The Stroll - something the city has had to live without for a number of years - is back.

By Staff

November 10th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Candlelit Stroll is back!

The event this year will be taking place throughout downtown on Friday, November 25th from 6pm-9pm.

It marks the start of the winter holiday season

Candles set out for Strollers

Three long years ago – this was the scene. It will return November 25th, 2022

The Stroll starts at Civic Square, for the lighting of the Tree of Hope.

From there, folks will set out on a self-led winter wonderland tour of Burlington Downtown.

We will have breathtaking illumination along the Promenade West (perfect for capturing IG-worthy moments!) and a pulled-taffy stop along the route as well!

Kids (and kids at heart) will want to stop by Centro Garden to watch a holiday movie.

Take in the holiday display at Joseph Tassoni’s (be sure to stop inside for a complimentary family photo!)

There is a new winter-wonderful art display … at a walk-in snow globe feature!

NYNY Men’s Grooming Lounge will be offering complimentary neck shaves and shots of Italian espresso (to keep you energized thru the night!)

Warm up with delicious hot chocolate from La Creme de la Creme Creamery Inc.

Fill your bellies with free sliders from our friends at the WORKS Craft Burgers & Beer.

Peachey Counselling and Family Support will be handing out holiday-stress-busting presents (and maybe a candy or two as well!)

Head down to Joseph Brant Museum for “Lights from the Rooftop” (and some popcorn, hot chocolate and holiday tunes!)

Get ready to clap your hands while listening to incredible live music with the Burlington Teen Tour Band.

And no Candlelit Stroll would be complete without a visit with Santa.

 

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The Ho Ho Ho man will be on New Street this year - December 4th

By Staff

November 10th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

 The Santa Claus parade is returning to beautiful downtown Burlington Dec. 4, from 2-4 p.m.

The parade will feature floats, community groups, costumed characters, the Burlington Teen Tour Band, Junior Redcoats and other marching bands. As always, Santa will be the grand finale of the parade.

People can once again line New Street to enjoy a Seasonal event.

 

The parade will start at 2 p.m. at the corner of Guelph Line and Prospect Street and makes its way downtown along New Street. The parade then travels north on Brant Street and finishes at Caroline Street.

Roads of the parade route will be closed Dec. 4, at 1 p.m. and will re-open shortly after the final float has moved through and a clean-up has been completed.

For the past two years Santa got driven around in an antique Fire Truck

Children are encouraged to bring letters for Santa, which will be collected by letter carriers from Canada Post along the parade route. Spectators may bring non-perishable food donations, which will be accepted by the Burlington Teen Tour Band boosters for local food banks.

The Burlington Oldtimers Hockey Club will be collecting donations of loonies, toonies and $2 tap to help support the operation costs of the parade.

Any individuals or groups also interested in volunteering with the parade can email volunteer@burlington.ca, call 905-335-7777, ext.7978 or visit burlington.ca/volunteer.

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One of the truly great hockey players will be at the Mapleview Shopping Centre on Saturday

By Staff

November 10th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The good people at Mapleview Shopping Centre announce the grand opening of leading Canadian sports lifestyle retailer.

For the hockey sports fan it is an occasion to meet Doug Gilmour, NHL Legend and Hockey Hall of Fame Member. He will be at the centre this Saturday, November 12th, for a meet & greet and photo opportunities from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to mark the opening festivities.

People can meet Gilmour in-person for a photo opportunity on Saturday, November 12th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside Mapleview Centre’s upper level, outside the new Sporting Life store.

The first 100 customers in line (Sporting Life entrance, Maple Ave) on grand opening day will receive a $50 Sporting Life promo card to use toward a $100 purchase. Grand opening promotions also include contests and in-store deals. Sporting Life will be operating special hours for one-day only, opening at 8 a.m. ET on Saturday, November 12th. Guests are encouraged to arrive early – line-ups are expected.

Gilmore played for a lot of NHL teams. It is a long list

St. Louis Blues

Calgary Flames

Toronto Maple Leafs

Rapperswil-Jona Lakers

New Jersey Devils

Chicago Blackhawks

Buffalo Sabres

Montreal Canadiens

He was one of the greats when he was on the ice.  5’9 weighing 140 lbs he was often referred to as the “killer”  Hs goals scored record is impressive.

 

 

 

-30-

 

 

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It was at the 11th hour of the 11th Day on the 11th month that the hostilities came to an end. We call it Remembrance Day

By Staff

November 10th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

This year’s Remembrance Day event will be in-person in downtown Burlington. The Remembrance Day Service at 11 a.m. is in-person and will also be broadcast online.

Burl-Oak Naval Veterans Remembrance Day Service, 9 a.m.

This 30-minute ceremony takes place at the Naval Ships Memorial Monument in Spencer Smith Park.

Remembrance Day Procession, 10:30 a.m.

The procession will begin at Central School on Baldwin Street, traveling down Brant Street to Elgin Street, Locust Street, Ontario Street and ending at the Cenotaph in Veteran Square, 426 Brant St.

The streets noted above will be closed from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 60, Remembrance Day Service, 11 a.m.

This 45-60-minute ceremony will be held at the Cenotaph in Veteran Square, on the north side of City Hall and will be live-streamed for those who cannot physically attend.

The ceremony will include a colour guard, two minutes of silence, music performed by some members of the Burlington Teen Tour Band, reading of In Flanders Fields along with the laying of the wreaths.

A live web cast that will begin at 11:45 can be found HERE

 

 

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How does getting most of the votes cast by the 27.6% of the eligible votes get turned into an 'overwhelming majority'. She must have used fairy dust

By Staff

November 9th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

In an advertisement published in the November 3rd of the Burlington Post Mayor Elect Marianne Meed Ward wrote:

This is the advertisement as it appeared in the Post on November 3rd, 2022

I’m honoured by the support and trust the overwhelming majority of Burlington residents have put in me. This is a tribute to the work of the entire council over the last four years.

I love serving our community. I’ll continue to advocate for reasonable growth in the right place; more community amenities and parks for our growing community; action on our affordable housing, climate and mobility plans; protecting our rural area and cutting red tape for businesses and farmers; and promoting community pride, so everyone feels welcome and included.

Please join me and council to usher in another four years of service at our official Inauguration Celebration on Tuesday, November 15th, 6;30 pm, Burlington Performing Arts Centre.

For a better Burlington.

We have a question for the Mayor:

What does she mean when she said she was honoured by the

“…support and trust the overwhelming majority of Burlington residents have put in me.”

The facts are that 27.6% of those eligible to vote cast a ballot. The Mayor Elect did get a majority of that minority.

This year,  2022, 27.6 per cent of eligible voters in Burlington voted in the municipal election.

In the 2018 municipal election, 39.79 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot.

This is yet another example of the Mayor taking the truth and twisting it to serve her agenda.

A responsible politician would comment on just how poor the turnout was and think aloud about how she will work towards getting better voter turnout.

One of the things Marianne Meed Ward might do is look at what a community based organization did in the 2018 election to get out the vote.  They held debates in all six wards.  Another group held a debate for the people running to be elected Mayor.

That is what community involvement is about – which the Mayor knows – but isn’t able to actually do.

Photo ops are not community engagement

Ward 4 Councillor was reelected in October.

Councillor Shawna Stolte nailed it back in June when she was having a nasty public dispute with the Mayor during a virtual session of Council.  At that time Stolte said:  “it’s entirely inappropriate that you make an attempt to bring that forward now and turn it into yet another political circus for your own selfish gain. And I think you should be ashamed of yourself.

If you want to refresh your memory on how that event went click HERE

While we have published the video of the Mayor’s 14 minute rant – take another look  HERE

 

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It took days to capture this image - and more than 100 pictures to get what the photographer wanted

By Staff

November 9th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The phrase is usually a “picture is worth a thousand words”. This picture needs a few words.
John currently lives in Kitchener but did reside in Bronte previously.

He has been an avid photographer and is a member of the Latow Photographers Guild, a member Guild of the Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB), for many years.

He adds: “I recently developed an interest in astrophotography and try to get out to take photos of the moon when conditions will allow.

Previous attempts to see the moon rise behind the Burlington Pier were not successful due to either fog or cloud cover.

Using an App called “PhotoPills” I determined the timing and directionality of moonrise at this location. I took more than 100 images last evening but this was my favorite as it has a human element.

Larsen used a Canon 7D Mark 2 using a Tamron 150-600mm zoom lens mounted on a tripod.

John Larsen of Photo Graffics Bytook the picture

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Transit Service to Aldershot GO Station

By Staff

November 9th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Aldershot GO Station bus stops are closed.

All Burlington Transit buses that normally go into the Aldershot GO Station are being re-routed to temporary bus stops located on Masonry Court.

This detour will be in effect until further notice.

Because of this detour, service may be delayed and connections missed.

Please try to give yourself extra travel time during any detour.

Visit myride.burlingtontransit.ca for detour details, real-time bus schedules, and temporary bus stop locations.

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Virus experts are urging Health Official to bring back masking requirements

By Staff

November 8th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

This should come as no surprise.

Back to masking – new virus strains are infecting children

Toronto’s top doctor has been told by a local health board to “urgently explore” reissuing mask mandates, starting with local schools.

Rising COVID19 levels and increases in cases of influenza and respiratory syntactical virus

A respected health expert and assistant professor of the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health   said “we really need a renewed sense of urgency,”

The public has been lulled into a false sense that the pandemic is over and it is only those in long term care facilities that are being infected.

This is far from over

Health officials urge residents to wear masks in crowded indoor spaces, including schools, to reduce viral spread and take pressure off pediatric units.

Toronto, along with other jurisdictions across Ontario, dropped mask mandates last March. The health board was told Tuesday that residents are now advised to mask in indoor spaces, especially crowded ones, if they feel “comfortable doing so.”

500 + people in a small space – few if any reports of a Covid spread. The Mayor was infected but that was believed be prior to this event

 

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CUPE showed how to change the decisions a government makes - a lesson to be kept in mind.

By Pepper Parr

November 8th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

OPINION

The students are back in the classrooms.

The members of the provincial Legislature have yet to assemble to rescind the bill they passed that imposed a four year contract on support staff and took away the right they have to strike.

We are told that the Legislature will return on Monday. The hope appears to be that a deal will be in place by then.

The unions are back at the bargaining table going over a revised offer.

Union representation from across the country gathered in Toronto – the government blinked.

This all came to being when more than two dozen union leaders who flew in from across the country to gather on a stage at the Sheraton hotel in Toronto that included some of the eight private-sector unions that endorsed the Progressive Conservatives in the June 2 election were opposed to his bill.

That forced the premier’s U-turn.

Doug Ford: not a happy man.T

It was an incredible show of force that included fear of a general strike next Monday.

When the Legislature resumes Monday, Ford will repeal Bill 28, the Keeping Students in Class Act, which had only passed last Thursday.

The immediate impact is the kids are back in the classroom. The larger impact, hopefully one that is being understood and appreciated, is that the public can force a government to change.

It will be interesting to see how chastened the members of the Progressive Party are when they gather on Monday – and how much of a shift there is in the way Doug Ford gets thing done.

The residents of Burlington can take something away from recent events – you can change what your local government does.

 

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Classic Albums Live, a Burlington Favorite, Returns this Season with two Shows

By Staff

November 8th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Note for Note, Cut for Cut, the Entire Album:

Classic Albums Live returns to the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, with two iconic albums being presented in the 22/23 Season.

Classic Albums Live has become an audience favourite in Burlington,

The two albums featured this Season will be The Rolling Stones’ Let It Bleed and The Beatles’ Let It Be.

Classic Albums Live is not a tribute band but a group of extraordinary professional touring and recording musicians who come to the stage to present one album in its’ entirety – note for note, cut for cut – with a precise musical recreation like no other.

Classic Albums Live group has brought some of the best musicians together for 19 years presenting a rock album on stage, the way the artists intended for the collections to be enjoyed.

The Stones …

Friday November 25th, at 8pm The Rolling Stones’: Let It Bleed, sponsored by Stoner & Company Family Law, will be relished by the audience.  Hear classic cuts like “Midnight Rambler”, “Gimme Shelter” and all-time favourite, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”.

The only thing better than having Mick Jagger on stage is having Classic Albums Live present this album with musical precision and talent not found elsewhere.

Let It Bleed was a return to the Stones’ more blues-sound.  Other prominent sounds on the album include, gospel, country blues and country rock.  Recorded during a period of tremendous strain in the band, Brian Jones, The Rolling Stones’ founder and original leader, appeared in his last two songs before being fired and sadly passing a month later.

…. and Next year the Beatles.. Could it be any better than that.

In the New Year, on Thursday March 9th, at 8pm Classic Albums Live will return to BPAC with “The Beatles’ Let it Be, sponsored by RBC Wealth Management.

Once again you will be swept away by a meticulous performance of this well loved and final studio album which is comprised of 12 cuts, most written but McCartney and Lennon as they worked to outwrite the other.   The soulful title track and other classic songs such as “Get Back” and “The Long and Winding Road” are just a few of the amazing hits you will enjoy.

The Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s 22-23 Season is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Burlington.

 

The Burlington Performing Arts Centre presents
CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE:

The Rolling Stones’: Let it Bleed
Friday, November 25, 2022 at 8 pm
Main Theatre

CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE:

The Beatles’: Let it Be

Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 8pm

Main Theatre

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GO bus driver strike hurts those with limited transportation choices

BY Staff

November 8th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The battle to get an acceptable wage for the education sector support works has been very public.

Not so with people who do not have a union to represent them.

2,200 GO bus drivers walk off the job

We received the following yesterday from Jennifer B, we are withholding her last name. We have not touched the language.

“Your Go transit drivers should get a dose of karma. They went on strike today cause they don’t think they are getting paid enough

“Shame on their strike.T hanks to their greedy behavior, the rest of us won’t be able to get to work.

“Meanwhile the rest of us make $15 an hour which is far less than these guys make.

“The rest of us work 2 part time jobs to make ends meet.

“One of my part time jobs is in Burlington and the other in Niagara Falls. We don’t get regular train service here only buses. So basically due to the strike, I can’t get to work. How are we supposed to pay our bills then eh?”

The unions pulled together and brought about a change for the unionized sector.
It is up to the rest of us to do what has to be done to ensure that everyone can earn livable wage,

That is what the phrase “we are all in this together” or did I misunderstand?

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Registered Massage Therapist Arrested and Charged with Sexual Assault

By Staff

November 7th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has made an arrest following a sexual assault investigation involving a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT).
On November 5, 2022, 66 year-old Li Ming Qu of Toronto was arrested and charged with one count of Sexual Assault.

Qu works as a Registered Massage Therapist at various locations in the Greater Toronto Area and police believe there may be additional victims.

A female victim contacted police after receiving treatment from Qu at a spa in Halton Hills in July (2022).

The accused has been released from custody pending a court appearance.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the HRPS Child and Sexual Assault (CASA) Unit at 905-825-4777 ext. 8970.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

All allegations of sexual assault brought to the HRPS are investigated thoroughly and charges are laid when appropriate.

In alignment with our victim-centric approach to sexual assault investigations we cannot provide any further details at this time.

SEXUAL ASSAULT
Sexual assault is any touching of another person without their consent where the touching is of a sexual nature, or where the sexual integrity of the victim is violated. A sexual assault can range from unwanted touching to sexual assault involving penetration.

There is no statute of limitation when it comes to reporting a sexual assault. This means that no matter how long ago the sexual assault happened, a victim can still report it to police for investigation.

Victims of violence and/or sexual assault can contact the Halton Regional Police Service Victim Services Unit at 905-825-4777 for support.
Additional information can be found in our Sexual Assault Information Guide.

A valuable resource for information is also available on the Survivors Voices website.

 

 

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Freeman Station - the totally renovated structure was first put in place ten years ago.

By Staff

November 7th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Sometimes the best way to tell a story or explain a situation is to let the people who are the story tell it themselves.

FRIENDS OF FREEMAN STATION – 2022 FALL FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

Thank you to all who have supported the restoration of Freeman Station and the continuing development of the site as a heritage attraction with a railway theme for Burlington.

We hope that you might consider us again when planning your giving for this year.

During 2022, the restoration work continued on our CN caboose, and at our September Open House we were able to open the caboose to the public; it was an instant hit.

Operating costs have increased dramatically and are predicted to go even higher. We can all be proud of what we have achieved so far. This year 2022 marks our tenth anniversary since the station was moved to its permanent home. Relocation and restoration phases have been completed and now we are looking at preserving this valuable historic site for generations to come.

With your contributions, Freeman Station will provide a lasting transportation legacy for Burlington.

Tax receipts will be issued for all gifts of $25 or more received by year end 2022.

There are several ways to donate: 1. Complete an e-transfer directly from your financial institution to the FOFS email address: info@freemanstation.ca; or 2. Go to www.freemanstation.ca. Click on “Pay Pal” or “Canada Helps” at the bottom of the Home page; or 3. Send your cheque by mail to:

Friends of Freeman Station,
3023 New Street,
P.O. Box 91536, Roseland Plaza,
Burlington, Ont. L7R 4L6

Thank you in advance for your generosity,
Al Norton, President, Friends of Freeman Station
Ed Keenleyside, Chair, FOFS Fundraising Committee

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HRPS Engages Prominent Ontario Researcher to Study Policing of Hate Crime in Halton

By Staff

November 7th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

How do you police hate crimes?

Most believe that education is the solution.

If people are informed and understand the issues and don’t rely on uninformed views from their peers views can be developed that don’t result in hate.

The Region tends to get short but very painful bursts of hateful behaviour where groups are the target of graffiti and literature – much of this appears on social medit where it gets distributed widely very quickly.

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is committed to the safety and well-being of those who call Halton home. This includes rigorously and thoroughly investigating all reports of hate and/or bias motivated incidents and supporting those affected by it.

Dr. Barbara Perry,  Director of the Centre on Hate, Bias and Extremism

To ensure that the HRPS is fulfilling its mandate in this key area of policing, the Service has engaged prominent third-party consultant, Dr. Barbara Perry,  Director of the Centre on Hate, Bias and Extremism and is recognized internationally for her groundbreaking work in this field.

Dr. Perry’s study will include an analysis of HRPS’ policy mandates, reporting mechanisms, and annual reports, as well as interviews with Service personnel, and community members who are most likely to be subjected to or impacted by hate.

Halton Residents Invited to Participate in Survey

Two suspects captured on video cameras leaving hate literature on the doors of city hall

In addition to the above and to help understand broader community perceptions regarding HRPS’ management of hate crime, Dr. Perry is extending an invitation to members of the community – including those who have had interactions with the HRPS in the context of hate and/or bias motivated incidents – to participate in a short, confidential survey.

The survey form is HERE. It can be completed between now and December 2, 2022, at https://bit.ly/policinghatecrimehrps.

Those with questions or comments regarding the study are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Perry directly via email at Barbara.Perry@ontariotechu.ca.

 

 

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Parking Restrictions - Brant Street, Nov. 11, 2022

By Staff

November 7th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Friday, Nov. 11 is Remembrance Day.

To accommodate the Remembrance Day Parade, there will be no on-street parking on:

Burlingtonians have shown up for Remembrance Day in increasing numbers over the past decade.

Brant Street from Baldwin to Pine Streets
Friday, Nov. 11, 2022
7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

If you are parked along the parade route, you may ticketed or towed.

Please walk, ride your bike or take transit.

If you need parking, try the Waterfront Garage, 414 Locust St.

 

 

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Road closure - North Shore Boulevard, Nov. 9 & 10, 2022 Film crews will be on site

By Staff

November 7th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

North Shore Boulevard West will be closed off and on between Boothman Avenue and Daryl Drive on

Wednesday, Nov. 9 and Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022
8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

for film production.

Emergency vehicles access will be maintained and through traffic will be detoured along Boothman Avenue, Hendrie Avenue and Daryl Drive with help from the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS).

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How much divisiveness can a society cope with ?

By Pepper Parr

November 7th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The teachers are not in the classrooms, the provincial government imposed a four year contract and used a section of the constitution to prevent the strike action that is taking place.

This in Ontario?

How did we get to where we are?

The teachers along with the support staff are  not showing up for work.

The education sector wanted better pay claiming that many people are earning $39,000 which is just not enough to live on.

CUPE is planning for a province wide demonstration next Saturday.

The provincial government was not prepared to pay more.

The Premier and his Minister of Education will be speaking at 9:00 am.

Someone has to move; this situation has to be resolved.

The government is no longer at the bargaining table.  The Ontario Labour Relations Board is expected to produce a report on the legality of the union strike.

The GO buses are not running, the drivers are on strike.

The Americans are about to hold mid-term elections that could change the way the government in that country will be run.

And Climate Change meetings taking place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt do not have any good news.

The weather over the weekend was wonderful.

 

 

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Premier bends - just a little

By Pepper Parr

November 7th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Premier said he will rescind the legislation if CUPE returns to the bargaining table.

Ford exaggerated about what the unions were asking for in the way of increases

And so we wait..

 

 

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Aldershsot Pool Closure

 

By Staff

November 6th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Due to an unplanned repair issue, Aldershot Arena will be closed Sunday, Nov. 6 and Monday, Nov. 7.

User groups and renters are being contacted with options.

 

closed Sunday and Monday

For a list of other drop-in options, visit burlington.ca/dropinandplay.

 

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Lieutenant Governor of Ontario names 24 new members to the Order of Ontario

By Staff

November 5th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Order of Ontario,

Ontario has an Order of Ontario award that is given out annually to people chosen by the government; they announced 24 new appointments to the Order

The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario reading the Speech from the Throne

The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Chancellor of the Order of Ontario, announced 24 of Ontario for 2021. The award is the province’s highest civilian honour for individuals.

Two people from Oakville were honoured and one person from Milton.  No one from Burlington was recognized

Robert Poirier — Oakville

As the former chair and one of the longest serving board directors, Robert Poirier helped transform Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport into one of the most successful, community-oriented, and environmentally sustainable urban airports in North America. Committed to creating a more environmentally and community friendly province, Mr. Poirier serves as chair overseeing Ontario’s transition to a circular economy and as chair of Metrolinx’s real estate committee responsible for transit-oriented development and community benefits.

Nishan Duraiappah was at one point a Deputy Chief with the Halton Regional Police – he is now Chief with the Regional Police  In September 16, 2016 he was awarded the  Order of Merit  

Nishan Duraiappah — Milton

As Chief of Police for Peel Region, Nishan Duraiappah is the highest ranking South Asian police officer in Ontario and the first Sri-Lankan Canadian of his rank across North America. He has dedicated his life to strengthening relations between the police and Ontario’s diverse communities through volunteer work, diversity initiatives, policing innovations, and outreach programs.

Teresa Cascioli — Oakville

Teresa Cascioli is the former CEO of Hamilton’s Lakeport Brewing. Her leadership was instrumental in saving the company from bankruptcy and turning it into a true Ontario success story in a highly competitive, male-dominated competitive beer industry. She then pivoted to supporting her community through generous philanthropic endeavours.

Payam Akhavan — Markham

Renowned international human rights lawyer, best-selling author, distinguished scholar, and member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague, Payam Akhavan has investigated atrocities in conflict zones, prosecuted war crimes for the UN, and defended genocide survivors throughout the world.

Walter Arbib — Toronto

Walter Arbib, through his work as co-founder of SkyLink Aviation, helped deliver life-saving food, medicine and emergency relief to dangerous places around the globe – areas devastated by extreme weather events or conflict, including Sudan, Northern Darfur, and Yemen. Through SkyLink, and his philanthropic efforts, Walter Arbib helped restore and rebuild the lives of people around the world, many in need.

George Chuvalo — Toronto

Having faced the tragic effects of addiction within his own family, former Canadian heavyweight boxing champion, George Chuvalo, has spent multiple decades helping Ontarians understand the risks of drugs through his candid and direct presentations. With passion and humour, he has continued to have a positive impact on his community and the people of Ontario.

Angela Cooper Brathwaite — Whitby

Born in Trinidad, Dr. Angela Cooper Brathwaite has come a long way in her nearly five decades as a nurse. She has launched initiatives to promote nursing education, improve women and children’s health, and address racism in the nursing profession. Long admired by her peers, she promises to leave a lasting legacy in health care in Ontario.

Aimée Craft — Ottawa

An internationally recognized researcher and mentor, professor and award-winning author, Aimée Craft is one of Canada’s leading minds on Indigenous legal traditions and Canadian Aboriginal law. She is the founding Director of Research at the National Centre for Reconciliation where she works tirelessly to ensure that her research program promotes understanding within Indigenous communities.

Stephen Diamond — Toronto

Stephen Diamond is a driving force behind many of Toronto’s innovative real estate projects. His business flair is matched only by his philanthropic contributions to organizations such as Sunnybrook Hospital, City of Toronto’s PAYE Program, Sanctuary House and the United Jewish Appeal, all which serve to help improve the lives of Ontarians.

Mitch Frazer — Toronto

Mitch Frazer may be one of Canada’s foremost experts on pension law, but his forté is helping others. He founded the National Institute of Ageing “to make Canada the best place to grow up and grow old.” His knack for problem-solving has helped to raise much-needed funds for many universities, hospitals, and cultural institutions.

Leo Goldhar — Toronto

Leo Goldhar turned compassionate service into success by championing health care workers, seniors with dementia, European Holocaust survivors living in poverty, and more. His many years of philanthropy, including supporting the University Health Network, the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, and the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre for Holocaust Studies have contributed to the health, and well-being of people across Ontario and around the world.

Steve (Suresh) Gupta — Toronto

Immigrating to Ontario with $108, Steve Gupta has become a leader in Canada’s hospitality and condominium industries and was recognized as one of Canada’s top 25 immigrants by RBC in 2013. His passion to give back led to the establishment of eye surgery camps in India, dialysis machines in Guyana, and the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Canada.

Elise Harding-Davis — Harrow

Elise Harding-Davis has always said, “Without Black history, history is incomplete.” For over 60 years, she has highlighted how African Canadians were essential to Canada’s development and was the first Black female curator/administrator of an accredited museum in Canada, known as the Amherstburg Freedom Museum. She also taught African Canadian Studies at St. Clair College.

Armand P. La Barge — Bethany

A 37-year veteran of York Regional Police, Chief Armand La Barge is a champion of diversity and inclusion, an ardent defender of social justice and human rights, and a life-long community activist and volunteer. In recognition of his leadership, he was elected President of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and the Ontario Director for the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.

Sandra Laronde — Toronto

Temagami’s Sandra Laronde is a First Nations multidisciplinary artist who has created and produced Indigenous arts and events for over 30 years. She is the founding Artistic Director of Red Sky Performance and was Director of Indigenous Arts at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. For her artistic leadership, Ms. Laronde has received many awards, including the Meritorious Service Decoration on behalf of the Governor General of Canada.

Dave Levac — Brantford

Dave Levac was a distinguished educator, a Member of Provincial Parliament for 19 years and Ontario’s longest serving Speaker of the House. He was recognized as Brantford Citizen of the Year for being a strong advocate for children with special needs, firefighters, veterans, the CNIB, and Special Olympics Ontario.

David McKay — Toronto

A passionate mentor, fierce leader, and dedicated philanthropist, David McKay is an inspiration to many and has undoubtedly impacted the lives of thousands. As the CEO of the Royal Bank of Canada, he has launched countless programs and initiatives, giving youth across the province access to equal opportunity.

Barbara Morrongiello — Guelph

An international leader in childhood injury prevention, Dr. Barbara Morrongiello’s novel integrative models and unique prevention programs have shaped the field of public health. Her work serves as a guide for communities and researchers throughout Canada and around the world – measurably reducing injury risks to children every day. Her mentorship is also preparing the next generation of scholars to advance this vital research.

Lori Nikkel — Toronto

Celebrated as one of Canada’s 25 Most Influential Women, Lori Nikkel, CEO of Second Harvest, scaled the organization nation-wide and oversaw the publication of the first report to quantify food waste in Canada. Fuelled by the state of food insecurity in her community, she has dedicated her career to providing solutions for families all over Canada through the creation of countless programs and initiatives.

Rose M. Patten — Toronto

Consistently named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, Rose Patten is internationally celebrated for her leadership and expertise as a senior banking executive.

Ms. Patten has served her community with dedication and inspiration as chair of the Hospital for Sick Children and a chair at the University of Toronto, where she was re-elected in 2021 to a second three-year term as the university’s 34th chancellor.

Christina Petrowska Quilico — Toronto

Pianist Christina Petrowska Quilico has opened the ears of music lovers internationally through numerous classical and contemporary performances, with an orchestra and as soloist on over 50 internationally acclaimed recordings. As a Professor of Musicology and Piano at York University, she has received esteemed research awards. As a benefactor, she established The Christina and Louis Quilico Award at the Ontario Arts Foundation and the Canadian Opera Company.

Kevin Smith — Toronto

Dr. Kevin Smith is a rare leader who understands the importance of the continuum of care, from basic research to community health, within the framework of a publicly funded health care system. He has a long and distinguished career and as the current CEO of University Health Network (UHN), Canada’s largest research hospital network, he continues to make a healthier world by transforming lives and communities through excellence in care, discovery and learning.

Joan VanDuzer — Toronto

Creator of Harbinger Foundation, Joan VanDuzer has supported many local and global causes. She is dedicated to improving quality of life by increasing access to clean water and sanitation in areas experiencing poverty. Through the establishment of Mansfield Heritage Farm, Ms. VanDuzer recognizes and celebrates the sacred and life affirming role of water as well as the delicate relationship between the land and those who depend on it for food sustainability.

Sara Waxman — Toronto

Sara Waxman elevated Ontario’s food and hospitality industry in an unparalleled manner. Leveraging her profile as a leading restaurant critic, best-selling cookbook author, food and travel journalist and magazine publisher, she helped put Ontario squarely on the map as a premier food and travel destination. Busy as she was, Ms. Waxman devoted enormous time to a breadth of charitable causes with each one benefiting from her energy, enthusiasm, and networking abilities.

The Ontario Order has 812 members

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