 By Pepper Parr
December 21, 2016
BURLINGTON,ON
We need to get through Christmas – but when that is done – and if you have an appreciation for modern dance and would like to take part in a class – mark the date Tuesday, January 3 from 5:30pm – 7:00pm at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre
 FORM Contemporary Dance is putting on a free workshop that will flow through various exercises to find avenues to access confidence, explore and express creative range and physicality.
Tuning awareness to the sensations, feelings, emotions and ideas that are naturally present and allowing them to blossom into breathtaking movement.
The people at FORM are remarkably creative – if dance is your thing they are as good as it gets.
 By Staff
December 20, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Was it ET who mouthed the words “Home” in the 1982 American science fiction fantasy that put Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup confectionary product at the top of the list or millions of kids.
 It was a movie that shaped the minds of at least one generation – and still leaves viewers warm and fuzzy. Burlington won’t be giving our any candy but they are putting out a call for anyon who used to live in the city to come home and see just how much we have grown up.
And indeed – there is a lot to show off. The Pier, despite its price does make a difference to the waterfront and the new Gazebo will be in place for the festivities July 1st, 2017 – which is Canada’s Sesquicentennial – our 150th birthday.
Will it be anything like the Centennial? Probably not but we have a lot to celebrate as a country.
 How much is there to show those former Burlingtonians should they take up the offer to “come home” in 2017? Tourism Burlington has launched a new marketing campaign called Come Home 2 Burlington which encourages former Burlingtonians to rediscover the city’s fabulous events, restaurants, shopping and attractions. It also asks residents to be #HometownProud ambassadors by inviting family and friends to visit during 2017.
Not a bad idea – let’s see how they flesh it out.
 By Staff
December 19th, 2016
BURLINGTON,ON
The City has temporarily closed Mainway Arena as the result of unexpected repairs.
Two of the three compressors used at the arena to help maintain the ice surface have stopped working and require replacement. The new compressors are expected to arrive early this week with installation estimated for the Golden Horseshoe Tournament starting on Dec. 27 in Burlington.
 Parents aren’t going to be able to take watch hockey games or skate free at the Mainway area until perhaps as late as the 27th. “Ensuring Mainway Arena is open and available to ice users as soon as possible is a priority for the city,” said Chris Glenn, the city’s director of parks and recreation. “Plans are being made to accommodate ice users at other city arenas where possible.”
Residents with questions about their ice rentals scheduled at Mainway Arena can call 905-331-7465.
For information about public skating at other locations around the city, visit www.burlington.ca/play.
By Staff
December 119th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
RecExpress will be shut down from 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20 until 2 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016 to allow for system upgrades.
RecExpress is a city service that allows people to register for recreational programs.
 By James Burchill
December 16, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
As odd as it sounds, some people would rather die than walk into a room of strangers and talk to them! It makes no logical sense to me, but deep in the shadow of my childhood fears, I can still hear my mother’s warning, “Don’t talk to strangers!”
Decades later that modern “monster under the bed” still grabs our feet making us recoil horrified at the prospect of speaking to a room full of strangers. Instead we slip quietly into the room. Avoiding eye-contact, we slink toward the back of the room, anywhere but out in the open where the people are!
We fiddle with our phones, we pretend we’re busy. We distract ourselves, all the while feeling frustrated at our weakness. Our lack of courage. Our inaction. If we’re not careful that feeling will chase us from the room, once again confirming our belief “networking isn’t for us.” It’s a vicious cycle and something to avoid.
Firstly you need to give your head a shake. People don’t bite – unless you’re at a “special party” and the bartender is wearing rubber … in which case you’ve lost me and I suggest you move along – there’s nothing to see here.
 When the finish with their texting – they might manage to network. But if you’re at a B2B networking event where people are clothed in business attire, chatting in small groups to other people of similar dress, then you’re definitely in the right place and there are some things you need to remember.
(1) People go to networking events to talk to other people. They want to connect. They want to know each other. They want to discover commonalities – that’s how it works.
(2) Everyone gets nervous. It’s normal, it means you give a damn – you care. You want to do good, to make a positive impression. You don’t want to waste your time or theirs. That’s good. Just don’t let the “nerves” stop you. Slowly take a deep breath, hold it for a few seconds and then slowly exhale. Smile as you do it. Now put one foot in front of the other and walk into the room.
(3) Its’ NOT about selling. People get too hung up on the idea you’re supposed to be some super salesman. That’s all wrong, it’s about connecting not convincing. It’s about finding common ground, not working the room. When you meet people you simply smile, extend your hand and say, “Hello, my name is James, what do you do?” Of course I recommend you use your own name …
(4) You’re not interrupting. When you walk up to a small group of people pay attention to their body language and facial expressions. If the group seems ‘open,’ stand at the edge and listen. Smile. Wait for it … Someone will invite you in. Then you do the whole ‘stick out your hand, smile and say “Hello, my name is …”‘ and take if from there. If the group is closed or it’s only two people with their feet pointing toward each other then smile and move on. Basically it’s all about manners – don’t intrude and don’t be rude. Simple.
(5) Make it about them. If you forget everything else, remember this: MAKE IT ABOUT THEM. Because soon enough they’ll make it about you if you ask good questions. Be curious. Find out what they do. Listen. Pay a genuine compliment when you can. Avoid the touchy topics like looks, clothing, sex, politics and religion. Try to compliment their work. For instance, I love it when people figure out how much time I spend writing and say something nice about how I make it look easy.
 It’s about making the connections – there is a right way to do it and a wrong way to do it. Remember, at the end of the day networking isn’t about working the room, it’s about turning a roomful of strangers into friends … one person at a time. And be patient, growing strong relationships takes time so relax, take a deep breath and smile.
Oh, and one parting thought for you … I’m not an extrovert, I’m introverted. Introverts aren’t incapable of networking – we just do it differently. It’s not all about the wow, it’s about the now – being present and truly connecting with people. Many extroverts draw their energy and enthusiasm from the room (which is often why it’s not as hard for them to network.) Most introverts draw their energy from within – which is why it’s often so draining afterwards but equally rewarding.
 Some of the best small business networking done in Burlington is at the SFN – Social Fusion Networking that Gazette columnist James Burchill sponsors. He packs a pretty good crowd in the Performing Arts Centre I guess what I want you take away is that you’ve probably been thinking about networking in the wrong way. Forget the sales pitches. Make friends. Take is easy. Take a breath. Smile. Whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert doesn’t matter … I’m a Gemini – so what right? Precisely. Have some fun and for the umpteenth time … SMILE, they won’t bite … unless the bartender is wearing rubber in which case you’re own your own bucko!
 James Burchill is the founder of Social Fusion Network – an organization that helps local business connect and network. He also writes about digital marketing, entrepreneurship and technology and when he’s not consulting, he teaches people to start their own ‘side hustle.’
 By Staff
December 15, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Mercedes-Benz Burlington presents a Christmas Collage Ice Show that will be performed at the Rotary Centennial Pond at Spencer Smith Park Burlington.
 The Christmas Collage is becoming a popular event in Burlington The event is scheduled for Friday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m.
An ice performance showcasing local youth talent. The one hour choreographed ice show encompasses 7 ice sports; figure skating, synchronized skating, speed skating, ringette, hockey, sledge hockey and curling.
 Great time to tour the Festival of Lights set up throughout Spencer Smith Park. This is the third year the ‘Christmas Collage’ has featured by local youth at the Rotary Centennial Pond in Burlington.
This is a great opportunity to walk through all the Festival of Lights decorations spread throughout Spencer Smith Park
 By Staff
December 15th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
There is a bunch of Happy Campers in the Britannia Road offices of conservation Halton – they’ve got snow,
Add to what was given to us naturally – the team that runs Glen Eden have been out with their snow making machine – you will be able to be on the hills from 8:30 am to 9:30 pm starting this Saturday December 17th
Cold December temperatures and Glen Eden’s snowmaking team were assisted by between 15 and 20 cm of the natural white stuff which fell earlier this week.
This weekend, Glen Eden will have four lifts running (two chairs and two carpets), three runs open (Nighthawk, Boomerang and Escarpment Run), both Learning Centres will be operational and the Terrain Park will be open with limited features.
The latest information can be found on the Glen Eden website, www.gleneden.on.ca, as to which runs and lifts will be open, as well as the Terrain Park location, number of features and other details. Glen Eden is also offering an Opening Weekend Special with reduced lift ticket prices.
“The team at Glen Eden is looking forward to welcoming skiers and snowboarders this weekend,” said Sean Durkin, Manager Glen Eden. “The cold temperatures have kept our snowmaking team busy and it was helpful to get the assist from Mother Nature with some snow this past weekend to help us get ready. In light of the typical weather received in our area this is why Glen Eden has continued to invest in snowmaking technology.”
Like all ski and snowboard operations in Ontario, Glen Eden was impacted by the extremely mild winter last year and opened January 8, 2016, the latest opening date in the last ten years. In the other nine years (including this year), Glen Eden has been open before Christmas seven times, Boxing Day once and December 27 the other.
The Terrain Park is where a lot of the action happens at Glen Eden. The “Big” Parks, Nighthawk and Falcon during peak season have upwards of 40 of the most progressive features dedicated to these two runs. Glen Eden has lots of options for keeping things fresh while pushing your limits and developing your skills.
Glen Eden is home to one of the largest Learning Centres in Ontario, with a wide variety of lessons and programs for all ages and abilities. Group lesson programs run starting on Boxing Day, there are also private and semi-private options. Visit the Glen Eden website, www.gleneden.on.ca, or call Visitor Services at 905-878-5011, ext. 1221, for more information.
 Glen Eden’s Discover Skiing and Snowboarding is a lesson program for first timers and beginners and are available starting this weekend. During the season Discover is offered weekends, holidays, and March Break from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and 6 to 9 p.m. on non-holiday weeknights. Glen Eden’s snow pros will help ensure you learn the basics – equipment, stopping and turning. By the time you complete the program you should be ready for the big hills. Discover is available on a first-come, first-serve basis unless you’re booking a large group. For groups of 20 or more people please call 905-878-5011, ext. 1278, at least one week in advance.
Glen Eden is located on Kelso Road, near Tremaine Road and Highway 401, and is a 20 minute drive from Mississauga, Burlington and Hamilton and is operated by Conservation Halton. During the season, Glen Eden is open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. for skiing and snowboarding with the Snow Tube Park open on the weekends.
By Staff
December 15th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Festival of Lights is the city’s longest running festival, lighting up the city’s waterfront for the holiday season. It’s a magical sight for the whole family, especially the young at heart.
 The festival has gained the reputation in the region and beyond as the ‘must-see’ lighting extravaganza for the holidays. With winter snow on the ground is a part of the season tradition for this city – and it seems to get better each year.
Spencer Smith Park at Christmas time – what would Mr. Smith have thought of what we have been doing for several decades and calling it a Festival of Lights (FoL)
The displays are set up each year by a combination of community, corporate sponsor, and high school volunteers. Volunteers for the set up and take-down are coordinated by Burlington Electricity Services.
   Here’s the breakdown:
There is Burlington Taxi team, a Festival of Lights sponsor
The King Paving team, another Festival; of Lights sponsor
The Robert Bateman High School team (School Partner) and participating Oakville High School, TA Blakelock team
Burlington Electricity Services team (Coordinator and Main Sponsor)
Community Volunteers (Craig Gardner, Ken Spanik and Justin Boudreau)
Approximately 25 volunteers participated in setting up the lighting displays in Spencer Smith Park for this year’s Festival.
The newest display – ‘He Shoots He Scores’ – is displayed for the first time this year and was designed and built by the students of Burlington’s Robert Bateman HS, with assistance from students at TA Blakelock HS Oakville.
The Santa Claus parade is another event that kicks off the season. Our friends over at True Essence have done a short video that does a slightly different take on that event. Have a look – and Enjoy.
 By Pepper Parr
December 15th 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
They do it every year – and each year it has grown to the point where there are very few seats available.
The event caters to part of the North West part of the city from Brant over to Guelph Line and north of the QEW the Glad Tidings Christmas dinner.
A community organizer working out of the Community Development Halton offices has built a support system that engages young people and watches out for single parents, people at risk and those who need a different kind of care.
 Part of the more than 350 people who enjoyed a Christmas dinner at Glad Tidings church. Luke who lives just off Palmer Drive and takes great pleasure in pushing the traffic light button for people is in the room. He recognizes people but is quite shy – until you reach out to give him a hug and he returns an embrace that is as real as they get.
 Risha Burke It took the organizing energy and genius of Risha Burke to create a network of churches and community groups that hadn’t worked all that well before.
There isn’t an event that comes anywhere near what this group gets done.
 The food just kept on coming – so did the people. Several years ago, when funds were being sought from the city to maintain the staffing that was in place – other council members (no need to name them) objected to this kind of work being paid for by the city. Social welfare was a Regional responsibility they said.
What Burke does amounts to building “social capacity” a structure that lets people help themselves and look out for each other. There is nothing quite like it anywhere else in the city.
There are churches that have good programs – St Luke’s Anglican is one – that tend to cater to the needs of the congregation. Glad Tiding, the church that hots the event, has a large congregation they also have one of the largest community halls in the city.
What they do works – other communities have picked up on parts of what Burke does but none of have created the reach and the depth.
The Christmas Dinner is just one event.
By Pepper Parr
December 12, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington is asking residents to share their input on a proposed event strategy for the city through an online survey. A link to that survey is at the end of this article.
Last March, hundreds of residents and event organizers shared their ideas and feedback with the Parks and Recreation department through stakeholder meetings and an online survey, about how to shape a future approach to festivals and events in Burlington, They fashioned an early sage strategy and now want feedback from the public to learn if the proposed strategy reflects their thoughts and ideas.
 The meeting facilitator used a much different approach to recording the data gathered. The proposed strategy touches on many aspects of the delivery of festivals and events in the community, including:
• The types of events held in the city
• The location of events in the city
• Funding for events.
The proposed event strategy will be presented to Burlington City Council in early 2017.
The city’s 25 year Strategic Plan supports festivals and events of all sizes and annually hosts three Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario. Burlington directly delivers a small number of events with the majority of events being delivered by the community for the community. Festival and event organizers are supported by the city as they enrich our community, create a sense of belonging and support our strategic goals of A City that Grows, A City that Moves, A Healthy and Greener City and An Engaging City.
A number of factors including the city’s natural beauty make Burlington a desirable location to host events. All stakeholders in the city have an expectation that the city’s assets and resources are used responsibly and reflect the best interests for the greater good. A number of trends have highlighted the importance of having an event strategy including:
Interest in a variety of events
Increased attendance at events
Concerns with profit events on public land
Safety and legislative requirements for event organizers
Community consultation for new events
Concerns with events in Burlington requiring admission fees
There is a historical approach applied to the acceptance of events hosted within Spencer Smith Park; is it time or that to change. Spencer Smith Park and some downtown roads have reached capacity and there is now a desire for a balanced approached to potentially expand events to other areas in our city.
 The decision to turn the Beachway into a very different Regional Park that will be managed by the city will impact what Parks and Recreation decides how it is going to manage its budget. The planned park is massive in size. Assuming all the planning being done to create a totally different Beachway the city will have a lot more space to locate events. It will be sometime before the public sees anything really new – but the plans to gut what currently exists in the Beachway and turn it into something significantly different are in place.
Coming up with a longer term plan and then a strategy to put that plan work is something Parks and Recreation has been working on for some time.
 Despite a pretty decent turn out the participants in the workshop type setting didn’t come up with very much in the way of ideas. The event held in March showed a lot of initiative and innovation on the part of the Parks and Recreation staff – but they got very little from the audience they had invited to take part.
The “legacy stake holders” were in the room to ensure that the way things were working for them didn’t get changed – when it was change that the city wanted.
Ribfest has been in Spencer Smith Park for more than 20 years – there are people at city hall think that might be due for a change. Ribfest is a Rotary event and one doesn’t advance a career at city hall going against the Rotary flow – Burlington has four different Rotary organizations in this city.
Sound of Music has been around for a long time – it is one of the best festivals in the province and consistently takes awards – which are usually handed out by the organizations that run awards across the province – a little on the self-serving side.
However, it is a stunning event and draws very well. Parks and recreation wants to know if it can be better.
They also want to see what they can do to organize events that are not in Spencer Smith Park. So far they haven’t come up with much in the way of new ideas and that meeting in March didn’t add anything useful.
 Denise Beard, one of the managers within Parks and Recreation is one of the best thinkers in the department. She organized the event. Parks and Recreation does have a challenge – the survey is one of the ways they are looking for reaction from the public on some ideas they are developing.
What doesn’t appear to have occurred to Parks and Recreation is looking for ways to partner with community groups that are developing a market for events.
The Lowville Festival – heading into its third year has shown that there is a market for what they have developed – now they need some facilities support and some early stage financial support – just the way the Sound of Music did when it started as a city run event.
Link to the survey
By Staff
December 8th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
 Chris Glenn, Director of Parks and Recreation The City of Burlington is ready for winter fun with the launch of its Neighbourhood Rink program, the opening of Rotary Centennial Pond at the waterfront in downtown Burlington and dedicated locations for tobogganing.
Chris Glenn, the city’s director of Parks and Recreation tells us that: “Skating and tobogganing in the winter time are great Canadian traditions that bring friends, neighbours and communities together to be active and enjoy the winter weather.” Can we expect to see Mr. Glenn on a toboggan in the near future?
Neighbourhood Rinks
Back for a second year, the Neighbourhood Rink program encourages neighbours to come together to maintain a natural outdoor ice rink in their local park.
This month, city staff will install boards for 13 ice pads in various parks throughout Burlington that will be maintained by neighbourhood volunteer groups. The rinks are open to the public and free to use.
The following locations will host a Neighbourhood Rink for the upcoming season:
• Brant Hills Park
• Ireland Park
• Orchard Park
• Sherwood Park
• Tansley Woods Park
• Central Park
• Optimist Park
• Palladium Park
• Pineland Park
• Rusholme Crescent Corridor
• Sheraton Park
• Skyway Park
• Wellington Park
Rotary Centennial Pond
 Centennial Pond will be open from 10 am to 10 pm – closed on Christmas Day. The outdoor ice at Rotary Centennial Pond is scheduled to open on Dec. 10, ice conditions permitting. Located at the waterfront in downtown Burlington, the pond hosts nearly 9,000 skaters each year. The rink is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends and school holidays and from 5 to 10 p.m. on weekday evenings. The pond is closed on Christmas Day.
New this year, the city is asking residents to donate gently used skates they no longer need. These skate donations will be used for a skate lending program at Rotary Centennial Pond.
“The skate lending program has been created to help eliminate barriers for people who may want to give recreational skating a try,” said Glenn. “We hope the skate lending program will encourage residents and visitors to try a new sport, learn some new skills and get outside and play this winter.”
Skate donations can be dropped off at city pools, arenas and community centres.
Tobogganing
 This is what tobogganing is all about. The city has designated six areas in the city that are safe for tobogganing. They include:
• LaSalle Park, east of the parking lot
• Tyandaga Park at hole number four on the west slope
• Central Park on the hill northwest of the community garden
• Brant Hills Park, southwest of the tennis courts
• Nelson Park on the east side of park, north of the Centennial bike path
• Lowville Park on the hill at the southwest end of park.
With snow flurries in the air the city might be about to begin a real winter.
By Staff
December 8th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Celebrate Winter on the Trails at Hilton Falls Conservation Area on Saturday, December 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors who bring one non-perishable food item will receive a free hot chocolate.
At Winter on the Trails you can enjoy a free horse-drawn wagon ride (please note: wagon rides are first come first served and limited space is available), feed the Chickadees and participate in crafts.
Visitors can enjoy S’mores at the falls and warm up to a fire.
Be sure to check out the work of Scott Rowe from the Country Saw as he carves an artistic creation with his chainsaw.
 All of these activities are included with regular park admission; Halton Parks Annual Members only need to show their membership for admission to Winter on the Trails.
 By Jim Barnet
December 6th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Please take time to read Councillor Jack Dennison addition to the on line petition against the Road Diet on New Street. You will see he continues to view the project through his rose coloured cycling goggles. He neglects to tell you that Denmark, a world leader in cycling, keeps bicycles and vehicles separated by barriers.
This safety requirement was made in a clear and concise fashion to a delegation from Burlington, headed by the mayor.
Mr. Toderian, a consultant hired by the city told an open meeting at the Burlington Performing Arts centre ” The road diet on New Street is a poor design and its one I would not personally use. I would fear for my safety.”
 Ward 4 Councillor Jack Dennison uses roller blades and his bicycle. When will Jack tell about this?
Some other things that don’t get past the rose colour goggles.
A member of the cycling committee has put out a blog showing that sharrows give a cyclist a false sense of safety and should not be used.
Early data indicates that the transit time between Walkers and Guelph line has increased by 50 percent during evening rush hours and is even worse when the roadway approaches design capacity and gridlock starts to take place.
If the road diet was in place from Burloak to the Hospital, transit times on the route would be increased by close to fifteen minutes during rush hours, total capacity would be reduced and grid lock would occur more often.
Due to weather, bikes are only potentially viable five months of the year. In addition how does the hockey player strap his equipment bag on a bike?
In a meeting with Councillor Dennison he admitted that he did not have targets for the results to be judged against to measure success or failure. This is not a management style most people use.
 Jack Dennison and his partner Jackie are avid cyclists. Slowing speeds below 60 KPM increases green house gasses and becomes even worse in gridlock and stop and go situations. How much of an increase is Jack willing to accept when at the same time putting cyclists in a less safe environment?
The highway traffic act gives bicycles the right to use certain roadways. It also states they should stay within three feet of the shoulder and travel in single file. They are to obey all the rules of the road, yet according to Jack no tickets have been issued to cyclists in Burlington. Why is that when we know they ignore most stops signs?
We should encourage cycling. This can be done by licensing bikes that have proper reflectors, bells and lights, front and rear. Riders should be encouraged to wear clothing with reflective strips and if possible to have light coloured clothing.
Maybe some of the beatification money should have spent creating protected bike lanes that are a network rather than Hodgepodge of bits and pieces we have now.
 By Staff
December 6th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Painful and at the same time beautiful.
The video speaks for itself.
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) gave Gord Downie, lead singer of The Tragically Hip, an Indigenous spirit name, which can be roughly translated as “Man who walks among the stars.”
The name was bestowed on Downie at a three-day special assembly meeting of the AFN at which the Chiefs asked “disillusioned communities to resist hopelessness, and seize the historic opportunity the Liberal government has afforded First Nations communities with its new spending.”
Well worth watching.
By Staff
December 6th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Tuesday, December 13th from 7-11 pm – Joe Dogs!
 It could well be a night to remember! Central high parents are working with the guys that run Joe Dogs to host a silent auction to raise money to support the parents with their fight to keep Burlington Central High open.
They would like as many people as possible to join them to show your support; invite all your friends too! Let’s make this the best fundraiser ever!
There will be a special appearance by singer Dania Thurman and guitarist Anesti K who will be providing entertainment so come on out, bid and enjoy!!
Thanks again and hope to see you all soon!
 By Staff
December 5th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Sometimes a local merchant will support something a local group is doing. But you don’t often see four of the major local watering holes saying they are behind you and then agree to take in your petition so people can sign the document while they are in the bar
#centralstrong, the Central high school parents group that wants to convince the school board trustees that Central high school should remain open did what any group does – put together a petition and go door to door to get it signed.
You miss a lot of people and there usually isn’t time to double back.
#centralstrong came up with the idea that they would ask local hospitality operations if they would take a copy of the petition and let people sign it.
 They are certainly getting the message out. Central high parents and students in front of the provincial legislature. Here is how the spokespeople, Dania Thurman and Lynne Crosbie put it: “A big thank you to all the dedicated volunteers who hit the pavement collecting signatures for our petition. If we missed you and you would like to sign the petition, I have some great news! We have some fantastic support from some of our downtown businesses who have offered to have our petition available for you to drop in and sign.
We are hoping that you will support these businesses like they are supporting us by stopping in for a drink or a meal when you are there sign the petition and show these establishments some BCHS love!
Remember to say thank you!
 Queen’s Head – just one of the local watering holes that keeps a copy of the Central high school petition ready for you to sign. Joe Dogs
Home
The Dickens
https://www.thedickens.ca/
The Queens Head
https://www.thequeenshead.ca/
Wendel Clark’s Classic Grill and Sports Lounge
https://wendelclarks.com/
 By Staff
December 3rd, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
There are all kinds of events taking place during December which you somehow have to fit into the shopping frenzy.
 Half an hour to just relax is something that is appreciated and, if you happen to be doing some of your shopping at the Royal Botanical Garden there is a place just across the road where you can see some of the very best stained glass art work on display.
AGOG, Artistic Group of Glass is holding a holding a Glass Show & Sale that will run all December at the Teresa Seaton Studio & Gallery, 654 Spring Gardens Rd. Burlington ON L7T 1J2 – Thurs – Sun, 11am-5pmSeaton
 John Storey’s Dylan  John Storey’s The Rose Included in the group showing are: John Highley / Mosaic Glass
Siobhan Lynch / Copper Foil
Joe Speck / Fused Glass
Teresa Seaton / Copper Foil
John Storey / Leaded Glass
 Teresa Seaton’s Lower Dashwood
By Pepper Parr
December 2, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It happens every year.
What do you get the person who teaches your children?
How much do you spend – what is appropriate and are you going to buy them another cute coffee mug they don’t want or need?
Gifting a classroom teacher is a good thing; the parents get a chance to say thank you; the student, especially if they are very young, just love the idea of giving a gift to someone who is a very important person in their life.
Teachers appreciate the recognition.
 But what to buy? It can’t be too expensive – can it be relevant? Some teachers have little collections, we knew one who collected elephant figurines – her student’s loved adding to the collection.
Teachers know where the help is needed in their classrooms – they see the kid wearing sneakers when the streets and wet and slushy; they see the threadbare coat and they are often able to call the Halton Learning Foundation and ask if there is some help available.
The Foundation has come up with a way for helping to be made easier and quite direct.
They have created on-line catalogue that people can browse through and choose the level of gift they would like to give.
A backpack full of school supplies seems simple and attainable, but is out-of-reach for many Halton families. Your $25 gift can ensure students have the basic tools they need to participate in learning
Many children and teens have no choice but to brave cold, wet temperatures in ill-fitting or poorly insulated coats and boots. Worse, some kids miss school days because they do not have appropriate gear for the weather. Your $75 gift can help a student stay warm and dry on the trip to and from school.
Many students miss out on the experience of field trips that enhance classroom learning because their families simply cannot afford to send them. Your Growth and Confidence gift can allow at least 10-15 students to be included in hands-on, experiential learning provided by field trips. An education isn’t limited to text books; the social skills learned while mixing socially with other students is vital.
 The person buying the gift gets to have a card sent along to the person who the gift is being bought on behalf of.
A household can go on-line and decide they want to pay for the Fresh Start gift and have it given on behalf of a classroom teacher. The teacher gets the card saying a gift as given on their behalf by a specific student.
There are people who get gift they forget about in a month. This special kind of gift tends to be remembered for a long time. Isn’t that part of the purpose of a gift?
The catalogue is on-line – have a look.
By Staff
December 2, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
This Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016 is the Burlington Santa Claus parade. Due to multiple road closures, several routes and stops are impacted from approximately 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will require detours on Routes 3, 4, 10, 21, and 25. Stops will be bagged in road closure areas.
Visit Burlington’s parade information page to view a map and get more information.
Delays are expected due to increased crowds and traffic. Please adjust your travel plans accordingly and use Trip Planner or call 905-639-0550 for next bus information.
 By Pepper Parr
November 28th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Hamilton Burlington Society of Architects held their awards event last Thursday – some decent work – just not enough of it in Burlington.
The work that architects do is what determines how the communities we live in work. Are they pleasant places do be? Does the building relate to the street? Does the feel of the street make you want to return?
 It was an evening for conversation and celebration. If any of these feelings speak to you – an architect has done his or her job. The design of the MTO building makes people want to go into the building. What a great place to go to work in.
The architect has to work very hard on several fronts to get a good design to the point where construction crews are on the site. They have to deal with planners that aren’t always open to bold design, they have to work within building codes and they have to work within the budgets given to them.
Burlington has some incredibly boring buildings as well as some monster structures on lots that were not intended for something that big.
It is quite amazing to see some of the plans that get trotted out at city council meetings with some really ridiculous justifications given by planners pleading on behalf of a property owner or a developer.
Mistakes made at a council meeting hang around for decades – there is a condominium development on New Street that was a conversion from an apartment for rent dwelling that should have never been allowed to happen.
The architects have to battle developers who want to keep their costs down and at the same time have a structure that is attractive and something people want to live in
 It was a younger crowd – there were a couple of “old lions” in the room. Burlington has seen a few designs that break out of the boring mold. The ADI Development Group did a very nice job with the Moder’n on Guelph line and their Lynx on Dundas in the morth west part of the city is very different – quite a risk on the part of the developer.
The Paradigm going up on Fairview is a lot different from the condominiums they put up along Lakeshore Road.
The building on the city’s main thoroughfare are important – they give the roadway a sense of scale and if done properly last a long time.
Ten awards were given out on Thursday evening. There was one that was stunning; the MTO building in St. Catharines. When will Burlington see something like this?
The HBSA raised what looked like $7500 that was handed over to the United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton. The event is held on a bi-annual basis to honour projects presented in a range of categories.
A five member jury consisted of:
Toon Dreessen, President, Ontario Architect Association
Mitchell Hall, Principal, KPMB Architects
Alex Lukachko, Principal, Sr. Building Science Specialist, RDH Building Science Inc.
Mary Lou Tanner, Director of Planning and Building, City of Burlington
Gerarda (Geri) Tino, Associate Architect, ATA Architects Inc.
Ken Coit, Program manager, public arts and projects City of Hamilton
Burlington Director of Planning, Mary Lou Tanner made a few remarks – she missed an opportunity to make some tough comments – like “I was expecting something better” but she chose to be polite. Tanner recently convinced city council to go along with a slogan for her department: GO BOLD; GO SMART; GO BEAUTIFUL! One had to squint to see much of any of these last Thursday.
To be fair, the jury members were architects and if architects aren’t going to take care of their own – who will?
The jurors independently selected the recipients of the Awards of Excellence in four categories:
The HBSA Board also handed out two special awards as part of a program that was established in 2014, and are given every two years to projects that set new standards of excellence in architecture, with consideration for form, function, innovation and sustainability.
Award of Excellence – Templar Flats
 Architect firm: Lintack Architects Inc. Client: Core Urban Inc. The Jury recognizes the significant clever decisions that are evident in melding the new construction with two existing and very different buildings. There are extensive challenges of the site conditions and connecting the new building to the existing heritage buildings. The architect has worked with the fabric of the street and, rather than simply preserve the facades, has integrated the buildings with the street and the community.
Award of Merit – The Cotton Factory
 Architect firm: mcCallumSather Client: The Cotton Factory The Jury recognizes the achievement of solving the difficult architectural problem of dividing a large space into smaller workable spaces. The budget for this project was extremely limited and the design choices respect the history of the building and site. Specific choices include sensitivity to the patina of the finishes and the use of the building in a non-traditional office area in Hamilton.
Award of Excellence – Hambly House
 Architect firms: DPAI Architecture Inc. with Toms + McNally Design Inc. Client: Tina Fetner & Lane Dunlop
The Jury recognizes this project for its excellence in expanding this small Art Deco cottage. The addition is sensitive and modern, detailed to fit in with the existing house design, and acts as a lantern on the roof of the existing house. The juxtaposition of the lantern to the solid base of the house marries the two elements that highlight the original house in an elegant way.
Award of Merit (Small Project) Waterdown Skate Park
 Architect firm: Toms + McNally Design Client: City of Hamilton The Jury recognizes the project for its context and opportunity in what was previously a traditional edge city park. The building is light filled and maximizes use by patrons of the building. The placement of the building program achieves access to the skate loop with functionality of the mechanical works. The overall skate loop recognizes historical skating patterns and brings activity and focus to the park. The project signifies ambitious place making that is needed for this community.
Award of Merit (Large Project) – Boris Clinic
 Architect firm: mcCallumSather Client: McMaster University Medical Centre The Jury recognizes the introduction of strategic glazing to connect light and nature to the hospital, linking nature to healing. The original building design anticipated modular change and future modifications based on its modular grid; the architects capitalized on this opportunity. The views to the Niagara Escarpment are of particular note in recognizing this project.
Award of Merit (Large Project) – Hamilton District Christian High School
 Architect firm: mcCallumSather Client: Hamilton District Christian High School The Jury recognizes the interior of this addition to the high school. The architect has maximized access to light and views, connecting interior spaces to the landscape. There is an honesty of expression in the materials which is bold in its use in a high school. The design provides a variety of opportunities for students to study in comfortable light filled space.
Award of Excellence – Rudy Hulst Commons
 Architect Firm: Invizij Architects Client: Indwell The Jury recognizes this project for setting the tone as a prominent and significant precedent for redevelopment for this area of Hamilton. The ground floor plane with commercial at the front and the offices at the rear helps reinforce the streetscape and connection to a vibrant active street life. The views to the Niagara Escarpment from the upper floors are very well done. The composition of the east elevation as it faces the existing neighbourhood is particularly noteworthy. The use of light and interior finishes is skillfully addressed by the architect. The use of windows to bring light to the basement level is a well-crafted refinement that reflects a high quality of design language.
Award of Merit – Milton Traffic Operations Centre
 Architect Firm: KNYMH Inc. Client: Indwell The Jury recognizes this project for design excellence; the utilitarian nature of the building is dignified with skillful detailing of the placement of windows and functions, linking the building design to its function. The building must perform in a utilitarian way given its operational function yet there is good composition of planes and forms that is well handled. Without the skill of the architect, this building could have been monotonous. Instead it creates tranquil and soothing spaces.
Award of Excellence– MTO Traffic Operations Centre
 Architect Firm: mcCallumSather Client: Infrastructure Ontario The Jury recognizes that what could have been a potentially utilitarian architectural solution was transformed into a simple and elegant composition of volumes. The linear box speaks to the nature of movement along the highway. Specific design highlights include the proportions and use of fenestrations which are elegant and the large box on the front which is a bold move at an appropriate scale. The use of the building and the interior design establish the sense of purpose for those who work in the building and those who visit the building.
Special Award of Merit.
North End Free Library & Public Bench
 Architect Firm: TCA/Thier + Curran Architects Inc. Client: Maryanne Scime & William J. E. Curran The Jury was pleased to receive this unique submission. We note that there is a proliferation of small free libraries in many cities. This project receives a Special Award of Merit for contributions to the North End community through design excellence for the library and the bench and contributing to the love of reading. The architect is commended for community building for a community whose library has been closed.
Except for the stunning design and the risk taken by the architect on the Ministry of Transportation there was nothing in the awards handed out that will be remembered for very long.
That lovely little Free Library was a very nice touch and suggests there is hope yet.
What is needed are tougher juries – they set the bar and need to try raising it.
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