 By Staff
May 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
A picture is worth 1000 words.
What then is a picture with words worth?
Gloria Reid now knows.
 By Staff
May 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Project includes the 52-kilometre (km) Highway 413 corridor, a 4 km extension to Highway 410, and a 3 km extension to Highway 427 (both facilitating connection to the Highway 413 corridor), for a total of 59 km of new infrastructure.
The highway will have 11 interchanges at municipal roads. Features such as service centres, carpool lots, truck inspection stations, and the potential for electric vehicle charging stations, have been explored as part of Preliminary Design.
The transitway will be a separate corridor running alongside the highway, dedicated for public transit, which will be subject to a separate Environmental Assessment (EA).
Highway 413 would extend from Highway 400, between King Road and Kirby Road, to the 401/407 ETR interchange near Mississauga, Milton and Halton Hills.
In the Fall of 2024, MTO reached the 90% preliminary design milestone for the project. Along with reaching this milestone, the 2024 Draft Focused Analysis Area (FAA) for Highway 413 was updated to include targeted refinements, incorporating key design elements and environmental considerations. These adjustments were informed by updated preliminary design work and environmental studies, allowing for a better understanding of land use impacts and alignment with local infrastructure.
Similarly, the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM), formerly known as the Ministry of Energy and Electrification, advanced planning work on the Northwest GTA Transmission Corridor and proposed refinements to the Narrowed Area of Interest (NAI). The NAI is a corridor of land identified and protected by the ministry and Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) for future linear electricity transmission infrastructure to support growth in the region. The FAA and NAI are almost identical. The land being protected by MEM is the same land being protected by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), except where each is protecting additional lands specific to its particular use.
You can get lost in those acronyms.
As part of ongoing public consultation, the Draft FAA and NAI were posted on December 9, 2024, for a 30-day public review period on the Environmental Registry of Ontario. The consultation period was open for 30 days and concluded in January 2025. Public engagement is essential to our processes, ensuring that community perspectives help shape the final outcome.
MTO and MEM have recently finalized the FAA and the NAI at the current stage of each project, with no changes as a result of the public consultation. Each comment that was received through the ERO was reviewed and taken into consideration by both ministries.
Timeline and Next Steps
Highway 413 FAA
- An update on the FAA detailing its finalization has been posted to the Environmental Registry of Ontario, as well as the Highway 413 project website (https://highway413.ca/en/).
- MTO will be preparing a draft Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) in accordance with the requirements set out in the Highway 413 Act, 2024 anticipated in Fall 2025.
- The draft report will include a description of Highway 413 studies completed detailing environmental impacts, proposed mitigation measures and a record of consultation. The final report will be published to the Highway 413 project website.
- MTO will continue to review development applications in the study area, but it is anticipated that applications in the lands released will not be directly impacted by Highway 413.
Northwest GTA Transmission Corridor Study NAI
- An update to the NAI has been posted to the Environmental Registry of Ontario.
- MEM expects to undertake another round of consultation based on further refinements to the NAI that can be made as the Highway 413 project advances and as infrastructure planning is updated to reflect projected electricity demand growth in the region.
Environmental Registry of Ontario:
English: Highway 413 Focused Analysis Area and Northwest GTA Transmission Corridor Narrowed Area of Interest Refinements. | Environmental Registry of Ontario
Indigenous Community and Stakeholder Engagement: As we gather input from municipalities, Indigenous Communities, and other key stakeholders, engagement sessions will continue. This ensures ongoing collaboration and transparency in the decision-making process. Additionally, MTO is currently in the process of planning individual landowner sessions to take place in early Spring with property owners directly impacted by the FAA.
 By Pepper Parr
May 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
This is a news article that has to be read ‘tongue in cheek’
City wants to amend a bylaw related to the governing of adult entertainment establishment licensing in the City of Burlington, in order to clarify powers of inspection related to enforcement.
The existing ‘Adult Entertainment’ By-Law does not allow officers to enter and inspect businesses that have never applied for or held a City of Burlington business licence.
Inspections are limited only to those businesses who hold or have applied for a business licence with the City of Burlington.
The City’s inability to enforce the “Adult Entertainment” By-Law against illegal businesses increases risks to public safety, health, and limiting consumer protection.
While enforcing the Adult Entertainment regulations, officers discovered that provisions under the current bylaw prevented them from enforcing and prosecuting illegal activity, which
prompted the update.
 The location of the business troubled many of the Aldershot residents. It is expected to be demolished in the not-too-distant future. This has allowed unlicensed businesses to operate illegally, which contradicts the intent of the bylaw to safeguard health, ensure public safety, and protect consumers.
We will listen carefully to what each Councillor has to say.
The only adult entertainment location we are aware of in Burlington is Solid Gold – that site has been approved for a multi-story development.
 By Staff
May 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Spring has arrived and in honor of Mother’s Day Ontario is offering Canadian residents the opportunity to fish for free across Ontario this weekend, May 10 and 11.
“Fishing is a timeless Ontario tradition that brings people together. Whether you’re an experienced angler or casting a line for the first time, fishing is a great way to connect with loved ones and enjoy everything the great outdoors has to offer,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “This Mother’s Day weekend, why not get outside and enjoy the water with friends and family, all while supporting local jobs and communities that thrive through fishing.”
 Made her day! Recreational fishing is a vital part of Ontario’s economy, contributing significantly to local tourism and jobs. Opportunities like Mother’s Day weekend encourage those curious about fishing to give it a try and experience the enjoyment of fishing firsthand.
If you are fishing for free during the Mother’s Day weekend, all conservation licence catch and size limits, sanctuaries and all other fishing regulations still apply.
- This weekend marks the second of four opportunities for Canadian residents to fish for free this year. The remaining dates are Father’s Day weekend (June 14-15) and Family Fishing Week (June 28-July 6).
- Over one million licensed anglers spend $1.75 billion per year on recreational fishing in Ontario.
- Canadian residents participating in free fishing periods must carry identification issued by the provincial or federal government, showing their name and date of birth.
- Outside of free fishing periods, most people between the ages of 18 and 64 must have an Outdoors Card and a licence to fish. All veterans and active Canadian Armed Forces members residing in Ontario can enjoy free recreational fishing in the province, whenever and wherever fishing is allowed.
- Ontario fishing licences can be purchased online at huntandfishontario.com. If buying online, always look for the Ontario logo. You can also purchase in person at participating ServiceOntario or authorized licence issuer locations.
By Pepper Parr
May 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The staff recommendation to City Council next will be to approve a short-term loan to Sound of Music Inc. in the upset amount of $225,000 to support cash flow requirements for the 2025 Sound of Music Festival, similar to the 2024 loan, the terms of the 2025 request include repayment in full immediately following the 2025 festival.
Reports states that the 2024 loan has a small ($20,000) outstanding balance.
 The public shows up, just because the price is right? Due to financial strain from rising costs, staffing turnover, and post-pandemic impacts, SOM requested additional support from the City in 2024, receiving over $415,000 in total aid from the City, including a $125,000 short-term loan.
Despite efforts to stay financially sustainable, challenges persist in maintaining a large-scale free event. In October 2024, the City invoiced SOM for $95,000 in outstanding payments and requested repayment of the loan by December 11, 2024, asking SOM to settle the debt or present a repayment plan. In December, staff brought a 2024 festival re-cap and city support report before committee identifying re-payment plan options for SOM.
These discussions on December 2, 2024, at the Committee of the Whole Meeting were deferred after a private donor expressed interest in supporting the festival. The donor made a $200,000 donation to the City, which the City applied to, among other things, SOM’s debt to the City of Burlington. As a result, SOM’s debt to the City was reduced to $20,000.
In early 2025, SOM and the City signed a detailed service level agreement, based on principles set out in the Accountability Framework. As a part of this agreement, the following conditions were established:
Any remaining debt must be repaid by September 1, 2025.
SOM must also submit a business plan for the 2026 festival by June 1, 2025, for approval by key city staff.
2025 Festival
SOM is working diligently to finalize preparations for this year’s festival. SOM has advised the City that they have successfully reduced costs for this year’s festival while continuing to offer high-quality programming for the community.
Due to the need to cover entertainment and supplier contract expenses in advance of the event, the BOD is requesting a loan of $225,000 from the City. SOM has agreed to repay the loan following the festival, including the small remaining balance of $20,000 from prior 2024 debt.
 By Tom Parkin
May 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
In unaffordable Ontario there’s not much cash left to spend at the end of the month to keep the economy firing.
Ontario’s consumer-sensitive businesses take a hit. Subsector decline since most recent peak year
Ontario’s economy barely grew in 2024 with manufacturing and consumer-sensitive sectors shrinking, according to Statistics Canada data released last Thursday.
After adjustment for inflation, Canada’s 2024 GDP was $2.27 trillion, $877 billion of it in Ontario. In 2024, Ontario’s GDP increased just $11 billion, or 1.2 per cent, from the previous year. Canada’s economy, excluding Ontario, grew 1.8 per cent.
Ontario’s GDP growth was second lowest of any province. It has also endured unemployment above the national rate for over four years, in March sitting at 7.5 per cent, second highest among all the provinces.
Unaffordable Ontario has consumers tapped out
The new data suggests one story behind Ontario’s weak economy is that high costs have left people tapped-out, without much left at the end of the month for discretionary spending. Many subsectors sensitive to consumer demand went in reverse last year:
-
- residential building construction down 17 per cent since 2021 peak
- food services and drinking places are down 11 per cent since 2019
- sporting goods and hobby shops down 10 per cent from their 2022 peak
- sales at food and beverage stores down nine per cent from 2020
- building materials and garden supply shops down four per cent from 2023
- furniture and home furnishings stores down three per cent from 2022
- repair and renovation construction down two per cent since 2022
Since the Doug Ford Ontario PC government was elected in June 2018, the average price of a benchmark house in the Greater Toronto Area soared 74 per cent, rising from $757,000 to peak at $1,313,800, according to data from the Canadian Real Estate Association.
Meanwhile, CMHC’s annual Rental Market Survey shows the rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the Greater Toronto Area increased $507 a month or 35 per cent from October 2018 to October 2024, rising from $1,467 to $1,974.
In general, household consumption fuels about two-thirds of GDP, with the remaining amounts coming from businesses and government. But with such large portions of household incomes now being drained off to pay rent or mortgages, less remains for discretionary purchases.
Ontario manufacturing significantly down
A second major story in Ontario’s malaise is manufacturing decline. Manufacturing industries contributed $97.0 billion to Ontario economy in 2023 but just $92.4 billion in 2024, a decline of 4.7 per cent. Over $2 billion was lost just in transportation vehicle manufacturing, the province’s largest subsector.
Among Ontario’s ten largest manufacturing subsectors, seven shrank between 2023 and 2024, despite Doug Ford’s 2018 “guarantee” to create 300,000 manufacturing jobs in Ontario.
Ontario’s largest manufacturing subsectors mostly decline
Seven of the province’s 10 largest manufacturing subsectors shrank between 2023 and 2024
By Ethel Morgan
May 4, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
A web browser is what you use to go to websites and use online apps like Google Drive.
This article will show you how to update your browser and fix problems so you can keep using Google Drive and other apps. Follow the steps below to fix any issues:
Update your browser or use a new browser
 Update your browser to get the best experience when you use Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides and Forms.
Reinstall your browser
If updating your browser doesn’t resolve the issue with Google Drive or other apps, try reinstalling it.
- Uninstall your current browser.
- Download and install your preferred browser.
- Open your browser.
- Try to use Google Drive again.
 Update your operating system
If you can’t update your browser, update your operating system.
Windows
Learn how to keep your Windows computer up to date.
Mac
Use a different device
If you can’t update your browser:
- Install a new browser or update your operating system.
- Try to use another computer or a mobile device.
If you have an Android phone, Android tablet, an iPhone, or an iPad, you can install Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
Further assistance
If this didn’t help you, try looking at other suggestions in the Google Drive forum.
 By Staff
May 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
SPECIAL EXHIBITION | GAME CHANGERS
JOSEPH BRANT MUSEUM | OPENS MAY 10!
Get your game on!
In this upcoming special exhibition, visitors will discover how innovation has shaped the video game industry. Game Changers is a fascinating journey, exploring the past and examining how the intersection of audio, storytelling, graphics, and gameplay creates the immersive environment of current video gaming systems.
 The exhibit was designed for people to react with. The video game evolution story is depicted from memorable Pong to the photorealistic, immersive games of today.
Visitors can step inside a game and become a character or try operating a supersized Nintendo controller, play Tetris on a giant Game Boy, and test their knowledge of retro video game music.
 The experience is immediate. The exhibition showcases original concept art, storyboards, level designs, and scripts of some of the most influential games ever created, including audio clips from industry experts explaining the game development of some of the most loved games. Guests can test their skills with games that have significantly changed the gaming experience, including Pac-Man, Super Mario Bros., Tetris, Angry Birds, Space Invaders, Flower, and Adventure. “Playing through this exhibition brought back a lot of childhood memories. I think families and visitors of all ages will enjoy the nostalgia!”. – Lynna Nguyen, Acting Curator.
Game Changers is a travelling exhibition created by the Canada Science and Technology Museum.
The exhibition is on view at Joseph Brant Museum from May 10 – September 13, 2025. The Museum is open Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10am to 4pm.
 By Staff
May 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Day two of Education Week in Ontario.
The Halton District School Board is devoting today to Mental Health & Well Being – using the statement:
The Halton District School Board believes that healthy children and youth are more engaged learners.
 Totally focused while solving a problem. This makes it important to create conditions at school that lead to good health and enhanced learning. Healthy schools have learning environments where children and youth are supported by their school communities, enabling them to make healthy lifestyle choices. The HDSB works closely with Halton Region Public Health Department to identify, communicate and prevent health issues that may arise in our schools and communities.
The HDSB will showcase how schools are providing caring and supportive environments that create a genuine sense of belonging to support students in their pursuit of academic excellence.
Follow up on what the Board is doing through this LINK
 By Staff
May 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Each member of Council is given $10,400 each year to cover costs incurred while doing their jobs: mileage, postage – the full list is set out below.
The Mayor, the City CAO, the City Clerk and Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan are part of the city delegation currently in Apeldoorn commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Holland.
The full list of those part of the official delegation is shown below.
- Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
- Rory Nisan, Ward 3 Councillor and Council Liaison on the Mundialization Committee
- Hassaan Basit, Chief Administrative Officer
- Samantha Yew, City Clerk/Director of Legislative Services
- Hasan Raza, Chair, Mundialization Committee (volunteer)
- Anne Koopman, Chair, Apeldoorn Sub-committee (volunteer)
 Councillor Galbraith – back row – third from the left. The question the Gazette, along with a significant number of citizens, is – why is Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith in Apeldoorn and taking part of the events and who is paying for his expenses?
The City Communications department says the city isn’t picking up the tab. We asked the Economic Development and Tourism people if they came up with the cash – no answer from them.
The City has an Expense manual that provides direction – Here are some excerpts:
Supports the Mayor and Councillors to:
- Administer their offices in City Hall.
- Represent the City at functions and events.
Supports Councillors to:
- Communicate with their constituents about the meetings and activities of city council and its committees
- Communicate with their constituents about the businesses and services of the
City and its agencies.
- Enhance and promote an engaged community in their wards.
Councillors and the Mayor are personally responsible for expenditures that do not fall within these criteria. Link to the manual:
Principles
When using this guide the following principles should be observed:
Integrity of Council
• The integrity of Council as a whole and the office of Mayor and offices of Council must be protected.
• The interests of City Council as a whole take precedence over the personal interest of individual members of Council.
Accountability
• Councillors and the Mayor are the stewards of City resources and ultimately are accountable to the public and their constituents for the type and level of expense they incur.
• Councillors’ and Mayor’s expenses must be reasonable and reflect what the
public expects of an elected official.
The Councillors receive a decent income.
By Leonard Fergus
May 4, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
A reliable internet connection is essential for everything these days, be it work, school, entertainment, socializing, or staying connected with loved ones. With so many internet providers and plans available out there, it can be difficult for an average user to choose the right one. The right provider can make your online experience seamless and allow you to enjoy the internet hassle-free, while the wrong one can leave you frustrated and annoyed all the time.
So, if you are in a situation where you have to choose an internet provider, then you must consider these factors before choosing a provider, as these are the most important factors to judge how good or bad a provider is.
 Fibre optic cable has improved the speed at which data runs through the internet – it will continue to get better and better Internet Speed and Bandwidth
Internet speed is usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps) and it is a measure of how quickly the data can be downloaded or uploaded. The higher the Mbps or Gbps, the faster your internet connection is. While choosing an internet provider, make sure that you choose an internet speed that can handle most of your internet needs. Here is a quick breakdown of different internet speeds required for different activities:
- 10–25 Mbps: Suitable for basic browsing, email, and streaming in standard definition.
- 50–100 Mbps: Ideal for HD streaming, online gaming, and working from home.
- 200+ Mbps: Perfect for 4K streaming, large file downloads, and multiple devices.
You should look for an internet provider like Rogers that offers internet speeds that match your usage requirements. Don’t go for the cheapest plan, instead make sure that the plan you are choosing has enough speed and bandwidth to handle your internet needs.
Reliability and Uptime
There is nothing more frustrating and annoying than having an unreliable internet connection that experiences frequent disconnections, outages, and slowdowns, as these can disrupt your work, studies, and entertainment. Committing to an internet provider that provides a reliable internet connection with 99.99% uptime guarantee is what you should opt for.
Although every internet provider will promote itself by promising reliability and maximum uptime, you should check customer reviews and ratings on the internet to get better insights into how reliable an internet provider is.
Coverage and Availability
 The price might be right – but the coverage your getting might be terrible. Not all internet service providers provide their internet coverage in every area throughout the country. Although there are some internet providers, such as Bell, which provide coverage over a wide range of areas, most internet providers have limited internet coverage and you should check the coverage and availability in your area to ensure that the provider provides coverage in your area. Along with coverage, make sure to assess available internet connection types, as choosing a fiber internet connection is much better than sticking with a slower connection like DSL or satellite internet.
Pricing and Contracts
As an average internet consumer, you should be aware of the fact that many internet providers often advertise low promotional rates and increase the rates significantly once the initial promotional period is over. Before committing to any provider, make sure that you check the long-term costs. Along with this, also check for additional and hidden charges like installation fees, equipment rentals, early termination fees, etc.
Some internet providers may require you to sign a long-term contract with them, while others may offer flexibility and month-to-month plans. If you are not sure about a long-term commitment, then look for an internet provider that has more flexible terms.
Customer Service and Support
 Service is often spotty – ask around and listen to what others customers tell you. Good customer service and support are very important to assess how good an internet provider is because when something goes wrong, you want to have an internet provider with a proactive, responsive, and helpful customer support team that can resolve the issue. Poor customer service can turn a minor issue into a major one, and it is what you should try to avoid at all costs.
Look for feedback on the customer support of the internet providers that you have shortlisted. Pay special attention to how they handle complaints and resolve issues, and whether they have 24/7 support available or not.
Additional Features and Services
Lastly, you should not forget about additional features. Because of the increasing competition, internet service providers are offering additional features and services. Many providers offer bundles that include TV, phone, and mobile services that are usually cost-effective if you need multiple services. Make sure to assess for additional features and the equipment provided by the provider. If the provider is offering equipment of subpar quality, then consider investing in your own.
Additional services and bundles provided by internet providers are usually cost-effective, but ensure that you are not being overcharged before committing to a provider.
 By Staff
May 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Do you see yourself in the graph set out below?
Burlington Hydro set out the number of EVs currently in use – determined by registration data by forward sortation area (FSA – part of your postal code) published by Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation,14 and current market share is derived from historical sales data.
Light-duty vehicle energy consumption was estimated based on vehicle population data from Statistics Canada, vehicle kilometers travelled data from the Transportation Tomorrow Survey,and a vehicle efficiency assumption consistent with forecasts. Total electricity demand from medium-and-heavy- duty vehicles is assumed to be 5% of electricity demand from light-duty vehicles, which is consistent with the assumption used for electric mobility other than light-duty vehicles.
The forecast also includes gradual conversion of Burlington Transit’s fleet of buses to electric at the same pace as other medium-and-heavy-duty vehicles, and a greater number of buses per capita to support an increasing mode share for transit.
By Sheldon Parker
May 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 This isn’t the only game in town Many users these days are looking for alternatives to Google Play Store because there are many applications that are not available on Google Play Store. It could be because of a regional restriction or due to policy violations, but whatever the reason might be, users are left wondering where else they can find the app that they are looking for.
This is where alternative app stores come into play, as they offer a wide range of apps and games that are not available on the Google Play Store. For Android users, these alternative app stores are a game-changer, as they provide them access to apps that are not available on the Play Store, beta releases, and open-source apps.
Let us explore the best alternative app stores for Android users so that they can find and install the apps that they cannot find on the Play Store.
Why Consider Alternative App Stores?
Many people have this question in mind: why should they opt for alternative app stores when Google Play Store is the official option available? Well, the Google Play Store is the official option for Android devices, and it is vast, but it doesn’t have everything. On alternative app stores, you can often find apps that are unavailable on the Play Store due to any reason, such as regional restrictions, beta versions, or niche apps that don’t meet Google’s guidelines.
For accessing apps and games that you cannot find on the Google Play Store, alternative app stores can be considered a treasure trove, as you find apps that are hard to find on the Play Store.
Top Alternative App Stores for Android Users
Amazon Appstore
 Amazon Appstore – a popular alternative app Amazon Appstore is a quite popular alternative app store on which you can find exclusive titles and general apps as well. It integrates seamlessly with all Amazon devices including Fire tablets and TVs, making it the go-to choice for Amazon users.
Benefits:
- Regular promotions and discounts on paid apps.
- Exclusive apps optimized for Fire devices.
- A Free App of the Day program that provides you with access to premium apps at no cost.
- Easy to use.
Just download the Amazon Appstore on your Android device and log in with your Amazon account to use this alternative app store. The process of downloading and installing the app like Telegram through Amazon Appstore is quite simple and easy, with you requiring only an Amazon account to get started.
Samsung Galaxy Store
For Android users with Samsung devices, the Samsung Galaxy Store is the best alternative app store available. Not only is it pre-installed on their devices, but it provides exclusive games and apps that are customized for Samsung devices.
Benefits:Enhanced performance on Samsung devices.
- Access to exclusive apps and customization options.
- Exclusive fonts and themes for OneUI.
- Loyalty rewards.
- Regular promotions and discounts.
The downside of the Samsung Galaxy Store is that it is limited to the Samsung ecosystem and not available for non-Samsung devices. However, on Samsung devices, you won’t face any issues with this app store.
F-Droid
 Focuses on privacy and open-source software. F-Droid is a popular alternative open-source app store that focuses on privacy and open-source software. The thing that differentiates F-Droid from other alternative app stores is that it offers ad-free and tracker-free apps, making it the go-to choice for users who are looking for privacy.
Benefits:
- All apps are free and open-source.
- No tracking or advertisements.
- Lightweight and easy-to-navigate interface.
- Privacy-focused and community-driven.
- Access to unique open-source apps.
Download the F-Droid APK from their official website, install it on your device, and get access to unique apps and games.
AppCafe.io
 Get access to a wide variety of safe and verified APKs Apart from these alternative app stores, we also have APK repository websites like AppCafe.io that offer access to a wide variety of safe and verified APKs. Through AppCafe.io, you can get safe and secure APKs of the apps that are free from malware and that are unavailable in your region.
Benefits:
- Get access to verified and secure APKs.
- Access apps that are not available on traditional app stores.
- No registration is required.
- Free access to all apps.
One of the best things about AppCafe or other similar app repositories is that these repositories allow users to download older versions of apps. For instance, if someone wants to download an older version of Instagram, they can do it from here.
These were some of the top and secure alternatives to the Google Play Store for Android users. Make sure that you download apps from trusted and reputable stores like the ones mentioned above and review app permissions to ensure that the app doesn’t request unnecessary access to your device or data.
By Staff
May 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Kelly’s Bake Shop; opened in 2012 and became a reason to visit Burlongton.
Owners Kelly and Erinn closed their downtown Burlington location after 13 years. It wasn’t a decision they made – the property owner made it for them – giving them sixty days to vacate the premises.
 Planning a day – when the days were good. Kelly and Erinn
 Rendering of the proposed development. Interesting to note that the Bake Shop is included in the rendering which suggest that the developer was open to the idea of the Bake Shop being part of the development. No word from the developers as to when the demolition of the site will begin. Most recent information was that a development application has yet to be approved. Property taxes will be lower once the site has been levelled.
The site is bound by Brant, John and James with the southern end the parkette.
Proposed Development
To modify the Zoning for the previously approved development as follows:
- Reduce the parking rate to 0.74 parking spaces per residential unit (overall number of parking spaces),
- Reduce the parking stall dimensions,
- Reduce the second-floor height from 3.8 metres to 3.7 metres,
- Reduce setbacks to the parking structure and
- Increase the overall building height from 65m to 66 m to make room for a mechanical penthouse.”
Statutory public meeting and recommendation report
May 13, 2025
9:30 a.m.
Virtual Meeting held in hybrid format
By Pepper Parr
May 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
We asked the city communications people how Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith managed to find himself sitting on a park bench in Apeldoorn with the Mayor and Councillor Nisan when he was not part of the official delegation which consisted of:
-
 A photo op that could come back to bite. Mayor Meed Ward and Councillors Nisan and Galbraith sitting on a park bench in Apeldoorn that was donated to the people of the city by Burlington. Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
- Rory Nisan, Ward 3 Councillor and Council Liaison on the Mundialization Committee
- Hassaan Basit, Chief Administrative Officer
- Samantha Yew, City Clerk/Director of Legislative Services
- Hasan Raza, Chair, Mundialization Committee (volunteer)
- Anne Koopman, Chair, Apeldoorn Sub-committee (volunteer)
The Communications people got back to us with the following:
Councillor Galbraith’s participation in Apeldoorn is not as part of the City of Burlington’s official delegation. He was invited to participate in ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of liberation and the 20th twinning anniversary celebrations by Apeldoorn officials hosting the events.
Councillor Galbraith’s travel is funded through the budget for the office of Ward 1, and not from the Mundialization reserve which was set up when the twinning agreements were established.
So far so good. The next question is: Who invited Galbraith? And the question after that is: Just how much money is there in the “budget for the office of Ward 1”?
 By Pepper Parr
May 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 The T-shirt Dickert is wearing has a label. He wants the plants you buy to have a label so you can be informed when you buy plants that grow into trees. Howard Dickert will point to the T shirt he is wearing and tell you that the manufacturer of the T-shirt is required to attach a label saying what it was made of and where it is made.
Dickert wants plants that are sold to the public to be required to provide the same level of information.
He explains:
Plant labels must display: Both the scientific and common names. The forest zone or the continent or sub continental area from which the plant originates. Native plants will include the seed zone source from which this individual was grown.
The labeling rule as shown above, is not yet the law. But it should be!
Dickert maintains that: “Any environmentally conscientious consumer will need this information to help them avoid selecting non native species. However, selecting a native species as defined by country (Canada or USA), or even from the forest zone you are in, is only half the process. More attention needs to be taken since plant life cycles also include epigenetic processes that effect events such as when they develop their leaves or flowers in spring, or the timing of dormancy in the fall. This could be compared to circadian rhythm in animals. Such regional variation is expressed as “Local Adaption”, and is particularly evident for plants that extend over a large longitudinal distance, or altitude range. Such a plant species will have sub groups of populations, each with their own local adaptions.
 Lovely to look at – environmentally messy
“An extreme example of such a plant is the Florida Dogwood (Cornus florida), a Carolinian forest zone tree that lives across almost the entire extent of this zone. The Carolinian Forest extends from northern Florida into southern Ontario. A Florida Dogwood grown from seeds harvested in Atlanta, but then planted in Toronto, will most likely die during it’s first harsh winter since it is not locally adapted. To make matters worse, should it live, and then grow to cross breed with the local population, then the succeeding generations will have mixed up adaptions weakening future generations. Clearly, the horticultural industry should NOT market native plants far beyond where the original seeds were harvested. Unfortunately, not every Grower or Garden Center is this conscientious. Gardeners need to know from where their plants originated.
”The current marketing of plants is much more messy, with shopping practices in other markets training consumers that what ever they see on the shelf – is “OK” to buy. All products, from the shirt on your back, to shampoos, to processed foods, to electronics, or big ticket items like a vehicle, all must complete extensive testing, and then must include labels or warnings, before it can be sold to the public – except plants! People are lulled into – see, reach for it, buy. Few will think about future ramifications. Most products are used and then discarded. Garden centers cash in on the same mind set, providing pretty plants to exploit impulse buying. But plants are different! Plants are not tested, and the label only gives a name (other info being optional).
”The difference extends to “Plants are a living system”. They don’t get used up and discarded. Plants will reproduce generations into an unforeseeable future, and the decisions you make at the garden center check out counter can have ramifications well beyond your lifetime. For the people who do take these facts into account, and choose to buy Native Plants (to help restore habitat at the same time that they beautify their gardens), then the typical Garden Center effectively block their ability to choose, by not providing basic information.
Shoppers either have to be extremely disciplined adhering to a premade shopping list, or basically have to Google each plant before they add it to their shopping cart. We need better information on labels!
”In this time of Climate Emergency, in which habitat loss is one of the symptoms, and since planting native plants helps to restore the environment, then it is critically important to make it easy for people to choose plants that live in harmony with local biota. Further, non native plants should be avoided (unless an accepted crop), and clearly – invasive plants should be made illegal to be sold (that’s another paper). Labels that include the forest zone where a plant lives, and the “Seed Zone” from where the seeds were collected, along with the plant names (scientific and common) should be considered as the minimum amount of info necessary. Reputable growers already track this data through their own internal systems. It’s not a big ask that this information be extended to the public.
“An interesting side point to buying locally adapted plants, is that they ARE already adapted to local temperature ranges potentially seen in the area, making temperature zone maps redundant.”
By Pepper Parr
May 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 What’s to investigate? The Gazette reached out to the city asking if anything was being done about the trees on the golf course property being cut down.
We received the following:
“The City is aware of the cutting down of trees on those portions of the Millcroft Golf Course that have been approved for redevelopment by the Ontario Land Tribunal.
“The City is investigating this activity and as such, no further comment can be provided at this time.
The City recognizes that many in our community have an interest in this project. The City will keep the community informed as much as possible as the project proceeds.”
What does all this mean? City is trying to figure out if there is anything they can do – meanwhile, the trees are being cut down
The city sent along a link to a news release that was issued on Friday, May 2nd.
A copy of the statement is available here: https://www.burlington.ca/en/news/city-investigating-tree-removal-activity-at-millcroft-redevelopment-site.aspx
“There isn’t any more that we can say on this matter at this time.”
 The city has known for some time that the developer planned to cut down many of the trees to make room for the approved development. Why would they wait until the trees had been cut down before investigating? Proactive is not a word used all that much at city hall.
By Pepper Parr
May 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board joins school boards across Ontario in celebrating Education Week from May 5-9, 2025. This week provides an opportunity to showcase the meaningful work taking place across HDSB schools and workspaces, and to recognize the achievements and contributions of students, staff and the broader school community.
 Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board.  Amy Collard, Chair of the Halton District School Board. “It has been inspiring to witness the incredible progress and achievements of our students across every aspect of their learning,” says Amy Collard, Chair of the Halton District School Board. “From academic milestones to personal growth, our students are continuously demonstrating their creativity and passions. These successes are not only a reflection of their hard work, but also the dedication and support from our educators, families and community.”
“Education Week provides an opportunity to reflect on and share the many success stories of academic growth and achievements that are happening across HDSB schools,” says Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. “These stories remind us that learning is not only about what happens in the classroom, but also about how we care for one another and grow together.”
Throughout the week, the HDSB will share stories and initiatives that demonstrate how the 2024–2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) is shaping learning environments and supporting student success and well-being.
Monday, May 5 – Spotlighting the 2024–2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan: To begin the week, the HDSB will share how the commitments in the MYSP, launched in the fall, are being put into practice through meaningful actions across HDSB schools and workplaces to support positive outcomes for students and staff.
Tuesday, May 6 – The role of Mental Health and Well-Being: As Education Week aligns with Mental Health Week, on Tuesday, the HDSB will showcase how schools are providing caring and supportive environments that create a genuine sense of belonging to support students in their pursuit of academic excellence.
Wednesday, May 7 – We are HDSB: The HDSB will spotlight the recently launched video series, We are HDSB, that shares the voices and experiences of students, staff and families across HDSB school communities. This series showcases the many ways people are building connections, demonstrating kindness and contributing to a strong sense of community. Each video provides a glimpse into the day-to-day experiences within schools, celebrating student success and the people and moments that help make HDSB schools and workspaces safe, welcoming and supportive places.
Thursday, May 8 – Celebrating Student Achievement: On Thursday, the HDSB will recognize the success of 108 students at the 41st annual Celebration of Student Excellence event. Friends and family are invited to celebrate virtually by viewing the livestream of the event which will be available on the HDSB website at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 8. The HDSB will also share student success stories from across HDSB schools that highlight how students are thriving in their academic journeys.
Friday, May 9 – Recognizing Kindness, Connection and Community: To conclude Education Week, the HDSB will focus on its commitment to Kindness, Connection and Community, as outlined in the 2024-2028 MYSP, and how it supports the success of students. Highlights will be shared from a recent Director’s Panel session where students and staff discussed how this commitment is being brought to life in schools.
By Pepper Parr
May 4th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 The piece of equipment will have that tree down in a matter of minutes. There will be no time for a noise complaint.
When we were made aware that Milton Greens, the developer in the process of adding 98 high-end homes to portions of the golf course, we wondered if the developer had the right to do what they were doing.
That prompted two questions to the City. I suspect that Blake Hurley, the City Solicitor and Commissioner, Development and Growth Management – Curtis Benson would both respond to the question:
Would the removal of those trees at this point in time comply with the city’s tree removal by law?
Or would the conditions in the Ontario Land Tribunal decision over-ride the city bylaw and thus make what is being done legal?
We have sent the questions along to the city’s communications team and will let you know what they dig out.
 The light grey part of the image is of existing homes; the full colour is what the developer now has permission to build on what is currently golf course land.
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 By Pepper Parr
May 4th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
If the photographs are legitimate, and in today’s world who knows what is real anymore, asking is a reasonable question
The park bench Mayor Meed Ward and Councillors Nisan and Galbraith are sitting on was a gift from Burlington to Apeldoorn. So, we are going to assume the pictures were not photo-shopped—they were distributed on Instagram by the Mayor.
A number of weeks go we asked the city for the names of the people going to Appeldoorn to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Holland.
They sent is the following:
Members of the official Burlington delegation visiting Apeldoorn are:
- Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
- Rory Nisan, Ward 3 Councillor and Council Liaison on the Mundialization Committee
- Hassaan Basit, Chief Administrative Officer
- Samantha Yew, City Clerk/Director of Legislative Services
- Hasan Raza, Chair, Mundialization Committee (volunteer)
- Anne Koopman, Chair, Apeldoorn Sub-committee (volunteer)
So – why is ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith sitting on the park bench in Apeldoorn?
Sticking to our reason for being – holding the elected to both transparency and accountability – we will put that question to the city and let you know what they have to say.
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By Staff
