February 2021

Happy Family Day - I hope everyone has a great weekend of video calls with loved ones, walks in the park and outdoor hikes, etc. A reminder that garbage pick up will be one day later next week due to the holiday - read more on what's open and closed this Monday February 15.

In the Fall, staff presented their annual report to Board of Health on climate change goals and progress made for 2020, as well as updated timelines, Hamilton's Community Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions between 2006-2018 and more. These nine goals are broken down into what different departments and teams have collaboratively worked on for the past year to mitigate and adapt to climate changes.

Last ENEWS, we shared how we worked towards accelerating the uptake of modes of transportation that are low and/or zero emissions, ensuring a climate change lens is applied to all planning initiatives to encourage the use of best climate mitigation and adaptation practices, and procuring goods, services and construction from vendors who conduct their business in a sustainable and ethical manner that considers equity, diversity and inclusion that contributes to the greater good of the community.

Goal 6: To increase our carbon sinks and local food production through the preservation and enhancement of the natural environment, including local farmland (including

Goal 7: To improve Hamilton’s climate resiliency by decreasing our vulnerability to extreme weather, minimizing future damages, take advantage of opportunities, and better recover from future damages

Winter at Mountsberg Conservation Area

When: Wednesdays - Sundays

Time: 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Where: 2259 Milburough Line, Campbellville, ON

Winter at Mountsberg Conservation Area is a magical this time of year! Go for an illuminated walk in the wooded trails at Mountsberg, that always beautiful around this time of year but now they are more magical than ever. The Winterlit Trail (600m round trip) features a unique and stunning lighting experience with inspirational art installations along the trail. Also at Mountsberg, the Illuminated Sugar Bush Trail (1km round trip) features soft overhead lighting to allow for a beautiful evening stroll through the sugar bush. This experience will include soundtracks from local musicians while you enjoy the beauty of Mountsberg in winter, safely.

Where: Westfield Heritage Village, 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton, Ontario

Visit the “kissing bridge” (also known as a covered bridge) at

Westfield Heritage Village Conservation Area this Valentine's Day and Family Day weekend. Westfield has approximately 204 hectares (503 acres) in size and features natural woodlands, plantation forests, provincially significant wetlands, meadow areas, cultural heritage features from past farming operations, and several well-marked recreational trails easily accessed from the village area.Access to the trails and conservation area is seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset. Explore the almost 8 kilometres of easy walking trails.

When: On until February 15, 2021

Where: Participating Restaurants in Flamborough & Hamilton

Soupfest 2021 will look differently this year however it will be as tasty as ever. From January 29 - February 15, head out and support local restaurants in Waterdown, Burlington and Greater Hamilton Area by buying their Soupfest Signature Soup for take-out. Then, you will have the opportunity to vote online! Judging will take place on line. Each restaurant is generously donating a portion of the proceeds to the Living Rock Youth Centre. It has never been more important to shop local.

When: On until February 15, 2021

Hamilton Winterfest 2021 is making the shift to a virtual festival and bringing the community more than 50 unique opportunities to engage online, on a walk, or in your home. With amazing partners like the Art Gallery of Hamilton, Factory Media Arts Centre, Hamilton Fringe Festival and many more, there’s something for everyone. Check out the events calendar and download the digital magazine packed with ideas for Winter fun at www.hamiltonwinterfest.ca or on your favourite social media platform.

When: Friday February 12, 19, 26, 2021

Time: 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Where: Royal Canadian Legion Branch #36, 280 King St W, Dundas

Stuffed. Handcrafted Perogies is hosting Take-Out Perogy Dinners the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #36. With COVID-19 restrictions, all meals are for take-out only and can be pre-ordered online by Wednesdays at 5:00 pm, where you can conveniently schedule your pick up time. Cash or interac/debit payments accepted (sorry no credit cards).

When: Wednesday February 17, 2021

Time: 7:00 pm

Where: Virtual by Zoom

The Flamborough Horticultural Society, an avid group of gardeners, continues to host educational seminars via Zoom for members. Susan Chater, artist, photographer, and gardener, whose property has become her second canvas, will provide a virtual presentation on February 17th on some of the flora and fauna of New Zealand. For those of you who have never been to New Zealand, you will want to put it on your bucket list after seeing this Zoom presentation. Join us! The non-member fee for this presentation is $5.00 emailed/bank e-transferred to [email protected]. For other methods of payment, please contact [email protected]. Once the fee is paid, you will receive the link closer to the day of the meeting. If you decide to join for 3 speaker presentations, you automatically become a member and qualify for other benefits. See the Flamborough Review for Susan Chater’s Bio and a short article by Jennifer Godyn. Contact the Flamborough Horticultural Society to become a member ($15 per year), have access to many great speakers and join the Zoom meetings.

When: Thursday February 18, 2021

Time: 10:00 am

Where: Flamborough Connects, Facilitated through Zoom 

Stay connected this winter with Flamborough Connects. Learn important tips and tools to help you better manage your finances in retirement. Presented by Mimi Hong from Certified Professional Accountants of Canada. Call Flamborough Connects to register at 905 689 7880 or email [email protected].

When: Saturday February 20, 2021

On February 20th, join Eagles Nest for Coldest Night of the Year and be a part of a story that changes lives and restores hope in our community. Plan your self-organized micro walk in support of Eagles Nest and the programs provided at the HOPE Centre.The Coldest Night of the Year is a covid-safe, family-friendly walk to raise money to serve those experiencing homelessness, hurt, and hunger. Plan your walk "with" us on February 20, 2021 – there’s a place for everyone!

When: Thursday, February 25, 2021

Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Where: Flamborough Connects, Facilitated through Zoom

Non-profits and community groups are invited to join Flamborough Connects – virtually, for free professional seminars on communicating with your networks and adapting to virtual volunteerism now and post COVID. Sessions presented by Volunteer Toronto and Leamen and Associates. To register, please click here.

When: Sunday February 28 to Saturday March 6, 2021

COVID-19 forced restrictions on Social Gatherings and Public Health Guidelines. It has also placed tremendous increase demands on the Emergency Food Bank and Community Services Agencies. As a result, the Ancaster Community Food Drive for the year of 2021 will move to a virtual and online format. Information to support an online donation to our Affiliated Agencies can be found at www.ancasterfooddrive.ca and supported via [email protected]

When: Thursday March 4, 2021

Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

As a “Woman of Distinction” award recipient, Councillor Partridge is delighted to support the recognition of women in our community who are front line workers during COVID-19. On March 4, join her for a special “virtual” edition of YWCA Hamilton's Women of Distinction Awards, a "Courage of Covid" event dedicated to highlighting women and girls in Flamborough / Hamilton and Halton who have made a real impact during the Covid-19 pandemic. This year, the awards categories will shine a light on those at the forefront of COVID-19, including frontline workers, innovators, advocates, change-makers, young trailblazers, and everyday heroes who rolled up their sleeves in response to the pandemic.

When: Tuesday March 9, 2021

Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

The Bay Area Climate Forum is the #1 annual event focused on climate action in the Hamilton-Burlington Bay Area. The theme of this year's event is "Around the Kitchen Table: Discussing Climate Change with others." Hear updates on progress to our region’s climate goals and join the discussion on having better climate conversations. Our keynote Katharine Hayhoe is an award winning climate scientist, viral TED Talk host and host of the PBS Digital Series Global Weirding. Katharine will be speaking about overcoming the barriers to public acceptance of climate impacts and solutions. This free virtual event will be held on Zoom – register here. Live Closed Captioning and ASL Interpretation will be provided.

Website: February Events at HPL

The Hamilton Public Library (HPL) provides many on-line fun learning resources for all ages. Councillor Partridge encourages your family to visit the link above for some fun learning resources such as activities, online tutoring, print and digital resources.

A few highlights from above link: Join in for Reading Buddies for kids ages 4-8 on Saturdays at 10am, where volunteer tutors from Frontier College make reading fun. On Tuesday February 23, 1pm, discover the art of journaling and its link to resilient aging during "Writing for Life". Don't forget HPL is waiving all fines on all library materials until December 31, 2021.

Call: 289 895 8580

Where: Flamborough Women's Resource Centre

The Flamborough Women’s Resource Centre (FWRC) located in Waterdown is a satellite location of Interval House. Councillor Partridge and staff at FWRC wants all women to know that services are still there for them. In responding to government directives and call to action from the Chief Public Health Officer, we are working hard to protect women and children in crisis to ensure access to their services. Please call 289 895 8580 for support. A quick reference of local support services is available at this link.

When: Open Tuesdays

Time: 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Where: Grace Anglican Church, 157 Mill Street N (parking can be accessed from ​182 Main Street N)

Food with Grace Waterdown Food Bank remains open to all in the community, with precautionary restrictions, on Tuesdays from 2-6pm. Please do not arrive before 1:30 pm. Neighbours seeking food assistance will be provided with pre-made bags of food at the entrance door. Thank you to our generous community for their donations.

When: Open Wednesdays

Time: 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Where: Flamborough Food Bank, Carlisle United Church,

The Flamborough Food Bank remains open weekly on Wednesdays 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Instead of entering the Food Bank for personal shopping, food is being packed into hampers by 2 volunteers who work 6 feet apart. Hampers are placed near the front door, into carts and then cars. There is no close contact between clients or volunteers. For more information, please contact Jim Leamen, 905-690-1036; [email protected]

Councillor Judi Partridge | [email protected]