Burlington Patios Make National List

Victoria Day weekend brought some good news for Burlington's dining scene. Three local restaurants landed on OpenTable's annual list of Canada's top 100 patios, based on more than a million customer reviews collected this year.

Isabelle Restaurant and Lounge at 3 Elizabeth St., Spencer's at the Waterfront, and DiMario's Trattoria all made the cut. Over in Oakville, Verace Restaurant earned a spot for the fourth year running, while Cucci joined the list for the first time this year.

Aleksandra Popovic, co-owner of Verace, called the repeat recognition an honour. The restaurant takes pride in creating a warm atmosphere alongside authentic Italian cuisine, she says, and the team is grateful for the community's continued support.

The Halton Youth Symphony Orchestra is holding a community open house on Tuesday, May 26, inviting young musicians across the area to sign up as guest soloists with the group. The spots are valued at more than $850 each.

Led by violinist Paul Barna, the orchestra practices Tuesday nights at West Plains United Church and offers tuition-free scholarships. Students have recently taken home first-place wins and gold and silver medals at the Toronto music festival.

The orchestra's final community concert of the season is set for Tuesday, June 2.

Burlington council approved guidelines for when the mayor can use special powers granted by the province. The vote was four to two at the May 11 meeting. Two councillors running for mayor this fall, Rory Nisan and Lisa Kearns, voted against it, saying the guidelines don't fix what they see as a badly broken provincial law.

The guidelines suggest things the mayor should consider, like getting staff advice and timing. But they don't actually limit what the mayor can do.

The same meeting also backed a temporary housing program funded by $5 million in federal money. It runs until the end of 2027, waives some builder fees, and includes a new accessible design grant. Council votes May 26.

🏆 Chamber of Commerce Awards Local Leaders

🌳 Conservation Halton Burns Five Acres At Mountsberg

Nearly 400 students from Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School raised $76,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society in the school's first ever Relay For Life. The student-run campaign blew past its original $10,000 goal in just three days.

Friday's event brought students, teachers, and cancer survivors to the track for laps, face painting, games, and an inflatable obstacle course. English teacher Ian Anderson shaved his head after the school crossed $50,000, while another staff member promised to dye her hair once the goal was hit.

Two students raised over $2,000 each. Student organizer Brooklyn Russell said watching the numbers climb pushed everyone to make the event even bigger. The fundraiser remains open through the weekend.

Gord Pinard and Julie Rubinoff, co-leaders of CORE Burlington, have been awarded the inaugural Bill Hill Volunteerism Award for their seven-year campaign to stop the proposed Nelson Aggregates quarry expansion near Mount Nemo. The Reform Gravel Mining Coalition presented the award on May 12 at a ceremony in Orangeville.

The pair has raised over $500,000 through community fundraising to cover legal and expert witness costs, rallied neighbours during and after the pandemic, and presented testimony at a 2025 Ontario Land Tribunal hearing. Their work focuses on protecting North Burlington from risks including airborne carcinogens, blasting debris, groundwater threats, and heavy truck traffic on rural roads.

Monday, May 18
⛅ A mix of sun and cloud
High: 29°C | Low: 19°C

Tuesday, May 19
🌦️ Chance of showers
High: 29°C | Low: 16°C

Wednesday, May 20
🌧️ Showers and cooler
High: 13°C | Low: 6°