Burlington Citizen Exchange Returns

Enjoying the last few weeks of summer? Gear up for fall with a new sport.

If you haven’t tried pickleball by now, then you have at least heard your friends and family rave about it. It’s the perfect sport to pick up as the weather cools.

A lot of people tell us they've been curious about pickleball for a while, but they've never played and aren't sure where someone with no experience is meant to start.

That's exactly what we built the Blue Zone Starter for.

For $59, you get a one-hour lesson with one of our certified instructors, and then 4 beginner play sessions to put it into practice.

You'll learn to play alongside other people who are starting out too, in a welcoming and fun environment. All you need to bring is yourself, we provide everything else.

Get active, build community, and start playing today.

✉️ [email protected]
📞 905-582-3600

Burlington's Mundialization Committee is organizing another citizen exchange with twin city Apeldoorn in the Netherlands for May 2027, with participants staying in local homes instead of hotels.

The adult-focused trips have been running since the two cities twinned in 2005, usually every two or three years. This will be roughly the seventh exchange. Apeldoorn will host Burlington residents next May, then Burlington hosts Apeldoorn visitors the following September.

Participants cover airfare and on-ground activities but stay with Apeldoorn families at no cost. Most groups add a few hotel nights in Amsterdam or The Hague after the week-long homestay. A $1,000 deposit is due around October, refundable until early 2027.

An information session is planned for early September. Anyone interested can email [email protected] or call 905-466-8425.

The space that briefly held Burlington's pop-up roller rink at Mapleview Centre is getting a new permanent tenant. Urban Planet, a Canadian fast-fashion retailer, is targeting September 18 for its official opening.

The clothing store will fill the entire spot formerly occupied by SUSO Skate Co., which closed in late June after a four-month run. SUSO had to vacate early when Mapleview found a permanent tenant for the space, a common outcome for pop-up leases.

Urban Planet plans to hire about 25 to 30 local staff in early September. The store sells everyday basics, statement pieces, footwear, and accessories at affordable prices, positioning itself as a go-to for current trends without the markup.

Burlington's sixth annual Food for Feedback event is back on Saturday, September 12, running noon to 3 p.m. at Central Park.

Residents can share their thoughts on city projects, this year's topics include the 2026 municipal election, stormwater management, and the Official Plan, then grab a free meal from one of four food trucks while supplies last. City staff will be on site at 20 project booths to answer questions and gather input.

The free drop-in event also includes a Kidz Zone where children can play while parents weigh in on city initiatives. If it rains, the event moves to the Burlington Seniors' Centre.

The fifth annual VegFest drew record crowds to Spencer Smith Park on Saturday, the second year back at the original waterfront location after three years at BurlOak.

The festival featured vendors, cooking demos, and live music, with proceeds going to animal welfare causes. Attendees sampled plant-based food and products throughout the afternoon.

Volunteer Halton's annual volunteer fair is back at St. Christopher's Church on Saturday, August 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with local organizations looking for hands ready to help.

Representatives from the Burlington Humane Society, Burlington Food Bank, and City of Burlington will be on site, alongside other charities and groups operating across the region. Volunteer Halton is part of Community Development Halton and is co-hosting the event with Open Doors.

Visitors can register for a chance to win a $25 Tim Hortons gift card. Registration is open now through the Volunteer Halton website.

Monday, August 17
☁️ Cloudy
High: 27°C | Low: 15°C

Tuesday, August 18
☀️ Sunny
High: 28°C | Low: 18°C

Wednesday, August 19
🌦️ Chance of showers
High: 25°C | Low: 15°C

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~ Nick