 By Staff
July 26th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
At 1:48 pm on Sunday 25th July, 2021, the Halton Regional Police Service responded to a resident reporting a child having drowned in a swimming pool.
 Police and Paramedics were quickly on scene. Lifesaving measures were performed. The child was transported to hospital where he/she remains in a critical condition.
An investigation at the scene continues in an effort to determine the circumstances.
Anyone with information regarding this incident who has not yet spoken with Police are asked to contact the Duty Staff Sergeant at Burlington Police Station on 905-825-4747 ext: 2310.
 By Ray Rivers
July 24th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
“Despite being the epicentre of the COVID pandemic in Ontario, for-profit nursing homes, from a business point of view, did incredibly well over the past 15 months. The Ford government indemnified them against liability from lawsuits, paid them out at full capacity no matter how many residents they had, and even offered them subsidies for other lost revenues.
 The profitability of the long term care sector is astonishing. In fact, many of the investment-backed, corporate players in the nursing home industry will emerge from COVID-19 in better shape than they entered it, thanks in large part to the province’s aggressive and generous plan to refurbish old homes and build new ones.” (Toronto Star July 2021)
The authors of this in-depth report (link below) concluded that throughout Ontario’s COVID crisis, premier Doug Ford simply followed the advice of the last person he had met with, and those were all too often corporate lobbyists or his friends in the development sector. Apparently when it comes to COVID Ford has one rule for the lobbyists and another for all the rest of ‘his people’.
 Construction hours have been extended at the request of the developers. Why for example, was construction allowed to continue pretty much business-as-usual when so many other businesses with lower COVID transmission rates were forced to shutter? Construction is known to have one of the highest transmission rates of all industries, and yet, curiously, residential construction was declared an essential service.
Meanwhile, in an attempt to appear to be acting tough on public health measures, recreational golf and tennis, which had no previous record of COVID transmission, were banned. Small non-grocery business owners, with a tiny public footprint, were outraged that their big box competition at Walmart and Costco could continue to operate while they had to close.
And despite being among the hottest spots for viral transmission in the province, meat packing, the Post Office and Amazon, were allowed to continue unabated. In the end it took the local medical officers of health, not the province, to shut them down.
The way Mr. Ford has tailored his priorities helps explain why it has taken Ontario so long to get our COVID infection rates down. This policy of allowing high risk activities to continue while curtailing safer options is not just unfair, it’s also negligent.
 The opening up of the hospitality sector too soon brought about a third wave from which we are just emerging. “….since Ontario first declared a state of emergency in March of 2020 the government has made decisions that align with the interests of lobbyists — many of whom have close ties to the premier, his party or both — and the businesses they represent. Those decisions have often favoured certain sectors over others and have, at key moments in the pandemic, gone against public health advice, delaying or fracturing lockdowns. Those decisions have often favoured certain sectors over others and have, at key moments in the pandemic, gone against public health advice, delaying or fracturing lockdowns.?” (Toronto Star July 2021)
If only a lobbyist for vaccine passports or mandatory vaccination for health care workers could make their way over the premier’s office?
Background links
Star Report – Construction Sector – Building Trades – Retaining and Big Box –
By Staff
July 23rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
As vaccine supply increases, many appointments available in July and August
Halton Region Public Health is encouraging all residents 12 years of age and up to get both doses of COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible in order to gain full protection against COVID-19 and help prevent a fourth wave in the Fall.
“We are making great progress with our vaccine rollout, with 81 per cent of residents with one dose and 60 per cent of residents fully vaccinated,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “With a more steady and predictable supply of vaccine from the Federal and Provincial governments, there are many options to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Halton and make it a two dose summer.”
 Here are the many ways to get first and second doses in Halton:
• New! Walk-in vaccinations now available at Gary Allan Learning Centre clinic (3250 New Street in Burlington). Daily, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for individuals 18+.
• New! More clinic options in Milton – appointments can now be booked online for the St. Francis Xavier Secondary School clinic – appointments available in July!
• Quickly and easily book online at one of Halton’s community clinics, located across Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville – appointments available in July and early August!
o All residents are eligible to get a second dose at a minimum 28 days. Anyone who has appointments booked in September and October, are urged to reschedule to an earlier date as soon as possible.
o Same day or “last minute” appointments available based on cancellations. Anyone with a booked appointment can check daily.
• The Province continues to host local pop-up clinics, with one happening July 24 and 25 at Holy Trinity Secondary School in Oakville.
• More than 100 Pharmacies in Halton are offering walk-in or booked appointments.
• Select Primary Care Offices are offering booked appointments.
 Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. “We are in a race against COVID-19 and its variants. We need to get everyone fully vaccinated to avoid a fourth wave in the Fall,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. “Make it a two dose summer – get your second dose to gain better protection against COVID-19 and the Delta variant as soon as possible. We need 90 per cent fully vaccinated and every dose counts. Be part of the community level protection we need to get back to normal…and stay there. Now is the time to #RollUpYourSleevesHalton!”
Important information & instructions
• All individuals 12 years of age and older who have received their first dose can get their second dose at a minimum 28 day interval.
All new appointments are booked at a minimum 28 day interval.
o Anyone who has appointments booked in September and October, are urged to reschedule to an earlier date as soon as possible.
o Anyone who has found earlier appointments elsewhere (e.g., through a pharmacy) or has completed both doses must cancel their existing appointment at a Halton clinic.
• The quickest and easiest way to manage appointments, including booking or rescheduling an appointment at a Halton clinic, is online. Residents are asked to avoid calling 311 unless they need immediate booking or rescheduling support.
• Individuals requiring additional assistance, language supports or other accommodations can contact 311 prior to their appointment to arrange for additional supports.
o Transportation services to and from appointments are available, free of charge, for those who require it. Parking is free at all clinic locations.
• To maintain physical distancing and safety measures, please:
o arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment (not earlier);
o wear a mask;
o complete a wellness check before entering a clinic, using Halton’s COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Screening Tool; and
o attend appointments alone if possible. You may bring one support person, if required (for example, a caregiver or interpreter).
To learn more about Halton Region’s COVID-19 Vaccine Program, including how to book an appointment, please visit halton.ca/COVIDvaccines.
 By Kate Elder
July 23rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Although Canada is not considered to be the gambling capital, there are many good casinos, bookmakers, and other gambling establishments operating here. Online casinos are also available to residents of the country. However, you should be aware of the fact that different areas of Canada have their own legislation driving the gambling market. And you need to adhere to your local rules to be 100% sure that you are not breaking the law.
Key Features of the Local Business
The fact the different legislative acts are driving the industry in different states complicates the life of a gambler. You may be legally allowed to make bets in one province but have serious problems because of playing your favourite casino game in a different state. For example, in Alberta, you can participate in gambling if you are 18 years old or older. In British Columbia, it is allowed to make bets at a casino only if you are not younger than 19.
The situation is completely different in the northwestern regions of the country, where only the government lottery is legal. To stay on the safe side, you need to check local gambling laws and stick to them. The same refers to playing online slots here — you either need to clarify the legal status of online gambling or start the game on the offshore casino site.
The situation is somehow stable for casino owners. In states where casinos are allowed, you can legally become a gambling business owner if you purchase a license. Many new gambling businessmen start their business from scratch. The gaming license is issued by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Besides that, the government of each Canadian province determines the type of permitted gambling business on its territory. So you should check it out as well.
Local Casinos
In Canada, most casinos and gambling venues offer a decent level of service. Of course, it is difficult to name the best ones since it is rather a subjective matter. However, the below casinos are considered to be the most popular gambling halls in the country:
Northlands Park — The most popular luxury game complex is located in Edmonton. The casino is called Northlands Park. For all visitors, it offers numerous slot machines, table games, and sports betting options;
Medicine Hat Lodge Resort casino — You can find the establishment in Montreal. The casino hosts over a hundred tables and three thousand machines under its roof. Players can place virtual bets at the racetrack and have a great time playing other games of chance. The Medicine Hat Lodge Resort casino operates on the territory of Alberta and is considered one of the largest gambling establishments in Canada;
Casino de Mont-Tremblant — The luxurious Casino de Mont-Tremblant is located in Quebec. This club is renowned for its high level of service and many great deals available for players. The two-level establishment occupies a vast area and includes a thousand slot machines, as well as isolated areas for playing poker.
Of course, Canadian casinos are not as famous all over the world as the establishments in the neighbouring USA. However, each province of the country offers its residents and tourists good gambling clubs. All in all, gambling fans will hardly get bored in Canada.
Industry Level as a Whole
The gambling business in Canada is a huge industry with a massive turnover of 13 billion a year. The development of gaming clubs is actively supported by the state. There is a positive image of gambling here, and the Canadian government follows the successful example of the neighbouring United States in its loyalty to the gambling business. More than 60 casinos in Canada are licensed and equipped with the latest gaming technology. The owners of gambling clubs pay great attention to the quality of customer service and gameplay level delivered.
According to industry experts, the gambling business in Canada can gradually achieve American gambling success. Today, the country’s gambling industry regularly receives investments from foreign businessmen who confidently invest their finances in Canadian gambling establishments.
 By Staff
July 22nd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
We don’t know at this point how long it will be before the comments section is available for use. Our apologies.
 By Staff
July 21, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Budget time – and this is going to be a defining period of time for this council.
Traditionally politicians put forward a budget that lowers taxes in an election year.
That is going to be very very difficult for this Mayor; she has yet to learn budget discipline.
 Will the Mayor learn to listen to and hear what some of her council members and the public are saying. The Finance department will do their best to make a case for some fiscal prudence. Her council will learn to clamp down – when staff finishes telling them what the city is really up against fiscal prudence will kick in.
Insurance costs have sky-rocketed. Repairing the covid19 damage to the local economy is going to take time.
Burlington is fortunate in having a Finance department that knows what they are facing – and while council lauds their efforts they don’t pay enough attention to the advice that Treasurer Joan Ford puts forward.
The city will be doing another survey – that’s all part of the process. The complexity of municipal budgets is difficult for people to get a grip on. There isn’t a balance sheet or a profit and loss statement – municipalities are not in place to make money – they are there to deliver services and hold funds for those unforeseen situations.
Take the budget survey and tell the finance people s which City services are important to you.
You are encouraged to complete an online survey at www.getinvolvedburlington.ca. All the feedback captured through the survey will be shared with Burlington City Council. The survey will remain open until Sept. 30, 2021.
Key meeting dates for the 2022 budget include:
Sept 22, 23, 28, and 30
City Council workshops with presentations from each City service area
 There used to be public budget meetings that filled the main room at the Art Gallery Nov. 3
Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Committee Meeting: 2022 Budget overview report
Nov. 4
2022 Budget Virtual Town Hall
Nov. 30 and Dec. 2
Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Committee Meeting: 2022 Budget review and approval
Dec. 14
Meeting of Burlington City Council: City Council to consider approval of the proposed 2022 budget
Changes in how Council meetings will take place as the Region works its way through Step 3 of the Re-Open Plan. It might be possible to hold real public meetings with perhaps limited public participation.
Does this Council really want the public in the room looking them in the eye and asking some hard questions?
 By Staff
July 21st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Sometime after we were advised of the Facebook posting the Office of the Mayor issued a document
It is a different way of communicating.
Mayor Meed Ward and Councillor Lisa Kearns released a Joint Statement today on the Holland Park development proposed for Fairview and Drury Lane.
Basically they said there wasn’t all that much they can do about a development that has literally nothing in the way of caps on the height.
There is a drawing of what the developers are proposing set out below.
Our question is: Was posting the Joint Statement on Facebook pages an attempt to slip something past the public?
 The proposal is for seven buildings with heights ranging from 29 to 37 storeys. . Related news stories:
It is going to be the biggest residential development the city has ever seen – with no height controls.
 By Staff
July 20th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Jazz on the Patio at the Performing Arts centre has been one of those rare summer treats. The music was always fine, when they put in a cash bar it became an opportunity to enjoy a rather decent Chardonnay – in a Styrofoam cup – can’t have everything.
We missed the event last year.
 A much different setting this year – two performances each day.
It is back this year – runs from Saturday, August 14 & Sunday, August 15, 2021 with two performances each day. Rain or Shine – BPAC Outdoor Plaza.
The Downtown Jazz Festival will be a ticketed event this year.
COVID guidelines require all outdoor events to be ticketed for contact-tracing and self-screening purposes.
The 2021 Jazz Festival will also be a paid event this year, both because we are just beginning to emerge from the financial challenges of the pandemic, including 15 months without our usual sources of revenue being available to us, and because current capacity restrictions are only permitting us to accommodate a maximum of 120 patrons, rather than the pre-pandemic audiences of 300 – 400 that we typically see for these performances.
The ticket prices are nominal. The event is being staged as a very intimate (while physically-distanced!) environment, which will not be visible from the street. Together with the BDBA they will be offering prize draws to patrons; local restaurants will also be selling special meals onsite.
It’s going to be a very special event; exciting, and a long-overdue return to live entertainment in downtown Burlington!
 Elise LeGrow.  Lydia Persaud The Festival will feature Kellylee Evans, Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar, Lydia Persaud, and Elise LeGrow.
Members pre-sale started on Monday, July 19 at noon.
Public on-sale starts Monday, July 26 at noon.
Single performance tickets are available for table seats (minimum 3 tickets for a table) and stool seating. Or, grab a 2-show pass for Saturday and/or or Sunday. See ticket pricing below.
 Kellylee Evans Saturday August 14th – two performances:
Juno Award winner Kellylee Evans at 4:00 pm
And Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar at 6pm</span
Sunday August 15th two performances:
Lydia Persaud at 2pm
Elise LeGrow at 4pm
Single Performance Tickets
Table Seats – Upper Plaza:
Regular: $35 (All-in, minimum purchase of 3 seats)
Members: $30 (All-in, minimum purchase of 3 seats)
Stool Seats – Lower Plaza:
Regular: $25 (All-in)
Members: $20 (All-in)
 By Ryan O’Dowd
July 20th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
This morning CORE Burlington (Conserving our Rural Ecosystems) hosted their first event since the start of the pandemic to oppose Nelson Aggregate’s Mount Nemo quarry expansion application. According to the citizen groups united against Nelson, the proposal is anything but new.
 The messaging from the speakers at today’s event was clear, this is the same proposal dismissed in 2012, CORE founder Gord Pinard, calls it the “zombie quarry.” Singer and activist Sarah Harmer enforced this message.
“This quarry proposal was a terrible idea in 2004 and is still a terrible idea in 2021,” Harmer said, “every level of government opposed this project.
“It’s an unfair process that the citizens of this area have to mount another opposition and it speaks to governance issues at the provincial level.”
 Nelson’s previous attempt to expand the Mount Nemo quarry was denied in 2012 after failing to include protections for the endangered Jefferson Salamander.
The resulting legal battle cost 2.1 million dollars of Burlington tax-payer money.
The Jefferson Salamander is accommodated for this time with Nelson claiming their native wetlands will be strengthened by the development.
When asked about Nelson’s proposed differences Harmer said the current project and the dismissed proposal were, “materially the same.”
Nelson has suggested sourcing aggregate from other locations will be worse environmentally in the long run due to C02 transportation issues.
“You can’t balance greenhouse gas with permanent destruction,” Janet Turpin Myers, of CORE, told the Gazette. Adding, despite their transportation concerns Nelson already ships fill and asphalt from as far as Toronto and Oshawa.
Shane Phillips, leading the Ear to the Groundwater campaign which fights threats to groundwater, spoke of systemic issues with governance on environmental issues.
“We’re not talking about political parties; it doesn’t matter what parties are involved it’s the same policy. Corporations are driving policy-making, lobbying is driving policy-making. And so, I’m trying to say ‘connect the dots,’ so that people understand this is everyone’s backyard. You can’t say ‘well we need [aggregate] but not in my backyard,’” said Phillips.
 The community speaks. While Phillips was indifferent to party others evoked Premier Doug Ford as a potential factor in Nelson’s new proposal.
“Maybe it’s political; they think they can sneak the quarry in with a construction-friendly [provincial] government,” said protest attendee, Doug Annette.
CORE suggested the environmental impact projections in Nelson’s proposal are incomplete.
 Janet Turpin Meyers was opposed to the idea of a quarry expansion the moment she heard about it 15 years ago. A published author who might yet write a book on rural Burlington. “They’re slanting the proposal [through omission] to their agenda,” Myers said.
In a December 2020 objection letter, the community group cited an overly rosy outlook including claims Nelson’s application treated global warming trends as anomalies, used dated emission factors from the EPA (some 30 years old), and sourced background data from distant communities when the Mount Nemo information was unavailable.
 Sarah Harmer performs Escarpment Blues; a piece she wrote 15 years ago when she and others opposed the Nelson application. A truck hauling aggregate passes by in the background. Today’s speakers raised their voices to be heard over the roaring trucks going to and from Nelson’s existing site. Harmer performed Escarpment Blues, and the audience snapped and swayed along, to a song they knew very well – it was written for their 2005 fight against Nelson.
Harmer spoke about how it felt to have a song from fifteen years ago every bit as relevant today, she cited vigilance.
 Ryan O’Dowd is a Sheridan College journalism student who is part of a federally funded Local Journalism Initiative that will have him reporting for the Gazette well into 2022. He is a Burlington native who plays the guitar.
 By Staff
July 20, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service is pleased to announce the launch of our first Buy & Sell Exchange Zone.
A zone is an area the police set up that they deem to be a safe place. Right outside police headquarters is probably as safe as you are going to get.
Why such a zone? The Halton Regional Police explain:
Many people have become victims of crimes like robberies, frauds and thefts when attempting to buy or sell property online. The purpose of the Buy & Sell Exchange Zone is to provide some additional peace of mind to those who are buying, selling, or trading property online. If you are meeting new people while finalizing online transactions, we encourage you to use our Exchange Zone.
 You can expect to be safe outside Police headquarters The clearly-signed Exchange Zone is situated in the visitor parking lot of our 20 Division facility, which is located at:
95 Oak Walk Drive, Oakville, Ontario L6H 0G6 – Phone: 905-825-4777 ext. 2
If you are unable to meet at our Buy & Sell Exchange Zone, please consider completing your transactions in well-lit, public and popular locations to avoid being a victim of crime.
Tips to protect yourself during a buy and sell exchange:
• Complete your transaction during daytime hours only.
• Use the buddy system when possible. Bring a family or friend with you, or at the very least, let someone know who you will be meeting, the time, and the location of the exchange.
• To reduce the potential of falling victim to fraud, never complete a buy and sell transaction by mail.
• When meeting in person, always inspect goods you wish to purchase before giving money to the seller.
• Limit the amount of personal information you provide.
• Stop. Pause. Think. If something seems too good to be true, it likely is.
By Staff
July 20th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
There is a pole in the Village Square that is very dangerous – its condition is such that it wouldn’t take much of a push to bring it crashing down.
 Right in the middle of the main passageway – where anyone pushing a cart could bump into the pole. Looks as if someone has done just that at some point.  Close up of just where the flaw is. No one seems to know who is responsible for the pole. The ward councillor has been alerted
Given that city council is on a six week summer break it will be interesting to see what gets done and how quickly the serious safety concern gets tended to.
We will keep you posted on this one.
To get a sense as to just how dangerous this is check out the short short video – couple of seconds.
 By Rob Golfi
July 20, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The pandemic era housing market has continued to climb to an all-time high over the past two years with the average selling price of $688,208 recorded this May, according to WOWA. The intense demand of homes during the pandemic has made prices skyrocket, creating a seller’s market. While the market activity was up 103.6% year-over-year, The Canadian Real Estate Association has noted a decline in national home sales by 7.4% on a month-over-month basis in May.
 Data – Canadian Real Estate Association With the high demand of homes and a shortage of properties, frantic bidding wars on low valued homes have become out of control. In March 2021, the peak of the pandemic market, out of 1304 homes sold 1116 sold at asking price or higher and in April 2021 sales were up 245% since April 2020. However, sale prices were down 11% in June with the inventory available at the end of the month dropping to 0.8% which was lower than May. I have noticed that seller expectations are being impacted from how things were in previous months” resulting in pandemic tunnel vision which is preventing people from being able to sell their homes.
Unfortunately, sellers are getting caught up in the previous numbers of the market or hear about a neighbour who sold their house for X amount of money a few months ago, and believe their house is worth the same or more. Many agents in the area are having trouble coaching and supporting both buyers and sellers. Although the market isn’t retreating to a stable level, it isn’t continuing to rise to the previous caliber of March and April. As a result many are realizing weeks later that they botched a great offer and regret becoming overly confident and unsatisfied with the offers they declined. It is difficult for sellers to understand that we are now in an adjustment phase of the market”. Ultimately, sellers need to disregard previous numbers from the peak of the market and realize that it is beginning to settle down.
All things considered, the market earlier this year is a great memory for those who sold, and for buyers it will catch up in 12 months and you will see your equity begin to flourish. However, in this moment it is crucial for sellers to comprehend the shift the market is taking to successfully sell their home, and refrain from being fixated on numbers that are no longer applicable.
 Rob Golfi is the founder of RE/MAX Escarpment Golfi Realty Inc. A Real Estate Brokerage operating in Hamilton, Halton, Brantford, and Niagara. The firm has over 200 years of combined experience with more than 1000 five-star reviews on Google, Facebook, and Zillow. The Golfi Team is rated the 7th best RE/MAX team worldwide. The have being en in the top 100 Real Estate Teams for RE/MAX Canada since 2003.
By Staff
July 19th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Like many not-for-profits, Burlington’s Royal Botanical Gardens saw a slump in donations during the pandemic. With their main garden areas and indoor spaces restricted they were forced to close due to COVID-19.
 The tap to give technology helps RBG get through a slow period for donations. The trails systems saw a significant increase in foot traffic, which is why they are there.
What RBG wasn’t able to do was solicit donations. They had no means of requesting donations from hikers and walkers.
Then Moneris and a start up brought out their idea.
You may not know Moneris – but they know you. In many places where you use your plastic to pay for something the transaction could be going through a Moneris terminal.
Moneris Canada and the start up, tiptap, helped to install a touchless solar powered device at the entrance of one of their trails.
The device allowed visitors to donate by simply tapping their credit or debit card before starting their walk.
By Alexandra Vanquest
July 19th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
After months of lockdown and restrictive measures, there is at last some good news for Ontario residents.
The province has moved into Step 3 of the Road to Reopen plan five days earlier than expected.
The new chief medical officer of health confirmed the news to reporters last week, saying that the acceleration of the timetable was, in large part, due to the large number of local citizens who are putting themselves forward daily to get vaccinated.
Step 3 of the plan has two main objectives – to expand what can happen in an indoor setting and to further expand outdoor activities.
Among the new changes for indoor locations:
• Up to 25 people at a time can attend indoor gatherings and public events;
 Spaced out to meet social distancing requirements – people are now able to get out for an indoors meal. • Indoor dining is now permitted with no capacity limits other than the proviso that tables should be at least two metres apart;
• More people are now allowed to attend religious services like weddings, funerals, and christenings;
• Indoor sport and recreational fitness facilities can operate at up to 50% capacity (with spectators capped at 1,000 people);
• Similarly, concert venues, theatres and cinemas can operate up to 50% capacity (up to the same limits); and
• Nightclubs and other places of entertainment can operate up to 25% capacity, with up to a maximum of 250 attendees allowed.
Outdoor locations are also opening up.
• With limited exceptions, up to 100 people can attend outside gatherings and organised events;
• Outdoor sporting and recreational facilities are now capped at up to 75% of the approved capacity, or 15,000 people, whichever is the lower;
• Casinos, museums, aquariums, galleries, fairs, and amusement parks are capped at 75% capacity or a maximum of 5,000, (which is the lower) for unseated events. In the case of mixed seating events, the crowd limit is revised upwards to 15,000 people.
 Online casinos have always been available and are becoming more and more popular. You gamble when and where you want. Of course, those interested in playing online are not limited to visiting physical casinos. There are many online versions available and some of the newest online casinos in Canada are listed here.
Provincial officials have confirmed that masks and face coverings will still be mandatory for indoor public events during Step 3, and that masks will be required in some public settings along with the observation of other public health protocols.
 Getting to the 80% vaccinated level is what it will take to open things up even more. Even where it is not obligatory, people will still be encouraged to wear masks over the coming months to minimize the risk of transmission of the virus.
It is expected that Ontario will remain at Step 3 for at least 21 days, and until at least 80% of those eligible – currently all those aged 12 and older – have received at least one anti-Covid vaccination and 75% have received two jabs.
If those targets can be met, then the provincial government has indicated that it is prepared to remove the majority of the remaining health and workplace safety measures, including lifting the capacity limits for both indoor and outdoor events.
Many Ontarians, fed-up with more than a year of restrictions on personal freedoms, will have their fingers crossed these thresholds can be met, and that life can finally get back to some sort of normal.
 By Pepper Parr
June 19th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The comments section of the Gazette have been disabled for the immediate future.
 There are technical problems that are yet to be resolved and some design changes that are going to be needed before we can operate the comments section.
Upgrades in the software we use were not compatible with the design theme we are using
It will return just as soon as the compatibility problems have been resolved.
By Staff
July 18th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Alan Harrington has been tracking the progress of the tugboat Theodore for weeks.
 Theodore TOO entering Hamilton harbour It was a long arduous trip with numerous stops along to way – from Halifax to its new home in Hamilton where it will be refitted to do environmental work.
It was bought by McKeil a Burlington marine company.
The boat has a crew of four.
Harrington made sure he was at the canal to capture the picture of the tug entering Hamilton harbour with a police marine unit escort.
It sailed alone from Halifax a few weeks ago and entered the canal with escorts from the police marine unit and a ship from the Coat Guard.
AH
By Pepper Parr
July 18th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Turns out he was a lot more than a pretty face with a whistle in his mouth.
He turned a piece of plastic into an international product that has shown some leading marketers what it means to extend a product into new markets.
Then he took a trucking company that was in trouble and turned it into a vibrant operation with a decent market share in the GTA market.
 The content and value will surprise many. This time he has turned his hand to sharing what he has learned as a successful business person. A lot of this kind of book is someone with a lot of money clapping himself on the back.
Foxcroft is tough on himself and is remarkably candid about his family. As you read through the “40 Ways of the Fox” you see some of your own shortcomings and realize that Foxcroft knew his limitations and overcame them.
I always thought Foxcroft stopped going to high school because he knew they were going to kick him out. Turns out he “negotiated” his leaving high school.
Foxcroft is a story teller – he needed help putting that story on a printed page – Mike Ulmer, a Dundas based free lancer put the stand-up speech into a book.
 Queen Elizabeth II, in her capacity as Colonel-in-Chief of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, receives Colonel Ronald Foxcroft (Honorary Colonel) at Buckingham Palace in London. The story Ron tells has been heard by Queen Elizabeth II, and of course he pulled a whistle out of his pocket and gave it to her.
He tells the same story to new Canadians when he is presiding at a Citizenship Court where he usually runs over the allotted time as he tells people how great a country they are becoming a part of.
Irrepressible, yes, not all that good at saying no when someone is putting the squeeze on him.
Member of the Order of Canada. Was the Honorary Colonel of the Argyll Sutherland Regiment in Hamilton which he thought was going to be fun on the occasions he got to wear a kilt.
The tragic death of Corporal Nathan Cirillo who was shot by a terrorist while doing sentry duty at the National War Memorial in Ottawa in 2014 required Ron to suddenly have to lead a regiment that was grieving the loss of one of their own.
Ron wasn’t a military person but he stood up and got that Regiment and the city of Hamilton through a very tough day that saw the biggest parade seen on the streets of Hamilton in some time. .
 The parade through the streets of Hamilton was one of the largest the city had seen in time. Foxcroft was the Honorary Colonel of the Regiment at the time. In one of the 40 Thoughts (and we aren’t going to take you through all of them) Foxcroft positions Santa Claus as a lesson at being on point all the time. That thought will teach you a lesson that will stay with you as long as you are a leader or want to be one.
Foxcroft was one of the very few Canadians that served as a basketball referee at every level of the NCAA men’s basketball and the NBA during a 23 year career and was awarded the Golden Whistle for his contribution that included an Olympic Men’s final game.
Foxcroft has been named the Citizen of the Year in Burlington and probably can’t tell you how many Boards he has served on in his career.
They include:
Chair of Tradeport International, Operators and Mangers of John C Munro Hamilton International Airport. The largest Cargo Express Overnight Airport in Canada. National Association of Sports Officials. Wisconsin, 29 years.
Arbeter Sports Inc., a sport technology company. Completed 400 million transactions in 2019.
Ontario Excavac Incorporated, a pneumatic excavation and environmental recycling company in Vaughan Ontario.
Board Member of Burlington Community Foundation and past Chair.
Board Member of The Hamilton Club, and past Chair.
Board Member of the Hamilton Board of Approved Basketball Officials.
Past Chair of the Argyll Regiment Senate and Foundation, and Past Honourary Colonel.
Board Member of the Canada Basketball Veterans Committee, currently vice chair.
The proceeds of the book are being donated to CityKids and Liberty for Youth
By Pepper Parr
July 18th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The brand name for the beer was catchy – learning that the beer was the first organic beer in the country was news.
Sober Carpenter’s organic session IPA is available in Burlington at the following locations: The Beer Store 5051 New Street, The Beer Store 2020 Appleby Line, as well as Sobeys, Metro and Goodness Me.
 We’ll let you know what we think. For the beer purists the technical description is:
Malts: Pale, Crystal, Cara; Hops: Galaxy; International Bitterness Units (IBU): 30; Calories: 80
Launched earlier in July in Montreal, Canada’s first 100% organic non-alcoholic beer was launched by Quebec-based craft microbrewer, Sober Carpenter.
The beer is said to have the tropical and bright aroma of Galaxy hops, the large, light head and lacing along the glass speaks to the beer’s quality. Lastly, consumers will notice a crisp and slightly bitter taste on the palate.
The company’s master brewer has created a full line of beers with unique flavour profiles including, an Irish red, a light and fruity Belgian white, and a blonde ale, along with the company’s most popular beer, a potent IPA.
“Non-alcoholic beer is very much coming into its own,” explains Nicolas Gagnon, CEO of Sober Carpenter. “The old, tired idea the non-alcoholic beer is boring is just plain wrong. We set out with a mission to create beers that are every bit as delicious, complex, unique, and easy to enjoy as any beer. We work hard to brew a full range of non-alcoholic beers that anyone, no matter their lifestyle, can enjoy. Our new organic session IPA is the latest step in that process. Session IPAs are less hoppy than regular IPAs, they are smooth and full of aroma.
Until July 31, 2021, for every case of Sober Carpenter Session IPA sold, one dollar will be donated to Tree Canada. The organization is the country’s leading tree planting charity. A sober carpenter thinks about the long-term sustainability of their lifestyle, not just the trees they’ll need today.
They are sending a tasting kit our way – we’ll let you know what we think.
By Pepper Parr
July 17th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
An upgrade on the membership of the group that supports a quarry in rural Burlington. We are advised that the membership has written more than 2000 letters of support.
For the community group opposing the expansion of the Nelson Quarry in rural Burlington the next step is to demonstrate and get their message out.
The application by Nelson Aggregates to expand their open pit mine is a long and slow moving process.
City Council has come out against the expansion, there is a small group for the expansion: they don’t appear to have much in the way of community support.
On July 20th, CORE Burlington, PERL and Wellington Water Watchers will be outside the gates of Nelson Aggregates on the 2nd Side Road for A Morning on Mt.Nemo. They will be joined by Shane Philips of Wellington Water Watchers as he continues his ‘Ear to the Groundwater’ walking tour with a visit to the gates of Nelson Aggregate’s open-pit gravel mine, followed by a hike to the scenic brink of Burlington’s Niagara Escarpment.
Why: To raise awareness of the devastating effect open-pit gravel mines have on communities and the environment. Shane will connect the dots between the local and the global issues, and show how gravel mining helps fuel the climate crisis, and how Doug Ford’s agenda for new highways and more urban sprawl will devour our future.
When/Where: Tuesday, July 20th, 10am at 2462 No. Two Sideroad Burlington. Across from the gates of Nelson Aggregate’s 540-acre open pit mine on Burlington’s Escarpment: part of an UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve
 A rendering of what Nelson Aggregates wants to do with the land when they have completed their mining of the available aggregate. Order of Events:
10:00am – 10:30 Speakers, Mike Balkwill, Wellington Water Watchers; Janet Turpin Myers, CORE Burlington; Sarah Harmer, PERL; and Shane Phillips. As a special treat, Sarah will also perform ‘Escarpment Blues’.
10:30 – 11:45 Drive to Mt. Nemo Conservation Area (a few minutes away) for a hike to the brink of the Escarpment, and back again (about a 20 minute walk on an easy trail each way)
NOTE: The Conservation area requires advanced reservations to enter. We will reserve tickets for our group, which we expect will number about 20-30. If you plan to come along for the hike, please RSVP by responding to this email, no later than Monday, July 19th by 9am. This will help us to calculate how many reservations to make.
If you choose not to hike with us, please do join us for the first portion of the morning.
For more information contact: coreburlington@gmail.com
About CORE Burlington: www.coreburlington.com
By Pepper Parr
July 15th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 On July 14, 2021, Regional Council approved Halton’s 2022 Budget Directions Report. The Report provides guidelines to staff to maintain existing service levels for Regional programs while supporting the community’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. It also establishes a target property tax increase at or below the rate of inflation (2.0 per cent).
“The 2022 Budget Directions Report is an important step in the development of our next Budget and Business Plan,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “It lays a foundation to help us preserve our strong financial position, keep property taxes low and support our community as more residents get vaccinated and Halton gradually reopens.”
The Report identifies priorities for Regional investments in 2022 to ensure residents have access to essential services while providing for critical program enhancements to address community growth. It also ensures next year’s Budget aligns with the strategic themes, objectives and outcomes outlined in the 2019–2022 Strategic Business Plan.
 Seven of those smiling faces represent Burlington – if they voted to hold the 2022 tax increase to 2% for the Region – can’t they do that for the City? Financial pressures related to the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine rollout are also identified in the Report. Staff are closely monitoring current and potential fiscal impacts as they develop plans for 2022. The Region will continue to address program pressures, reallocate resources to priority areas and maintain service levels to help achieve a property tax rate increases at or below the rate of inflation.
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