 By Tom Parkin
December 30th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Mark Carney Liberals campaigned with a pledge to “double the pace” of housing construction, but its much-vaunted flagship Build Canada Homes program, announced in the 2025 Budget, comes nowhere close, according to a report from the Parliamentary Budget Office.
The PBO also found that despite grandiose claims, Ottawa’s actual investment in housing construction will be cut rapidly over the next five years and the number of housing units built by Build Canada Homes (BCH) will be few.
And while half of what BCH will build will be “affordable,” the numbers are insufficient and the program definitions mean affordable units could actually rent for above market rates.
The 2025 budget creates BCH with $7.3 billion in new funding over five years. Yearly funding ranges from $920 million and $1.9 billion.
But the budget also severely cuts several existing housing programs. Funding for CMHC’s programs will drop from $6.2 billion next year to $2.7 billion in fiscal year 2029/30. Indigenous Services Canada’s housing investment is cut from $1.5 billion in 2026/27 to $240 million in 2029/30.
The net effect is a decline in total housing investment from $9.8 billion in 2025/26 to $4.1 billion in 2029/30, a 56 per cent drop.
And BCH will come nowhere close to delivering the housing impact the Mark x Carney promised.
Far from doubling the pace of construction, BHC will construct just 26,000 additional housing units from 2026/27 to 2029/30. The PBO did not calculate the number of units that won’t be built due to funding cuts to existing housing programs.
And 26,000 units over five years is just 433 additional units constructed in an average month. CMHC’s November data showed an average of 17,500 housing units were started in the past twelve months. Adding another 433 units would be a 2.5 per cent increase, closer to a rounding error on zero than a 100 per cent increase.
Of the 26,000 units to be constructed by BCH, only 13,000 are defined as affordable for low income households, nowhere close to addressing even the most extreme tip of the housing crisis.
There are 80,000 homeless people just in Ontario, according to a 2025 report by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. Even if all the BCH resources were focused on just Ontario homelessness, it would only address only a sixth of the problem.
 And the BCH definition of affordable doesn’t even mean the new units would be below the average rent of the area.
On average in Canada, monthly rent on a two-bedroom apartment would be considered “affordable” at $2,168 or less, the PBO found. But the national median rent on two-bedroom housing is $1,100 per month, says the PBO. The average asking rent for two bedroom housing in November was $2,179, according to Rentals.ca.
 By Pepper Parr
December 30th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The football is still the hottest development site in the city.
What used to be the Ascot Motel, was sold a number of years ago. Our understanding was that it was bought by the Vrancor Group. We weren’t sure what the purpose was in purchasing the site, the owner of the motel was desperate to sell the property.
 What was once the site of a motel is now expected to be the Hotel Darko Vranich has wanted on the lakefront. At a special meeting of Council on January 6th, we will learn that Planning has approved the development of 50 residential units and 154 hotel suites in a tower that will rise to 25 storeys and have four levels of underground parking serviced by two car elevators that will be serviced 24/7.
The purpose of the report going to Council on January 6th is to provide information on the proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendment applications necessary for proceeding with the Statutory Public Meeting and present a recommendation on the proposed applications. Staff are recommending approval of the official plan and zoning by-law amendment applications for a 23-storey mixed-use building consisting of 154 hotel suites and 50 residential units. Staff note that the proposed development is considered 25 storeys according to the City’s Zoning By-law, which includes the mezzanine and mechanical penthouse as additional storeys.
Key findings:
- The applicants have applied for an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment to facilitate the development of a 23-storey (25 storey including mezzanine and mechanical penthouse) mixed use building. The proposal requires an amendment to the Official Plan to support the height and density that is contemplated, as well as an amendment to the Zoning By-law to provide relief of height, floor area ratio (FAR), parking and several setbacks. Staff are recommending approval of the proposed Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment based on the following:
o The proposed amendments are consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement (2024);
o The proposed amendments conform with the Regional Official Plan (2009, as amended), the Burlington Official Plan (1997) and the general intent of Burlington Official Plan (2020);
o The proposed development maintains the general intent of Zoning By-law 2020.
- Staff is of the opinion that the proposed development represents good planning.
On September 18, 2025, the City acknowledged that a complete application had been received for an Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment for 2076 Old Lakeshore Road.
A 23-storey (City’s Zoning By-law considers it a 25-storey building), will be comprised of 50 residential units and 154 hotel suites, with a total gross floor area of 13,914 square metres.
 Rendering on the left is the Bridgewater development; the renderings in the venter are both in the approval stage. They are on the north and south sides of Old Lakeshore Road.. The rendering on the right is the proposed 25-storey tower that will have hotel and residential units. Emma’s Back Porch is to the east of the 25-storey tower. The proposal includes four levels of underground parking, with 82 parking spaces accessed via two car elevators which would be serviced by a full-time valet. At grade, the parking will be accessed via a driveway on the east side of the site from Old Lakeshore Road, with a dedicated loading space immediately to the west of the parking access.
The encroachment of the existing motel building onto City owned lands would be remedied as the proposed development is fully contained within the limits of the property to be retained.
Planning Staff recognize that this area of Downtown Burlington has not developed in accordance with the policies, as originally adopted by Council in the 1997 of the Burlington Official Plan. This is because of previous site-specific Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) decisions for properties in the East Sector (2093-2101 Old Lakeshore Road and 2069-2100 Lakeshore Road and 2107 Old Lakeshore Road). Due to these OLT decisions and the surrounding development context, some of the policies are no longer achievable for the West Sector properties including:
- Assembly of lands from the Martha Street alignment to Waterfront East, consisting of lands within Area ‘A,’ including the Old Lakeshore Road allowance
- Martha Street alignment to meet Old Lakeshore Road;
- Construction of and dedication to a public authority, a public waterfront access that provides a connection between the Pearl Street extension and Lakeshore Road in the vicinity of a Martha Street extension;
- Closure of a portion of Old Lakeshore Road to achieve redevelopment and intensification.
 The orange structure is the most recent development recommended by the City Planning Department. Staff note that the view corridor from Martha Street to Lake Ontario, the provision of enhanced public spaces and the preservation of significant cultural heritage resources were achieved through the East Sector properties. The West Sector properties will provide enhanced public spaces through the implementation of the Downtown Streetscape for Lakeshore Road, Old Lakeshore Road and will enhance the waterfront trail.
Parking and Transportation
The City’s Official Plan directs that adequate off-street parking is accommodated for development proposals. In support of the application, a Traffic Impact Study (TIS) prepared by Paradigm, dated September 2025, was submitted for staff review. Transportation Planning staff
The Official Plan contains policy direction for development proposals along the waterfront to provide public open space and waterfront trail use, where feasible. This direction sets out that where the distance between the water and the public roadway will accommodate both the development and the Waterfront trail, the proponent will be required to dedicate lands below the stable top of bank and dedicate a 15-metre-wide strip of land above the stable top of bank to the City as part of parkland dedication.
While the applicants are proposing to dedicate the lands below the stable top of bank to the City, they are not proposing to dedicate the 15-metre strip above the stable top of bank. Staff is supportive of this approach, based on the following circumstances unique to this site:
The intent of the Official Plan to provide for and ensure public access to the waterfront is achieved through the proposed land dedication and waterfront trail;
 The extension of the Waterfront Trail . The distance between the water and the public roadway is not sufficient to allow the proposed development and the Waterfront Trail as originally envisioned by the policies. If the proposed development is not able to proceed, there is a chance that the proposed waterfront trail extension would not be realized;
The site has a challenging topography with a significant grade change between the front property line along Old Lakeshore Road and rear property line along the water’s edge. This will require erosion control, appropriate slopes and transitions, all of which would limit the useable area of the space for parkland;
Based on the site’s lot area, a 15-metre strip of land would far exceed the 10% of lot area that the City is able to require as part of parkland dedication under the Planning Act. The City would need to compensate the proponent for the difference; and,
The City is able to achieve an extension of the waterfront trail that will align with and match the existing trail configuration that currently exists to the west, at the rear of 2060 Lakeshore Road (i.e. Bridgewater Development).
Further, the proposed waterfront trail extension is located within the sloped area below stable top of bank and would not be accounted for as parkland. Parks staff has requested cash-in-lieu of the 15 metre parkland dedication required by the Official Plan, in addition to the dedication of the lands below the stable top of bank to the City and the construction of the waterfront trail extension.
Staff are in support of the application as it enhances the waterfront, extends the existing trails, and provides public access to Burlington’s waterfront.
Let’s hear what the planner has to say when he delegates and what Council members have to say when it comes to questions.
 By Gazette Staff
December 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Snow tires are being installed. Starting 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, customers can ride on any GO train or GO bus for free until 8 a.m. on New Year’s Day. UP Express will also be free to all customers on New Year’s Eve from 7 p.m. until end of service.
Metrolinx will once again be offering complimentary service on GO Transit and UP Express on New Year’s Eve in partnership with Forty Creek Whisky to help you ring in 2026 safely.
GO Transit and UP Express will run extra late evening trips on every line so everyone can GO safely into 2026:
- 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.
- Milton Line: We will be adding additional evening trips arriving into Union Station on Dec. 31 with the last train leaving Union Station at 2:55 a.m.
- UP Express: We will be adding late-night trains from Union Station to help you get home safely. Special trains will be departing every 30 minutes, starting at 1:15 a.m., with the last train leaving Union Station at 3:45 a.m.
Riders are encouraged to continue tapping on and off with their PRESTO card, but they will not be charged.
By Pepper Parr
December 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON. ON
As we leave 2025, a look over our shoulder to see what we might have gotten right and where we were definitely wrong could prove to be a useful exercise
We are doing this review on a quarterly basis, starting with January, February and March of 2025.
Mohammed Hijab, a philosopher of religion representing the Islamic viewpoint, learned that an event planned to take place at the Convention Centre was suddenly withdrawn.
B’nai Brith Canada, the country’s oldest Human Rights organization dedicated to eradicating racism, antisemitism and hatred in all its forms, contacted the Convention Centre and briefed them on just who Mohammed Hijab was. Link to that story:
 Gould won her race; Brown didn’t. But then Gould didn’t become Prime Minister and was left out of Cabinet.  It looked as if things were quiet on the political front but behind the scenes Emily Brown announced that the Conservatives raised $15,000 in two weeks. Earlier in the month Karina Gould announced she had raised $50,000 in two days. Link to that story:
Karina Gould went public with her promise to reduce GST taxes by 1% if she wins the Liberal leadership race. She didn’t win that race. Link to that story:
Natalie Pierre, Burlington’s MPP announced that she was not going to run for re-election when Premier Ford called a snap election. Changed her mind and decided she would run for re-election. After not taking part in the only all-candidate meting Pierre squeaked out a win by less than 50 votes. Link to that story
Talk of getting shovels in the ground came out of the Planning department. 27 storey tower proposed. Link to that story.
 Mayor didn’t see the numbers the way the citizen did. Mayor maintains a citizen group is wrong on their tax numbers. Link to that story.
Waterdown residents wanted to become part of Burlington. Didn’t happen. Link to that story
A surprising 20% of Poliviere Conservatives think Canada should become America’s 51st State. Link to that story.
Art Gallery celebrates 50 years of serving the public. Link to that story
Developments along Plains Road changing the look and feel of Aldershot. Link to that story.
 Civic Square getting a new look. Might not be seen before the next election. Redevelopment of Civic Square: Could this project be in trouble? Link to that story.
Housing has become a major concern for almost every municipality in Ontario. Burlington has a Land Partnership with a significant number of properties owned by the city. Some could be made available for affordable housing development. Link to that story.
Quarter of a million people on surgery waitlists. Link to that story here:
Burlington skyline isn’t what it used to be. Link to that story.
Province didn’t waste any time in removing American booze from LCBO shelves. Link to that story.
 Police get their day before Council to explain what they do. We know what they are costing us. Police tell council just what they do from day to day. Link to that story.
Citizen points to very significant salary increases at city hall. Link to that story.
Where did the Liberal surge come from? Link to that story.
Civic Square completion date moved back a year. Much of the 6.5 million cost comes from federal and provincial coffers. Link to that story.
Rural residents want to see a plan for their part of the city. Link to that story.
Home designated as historic over the wishes of the property owner. Link to that story.
Measles increases surprises everyone. Over 96 per cent of cases in Ontario are among individuals who are unimmunized. Link to that story.
 They weren’t evicted – the place was to be torn down. Then the developer changed their mind. But Kelly’s will have moved further up the street. Kellys Bake Shop given 60 days notice to move. Link to that story.
 By Pepper Parr
December 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
During much of the debate and discussion on what the tax levy was going to be for 2026, a number of people, including the Gazette, maintained that the 40% + increases during the three years the current Council has been in office were not sustainable. This council will be up for re-election in October of 2026.
But what if, in the minds of the people who pay those taxes, is that the increases are worth the quality of life in Burlington?
Perhaps not all of them, certainly not the thousands who rely on the Food Bank to feed themselves, but a majority of the population is content.
Municipal elections in Burlington get a roughly 30% turnout. The rest just don’t bother to vote.
Those opposed to the significant tax increases argue that the public can’t afford the lifestyle; it just may be that a majority of those who do vote are quite happy with the way things are.
Something to think about.
 By Gazette Staff
December 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Details on the property taxes you are going to pay in 2026 are not what you want to hear about at this point in the year.
 Given the rate at which taxes increase, you might want to understand just when the tax increase the city passed earlier in December will kick in.
Based on the following information from the City website:
The City sends out two bills outlining four payments for the year.
Interim Bill
The interim bill is sent at the beginning of the year and includes two payment stubs:
- February payment due date
- April payment due date
This bill is based on last year’s levy and does not include the budget or assessment changes.
Final Bill
The final tax bill is sent in the spring and includes two payment stubs:
- June payment due date
- September payment due date
The final bill reflects budget changes and applicable property assessment changes.
So you won’t be seeing the increase until June – halfway through the year.
 By Max Maddyson
December 30th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
If you’re into Australian online pokies, chances are you’re not playing them on a desktop anymore. Mobile gambling with Lucky Green Casino lets you take your favourite games anywhere — from the couch to the beach to the back of an Uber. But what actually works, and what just sort of… exists? Let’s get into it.
What Works: Things That Actually Make You Go “Yep, That’s Good”
When you fire up Lucky Green on your phone, you want it to just work. Here’s where it delivers.
-
 The layout fits neatly on any screen — phone or tablet. It runs smoother than a new ute on fresh bitumen. The mobile site loads fast, even on dodgy Wi-Fi. It’s not clunky. It doesn’t freeze. The layout fits neatly on any screen — phone or tablet. Whether you’re team Android or iPhone, you won’t be stuck squinting or jabbing at unclickable buttons. That HTML5 backend really pulls its weight.
- You get the full spread of games. Pokies, blackjack, roulette, live dealers — it’s all there. There’s no stripped-down “mobile lite” experience. What you see on desktop, you get on mobile. Including those progressive pokies that could, in theory, make you a millionaire during a toilet break. Not saying it will happen, but hey, the dream’s alive.
- Banking doesn’t make you want to chuck your phone. Depositing and withdrawing on mobile is dead easy. Crypto? Sweet. E-wallets? Yep. Even classic card payments. The forms are clean, and you don’t have to tap through endless popups to find your preferred method. Fast in, fast out, and no nasty surprises.
- Bonuses don’t disappear just because you’re on mobile. You’re not punished for using your phone. The full welcome package — up to AU$5,000 + 300 spins — is available on mobile too. Same goes for reloads, cashback, and the occasional cheeky freebie. The mobile version isn’t some sad cousin of the desktop site.
And yes, players have mentioned in chats and Reddit threads that mobile withdrawals sometimes hit their wallets faster than desktop ones. Could be coincidence. Could be a hidden perk. Either way, we’re not complaining.
All that makes mobile play at Lucky Green more than just passable — it’s genuinely good.
What Doesn’t: The Bits That Could Use a Bit of Elbow Grease
Mobile gambling isn’t perfect. A few bumps in the road could slow your ride.
 No internet, no play. There’s zero offline functionality. Lose signal on the train and say goodbye to your bonus round. No app in the App Store. You won’t find Lucky Green in the Apple or Google app stores. If you want an app-like experience, you’ll need to download an APK or just stick with the mobile browser version. Which works well, but for folks who like neat icons and native push notifications, it’s a bit of a letdown.Tiny screens, tiny frustrations. Live dealer games can be a bit squishy on a small screen. Sure, the video is clear, and you can still bet easily, but the immersive vibe takes a hit. And if you’re a fat-fingered player, misclicks are bound to happen now and then.
Old phones struggle. If you’re still rocking a Nokia or some creaky pre-2018 Android, you’ll notice lag. Newer devices fly through the interface. Older ones cough and wheeze if you try to load a live roulette table while Spotify and Instagram are openYou need to stay online. No internet, no play. There’s zero offline functionality. Lose signal on the train and say goodbye to your bonus round.
So yeah, it’s not flawless — but it’s still way more hit than miss.
Mobile vs Desktop: Which One Wins the Fight?
Here’s a quick comparison to show how mobile stacks up against desktop. If you’re trying to choose where to play, this’ll help clear things up.
| Feature |
Mobile |
Desktop |
| Game Access |
✅ Full access |
✅ Full access |
| Graphics |
Good |
Slightly better |
| Convenience |
Excellent |
Tied to location |
| UI/UX |
Touch-friendly |
More detailed |
| Banking |
✅ Fast |
✅ Fast |
| Live Dealers |
Works well |
Best experience |
In the end, mobile wins for convenience, but desktop still brings a bit more polish.
How to Squeeze the Best Out of Lucky Green on Mobile
 A little prep goes a long way. It’s not like squeezing toothpaste out of a tube. A little prep goes a long way. Want smooth gameplay and fewer headaches? Do this.
Before we get into the list, know that none of these require a tech degree. Anyone can do this in under a minute.
- Use decent Wi-Fi or 4G. Lag kills vibes.
- Close background apps before a long session.
- Turn your phone sideways. Landscape mode makes games look proper.
- If they ever offer an APK, grab it from the official site only. No shady links.
- Check for bonuses in your SMS or email. They often drop mobile-exclusive promos there.
Follow these tips, and your mobile experience will feel a whole lot slicker.
The Verdict
 Lucky Green Casino delivers the goods. It’s fast, full-featured, and doesn’t feel like a watered-down version of the “real” casino. Mobile gambling with Lucky Green Casino delivers the goods. It’s fast, full-featured, and doesn’t feel like a watered-down version of the “real” casino. Sure, there are gaps — mainly the lack of an official app and the fiddliness of playing on a phone. But those are minor speedbumps.
If you’re the kind of player who’d rather spin reels on your lunch break than wait till you’re home, this setup suits you just fine.
FAQs
Is mobile gambling safe at Lucky Green Casino?
Yes. The mobile site uses the same encryption and login protections as the desktop version. Just don’t share your password with your housemate.
Can I play pokies on my phone at Lucky Green Casino?
Absolutely. You’ll find hundreds of them, including the big names and progressive jackpots.
Does Lucky Green Casino have a mobile app?
Not in app stores. But the browser version works great, and there might be an APK available through the official site.
Are the same bonuses available on mobile?
Yes, you get the full range — welcome bonus, reloads, free spins, all of it.
Which devices work best for Lucky Green’s mobile casino?
Modern Androids and iPhones run it smoothly. Older phones might lag, especially with live games.
 E-wallets and crypto usually hit fastest, sometimes within the hour. How fast are mobile withdrawals at Lucky Green Casino?
They’re quick. E-wallets and crypto usually hit fastest, sometimes within the hour.
 By Pepper Parr
December 28th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The event was to recognize and celebrate the $100,000 donations to three essential Burlington organizations:
The Compassion Society; Shifra and Carpenter Hospice.
 Giving away $100,000 The event drew a respectable audience and gave Lion Fanboy an opportunity to talk about the work that the Burlington Lions have been doing in the community for 100 years.
Events like this draw the politicians: two MP’s; one MPP, one Mayor and two members of Council. Give them 10 minutes each and you’ve just spent an hour during which they all said basically the same thing.
There is more to the Burlington Lions than hosting politicians.
 Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman, an unidentified young Lion and Burlington MP Karina Gould The organization, like many, has difficulty drawing in new members. The demographic they draw from doesn’t consist of people with a lot of energy. They also tend to be a little fixed in their ways.
The Burlington Lions have bucked that trend. They have a lot of new younger members, “which brings its own set of problems”.
The younger people move a little quicker and bring new ideas with them. That creates a little friction at times.
Again, the Lions are bucking that problem as well.
 Festival of Lights is now a Lions operation. This year the Lions took over the running of the Festival of Lights that takes place at Spencer Smith Park every year from late November through to early January. This year, the display ends on January 7th – still plenty of time to take the kids with you and stroll through Spencer Smith Park.
If you haven’t taken the time to stroll through Spencer Smith Park and enjoy what is set up – do make the time.
We asked John Fanjoy how the event ended in the hands of the Lions and what they were going to do with the event going forward. Fanjoy said “what we got was a collection of a lot of equipment that needed some loving care and upgrades. We are at the changing the light bulbs stage right now.”
The Lions are tenants in a building they helped finance. They own the land the structure is on.
They deeded the parkland around the building to the city a number of years ago.
 One of the most successful Farmers’ Markets in Southern Ontario. The Burlington Nelson Lions Club opened the Farmers’ Market in the Central Arena parking lot in 1960. They have changed locations several times. They settled in at the Burlington Centre 15 years ago and have become one of the most successful Farmers’ Markets in Southern Ontario.
Clearly, a very active organization with a membership of less than 50. Most service organizations struggle to maintain membership; the Lions have found a way to attract younger people.
How do you become a Lion? Start here
 By Pepper Parr
December 26th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
At the last meeting of City Council, Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna said, “this will put Burlington on the map”. He was referring to the possible visit of a FIFA Caravan coming to Burlington.
Many scoffed at the Bentivegna remark.
What will make many in Burlington proud is the announcement that Nelson High School graduate Mark Wseman has been made the Canadian Ambassador to the United States. He will take up his role on February 15th, of 2026.
Prime Minister Mark Carney formally announced that Canada’s next ambassador to the United States will be Mark Wiseman, a plain-spoken dealmaker with deep business relationships who will head to Washington with the goal of securing trade peace.
 Wiseman, is a close friend of the Prime Minister. Wiseman, a former lawyer and pension-fund executive who has stewarded money for some of the world’s largest investors, is in a position of influence as Canada seeks to restore fraught trade and defence ties with the U.S.
Wiseman, is a close friend of the Prime Minister. His mandate will include helping the government boost foreign direct investment in Canada.
“Mark Wiseman brings immense experience, contacts, and deep commitment at this crucial time of transformation of our relationship with the United States,” Mr. Carney said.
“As a core member of our negotiating team, he will help advance the interests of Canadian workers, businesses, and institutions, while building opportunities for both Canada and the United States.”
Former colleagues lauded him as a strong pick for the post, though opposition politicians criticized the appointment on the basis of his past comments on supply management and his positions on immigration.
He has not served in government or diplomatic service, but several of his past jobs had a public-sector link, including his stint from 2012 to 2016 as chief executive officer of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, which manages $778-billion for working Canadians and retirees.
Mr. Wiseman, 55, was born in Niagara Falls, Ont., studied at Queen’s University and earned his law degree and MBA from the University of Toronto. He was a Fulbright Scholar at Yale University and clerked for then-justice Beverley McLachlin at the Supreme Court of Canada. Ms. McLachlin later served as the top court’s chief justice.
“You can’t find a smarter person in Canada who will understand the intricacies of the American file. He is perfect for that,” Brent Belzberg, senior executive chairman of private equity firm TorQuest Partners and the founder of Harrowston, said in an email.
“He is also close to the Prime Minister who weighs in personally on this file. Canada is lucky that Mark will make the personal sacrifice to take this on.”
 Wiseman spent four years at Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan before he joined CPPIB in 2005, where he was later named CEO at the age of 42. Mr. Wiseman was one of the earliest financial backers of Mr. Carney’s bid to lead the Liberal Party earlier this year, and had been appointed to the Prime Minister’s Canada-U.S. advisory council in March.
He spent four years at Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan before he joined CPPIB in 2005, where he was later named CEO at the age of 42. More recently, from 2020 to 2023, he was chair of Alberta Investment Management Corp.
A Gazette reader brought this to our attention saying he was a student the day Nelson opened in 1957. “Later in life I was part of a selection committee to recognize grads who deserved recognition for outstanding work in their life on the” Nelson Wall of Distinction “.He will probably be on the Wall soon.”
By Pepper Parr
December 26th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Let us not rush back into the real world quite yet.
Christmas was festive, fun, and family – the day after has become a holiday with a quaint tradition that is celebrated in the Commonwealth countries that reflects the class tradition of the times.
The first mention of Boxing Day as a tradition is believed to be in 1830. It was the day that the Upper classes gave a “box” to people like post-men, errand-boys, and servants of various kinds.
It was a present, a gratuity given at Christmas to people who had provided a service. In Great Britain the custom for tradesmen to collect “Christmas boxes” of money or presents on the first weekday after Christmas as thanks for good service throughout the year. The tradition goes back as far as December 1663.
 It was a different time, a different era when class differences defined everything. The Boxing Day tradition came out of that era. The tradition was linked to an older British tradition – servants of the wealthy were allowed the next day to visit their families. The employers would give each servant a box to take home containing gifts, bonuses, and sometimes leftover food.
In South Africa as recently as the 1980s, milkmen and garbage collectors, who normally had little if any interaction with those they served, were accustomed to knock on their doors asking for a “Christmas box”, being a small cash donation, in the week or so before and after Christmas.
The European tradition, which has long included giving money and other gifts to those who were needy and in service positions, has been dated to the Middle Ages, but the exact origin is unknown. It is believed to be in reference to the Alms Box placed in areas of worship to collect donations to the poor.
Boxing Day became a secular holiday that is traditionally celebrated on 26 December, the day after Christmas Day. 26 December is also St. Stephen’s Day, a religious holiday.
In the UK, Boxing Day is a bank holiday
In Scotland, Boxing Day has been specified as an additional bank holiday since 1974In Ireland – when the island as a whole was part of the United Kingdom – the Bank Holidays Act 1871 established the feast day of St. Stephen as a non-movable public holiday on 26 December. Following partition in 1920, Northern Ireland reverted to the British name, Boxing Day.
In Australia, Boxing Day is a federal public holiday. The Australian state of South Australia instead observes a public holiday known as Proclamation Day on the first weekday after Christmas Day or the Christmas Day holiday.
In New Zealand, Boxing Day is a statutory holiday; penalty rates and lieu time are provided to employees who work on Boxing Day.
In Canada, Boxing Day is a federal statutory holiday. Government offices, banks and post offices/delivery are closed. In some Canadian provinces, Boxing Day is a statutory holiday that is always celebrated on 26 December. In Canadian provinces where Boxing Day was a statutory holiday, and it falls on a Saturday or Sunday, compensation days are given in the following week.
In the United States, 26 December is not observed as “Boxing Day”.
The tradition has become a massive sales push that has people lining up outside large chain store operations as early as 5 am waiting for huge discounts, usually on electronic items that are positioned as loss leaders to attract customers.
 Boxing day at the Eaton Centre – packed. The CTV television network reports that in 2010 Boxing Day sales totaled $1.8 billion. The tradition has become a shopping holiday that has become Boxing Week
Many retailers open very early (typically 5 am or even earlier) and offer door buster deals and loss leaders to draw people to their stores. It is not uncommon for long queues to form early in the morning of 26 December, hours before the opening of shops holding the big sales, especially at big-box consumer electronics retailers.
In recent years, retailers have expanded deals to “Boxing Week”. While Boxing Day is 26 December, many retailers will run the sales for several days before or after 26 December, often up to New Year’s Eve. Notably, in the recession of late 2008, a record number of retailers were holding early promotions due to a weak economy. Canada’s Boxing Day has often been compared with the American Super Saturday (the Saturday before Christmas) and Black Friday.
From 2009 onward Black Friday deals become more prominent among Canadian retailers to discourage shoppers from crossing the border to the USA when the Canadian and USA dollars was close to parity, and this has lessened the appeal of Boxing Day in Canada somewhat as it was overtaken by Black Friday in terms of sales in 2013.
Boxing Day is not and has never been a shopping holiday in the USA.
In some parts of Canada, particularly in Atlantic Canada and parts of Northern Ontario, most retailers are prohibited from opening on Boxing Day, either by provincial law or by municipal bylaw, or instead by informal agreement among major retailers to provide a day of relaxation following Christmas Day.
A tradition that came out of a social class based society has evolved into a week-long shopping spree.
It isn’t just about shopping; sports events have become major Boxing Day events.
 Major European leagues may enjoy a winter break when players can put their feet up over the festive period. But it’s all go in the Premier and Football Leagues. And that means plenty of action for armchair soccer fans. In the United Kingdom, it is traditional for both top-tier football leagues in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the lower ones, as well as the rugby leagues, to hold a full programme of football and rugby union matches on Boxing Day.
Originally, matches on Boxing Day were played against local rivals to avoid teams and their fans having to travel a long distance to an away game on the day after Christmas Day.
This is probably much more than you wanted to know about the holiday we celebrate today.
By Pepper Parr
December 25th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON.
I’ve never understood why Merry Christmas replaced the words:
For unto us a child is born and he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
That is what today is really all about. For the children in your life – pass it along.
 We sometimes lose sight of what the Season is about. Did parents watching the floats pass by use the opportunity to spread the message?
 By Ray Rivers
December 24th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
Tom Parkin recently wrote an excellent summary, of just how wrong Mr. Poilievre has been on economic policy. The article appeared in the GAzette last week – link below. The best example being his war cry that the carbon tax was causing higher food and accommodation costs, and inflation in general.. But once PM Carney axed-the-tax inflation didn’t stop, but continued its upward trend.
 A lack of understanding about how an economy actually works. Poilievre may be a compelling speaker but he just makes stuff up. And he is mostly wrong, as Tom Parkin points out only too well. The public must already sense this because his personal popularity lags that of the current PM by a long shot.
One reason is that, unlike Carney, who has a vision for a Canada freed from subservience to the Americans next door, the Conservative’s just complain that everything is not perfect. He fails to grasp the significance of the moment we are in – the challenges, the consequences and the sacrifices we all need to make to secure our future.
 “…a compelling speaker but he just makes stuff up.” And everyone is tired, fed up, with the Tory leader’s annoying attack dog performance. That tactic successfully ended Justin Trudeau’s political career, but Mr. Carney just brushes off the personal slights. And unfortunately, Mr. Poilievre doesn’t have anything else in his bag of tricks, given his lack of understanding about how an economy actually works.
But it’s his management style that seems to put off some of the people he needs most. The voters in his former Ottawa riding couldn’t wait to get rid of him last election. And more recently, two members of his own party have crossed the floor to become Liberals, and a third just quit.
Still something like 70% of the Conservative membership apparently approve of their firebrand leader. And that means he’ll likely be confirmed as leader at the CPC love-in in January. Unfortunately for him, Mr. Carney is far more popular, pretty much everywhere except Alberta, of course.
Despite the tepid public support for Poilievre, the CPC is ironically running almost neck-in-neck in popular support with the top dog Liberals, according to recent national polls. And so that begs the question of whether the unpopular opposition leader could win a federal election in our parliamentary system.
 70% of the Conservative membership apparently approve of their firebrand leader. We may never find out since the Tories are reluctant to take that gamble, as we saw during the budget a few weeks ago. And if more of Poilievre’s caucus crosses over to the Liberals, as are the rumours, Mr. Carney could be PM for the next three and a half years.
So if Mr. Poilievre’s Christmas wish is to become Canada’s next prime minister, he’d better also ask for a vision for the country, a new personality…. oh, and a book on basic economics And remember that Santa will only put that under his tree if he starts acting nice.
Merry Christmas everyone.
 Ray Rivers, a Gazette Contributing Editor, writes regularly applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background links:
Tom Parkin – Polls – Poilievre’s Numbers – Same Old PP –
 By Gazette Staff
December 24th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 A recent mental health survey done by Eagles Nest revealed that 61% of youth feel that adults don’t truly know how much they are struggling with their mental health.
A 19-year-old told us, Some of us do not feel like we “deserve” support.
 Amanda Devries, Executive Director Amanda Devries said this week that: “As the leader of a mental health organization I see a lot of statistics, but that one is particularly tough. No young person should ever feel alone when they are struggling with their mental health.
“Others feel that seeking help means they have failed in some way or that to do so would be a sign of weakness.”
The research will be used to develop support programs to help young people cope with the changes in their lives.
 By Gazette Staff
December 24th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Hospital staff will provide you with a mask when you enter the hospital. It’s either not over yet, or it has come back.
The Joseph Brant Hospital announced yesterday that:
“Effective today, to reduce the spread of illness and protect vulnerable patients, everyone coming to JBH is now required to wear a hospital-provided mask in all patient care ares.”
Masks will be provided at entrances and throughout the hospital.
 By Tom Parkin
December 24th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
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
By Pepper Parr
December 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON ON
 Still here after 12 years! 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.
 Home to more than 175,000 people
 By Gazette Staff
December 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Why you need them
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.
- Learn more about carbon monoxide safety and protect you and your family.
By Gazette Staff
December 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
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.
 By Tom Parkin
December 22, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
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.
 By Pepper Parr
December 21st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Pipeline to Permit
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.
|
|
