 By Gazette Staff
June 8th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
So it has come to this.
A former member of Friends of Freeman Station sent this along to some of his colleagues. The photo is of the back of the station with the following text:
“Nice to see the city is taking good care of the Station and providing solutions for the housing crisis. You can see the tent. Washroom is just down the stairs to the left.”
This is totally unacceptable.
 Is this a city solution to the housing crisis or is it total negligence on the part of the city? City hall took charge of the station a number of years ago.
 By Gazette Staff
June 8th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
The scam business has now caught the attention of the federal government.
There are all kinds of media on how that game works and what to look for when some of it comes your way.
Look at this email address: ShoppersDrugMart contactus@amtv.pe
That is not a Shoppers Drug Mart address.
With so many people using Shoppers as their meds suppliers, one could be easily fooled.
Here is the message that came in my email.
 If you click on the ” start the survey button”, some crook somewhere has begun to collect personal data that will eventually be used to access your funds.
If in doubt – and ALWAYS be in doubt – look at the email address. If it looks fishy – take a pass.
 By Gazette Staff
June 8th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board (HDSB) is now accepting applications to the Personal Support Worker (PSW) Certificate Program for the Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 cohorts. The program is open to all learners within Halton and Ontario who are 18 years of age or older by the start of classes. Students can apply on the PSW webpage of the HDSB website (hdsb.ca).
 Certificate Program graduates are well-prepared for immediate workforce entry in long-term care homes, assisted living residences. To help address the province’s urgent need for healthcare professionals, the program is currently being offered at a significantly reduced program fee of $500 (plus a $300 non-refundable application fee), down from the standard $2,500 program fee.
The HDSB PSW Certificate Program is a 20-week, professionally recognized program offered in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Long-Term Care. It combines classroom-based healthcare theory with hands-on practical training through clinical practicums and co-operative education placements. Students will earn healthcare-specific secondary school credits that can count toward completing a high school diploma or boosting transcripts for future post-secondary opportunities. An Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is not required to register.
Graduates of the HDSB PSW Certificate Program are well-prepared for immediate workforce entry in long-term care homes, assisted living residences, group homes and community health organizations. To obtain certification, students must successfully pass the PSW certification exam with a minimum score of 70%.
The HDSB PSW Program is offered in person at the Robert Bateman Community Centre (5151 New St., Burlington).
By Gazette Staff
June 8th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
Toronto police arrested six people Sunday at the annual Walk With Israel event in North York.
The United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Federation of Greater Toronto, which organizes the event to support Israel, said this year’s walk was attended by a record 60,000 people.
The increase in attendance was mainly driven by supporters from outside of the Jewish community, said Sara Lefton, UJA Federation’s chief development officer, who called the walk a “beautiful moment.”
“We’ve been the subject of so much hate in the last few years,” Lefton said. “It meant a tremendous amount to our community to have so many other Torontonians standing with us.”
 By Pepper Parr
June 8th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
Olivia Duke arrived in Canada with her family from Poland in 1987, and settled in Guelph.
They lived in Guelph where she went to high school and then on to Brock University where she did an undergraduate degree.
 Ward 4 candidate Olivia Duke She then returned to her home town, Guelph and did a Master’s degree at the University of Guelph.
She is the mother of two children; 13 and 11. Both play soccer, which is a subject Duke can get quite vocal about.
On occasions she has had to get the boys to games that take place in Waterdown and Caledon. “Without support from my parents the boys would not be able to get to a lot of those games.” She also wants to see a dome put over the facilities being created at Corpus Christi.
This is the second time Olivia Duke has run for the ward 4 seat. Shawna Stole was returned in 2022. No word yet on whether or not Stolte is going to run in 2026
Duke enlarges on what she has focused on academically. “My focus centered on public policy, housing, and community wellbeing. I completed my Master of Public Policy (MPP) at McMaster University, with a concentration in housing policy and governance. Through the program, my work focused heavily on the intersection of housing affordability, municipal governance, community wellbeing, and social infrastructure.
“Understanding how housing and community planning decisions affect people’s everyday lives – including whether young families can remain in the communities they grew up in, whether seniors can age safely and independently, and whether neighbourhoods remain connected, accessible, and supportive over time.
“A significant portion of my graduate research examined how housing stability and community design influence overall quality of life and long-term community wellbeing. This included policy and data analysis projects focused on housing satisfaction, aging in place, social connectedness, and the broader impacts housing conditions can have on health and wellbeing outcomes.
“My capstone research explored structural and governance-related barriers affecting supportive and affordable housing delivery in Ontario, including the ways municipal planning systems, intergovernmental coordination, and housing supply constraints contribute to homelessness and housing insecurity challenges.
“A core focus throughout my studies was understanding how municipal, provincial, and federal systems interact in areas such as housing delivery, homelessness response, and long-term community infrastructure planning.
Professionally, Duke’s background spans business development, strategic communications, operational leadership, and nonprofit governance. Much of my work has involved navigating complex systems, building collaborative relationships, and connecting strategy to real-world community outcomes.
 Olivia Duke: “Our parks and the rich community life is what makes Burlington the city many people want to live in. Now we have to create the badly needed affordable housing.” Earlier in her career, Duke managed Canadian marketing initiatives within the international beverage industry, working closely with global suppliers, national distribution networks, government liquor agencies, and market development strategies across Canada.
She later led North American channel sales and operational coordination for a German technology company, where I worked closely with international partners and executive teams across Canada, the United States, and Europe. My role included strategic growth initiatives, operational management, financial reporting, business development, and large-scale coordination across multiple markets.
My nonprofit governance experience includes serving as Chair of the Executive Board for Pearson Nursery, a registered charitable childcare organization in Burlington. In that role, I worked closely with Halton Region, the Halton District School Board, and the Ministry of Education. During my tenure, I helped navigate a significant accommodation review process, secured and transitioned the organization into a new location without disruption to programming, and led operations through the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining staffing and continuity of service delivery.
In addition Duke stays involved in community leadership and volunteerism throughout Burlington.
 Incoming Lion’s president Olivia Duke being interviewed by Calderbank “I am currently the incoming President of the Burlington Lions Club and continue to support several community initiatives and organizations across the city. I sit on the Philanthropy Committee with Dare to Be Youth, volunteer with Meals of Hope at Port Nelson and supported the neighbourhood bread program through North Burlington Baptist Church. She remains part of the core volunteer teams behind both the Appleby Line Street Festival and Burlington Festival of Lights.
Her platform? Better communication with the Ward 4 residents and lowering the tax rates which are currently “unreal”.
By Gazette Staff
June 8th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
Data on housing sales in the Burlington market.
Burlington (Freehold – $500,000 to $4,000,000)
Burlington’s freehold market posted an average price of $1,388,103 in May, up $139,800 (+11.2%) from last May’s $1,248,277 and the highest monthly average since January 2025. The strength is fairly broad, with thirteen of twenty-one neighbourhoods posting year-over-year gains, though the headline number is amplified by an unusually active month at the premium end.
Aldershot averaged $1,909,000 (+25.8%) and Shoreacres $2,176,000 (+40.7%), and when high-end neighbourhoods trade in volume they pull the city-wide average up disproportionately. Meanwhile, neighbourhoods like Central and Tyandaga were essentially flat year-over-year. Six neighbourhoods, including Central, Millcroft, and Tansley, recorded sale-to-list ratios at or above 100%, a sign of competitive bidding returning to pockets of the market.
The supporting numbers back up genuine momentum: sellers achieved 98% of list price, the best ratio in this segment all year, and days on market improved to 40 from last May’s 44. Sales came in at 136, down from 155 last May, so the price strength is happening on moderate volume rather than a surge of activity. Inventory sits at 334 units, up from April’s 279 (+20%).
Click here to see the numbers.
Burlington (Condo Apartment Units – $200,000 to $2,000,000)
The condo market took a meaningful step in the right direction this month. Days on market dropped to 79 from April’s 119, and that’s also better than last May’s 87. Sales of 36 against 30 last year marked a second straight month of year-over-year volume gains, and sellers achieved 97% of list, a sharp improvement from April’s 93%.
The average price of $601,972 remains well below last May’s $703,000 (-14.4%), so the value adjustment in this segment is real and ongoing. But properties are now selling faster and closer to asking, which is what a bottoming process looks like. Inventory sits at 191 units, essentially flat from April’s 189 (+1%), the first month this year that condo inventory hasn’t built meaningfully.
Click here to see the numbers.
By Pepper Parr
June 8th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
Staff presented a report on the background of the 1200 King Road development and set out the steps that should be taken going forward.
They first asked Council to endorse the updated scope of community facilities under consideration on the 1200 King Road development to include:
Event Centre (arena)
Community Centre (inclusive of aquatics and/or basketball facilities)
Recreational Ice Facility
Conference – multi-purpose space
Parking Facility
Direct the Chief Administrative Officer or designate to proceed with a Detailed Due Diligence Phase, inclusive of:
Community engagement;
Confirmation of available capital costs and operating models;
Negotiation with prospective partners and funding contributors, potential operators and other service delivery partners;
Evaluation of preferred financing options, including tax increment financing and funding from senior levels of government;
Development of a comprehensive business case and funding strategy; and
And to report back to Committee and Council with a recommended funding strategy, partnership model, and implementation plan for consideration prior to any capital or financial commitments, targeted for Q2, 2027; and
Instruct the CAO to proceed in accordance with the recommendations contained in confidential documents discussed in CLOSED session of Council. 26.
Executive Summary
The purpose of the report before Council this morning was to: Provide an update on the 1200 King Road community facility opportunity; Present an expanded scope of community facility opportunities for council consideration; Seek Council endorsement of an updated project scope; and Obtain authorization to proceed with detailed due diligence to develop a funding and delivery strategy.
Key findings:
The concept of partnering with the private sector to develop access to one or more community facilities aligns with Horizon 2050 and the City’s Live and Play Plan
Early indications suggest that a range of financial models exist which would permit the City to unlock access to upfront capital construction costs and/or offset municipal capital and operating contributions.
Research indicates that the full capital costs for an arena facility are estimated to be $150M to $200M. To construct multiple community facilities within a larger hub, the prospective estimated costs rise to $300M.
A due diligence phase is necessary to determine which community facilities should be in-scope based on community need/benefit, the capital and operating costs associated as well as partnership and funding options available to offset municipal contributions.
If approved, it is anticipated that staff will report back in Q2 2027.
At this stage: Capital costs are not finalized; Operating impacts are unknown; Municipal contributions are not determined.
The requested authorization does not commit the City to capital funding or debt issuance.
Staff are seeking authority to enter a due diligence phase to further refine all of the above.
 Background
In March 2024, Council considered report ECDEV-02-24 and directed staff to report back on future investment opportunities at 1200 King Road, including a detailed development concept and partnership framework. The property owners (Alinea Properties) have since advanced the vision for the site and through continued dialogue with City staff have identified a range of community facility options which could be located within the development site.
1200 King Road represents one of the last significant development opportunities within Burlington’s urban boundary and is uniquely positioned as a transit-oriented complete community.
The broader development is envisioned to include: approximately 8,800 residential units, significant employment and institutional uses, retail, office, and campus uses, integrated parks and open spaces.
As such, the opportunity to host a range of community facilities at this location represents a strategic opportunity to support planned population and employment growth, capitalize on existing transit infrastructure, act as a catalyst for increased economic and tourism growth and meet future recreation and event infrastructure needs.
 When completely built out – this is what the development might look like. A key differentiator with the 1200 King Road development in comparison to other transit- oriented community developments across the GTHA is that the site already benefits from existing two-way all day GO Transit service, coupled with easy access to highways. This reduced reliance on future provincial infrastructure investment will accelerate the market demand while also allowing the City to prioritize its advocacy efforts beyond transit infrastructure.
 Is the Aldershot GO station parking space at capacity? The concept of hosting a range of community facilities at 1200 King Road strongly aligns with Council’s approved Horizon 2050 vision and long-term city-building objectives, including: Complete Communities: Supporting the development of a mixed-use, transit-oriented community that integrates housing, employment, recreation, and culture in a compact urban form; Mobility and Transit Integration: Leveraging proximity to the Aldershot GO Station to advance intensification in a Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) thus reducing the reliance on automobile travel.
 Finalized in 2024, the Burlington Live and Play Plan is the City’s recreational facilities masterplan and outlines long-term programming and space needs. A range of high – level recommendations and options align with the concept of increased community access to recreational facilities.
Data suggests there is existing pressure on the current ice pads provided for community use, and that exploration of options to accommodate future need should be explored. ‘Among the options:
Acquire a new site large enough to accommodate a twin pad arena, gymnasium, indoor walking track, multi – purpose spaces, and potentially an indoor pool. Developing a site concept should confirm site size requirements’.
One of the recommendations is to explore partnership opportunities to meet current and future ice needs, potentially through new ice pad development with the private sector or increasing access to existing non-municipal ice operators’. Monitoring space needs in Mixed Use Intensification Areas (MTSAs) with consideration given to partnership opportunities with the development industry to incorporate multi-purpose programmable space within condominium buildings, which should have regard for public access, flexible and sufficiently sized spaces, parking accommodation, and supporting amenities such as storage spaces and countertops. As population increases in Mixed Use Intensification Areas, consideration may also be given to leasing space.
The following map highlights the number of City owned (or accessible) gymnasiums for public use. Since this map was created, two additional City operated spaces have begun to operate (Bateman and Skyview community centres respectively). Both are located in the southeastern quadrant of the city. The map indicates there is no City operated gymnasium on the west side of Burlington.
 Skyway Community Centre located in the eastern side of the city.  Bateman Community Centre Analysis
Through discussions primarily led by the property owners, the potential options of community facilities have evolved beyond the initial concept presented in 2024 and now include:
Arena/Event Centre (5,000–7,000 capacity)
Community Centre
Recreational Ice Facility
Aquatics facility (50m pool and leisure pool)
Basketball facility
Multi-story parking lot (either fully or partially owned by the City)
Integration of a hotel conference/multi-purpose space through a public/private sector partnership
Each facility has the potential to provide standalone community value; however, a consolidated, hub of community facilities should generate significantly greater economic, social, and operational benefits. As well as allowing the City to unlock a variety of standalone funding sources and partnership opportunities, thus offsetting municipal capital and operating contributions via a consolidation of these sources.
While City staff is recommending that the scope of community facilities be expansive at this early stage, the specialist consultancy firm engaged in conducting analysis on behalf of the City recommends the prioritization of the Arena/Event Centre, Ice Facility, hospitality and event infrastructure partnerships (hotel and parking lot).
 Secondary components include aquatics, basketball, and community centre expansion. These remain important components but not an immediate focus from a funding and partnership perspective. That said, the City should be ready to act should funding from an alternative level of government or a partnership opportunity emerge which makes these elements fiscally viable in the shorter term.
Staff are proposing a three-phase approach:
Phase 1 – Scope Endorsement (Current Report)
Council endorses project scope
Authorization to proceed with due diligence.
Phase 2 – Due Diligence (finalized early 2027)
Detailed business case and financial modelling;
Partner negotiations and funding commitments;
Council consideration of finalized scope, financing and partnership approach.
Phase 3 – Implementation (2027+)
Final design and procurement
Council approval of capital and operating commitments
Construction and delivery.
Implications
An early capital cost estimate for an arena/event centre would conservatively cost around $150M–$200M. This estimate is based on our specialist consultants research and knowledge of similar projects across Canada. A full build – out including multiple facilities as described would exceed $200M and likely be closer to $300M.
The final scope of community facilities recommended to proceed, along with projected capital and operating costs, will be determined through the proposed due diligence phase. Accompanying this, will be a more concrete revenue/funding/partnership stream intended to offset the necessary municipal capital and operating contribution.
Research has identified a variety of funding sources and partnership models which could significantly offset impact on the existing municipal tax base. Further work is necessary to determine the maximum amount of funding available across these sources and how best to unlock these funding amounts through appropriate partnership agreements and advocacy.
Potential Funding Sources
A range of funding tools have been identified, including: Senior Government Funding, Public-Private Partnerships, Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Municipal Sources, Reallocation of operating and capital budgets from aging facilities, Revenue Commitments by facility user groups.
 Paul Paletta, President of Alinea Land Group, has been waiting a long time for this development to get to where it is today. Ownership and operating models will significantly influence potential municipal financial exposure and the ability to unlock funding from other levels of government. It will also be important to consider this project in the context of other competing community development priorities, as well as the City’s ability to develop a financial model which aligns existing fiscal capacity and limitations.
Private Facility Operator Partnership/Agreement
One funding opportunity worthy of exploration is a long-term (typically 20 to 30 year) operating agreement with a private facility operator. This model has been leveraged by a variety of municipalities to unlock a high degree of upfront capital to support initial construction, with the facility operator recovering their initial investment plus revenues through effective facility management over the duration of the contract term (securing events and activities, ticket surcharges, naming rights, sponsorships, food and beverage sales, suite rentals).
There are a range of benefits to the City, should it pursue this model. A reduction in the upfront capital contribution necessary for facility construction, sharing of financial risk, improved revenue performance, access to professional venue management expertise, increased likelihood of attracting major events and tenants.
Preliminary conversations have occurred between the property owner, the City and facility management companies, and early indications suggest there is interest in pursuing this type of agreement.
Approval of the due diligence phase would permit City staff to enter into formal negotiations with the landowner and appropriate facility operators to establish contractual terms for future Council consideration.
Whatever recommendation comes of out the Standing Committee will go to Council for final approval on June 23, 2026
 By Gazette Staff
June 8th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
Ontario captured the gold medal at the 2026 Wheelchair Basketball Junior National Championship on Sunday, defeating British Columbia 84-58 at the CEGEP Limoilou Sports Complex in Quebec City, Que.
Holding a 39-32 advantage at halftime, Ontario weathered a third-quarter surge from British Columbia before pulling away in the final frame to secure the national title.
“We talked about it all weekend. Our team was so different four years ago,” said Nasif Chowdhury. “Junior Nationals four years ago was my first-ever tournament. So, to be able to come back and win is huge.”
Ontario completed round-robin play undefeated, capping off a perfect 3-0 record in Pool B with a 60-36 victory over Alberta on Saturday.
 Wheelchair basketball Junior National Championship in 2026 The momentum carried into championship Sunday, where Ontario secured its place in the gold medal game with a commanding 97-44 semifinal win over host Quebec.
After finishing eighth at the 2022 Junior National Championship and seventh at the 2023 Canada Games, Ontario’s performance in Quebec City highlighted the program’s significant growth.
“It’s just surreal,” Chowdhury added. “It’s a great feeling. I love being a part of this team – the group we have is special. Being here is awesome.”
 Nasif Chowdhury named the Most Valuable Player. For his outstanding performance over the three-day tournament, Chowdhury was named the Most Valuable Player.
“Getting those four early fouls in the first half was scary,” Chowdhury said of his performance in the gold medal game. “But then I toned it down, and I was able to come back and play the whole second half, and I was able to hit some clutch buckets at the right time.
“I’d like to think I helped towards the win.”
For British Columbia, the defeat brought an end to an unbeaten streak that dated back to the 2022 Junior National Championship.
Despite falling short in the final, the defending Canada Games champions were encouraged by the progress shown by their relatively young roster throughout the weekend in Quebec City.
“This tournament was actually the first time all 11 of us ever played together, and for us to pull out a silver medal, I’m really happy with the team, with how we came together,” said tournament all-star Elise Froese. “It felt like we were playing as a family and as one unit.
“It was a really fun tournament. I’m really excited going forward to see how Canada Game is going to shape up with the preparation we have.”
Quebec earned the bronze medal at the 2026 Junior National Championship after Alberta forfeited the third-place game.
By Gazette Staff
June 7th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
Lakeshore Music & Arts Festival is a free, two-day outdoor celebration taking place June 20–21, 2026, at Spencer Smith Park.
The event will be preceded by a parade.
The parade will take place on June 20, 2026, at 10 a.m. in downtown Burlington and will kick off a full weekend of live music and community celebration alongside the new Lakeshore Music and Arts Festival at Spencer Smith Park. Local bands, including the Burlington Teen Tour Band and Burlington Junior Redcoats, Top Hat Marching Orchestra, Halton Region Police Service Board Pipes and Drum Band, Crash Rhythm will be featured, along with entries from community organizations.
The parade route will begin near Central Arena on Caroline Street at Drury Lane and continue to Brant Street, ending at Baldwin Street.
 Burlington Teen Tour Band The Burlington Teen Tour Band Boosters will be collecting non-perishable food items and donations for the Burlington Food Bank along the route.
Temporary road closures will be in effect along the parade route to allow for event setup. The parade is expected to run for approximately 30 minutes, with roads reopening as soon as it is safe to do so. Additional road closure information will be shared closer to the date and delivered to nearby residents and businesses.
A multi-stage experience featuring nationally celebrated Canadian artists, emerging performers, local artisans, an extensive selection of food trucks, and engaging family-friendly programming.
The performers are listed at THIS location
 Lakeshore is poised to become one of Ontario’s premier outdoor music and cultural events for years to come. Time will tell if the new organization is a worthy replacement for the Sound of Music.
The Lakeshore Festival is offering VIP seating and services at $100 per day. You get exclusive access to the premium viewing area, dedicated bar and food vendor as well as a dedicated washroom and seating area.
With every VIP ticket purchased, you have access to purchase a Meet & Greet with the headliner.
You get first to access to merchandise.
Closing out the Sound of Music operation was a painful experience for the SoM folks and an awkward situation for Council members. The decision to go with MRG Live, the organization behind the Burlington event, was driven by staff. They were so overwhelmed with an application from a group they had never heard of that they moved “heaven and earth” to make sure this was the group that filled the SoM shoes.
 Will Burlington see crowds like this when the Lakeshore Festival takes to the stage.
By Pepper Parr
June 7th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
 Doug Ford Premier of Obtario 70% of Ontarians say it’s time for a change in government at Queen’s Park.
How does a Premier handle data like that?
Premier Doug Ford called a five-month timeout.
The extended legislative recess until late October comes as Ford marks eight years in office.
A recent Abacus Data poll found 70 per cent of Ontarians believe it is time for a change in government from the Ford Progressive Conservatives.
By Pepper Parr
June 7th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
The United Way Golden Horseshoe (UWGH) wants to listen to experiences, challenges, and perspectives on the supports and services available in our communities.
Communities continue to face growing pressures related to affordability, housing, food insecurity, mental health, and social isolation. UWGH believes the best solutions begin by listening. That’s why they have launched the “What Serves Us” Community Survey
The goal is simple. Hear directly from people with lived and living experience so we can better understand what is working, where gaps exist, and how community organizations, service providers, and community leaders can continue building stronger and more connected communities together.
The survey is open to all Halton and Hamilton residents and can be completed online HERE.
By Gazette Staff
June 6th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
A report going to Council on Monday provides information regarding the restricted acts provisions contained in the Municipal Act, 2001 and introduces a proposed by-law to temporarily provide the Corporation of the City of Burlington with the ability to conduct certain business in the event of the Council being restricted in authority pursuant to these provisions.
Section 275 of the Municipal Act prevents municipal Councils from undertaking certain acts after Nomination Day in a municipal election year (August 21 at 2pm for the 2026 municipal election) and prior to a new Council taking office.
 This legislative restriction is referred to as “restricted acts” or more commonly referred to as the “lame duck” provision. Council is restricted from taking certain actions during a restricted acts provision until the new term of Council begins on November 15, 2026, if it can be determined with certainty that the new Council will include less than three-quarters of the outgoing Council Members (i.e. less than six (6) or 75% of City of Burlington Council
members).
There are two periods in which lame duck may come into play. Burlington City Council can attain this certainty either beginning after Nomination Day (August 21) if less than six (6) current members are eligible to be re-elected, or after Voting Day (October 26) if less than 6 incumbents are re-elected to the next term of Council. Should either scenario occur, Council would be subject to restricted acts, and limited authorities if the restricted acts provision
applies after either of these dates, including:
a) appointing or removing from office of any officer of the City;
b) the hiring or dismissal of any employee;
c) disposing of any real or personal property of the municipality which has a value
exceeding $50,000 at the time of disposal; and
d) making any expenditures or incurring any other liability which exceeds $50,000.
Clauses c) and d) do not apply if the exceeding disposition or liability was included in the most recent budget adopted by Council prior to Nomination Day. Section 275(6) provides that nothing within this section prevents exercising an authority of a municipality that is delegated to the person or body prior to nomination day for the election of the new council.
Should Council approve the draft by-law, it may protect against potential gaps during lame duck by temporarily delegating additional authority to the CAO beyond what is already delegated by Council. This delegation would come into effect only if the lame duck provisions apply to this Council.
Analysis
Restricted Acts and Strong Mayor Powers
The Strong Mayor Power regime came into place following the last election, making this the first election where the question of whether a Mayor, who has additional authority provided under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001, is subject to the Lame Duck provisions. While the legislation is silent, Municipal Affairs staff have confirmed that Strong Mayors are subject to the lame duck provisions*.
*The Government has proposed legislation that, if passed, would subject Strong Mayors to lame duck provisions.
Authority already delegated to staff
A review was completed to determine the current delegated authorities provided to staff established through existing by-laws. Council’s existing delegations under the CAO’s By-law 132-1991 and the actions authorized by the Delegated Authority Bylaw 071-2023 are not impacted by these restrictions.
In particular, Schedule F, subsection 13 of the Delegated Authority By-law 071-2023 authorizes the CAO to approve transactions and execute agreements, offers and other documents in connection to disposition of land or any interest in land (except for a leasehold interest) for up to $500,000.
Application of the Bylaw
The CAO would only exercise this temporary delegated authority when it is in the best interest of the City of Burlington and would be required to report to Council in the first quarter of 2027
regarding the use of this delegated authority.
The proposed temporary delegated authority gives the CAO authority to, when determined necessary for the best interests of the City:
c) make an expenditure or incur any liability of any value, and
d) dispose of any real or personal property of the City of any value.
 Curt Benson, CAO  CFO Craig Millar It is understood before using the delegated powers, the CAO will consult with either the Chief Financial Officer for expenditures over preexisting delegated amounts, or with the Commissioner of Legal and Legislative Services should a reality or property matter arise. The temporary by-law has a provision to render the by-law null and void upon the commencement of the inaugural meeting of the new Council.
Recommendation Details
It is common in municipalities around Ontario for Councils to delegate authority to the CAO just before entering or possibly entering the period where they are subjected to the lame duck provisions of the Municipal Act, 2001. Though the delegated powers are rarely required, delegating this authority would allow for business continuity, particularly in an emergency situation.
If Council chose to not provide this delegated authority, decisions related to the lame duck provisions identified in the Municipal Act, 2001 would be reserved for the new term of Council.
Given the squabbling that has surrounded the use of Strong Mayor Powers by this Council, debate could be vigorous.
By Gazette Staff
June 6th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
The Millcroft community has been hoping that an MZO (Ministerial Zoning Order) would be issued that would put an end to the work being done to convert a large part of the golf course into 98 high end houses.
The Gazette has felt that the opportunity for an MZO passed some time ago.
But hope does spring eternal.
Let’s see what the comments posted amount to.
The Ford government is in a lot of trouble. Polling numbers have taken a dive; they have to do something.
Click HERE to get to the Registry where you can respond
By Gazette Staff
June 6th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
Ron Edwards Family YMCA
June 21-28
Ron Edwards Family pool deck will be closed for annual maintenance from 1:00 PM June 21 to June 28. Reopening June 29.
Les Chater Family YMCA
June 22-July 1
Les Chater Family YMCA pool deck will be closed for annual maintenance, repairs and upgrades June 22-July 1. Reopening July 2.
By Gazette Staff
June 6th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
D-Day was the name given to the June 6, 1944, invasion of the beaches at Normandy in northern France by troops from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and other countries during World War II. France at the time was occupied by the armies of Nazi Germany, and the amphibious assault—codenamed Operation Overlord—landed some 156,000 Allied soldiers on the beaches of Normandy by the end of the day.
Despite their success, some 4,000 Allied troops were killed by German soldiers defending the beaches. At the time, the D-Day invasion was the largest naval, air and land operation in history, and within a few days about 326,000 troops, more than 50,000 vehicles and some 100,000 tons of equipment had landed.
By August 1944, all of northern France had been liberated, and in spring of 1945 the Allies had defeated the Germans.
Historians often refer to D-Day as the beginning of the end of World War II.
 By Ray Rivers
June 6th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s not clear how Canada’s $2.6 billion purchase of 26 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) artillery systems from the US government makes Canada strong…. or less dependent on that big bully south of the border.
The whole notion of NATO’s 5% (or even 2%) of GDP spending target for defence is arbitrary. And it was, after all, scripted by the world’s foremost arms exporter. And we, like many other NATO subscribers, mostly buy what America tells us to buy.
 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System So PM Carney promises to liberate us from US 75% domination of our national security infrastructure – and then does this… in the midst of an economic war with the Americans. And buying HIMARS made with US steel when Trump has stifled our industry with a 25% tariff. And how can it be a good idea to buy weapons of war from our war-like neighbour who is threatening to make this country the American 51st state?
Yes, we Canadians understand that a succession of governments of all stripes have allowed our once proud military to erode. And we need to take defending this country seriously. That means more soldiers and submarines and aircraft and drones so we can defend ourselves should the Russians or Chinese arrive uninvited.
But these pricey HIMARS have a missile range of 500 kms – not over the north pole or across the Pacific. They worked great in the crowded battleground of Ukraine, at least until the Russians learned how to block their GPS signals. And should we ever end up in a land war with the Americans we’ll need to remember the Yanks made them and have far more than we do.
 German Leopard tanks. The Minister says we need them because there is currently no Canadian manufacturer for the HIMARS launcher system or associated long-range missile capability. There is probably a good reason for that. Chances are they’ll end up rusting, parked out next to some of the 80 now decrepit German Leopard tanks we bought for that failed mission in Afghanistan. There was no Canadian manufacturer for those either.
Perhaps, since the contract is signed and sealed anyway, the best thing we can do is to redirect them to where they are really needed – over in Ukraine. Unfortunately, they won’t arrive until 2029. With any luck, the war in Europe will be over by then. But, at least, we’ll have had time to find a parking spot next to those rusting 2A4 Leopards.
 Ray Rivers, a Gazette Contributing Editor, writes regularly applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background links:
HIMARS – Purchase HIMARS – More HIMARS –
By Gazette Staff
June 6th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
Astronomers have produced the largest and most detailed map ever made of the vast web of cold cosmic gas stretching across the heart of our galaxy, showing thread-like filaments resembling rivers of material flowing through space that sometimes converge into bright clouds where new stars form. Using the Chile-based ALMA telescope, the researchers examined the dynamics and chemistry of the Milky Way‘s central region, a chaotic and energetic expanse that serves as an enormous reservoir of raw material for making stars.  Largest and most detailed map ever made of the vast web of cold cosmic gas stretching across the heart of our galaxy. The region harbors dense clouds of gas and dust. The gas is mostly hydrogen, along with helium and others in trace amounts, all at frigid temperatures slightly above absolute zero. Stars form when clumps of gas and dust collapse under their own gravitational pull.
The supermassive black hole called Sagittarius A* resides at the galaxy’s center. It sits within a region measuring about 650 light-years across that was observed using ALMA as part of a project exploring how gas condenses into stars in the extreme environment of the galactic core. A light-year is the distance light travels in a year, 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion km).
“For the first time, we can trace this gas continuously across the entire region at high resolution. That allows us to connect large-scale gas flows with the dense clouds where stars are forming, and to see how stellar explosions and radiation are reshaping the environment,” said astronomer Ashley Barnes of the European Southern Observatory in Germany, one of the leaders of the research being published, opens new tab in six scientific papers in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. The region, called the Central Molecular Zone, is roughly 26,000 light-years from Earth. The area mapped, in the direction of the constellation Sagittarius, is about three times the width of the moon, as seen from Earth.
The researchers released an image showing ALMA’s observations.
“Even though the image represents cold gas invisible to our eyes, when we assign colors to different (chemical) signals it reveals a striking and intricate landscape. There is a natural beauty in seeing the structure of our own galaxy laid out in such detail. What makes it especially powerful is knowing that these delicate-looking filaments are actually enormous structures, each spanning tens of light-years,” Barnes said.
In addition to the filaments of gas, the image shows large cavities and bubble-like structures carved out by powerful winds and supernova explosions from massive stars populating the area.
There is an anomaly concerning star formation in this region.
“Despite containing enormous quantities of gas, it’s forming far fewer stars than we’d expect. That’s one of the big puzzles in astrophysics,” said astrophysicist Steven Longmore of Liverpool John Moores University in England, another of the research leaders, and the current project is supplying data needed to solve it.
Unlike in the calmer spiral arms of the Milky Way, like the one the sun inhabits, the dynamics of its central region appear to interfere with star formation. “The pressures are orders of magnitude higher. The magnetic fields are stronger,” Longmore said.
“It’s bathed in intense cosmic rays and radiation from the supermassive black hole and from the massive young stars that live there. And the turbulence is extraordinary. Gas is moving at highly supersonic speeds, clouds are colliding and the gravitational forces from the black hole and surrounding stars are constantly shearing and stretching the gas,” Longmore said.
Sagittarius A* has a mass about 4 million times greater than the sun.
The researchers sketched out the complex chemistry of the region. For example, they spotted silicon monoxide, produced in violent shockwaves when gas clouds collide at supersonic speeds.
There also are complex organic molecules such as methanol, ethanol and acetone.
“These are particularly exciting because some of them are thought to be precursors to amino acids and other molecules essential for life,” Longmore said.
“Finding them in such abundance at the center of the galaxy tells us that even in these violent, extreme conditions, the chemistry of complexity – the chemistry that ultimately leads to biology – is thriving.”
By Gazette Staff
June 6th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
Get ready for 10 thrilling days of cinematic magic! The 13th annual Oakville Festivals of Film & Art (OFFA) is back from June 17th to June 27th, bringing the energy to both Oakville and Burlington, Ontario.
In OFFA’s 13th year, the Oakville Film Festival is proud to present over 100 Canadian and international films, including romance, comedy, and empowering documentaries and shorts over 10 days, hosted by Oakville media personality Tyler Collins, and Mississauga Director/Producer/Writer and Actor, Cynthia Crofoot.
Oakville Film Festival kicks off at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre in Burlington’s charming downtown core with a “Kickoff: the Beautiful Game on Screen” which will be a special OFFA launch exploring how the game of soccer unites communities around the work.
EVENT DETAILS:
DATE: Wednesday June 17
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 P.M.
Location: Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Address: 440 Locust Street, Burlington, ON
Screening: Kickoff: The Beautiful Game on Screen
A special OFFA launch event exploring how soccer unites communities around the world. Wednesday, June 17th, 7:00 PM at BPAC (Burlington Performing Arts Centre). Event highlights include freestyle soccer performance acrobatics with soccer artists and dancers, Dennis Thompson & friends, jugglers, Soccer trivia and more! Door Prizes, photo opportunities with soccer heroes. Sponsored by Black and White Media, Burlington Economic Development & Tourism
Game and Glory (25 min) Trailer Here – https://www.game-and-glory.com/english
 The mascot will be there to greet you Short films include:
Ticket information: https://offa2026.eventive.org/schedule/69e8d821fba7b01d5c3a5314
EARLY BIRD TICKETS ONLY $21.99 EACH (until 9th June)
REGULAR PRICE: $24.99 EACH
GOT A TEAM OR LARGE GROUP? Buy 10 or more of our special GROUP PASSES and pay only $17.50 each!
By Gazette Staff
June 5th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Bay James N. Allan Skyway is not entirely closed to traffic between June 5 and 7, 2026.
However, you should expect significant delays and localized lane reductions if you are traveling Niagara-bound, as the bridge is undergoing multi-year rehabilitation work.
The work on the Skyway bridge has been extensive; not quite a rebuild.
 By Pepper Parr
June 5th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
We at least know that Marianne Meed Ward is going to run for a third term For a short period of time there was considerable doubt that she would attempt to serve as Mayor for a Third time.
The reason for the decision will not be found in the remarks Meed Ward is reported to have made. She said:
“We need those steady hands in unsteady times to move us forward, and keep the momentum moving forward for what we have built here in Burlington,” she said this morning at Robert Bateman Community Centre, where she held a media conference. “You will hear a lot of promises in the months leading up to the campaign, but look at track records. The best predictor of what someone will do is what they have done.”
The track record is the issue. When two of your council colleges decide to run for your job – you could fairly conclude that there is trouble in paradise.
Many feel that Rory Nisan is in place in order to split the vote and defeat the Lisa Kearns campaign.
There are a number of people who have reached out to the Gazette asking that we investigate just why Nisan is running for Mayor. Our view is that there is zero chance that he can win – and if he did win he would be a terrible Mayor.
He has made a point of including just his supporters for his campaign events.
Meed Ward said that the “work that matters most at a municipal level cannot be done alone, and working with the provincial and federal governments, as well as businesses and organizations, is key to get results for the people of Burlington.
“I have built those partnerships over decades, and that will pay off as we move forward together,” Meed Ward said.
They may well be the key to getting results but to date one would be hard pressed to set out a list of the results that were obtained.
 The Pride Crosswalks were an important issue. They were much more than a photo op. Surely the Pride street crossings are not being defined as results.
Surely the strong support for the Indigenous community is not the reason for returning Meed Ward to office.
As important as those two events were – and they are very important, what is critically important is the financial side of what Meed Ward has failed to do.
A tax increase of more than 40% of an 8 year term is not sustainable. It is a heavy heavy burden for many
The tens of millions in the way of short fall for our infrastructure is crippling.
The consistent failure to come clean with the voters on exactly how much of the tax increase is a city responsibility. Mixing the school board levy and the Regional tax levy to make the city tax levy lower than it is -is financial malfeasance.
For those who struggle with the word take what the Cambridge Dictionary provides:
“Malfeasance is a legal and professional term for the intentional commission of a wrongful, illegal, or dishonest act. It is most frequently used to describe corrupt or unlawful behavior by individuals in positions of public authority, such as politicians, police officers, or corporate executives”
You just don’t consistently fail to tell the tax payers what you know to be less than the truth.
Meed Ward is reported to have said, “… after consulting with her family and the community, she decided to run for a third term as mayor.
Affordability, transit, and public safety were mentioned as priorities. The rest of her campaign is to follow.
The Gazette did not know the media event was taking place. We were not advised.
We believe this is the first media event the Mayor has held so far during her 8 years as Mayor.
Municipal elections in Ontario will take place October 26.
To date there are three candidates for the Office of Mayor: Lisa Kearns, Rory Nisan and Marianne Meed Ward.
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