Royal Botanical Gardens is pleased to share that the Canada Strong Pass will return this summer, made possible by the Government of Canada. From June 19 to September 7, 2026, children age 17 and under receive free admission, and young adults aged 18-24 receive half-price admission!

Canada Strong Pass applies to Garden Admission for all garden areas open on the day of visit, which includes daytime admission to RBG’s upcoming summer exhibit, ANCHORBALL: A Curious Art Journey! Pricing adjustments are automatically applied when purchasing online or in-person (no physical pass is required).

This offer does not apply to separately ticketed special events, programs, exhibits, group visits, or membership purchases. Canada Strong Pass continues until September 7^th, so be sure to checkrbg.ca/canada-strong-pass for details on what’s available during your visit!

“Summer in Ontario is one of the best times to enjoy the many unique cultural treasures and tourism experiences that make this province an exciting place to visit,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “With free and discounted admission for youth and young adults at world-class museums and one-of-a-kind attractions like Royal Botanical Gardens, this pass offers an excellent opportunity to explore this beautiful province with your friends and family.”

“Museums allow us to discover what brings us together: our history, our creativity, our perspectives and the stories that shape Canada. With the Canada Strong Pass, even more Canadians will be able to enjoy cultural experiences across the country, while saving money.” —The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages.

Plan your visit:

• For hours of operation visit rbg.ca/hours 
• Purchase admission online at rbg.ca/tickets
• Learn more about Canada Strong Pass at RBG rbg.ca/canada-strong-pass
  

More information about the Canada Strong Pass is available from the Department of Canadian Heritage.

^{I’m really not so old – or so I tell myself – but when I was born, my father wasn’t in the hospital room. I had a stay-at-home mother who deprived the workforce of her many talents to lovingly spend her days with a babbling (and adorable!) toddler. Dad was a foreman at General Electric and provided for us financially, but I can pretty much guarantee that he never crawled on the floor in a toy store to play horsey with his kid like the dads I see today.} 

^{Fatherhood looks entirely different in 2026.}

^{Then and now}

^{In the 1970s, the breadwinner model still dominated family life. Statistics from the era show that just one percent of stay-at-home parents were fathers, and more than half of single-earner families relied solely on a father’s income.} 

^{By the 1980s, those expectations were beginning to shift. More women were entering the workforce, and family dynamics started to change. Fathers were still largely seen as providers, but they were becoming more present in everyday family life. Even so, a 1982 survey found that 43 percent of fathers reported never having changed a diaper — a statistic that now feels almost impossible to imagine.}

^{The 1990s marked another turning point. Fathers were increasingly present at births, and the definition of a “good dad” began expanding. Beyond financial support, fathers were expected to provide emotional involvement and nurturing. Over time, public policy also changed things. Parental leave programs gradually encouraged fathers to take time off with newborns, especially in Quebec, where dedicated paternity leave dramatically increased participation.}

^{By 2015, nearly half of Canadian fathers reported providing daily care for their children, compared with one in three in the mid-1980s. Fathers now account for at least 11 percent of stay-at-home parents, a sevenfold increase since the 1970s.} 

^{The involvement shift}

^{Juan Sarmiento, Founder & Owner of Vereda Central Coffee Roasters and a present-day dad, says that everything he does is for his family. As someone who takes his three “most wonderful and beautiful girls in the world” to school and picks them up every day, attends every recital or rehearsal and helps with homework, he doesn’t sound at all like the career men one might have encountered in the 1970s.} 

^{“Dad mode is 24/7 for me,” Sarmiento says. “I love hanging out with my family.”}

^{While the path toward equality in parenting is still evolving, one thing is clear: modern fatherhood is increasingly defined by being present.  For many fathers, this requires some careful juggling but is worth every second.}

^{Jon Root, Look Local magazine’s Creative Director, has two boys, ages five and 18 months, who “look identical but have vastly different personalities.” Like many working parents, Root’s day involves constant shifts between professional and family roles.}

^{“Mornings and late afternoons I try not to look at my phone so that I can focus on family,” he explains. “From six to nine in the morning and five to eight in the evening it’s usually full-on dad mode.”}

^{“The most challenging aspect of parenting while juggling a busy career is the lack of time,” Root says. “I constantly feel pulled in different directions, but ultimately the boys always come first. Nothing is as rewarding as spending time with them and watching them grow.”}

^{Jordan Zalter, a sales representative with RE/MAX Escarpment Realty, shares a similar perspective. He and his wife, Kim, are raising two children aged 11 and nine. “I try to keep work away from the kids as much as possible and set aside at least four days a week for school pickup,” he says. “I learned this lesson from my father, who is a retired physician, but I take pride in being able to be both a professional and a present father.”}

^{Thanks, Dad!}

^{Research shows that involved fathers make a measurable difference. Children with positively engaged fathers often demonstrate stronger cognitive development, improved emotional well-being, and better social outcomes.}

^{In other words, the quiet transformation of fatherhood over the past half-century has reshaped both family and community. Today, men with busy work lives have found ways to commit fully to their families. Even better, career and family can be mutually inspiring.} 

^{“My goal in life is to leave a legacy to my family primarily and to my community,” says Sarmiento. “The most rewarding thing is to see the pride and joy in my daughters’ faces when they go to any of our stores and see, first-hand, all that their parents have built from scratch.”}

Summer warms our skin, fires up our soul and reminds us that life is too fleeting to stay indoors. As the temps increase, so do the number of outside events that Halton has to offer. There is something to suit all tastes whether you are a foodie, love music, arts and crafts, or want to explore diverse cultures. Here’s your challenge: check out the list below and see how many events you can attend this summer! 

BURLINGTON

Lakeshore Music & Arts Festival: June 20-21, Spencer Smith Park

The Sound of Music Festival may be history, but out of its ashes a new festival has arisen which will focus on Canadian artists and local artisans. The free festival will have multi-stages, food trucks and activities geared to family fun. lakeshorefestival.ca

Concerts in the Park Series: June 21 – August 30 (Sunday and Wednesday), 7 – 8:30 pm, Central Park Bandshell, 2299 New Street. 

Listen to 50s and 60s rock, Motown, jazz, big bands, brass bands, and more in the fresh night air. 

Canada Day Celebration: July 1, Spencer Smith Park. 

Celebrate Canada Day with your community with a full day of entertainment, food, and fun for the kids. The evening wraps up with a spectacular drone and firework show.

Burlington Veg Fest, August 15, 11:30 am – 6:30 pm, Spencer Smith Park.

If you are vegan, vegetarian or just curious, the Veg Fest is for you! Listen to guest speakers, eat delicious food, explore workshops and check out the vendors and kids’ activities. Visit their site for updates: burlingtonvegfest.com

Canada’s Largest Ribfest: September 4-7, Spencer Smith Park. 

As well as boasting award winning ribs, and music to suit all tastes, the fest has a vibrant kid’s zone with midway rides. If you don’t fancy ribs, there’s lots more to eat!

OAKVILLE

Northeast Oakville Fair: May 24, 11 am – 4 pm, Glenashton Park, 1051 Glenashton Drive. 

Featuring food, crafts, face painting and community displays, it’s a full day of fun.

Community Living Oakville’s Food Truck Friday: May 29, noon – 2 pm, Towne Square, 210 Lakeshore Road East. 

This is a great opportunity to enjoy tasty food and support diversity and inclusion. 

Mayor’s Historical Picnic: June 7, Lakeside Park, 144 Front Street. 

Bring your chairs and picnic lunches and enjoy an afternoon featuring games, crafts, live music, and dance performances suitable for the entire family.

Bronte Lake Notes: June 18 – September 3, 7 pm – 9 pm, Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park, Sails Stage, 2340 Ontario Street. 

Sing, dance and bask in summer’s glow during this series of free concerts by local bands.

Canada Day Celebrations: July 1, Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park.
Featuring live entertainment, activities for all ages, food, and of course, fireworks!

Oakville Food Truck Festival: July 11-12, Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park, 2340 Ontario Street. 

With 30 food trucks featuring their signature dishes, most cravings will be satisfied. Local performers, vendors, and games for the kids ensure that everyone leaves with a smile on their face! canadianfoodtruckfestivals.com/oakville

Emancipation Day Picnic: August 4, 1 – 4 pm, Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate, 8 Navy Street. 

Honouring Oakville’s role in the Underground Railroad, and the abolition of slavery, the picnic presents cultural performances, live music and delicious Caribbean food, which can be pre-ordered.

CRAFT Live Afro-Caribbean Canadian Waterfront Fete: August 29, Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park.

Celebrate the achievements of Caribbean, African and Black Canadian cultures while moving to funk and soul, blues, jazz, disco, steelpan, soca, calypso and more at this free, all ages festival.

DUNDAS

Live & Local Music Series: July 5 – September 6 on Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm.

This free series features local talent and takes place at various locations, including The Old Post Office and Memorial Square.Dundas Cactus Festival: August 21-23, 130 King Street West.

Celebrating its 51^st year, this festival never disappoints with free and accessible entertainment on four stages, over 100 street vendors and many activities for the kiddos. dundascactusfestival.ca

WATERDOWN

Oh Canada Ribfest: June 25-28, Waterdown Memorial Park, 200 Hamilton Street North.

Along with yummy ribs don’t miss the fireworks at dusk on June 26, and Freedom Train performing on June 27. Full lineup at ohcanadaribfest.ca

By Cyndi Ingle

After meeting on the hit reality TV series Bachelor in Paradise eight years ago, where former contestants from The Bachelor and The Bachelorette pursue new relationships in a resort setting, Astrid and Kevin Wendt decided to call the GTA home. These days, their life is less about rose ceremonies and more about routine. From school drop-offs and coffee pick-ups to family outings and the occasional date night, it’s in these moments that they’ve come to know and love Burlington for its small-town feel and big-city amenities.

Originally from Florida, Astrid faced one major adjustment when she moved to Canada: the weather! When she fell in love with Kevin, the couple started to build their life in Toronto to be close to his work. Navigating infertility challenges and making important life decisions during the pandemic led them to Burlington, a space that worked perfectly for their growing family — which now includes two sons and two rescue dogs.  

“Since moving here, we keep feeling like we’ve stepped into a 90s movie,” shares Astrid. “Kids still play outside and knock on neighbours’ doors, and school drop-offs feel like a fun social activity. It’s a community more than just another place to live.”Look Local asked Astrid to share her personal guide to Burlington, including her go-to restaurants, fitness classes, and ideal weekend plans. Here’s a glimpse into how Astrid and Kevin are settling into life along Lake Ontario.

Where do you like to take Kevin on a date night?

Kevin enjoys an activity over dinner, so I’d probably take him to a comedy show at Nickel Brook. They always have great events happening, and the food and drinks have never disappointed.

What restaurant is Kevin most likely to take you to? Isabelle Restaurant at the Pearle. There are so many great places in Burlington, but we always find ourselves going back there. Their patio is amazing on a summer day, and I love their whipped feta appetizer.

Where’s the best coffee in town?

The new Peach Coffee Co. recently opened on Upper Middle, and we’re obsessed. They always have fun, seasonal coffees, and their messages on the lids are a great way to start the day.

Summer’s almost here! Where do your kids love to go on a sunny day?

Any and all of the splash pads in Burlington!

How would you spend a perfect weekend with your family?

My perfect weekend is from May to September when the weather is nice. The kids have sports activities in the morning, and we would spend the afternoon cooling off by the pool in the backyard. For dinner, we’d head somewhere in the Village Square, followed by some ice cream at the waterfront. 

What’s one place in Burlington you can’t live without?

Oxygen Yoga & Fitness. The best classes. The best staff. The most amazing community.

Have you discovered a hidden gem?

This one is for the girls – thelittleproject! It’s the cutest little boutique nail salon. It’s the perfect way to unwind and treat yourself.

Are there any local traditions or events you’ve come to love?

The annual rib festival [Canada’s Largest Ribfest] is our absolute favourite. We recently got tickets to the Nashville Takeover that’s coming to town, and we’re really excited for that too.

You often poll your social media followers for recommendations. Have your local followers been helpful with tips about Burlington?My followers are amazing at helping me find everything I need in the area. My beauty recommendations really come from them. Her Studios does incredible hair, and Mezzmerize Medical Aesthetics is my go-to for Botox and laser treatments. Anagen Scalp Institute does the most amazing scalp facials, and Onyx Salon cuts all the boys’ hair. Love them all!

Astrid’s Local Links

Nickel Brook Brewing Co.
3426 Mainway, Burlington
www.nickelbrook.com

Isabelle Restaurant & Lounge
3 Elizabeth Street, Burlington
Isabelle.ca

Peach Coffee Co.
3505 Upper Middle Road, Burlington
peachcoffeeco.com

Oxygen Yoga & Fitness North Burlington
2455 Appleby Line, C5, Burlington
oxygenyogaandfitness.com

thelittleproject
390 Plains Road East, Burlington
thelittleproject.ca

Her Studios
5220 Dundas Street, Burlington
www.herstudiosinc.com

Mezzmerize Medical Aesthetics
422 Pearl Street, Unit 51, Burlington
mezzmerize.com

Anagen Hair & Scalp Institute
2060 Lakeshore Road, Burlington
www.anagen.ca

The Onyx Salon Collective
700 Guelph Line, Unit 3, Burlington
onyxsalon.ca

By Nicole Hilton

My daughter has grown up on the sidelines – watching her brothers play football, first flag, then tackle – sitting through hours of weekly practice in rain, sleet, and snow, and waiting for the day she’d finally get her chance to play.

This spring, she’s pulling on her own cleats for the first time. And she’s not the only one. Across Halton, more kids are stepping onto flag football fields than ever before.

Why flag football is taking off

Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in North America. There are now more than 20 million players across 100 countries. It will make its Olympic debut – with both men’s and women’s teams – at the 2028 Summer Games.

Here in Halton, local organizations have been building flag programs for decades, laying strong foundations that are now meeting a much bigger wave of interest.

“Flag football continues to expand rapidly, with girls and young women joining the sport in record numbers,” says George Shamoun, Director of Flag Football at Burlington Minor Football Association (BMFA). He’s also seeing increased registration in the 12-and-13 age group, many using it as a pathway into rep flag, tackle, or high school football.

For a lot of families, the appeal is its practicality – lower cost, less equipment, no contact – without losing what makes team sports valuable: competition, structure, and the opportunity to build confidence. “It’s a game that everybody can play,” says Coy O’Billovich, commissioner of Halton Minor Flag Football.

What makes flag different  

What sets flag football apart isn’t just accessibility. It’s the way the game is played.

It rewards quick decision-making, spatial awareness, and agility just as much as speed or size. At the rep level, the game becomes fast and highly tactical, says Shamoun. At the house league level, it offers something just as important: connection. “Flag football brings together athletes from different schools, sports, and social circles,” he adds.

Where to play in Halton

Burlington Minor Football Association (BMFA)
burlingtonfootball.ca | @burlingtonfootball_official
Rep & House League | Ages 8–18 | Co-ed, Boys & Girls
Burlington

Celebrating 60 years in the community, BMFA offers both house league and rep flag football (spring and fall), with co-ed, boys, and girls divisions. Its rep program – an advanced, tryout-based pathway – has seen significant growth, with strong demand from athletes looking to compete at a higher level.

BMFA is also the only Football Ontario sanctioned, non-profit flag football program in the province, offering families a trusted, development focused environment.

Halton Minor Flag Football (NFL Flag Affiliate)
haltonminorfootball.teamsnapsites.com | @haltonminorflag
House League | Ages 6–17 | Co-ed
Oakville & Milton 
Halton Minor Flag Football, an NFL Flag–affiliated league, offers a high-energy, community-driven approach to the game. Seasons run in the spring and fall, with programming structured to be accessible for families and welcoming to players of all skill levels.

Players of the week are celebrated with pizza and ice cream. There’s even a league mascot and opportunities for athletes to connect with the sport at the next level.

Halton Regional Police Service: Skills & Drills
haltonpolice.ca/community-resources/youth-engagement @HaltonPolice
Free Program | Ages 12–17 | Co-ed

One of Halton’s newer flag football programs, Skills & Drills was created by the Halton Regional Police Service to provide youth with a structured, inclusive space to learn and play – at no cost. The program is made possible through partners like ProAction Cops & Kids.

Each session is adapted to accommodate varying skill levels. Beginners focus on fundamentals like catching and footwork, while more experienced players move into gameplay, with officers actively participating to build confidence, teamwork, and connection. Each session wraps with pizza and time to connect.Hosted at the Oakville Soccer Club, the program runs once a week in nine-week sessions, year-round, in small groups. Registration is shared through HRPS social channels, with limited spots available each session. For more information, contact Cedrik.brisebois@haltonpolice.ca.

What comes next

“Twenty years from now, our athletes could be Olympic champions, university champions, and beyond,” says O’Billovich.

That kind of future doesn’t feel as far off as it once did.

And somewhere on a flag field in Halton this spring, a five-year-old in brand new cleats is stepping onto the field into a version of the game that can take them further than ever before.

By Anneliese Lawton 

Look Local invites you to support these businesses which have recently opened in our community! Check them out and pay them a visit!

GYM & JUICE
5230 South Service Road Unit 201A, Burlington
gymandjuice.ca

This family-friendly gym and fitness studio recently opened in Burlington. The beautiful space includes a boutique fitness studio, a fully-equipped personal training gym, and on-site childcare, with a baby gym for infants and an indoor playground for kids aged 3 to 8. They offer a wide range of fitness classes, including their signature Fit Mama classes, where babies are always welcome in the studio. After your workout, relax and refuel with a healthy snack or a smoothie from the Juice Bar Café! You can rent the gym for kids’ birthday parties too.

ANDREA’S COOKIES
270 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville
andreascookies.com

Andrea’s Cookies first opened in Toronto in 2019, when self-taught baker Andrea Mears started baking at home and personally delivering her cookies
during the pandemic. As demand grew, she opened her first store in Bloor West Village, and has since expanded to two other locations in Toronto before opening in the heart of Downtown Oakville this year. To say that these cookies are decadent and divine is an understatement! The range of flavours is mind-boggling, so to help you narrow it down, they offer a selection of six featured flavours on the menu each week. The selection rotates weekly based on high demand, classic favourites, new flavours and the seasons.

OUTSTANDING VENTURES THERAPY
395 Pearl Street, Burlington
outstandingventurestherapy.com

Outstanding Ventures Therapy opened their clinic recently in Downtown Burlington, with a mission to create a world where every child with special needs has an equal opportunity to thrive. They provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy for children and youth with autism and developmental needs. Services are provided in the clinic or directly at home, depending on what works best for families. Recognizing the importance of early diagnosis and timely intervention, they partner with families to create personalized therapy plans that focus on the needs, goals, and strengths of each child.

LEAVEN HOUSE
297 Dundas Street East, Waterdown
Instagram: @leaven_house

Waterdown’s newest bakery, Leaven House, opened in January in an historic home in the heart of Waterdown. Owner Samantha Gardner knew as soon as the space became available that it was the perfect location for her dream of opening a small community focused bakery and café dedicated to simple pleasures done exceptionally well. They serve high quality, carefully sourced coffee alongside baked goods made fresh daily using real ingredients. Everything is baked fresh on site, including the focaccia for their delicious sandwiches, and a full assortment of sweet treats from cinnamon buns to cupcakes, and brownies to Rice Krispies Squares.

HEAL WELLNESS
245 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville
healwellness.ca

HEAL Wellness is part of the Happy Belly Food Group, and can now be found in 33 locations across Canada including the most recent one that opened in February in Downtown Oakville. The first shop was opened in Hamilton in 2019 by two friends determined to create an accessible way for people to enjoy nutritious, great-tasting smoothie bowls and smoothies. You can expect to find a diverse range of acai smoothie bowls, smoothies and super-seed grain bowls. The smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more. They are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack and can be enjoyed on-the-go or at home.

RIDGEWAY FLORIST
355 Plains Road East, Burlington
ridgewayflorist.com

A name many Burlington and Waterdown residents already know and love, Ridgeway Florist is now open at 355 Plains Road East in Aldershot. With decades of experience and a long history in Waterdown (and a former Mapleview Mall location), they’ve officially planted roots in Aldershot. Step inside their beautiful new shop and you’ll find fresh flowers, lush plants, one-of-a-kind handmade and refurbished pieces, crochet flowers, handmade cards, and stunning vases. They offer everything to meet your floral needs, including unique arrangements, weddings, funerals, or simply a dozen roses for someone special.