Golf tournament to support Adult Day Programs in long term care homes.

eventsred 100x100By Staff

April 9th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

If you’ve taken your golf clubs out and are getting ready for the season – make a note of the Willow Foundation’s annual golf event.

Willow Foundation logoThe Willow Foundation raises funds annually to support several ongoing programs at Halton Region’s Long-Term Care homes and Adult Day Programs in these locations:

Allendale—Milton
Post Inn Village—Oakville
Creek Way Village—Burlington
Adult Day Programs—Milton, Georgetown

Tournament takes place at Crosswinds on May 16th.

Crosswinds

Crosswinds

 

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New season at Tyandaga Golf Course gets underway April 12, 2019

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

April 8th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The robins are back and Tyandaga Golf Course is open for business. The City of Burlington’s Tyandaga Golf Course will officially open for the 2019 golf season on Friday, April 12.

Although the course is open, golfers are asked to excuse the mess as work is being completed to improve the cart-path and area between holes 16 and 17. The work is expected to be done by the end of May and should not impact play.

Tyandaga golf course aerial

An aerial view of the Tyandaga golf course.

Tyandaga offers memberships, tournaments, clinics, private lessons, men’s and women’s league play, and in-season and off-season rentals. The course combines a perfect mix of urban convenience with rural beauty, natural waterways, contours and mature trees as well as dining and catered private or corporate events. New for this year are student memberships that range from $199.99 to $499.99.

Players wishing to book a tee time can do so online at tyandagagolf.com.

For more information about golfing at Tyandaga, call 905-336-0005 or visit tyandagagolf.com.

Tyandaga Golf Course is an 18-hole course with 4,852 metres of scenic terrain characterized by its natural waterways and broadleaf woods

Spring specials on green fees include $45 to ride in a golf cart and $30 for golfers that are walking

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Group has organized walking groups - check it out.

eventspink 100x100By Staff

March 21st, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Walking is a healthy exercise.  It is also a time when you can think and wonder at all the things we have going for us and worry a little about the problems.

Walking with a friend is one of the most civil things a person can do.

Terry Fox - Eagles walking up path - back

Just out for a walk.

Burlington is encouraging members of the community to take steps toward better health with Just Walk Hamilton-Burlington, an outdoor community walking program led by local healthcare professionals and funded in part through the City’s Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund.

Join registered Kinesiologist Jordan Kilpatrick-Smith for a free, fun and supervised walk on Saturday, March 23 at 9 a.m. through Nelson Park and Sherwood Forest Park. Kilpatrick-Smith and the Just Walk team will meet community members at the Nelson Park parking lot located behind the Nelson Arena near the baseball diamonds (4183 New St., Burlington).

The walk will begin with a short educational talk titled, “Healthy Weight Loss to Gain Time, Money and Energy” followed by a guided walk at your own pace. Each walk is open to all abilities and pre-registration is not required.

Join the Just Walk group’s email list at justwalk-hb.weebly.com for information on upcoming walk dates and locations.

The group will be hosting 12 walks in Burlington between February and September.

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Tim Hortons expands and extends its sponsorship program with the city.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

March 18th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

tim-hortons-squarelogo-

They expanded and extended the program they sponsor in Burlington.

The city has Rolled up the Rim and found they were a winner to the tune of $112,500 in expanded sponsorship funding from the Tim Horton organization that will run through to 2022.

Their sponsorship will include Free Family Day skating to begin 2020. Tim Hortons sponsorship of swimming, skating and events helps to break down barriers, encourages access and participation for everyone. The total three-year investment from Tim Hortons is just over $112,500.

Tim Hortons Free Holiday Skating
Tim Hortons sponsorship of free holiday skating began in Burlington 25-years ago and has spread to more than 200 communities across Canada.

The 2019-2020 season will begin again in December and run for three-weeks throughout the holiday season to provide over 74-hours of free skating throughout the city.

Tim Hortons Free Family Day Skating
Four hours of free Family Day skating will begin on Family Day in 2020.

Tim Hortons Free Summer Swimming
64-hours of free swimming will take place throughout the summer at both indoor and outdoor pools at various locations.

movies-in-the-parkMovies Under the Stars
Movies Under the Stars will run from July to August at various parks throughout the city and offers seven free movies. Residents are encouraged to bring a healthy snack, blankets, chairs and other amenities to enjoy with their family and friends.

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Glen Eden to close for the season on the 17th.

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

March 14th,, 2019

MILTON, ON

 

Glen Eden hills

The slopes at Glen Eden.

If Glen Eden has announced the final day of ski and snowboard operations for the 2018-2019 season Spring weather cannot be far behind.

The slopes at Kelso will close Sunday, March 17, 2019. Snow conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly. Lifts will run from 8:30 am to 9:30 pm each day until the 17th.

To help make the most of the remainder of the ski and snowboard season, Glen Eden will be accepting all season passes and offering $25 lift tickets from now until close on Sunday.

Glen Eden usually opens around Christmas and closes near the end of March Break. This year, the Glen Eden season started on Saturday, December 22, 2018.

glen_eden_ski_snowboard_area_2_159582

By the end of the season she was quite a bit better.

Glen Eden is currently offering Early Bird pricing on 2019-2020 season passes and lessons until Sunday, April 7. Early Bird is the best available pricing of the year. At this special rate, the 5 Day x 7 Night Pass pays for itself in four visits and the Weekday Pass pays for itself in just two visits.

For more information visit the Glen Eden website, www.gleneden.on.ca, or call 905-878-5011.

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Interested in officiating football games - association looking for men and woman to referee games.

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

March 11th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Lakeshore Football Officials’ Association, (LFOA) established in 1963, is responsible for officiating all tackle high school football in Halton, Peel, and Niagara regions and all minor football in Mississauga, Halton and Niagara.

football referee logoIt also offers Football Canada Certification Programs, rules and positioning clinics and a personal mentoring program to assist in the development of all officials.

This year the association is reaching out to women who may be interested in officiating. “We currently have only two women in our organization and we would like to increase that. The game is no longer just a man’s game and opportunities do exist for women to advance in Canadian football officiating” said Kevin Baird, President of the LFOA.

ref tieng shoe

It’s more than watching the plays – it’s also about watching the players.

The organization is also making a concerted effort to recruit individuals who have the availability to officiate high school football from September to November, the busiest time for the organization. High school football games are normally played Tuesday-Friday with most doubleheaders kicking off at noon, 1 p.m. or 2:30 pm.
Women and men, 16 years of age and older who wish to become an LFOA official may contact the recruiting co-ordinator at lfoa-recruiter@hotmail.com.

Those who advance may have the opportunity to officiate in such leagues as the Ontario Provincial Football League, the Ontario Football Conference, the Northern Football Conference, Ontario University Athletics and the Canadian Football League.

Nelson Sr Football Vs Hayden Huskies

Nelson Sr Football Vs Hayden Huskies watching the coin toss.

The LFOA has a number of members who are current or former members of the CFL and the OUA football officiating staffs. These officials assist the LFOA in the development programs that are offered. A number of the officials have officiated Grey Cups, Vanier Cups and two of their members, Burlington’s Dave Foxcroft and Jason Maggio are members of the NFL Officials’ Development Program.

All new officials must complete a Level 1 Football Canada Officials’ Certification Program, which has yet to be scheduled.

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Wellness movement workshops facilitated by local artists at Performing Arts.

eventsblue 100x100By Staff

March 5th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It is a different kind of event.

Nice part is – it’s free – takes place at the Performing Arts Centre on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at 4 PM – 5:15 PM
series of FREE wellness movement workshops facilitated by local artists. These sessions will be fun, relaxing, rejuvenating, and a chance to reboot. This will be a time to delight in the diverse creative approaches and energies of four exceptional local artists.

Click for registration – which is mandatory.

Body space outreach

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It was Burlington residents who were the movers and shakers behind getting the Grey Cup game to Hamilton for 2021.

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

February 27th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON.

 

There was a time when the Honorary Colonels for the two regiments based in Hamilton were residents of Burlington.

There was a time when people in Hamilton were giving consideration to moving the football team to Burlington – that one turned out to be wishful thinking of a property owner.

Ivor Wynne stadium

Ivor Wynne Stadium the home of the Canadian Football League team, The Hamilton Tiger-Cats is found in a residential area in Hamilton east end. The stadium was built in 1930 to host the British Empire Games, becoming the home for the Tiger Cats in 1950.

The holding of the Grey Cup in 2021 is now more than wishful thinking. It’s a fact and the smart thinkers are lining up to get their ticket orders in. The true believers in Hamilton are planning for the victory parade. The Tiger Cats have to first get to the point where they are actually in the Grey Cup game.

The Tiger Cats have won the Grey Cup eight times – they won it during a home field game in 1972 when they defeated the Saskatchewan Rough Riders in a thriller of a game..

A local resident brought to our attention that it was Burlington residents who made the big, big difference in getting the 2021 Grey Cup game to Hamilton.

Randy Ambrosie tosses a football as he speaks during a press conference in Toronto, Wednesday July 5, 2017. The CFL says Ambrosie will serve as the 14th commissioner in league history. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Randy Ambrosie CFL Commissioner

Randy Ambrosie the Commissioner of the CFL, and an Aldershot/Burlington resident along with Matt Afinec, a lifetime Burlington resident and President of the Hamilton Tiger Cats were the movers and shakers that made it happen.

Matt Afinec_Super_Portrait

Matt Afinec, President of Hamilton Tiger CAts

Matt is also a member of the board of directors of the Burlington Foundation. Jim Lawson the Chair of the CFL, and President of Woodbine Entertainment grew up on North Shore Blvd in Aldershot which is almost as good as living in the city.

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Confusion on registering for program at Parks and Recreation; empathy appears to be in short supply.

News 100 redBy Staff

February 21st, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Registration for both 2019 Spring and Summer recreation programs opens February 23, 2019 for Adults 19+ and 55+. People can register for both programs at 9 a.m., doors will open at 7:30 a.m. for early arrivals.

Registration is available online at burlington.ca/play, in-person at Burlington Seniors Centre, Tansley Woods and Brant Hills Community Centres, or City Hall. Non-residents will be able to register on March 1, 2019.

Live and play spring 2016The Spring/Summer Live and Play guide, featuring listings for city recreation, sport and culture programs is available online on the City of Burlington website. Printed copies of the guide are available at City Recreation Facilities, City Hall and the Burlington Public Libraries.

The spring session programs begin April 1 and the summer programs will begin on July 8.

Following registration day, in-person registration is available at any customer service location. A listing of locations and hours is available at burlington.ca/servicehours.

For those choosing to register for both spring and summer programs, the option for a deferred payment for summer registration is available. Customers can access this payment option by registering in-person.

Mayor Rick Goldring has his membership application processed at the Seniors' Centre - filling another of his campaign promises.

Senior citizen former Mayor Rick Goldring signs up as a member at the Senior’s Centre. Today was program registration day.

The City of Burlington would also like to remind residents financial help is available through the Recreational Fee Assistance program for those that qualify.

Recreation Fee Assistance
Recreation Fee Assistance is funding made available to individuals or families who need help to pay for City of Burlington recreational programs.

Fee Assistance can be used for:
• Registered Programs
• Drop-In Programs
• Passes and Memberships

One Gazette reader explained that at a class at the Seniors’ Centre “we were told that the City had decided that moving forward there will be only 2 registration periods. This will start with the February 23rd Registration.

How this will work is as follows: On February 23rd seniors will be registering for programs. Seniors will be able to register for the spring session and/ or the summer session. Some of the classes have very limited space availability and if they don’t register for both in February chances are they won’t get into the class in the summer.

For some residents having to pay for both the spring and summer session could be problematic. We were also told that if the Senior’s membership to the Centre expired before the end of the last class the computer would basically kick them out and they will not be registered in the course. So it would mean that the senior has to pay for both sets of sessions plus the membership fee. Also the City is holding their money for months before completing the session.

We were also told that for those seniors who come into the centre to register, if they could not pay for everything at once arrangements could be made.

What about those seniors that register at home online – they do not have this option of spacing out their payment? More seniors register online, why should this option not be made available to them?

For those seniors who are away ( snowbirds) how will they know that the summer registration starts on February 23rd.

The reader made the point that “once again decisions seem to be made that are not discussed in advance with those who are most affected by these changes.”

Burlington Seniors Centre“Parks and Rec tried to make seniors bring their own equipment for Pilates (like large Pilate balls and bands) starting in the Spring and only when this came to light and reported on did Parks & Rec back down.

There appear to be a number of administrative level issues within Parks and Recreation when it comes to how the Seniors’ programs are managed.  The issue seems to be at the leadership level – staff do not appear to be very empathetic to the issues seniors face.

 

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Skate lending program expanded to Appleby Ice Centre

News 100 redBy Staff

February 8th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The City’s skate lending program is expanding to Appleby Ice Centre. Residents of all ages can access a variety of skates and other equipment on a first come first serve basis, year-round.

The Skate Hub is located in the lobby of ice pads 1 and 2. There is no sign-out form required and there is no time limit on the equipment. The hours of operation are the same as facility hours.
The skate lending program is also available at the Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond on weekday evening, weekend and holidays.

figure skates

Put them on right and you can enjoy swirling around the ice.

Skate Lending Hours of Operation of the Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond.

• Weekday evenings: 5 to 10 p.m.
• Weekend and Holidays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Both locations have a variety of sizes.

Skating rink Discovery Landing

Rotary Centennial Pond.

Donations Needed
Anyone with used skates, gloves, sticks or helmets in good condition can donate them to the lending program. Donations can be dropped off at any Burlington community centre, arena or pool, City Hall, as well as Emma’s Back Porch, Gator Ted’s and Wendel Clark’s Restaurants.

For more information on skating in Burlington, visit burlington.ca/skating.

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Angela Coughlan Pool will be closed from March 18, 2019 to the spring of 2020 for renovations and upgrades.

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

January 4th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

People used to say “there must be something wrong with the water” but in Burlington we seem to say “what’s with the swimming pools in Burlington?” They are either closed for repairs or they are being rebuilt.

This time it is the Angela Coughlan Pool next the MM Robinson high school that is closing for renovations; a Public Information Session planned

Angela Coughlan Pool will be closed from March 18, 2019 to the spring of 2020 for renovations. Some pool programs and staffing have been shifted to other locations to help accommodate participation levels across the city.

A public information session is planned for January 16 at Angela Coughlan Pool from 7-9 p.m. Staff and architects will be available to discuss plans and gather feedback.

The renovation project will provide important and necessary repairs and upgrades to the facility. The result will be a more efficient, up-to-date and modern pool facility and will include the following:

• Partial pool deck replacement around the lap pool
• Retiling of the lap-pool deck
• Lap pool tank repairs
• Replace HVAC and upgrade dehumidification system
• New LED lighting
• Plumbing improvements
• Change room renovation

Change Room Renovation

Coughlan pool upgrade 2

Architectural rendering of planned upgrades to Angela Coughlan pool.

The City of Burlington is working towards providing equal rights, respect and dignity through access and privacy. The new inclusive change space will provide fully private change and/or shower areas for all, removing the need to have designated “Men’s” or “Women’s” changerooms, including:

• Fully private change and shower areas with seating and hooks for hanging personal items

• Common areas open to everyone where clothing is mandatory

The inclusive change space is designed to allow for clear sight-lines down all the isles from the pool deck as well as from the community centre hallway for maximum safety.

The result will do away with the open changeroom concept. All changing will happen in private stalls. All common areas are clothing-mandatory.

Previously, Angela Coughlan had nine private change stalls split between both the Men’s and Women’s changerooms. There will now be 31 private change rooms.

Coughlan pool upgrades 1

Architectural rendering of planned changes to Angela Coughlan pool, Private change rooms.

Private change areas
The 31 private change areas will include:

• 24 private change areas
• Five private change areas with showers
• Two accessible change stalls with roll in private showers and adult change tables
• Four private washrooms with sinks

Common areas
The common areas will include shared amenities such as:

• Lockers
• Rinse stations
• Sinks and counter space
• Mirrors
• Wall-mounted hair-dryers and bathing-suit spinners

Other municipalities and jurisdictions who have done similar renovations include the Calgary YMCA, Sudbury Valley area, University of Guelph and Saskatchewan schools.

 

He is no longer "acting"; it's now the real deal as Chris Glenn gets appointed the Director of Parks and Recreation for the city.

Chris Glenn, Director of Parks and Recreation for the city.

Chris Glenn, Director of Parks and Recreation, describes the new change-room concept as “exciting” – wouldn’t go quite that far. He adds that:  “We are fortunate that our pool facilities already have a family/universal changeroom concept where everyone is welcome to use for their own personal comfort. The proposed inclusive change space for Angela Coughlan Pool builds on this concept, allowing everyone to have comfort and privacy while changing. We want to remove any barriers to participation and know that personal comfort is very important to many. This is a new and exciting concept to Burlington that just makes good sense.”

Coughlan H&S

Angela Denise Coughlan

Angela Denise Coughlan, (October 4, 1952 – June 14, 2009) was a Canadian competition swimmer. At the peak of her competitive swimming career from 1968 to 1971, she was the best Canadian female freestyle specialist, going undefeated in freestyle events at Canadian meets during that time, as well as breaking a world record and 13 Canadian records.

As a member of the Canadian national swim team, she anchored the 4×100-metre freestyle and 4×100-metre medley relay teams, and earned both individual and team relay medals at the 1967 Pan American Games, the 1968 Olympics, the 1970 Commonwealth Games and the 1971 Pan American Games.

Named Canadian Female Athlete of the Year in 1970, she retired from competitive swimming in 1972 at the age of 19. Part of her post-competitive career was spent as a swim coach and mentor to younger swimmers.

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Glen Eden to open on Saturday: snow making machines have been working around the clock.

News 100 blueBy Staff

December 22, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Hard to believe but Conservation Halton announced that Glen Eden will open Saturday, weather permitting at 8:30 am.

The Ridge Chair, Updraft Chair, Caterpillar Carpet and Little Dipper Carpet will be running, which should service ten runs, including some terrain park features.

Glen Eden hills

Some of the Glen Eden runs

For a limited time, Glen Eden will also be offering a promotional lift ticket price of $30 to reflect the limited terrain. Once the remainder of the lifts and runs are open, lift tickets will return to regular rates. It is anticipated that this could happen as early as Boxing Day.

Also, as a gift to pass holders, Glen Eden will be accepting all passes on December 22, 23 and 24! Glen Eden will be closed on December 25 for Christmas and then open on Boxing Day, at which point regular pass access will apply.

“Our snowmaking team has been working around the clock to get the hill ready,” said Gene Matthews, Director, Parks and Recreation. “We are excited to start the 2018/19 season and we look forward to seeing visitors on the hills learning to ski or snowboard, out enjoying some runs with family and friends or throwing it down in the terrain park.”

The terrain park is where a lot of the action happens at Glen Eden. During peak season, Nighthawk and Falcon have upwards of 40 of the most progressive features. The terrain park is the perfect place to push your limits, improve your skills and keep things fun. There’s no better place to hang out after school or work and you won’t find a community like Glen Eden at any other hill. It’s the most fun you can have on 240 vertical feet.

GlenEden from top of hill

View from the to at Glen Eden

Glen Eden is also a great place to get your start and prepare for even bigger adventures with lesson programs for all ages and skill levels—whether you have a little one starting out on skis or a big kid ready to hit the terrain park. There are two Christmas Camps during the holidays. Camp 1 starts on December 27 and Camp 2 starts January 2, 2019. Group lesson programs start on Boxing Day. There are also private and semi-private options available. For more information, please visit the Glen Eden website at www.gleneden.on.ca or call Visitor Services at 905-878-5011, ext. 1221.

New Year’s Eve Ski and Dine – December 31
Come celebrate the new year with Glen Eden! The New Year’s Eve Ski & Dine package includes one lift ticket and dinner. Guests can pick up their lift ticket at the Visitor Centre any time during open hours to enjoy a full day of skiing and snowboarding. Dinner, featuring lasagna (vegetarian option available) with salad, dessert and soft drinks, will be served in the West Lodge at 6 pm. There will also be a roaring fireplace and s’mores kits provided after dinner. Please note that Glen Eden will close at the regular time. This is a family event intended for an early New Year’s celebration. Reservations for this event are required by December 28, 2018.

glen_eden_ski_snowboard_area_2_159582

Learning how to use a snowboard.

Discover Skiing and Snowboarding
Discover Skiing and Snowboarding is a beginner lesson program that starts this weekend. During the season, Discover is offered on weekends, holidays, and March Break from 9 am to 4 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm on non-holiday weeknights. The snow pros at Glen Eden will help you learn the basics of equipment, stopping and turning to get you should be ready for the big hills. Discover is available on a first-come, first-serve basis unless you are booking a large group. For groups of 20 or more people, please call 905-878-5011, ext. 1278, at least one week in advance.

Glen Eden is operated by Conservation Halton, and is located on Kelso Road, near Tremaine Road and Highway 401; a 20 minute drive from Mississauga, Burlington and Hamilton. Glen Eden is open seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., except for December 25, when it will be closed for Christmas. For more information, please visit the Glen Eden website at www.gleneden.on.ca.

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City services holiday schedule: transit, courts, parks and recreation.

News 100 redBy Staff

December 21st, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

A number of City of Burlington administrative services will be closed for the holidays on Monday, December  24, 2018, reopening Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019.

Activities and customer service hours at city pools, arenas and community centres vary over the holidays. Please visit burlington.ca/play for a complete listing of program times and burlington.ca/servicehours for hours at customer service locations.

City council photo Xmas

Burlington Transit and Handi-Van
The Downtown Transit Terminal is open Dec. 24, 27 to 31. It will be closed December 25 and 26, 2018, as well as Jan. 1, 2019. Handi-Van live phone booking is available December 24, 27 and 28.

The Downtown Terminal and Handi-Van live phone booking will be closed December. 25 and 26, 2018 and Jan. 1, 2019.

Handi-Van booking online is always available at burlingtontransit.ca.

For holiday and real-time schedule information, visit burlingtontransit.ca.

Date Transit service schedule/hours
December 24 Weekday schedule ending at approximately 8 p.m.
December 25 Holiday schedule
December 26 Saturday schedule
December 27 to 30 Regular schedules
December 31 Weekday schedule with the last Route 50, 51 and 52 buses leaving the Burlington GO station at 12:55 a.m.

January 1 Transit Holiday schedule
The Burlington Transit administration offices will be closed on December 24, 2018 and will reopen on Jan. 2, 2019. Call 905-639-0550 or visit www.burlingtontransit.ca for more information.

Animal Shelter and Control
The Animal Shelter will be closed from December  24 to 26 and 30, 2018 and Jan. 1, 2019. On December 31, the shelter will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.

For more information or to report an animal control-related emergency, call 905-335-3030 or visit www.burlington.ca/animal.

Roads, Parks and Forestry
The administrative office will be closed on Monday, December 24, 2018, reopening on Wednesday, January 2, 2019. Only small removal of snow? and urgent services will be provided.

Halton Court Services
Provincial Offences Courts in Milton and Burlington will be closed from December 24 to27, 2018 and January 1, 2019.

PLEASE NOTE: The Milton POA Court will close on Thursday, January 17 and the Burlington POA Court will close on Thursday, January 31 to move to the new Halton POA Courthouse opening on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.
Parking

Free parking is available in the downtown core in municipal lots, on-street and the parking garage during the month of December and on Jan. 1, 2019. There is a maximum of three hours for on-street parking spaces.

NOTE: The Waterfront parking lots (east and west) do not provide free parking during December or on statutory holidays.

Do you have family and friends visiting for the holidays? A reminder that there is no parking on city streets overnight between 1 and 6 a.m. Exemptions to allow overnight parking on city streets may be obtained by calling 905-335-7844 or visiting www.burlington.ca/parking.

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Appleby Ice Centre - Rink 4 closed for repairs; December 22 to January 5th.

News 100 redBy Staff

December 22nd, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

Apleby free skate

The Appleby Free Skate is sponsored by Tim Hortons.

 

Appleby Ice Centre – Rink 4 is shut down for emergency repairs and is expected to re-open in early January.

The Tim Hortons Free Holiday Skate on December 22 and January 5th, have been moved to Mainway Ice Centre

Rink 1. The free skate times have been slightly modified to 7:30 – 8:30 p.m., 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. and 9:30 – 10:30 p.m.

Three of the four rinks at Appleby Ice Centre are fully operational.

Other program changes during the shutdown include:

• Dec. 21: Skate 19+, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. moved to Appleby Ice Centre, Rink 3

• Dec. 27: Skate 19+ has been moved to Mainway Ice Centre – Rink 2 from noon to 1 p.m.

• Dec. 29: Public Skate is cancelled. Participants are encouraged to attend the Tim Hortons Free Holiday Skate at Mainway Ice Centre between 1 and 4 p.m. or Central Arena between 5 to 8 p.m.

• Dec. 29: Skate 19+, 8:30 to 10 p.m. moved to Appleby Ice Centre Rink 2

• Jan. 2: Skate Ability has been moved to Rink 1 at Appleby Ice Centre.

Programs and renters have been notified and moved to other rinks within Appleby Ice Centre or arenas within the city.

Appleby Ice Centre

The Appleby Ice Centre is one of seven rinks in the city that has recreational skating time.

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BOWSER babes cough up big bundle of cash for the Food Bank.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

December 18th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The BOWSER Babes at Burlington Old Timers Hockey Club contribute to the Food Bank every year using the proceeds from their Christmas Dance. The cash was turned over in November – $4500. Went to the Food Bank.

On November 24th the BOHC hosted a Christmas Dance at the Burlington Royal Canadian Legion in support of the Burlington Food Bank.

On hand were some of the best dancers in the league and their wives! The fabulous live band for the night was the Stone Monkeys, featuring Shantelle Pfau on vocals, and as a Special Guest Singer/Performer, Cassidy Cummings, an aspiring Burlington youth and recent graduate of Mohawk’s Music programme.

BOHC-Christmas-Dance 2018

Shown here is Wendall Ahearn (President, BOHC), the BOWSER Babes (Barb Charon, ??, ??, ??, Michele Wood), Robin Bailey (Burlington Food Bank), and Colin Ashdown with Angelo Sottana (event organizers).

Through player donations, prize table raffle tickets and a Christmas Home Baked goods table the league was able to raise $4,500 for the Burlington Food Bank to help them with their ongoing contribution to our community!

Burlington Food Bank
The Food Bank is committed to ensure that no one in Burlington struggles with hunger. They provide food to those in need. If you or someone you know is hungry and in need of help, call them at 905-637-2273. https://www.burlingtonfoodbank.ca

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Pond in Spencer Smith Park will open December 8th; tobogganing locations announced.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

December 5th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Burlington is set for winter fun with the launch of its Neighbourhood Rink program, the opening of Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond at the Waterfront at Downtown Burlington and dedicated locations for tobogganing.

Neighbourhood Rinks
The Neighbourhood Rink program is back for a fourth year and encourages neighbours to come together to maintain a natural outdoor ice rink in their local park.

City staff will install boards for ice pads in various parks throughout Burlington that will be maintained by neighbourhood volunteer groups. The rinks are open to the public and free to use. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact skating@burlington.ca. The deadline to apply for a rink is Dec. 31, 2018.

Skating rink Discovery LandingThe outdoor ice at Rotary Centennial Pond is scheduled to open on Saturday, Dec. 8, weather conditions permitting. Located at the Waterfront at Downtown Burlington, the pond hosts nearly 9,000 skaters each year. The rink is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and skating is free. On Christmas Eve, the rink will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and then closed for Christmas Day.

Skating Lending Program
The city is asking residents to donate gently used skates they no longer need. These skate donations will be used for the lending program at Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond, which began in 2016. The skate lending program is available weekends and school holidays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on weekdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Skate donations can be dropped off at city pools, arenas and community centres.

For up-to-date information on ice conditions at Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond, please call 905-335-7600, ext. 8587. To learn more about the pond’s features and rules, visit, burlington.ca/pond.

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Sliding in Lowville park

Tobogganing
The city has designated six areas in the city that are safe for tobogganing. They include:

• LaSalle Park, east of the parking lot
• Tyandaga Park at hole number four on the west slope
• Central Park on the hill northwest of the community garden
• Brant Hills Park, southwest of the tennis courts
• Nelson Park on the east side of park, north of the Centennial bike path
• Lowville Park on the hill at the southwest end of park.

Get outside and enjoy the many parks, outdoor spaces, play fields and recreational play experiences that support active living and a healthy lifestyle for all ages, abilities and cultures.

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Centennial Pool - Service Disruption: will reopen Thursday at noon

notices100x100By Staff

December 5th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Due to a mechanical issue Centennial Pool is closed Wednesday, Dec. 5 and the morning of Thursday, Dec. 6. The following swims have been cancelled:

Wednesday, Dec. 5 2018
Water Running 10-11am
Aquafit 10am-11am
Adult 55 Plus Lap Swim 11am-Noon
Lap Swim Noon – 1:30pm

Thursday Dec. 6 2018
Lap Swim 6:00-9:00am
Water Running 9:00-11:00am
Swim Training 11:00- noon
Service will resume at 12 noon on Thursday.

centennial pool - inside

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City clarifies policy on equipment used in exercise classes - some seniors claim that isn't what they are hearing.

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

December 3rd, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Last week the Gazette published a story about changes some seniors called us about with the exercise classes at the Senior’s Centre. There is a link to the news story at the bottom of the page.

The city sent the Gazette a response – statement this morning setting out their position. That response – statement is set out below:

Rob Axiak

Rob Axiak, Manager of Recreation Services.

“My name is Rob Axiak and I am the Manager of Recreation Services for the City. I would first like to apologize for any misinformation that may be out there that has resulted in this article and subsequent commentary. We are looking to send out more accurate information regarding personal equipment for fitness classes over the next two weeks.

Prior to information going, please rest assure that equipment will always be provided by the city for our fitness programs. It was never our intention to remove equipment and to force individuals to bring their own. Some who currently participate had expressed an interest in bringing their own equipment to programs for a variety of personal reasons. We fully support this and encourage anyone who would prefer to bring their own equipment to please feel welcome in doing so.

For those who prefer to have the convenience of using city issued equipment readily available onsite, well that is perfectly acceptable too!

Our goal is to remove any barriers to participation and provide individuals with options based on your own personal preference. Hope that clarifies and thank you for your ongoing interest and participation!”

A source the Gazette takes as reliable, who has asked not to be identified, said when she read the news story she went to the Customer Service desk at the Seniors’ Centre and asked what the policy was and was told that “this is what is going to happen”.

Our source asked the customer service to confirm that information with staff in the offices behind the Customer Service counter. “It took a while but the Customer service person did return and said the policy will be going into effect in the Spring and that people will have to bring their own equipment.”

Axiak appears to be saying that people participating in the exercise classes can bring their own equipment if they wish and that equipment will still be available at no cost to those people taking classes.

Our source said “this is how the Parks and Recreation people operate. Rather than make a clear statement that they publish, they float a trial balloon and wait to see what there is in the way of reaction. If there is no negative feedback it becomes policy.

“Staff don’t take responsibility for the mistakes they make.”

The city has either shifted their position or people taking the exercises did not fully understand the city’s position. Classes were informed by people delivering the exercise classes. Those people are not full time city employees involved in setting policy – they are contract people delivering a service.

Link to the original news story:

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Seniors taking exercise classes upset over program changes that will require people to provide their own equipment.

News 100 blueBy Staff

November 29th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

The city has asked that we publish a statement they have made related to this news story.  That response can be found HERE. 

The city Parks and Recreation department runs a number of programs for the seniors in the city.
Some are exercise related and the some people taking part in those classes, for which they pay a fee, are not happy.

One Exercising Class was told that they would have to provide their own equipment – for health reason.

The equipment includes yoga mats, stretching bands and exercise balls.

resistence bands

Sitting on exercise balls and working with resistance bands is part of most classes – transporting that exercise ball seems unfair the class participants.

Yoga mats and the resistance stretching bands are not much of a problem but the Aldershot resident who talked to the Gazette wondered how a senior was going to use public transit with an exercise ball on her lap.

What also bothered the people in the exercise class was that the message was delivered by the class instructor and not a member of the Seniors’ Centre staff. The change is to be effective with the Spring classes which begin in April of next year.

“Many of the people in the class are on fixed incomes: said our source. “They were shocked and perturbed and couldn’t understand the health reasons.”

The group is getting ready to put together a petition asking that the new plan not be put in place.

Comments from people who were uncomfortable providing their names centered around policy changes without any input from the program participants.

Seniors Centre

The Gazette sat in on a meeting where seniors were asked to comment on the programs that were being offered at the Senior’s Centre on New Street. Few words were spoken because there were a number of staff in the room and participants didn’t feel free to speak their minds. That seemed to be a policy approach at the Centre that wasn’t appreciated.

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Gift of Giving Back sets new food donation record.

News 100 redBy Staff

November 10th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Ann-Marie Burton (Gift of Giving Back and Burlington Food Bank) was very busy at Robert Bateman HS Wednesday Nov 7 as they announced donations amounting to 601,639 lbs.

Giving back 2018

Shown here with Ann-Marie are some of the helpers including Brooke Ellsworth-Hewson, Megan Burton, Tess Gates and Scarlett Staszkiel (members of the Barracudas Novice A team)

Shown here with Ann-Marie are some of the helpers including Brooke Ellsworth-Hewson, Megan Burton, Tess Gates and Scarlett Staszkiel (members of the Barracudas Novice A team)

This new national record for Food donations in Canada was acknowledged by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Giving back by year

Founded in Burlington, Ontario in 2005, The Gift of Giving Back is now the largest food drive of its kind in Canada that supports, educates and empowers thousands of young hockey athletes, baseball athletes and high school students to compassionately give back to their community. Summer and late Fall annual initiatives are launched to Help our Kids Feed Kids in their community.

Giving back logoOriginally launched by the Burlington Eagles, the campaign has grown to include more than 85 male and female youth hockey teams from: The Burlington Girls Hockey Club (Barracudas), Burlington Cougars and the Burlington Eagles. In 2017 we were pleased to announce that baseball teams from BOMBA have joined us in our cause.

Together with their parents and community leaders, amount to more than 3,500 volunteers who make this all possible. An exciting addition in 2018 was our partnership with the Burlington Gymnastics Club.

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