Gould holds a successful New Year Levee - not a word about the PM

By Pepper Parr

January 13th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Karina Gould Burlington MP

If there was any doubt that Karina Gould would be able to hold the Burlington seat in the next federal election they were dispelled when a standing room only crowd showed attended her 10th Annual New Year Levee.

Two things were taking place – First, Gould was making sure her constituents were happy and that her seat was safe.

And at the same time measuring the support she might have if she decides to enter the race for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada.

Burlington’s MP serving as Prime Minister?  Could happen.  But that is just a part of what took place Sunday afternoon.

The room was packed – standing room only.

Continue reading Gould holds a successful New Year Levee – not a word about the PM

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When it comes to EV charging stations council needs to decide what’s important, photo ops and social media, or leaving money in people’s pockets so they can act locally

By Eric Stern

January 12th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Think globally, act locally.

I’ve owned a Tesla Model 3 since 2019 and have over 140,000 km on the odometer. In 2019, Elon Musk was a visionary, it’s odd how quickly things change.

How does charging an EV work and how do you make it work for you?  Don’t depend on the city to do that for you.

There are two scenarios for charging.

Continue reading On EV charging stations: council has to decide is it photo ops & social media, or money in people’s pockets so they can act locally

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Snow Event declared by the City - could have been described as wonderful winter weather

By Staff

January 11th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The City of Burlington has declared a Snow Event for January 11th.

With that statement, crews of private contractors get their equipment ready to take to the streets and begin cleaning up.  It’s all business – keep the public happy.

The evergreens stand majestically collecting snowflakes.

Continue reading Snow Event declared by the City – could have been described as wonderful winter weather

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Stiles takes another run at the Premier over his lack of action on Highway 407.

By Staff

January 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Marit Stiles, Leader of the Ontario NDP, has taken another run at the Premier over his lack of action on Highway 407.

Marit Stiles: point out the Premiers’ shortcomings.

“Empty promises are not going to get traffic moving. People are losing time and money stuck in traffic, while Doug Ford and his Conservatives continue to do nothing. They have had seven years to do the right thing and open up the underused 407 for more drivers and get us out of this ridiculous contract. Instead, he voted against the NDP’s common sense plan to end tolls on trucks and left us paying some of the highest tolls in the country.

“We need solutions, now – not decades from now.

“You deserve a Premier with the courage to stand up to corporations like the 407ETR. Actions speak louder than words and people are tired of waiting.”

Ford for his part says he hasn’t met with executives in charge of the private road admitting it was a conversation he needed to have.

Continue reading Stiles takes another run at the Premier over his lack of action on Highway 407.

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Insider Trading Data Filed Wednesday, January 8, 2025 to Thursday, January 9, 2025

By James Portside

January 10th, 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:

Lavras Gold Corp —–Buy Quantity: 85,700 Average cost: $2.26 Total: $193,320.00
Insider Relationship Transaction Date Quantity Price Total
Raykov, Rostislav Christov 4 – Director of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-08-25 43,500 $2.21 $96,260.00
Uloth, Rowland Wallace 4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-08-25 42,200 $2.30 $97,060.00
Osisko Metals Incorporated —–Buy Quantity: 390,000 Average cost: $0.36 Total: $140,480.00
Insider Relationship Transaction Date Quantity Price Total
Burzynski, John Feliks 4 – Director of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-09-25 100,000 $0.36 $35,500.00
Burzynski, John Feliks 4 – Director of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-08-25 290,000 $0.36 $104,980.00
Morguard Real Estate Investment Trust —–Buy Quantity: 21,100 Average cost: $5.55 Total: $117,029.04
Insider Relationship Transaction Date Quantity Price Total
Morguard Corporation 3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-07-25 21,100 $5.55 $117,029.04
Lundin Mining Corporation —–Buy Quantity: 8,000 Average cost: $12.48 Total: $99,824.00
Insider Relationship Transaction Date Quantity Price Total
Lundin, Jack Oliver 4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-08-25 8,000 $12.48 $99,824.00
Kraken Robotics Inc —–Buy Quantity: 29,260 Average cost: $2.46 Total: $71,979.60
Insider Relationship Transaction Date Quantity Price Total
MacKay, Duane Joseph Alexander 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-08-25 13,000 $2.46 $31,980.00
Reid, Gregory Michael 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-08-25 16,260 $2.46 $39,999.60
The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider dispositions in the public market are:

Celestica Inc —–Sell Quantity: -25,000 Average cost: $141.64 Total: -$3,541,000.00
Insider Relationship Transaction Date Quantity Price Total
Wilson, Michael M. 4 – Director of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-06-25 -25,000 $141.64 -$3,541,000.00
Kelt Exploration Ltd —–Sell Quantity: -70,000 Average cost: $7.47 Total: -$522,674.00 Options Issued: 70,000 Average cost: $1.24 Total: $86,600.00
Insider Relationship Transaction Date Quantity Price Total
Guinan, William Charles 4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 51 – Exercise of options 01-08-25 10,000 $2.72 $27,200.00
Guinan, William Charles 4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-08-25 -10,000 $7.52 -$75,200.00
MacArthur, Douglas Owen 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 51 – Exercise of options 01-08-25 15,000 $0.99 $14,850.00
MacArthur, Douglas Owen 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-08-25 -15,000 $7.42 -$111,324.00
Miles, Patrick William George 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 51 – Exercise of options 01-08-25 45,000 $0.99 $44,550.00
Miles, Patrick William George 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-08-25 -45,000 $7.47 -$336,150.00
Peyto Exploration & Development Corp —–Sell Quantity: -28,400 Average cost: $17.36 Total: -$493,040.00 Options Issued: 30,000 Average cost: $11.79 Total: $353,700.00
Insider Relationship Transaction Date Quantity Price Total
Carlson, Tavis Aaron 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-08-25 -23,400 $17.36 -$406,290.00
Carlson, Tavis Aaron 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 51 – Exercise of options 01-08-25 25,000 $12.25 $306,250.00
Czember, Derick Nathan 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 51 – Exercise of options 01-09-25 5,000 $9.49 $47,450.00
Czember, Derick Nathan 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-09-25 -5,000 $17.35 -$86,750.00
BlackBerry Limited (formerly Research In Motion Limited) —–Sell Quantity: -48,564 Average cost: $5.76 Total: -$279,534.38
Insider Relationship Transaction Date Quantity Price Total
Dickman, Marjorie Jill 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 57 – Exercise of rights 01-06-25 15,388 $0.00 $0.00
Dickman, Marjorie Jill 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-06-25 -5,737 $5.76 -$33,022.17
Eriksson, Mattias 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 57 – Exercise of rights 01-06-25 37,879 $0.00 $0.00
Eriksson, Mattias 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-06-25 -12,680 $5.76 -$72,986.08
Foote, Tim 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 57 – Exercise of rights 01-06-25 2,367 $0.00 $0.00
Foote, Tim 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-06-25 -745 $5.76 -$4,288.22
Giamatteo, John Joseph 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 57 – Exercise of rights 01-06-25 71,023 $0.00 $0.00
Giamatteo, John Joseph 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-06-25 -29,402 $5.76 -$169,237.91
EQB Inc —–Sell Quantity: -2,500 Average cost: $104.56 Total: -$261,400.00
Insider Relationship Transaction Date Quantity Price Total
Moor, Andrew 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-06-25 -2,500 $104.56 -$261,400.00


What is Insider Trading?

How Insider Trading works.

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January 11 until end of service on Sunday, January 12 Lakeshore West rail service will be temporarily modified

By Staff

January 10th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

Starting on Saturday, January 11 until end of service on Sunday, January 12 Lakeshore West rail service will be temporarily modified to accommodate critical track work that will bring faster, more frequent service across the network.

During this time, Lakeshore West trains will operate on a 30-minute schedule to Aldershot GO and West Harbour GO. Some trips will not stop at Exhibition GO. Additionally, some departure times will be adjusted between 13 minutes earlier and one minute later.

Please check schedules before you travel as trip times on the Lakeshore West Line will be adjusted.

GO Bus connection times will also be adjusted and there may be longer than usual wait times.

Customers connecting to GO buses on Routes 12, 15 and 18 may experience connection times up to two minutes earlier or later. Please check schedules in advance and plan your trip ahead.

Continue reading January 11 until end of service on Sunday, January 12 Lakeshore West rail service will be temporarily modified

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Plan B is 'elated' with Tribunal decision

By Staff

January 10th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

Plan B wants its supporters to know what the Ontario Land Tribunal had to say about its decision not to approve the development that was to replace the Waterfront Hotel with xxx

Here is what they have to say:

Ontario Land Tribunal has finally ruled on January 8th, 2025 on Vrancor’s application to build a 31 + 36 storey behemoth (our words) on the current Waterfront Hotel property.

Member Sharon Dionne, who presided over the 10-day hearing (April 29th – May 17th) of case OLT-22-003866, decided to reject the application, which the City of Burlington had previously rejected, on the basis that “the Proposed Development is not of proper intensity, scale and height, does not “fit” in this location and planning context, nor is it compatible with the adjacent public park lands and private lands east of Elizabeth Street, and it does not represent good planning.”

Continue reading Plan B is ‘elated’ with Tribunal decision

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Trump learns that the US Supreme Court is not there to do his bidding - he will be sentenced on Friday

By Pepper Parr

January 10th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ONTrump learns that the US Supreme Court is not there to do his bidding – he will be sentenced on Friday

 

It may not appear to be local news – everything Donald Trump does has an impact at the local level,

Yesterday the US Supreme Court Supreme Court refused to delay Trump’s hush money sentencing which is to take place Friday.

Continue reading Trump learns that the US Supreme Court is not there to do his bidding – he will be sentenced on Friday

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Rules for taking part in who will lead the Liberal Party

By Pepper Parr

January 10th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Burlington Federal Liberal Association

Who the next leader of the Liberal Party is going to be decided by the members of the Liberal Party.

Who decides who the next Prime Minister is going to be will be decided by citizens across the country.

The federal Liberals have released the rules for the upcoming leadership race; that election will take place on March 9th.

The party announced voting would be open to any Canadian citizen or permanent resident 14 years or older who registers as a Liberal before Jan. 27.

Continue reading Rules for taking part in who will lead the Liberal Party

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Gould is considering a run.

By Staff

January 10th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

iPolitics reports that Ontario cabinet minister Karina Gould is giving serious thought to a Liberal leadership run, according to a source close to her.

Karina Gould squaring off against Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in the House of Commons.

In her role as government House leader, Gould has often squared off against Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in the Commons, who she has called a “fraudster” and a “bully.”

The source said Gould has been receiving “numerous calls” for her to enter the race, which she is “actively considering.”

Continue reading Gould is considering a run.

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Ontario’s regulated iGaming sector has seen substantial growth

By Julieta Belen Correa

January 10th, 2025

Burlington, ON

 

Ontario’s regulated iGaming sector has seen substantial growth since inception, with recent figures indicating about $14 billion in bets over the reporting period. This environment has attracted multiple industry players looking to expand their presence.

Golden Matrix Group, known for B2B and B2C gaming technology, has now applied for a license that would allow its subsidiary, Expanse Studios, to enter the Ontario iGaming scene. This attempt to gain a foothold comes as companies increasingly look for ways to broaden their offerings in Canada through online games, where regulated platforms give them a chance to interact with a strong pool of players who appreciate quality gaming experiences.

According to iGaming expert Andreea Stanescu, some of the best online casinos abroad are also accessible to Canadians. These platforms provide even stiffer competition for local offerings as they often operate with fewer restrictions and are therefore able to provide features like anonymous gambling, easier registrations, higher limits, and more expansive payment methods that include cryptocurrency.

However, despite that competition, locally registered have been performing exceptionally. Golden Matrix’s interest in Ontario is part of a push that began early this year. The company believes that approval could significantly influence its revenue streams, though it acknowledges the complexity and time typically required to receive the regulatory go-ahead.

Approval times can range from six to 12 months, and it is not guaranteed. Still, the region’s structure makes it appealing for operators capable of meeting requirements and providing content that can stand out among existing competitors.

Expanse Studios, operating under the Golden Matrix umbrella, already has a presence in more than 50 regulated gaming jurisdictions. These include a broad mix of slot titles, table games, crash games, and social casino offerings. Access to Ontario would allow the studio to introduce its suite of games to a new, sizable audience.

According to Expanse CEO Damjan Stamenkovic, completing the filing is a critical milestone that underscores the brand’s commitment to competing in major regulated markets and delivering top-tier content to players. Observers suggest that the company’s strong track record in other jurisdictions could help it secure player interest.

Before finalizing its application, Expanse Studios sought guidance from Canadian regulatory specialists Segev LLP. Representing the brand, Managing Partner Alon Segev praised the studio’s focus on compliance and standards. If the studio’s games make their way into Ontario’s ecosystem, they may help diversify the local catalogue, encouraging further competition.

Golden Matrix’s performance adds context to this strategic move. In Q3 2024, the company reported its highest-ever revenue of $41 million—an 85% annual increase—attributing the jump to strategic initiatives and strength in both products and teams.

Beyond Ontario, Golden Matrix has filed for permission to operate as a B2B provider in Brazil’s emerging market. Its Meridianbet acquisition for an estimated $300 million USD ($430 million CAD) demonstrates the group’s confidence in tapping multiple jurisdictions as they become available.

Ontario’s move toward regulated iGaming came at a time when Canadian gambling laws were shifting. Following the passage of Bill C-218 in 2021, single-event sports betting became an option, expanding the scope of wagers beyond traditional parlay formats.

The Ontario market stands out for encouraging third-party providers to introduce new experiences, contributing to a diverse set of regulated offerings for consumers across the province and the country.

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Grant fund provides $75,000 to local artists, multicultural groups, arts and culture organizations

By Staff

January 9th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Calling #BurlON artists!

From the city –

Here’s your chance to apply for the 2025 Burlington Arts and Culture Fund. This grant provides $75,000 to local artists, multicultural groups and arts and culture organizations.

Continue reading Grant fund provides $75,000 to local artists, multicultural groups, arts and culture organizations

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Are we beginning to see some rent relief?

By Staff

January 9th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Average asking rents for all residential property types in Canada dropped 3.2% in 2024, reaching a 17-month low of $2,109 in December. The decline in 2024 follows rent growth of 8.6% in 2023 and 12.1% in 2022, making this the first annual rent decrease since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Despite the recent drop, rents remain up 16.8% over the past five years.

The rental market softened across most parts of the country last year.

Continue reading Are we beginning to see some rent relief?

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Do these people not have something useful to do?

By Staff

January 9th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Karina, Pam, Adam, Marianne, Rory, Jackie, and  Catherine are getting together to have their picture taken.

Here is the way the city communications people described the event:

Transit terminal on John Street will be torn down something in 2025.

Honourable Karina Gould, Member of Parliament for Burlington, Pam Damoff, Member of Parliament for Oakville North—Burlington, Adam Van Koeverden, Member of Parliament for Milton, Her Worship Marianne Meed Ward, Burlington Mayor, Rory Nisan, Burlington Deputy Mayor for the Environment and Jacqueline Johnson, Commissioner of Community Services, City of Burlington, Catherine Baldelli, Director of Burlington Transit, City of Burlington.

Some unnecessary flourishes in the preceeding paragraph.

This upgraded photo op is to announce that the federal government is sending the city more money for transit

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BRAG gets a response from the city on their 14 questions

By Staff

January 9th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

That city budget, the one that laid a 7.51% increase on the citizens of the city – the one that took the cumulative tax increase between 2018, when the current Council was first elected and then re-elected in 2002, up to 65.10%

Continue reading BRAG gets a response from the city on their 14 questions

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There is more to the Chamber of Commerce than many realize

By Staff

January 9th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

We did a short piece a week or so ago on the Chamber of Commerce membership numbers.

At the time we reported that there were 15 new members and included an image showing who the members were.

What we reported was somewhat misleading – the 15 new members were organizations that joined in the month of December.

The number of new members for 2024 was 234 bringing the total current membership up to 812.

The highest Chamber membership was 1100; that was a decade or two ago.

Continue reading There is more to the Chamber of Commerce than many realize

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What does home mean to grades 4,5 and 6 students?

By Staff

January 9th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Students in grades 4, 5 and 6 are invited to answer the question “What does home mean to you?”

The annual Meaning of Home Habitat for Humanity writing contest is open until February 21, 2025,

The goal this year is t0 entice 850+ student submissions across Halton Mississauga and Dufferin Region!

Access to safe and affordable housing continues to be a top priority for all Canadians, including children, who understand how it can provide their family with a place to pursue their dreams and build a better life. Our model of affordable homeownership helps families in need of housing to buy their own home through an affordable mortgage geared to income — helping them build a strong foundation and the financial stability to plan for their children’s futures.

Continue reading What does home mean to grades 4,5 and 6 students?

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Poilievre's Musk and Peterson backing about as helpful as a KKK endorsement

By Tom Parkin

January 9th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Support from Elon Musk and Jordan Peterson, a former tenured professor at the University of Toronto,  might be a valuable signal to U.S. Republicans, but it’s a big backfire among Canadians

Poilievre and Peterson in conversation. They did a webcast that was two hours in length.

The Poilievre strategists thought a discussion with celebrity identitarian Jordan Peterson would let Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre reach Canadians directly, unchecked by pesky reporters and their pesky journalistic standards.

It did. And it was a big mistake.

Continue reading Poilievre’s Musk and Peterson backing about as helpful as a KKK endorsement

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What do you do when an uninvited creature comes through the bedroom wall?

By Staff

January 8th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

This fancy-tailed little asshat has been living peacefully in my walls for over a year. I didn’t mind.

Noisy, uninvited, and given its private unique exit.

But a couple of months ago he began removing bits of drywall on his side of the wall, in an increasingly noisy and concerted nighttime campaign to immigrate to my side of the wall.

I am not looking for a housemate.

I called Skedaddle. They sent over a crew of nine people and quoted $2200. To oust a single squirrel. I had no words.

That’s a lie. I had words. I did not have $2200.

The squirrel was shown the door.

 

 

Continue reading What do you do when an uninvited creature comes through the bedroom wall?

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U.S. surgeon general calls for cancer warnings on alcohol, Brock expert says it’s not that simple

By Staff

January 8th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

With “Dry January” underway, encouraging people to consider reducing their alcohol consumption, the United States’ top doctor has also issued a call to label alcohol as cancer-causing.

Brock University Professor of Health Sciences Dan Malleck

But Brock University Professor of Health Sciences Dan Malleck says there needs to be a more nuanced approach to discussions regarding alcohol consumption before people rush to chucking their wine collections in the bin for good.

“The anti-alcohol perspective is our default setting,” he says. “We are too willing to accept research showing it’s bad and be skeptical of evidence that says otherwise. This is a problem.”

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy’s advisory, which was released on Friday, Jan. 3, warns that alcohol consumption can increase the risk of cancer and that an updated health warning label is needed on alcoholic beverages to identify that risk.

These advisories are typically reserved for issues deemed to require immediate awareness and action and can be associated with major changes in a nation’s health habits. The surgeon general’s 1964 report on smoking is one such example.

Continue reading U.S. surgeon general calls for cancer warnings on alcohol, Brock expert says it’s not that simple

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