 By Staff
March 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Following the results of the 2025 Ontario general election, Premier Doug Ford and the Executive Council will be sworn-in by the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
 The Legislature at Queen’s Park The Legislature will be called back on Monday, April 14, 2025, to begin the 44th session of Parliament.
 Andrea Grebenc  Natalie Pierre We will know at that time if Andrea Grebenc or Natalie Pierre will be seated as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Burlington. A Judicial Recount of the ballots has been requested.
The government’s plans and priorities for the new session will be outlined in the Speech from the Throne, to be delivered by the Lieutenant Governor on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
Related news stories:
The ballot count.
Recount requested.
 By Staff
March 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Starting this Friday in the late evening until end of service Sunday, March 9, Lakeshore West rail service will be temporarily modified to accommodate critical track work that will bring faster, more frequent service across the network.
During this time, there will be no train service between Oakville and West Harbour GO stations. Regular GO Train service will continue between Union Station and Oakville GO only.
On Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9:
- There will be no GO Transit service at Appleby or Bronte GO stations; however, existing early morning and late-night route 18 GO buses will continue to serve Appleby and Bronte GO stations.
- Trips to Niagara will run between Aldershot GO and Niagara Falls GO only.
- The following replacement GO Buses will be in service:
- 18E will run between Oakville, Burlington, Aldershot, Hamilton and West Harbour GO.
- 18P will run between Oakville, Burlington and Aldershot GO.
- 18Y will run between Oakville and Burlington GO.
- 18Z will run between Oakville and Aldershot GO.
GO Bus Routes 12, 15 and 18 connection times will be modified. GO Bus connection times will also be adjusted and customers can expect longer than usual wait times. Please check schedules before travelling as trip times could depart earlier or later than usual.
More information about Lakeshore West service adjustments and alternate route options is available HERE.
Regular service will resume on Monday, March 10.
Riders can transfer for free with One Fare between GO Transit and most local agencies, including the TTC. Customers are encouraged to use gotransit.com to plan their trips. You can also check the GO Transit Service Updates page for real-time details.
 By Staff
March 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Andrea Grebenc At 5:42 pm last night the Gazette was advised by an official of the Burlington Liberal Party that ” … that we have submitted an application for a recount but we have no further comment at this time.”
Andrea Grebenc, the Liberal candidate in the recent provincial election, came in 40 votes short of the Progressive Conservative candidate Natalie Pierre.
Related news story:
The ballot count.
 By Staff
March 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Art Gallery of Burlington is Now Recruiting for Board Positions – Join them in Shaping Arts and Culture!
Are you passionate about the arts and eager to enhance your community’s cultural scene? Become a vital member of the Art Gallery of Burlington Board.
Connect with like-minded professionals and community leaders who share your dedication to arts and culture. The Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) is currently seeking to fill Board positions for June 2025.
How to Apply:
Submit the following information by e-mail to the AGB Board Governance & Nominating Committee at board@agb.life on or before March 31, 2025:
- Cover letter expressing intent to apply;
- CV
 By Pepper Parr
March 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
At 11:41 today the U.S. Secretary of Commerce told CNBC that “he expects an agreement Thursday on goods he says are compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade.
 Donald Trump should be thinking about the stupid decision he made. Harold Lutnick, left, his Secretary of State , should give Trump the help he badly needs.  Is this the third or the 4th time the American’s have blinked in the lead up to and the actual start of the trade war?
Are we going to have to bloody their noses before they find a way to back down?
Keep it up Canada!
 By Tom Parkin
March 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
More than a third of Conservatives don’t want Canada to retaliate against Trump’s tariff attack.
Donald Trump today launched an economic war on Canadians and has pledged to annex Canada as the 51st state, but a third of Conservatives think Donald Trump is pretty darn swell, according to an Angus Reid Institute poll released this morning.
Continue reading Despite attacks and threats, a third of Conservative voters favour Donald Trump
By Pepper Parr
March 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
We asked the Ontario Liberal Party what there was in the way of plans to ask for a Judicial recount of the votes cast in the February 27th provincial election.
Eric Osborne, an Ontario Liberal Party staff member told the Gazette: “We are currently looking into a request for a recount and are hoping to have a decision made in the coming days.”
 There are 401 ballots that were not allocated to a candidate. In the event that the Courts decide that a Judicial recount is justified these are the ballots that will get a close look. The following data was published by Elections Ontario:
175 ballots were rejected as to marking
148 ballots were unmarked by voter
78 voters were declined by voters
Would a closer look at those ballots result in reconsideration?
That is what will be discussed when the application for a Judicial recount is made.
The Legislature is not scheduled to return until March 17th.
 Natalie Pierre at 11:30 p.m. on election night. At that time final results were still not in giving Pierre a slim 345 vote lead over Liberal candidate Andrea Grebenc. The final count had Pierre with a 40 vote lead.  The Andrea Grebenc campaign has said they will not be making any statements.
Natalie Pierre doesn’t talk to media.
 By Albert Denim
March 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Travel, the one luxury many of us would say that we can’t do without. As we know, Canada, and particularly our home of Burlington, is a place that spoils us with destinations to visit and stunning landscapes to take in. However, sometimes we want to make it a little bit further than our own neighbourhood, spread our wings, and make that travel international. In some cases, that even extends to visiting our neighbours to the south – the good old US of A.
 Beaches and casinos – almost as far as the eye can see. One destination often overlooked – largely because of its proximity to one of the world’s biggest metropolises, New York – is Atlantic City. Yes, it might be dwarfed in its scale by another casino-adjacent center of tourism in Las Vegas, but it has a lot going for it on a number of different fronts.
So what should Canadian visitors to New Jersey’s answer to Vegas know about the city and what tips should they follow?
A Casino Destination Without Hours of Travel
Las Vegas is the biggest gaming destination in the US. In fact, it can probably claim to be the biggest in the world, alongside Macau and Monaco. However, Burlington to Vegas means at least five hours of travelling if you’re going by air. Otherwise, you’re looking at a huge two-day driving time. Alternatively, a trip on the road from Burlington to Atlantic City and its nine casino venues is a much less daunting nine hours – that’s just one hour for every casino.
Convenience is a big part of modern life, and it goes beyond just travel times and choosing your destination. If Atlantic City wasn’t an option, Canadians would find themselves faced with the lengthy journey to Vegas.
However, the Internet has made a massive change to that, and this is evidenced by the boom in sites like Karamba casino CA, where players can use their computer or mobile device to play the table games or slots found at Vegas casino floors. No longer are players required to visit physical locations.
Keep the Budget in Check by Booking Smart
Travel isn’t cheap and we’re certainly feeling the pinch in 2025. Once you’ve factored in your travel, food, and accommodation, you can very quickly start to see your cost spiral. If you’re not careful, you’ll have to cut back on what you wanted to do while there. It doesn’t matter if that’s eating, gambling, or even just having a couple of beers.
However, to keep the restrictions of expense at bay, there are things that you have control over. For example, Hotels.com explains that Atlantic City is a big weekend destination for tourists, meaning the hotels are booked up. It makes sense – who wouldn’t want a night out on the town over the weekend?
But if you’re willing to make your trip a midweek one, without sacrificing the fun of Atlantic City, you will be able to find much cheaper hotels. That, coupled with free drinks and food at the casino tables, can help you save some extra cash for other uses.
Use New Jersey as a Base for Further Exploration
Atlantic City isn’t just nearby as far as us Burlington residents are concerned. New Jersey sits in a unique position, close to a number of great destinations for tourists. Yes, we may have had some rivalry with New York over the years, but let’s not lose sight of the fact that the Big Apple is a great city.
 The city that never sleeps: Hop, skip and a jump from Atlantic city. Visiting NJ doesn’t mean you have to stay in NJ. Instead, make the short hop over to the City That Never Sleeps and grab a sliver of pizza, take a walk through Central Park, or catch a show on Broadway.
And it’s not just New York City that you should visit. If you’re on something of a road trip or happy grabbing a train, you can visit other great cities like Philadelphia. If you manage to line your dates up just right, you could drop in and attend a Philadelphia Eagles game, fresh on the back of the franchise winning the 2025 Super Bowl.
Then, if you’re something of a politico, you can reach a little further out and make the journey to the United States’ capital city, Washington D.C. – though, that may be a little dry. Either way, there’s plenty going for Atlantic City!
By Staff
March 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Mayor Meed Ward has packed her bags and is in the United States with other Mayors who are part of the Ontario Big City Mayors group.
In an update to the community the Mayor said:
“Today’s imposition of tariffs by the United States will severely affect Canadian and American jobs, businesses, and the economy. Canada has responded appropriately with counter tariffs; it is hoped this will bring the US to the negotiating table for the benefit of both countries.
“In my role as Chair of Ontario Big City Mayors, I have been invited to join a delegation of Mayors and Councillors travelling to Washington March 3-7 as part of the annual meetings for Great Lakes Day organised by Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward “The delegation will be meeting with US counterparts and congressional decision-makers in Washington to discuss our vital business relationship, integrated supply chains, and the impacts of 25% tariff and counter tariffs on Canadian and US products.
“The key message of the Canadian delegation is that tariffs hurt both sides of the border. We know municipalities will be on the front lines of this trade war, and developing strong relationships with US Mayors and Regions will help us to speak with one voice to decision-makers to support strong bilateral trade and respect for trade agreements.
“Burlington is prepared to do our part. Working with Paul Sharman, Deputy Mayor of Strategy and Budgets and Kelvin Galbraith, Deputy Mayor of Business and Red Tape Reduction, I have established a Tariff Task Force of community stakeholders to share information and inform our response and advocacy. I also directed staff to launch the “Buy Canadian” resource page, and brought a “Buy Canadian” resolution in Burlington City Council and Halton Regional Council, which were unanimously passed.
“Working with the Cities Initiative is another opportunity to advance the interests of Burlington, OBCM Mayors, our Region, province and country.
“The Cities Initiative is a multinational coalition of 270 Canadian, American mayors and First Nations elected local government officials working together to promote the environmental and socio-economic health of community in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin. Seventeen of the 29 members of OBCM are also members of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, with eight joining this delegation.
“The delegation also provides the occasion for US Mayors of the delegation to advocate for the continuation of Great Lakes environmental funding and against the current funding freeze affecting their communities.
“The Great Lakes Economy represents a combined $8 trillion dollars (C), making it the third largest in the world if we were a country. A pillar of this economy is the trade between our two nations, as 50% of the goods crossing the Canada-US border do so in the Great Lakes and St-Lawrence Region.”
There are some who think the Mayor is working “outside her lane” – perhaps – but if the President of the United States is going to be brought around it is the citizens of the United States who are going to have to do that. American municipal politicians meeting with Canadian municipal politicians is a good idea.
By Staff
March 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Parking certainly got a solid work over at the Council Standing Committee earlier this week.
A delegation took members of Council through a detailed accounting of what she has to deal with and the frustration neighbours are feeling about a problem that is not going to go away and is only going to get worse until someone comes up with solutions.
Mention was made of parking cars on the front lawn – I don’t have a problem with that was the response Councillors were given by the delegation.
 The Orchard – where parking is at a premium – and no solution in sight – yet. Consideration is being given to allowing on-street parking overnight with permits that would come in at about $350 annually. Parking staff were listening – expect something to come back later in the year.
 Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman If you live in the Orchard – it is going to require more than patience to get to the point where there is a solution.
Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman was expected to chair the Standing Committee – he was not available or unable to attend the session in the morning – which is when the parking matters were being discussed.
He did appear after the lunch break – looking just fine. One wonders – better to duck and let someone else deal with the problem?
By Staff
March 4th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
He didn’t say a word about paying MPP’s more nor did he say a word about keeping the Cabinet at the same time – biggest it has ever been in the province’s history.
 Is winning a third term going to result in a different Premier? The Cabinet is too big – but the MPP’s were due for a raise.
Many people will be surprised to learn that MPP’s do not have a pension plan.
In his first news conference since his Progressive Conservatives were re-elected Thursday with 80 seats in the 124-member legislature and 42.9 per cent of the popular vote, Ford touted his new mandate. That includes keeping the largest cabinet in Ontario’s history and finally lifting a 16-year pay freeze for MPPs. Here’s how raises will be determined.
Former Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty froze MPP pay in 2009 due to the global financial crisis. The base salary for an MPP remains $116,550.
Who—and What—Is Burlington Really Fighting For in the Nelson Quarry Battle?
For over five years, the City of Burlington has poured millions of taxpayer dollars into opposing Nelson Aggregates’ plan to expand its 50-year-old quarry, a fight set to escalate at the Ontario Land Tribunal starting March 4. But who is the city truly representing, and what cause justifies this costly crusade? The answer, unfortunately, appears to prioritize the concerns of a small vocal minority over the broader interests of Burlington’s residents and future development.
Let’s start with the environment. The Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Niagara Escarpment Commission, and Conservation Halton have all signed off on the expansion. These are not minor players—they’re the experts tasked with safeguarding our natural heritage. When the city’s own technical studies didn’t align with its stance, Burlington resorted to seeking alternative studies that contradicted expert findings, undermining credible science for a predetermined narrative.
 If this fight is about climate change, Burlington’s position is counterproductive. The city declared a climate emergency years ago, yet blocking the quarry would backfire spectacularly. Without local aggregate, construction materials would need to be trucked in from farther afield, dramatically increasing greenhouse gas emissions. The irony is stark: opposing the quarry could worsen the very crisis the city claims to prioritize.
Perhaps it’s about Burlington’s future? Hardly. The aggregate from this expansion would fuel the construction of homes, schools, and hospitals—vital infrastructure our growing city desperately needs. And once the quarry’s work is done, it promises a 1,000-acre park, a much-needed green space in Burlington, which has the least parkland per capita in Halton. This isn’t just a win for recreation; it’s an environmental boon, enhancing biodiversity and providing a public asset for thousands.
So, is the city fighting for its residents? Not according to the numbers. More than 4,000 Burlington residents signed a petition supporting the quarry expansion and the subsequent park, recognizing its value. In stark contrast, only 63 residents are driving the city’s case at the tribunal—a tiny fraction prioritizing their own interests over the community’s good. Their Participant Statement reveals their demands: a “return to tranquility,” even though none lived there before the quarry began over 50 years ago. They reject the park because, as they claim, “the sports fields will increase the noise in this park, trading equipment noise for people’s cheers.” This narrow focus on personal peace ignores the broader joy and benefit a park would bring to thousands.
Concerns about noise are understandable, but modern park designs already incorporate noise mitigation strategies, including green buffer zones and strategic landscaping. If noise were truly the issue, reasonable solutions exist—yet opposition remains absolute.
Council’s prioritization of these narrow interests over broader community benefits is a disservice to Burlington. The quarry isn’t just an industrial operation; it’s a lifeline for local construction, keeping costs down and reducing our reliance on imported materials. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce warns that without this expansion, the west GTA’s limestone reserves could be depleted within a decade, driving up costs, increasing truck traffic, and straining our environment—exactly what the city claims to oppose.
This fight raises a fundamental question: when local governments prioritize the whims of a privileged few over the needs of the majority, is that governance or favoritism? Burlington’s leadership, elected to serve all residents, seems to have lost sight of the bigger picture. By opposing a project with clear economic, environmental, and social benefits, the city risks undermining jobs, tax revenue, and the very green spaces it claims to champion.
It’s time for Burlington’s council to rethink its priorities. The Nelson Quarry expansion isn’t just about a few neighbors’ backyards—it’s about the future of our community. Catering to a small group’s desire for silence at the expense of progress harms us all. Let’s focus on what truly serves Burlington: a thriving, sustainable city where the majority’s interests aren’t sacrificed for the comfort of a select few.
By Staff
March 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
We all knew that the snow was going to be followed by some flooding.
Conservation Halton advises that Environment Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Surface Water Monitoring Centre (SWMC) are forecasting 10-20 mm of rain overnight Tuesday and Wednesday.
Daytime high temperatures between 6-8°C are expected and will melt part of the remaining snowpack. In addition to the forecasted rainfall and melting snow, any remaining frozen ground will increase runoff and contribute to elevated water levels in rivers and streams within our jurisdiction. Any existing ice along watercourses may break up and increase the risk of possible ice jams as a result.
 All that snow is going to melt and work its way to creeks through the Region. Flooding becomes a concern. Widespread flooding is not anticipated, however, fast flowing water and flooding of low-lying areas, natural floodplains, and areas with poor drainage may be expected.
Conservation Halton is asking all residents and children to keep a safe distance from all watercourses and structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams. Any ice-covered bodies of water are considered unsafe. Elevated water levels, fast flowing water, and cold water temperatures, combined with slippery conditions along stream banks continue to make these locations extremely dangerous. Please alert children in your care of these imminent dangers.
Conservation Halton will continue to monitor stream and weather conditions and will issue an update to this Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook message as conditions warrant.
This Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook will be in effect through Friday March 7, 2025.
By Staff
March 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Timing is everything – isn’t it?
The Honourable Ruby Sahota, Minister of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario announced that over $24 million to support 10 businesses in southern Ontario.
$3.5 million was allotted to Tempel Canada, a leading supplier of transformer core products for power conversion and distribution to the Central, Midwest, and Eastern U.S.
 Ouch – the President of the United States is said to be about to declare a 25% tariff on everything that is imported by Americans from Canada.
With 110,000 square feet of space Tempel can provide a wide range of quality transformer products from a central location, including small stamped transformer lamination components, cut-to-length laminations, distributed gapped cores, slit steel, mitered core logs, and fully assembled mitered cores.
The development of these federal grants are years in the making – they were probably started before Donald Trump was elected.
The Tempel management have some hard decisions to make in the next month.
By Staff
March 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Sometimes referred to as “Burlington’s Airport” the Hamilton International Airport announces a new era of hassle-free and convenient travel with a transformed experience from curb to gate, alongside the introduction of Porter Airlines’ renowned elevated economy service.
 Porter Airlines will have direct daily service starting in early June between Hamilton and four popular domestic destinations: Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax and Vancouver. Hamilton International unveiled its 2025 Summer Program, featuring more destinations and more choice with the introduction of flights from Porter Airlines that are available for booking now, with direct daily service starting in early June between Hamilton and four popular domestic destinations: Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax and Vancouver.
WestJet will continue to provide its non-stop service to Calgary, with connectivity onward to Western Canada. Additionally, Air Canada and The Landline Company will operate multiple daily departures between Hamilton International and Toronto Pearson, connecting travellers into the airline’s global network of destinations while starting and/or ending their journey in Hamilton via its luxury motorcoach service.
The Airport also confirms it has started work on its multi-million-dollar terminal enhancement project announced at the beginning of February. Construction is actively underway inside and outside of the terminal with exciting Airport enhancements to be unveiled this June including:
 Updated exterior frontage with new and expanded canopies to improve curbside flow are part of the changes being made. An updated exterior frontage with new and expanded canopies to improve curbside flow, making arrivals and departures smoother and more convenient.
Refreshed interior spaces from check-in counters and passenger screening areas to departures lounge seating and baggage claim, modernizing the terminal experience.
Integration of new architectural elements and finishes inspired by the region’s natural geography, enhancing the Airport’s charming character and creating a unique sense of place.
New digital signage and lighting upgrades, enhancing navigation and overall ambiance.
Future enhancements will include passenger jet bridges to connect the terminal directly to aircraft – a first for Hamilton International – and additional terminal infrastructure upgrades to position Hamilton International for future expansion to accommodate expected air traffic growth.
In celebration of these momentous developments at Hamilton International, the Airport is offering all travellers a special discount of up to 30% OFF all online parking reservations booked through parking.flyhamilton.ca – no promo code needed! This offer is valid on parking reservations booked from March 5, 2025, through June 11, 2025.
Hamilton International thanks its travellers, employees and partners for their patience and cooperation during this period of construction. Those travelling from Hamilton International are always encouraged to plan ahead and arrive at the Airport at least two (2) hours prior to domestic departures and at least three (3) hours prior to international departures to allow ample time for parking, check-in and security screening.
“We’re looking forward to an exciting summer at Hamilton International as we welcome Porter Airlines and complete significant upgrades to our terminal building,” says Cole Horncastle, Executive Managing Director of Hamilton International. “These strategic efforts are part of our ongoing commitment to providing travellers with greater choice and connectivity to and from the region, while ensuring every step of the passenger journey is seamless and enjoyable. We’re thrilled about the future of air travel at Hamilton International and cannot wait to welcome passengers to #TravelRefreshed in just a few short months!”
 By Staff
March 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Traffic congestion seems to have been a Burlington problem for some time.
There are those who speak of a time when traffic wasn’t a problem.
This is a view of St. Paul Street, St. Catharines in 1940.
 This is a view of St. Paul Street, St. Catharines in 1940. The opening of the QEW was expected to solve the problem. .
 By Pepper Parr
March 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) will begin hearing the application from Nelson Aggregates to allow the requested expansion of the site on Monday.
Some background on this situation.
According the Nelson Aggregate people everyone other than the City of Burlington has signed off on the application to expand the area that will be quarried.
Nelson Aggregates and Conservation Halton (CH) have an agreement in place that has CH taking control of the property once the OLT has agreed that the request for an expansion has been approved.
Nothing happens until the OLT makes a decision.
That the issue is now before the OLT is unfortunate. Nelson Aggregate argues that the City was dragging its feet and not meeting the schedule that was put in place to have a Joint Tribunal review in place.
The graphic below shows just how long and cumbersome that process was.
Full disclosure: Consultants to Nelson Aggregates advertise in the Burlington Gazette.
 Is there any wonder that this process failed?
| By Staff
March 3, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The federal Liberal government’s consumer carbon tax seems destined to be axed, whether by the Conservatives or by whomever replaces Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader.
This re-evaluation of federal climate policy comes as new data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds Canadians’ urgency to deal with the climate emergency, as declared in 2019, has declined. While approaching two-thirds (63%) of Canadians say climate change is a fact and it is human caused, that majority is smaller than the one seen in 2021 (71%). At the same time, Canadians who believe climate change is a “very serious” threat to the Earth has dropped by eight points from 50 to 42 per cent.
 Hamilton as seen from Burlington on the worst days. This decline in concern over climate change is seen across the political spectrum. Those who last voted for the Conservatives (-9 points), Liberals (-12), NDP (-6) and Bloc Québécois (-13) are all less likely to describe climate change as a “very serious threat” than they were four years ago.
However, only past Conservative voters describe it as a “minor” or “not a” threat at a majority level (57%).
This comes as the Liberals’ signature climate policy, the carbon tax, looks likely to be a thing of the past after the next federal election as both leading leadership candidates, former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney and former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, have said they plan to abandon the consumer side of the policy if they win the Liberal leadership race. As the party that instituted it changes tact, Canadians’ opinions on the carbon tax itself have shifted little from the fall; more than two-in-five (45%) want the carbon tax abolished, but the rest would keep it either at a lower rate (15%), maintained at the current level (27%) or increasing, as planned (15%).
Link to the poll, and more key findings, here: www.angusreid.org/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By Staff
March 3, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 City Council will be debating on- street parking this week.
 This is the problem: the city will be considering solution options. A survey done by the city is one of the pieces of information that will be presented.
By Jeny Celtic
March 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
On April 4, 2022, Ontario launched the first regulated online gambling market in Canada, iGaming Ontario. In many ways, the launch can be seen as the beginning of an online gambling revolution in the country. However, it has also been widely criticized for contributing to a growing concern in Canada: problem gambling. This has led many to wonder if iGaming Ontario is revolutionary or adding to the concerns surrounding problem gambling, a question we’ll explore here.
How iGaming Ontario Has Revolutionized Online Gambling
 iGaming Ontario has revolutionized the nation’s online gambling in many ways, from creating sports betting, slot, and casino offers for players in Canada to setting up a framework for other regulatory bodies. It was the first market of its kind, has created numerous jobs, contributed significantly to the province and country’s economy, developed a competitive market, and made great efforts to protect players.
First Regulated Open Market
As Canada’s first regulated online gambling market, iGaming Ontario and its work have been closely watched by other provinces and countries to see how the market performs. It has the potential to set a precedent for future market operations, demonstrating what to do or not to do. Knowing that it would be closely scrutinized, iGaming Ontario placed great emphasis on developing a thriving competitive market that protects its players, contributes to the economy, and has clear policies and guidelines that are strongly enforced and governed.
The quality of the regulations and systems implemented by iGaming Ontario earned it global recognition. Vixio’s Global Regulatory Awards named the organization the Regulatory Initiative of the Year. The awards recognize organizations that excel in developing and implementing gambling regulations, emphasizing responsible gambling measures and regulatory compliance.
Job Creation
In its first year, the iGaming Ontario market created and supported over 12,000 full-time jobs. It has led to new employment opportunities and continues to do so. In its second year, it created even more jobs, almost reaching 15,000, including over 2,500 directly sustained jobs and over 9,000 indirect ones. These numbers surpass the five-year revenue and impact projections of Deloitte, an independent audit and assurance company.
Provincial and Federal Revenue Stream
 In addition to surpassing job creation projections, iGaming Ontario has surpassed Deloitte’s projects for government revenues, meaning the regulated market greatly supports governments of all levels in Ontario and Canada. In its second year, iGaming Ontario generated over $1.2 billion in government revenue, including $380 million for Canada’s federal government and $790 million for Ontario’s provincial government. Even municipal governments are enjoying revenue boosts from the iGaming market.
Industry Growth
Since the launch of iGaming Ontario, over 50 gambling operators have become available to the public, creating a wide range of online options for Ontario players. The second year of operation saw $2.4 billion in gaming revenue generated, a more than 70% increase from the first year. There are more than 1.2 million active player accounts, and the average monthly spending of active player accounts has increased significantly. The average player spent $70 monthly in the first year of iGaming Ontario’s operation. In Q2 of the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the average spending per account increased to $308. These numbers demonstrate the growth and interest in Ontario’s iGaming industry.
Player Protections
By creating a regulated market, Ontario can offer players gambling options that protect them more than the previously available unregulated options. These player protections include safeguards for preventing underage gambling, providing problem gambling tools and resources, and enforcing stricter anti-money laundering regulations. iGaming Ontario provides Ontarians with a gambling environment in which they can feel more secure and confident knowing there are regulations and safeguards in place. This confidence has translated into over 86% of online players opting for these regulated options over unregulated options.
The Rise of Problem Gambling in Ontario
iGaming Ontario has become a multibillion-dollar market in the few years it has been operating, something the organization and its operators celebrate. But financial success has also led to many wondering if all of this has come at too great a cost. During the same years that iGaming Ontario generated billions, the province also saw a marked increase in indicators of problem gambling.
 Since iGaming Ontario’s opening, the Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline has seen more people reach out for support. At the end of 2024, Mental Health Research Canada released a report sharing that 11% of Ontarians struggle with problem gambling.
It’s difficult to ignore the accessibility of gambling options in Ontario as a significant factor in the rising numbers, especially since just before the opening of iGaming Ontario, the number of individuals struggling was estimated to be around 9%.
iGaming Ontario has made accessing gambling extremely easy and has also led to a massive increase in gambling ads, drawing more interest in the activity. This ease of access and growing interest increase the risk of problem gambling, which can have many negative impacts on the health and wellness of Ontarians. Problem gambling can lead to financial loss, impacting the financial health of individuals and families, and it is also connected to mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. It’s a serious problem, and despite the safeguards iGaming Ontario requires of its operators, many mental health experts, as well as those affected by problem gambling, do not feel it’s enough.
iGaming Ontario Still Has Work to Do
 iGaming Ontario has been influential in addressing online gambling. It was a sector that was a legal grey zone for many years, causing many Ontarians to turn to unregulated sites and spend an estimated $500 million gambling on them each year. The province was able to direct much of that money, and more, into the province to support the economy while also offering more stringent player protections. But even with protections in place, it’s hard to see the work of iGaming Ontario as solely a revolutionary endeavour. It’s still fraught with concerns that must be addressed to protect Ontarians from the potential ill effects of online gambling. However, with ongoing oversight and a commitment to responsible gaming, there’s hope that Ontario will set a standard for a safer and more sustainable online gambling environment.
|
|
