Tariffed sectors headed down in October along with residential construction and retail, the warning bell of too few Canadians with money to spend.
Economy shrank in most months of 2025, to October
Change in monthly GDP, annualized and adjusted for season and inflation
Canada’s gross domestic product fell by 0.3 per cent in October and the data released by Statistics Canada on Tuesday had some tell-tale signs of the United States president’s attack on Canada.
All data in this report is adjusted for seasonal and inflation. GDP values are annualized; per cent changes are not.
October’s 0.3 per cent decline wiped out September’s 0.2 per cent GDP gain. In six of the ten months of 2025 now reported, GDP fell. October GDP was $1.3 billion less than January.
Trump tariffed industries fall in October
Monthly, Jan 2021 to Oct 2025, annualized and adjusted for season and inflation
The Trump administration has put tariffs on U.S. imports of lumber, steel, aluminum and assembled vehicles. Though the sectoral tariffs are global, the effect is a more intense attack on working Canadian because of higher trade volumes in those sectors compared to other countries.
In October, sawmills production fell $382 million from September. Iron and steel dropped $54 million. Aluminum fell $53 million. Auto assembly dropped $80 million In October, all four manufacturing sectors were below January’s levels.
Residential construction and retail down
Monthly, Jan 2022 to Oct 2025, annualized and adjusted for season and inflation
However, as the charts also show, key sectors were already facing challenges before Trump and not all the economic damage has been externally inflicted.
Over many years, and under various parties in Ottawa and provincial capitals, Canadian economic growth has been weak.
The weight of the winter 2022 housing sector collapse continues to crush residential construction jobs, with the sector down $212 million between September and October. The sector is down $7.7 billion since its peak in March 2022, when higher interest rates ended soaring housing prices.
The declines and resulting unemployment together with high prices pushed down on retail sales and retail workers. The sector fell $791 million in October and is now $1.3 billion below its December 2024 peak. This signal of weak household spending echoes detailed quarterly data released last month showing household consumer demand falling.
GDP by sector, October
GDP by industry, Oct 2025, annualized and adjusted for season and inflation
Thank you to our many readers, contributors, and commenters who took the time during 2025 and made the effort to engage with the Burlington Gazette. Your participation matters. The Gazette exists to be Burlington’s watchdog, a watchdog for the watchdogs, and a voice for the community – a role that only has weight because you lend it yours.
We read every comment submitted. Many add depth, context, and lived experience to the issues we cover. Others, after vetting, do not make it to publication – not because dissent isn’t welcome, but because credibility, relevance, and respect for facts matter. The strength of public discourse depends on that balance.
As we look ahead to an election year, it’s worth saying plainly: remaining quiet is not a neutral act. If you believe Burlington is a great place to live, that belief still needs a voice. If you believe change is needed, passivity sends the wrong signal. Democracy does not thrive on silence, and neither does good local governance.
The Burlington Gazette will continue to ask questions, publish uncomfortable facts, and provide space for informed community voices. We encourage you to do the same – read, question, comment, and engage. The city is better for it.
CO is an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly. You can’t see, hear, taste, or smell it, which is why it’s called the “silent killer.”
Important facts
It’s the law: You must have CO alarms outside each sleeping area in your home and on every floor level in residential and care occupancy buildings with fuel-burning appliances, heating systems, fireplaces or attached garages. Apartment and condominium (multi-unit residential) and care occupancy buildings with attached garages or service rooms, CO alarms are required in each unit with a common wall, floor or ceiling with the garage or service room and in the service room. CO alarms are required in each public corridor where a forced-air fuel-burning appliance provides heated air (e.g. hallway of each floor).
Combination alarms that sense for smoke, fire and CO are available.
Buy alarms from trusted retailers that have certification markings to ensure they meet Canadian safety standards.
If the alarm sounds: Leave your home immediately and call 9-1-1.
Safety checklist
Make sure outside vents are clear and not blocked, especially after heavy snowfall when snow can pile up and block them.
Install a CO alarm on every level of your home and next to sleeping areas.
Get your fuel-burning appliances inspected yearly.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation and maintenance.
GO Transit has beefed up its service for New Year’s Eve on the Lakeshore West Line
Lakeshore West: We will be adding extra late-night trips on Dec. 31 to help you get home safely, with the last train leaving Union Station at 7:47 a.m.
Riders are encouraged to continue tapping on and off with their PRESTO card, but they will not be charged.
He presses the prime minister to fix what aren’t the real causes of the frustrations and worries facing working families. How is that useful?
Official opposition leader Pierre Poilievre may not be very consistent on whether accepting floor-crossing MPs is principled or opportunist. Or maybe his consistency lies in saying it’s bad if others do it, but good when he does.
Perhaps it is a question of perspective. But it’s arguable that Poilievre is a very consistent politician. He will consistently hit on the economic issues working families care about. He will consistently point at someone as the reason they are frustrated.
But he is also consistent in pointing at the wrong people, away from the real sources of their frustrations. And that makes him utterly useless to working families.
Consistently pointing away from the real causes of people’s problems
Poilievre pressed the government to cancel carbon pricing, saying it was the cause of inflation. So the Carney Liberals cancelled the carbon tax. And prices didn’t go down. Nothing got cheaper.
“Axe the tax” did not stop inflation, as Poilievre promised
Consumer Price Index, monthly, Nov 2021 to Nov 2025
Poilievre pressed the Liberals to cancel foreign worker permits, calling it the cause of youth unemployment. So the Carney Liberals pushed out 176,000 foreign workers since the start of 2025. And youth unemployment didn’t go down, it went up.
In fact, between June 30 and September 30, as 103,000 foreign workers left, youth unemployment rose from 14 to 15 per cent. Job vacancies fell by 8,000. And 54,000 more Canadians became unemployed. Once again, the solution Poilievre proposed was useless.
Not the jobs solution Poilievre said it would be.
Number of people in Canada on a work or work and study permit and the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate, Jul 1, 2024 to Oct 1, 2025
And his theory on how to increase affordable housing was equally useless. Poilievre pointed at foreign workers and students as the cause.
But the big run-up in housing costs happened in 2020 and 2021. The increase in foreign workers and students didn’t even start until late 2022. Causes come before effects, but not in Poilievre’s story.
Poilievre: wrong about what caused of soaring house prices
Price of the CREA’s average benchmark house and number of in people in Canada on a work or study permit, Oct 1 2021 to Oct 1, 2025.
We can debate carbon pricing or policy for temporary work and student permits.
But there is no debate that Poilievre’s prescriptions on prices, jobs and housing didn’t work. Other factors and market movers far dominated, pushing opposite to where Poilievre said his changes would lead.
But Pierre Poilievre didn’t point at those factors. Or propose to tackle them. He pointed people away from them. Consistently.
Poilievre gets it wrong, and working families pay the price
We can’t say it’s intentional diversion. But his consistency in getting it wrong is remarkable. Whatever the motivation, working people can’t afford a useless advocate.
Pierre Poilievre had his moment to provide solutions for working families. Somewhat shamefully, the Carney Liberals adopted them. The results are in. They didn’t work.
But by implementing Poilievre’s policies the Carney Liberals have done one favour for working families: they’ve unmasked the uselessness of Pierre Poilievre.
And now that we know his ideas don’t work a space opens for someone whose approach will.
The name given to a computer program created by the Planning department that tells you what is taking place in the way of development.
It is a brilliant application that tells you more than you will ever want to know about any development that is on the books.
This is what the opening page of Pipeline to Permit looks like. It’s one of the smartest things the Planning department has ever done.
Where it is located, what it consists of and where it stands in terms of actual development.
This page shows where the developments are located. Click on one of those dots, and you get taken to the development where everything you want to know is there – including a “Dig Deeper” button.
Jamie Tellier and Nick Anastasopoulos worked together to make this happen. When the idea was clear, they turned to Chad MacDonald, Executive Director, Digital Service and Chief Information Officer to make it happen.
It would be easy to spend a couple of hours scrolling through all the developments that are underway.
The idea came out of the Planning department and was crafted by the people in Digital Services.
Mayor Meed Ward can’t stop boasting about the program – and well she should. She speaks of selling the concept to other communities – good idea – no word on just how far that idea went.
If you want to know how the city is going to grow, this is the best place to start.
Click HERE to get there. Bookmark this address – you will want to return to it often. The moment there is a change with any development the dashboard is updated.
There are times when I have to wonder what some people are smoking.
This from the Burlington Conservative Party Association:
“It’s been a demanding year and now we must prepare for what is next to come!
Is Mark Carney about to welcome another Conservative MP to the Liberal Party?
“With the real possibility of an election in 2026, we must rebuild our campaign fund so we are prepared at a moment’s notice.
“Ottawa is unstable and Canadians deserve better! It is time for change. It is time for common sense and strong leadership for Canada.
“We have set a modest goal of raising $10,000 before December 31st.”
Who writes this stuff doe them?
The next election is going to be in 2029; that will be guaranteed when yet one more Conservative crosses the floor of the House of Commons to become a Liberal
Thirty-nine percent view him favourably and 44 percent view him unfavourably, for a net rating of minus 5.
The problem is not with the Conservative Party – it is with the leader they have. He is due for a review by the membership of the party sometime in January.
The smartest thing the federal Conservatives could do is call a leadership convention – give the membership a year to see who comes forward and seek a leader who has some credibility.
The country does need an Opposition party
The Burlington Conservatives end their message with:
By donating through this link burlingtonconservative.ca, you are directly supporting your Burlington riding and your Conservative Party of Canada candidate.
2026 should see more in the way of public interest in municipal politics.
With an election taking place in October, public interest will be higher.
Focus Burlington, a community group that wants to see more attention paid to property taxes; they argue that the four-year 40% plus increases are not sustainable.
They will be holding a panel discussion in the middle of January that will feature people who will talk about taxes and take questions.
The event will take place at the Lions Hall.
Focus Burlington is billing this as a “community discussion on charting a new direction for our city.
“2026 is already shaping up to be a pivotal year—economically, politically, and especially at the municipal level. Across the region, signs of political unrest are emerging. In Toronto and Hamilton, rising property taxes, traffic congestion, homelessness, and intensification have pushed municipal issues to the forefront of public debate. Competitive election races are beginning to take shape, and Burlington is no exception.”
This job posting relates to Mississauga but there is every reason to believe that the details would apply to Burlington as well.
The details:
Councillor’s Executive Assistant – Ward 3
Vacancy Type: Temporary
Contract Duration: November 14, 2026
Number of Positions: 1
Closing Date: 12/23/2025
Job Summary
Under the general direction of the Councillor, the Ward 3 EA will carry out the executive daily duties of the Council Office.
The successful candidate will be considered for the duration of the Elected Official’s term of Office. The current term ends November 14, 2026.
This position is eligible for the following benefits: Three Weeks Vacation, Two Personal Paid Days, Extended Health Care (Vision, Prescriptions, Paramedical, etc), Dental Care, Basic Employee Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Optional Life Insurance, Optional Critical Illness Insurance and eligible to elect to join the OMERS Pension Plan.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
• Ensure the Councillor is relieved of all executive details as it relates to the day-to-day running of the office.
• Assume primary responsibility for scheduling Councillor’s appointments, invitations, etc. ensuring that there is no scheduling conflict and also ensuring that Councillor has necessary information and material for each meeting and/or event.
• Assume primary responsibility for the review and distribution of all incoming mail, faxes, e-mails and telephone inquiries to appropriate staff member and the administrative assistant.
• Receive and respond to in-person, telephone and email inquiries from community partners, stakeholders, internal and external staff. As well as oversee communication with residents that the administrative assistant takes.
• Drafting correspondence on behalf of the Councillor (written).
• Updating and maintaining spreadsheets and databases, and data entry.
• Photocopying, opening and distributing mail, and other general clerical duties.
• Budget monitoring experience required.
• Working knowledge in a Windows environment with experience in the Internet and web posting.
• Attend and assist in the organization of events.
• Liaise with other Councillors, Councillors Assistants, senior management, other government officials, constituents and community representatives as required.
• May undertake other activities consistent with the requirements of the Councillor’s office.Skills and Qualifications
• Post- secondary education with two to five years’ experience in an administrative related position is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working with elected official is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of the City sufficient to obtain information in response to constituent questions and issues and to refer constituents.
• Knowledge of the mandate and structure of Council and its committees is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of various MS Office applications including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook
• Knowledge of office systems and procedures.
• Energetic, motivated and a self-starter.
• Deal effectively with time frames and deadlines, and work effectively under pressure.
• Deal effectively with people under circumstances where the other party can be highly irate and unreasonable.
• Strong ability to multitask and take on a variety of assignments.
• Organize, prioritize and manage tasks and responsibilities toward timely completion, adjusting priorities as required.
• Ability to maintain composure in stressful and difficult situations.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of tact and diplomacy when dealing with constituents, other Councillors, senior management, different levels of government, etc.
• Excellent written and oral communication and listening skills.
• Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check will be required of the successful candidate, as a condition of employment, at their own expense
Hourly Rate/Salary: $43.19-$57.59 (annual salary $78,602- $104,806)
Hours of Work: 35
Work Location: Civic Centre
In just a little over an hour from now City Hall will close for the holidays.
Staff in most of the departments will have put active files away for a few days; some of the more xxx staff members might take a file home with them to do some thinkingover the holidays.
Everyone returns on the 5th of January – the start of a new year – and an election year as well.
What will Staff and Council be focusing on?
Not a banner that will be seen in this location again. Sound of Music leadership appears to intend to rise from the ashes.
The public will want to know the details on whatever the new Music Festival is going to be called and what the financial side of that picture is going to look like. Sure it’s free for those who want to attend – but what is it going to cost the city? Recall being told that this would be a multi-year contract: Might be soft on the public purse in year one to get this Council through the election in October.
Is it a Caravan that is beginning to look like a circus?
Will Burlington be included in the FIFA Caravan tour that will be visiting 15 Ontario city’s? Burlington is committed to paying $160,000 while Chatham Kent is committed to $50,000 – why such a huge difference in costs when the communities are not that far apart in population size.
The decision to bring the current not-for-profit Burlington Economic Development and Tourism corporation inside City Hall and making it a department that would report to the CAO is both complex and significant – it will have a major impact on how new businesses are brought to Burlington.
Rendering of proposed design for a new Art Gallery.
Will the plans to tear down the current Art Gallery on Lakeshore Road go any further?
The design was impressive – the location just didn’t seem to work.
Will the existing Land Tribunal decision on the Waterfront Hotel site get revised? The OLT decided against the proposed development.
And finally, are there any surprises in store for the city? You could bet the farm on that one?
Donald Trump delivered an unprecedented 18 minute end-of-year progress report to the American people last Wednesday evening. The speech was hurried and replete with Trump’s trade mark superlatives. And most of what he said, as usual, was pure fantasy. Though Trump’s love of tariffs, his favourite word, is very real.
It was once an undefended open border.
Trade with Canada didn’t feature in the speech however, on that same day one of his trade minions announced America’s initial conditions for the renewal of the North American trade agreement, USMCA or CUSMA as we Canadians call it. USMCA runs to 2036 in principle but can be cancelled or amended anytime, and is subject to a review in 2026.
The Yanks would like us to fold up our supply management system for dairy and let them sell as much duty free milk and cheese here as they want. They are annoyed that most of the premiers have taken American booze off the shelves and want that reversed. They have also asked that the government rescind the digital services tax, which is still on the books, even though the tax is not being collected.
Mr. Carney says Trump has never told him he wanted to kill the trade pact. And he thought they were close to compromising on the US sectoral tariffs. That is, before Doug Ford ended negotiations with his hair-brained plan to run an old Ronald Reagan speech on US TV stations. Mr. Trump considered that to be foreign interference in US politics and cancelled all further sectoral trade discussions with Canada.
Trump, arguably, has already broken the deal by his unjustified tariffs. But he doesn’t care about that little detail, and nobody should think he’s giving up on eventually putting a tariff on every thing crossing the US border. He is convinced he’ll be able to raise enough money through tariffs to cut income taxes even more – and possibly meet his goal of eliminating income taxes all together. So odds are that any renewed USMCA, should there be one, will not be about ‘free’ trade.
One of the two isn’t getting what’s going on.
Mr. Carney claims that around 70% of Canada’s exports continue to enter the US duty free, despite the other US tariffs. So any new trade deal with tariffs will only provide less competitive access to US markets. So you’d think we should be in no rush to ink another trade agreement. And that may explain why Mr. Carney is not in any rush to renew USMCA.
USMCA and it’s earlier versions were conceived in the context of globalization. But now the world order has changed thanks to Putin, Xi and Trump. We now need to focus on ourselves, building Canada, and our physical and economic national security. And when it comes to trading with the bully next door, no deal is better than a bad deal. That is especially true if it means sacrificing our dairy farmers and decades-long economic stability for the farm communities reliant on them.
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
Lately, Canadian online casinos have been levelling up by adding a fun twist—games inspired by superheroes and other comic book favourites. These platforms are now tapping into a vibrant world where fandom meets real money play, making gaming more exciting and personal.
From slots featuring legendary comic book heroes and characters to games packed with geek culture references, this trend is rapidly gaining popularity. Below, we’ll explore why comic book themes are booming in Canadian casinos and how they connect with passionate fans. Let’s dive in!
The Emergence of Comic-Themed Casino Platforms in Canada
Comic-themed casino platforms have gained traction in Canada over the past several years. Originally, themed slot games started to appear around the early 2010s, but it wasn’t until recently that comic book-themed games and designs truly took off.
With the booming popularity of geek culture and blockbuster superhero movies, Canadian casino platforms started aligning with this trend to attract a wider audience.
Today, you’ll find popular titles like Batman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash among slot game selections, alongside lesser-known comic-inspired games that attract fans with vibrant graphics and familiar characters. These games combine the thrill of gambling with the excitement of immersing into a comic universe, making for a unique and engaging experience.
Canadian casino platforms leverage pop culture by licensing well-known characters and creating immersive experiences that resonate with casino regulars and comic fans.
This blend of fandom and real money play is changing the online casino landscape in Canada, making it more engaging and culturally relevant for players who love comics and superheroes.
Why Comic and Superhero Themes Resonate with Players
Geek culture, which has transitioned from a niche interest to a dominant force in mainstream media.
Comic and superhero themes have become a major draw in online gaming, especially on Canadian casino platforms. This surge in popularity is closely tied to the rise of geek culture, which has transitioned from a niche interest to a dominant force in mainstream media.
The allure of superheroes lies in their timeless appeal. Characters from comic book moguls like Marvel and DC offer more than just thrilling adventures; they provide rich narratives and complex personalities that resonate with fans.
These stories often explore themes of justice, identity, and resilience, which resonate with players personally and emotionally. For instance, Batman’s journey from tragedy to heroism mirrors personal growth and bravery, making him a compelling figure for many.
Incorporating these themes into casino games enhances player engagement. When players interact with games featuring their favourite superheroes, it creates an immersive experience that goes beyond traditional gaming.
This fusion of pop culture and gaming attracts a dedicated fan base and fosters a deeper emotional connection, making each game session more enjoyable and memorable.
Fandom-Driven Engagement: Building Communities Around Casino Games
Comic-themed casinos are redefining the online gaming experience by tapping into the rich world of fandoms. These platforms go beyond traditional gaming by integrating elements that resonate deeply with fans of comics and superheroes.
A core engagement tactic involves offering exclusive bonuses and themed tournaments. For instance, players might receive special rewards for participating in events centred around their favourite comic characters or storylines. These promotions enhance the gaming experience and foster a sense of belonging within the community.
Branded content further strengthens this connection. Casinos create an immersive environment that appeals to fans’ nostalgia and passion by incorporating familiar characters and narratives into the gameplay.
Interactive features and social elements are also pivotal. Many comic-themed casinos include leaderboards, multiplayer modes, and social sharing options. These allow players to connect with others who share their interests, transforming gaming from a solitary activity into a communal experience.
In essence, comic-themed casinos are building vibrant communities by aligning their offerings with their players’ passions, creating a dynamic and engaging environment that goes beyond mere gaming.
The Business Angle
Incorporating pop culture themes, especially comic book characters, has proven to be a successful tactic for drawing in players in today’s modern casino industry setting.
Boosting Acquisition
Comic-themed slots, such as those based on Marvel and DC characters, offer more than engaging gameplay.
These games often feature immersive storylines, high-quality graphics, and interactive bonus rounds, which enhance player engagement and satisfaction.
Strategic Partnerships and Licensing Deals
Casinos have leveraged partnerships with comic brands to create exclusive gaming content. For instance, collaborations with Marvel and DC Comics have led to the development of branded slot games that resonate with a broad audience. These licensing deals provide fresh content and tap into the established fan bases of these iconic brands.
Gaining Competitive Advantage
In a crowded market, offering comic-themed games or experiences can set a casino apart from its competitors. Fusing beloved comic characters with the thrill of gambling creates a niche that appeals to comic enthusiasts and casual gamers. This unique offering can attract a dedicated player base, enhancing brand loyalty and increasing market share.
Casinos can enhance their marketing efforts by embracing pop culture themes and forming strategic partnerships, building a more engaged and loyal player community.
Comic-themed Casinos Are Shaping the Future of Gaming
Comic-themed Canadian casinos are making a big impact by merging pop culture with gaming. These platforms leverage the growing popularity of superheroes and comics to produce distinctive and captivating experiences that draw in new players and devoted followers.
As these platforms continue innovating with exciting themes and strategic partnerships, they offer more than just gameplay—they deliver immersive, themed experiences that deepen player loyalty. They offer a chance to dive into the world of your favourite heroes.
Over the past few years, the education sector has faced unprecedented challenges and funding pressures. Student enrolment will continue to decline over the next two years due to aging neighbourhoods and slower growth in new development areas in Halton. With student enrolment as the main driver of school board funding, this will result in less funding received.
Declining enrollment will see fewer schools with this kind of student population
The HDSB has budgeted for a $7.1 million deficit in the current year and is required by regulation to eliminate this deficit next school year (2026-2027). Balancing the budget will require eliminating the existing deficit and identifying additional reductions to address further enrolment decline.
Parents/guardians, students, staff and community members are encouraged to review budget information on the Budget Input webpage and submit questions through the Public InformationSession Question Form by Monday, Jan. 12 at 4 p.m. Questions will be answered during the session and through a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document posted on the website. Opportunities to provide feedback on the budget will be shared following the session.
The budget development process aligns the allocation of resources to the HDSB’s strategic priorities, as outlined in the 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan.
HDSB 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan
The 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan sets direction and prioritizes the collective actions of all students, staff, families and community members. This plan ensures our efforts as an organization are aligned and
coordinated to support more than 65,000 students, 11,000 staff and the broader HDSB community. The six commitments identified in this four-year plan intersect and overlap to ensure that we take a cohesive approach to fulfilling its objectives.
As the year comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for your continued support of United Way Halton & Hamilton’s Holiday Helping Hand program. Your coverage and partnership play a critical role in helping our community understand both the need, and the impact, of coming together during the holidays.
This year, thanks to the generosity of donors, volunteers, partners the Holiday Helping Hand distributed approximately $220,000 in financial relief, supporting more than 5,000 people through 27 community partner agencies across Halton and Hamilton. This represents a $70,000 increase over last year, reflecting both rising community need and an incredible response from the community.
Behind these numbers are real families experiencing relief, dignity, and moments of hope during what can be an especially challenging time of year. From essential kits and toys to volunteer support and dignity-centred delivery, this program continues to show the power of neighbours helping neighbours.
Holiday Helping Hand was created in direct response to the increasing pressure being felt by both families and the frontline agencies that support them year-round. Many local organizations experience a surge in demand during the holidays, while operating with limited capacity.
Parents able to focus on their children, individuals able to meet basic needs, and households experiencing a sense of stability during a challenging time.
“This program is about mobilizing the generosity that already exists in our community and directing it where it’s needed most,” said Park. “Holiday Helping Hand helps relieve pressure on local agencies while ensuring people receive support in ways that respect their dignity and individual circumstances.”
Through the initiative, community members are able to give in meaningful ways, by volunteering at United Way-supported agencies, sponsoring families, or donating essential items such as grocery gift cards, toys, hygiene supplies, bedding, and clothing.
Impact by the Numbers
This year’s Holiday Helping Hand program delivered tangible, life-changing support, including:
217 families supported, representing 706 people, with 100 percent of registered families served, including families added just one week before registration closed
1,022 essential kits distributed to help meet urgent needs
533 stocking stuffers collected, valued at $2,665
$73,440 worth of toys donated, benefiting approximately 2,448 people
327 volunteers contributing their time across 28 Days of Caring shifts at partner agencies and 9 kit drive opportunities
Behind these numbers are real families and real moments of relief. Parents able to focus on their children, individuals able to meet basic needs, and households experiencing a sense of stability during a challenging time.
As featured in the press and seen online, things aren’t cheap these days. In fact, with the cost of living going through the roof, people are making cutbacks. As one of the most alluring forms of entertainment, gaming is a preference for many. However, it isn’t exactly cheap these days. As such, many diehard gamers are assessing more affordable options, including free gaming sites.
Love gaming? Try Canada’s best free sites
Housing extensive gaming libraries, there are some excellent websites out there that have your back. For gamers who are beginning to question whether or not gaming is a luxury they can afford, all is not lost. It’s a problem, though. For example, in Canada, a newly released standard addition console game can cost upwards of $100. That’s without factoring in the cost of an actual console itself and the various accessories gamers are encouraged to buy. For many consumers, it’s simply not affordable.
That’s where some of Canada’s best free gaming sites come in handy, with people all over the world turning to these tried and trusted websites. While they might not compare to the sophisticated products on a PlayStation 5 console, they still deliver the fun and entertainment gamers crave. Below, we highlight some of the best options.
Kongregate is a portal for free online games
Kongregate is still going strong in 2025. Alongside leaderboards for the top and badges to earn, there are some fantastic free games to play. Signing up is recommended, though, especially if you’re keen to make use of their various features. Still, whether you do or not, there are shooters like Bloons Super Monkey to experience, action titles like Kuja to play, and American football-themed favorites such as Retro Bowl to tackle. A gaming site with a strong reputation, Kongregate is superb.
Addicting Games has thousands of releases
While not every release on Addicting Games is impossible to put down, there are some top-notch products on there. In fact, it’s a site that offers thousands of options across diverse gaming categories, including retro classics and new releases. Titles like Dwarf Legacy are currently standing out, while Santa’s Quest is also popular. In truth, though, there are hundreds of enticing titles, all of which can be enjoyed in a matter of seconds.
Casino.com Canada boasts a range of games to try for free
If you’re partial to casino gaming, be it slot games or classic table products like blackjack, then Casino.com Canada boasts a range of demo games to try for free. These demos let gamers explore a specific product before spending their hard-earned cash, with the site’s team of trusted experts sharing only the very best games to sample. A website that also specializes in providing casino gamers with promotions and bonuses, there is an array of titles to consider playing for free, including online slots like J Mania Diamonds and Mad Hit Hidden Cities.
Pogo Games has been around for over 20 years
Pogo Games is a go-to option for many gamers. For over 20 years now, it has been regarded by many as the home of casual games.
Although you’ll have to register to access the site’s full collection of titles, Pogo Games is a go-to option for many gamers. For over 20 years now, it has been regarded by many as the home of casual games. Owned by Electronic Arts, it caters to both retro players and gamers seeking modern products, with no downloads required once you join its vibrant gaming community.
Alternative options
While the aforementioned sites are the best out there, there are some other viable options. For example, Arkadium is brilliant for crosswords and the classics, while the Epic Games Store serves up multiplayer masterpieces like Fortnite and Valorant. If you want to play with your children, CBC has a range of games for kids. Even Reader’s Digest Canada is an underrated hub for interesting games and puzzles.
Another reason to live in Burlington – even if the taxes are too high and you can’t afford the rent.
How many insurance claims will this work out to?
Rising auto insurance costs in Ontario may be changing how drivers handle collisions. A study examines the relationship between reported accident history and high-risk driving behaviour across Ontario cities, identifying municipalities where these two measures diverge in unusual ways, patterns that may point to accident-reporting anomalies.
Ontario drivers see an average 96% increase in car insurance premiums at renewal after an at-fault accident.
With the average Ontario premium now ~$1,900, a single at-fault collision can push annual costs to $3,700+, often for multiple years.
Brampton, Belleville, and Peterborough show the largest gaps between dangerous driving behaviour and reported accidents, suggesting potential underreporting.
Several mid-sized cities, including Brantford, Scarborough, and North Bay, also show risky driving patterns that outpace reported collision history.
Toronto and Ottawa show minimal ticket–accident gaps, indicating accident reporting aligns more closely with driving behaviour in major urban centres.
At the opposite end, cities such as Kingston, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, and Burlington report accidents at higher rates than dangerous driving tickets, suggesting collisions are more likely to be formally reported.
When even a minor at-fault collision can add nearly $1,800 per year in insurance costs, often lasting three to six years, many drivers face a difficult financial decision. With bumper and sensor repairs frequently costing $1,500–$2,000 and most drivers carrying $1,000+ deductibles, settling repairs out of pocket can appear cheaper in the short term, even if it creates long-term risk distortions.
Dr. Armita Rahmani, Regional Supervising Coroner, East Region, Kingston Office, announced the scheduling of inquests into the deaths of Shimon Abrahams, Quinn Borde, Shane Gammie, Christopher Sipes, and Qin Long (Qinlong) Xue.
Collins Bay is a Medium Security institution. Kingston has more than five Correctional institutions in the area. The death of five inmates over a four-year period seems high. Should questions be asked?
All five men died while in custody or after transfer to hospital from Collins Bay Institution in Kingston.
The inquest will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026. Bonnie Goldberg will be the presiding officer and Kristin Smith and Erin Winocur will be the inquest counsel.
Mr. Abrahams, 41, died on June 13, 2022; Mr. Borde, 39, died on April 2, 2022; Mr. Gammie, 35, died on November 24, 2018; Mr. Sipes, 51, died on November 21, 2019; and Mr. Xue, 26, died on November 13, 2020.
All five men died while in custody or after transfer to hospital from Collins Bay Institution in Kingston.
The Collins Bay Institution is a Medium Security prison.
Given the news about prisoner abuse at Maplehurst provincial prison in Milton – attention should be paid to what is happening at the Correctional Insitutions.
The ages of these five men are relatively young. All except one are under 40 years of age.
Focus Burlington was able to pull together the data needed to show what the City of Burlington tax bill will look like in June 2026.
On December 10th, 2025, Halton Regional Council approved their 2026 budget. With the Regional data now available, Focus Burlington was able to pull together the data needed to show what the City of Burlington tax bill will look like in June 2026.
There are four components to your tax bill.
The tax bill citizens get includes what the School Boards need; what the Regional government needs; what the Halton Regional Police need and what the city of Burlington needs.
There was no increase from the Boards of of Education. The amount of money needed by the Region increased by 3.3% over 2025. The Regional Police increase over 2025 was 6.4% The City of Burlington increase over the what they taxed for in 2025 was 5.8%
That bottom line: year-over-year tax increases. No shame whatsoever in producing numbers like this. They will want your vote next October.
We’ll see the total value of all the property taxes we pay, the total line on the tax bill, increase by 4.49%.
Burlington has the most significant increase, at 5.8%. Burlington’s taxes account for about half the bill. The low increase in regional taxes and the zero percent increase in education taxes reduce the total increase.
That 26.92% cumulative increase may not seem excessive – do you know anyone who got that kind of a pay increase over five years? And compare it to the cumulative 10.29% inflation increase over the same period of time. Tax increases are TWO AND A HALF TIMES MORE THAN INFLATION. And the Mayor calls the 2026 budget an inflation budget?
Halton Region is also responsible for our water bill, and we’ll see a 6% increase in our water and wastewater rates.
Here’s how the increases have looked since the 2022 municipal election.
Bank of Canada Inflation Calculator, $1,000 spent in 2022 would require $1,102.92 in 2026.
Inflation rates have been much lower than the City of Burlington tax increases. According to the Bank of Canada Inflation Calculator, $1,000 spent in 2022 would require $1,102.92 in 2026.
This box is where you get to decide if you want the same people making decisions as to how much you are going to be taxed. With a voter turnout of around 30% – 7-% of the population likes paying high taxes.
Next year is an election year. We won’t hear anything about the 2027 budget until after the elections. Burlington’s 2026 tax increase is the lowest increase we’ve had in the last four years.
Year-over-year increases compound. Burlington’s 10.21% increase in 2024 applied to the 15.59% increase in 2023.
For Burlington residents with wages, pensions, or other forms of income closely linked to inflation, the city’s year-after-year, above-inflation increases will make life in Burlington unaffordable.
Kearns: the only member of Council who voted against the budget.
Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns is the only member of Council that voted against the budget.
A surprise drop of 76,068 people in the third quarter 2025, the largest decline on record, according to new data from Statistics Canada.
The drop, which the agency attributes to a decline in non-permanent residents, such as international students, is larger than any other recorded since it began keeping records in 1946.
The country’s population was 41,575,585, as of Oct. 1, 2025, down 0.2 per cent from July 1, per numbers posted online Wednesday.
Is there enough room for the people we have now?
Ontario and B.C. had the largest population decreases at 0.4 and 0.3 per cent, respectively.
In a post on its website, Statistics Canada says that 176,479 fewer non-permanent residents are the “primary reason for the decrease in Canada’s population over this period.”
The agency cites a 73,682 person drop in study permit holders and a 67,616 person drop in work and study permit holders. There were also 35,231 fewer work permit holders.
The numbers are considered estimates and will be updated.
By Tom Parkin
The Trump administration has put tariffs on U.S. imports of lumber, steel, aluminum and assembled vehicles. Though the sectoral tariffs are global, the effect is a more intense attack on working Canadian because of higher trade volumes in those sectors compared to other countries.
By Pepper Parr
We read every comment submitted. Many add depth, context, and lived experience to the issues we cover. Others, after vetting, do not make it to publication – not because dissent isn’t welcome, but because credibility, relevance, and respect for facts matter. The strength of public discourse depends on that balance.
By Gazette Staff
By Gazette Staff
By Tom Parkin
By Pepper Parr
By Pepper Parr
By Gazette Staff
Focus Burlington, a community group that wants to see more attention paid to property taxes; they argue that the four-year 40% plus increases are not sustainable.
“2026 is already shaping up to be a pivotal year—economically, politically, and especially at the municipal level. Across the region, signs of political unrest are emerging. In Toronto and Hamilton, rising property taxes, traffic congestion, homelessness, and intensification have pushed municipal issues to the forefront of public debate. Competitive election races are beginning to take shape, and Burlington is no exception.”
By Pepper Parr
Will the existing Land Tribunal decision on the Waterfront Hotel site get revised? The OLT decided against the proposed development.
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
By Emily Miller
Comic-themed casino platforms have gained traction in Canada over the past several years. Originally, themed slot games started to appear around the early 2010s, but it wasn’t until recently that comic book-themed games and designs truly took off.
A core engagement tactic involves offering exclusive bonuses and themed tournaments. For instance, players might receive special rewards for participating in events centred around their favourite comic characters or storylines. These promotions enhance the gaming experience and foster a sense of belonging within the community.
Comic-themed Canadian casinos are making a big impact by merging pop culture with gaming. These platforms leverage the growing popularity of superheroes and comics to produce distinctive and captivating experiences that draw in new players and devoted followers.
By Gazette Staff
This year, thanks to the generosity of donors, volunteers, partners the Holiday Helping Hand distributed approximately $220,000 in financial relief, supporting more than 5,000 people through 27 community partner agencies across Halton and Hamilton. This represents a $70,000 increase over last year, reflecting both rising community need and an incredible response from the community.
While not every release on Addicting Games is impossible to put down, there are some top-notch products on there. In fact, it’s a site that offers thousands of options across diverse gaming categories, including retro classics and new releases. Titles like Dwarf Legacy are currently standing out, while Santa’s Quest is also popular. In truth, though, there are hundreds of enticing titles, all of which can be enjoyed in a matter of seconds.
