive, museum-quality model railway diorama depicting life in the village of Freeman (now part of Burlington) in the early 1900’s.
“The diorama, we envision, will eventually be an exciting educational experience for visiting school groups as well as the general public,” said Bob Miller and Ken Taylor, co-leaders of the FOFS Basement Diorama Railway Committee (BDRC). “We were pleased to receive word of the RTO/ETO favourable decision.“
 Claudia Stewart, President of RTO District 15/Halton, said, “We look forward to continuing involvement of our RTO members in the creation and operation of the diorama, and we see it as an important addition to the learning experiences of local youth and the general public – a nostalgic look back at life before airplanes, computers, and smart phones.”
 One of the pieces of rolling stock that will be part of the diorama when it is completed and located in the basement of the Freeman Station Brian Aasgaard, President of FOFS, says construction of the Lower Level Railway diorama will begin soon at the Burlington Junction Station, and will proceed in several phases. The computer system will eventually automatically control lights, lighting effects, audio and video playback, and movement of the model trains to create an informative and educational story of life in the village.
 A larger look at some of the rolling stock that will be part of the diorama to be located in the basement of the Freeman Station. This equipment is on view at the Station until November 4th. The diorama team includes approximately 35 persons with model railroading, diorama creation, and authoring interactive educational materials. Interested parties are invited to join the team. Skills sought include 1/24 scale modeling, scene painting, computer programming, teaching, writing, carpentry, G scale model railroading, and electrical expertise. More information is on our Web site: www.freemanstation.ca/llrd
 By Staff
October 31st, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
 Before dedicated bike lanes on the lift – proposed lanes (and what is in place for the pilot) on the right. Will city council actually make a final decision on the one-year pilot on a section of New Street between Walkers Line and Guelph Line, reducing the number of lanes from four to three with buffered bike lanes?
This issue has been mired in the Transportation department and the subject of much debate between the cyclists and car drivers.
A staff report with findings from the one-year New Street pilot project will be presented to Burlington City Council at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Mon. Nov. 27 at 6:30 p.m. A copy of the report will be available beginning Nov. 18 and can be found on the city’s webpage dedicated to the project.
Throughout the one-year New Street pilot project, the city will be sharing updates and information collected.
Comparison of travel times on New Street before and after the implementation of the one-year pilot:
 All kinds of graphics material was made available to the public – problem was the public didn’t show up at the public meetings. Less than 20 people – more staff than tax payers. A Closer Look at the Numbers:
Travel time data on New Street between Walkers Line and Guelph Line was captured using BlueMAC technology. When an outbound bluetooth signal is detected from a passing mobile phone or car, the BlueMAC technology, located at New Street and Walkers Line and New Street and Guelph Line, is able to record the travel time of each vehicle.
While the number of recordings does not represent the total number of cars using New Street during the times above, it does provide a sample size that is significantly larger than one captured manually.
Ward 2 city Councillor sets out her position in her newsletter: “Residents have reported significant delays turning from side streets onto New St, increased traffic on side streets that weren’t intended to handle the volume, and delays in travelling at certain times of the day.
“More than 2000 people have signed a petition seeking an end to the pilot project. We need to consider the lived experience and input from residents as much as the Bluetooth data. We have yet to learn whether there has been an increase in cyclists due to the new lanes, but we know the lanes have impacted thousands of drivers.
“When there is an accident on the QEW or 403, there is no extra capacity to take the volume on our streets, including New, leading to significant gridlock. When people are commuting home from long work days, or meetings or errands, each extra minute in traffic is precious time away from family. Based on what I have heard and learned so far, it doesn’t make sense to continue the lane restriction.”
 Our experience was a little more than the time shown on this graphic.  This is about what the Gazette experienced. The Gazette’s experience on travelling the route: We experienced minimal delay – what we didn’t see was any more than two cyclist on the route at any one time – and most of the time there were none. On two occasions we did see cyclists using the sidewalk.
This has been one of the more divisive issues Burlington has had to contend with for some time.
Biggest question is – How much has the city spent on this project in terms of staff time?
By Staff
October 29th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Youth Soccer Club (BYSC) is hosting its annual gala, Volunteer Appreciation & Awards Night, to honour the achievements of its players and coaches, and to celebrate the contributions of its volunteers. This event takes place Wednesday, November 1st from 6:00 – 9:00 pm and will be hosted by event sponsor, and BYSC Partner, Atrium Banquet and Conference Centre.
 Soccer has thousands playing the game. At the Volunteer Appreciation & Awards Night, the BYSC will be presenting the following awards to the nominated recipients, including:
Referee of the Year (Youth),
Referee of the Year (Adult), Keith Grant
Referee of the Year, John De Benedictis (Recreational)
Coaching Award,
Volunteer of the Year,
Young Volunteer of the Year,
Competitive Coach of the Year,
Male Competitive Player of the Year,
Female Competitive Player of the Year,
Harry Newman (Competitive) Team of the Year,
and the Melanie Booth Award.
 During a car fee Sunday on Brant the pavement didn’t seem to be a problem. Get a dozen kids and a soccer ball plus two nets and you’ve got a game. The Melanie Booth award is named after former BYSC player and National Team/ Olympic Bronze Medalist Melanie Booth, and is awarded to a player with successes at the National Level.
Honoured guests expected include Melanie Booth, Ron Smale (President of Ontario Soccer), and Steven Caldwell (Toronto FC),
For information about BYSC events or programs, visit www.burlingtonsoccer.com or call 905-333-0777.
By Staff
October 29, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Prime Minister was in town.
He spent a couple of hours at the YMCA meeting with people who are taking part in a YMCA Employment Services program and then making an announcement that has national implications.
Burlington is now a Liberal friendly city and the crowds were adoring.
 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau being greeted at the Burlington YMCA These Prime Ministerial tours are major productions with support teams that that amount to more than 25 people.
Security is thick – but not obtrusive.
For the first time in my experience I saw RCMP officers carrying rifles in special back backs that don’t give away what is inside them – these men are sharp shooters.
Easily ten plain clothes police – they are ranked by how close they can get to the Prime Minister. Each wear a button – a pin in their lapel – red ones mean they get close – they surround the PM – you have to get past them to get near the PM. The black ones are at the rear of the room.
There is always one, usually a nervous looking young man standing right beside the PM. It is a well-orchestrated event.
The first part of the visit had the Prime Minister in the lower level of the YMCA talking one on one with people taking part in the YMCA Employment Services program
As structured as the event itself was the Prime Minister didn’t seem to be WORD – he walked into the room – no one said a word – there was no applause. He was greeted by the head of the YMCA and asked a few questions and then began talking to the dozen or so people who were enrolled in the Employment Services program. Each was sitting in front of a computer monitor so the Prime Minister dropped to a squat and was able to talk directly – eye to eye to each person.
 He spent a good fifteen minutes going from person to person – asking what they were looking for in the way of work and the kind of help they were getting.
It was quiet – the only thing that made it a bit unreal was the dozens of photographers and television camera operators hovering.
There was no grandstanding on the part of the PM – he was just in the room talking to people. His communications support people – there were easily six – maybe eight of them – were everywhere paying attention to the details – there had to be a glass of water at the podium and it had to be in a clear glass. .
When all the students had been talked to the PM said a few words and headed for another room where there was a group of about 75 people, all invited, in a room that had Canadian Flags and a backdrop of Canadian flags and a podium for the Prime Minister to speak from.
 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meeting and greeting at the Burlington YMCA Television cameras from every network in the country were lined up. The PM announced a 2019 federal investment of $500 million toward the Working Income Tax Benefit (WITB).
Trudeau also announced a 2019 federal investment of $500 million toward the Working Income Tax Benefit (WITB). The Working Income Tax Benefit (WITB) will help those folks who are working hard to make ends meet and who are still struggling at the lower end of the income scale.”
With the speeches done the Prime Minister chatted with the invited guests then headed into the foyer of the YMCA where there were close to 100 people waiting to see him. Babies were held up for a Prime Ministerial kiss – two that we saw – and then out into the street where vehicles were waiting.
To ensure that this was a truly Burlington event there was one lone protester holding up a Save Bateman sign.
By Pepper Parr
October 25th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
It is called Flora Hominis.
It stands at one end of the Dalglish Family Garden which is part of the revitalized Rock Garden at the Royal Botanical Garden.
 The first permanent sculpture commissioned by the RBG in decades commemorates the legacy of Thomas McQuesten in a bold, imaginative work of art by Hamilton artist Brandon Vickerd. It is the first permanent sculpture commissioned by the RBG in decades and was done to “commemorate the legacy of Thomas McQuesten and RBG’s long-standing commitment to the stewardship of our land.”
The sculpture was done by Brandon Vickerd, a Hamilton based artist and Professor of Sculpture at York University.
There are two stories being told – that of a bold, imaginative work of art that will take some getting used to for some people and the story of Thomas McQuesten, a man who did more to build the province of Ontario than anyone else in his time or since.
Today we celebrate the work of the artist. Vickerd serves as Chair of the Department of Visual Arts and Art History. He received his BFA from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (1999) and his MFA from University of Victoria (2001).
The work was funded in part by the Ontario 150 Fund, and RBG donors Peter and Camilla Dalglish.
 Close up of the head of Flora Hominis The statue, cast in bronze, is a life-sized figure weighing approximately 350 lbs. that appears to be Thomas McQuesten from a distance; but on closer inspection, the sculpture is composed of a collection of local flora and native plants.
The artwork is intended to connect the representation of McQuesten to the rich and vibrant ecosystem of Royal Botanical Garden that he was pivotal in creating. Flora Hominis addresses the interconnected ecosystem that humans inhabit along with all other forms of organic life.
The title of the work, Flora Hominis, is the Latin translation of the words plant and human, and is intended to encapsulate the interdependency of both.
By presenting a figurative work that marries plant and man, the sculpture addresses the interdependency of both elements of the natural world. McQuesten referred to park spaces as the “lungs of the city,” a vital organ that by its very nature makes civilization possible.
Flora Hominis calls for an alternate understanding of what it means to be human – that humanity can only realize its full potential when it accepts that it is part of the natural world.
In other words, we are not stewards of all things natural, but subjects of the complex ecosystem that surrounds us.
 Camilla Dalglish Camilla Dalglish explained how the work of art came to be. She said that she had her husband Peter “visited Whitehern, Thomas McQuesten’s family home in Hamilton and became fascinated by the story of this remarkable man”, who became obsessed with city planning. He worked with lawyers, politicians, engineers, architects, artists, and horticulturalists and within a decade created a city park system that is the largest acreage of parkland in any Canadian city.
It includes Cootes Paradise, Gage Park, The High Level Bridge, the Royal Botanical Gardens Rock Garden, the Niagara Parks Commission, the Queen Elizabeth Highway as well as the once glorious grounds around McMaster University.
The Dalglish’s “felt this incredible man deserved much more recognition”. Mark Runciman and the Board of the Royal Botanical Gardens agreed. Today we are thrilled that Thomas McQuesten is immortalized in The Dalglish Family Courtyard.”
 Brandon Vickerd, the artist who created the statue. The process Vickerd used to complete the statue was complex; it included both traditional and innovative Vacuum Assisted Organic Burnout (VAOB) bronze casting methods. Flora Hominis will be the first public sculptural work using the VOAB process in which a ceramic mold is constructed directly around organic material. The ceramic mold is then fired at a high temperature that strengthens the mold while incinerating the organic material, leaving a cavity.
Next, the ceramic mold (which is porous by nature) is placed on a high capacity vacuum so that when the bronze is poured into the mold the vacuum forces the molten bronze into the miniscule cavity of the mold creating a highly-detailed rendering that exceeds the detail of any traditional bronze casting process.
 Mark Runciman, President and CEO of the Royal Botanical Gardens The selection jury included Tobi Bruce (Art Gallery of Hamilton), Mark Runciman (RBG CEO), John Best (author of Thomas Baker McQuesten: Public Works, Politics, and Imagination), Camilla and Peter Dalglish (RBG supporters), and Maryella Leggat (RBG supporter). They considered over 45 submissions from across the country before settling on 4 short-listed artists.
By Staff
October 24th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The land that the latest piece of public art sits on has a sad story behind it but the soaring aluminum rods that artist Lilly Otasevic created is stunning.
 It is a sculpture that needs some time to be fully appreciated. The sculpture, Crescendo (Rising Wave), was created to represent the contemporary and historic Aldershot Village.
Located at the intersection of Plains Road and Waterdown the theme of Crescendo links together the past, present and future of the neighbourhood. The term crescendo in music represents a gradual increase in loudness: a buildup to reach a point of great intensity.
This aligns with the change that has occurred in Aldershot Village over the years and is continuing today. The sculpture’s shape represents a hub of activity in the community. The wave shape reflects connection to the lake in the neighbourhood.
 Artist Lilly Otasevic Lilly Otasevic was born and raised in Serbia, (then) Yugoslavia. She completed program at High School of Industrial Design in Belgrade, and studied painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Belgrade. Lilly moved to Canada in 1994, and since then has exhibited in Canada, USA and the Middle East.
A trained painter Otasevic’s main body of work consists of sculptural work. Her art is driven by her interests in nature and higher order of things in the universe. Her growing up in a society with recycling practices in the early 80s, has influenced Lilly’s interest in ecology and environment since childhood. She is using various materials presently focusing on reclaimed bricks. Lilly has successfully completed several large-scale public art sculptural, as well as industrial design projects in Ontario, Canada.
 Walking around the tubes and you see something different each time. Crescendo in music represents a gradual increase in loudness. In general terms, it refers to a build up to reach a point of great intensity, force, or volume. The angled tubes gradually increase in length and height and follow a twisting motion to create a rising and culminating wave.
 All that is missing is a small marker identifying the artist. It is a very impressive addition to the intersection. The design of a rising wave was motivated by the desire to create a sculpture that demands attention and has a dynamic appearance, appearing as though it is moving, even though it is not.
Aldershot was once a thriving farming community and Plains Road all gravel. In time the road was THE road to Niagara Falls.
The community created a Village Vision that changed the character of the Plains Road.
Significant residential and commercial development is taking place.
In 2014 the city expropriated the land on which Murrays Convenience was located. It was needed to widen Waterdown Road where a large residential development is now under construction.
The city, and more particularly, the ward Councillor Rick Craven did nothing to protect the interests of the property owners.
 There was once a busy, bustling convenience store at the intersection. The city expropriated the land to widen Waterdown Road – took far more land then they needed and cheated the property owners. Full story is worth reading.
 By Staff
October 24th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a program that was brought to city Council by Michelle Bennett and Amy Schnurr. They found a provincial program that would support the creation of garden plots in urban environments.
The only catch was that there had to be some financial support from the municipality before the province would grant funds.
 Michelle Bennett And the city didn’t have a budget for this type of thing.
That didn’t deter the two woman from finding a way to get the city on board. Five years later and the city has announced its fifth garden to be located at Ireland Park that will have 39 garden plots, with three of those being accessible.
Applications to rent a garden plot for the 2018 garden season will be accepted until Nov. 30, 2017.
The five community gardens residents can apply to are:
• Amherst Park
• Central Park
• Francis Road Bikeway
• Ireland Park or
• Maple Park
 The Community garden lots were laid out waiting for clients with seeds. Next year’s planting season will run from May to October. There are a total of 164 plots available, which includes 13 raised, accessible plots suitable for persons with limited mobility.
Applicants may indicate a preferred garden location and plot style on the application.
The cost to rent a plot for the season is $51. Water, soil and compost are supplied and all plots have full sun. Plots will be allocated by lottery at the close of the application period. All applicants will be notified of their lottery result by early December 2017.
Community garden applications are available online at www.burlington.ca/communitygardens, at the Burlington Seniors’ Centre, 2285 New St., or at City Hall, 426 Brant St., at the Service Burlington counter. Completed applications must be received by the city no later than Nov. 30, 2017 for the 2018 planting season. Applications received after Nov. 30 will be entered into the draw for 2019 garden plots.
The Canada 150 TD Friends of the Environment Foundation provided a grant to make a greater area of the community garden amenities in Ireland Park accessible to all.
Michelle Bennett, one of the women who took the idea to city council went on to become the community garden co-ordinator for the city.
By Staff
October 23rd, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
As Halloween approaches, Halton Crime Stoppers wants everyone, young and old, to have a happy and safe celebration.
It’s a time for fun, but sadly crime doesn’t take a holiday and in previous years there have been reports of Halloween candy stolen from youngsters as well as tampered treats handed out to unsuspecting ghosts and goblins going door to door through their neighborhood.
At this time children have also been injured when struck by a vehicle or through falls while running from home to home.
Detective Constable Jodi Richmond, police coordinator of the Halton Crime Stoppers program, said adults are the key to keeping kids safe at Halloween.
“You must take every possible step to ensure youngsters are protected from any possible harm during the Halloween period,” she said. “Adults must be extra vigilant to ensure children remain safe.”
The following is a comprehensive list of safety suggestion from Halton Crime Stoppers to keep everyone safe.
 Mom’s get to dress up too.  That little guy is just gob-smacked with what he sees on his street. • Parents should always accompany younger children as they go trick or treating.
• Have children wear face make-up instead of masks whenever possible.
• Make sure costumes are non-flammable and short enough so youngsters won’t trip.
• Stay on one side of the street so children aren’t darting back and forth across the road. Also walk facing traffic if there are no sidewalks and only cross at an intersection.
• Place reflective tape on costumes and make sure young people going door to door are carrying flashlights or glow sticks to make sure they are visible.
• Stay in groups and have one person carrying a cell phone to get emergency assistance if necessary.
• No one should use electronic devices while going door to door at Halloween. They could be a dangerous distraction.
• Homeowners should check their property to make sure sidewalks are not obstructed and nothing that will cause anyone to trip if taking a shortcut across lawns.
• Use battery operated lights instead or candles to illuminate pumpkins around the porch or entranceway.
• Tell trick or treaters to avoid homes that do not have porch lights on.
• Set a curfew for older children who may not be accompanied by an adult and define the area where they are allowed to go in the neighborhood. Also make sure they are carrying identification so parents are quickly notified in the event of an accident.
• Start visiting homes in the early evening hours and don’t stay out too late.
• Make sure children are appropriately dressed during inclement weather and return home immediately in the event of lightning or other dangerous conditions.
• Caution youngsters never to enter the home of strangers or people they don’t know well under any circumstances.
• Make sure all candy is inspected before youngsters are allowed to eat it and discard any homemade treats or items that are unwrapped or partly unwrapped. Don’t take any chances.
• Motorists must drive with care at all times, but it’s particularly important at Halloween when children might forget safety rules.
Halloween is a fun time of year and Detective Constable Richmond said by taking a bit of time to review these rules will help keep everyone safe.
Later in the week we might just learn what Detective Constable Richmond is going to wear. Maybe she will be the police hound.
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By Pepper Parr
October 23rd, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
A year from today the people of Burlington will troop out to the polls to elect a Mayor, members of city council and school Board trustees.
Who will be in the races and what will the issues be?
We now know that the current Mayor will be in the race; he declared that last week.
 Meed Ward with the Mayor. Mike Wallace is understood to be lining up support and Marianne Meed Ward is understood to be on the same trajectory – one that will have her wearing the Chain of Office. That is something she has wanted to wear since the day she decided to move into ward 2 from ward 1 and run for that seat. She handily defeated Peter Thoem SPELL by focusing her campaign on saving the waterfront. She literally romped to victory in her second term and has grown to be a very effective representative for the people of ward 2 and has spread her impact into literally every ward in the city.
There is at least one new candidate for the office of Mayor. Aldershot resident Greg Woodruff has indicated that he plans to run. Woodruff ran for the office of Regional chair in 2014.
 Three of the our Burlington public School Board trustees sitting as observers during the PARC meetings. Election of school Board trustees is going to be contentious. The decision by the Board of Education to close two of the city’s seven high schools has divided communities and set them against each other. Parents from two of the school scheduled to be closed organized and filed requests for Administrative Reviews which were approved by the Ministry of Education. A decision from the appointed Facilitator should be in hand before the election.
The public School Board issues are clear; the same cannot be said for the municipal issues.
How the waterfront is managed is still very much an issue; added to that is just how the city is going to grow in the next decade has to be determined. That the population will increase significantly is a given – the province has mandated that Burlington grow and the developers have for taken proposals to the Planning department.
In 2014 the city decided their Strategic Plan would cover a 20 year time frame rather than the traditional four years. That led to the creation of a new approach to growing the city based on the creation of four mobility hubs. The Mayor talked about the need to intensify while one of his rivals maintained that the city was already meeting the population growth targets.
Programs to meet the needs of the growing senior’s population became an issue that was being given more in the way of the public attention – not all that much more in the way of funding.
Public transit was found to have been seriously underfunded during the last decade – the need for as much as $1 million a year for a number of years was part of the discussion.
 The planned look of the Joseph Brant Museum. The hope is that, weather permitting, the museum will open in 18 months. City council decided Burlington needed to transform the Joseph Brant museum and approved a $10 million plus project.
Citizens will also elect a Chair of the Regional council. Each member of the city council is also elected as a Regional Councillor – basically half of their salary come from the Region.
In 2014 every member of Council was returned to office.
Nominations officially open on May 1st of 2018.
By Pepper Parr
October 18th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
They get called shut-ins; people that just aren’t able to get out and mix with people.
Sometimes it is because they don’t have a car, sometimes it is because the public transit isn’t all that good and it takes forever to travel a small distance.
 Fred Hendriks, president of the Burlington Seniors Community – a group that is doing some much needed programing for seniors in the city. The Burlington Seniors Community, a private company that was created when some of the people who were active at the Seniors Centre were told they had to vacate the space they had in the building.
There were a lot of hard feelings but they did what they had to do and began creating programs for seniors they felt were needed.
That’s how Seniors Without Walls started as a pilot project that the BCSI people expect to grow.
Penny Hersh, one of the BSCI volunteers, explained how it got started. “The idea wasn’t ours – it was being done in other cities, Ottawa, Edmonton and Winnipeg are examples. The idea is to get people together by telephone on a conference call.
We keep the groups quite small – not more than 10 to 12 in a session.
People who want to take part just give us a call – 905-631-2524 – and we set them up. There is no cost.
BSCI has a contract with Mercury Teleconferencing who handle all the technical stuff.
Hersh explains that there are a lot of lonely people out there who can’t get out – and many of them don’t have a lot of friends or social contacts. They want to connect with people – and we make that possible.
The conferencing takes place twice a week – when the pilot has run for a number of months the BSCI will evaluate how things have gone and decide how they want to go forward.
“We got a lot of help from Heather Thomson at Community Development Halton” said Hersh and the Library is very interested in what we are doing.”
 Some equipment that is being considered for use by seniors. BSCI is in the process of re-defining themselves now that they are out on their own and not working with the city. They are looking into setting up some exercise equipment that will be outdoors that seniors can use. They held a Thanksgiving lunch and were a little overwhelmed with the turnout – but we didn’t turn anyone away” said Hersh.
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