How iGaming Ontario Has Revolutionized Online Gambling

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.

Get up and get out and VOTE!

By Pepper Parr

February 27^th, 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.

Advance poll vote turn out for Burlington: 9146 people cast ballots

By Pepper Parr

February 25^th. 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

Burlington sets priorities for 2025 provincial candidates

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.”

Canada’s Next Prime Minister

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 –

Some city owned land could get used to build much needed housing - won't happen this year

By Pepper Parr

February 13^th, 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/

Two debates between Ontario party leaders

By Staff

February 13^th, 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 27^th 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

10 Busiest Airports in Canada

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’

Historic changes to take place on the Paletta Court property

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

Porter airline will begin flying out of Hamilton in June: flights to Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, and Vancouver.

By Staff

February 4^th, 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.

Was the high quality city calendar printed twice?

By Staff

January 25^th, 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?

Gould: 'We've been talking at you for too long. It's time for the Liberal Party of Canada to listen to our members once again'

By Pepper Parr

January 23^rd, 2025

BURLINGTON. ON

There she was on the street outside the Liberal Party of Canada head office in Ottawa, telling media that she had just filed her papers, paid the required fee ($50,000 at this point)- now she was legitimately a candidate for the leadership.

Gould: “I want to make sure that the Liberal Party of Canada works for its membership.”

It was snowing, snow plows were passing in the background as she explained what her thinking was in terms of what the Liberal Party had gotten wrong and what she wanted to do in the way of making changes.

She didn’t mince her words.

“I decided to run two weeks ago and in that time we have built a national organization.

“I need people to vote for me no later than the 27^th – and please donate “because I don’t have deep pockets.”

In each of the public events the Gazette has covered Gould has spoken in French and English. Her command of French is very good.

She points out that the Liberal Party of Canada is more than one person. It’s the 1000s of Canadians across this country who have raised their hands to say that they want to build a better country. “It’s their opportunity to have great debates about the kind of country that we want to be. I want to make sure that the Liberal Party of Canada works for its membership.

“I’ve heard from too many people across this country that the Liberal Party of Canada hasn’t given members the space they need. I’m here today to propose three things to make the Liberal Party of Canada about the members and give power back to our membership.

Gould: “Ottawa doesn’t know best.”

“First and foremost, we need to get together more; I’m going to bring back policy conventions. We’ve been talking at you for too long. It’s time for the Liberal Party of Canada to listen to our members once again.

“I remember attending regional meetings and national conventions where we had great debates on the convention floor. We need to get back to that, because the people across this country who join our party do so because they have things to say and they have ideas to share. I want us to be that Big Red Machine, not just in terms of knocking on doors, which is incredibly important, but in terms of the ideas that you are bringing forward to make our country the amazing place that it is.

Two: “I would be committed to meeting on an annual basis with all the constituency presidents across the country.

“I also think it’s time for us to decentralize the party. Ottawa doesn’t know best. We need to empower our regions, our provinces, our people on the ground who are the eyes and ears that hear from our communities.

“One of the reasons I think we lost touch over the past couple of years is because we weren’t listening to our membership. You were talking to your neighbors, you were hearing from people across the country, and you were telling us what we needed to focus on, and we got too focused on being government in Ottawa and not enough on what was happening on the grounds in our communities.

“I want to make sure that we have more field organizers in every region across the country, and not just on the ground, but digitally as well. We ran an excellent campaign in 2015 but it’s 2025 now.

Gould: “I get it, I understand. But I need your ideas. I need your energy because you are going to keep propelling us forward.”

“Three: I would make sure that we are empowering young liberals in this country and bring back the national youth director position. Young liberals have always been a force in our party, and we need to make sure that you have the respect and the space to be that force once again, when I think about where Canada is today, I know that young people in general feel disenfranchised. They’re worried about the future, and I’m here to say to all young Canadians, I get it, I understand. But I need your ideas. I need your energy, because you are going to keep propelling us forward.

Gould was asked:

What specifically did your party do? What policies did it put in place that makes Canadians lose trust?

Gould: “Yeah, Look, I think we have to be honest about the fact that Canadians have lost trust in our party, and part of it is because I don’t think we responded to the issues that they were telling us mattered to them. I think when it came to the end of the pandemic and the spike in inflation, Canadians were saying, things were really hard. And we didn’t say, you’re right. We didn’t say, yeah, things are really hard right now, and here’s how we’re going to fix it. It took us too long to understand that Canadians were struggling to make ends meet.

“Instead of taking a moment and listening to Canadians, we said, here’s all the great things that we’re doing for you. And I don’t think that was the right approach. You know, when mortgages were going up, when rents Were going up, when groceries were going up, – we didn’t respond quickly enough to the areas where Canadians were struggling, and I think we have to do a better job of that policy problem.

“You have to have policies that respond to where Canadians are at and we didn’t respond quickly enough to where Canadians were. We got there eventually, but Canadians had been saying to us, we’re struggling and we need help, and it took us too long to listen to what they were saying.”

Gould: “I don’t think we got the capital gains tax increase right. I’m having lots of conversations with the tech sector, with folks that are affected by it, to try and figure out what we can do to encourage growth and have more entrepreneurship here in Canada. So I’ll have more to say on that in the coming days.

Gould: “… having an election, might not be the best thing to do immediately after the leadership has been decided.”

Asked about the endorsements some candidates were getting she said: “That’s a great question for my Cabinet colleagues, – what I can tell you is that the liberal leadership is decided by the membership. I have full respect for my Cabinet colleagues, for colleagues in caucus, and I encourage them to endorse whoever they decide to, but let’s remember that the leadership of the party is decided by the membership, and what I am hearing from the membership across the country is how excited they are by my candidacy and the fact that so many people are raising their hands making donations, asking to volunteer.

“Unlike some of the other candidates, I’ve only been organizing for two weeks.

Gould on what she would do: “I would make permanent a GST cut on children’s clothing, diapers, strollers and the like.”

Will you try to govern as prime minister, or would you immediately call for an election?

Gould: “I think it’s a little too early to determine that. I think we have to understand where we are, look at what we are facing in the way of a potential trade war with the United States. We have to know where we are on March 9, where the country is, before we decide where we need to go, because at the end of the day, whatever decision a future prime minister makes needs to have the best interest of Canadians at heart. And if we are in an extremely difficult position with the United States, having an election, might not be the best thing to do at that time, but I think we have to see where we are on March 9.

Media: “Why do you think that you can face Donald Trump and get a win against Donald Trump?

Gould: “Because I face bullies in the House of Commons every single day. Stand up to them and win. I know how to stand up for Canadians. I know how to build a team that can do that, and I’m not afraid of a challenge

Gould: “That’s why I did it.”

Asked about the release of the Fall Economic Statement Gould said: “As the government House leader at the time, I felt that it was the responsible thing to continue to deliver the Fall Economic Statement. I mean, as the Government of Canada, we have a fiduciary responsibility to Canadians and to markets. Despite the chaos that could have ensued that day, I took the decision to say that we have to do this because markets and Canadians are expecting it.

“I didn’t write the fall economic statement, I saw it at the same time as everyone else. I felt that it was important for stability and for calm to make sure it was presented. And that’s why I did it.”

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Do let us know if you hear any other leadership candidate say what Gould is saying.

Can the current Minister of Housing make a difference in the few months he has left?

By Pepper Parr

January 20th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

Nathaniel Erskine-Smith isn’t running for the Liberal leadership. He has a different job to do, and not much time to make a difference.

Erskine-Smith represents Beaches-East York, the community I published the community newspaper in more than 40 years ago. The paper is still published weekly – never more than 40 pages – because that is about as much as the carriers can handle as they deliver the paper door to door – free.

Erskine-Smith had said that he was not going to seek re-election – it was clear to him that he wasn’t one of the Justin Trudeau favourites – he frequently voted against the party. Then in one of the Prime Minister’s Cabinet shuffles Erskine-Smith was invited into Cabinet. He took the job seriously and in the following interview (which I didn’t do) he sets out what the issues are and what he is in the process of doing.

In an interview with Erskine-Smith earlier this week, which I did do he did mention that he thinks there is a project he could work through with Burlington – no details at this point.

Continue reading Can the current Minister of Housing make a difference in the few months he has left?

We can turn garbage into fuel - so why aren't we doing that

By Harold Dickert

January 18th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

No one is talking about “Garbage into oil” technology. Not even the Canadian Liberal Party, who added major funding to the world’s largest facility now under construction just outside of Montreal – built by Enerkem (https://enerkem.com/).

From 360 000 tonnes of waste To 285 000 000 liters of clean fuels

Continue reading We can turn garbage into fuel – so why aren’t we doing that

Insider Trading Data Filed Wednesday, January 15, 2025 to Thursday,

By James Portside

January 17th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

This information is not professional investment advice. Investors are advised to do their own research into individual stocks before making an investment decision.

The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider acquisitions in the public market are:

Insider	Relationship	Transaction	Date	Quantity	Price	Total

Morguard Real Estate Investment Trust —–Buy Quantity: 99,700 Average cost: $5.50 Total: $548,294.92
Morguard Corporation	3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer	10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market	01-15-25	57,400	$5.50	$315,644.92
Morguard Corporation	3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer	10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market	01-14-25	14,400	$5.50	$79,200.00
Morguard Corporation	3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer	10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market	01-13-25	27,900	$5.50	$153,450.00

First National Financial Corporation —–Buy Quantity: 12,824 Average cost: $39.00 Total: $500,136.00
Insider	Relationship	Transaction	Date	Quantity	Price	Total
FNSC Holdings Inc.	3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer	10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market	01-14-25	6,412	$39.00	$250,068.00
Smith Financial Corporation	3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer	47 – Acquisition or disposition by gift	01-14-25	-6,412	$38.99	-$250,003.88
Smith, Stephen	4 – Director of Issuer, 7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6)	10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market	01-14-25	6,412	$39.00	$250,068.00
Smith, Stephen	4 – Director of Issuer, 7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6)	47 – Acquisition or disposition by gift	01-14-25	-6,412	$38.99	-$250,003.88

Morguard Corporation —–Buy Quantity: 3,200 Average cost: $111.00 Total: $355,200.00
Insider	Relationship	Transaction	Date	Quantity	Price	Total
Armoyan, Sime	3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer	10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market	01-13-25	3,200	$111.00	$355,200.00

Jaguar Mining Inc —–Buy Quantity: 120,800 Average cost: $2.23 Total: $268,828.32
Insider	Relationship	Transaction	Date	Quantity	Price	Total
2176423 Ontario Ltd.	3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer	10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market	01-13-25	60,400	$2.23	$134,414.16
Sprott, Eric	3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer	10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market	01-13-25	60,400	$2.23	$134,414.16

Tourmaline Oil Corp —–Buy Quantity: 2,500 Average cost: $66.44 Total: $166,109.00
Insider	Relationship	Transaction	Date	Quantity	Price	Total
Rose, Mike	5 – Senior Officer of Issuer	10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market	01-16-25	2,500	$66.44	$166,109.00

The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider dispositions in the public market are:

Insider	Relationship	Transaction	Date	Quantity	Price	Total

G Mining Ventures Corp —–Sell Quantity: -514,622 Average cost: $13.17 Total: -$6,780,144.22 Options Issued: 34,622 Average cost: $0.00 Total: $0.00
La Mancha Capital Management GP	3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer	10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market	01-13-25	-160,000	$13.19	-$2,109,904.00
La Mancha Investments S.à r.l.	3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer	10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market	01-13-25	-160,000	$13.19	-$2,109,904.00
Loza-Sawiris, Yousriya	3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer	10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market	01-13-25	-160,000	$13.19	-$2,109,904.00
MacDonald, Norman	4 – Director of Issuer	51 – Exercise of options	01-13-25	34,622	$0.00	$0.00
MacDonald, Norman	4 – Director of Issuer	10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market	01-13-25	-34,622	$13.01	-$450,432.22

Canadian Natural Resources Limited —–Sell Quantity: -85,504 Average cost: $45.00 Total: -$3,847,721.98 Options Issued: 85,504 Average cost: $10.85 Total: $927,977.44
Insider	Relationship	Transaction	Date	Quantity	Price	Total
Balog, Brenda Gayle	5 – Senior Officer of Issuer	51 – Exercise of options	01-13-25	4,504	$19.36	$87,197.44
Balog, Brenda Gayle	5 – Senior Officer of Issuer	10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market	01-13-25	-4,504	$45.37	-$204,341.98
Stainthorpe, Mark Allen	5 – Senior Officer of Issuer	51 – Exercise of options	01-15-25	81,000	$10.38	$840,780.00
Stainthorpe, Mark Allen	5 – Senior Officer of Issuer	10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market	01-15-25	-81,000	$44.98	-$3,643,380.00

Peyto Exploration & Development Corp —–Sell Quantity: -103,000 Average cost: $17.09 Total: -$1,760,770.00 Options Issued: 105,000 Average cost: $11.85 Total: $1,244,250.00
Insider	Relationship	Transaction	Date	Quantity	Price	Total
Lachance, Jean-Paul Henri	4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer	51 – Exercise of options	01-13-25	35,000	$9.49	$332,150.00
Lachance, Jean-Paul Henri	4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer	10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market	01-13-25	-35,000	$17.20	-$602,000.00
Lachance, Jean-Paul Henri	4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer	51 – Exercise of options	01-14-25	38,300	$12.38	$474,323.00
Lachance, Jean-Paul Henri	4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer	10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market	01-14-25	-38,300	$16.96	-$649,680.00
Lachance, Jean-Paul Henri	4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer	51 – Exercise of options	01-15-25	31,700	$13.81	$437,777.00
Lachance, Jean-Paul Henri	4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer	10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market	01-15-25	-31,700	$17.10	-$542,070.00
Carlson, Tavis Aaron	5 – Senior Officer of Issuer	10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market	01-16-25	2,000	$16.49	$32,980.00

Byrna Technologies, Inc —–Sell Quantity: -43,731 Average cost: $39.89 Total: -$1,744,562.19
Insider	Relationship	Transaction	Date	Quantity	Price	Total
Eng, Victor	5 – Senior Officer of Issuer	10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market	01-15-25	-43,731	$39.89	-$1,744,562.19

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited —–Sell Quantity: -10,000 Average cost: $120.27 Total: -$1,202,730.00
Insider	Relationship	Transaction	Date	Quantity	Price	Total
Girard, Dominique	5 – Senior Officer of Issuer	10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market	01-14-25	-10,000	$120.27	-$1,202,730.00

What is Insider Trading?

How Insider Trading works.