 By Andreas Thorson
June 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Along Lakeshore Road on a sunny morning, families stroll past cyclists, cafés are packed with remote workers, and the distant hum of weekend GO trains serves as a backdrop to how quickly Burlington has become the GTHA’s sweet spot.
Online conveniences, from buying vintage teak on Facebook Marketplace to checking for the best casino sites in Canada on sites like online-casinos.com for Friday evening entertainment, now rank alongside the city’s famous benchmarks: lake vistas, safe streets, and neighbourly charm. That blend of old-style and tech-savviness is driving record interest from first-time buyers, downsizing Torontonians, and newcomers alike.
Consistently Ranked Among Canada’s Best
Independent studies continue to place Burlington at or close to the top of national livability rankings. MovingWaldo’s 2024 report card graded the city fifth in the country, based on its low Crime Severity Index (31.04), great employment prospects, and access to health care.
 The accolades are anything but a one-time event; MoneySense, Maclean’s, and The Globe and Mail have all highlighted Burlington’s stability and livability in recent years. For prospective residents who want peace of mind without sacrificing urban amenities, those rankings are meaningful.
Housing: A Balanced Market in a Volatile Region
Greater Toronto’s housing story is often one of sticker shock, but Burlington has been able to sustain a relative affordability edge. The average resale price was $1.12 million in May 2025, still steep, but competitive with Toronto’s $1.29 million average and Oakville’s $1.48 million. Interest rate stability and a projected 4.5 per cent price gain for 2025 are indicative of a balanced market, not a speculative boom.
Single-detached product remains the most sought-after segment, reports RE/MAX, while a steady supply of mid-rise condos near GO stations offers entry points for young professionals and downsizers.
Impeccable Connectivity Fuels Commuter Confidence
Location is destiny, and Burlington’s is at the intersection of two economic powerhouses. Drivers have simple access to the QEW, Highway 403, and the 407 ETR, but the larger news is transit: Metrolinx’s GO Expansion program promises 15-minute, two-way, all-day service on the Lakeshore West line, sewing Burlington, Hamilton, and downtown Toronto into a reliable, electrified corridor.
New pedestrian overpasses, schedule enhancements, and integrated Burlington Transit bus routes are already being rolled out, reflecting long-term confidence in car-optional living. For companies that promote hybrid work, that reliability opens the talent pool in both directions.
Nature at the Doorstep, Lake at the Front Porch
 The Mayor calls this the city’s Front Porch.  The Pier: controversial when it was built – a popular place now. From the 900-metre pier next to Spencer Smith Park to the Bruce Trail limestone cliffs, a 10-minute drive north, Burlington offers a return-to-nature experience without ever having to leave the city.
More than 1,400 hectares of legally protected green space thread through the neighbourhoods, including the Royal Botanical Gardens and Hidden Valley Park, which ideally cater to a post-pandemic hunger for outdoor recreation and mental-health refuge. Waterfront access also fuels a paddle-sport culture in boom, while frequent “park-and-bike” trailheads put the Escarpment within reach of every skill level.
A Cultural Calendar That Punches Above Its Weight
 A free festival that runs for four days in June. Quality of life isn’t necessarily measured in square footage. Burlington’s seasonal festivals and events keep residents busy all year round, none bigger than June’s Sound of Music Festival – Canada’s largest free outdoor music festival, now drawing 200,000-plus people over four days.
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre, monthly Art Gallery openings, and a craft-brewery circuit from Plains Road to Aldershot have added new dimensions to the city’s personality. Not only do these sites entertain citizens, but they also support a hospitality sector that employs thousands.
Smart Growth and Sustainable Planning
City Hall’s “Grow Bold” vision funnels density into the three GO station precincts, preserving stable family neighbourhoods while realizing provincial intensification targets. Burlington, Aldershot, and Appleby station-area mixed-use developments incorporate green roofs, EV-ready parking, and pedestrian-priority design, fulfilling buyer demand for sustainable living.
Progressive infrastructure(from the new Joseph Brant Hospital wing to district-energy pilots in Aldershot) illustrates public and private investment in climate-change resilience.
Demographics Behind the Momentum
Population forecasts released this spring have Burlington surpassing large cities along the Halton-Hamilton corridor in percentage growth, driven by interprovincial migration and a 12 per cent spike in international arrivals since 2021.
 A walk-able city. Retirees still love the city’s walkability and healthcare system, but the fastest-growing cohort is tech and business-services professionals aged 28-44 years, an age range that demands reliable broadband, vibrant public spaces, and convenient airport access. Burlington’s ability to satisfy both highly skilled singles and families is expanding its popularity and solidifying its tax base.
The Bottom Line
 The northern part of the city is closed to development, leaving hundreds of acres that can be seen from Mt. Nemo. Where livability rankings, transit investment, smart housing policy, and a multicultural range of cultural amenities converge, momentum isn’t just a marketing slogan: it’s a way of life.
Burlington’s draw is its “Goldilocks” mix of being large enough to support top-notch amenities, yet small enough that neighbours can greet each other by name; close enough to Toronto’s skyscrapers, but rimmed by treed escarpment; connected, but also firmly rooted in neighbourly feeling.
For Canadians looking for their next address, that balance is proving irresistible, and Burlington’s newest welcome mat has never looked more inviting.
 By Staff
June 2nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Eagles Nest: that group of people who work out of a church on the border between Burlington and Waterdown announced today that they were able to raise $10,527. in the auction they held.
 An item that drew well above the asking bid. Tickets to a Jays game. “Local businesses donated items; the response to the auction was great. People were bidding on items right until it closed.
“These funds will be used to provide affordable mental health services such as therapy, coaching and support programs to adults, youth and children.
The support for local, accessible mental health services is incredibly encouraging.
The Pearle Hotel and Spa hospitality gift card and the tickets to a Blue Jays up against the New York Yankees were top draws.
Reaching these people is an email away: info@eaglesnestwaterdown.ca
 By Pepper Parr
June 2nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
Is there a nice way to put this?
A community of people who want what they believe is best for the residents has been stiffed by the people they chose to elect.
 Heavy equipment has taken out a number of trees. None of the elected have done all that they could. And they certainly haven’t been upfront with the residents. They offered bromides at best; knowing (or should have known) that the opportunity for an MZO (Ministerial Zoning Order) disappeared years ago.
The community took their case to the OLT where they lost. There were strict provisions imposed on the developer – they are however very technical and both MAD and Millcroft Greenspace Alliance, the other community group, have been unable to iron out their differences.
It is a sad story – residents believed they had a voice and that they would be heard. They had a voice – but they weren’t heard.
 “MAD reports that there were 414,000 views on both Facebook and Instagram in just the last day while heavy equipment is cutting down trees.
“MAD continues to work closely with our elected officials Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos, Councillor Angelo Bentivegna and Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. They are using every tool in their tool box to preserve our green space. MAD can assure you that the fight is still on!”
The fight is over – the opportunity to send a message existed when the provincial election took place. Triantafilopoulos was re-elected.
By the time the next provincial the houses will have been built and occupied.
MAD reports that Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and Councillor Bentivegna have publicly stated their advocacy on CHCH, YourTV, CBC News and local newspapers.
“Our Oakville North Burlington MPP has asked us to release her statement which will also be circulated on news outlets. Here is what MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos had to say:
“There is an active City and an Environment Canada investigation. We do not know any details of the investigations.
 A community built around a golf course – seen as a brilliant idea at the time. The owners of the golf course were presented with an opportunity to sell parts of the golf course, where 98 high-end homes were to be built. It was just too good to take a pass on. “There has been success on social media, broadcast and the press. We had over 414,000 views on both Facebook and Instagram in just the last day. We have been interviewed and broadcast twice on CHCH news. Press publications, including the posting digitally and on their social media, to date are: CBC Hamilton, CBC Canada, Ontario Construction News, Yahoo Canada, Turf & Rec, the Hamilton Spectator, Inside Halton, INsauga, INhalton, Halton News, Burlington Today and the Burlington Post. We are working with other news outlets and hope to see further coverage shortly.”
The Burlington Gazette has reported on this story from its very beginning. MAD decided it didn’t like the news reporting the Gazette did. The community is represented by two different groups who were never able to get to the point where they could create a common front.
MAD closes with the following: “We encourage you to keep up the fight as well. Continue with your calls, emails, letters and comments on our public social media. We are not going down easily, and we are getting noticed! Well done folks!”
Related news stories: More than 25 articles were published, more than ll the others combined
Too little too late
Community holds a demonstration
Did the Mayor withhold information
 By Pepper Parr
June 2nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 The Artist in residence program is new to Burlington. It offers a limited cohort of artists a year-long opportunity to explore and experiment in the Gallery’s studios. It is a free, self-directed program available to artists at any stage in their careers. The program is open to creators developing their practice in ceramics, fibre, photography, painting, and emergent modes of artmaking. It provides artists with dedicated time, space, and resources to conduct research and create new work across conceptual, material, and social practices.
Time and space
The independently driven atmosphere and communal environment encourage creative growth, experimentation, and cultivation of new ideas. Artists can research, experiment, and explore free from expectations, meaning that it is not tied to an exhibition. AGB residents enjoy work studios and have over 40 hours of access a week in areas of clay, textiles, photography, 2D, and sculpture.
 The Gallery Courtyard decorated for an event. Artists will have access to our fully accessible studio during assigned hours, studio tools, studio glazes, studio slips, wheels and hand building space, storage space for your work in progress and materials, community firings, and access to view the AGB’s permanent collection.
Community
Professional collaborations and personal connections are often formed when a cohort of multidisciplinary artists mix. Presentations and open studios among the residents are optional and spontaneous, providing opportunities to share work with fellow studio members. AGB offers opportunities to meet local and regional artists, arts professionals, and others that may specifically help advance a resident’s practice and expand their networks.
Residents are encouraged to involve communities and the public through various activations and presentations, such as talks, workshops, screenings, field trips, and new experimental formats working alongside the AGB’s curatorial and learning team.
Click HERE for application details.
 By Staff
June 2nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
A Burlington lawyer arrested in connection with a suspected multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme is under investigation by the Law Society of Ontario for allegedly misusing her trust fund.
 Crys Masterson with her husband and three children is part of The Transition Network. “Elders have a wealth of knowledge to share and help remind me to slow down and appreciate the meaningful things in life.” Cyrs grew up in a real estate family and now specializes in real estate law, estates, probate, power of attorney, wills and trusts. Crys goes out of her way to ensures her clients, young and old, are well informed and comfortable with each step of the legal process and that their best interests are protected at all times. Her patience, compassion and knowledge of Elder Law make Crys an outstanding asset to The Transition Network Team. While its probe is underway, the law society is seeking to have Crystal Masterson’s licence suspended due to “a significant risk of harm to members of the public, or to the public interest in the administration of justice, if the order is not made.”
The law society filed its notice of motion against Masterson on May 13, about six weeks after she was arrested by the Ontario Provincial Police and charged with fraud over $5,000. Her law society hearing is set for June 3.
Masterson and two others — punk-rock-singer-turned-businessman Doug Grozelle and Halton regional police fraud detective Jon Williams — are accused of running a $24.6-million international investment scheme that left dozens of people broke or homeless.
The OPP called it “a complex, multi-jurisdictional investment fraud scheme.”
The alleged pyramid scheme, which operated for two years, sucked in at least 236 participants, 116 of whom lost money.
Bankruptcy receiver Grant Thornton has said the scheme was “insolvent from its inception” and used money from new investors to pay illegally high returns to a select group of clients, many of whom were Halton regional police officers.
The pitch Grozelle made to investors was simple: if they gave him large amounts of cash for short periods, ranging from a few weeks to a few months, he promised to lend it to third parties, then pay it back fast with a high rate of return.
By Staff
June 2nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
We apologize for the error in the photograph of Dr. Lennox that first appeared in this article.
New Democrats will announce a motion this week addressing social media harms to youth.
 NDP member and Shadow Minister for Mental Health and Addictions – Dr. Robin Lennox MPP Catherine Fife, joined by Deputy House Leader and Shadow Minister for Education, Chandra Pasma; and Shadow Minister for Mental Health and Addictions with responsibility for Primary Care, Robin Lennox; will introduce her motion calling for action on the harmful impacts of social media on children and youth in Ontario.
The motion urges the government to study the addictive design of platforms, clarify the responsibilities of tech companies, and implement health warnings through Ontario’s public health units.
Everyone is taking a whack at social media – especially the politicians, who use it more than any other sector of society.
 Brock University recently published a paper on just how serious the problem is.
“Information is rooted in the political agenda of the media outlet or person putting it online, and we need to confirm facts via other sources, such as print media, parents and teachers, and alternative websites,”
We have attached a link to the article: Spotting fakes and facts: Brock experts on why digital literacy is critical for children
 By Eva Shultz
June 2, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Digital commerce is evolving rapidly, and 2025 has become a landmark year for creators selling downloadable goods online. With the rise of new creator-focused tools and minimal-barrier platforms, it’s easier than ever to turn skills into scalable income. From digital planners and eBooks to coding templates and sound packs, global demand for instant, accessible content is exploding. The shift toward niche personalization and automation means sellers no longer need a massive audience — just the right platform and offer.
The Landscape of Modern Digital Marketplaces
 Selling digital goods used to mean building a personal website and managing payments, updates, and distribution manually. Selling digital goods used to mean building a personal website and managing payments, updates, and distribution manually. In 2025, platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, Ko-fi, and Lemon Squeezy have completely transformed that model. While Etsy and Ko-fi handle product distribution and payments, some users prefer 1xBet download, enjoying a quick escape between managing digital sales. These marketplaces offer all-in-one solutions: storefronts, analytics, payment processing, customer segmentation, and tax automation.
Today, developers prefer systems that also work seamlessly on mobile devices. Many salespeople perform multiple tasks simultaneously, engaging in side activities, and those who follow sports or entertainment trends often choose mobile utilities.
Top Platforms for Digital Sales and What They Offer
Each marketplace offers unique features tailored to different creator types. Here’s a breakdown of how sellers are leveraging the most popular tools this year.
Leading platforms for digital goods in 2025:
- Etsy – Now integrated with AI tagging, it’s a go-to for digital planners, wall art, and niche printables.
- Gumroad – Best for indie creators offering eBooks, software, and video tutorials.
- Ko-fi – Ideal for creators building community-backed stores with memberships and donations.
- Lemon Squeezy – Geared toward SaaS, coders, and developers needing VAT-compliant billing worldwide.
 A childhood rhyme – not something anyone would forget. Each of these platforms supports product hosting, offers secure payments, and enables upselling. According to a recent overview on Mediahuis, businesses can effectively combine digital and print advertising solutions to maximize their brand reach in Ireland. Lemon Squeezy, in particular, has become popular among software developers offering paid Notion templates, Figma UI kits, and productivity packs.
How Automation Tools Simplify Selling
Automation is the secret sauce behind most high-earning digital stores. It reduces manual work, increases conversions, and keeps customers engaged without extra effort from the seller.
Creators in 2025 use automation tools for:
- Email sequences after purchase to upsell bundles or request reviews
- Coupon codes triggered by cart abandonment
- Affiliate programs that allow other creators to promote your products
- Analytics dashboards to monitor product performance in real time
What makes this easier is platform integration. Gumroad connects with Zapier and ConvertKit, while Lemon Squeezy supports Stripe automation and tax handling — all without needing to code. As Lemon Squeezy handles tax automation, some creators unwind with 1xBet apk, blending productivity and leisure effortlessly. Meanwhile, sellers looking for mobile convenience can access their control panels along with other real-time tools.
Case Studies: Who’s Winning in 2025’s Digital Product Boom?
Let’s explore how different types of creators are thriving by using modern marketplaces and smart strategies.
- Isabella, a graphic designer, sells Canva templates on Etsy and earns $3,000/month passively.
- Daniel, a fitness coach, offers PDF meal plans and sells over 500 downloads monthly via Gumroad.
- Mateo, a software engineer, launched a productivity app using Lemon Squeezy’s subscription model and now earns recurring revenue from over 1,000 users.
- Lucía, a Spanish-language author, distributes short educational eBooks on Ko-fi with a pay-what-you-want model and a strong donor base.
 The digital product market in 2025 is a landscape full of potential for those who understand its tools. The digital advertising sector continues to thrive, creating opportunities for innovative sellers. The Adworld website states that the Irish advertising market will grow to €1.53 billion in 2024, according to Core What unites these sellers is their ability to package niche knowledge into downloadable assets and position them on the right platform with minimal overhead.
Sell Smart, Not Hard
The digital product market in 2025 is a landscape full of potential for those who understand its tools. Whether you’re a designer, writer, coach, or coder, there’s room to build passive income and reach a global audience — without traditional retail friction.
Start with one platform, build your product library, automate the sales funnel, and test different offers. Whether you’re aiming for side income or a full-time digital business, the resources are available — and the smartest sellers are already scaling fast.
 By H. Randall-Wooden
June 2nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Due to the combination of the convenience of playing from anywhere at any time with an enhanced game library and more bonus options, online casinos have become an incredibly popular choice. As player numbers shot up during the Covid-19 pandemic, many questioned whether the growth of online casinos was sustainable. However, as more and more players make the move into the virtual world, the future of online casinos looks increasingly bright. In this article, we’ll explore the factors behind this growth in popularity, including the wider choice at online casinos and the increased convenience of online play.
Enhanced choice at online casinos
 Players use VR technology to customize their virtual avatar and immerse themselves within a vibrant casino environment. At online casinos, players are able to choose from a wider range of games. As well as classics like blackjack, poker and roulette, they can make the most of innovative offerings. These can include progressive jackpots, where the prize on offer grows as more people play, and virtual reality options, where players use VR technology to customize their virtual avatar and immerse themselves within a vibrant casino environment.
There’s further choice on offer through unique versions of popular casino games like slots. Players can still make the most of classic slots at online casinos, with all of the iconic symbols like fruit, money bags and sevens. However, there are also exclusive online options, such as interactive slots, in which players complete additional games that influence the overall game outcome.
Another popular online choice is live games, which allow players to interact with dealers in real time. They better replicate the experience of land-based casinos through enhanced set and sound design. Live versions of many casino games, including poker and baccarat, have become incredibly popular. They appeal to many players by combining convenience with a vibrant casino environment.
Options for all budgets
Whereas bonuses in land-based casinos are usually reserved for high spenders, there are options for every budget at online casinos. Players are able to use no deposit or low deposit offers to make the most of their budget. Online casinos also further promotions, including those linked to different game types, cashback bonuses and seasonal offers. The great variety of bonuses available at online casinos helps them appeal to a wide range of players.
Gambling online is incredibly popular across Canada, with 19.3 million active participants in 2024 alone. The most played game across these numbers is online slot machines, which offer players great value for money, with each spin costing as little as 10 cents. This makes slots popular with those who prefer lower-risk gambling or are looking to stretch their budget further.
Another popular option for players looking to manage their budget is sweepstakes casinos. These casinos use virtual currencies in the form of Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, allowing players to participate in their favorite games without spending anything. To find the best sweepstakes casinos in Canada, players use one of the country’s most trusted affiliates in Time2play.com/ca-en. They analyze each sweepstakes casino across factors that include bonuses, playing experience and game choice, to find the top options. Sweepstakes casinos are continuing to increase in popularity and are set to help ensure the growth of the iGaming industry can be maintained.
A more convenient option
 Anywhere – anytime Not everyone – especially those who live in more rural areas – has easy access to a land-based casino. If they do, they might find themselves challenged by dress codes or strict house rules. Online casinos allow all players to access their favorite games from anywhere at any time. They’re available 24/7 and only require a stable internet connection for use. Convenience is at the heart of the online casino offering, helping to ensure their growth remains sustainable.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, when live venues had to shut down, many turned to online platforms to continue playing their favorite games. This shift saw land-based casinos enter a decline, fueled by the abrupt drop in customer numbers. For example, in Alberta, land-based casinos saw their revenue fall by 24% following the pandemic. Many providers moved their offerings online during this time. The provincial government in Alberta even launched its own online casino to capitalize on the movement.
Incorporating new technology
The online gambling industry has always been at the forefront of technological advances, constantly evolving to provide the best service. As well as incorporating VR into gaming options, other technologies like cryptocurrencies and AI have helped to revolutionize the industry.
Cryptocurrency
One such change has been the adoption of cryptocurrency into the payment options available at online casinos. Cryptocurrency has a number of benefits for players, including lower fees, faster transaction speeds and better conversion rates. Many online casinos now offer payments from popular coins like Bitcoin, Litecoin and Ethereum, and there are also providers who specialize in crypto payments.
For players who may be concerned about uploading their financial information online, cryptocurrency allows them to make transactions with better protection. Crypto uses a high level of encryption, meaning that all information is unreadable to anyone who tries to access it. It’s also stored in digital wallets and uses blockchain technology to manage transactions, so the player’s information is protected.
Artificial intelligence
AI has been revolutionary for many industries and online casinos are no exception. It has been introduced across many different areas of the market, including for use in customer service chatbots. AI chatbots are able to answer customer queries much faster than a human representative, using data from the internet to provide accurate answers. Across online casinos, the adoption of AI bots has led to faster, smoother customer service.
In terms of security, AI is used to help monitor player patterns and detect those who may pose a threat to the provider. By analyzing vast amounts of data quickly, AI is able to look at player patterns, like response speed, and detect any who stray from the average. For example, AI can detect those who respond to questions or make choices faster than humanly possible.
One of the biggest threats the industry faces is a type of fraud known as bonus abuse, where players make multiple accounts to claim the same bonus more than once. It’s estimated that bonus abuse currently costs the industry as much as 15% of its annual gross revenue. It’s hoped that AI can be part of the solution to this problem by identifying multiple accounts using the same information, much faster and more accurately than a human can. It can also be used to identify suspicious IP addresses or patterns, and flag these to providers.
The future of online casinos
In the future, generative AI is set to play an even greater role in the online casino industry. While typical AI analyzes and identifies patterns that it reports to the provider, generative AI can actually use this information to create content. At present, a similar method is used to tailor advertisements and recommendations to a player’s preferences, based on their playing history. Generative AI will go a step further by automatically generating and sending marketing materials to a player based on their preferences.
Online casinos also benefit from the constant improvement of other technologies, like mobiles and live streaming services. Currently, some online casinos can’t provide as many live options on mobile as are found on desktop versions. As livestreaming technology continues to improve, this should allow casinos to provide their full library across devices.
 Live gaming and VR better replicate the experience of land-based casinos through sound and visual designs. One of the things many players miss at online casinos is the social element found in land-based options. Live gaming and VR better replicate the experience of land-based casinos through sound and visual designs. Another big development has been in technology that allows players to interact during games. While this is currently limited to features like chatrooms, some casinos have been experimenting with technology that allows players to talk directly to each other, similar to the feature found in some video games. In the future, these technological developments could help to bring even more players to the online casino market.
Is the growth of online casinos sustainable?
Due to the convenience of being able to access online casinos anywhere at any time, their growth seems sustainable for the future. To continue to capitalize on this growth, online casinos have introduced greater choice in terms of options, like no deposit bonuses and enhanced game libraries with VR games. The industry also makes sure that it’s constantly evolving by adopting new technologies like AI and cryptocurrency. In the future, we’re likely to see these developments playing an even greater role at online casinos, helping to ensure their future. Overall, the growth of online casinos is sustainable because of the combination of convenience and improved playing experience that appeals to many players.
 By Pepper Parr
June 1st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The traffic snafus during the Mothers’ Day weekend weren’t even mentioned when the Chief Administrative Officer gave Council a short update on what staff have been doing.
The public certainly made their feelings known, and Mayor Meed Ward picked up on that when she sent the letter, set out, below to the Minister of Transportation.
The City had been advised that there are six additional lane closures between the date of the latter and Labour Day. Given that the city has no jurisdiction over the provincial Ministry of Transportation – the best she can do is pull in the two MPP’s ask them for support.
Items 2, 3 and 4 certainly have merit. The problem is that the MTO communications people are just plain sloppy when it comes to informing the public.
We get a message saying “leave a number and we will call you back when we do call. Email sent to the address they provided bounces.
Let’s see what comes out of the Mayor’s letter.
 By Pepper Parr
June 1st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Ray River, our contributing editor, has been writing for the Gazette for more than ten years.
A postgraduate economist, an ardent environmentalist Ray is also a playwright.
 He is currently working on a new two-act play which will open August 21st for a two week run in Hamilton at the Staircase Theatre – folks have been asking for information The LINK for ticket information.
Ray is both directing and performing in the play he wrote: “Never the 51st State.
“The play is an inspiring story of love and valor — of generations defending the freedom of Canada and Ukraine — confronting the dangers of sleeping next to an awakening elephant and a hungry bear”.
The leading female actor came to Canada in the wake of the 2022 Russian invasion of her homeland. Her husband is currently fighting in the army over there.
The play runs for about two hours; there is an intermission with a Q&A period at the end.
The Staircase Theatre is an intimate venue which seats just over 60 guests – so an advanced booking is highly recommended. This link below will take you to the Eventbrite ticket site where you can find out more and purchase an advance ticket.
The is a strong Ukrainian streak in Ray’s cultural DNA.
 By Staff
June 1st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Eagle’s Nest online auction closes today, Sunday, June 1 at 8pm!
 GAME ON! Enter the game and become the player in the world’s first active gaming facility! Jump, climb, problem-solve and laugh as you and your team take on dynamic challenges. Eagles Nest is a registered charitable organization that helps adults, youth and children cultivate healthy relationships, navigate trauma and develop self-worth. They provide therapy, coaching and other support programs. All their services are low cost or fully subsidized because they believe everyone should have access to mental health support.
This is your opportunity to support this kind of work.
 Treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience with a $100 gift card to 400 Brant Kitchen & Bar. Hope restored | Lives changed – it doesn’t get better than that.
Click the link to be taken to the auction website and make an impact.
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