 By Pepper Parr
July 14th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s the day the actors take to the stage – and if they aren’t ready now – they will never be ready.
 A tried and true comedy put on by a production company with significant depth and experience. The KooGle Theatre Company is mounting their second major piece of summer theatre at the Performing Art Centre – this time if you’re in the audience and you think you are a good speller – you will be invited to leave your seat and join the actors and actresses on the stage in the Community Studio. You will be taking part in a production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
The first KooGle production was I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, a musical comedy that was the second-longest running Off Broadway musical.
The ‘Spelling Bee’, a long one-act musical comedy, centers on a fictional spelling bee set in a geographically ambiguous Putnam Valley Middle School. Six quirky adolescents compete in the Bee, run by three equally quirky grown-ups.
Christopher Gray, half of the KooGle artistic team plays the part of the school vice principal – he grew a mustache for the play which runs from July 14th to 16th and July 21st to 23rd at 7:30 pm in the Community Theatre.
The play also runs from July 17th to 24th at 2:00 pm
Joint artistic directors Leslie Kay and Christopher Grey met on a stage and have made the stage the passion in their life. When talking one will glance at the other and be able to complete the sentence.
 Leslie Kay Leslie Kay was born and raised in Burlington and has been singing and dancing through life since she was a little girl. She loved to belt out songs from Annie and A Chorus Line to her mom’s records and put on shows for her family and neighbours. She enrolled in dance classes when she was 10 and auditioned for her first musical (The King and I) at age 13 with the encouragement of her Grandpa Walker (George) who played the bass fiddle in the orchestra at Hamilton Theatre Inc.
Christopher Alan Gray grew up in Chatham, Ontario and began singing at a very young age in his church choir. He then began studying voice and competed in the Kiwanis Music Festival for many years before receiving his Grade 8 Level Singing from the Royal Conservatory of Music.
Christopher studied action at Ryerson Theatre School where he received his Honours BFA and worked with many of the greats.
He spent a period of time at Stratford as well.
Leslie runs the company on a day to day basis while Christopher works in client relationship for one of the major banks.
 Christopher Alan Gray He has co-produced, co-written and performed in KooGle’s first four productions – Couple of Swells: A Movie Musical Revue, Rock Around the Clock, Let the Sun Shine, and Broadway Moments.
Most recently, KooGle teamed with Symphony on the Bay to present An Afternoon of Rodgers and Hammerstein on the main stage of The Burlington Performing Arts Centre. This sold out show was conducted by Denis Mastromonaco and featured not only the incredible sound of the 50 piece Symphony on the Bay but also fifteen local singers who joined Christopher and Leslie.
The name of the company was created to celebrate and remember Leslie’s sister who assed away very young. “There was a game we used to play that we called “koogling” – it seemed fitting to use that word as the name for the theatre company.
 Leslie Kay and Christoper Grey – the KooGle Theatre Company. Leslie and Christopher always seem to be on the go while raising two boys – six and nine and coming with new ideas it improve commercial theatre in Burlington.
Leslie has done some dance outreach with the Performing Arts Centre,
The I love you you’re perfect…” production was basically a sold out event in Burlington that went on to be remounted as a co-production with Angelwalk Theatre in Toronto at The Toronto Centre for the Arts.
These two have their own on stage experience and have developed the skills to mount larger production. The Spelling Bee is an Actor’s Equity production with a large cast.
The Performing Arts Centre is a “road house” operation that brings in shows from whatever is available. They don’t do productions of their own – but Leslie and Christopher are doing something to fill part of that gap.
It will be interesting to watch how Burlington takes to productions of this quality that deserve the Main Stage – it’s all a matter of growing the audience and that is something the KooGle Theatre Company is certainly doing.
The Community Studio is a General Admission House and all you need to do is enter the number of seats you want if you are ordering on line.
There are already several sold out nights.
 By Pepper Parr
July 14th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
If the heat is more than you can manage – and can anyone actually manage this heat – give some thought to a pleasant evening yards away from Bronte Creek in Lowville on a large shaded lawn while you listen to a Shakespearian classic comedy – The Taming of the Shrew
 The play’s apparent misogynistic elements have become the subject of considerable controversy, particularly among modern scholars, audiences and readers.
It is nevertheless wonderful use of the English language in a setting that is hard to beat.
The play is sponsored by Thinkspot, a Lowville based operation that focuses on shifting the way people think and the way they work together.
This is the third year they have sponsored Shakespearian plays done by the Driftwood Theatre Company. The event has become the event that precedes the Lowville Festival which this year begins Friday July 22nd through to Sunday July 24th
The Lowville Festival – for the artist in all of us.
Festival schedule:
 By Staff
July 14, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It is getting hotter and drier out there – dry enough for the fire chief to temporarily ban all outside fires—including open air burning, controlled brush burning and recreational burning—as well as banning the use of charcoal barbecues in city parks.
 BBQ’s that use charcoal have been banned in city parks. “To ensure public safety, the ban on charcoal barbecues applies to the picnic areas of three city parks—LaSalle, Lowville and Hidden Valley—where propane barbecues will still be allowed,” said Mary Battaglia, director of roads and parks maintenance with the city.
City parks are available for social and picnic use. Users are encouraged to book a permit in advance of their preferred dates. Request a booking online at www.burlington.ca/rentals, call 905-335-7738 or visit www.burlington.ca/picnics for more information.
If you are unsure if a fire ban is in effect, please contact the Burlington Fire Department at 905-637-8253 or visit www.burlington.ca/openairburning for more information about open air burning and safety tips.
 By Staff
July 11th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Gazette reported this to you last week – the city got their notice out early this morning.
Work to replace the outdoor pool and splash pad at Nelson Park has begun. At its meeting on Monday, July 4, Burlington City Council approved the advancement of funding from the city’s 2017 capital budget which will enable the construction of the new pool to start this fall.
 Swimming? Not at Nelson – not this summer. “Over the last six months, city staff have worked hard to get this project ready for construction, securing the design work and permit approvals needed,” said Allan Magi, the city’s director of capital works. “The demolition phase of construction began last week and we anticipate the work to construct the new swimming facilities will start this fall.”
The new 50-metre pool, featuring eight swim lanes, will be built beside a new beach-entry wading pool and splash pad. Detailed drawings of the new swimming facility will be available online at www.burlington.ca/nelson later this summer.
One Gazette reader commented: “Why have we not looked for a Facility Naming Sponsor to help cover costs for the Performing Arts Centre or The Pier? Perhaps Got Junk or Badger Waste Disposal could get a good deal and help relieve the stress on our wallets. Why is it taking sooo long for Nelson Pool to be back in operation? Closed for 2015, 2016 and also 2017? This is ridiculous. The majority of our residents do not have a private pool and need Nelson Pool to be open each summer, plus all the city programs and students hired each summer to work at Nelson Pool.”
At its meeting on July 4, City Council also directed city staff to investigate sponsorship opportunities for the naming of the new outdoor pool and splash pad at Nelson Park.
“Similar to other municipalities, the City of Burlington is exploring ways to generate new revenue streams to help reduce the tax burden on the community,” said Chris Glenn, the city’s director of parks and recreation. “Based on council’s direction, city staff will look at a potential naming sponsorship for the outdoor pool replacement project. Any money generated from a sponsorship would help with the future repair and renewal needs of the facility.”
The Gazette report is available below:
Nelson pool spending approved:
 By Staff
July 13, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
They held it together until the eighth inning and then opened the floodgates and put seven runs on the scoreboard to beat the Guelph Royal 8-5 at a game played in Guelph,
 The Bandits were using their bats.
Canice Ejoh went 3-for-5 and hit his first home run of the season to lead the Bandits offence. Ejoh had three RBI. Nolan Pettipiece had two hits and drove in a pair of runs, while Julian Johnson and Justin Gideon had the other RBIs. Kevin Hussey singled, doubled and scored a run, and Brad McQuinn scored a pair of runs.
Christian Hauck (3-3) went eight innings for the win, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits, striking out eight and walking seven.
For Guelph, Aaron Loder singled, doubled and drove in three. Guelph scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth but fell short. Kyle Alarcon had an RBI and scored twice, and Chandler McLaren also had an RBI. Adam Rossit singled once and scored twice.
Richard Gill (2-3) took the loss after failing to get an out in the ninth inning in relief of AJ Mackey. Gill was charged with two runs on two hits and didn’t record a walk or strikeout.
The sixth-place Bandits improved to 7-18, and the seventh-place Royals dropped to 6-20.
Future games
Wednesday, July 13
Kitchener at Toronto, 7:30 p.m.
London at Brantford, 8 p.m.
Thursday, July 14
Toronto at Kitchener, 7:30 p.m.
Barrie at Burlington, 7:30 p.m.
By Pepper Parr
July 11th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Some momentum is being lost and the boaters at LaSalle Park are now facing an uphill battle to get the funding the need in place for the expansion the LaSalle Park Maria Association has in mind.
John Birch has been a tireless advocate for an upgraded harbour that would protect the boats from some of the rough waves that would roll in and was doing very well with his plans.
 Trumpeter swans were once the biggest problem the LaSalle Park Marina Association had in getting approval for their wave barrier project. It isn’t the swans putting on th brakes – city hall is taking a closer look at the business model. He had run into some resistance from the Trumpeter Swan people who felt the planned harbour would take their habitat away from the birds.
That isn’t the main problem anymore.
The LPMA financing always looked like a bit of a stretch but in the past the association had always met the financial obligations.
 The LaSalle PArk Marina Association wanted to build a wave barrier – the financial model they have used is making city hall uncomfortable. While the current project is quite a bit bigger than anything they had done in the past it appeared to have merit and it was getting past all the milestones.
The harbour the boaters want to put in place certainly had a number of significant benefits for the city.
Birch and ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven get along well and Craven does not like losing something his residents want. Expect some tension to surround this one as it gets worked through.
A Staff report had been prepared and put into the agenda for the current cycle of Standing Committee meetings – then it was pulled from the agenda.
“The primary reason” said city manager James Ridge “is that I believe that Council needs to consider the report in a bigger context, and a broader range of questions about the project.
“The report’s observations are also arguably at odds with a recent resolution of Council to provide a letter of support to the LPMA for grant-seeking purposes. This is further reason for Council to pause to consider the project from a more holistic perspective.
“The project involves City owned assets, and it is unusual to have a Joint Venture partner take on the financing for project of this size which invariably entails risks to both the City and LPMA. At this point we don’t have a detailed costing of the breakwater construction, however the City would very likely be responsible for any cost overruns. And as the report points out, we have concerns about the financial model, including the likely need for a loan from the city with 25 year or more repayment. This would also be unprecedented and have inherent risks.”
 City manager James Ridge “In comments made to the Gazette Ridge said: “The LPMA was unhappy with the report. However it was intended to be an independent arms-length assessment of their business case. The LPMA was very helpful in providing detailed financial records, and met with staff to answer questions before the report was prepared, but clearly disagree with the conclusions. They have provided additional information that we have reviewed, and we will meet with them again, but the report will reflect the City’s independent objective assessment of LPMA’s business case.”
Ridge as a city manager is turning out to be very fiscally prudent – no risk taking on his watch. Wonder what would have happened to the Pier had Ridge been on the job?
The Gazette will analyze the city staff report and publish a follow up piece.
Touch times for the boaters.
 By Staff
July 11th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Test Kitchen didn’t make it – maybe Papa Giuseppe’s will do better.
The Test Kitchen was a restaurant that opened up on Brant street and for a short period of time was the hottest spot in town with an exception $10 lunch with a beverage included on the menu.
 The Test Kitchen had a sparse clean look to it – it was the place to be seen.  The former Test Kitchen was the first restaurant in the city to put up a pop up patio. There are now two on Brant Street. The place had a buzz to it and you sometimes had to wait to get a table.
They used all the high tech stuff to take your order and the staff was made up of those young people that just exuded energy.
Alas, something went wrong somewhere and they were suddenly gone. Overnight they stripped the two locations they had and haven’t been since.
There are a number of suppliers and a former landlord that would like to talk to them. Rumour has it that the people who backed the place financially are also looking for them… And these people aren’t your traditional bankers.
The Test Kitchen were the people that brought the first pop up patio to the city – let’s give them credit for that much.
 Papa Giuseppe’s east side of Brant – south of Caroline.
By Pepper Parr
July 9th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It was the second downtown car show for Ron Baker – and it turned out to be better than the first held last year.
There were more cars registered – 150 this year. The streets were just as crowded and there appeared to be a lot of entries that weren’t seen last year.
 The cars took over Brant street – they were there for people to look at and talk about. At a city council meting sometime ago Councillor Taylor once said that the city would be a more vibrant place is Brant Street were converted to just pedestrians – it was just people walking wherever they wanted Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm – as vibrant as we’ve seen it and the merchants were doing just fine.
 The boys liked the look of the inside of this one. Baker has attached a name to the event: Past, present and future – the future being the electric cars that people could take for a test drive. There wasn’t a final count but they were at the 50 + level when we left for the day.
Burlington Greens Amy Schnarr had hoped to take one of the electric cars for a spin – they drove to city hall on their bikes and realized they didn’t have their driver’s licenses. Amy did say that she had her credit card with her but got that look from her husband – so they weren’t buying.
 A hot rod getting a careful once over from a passer-by.  An oldy but a goldy – getting a closer look while fond memories take over.  Burlington once had a police car that looked something like this.  It was the Ford model T that started it all. There were no cars for sale – the occasion was to look at what was being offered in the way of electric cars that are referred to as EV’s
The crowds around the electric cars were the kind of thing car dealership sales people die for – and the crowds were certainly in that tire kicking mood.
People were at that stage where they were making decisions and looking at different models.
 Luxury defined – if you owned one of these you were definitely wealthy. City councillor John Taylor had the use of a Mercedes Benz electric i3 for a week and he was delighted. He drove out to have dinner with his son in the electric car, the experience John had was not the experience his wife Kathy had during the drive. “She was having range anxiety.” But later in the day Taylor was seen taking a test drive in a different electric car. It will be interesting to see what Taylor does next.
There were 80 test drives done in a variety of electric vehicles (including the Mitsubishi iMiEV and Outlander PHEV, Nissan Leaf, Ford C-Max Energi, Fusion Energi, Focus EV, Chevy Volt and BMW i3).
Not one accident.
There were additional rides offered by Eco-Limo in a Tesla Model S!
The people who are deeply involved in this change of automotive technology we are going through can see and understand how the public is coming around. Dan Guatto at Burlington Hydro has the task of ensuring that Burlington Hydro has the infrastructure that is going to be needed in place so that those electric cards can have their batteries charged.
 Locust Street lined with electric cars. Some of the automotive people selling internal combustion engines appear to be hanging on to their old business model which is getting less sustainable by the month.
Baker mentioned a number of corporate groups that are now loaning their cars for demonstration drives. “We are not at the tipping point yet” said Baker. Quaddro agreed adding that everyone who is now under 40 will be driving an electric car in the not too distant future.
The range of the electric cars is getting better and better.
 She likes it – he wants it. For those short trips around town – an EV is the best choice one can make added Baker. For those few occasions when a really long drive is being taken – the bigger cars are the answer. How many long drives does the average family take? Not enough to justify that big eight cylinder engine.
 Ron Baker – organized the event along with the Lions Club. Baker has plans to grow the Car show – next year he hopes to have a section that will include EV trucks. Seeing the vehicles on the street is a large part of the shift from the internal combustion engine to the close to soundless electric car. What the public needs to know is how they can be assured that there will always be a place where they can charge their car.
Burlington Hydro has a large education project ahead of them. Might we see that next year?
 By Staff
July 9th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Well – this is different.
 A Different Drummer is hosting an otherwordly event at the bookshop to celebrate a new work by J.K. Rowling, in collaboration with Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a two-part play charting the adult life of Harry Potter and the fantastic travails facing his young family.
On Saturday, July 30, starting at 9pm, Hogwarts devotees of all ages are invited to A Different Drummer Books, bedecked everywhere with stunning artifacts from the Academy, for spirited activities and tasty refreshments. Come as you are, or dressed as your favourite character!
At Midnight, we’ll offer copies of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The book is $40, price includes HST.
If you order your copy before the event, you’ll receive a $15 certificate for all other books purchased here at A Different Drummer. To order, please contact us in person, at 905 639 0925 or diffdrum@mac.com.
The event is touted as a night of great fun and enchantment to herald the wonderful new Harry Potter tale.
Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus!
By Pepper Parr
July 8th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
This city of ours has a tradition of people giving back to their community in a number of ways. For some there is a pretty clear line from the giving to the financial return – charity is good business.
There are others who have done exceptionally well and the just write cheques – more often than not without any form of return – many prefer their gift to be anonymous.
Others get known for what they do – because that is what they do.
 Each year for the past two years – and again this year on July 17th – there will be an outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew on the large lawn (small field) behind the offices of Thinkspot in Lowville.
There is something about good theatre taking place in the open on a summer evening as dusk works its way to sunset and the night begins to close in.
Last year the performance was Hamlet, done by the same company of actors: Driftwood Theatre Company.
In some comments made by Driftwood Artistic Director, Jeremy Smith, one can get a sense of what goes into the production that takes place on a makeshift stage,
“Casting a production is never simple” said Smith, “and it represents for me the very best and worst aspects of my job. I both love and loathe this annual process of narrowing a field of over 400 candidates to exactly the right combination of 8-10 individuals.
“From one perspective the casting process is filled with unknown opportunities. At any moment someone can enter the audition room and bring that unexpected quality that you didn’t even know you were looking for – one which takes your thinking about a play in new and surprising directions. The challenge is always to create an auditioning environment where, within a very short amount of time (usually 10-15 minutes), a sense of trust and play can be built between the auditioner and the auditionee. And when you do engage with someone in a meaningful way, it’s a great room to be in.
“From another perspective, there is the constant knowledge that in nearly 90% of the cases, you’re going to end up saying ‘no’ to the person who walks in the door. This is something I’ve never really gotten used to – even after over 4,000 auditions. It’s a serious downer. Auditioning is an imperfect system: one fraught with both excitement and considerable stress.”
 Bring a folding seat an enjoy an evening of fine theatre. It is that “unexpected quality” that makes summer theatre the delight that it is. These actors make peanuts, they travel around in a beat up old bus and are always repairing something because there is no money for new things.
They do what they do for the love of the stage – it is not something you want to miss.
The Thinkspot production leads into the second annual Lowville Festival that is being held at different location in the hamlet. The link below sets out the Festival schedule. The people making the Lowville Festival happen believe here is an opportunity to create an event that will become a staple in summer activities that are not focused on the waterfront.
If you think this city is blessed with a great south end – meander up north and get a sense of what rural Burlington is all about – and if you want a fuller appreciation for how Burlington blends its rural and urban parts – take in the Rural – Urban exhibit that is at the Art Gallery.
 ThinkSpot’s Debra Pickfield – the hat – let her explain that to you. And lastly, if you see Debra Pickfield walking around the grounds on the 17th – thank her for making the Taming of the Shrew production happen.
Lowville Festival schedule.
By Pepper Parr
July 6, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Foundation announced that Ron Foxcroft, Vice-Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, has been appointed to the Chair position. Tim Cestnick, President of WaterStreet Financial Inc. joins as a new Board Member.
Assuming a two-year term as Chair of the Burlington Foundation, Ron Foxcroft, Chairman, Founder, and CEO of Fox 40 International; as well as CEO and Chairman of Fluke Transportation Group, is well recognized as both a community and business leader. Perhaps best known as the inventor of the Fox 40 Whistle, which is officially sanctioned by the NFL, CFL, NCAA and the NBA, Ron was named among Profit Magazine’s Top 10 Canadian Entrepreneurs of the decade.
 Ron Foxcroft as an Honorary Colonel of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders of Canada in conversation with Queen Elizabeth II “I am thrilled to be taking on this greater leadership role on the Burlington Foundation Board,” says Foxcroft. “I look forward to advancing our mission by inspiring our community to come together to Give brilliantly.” Ron’s longstanding community support has been recognized with many awards, among them Honorary Doctor of Law from McMaster University and Honorary Colonel of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders of Canada.
Joining Burlington Foundation’s Board in 2014, Ron led the support of thousands of 2014 Burlington flood victims as Chair of the Burlington Foundation Flood Disaster Relief Committee. Ron was honoured for this tireless leadership with Burlington Citizen of the Year in 2015.
 Tim Cestnick is now a member of the Burlington Foundation board. Tim Cestnick brings a wealth of experience in business and non-profit volunteer sectors. As founder of Canada’s leading wealth advisory firm to affluent families, WaterStreet Financial Inc., Tim is one of Canada’s most respected experts and public speakers in the area of tax and personal finance. In addition to his CA designation, he is a Chartered Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Public Accountant (Illinois), a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and a Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP).
“As a Foundation Board Member, I look forward to making an even more significant impact in our community,” says Cestnick. “I’m excited to be joining a team where there is a deep commitment to addressing and raising awareness of vital community needs.” Tim’s national speaking profile is confirmed by his position as tax columnist for the Globe & Mail’s Report on Business. He has authored 18 best-selling books and is a radio and television on-air contributor, appearing regularly on CTV, CBC and BNN.
 At her best, Colleen Mullholland is unbeatable. She does not know how to take no or an answer and is probably the most plugged in person in th city “It is a time of great growth for Burlington Foundation and we look forward to Ron bringing his proven leadership abilities to the role of Chair. As well, we are delighted to have Tim’s highly sought after expertise on our Board,” says Colleen Mulholland, President and CEO. “This added depth will enable our Board to richen our collaboration within the community to build endowments, give grants and connect leadership.”
It is nice to see that the Foundation continues to mention community even though they dropped the word from their corporate title.
By Staff
July 6. 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Fire Department has issued a fire ban, effective immediately, prohibiting all outside fires in Burlington, including open air burning, controlled brush burning and recreational burning.
 Brush fires start with a single spark – and in this hot, dry weather they spread very quickly. Wild fire means just that – a fire that has gone wild. “Brush fires tend to occur during hot, dry weather especially when there is a lack of rainfall as we have been experiencing during the past few weeks,” said Chief Fire Prevention Officer Joe Wintar.
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the fire danger rating is high for the Burlington area and the forecast of hot weather with limited rainfall is expected to continue in the upcoming days.
 Open fire pits are banned uni the Fire Chief lifts the ban. “Open air burning, including fire pits and chimineas, poses a risk to nearby combustible materials such as sheds, decks and landscape materials, which can increase the risk of brush fires,” said Wintar.
 Chimeneas are banned until the Fire Chief lifts the ban. Residents are being reminded to be cautious when using outdoor candles and other backyard items that may produce heat or flame.
People failing to comply with open air burning regulations in the Ontario Fire Code and Burlington’s open air burning bylaw may be fined. The City of Burlington has set a cost-recovery charge of more than $450 per responding vehicle for the fire department to respond to a location where open air burning is not approved.
All burning permits are suspended until further notice to protect public safety. No burning can take place during smog alert days and open air burning bans.
If you are unsure if a ban is in effect, contact the Burlington Fire Department at 905-637-8253 or visit www.burlington.ca/openairburning for more information about open air burning and safety tips.
By Staff
July 6, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington has awarded $35,870 to eight community projects as part of the Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund launched earlier this year to encourage residents to come together to lead neighbourhood and community projects.
“Vibrant cities are based on vibrant neighbourhoods,” said Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring. “We want residents to be engaged in making their neighbourhoods great places to live and play. This fund makes it easier for neighbours to come together to support a unique project that enhances their neighbourhood.”
The eight community projects selected are:
• Lakeshore Public School – improvements to the baseball diamond
• Mountainside community – art workshops
• Pinemeadow Park – a playground made from natural materials
• Alton Village – a weekly community picnic
• Bruce T. Lindley Public School – a landscape improvement project
• Norton Community Park – a new mural
• General Brock Park – a greening improvement project
• A literacy project for individuals with developmental disabilities.
 Griffin Gervais and his mother Carrie they won one of the city’s neighbourhood development matching grants. The selected groups will receive up to 50 per cent of the funding for their projects from the city, up to a maximum of $5,000. The community groups behind each project will then match this funding with an equal contribution made up through any combination of volunteer hours, donated services, donated materials and supplies or other funds raised, such as cash donations.
 They pulled it off – got a grant from th city – In no specific order: Sawyer Cobham. Scott Rose, Griffen Gervais, Kayden Maslanyk discuss the problems with their ball diamond. “We are so impressed with the incredible ideas the community brought forward in their applications,” said Chris Glenn, the city’s director of parks and recreation. “I look forward to seeing these eight unique projects come to life.
It’s our hope that these projects, built by the community for the community, will bring neighbours together and help build a sense of belonging and strong community connections.”
Work on the eight projects will take place over the next year.
Groups interested in learning more about application submissions for 2017 can visit www.burlington.ca/matchingfund.
Related article:
How the grant from the city was won.
 By Staff
July 6th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
On Saturday July 9, 2016, Brant Street will be closed from Lakeshore Road to Caroline Street from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. for the Downtown Car Show.
Routes 3 and 5 will not service that portion of Brant Street.
For service in this area passengers should move to north of Caroline Street or to the Downtown/John Street Terminal.
 Brant Street gets turned over the the car – parked cars.
By Staff
July 5th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Region of Halton is going to get up to $652,054 in funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Ontario (FedDev Ontario) through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. The program is part of the federal government’s activities to honour Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. This funding will be used for enhancements to the Spencer Smith Park portion of the Burlington Beach Regional Waterfront Park.
That sentence needs to be read carefully – the money will be spent on Spencer Smith park – not the Beachway park.
 A structure that will look something like this will get built – it will be the point at which Spencer Smith Park morphs into the Beachway Park. “I would like to thank the federal government for this investment that supports our vision to implement a world-class, signature waterfront destination in Halton,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “The Burlington Beach Regional Waterfront Park is part of Halton Region’s commitment to both protecting and enhancing our rich natural environment and growing a strong Regional economy.”
The funding for Spencer Smith Park will be used to enhance the waterfront trail throughout this section of the Regional Waterfront Park, provide improved seating and shaded areas for residents and visitors, update landscaping and renovate an existing gazebo. Planning for this work began in April 2016 and is expected to be completed by December 31, 2017.
 The Beachway master plan removes some 25+ homes from the area and turns a wonderful natural area into what appears to be a well designed park – this is not however the first time the Beachway has been re-designed. In 2015, Halton Regional Council approved a Master Plan to transform Burlington Beach Regional Waterfront Park into a unique, four-season urban waterfront experience. The park is one of the only natural sand beaches in North America located in a downtown urban context that is fully accessible to the public.
The enhancement project is one of more than 380 projects currently approved across southern Ontario through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. Get ready for an explosion of federal spending on the sesquicentennial – our 150th birthday.
Related articles:
Plans for Beachway park made public.
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
By Staff
July 5th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The place is going to the dogs – literally.
The city is inviting residents to celebrate the unveiling of a new public shelter at Norton Leash Free Park on Saturday, July 9 at 10 a.m.
The shelter will complement the park resurfacing done in the park this spring.
Residents are invited to spend the day at the park with their dogs and PetMax, a sponsor of the event, until 4 p.m. The free event will include giveaways, free samples and pet industry professionals who can answer pet owners’ questions.
“It’s great that PetMax offered to do something to enhance our local pet owners experience at the park,” said Chris Glenn, the city’s director of parks and recreation. “Residents had indicated that a shelter would be a welcome feature and then helped determine where the new shelter would be located.”
 By Pepper Parr
July 4th, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
Summer is festival time – those pleasant summer days when one gathers in chairs you brought with you or on blankets you’ve spread out on the ground and listened to music or watch a play.
It is pleasant summer stuff – not overly noisy or loud.
Burlington blows it brains out on the Sound of Music – but that is June – doesn’t count as a summer event.
The city doesn’t have a tradition of festivals that are smaller is scale. Nothing happens north of the QEW during the summer. The Performing Arts Centre has begun to make use of their space for Jazz events in August – no word yet on what they plan for this year.
 The hamlet of Lowville has been around since 1863 – before Confederation. The word on the second annual Lowville Festival is out – peruse the program and note the dates.
The two week event is a moving feast – sort of like a bunch of gypsies that park their wagon were they think they will find an audience.
July 17th
The first event takes place at Thinkspot in Lowville – where Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew will be performed by the Driftwood company at a “pay what you can” price. They politely suggest $20 would be appropriate.
 Summer theatre – it doesn’t get much better. Performers take to the stage at 7:30 – food is available at 6:30 This is the third time Debra Pickfield of Thinkspot has sponsored the event.
Last year the Driftwood did Hamlet – the year before they did Tempest – all on a stage set up in a small field that is shaded by mature trees a stone’s throw from the babbling Bronte Creek.
Summer theatre at its best. The Driftwood people have been doing this – very well – for years.
Friday, July 22 7:30pm
Music for a Summer Night – Classic and Classical – St. George’s Church Hall
A gala concert to launch our second annual festival which features some of the finest classical, jazz, musical theatre, pop and crossover musicians from Burlington, Hamilton, Guelph and Toronto.
Tickets $25 online (advance) $30 at the door;
Featuring: Lowville Festival Choir, Wayne Strongman, Conductor
Featuring James Gordon, David Warrack, Renee Barabash, Robert Missen, Lorretta Bailey, Simone Caruso, and Charles Cozens
 The Lowville School house Saturday July 23, Afternoon 2:00pm
Workshop for Children with Dufflebag Theatre Company
Old Lowville Schoolhouse
Tickets $25 for both workshop & show
For ages 5-10 years and the lucky adults who come along
What’s more fun than watching a terrific theatre show… acting in it! Get your children involved in this workshop so they can discover the joy of theatre and creative expression.
3:00pm
Robin Hood by Dufflebag Theatre
Old Lowville Schoolhouse
Tickets $15 for show
For ages 5-10 years and the lucky adults who come along.
A rollicking good time will be had with Robin Hood and his Merry Men in the forests of the Niagara Escarpment. This traditional story of “rebalancing resources” in our society will be told with humour and lots of action! Presented by the nationally acclaimed Dufflebag Theatre.
Evening: 7:30pm
Folkies’ Delight: The Best of The Singer/Songwriters
Lowville United Church
Tickets $25 advance (online); $30 at the door
We’ve selected eight of the greatest singer/songwriters in folk-rock music and then chosen 2 of their most iconic songs. Who better to interpret these songs than: Jude Johnson, Ariel Rogers, Andy Griffiths and Stuart Laughton, four of the region’s finest performers.
This will be an evening of hit after hit. Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Cat Stevens, Stan Rogers, Carole King, Buffy St. Marie, and Gordon Lightfoot.
How Canadian can you get?
Sunday July 24, 3:00pm
Love Letters by A. R. Gurney
 Lowville United church Lowville United Church
Tickets $25 online (advance); $30 at the door
Two renowned Canadian actors, Lorretta Bailey and Eric Trask, will perform this celebrated play by Buffalo playwright A. R. Gurney whose many plays have been hits on Broadway and throughout the world.
Required to find a pen pal at summer camp, our two characters continue to write to each other throughout their eventful lives. We get their insights into what is going on with their dates, spouses, children, jobs and friends. Funny, sarcastic, witty, angry —- and then they fall in love.
Tickets for all events except the ThinkSpot event are available on line.
By Staff
July 4th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s that time of year again!
More than 45 dragon boat teams will paddle competitively to raise funds to further the protection of Hamilton Harbour.
July 9th, dragon boat races will run all day at Bayfront Park starting at 8 a.m.
 Several of the 45 dragon boats that will compete on Saturday. BARC’s Harbour Huggers team needs you to cheer us on and pledge our paddlers!
All funds raised in support of the Bay Area Restoration Council and the remediation of Hamilton Harbour.
Does Burlington have a boat in this race?
By Staff
July 4th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
If you want to put your name up in lights on a piece of city property – get ready to gulp when you see the cost. And gulp again when you see the deal a local law firm got on the naming rights for the Haber Recreation Centre.
 Funds for the rebuild of the Nelson pool have yet to be found – sponsorship is being looked at seriously. Big bucks! During a discussion on fund raising for the Nelson pool reference was made to the consultant’s analysis which estimated value for a Facility Naming Sponsor could range between $300,000 to $350,000. It is also recommended that the payment terms could be as follows:
• $30,000 – $35,000* annually for an agreement term of 8 to 10 years
• Incentive to pay upfront: 15% discount = $297,500 – $250,500
• Paid within 3 years: 10% discount = $315,000 – $270,000
Additional terms and incentives / interests would also naturally become a part of any negotiations and subsequent agreement.
Based on the staff direction provided to members of city council and the interests of the current project, staff is suggesting that the renaming of Nelson Outdoor Pool be considered as outlined in the Fundraising Plan. For businesses, organizations or individuals not wanting to consider a full naming sponsorship, a donations option may also be available to suit their specific interest and intent.
A potential renaming of Nelson Pool be considered for the following reasons:
• The estimated financial value for a naming sponsor of $300,000 to $350,000 is quite reasonable for a 10-week summer only operation.
• Supports Council interests in finding new revenue sources to support capital projects.
• Sponsorships are primarily about partnerships and how organizations and business can help support local interests. This project is another example that exists to create another partnership within the community.
• The pool is one component within a larger destination known as ‘Nelson Park’. As such, renaming the pool within the park has less impact to the overall name of ‘Nelson’ as it is known (e.g. “ABC Pool at Nelson Park”).
• Currently, all way-finding signage is referenced as Nelson Park. Neither Nelson Recreation Centre, Nelson Pool nor Nelson Arena is referenced within the City of Burlington way-finding program. In addition, there is no signage at the site location that references the pool name, so to change the name would not require a number of sign updates.
• The outdoor pool facility is relatively compact and could easily be marketed as a single asset from a naming perspective.
 A corporate name at one of the busiest recreation centers in the city. The incorrect spelling of Welcome was part of the deal? The consultant’s report noted that a potential naming sponsor would likely be from a local business or organization, similar to the outcome found for the Haber Recreation Centre.
The Haber deal was for $1.36 million for 20 years. Assuming that $1.36 million amounts to $1,360,000.00 – paid out over 20 years amounts to $68,000 a year.
Compare that to the $300,000 being suggested for the Nelson pool that is operational for 10 weeks – and WOW did Haber every get a deal
Organizations who are vested in the community are those who would typically like to support this type of local community interest. National organizations or businesses are more likely to support larger more profile opportunities that have broader national or regional exposure like a major stadium or arena in a large city.
While this particular location has many elements all with the name ‘Nelson’ referenced in some manner – Nelson Pool, Nelson Stadium, Nelson Recreation Centre / Arena, Nelson Park, Nelson Skateboard Park, and Nelson Youth Centre, staff is recommending that only Nelson Pool be considered for potential renaming. Moreover, staff is also not recommending that specific elements within the pool (e.g. amenities or features like a splash pad) be considered for potential naming as it could become quite confusing to the public as well as reduce the value of the overall naming opportunity.
The Haber sponsorship:
By Staff
June 29, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
New roads, improvements to parks, murals for public places – all kinds of upgrades and improvements to the city.
 An aerial view of the Paradigm project under construction on Fairview – next to the GO station. Developers are banging away as well; The Bridgewater project is still a hole in the ground as is the ADI Linx project on Dundas. The hospital is well on its way to completion and the Paradigm project on Fairview is reaching into the sky.
Ireland Park has started phase one of the upgrades that will include:
• An accessible splash pad with seating and a pavilion for shade
• Ball diamond amenities, including accessible spectator areas with permanent bleachers
• Reconstruction of the south parking lot to improve the surface and traffic flow
• Accessible pathways and seating areas
• New energy efficient pathway lighting
• New goal posts at three soccer fields, and
• New trees
 Ireland Park. During construction, please expect:
• Pathway closures
• The driveway and the south parking lot, beside the tennis courts, to be closed
• Detours to ball diamonds, soccer fields, washroom facilities, tennis courts and the main playground
• Temporary access restrictions to the washrooms, snack bar and tennis courts
Construction is expected to last approximately six months.
Ireland Park will remain open during construction. We appreciate your patience and co-operation to make sure the park is a safe place during construction. There are other parks available in the community:
Playgrounds:
• Ireland Park – access from Folkway Drive
• Pinemeadow Park – 3171 Pinemeadow Rd.
• Newport Park – 3020 Headon Forest Dr.
Public Tennis Courts:
• Sycamore Park – 3157 Centennial Dr.
• Millcroft Park – 4520 Millcroft Park Dr.
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