 By Staff
August 31st, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Conservation Halton is looking for 50 community volunteers to help plant native trees and shrubs on Sunday, September 9.
The Trees for Watershed Health planting is taking place at the Hopkins Tract, 201 Old Guelph Road in Hamilton.
Registration and check-in will begin at 9 a.m. with planting scheduled to start shortly after 9:30 a.m. Volunteers are reminded to dress according to the weather, wear waterproof boots and bring a shovel. The event will happen rain or shine, unless conditions are deemed to be unsafe for participants and staff.
The welcome to participate goes out to all individuals, families, and small groups. No prior planting experience is required. Space is limited and pre-registration is mandatory, visit the web site for more details and to find registration information.
 Hopkins Tract is in orange Established in 2015, the Hopkins Tract of the Pleasant View Natural Area, is located on the southeast corner of Old Guelph Road and York Road in Dundas. The 24 hectare (59 acre) property contains deep ravines associated with the Pleasant View Tributary lined with mature deciduous oak forests and contains several uncommon and rare Carolinian and savannah indicator species.
This newly formed public natural area has been incorporated into the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System.
The significant parcel was secured to further establish and widen a natural corridor link between Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment within the City of Hamilton. The property offers significant opportunities for the restoration of creeks, wetlands and Carolinian forest as well as protection of head-water stream ravines.
 This is some of the terrain that work will be done on. The restoration strategy for the property provides a direction to protect and restore natural ecosystems to ensure the health and diversity of native species, habitats, landscapes and ecological processes.
These strategies will help to improve the natural functions of the landscape and hydrology of the two subwatersheds.
Trees for Watershed Health is a Conservation Halton community outreach program which gets watershed residents and community groups involved in tree planting. The program is designed to bring communities and nature together to increase forest cover in the watershed through volunteers planting trees at selected sites.
 By Staff
August 27th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON’
The City announces that Burlington has been chosen as a host city for the acclaimed Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour with Ron MacLean and Tara Slone on Oct. 27-28.
Residents, hockey players and hockey fans of all ages and abilities are invited to attend, participate and enjoy the free festivities planned throughout the weekend.
This is the 5th Season for the Hometown Hockey tour – they will be visiting 25 cities across the country this time.
 It takes a small convoy of trucks for the show to take place – all kinds of equipment. Rogers Hometown Hockey will be welcomed to the city in the midst of the largest food drive campaign in Canada, the Gift of Giving back. Young Burlington hockey players will be canvassing communities to gather non-perishable food donations. Residents are encouraged to continue to give generously.
The weekend will feature a ball hockey tournament, local musicians on stage, activities and will end on Sunday evening with an outdoor viewing party of the live Sportsnet broadcast of the evening’s featured NHL game with Tara Slone and Ron MacLean on site in Burlington showcasing our great city.
 Ron MacLean and Tara Slone host the show in each community. Each week during the 2018-2019 NHL season, the Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour will visit a different community across the country with a weekend of free outdoor hockey festivities for all ages, culminating in an outdoor viewing party of an NHL game broadcast every Sunday, with Ron MacLean and Tara Slone hosting live onsite from the Sportsnet Mobile Studio.
The family-friendly weekend tells the stories of local upcoming talent and alumni, provides an inviting atmosphere for the community to come together to show their passion for the game and ultimately, celebrate the game of hockey which has been woven tightly into our great Canadian culture.
More on this as we get closer to the event. We have to get through a municipal election first.
 By Staff
August 15th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Everything doesn’t happen in downtown Burlington.
The good people of Aldershot have a nice, thriving Farmers Market that supports local artisans and food vendors at the Aldershot Village Market Saturday, August 18, from 10:00 – 1:00 on Plains Road.
The market is sponsored by the Aldershot BIA.
There are people who will tell you about the rich farmland either side of Plains Road that produced some of the best produce in the province.
During the market season wagons pulled by horses would take produce to market and into Burlington where it would get shipped to Toronto and points east.
 By Staff
August 3rd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
And so the season ends for the Burlington Herd; The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Herd in their final game of the season in extra innings
Justin Marra’s two-run blast in the top of the 11th broke a 2-2 tie and helped the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Burlington Herd 6-3 Thursday night at Nelson Park.
 Marra’s blast, his 10th of the season, came after Dan Marra walked to start the inning. Damon Topolie’s RBI singled scored Garret Takamatsu later in the inning. Topolie, Takamatsu and Zac Orchard all finished with two hits and a run.
Andrew Simonetti (1-1) picked up the win, giving up a run on three hits over two innings. He was the Leafs’ third reliever after starter Justin Cicatello allowed a pair of runs on four hits with five strikeouts over seven innings.
Toronto (15-19) is tied with Guelph for fourth place.
Burlington (12-24) placed last in the standings before the playoffs begin.
Reese O’Farrell drove in two runs and had a stolen base for the last-place Herd, which dropped to 12-24. Vaughn Bryan went 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run, while Justin Gideon and Mattingly Romanin each had a hit and a run.
Casey Bouillere-Howard (4-4) took the loss, giving up three runs on four hits in two innings. He walked two and struck out two.
Trent Lunsford started and allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits with two walks and five strikeouts over five innings.
 By Pepper Parr
August 1st, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s summer, time to relax get outside and enjoy what the city has to offer.
Burlington has been celebrating a Joseph Brant Day since 1980; it is held at La Salle Park on the Civic Holiday Monday in August.
Museums of Burlington has presented this event for over 30 years where they celebrates our local heritage and community, free of charge.
The Brant Day Festival attracts well over 5,000 people, featuring a strong line-up of family friendly entertainment, historical displays, a food truck rally, vendors and a variety of interactive experiences.
 Food trucks are a very welcome part of the Brant Day event. The Food Trucks this year include:
50 Pesos
Café du Monde Creperie
Dora’s Express
Pappas Greek
Star Dairy Bar
Sweet Temptations
True North BBQ
The Festival runs from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at La Salle Park, 50 North Shore Boulevard, Burlington, Ontario.
FREE parking is available at Aldershot High School, 50 Fairwood Place West, Burlington.
 A 7 year old aboriginal boy demonstrated using hoops at the Brant Day event at LaSalle Park Schedule for the day:
11:00am-11:45am: Opening Ceremony
12:00pm – 12:30pm: Burlington Teen Tour Band
12:45pm-1:15pm: Healthy Aboriginal Men’s Drum Circle
1:30pm-2:15pm: Halton Dance Network
2:30pm-3:00pm: Hoop Dancing Performance
3:15pm-4:00pm: Bare Blue Sea
The Brant Festival isn’t the only thing going on in the city. ONE BURLINGTON FESTIVAL: Building Bridges Between Faiths will be taking place at Central Park at the Band shell and will run from noon to 4:00 pm
In the event of rain, the festival will be moved inside Central Arena.
“I am excited for this Festival and have been meeting with Muslim friends from the mosque, Hindu and Jewish groups and a variety of Christian leaders – and we will be able to learn about different faiths and cultures while sampling many different ethnic foods,” said Rev. Orville James, minister of Wellington Square United Church.
 One Burlington – where the focus is on community. Osob-Adus-BEST-2017Osob Adus, Burlington Citizen of the Year and well-known community activist, said the festival is a way of knowing and embracing the beauty of all faith traditions and creating bridges between them.
“Mutual understanding and respect are the foundations for building communities across the borders of difference,” said Adus, a Muslim.
Now in its second year, One Burlington Festival was initially held as a response to the Quebec City mosque mass shooting that occurred the evening of January 29, 2017 at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City.
This year, the festival will open with an Interfaith prayer led by five clergy representing different faiths. An Indigenous smudging ceremony will follow.
Throughout the afternoon, along with free food, entertainment from different cultures will be featured. Performers include local singer-song writer Kim Verrall and violinist Sophie Huang; the Burlington Slam Poets who are celebrating their 10th anniversary; First Nations performer Jimmy Dick and his family and dance groups from the Sikh, Persian and Afro-Canadian communities.
The ecological theme of this year’s festival focuses on building an understanding of the connections between faith and ecology. Everything from Eco-dinnerware to a green clean-up team are embedded in this year’s event.
 There isn’t a better place to be on a hot day. Swimming pools and splash pads around the city are open – check on the hours – they aren’t the same for every location.
 Oberon, the Dwarf King signed documents for all the pixies that passed by. At the Royal Botanical Gardens the word is that all the gnomes, fairies, pixies, and sprites are asked to make their way to the Gardens where a touch of magic awaits them.
Meet mystical creatures, participate in delightful activities, and learn the secrets of our Enchanted Garden.
Monday, August 6, 2018 11:00 AM – 04:00 PM
 By Pepper Parr
July 27th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Gazette was able to get some background information on the organizational mess within Sound of Music Festival.
There is that wonderful Paul Newman line in “Cool Hand Luke” that goes: What we have here is a failure to communicate and that is basically what has happened.
At some point the president will come out of his tent, make a statement and things should settle down.
Our conversation was with someone who understands the board and the complexities of the festival business.
They are going to need a few days to let the dust they raised settle down.
Then they can get on with planning the 2019 program – it will be their 40th and they intend to make it the best they have ever done.
We hear too that the several chairs that resigned are re-thinking their position.
Peace love and light goes a long way.
Brian Ellis said in response to a comment from another Gazette reader that: “As a Past President of the S of M Board of Directors during the early years as a ‘not for profit’ organization, I would argue that the board has an obligation to its stakeholders to be as open and transparent as possible.
The volunteers, committee chairs, corporate donors and the citizens of Burlington in this case replace the shareholders of a normal ‘for profit’ company. It appears that the initial decision of the board (along with their subsequent failure to explain their actions) has the volunteers voting with their feet.
 These are the real shareholders – these are the people the Board should be responsible to – if the current board doesn’t understand that – look for a new board. It is the seeming unwillingness of the board to “deal with this internally” that has turned this into a full blown crisis. Pulling the rug over the mess as you seem to be suggesting will do nothing to resolve the situation.
Let’s leave it at that for the time being and give them some time to get their act together.
Salt with Pepper is an opinion column reflecting the thoughts, opinions, observations and musing of the Gazette publisher.
 By Pepper Parr
July 25th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
There is a lot of buzz, a lot of questions and very few answers on what appears to be a major mess at the Sound of Music Board of Directors level.
The Board recently dismissed Dave Miller as the Executive Director. These things happen,
However, in this situation there hasn’t been a word from the Board and there are a lot of questions from the 500+ volunteers – the people who serve on the 21 committees that make the Festival happen every year.
The Gazette has learned that the board in place now is not elected by the member of the Sound of Music.
More surprising – the Sound of Music doesn’t actually have a membership other than the directors who elect themselves.
 When Walk Off the Earth is on the stage Spencer Smith park is packed. It does have a $2 million dollar budget and consistently wins awards for the quality of the annual event.
In most not for profit corporations the Executive Director attends all the Board meetings – and Miller did attend the Board meetings – but he wasn’t permitted to stay for all of the meeting. He would deliver his report and then be asked to leave.
The Gazette has learned that the music selection, that is the bands that play at the event are not chosen by the Executive Director.
Many have complained about the quality of the bands in the recent past.
We are advised that the Board has hired a company to do the band selection for them in the future and that the company they have hired is owned or operated by a former Board member.
Anywhere else that would be called a conflict of interest.
The city of Burlington gives the Festival a significant grant every year, the province of Ontario also gives a substantial grant. The sponsors come up with an additional $400,000 + each year.
 It is the 500 volunteers that make the Sound of Music actually take place – and right now they are not happy campers. The Gazette has reached out to Peter Martin President of the Sound of Music as well as the Corporate Secretary. No response so far.
The Board appears to have taken the route that less sophisticated corporate officers take; duck, say nothing and hope that it will go away.
When there is a real story it eventually comes out.
The Gazette reached out to the Mayor – no response there either.
We have heard from a number of volunteers who are not happy campers.
We asked several of the candidates for public office and got the following responses:
 Ward 2 candidate Roland Tanner Ward 2 candidate Roland Tanner said: “The Burlington Sound of Music is an independent not-for-profit corporation. As such, its internal staff appointments are not a matter for the City of Burlington and it would be unhelpful for me as a candidate to pass comment on recent changes at this time. I look forward to hearing the Sound of Music’s plans for continued success as they approach their 40th anniversary.”
 Ward 4 candidate Shawna Stolte Ward 5 candidate Shawna Stolte: “As a Ward 4 Candidate I am disturbed about the secrecy and lack of information coming forward from an organization that has received millions of dollars of funding from the taxpayers of Burlington over the past 40 years.
I understand that there is likely legal reasons for not fully disclosing the details of the strife between the Sound of Music Board of Directors and the Executive but I do believe that some explanation is warranted and appropriate.
What disturbs me even more is the apparent lack of transparency and respect given to the hundreds of volunteers that make the Sound of Music Festival the success that it is.
The SOM is the keystone of Burlington’s summer festival season and these volunteers donate thousands of hours of their precious time from their work, family and leisure lives because they believe in the spirit of music and community that the Sound of Music Festival brings to the city. They deserve a better explanation as to what is going on.
The SOM is in crisis and at a crossroads. All organizations go through periods of distress, particularly when senior management are not on the same page, but I’m not convinced that the future of this event that is so critical to the cultural and economic prosperity of our city should be left in the hands of a clearly struggling organization.
 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward is a candidate for Mayor.  Candidate for Mayor Mike Wallace with his recent Order of the Rising Sun medals. Mike Wallace a former member of city council as well as a MP for Burlington said today that: “The Sound of Music festival is an important community event not only for Burlington residents but vital to attracting visitors and building the Burlington brand across Ontario. It is an important part of our culture and our economy.
“As a former board member of the organization, I appreciate the challenges of organizing and managing this fantastic festival with a complex mix of paid and volunteer staff. I welcome the opportunity to help the organization resolve any of the challenges it is facing, in any way I can.”
Ward 2 Councillor and candidate for the office of Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said: “The news was a shock. This must be difficult for everyone involved.
Legitimate questions have been raised around board governance which deserve a response. I encourage the board to be open and transparent with the community, while protecting personal privacy and confidentiality.
I thank Dave Miller and all the volunteers, past and present, who have given generously of their time to make this a great event for our community. We all want the event to be successful.
 Ward 1 city council candidate Vince Fiorito Ward 1 candidate Vince Fiorito said: “Since the SOM festival generates about $10M in local economic activity, attracts tourists, contributes significantly to Burlington’s strategic direction of an “Engaging City” and the City of Burlington (CoB) is a significant source of SOM funding, The City of Burlington is an important SOM stakeholder with an interest in its continued success.
To ensure the SOM festival’s continued success in the future, I recommend:
1) City Council request a seat on the SOM’s governing board (we voluntarily gave it up in 2015)… after the October 22nd municipal election.
2) City Council make an inquiry into the current state of the SOM governance and the festival’s viability going forward. Given the distraction of a looming municipal election, the ideal city councillors to lead this inquiry would be either retiring City Councillors Rick Craven, John Taylor or both.
3) City Councillors leading the inquiry meet individually with former Executive Director David Miller, President Peter Martin and Corporate Secretary Rich Anderson, for their suggestions on how the SOM festival can be improved going forward.
4) City Council send an email or letter to all SOM 2016-2018 volunteers, inviting their feedback and commentary for the purposes of improving the SOM festival going forward.
5) City Council meet “in camera” to discuss their findings and generate a report recommending actions to be taken to ensure the SOM festivals continued success going forward.
6) The city should approach other major SOM sponsors
a) to gauge interest in sharing the cost of an independent review of the SOM’s finances for the purposes of finding efficiencies and savings, going forward.
b) for their support of the CoB’s request to retake a seat on the SOM’s governing board
 Ward 2 city council candidate Lisa Kerns. Lisa Kerns, a candidate for the ward 2 council seat said: “From my perspective, more information concerning the change in leadership at Sound of Music appears to still be coming forward. My interest in this hinges solely on whether City funds were used appropriately or positions of power were abused. I hope the outcome of this change in direction is founded in transparency and respect, more so that the change contributes to enhancing the event.
The Sound of Music festival is a tremendous event for the City of Burlington and Ward 2 alike bringing vibrancy to our great City through culture and entertainment for residents and visitors.”
This is a story that isn’t going to go away.
 Craig Gardner on the left being recognized by Mayor Goldring Several of the volunteers the Gazette has talked to have either resigned from the committees they sit on or will resign in the near future.
Craig Gardner, a two year volunteer pointed out that the Committee chairs have to produce reports – and that those reports have to be submitted and accepted if future funding is to come through.
Gardner added that without the volunteers in place the Festival just couldn’t take place.
 By Pepper Parr
July 23rd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Generals sometimes haven’t a clue as to what is going on within the ranks.
And it is those in the ranks, in the trenches that make the Sound of Music Festival work.
And those people are very angry and anxious about what is happening to an organization they are passionate about.
There are 21 different committees that work to make the event happen each year.
 Brant Street getting ready for the Sound of Music. One of the key committees was scheduled to meet last Wednesday to wrap up the 2018 festival. Each committee chair is obliged to present a report about their festival experience – what worked well, what didn’t, areas to focus on for next year.
The comments the Gazette is getting include:
“It helps us to plan for next year. We received a message indicating the meeting was cancelled with no further information provided until Peter Martin sent a message stating Dave was no longer with the festival and that the Board had cancelled the meeting.
“We have demanded a meeting to understand why this happened and to present our reports. The board has no idea what half the committees do. For some, it’s their first year on the board. We also want answers as we reported to Dave and have no issues with him or his leadership.
“As many of us have resigned in protest (with no comment from the board), Peter only wants to have the current chairs at the meeting. Our operations rules state outgoing chairs have a duty to present their report. I would like that opportunity. I would also like to know why Dave Miller was fired because I believe it is a two or three year witch hunt come to fruition.
“It says so much about Dave’s leadership that many, many long-standing volunteers have resigned. It also speaks volumes about Peter Martin’s lack of leadership that it has been almost a week and nothing has been said about his dismissal to the people who worked the most closely with him. He is selectively reaching out to certain volunteers and ignoring others because he does not understand nor value the people who gave their time and effort to building the festival.”
The people who have commented have asked that their names not be used at this time. Several want to speak publicly but are waiting until scheduled meetings take place.
The Gazette has reached out to the president Peter Martin and the Corporate Secretary Rich Anderson.
There has been no response yet.
City council is basically on vacation until early September. The Gazette has asked the Mayor’s office for some comment. Nothing so far.
 By Staff
July 5th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
You didn’t think there wasn’t a price for all the free car gawking on Brant Street on Saturday did you?
There will be Downtown Car Show Road Closures
On Saturday, July 7, the fourth annual Burlington Downtown Car Show will take place on Brant Street, between Caroline Street and Lakeshore Road.
In order to meet the needs of the event, the following road closures will be in effect on July 7 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closures:
• Brant Street, between Caroline Street and Lakeshore Road
• Ontario Street and Elgin Street, between Locust Street and Brant Street
• James Street, between John Street and Brant Street
 By Staff
July 3rd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Downtown Car Show in support of the Burlington Lions Club is a celebration of the automobile showcasing 200 classics, exotic and iconic vehicles that will be displayed in downtown Burlington on Saturday July 7, 2017.
 The cars aren’t for sale – just for looking. There is no admission, 200+ cars will be on display including classics, cruisers, muscle cars, odd ball and exotic sports cars. They will be displayed on Brant Street between Caroline Street and Lakeshore Road – Saturday July 7th, 2018 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Burlington Downtown Car Show offers a view into the history of the automobile. This year’s show will include Main Stage music sponsored by the Burlington Downtown Business Association, a Kidz Zone supported by Stoner & Company Family Law Associates, and a Corvette Corral supported by Leggat Auto Group.
 All muscle! Civic Square will be a showcase of rare and unique cars. A wide variety of vendor offerings will be present along Brant Street.
Mayor Rick Goldring will officially open the show at 12:00 noon from Main Stage, located next to the new Burlington Promenade.
The show has attracted representation from virtually every automotive sector; modern muscle cars, off-road vehicles, tuners, European super cars as well as the classics.
 A Classic that was on display at a previous car show. Local merchants support the show with side-walk sales, turning Brant Street into a pedestrian mall full of activity for the whole family.
The car show people don’t say how much is raised for the Burlington Lions other than “the event is one of their bet fund raisers.
 By Staff
June 30th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington has always made a big deal out of Canada Day.
Every municipality does something but that park on the edge of the lake is so enticing – everyone gathers there.
 The city doesn’t disappoint.
The schedule is packed;
The day start with a yoga class and end with a fireworks display. Parts of the day’s events are going to be simulcast by 102.9 K-LITE FM during the fireworks display. Participants can listen to music synchronized to the fireworks through their mobile phone or on the radio from wherever the fireworks are visible.
Fun activities planned in the park include:
 Yoga at the compass at 8:30 a.m.
Citizenship Ceremony at 9 a.m.
5K run and 1K kids run at 10 a.m.
Scholars in Collars dog training performance at 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Face-painting, balloon animals, photo booth, hair spray artist and inflatables from noon to 5 p.m. presented by Glad Tidings Church
Canadian hockey player and Canadian Mountie stilt walkers from noon to 6 p.m.
The opening ceremonies begin at noon with the Burlington Teen Tour Band kicking off the festivities at the main stage.
Entertainment on the main stage will include:
 Karen Thornton at 1 p.m.
Melissa Bel at 2 p.m.
Mount Farewell at 3 p.m.
Symphony on the Bay at 4:30 p.m.
The Hockey Circus Show at 5:30 p.m.
Felicia McMinn Band at 6:30 p.m.
The Hockey Circus Show at 7:30 p.m.
Johannes Linstead at 8:30 p.m.
Fireworks presented by BUNZL at 10 p.m.
Downtown parking will be tough to find. Every organization with a parking lot will be offering to let you park for a fee. Think about considering other transportation options: cycling, walking, car pooling or Burlington Transit.
A fully accessible free shuttle service will run from noon to 11 p.m. The shuttle will run approximately every 20 minutes from the Burlington GO Station (north side) to the downtown bus terminal. A free bike corral will be available near the Waterfront Hotel for cyclists to secure their bikes.
Other Canada Day Activities
The city’s outdoor pool locations are open for unlimited access to recreational swimming for only $4.40 per person; $3.05 after 5 p.m. Hours for Canada Day are as follows:
Nelson Pool – 10:30 – 8 p.m.
LaSalle Splash Park – 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Mountainside Pool 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
 Many people see the Terry Fox run as a unique thing that happened in Canada and was the result of one Canadian’s supreme effort. The Canadian flag just seems to be a part of the event – and there were plenty of them handed out. Take a walk on a nature trail at Kerncliffe Park, play bocce at LaSalle Park or go for a picnic
All six of the city’s spray park locations are open and always free. For more information, visit burlington.ca/splashpads.
When you look at the flag – think about what is going on south of us and be grateful for what we have going for s.
 By Pepper Parr
June 29th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Round two of the race that will determine who will be Mayor of Burlington on October 23rd, has taken place.
 Ward 2 candidate Meed Ward holds her announcement on a dead end street in Aldershot- she was running for Mayor – was there ever any doubt this would happen? The first round had the Mayor making a statement at a golf club, Mike Wallace held a media event on the sidewalk outside city hall and Meed Ward gathered her tribe at a small dead end street in Aldershot.
The second round had Ward 2 city Councillor Marianne Meed Ward holding a fund raiser at Joe Dogs on Brant Street, the Mayor holding an event at Faraway Indoor Golf on Tuesday and Mike Wallace holding his event at Emma’s Back Porch last night.
Our correspondent reports that “The event at Joe Dogs was great, there was a wonderful buzz and energy in the room. People were excited and happy.”
“There were between 105 and 115 people there, people paid $25 to get in and at times we had lineups at the door. There was a real mix of people – all ages, from all parts of the city, all races and genders, all political stripes. The volunteers and supporters seemed to be proud that Meed Ward was not being backed or funded by any party, riding association, current or former MPPs or MPs.
“It appeared to me to be a real grass-roots bunch.
 Some of the entertainment at the Meed Ward fund raiser. “There were some young ladies doing highland dancing, campaign t-shirts and car magnets were on sale – thy almost sold out on those. Slated to end at 9:30, many hung around much longer than that. This correspondent had work to do at home.
“Meed Ward spoke about over-development, losing retail space, losing greenspace, not enough parking, amenity space, and a lack of affordability. She also spoke about the need for more respect from city hall for residents and their input. She stressed that residents must work together to ensure their best interests are being served which is what she committed herself to do as Mayor.”
Meed Ward has plans for events throughout the city. The next one is scheduled for September 13 at the Polish Hall
Rick Goldring had a good turnout – however he didn’t speak at any length. He mentioned that the city had put up $60 million as its share of the transformed Joseph Brant Hospital. Money had been put into culture and the Nelson pool had been replaced.
Goldring added that tax increases were within inflation rates – which just isn’t true. Inflation hasn’t been anywhere near 4%; tax increases have been above 4%
 Goldring explaining intensification at a 2015 event. Goldring explained that his first term of office was a Clean Up phase but he didn’t elaborate on what it was he cleaned up.
The second term of office was the setting up phase. He made mention of the Strategic Plan and the Official Plan but again he didn’t elaborate on what was important about the two initiatives.
Phase three, implementation of the set up but not a word about what that implementation was going to look like.
Goldring made mention of the city being th best Canadian mid sized city to live in. He did mention that a new listing of the best city’s is due out soon. What id Burlington gets a downgrade?
Mike Wallace chose a small space at Emmas Back Porch and packed the space. Sweltering hot.
Dwight Ryan, a CHCH retiree served as Master of Ceremonies and got the laughs he wanted then introduced Connor Clark, a Nelson high school student who is going to represent students on the Halton District School Board.
Clark was positioned as the vision for the future, the bright young man that was raised and educated in Burlington and after university would come back to Burlington where he could work and raise his own family. The audience, that had very few young people, loved it.
Then Keith Strong took to the podium and gave a run down on the other candidates in the race. He did a superb hatchet job on Meed Ward, made the briefest mention possible of the candidate from Aldershot and cut up the Mayor for his lack of leadership.
Strong was direct in his criticism of Meed Ward. She is disruptive, she creates conflict, she always argues, she isn’t a team player and she promises but never completes, said Strong. Strong words indeed.
After doing a classic political hatchet job on the other three candidates Strong got into what Mike Wallace brings to the table.
 Caroline Wallace Caroline Wallace, who was described as Burlington’s next first lady, took to the podium after Strong and read her speech. She said she wanted to make sure she got it all right. She is a solid, supportive candidate’s wife.
Then it was Mike’s turn – and he didn’t disappoint. After telling people that he was running because Mayor Goldring was not doing the job Wallace then laid out two platform planks.
He said he would ask his fellow council members to support him in creating a larger council and suggested that eight members plus a Mayor for a nine member council is what the city needed.
Then he launched into an idea that will surprise many. Mike told the audience about a place in Toronto called Liberty Village. It’s where the entrepreneurial crowd live and work. Some describe the place as almost like a university campus.
Wallace wants young people to be able to stay in Burlington and work in the city – and a Liberty Village is just the ticket he said.
 The Liberty Village community in Toronto is the place to live and work in Toronto for the younger, hip, entrepreneurial set. Mike Wallace wants some of this t exist in Burlington, He wouldn’t say just where this Liberty Village should/could be built; all he was doing was floating an idea. It wasn’t a bad idea, some complications, but at least there was an idea on the table that was more than Mayor Goldring was offering at his campaign kickoff event.
According to Wallace Tansley Wood was a Wallace invention. He said he was the force behind the creation of the Tansley Wood community centre when he got the city and the province to work together.
 Mike Wallace in full campaign mode. Wallace was brutal when it came to describing the Mayor. “There is no vision” said Wallace but there are growth pressures on Burlington from the province. Places to Grow is a provincial policy but we don’t have to let Queen’s Park just run over us” said Wallace.
“We have to push back at the Regional and provincial levels and this Mayor does not have the ability to do that.”
“There is no vision and there is a lack of pride.”
The kicker was when he asked: Who made the New Street decision.
Wallace said he believes he has a better shot at getting results from Queen’s Park than anyone else running for the job of Mayor.
There is no magic wand in the hands of the Mayor said Wallace. He said he believed a Mayor should lead and not just complain. “The demographics are against us in Burlington” said Wallace. “We have to attract the young people back to the city but right now there is no place for them to live.”
 Randall Reff – The second worst environmental waste deposit in the country is pretty close to home isn’t it Wallace said he was Ok with the new city plan and he was just fine with the mobility hubs/ “But we need someone to do those things.”
Wallace took credit for getting millions spent on the Randall Reef in Hamilton Harbour that was polluting the water in Burlington Bay. He pointed to the $250 million he said he brought to Burlington as the Member of Parliament.
It was a tough, no holds barred campaign speech. The Gazette has never heard Mike Wallace sound this aggressive before. Mike was known for his laugh, you heard the laugh before you saw the man.
He wasn’t laughing Wednesday night at Emmas Back Porch. Mike Wallace wants back in and he is going to give the other candidates a rough ride.
Greg Woodruff, the most recent candidate to file nomination papers has yet to hold a public event.
Meed Ward web site is at: https://mariannemeedward.ca”
Goldring’s campaign web site is at: https://www.rickgoldring.ca/
Mike Wallace web site: https://mikewallaceformayor.ca/
By Pepper Parr
June 29th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
If you’ve been to Spencer Smith Park – you’ve been to the Lakeshore Coffee House.
 Sue Hofman – scooping ice cream at the Lakeshore Coffee House. If you want to say goodbye to Sue Hofman, the owner for the past five years – drop in today. She has sold the operation and is leaving for a month long holiday in Greece and then tending her garden in Aldershot when she gets back.
“I’ve been running the coffee house for five years and five months” said Hofman. “It has been a great experience – something I have always wanted to do. One more thing on my bucket list that is done”
 Sue Hofman with the key in her hand – she will lock the door to the Lakeshore Coffee House for the last time on Saturday. What did she like best about being a small business owner? “It was my customers – they have all been great. We got to know each other, I watched their children grow and I heard their stories.”
What didn’t she like? “The lack of parking and the winter. Business was terrible in the winter. But my regulars showed up and that made my day.”
“Parking?, this is Burlington.”
New owners take possession July 1st – wish them well.
 By Staff
June 29th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Do flags make a difference?
Last year the building on the corner of Pine and Pearl was decked out with dozens of Canadian flags.
This year they did the Pine Street side.
 Do flags make a difference? How did you feel when you saw these flags?
 By Steve Marks
June 27th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
If you are looking for a location that offers high-class gambling and an equal combination of luxurious, family-friendly and affordable resorts, Las Vegas is the place to go… or so would many people have you believe. While Las Vegas is surely one of the best gambling destinations in the world, another country which deserves much more credit than it gets is Canada.
Across Canada’s ten provinces, a wide variety of casinos await visitors from within the country and beyond. Some of these gambling venues have become large resorts that offer spas, restaurants, hotels and luxurious casino floors. These are the biggest casinos in Canada.
Casino de Montreal – Quebec
 Montreal Casino right across from the historic Old Port of Montreal on Ile Notre-Dame. Located on the Ile Notre-Dame, right across from the historic Old Port of Montreal, the Casino the Montreal is one of the biggest and most chic gambling establishments in the world. Visitors and gambling aficionados are welcomed by more than 3,000 slot machines, 100 gaming tables, as well as a separate, special section with 18 poker tables.
People who want to hone and test their skills at poker and bring home a generous prize can participate at the casino’s Texas Hold’em tournaments, which are held regularly. Casino de Montreal also has a program called the Casino Privileges Club, through which players can earn points to use in the casino as well as restaurants and hotels in downtown Montreal, and many other bonuses similar to the ones found on casinobonusca.com.
Caesars Windsor Hotel and Casino – Ontario
 Caesars Windsor Hotel and Casino across the border from Detroit Located just across the border from Detroit via the Ambassador Bridge, Caesars Windsor Hotel and Casino is a hotspot for both Canadian and American gamblers. Measuring about 10,000 square feet, the twin hotel towers offer 758 guest rooms and suites, alongside a fitness center.
The Colosseum showroom hosts headline acts and shows, with guests having the option to choose from six cafes and restaurants as well. The establishments that stand out are the Artist Café, a boldly colored, intimate place filled with intricate murals, paints and sculptures, and Neros Steakhouse, a world renown restaurant famous for its excellent selection of high-quality stakes and seafood. Naturally, the Ceasars Casino has lots to offer in terms of gambling as well. The Poker Room, for instance, has 14 tables, and the main casino floor offers a wide range of electronic slots and gaming tables.
 River Cree Resort and Casino sits right at the western edge of Edmonton River Cree Resort and Casino – Alberta
The River Cree Resort and Casino sits right at the western edge of Edmonton, Province of Alberta. A full-fledged entertainment complex, it acts as a luxury resort, a casino, and a hockey center. In terms of gambling, visitors can choose from more than 1,000 slot machines, 39 game tables, as well as engage in off-track horse betting. Apart from these features, gamblers can try their luck in a high stakes poker room, a dazzling roulette, or relax in the dining venue or enjoy a fun night together with friends in the Centre Bar.
River Rock Casino Resort – British Columbia
 River Rock Casino on the shores of the Fraser River Situated on the shores of the Fraser River, the River Rock Casino is arguably the largest gambling venue in Western Canada. The casino measures approximately 70,000 square feet, with 900 slot machines, a separate poker room with 14 tables, and a high-stakes VIP room called the Dogwood club. As with every resort, the River Rock hosts a wide variety of dining venues and entertainment centers, including the River Rock Show Theatre, the classy Lulu’s Lounge, a spa, and a 202-room hotel Suite.
 As bright, shiny, glitzy and glamorous as Las Vegas might be, nothing compares to the natural beauty and charm of Canada. Even though Canada is a relatively new player in the world of high-class gambling, nobody can argue that the country suffers from a shortage of quality venues, and these four casinos stand as living proof. If you are taking a trip through Canada, make sure to check these places out.
By Staff
June 16th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Plan your weekend.
There are things other than the Sound of Music to attend. Why bother – there is so much going on at the bottom of the city – head for Lakeshore Road – just don’t bother looking for a parking space. Find a way to use public transit, bike (careful if you use New Street) or walk.
Here is what will be on the four stages today.
Besides the stages in Spencer Smith Park there are pods placed all over the downtown core that are worth dropping by for a listen.
Scroll on down and decide where you want to spend your time.
By Pepper Parr
June 16th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Mayoralty candidate Marianne Meed Ward is holding her first large fund raising event on June 21st at Joe Dogs on Brant Street – $25 at the door.
This is the first of what is expected to be numerous fundraiser, meet and greet and town hall events. “we’ll be everywhere “ said Meed Ward.
 Invitation from the Mayor. Mayor Rick Golding is launching his re-election campaign on June 26th from 6:00-8:00PM at Faraway Greens Indoor Golf Club on Mainway.
Goldring is hosting a BBQ, with music and lots of fun! “I would love for you all to hear about my plans for the next four years” said Goldring in a media release.
The event is complimentary, but “donations to the campaign are always welcomed and encouraged.”
Meed Ward expects to be allowed to spend around $100,000 – the precise amount is based on a formula based on using the number of voters to determine the amount.
“We will spend everything we raise. Individual limits are $1200 per person, to a single candidate.”
A person can contribute to more than one candidate to a combined total per donor per municipality of $5000.
No corporate, union donations allowed (a good thing); only individual contributions. Meed Ward said: “I will not be accepting personal donations from developers. I believe it’s important to keep a professional, arm’s length relationship with the development community given the issues around development in Burlington.
“You’ll see in my 2006, 2010 and 2014 municipal campaigns I did not accept any contributions from developers. The current mayor and other councillors did.
The Meed Ward said her campaign team is made up of individuals of all ages and backgrounds from across the city and across the political spectrum.
 Marianne Meed Ward promoting her fund raising event. “We are not backed by any riding association, provincial/federal candidate or MP/MPP, and believe partisan politics have no place in municipal elections. We all set aside party politics and our team come together to work for the best interests of all the residents of Burlington. We are getting new volunteers every day, and welcome more people to join us!
“They can sign up at the campaign website here: https://mariannemeedward.ca”
Goldring’s campaign web site is at: https://www.rickgoldring.ca/
By Staff
June 13th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The city has upgraded the information they make available on road closures during the Sound of Music and Canada Day celebrations.
 The traffic plan includes concrete barricades and parked police vehicles. This is to ensure pedestrian and vehicle traffic are kept separate for the safety of pedestrians.
 Shades of that tragic situation in Toronto when a driver in a rented van barrelled down Yonge Street, killing 10 pedestrians and injuring 16.
The public can expect to see concrete barricades whenever there are a large number of pedestrian.
The Sound of Music Festival will result in road closures Friday, June 15 to Sunday, June 17.
Road Closures
Friday, June 15 from 3:30 p.m. to Sunday, June 17 at 6 p.m. – Brant Street from Caroline Street to Lakeshore Road.
Parade Closures
Saturday, June 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Caroline Street from Drury Lane to Locust Street, Elizabeth Street from Caroline Street to Pine Street and Drury Lane from Courtland to New Street.
Road Closure for Canada Day fireworks:
Sunday, July 1: Lakeshore Road between Elizabeth Street and Maple Avenue from 9 to 11 p.m.
By Staff
June 13th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Cruisin’ For a Cause is a family friendly event and the unofficial start of Summer in Aldershot that has two ways for you to give back to our community:
It is also a chance to share a passion for kool rides, classic vehicles and more while strolling down memory lane at Cruisin’ For a Cause 2018.
 Kool cars – an opportunity for those people devoted to the car that have spent hours on refurbishing and customizing to show it off. Donations for the Green Angels Financial Assistance Program will be collected to help subsidize admission passes, annual memberships and programming for disadvantaged, special needs and new Canadian children who wouldn’t ordinarily experience the natural world of the Royal Botanical Gardens.
The Burlington Food Bank truck will be on hand to accept non-perishable items or financial contributions that help support families in need.
Check out the kool rides or bring your own!
If you need more information please call Leslie at 905-317-3279 or email leslie@lesliebullock.ca We hope to see you there.
Where: Royal Botanical Gardens, Plains Road West
When: Tuesday June 19, 4:30pm to Dusk
By Staff
June 13th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Sound of Music is a lot more than an event that takes place over the Father’s Day weekend.
It has been expanded well beyond Spencer Smith Park where there are three stages set up.
There are what are being called pods set up at different locations in the downtown core along with the Club Series that has bands playing at downtown locations.
The Gazette will provide a run down on what is happening where each day.
For today – the Club series is operating with the following:
 One of two pop up patios in the city – this one outside the Coop will be packed. Where will the bands playing be?
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