By Pepper Parr
July 22, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s on!
Whatever papers have to be signed – are signed and the event will start at between 8-8:15 p.m. at Spencer Smith Park with introductory remarks prior to the broadcast of the final Tragically Hip concert that will begin at 8:30 p.m., with the broadcast coming in live from Kingston courtesy of the CBC who have waived their licensing rights.
Putting this opportunity together was done in a matter of days with a lot of phone calls – Ward 2 Councillor Mead Ward managed to get a motion through council that was approved on a 6-1 vote.
The motion asked:
That City Council authorize matching funds up to $12,500 from the Tax Rate Stabilization Fund to assist with funding the live CBC rebroadcast of the Tragically Hip concert, Aug. 20, in Spencer Smith Park
Ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven decided the event was just a nice to have and voted against it. He missed the opportunity to ask if shuttle buses could be arranged for all those good Aldershot people to get to the Park and
It’s just a nice to have said the Councillor when he voted against the city chipping in for the cost of bringing in the Tragically Hip concert live from Kingston.
enjoy the evening. The Gazette has never understood why the Council member can’t seem to get behind really good community events. If you see him attending the event – do let us know.
An ad hoc committee has been struck and will meet early in August, 12+ members including SET Team, Tourism Burlington, Sound of Music Festival, local citizens and representatives from two charities and Halton Regional Police Services
The team has interest from both The Halton Chapter of Canadian Cancer Services (with a focus on disease prevention) and the Joseph Brant Foundation (local cancer care clinic)
A site is being set up for community/corporate donations. We will send you the link as soon as they have it set up.
All kinds of people have asked if they can donate time and energy as volunteers. Interested parties can contact: mcoletteertel@hotmail.com
The screening was made possible after the Burlington Downtown Business Association (BDBA) put money on the table to kick-start funding for the event, and sought a matching contribution from the city of Burlington. City council supported a motion to contribute to the costs of the event. Donations of cash are still being sought from the community to cover costs of screens, speakers, projectors and security. Please consider making a donation.
It will be a bitter sweet nice for the Tragically Hip as they close out their final performance in a live CBC broadcast across the country. Bring a chair and a blanket and a handkerchief – it is going to be a very emotional evening.
“This is an event of national significance that was looking for a place to happen in Burlington. Many residents reached out to me and said ‘We have to be part of this,’” said Meed Ward. “The Hip is the soundtrack of Canada. Many of us can track significant events in our lives by what Hip song we were listening to at the time. I’m grateful my council colleagues supported the funding request to make it happen.”
This is a rain or shine, alcohol-free and family friendly celebration. Residents are asked to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.
The potential audience for this could be enormous. Will people come in from Oakville, will the GO trains be filled?
Hamilton is holding its own event – the location they have chosen doesn’t compare to what Burlington has.
An adhoc committee has been created – they will meet early in August, – 12+ members including SET Team, Tourism Burlington, Sound of Music Festival, local citizens and representatives from two charities and Halton Regional Police Services
McMahon the Minister now has a chance to give Burlington a great big thank you for electing her to office – send money.
Tourism Burlington leading on funding request to Tourism Ontario. The shiny new Minister of Tourism just happens to be our own gracious Eleanor McMahon who one hopes will shower some cash on the city that sent her to Queen’s Park. The Ministry must have a piggy bank somewhere in one of the offices.
John:
Hope to see you there. If I’m available, I’ll delegate in support of implementing an automated system. That said, it will also be in the hope that Council doesn’t retire to one of its trademark ‘closed sessions’ and may actually relax its rules so that questions can be posed of our elected representatives. Time to walk the talk of transparency and accountability. Alot to be said for ‘term limits’ as well but recorded votes is a start.
Mike
There is much to add regarding recorded votes, I look foreword to debating the issue when it comes to committee in the fall.
Until then … “It’s on! 8:30 – August 20th – Spencer Smith Park – final Tragically Hip concert broadcast live from Kingston.”
Editor – How is expressing your opinion about a councilors recorded vote, or your belief that everyone would understand or agree with your version of accountability and transparency add anything to what will be an exciting and important event ?
Using the opportunity to quote a councilors recorded vote added a negative tone to what is otherwise an informative and positive column.
That’s unfortunate.
Using your editors note is certainly your option however, when you do it’s considered courteous to post any reply.
Councillor Craven knew what he was doing when he articulated his reasons for voting against this motion. The fact the vote was recorded is secondary. But, it is also a refreshing step toward transparency needed in this city.
John:
I respect your right to have an opinion and be able to freely voice it but I honestly can not understand either your aversion to recorded votes or your apparent belief that they signal the coming of the apocalypse (per a previous comment that you posted). Whether or not funding the Tragically Hip Concert is a “good council decision” is at least subject to debate and I appreciate knowing that Councillor Craven finds it suspect. It enriches my knowledge of how Council acts/interacts (and I didn’t have to phone Councillor Craven or the rest of Council to find out). Again, for what it’s worth.
Nice informative column about the Hip event.
Unfortunately it also informs us how recorded votes can be used to detract from a good council decision.
Editor’s note:
Our commentator still fails to understand the relationship between elected officials and the people that put them in office.
Accountability and transparency!
Just another example (there are many) where Rick Craven would not know what FUN is if he bumped into it. “It’s just a nice to have” is surely what he says/thinks about Beachway homes. I smile everyday knowing that he’ll never realize the ‘CRAVEN Beachway Park’ during his Burlington political tenure.