Burlington Parents: Your Child’s Swim Skills Are About to Disappear

Winter kills progress. Kids forget. Confidence fades. And when summer hits? Panic.

That’s why Burlington families are locking in winter swim spots at Back to Basics Swim Academy, before they’re gone.

We’re not a chain. We’re local. Small classes. Certified instructors. Warm pools. And lessons that actually work.

Whether your child’s terrified of water or needs to keep leveling up, this is where confidence grows, not resets.

Here’s the deal:

Free trial lesson — no risk, just results
Tiny class sizes — actual attention, real progress
Limited winter spots — filling fast, don’t wait

Water safety isn’t seasonal. Your kid deserves more than splashy chaos.

Spots are going. Fast.

Don’t just take our word for it.

👉 See what parents have to say about us and why families trust Back to Basics with their swimmers.

 👉 Book your free trial now and make this the winter your child finally learns to swim for real.

The Robbie Burns Road Race returns this Sunday with both 4K and 8K options winding through downtown Burlington. The event blends competitive running with a welcoming walk-and-run atmosphere, raising funds for the Fit Active Beautiful Foundation while celebrating a long-standing winter tradition.

Drivers should expect morning road closures and transit delays, but the payoff is a lively downtown scene filled with runners, walkers, and spectators.

🚧 See the impacted roads here.

A renewed Civic Square at Burlington City Hall is now scheduled to begin construction this April, with completion planned before the end of 2026. The $3.8-million project will update the public space, improve accessibility, and add new features like seating, lighting, and a water element.

During construction, Brant Street entrances to city hall will be closed, with access maintained from Locust Street. It’s a big change for downtown, aimed at making a well-used civic space more welcoming year-round.

Ontario’s blue bin recycling program is set for another change, and it could catch some households off guard. Starting March 1, only items placed inside recycling bins will be collected. Blue bags, cardboard left beside the bin, and other extra items will be left behind.

The shift is meant to reduce contamination and keep sorting systems running smoothly, but it comes amid ongoing frustration with missed pickups and unclear rules. Extra bins are expected to be available soon as residents adjust.

📸 Picture Gallery of Snowfall in Burlington

🛣️ City Considers QEW Off-Ramp Changes to Reduce Congestion

We wrote about Burlington’s Hockeyville bid earlier this week, and the picture is getting clearer. More and more, the community seems to be rallying around Central Arena as the rink people want to support.

It’s an easy choice for a lot of people. Central Arena is well used, well loved, and full of local history. A Hockeyville win would bring a televised NHL pre-season game and $250,000 for needed repairs or upgrades, turning all that support into something that lasts.

After all the recent snowfall, health officials are reminding people to pace themselves while shovelling. Doctors say heavy snow, especially when lifted repeatedly, can put real strain on the heart and lead to a spike in heart attacks after big storms.

If you are older, not very active, or have heart concerns, asking for help or using lighter loads can make a difference. Feeling chest pressure, dizziness, nausea, or unusual discomfort are signs to stop and get help. Sometimes the safest move is leaving the shovel for someone else.

Friday, January 16
🌨️ Snow showers
High: -2°C | Low: -2°C

Saturday, January 17
🌨️ Snow showers
High: 1°C | Low: -8°C

Sunday, January 18
☁️ Mostly cloudy
High: -5°C | Low: -7°C