 By Samuel Windershot
June 14th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Poker Games Compatible with the Steam Deck
The Steam Deck is a marvellous piece of gaming tech that allows you to play your favourite games on the go. And what’s better than trying your luck in poker while out and about? As long as you have Wi-Fi access in the case of multiplayer poker games, of course. The thing is, not every game available on the Steam marketplace works on the Deck.
So, in other words, if you’re looking for some proper Canadian live casino action, you’ll be disappointed with the selection of games the Deck offers.
 Half the point of the Steam Deck is that it’s portable, but the other half is that it’s a PC. With the right tools, then, you can plug into a monitor, add a mouse and keyboard, and get playing as if it were a (somewhat) conventional gaming rig. Since the Deck runs SteamOS, which is based on Linux, unless a game has a native Linux version, it can’t run natively on your Deck. Instead, they run via the Proton compatibility layer, a collection of apps, tools, and software libraries that allows Windows games to run on Linux. While Proton works very well with a large number of games, there are a number of titles that do not work on Linux, even with Proton. If you’re interested in how Proton actually works, you can check it out here.
Valve’s Steam Deck Proton Compatibility Program Explained
Luckily, Valve has a Steam Deck Proton compatibility program in which Valve testers slowly comb through the entire Steam library, review games on the Steam Deck, and put them into one of four categories, each of which features a unique badge. As you can see in the screenshot below, there are four categories in total: Verified, Playable, Unsupported, and Unknown.
Poker Games Compatible with the Steam Deck 01
Verified games work great on the Deck without any tinkering. Playable games work, but they require gamers to set custom controller setups, use the magnifier feature to read tiny text or do something else in order to play a certain game. Unsupported games aren’t compatible with the Deck, and games with the Unknown badge aren’t tested by Valve yet. They might or might not work, so you can either download a game featuring the Unknown badge and test it yourself or wait for Valve to review it.
If you’re a Poker aficionado and don’t want to check each poker game you’re interested in manually on Steam or ProtonDB (more on this later), you can read our list of the Steam Deck-compatible poker games and see which poker games you can install and play on your Deck right away!
Full List of Poker Games Compatible With the Steam Deck
Since there aren’t many Verified poker games on the Steam marketplace, we’ve decided to divide our list into two parts. The first one includes Verified games that work great on the Deck out of the box. The second part includes games that are playable on the Deck. You can play them, but you’ll often have to tweak control settings, deal with a launcher before playing the game, or perform some other action in order to play the game. Let’s begin with Verified titles.
 That Verified check mark is something you want to look for. Poker Games Verified for the Steam Deck
Dance of Cards – A poker RPG in which you must survive a deadly cruise by beating your opponents on the poker table.
Four Kings: Video Poker – A casual single-player poker game where you can try your luck without gambling away real money.
Poker Club – A 3D poker simulation with 200-player online tournaments and more than 10 tournament modes, all based on Texas Hold ’em rules.
Poker Pretty Girls Battle: Texas Hold ’em – Another poker title based on Texas Hold ’em rules, but this time your goal is to unlock each of the 16 “kawaii” Japanese girls by winning games and advancing through the campaign.
Prominence Poker – The biggest name on the Steam Deck Verified list of Poker games. Prominence Poker is a free-to-play multiplayer poker game that features fully 3D visuals and pits you against players from around the world in various environments to battle it out on the poker table. The game also features a single-player mode where you play against AI opponents. You can customize your avatar, buy them cool accessories, and even purchase table decorations to show your opponents who’ve got the real bling!
Poker Games Playable on the Steam Deck
Below you can find every Poker game on Steam that carries the Playable Steam Deck compatibility badge. We’ve listed the game’s name along with notifications from the Steam Deck Proton compatibility program, detailing what tweaks you have to do to play the game or what issues the game has when played on Steam Deck.
Governor of Poker 3 – Entering some text requires manually invoking the on-screen keyboard.
Lords of New York – Entering some text requires manually invoking the on-screen keyboard.
MONOPOLY Poker – Entering some text requires manually invoking the on-screen keyboard.
Poker Championship – This game sometimes shows mouse, keyboard, or non-Steam-Deck controller icons.
Poker Quest: Swords and Spades – This game sometimes shows mouse, keyboard, or non-Steam-Deck controller icons; Entering some text requires manually invoking the on-screen keyboard; Some in-game text is small and may be difficult to read; This game supports Steam Deck’s native display resolution but does not set it by default and may require you to configure the display resolution manually.
 The game has always had that allure. Spicy Strip Poker – Some in-game text is small and may be difficult to read.
Strip’ Em II: Facka’s Game – Entering some text requires manually invoking the on-screen keyboard; Some in-game text is small and may be difficult to read.
The Four Kings Casino and Slots – Some functionality is not accessible when using the default controller configuration, requiring the use of the touchscreen or virtual keyboard, or a community configuration; This game sometimes shows mouse, keyboard, or non-Steam-Deck controller icons; Entering some text requires manually invoking the on-screen keyboard; Some in-game text is small and may be difficult to read.
How to Check Game Compatibility on Steam and ProtonDB.com
In case you want to check Steam Deck compatibility for a game not featured on this list there are a few ways to do it. You can do it on Steam itself or on the ProtonDB website.
How to Check Steam Deck Game Compatibility on Steam
To check whether a game’s Steam Deck is compatible, just type the query in Steam’s search box. Once you’re greeted with the results, narrow the search by clicking the Verified button in the Narrow by Deck Compatibility tab, as shown below. You can also include both Verified and Playable games or just search for games with the Playable badge.
Poker Games Compatible with the Steam Deck 02
Another way is to visit the Steam store on your Deck (press the B button and then select the Store option), go to the Search tab, and type the name of the game you’re interested in. You can search only for Verified games, or you can also include Playable games by checking the Playable button in the search menu as we did below.
Poker Games Compatible with the Steam Deck 03
Once you get the search results –in our case, we searched for Monopoly Poker– click on the game, and you’ll see its Steam Deck compatibility badge on the upper right side of the screen. In our case, Monopoly Poker is rated as Playable.
Poker Games Compatible with the Steam Deck 04
After we clicked the Learn More button, a new window opened informing us that Monopoly Poker performs well on the Deck, with the only caveat being that you have to manually enter some text via the on-screen keyboard.
How to Check Steam Deck Game Compatibility on ProtonDB.com
 As kids Monopoly was a family game – its quite a bit different when it is poker that is being played. ProtonDB is a community-based website where users share their in-game experience on Linux. As of recently, each game has separate Steam Deck and PC tabs, with the Steam Deck tab featured on the top. As you can see below, our test game, Monopoly Poker, has no reports from Steam Deck users. However, the game’s rated as Playable by the Steam Deck Proton compatibility program’s testers.
ProtonDB can be handy to Steam Deck owners because reports often include tweaks for better performance or longer battery life. For example, Prominence Poker has one report from a Steam Deck owner where they shared their custom settings that improve the battery life, as seen below.
Poker Games Compatible with the Steam Deck 05
As you can see, while there isn’t a truckload of poker games compatible with the Steam Deck that carry the Verified badge, you can play most of the games with the Playable badge without major issues.
And if the team behind the Steam Deck Proton compatibility program hasn’t yet managed to test your favourite poker game and it features the Unknown badge, nothing is stopping you from trying the game yourself or visiting ProtonDB and checking whether other Steam Deck owners have managed to run the said game. Remember, having the Unknown badge doesn’t mean the game in question isn’t compatible with the Steam Deck; it only means that members of the Steam Deck Proton compatibility program haven’t tested it yet.
 By Staff
June 13th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Average asking rents in Canada rose 6.5 per cent in May, the lowest percentage annual increase since December 2021, according to the Rentals.ca and Urbanation latest National Rent Report.*
 But average rent for all property types on the Rentals.ca Network was still up 19 per cent over the past two years.
Toronto finished second on the list of 35 cities for average monthly rent in May for a one-bedroom at $2,538 and third for average monthly rent for a two-bedroom at $3,286.
Burlington came in sixth for average monthly rent in May for a one-bedroom at $2,244 and 10th for average monthly rent for a two-bedroom at $2,514.
Year over year, average monthly rent in May for a one-bedroom in Burlington was up 12.7 per cent and up 7.9 per cent for a two-bedroom.
Several GTA and surrounding mid-sized markets had double-digit annual increases in May: Brampton, up 23 per cent; North York, up 22 per cent; Guelph, up 19 per cent; Markham, up 18 per cent; Hamilton, up 16 per cent; Vaughan, up 15 per cent; Mississauga and Burlington, both up 14.6 per cent and Etobicoke, up 11.5 per cent.
Oakville continued as Canada’s most expensive midsize market in May with an average rent of $3,373 for purpose-built and condominium apartments.
Ten GTA mid-sized cities and areas were in the top 14 most expensive on the list of 25, with rents ranging from $2,634 in North York to $2,527 in Burlington.
This is a picture that is not going to get any prettier.
 By Pepper Parr
June 11th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Heritage has become a bigger issue for the current city council than anything the Gazette has seen in the past.
There was a situation recently where owners of a house on Lotus Street found that their house was going to be designated despite some significant differences of opinion on just how important a building it is from a heritage perspective.
We will cover that story in detail in a forthcoming article
 By the end of the study, Burlington City Council will be presented with information to decide if any of the properties or landscapes assessed in the study should be specially recognized, heritage designated or be subject to any conservation regulations or policies. Council will also be asked to decide if the 26 properties added to the heritage register at the July 12, 2022 City Council meeting and the September 20, 2022 Council Meeting should continue to be listed on the heritage register or removed. John O’Riley is the lead staff member on matters related to heritage. He reports that there are now six study areas, set out below, and eight individual properties that are being studied.
 The tan coloured properties are the subject a close study.
 One of the six study areas.  Another of the six study areas. On Monday, June 19th, the City is hosting an evening consultation meeting at 7PM at Burlington City Hall with property owners in the following study areas:
• Foot of Brant Street;
• Village Square; and
• Downtown East.
 Three of the eight properties that will get a detailed study are shown in tan. On Wednesday, June 21st, the City is hosting an evening consultation meeting at 7PM at Burlington City Hall with property owners in the following study areas:
• Locust Street; and
• Burlington Avenue and Lakeshore Road.
The meetings are an important step in terms of letting people know what the city has in mind. Up until this point property owners didn’t know very much about what the city had in mind.
The debate will be interesting. There are those that are strong proponents of property right however they may not be able to carry the vote.
 By Staff
June 9th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Rising 73 and 84 storeys in the heart of the Toronto entertainment district, Forma is defined by its twisting form and a shimmering façade, which was designed to reflect the city’s light and colour. A unique addition to the downtown core, renderings reveal stacked steel boxes soaring into the sky.
Construction has finally begun on Frank Gehry’s highly anticipated Forma condos.
The Canadian architect’s first residential towers in the country and his tallest buildings in the world, the two-tower Forma will top off well above most downtown Toronto skyscrapers.
Well, thank goodness that isn’t Burlington.
This is Burlington.
 By Staff
May 30th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s final. Or at least the folks at Plan B think it is. They sent the following statement.
The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) recently reaffirmed its January 3rd, 2023 decision that the Burlington 2020 Lakeshore Inc.’s application was not grandfathered by ROPA 48. While no official withdrawal of the application of 30 + 35-storey towers atop a 6-storey podium development has been made, it is unlikely to proceed without its’ heavy reliance on historical downtown intensification arguments.
So, it’s back to the drawing board for Vrancor!
During the January 27th, 2023 OLT Case Management Conference, Goodmans LLP (Vrancor’s lawyers) stated that they would be reaching out to the City to see if a compromise solution could be negotiated. Our sense is that these discussions have commenced, or will soon.
Where should the City start?
 The Plan B people are prepared to live with the Preferred concept that was put forward in March of 2022. Citizens’ PLAN B strongly believes that any negotiation should begin with Preferred Concept 2022 (PC 2022), which was developed as part of the Waterfront Hotel Planning Study (WHPS) and published on March 26th, 2022. It featured 22-storey (East, tiered) + 21-storey (West) towers both with 3-storey podiums, the latter with a critical 20-meter setback from the West property line (bordering Spencer Smith Park).
PC 2022 was both a reasoned and reasonable design, based on significant input gathered over 5+ years from professional urban planners such as the Burlington Urban Development Panel, the community, and the property owner himself.
 The development proposal would have brought a six level podium very close to the edge of Lakeshore Road making that part of the city feel like New York City or worse still Toronto. You may recall that the WHPS facilitator, The Planning Partnership effectively “mothballed” this report by claiming that they had been coerced by City staff to limit tower heights (still unproven to our knowledge). This does not diminish the merit of PC 2022, in the least. At our request, Ramsay Planning Inc. subsequently & independently computed the development potential of this property with similar parameters to be exactly 21 + 22 storeys. Humm!
PC 2022 actually yields a greater measure of intensification than permitted for the Waterfront Hotel property (FSI of 6.81 versus 5.0, for those technically-minded). This provides an argument to further reduce heights, as does the elimination of a downtown rapid transit hub, and the Burlington OP 2020 permissions of 11-15 storeys on neighbouring properties just across Lakeshore Road. The More Homes Built Faster Act (Bill 23) may have another affect.
This will be a complex negotiation.
Let’s hope the City chooses a negotiator as competent, creative and motivated as the “top gun” lawyer (Osler’s Chris Barnett) they engaged to handle this application at the OLT.
We at Citizens’ PLAN B remain available to assist!
Please leave your comments on our Facebook page or visit the website!
Web site: https://www.planbwaterfrontredevelopment.ca/
Facebook page: www.planbwaterfrontredevelopment.ca
Related news story:
What happens to the Waterfront hotel site now?
By Pepper Parr
May 22, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The development proposal that is currently before the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) is a 29-storey, 295 unit mixed-use building (1-bedroom and 2-bedroom models) with an overall proposed building height of 107.10 metres (including mechanical penthouse).
 A 4-storey podium is proposed as part of the building design and will incorporate ground floor retail; above the podium – a 29-storey, 295 unit mixed-use building. It is precisely the kind of building that will probably be approved at the OLT. A 4-storey podium is proposed as part of the building design and will incorporate ground floor retail and amenity area, with the remainder to be comprised of a parking structure.
Proposed parking includes 295 resident parking spaces (combination of two (2) levels of underground and 3.5 levels of above-grade parking) with an additional 25 visitor parking spaces proposed.
A total of 60 bicycle parking spaces are also proposed. The proposed gross floor area of the development is 21,439.0 m2 (8.2:1 FAR) with total amenity area comprising 5,224.0 m2 (combination of indoor and outdoor).
It is the kind of development the city is going to have to approve if they are to reach the 29,000 residential unit pledge they made to the province.
The property is owned by the Infinity Development Group and is located at 1029-1033 Waterdown Rd. It is currently before the Ontario Land Tribunal
The issue with the development is not the height or the number of units – but the location of the development. It is almost directly across the street from two small pieces of property owned by the ward Councillor. The distance between the development site and the Councillors property is 60 paces. My pace distance – heel to toe – is 32 inches; sixty of those paces totals 1920 inches which when converted to metric is 48.768 metres – cal it 49 metres which is less than half of the120 rule of thumb that is used to determine the acceptable distance between properties.
To see what 60 paces looks like watch the video as the camera scans from the two lots Galbraith owns across Waterdown Road ending where a truck is moving up the Road. That is site the 29 storey tower will be built when it is approved at the OLT. Click on Video
On the west side of Waterdown Road there are currently two houses that will be demolished to make way for the 29 storey tower.
 These two house will be demolished once the 29 storey development application clears the Ontario Land Tribunal On the east side of Waterdown Road there are the two small lots that Kelvin Galbraith owns. In the distance you can see the rear of the gymnasium Galbraith owns and operates. On the left you can see part of the garage located at the intersection of Waterdown Road and Plains Road. The garage is own by someone else.
 The open space is now owned by Galbraith. There were two small houses on the property that were demolished. To the west of the two small lots we show the rear of the gymnasium Galbraith owns and operates.
To the west of that is the small plaza owned by Emshih Developments
 The Fitness firm, owned and operated by Kelvin Galbraith, is to the immediate west of Jerry’s Garage.  A view of the site from Plains Road show the Galbraith Gymnasium and the garage to the east.
That is some distance from the 250 (120) metres that the Integrity Commissioner told ward 1 Councillor Galbraith that would put him in a Conflict of Interest.
Galbraith has an agreement in place with Emshih Development to jointly develop the properties they individually own.
And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
 E is the Emshih property; A is the location of the Galbraith gymnasium; D and C are owned by Galbraith and B is the garage owned by someone else. The properties that are included in the agreement are set out in the graphic below.
We don’t know just what is included in the agreement between Galbraith and Emshih Development – we have no reason to know, it is a private business matter that is non of our business.
What is of public interest, and what creates the Conflict of Interest is this: When the Infinity development is eventually approved, and there is every reason to believe that it will be approved – the value of the Galbraith-Emshih properties skyrockets.
It’s something of a Catch-22 with the residents of Aldershot caught in the middle. If the existing Conflict of Interest rules (based on a distance ‘rule of thumb’) do not apply to Galbraith, then he will be allowed to take part in discussions of something that materially affects his financial interests.
It is difficult to see how he would be impartial. If the Conflict of Interest rules do apply, and we believe that they should, then Galbraith cannot speak about the development and the citizens of Ward 1 are left without a voice on this issue.
Who will represent the interests and concerns of area residents?
Related news stories:
The resident learns that he will not be able to communicate with his Council member.
 By Pepper Parr
May 17th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
Part 4 of a series
On the morning of October 20th, 2018 Kelvin Galbraith sent Tom Muir an email which Muir made available to us.
Fully two days before the election, Galbraith clearly described the way he saw himself as a candidate, as an Aldershot businessman and as a resident of Ward 1.
Although it is lengthy, we include the full text of the email because it is totally transparent and very clear.
“Hi Tom
“With regards to intensification in Aldershot, I have been consistent in my discussions with people that there is more coming and there is very little that this new council will be able to do in terms of stopping the progress. I have instead, taken the position that I will work with the developers—- to give our ward 1 residents what they have been missing – which is adequate retail and food operations.
“Currently the new official plan zones the south side of Plains road from Lasalle to Filmandale at 6 stories and the new mobility hub has a variation of zoning that allows for higher density as the distance from Plains increases. Currently very few candidates or past councillors have objected to this zoning as we will need to grow somewhere moving forward and have run out of green land in which to cover with urban sprawl. I have consistently said that our 6 story cap should be honoured on Plains road as these projects back on to our residential neighbourhoods.
 “The new official plan changes at the Solid Gold site and allows for higher density (11 stories) due to its proximity to the GO station/mobility hub. I am uncomfortable with this height on Plains road but I want to be realistic with people and let them know that a project of that size, close to the mobility hub, will likely pass at council whether I vote for it or not.
“Should council not approve that project specifically, then I’m sure that the new LPAT ( OMB) will certainly overriding our councils decision as they have many times in the past. (The OMB became LPAT which in turn became the Ontario Land Tribunal)
“Currently national homes has already filed with LPAT for the bingo hall site to protect their plans from the new council presumably.
“What I have been advocating for during this campaign is for better retail options on Plains road. Having chaired the Aldershot BIA for the past 11 years, we have seen a diminishing retail sector. Every new development promises main floor retail and when it’s complete we release just how small and inadequate it really is. I want to fight for larger store sizes, better parking options, and more food operations (grocery, restaurant, pub and coffee shop). Zoning that requires food operations can be implemented into specific sites as I have learned from meetings with Marianne Meed Ward. We need more vibrant spaces for Aldershot residents to socialize and typically food operations are where this is done. I live here too and most of my extended family does as well. We all see the void in entertainment here. Especially in the west end of Aldershot.
E is the property owned by Emshih Developments; A is where the Gym Firm Galbraith owns is located; D and C are properties owned by Galbraith; Bis is a garage. “With regards to my business property on Plains road and Waterdown road, I have been transparent with people for years. Our land is surrounded by one developer and we have agreed to work with him at such a time when he chooses to develop his property. Our business would be included in a new space within the site. We signed a letter of intent only and have not sold any property as rumours may indicate. Many years may pass still before anything may happen.
“You are correct is saying that I would need to declare a conflict of interest with any developments that include these properties specifically. In the grand scale of all the developable land in ward 1, this piece would represent a very small parcel so I don’t think that it should hinder my ability to serve the constituents in an effective manner on all that may happen in this ward.
“I have already read your supporting letter to Marty Staz where you denounced myself and Judy for our links to developers. I only have my signs on the Station West development as I am actively trying to push him to build us a west end grocery store. If I am elected or not, I will still be working on this issue as my volunteer position with the Aldershot BIA. I just feel that I will have more abilities and a stronger voice as councillor of Ward 1.
“As I have stated in my website and literature, I live here and work here, I know the issues. I have spoken to the public about them both in my business for the past 20 years and canvassing for the past 3 months. I want Aldershot to be a better place to live and am willing to fight for that.
“Thank you for reaching out to me.”
This is about is as honest as it can get; Galbraith is to be commended for setting out his position the way he did. I only wish Muir had shared it is as soon is as he got it. It puts things in perspective and explains a great deal of what Kelvin Galbraith is; not a dishonest man but one who has not understood the considerable difference between private businessman and public official.
 The two roles or persona are not incompatible and one can argue that Galbraith’s business experience is a valuable asset as a Councillor. But when ‘in office’ that public role must dominate and shape how one views the world. It is a service function with the primary objective being making the best possible decisions for the community of citizens that one represents – not being the voice of a particular interest group.
The problem now for Galbraith is that a number of developers have chosen to make significant donations to his 2022 election campaign – so much so that he has come to be seen as their spokesman and not well aligned to the broader interests of his Ward.
That is not a good place for a City Councillor
The targeted funding Galbraith has received will soon become barnacles on the public view of his ability to effectively represent them; to his ability to understand and further the broad spectrum of interests and concerns in the community. Barnacles can be removed and Galbraith still has some time to change the perception. The question then is: Does he want to change how many people see him and does he know how?
Galbraith sees himself as a good business man who understands retail economics and has networked with the commercial sector. He got into politics, we believe, because he felt he could make a difference and draw some of the commercial activity he believes Aldershot needed and still needs. Eleven years on the local Business Improvement Association will do that to you; but five years sitting around the Council horseshoe table will temper your expectations and dull the enthusiasm.
 Kelvin Galbraith being sworn in after being elected in October of 2022 The minute Kelvin Galbraith raised his right hand while taking the Oath of Office he became a different man with a different constituency that he swore he would serve.
I don’t believe Galbraith set out to be the shill for the developers. He saw himself as someone who could get things done and the Ward 1 electorate agreed – twice.
However, in the final analysis, the developers did not elect him. They simply recognized a kindred spirit and conscripted him to support their objectives and their community of interest. Galbraith represented an opportunity and they gladly took advantage.
Galbraith may ‘change his spots’ but it’s rather unlikely. He is not comfortable in a very complex role and does not recognize the inherent conflict. However, the citizens of Ward 1 should recognize the conflict and act accordingly.
They need to hold their Councillor accountable for his actions and his relationships.
They need to take responsibility for being informed.
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
 By Pepper Parr
May 15th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Part 3 of a series on election financing
At the time of publication, the Gazette had received no response to the two previous articles despite repeated requests to respond.
In Parts 1 and 2, we reported on the financial statements of Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith, and pointed out the many developer donations he received, as well as the fact that he received the highest dollar amount of donations of any other Burlington Council member, including the Mayor.
 Kelvin Galbraith. Councillor Ward 1 In this third part, we look further at some of those donors again, showing those who gave Galbraith the maximum donation ($1200) or $1000, and who also have current development projects with the City of Burlington, in his Ward 1. The data on these projects was taken directly from the City of Burlington website where they list “Current Development Projects” by ward, along with details of the applications and their current status.
The lists of such projects in all wards reveals that the number and scale of projects in Ward 1 is extremely large. The list is five pages long; covering 23 projects. These are all big projects, often covering multiple addresses for one development and with multiple buildings. On its face, it would seem that Ward 1 is the leader of major development in the City.
Ward 2 also has 23 developments which, since it includes the downtown and waterfront, is to be expected. Significantly, the Ward 2 Councillor, Lisa Kearns, did not receive developer donations.
The following developers, who donated to Galbraith, have current development projects in his ward:
 • Molinaro: 1134-1167 Plains Road East, Status: Under Review; 1049 residential units, 4 towers, 22-35 storeys, Vincent Molinaro donated $1000 to Galbraith
 • National Homes: 484-490 Plains Road East, Status: Approved; two 8-storey condos with 9th floor rooftop amenity, 276 units, 110 stacked townhouse units.
Travis Nolan, VP of National Homes donated $1200 to Galbraith; two National Homes Executive Assistants, Jessica Dipronio and Sara Defina each donated $1200 on the same day as Nolan.
 • National Homes: 2100 Brant. Status: Approved and under construction. A mix of townhouse blocks, with 4 semi-detached bungalofts proposed in the revised plan of 210 units. City website does not reflect current status.
 • Infinity: 1029 and 1033 Waterdown Unit, Status: Appealed. 29 storey mixed use building, 295 residential units, 4-storey podium, ground floor retail, 2 levels underground parking, 3.5 levels above-grade parking. Arun Anand, Manager of Infinity’s Construction Management Plan, donated $1200 to Galbraith.
 • Infinity: 40-70 Plains Road East, Status: Appealed. 12 storey apartment, 389 units.
• Vrancor Group: At the intersection of 53-71 Plains Rd. East and 1025 Cooke Blvd, Status: Approved; 2 residential towers, 18 and 9 storeys, commercial units on main floor. Gunther Bluesz, Lead Designer & Project Manager at Vrancor Group, donated $1200 to Galbraith.
It is also worth noting that these and other of Galbraith’s developer donors have projects in other wards as well and Galbraith votes on these too. If a Councillor has a development-friendly approach, this tendency has application across the City.
It is difficult to believe that Galbraith’s multiple properties which he owns in the Plains Road area would not benefit from, or are at the very least be impacted by, the influx of thousands and thousands of units being built in the vicinity – regardless of distance from the MTSA. There are so many addresses being developed in Ward 1 covering so much real estate acreage that it beggars belief that Galbraith’s properties are not impacted. This fact is fundamental to the continuing efforts by citizens to review Galbraith’s perceived conflict of interest.
For comparison, the following are the number of current development projects in all Burlington wards. Note that in some they include very small purpose-built structures like a 3-storey veterinarian office. What is most noticeable about Ward 1 is they are almost all very large developments. We believe that it actually surpasses Ward 2, which most would believe is the site of the biggest and most developments.
Ward 1 – 23 developments
Ward 2 – 23 developments
Ward 3 – 3 developments
Ward 4 – 7 developments
Ward 5 – 12 developments
Ward 6 – 12 developments
The following are the addresses of the Ward 1 development projects. The list includes just those on either Plains Road or on streets off Plains Road.
1200 King Road, 1120 Cooke Blvd, 1134 – 1167 Plains Road E., 141, 147 & 153 Plains Road W., 1062 – 1074 Cooke Blvd., 284 – 292 Plains Road E., 484 – 490 Plains Road E., 35 Plains Road E., 1085 Clearview Ave., 92 Plains Road E., 40 – 70 Plains Road E., 1450 King Road, 53 – 71 Plains Road E., 1025 Cooke Blvd., 539 King Forest Court (off King Road), 1029 – 1033 Waterdown Road, 610, 611 Surrey Lane, 875 King Road, 615 and 619 Marley Road, 847, 471, 875, 894, 917 Warwick, 1010 Downsview Drive, 355 Plains Road E.
.
 Aldershot: a place to stand, a place to grow as it were. So, what is the importance of all this? First, it suggests that major property development has found a welcome home in Burlington’s Ward 1; a place to stand, a place to grow as it were.
Secondly, the number and density of these developments has serious implications for Councillor Galbraith’s perceived conflict of interest – a matter that we will discuss in the future.
 Kelvin Galbraith serving as Chair of a Standing Committee Finally, it makes Galbraith a very influential fellow for this industry.
While he is one of seven council votes – Burlington Council is one of the smallest in the province, the impact of each member is disproportionately and, we believe, inappropriately high.
The Mayor has recently said that she is open to expanding the size and composition of Council.
Now is the time to begin that conversation.
Part 1 of the series – When we looked at the campaign expenditures of Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith things changed.
Part 2 of the series Why did they donate this much money to a Burlington councillor in an election most voters ignored ?
 By Pepper Parr
May 14th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington struggles with how to save some of the heritage properties in the city. It seems prepared to settle for some of the facade of homes built in the mid 1800’s hoping that keeping some of the streetscape will let people know what parts of Burlington looked like.
 Two in particular have taken up a lot of time recently. The Ghent property at Brant and Prospect – where the developer is refusing to work with the city to find a solution to save at least some of the building and replace it with a development that doesn’t offer much.
The other is a house on Walker’s Line that is in poor condition due to neglect. The location on Walkers Line just north of New Street is a part of the city that has a number of developments in the Planning Department pipeline.
David Barker, owner of a Heritage property on Lakeshore Road and a former member of the Heritage Advisory, delegated to the group where he had the following to say:
 David Barker Good evening. Thank you Chair and members of the committee for allowing me to speak this evening.
As a very proud owner of a designated heritage property I would like to tonight pass on to you some thoughts and observations I have that you can consider at a later time in regards to
 Neglect over a couple of decades have made bringing this house up to an acceptable standard would be very expensive – there is no on even interested in saving the property. Its development value is significant and the area is undergoing a number of changes. (1) A rated registry properties to be prioritized for designation consideration;
(2) designated locations where developers are already seeking to demolish (such as those on Brant Street and Walkers Line); and
(3) approaching owners of properties which are to be considered for designation.
At its last meeting in April, this committee determined that it would prioritize residential properties for consideration for designation ahead of properties such as churches, cemeteries and schools. I would suggest that the committee might wish to reevaluate this position bearing in mind the legislation tabled in the Ontario Legislature as Bill 98 The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act.
The bill contains a feature that provides the Minister with the authority to make regulations prescribing the circumstances under which a sale or disposition of a school site or property may occur, including to whom the school site or property must be offered;”
The minister has said:-
“If a different board needs the property it would be sold to them, but if it is not needed in the education sector, the property would be considered for other provincial needs such as affordable housing or long-term care”.
With this in mind, I would respectfully suggest the committee reappraise its decision to exclude school properties from its designation consideration. Burlington Central and Lakeshore Public are both A rated properties on the heritage registry. The lands of both those schools are immensely valuable and would be a target for developers to build either homes or long-term care, which would require the demolition of the structures. We already know the direction the Ford government is going and does not hold heritage in the same high regard as it does developers. You will recall I’m sure that in the recent past both these schools have been considered for closure by HDSB. I suggest therefore the committee seek to have these school properties designated.
 The oldest heritage structure on Brant at Prospect was once part of a 50 + acre farm. I turn now to the topic of designated properties that sit on sites that an owner wishes to develop, such as 795 Brant St and 496 Walkers Line. Council will only consider options put to it by staff. The staff report on 795 Brant Street gave Council the stark options to either grant or not grant the demolition permit application.
A third option exists which rarely seems to get discussed. That option is to relocate the heritage building. During my time as a member of this committee the relocation option was put forward as something staff and the applicant might consider in relation to a property on Plains Road.
Regrettably in that instance the Committee Chair determined not to bring the option to staff’s attention. Relocation has occurred a few times and is a viable solution to preserve a heritage property. Some will say taking the property from its historic geographic location detracts from its heritage value. That might be so. But demolition detracts considerably more.
There exists a vacant land property for sale on Burlington Avenue, listed at about $800,000. Maybe the developer might be persuaded to buy the vacant land, cover the cost to move and install the structure there. In doing so the developer 50 + likely would be able to sell that property at a profit. It would allow the developer to develop the site as it would like. The City might show it’s appreciation by granting the developer some considerations in its zoning application. It’s a win for all parties. One can be pretty sure that should the matter get adjudicated by the OLT, the City and Heritage will lose. Has this option been discussed with these developers? I know the answer to that question is “no”. My question is “why not?”.
Lastly I turn to the Committee’s initiative to seek designation of certain A rated registry properties. Designation generally has a negative connotation with those unfamiliar with its ins and outs. As an owner of a designated heritage property for 30 years I can honestly say I have yet to find any negative aspects. I would like to suggest the committee engage owners of designated properties to be a part of the communication process with owners of properties being considered for designation. Goodwill Ambassadors maybe.
Related news stories:
A facade is all that will be left of the former Pearl Street Cafe
City can’t find a way to work the developer of a 28 storey tower on Brant Street
By Jacob Robinson
May 10th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Investing in Toronto can be lucrative, but it also requires careful planning and strategic decision-making. For the most part, it’s likely you will be focusing on investing in real estate, but there are other means to invest in Toronto. For example, you can still trade in stocks and gold, if you so wish. In fact, diversifying your portfolio will be a wise idea.
 One of the best investment markets in North America – stable, well governed with safe streets With its booming economy, diverse population, and thriving real estate market, Toronto has become a hot spot for investors looking to build their wealth. However, to solidify their investments and maximize their returns, Toronto investors need to take certain key steps, which we will cover throughout this post! Let’s get started.
Conduct Thorough Market Research
Before making any investment decision, either in real estate or otherwise, it’s crucial for Toronto investors to conduct thorough market research. In terms of real estate, they should analyze current real estate trends, property prices, rental rates, and vacancy rates in different neighbourhoods of Toronto. This research will provide them with valuable insights on the best areas to invest in, the potential for capital appreciation, and the expected cash flow from rental properties. By understanding the market dynamics, investors can make informed decisions and minimize risks.
For non-real estate investments, Toronto residents should analyze the niches they are investing into and have a good understanding of what is needed. They can contact relevant experts who have experience in these areas, or look online for relevant advice. There will surely be something out there that will be relevant and helpful.
Diversify Investment Portfolio
Diversification is a key strategy in minimizing risk and maximizing returns in any investment portfolio. Toronto investors should avoid putting all their eggs in one basket and diversify their investments across different types of properties, neighbourhoods, and asset classes. For instance, they can consider investing in residential properties, commercial properties, or even mixed-use properties.
 Diversification and balance are critical when building and maintaining an investment portfolio. Diversification helps investors spread their risks and ensures that any potential losses from one investment can be offset by gains from others, providing a more stable and solid investment portfolio. You should also have a good understanding over these types of investments. If you have only invested in real estate before, but don’t know anything about gold investing, then you should do more research. Fortunately, you can use online resources to keep an eye out on the XAUUSD chart, which can help you make more informed decisions when it comes to investing.
Partner with Professionals
Navigating the real estate market in Toronto can be complex, and it’s crucial for investors to have the right professionals by their side. This includes real estate agents, lawyers, accountants, and property managers.
These professionals can provide valuable advice, guidance, and support throughout the investment process, from identifying lucrative investment opportunities to managing properties effectively. Partnering with professionals can help investors make informed decisions and safeguard their investments.
Plan for Financing
Investing in real estate often requires financing, and it’s essential for Toronto investors to plan their financing strategy carefully. This includes assessing their borrowing capacity, credit score, and interest rates.
Investors should explore different financing options, such as mortgages, lines of credit, or partnerships, and choose the one that aligns with their investment goals and risk tolerance. Adequate financing planning ensures that investors have the necessary funds to solidify their investments and manage them effectively.
Understand Relevant Regulations
Before you can successfully invest, Toronto investors should be aware of specific regulations. For real estate investments, Toronto has specific regulations and laws governing the rental market, and it’s crucial for investors to understand them thoroughly. This includes knowing the rules around rent control, tenant rights, eviction process, and property standards.
 Niche markets offer significant opportunities: get professional advice before you invest. Investors need to comply with these regulations to avoid legal disputes, penalties, or fines, which can negatively impact their investment returns. Staying updated with the rental market regulations and working with professionals who are well-versed in them can help investors solidify their investments and ensure smooth property management.
Focus on Long-Term Investment Strategy
Real estate investment in Toronto is typically a long-term strategy, and investors should approach it with a long-term mindset. Toronto’s real estate market may experience short-term fluctuations, but historically, it has shown consistent appreciation over the long term. Investors should resist the urge to make impulsive decisions based on short-term market fluctuations and stay committed to their long-term investment strategy.
This includes having a clear investment plan, setting realistic goals, and having patience and discipline to ride out market cycles. A long-term investment strategy can help investors build wealth and solidify their investments.
Stay Updated with Market Trends
The real estate market in Toronto is dynamic and constantly evolving, and it’s crucial for investors to stay updated with the latest market trends. This includes monitoring changes in property prices, rental rates, demand-supply dynamics, and economic indicators.
Investors should also stay informed about government policies and regulations that may affect the real estate market, such as changes in tax laws or zoning regulations. By staying updated with market trends, investors can make informed decisions regarding their strategies and take advantage of emerging opportunities to solidify their investments, whether that be real estate or otherwise.
By Pepper Parr
May 11, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Part 2 of a series
When we reviewed Councillor Galbraith’s audited campaign financials, available now on the City website, we noticed some anomalies and decided to look closer.
Focusing on the donors who donated $1000 or the maximum $1200, in more detail we asked:
Who are they?
Why did they donate this much money to a Burlington councillor in an election most voters ignored, where he was running against only one unknown opponent?
Did Galbraith need this amount of money to win his seat?
All Burlington Council incumbents won re-election easily, most with far less money needed.
Based on our research, including simple online searches, we note some information on several of the donors, which we believe to be both highly relevant and accurate. The $1200 and $1000 donors are:
Galbraith $1200 Donors:
Don Husack: Owner, Don Victoria Homes (Burlington resident)
Dr. Michael Shih: President, Emshih Developments (Burlington resident)
Jessica Dipronio: Executive Assistant, National Homes (Bolton resident)
Sara Defina: Executive Assistant, National Homes (Maple resident)
Jenne Wilches (Brampton resident)
Gunther Bluesz: Lead Designer & Project Manager, Vrancor Group (Hamilton resident)
Arun Anand: Manager of Construction Management Plan, Infinity Development (lists a Waterdown Road address, which doesn’t seem to exist)
Adam Peaker, (Burlington, Ward 1 resident)
Ken Szekely, (Burlington business address)
Galbraith $1000 Donors:
Jeffrey Paikin: President, New Horizon Development Group (Burlington resident)
Vincent Molinaro: President, Molinaro Development Group (Burlington business address)
Bruce MacDonald (Oakville resident)
Meetali Acharya (Burlington, Ward 1 resident)
Richard King (Burlington, Ward 6 resident)
Nigel Morgan (Burlington, Ward 4 resident)
Marion Cournoyer (Smithville resident)
Kathleen Sembrano (Burlington, Ward 4 resident)
The number of donations to Galbraith from those tied to the development industry are (as set out above) similar to the donations given to Councillor Sharman, a councillor in his 13th year on Burlington council, and one with a history of receiving developer donations.
 National Homes development on Brant Street south of Havendale.
Mayor Meed Ward has (at least since the 2018 election) taken the position that she would not accept donations from any developer. Her Deputy Mayor of Business Development and Red Tape Reduction does not appear to follow this practice.
Galbraith was the subject of an Integrity Commissioner complaint that claimed he had a conflict of interest because he owned businesses and properties in Ward 1 and should recuse himself when development proposals within the Major Transit Service Area (MTSA) were debated at council. The complaint was found by the City of Burlington’s Integrity Commissioner to be without merit.
Ward 1 residents argued during the election that should Galbraith be re-elected, they would effectively be without representation at Council. A group of Ward 1 residents argued during the election that should Galbraith be re-elected, they would effectively be without representation at Council because of his perceived conflicts of interest.
So, what might all this mean? Well, ultimately it all depends on your perspective, your politics and how you view elections and the role of the public office holder.
Elections can be expensive if the race is tight and the competition fierce. Some candidates are able to fund their campaigns out of their own pockets. However, when campaigns come in costing $25,000 or more that is difficult for most candidates to pay for – they look to their supporters.
None of the Burlington ward races, or that for Mayor, were close in 2022. Each incumbent won easily. So, why if there was no real need, did Galbraith continue to collect funds from supporters and does it impose an inherent conflict when sitting in judgment of their development applications?
The source of any campaign donation is a mirror of sorts; a reflection of a candidate’s values and the types of interests that he or she attracts. For example, small donations from a hundred or more people might suggest that the candidate has a lot in the way of grassroots support.
A smaller number of donations from specific groups or interests – it could be developers, the commercial sector, hospitality or particular parts of the political spectrum – suggest that these sectors identify with the candidate as someone who best represents their particular community.
A, D and C are properties owned by Galbraith. E is owned by Emshih Developments. B is a gas station at the corner of the intersection of Plains and Waterdown.  The yellow line that swoops through the graphic is the point where the Galbraith properties are located – on the west side of Waterdown. The have the same development designation as the property across the street. Burlington has, in the recent past, had a concern with the amount of money the development community contributes and how, as a community of interest, it tends to target particular individuals as the beneficiaries of their generosity and support.
 Ward 1 City Councillor Kelvin Galbraith first elected in 2018. They give a candidate money because they believe that he or she is most willing to support their interests; that a particular individual running for public office understands how they operate and is aligned with what they want to achieve.
In this context, there is a reason why developers have given the Ward 1 candidate so much money. They see it as a business investment and a perfectly acceptable expression of their support for someone amenable to their interests.
Other voters, applying different perspectives, goals and objectives, might see it a little differently. The optics of the Deputy Mayor of Business Development and Red Tape Reduction – a business owner in his own right – being the recipient of a very focused donation effort by the development industry is unfortunate. It can lead to unfounded speculation and conclusions.
 Where large developers are concerned, the sheer scale and massive dollar amounts involved in their projects make them different from any other type of donor. They have much more to gain (or lose) by council support and approval or non-support of their projects.
The ethics of Council members receiving and accepting donations from developers who have or will have in the future development projects in their Ward or city is something which plays out province-wide every election, with many council candidates publicly declaring that they will or will not accept such donations.
In part three of this article, to be published early next week, we will look at what all this means; the thousands of dollars of donations made by developers to ensure that the Ward 1 incumbent was re-elected.
We’ll chart where the major developments are in Ward 1 and show just how strategic Galbraith’s major donors were in seeding and protecting their investments.
We’ll illustrate how a perfectly legal activity – the act of campaign funding – can have dimensions that are not particularly attractive for a public official and can, quite quickly, lead to conclusions that the official would find uncomfortable.
Part 1 of this series.
By Staff
May 10th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
When it came time to finally pass Bill 60, Your Health Act, into law yesterday, Health Minister Sylvia Jones wasn’t in the chamber to answer questions about the bill her government spent months arguing would end the dysfunctional status quo that leaves Ontarians languishing on wait lists for basic surgeries and diagnostic tests.
 Health Minister Sylvia Jones wasn’t in the chamber to answer questions about the bill her government spent months arguing would end the dysfunctional status quo that leaves Ontarians languishing on wait lists for basic surgeries and diagnostic tests. Jones’ decision to duck questions — in favour of attending a federal funding announcement with Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, where she did not actually speak — prompted suggestions from opposition parties that the PC government wants to put the controversial bill behind them. Its opponents, meanwhile, are vowing to make sure that does not happen.
Jones returned to the house at the tail-end of question period, in time for the third reading vote and just in time to answer the very last question of the morning.
“Bill 60 will actually improve community and surgical centres in the province of Ontario. Why? Because we don’t want people having to wait an inordinate amount of time for their surgeries,” Jones insisted.
After voting on the bill, Jones was gone again, dodging questions from reporters at Queen’s Park.
She didn’t have time, the government said, because she was giving a keynote speech to the Federation of Northern Municipalities.
Opposition leaders suggested the minister’s manoeuvring indicates the government is not feeling as confident about the legislation as it has previously professed.
“After the vote today, even their applause was lukewarm,” noted NDP Leader Marit Stiles.
“I don’t think that this government is really interested in engaging with or responding today,” said Liberal Health critic Adil Shamji. “The minister of health’s conduct is extraordinarily emblematic of the conduct of this government as a whole.”
 They are looking for more than 1 million referendum. votes – be one of them. This matters A Bill 124 redux
Opponents say they will not let the PCs turn the page on the controversial legislation — echoing the way in which Bill 124 has dogged the government since its passage in 2019, before being struck down late last year.
“We will fight this legislation until the end, even if it means through to the next election, because this is a pivotal moment in Ontario’s history for its public health-care system,” said CUPE Ontario regional vice-president David Hurley during a press conference at Queen’s Park ahead of the final vote.
Ontario Health Coalition executive director Natalie Mehra said her group will start its pushback with a “formal complaint” to the federal government or possibly “legal action,” arguing the province is already violating the Canada Health Act by not preventing existing clinics from charging Ontarians illegal fees for OHIP-covered services — which the PCs deny is happening.
Mehra told Queen’s Park Today her organization may go to court to seek a writ of mandamus, which is an order requiring the government to perform a duty owed to the public. In this case, that would be enforcing the Canada Health Act’s provisions against charging people for medically necessary care.
 The Mayor and the Minister at a meeting of the Ontario Big Mayors Group. Meed Ward is on the left with the Minister almost opposite her. Bonnie Crombie, Mayor of Mississauga (and the next Liberal leader if I have it right) is next to Marianne The coalition and its allies are also organizing an unofficial “referendum” on Bill 60, with thousands of volunteers set to begin canvassing Ontarians across the province to cast a ballot answering the question: “Do you want our public hospital services to be privatized to for-profit hospitals and clinics?”
The effort will involve 1,000 voting stations collecting ballots on May 26 and 27. Organizers are aiming to get one million people to participate, a level of engagement they believe will make the poll too politically damaging to ignore.
“We have held tens of thousands of volunteers out in front of grocery stores, coffee shops, legions, union halls [and] faith-based organizations asking Ontarians to vote,” said Mehra. “If you are a private clinic owner in Ontario and think you’re going to set up shop here and charge OHIP and patients on top of that, you have another thing coming.”
Oppo warns investors not to set up shop
Opposition parties warned potential clinic owners and investors to save their money because the new system being put in place will not outlast the PC government.
 NDP Leader Marit Stiles. “It’s not over yet. We are going to continue this fight,” said Stiles, noting that provinces such as British Columbia and Quebec are already backing away from their own private clinic experiments due to the high cost of such clinics and their impact on the public system.
“I will say to those people who are thinking of investing in for-profit clinics: listen up, there’s going to be another government elected here in three years,” Stiles added.
“Is it a great investment? Probably not,” agreed Liberal Leader John Fraser.
 By Staff
May 10th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Recently there has been quite a bit of buzz around an NHL franchise landing in Burlington with the King Road site owned by Alinea mentioned as the location.
Don’t laugh – there was an occasion at the beginning of the first Goldring term that meetings were held in Ron Foxcroft’s office about building a sports field for the Hamilton Tiger Cats on the site. That didn’t go anywhere – but the location has a lot going for it. GO station is at the eastern end.
In a recent item on the Ontario bets web site Cecil Peters, who is an odds analyst, wrote the following:
 The Aldershot GO station could handle all the traffic from Toronto – where fans might want to watch a team that can win. “The NHL has expanded twice in the past few years, adding the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017 and the Seattle Kraken in 2021. It has only been a few years for Vegas and only two years for Seattle, but the early returns have been great on both ends.
“With such great success, for the league and Ontario sports betting, it is only natural for other markets without NHL teams to express interest, and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed at the March General Manager’s meeting that that was indeed the case, as a few markets and potential owners had reached out with interest in getting an NHL team.
“Bettman also confirmed that the NHL was not in an expansion mode, so it seems to be a moot point. But often where there is smoke, there’s fire, and it’s only natural to wonder about potential locations if the NHL does indeed decide to expand.”
A Trip Down Memory Lane
“The NHL’s expansion history is littered with successes — with the occasional failure mixed in — but to go from a six-team league in 1967 to the current 32-team league, they make a lot of correct decisions and the league is in a relatively healthy place.
“Expansion has come in stages in the NHL. There was the doubling of the league in 1967 from six to 12 teams, the 1979 WHA absorption when they added four teams, the two-year stretch from 1992-93 where four teams were added and the 1998-2000 stretch where they also added four teams.
“With the NHL now tied with the NFL for the league with the most teams, it does seem unlikely that they would lead the charge and become the first league to go beyond that number, but crazier things have happened.
“If they do decide to expand, there are several areas interested in bringing in a team, with Houston, Atlanta and Quebec City all confirmed as having interest. Perhaps the most intriguing potential location is in Canada, with the Toronto area’s ability to add another team creating an interesting dynamic along with Quebec’s desire to bring in a team of their own.
With this in mind, OntarioBets.com created hypothetical odds of where the next NHL franchise could be. You won’t find these on Ontario sports betting apps, but when it comes to NHL movement or expansion, we think it’s a matter if when, not if.
To be clear, the odds below are based on both chances for an expansion team, or current team location.
Could Quebec 2.0 Work For All?
“Quebec had an NHL franchise from 1979 to 1995 but the small market combined with a struggling Canadian dollar made the league move the Nordiques to Denver, Colorado for the 1995-96 season. The issues that caused the team to leave aren’t as glaring anymore, with the population of the area above 550,000 and an NHL-ready rink that hosts the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL dying to bring in an NHL squad.
“The Canadian Dollar isn’t at its best and that remains an issue, but it is not at the point it was in the 1990’s where most of the Canadian teams were struggling to stay afloat. If the NHL were to expand, Ontariobets.com gives the market a 22.5% chance of getting the next team and gives it hypothetical odds of +350.
“Another Canadian option is the Toronto area, most likely in Hamilton. Hamilton has a population around 800,000, which is more than enough people to support a second team in the way that New York does with the Rangers and Islanders and that Chicago and Los Angeles do in other leagues.
 Aerial view of 1200 King Road – with the rail line and Hwy 403 on either side and the Aldershot GO station in the distance. Made for a major development. “While there would certainly be demand among fans and the financial stability of the team would be fine, the Toronto Maple Leafs don’t want to see some of their fanbase change allegiances and nor do the Buffalo Sabres, who reside less than 70 miles south of the Hamilton area. The push-back from those two franchises leaves Hamilton as a longshot to get the next team, with hypothetical odds of +1595.
“There is definitely an appetite for a team in both markets, but both come with roadblocks as well, including Bettman’s stance that expansion isn’t currently on the radar.
“Several other areas will have a say, particularly Houston, which logically seems to be the next location for a team with its market size and arena readiness, hence their position as the favourite on the list at +300.
“Will Canada have an eighth team in the coming years? Unlikely, but the path is there for something to happen should the NHL change their tune.”
OntarioBets.com has you covered on all NHL news throughout the postseason, and we’re also home to the best Ontario gambling sites.
By Benjamin Anderson
May 7th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s no secret that AI is now helping several industries at a rapid pace, where one might expect that artificial intelligence will replace physical manpower to cut costs and make parts of the industry faster and efficient.
 How big a hand will Artificial intelligence have in gaming? But to what extent can AI be used, and how can it effectively work in the gaming industry in Canada? We’re taking a closer look at what impact it might have and how the popular technology of AI will be used going forward.
AI solves problems on a daily basis
As daunting as it might be, where AI can replace different jobs and positions for people in several industries, it also has great upsides. For online casinos, the technology can provide personalized gambling experiences for players by analyzing player data by using machine learning. This helps on making automatic recommendations, tailoring both game offerings but also promotional offers. This is where the latest tech at new casinos has a big upside to them where the technology works as an additional support.
Security becomes tighter
Another advantage is the assistance of fraudulent activities, something that the gambling industry fights hard against in many ways. As AI is getting smarter by the minute with the help of machine learning, the algorithms can detect anomalies in transactions and behaviors that are unusual or suspect. This also goes for account creation, typically online casinos have tedious and long KYC requests to deal with when a new player creates an account, where now AI can be used to verify identities much faster than a regular check.
 Will players be able to invoke Artificial Intelligence? Player data becomes safer
Players don’t have a lot to go on when playing at newly released sites when it comes to security. The casino industry’s biggest stamp of approval comes from their gaming licenses, which shows that the business is legitimate and has certain checks in place to verify they are safe to play on. Here’s where AI will help in a bigger way, by automatically verifying the identity of each account it hinders fake account creation, which is big news for the industry. Not only that, but the algorithm can also learn along the way how they deposit, play games, and withdraw money. This makes the layer of safety much higher than before, where the algorithms learn the patterns, it can detect unusual transactions thanks to the use of IP addresses and additional data it has learned along the way.
This helps to build trust in the industry, especially for new sites which don’t yet have an established brand. In this research, it’s said that new casinos are released every month, and going forward, new casinos in Canada has hard competition to beat, which is why security will play a bigger role for the future.
 Is Gaming going to become the human mind up against Artificial Intelligence ? The gambling industry looking forward
It’s safe to say that the industry will continue to grow, by looking at total revenue for gambling related activities in Canada, the revenue for the whole country amounted to $14-16 billion, and all projections tell this number will be even higher in 2024. Online casinos have come a long way regarding player safety and tailoring experiences for all players. With the help of artificial intelligence, many of the tedious checks become more efficient and safer.
By Staff
May 5th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Natalie Mehra, Ontario Health Coalition executive director is advising anyone at all interested in what happens to the health and hospital service we have in Ontario that on Monday (May 8) the final vote on Bill 60, the Ford government’s hospital privatization bill will be held in the Ontario Legislature.
 The coalition will be holding a press conference in the media studio at Queen’s Park at 9 a.m. at the invitation of the NDP. We are inviting members and supporters to come at 8:30 a.m. to get through security and attend the press conference.
Following the press conference we will be filling one of the galleries in the Ontario Legislature at 10 a.m.
The Opposition Parties will welcome us into the Legislature at 10 a.m. They will be demanding answers of the government regarding Bill 60 during Question Period (10:30 a.m. – noon).
Everyone who comes will be able to leave their things in an office at the Legislature that is pre-arranged.
The vote on Bill 60 will be at or around 1 p.m. People can stay for as much or little of these events as they wish. It would be great to have a significant presence in the Legislature on Monday.
 Everyone who would like to come should send their full name in an email to ontariohealthcoalition@gmail.com by Friday (today) mid to late afternoon so that we can get the list to security so people can get in quickly. (You are, of course, able to go to the Public Galleries without pre-arrangement if you want.) Please note in the subject line: “Bill 60 Queen’s Park” so we can easily find your email!
This is an event that matters.
Related news articles:
What happens to the health and hospital service we have in Ontario
By Staff
May 2nd, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
On April 6, Statistics Canada released the Labour Force Survey data for the first quarter of 2023.
The data shows that Halton’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.9% between Q4 2022 and Q1 2023; remaining lower than the provincial and national rates.
Meanwhile, Halton’s labour force participation rate decreased by 1.8 percentage points from the previous quarter, averaging 68.9% in Q1, similar to the pre-pandemic rate in Q4 2019.
By Staff
April 29th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
 Location, location, location.
Almost a mantra for the real estate sector.
And so as location goes where does Burlington stand relative all the other communities across the country.
Money $ense magazine (they were the people that put Burlington on the map as the Best mid sized city in Canada) published a report that lists the best places to buy real estate
Here’s the LINK
Data on Burlington is … well we will let you find that out for yourselves – it is better than Oakville.
By Staff
April 24th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Online casinos have become incredibly popular around the world. However, before players can start playing, they need to deposit funds into their online casino account. Likewise, when it’s time to cash out winnings, they need to know how to withdraw funds from their account.
 In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about depositing and withdrawing money at online casinos, as well as giving you a few tips and tricks to make the whole process go smoother.
Depositing Money at Online Casinos
The first step to depositing money at an online casino is to create an account. Once you have created an account, you can log in to and navigate to the cashier section of the casino’s website. There, you will find a list of available payment methods.
Online casinos offer a wide range of payment methods, each coming with their own pros and cons. This is why it is important to choose a payment method that works for you.
To deposit money, all you need to do is select your preferred payment method and enter the amount you want to deposit. You will then need to follow the instructions provided by the casino to complete the transaction. In most cases, your funds will be deposited immediately, and you will be able to start playing your favourite games right away.
Of course, proper money management is essential when making deposits at online casinos – it can be all too easy to get carried away and go over your budget.
This same process is going to be incredibly similar at virtually every establishment. It doesn’t matter if you play at the Casumo casino to cite one example, or indeed any other online casino, making deposits is simple and straightforward.
Withdrawing Money from Online Casinos
When it’s time to cash out winnings, You will need to navigate back to the cashier section of your chosen casino’s website. Simply select your preferred withdrawal method and enter the amount of money you wish to withdraw (assuming you do have funds that are eligible for withdrawal).
It’s important to note that online casinos generally require players to withdraw funds using the same method they used to deposit. For example, if you deposited funds using one of the most popular payment methods, like a credit card, you will need to withdraw funds to the same credit card.
 Once you have submitted a withdrawal request, the casino will review it and process the transaction. Withdrawal times vary depending on the payment method chosen, but it usually isn’t too long of a wait. After this, your funds will be transferred to your original payment method.
In conclusion, depositing and withdrawing money at online casinos is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. All you need to do is choose your preferred payment method, enter the amount you want to deposit or withdraw, and follow the instructions provided by the casino.
Once you have been through this process a few times, you will quickly become accustomed to the ordeal. In a little time, you will know the online casino withdrawal and deposit processes like the back of your hand. Have fun!
 By Staff
April 23, 2023
BURLINGTON,ON
The scam game appears to be ramping up.
The scam scum are still using the Costco brand name is as a way to pull you in – it must be working for the people who want to steal your money – they keep using it.
Others are using the Microsoft brand and for those that are really gullible someone is now using the International Monetary Fund.
The rule is always the same – look at the email address the information came from – if it looks fishy – it probably is – ignore it and delete it.
The Microsoft message “might” be legit – not certain about that one but I’m not in the market for refurbished items.
When in doubt – DON’T
 Costco is such a trusted brand name – people feel comfortable and recognize the corporate name. Always look at the address the email came from – that’s where the clues are hidden in plain sight.
 Microsoft – another trusted corporate name. Much of what makes your computer work is made by Microsoft. This one looked very fishy to me – I didn’t touch it. Others will.
 Again – look at the email the message came from. Also the IMF works to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity for all of its 190 member countries. It does so by supporting economic policies that promote financial stability and monetary cooperation, which are essential to increase productivity, job creation, and economic well-being.
By Staff
April 20th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Mapleview Shopping Centre is going to make Mother’s Day (May 11 to 13, 2023) a little more colourful this year with the installation of a whimsical floral wall for photo-worthy opportunities, and chances to win mom-worthy gifts from Mapleview retailers to celebrate Mother’s Day this year.
It could be a perfect backdrop for Mother’s Day memories, guests can snap photos at Mapleview’s stunning flower wall or try their luck at the centre’s Prizing Cart featuring Spring must-have gifts up for grabs.
Guests that spend a minimum of $200 at Mapleview Centre, can take home a custom complimentary spring bouquet from the DIY Bloom Bar, sourced from local Burlington florist Euro Style Flower Market.
 An upscale location with huge parking lots In honour of Mother’s Day, Mapleview will be making a donation to Halton Women’s Place, a local organisation providing shelter and crisis services for women and their children.
A donation will also be made to the Burlington-Oakville chapter of Mamas for Mamas, supporting mothers and caregivers through community programming.
“We’re excited to partner with our retailers and local organisations to celebrate Mother’s Day with guests and the community,” said Rita Donnelly, General Manager, Mapleview. “From memorable photo opportunities with mom, to surprise giveaways, and custom DIY bouquets – it’s a fun way to show appreciation for mom.”
The activation will be located in the Food Court, on the Upper Level and will run from May 11 to 13, 2023 from 2pm – 7pm on Thursday and Friday and 11am – 5pm on Saturday.
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