 By Staff
May 26th, 2029
BURLINGTON, ON
Exploring the Randle Reef Project with featured guest speakers Roger Santiago from Environment and Climate Change Canada and Sara Yonson from the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority
Thursday, June 5, 2025 @ 5:30PM
 Site of the contamination. Randle Reef—once the largest and most contaminated site in the Canadian Great Lakes is in the southwest corner of Hamilton Harbour
Cleaning up Randle Reef is one of the biggest steps to remediate the Hamilton Harbour Area of Concern, and it is now in its final stages.
The third and final stage to remove sediment at Randle Reef is underway.
The $150-million project is cleaning up of the once-most contaminated site on the Canadian side of the Great Lakes.
Randle Reef had over 615,000 cubic metres of sediment — enough to fill a hockey rink three times over. The contamination dates back to the 1800s, after years of industrial pollution.
The clean up started in 2016 and was originally set to be done by 2022 but the pandemic resulted in some delays.
The last step involves removing and treating the remaining water from the container before releasing it back into the harbour and installing the final capping of the container.
The project, now expected to be completed by 2025. The Great Lakes are an essential to the health and well being of millions of Canadians, our ecosystems and the economy. Pollution has been putting all this at risk.
An opportunity to learn about the Randle Reef problem, and one of the largest sediment cleanups in Canada and how they decided to solve the problem.
 Steel pilings were driven into the floor of the harbour. This multi-year, multi-million dollar project ($150 million) is a joint initiative involving the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, City of Hamilton, Halton Region, City of Burlington, Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority and Stelco.
Register for free by clicking the link below.
This event is presented by the HHRAP and hosted by Conservation Halton.
Click HERE to register
 By Staff
May 22nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Prime Minister Mark Carney Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote the members of his Cabinet, setting out what they expected to achieve during their first term of office.
We will focus on seven priorities:
- Establishing a new economic and security relationship with the United States and strengthening our collaboration with reliable trading partners and allies around the world.
- Building one Canadian economy by removing barriers to interprovincial trade and identifying and expediting nation-building projects that will connect and transform our country.
- Bringing down costs for Canadians and helping them to get ahead.
- Making housing more affordable by unleashing the power of public-private cooperation, catalysing a modern housing industry, and creating new careers in the skilled trades.
- Protecting Canadian sovereignty and keeping Canadians safe by strengthening the Canadian Armed Forces, securing our borders, and reinforcing law enforcement.
- Attracting the best talent in the world to help build our economy, while returning our overall immigration rates to sustainable levels.
- Spending less on government operations so that Canadians can invest more in the people and businesses that will build the strongest economy in the G7.
Sounds nice – let’s see how well they do.
Interesting to note that Carney did not give each Minister anything specific – the same document went to each Cabinet member. At least they are going to be able to say they did get the memo.
Feedback on the Carney mandate letter:
Keeping with Carney, he released his mandate letter to cabinet on Wednesday, spelling out a broad list of priorities for his re-elected Liberal government, including establishing a new economic and security relationship with the U.S., removing internal trade barriers and reducing costs for Canadians.
It represents a break from the tradition established by Justin Trudeau, where each minister received instructions unique to their portfolio.
Carlene Variyan, a former chief of staff in the Trudeau government, said Carney’s mandate letter was a “very effective way” of signalling that this new cabinet has “a narrow and disciplined focus in a time of perceived crisis.”
“A lot of people who have served in government and were involved in the drafting of mandate letters probably thought yesterday ‘why didn’t I think of that?’ It’s quite clever,” she told iPolitics.
Erin Morrison, who previously served as Jagmeet Singh’s director of communications and deputy chief of staff, said the mandate letter provides an opportunity for the hobbled NDP, which took only 7 seats in the April 28 vote, losing official party status.
She said Carney’s priorities “make it clear that this is a Liberal Party that’s moving quite a bit to the right,” pointing to his calls to reduce spending and using private-public partnerships to support new housing construction.
 By Staff
May 19th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a great idea – and it looks as if it is actually going to get off the ground.
 St. Luke’s Anglican church, built on land that the British gave to Joseph Brant for his service. If you stand on Elgin Avenue and look to the north you will see St. Luke’s Anglican church.
Turn around and look south to the lake – and there is a clear path (well almost clear) pathway to the lake.
The church and the land were part of the Brant land grant that was deeded by the Brant family.
Over time, developments took place and the strip of land to the lake got crowded by residential development.
The people at St. Likes decided that it was time to make that pathway more accessible to the public and they took their thought to ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns.
She loved the idea, took it to the planning department – they quickly pointed out that there was a problem with clear public access – there was a roadway cutting across the possible path that led to a city-owned parking lot.
 Done properly it will be a really nice addition to a strip of land that has never been used. Kudos to St. Luke’s for the initiative. They came up with a solution that City Council agreed with – approved it – and it goes to Council later this week
Authorize the Executive Director of Environment, Infrastructure and Community
Services to collaborate with St. Luke’s Church on the feasibility of a new publicly accessible walkway from Elgin Street to Lakeshore.
St. Luke’s Anglican Church is located on the north side of Elgin Street between Nelson Avenue and Burlington Street in downtown Burlington. Directly across from the church, is a long narrow stretch of land that is owned in part by the City and the Church.
Since the original construction of the church in 1834, this long stretch of land that extends from the south side of Elgin Street to Lakeshore Road has provided an uninterrupted view to Lake Ontario
The Church has approached the ward Councillor and City staff to see if there is an interest in working together to build an accessible public walkway from Elgin to Lakeshore, which would span across lands owned by both the City and the Church. The lands owned by the Church are referred to as “Church Avenue”.
The concept was sound; however, one of the biggest challenges with this idea is that the city-owned lands to the north currently support the parking lot driveway entrance into Lot #10. The driveway is a physical barrier to safe pedestrian movement through Church Avenue.
 Joseph Brant will be very pleased. Since the City owns the lands in the former Hydro/Rail Corridor between Church Avenue and Nelson Avenue, it is possible to relocate the parking lot #10 driveway entrance to Nelson Avenue and eliminate all vehicular traffic on Church Avenue. This would free up the landscape for pedestrian-only movement and use of the space.
After some initial meetings, staff feel that this is a great opportunity to explore and would like Council’s support and direction to proceed further with the proposal.
Council did just that last week. Later this week, we can expect Council to approve it – and in the fullness of time, there will be a pleasant pathway from Elgin to the lake.
Joseph Brant will be pleased.
By Pepper Parr
May 15th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Provincial budget was read into the record at Queen’s Park this afternoon. The last item in the 232-page budget read into the record earlier today is a new bill that will allow cabinet ministers to continue to use and be referred to as “Honourable,” even after they leave office.
Currently, in Canada, provincial ministers typically use the term while in office, while prime ministers, senators and chief justices can be referred to as “Right Honourable” for life.
This is clearly a government that wants to be seen for being serious and focused on the needs of the people who will find themselves struggling financially when the proposed tariffs begin to bite.
Did a pay increase come with the title enhancement?
Given that housing is a huge driver of the Ontario economy, the following will be of interest.
Link – Ontario budget makes little mention of housing
 By Pepper Parr
May 14th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The back patting is over – now they get down to work.
Prime Minister Carney pulls his Cabinet together today, hands out the marching orders so they can deliver on the promises.
Here is the team:
Add to the above the ten Secretaries of State who have limited, but nevertheless important roles.
This is very much a Carney government – his fingerprints are on every page. He has made it very clear that he will do everything he can to change the direction the Canadian economy will take and deal with the American president as best he can – as best anyone can.
Here is Mark Carney’s new 28-person cabinet – focused on revamping Canada’s relationship with the U.S., reducing the cost of living and addressing public safety:
Shafqat Ali (Brampton—Chinguacousy Park), President of the Treasury Board
Rebecca Alty (Northwest Territories), Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Anita Anand (Oakville East), Minister of Foreign Affairs
Gary Anandasangaree (Scarborough–Guildwood–Rouge Park), Minister of Public Safety
François-Philippe Champagne (Saint-Maurice—Champlain), Minister of Finance and National Revenue
Rebecca Chartrand (Churchill–Keewatinook Aski), Minister of Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Julie Dabrusin (Toronto—Danforth), Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Sean Fraser (Central Nova), Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Chrystia Freeland (University–Rosedale), Minister of Transport and Internal Trade
Steven Guilbeault (Laurier—Sainte-Marie), Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages)
Mandy Gull-Masty (Abitibi–Baie-James–Nunavik–Eeyou), Minister of Indigenous Services
Patty Hajdu (Thunder Bay—Superior North), Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Tim Hodgson (Markham–Thornhill), Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
Mélanie Joly (Ahuntsic-Cartierville), Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Dominic LeBlanc (Beauséjour), President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy
Joël Lightbound (Louis-Hébert), Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement
Heath MacDonald (Malpeque), Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Steven MacKinnon (Gatineau), Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
David McGuinty (Ottawa South), Minister of National Defence
Jill McKnight (Delta), Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
Lena Metlege Diab (Halifax West), Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Marjorie Michel (Papineau), Minister of Health
Eleanor Olszewski (Edmonton Centre), Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada
Gregor Robertson (Vancouver Fraserview–South Burnaby), Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible Pacific Economic Development Canada
Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East), Minister of International Trade
Evan Solomon (Toronto Centre), Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Joanne Thompson (St. John’s East), Minister of Fisheries
Rechie Valdez (Mississauga—Streetsville), Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)
Jim Portside
April 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Even more on that Sunshine list.
Three other Sunshine List entries are curious. We’re discussing salaries paid to real people so I will not use names.
Two of the three people stopped working for the city in 2023, the other person had retired.
 The two people who stopped working for the city in 2023 are on the 2024 Sunshine List. In other words, they stopped working for the city in 2023 but earned over $100,000, from the city in 2024.
The person who is now retired started working for the city in 2001 and has never appeared on the Sunshine List. In 2024 this person is on the Sunshine List earning a little under $115,000. We came up with three explanations:
- Maybe this person earned less than $100,000 in 2023, maybe they received a 14+% raise in 2024 and retired at the end of the year.
- Maybe this person was let go in 2023 and received severance in 2024.
- Maybe this person was let go in 2024 and received severance to push their 2024 salary over $100,000.
- Maybe the city can provide an explanation?
 It al takes place at City Hall. The City will take the position that the information is related to a specific individual and is treated as private.
No matter how it is explained – it smells
For the two people who stopped working for the city in 2023. One received about $105,000 in salary in 2024; the other about $111,000 in 2024.
What happens when you include Brynn Nheiley, Sheila Jones, and Tim Commisso? Our calculations, based on the limited information available to the public, show this gang of 6 cost the city approximately $868,674.98
Our calculations, based on the limited information available to the public, show this gang of 6 cost the city approximately $868,674.98.
How are taxpayers, the people who provide most of the money needed to pay staff, faring?
Not all that well it appears.
The record indicates that 3% of taxpayers have outstanding tax bills, the highest level in 5 years.
 By Pepper Parr
March 31st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 In a campaign that has been remarkable for its volatility and dynamism, a new element enters the race: relative stability.
New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds voter intention unchanged over the last week, with the Liberal Party holding an eight-point lead over the Conservatives, while the fortunes of the NDP and Bloc remain similarly unchanged.
Asked how they intend to vote, 46 per cent of Canadian voters say they will support the Liberals, compared to 38 per cent for the Conservative Party. Support for the NDP (7%) and Bloc Québécois (7%) continues to linger in single digits.
Liberal leader and Prime Minister Mark Carney continues to maintain an advantage among most demographic groups. Men aged 35- to 54-years-old are the only age-gender segment to be more likely to vote Conservative. The Liberals otherwise lead between four points (men older than 55) and 27 points (women older than 55).
Further, Carney’s positive net favourability among both men (+18) and women (+26) remains stable. His rivals – Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh – struggle among one gender or the other. For Poilievre, this represents an ongoing inability to build positive impressions among women – three-in-five (61%) who say they view him unfavourably. For Singh, same problem, only among men, who by a two-to-one margin view him more negatively than positively.
The resurgence of the Liberals fueled by Carney’s election to leader is partially driven by women voters returning to the party after abandoning it at the end of 2024, but also by picking up vote intention from men. In March 2021, support for the Liberals among men ranged from 27 per cent among 18- to 34-year-olds, to 30 per cent among men aged 35 to 54. The Carney Liberals currently are receiving support from 45 per cent of 18- to 34-year-old men and 46 per cent of those older than 54.
The battle at this point is between Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre and Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney Carney. The focus is on the gender differences in the data Angus Reid has collected.
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh stands a chance of losing his British Columbia seat.
Hovering over all this is the Trump tariff threat – with a major announcement expected on Wednesday.
Liberal leader and Prime Minister Mark Carney had his first call with U.S. President Donald Trump, who struck a much more positive tone than seen in recent weeks and described the conversation as “very productive”. Trump also appeared to be more respectful of Carney, considering Trump called Carney by his official title and not governor, as he did with predecessor Justin Trudeau. Canada’s response to the U.S., and the tact taken by the leader of its future federal government, remains a key issue for the campaign.
 By Pepper Parr
March 13th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
We are beginning to see just how tough Prime Minister designate Mark Carney is going to be.
 Justin Trudeau and his last Cabinet When he is sworn in on Friday we will get a look at his Cabinet: it will be much smaller than the 37 member Cabinet Justin Trudeau had.
The word at this point is that it will be between 15 and 20 people – assuming 20 that means 17 people will no longer be Cabinet Ministers. That also means their staff will be out of work as well. Cabinet members have up to ten people on their staff
How many of those without jobs come Saturday morning worked hard to have Mark Carney made the leader?
Going to be a tough weekend for those now on the outside.
What does this have to say about Carney – this guy is going to be tough, He knows exactly what the country is up against and is going to do his level best to ensure that the economy and the social values Canadians have enjoyed for decades is kept as stable as possible during what are truly perilous times.
 Mark Carney: Prime Minister designate It will be interesting to see how the first meeting between Carney as Prime Minister and President Trump works out. Trump tends to read people quite well. He will have been briefed on Carney and his background.
It is going to be an interesting couple of months.
By Pepper Parr
March 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
At 11:41 today the U.S. Secretary of Commerce told CNBC that “he expects an agreement Thursday on goods he says are compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade.
 Donald Trump should be thinking about the stupid decision he made. Harold Lutnick, left, his Secretary of State , should give Trump the help he badly needs.  Is this the third or the 4th time the American’s have blinked in the lead up to and the actual start of the trade war?
Are we going to have to bloody their noses before they find a way to back down?
Keep it up Canada!
 By Jeny Celtic
March 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
On April 4, 2022, Ontario launched the first regulated online gambling market in Canada, iGaming Ontario. In many ways, the launch can be seen as the beginning of an online gambling revolution in the country. However, it has also been widely criticized for contributing to a growing concern in Canada: problem gambling. This has led many to wonder if iGaming Ontario is revolutionary or adding to the concerns surrounding problem gambling, a question we’ll explore here.
How iGaming Ontario Has Revolutionized Online Gambling
 iGaming Ontario has revolutionized the nation’s online gambling in many ways, from creating sports betting, slot, and casino offers for players in Canada to setting up a framework for other regulatory bodies. It was the first market of its kind, has created numerous jobs, contributed significantly to the province and country’s economy, developed a competitive market, and made great efforts to protect players.
First Regulated Open Market
As Canada’s first regulated online gambling market, iGaming Ontario and its work have been closely watched by other provinces and countries to see how the market performs. It has the potential to set a precedent for future market operations, demonstrating what to do or not to do. Knowing that it would be closely scrutinized, iGaming Ontario placed great emphasis on developing a thriving competitive market that protects its players, contributes to the economy, and has clear policies and guidelines that are strongly enforced and governed.
The quality of the regulations and systems implemented by iGaming Ontario earned it global recognition. Vixio’s Global Regulatory Awards named the organization the Regulatory Initiative of the Year. The awards recognize organizations that excel in developing and implementing gambling regulations, emphasizing responsible gambling measures and regulatory compliance.
Job Creation
In its first year, the iGaming Ontario market created and supported over 12,000 full-time jobs. It has led to new employment opportunities and continues to do so. In its second year, it created even more jobs, almost reaching 15,000, including over 2,500 directly sustained jobs and over 9,000 indirect ones. These numbers surpass the five-year revenue and impact projections of Deloitte, an independent audit and assurance company.
Provincial and Federal Revenue Stream
 In addition to surpassing job creation projections, iGaming Ontario has surpassed Deloitte’s projects for government revenues, meaning the regulated market greatly supports governments of all levels in Ontario and Canada. In its second year, iGaming Ontario generated over $1.2 billion in government revenue, including $380 million for Canada’s federal government and $790 million for Ontario’s provincial government. Even municipal governments are enjoying revenue boosts from the iGaming market.
Industry Growth
Since the launch of iGaming Ontario, over 50 gambling operators have become available to the public, creating a wide range of online options for Ontario players. The second year of operation saw $2.4 billion in gaming revenue generated, a more than 70% increase from the first year. There are more than 1.2 million active player accounts, and the average monthly spending of active player accounts has increased significantly. The average player spent $70 monthly in the first year of iGaming Ontario’s operation. In Q2 of the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the average spending per account increased to $308. These numbers demonstrate the growth and interest in Ontario’s iGaming industry.
Player Protections
By creating a regulated market, Ontario can offer players gambling options that protect them more than the previously available unregulated options. These player protections include safeguards for preventing underage gambling, providing problem gambling tools and resources, and enforcing stricter anti-money laundering regulations. iGaming Ontario provides Ontarians with a gambling environment in which they can feel more secure and confident knowing there are regulations and safeguards in place. This confidence has translated into over 86% of online players opting for these regulated options over unregulated options.
The Rise of Problem Gambling in Ontario
iGaming Ontario has become a multibillion-dollar market in the few years it has been operating, something the organization and its operators celebrate. But financial success has also led to many wondering if all of this has come at too great a cost. During the same years that iGaming Ontario generated billions, the province also saw a marked increase in indicators of problem gambling.
 Since iGaming Ontario’s opening, the Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline has seen more people reach out for support. At the end of 2024, Mental Health Research Canada released a report sharing that 11% of Ontarians struggle with problem gambling.
It’s difficult to ignore the accessibility of gambling options in Ontario as a significant factor in the rising numbers, especially since just before the opening of iGaming Ontario, the number of individuals struggling was estimated to be around 9%.
iGaming Ontario has made accessing gambling extremely easy and has also led to a massive increase in gambling ads, drawing more interest in the activity. This ease of access and growing interest increase the risk of problem gambling, which can have many negative impacts on the health and wellness of Ontarians. Problem gambling can lead to financial loss, impacting the financial health of individuals and families, and it is also connected to mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. It’s a serious problem, and despite the safeguards iGaming Ontario requires of its operators, many mental health experts, as well as those affected by problem gambling, do not feel it’s enough.
iGaming Ontario Still Has Work to Do
 iGaming Ontario has been influential in addressing online gambling. It was a sector that was a legal grey zone for many years, causing many Ontarians to turn to unregulated sites and spend an estimated $500 million gambling on them each year. The province was able to direct much of that money, and more, into the province to support the economy while also offering more stringent player protections. But even with protections in place, it’s hard to see the work of iGaming Ontario as solely a revolutionary endeavour. It’s still fraught with concerns that must be addressed to protect Ontarians from the potential ill effects of online gambling. However, with ongoing oversight and a commitment to responsible gaming, there’s hope that Ontario will set a standard for a safer and more sustainable online gambling environment.
 By Pepper Parr
February 27th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Interesting observation. In Burlington people turn out by the thousands to watch the Remembrance Day parade and take part in the services at the Cenotaph remembering and honouring those that paid the supreme sacrifice to defend the democracy we have – and yet less than 50% of the city’s population take the time to vote.
Those poor buggers, dying on a muddy battlefield, realizing, in their final moments, that they will never see their loved ones again.
 We gather in the hundreds on November the 11th to remember them but don’t vote on election day to honour them.
You have one thing that you must do today.
Vote if you have not already voted.
 If you are one of the average people in this province – challenged by the economic conditions – this is your opportunity to have a say in the provincial government that will be determined by the end of the day.
It is vital that what YOU want in the way of a government is made clear by the vote you cast.
Every vote counts.
Ontario has a disappointing voting record.
Make this the year that that changes.
 By Pepper Parr
February 25th. 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 So – how do you think the advance poll for Burlington went?
Much better than a lot of people expected
There were 9146 ballots cast during the advance poll.
The percentage of voters that cast ballots during the advance poll was 8.74%
Across the province, the number was 6.14
 By Staff
February 24th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
This is the first time the Gazette has seen anything like this from City Hall
“The City of Burlington is advocating for a meaningful and robust partnership with all provincial parties to ensure our community’s goals are supported in 2025 and beyond.
“Strong, multi-level government relationships will preserve our great quality of life for everyone in Burlington.
 “The City is focused on priorities that ensure affordability, livability, sustainability and transparency for our residents.
“For the City of Burlington, that means working together with the Provincial government to realize our strategic plan vision of enabling complete communities. Our efforts will be guided by Burlington’s Plan From Vision to Focus 2022-2026, which will focus on achieving the following objectives to address our changing city:
- Focus area 1: Designing and delivering complete communities
- Focus area 2: Providing the best services and experiences
- Focus area 3: Protecting and improving the natural environment and taking action on climate change
- Focus area 4: Driving organizational performance
Six Policy Priorities for the Provincial Government
 If changes are going to be made – they will be made in this building – the provincial legislature. Later this week the public will decide which political party is going to lead the province. With this in mind, combined with community feedback, Burlington is focused on six policy priorities that, through collaboration with the Government of Ontario over the next four years, will help us make a difference. These non-partisan priorities have been decades in the making and appeal to all political parties to respond to the needs of Burlington and our residents. The priorities, not listed in order, include:
1. Resetting the provincial-municipal fiscal framework.
Property taxes were not built to fund systemic social change, and municipal revenue does not grow with the economy or population growth. The City joins the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and Ontario’s Big City Mayors’ (OBCM) in calling on the Province of Ontario to review this funding framework and to curb reliance on municipal property taxes to fund provincial responsibilities – i.e., housing-enabling infrastructure.
2. Advancing affordable housing solutions.
Continuity of the Housing Accelerator Fund and additional provincial support remain critical for Burlington to increase affordable housing supply. Of equal importance is the abolition of the Ontario Land Tribunal, which has outlived its usefulness, adds costs and delays, and places limits on our ability to control development at the local level. We need more housing and faster processes.
3. Addressing the interconnected crises of homelessness, addictions, and mental health.
Like many other municipalities, we do not have the resources and expertise to take homelessness on alone. A recent report by AMO points to the need for a long-term investment of $11 billion over 10 years to truly resolve this complex issue. We all succeed when our most vulnerable are cared for.
4. Protecting the natural environment and taking action on climate change
Burlington is uniquely half rural, so protecting farmland and our rural boundary, stopping the expansion of the Mount Nemo quarry, and ensuring our development horizon through flood reduction efforts will help to establish sustainable, healthy and low-carbon climate resilient communities. Continued provincial support will be critical in helping the City achieve these goals, including issuing a Ministerial Zoning Order to protect the vital greenspace at Millcroft golf course.
5. Supporting industry and protecting jobs, businesses, and the economy
In response to pending U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports, City Council has passed a ‘Buy Canadian’ resolution calling on the federal and provincial governments to work with municipalities on measures to protect Canadian consumers and businesses. Protecting local business is protecting our way of life.
6. Municipal Codes of Conduct
“The City of Burlington supports the principles outlined in the Ontario Human Rights Code regarding freedom from harassment. Elected officials should not be above the Human Resources standards that exist in every other working environment, and the City is pleased that the provincial government introduced legislation on municipal codes of conduct that will create higher levels of accountability – and consequences – for the behaviour of elected councillors.
“The City of Burlington looks forward to working alongside the next provincial government, and with our Members of Provincial Parliament at Queen’s Park, to make a real difference in our community and for our future.
 Mayor Meed Ward said: “Municipalities like Burlington are carrying the weight of pressing challenges, from housing affordability to the interconnected crises of homelessness, addictions, and mental health—issues that demand solutions far beyond the municipal capacity. While we are closest to the people, the provincial government holds the power and the resources to make a real difference. We need a new deal—a true partnership with the Province—so we can work together to address these decades-old priorities. This is a non-partisan appeal for all parties to help us build a future where our residents can thrive in affordable, sustainable, and vibrant communities.”
 By Ray Rivers
February 21st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The clock is ticking for Liberals to vote in a ranked ballot online starting February 28th to select Canada’s next PM. Among the finalists will be the two current members of Parliament, Chrystia Freeland and Karina Gould. Both of these candidates, as former Finance Minister and former Government House Leader respectively, can share some of the credit and/or accept blame for the governing Liberal record going back to 2015.
Freeland’s platform now disowns some of that record though she had served as Trudeau’s number two. She would axe the carbon tax and cancel the increase in capital gains taxation. Freeland also proposes imposing a 100% tariff on Tesla electric cars and bribing Canadian doctors and nurses to return here to work. Burlington’s Gould is promising to cut the GST to 4% for one year, enhance employment insurance and initiate a guaranteed income program.
Former MP Ruby Dhalla was disqualified as a candidate for the leadership of the party on a unanimous vote by the leadership and expense committees to drop her from the contest.
Dhalla served with Paul Martin and pivots to the ‘right’ of the party, proposing to deport ‘illegal immigrants’ and slamming drug users with life sentences. Baylis, a Montreal businessman, would limit senators and MP’s to 10 years in office. And among other ideas he’s also keen on recognizing a Palestinian state.
 Mark Carney speaking to Liberals in Hamilton. But the heavy betting is on former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney. Carney played a key role in navigating Canada through the 2008 global economic downturn and as Bank of England Governor helped that nation through its Brexit transition. He held a UN post as climate envoy and had previously served as special advisor to Mr. Trudeau. However, Carney sees himself as an outsider, never having held a parliamentary seat. But he has brought a breath of fresh air to the Party, which as the polls tell us was in critical need of a re-set.
Carney has racked up the greatest number of Liberal Cabinet endorsements to date. Recent polls indicate that as leader he could bring the Liberals back from a double digit lag to a dead heat with Mr. Poilievre’s opposition Tories. That is something that has brought fear and panic into the Conservative camp which had been ever so keen to capitalize on Trudeau’s plummeting popularity. And that means Carney needs to watch out for dirty tricks. In that vein social media trolls falsely posted that Carney’s recent meet and greet of Liberals in Vancouver was AI doctored to create the illusion that the crowd was bigger.
Carney is an economist but he knows the campaign of disinformation and lies about carbon pricing has poisoned that economic instrument, so it is destined for the history books. He plans to introduce a middle income tax cut to compensate for loss of the carbon tax rebate, however. Carney plans to run a balanced budget regarding government spending though he has not ruled out borrowing for infrastructure projects which would benefit future generations.
Mostly Mr. Carney needs to attribute the climate of economic uncertainty Canadians are now facing for much of his growing popularity. US president Trump’s economic war on Canada starting with tariffs on some of our most important exports has this country on the defence. And Canadians would prefer to see an experienced professional at the helm rather than someone like Mr. Poilievre, who has almost never held a real job outside of working for the Conservative Party.
 Rivers, upper right (where the red dot is) covering Mark Carney during a speech he gave in Hamilton earlier this week. I was invited to one of Mr. Carney’s meet and greet meetings in Hamilton recently. He addressed the crowd in a soft spoken, sincere tone, without bashing his opponents. I found that a refreshing change from the dynamics of what we’ve seen too often in Ottawa politics. Let’s hope it continues.
 Ray Rivers, a Gazette Contributing Editor, writes regularly applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background links:
Liberal Leadership – Carney – Karina Gould – Dhalla –
 By Pepper Parr
February 13th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
City Council will discuss a staff report on the Burlington Lands Partnership and look at Partnership Potential for City-Owned Lands.
There are 277 City-owned properties that are part of the initial inventory. Preliminary internal staff engagement has identified the 13 potential opportunities with partnership potential.
Land exchange opportunity to facilitate amenities and housing in Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs) – 2 potential opportunities
Redevelopment opportunity for mixed-use (public uses and amenities) in Burlington Downtown – 5 potential opportunities
Affordable housing opportunity – 6 potential opportunities
The locations were listed in a confidential report
In order to make existing city-owned sites available for partnerships, there are opportunity costs involved to define workplans to advance partnership arrangements and for the potential movement/replacement of current uses into new or other locations. In addition, if sites are to be released by the City for partnership development, these will need to be declared surplus. This report represents important initial step in mobilizing development on underutilized City-owned lands.
The assessment of city-owned sites will be integrated into the 2025 Burlington Lands Partnership (BLP) work plan and coordinated with other departments as applicable. Initial steps to continue exploring these and other opportunities will be pursued as described in this report.
Engagement: As specific land-related opportunities evolve, Council and staff will endeavor to make information on land opportunities available publicly at the appropriate time both for purposes of information and engagement and prior to final decisions where possible.
The analysis considered several high-level factors, including:
- Site location and suitability for partnerships
- Proximity to transit and vacant or developable land nearby
- Existing development interest in adjacent or nearby parcels
- Site servicing and constraints
- Proximity to parkland and public amenities
The potential opportunities outlined in this report have been verified through a desktop review exercise. The feasibility of any development or redevelopment of these sites has not been assessed yet and will be completed. Some of this work has been accommodated as part of the 2025 Budget. There may be additional resource requirements identified as some of these opportunities are pursued. These will be brought forward in future updates to Council as necessary.
Key Considerations
The City does not have any developable vacant land that has been declared surplus. There are undefined opportunity costs associated with making city owned lands available for partnerships. The cost to move/replace current uses into new or other locations must be studied. The financial implication of utilizing and/or intensifying City lands is unknown at this time. All real estate transactions will be managed by the Realty Services department in accordance with the City’s Sale of Land Policy.
Ticking off the boxes
[X] Designing and delivering complete communities
[X] Providing the best services and experiences
[X] Protecting and improving the natural environment and taking action on climate change
[X] Driving organizational performance
| Type of Opportunity |
Potential Work Plan |
| 6.0 Land exchange opportunity to facilitate amenities and housing in Major Transit Station Area (MTSAs) |
6.1 Business case
6.2 Council update on business case
6.3 Public engagement (external)
6.4 Council request for support/budget/declaration to partner |
| 7.0 Redevelopment opportunity for mixed use (public uses and amenities) in Burlington Downtown |
7.1 Request for public interest for partner
7.2 Partner recruitment, due diligence, and selection
7.3 Council Update on public interest/selected process
7.4 Development of a joint business case with the city and partner
7.5 Council update on business case with selected partner
7.6 Public engagement (external)
7.7 Council request for support/budget/declaration to partner |
| 8.0 Affordable housing opportunity |
8.1 Request for public interest for partner
8.2 Partner recruitment, due diligence, and selection
8.3 Council update on public interest/selection process
8.4 Development of a joint business case with the city and partner
8.5 Council update on business case with selected partner
8.6 Public engagement (external)
8.7 Council request for support/budget/declaration to partner |
 Station West in Ward 1 houses several thousand families with next to nothing in the way of park and recreational space. The Station West development in Ward 1 has next to nothing in the way of park space. If the city owns any of the land in that area they might give some thought to adding parkland that the developer got away with having to provide when the development was approved. Mention in the report of: Land exchange opportunity to facilitate amenities and housing in Major Transit Station Area (MTSAs) opens a door for such an opportunity/
 By Staff
February 13th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
For those who want to understand what the different Ontario party leaders have to say as the province gets ready to elect a Premier on February 27th there will be two debates.
One will take place on Friday in North Bay that will focus on northern issues.
On Monday, they will regroup for the major broadcasting consortium’s debate.
 Mike Schreiner Green Party  Marit Stiles, NDP Leader of the Opposition
 Doug Ford Progressive Conservative  Bonnie Crombie, leader Ontario Liberal Party
By Julieta Belen Correa
February 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Canada is home to some of the most diverse bucket-list destinations on the planet — it has some of the best ski slopes, thousands of kilometres of untouched nature, and multiple hubs of commerce and entertainment of international renown. This, coupled with its expansive tourism push in recent years, means that Canada relies on an adaptable and modern aviation industry.
Luckily for tourists and Canadians alike, the nation hosts North America’s busiest and most technologically advanced airports, perfect for handling the influx of tourism expected over the next ten years. Take a look at the top ten busiest airports in Canada.
10. Kelowna International Airport (YLW)
You can fly into Kelowna, a critical gateway to British Columbia’s Okanagan region, to explore some of Canada’s best wineries, lake regions, and the breathtaking scenery of Osoyoos. The airport serves around 2,000,000 passengers a year and offers destinations nationwide and routes all the way down to sunny Mexico.
 Billy Bishop, named after a Canadian war hero is an airport minutes from downtown Toronto 9. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
Toronto’s second-largest airport, situated on the Toronto Islands, is named after one of Canada’s most iconic fighter pilots. This airport caters to just over 2,000,000 passengers a year and makes a great alternative to the massive Toronto Pearson International Airport, especially if you’re looking for either domestic or short-haul flights. You can expect shorter security queues and faster processing times so that you can make every minute count of your vacation or work trip.
 If your destination as a tourist is Halifax International – you will want to visit Peggy’s Cove. 8. Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
Coming in at 8th place on the list is Halifax Stanfield. The airport serves the Halifax region, mainland Nova Scotia, and other areas in the Maritime provinces. As Canada’s easternmost international airport, it is a vital connection for rural communities and also provides hundreds of jobs for the region’s tourism sector. The airport generated a massive C$4.2 billion for the Nova Scotia economy in 2023 alone, and with a rise of over 20%, it’s expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
The airport is also home to numerous Fixed-Based Operators (FBOs), private companies that provide essential aviation services like fuel, parking, maintenance, and passenger amenities.
7. Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG)
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, located in the Winnipeg Capital Region, handled just over 4 million passengers last year. YWG is crucial for connecting small communities living in difficult conditions with regularly scheduled flights to Northern Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario, and Nunavut.
6. Ottawa/Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW)
As the airport serving Canada’s capital city, Ottawa International is a home base for Canadian North and a major hub for Porter Airlines, which is investing $65 million into the airport infrastructure over the coming years. The airport serves the National Capital Region with over 4 million passengers annually — a 36.9% increase on the previous year, the highest such growth among Canada’s busiest airports.
The airport’s modern terminal, extended in 2008, features artwork reflecting the region’s history and culture, creating a uniquely Canadian welcome for first-time visitors to the country.
5. Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
Climbing into the top 5 busiest airports in Canada sees a marked jump in passenger numbers, with a massive 7.4 million passengers flying in and out of Edmonton International Airport. The airport caters to residents and visitors to the Edmonton Metro Region, some three hours north of Calgary.
The airport itself is so busy due to the lack of other major cities in the region, making it the only major airport for those travelling from Alberta and Saskatchewan.
 Calgary International 4. Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Calgary International Airport, also known as “the gateway to the Rockies,” serves a whopping 18.5 million passengers a year. One reason for YYC’s huge numbers is its proximity to Banff and Canada’s impressive range of ski destinations.
YYC is home to two terminals — one domestic and one international — and serves as the main hub for Canadian airline WestJet. The airport offers world-class accessibility with modern parking systems, easy-to-use car rental services, and the reliable Calgary Transit System, which offers routes across the region.
3. Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Serving the Greater Montreal area, Montréal–Trudeau International Airport is a bustling hub that managed over 21 million passengers in 2023. This large operation is the region’s primary link between Canada’s French-speaking population and the rest of the world.
YUL’s strategic location makes it perfect for transatlantic flights, with popular routes to Paris, London, and Frankfurt. This dynamic location, combined with a modern general aviation terminal, makes it an ideal airport for those looking to charter a private plane to Europe and beyond. Domestic travellers also benefit from frequent flights to Toronto, Vancouver, and Halifax.
 Vancouver International 2. Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Vancouver International Airport, nestled on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, is the busiest airport in Western Canada. Welcoming almost 25 million passengers in 2023, the airport is the ultimate gateway to the region’s surrounding mountains, lakes, and the icy North Pacific. YVR is consistently ranked as one of the best airports in North America and was most recently named as the number-one airport on the continent in 2024.
Vancouver International is also the nation’s best link to Asia, with frequent flights to Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Seoul. Its location also makes it a popular stopover for flights to Australia and New Zealand.
1. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
With almost double the capacity of number two on the list, Toronto has been Canada’s busiest airport for decades. It’s the primary hub for Air Canada and the second busiest arrivals hub for international travellers to North America. Serving the Greater Toronto Area, Pearson handled an impressive 44.8 million passengers in 2023, making it the pride of Canada’s already-impressive aviation industry.
 Pearson International Located just outside Toronto in Mississauga, Pearson offers direct flights to destinations on every continent. With its cutting-edge amenities, including world-class dining and shopping, Toronto Pearson sets the standard for Canadian airports when it comes to sheer size and availability.
Canada, Connected
With some of the most forward-thinking, accessible, and downright massive airports in North America, Canada continues to impress year-on-year with its dazzling array of airports. Vancouver continues to offer the best service in North America, Toronto Pearson connects you to the world with ease, and Calgary, Halifax, and Winnipeg airports continue to provide a vital lifeline to some of the continent’
By Pepper Parr
February 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 2017 fire that destroyed most of the buildings The Paletta International site just off Appleby Line that was destroyed by fire in December 6th, 2017 is beginning to be re-animated.
The company has conditional site plan approval. The company is currently working through the various conditions one of which is obtaining Committee of Adjustment approval.
When completed the site and bring new employment and economic opportunity to the city.
Building designs are still a work in progress however there is a site plan.
Along with plans to eventually construct a new Alinea headquarters building, there will be approximately 300,000 square feet of new leasable light industrial / employment space in three new buildings.2017
Everything on the 18.5-acre property will be demolished and replaced with modern employment and office buildings. Given the uncertainty of timing to this point, no tenants for the light industrial / employment space have been sought yet; that will come in due course. “We are already getting calls from companies expressing interest in being part of this exciting redevelopment,” said a company spokesperson.
The 2018 fire meant there were going to be many changes in what the company would do and the business they were going to be in.
The death of Pasquale “Pat” Paletta, in 2019 brought about changes in the leadership and management style.
 The late Pat Paletta with his four sons. One huge change for the company was the creation of Alinea which didn’t include all four of Pat Paletta’s sons. Angelo Paletta went in his own direction while the other three brothers formed Alinea that is now focused on plans for the Bronte Meadows site and the 1200 King Road property
“While there may be a few minor tweaks to this plan in relation to the future Alinea headquarters building, there is a general sense of what’s being planned.
Property that was acquired by the Paletta family in Burlington was first used to pasture cattle; the company grew to become the largest beef processing operation in Eastern Canada; it was later sold to Canada Packers.
 The structure shown in orange will be the head office for Alinea. The other three structures will be developed when market conditions are right. The company added poultry processing (Tender Choices) to its operations.
 Both business lines were eventually sold and the focus was shifted to property development.
Alinea is working out of what is left after the fire. “All existing buildings on the property will be demolished once Demolition Permits are obtained later this year. Specific demolition and construction timelines have yet to be determined, but we do know that for practical purposes development will need to be phased over several years.
Exciting days for the company
By Staff
February 4th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport Announces a new strategic airline partner, Porter Airlines.
Porter will initiate service at Hamilton International beginning in early June 2025, introducing daily service from Hamilton to four popular domestic destinations: Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, and Vancouver.
The airport will move now on planned terminal upgrades that will begin immediately.
 The long-term collaborative partnership between the City and TradePort, in place since 1996, has positioned the airport as a critical driver of connectivity, economic growth, job creation, and community partnerships for Hamilton and the surrounding region. Under the new lease, efforts to expand air service, enhance the passenger experience, and deliver safe, sustainable, and efficient operations will continue – starting with planned terminal upgrades that will begin immediately.
Airport enhancements will include an updated exterior frontage with new and expanded canopies to improve curb operations, and a refresh of terminal interiors from check-in counters and passenger screening areas to gate seating and baggage claim. Integration of architectural elements and finishes inspired by the region’s natural geography will lend the airport a unique sense of place, while new digital signage and lighting upgrades will enhance the overall travel journey.
Additionally, future enhancements will include passenger jet bridges to connect the terminal directly to aircraft – a first for Hamilton International – and terminal infrastructure upgrades to position the airport for future expansion to accommodate expected air traffic growth
Airport enhancements will include an updated exterior frontage with new and expanded canopies to improve curb operations, and a refresh of terminal interiors from check-in counters and passenger screening areas to gate seating and baggage claim. Integration of architectural elements and finishes inspired by the region’s natural geography will lend the airport a unique sense of place. New digital signage and lighting upgrades will enhance the overall travel journey.
Future enhancements will include passenger jet bridges to connect the terminal directly to aircraft – a first for Hamilton International – and terminal infrastructure upgrades to position the airport for future expansion to accommodate expected air traffic growth.
By Staff
January 25th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
If you were one of the several hundred people listening to Mayor Meed Ward talk about the State of the City on Friday at the Burlington Convention Centre, the table you were at would include a copy of a calendar for 2025.
 The photographs used were very nice. They were printed on high-quality glossy paper and contained the dates of events for the various Regional and City public meetings. For those involved in city affairs, it is a really useful collection of information.
Continue reading Was the high quality city calendar printed twice?
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