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Hamilton Spectator
10-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Gas service returns to Bold Street building after 45 days without use of stoves, hot water
Gas was restored to a Bold Street apartment building on Monday after about a month-and-a-half without service — but residents remain without air conditioning. The utility was shut off at the Durand building on May 24, days after a retaining wall between 27 Bold St. and neighbouring properties collapsed. On June 12, the city issued Burlington-based property manager Valour Group an order to restore gas, a vital service, to the building within 48 hours, said acting bylaw director Dan Smith in an email. It wasn't restored until July 7, when Valour's contractor connected the gas meter in the building's mechanical room, and Enbridge Gas inspected and restored the service, president Richard G. Hall said in an email earlier this week. Without hot water for showers and use of their stoves for about 45 days, some tenants temporarily relocated with family and friends, while others stayed home, shelling out for appliances like toaster ovens and air fryers, and ready-made meals and takeout. Valour says it has waived rent for June and July. The city has also issued an order to fix the building's broken central air system by July 16 under a bylaw that states existing appliances must be kept in safe, working order. Tenants who have sweltered through recent heat waves say the system hasn't worked since at least May. Valour discovered a broken coil in the building's cooling tower and is waiting on replacement parts, Hall previously told The Spec. He said there is an up to 10-week wait to get parts from the manufacturer, which has delayed repairs. 'We are working to have the building's cooling tower repaired as soon as possible,' Hall said. The company has offered tenants $350 each for portable A/C units. But some tenants say that's not enough to cover equipment, plus increased hydro costs from A/C units and other appliances, like microwaves and toaster ovens. Ally Adamczyk, for one, 'splurged' on a second unit amid spiking summer temperatures. She says the portable units don't adequately cool her two-bedroom apartment on the second floor. As of Tuesday, tenants weren't aware of a timeline on A/C repairs, she said. Some say these issues, coupled with what they describe as poor communication from the landlord, have caused stress and frustration. Residents formed a tenants' union with help from advocacy group Hamilton ACORN last month, and have requested a meeting with Valour to present compensation demands. 'I have a strong feeling it will be a long fight for the A/C and the compensation,' Adamczyk said. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
05-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
‘It adds a lot of stress': Tenants of a central Hamilton building without hot water, use of stoves for 41 days
Forty-one days after their gas was shut off, tenants of a central Hamilton apartment building are still taking cold showers and cooking on hot plates — or not at all. The utility was shut off on May 24, days after a retaining wall between 27 Bold St. and neighbouring properties collapsed. Some tenants have temporarily relocated with family and friends, while others are sticking it out, shelling out for appliances like toaster ovens and air fryers, and ready-made meals and takeout. 'It adds a lot of stress to the day,' said Erin Lyon, who's lived on the building's first floor for nearly five years. Enbridge Gas and the City of Hamilton decided to halt the flow of gas to the building until the retaining wall between the properties was fixed and approved by an engineer, Richard G. Hall, president of the Burlington-based property manager Valour Group, said in an email on Thursday. The collapsed wall abuts four shared property lines, and repairs must be co-ordinated between several property owners, the city, Enbridge, insurers, engineers and contractors, he said. Emergency exits from adjacent buildings have to be rerouted. 'The work is complex,' Hall said. The company says it has worked with Enbridge to reroute the gas line to bypass the retaining wall, and a new line and meter were installed on Wednesday. Parts that connect the meter to the mechanical room are expected to arrive by Monday and, once received, will be immediately installed, Hall said. 'We are moving this process forward as swiftly as we can,' he said. This isn't the building's only issue — tenants have also been without air conditioning since early May. Tenants were told Valour was waiting on a part that would take six to eight weeks to arrive — 'pretty much the whole summer,' said Alysia Adamczyk. Gas was shut off at 27 Bold St. on May 24 after a retaining wall that abuts four shared property lines collapsed. Hall confirmed the company discovered a broken coil in the building's cooling tower and they're waiting on replacement parts. Valour offered tenants $350 for portable units, and have suggested tenants contact insurance providers 'to explore accommodation options due to service interruptions,' he said, noting multiple tenants have indicated they prefer to stay. On the first day of a late-June heat wave, Adamczyk and her partner bought a portable unit for their two-bedroom apartment on the second floor, but it couldn't keep up with the high temperatures and humidity. Most in the building have spent hundreds on A/C and other appliances and seen their hydro bills increase with the additional electricity use — exceeding $350 for many tenants, she said. According to Valour's website , the 'boutique' Durand building has 'historic luxury' one- and two-bedroom apartments with a shared rooftop patio. Adamczyk pays about $2,100 with a move-in discount, and Lyon pays $1,975. 'It's supposed to be a luxury building, but we barely have a front door that locks,' Lyon said. For weeks last summer, the building's front door didn't lock, the two tenants said. Break-ins, a squatter and a beeping door alarm are among the other issues. At least two tenants have given the landlord 60 days' notice of moving out. Lyon said she's 'actively house hunting.' The 'No. 1 sore spot' for tenants is a lack of communication from the property manager, Adamczyk said. 'We no longer have any trust in them,' she said. Valour has had 'daily communication' with tenants, Hall said. Adamczyk and Lyon say that's untrue. Hall also said Valour has waived rent for the months of June and July. 'We understand how difficult this situation has been for everyone involved,' he wrote. Last week, residents formed a tenants' union with help from advocacy group Hamilton ACORN. They've requested a meeting with Valour to present their demands, which include compensation for food, extra hydro, appliances purchased and emotional toll. 'The more we come together, the more we get done,' she said. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
USA Today
13-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Safe 'N' Sound Environmental Services Ltd. Recognized with 2025 Consumer Choice Award for Asbestos Removal in Halton Region
Safe 'N' Sound Environmental Services Ltd., a Burlington-based environmental remediation firm, has been recognized with the 2025 Consumer Choice Award in the Asbestos Removal category in the Halton Region. This distinction highlights the company's commitment to providing safe, effective, and fully certified environmental solutions for both residential and commercial clients. Founded in 2019, Safe 'N' Sound Environmental Services has earned a strong reputation for delivering professional asbestos abatement, mold remediation, environmental testing, and hazardous materials management. The company's team of licensed and trained professionals ensures that each project meets regulatory compliance and exceeds safety expectations. 'Winning the Consumer Choice Award is a testament to our team's dedication to creating safer environments,' said Michael Rocha, Owner of Safe 'N' Sound Environmental Services Ltd. 'We take great pride in the trust our clients place in us, and we're committed to upholding that trust through every project we take on.' Comprehensive Environmental Services Safe 'N' Sound Environmental Services offers a broad range of remediation and testing services designed to protect the health and safety of property occupants. Their service areas span across Southern Ontario, including homes, businesses, schools, industrial sites, and government buildings. Core services include: Asbestos Testing and Abatement (Types 1, 2, and 3) Mold Testing and Remediation Air Quality and Bulk Sampling Lead and Vermiculite Removal Clean Demolition and Site Clearing Drug Lab and Biohazard Clean-up COVID-19 Sanitizing and Disinfection Respiratory Fit Testing Certified Training: Asbestos 253W, 253S, WHMIS, Mold Awareness Each project begins with a thorough consultation and is executed with precision, transparency, and compliance. The team uses advanced equipment, industry-approved methods, and follows all Ministry of Labour regulations to ensure work is completed safely and effectively. Respected by Industry Leaders and Homeowners Alike Safe 'N' Sound Environmental Services has been a four-time recipient of the Halton Business Excellence Award and is widely known as a trusted name among homeowners, contractors, and developers. The company is also a preferred environmental contractor for Bryan Baeumler, a well-known Canadian builder and television personality-reinforcing its status as a respected and skilled remediation partner. Client reviews regularly highlight the company's professionalism, quick turnaround times, and commitment to delivering peace of mind in high-stakes environments. Advancing Environmental Safety With this latest recognition, Safe 'N' Sound Environmental Services Ltd. remains focused on expanding its reach and reinforcing its role as a leader in environmental safety across Southern Ontario. The company plans to continue developing specialized services and growing its team of certified professionals to meet rising demand for safe demolition, hazard containment, and indoor environmental quality. 'We understand the responsibility that comes with what we do,' added Rocha. 'Whether it's a family home or a large commercial site, our mission stays the same: protect people, follow the science, and deliver solutions that last.' To learn more about Safe 'N' Sound Environmental Services Ltd. and their range of services, CLICK HERE or visit About Consumer Choice Award: Consumer Choice Award has been recognizing and promoting business excellence in North America since 1987. Its rigorous selection process ensures that only the most outstanding service providers in each category earn this prestigious recognition. Visit to learn more. Contact Information: Sumi Saleh Communications Manager ssaleh@ SOURCE: Consumer Choice Award View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Miami Herald
13-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Safe ‘N' Sound Environmental Services Ltd. Recognized with 2025 Consumer Choice Award for Asbestos Removal in Halton Region
BURLINGTON, ON / ACCESS Newswire / June 13, 2025 / Safe 'N' Sound Environmental Services Ltd., a Burlington-based environmental remediation firm, has been recognized with the 2025 Consumer Choice Award in the Asbestos Removal category in the Halton Region. This distinction highlights the company's commitment to providing safe, effective, and fully certified environmental solutions for both residential and commercial clients. Founded in 2019, Safe 'N' Sound Environmental Services has earned a strong reputation for delivering professional asbestos abatement, mold remediation, environmental testing, and hazardous materials management. The company's team of licensed and trained professionals ensures that each project meets regulatory compliance and exceeds safety expectations. "Winning the Consumer Choice Award is a testament to our team's dedication to creating safer environments," said Michael Rocha, Owner of Safe 'N' Sound Environmental Services Ltd. "We take great pride in the trust our clients place in us, and we're committed to upholding that trust through every project we take on." Comprehensive Environmental ServicesSafe 'N' Sound Environmental Services offers a broad range of remediation and testing services designed to protect the health and safety of property occupants. Their service areas span across Southern Ontario, including homes, businesses, schools, industrial sites, and government buildings. Core services include: Asbestos Testing and Abatement (Types 1, 2, and 3)Mold Testing and RemediationAir Quality and Bulk SamplingLead and Vermiculite RemovalClean Demolition and Site ClearingDrug Lab and Biohazard Clean-upCOVID-19 Sanitizing and DisinfectionRespiratory Fit TestingCertified Training: Asbestos 253W, 253S, WHMIS, Mold Awareness Each project begins with a thorough consultation and is executed with precision, transparency, and compliance. The team uses advanced equipment, industry-approved methods, and follows all Ministry of Labour regulations to ensure work is completed safely and effectively. Respected by Industry Leaders and Homeowners AlikeSafe 'N' Sound Environmental Services has been a four-time recipient of the Halton Business Excellence Award and is widely known as a trusted name among homeowners, contractors, and developers. The company is also a preferred environmental contractor for Bryan Baeumler, a well-known Canadian builder and television personality-reinforcing its status as a respected and skilled remediation partner. Client reviews regularly highlight the company's professionalism, quick turnaround times, and commitment to delivering peace of mind in high-stakes environments. Advancing Environmental SafetyWith this latest recognition, Safe 'N' Sound Environmental Services Ltd. remains focused on expanding its reach and reinforcing its role as a leader in environmental safety across Southern Ontario. The company plans to continue developing specialized services and growing its team of certified professionals to meet rising demand for safe demolition, hazard containment, and indoor environmental quality. "We understand the responsibility that comes with what we do," added Rocha. "Whether it's a family home or a large commercial site, our mission stays the same: protect people, follow the science, and deliver solutions that last." To learn more about Safe 'N' Sound Environmental Services Ltd. and their range of services, CLICK HERE or visit About Consumer Choice Award:Consumer Choice Award has been recognizing and promoting business excellence in North America since 1987. Its rigorous selection process ensures that only the most outstanding service providers in each category earn this prestigious recognition. Visit to learn more. Contact Information:Sumi SalehCommunications Managerssaleh@ SOURCE: Consumer Choice Award
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What to know about Burlington's Discover Jazz Festival, from music to street construction
The sounds of Burlington so far this spring have been decidedly non-musical, unless you count the rhythmic "beep-beep-beep" of endless construction vehicles tearing holes in the pavement as part of the city's Great Streets project. Thankfully, the real music begins June 4. That's when the annual Burlington Discover Jazz Festival becomes the dominant sound – the dominant event, for that matter – in and around downtown for five days. Some performances are indoors but many are outside, giving listeners the chance to hear sweet sounds as they make their way through the confusing maze of construction-addled city streets. The festival schedule is a bit of a maze itself, though a happy one as music fans salivate over the intriguing musical choices listed therein. In this space we're highlighting some of the marquee concerts as well as the ever-popular school-band performances and a few of the unofficial events that Burlington venues present to piggy-back onto the festival itself. We'll also wade into the construction morass and provide some advice on how to maneuver the ever-changing landscape of street closures and parking. (All of these performances are free unless otherwise indicated.) Wednesday, June 4 7:30 p.m., a night of music titled 'Origins: Sounds & Stories of the African Diaspora' includes performers Fred Wesley, Camilla Thurman, Cedric Burnside, Greg Osby and local rockers Julian Hackney and his father, Bobby Hackney Sr., the Flynn. $32-$53. 8:30 p.m., New Orleans-styled group Jon McBride's Big Easy headlines a show with special guest (and Burlington-based singer-songwriter) Ryan Montbleau, Big Joe's at the Vermont Comedy Club. 11:30 p.m., festival curator and bass player Anthony Tidd leads his 'Sittin' In' open jam this night and at the same time every night of the festival, Big Joe's at the Vermont Comedy Club. Thursday, June 5 5:30 p.m., settle in after your workday is done for a set by long-running Vermont instrumental trio Vorcza, FlynnSpace. 8:30 p.m., catch rising South Burlington jazz singer Rachel Ambaye and her quartet, Big Joe's at the Vermont Comedy Club. 10 p.m., end a strong night for local sounds with a performance by the Parker Shper Ensemble, Big Joe's at the Vermont Comedy Club. Friday, June 6 4:30 p.m., an evening of outdoor music begins with DJ Tad Cautious before performances at 5:30 p.m. by the Roy Hargrove Big Band; 6:55 p.m., local singer Kat Wright; 8 p.m., Afro-Cuban act Okan; and at 9:25 p.m., a celebration of the music of The Meters by Dumpstaphunk featuring George Porter Jr., Waterfront Park. 5:30 p.m., flutist and composer Nicole Mitchell performs, FlynnSpace. 10 p.m., Portuguese vocalist Sara Serpa and guitarist Andre Matos perform as a duo, Big Joe's at the Vermont Comedy Club. Saturday, June 7 Noon, start the day early with a performance by the Steve Lehman Trio with special guest Paul Cornish, FlynnSpace. 4 p.m., a second consecutive evening of outdoor music starts with DJ Taka, followed at 5 p.m. by local African-inspired group Sabouyouma; 6:20 p.m., festival curator Anthony Tidd's Quite Sane; 7:40 p.m., Virginia-based jazz group Butcher Brown; and at 9:15 p.m., The Soul Rebels with special guests Rakim and Talib Kweli, Waterfront Park. 8:30 p.m., local jazz singer Tiffany Pfeiffer and her trio play Big Joe's at the Vermont Comedy Club. Sunday, June 8 3 p.m., Vermont world-music performer Avi Salloway & Friends play The Skinny Pancake. 6 p.m., saxophone player Ravi Coltrane presents 'Translinear Light: The Music of Alice Coltrane,' a tribute to his mother that features guest performer Brandee Younger, the Flynn. $32.63.50. 8:30 and 10 p.m., Chilean saxophone titan Melissa Aldana helps wind the festival down with two sets inside Big Joe's at the Vermont Comedy Club. More than 40 bands affiliated with Vermont schools will play weekdays at three locations along the Church Street Marketplace, as they do in an annual beloved tradition. Bands from Chittenden County include: Wednesday, June 4 – 11 a.m., Sustainability Academy (bottom stage) and Shelburne Community Stage Band (top stage); 11:20 a.m., Champlain Elementary (bottom stage); 11:55 a.m., Edmunds Elementary Chorus (bottom stage); 12:35 p.m., Edmunds Middle School Jazz Band (bottom stage); 1:25 p.m., Hunt Middle School Jazz Band (bottom stage); 1:40 p.m., Browns River Jazz Band (top stage); 2:15 p.m., Burlington High School Jazz Band (bottom stage); 3 p.m., Winooski High School Jazz Band (top stage); 4 p.m., Winooski High School Chorus (bottom stage). Thursday, June 5 – 11:40 a.m., Charlotte Central School Jazz Band (middle stage); 2:40 p.m., Essex Jazz Collective (bottom stage). Friday, June 6 – 11 a.m., Hinesburg Community School Jazz Band (top stage); 1:40 p.m., Albert D. Lawton Jazz Band (bottom stage); 1:40 p.m., South Burlington High School Jazz Band (top stage); 3:20 p.m., Colchester Middle School Jazz Band (bottom stage); 4:20 p.m., Colchester High School Jazz Band (bottom stage). Venues throughout the city will host jazz showcases as well. Here are a couple of highlights from each day of the festival (free unless otherwise indicated): Wednesday, June 4 5 p.m., Vermont drummer Dan Ryan leads The Dan Ryan Express, American Flatbread. 7 p.m., 'The Ladies of the 126 Showcase' features Rachel Ambaye, Janea Hudson, Bella Sances, Victoria Fearn, Julianna Luna and The 126 House Band, The 126. Thursday, June 5 8:30 p.m., Vermont trumpeter Ray Vega settles in for a four-night residency Wednesday through Saturday, and on this night offers Latin jazz with his Afro-Caribbean Jazz Ensemble, Juniper at Hotel Vermont. 9 p.m., a local guitar whiz leads Bob Wagner & Friends, Nectar's. $15 in advance, $20 day of show. Friday, June 6 8:30 p.m., pop-rockers follow Vermont-raised singer-songwriter Reid Parsons, The Lounge at Nectar's. $20. 9 p.m., things are hopping downstairs, too, with local favorites the Grippo Funk Band, Nectar's. $15 in advance, $20 day of show. Saturday, June 7 6 p.m., soulful Burlington rocker Ali McGuirk joins Acqua Mossa, Radio Bean. $15. (This show was moved from The District VT, the Pine Street venue formerly known as ArtsRiot that closed May 28.) 9 p.m., speaking of venues that are closing, drummer Blaque Dynamite and opener Breathwork play Nectar's on the last night before an announced summer hiatus for the legendary Main Street spot. $20 in advance, $25 day of show. Sunday, June 8 1 p.m., an afternoon of music presented by the Vermont Blues Society starts with Sunny Lowdown, followed at 2 p.m. by the All Night Boogie Band and 3:30 p.m. with a blues jam hosted by the Nerbak Brothers, Red Square. 5 p.m., dance the late afternoon away with Sonido Mal Maiz, The Skinny Pancake Enough talk about fun, fun, fun: The logistics for this year's Burlington Discover Jazz Festival could be especially challenging given the ongoing 'Great Streets BTV' project that is tearing up pavement throughout downtown. Kevin Sweeney, director of marketing for the festival's presenter, the Flynn, told the Burlington Free Press in an email that the venue is directing patrons to the website for Great Streets BTV for driving and parking recommendations. Information on that page changes weekly; as of 10 a.m. June 2, the Great Streets BTV website reports that the Main Street/South Winooski Avenue and Main/St. Paul streets intersections are open for north-south traffic. The intersection at Main and Church streets is fully closed to vehicular traffic. The Flynn's website has information related to Great Streets BTV as well, especially as it relates to the area of Main Street in front of the Flynn and FlynnSpace. 'Main Street is currently open between Church Street and St Paul Street,' the Flynn's website reads. 'However, there is still construction in Burlington, and Main Street is closed between Church Street and S Winooski Avenue. Please allow extra time to arrive and park. If you need to drop patrons off, you can use King Street to access St Paul St or Church St.' The Flynn's website also offers information about parking. Meters in the downtown core are $1.50 an hour and enforced until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Meters outside the downtown core tend to be $1 an hour and enforced until 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Parking is free downtown on Sundays. Some meter-less parking might be available a reasonable walk from downtown on lower Church, Maple and King streets. The website for the Flynn also notes the availability of parking garages downtown. Municipal garages are at the Marketplace Garage, with entrances at Cherry and Bank streets; the College Street Garage, with entrances at College and Battery streets; and Lakeview Garage at Cherry Street. The first two hours are free at the latter two garages. Presenting organization the Flynn – The Great Streets BTV project – Contact Brent Hallenbeck at bhallenbeck@ This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, from music to street construction
