2026 March « Burlington Gazette - Local News, Politics, Community

What's the Best Way to Gamble Responsibly When Playing Online Blackjack?

Lucy Roberts

March 3rd, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

The growing popularity of online casinos has transformed the gambling landscape, especially in Canada, with better regulations, cutting-edge technological innovations, and more of a commitment from operators to protect players.

If you happen to be one of the millions of avid online blackjack players out there, it’s essential to understand how to approach this leisure activity both sensibly and responsibly.

With numerous legally permitted platforms available online today, there are various important factors to consider, and a solid foundation of gambling within your means is of the utmost importance.

Let’s discover more about safer gambling tools, as well as budgeting, and other important things that will help keep things safe and fun for you each time you play your favourite games.

Understanding Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling is a broad term encompassing a set of principles that ensure players can enjoy their gaming experience without ending up with financial hardship.

It’s about maintaining control of your money and your emotions, understanding the risks associated with gambling, and recognizing when it might be time to stop.

Here are some key steps that Canadian online craps players can follow:

Set Personal Limits: Before you start playing, determine how much time and money you are willing to spend on craps or any other games that you choose to play. These limits should be based on your financial situation and personal circumstances. Commit to sticking to these limits, regardless of the outcomes
Be Aware of Game Mechanics: Familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of online craps. Writers, companies, and resources online will offer their own betting guide on the game, which will improve a player’s understanding of the rules, strategies, and the house edge, to give you a clearer perspective on how the game operates. Knowledge can significantly reduce misunderstandings, mitigate risk, and help you play more responsibly
Use Bankroll Management: Establishing a budget for your gambling sessions is crucial. Divide your bankroll into portions, and only gamble with what you have set aside after paying for other important things. By managing your funds effectively, you can prevent overspending and reduce the risk of financial harm

Recognizing Problem Gambling Signs

One of the challenges of online blackjack is the potential for developing unhealthy habits. Being vigilant for signs of problem gambling can help you maintain a healthy relationship with the game. Players should watch for the following indicators:

– Chasing Losses: If you find yourself continuously betting to recover losses, it might be time to take a step back and evaluate your gambling habits. The best advice is to avoid chasing any losses you incur immediately after losing because it could lead to losing even more money

– Neglecting Responsibilities: If gambling interferes with daily life or obligations, such as paying your rent or mortgage, mobile phone bill, gas and/or electricity bill, and so on, it’s essential to reassess your priorities

– Feeling Anxious or Irritable: Emotional changes related to gambling can indicate a deeper issue. If playing blackjack causes stress or unrest, it may be time to take a break.

Many online casinos offer self-assessment tools that can help players evaluate their gambling behavior and recognize potential issues before they escalate.

Tools and Resources for Responsible Gambling

The Canadian online gambling landscape provides a myriad of resources to support responsible gaming. Here are some useful tools every player should consider using from the moment they sign up anywhere:

– Self-Exclusion Programs: Most online casinos in Canada offer self-exclusion options. If you feel the need to take time away from gambling, these programs allow you to voluntarily exclude yourself for a designated period. You can also take brief ‘time-outs’ for up to six weeks.

– Deposit Limits and Session Time Reminders: Many platforms provide features to set deposit limits or remind you of how long you’ve been playing. By employing such tools, you can stay within your predetermined limits and avoid excessive play.

– Support Groups and Hotlines: Various organizations in Canada cater to individuals struggling with gambling addiction. Groups like Gamblers Anonymous provide support and encouragement for those in need.

Final Thoughts

Gambling responsibly while playing online blackjack requires a proactive approach and a commitment to maintaining control over your gaming habits.

Players can enjoy their gaming experience without compromising their well-being by setting limits, being aware of the signs of problem gambling, utilizing available tools, and seeking the necessary support.

Remember that responsible gambling is an important aspect of online gaming in Canada, ensuring that the experience remains enjoyable and safe for everyone involved.

Councillor wants to turf the lobbyist from Council committee

By Pepper Parr

March 2^nd, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

The genesis of the request from the developers to waive Development fees was at a February 12 Pipeline to Permit Committee meeting. (P to P )

That committee has a significant number of unelected people taking part on a regular basis.

One of those was Mick Collins Williams. CEO of the West End Home Builders Association (WEHBA)

His involvement at P to P was followed by a lengthy delegation to City Council, where a case was made for a deferment of Development Charges for a two year peiod.

Michael Collins Williams delegating at City Council with the President of the Molinao group seated behind him

That request was what took up the bulk of the full day Council meeting several days late at which Council made it very clear that they were not going to defer Development Charges unless it was certain that the province or the federal government would make the city whole for any financial losses.

Close to the close of the Council meeting today, Kearns gave Notice of a Motion that she will be bringing to Council, which is to propose that lobbyists cannot serve on committees that include unelected officials.

If this passes, Mick Collins Williams will be prevented from taking part in Pipeline to Permit meetings

During earlier Council meetings, Kearns asked Collins-Williams twice if he was a lobbyist, noting that his name was not on the Registry.

Collins Williams did not respond during the meeting.

Councillor Galbraith was ready to walk; didn't want to listen to all the squabbling

By Pepper Parr

March 2^nd, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

What kind of a Council meeting was it?

Galbraith was ready to walk. The squabbling was more than he wanted to put up with.

Well, for Kelven Galbraith, it got to the point where he said he was going to walk out if the bickering continued.

And there was certainly a lot of bickering.

Councillor Nisan claimed that the Mayor was spreading disinformation by saying that estimated on the financial side of what a deferral of Development Charges would be ranged fron $4 millio to $43 million

The Mayor said the actual number was just one tenth (1/10) of that.

Nisan wanted a retraction. The Mayor wasn’t going to comply with that request.

Nisan wanted a retraction or demanded that the mayor reveal her source.

The Mayor did just that.

Nisan said her data was wrong.

At the close of the meeting, Mayor Meed Ward said what had taken place was democracy in action.

Not everyone would see it that way.

But they did come up with an approach to getting houses built without deferring development charges.

There might not be a Midway but there will be a parade for the Lakeshore Festival

By Pepper Parr

March 2^nd, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

There might not be a Midway at the Lakeshore Arts and Music Festival in June.

But there will be a parade taking place on Brant Street on Saturday – the route the parade will take is still being worked out.

Who will take part in the parade – no word on that yet.

Midway for the Lakeshore festival is an “iffy” at this point in time.

Why the hesitation on the Midway? The Festival people said they will need financial support of between $50,000 and $80,00 – which the city can’t give them because they are a for-profit organization.

The Festival people explain that the Midway will take up space they planned to use for Food Trucks.

Councill Lisa Kearns wondered if the number of Food Trucks are going to make the event look like a Food Truck Festival, with some bands who have yet to be announced playing.

Eric Stern delegates before Council - extensive debate

By Gazette Staff

March 2nd, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

Eric Stern delegated before Council this morning, telling them what he felt was wrong with the approach they were taking to the creation of housing and the management of development charges.

He was before Council for more than20 minutes answering their questions.

Today’s reality is that property taxes are regressive.

Point 1 – Property taxes are a regressive tax. They impact low-income earners more than high-income earners. I know that FCM is trying to change this. Today’s reality is that property taxes are regressive.

Asking low-income households and struggling businesses to “save the development industry, save jobs, and create affordable housing” is simply unfair to them.

The Federal and Provincial governments have helped industries in the past, for example, the auto industry. Those levels of government have tax structures geared to incomes and profits.

Simply put, saving an industry, any industry, is not the responsibility of a lower-tier municipal government, especially one without an affordable housing mandate.

2 – Collins-Williams stated:

“The only way that we are going to be able to sell new units, get those units under construction and save jobs is to reduce pricing.”

There it is, direct from the lobbyist: prices need to come down!

At a very high level, there are two components to the price of a newly constructed home:

1 – Taxes

2 – Everything else, including capital gains on the land and developers’ profits.

For the sake of argument, let’s say the price of a newly constructed condo needs to come down by $100,000 to become competitive with an already built/resale condo.

If Burlington steps in with a $10,000 DC reduction, the developer must reduce the price on their side by $90,000. Without Burlington’s help, the developer must reduce the price by $100,000.

The big question is: If Burlington acts alone and the surrounding communities don’t (Oakville, Milton, Hamilton, Waterdown), do you think the developers will lower prices only in Burlington, or will newly constructed homes sell at market price in the area, as they do today?

It’s difficult for me to imagine that developers and commissioned real estate agents will lower housing prices below the market price. The market price is influenced by the resale homes, surrounding communities, interest rates, and immigration levels.

As Collins-William stated, the price needs to come down to be competitive with the resale market. Eliminating development charges reduces the amount the developer has to lower their price, not the price charged to the home buyer.

I believe it’s naïve to expect a Burlington-only action to lower the market price of a home in Burlington.

Simply put, it will be impossible to prove that the DC elimination will be passed on to the home buyer.

Federal immigration policies are a major factor in housing prices.

3 – Federal immigration policies are a major factor in housing prices.

The Federal government is prioritizing permanent resident spots for people already in Canada on temporary visas.

The target for international students and temporary workers has been reduced from 7.5% of the population to 5%, which maps to well over 1 million people.

Prices are determined by supply and demand. The Federal government is the elephant in the room, reducing demand and, in turn, lowering resale prices.

Simply put, actions by Burlington’s council will not significantly influence housing prices up or down.

In Summary

1 – Property taxes are regressive. Higher property taxes reduce housing affordability, add to homelessness, and put pressure on all businesses in Burlington.

2 – The province is expected to release a budget by the end of March. Step 1: wait and see what Ontario does.

3 – There is no guarantee that savings will be passed on to home buyers, muddying the affordability argument.

4 – Ask Burlington residents if they are interested in incentivizing developers to build in Burlington over neighbouring communities, or if they feel the community is crowded enough already.

5 – Speaking of asking residents, 2.6% of the people who responded to the Focus Burlington survey were in favour of eliminating development charges, 97.4% opposed. Where is the city’s survey data?

6 – Why did I have to read a summary of the mayor’s motion in the Burlington Gazette yesterday? The motion should be attached to the revised meeting agenda. From September to February, elimination was only an option with funding coming from another level of government; suddenly, things changed. Why wasn’t the mayor’s motion for today’s meeting shared with the public when it was announced on social media?

Saving industries is not a municipal responsibility

7 – Why wasn’t money allocated in the 2026 budget? 2% for infrastructure, or was it 2% for developers?

8 – Widening roads employs tradespeople.

9 – Saving industries is not a municipal responsibility; please stay in your lane and, while you’re in your lane, please fix some potholes. If you want to expand your personal mandate, run for higher office.

Industrial Street and Plains Road Area Drainage Assessment Study

By Gazette Staff

March 2nd, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

The City of Burlington and its engineering consultant continue to work on completing the drainage assessment of the Industrial Street and Plains Road East Area between Guelph Line and Brant Street. This study aims to assess existing drainage patterns, identify the causes of flooding, and recommend measures to improve drainage.

The study area includes CN lands, which had to be surveyed for a comprehensive drainage assessment.

Coordination with CN to access their lands for the survey unexpectedly took several months, delaying the project timeline.

All survey work and field data collection are now complete. The consultant is currently analyzing the data and evaluating potential drainage improvement alternatives.

How does CN get to slow down work the city has to do to manage flooding problems? Something for MP Gould to look into.

Mayor withdraws her plan to have development charges waived for a period of time

By Pepper Parr

March 2^nd, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

Mayor Meed Ward

Mayor Meed Ward advised her colleagues this morning that she was withdrawing her Motion which was to consider the temporary elimination of development charges.

The option in front of Council is now the Community Improvement Plan.

Staff will debate how a Community Improvement Plan could be implemented and what the limitations would be.

It will be a lengthy discussion.

Ford begins to use Trump type language: what follows that?

By Pepper Parr

March 2nd, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

The language politicians use matters.

For Doug Ford the left is being described as “radical.

Doug Ford recently said:The ‘radical left’ at Toronto city hall overestimates the cost of replacing speed cameras.

Ford has always opposed the speed cameras that many municipalities wanted to be able to use.

They were certainly revenue source but they were also a way to cut down speeding traffic.

That is all part of the push and pull of politics in the province.

But when that push and pull results in language that is divisive, it turns political conversations into slang and we know where that leads.

Look south for an example.

'If there are going to Motions tabled at Council could we see them in advance so we can delegate' asks one Burlington resident.

By Pepper Parr

March 1^st, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

The meeting has yet to take place and already people are unhappy.

Many want to see copies of the Motion that members of Council are expected to table at the Monday Council meeting.

There was a time in Burlington when the Council Chamber was filled with citizens. Those days died after the pandemic, and the current Council has never been able to encourage the public to show up.

“How can we delegate when we don’t know what the Motions are going to be.” asked one resident.

If the City Clerk has the Motions he has yet to include them in the Agenda.

Given that there are competing interests at play – Council members with a Motion they want to table may be holding that card close to their chest. Not necessarily in the public interest – but there is a lot about politics that isn’t in the public interest.

The meeting on Monday could be one of the most interesting the city has seen in some time.

Let us hope that they don’t find a way to go into a closed session and work out the differences out of the public eye.

The Gazette will be reporting throughout the day.

The choices on the Development Charges matter are clearer now. Motions at Council on Monday will be fiercely debated

By Pepper Parr

March 1^st, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

Councillor Kearns decided to hold a public meeting to explain what Development Charges were all about.

During her Public Information Session Saturday afternoon Councillor Kearns covered what Development Charges are all about. She also talked about the Housing Accelerator Fund HAF) and the City’s Housing Strategy.

Lot of detail that will follow.

There is a Council meeting on Monday at which a decision has to be made on what the city wants to do with the almost desperate request from the West End Housing Building Association (WEHBA) for a stay of development charges for a two-year period.

The WEHBA people contend that there shouldn’t be any damage to the city financially if the waiver is granted; the city’s financial people see it differently.

Kearns explained what has been done so far on that issue and sets out what the public can expect at the Monday meeting.

Bit of background first: On February 7^th,Staff was directed to:

Direct the Commissioner of Development & Growth Management and Chief Financial Officer to initiate a temporary Development Charge bylaw amendment for a two-year residential Development Charges exemption on all units that pull a building permit and demonstrate active construction within the two-year period, as outlined in Option 1A in report DGM-03-26”. Planning Don’t support.

Council was unable to make a decision and the matter got moved to February 10^th.

Feb 10^th: Direct the Director of Community Planning to initiate an amendment to the City’s Affordable Rental Housing Community Improvement Plan (ARHCIP) considering options 2a) and 2b) contained in development and growth management report DGM-03-26

Amend the ARHCIP to develop a new, temporary DC exemption program with defined criteria related to tenure and level of affordability. By virtue of the fact that the current ARHCIP relies on the Provincial definition of affordable, these affordable units are also legislatively exempted from development charges. An amendment would need to establish a new set of “affordability” criteria.

The City received feedback at the time of the ARHCIP that the provincial definition presented challenges and other definitions were highlighted for consideration (CMHC Apartment Construction Loan Program). This approach represents an opportunity to work with the development industry to consider options to expand the scope of eligibility for a temporary time period. Estimated Cost – less than or equal to the cost of DC option a) above, however the cost range is unknown and would rely on establishing new criteria.

b) Amend the ARHCIP to adjust one or more of the existing approved programs to address opportunities to expand the scope of eligibility for a temporary time period. An opportunity to review the existing programs in light of changes to date may identify non-DC exemptions that are more effective to act as stimuli to development given the wide range of factors in play today. Estimated Cost unknown at this time would depend upon the nature of the amendments to the existing programs. Planning supports this position.

On Monday March 2^nd, Councillor Kearns will table a new motion to:

Direct the Director of Community Planning to report back on the optimized use of available Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) dollars to enable housing starts that are guided by the City of Burlington Housing Strategy and implemented through the Affordable Rental Housing CIP (with amendments as needed). Council will have to decide to Support/Don’t Support?

Kearns made mention of Mayor Meed Ward’s motion, supported by Councillors Sharman and Galbraith to refer DGM-03-26 regarding Options for the temporary elimination of Development Charges to the Commissioner of Development & Growth Management and the Chief Financial Officer to report back to Committee of the Whole on April 13, 2026 with a potential Community Improvement Plan funded from a source other than property taxes, such as the Federal Housing Accelerator Fund. Council has to decide to either Support/Don’t Support.

Council is tied with Kearns, Nisan and Stolte on a reform side and Mayor Meed Ward and Councillors Sharman and Galbraith on the other side

Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna

No one knows at this point where Councillor Bentivegna is going to decide to land. His vote becomes critical.

Astonishing that the most inept member of this Council is going to determine the direction the city takes.

Throughout this process, Bentivegna has shown that he struggles to understand just what the issues are, once using the phrase “honkey dory”, to describe where his thinking is.

Kearns sets out her intention to have informed conversations with the public

By Gazette Staff

March 1st, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

In a note to the Gazette this morning, Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns said, after completing her two-hour presentation to an audience of about 50 people in a small room on the second floor of city hall, said:

“My job today is to lift our community’s collective knowledge so we can have an informed conversation.

Councillor Lisa Kearns explains what development charges are and how the city can best use them. She also explained the numerous options available to the city.

“Oftentimes residents feel distanced from the nuances of reports, recommendations, charges, complex legislation and squabbling councils. It’s the feeling in this room right now that says some trust is broken because this matter came out of line with the covenant of how we consult and inform our electorate about how the business of the city gets done.

“I am the first to admit, this is a file that has legacy, ledgers and legs and more so it has heart.

“Truly we are all trying to achieve the same goal – help people call Burlington Home. We can do that – but in a way where everyone feels engaged, informed and prepared for the best possible outcome. We can do that. We can share our great quality of life, but we have to protect the tools that help us invest in that love so many have for our great city.

In her presentation, which was detailed and in depth, followed by Q&A, residents got a glimpse of her leadership potential.

We can also report that the toilets at City Hall were spotless and that Staff were on hand to direct people to the location of the meeting.

A detailed report on the meeting will be published later today.

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