Mayor urges support, compassion in wake of Burlington Teen Tour Band investigation

The following was posted to Mayor Marianne Meed Ward's web page June 26:

Our Burlington community is reeling over the shocking news of a Halton Regional Police Service investigation and charges against a former city employee with the Teen Tour Band.

I, along with my Council colleagues and City staff, know this is very difficult and stand by and with you.

The Burlington Teen Tour Band (BTTB) is a beloved part of our City of Burlington family and has been for more than 75 years. The recent news does not change that. We have travelled with you, seen you perform – both at home and abroad.

We are proud of what generations of our youth have been able to accomplish as our global and local ambassadors. We continue to be proud.

I encourage our Burlington community to reach out to anyone they may know in the band and offer your support and compassion during this time. We look forward to watching BTTB perform at our upcoming Canada Day celebrations on Saturday (July 1).

HRPS is leading the criminal investigation into this matter. The safety of our staff, band members and community are paramount and our top priority. We are offering our full support to the members of our BTTB.

If you or someone you know needs support, there are several community resources out there to help, available here: community resources for mental health support.

Sincerely,

Marianne Meed Ward