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March 20th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON It is an event that makes the city part of what it is – people getting out and helping clean up and Green Up their community. Burlington residents, groups, schools and businesses are already signing up to participate in this impactful city-wide opportunity.
Get involved today and help us achieve our goal of 15,000 participants this year to celebrate 15 years of making a difference with BurlingtonGreen. Register your event HERE 
March 20th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
How does a city respond to a front page story on the local hospital that takes up an additional four pages of news – none of it good? What do you do with a headline that reads: “If you’re dying don’t come here”?
No response from the Mayor so far on the Spectator reporting.
March 19th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
From a reader who keeps an eye on the restaurant scene in the city:  Does the T shirt tell us what direction Craig Craig Kowalchuk will be going in? Love your digital magazine. I keep looking for updates to Burlington’s restaurant scene, but nothing recently. I note that a new Greek restaurant, NISI Greek Taverne has replaced Lock Side, and a new Black Swan will replace Wendel Clark’s on Brant. Also, Di Mario’s Italian restaurant is under new management. Finally, Emma’s Back Porch is supposed to open this summer. Emma’s Back Porch to reopen? Who will manage the place. Is Craig going to be behind the bar. Not if the T shirt he is wearing is any indication.
March 19th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON This is a multi-part series on what members of Council thought about becoming Deputy Mayors with a Portfolio. In part 1 of this ongoing series about the six members of Council being made Deputy Mayors, facilitator Suzanne Gibson had five questions:
 Suzanne Gibson guiding members of Council through an understanding of what they would so as Deputy Mayors Gibson explained that the “intention behind those five questions is to get you to dig into the into the new model, to think about the implications, to share your concerns, to share what excites you. “We’re going to dig into these a bit and see if we want to add more clarity because you know you’re starting with something new. The more clarity around principles and roles, the more effective and efficient the process will work. So I’m going to let you speak to how these came up both the principles and the roles.” Each member of Council was given an opportunity to talk about the role was as they saw it and how they would serve as Deputy Mayors. Meed Ward had explained earlier that serving as Deputy Mayors meant they would be focused on the interests of the city and not just their ward, using the lens of their portfolio is as a guide.
The questions they were asked to reflect on was – just what does it mean to you to be a Deputy Mayor ? During my discussions with two of the newly elected Council members in their term in office they talked about how they saw their future in municipal politics: both said they could see themselves serving as Mayor at some point.
How would council members, working as Deputy Mayors, determine what they could and could not do? Those principles were set out and debated.. This “bigger picture” role for Deputy Mayors will be interpreted differently based on their individual past experiences and their levels of sophistication. Expect some unintended consequences as this goes forward. .
City Clerk Kevin Arjoon and his staff were taking notes that would be used in the report they would bring back to Council later in the year.
An added objective was a commitment Council members would make to each other.
 Suzanne Gibson directing council members through a complicated process. She managed to keep them on topic – most of the time. How were the council members to work out their differences as they went through each part of the process Gibson had put in place ? She introduced a five finger vote approach to get a sense as to just where each member of council stood on working through the proposed roles and principles. Gibson wanted to steer clear of majority votes and used the five fingers to see where some change in position might be possible – and for the most part it worked.
It sounded complex but as the conversations continued one could get a pretty good idea as to how each member of Council was going to carry out the role of Deputy Mayor.  Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna: No magic wand It was clear that each Council member had taken to the idea of being a Deputy Mayor. Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna said he found that many people he talked to thought all a Council member had to do was wave a magic wand and what they wanted would be done. “I had to explain to people that that wasn’t the way this was going to work”. he said Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith was pumped about the new role and commented that he was already talking to people about issues that were city wide. The next step in this series is to look at what each member of Council had to say as they worked through what their portfolio was, what the principles were, what the proposed roles would require of them and how well they handled the commitment they were making to each other. Using the five finger vote had a caution – when it was a one finger vote – which finger would they be using. Next we will cover what Councillors Nisan and Galbraith had to say, followed by Sharman and Bentivegna and then Kearns and Stolte It was quite an exercise – we heard more about how the Councillors see themselves performing than was heard during the election that put every one of them back in office for a second term. Some people will say: If I only knew then what I know now. Indeed. Related stories: Part 1 – What the Mayor was setting out to do.
March 18th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Teen Tour Band marched through the streets of Dublin on St. Patrick’s day, part of a twelve day tour the band is on in Ireland. The TV footage Is impressive – the Irish certainly know how to put on a parade.  Watching the parade and seeing young people from Burlington with vert serious looks on their faces was quite something.  Six big tubas with the name Burlington in red letters – the Irish certainly know who we are now. Content is courtesy of Ward 2 Council member Lisa Kearns – was she up watching the event? Didn’t think she was Irish. You can watch the parade by clicking HERE
March 18th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
To The Honourable Karina Gould In 2015 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “2015 will be the last federal election conducted under the first-past-the-post voting system.”  Then Minister of Democratic Institutions and Burlington MP Karina Gould. As Minister of Democratic Institutions, you were once tasked with leading the charge to change Canada’s 150-year-old voting system. When the Prime Minister not surprisingly did an about face on his promise, the message was clear, winning elections was more important than our democratic institutions. A link to the CBC broadcast during which Gould announced that changing the way the public elects their government was not in her mandate is HERE It is 15 minutes in length. The part where she makes the announcement is at minute 2:51. The media give her a rough ride, As a result of what I believe is interference in our electoral process by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) I have lost what little confidence I had in our electoral process and your government. I frankly do not know who to believe in anymore. Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet said that while he has “nothing against” Johnston personally, the prime minister “should pick someone who is not notably and admittedly a friend of the family.” Blanchet called the role a superfluous waste of time since opposition parties will still demand a public inquiry. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said he believes Johnston is a “non-partisan” person of “integrity” and that he trusts him to do the work. He maintained, however, that Johnston’s mandate as special rapporteur should include answering “the fundamental questions that Canadians have.” “What did the prime minister know, when did he know about it and what did he do about it, when it comes to foreign interference?” he said. Singh said again that he believes the government should launch a public and independent inquiry into election interference. Not a good look… With the backing of NDP and Bloc Québécois members, the Conservatives have the votes to pass a motion to summon Katie Telford to testify before the House procedures committee. But Liberal MPs have staged a multi-day filibuster to keep the motion from going to a vote. According to Andre Coyne, “David Johnston is a man of high integrity. But as rapporteur? We should be in high dudgeon.” I am in high dudgeon, as should you be as well. Nothing less than full, formal non-partisan public inquiry will satisfy my concerns. Regards, Joseph A. Gaetan BGS Burlington ON
March 13th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON This is a multi-part series on what members of Council thought about becoming Deputy Mayors with a Portfolio. In most Canadian municipalities the Mayor appoints a Deputy to fill in for them when they are not available. It is usually for a flag raising or a ribbon cutting. When Mayor Marianne Meed Ward put forward an idea that appears to be unique to the world of municipalities – she made every member of Council a Deputy and then assigned them a portfolio. The discussion as to just how this would work and how the members of Council felt about the addition to their workload took place at a Workshop late in February. Workshop facilitator Stephanie Gibbons, Stephanie Gibbons, the Workshop facilitator who for reasons that are hard to determine, frequently referred to Meed Ward as “.Our illustrious mayor”, started out by explaining the structure she would use – which consisted of five questions each member of Council would be asked.
The Workshop started off with Mayor Meed Ward explaining how and why she did what she did.  Mayor Marianne Meed Ward talking about why she proposed making every member of Councillor a Deputy Mayor. “It really started with my own journey as mayor – when I started I thought it would be essentially a counselor for six wards instead of one and a lot of ceremonial duties – the role is nothing like that. Plus the municipal act bestows upon you some fairly significant titles that come with responsibility and there’s zero definition. One is the head of Council, the other is the CEO of the Corporation. A Mayor doesn’t get to choose who you work with. The public chooses who you work with. “Then we had a pandemic in the middle of the last term of council – and I had to figure out how to deal with that. “I found myself thinking what if I got sick What if I couldn’t do the job anymore? Who could step ? “I didn’t want anyone to feel the way I did – having to figure it out as you go along. “That was part of the thinking. The other part was that there’s such unique skills and talents around the table and every single person on this council wants to contribute. “As I looked at the skills that each council member brought, I realized that the universe knew what it was doing when it delivered us all to the council. “This council is aligned with the things that we are trying to achieve for our community. We have a recreation and culture review to plan for the future. We are trying to tackle red tape red carpet, we always need to focus on budgets and Strategic Planning and Performance metrics. “Housing has emerged as a huge huge issue. Our state of the emergency around the environment. And then of course our desire that we all share to ensure that we’re properly representing and communicating and involving our community. “Instead of sort of hand picking in a way that was not transparent or clear, who would work with me on those things, it just became really clear that the best way to do that was to ask council members if they would like to assume some additional roles and responsibilities around the areas that I had seen council members investing time and attention in. “This also goes to the heart of what I think we all really care about fostering collaboration. You could even say it forces collaboration. In the past when I was working on something in my role as the mayor with the city wide perspective, if I knew there was a council member interested in something I might tap them on the on the shoulder, but I didn’t always think of it. It wasn’t always top of mind. It was very ad hoc, very random. “Now I don’t move without thinking – is there a deputy mayor that could help me with this or who might want to take a lead on this? “It shares the responsibility but it also brings council along to get that city wide perspective. “I won’t be around forever; I think a lot about succession planning. “I’ve been absolutely thrilled over how well received this this has been not only among the seven of us, but the way the community has really embraced it. I’ve started to see constituents with a concern start to loop in the deputy mayors. “The collaboration is really coming to the fore so I’ve been so proud of this council how you’ve all embraced this role that you are and you will make it your own. And you know, I think it’s a great governance model, and we’ll figure out the parts that we haven’t figured out yet. And that is an exciting conversation to have. So to sum up it’s really it’s about collaboration. It’s about a city wide focus. It’s about succession planning, and it’s about leveraging the skills in a in an open, transparent and very intentional way that each council member brings to the table.”
March 18th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON Help is available for low income households filing Income Tax returns The tax season upon us. The tax forms can be daunting – people often need help. Burlington MP Karina Gould will be running a Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) in the Burlington Centre on Tuesdays from 10-2 and Thursdays from 1- 4 beginning on March 2nd through to April 27th. The CVITP office will be located on the first floor near the elevator (entrance by door 1). If you are in a lower income tax bracket it might be something you will want to look into. To be eligible for this year’s free tax clinic you must have a modest income and a simple tax situation. A modest income is considered $35,000 in annual income for one person, and no more than $45,000 per couple.
Your tax situation is not simple if you: What to bring:
The Burlington Central Library will be holding their in person CVITP from March 6th until May 1st on Mondays from 9:30 – 3:30. If you are unable to come in to the tax sessions The MP has teamed up with the volunteers at the Burlington Central Library Tax Clinic to host a virtual CVITP. Should you be eligible for this free service and wish to have your taxes completed over the phone please leave a voicemail at 289-427-6209 and a volunteer will contact you.
March 17th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario government is providing up to $1.25 billion to long-term care homes this year to hire and retain thousands more long-term care staff across the province, to continue increasing the amount of direct care time provided to residents. This is part of the government’s historic four-year, $4.9 billion commitment to hire and retain more than 27,000 registered nurses, registered practical nurses and personal support workers over four years and ensure residents receive, on average, four hours of direct care per day by March 31, 2025.  This is the reality for many seniors – it aint gonna be home sweet home. “In 2018, we inherited a broken long-term care system and status quo that was no longer working so we introduced a historic plan to fix long-term care,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Long-Term Care. “With the largest investment in long-term care in Ontario’s history, we’re hiring more staff to increase daily direct care for residents to ensure they can continue to connect to the care they need in the comfort of their long-term care home.” This is the third and largest annual funding increase to date that long-term care homes are receiving to reach the system-level average direct care targets set out in the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021. Direct care is hands-on care that includes personal care, such as help with dining, bathing and dressing, as well as other important tasks such as helping residents move and providing medication. As a result of the government’s ambitious plan, more people are working in long-term care than ever before. This year’s funding will help achieve targets of an average of three hours and 42 minutes of daily direct care for residents as well as increasing hours of care from allied health professionals such as resident support aides, physiotherapists and social workers to 36 minutes per resident, per day. The government is fixing long-term care to ensure Ontario’s seniors get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve both now and in the future. This work is built on four pillars: staffing and care; quality and enforcement; building modern, safe and comfortable homes; and providing seniors with faster, more convenient access to the services they need.  This is the image governments are using – but what is the reality? Quick Facts: Achieving the system-level average target of four hours of direct hands-on care per resident, per day is being made possible by annual funding increases to long-term care homes: $270 million in 2021-22 What it did not provide was – where are the people who are going to be hired going to come from?
March 17th, 2022 BURLINGTON, ON
 Rendering of the revised development application In an announcement from city hall today we learn that the ADI applications to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to permit a mixed-use development comprising three tall buildings with retail uses at ground level and residential uses above in properties east of Waterdown Road and south of the GO railway tracks near the Aldershot GO station have been revised. In the original proposal (2022): Building A (northwest corner of site) was 36 storeys tall including a 4-storey podium. Building B (southeast) was 26 storeys tall. Building C (southwest) was 36 storeys tall. Buildings B and C shared a three-storey podium. The proposed buildings contained a total of 1,139 residential units and 231m2 of ground-level retail at the corner of Masonry Court and Cooke Blvd. 1,031 parking spaces were proposed within five levels of underground parking. In the revised proposal (2023): Building A (northwest) is 33 storeys tall including a 12-storey podium. Building B (southeast) is 29 storeys including a six-storey podium that steps down to three storeys on the north side. Building C (southwest) is 31 storeys including a six-storey podium. The buildings are no longer connected to each other, and a plaza has been introduced at the ground level between Buildings B and C. The total number of residential units has increased from 1,139 to 1,165. The total amount of retail floor area has increased from 231m2 to 495m2. The total number of parking spaces has increased from 1,031 to 1,145 spaces within 6 underground parking levels. Those are the hard facts.  This is the eastern boundary of the property ADI has developed since it bought the land from Paletta International; a Paletta is said to now regret. What is absolutely amazing is how this development has evolved and found a way to not even mention space for parks. The patch of land, and it really isn’t much more than that, was originally going to have three building and some parkland space. ADI was prepared at one point to talk to the public about where parkland would be within the site. This part of the development has to be seen in context with what has already been built. The pictures below tell that story.  Mid rise units are part of the development. The problem with getting involvement from the public is that the community ADI has created hasn’t had a chance to come together and talk about what has happened. Covid19 kept people indoors and then when people were ready to be outside more there was no place for people to gather. The overall neighbourhood has resigned themselves to the fact that everything north of Masonry road is high rise. This by the way was the part of the city where Marianne Meed Ward launched her 2018 campaign to become Mayor. While it was never her ward (she did run in the ward prior to 2010 and was soundly trounced) she hasn’t done much to help the people in that community.  Town houses are part of the mix in the very large development. The current ward councillor hasn’t done all that much either – other than to advise one of the better community activists that the ward Councillor’s office would no longer communicate with him. There was a slight ray of sunshine on how the city distributed the news. Changes in development applications don’t usually get include in what the city sends out. Even though it came out during the afternoon of a Friday – it was at least more public than in the past. Kudos to whoever made that decision.
Match 17th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
Does anyone remember when Council held Committee of the Whole meetings?  Jack Dennison on the day he sold his health club When they were held Jack Dennison always served as Chair – he did the job very well – it didn’t require much in the way of prep – as long as you were familiar with the issues you could get by; and Dennison had been there long enough to know all the issues – sometimes too well One of the things you were able to do at Committee of the Whole was delegate. Which some people believe is why this Council has moved to using Workshops – no delegations are permitted. That puts the lie to a transparent and engaged council.
March 17th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
 Marit Stiles Leader of the Opposition The complaints sent to the provincial Integrity Commissioner by Marit Stiles Leader of the Opposition (there are two of them) are keeping the Commissioner busy. So much so that he has decided to put one in abeyance while he works on the other. J. David Wake , the Integrity Commissioner said he is not prepared to dismiss Stiles’ second complaint “since there is an overlap to some extent with the issue being determined in her first request. Therefore I am placing it in abeyance until I have completed the investigation on the first.” The second complaint was related to donations that were made to the “stag and doe” event for the Premier’s daughter. The first complaint is related to the land swaps that were made in the Greenbelt area where there was a concern that developers were made aware of government plans before they were public.  Premier with Steve Clarke, Minister of Municipal Affairs in the Legislature. In a newspaper report Wake said he has requested documents from government and non-government sources and is reviewing the material gathered so far. His final report will be made public, he said. As long as the work being done isn’t dragged out for months the public interest will be met. As for the first complaint the Integrity Commissioner has already said that “the gift rule … is very specific. It applies only to the member who receives the gift. It does not apply to gifts received from third parties to an adult child of the member or her spouse. Even the definition of ‘family’ in the act is restricted to the member, the member’s spouse and minor children.”
March 16th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON’
Things to Do in Burlington, Canada – Entertainment Edition  Lake Ontario offers sun rises and sunsets that sooth the soul Burlington is a beautiful Southern Ontario city known for its stunning waterfront, outdoor recreation opportunities, and vibrant cultural scene. Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, plenty of entertainment options are available in Burlington. In this article, we will explore some of the best things to do in Burlington, Canada, in terms of entertainment. Burlington has something for everybody – whether you prefer to chill out and watch a movie, play some casino slots, or get your entertainment out and about, Burlington’s got it all. Waterfront activities Burlington is located on the shores of Lake Ontario, making it the perfect destination for water lovers. Several waterfront parks and beaches throughout the city enable you to swim, boat, or relax and take in the views. While there, entertainment events are often running, ranging from singers to performing acts. Spencer Smith Park is one of the most popular waterfront destinations in Burlington. In the heart of downtown, Spencer Smith Park features a beautiful promenade, picnic areas, and a playground for children. The park also hosts several events throughout the year, including the Sound of Music Festival, Canada Day celebrations, and the Burlington Ribfest. Burlington Beach is another popular destination for waterfront activities. Located on the city’s eastern edge, the beach features a long, sandy shoreline, a boardwalk, and a variety of water sports rentals. You can rent paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes to explore the lake or relax on the beach. Outdoor activities  Part of the Beachway Trail that leads to the canal where you might see a ship coming in from some far away place. In addition to waterfront activities, Burlington offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. Several parks and trails throughout the city enable you to hike, bike, or simply enjoy the beautiful scenery. The Royal Botanical Gardens is another popular outdoor destination in Burlington. The Gardens feature over 2,700 acres of natural areas, including wetlands, forests, and gardens. Visitors can explore the gardens on foot or by bike, and several guided tours and educational programs are available. Arts & culture  The Joseph Brant Museum – a feature heritage point in the city. Burlington has a thriving arts and culture scene, with several museums, galleries, and theatres throughout the city. Whether you’re interested in visual arts, theatre, or music, there is something for everyone to enjoy. One of Burlington’s most popular cultural attractions is the Art Gallery of Burlington. The gallery features a variety of contemporary and traditional art exhibits, as well as workshops, classes, and special events. The gallery also hosts the annual Kaleidoscope Juried Art Show, showcasing local artists’ work. Theatre & music For theatre lovers, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre is a must-visit destination. The Centre hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including theatre productions, musical performances, and dance shows. The Centre also hosts several community events, including the annual Culture Days celebration. Music lovers will also find plenty to enjoy in Burlington, with several music festivals and concerts throughout the year. The Burlington Sound of Music Festival is one of the most popular events, featuring over 100 free concerts and performances throughout the city over four days. Shopping & dining  Restaurants that source local produce will be remembered by your palate for a long time. Burlington also offers plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining. There are several shopping centres throughout the city, including the Burlington Centre Mapleview Mall where you can find a variety of shops and boutiques. For a unique shopping experience, head to the Village Square in downtown Burlington. The Square features a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as a farmers’ market and a variety of community events. In terms of dining, Burlington has something for every taste and budget. There are plenty of options, from fine dining restaurants to casual cafes and pubs. One popular dining destination in Burlington is the Water Street Cooker, which offers a variety of seafood, steak, and other dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Another popular spot is the Pepperwood Bistro, which features a menu of international and locally sourced cuisine. Nightlife When the sun goes down, Burlington’s nightlife comes alive. Whether you’re looking for a night out with friends or a romantic evening with a special someone, there are plenty of options.  Village Square: a quaint collection of shops and restaurants in the heart of the city. For a cozy and intimate evening, head to The Dickens. This pub-style bar features a relaxed atmosphere and a variety of craft beers and cocktails. If you’re looking for something a bit more lively, head to The Poacher for live music and a positive atmosphere. For a night of dancing, head to Club 54. This nightclub features eclectic music, from classic rock to hip-hop, and a spacious dance floor. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more laid back, head to the Burlington Performing Arts Centre for a variety of musical performances and concerts. Conclusion Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, Burlington, Canada, offers plenty of entertainment options. From waterfront activities and outdoor recreation to arts and culture, shopping, dining, and nightlife, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So next time you’re in Burlington, be sure to explore all that this vibrant city offers.
March 15th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
We all know what they mean when they saw you have to lockdown and remain in place.  Mayor Marianne Meed Ward on her veranda preparing to do a Facebook broadcast during the early stages of the Covid19 lockdown Burlington, like every other community in the country did what had to be done to cope with a virus we knew little about. It is still with us but we have a better understanding is as to what we are dealing with. And we are planning to be better prepared for the next wave that is going to hit us.  Gerard Wright: Scientific Director, Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research McMaster University will be taking a leading role in a new federal initiative designed to protect Canadians against future pandemics and emerging threats through the Canadian Pandemic Preparedness Hub (CP2H). CP2H — co-led by McMaster and the University of Ottawa — is one of five major research hubs and part of a $10 million investment announced early in March 2 by François-Philippe Champagne, minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and Jean-Yves Duclos, minister of Health. The multidisciplinary research hubs — funded through Stage 1 of the integrated Canada Biomedical Research Fund (CBRF) and Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund (BRIF) — will accelerate the research and development of next-generation vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics and their commercialization, while supporting training to expand the pipeline of skilled talent. “This funding for research, talent development and infrastructure projects is the foundation that will help us build a stronger, more robust domestic biomanufacturing sector in Canada that responds to the needs of Canadians for years to come,” Champagne said. CP2H brings together more than 45 strategic partners from academia, industry, non-profit and governmental agencies from across the country to ensure Canadian discoveries are turned into the medicines of tomorrow in a cost-effective and timely fashion. Its lead scientists are “academic entrepreneurs” who have organized national team projects and have led the design, building and acquisition of the specialized infrastructure that is key to the hub’s success. McMaster is on the leading-edge of pandemic-related research at Canada’s Global Nexus for Pandemics and Biological Threats, said Karen Mossman, McMaster’s vice-president, research, adding that Hamilton — driven, in part, by the McMaster Innovation Park — is one of the country’s fastest growing life sciences clusters. “We’re perfectly positioned to co-lead this initiative and work with our industry and academic partners to support both Canada’s and Ontario’s life sciences strategy, expand our innovation ecosystem and bridge the gap between lab and market,” Mossman said. The Global Nexus for Pandemics and Biological Threats is central to the hub and will play a critical role in its success, said Gerry Wright, executive director of Global Nexus.  McMaster University has been the recipient of several donation from Michael DeGroote “McMaster – through Global Nexus – will provide world-class talent and infrastructure to the hub’s partners to create a vibrant biomanufacturing sector that will increase the country’s life sciences capacity and ensure Canadians are fully prepared to prevent and respond to future pandemics,” Wright said. Matthew Miller, scientific director of the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research and a member of Global Nexus, will serve as CP2H’s inaugural co-scientific director. Mossman will chair the hub’s advisory board. Little did Michael DeGroote know that his very large donations to McMaster would lead to something like this.
March 15th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
Millcroft Greenspace Alliance (MGA) recently attended a series of seminars focused on Reaching Canada’s Protected Areas Target – The Role of Municipalities. The purpose of this initiative is to combat the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss.
The Millcroft Golf Course property is documented to be an early example of green infrastructure for stormwater management including its significant mature tree canopy. Millcroft Greenspace Alliance sent the information along to the City of Burlington highlighting the importance of protecting the stormwater infrastructure on the golf course. They have the tools to accomplish the conservation of this land and we recommend that you join with us to show your encouragement. Get a Charitable Tax Receipt Millcroft Greenspace Alliance has formed a partnership with Small Change Fund, a registered charity. Your tax-deductible contributions to our project will allow Millcroft Greenspace Alliance to hire an experienced lawyer, and subsequently technical experts to argue our case against development on the Millcroft floodplain. Our need is urgent ahead of the next OLT meeting. Please click below to donate today!  Click HERE to make a donation
March 15th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
The federal government handed out $11 million to to the aerospace sector; $2.3 million went to a Burlington company.  RAMPF – modern factory in Burlington The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario announced a total investment of over $11 million yesterday, through the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI), for three businesses and one organization in southern Ontario’s aerospace sector. The Burlington recipient of this funding was RAMPF Composite Solutions Inc. (RAMPF) The aerospace sector is a pillar of the economy and a driver of innovation in Canada. With products on virtually every passenger aircraft in the world, Ontario is home to world-class aerospace manufacturers. The Government of Canada is investing in aerospace businesses and the organizations that support them to help them grow, create jobs and contribute to future economic growth in a more sustainable way.  Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Oakville North–Burlington Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Oakville North–Burlington was with the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and the MP for Hamilton West – Ancaster. Of the $11 million that was handed out a contribution of nearly $2.3 million went to RAMPF, a Burlington-based manufacturer for the aerospace, defence, consumer products and medical sectors. With this investment, RAMPF will purchase new equipment to reduce waste and increase processing speed, green its operations by reducing energy consumption, expand into new markets, such as urban air mobility, unmanned aerial vehicles and electric aircraft, increase revenue and create 15 new jobs in Burlington.
March 15th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
Hearing loss can be a difficult adjustment. Suddenly, everything you’ve known to be normal has changed, and you must find ways to cope and adjust. The good news is that there are many strategies to help individuals cope with their hearing loss. In this post, we will share some of the tips on managing your hearing loss and leading a whole life despite this challenging diagnosis.  Many treatments and devices are available to help you cope with hearing loss 1. Get Professional Help Talking to a professional helps you understand the specific type and severity of hearing loss and allows you to explore your options. Companies like HearCanada have a team of audiologists and hearing care professionals here to help. The first step is to book a hearing test. 2. Connect with Others Who Have Hearing Loss Joining a group or attending an in-person event allows you to connect with others and benefit from their knowledge and experiences. The sense of community and support can be hugely beneficial in helping you cope with hearing loss.  Understanding how the ears work is the first part step in educating yourself. 3. Educate Yourself About Hearing Loss 4. Practice Self Care 5. Find Strategies to Communicate Effectively  If people have to shout at you to be heard – you need to find better ways to communicate. It can also help to use visual cues such as facial expressions and body language when talking with others. Additionally, speaking slowly, ensuring everyone is in a well-lit room, and asking for feedback are all strategies that can facilitate communication with hearing loss. Being open and honest about your hearing loss can help create an environment of understanding and communication. If people know that you are living with hearing loss, they may be more patient when speaking with you or find solutions to make it easier for you to communicate. With the right strategies, managing your hearing loss can become much easier. Medical help, support from others, education, and self-care are all critical components in finding successful ways to live with hearing loss. By taking the time to understand your condition and its effects, you can gain a better sense of control and make it easier to live your life fully despite hearing loss.
March 15th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
Chad Beynon, a senior employee at Macquire Group, the Canadian sports betting market alone is estimated to be worth USD 2.2 billion by 2030. This anticipation rides on the fact that Canada has legalized gambling sports after the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act has been passed. As a quid pro quo, huge markets for sports betting have opened up, triggering speculation among all.  With the betting sites online you can relax, try a few games and see how you do. After Law Bill C-218 has been signed this year, single-sporting betting events in Canada is legalized. The legislation is all set for Canadian provinces to integrate locally. Ontario, being the largest Canadian province, is expected to be the first one to open a market that is anticipated to be double the size of its contenders. Market experts also anticipate that the online Gaming sector will reap billions, considering the complete legalization of the market and expecting Canadians to spend $60 for sports betting and $75 on online casino games. As per market experts, the Canadian gaming market, especially the online casino games, has huge potential that ranges in billions. Online Casino Games Booming Canada’s Gambling MarketThere can be several reasons why Canada’s gaming market is growing at an exponential rate, and online casino games are steering the wheel for it. It is a concrete fact that Canadians love to play online games. From casino games to sports betting, they love it all. Games that promise fun and rewards work for Canadians predominantly. With recent revolutions in mobile gaming, the affinity for online casino games among Canadians has manifold. Online gaming websites host mobile gaming apps. People generally download these apps on their particular devices and then relish playing these games anytime they want. This facility has shot up the reputation of online gaming in Canada. At present, there are numerous gaming portals in Canada, offering a plethora of games. Regardless of the variety available, casino games top the chart among all-time favourite games for Canadians.
Predictions for Canada’s Gambling SectorAs per market experts, the Canadian gaming industry is anticipated to undergo exponential growth in the next few years. Quite recently, Canada has been sanctioned the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act. This is a game-changer, not only for betting operators but for casino owners too. As per Forbes forecast in late 2020, the gaming sector might exceed USD 200 billion by the end of 2023, and online gambling is anticipated to play a huge role in it. In Canada, these numbers could reach the USD 4.6 billion mark by 2030. All these reports clearly solidify the fact that the gambling sector of Canada is poised to experience significant growth. In other words, the future of Canada’s gambling markets looks bring and promising. On account of the recent Law Bill C-218, significant attention has been roped into the Canadian gambling market. This new rule is expected to have a great impact on online and offline gamblers along with the casinos. It is an undeniable fact that a significant part of the credit for the boost of the gambling sector should go to the online casinos. Before Covid-19, online casinos started gaining popularity, and during the lockdown phase, being trapped behind doors, have worked in great favour of online casinos and gambling on the internet. Online Gambling is the “Next Big Thing” in the Canadian Gambling sectorIt is not wrong to quote that the online gambling market in Canada is soaring high big time. It comes as a practical truth that online casinos are highly appreciated amongst the population in Canada and worldwide too.  People bet on the game while watching the game These games entertain people and often make them extremely emotional towards it. These online gambling games are the perfect blend of anxiety-driven, fun, and excitement. Furthermore, these games are very good and trigger people to play quite more and use their luck for other different games. One of the biggest credible facts about the gambling market of Canada is that it is the 8th largest gambling market across the globe. Hence, Canadians feel extremely confident when it comes to placing bets in the biggest gambling market across the globe. Experts quote that the sudden spike in internet gambling, almost by 77% according to some estimates, could be because of the lockdown. Hence, online casinos are anticipated to emerge as a dominant form of gambling in Canada in the near future. Surely, the offline casino and gambling industry has taken a hit due to the pandemic, the online casino games are now interpreted as the only compensation. If the online casinos keep functioning as they have been, it is quite possible that they may witness double the number of footfalls in comparison to the land-based casinos. All in all, the trends for online gambling in Canada and across seem very promising. As per predictions, this form of gambling will grow exponentially shortly.
March 14th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
This is becoming a habit – and not a good one. For a city that talks frequently about transparency and engagement one has to ask why matters are brought up at a Statutory meeting on March 20th then go to a Council where they get rubber stamped the following day ?  The patio takes up a couple of parking spaces. In this case the matter is the Outdoor Patio Program for 2023 – the city want to continue doing what it permitted in 2022 Statutory public meetings are held to present planning applications in a public forum as required by the Planning Act. Some significant changes were made in the 2022 program. The streetscape of the city underwent changes that some people thought were a little on the generous side. The report is 20 pages in length – it is up on the city web site.  During the pandemic summers – people seemed to prefer to be outside where air flow was better. Most people don’t regularly check in to see what Council is up to but most people do want the opportunity to comment and put their views and concerns forward. The hospitality sector appears to like the changes – and to be fair they have gone through a very rough three years – they see some light at the end of the tunnel. Is there something so very urgent about approving the 2023 patio program – and if there was, why wasn’t a report brought to Council months ago. Why the hustle – to push, crowd, or force forward roughly ? There are other similar situations that people have complained about and are preparing to take the the City Ombudsman in the way of a formal complaint. This is a really shoddy practice – that looks like it is becoming the norm for this Council. More on just what the public can expect later in the week.
March 14th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
We haven’t seen the last of the most recent city budget. At the end of the fiscal year the city reports on what there was in terms of a surplus – and then decides where that surplus will go.  Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns did her best to run a meeting that was focused and able to move briskly through the agenda. Council members tended to talk too much. We have yet to see a report on what that surplus number is – it is due to be released at a Council Standing Committee meeting on March 29th, quite a bit later than normal. If the surplus is a large number the public might, quite rightfully, want to know why there was a such a large tax increase if there was a surplus from the previous year. If the surplus proves to be small; so small that funds had to be taken from reserve accounts to maintain a balance different questions will be asked. Whatever we learn – let’s hope it doesn’t get blamed on the pandemic The 29th is three days before April 1 – and we all know what that date is sometimes called. Are they making fools of all of us.
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Burlington’s Mayor is usually one of the first to respond when there is an issue. Before becoming Mayor Marianne Meed Ward served as the city’s representative on the hospital board and spoke very positively about the way the hospital board worked – at one point saying that they were a model she wished Burlington could follow.
It did sound somewhat complicated but as the council members worked their way through the hour and a half they had it began to come together.
MGA makes the point that “We are all observing the increasing impacts of climate change. The protection of our greenspace within the urban boundaries is critical for greenhouse gas mitigation, stormwater management, erosion control and to reduce the impact of urban heat islands among other benefits.
Furthermore,