 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.
 By Pepper Parr
April 20th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Earlier this week Staff did a work shop that included Council.
It was an interesting and refreshing approach that had staff setting out their issues and explaining to council just what they were up against.
The Workshop included 30 graphics, one of which is set out below, that took Council through a very detailed presentation with more depth than usual.
 Changing the setting proved to be a smart idea – there was much better communication once the administrative restrictions were removed. Two two blue boxes: Mindset of open to change and Pause in New Staff Directions are not the kind of thing that was seen in the past.
There is a refreshing change taking place. The leadership at the Executive Director level is much better.
During the half day event Brynn Nheiley, Executive Director of Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility, had Council doing some role playing followed by a very casual, almost family living room setting, where questions were asked and comments made without a Chair in place directing the conversation.
Nheiley went from being Manager of Development & Design in the Community Planning Department to becoming an Executive Director. As the Manager of Development & Design, she led a number of initiatives that has led to improvements in development planning that support better outcomes for Council, residents and staff; these include:
- Establishing a two-stage reporting strategy in order to provide Council with the opportunity to make a decision on an application within the legislated timeline, while also enabling the flexibility for staff to work with applicants to create the best planning outcome for development applications.
- Bringing together staff from key departments to collaboratively build a development review process that gives applicants a single point of contact, and single application to satisfy multiple pre-approvals, from multiple departments, which are required before a building permit can be applied for.
- Bringing together a management team that included staff from building, planning, forestry, site engineering and Information Technology Services departments in order to launch an entirely digital review process for all forms of development applications. The result was that the City’s development review process was delayed by less than two months from the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Prior to working at the City of Burlington, Brynn worked for the City of Hamilton as a Senior Planner and as the Acting Director of Planning and Building Services for the Town of Antigonish in Nova Scotia. Brynn has a Masters of Planning from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Architectural Science from Ryerson University.
 The Workshop ended with this slide.
By Staff
April 19th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
 The Burlington Chamber of Commerce announces its 2023-24 Board of Directors.
Chair: Randall Smallbone, Smallbone Consulting
Vice-Chair: Shafiq Mohamed, Stratus Building Solutions – Fully Promoted Burlington
Second Vice-Chair: April-Dawn Blackwell, Brock University
Director of Finance: Ravi Dhaliwal, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
 Directors:
- Joseph Apps, Joe Apps Technology Support
- Lynn Beechey, Beechey Management Resources
- Peter Choma, RBC Royal Bank
- Shirlea Crook, Care for Life Support Services
- Daniela Fonseca, KMB Law
- Shaheryar Mian, LJM Developments Inc.
- Kristina Shea, BlueSkys Life + Beauty
By Staff
April 15th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The average asking rent for all property types in Canada rose 10.8 per cent annually in March to $2,004, according to the Rentals.ca and Urbanation latest National Rent Report.
Average rents were up 1 per cent month over month – the first monthly increase since November – pushing the year-over-year percentage growth back into double digits.
Over the past year, average asking rents have grown by $196, indicating how rental housing demand is outstripping supply in Canada.
Toronto finished second on the list of 35 cities for average monthly rent in March for a one-bedroom at $2,506 and second for average monthly rent for a two-bedroom at $3,286.
Year over year, average monthly rent in March for a one-bedroom in Toronto was up 22.2 per cent and up 19.7 per cent for a two-bedroom.
 Welcome to Burlington – you won’t be here for long if you are low income person. Burlington came in sixth on the list for average monthly rent in March for a one-bedroom at $2,178 and eighth for average monthly rent for a two-bedroom at $2,565.
Year over year,
average monthly rent in March
for a one-bedroom in Burlington
was up 8 per cent and up
14.9 per cent for a two-bedroom.
Although not on the list, Oakville average monthly rent in March for a one-bedroom home was $2,313, and average rent for a two-bedroom was $2,$2,885.
Year over year, average monthly rent in March for a one-bedroom in Oakville was up 17.5 per cent and up 23.7 per cent for a two-bedroom.
 Private room and shared-accommodation rentals have gained popularity as rents have soared over the past year. The average rent for single-room rentals in Toronto in March was $1,309, and the average rent for a single room in Ontario in March was $934.
Shaun Hildebrand, president of Urbanation puts it in context: “Spring arrived with a highly competitive rental market in Canada, driven by a record population increase of over 1 million people in the past year and low home ownership affordability after last year’s spike in interest rates. With supply unable to keep up with current levels of demand, expect further upward pressure on rents in the coming months.”
That sounds like it is going to get worse before it gets better.
The rent increases are not mandated – this is what a market economy does. Supply is low which allows property owners to increase their prices.
 By Staff
December 5th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
A big big sound.
On stage at the Performing Arts Centre on December 7th
The Southern Ontario Lyric Opera company will be featuring Seasonal music along with two short classic operettas by Measha Brueggergosman-Lee
Seldom does Burlington get an opportunity to exceptional voices supported by a very large orchestra. For those who want to nibble at opera – this is an event worth the time.
In May La Traviata (The Fallen Woman) an opera in three acts by Giuseppe Verdi set to an Italian libretto by Francesco Maria Piave will be presented.
It is based on La dame aux Camélias (1852), a play adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas.
 Tickets at the Box Office
The event is produced by the Southern Ontario Lyric Opera
 By Pepper Parr
November 2nd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
A national charity established by His Majesty The King, launches its 7th annual “Buy Veteran” awareness campaign to encourage people in Canada to celebrate and support Veterans by buying from and hiring Veteran-owned businesses.
It is a signature initiative of Prince’s Trust Canada ( PTC’s0 Operation Entrepreneur (OE) program that includes 680 businesses that are proudly Veteran owned and is searchable by province, city, category of goods and services, and includes an icon to identify sustainable businesses and products that operate using socially responsible and greener practices.
 A Burlington resident, Vincent Sowa – Owner, Backed by Bees participates in the program.
After serving in the Navy (He means the Senior Service) for 15 years, Vincent launched Backed by Bees in 2019. Having grown up immersed in the outdoors of rural Ontario, he knew he wanted to bring a sustainable product to the market. He now operates 700 beehives in Halton Region to produce sustainable mead and non-alcoholic, honey-based beverages and also runs a subscription food box service, delivering farm fresh goods throughout the region.
The farm is located on Appleby Line
Link to the web site is HERE
By Luke Parker
October 6th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
We’ve all been there before. You’re standing in line at the store, debating whether or not to buy that new product you’ve been wanting. But then you remember that you have no idea what other people think of it. If only there were a way to find out…
 Luckily, in today’s day and age, there is! Thanks to online reviews, we can get an inside look into how real people feel about products, services, and businesses before we even commit to trying them out for ourselves. Here are just a few reasons why you should always take the time to read online reviews before making a purchase.
Avoid Potential Scams
We have all seen those too-good-to-be-true deals online (looking at you, $10 Louis Vuitton purses!) and oftentimes, they are just that— too good to be true. Other times, you could feel pressured into buying a service out of fear, like those people trying to reach you about your car’s extended warranty expiring.
Before you buy an extended warranty, you should read Endurance warranty reviews, and before you buy that fake Louis, check the reviews to see if it’s a scam. Reading reviews is an easy way to spot red flags before you start handing out any money.
Get Unbiased Opinions
When you are looking for an honest opinion about something, online reviews are usually your best bet. Unless you know someone who has tried out the product/service you are interested in and can trust their opinion, looking at online reviews written by strangers is often the next best thing.
People tend to be more critical in their reviews than they would be in person because they can remain anonymous, so you can trust that the reviewer is giving an unbiased account of their experience
Save Time
In our fast-paced society, time is money. And reading online reviews can help save you both! Instead of spending hours researching a product or service online or in person, reading just a few reviews can give you all of the information that you need in order to make a decision quickly and efficiently.
 Save Money
When it comes to saving money, there are a lot of different strategies that you can use. One often overlooked strategy is reading reviews before making a purchase. This can be especially helpful when buying big-ticket items, like appliances or electronics.
By reading reviews, you can get an idea of which products are more likely to break down or have other problems. This can save you a lot of money in the long run, as you’ll be less likely to have to replace items that break down quickly. In addition, reviews can also help you compare prices and find the best deals on products.
Make Better Decisions
Not sure whether you should try that new restaurant down the street? Curious about which movie to see this weekend? Wondering if the new casino in town is legit? By reading online reviews, you can get insights from other people who have already tried or experienced something so that you can make the best decision for yourself.
Get Insider Tips and Tricks
In addition to learning about other people’s experiences with a product or service, reading through reviews can also clue you in on some insider tips and tricks that you may not have otherwise known about! For example, say you want to buy a new foundation but don’t know which one to choose.
By reading some online reviewers who have already done the legwork for you, not only will you be able to learn about what other people liked and didn’t like about certain products, but you may also learn application tips (e..g which brush works best) or colour matching advice from people who have already gone through the trouble of testing out all of the products for you!
Reviews are Available for Almost Anything
No matter what kind of product or service you’re looking for, chances are good that someone has written a review about it online. From hotels and restaurants to movies and books, there’s no shortage of things to read about! All you have to do is start searching
 Voice Your Own Opinion
Have you ever had a really great (or really terrible) experience with a product or service but could not find any information about it when you went looking for it online? Leaving your own review can help discourage other people from making the same mistake (or help them have as great of an experience as you did)!
In addition to helping others, writing your own review also allows you to reflect on your own thoughts and feelings about an experience and solidify them in writing so that you can refer back to them later on if need be!
All in all, reading through online reviews before making a purchase or trying out a new experience is always beneficial— oftentimes more so than we realize! So next time you find yourself Googling a new product or service, remember these five reasons why reading them can save you time, money, and headaches down the road!
By Pepper Parr
October 5th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Does anyone wonder why September came and went and there was no announcement on the purchase of the Bateman High School property?
Given that the 30th was a federal holiday which the city administration decided would apply to all the municipal employees one could understand that there was no one available to put together one of those statements that would quote the Mayor on how much had been achieved and what to look forward.
Somewhere in that communication would be mention of the cost and the hole it is going to put in the public purse.
There was nothing on Monday. Nothing on Tuesday. Wednesday isn’t over so maybe there will be an announcement.
 At this point all the public has is a plan and a sense that the cost will come in at somewhere neat $50 million. The subject didn’t even get asked at the Chamber of Commerce event on Tuesday – that the Mayor made no mention suggest the new may not be all that good.
No word from any of the ward 5 candidates.
There is a story in there somewhere – the part of that story we know today is – they don’t want you to know.
We have reached out to Councillor Sharman and Councillor Stolte asking:
Is there anything you can say about the status of the sale/purchase of the Bateman High School property?
The public was told that the deal was to close on September 30th.
Stolte has a personal investment in the deal: The city Integrity Commissioner docked her five days’ pay for telling the public that the site was going to come in at something near $50,000,000.
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