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News from Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna
Whats in this issue......
Dear Friends & Neighbours
July Drop-In Sessions
City News
What’s open and closed at the City for Canada Day
Canada Day Virtual Programming
Province announces Move to Step 2 to Reopen on June 30: Update on City services and outdoor facilities
City to Submit Expression of Interest to Purchase Surplus Bateman High School site
Ward 6 Rural News
It's Official! Rural Internet Coming
Halton Region News
COVID Vaccine Update
Appleby Line & Britannia Rd Intersection Improvements
Yard Waste Collection
HRPS News
Halton Regional Police Service Introduces Emergency Services to Newcomers Through New Virtual Program
Other News
Grace United Church Document Shredding Event
City Park Experience Team
Free Swimming for the Community
Summer Rec Drop-in Programs
Celebrate Burlington's Heritage
Expanded Library Services during Step 2
Dear Friends & Neighbours
Summer is here, and I'm excited to see the weather becoming consistently warmer and sunnier. Personally, I've been working through spring designing and planting shrubs & flowers, hoping that my garden blooms as summer moves forward. Summer is also a time for us to take the opportunity to get out for some exercise in our parks, hydro paths and trails.

I would like to thank our Halton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hamidah Meghani, her Team, and all our Front-Line Workers for the commitment they have shown throughout this pandemic by providing all of us with continuous guidance, coordination and rollout of vaccinations. Halton to date has administered over 388,500 first doses, and 164,500 second doses, on a population of approximately 550,000 people. Those numbers are incredible! Thank you.
 
I also would like to acknowledge the many residents for their continuous support and contribution to the well-being of our community. I have witnessed firsthand the generosity and outreach of citizens helping others. This is the Burlington I know, and this is one of the many attributes we have in our City.
 
This Council is also continuing its work towards maintaining Burlington as one of the best livable cities. We are working to protect our lands from environmental impacts to ensure the safety of our citizens by controlling the valuable greenspaces in Burlington. Burlington stands out as a very desirable place to live because of our high-quality infrastructure, services, parks and greenspaces.
 
The City of Burlington and Region of Halton continue to work through legislative changes from the Province to undertake growth plans to the year 2051. The City of Burlington, through its Official Plan, focuses its increased growth in the three Major Transit Station Areas (MTSA) along the Fairview/Plains road Go Station route. Burlington's goal is to build complete communities with the infrastructure and greenspace that compliments Burlington's vision of livability. Protecting our greenspace, preserving our natural heritage system and growing our green canopy will keep Burlington healthy and desirable.

Take care and stay safe,
Angelo
July Drop-In Sessions
Since we are now moving into stage 2, I am resuming my summer drop-in sessions.

Drop-in days by appointment only.
Social distancing will be practiced.
 
1.    Friday July 2 11:00 am -12:30 pm at the new Colin Alton Park on the west side of Thomas Alton and Walkers Line, next to the Leash Free Dog park area.
 
2.    Friday July 9 10:30 am -12:00 pm at Newport Park under the shade structure, behind the Henshaw police station.
 
3.    Monday July 12 10:30 am -12:00 pm in the shaded area parking lot in front of the Black Swan restaurant off Walker Line.
 
Alternatively, if you would like an evening appointment on either July 2, 9 or 12 please send me an email with a preferred time. angelo.bentivegna@burlington.ca
Everyone welcome, including children and pets to all locations.
City News
What’s open and closed at the City for Canada Day
City of Burlington administrative services will be closed for Canada Day on Thursday, July 1. For a full list of which City services and facilities are available on Canada Day visit burlington.ca
 
*Important information regarding COVID-19: The information provided below is accurate as of June 25, 2021. In the event of any changes made by the Province of Ontario to current COVID-19 public health measures, please visit burlington.ca/coronavirus for potential impacts to City services and programs.
Canada Day Virtual Programming
On Thursday, July 1, the City of Burlington will recognize Canada Day with some virtual programming, available at burlington.ca/CanadaDay. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the City’s priority to keep City staff and residents safe and healthy, this is the second year in a row the City will observe the holiday virtually.
Fireworks Safety Tips
In anticipation of the Canada Day holiday, a reminder to residents that family (low-hazard) fireworks are permitted to be set off on Canada Day. The City's bylaw  regulates where and when you can set off fireworks if you choose to have a family fireworks display.
  • Setting off of family fireworks is permitted between dusk (sunset) until 11 p.m.
  • No person under the age of eighteen years shall set off any firework(s)
  • Family fireworks must be discharged on private property and not in city parks, roadways and public open spaces, including parks and school yards
  • Fireworks shall not be discharged within 10 metres of buildings, structures, decks, vehicles, accessory building or other buildings.
 
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a virtual or public display hosted by trained and certified professionals.
 
If you choose to have a family or a home fireworks display, please follow these firework safety tips:
  • Only adults should handle and set off fireworks
  • Only use safety-certified fireworks sold by a trusted source
  • Choose a clear, open space, away from buildings, overhead wires and tree branches
  • Wear glasses and gloves when handling fireworks. Never hold a lit firework in your hand
  • Keep a water hose and/or bucket of water close by
  • Light only one firework at a time
  • Never hold a lit firework in your hand
  • Attempting to re-light a "dud" or defective firework is dangerous, it can quickly back-fire and result in severe burns
  • After the fireworks display, keep children away from used fireworks in case they are still active
  • Place sparklers and fireworks in a metal bucket of water or sand to cool down
  • Dispose of unused fireworks by completely submerging the fireworks in water and soak overnight and wrap the soaked fireworks in a plastic bag (so that they don’t dry out). Only then can you dispose in your regular household garbage.
For more information on fireworks safety tips or if you have a fire safety related concern, please visit Burlington.ca/fireworks
Province announces Move to Step 2 to Reopen on June 30:
Update on City services and outdoor facilities 
The Province has announced that Ontario, including Halton Region and the City of Burlington, will officially move into Step 2 of the Roadmap to Reopen, beginning Friday, June 30 at 12:01 a.m. The Roadmap is the province’s three-step plan to safely lift public health measures based on provincewide vaccination and infection rates.
 
Changes to recreation programming:

Sport Fields
Effective June 30, all outdoor sport is open, and the City will contact sport organizations for scheduling. Additional guidelines include:
  • Cohorting is no longer needed and there are no league limits
  • Incidental contact is allowed, e.g. tagging a player in baseball, or a defender using their body in soccer. Sustained contact that takes place in games like rugby or football is not permitted
  • Face masks are not required when outdoors but recommended. Masks are required if you cannot maintain a three-meter distance for sports, and two-meter distance for other activities
  • Outdoor sport facilities with spectators is permitted at 25% for seated venues. 
 
Outdoor Pools
Nelson and Mountainside Pool and Splash Parks, LaSalle Splash Park and splash pads are open for swimming lessons, drop-in lap swims, and recreational swims, including Tim Hortons Free Summer Swimming Days throughout the summer, until Sept. 6.
For all outdoor pools, registration is required 25-hours in advance at burlington.ca/dropinandplay, and all participants must fill out the pre-screening form one hour before their pool time at burlington.ca/screening.
Summer swim passes, and 30-day lap swim passes, can be purchased at liveandplay.burlington.ca
For more information on pools, visit burlington.ca/swimming.
 
Outdoor Adult Drop-in Programs
Outdoor adult drop-in programs for wellness and fitness are open for registration. Pre-registration is required at burlington.ca/dropinandplay.
 
Facilities
Indoor facilities will remain closed until Step 3 of the Province’s Roadmap to Reopen with exceptions such as summer camps.
City to Submit Expression of Interest to Purchase Surplus Bateman High School site
On June 24, the Halton District School Board (HDSB) announced that it has declared Robert Bateman High School surplus to its needs. As part of a provincially regulated process, the HDSB may offer to sell or lease the property to a list of public sector bodies. As one of the eligible bodies, City Council is fully supportive of the City of Burlington taking the important next step of formally submitting an expression of interest to purchase the Robert Bateman site.

The City’s expression of interest will include the exploration of a partnership with Brock University to offer post-secondary programming on this site. In the fall of 2020, Brock University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work with the City of Burlington to relocate the programming currently offered on its Hamilton campus to Burlington. The Robert Bateman High School site aligns with the City of Burlington’s goal to attract post-secondary education to the City.

In addition to exploring a relationship with Brock, the City also plans to partner with other institutions, ensuring that there is an adaptive reuse strategy for the site. This includes the Burlington Library relocating its Appleby Line branch to this location to develop a hub for learning and education.
Ward 6 Rural News
IT’S OFFICIAL! Rural Internet Coming
On May 12, 2021, MP Adam van Koeverden and Standard Broadband’s President and CEO Tom Williams announced that Universal Broadband Funding (UBF) has been awarded for North Burlington. How wonderful to see a local, independent Internet Service Provider receive acknowledgement of the innovation and excellence of its work. Standard was the only logical choice, as the ISP ready, willing, and able to provide the high-quality solution (fibre optic cable) that is sustainable and scalable. Construction will begin in phases in July/August 2021, with planned completion in November 2021. For more details and up-to-date information, visit Standard Broadband’s website.
Halton Region News
COVID Vaccine Update
All individuals who have received their first dose of an COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) are now able to reschedule their second dose appointment to an earlier date, at a minimum 28-day interval. Individuals who received AstraZeneca as their first dose will continue to be able to book a single second dose appointment at minimum interval of 8 weeks,as per Provincial direction. In addition, all residents who are booking a first appointment will receive their second dose appointment at a minimum 28-day interval.
Appleby Line and Britannia Rd Intersection Improvements
As of May 2021, Halton Region will be constructing a new roundabout at the intersection of Appleby Line and Britannia Road. This work is required to improve the flow of traffic and to enhance the safety for motorists in the area.
 
As part of this project, a temporary road closure will be required on Britannia Road west of Appleby Line. This closure will be in the early stages of construction for a duration of approximately two weeks.
 
A temporary weekend road closure will also be required on both Appleby Line and Britannia Road to facilitate the final paving of the new roundabout. This closure will be near the end of the construction project. Separate project notices will be sent to residents in advance of these road closures indicating the exact dates of closure and detour routes. Emergency vehicle access and local access will be maintained at all times.
 
Construction is anticipated to be completed by December 2021, weather permitting.
 
PLANNING AHEAD
To help you plan ahead for construction activity, please read the project related information
attached. Wherever possible, mitigation plans will be put in place to minimize disruptions.
 
For more information visit halton.ca.
Yard Waste Collection
Doing some gardening? Yard waste is collected every other week on the same day as garbage. Only yard waste bags or rigid reusable containers with a yellow yard waste label will be collected. Learn more: http://ow.ly/rOY450Fkcz6
Halton Region Police Services News
Halton Regional Police Service Introduces Emergency Services to Newcomers Through New Virtual Program
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is pleased to announce the launch of their new virtual Emergency Services Introduction for New Canadians (ESINC) program. Developed in partnership with local Fire Services, Halton Region Paramedic Services, and HMC Connections, the program uses educational videos to introduce the role of emergency services in Halton to English as a Second Language (ESL) and Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) learners across the region.
 
Topics covered by the educational videos include alcohol and cannabis use, internet safety, mental health response and support, and introductions to Fire and Paramedic Services in Halton. Each video within the virtual series is available in several languages including Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, and Urdu. The HRPS would like to thank HMC Connections and their volunteers for providing these translations.
 
Content for the new virtual ESINC program was developed in consultation with the Halton Multicultural Council and the newcomers they work with. This collaboration ensures that we respond to the changing needs of the newcomer community in Halton.
 
The HRPS will be working collaboratively with its partners to add additional videos to meet the changing needs of the diverse community in Halton. We invite you to visit www.haltonpolice.ca/esinc to view the new videos. We encourage those who wish to view our website content in another language to utilize the translate button located top right corner of the website. 
 
For more information on this initiative, or to suggest additional topics for future videos, please contact Sergeant Ryan Smith at 905-825-4747 ext. 5130 or email ryan.smith@haltonpolice.ca.
Other News
Grace United Church Document Shredding Event
Saturday July 10
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
2111 Walkers Line (1 block north of Upper Middle)
All COVID Guidelines will be followed
Documents destroyed right before your eyes (old taxes, bank statements, cheque books, legal files, bills, credit card statements, invoices, investment records, etc.) Personal or Business papers. A signed Certificate of Destruction can be issued as proof of secure destruction.
A donation of $5 per grocery bag or $10 per banker’s box is suggested
Exact change or cheques are preferred
Everyone welcome!
Park Experience Team
This summer, be on the lookout for Park Experience staff in parks throughout the city, providing residents and visitors with education and information about the City, local government and community services, programs and resources. We encourage you to have a conversation with a Park Experience team member, ask questions about City of Burlington projects and events or get help navigating the City’s website in real-time on a Park Experience team member’s tablet. Park Experience staff are also happy to pass along a compliment or help direct an issue to the right City staff person.
Free swimming for the Community
Tim Hortons will be sponsoring free swim days for Burlington residents this summer. Free one-and-a-half-hour swims will occur throughout the summer starting June 19 to Sept. 6.
Register 25 hours ahead at burlington.ca/timsfreeswims to reserve your spot for your family.  
Summer Drop-In Programs
Summer is here, get active, with a City summer drop-in program! Whether you are looking for adult programs or activities for your children, Parks & Recreation have drop-in programs for you. Explore fitness, lap swimming, recreational swimming or wellness programs.
 
Register 25 hours ahead to book a spot for yourself and your family at burlington.ca/dropinandplay
Celebrate Burlington’s Heritage
The dedicated members of Burlington’s Heritage Advisory Committee have put together an exciting lineup of activities in honour of Heritage Week, taking place from Aug. 2 to 8. Residents are invited to learn more about the events, issues and sites that have shaped Burlington and Canada, by attending one or more of the many informative sessions planned throughout the week.

Working together with a variety of local organizations, including the Burlington Historical Society, Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington Public Library, Burlington Museums, United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada - Burlington, Freeman Station, Halton Black History Awareness Society, Heritage Services - Halton Region, and David Craig of History Pix, the Heritage Committee has planned a schedule of events that celebrates many aspects of Burlington’s heritage.

Activities will include:
  • an online hearth demonstration from Museums Burlington at Ireland House Museum
  • a bike tour of heritage sites in Aldershot (if permitted with current COVID-19 restrictions)
  • a virtual presentation from Dr. David Galbraith, Head of Science at Royal Botanical Gardens about the City’s Honour Roll of Trees
  • a virtual Curator Talk on ceramics, in partnership with the Art Gallery of Burlington
  • a digital Doors Open Burlington: Behind the Door, featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the operation of some local businesses
Expanded Library Services during Step 2
Burlington Public Library branches are open every day except holidays—with 24/7 access to digital collections and online resources.
  • Expanded library services – Six branches are now open for limited walk-in services, browsing, and computer use.
  • Virtual library programs – From storytimes and hands-on @home fun for the little ones to books clubs, interesting talks and informative workshops, trivia games & more.
  • Summer Reading Club – Offered online, it’s free, it’s fun, it’s easy, and it’s for everyone all summer long!
We look forward to offering fuller services with fewer limitations during Step 3 of Ontario's Roadmap to Reopen and beyond. Let’s keep safe, well, and cautiously optimistic!
905.639.3611 / bpl.on.ca
Prevention & Social Distancing
Practice Social Distancing  
Although we are moving into the next stage, we must stay diligent to keep the numbers down and to prevent another wave. 
 
We urge everyone to follow the advice of qualified health care professionals. Social distancing and wash your hands thoroughly and often are still best practice to prevent COVID-19. Wearing a mask is now required in Halton in indoor spaces. 
 
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF:
The best way to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses including COVID-19 is to:
  • stay home when ill;
  • cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve;
  • wash hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand rub; and
  • clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
For more information visit:
Let's Keep in Touch
In compliance with Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation, recipients of this newsletter may unsubscribe at any time. Many residents have contacted me or provided me with their email addresses during the campaign period and I thank you for signing up to receive updates. Please feel free to forward my newsletter to your friends, family, neighbours and colleagues so they can sign up as well.

Please add angelo.bentivegna@burlington.ca to your address book so my correspondence will be sure to land in your inbox. You may unsubscribe at any time.
As always, you may contact me through email, phone, social media or by attending Ward 6 public open house meetings or drop-in sessions.