Going Places: Walking with ghosts

By Marg Seregelyi

Tales of hauntings, ghosts, orbs, rappings, whispers and footsteps.

You just may see or hear some of those things with Michelle Desrochers and Patrick Cross, as they take people for a guided tour through downtown Burlington. They take visitors on a two-hour historical walk of haunted old homes and establishments. Desrochers said she is a "sensitive" who comes from a "paranormal family." She is a Sudbury native who moved to Burlington in 1989. Cross said he can communicate with spirits and has researched ghosts and hauntings for 17 years. He was a consultant for the popular YTV show Ghost Trackers.

Both have appeared on several documentaries and news casts, including the popular television show Creepy Canada.
You are sure to see some activity during the tour, said Desrochers.

Burlington has a lot of history. It was established in 1832, formerly known as the Township of Nelson. The tour stops at 25 historic buildings.

The ghostly folklore begins at a restaurant. Several spirits inhabit the building, visitors are told. George and Emma
Byrens operated the restaurant from 1902 until 1952. Emma and her family lived in the upstairs quarters. She died at the age of 79 and her wake was held under the stairs. Emma's spirit is believed to be still inhabiting the building today, according Cross and Desrochers. The toilet paper in the restrooms occasionally spin by themselves.

The tour operators suggest visitors bring a camera, preferably a digital one with a flash so they can view the photos right away. Often people will be able to see orbs in their pictures. Orbs are believed to be spirits in the form of round balls of light. Digital photos can be lightened up to discover hidden orbs.

Ghost Walks run every second Saturday until November, beginning at 9 p.m. To learn more, go online to burlingtonghostwalks.ca or phone Michelle, tour co-ordinator, at (905) 630-7256.