 By Staff
November 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Honourable Karina Gould, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for Burlington said yesterday:
“It is with great joy that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medal. This award recognizes the exceptional contributions and remarkable achievements of Burlington residents, who have made a lasting and meaningful impact on our community.”
You can scroll over the pictures to enlarge the image.
 One would be hard-pressed to disagree with any of the choices. The 35 Recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medals
-
- Mohit Bhandari
- William Geoffrey Bowes
- Richard Burgess
- Wendy Caron
- Pamela Chase
- Kathy Coffey
- John D’Addario
- Douglas Dicker
- Michelle Douglas
- Laurelle Doxey
- Cameron Jackson
- Beverley Jacobs
- Lisette Kingo
- Michele Lewis
- Lisa Lunski
- John Mattocks
- Raj Murthy
- Soobramani Naidoo
- Rainer Noack
- Angelo Paletta
- Marsha Paley
- John Peller
- Stuart Pike
- Dorothy Pocock
- Trent Ralston
- Jolene Regan
- Kai Ruhl
- Jodie Schnurr
- Gordon Schottlander
- Simon Smith
- Lorraine Sommerfeld
- Jeff Thomblison
- Nancy Turingia
- Gloria Turney
- Mike Vencel
One would be hard pressed to disagree with any of the choices. Every one of them has made a difference to what Burlington is today.
 By Staff
November 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 Gift wrapping service available at Mapleview Mapleview Shopping Centre’s annual gift-wrapping service returns this year with proceeds supporting McMaster Children’s Hospital.
Gift wrapping services start on Black Friday, November 29, and will be located on the lower level by Guest Services.
 By Gabriela Pelayes
November 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 iGaming Ontario, a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Corporation of Ontario that advances the province’s plans to create an open and competitive internet gaming (igaming) market. Ontario’s online gaming scene has hit a remarkable high, with iGaming Ontario (iGO) revealing that online casinos now account for 86% of the province’s total wagers. This trend is part of a larger wave of digital transformation that seems to be sweeping across the province, and it’s not just in the big city centers.
Aside from a wealth of locally licensed sites, large offshore operators are growing popular among Canadian players too. Many of those, like the very popular Mega Dice platform, accept crypto as a payment method. This enables them to provide a host of features that traditional online casinos simply can’t compete with. Between instant withdrawals, more attractive bonuses, and far fewer restrictions on betting limits, crypto casinos are capturing a large part of the market these days.
However, the local iGaming industry has still been doing wonders for local services as its massive profits have resulted in huge tax revenues for the province. As a result of the success of the industry, Ontario’s communities are exploring how technology can open new doors for local businesses. In places like Burlington, the commercial sector is embracing this digital shift in a way that’s connecting people and driving local growth.
 Burlington – Best mid-sized city in Canada. Burlington’s road to the digital age has been both accidental and unplanned. Indeed, over the past few years, Burlington has tried to bridge the digital gaps and make all of its residents, from teenagers to seniors, feel at ease with technology. For instance, these days, local community centers and libraries are filled with workshops and programs aimed at helping everyone get comfortable with online platforms and devices.
This content reads as if it is human-written. From that perspective, it is fantastic how small-business owners have learned to create a presence in the online world after always relying on foot traffic and using digital tools to keep their businesses alive.
This boom in online gaming also reflects more than entertainment; it underlines a broader trend toward tech-driven lifestyles in which innovation is not just a nicety but a necessity. For example, online gaming platforms in general have been made more accessible, entertaining, and safe.
Interestingly, Burlington has taken a similar tack, prioritizing privacy, data protection, and digital literacy. That is not about mere technological capability but rather about developing confidence in those taken-for-granted technologies upon which actual lives are based, from paying bills online and connecting with family to launching an e-commerce business.
 ith each new tech project, Burlington is building a current and prepared community for what’s next. This section outlines this approach for how the digital transformation is occurring locally in Burlington, keeping everyone safe and benefiting. Just as iGO collaborates with industry leaders like Integrity Compliance 360 and IXUP to create safe gaming environments, Burlington has partnered with local organizations to bring new technology to the community.
Through public-private partnerships, digital resources are increasingly available for those who may have needed more easy access. In many ways, these collaborations are a perfect example of what’s possible when public interest meets private innovation.
As iGO raises the bar in digital gaming, Burlington’s efforts show the power of embracing change while keeping community values front and center. This isn’t just about keeping up with trends but building a solid foundation for a future-ready city.
With each new tech project, Burlington is building a current and prepared community for what’s next.
 By Staff
November 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The two people seeking the nomination as the candidate to represent Burlington provincial Liberals in the next election, that might take place as early as mid to late January are are Andrea Grebenc and Oliver Parker.
Both have been fully vetted.
 Oliver Parker  The Liberal Party association has announced that voting will take place at Central High School on Sunday, December 15th, at 1:30 pm
No word yet on whether the two candidates will debate or make presentations before ballots are cast.
The closing day for Burlington Provincial Liberal Party Association is December 1st.
It appears that there is no way for people to vote by using a proxy which will limit some people.
The Liberal Party association membership is open to anyone 14 and over.
By Pepper Parr
November 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
At around 7:00 am this morning a group of people will gather at the Pearle Hotal and Spa for a Chamber of Commerce breakfast. It is a closed to the media event; an occasion where the Chamber is invoking the Chatham House rules.
The Chatham House Rule is a set of guidelines that encourage open discussion and free expression of ideas. Participants can use information from a discussion, but they can’t reveal who said it or what organization they’re from. Remarks made by participants or speakers can’t be publicly or privately attributed to them which allows people to speak as individuals, without worrying about their reputation or official duties. The rule is binding on all participants, unlike a simple meeting ground rule.
 Lou Frapporti Lou Frapporti, an Alinea Land Corporation adviser, will introduce Burlington CAO Hassaan Basit to the audience; Alinea is the sponsor of the event. His remarks are a remarkable difference from what business people in the Region usually hear. Read what Frapporti chose to say.
I have the privilege today of introducing our Keynote Speaker Hassaan Basit and to convey a brief message on behalf of this events title sponsor Alinea Land Corporation.
As for my brief remarks, the topic of leadership seems apropos.
In June of 1966 Senator Robert Kennedy spoke at the University of Capetown. At the time Nelson Mandela and other anti apartheid leaders were imprisoned on South Africa’s Robben Island. The speech Senator Kennedy gave that day became known as the ripple of hope speech; Widely acclaimed as one of the greatest speeches of the 20th century. Are you familiar with it? For those that aren’t I would encourage you to listen to it.
I have always experienced this speech as a celebration of individual human agency. A call to leadership. And a recognition of the power of the individual to effect positive change. If you’ll allow me I would like to quote a bit of it.
“Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation. It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time we stand up for an ideal, or act to improve the lot of others, we send forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring these ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest of walls.”
We are all confronted with the reality of a world beset with enormous challenges. And while we are spared many of those challenges owing to our living in Canada, better still for those that live and work in Burlington, it is nonetheless the case that significant challenges surround us. Challenges that grow more pressing by the day. Challenges that have and will elude the capacity of government – all levels of government – to solve alone. Not the least of which is access to housing for your children.
Fortunately, the problems that we need to address are not insoluble. And the resources, ingenuity, empathy and resolve necessary to tackle them are, in fact, at our disposal in that they lie within the capacities of the leaders in this room to mend. Look around at the wealth of human capital here today. Among you are leaders from all corners of our region. Leaders in Government and the private sector to be sure. But also, and notably, leaders in the not for profit and educational sectors.
The challenges that confront us are not beyond our capacity to solve.
By working together.
 King Road property – between the GO line and Hwy 403 – formerly employment lands now zoned for mixed-use. Beyond its charitable giving, as the steward of the bulk of this city’s development land, the custodians of its largest employment and residential greenfield capacity, and therefore the single largest catalyst of economic activity in this community for the foreseeable future, Alinea is profoundly aware of the need to act with a resolve to improve ‘the lot of others’. To send ripples of hope.
That said, our doing that is very much dependent on the ingenuity, acuity and resolve of our keynote speaker and his colleagues in helping us deliver these benefits to this city and to you as soon as possible. In having gotten to know Haasan over the last several months, and having witnessed the transformational change he is leading, we are brimming with confidence and optimism in his abilities.
Ultimately, the success of Alinea’s many projects – will be defined not only by the extent to which they enhance the company’s bottom line – they will be defined by the extent to which they can serve to address the wants and needs of this community and region as a whole. By the extent to which they can serve your interests, and the interests of your constituents, your families, employees, customers, clients and students.
It is for this reason that I am here to convey our continuing resolve to connect and engage with you as leaders so as to better understand how this effort might better serve your interests and the communities interests by way of our collaboration. And as Alinea’s ambassador to the community, I invite you to reach out to me to explore how we might be of service.
Together, our many ripples of hope can sweep down the mightiest of walls.
And now to our keynote speaker – Hassaan Basit, Chief Administrative Officer City of Burlington
 Hassaan Basit: City of Burlington CAO Hassaan is a respected leader with an extensive background in strategic planning, leadership, advocacy, and operations and governance – spanning over two decades in the public sector. He joined the City of Burlington as the Chief Administrative Officer in April 2024. Prior to this, Hassaan served for eight years as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Conservation Halton.
Hassaan’s leadership style is marked by a deep dedication to fostering high morale, a culture of continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making. He has a strong track record of fostering collaboration with diverse stakeholders to build bridges and find innovative solutions to new or systemic issues.
Hassaan holds an Executive MBA in Digital Transformation from McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business, a Master of Science from Queen’s University Belfast, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto.
A long-term resident of Halton, Hassaan enjoys exploring local trails and traveling, constantly drawing inspiration from his surroundings and experiences to find innovative ways to enhance public services.
 By James Porthouse
November 14th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
This information is not professional investment advice. Investors are advised to do their own research into individual stocks before making an investment decision.
The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider acquisitions in the public market are:
|
| LIONS GATE ENTERTAINMENT CORP —–Buy Quantity: 2,156,766 Average cost: $9.89 Total: $21,332,963.78 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Liberty 77 Capital L.P. |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-13-24 |
81,845 |
$10.76 |
$880,445.15 |
| Liberty 77 Fund International L.P. |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-13-24 |
64,114 |
$10.76 |
$689,704.44 |
| Liberty 77 Capital L.P. |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-08-24 |
1,127,537 |
$9.83 |
$11,081,771.67 |
| Liberty 77 Fund International L.P. |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-08-24 |
883,270 |
$9.83 |
$8,681,042.52 |
|
| Sol Strategies Inc. (formerly, Cypherpunk Holdings Inc.) —–Buy Quantity: 1,420,000 Average cost: $1.23 Total: $1,748,376.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Guoga, Antanas (Tony) |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-13-24 |
1,070,000 |
$1.22 |
$1,310,001.00 |
| Guoga, Antanas (Tony) |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-12-24 |
350,000 |
$1.25 |
$438,375.00 |
|
| Ayr Wellness Inc —–Buy Quantity: 1,170,000 Average cost: $1.09 Total: $1,281,048.91 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Millstreet Credit Fund LP |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-11-24 |
1,170,000 |
$1.09 |
$1,281,048.91 |
|
| Stella-Jones Inc —–Buy Quantity: 7,000 Average cost: $70.86 Total: $496,029.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Harries, Rhodri |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-12-24 |
5,000 |
$70.50 |
$352,500.00 |
| Vachon, Eric |
7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6) |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-12-24 |
1,000 |
$71.13 |
$71,129.00 |
| Travaglini, Silvana |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-11-24 |
1,000 |
$72.40 |
$72,400.00 |
|
| Altus Group Limited —–Buy Quantity: 8,424 Average cost: $57.41 Total: $483,662.80 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Brennan, William |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-12-24 |
8,424 |
$57.41 |
$483,662.80 |
The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider dispositions in the public market are:
|
| Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited —–Sell Quantity: -1,000 Average cost: $1,875.00 Total: -$1,875,000.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Bradstreet, F. Brian |
7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6) |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-12-24 |
-1,000 |
$1,875.00 |
-$1,875,000.00 |
|
| Lundin Gold Inc —–Sell Quantity: -46,660 Average cost: $30.39 Total: -$1,417,867.11 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Mir, Pablo |
7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6) |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-13-24 |
-46,660 |
$30.39 |
-$1,417,867.11 |
|
| Aritzia Inc —–Sell Quantity: -30,800 Average cost: $45.84 Total: -$1,411,800.00 Options Issued: 30,800 Average cost: $0.00 Total: $0.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Kwan, Karen |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-08-24 |
8,800 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
| Kwan, Karen |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-08-24 |
-8,800 |
$45.43 |
-$399,800.00 |
| Wong, Jennifer |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-08-24 |
2,000 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
| Wong, Jennifer |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-08-24 |
-2,000 |
$46.00 |
-$92,000.00 |
| Wong, Jennifer |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-11-24 |
20,000 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
| Wong, Jennifer |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-11-24 |
-20,000 |
$46.00 |
-$920,000.00 |
|
| Bright Minds Biosciences Inc —–Sell Quantity: -16,000 Average cost: $57.09 Total: -$913,464.38 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Bottler, Nils |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-12-24 |
-16,000 |
$57.09 |
-$913,464.38 |
|
| Viemed Healthcare, Inc —–Sell Quantity: -96,261 Average cost: $9.43 Total: -$907,702.08 Options Issued: 96,261 Average cost: $2.24 Total: $215,632.41 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Dobbs, Randolph Edward |
4 – Director of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-13-24 |
36,261 |
$1.81 |
$65,632.41 |
| Dobbs, Randolph Edward |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-13-24 |
-36,261 |
$9.28 |
-$336,502.08 |
| Kaushal, Nitin |
4 – Director of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-11-24 |
30,000 |
$2.50 |
$75,000.00 |
| Kaushal, Nitin |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-11-24 |
-30,000 |
$9.56 |
-$286,800.00 |
| Kaushal, Nitin |
4 – Director of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-13-24 |
30,000 |
$2.50 |
$75,000.00 |
| Kaushal, Nitin |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-13-24 |
-30,000 |
$9.48 |
-$284,400.00 |
What is Insider Trading?
How Insider Trading works.
 By Staff
November 14th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Climate Change has resulted in a new economic sector: natural resource management, and sustainability
 ECO Canada and Mohawk College have announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing workforce development within Canada’s rapidly growing environmental sector. This new partnership will be called the Centre for Applied Learning in Sustainability. This collaboration will leverage the unique strengths of both organizations to deliver innovative training solutions that address the pressing need for skilled professionals in this critical industry.
With approximately 1,400,000 individuals directly or indirectly contributing to environmental protection, natural resource management, and sustainability across Canada, as well as an increasing demand for new entrants and upskilling of existing workers with a need for 500,000 more by 2033, this partnership is timely. The joint initiatives will include a range of programs designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in emerging areas of the green and blue economies.
“This partnership brings together the academic leadership of Mohawk College with ECO Canada’s expertise in environmental workforce solutions. Together, we are committed to filling the existing gaps between industry needs and available training,” said Kevin Nilsen, President and CEO of ECO Canada.
Through this partnership, Mohawk College will be responsible for course development, delivery, and program management, while ECO Canada will provide National Occupational Standards, marketing, and support for certification and employment resources. The programs will feature stand-alone micro-credentials, certificates, and pathways to diplomas and bachelor’s degrees, tailored to meet the needs of both new entrants and seasoned professionals in the environmental workforce.
 It is their world and they want to do everything possible to keep it alive. “This collaboration aligns with Mohawk College’s mission to provide high-quality education that prepares learners to be leaders in the workforce of the future,” said Cebert Adamson, Vice President, Academic at Mohawk College. “The environmental sector presents a significant opportunity for job growth and career advancement, and our partnership with ECO Canada will ensure that Canadians have access to the skills and training required to succeed.”
The partnership will also introduce newly created course curriculum which will serve the current and future needs of the environmental industry, positioning the partners as the providers of premier workforce solutions for the environmental sector. The initiative aims to meet both individual career goals and the broader societal priorities of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
About Mohawk College
Mohawk College educates and serves more than 32,500 full-time, part-time, apprenticeship and international students at four main campuses in Hamilton, Ontario and learning hubs across Hamilton through City School by Mohawk, as well as at the Mohawk College Mississauga Campus in partnership with triOS College. Mohawk is committed to upholding an equitable, diverse and inclusive learning, working and engaging environment for students, employees and the community. The college is among the top colleges for applied research in Canada. It has been named one of Hamilton-Niagara’s top employers and one of Canada’s greenest employers and holds a GOLD STARS rating from AASHE for sustainability achievements. More than 170,000 people have graduated from Mohawk since it was founded.
About ECO Canada
ECO Canada is the steward of the Canadian environmental industry. From job creation and wage funding to training and labour market research – we champion the end-to-end career of an environmental professional. We aim to promote and drive responsible, sustainable economic growth within the industry while ensuring that environmental care and best practices are priorities. Over the past 30 years, we have forged academic partnerships, tools, and research to train and certify environmental job seekers and help fill the labour market.
We work alongside government, policymakers, academia, students, employers, professionals, industry, and international audiences to ensure we support Canada as a global leader in innovative workforce solutions and job creation. We remain the go-to source in the environmental labour market; our research provides unmatched statistics and analysis on the industry’s economic and labour trends that identify workforce gaps.
 By Staff
November 14th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Everyone borrows. Your mortgage is borrowed money.
 The Region of HAlton does all the debenture borrowing for the municipalities. Next week council will endorse the 2025 Capital Budget for the City of $103,525,163 with a debenture requirement of $8,950,000, and the 2026-2034 capital forecast with a gross amount of $994,403,942 with a debenture requirement of $30,179,850 as outlined in the 2025 Budget Overview and as amended by Council.
Borrowing funds now moves the cost of what is being built now to future taxpayers.
The debenture in the amount of $8,950,000 in 2025 is a tax-supported debt.
The practice for the Halton Region is for all four municipalities to send their debenture needs to the Region who then go to the capital markets to raise the needed funds. The Region has a top level credit and bond rating which results in lower borrowing costs.
The Regional Chair issues a report every year on just how strong the credit and bond rating is.
By Staff
November 14th. 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
A ward 3 resident reports that he has learned recently “that the cost for Burlington attendees to Japan was $45K from the Mundialization Committee budget, including official “gift” … Mayor, CAO, Hurley, Nisan and 1 other in attendance…
 Burlington delegation to Itabachi Japan in October. Councillor Galbraith’s attendance and associated costs were covered by CoB funds, but were from a separate, distinct budget of “Federal Business Liaison and Development” or something to that effect… This is due to Galbraith’s role of Deputy Mayor for Business and Red Tape “Reduction”
Our source wonders who collected all the air miles ?
By Pepper Parr
November 14th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
City Council is being asked to:Endorse the 2025 Operating Budget including any approved budget amendments to be applied against the proposed net tax levy amount of $264,328,845
There are 22 amendments to the proposed budget that is before Council.
Two in particular suggest the members of Council might be listening.
 Provide a one-time transfer of $80,000 from the current balance in the Mundialization Reserve Fund to the Severe Weather Reserve Fund comes from Councillor Nisan – who was one of the Councillors who travelled to Japan recently.
The other was submitted by Councillor Kearns, who didn’t get to go to Japan; she wanted to see a one-time transfer of $150,000 from the current balance in the Mundialization Reserve Fund to the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund.
Kearns also wants to re-allocate existing resources from other parts of City operations to enable more efficient, technology-enhanced communications and to support the Web & Digital Marketing Advisor role. No savings here, Kearns just wants to move $148,301 from one department to another.
A move that will make Anne and Dave Marsden very happy is to: Adjust the rented facilities within the Spencer Smith Park portion of this investment to 2 basic portable units in a more centralized location within the park and redirect any resulting rental savings to deliver increased operations hours at Discovery Landing (7am and holidays).
 Councillor Bentivegna had a total of nine changes he wanted to see in the budget; he has usually suggested more changes than any other Councillor – most of his past recommendations were not passed.
Kearns wants to remove $200k of the annual provision to the Innovation and Transformation Reserve Fund and increase the annual provision to the Infrastructure Renewal Reserve Fund by $200k to replenish the fund after $2M draw-down to fund storm water work and local road resurfacing.
Councillor Nisan wants to see a one-time transfer of $65,000 from the current balance in the Council Special Initiatives Reserve Fund to the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund
Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund is a sort of piggy bank that Council can dip into to cover unexpected item that crop up during a fiscal year.
 Ward 3 took the hardest hit during the July floods. Water flowed through the community and down onto Hwy 407. The highest item in the list is $2,000,000 item that had no impact. Councillor Nissan wanted to draw $2M from the Infrastructure Renewal Reserve Fund to accommodate the addition of the $2M Local Road Resurfacing Program into the 2025 budget. Doing so allows us to fund local road resurfacing and storm water work explained Nissan.
Council is being asked to endorse the 2025 Operating Budget including any approved budget amendments to be applied against the proposed net tax levy amount of $264,328,845
If all of the budget changes are approved Council will have cut the budget by 2,380,980.00 or 8.77%
 Councillor Sharman wants better park maintenance at the BurlOak park in his ward. The only Council member to look for additional money was Councillor Paul Sharman who wanted $100,000 to increase park maintenance and horticultural service vs. current part-time service and minor contracted weed control. Park usage is increasing with events and heavy patronage from around the Region. We are experiencing continuing complaints.
This looks like a “get me re-elected” budget from a Council that is feeling weary.
John Portside
November 13th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
This information is not professional investment advice. Investors are advised to do their own research into individual stocks before making an investment decision.
The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider acquisitions in the public market are:
|
| Premium Brands Holdings Corporation —–Buy Quantity: 57,820 Average cost: $77.84 Total: $4,500,468.09 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| DEA, THOMAS PHILIP |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-08-24 |
52,820 |
$77.87 |
$4,113,118.09 |
| PALEOLOGOU, GEORGE |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-08-24 |
5,000 |
$77.47 |
$387,350.00 |
|
| South Bow Corporation —–Buy Quantity: 85,865 Average cost: $33.24 Total: $2,854,110.22 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Dafoe, P. Van R. |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-08-24 |
18,000 |
$33.17 |
$597,060.00 |
| Lewis, Melville George |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-08-24 |
30,000 |
$33.25 |
$997,500.00 |
| Palazzo, Marc |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-08-24 |
4,189 |
$33.30 |
$139,486.46 |
| Wirzba, Bevin Mark |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-08-24 |
33,676 |
$33.26 |
$1,120,063.76 |
|
| Sol Strategies Inc. (formerly, Cypherpunk Holdings Inc.) —–Buy Quantity: 975,000 Average cost: $1.18 Total: $1,153,347.25 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Guoga, Antanas (Tony) |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-12-24 |
281,900 |
$1.25 |
$352,375.00 |
| Guoga, Antanas (Tony) |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-11-24 |
718,100 |
$1.17 |
$841,972.25 |
| Harris, Douglas Andrew |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-07-24 |
-25,000 |
$1.64 |
-$41,000.00 |
|
| Savaria Corporation —–Buy Quantity: 19,545 Average cost: $22.96 Total: $448,753.20 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| De Montigny, Jean-Philippe |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-11-24 |
19,545 |
$22.96 |
$448,753.20 |
|
| Cardinal Energy Ltd —–Buy Quantity: 60,000 Average cost: $6.24 Total: $374,500.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Brussa, John Albert |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-12-24 |
10,000 |
$6.25 |
$62,500.00 |
| Ratushny, M. Scott |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-12-24 |
50,000 |
$6.24 |
$312,000.00 |
The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider dispositions in the public market are:
|
| Ivanhoe Mines Ltd —–Sell Quantity: -300,000 Average cost: $18.63 Total: -$5,587,730.00 Options Issued: 300,000 Average cost: $3.95 Total: $1,183,950.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Cloete, Martie |
7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6), 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-08-24 |
300,000 |
$3.95 |
$1,183,950.00 |
| Cloete, Martie |
7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6), 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-08-24 |
-300,000 |
$18.63 |
-$5,587,730.00 |
|
| Capstone Copper Corp —–Sell Quantity: -500,000 Average cost: $10.50 Total: -$5,249,450.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Pylot, Darren Murvin |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-08-24 |
-500,000 |
$10.50 |
-$5,249,450.00 |
|
| Fortis Inc —–Sell Quantity: -21,266 Average cost: $61.45 Total: -$1,306,821.68 Options Issued: 21,716 Average cost: $37.30 Total: $810,006.80 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Glitch, Keri Linda |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-08-24 |
450 |
$61.60 |
$27,722.07 |
| Smith, Gary Joseph |
7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6) |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-08-24 |
21,716 |
$37.30 |
$810,006.80 |
| Smith, Gary Joseph |
7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6) |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-08-24 |
-21,716 |
$61.45 |
-$1,334,543.75 |
|
| TC Energy Corporation —–Sell Quantity: -16,076 Average cost: $68.37 Total: -$1,099,117.27 Options Issued: 16,076 Average cost: $55.89 Total: $898,513.06 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Ebl, Trevor |
7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6) |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-08-24 |
9,554 |
$53.97 |
$515,629.38 |
| Ebl, Trevor |
7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6) |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-08-24 |
-9,554 |
$68.48 |
-$654,219.70 |
| Johnson, Nancy Angenita |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-08-24 |
3,328 |
$54.01 |
$179,745.28 |
| Johnson, Nancy Angenita |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-08-24 |
-3,328 |
$67.75 |
-$225,472.00 |
| Lindley, Colin |
7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6) |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-11-24 |
3,194 |
$63.60 |
$203,138.40 |
| Lindley, Colin |
7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6) |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-11-24 |
-3,194 |
$68.70 |
-$219,425.56 |
|
| iA Financial Corporation Inc —–Sell Quantity: -5,550 Average cost: $130.45 Total: -$724,025.00 Options Issued: 5,550 Average cost: $69.73 Total: $387,022.50 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Bergeron, Alain |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-11-24 |
2,750 |
$83.87 |
$230,642.50 |
| Bergeron, Alain |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-11-24 |
-2,750 |
$129.90 |
-$357,225.00 |
| Ricard, Denis |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-11-24 |
2,800 |
$55.85 |
$156,380.00 |
| Ricard, Denis |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-11-24 |
-2,800 |
$131.00 |
-$366,800.00 |
What is Insider Trading?
How Insider Trading works.
 By Staff
November 13th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
6 Years in Office
 Premier Ford: Glad handing has become close to a full time job. -234,000 Homeless
-1400 Encampments
-2 Years after announcing the attainable housing program
Conservatives still working on the definition of “attainable housing ”
Keep all this in mind when it comes time to vote – don’t be swayed by the $200 the Ford government plans to give you early in the new year.
 By Pepper Parr
November 13th, 2024
ALDERSHOT, ON
In Aldershot, the western part of the city people call ward 1 – they get noisy sometimes.
A community made up of older people who live on streets with no sidewalks – and they like it that way. Homes in the northern part of the ward have winding streets and large houses with good-sized back yards.
The ward has one of the largest pieces of undeveloped land in the northern part – Eagle Heights – that will, when it gets developed, be a prime high-end housing location. That is decades away – the land is not serviced. Waterdown Road, the eastern boundary of the property, is currently being widened.
Aldershot is still looking for a supermarket in the western end of the city. It was the ward in which our current Mayor first ran for public office – the then Councillor Rick Craven beat her soundly and they became fast “enemies” from that day forward. Both Liberals so they get their pictures taken together from time to time.
 A street level rendering of the proposed deveopment. Muira, a development company had an application before the city to change the Official Plan and the upgrade the zoning. At a very controversial community meeting took place on October 30th at which the developer set out what he wanted to do
 Public art at the intersection of Plains Road and Waterdown Road. Muira, a development company had an application before the city to change the Official Plan and upgrade the zoning. At a very controversial community meeting took place on October 30th, at which the developer set out what he wanted to do at the 84-104 Plains Road East: a proposed 11-storey mixed-use residential & commercial development on the southwest corner of Plain Road East and Glenwood Avenue, east of Birchwood Avenue in Burlington’s Aldershot neighbourhood. The plan is to build 255 housing units.
In Aldershot, when there is an issue, a group of people form an organization and work on behalf of the community and look for community support.
That resulted in Preserve Aldershot.
They set out what the issues were but before the ink could dry on their documents Tom Muir issued a comment:
 Muir said” That So-called Preserve Aldershot taskforce – Read very carefully as it is a con job trying to undo and remake the resident take on the October 30 meeting on the big building – 100 Plains.
Muir sent his comments to everyone who could read without moving their lips.
There is a document the Preserve Aldershot people were asking residents to sign. Muir, who knows a conspiracy when he sees one, told people that signing the document amounted to giving the developer “written ammo rounds of support” to say you voted for them and your support, by your signature is something the developer will use. www.preservealdershot.ca.
 Rendering of the development seen from the east. Muir went on to say: “The group is supported by the 100 Plains developer. I suspect that Galbraith (the ward Councillor) is involved; he has a conflict of interest and a pecuniary interest with his business properties and his residence in the Clearview area right across Plains on Orchard Rd.
“Beware that there are two main narrative overviews. One from the developer slant, and another from the consultant who writes another narrative that is supposed to tell the reader what the residents said and suggested solutions, including not acceptable.
“ I see a lot of deception which is why I tell you to read very closely. Why is this being done? Who are the Preserve Aldershot Taskforce? There is no way to learn this is exactly. It’s a con in my view. To get a fabricated remake of the October 30 meeting where residents were very clear and emphatic that the proposal was totally out of line. The developer did not get what they wanted. So they will try to make up their own version to give them something to say – that they consulted residents (this is crap) with a questionnaire designed to produce answers they want. Namely – intensification and condos are coming.
“This is the most scheming deceptive action I pretty much have ever experienced in this Burlington development chicanery. Most of all, it is designed to confuse and complicate, as if it is not enough so right now. This is frankly trying to skip the assembly of the planning step to get to the “complete application” step, so staff can review and write a recommendation report and we can get to a statutory meeting at Committee, ensure all of this is done in the mandated time limit so that the city does not trigger an OLT appeal, and citizens get an opportunity to tell Council what they think. We want no stupid excuses that loses our democratic rights to determine developments in our neighborhood and City.
 Tom Muir is a resident of Aldershot – lives on Townsend Road south of the development. “We don’t even have a complete application and here we have work ahead scheming with a fake group name trying to con us into giving them some advantage to get what they want. We don’t even know who they are really – what are their names? They want us to sign up, using a social media petition, so they can say they consulted you, and you agree with them, and are a member of their task force.
“I hate it when some folks treat us like we are stupid and cannot see through their motives, and what they are after – this is a great deal money involved. It’s even more when the development forces get so large that they get in each other’s way.
It didn’t take Scot Busch very long to refute what Muir was saying:
“I am a member of the PreserveAldershot Group and was forwarded a copy of the Muir message. I wanted to reach out personally on behalf of the Group to assure you that this is NOT a fraud. This is a grassroots campaign by residents of LaSalle Rd., Fairwood Place and Birchwood St, who are severely impacted by the Muira development on the south side of Plains (and the previously approved Infinity Development).
“We are the same group that brought Kelvin (Galbraith – ward Councillor) in a few weeks back and walked him through our neighbourhood outlining our concerns. Many of us were at the pre-application session, I by phone, to hear their pitch and to present our immediate concerns. As a resident of Fairwood Place, I am facing a future where I look out my front door at an 11 storey wall that runs for 2 city blocks and I will live on the main bypass to access these units. This is not what I envisioned when I moved here a decade ago and it’s a feeling shared by many other long-term residents.
 A graphic on the development taking place east of Waterdown Road. “To be clear, we are not supported, funded or in any way connected to any developers. In no way will our content be used to endorse the developers – quite the contrary. That said, we are fully aware that, due to planning regulation imposed on the localities by the province combined with the ever-present bias at the OLT, the city cannot stop this development but we can lobby to influence the way that the development will impact our community. Through the petition, we hope to collect the voices of other citizen like yourself who are frustrated by the developers and want to pushback, while also taking advantage of the fact that that pushing back collectively is more powerful than doing so individually.
“We encourage you to come to the community drop-in session at the Aldershot Arena on Thursday, November 14th starting at 5:30pm through to 8:30 PM to meet the individuals spearheading this campaign, learn about the ideas were pushing and why, share your thoughts, and hopefully to join with us as we work together to find the best way to persevere our community.
The group will be meeting at the Aldershot Arena on Thursday evening to answer questions and ensure people that they are both real and legitimate.
Will Tom Muir be there to make amends?
The Gazette has reached out to both Scot Busch and Tom Muir – nothing from them yet.
By Staff
November 12th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
For the twenty-eighth successive month, the Ontario PCs’ approach will fail to spur the housing starts needed to improve affordability and create jobs, according to September building permit data from Statistics Canada released today.
Just prior to the June 2022 election, Dour Ford’s own Housing Affordability Task Force reported the residential construction industry needs to start building 12,500 housing units every month to bring price balance to the housing market.
In September, building permits for just 8,445 new Ontario housing units were approved, more than 4,000 units below the monthly need.
Month after month, Data Shows has reported on how various nudges on and supplements to the housing market by BC’s NDP government has spurred monthly housing starts often double those in Ontario, adjusted for size.
 But the Ford PCs won’t follow the proven path the BC government has created. They won’t even follow their own advice.
Planning for sprawl puts land speculators in charge
More than two years after endorsing the Task Force report, many of its 55 recommendations remain untouched. Earlier this year the Ford government reversed course on requiring high density around transit hubs and rejected calls to allow fourplex construction.
Explaining his inaction, the Conservative premier has blamed his fear of “shouting and screaming” from density opponents. By blocking density and using provincial planning powers to develop housing through land sprawl, the Ford PCs have turned large-scale land speculators into housing construction gatekeepers.
 Fraser Institute Report on Housing Slowing housing supply adds upward pressure on prices, a helpful outcome for land owners. But constricting supply destroys housing affordability and holds back job creation in the residential housing construction sector.
In contrast, a strategy using provincial planning powers to create land parcels within urban centres, by-passing land speculators and giving priority to housing constructors, has gone entirely untried.
By Julieta Belen Correa
November 12th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
For Burlington residents who enjoy online gaming, the perks online bonuses give go above and beyond what your local grocery store offers. Online casinos offer a wider variety of promotional offers designed to attract players and provide them with additional value they wouldn’t get elsewhere. Instead of a simple 2-for-1 deal or a dollar off a box of cereal, these bonuses can range from welcome offers increasing your initial deposit to free spins giving you a chance to hit the jackpot. This quick write-up will break down the types of bonuses available at online casinos and how you, as a Burlington resident, can take advantage of them.
Types of Online Casino Bonuses
These days, online casinos offer a diverse range of bonuses, each with their own unique benefits. Understanding the different types of casino bonus code can help players in Burlington make the most out of each promotion they come across. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common online casino bonuses you will encounter.
Welcome Bonuses
 Some welcome bonuses might even include free spins, sports bets, or entrance tickets to tournaments and other games. Any casino worth their salt offers a welcome bonus. It’s a way to entice new players to sign up and say, “Thanks for picking us!” Welcome bonuses are redeemable for players signing up and making their first deposit. They can come in the form of a match bonus, where the casino will match your deposit up to a certain percentage or amount. Some welcome bonuses might even include free spins, sports bets, or entrance tickets to tournaments and other games.
No-Deposit Bonuses
No-deposit bonuses are exactly what they sound like — a bonus the online casino gives you for signing up, regardless of whether or not you make a deposit. This bonus is a great way to explore the casino’s games risk-free, as you can try out different slots, table games, or other offerings without risking your own cold, hard cash.
Free Spins
Free spins — another bonus that is exactly what it sounds like. We already mentioned that these can be included in welcome bonuses, but many casinos also offer them as separate bonuses. Free spins allow you to play a virtual slot for free. Typically, free slots are only redeemable on certain virtual slot machines, so be sure to read the fine print before redeeming this bonus.
Reload Bonuses
Reload bonuses give you more bang for your buck the next time you make a deposit or “reload” your wallet. They’re often not as lucrative as welcome bonuses, but they are a nice way to boost your bankroll without committing more cash to your online wallet. They’re great for people who are on a budget and looking to stretch their cash while still enjoying their favorite form of entertainment.
Cashback Bonuses
 Cashback can either be instantaneous or a weekly redeemable Cashback bonuses are designed to soften the impact of losses by giving a percentage of your losses back to you in the form of bonus funds you can use towards your next bet. Losses at an online casino are inevitable, so this is a great way to give yourself a second shot at making a winning bet. Cashback can either be instantaneous or a weekly redeemable bonus that adds up over time.
VIP and Loyalty Programs
Some online casinos offer loyalty programs for the players that keep coming back to play. The bonuses in these programs can be anything from increased reload bonus percentages to birthday gifts and free spins. These programs vary widely from casino to casino, so it’s easier to just read up on them beforehand rather than have us explain the nuances to you.
How to Find and Claim Online Casino Bonuses
Finding a good bonus can be as easy as searching through the promotions page of a reputable online casino. Many online casinos catering to Canadian players provide detailed information about their bonuses, including the terms and conditions. You should always research the casino beforehand, as you want to avoid casinos with a bad name. Make sure the casino has a license from a recognized authority like the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) or the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
 A bonus usually must be used within a certain time-frame before it expires. Claiming a bonus is as easy as creating an account, completing the verification process, and then opting into the bonus you want. If you’re having trouble figuring out how to redeem it, you should check the fine print or reach out to customer support. Most sites have a 24/7 Live Chat service you can use to instantly get in contact with a representative who can explain how to redeem the bonus.
The final thing to remember is that most online casino bonuses have wagering requirements and expiry dates. This means that you must wager the bonus a certain amount of times before you can withdraw any winnings, and the bonus must be used within a certain timeframe before it expires and is no longer eligible for use. As a quick example, if the bonus is $100 with a 10x wagering requirement, you must wager $1,000 before the bonus, and any winnings are eligible for withdrawal. Wagering requirements vary widely from bonus to bonus and casino to casino, so be sure to read the terms and conditions beforehand.
By Staff
November 12th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The City Communications people are rolling out material on what will come out of the budget that is before Council
They want you to know that a combined investment of nearly $17 million with the federal and provincial governments is going to support improved and greener public transit. They also better prepare the city’s infrastructure and transit services to support the future needs of Burlington’s growing and diverse community.
What this investment means for Burlington residents:
New transit buses and greener public transit – 15 new conventional, hybrid, and electric buses that will replace aging vehicles and expand the capacity of the local public transit system. This initiative helps create a more healthy and sustainable community and supports the City’s efforts to improve our natural environment and take action on climate change. These investments move the City of Burlington towards decarbonization of our transit fleet. Four of the 15 buses will be electric and part of a pilot project.
Transit route expansion and service improvements – Adding new buses to Burlington’s fleet allows for transit route expansion and service improvements. This makes transit a more viable and efficient option for residents. It also enables Burlington Transit to offer more frequent service (15 and 20 minute frequency).
 Data from the 2025 proposed budget New specialized transit vehicles to support riders – By adding six specialized transit vehicles to the fleet, the City of Burlington can provide more service to our riders who are not able to use conventional buses. With door-to-door service, these specialized transit vehicles can help meet the needs of our changing and aging community.
Improvements to digital signage at Burlington bus stops – This includes new digital signage with real-time schedules and next bus information. This enhancement will support an improved passenger experience.
In 2019, the City of Burlington was the recipient of funds under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, an initiative involving all three levels of government. These funds helped the City complete a number of initiatives, including the following:
- Burlington Transit 5-Year Business Plan
- Specialized transit vehicles expansion to better service the changing demographic in Burlington and the increasing need for door-to-door, specialized service
- Conventional transit vehicle expansion
- Conventional transit vehicle replacement
The federal government is investing $6,782,156 through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of Ontario is investing $5,651,231 and the City of Burlington is contributing $4,522,003. This funding is a result of the City of Burlington submitting applications to receive these monies in 2022.
From 2019 to 2023, there was a 21 percent increase in transit ridership in Burlington, exceeding pre-pandemic levels in 2023 and trending higher in 2024.
Burlington’s population is expected to grow by over 40 percent in the next 25 years. This investment will support current and future generations.
 Mayor Meed Ward announcing new transit funding. She had people dancing in the transit garage after showing off the new bus. Mayor Marianne Meed Ward explains that the city is poised for significant population growth. It is increasingly important for municipalities to invest in transit system expansion to support growing communities in getting to and from their homes, places of employment, and other commercial and recreational facilities. Through these strategic investments, we are taking proactive steps towards increasing mobility services that are reliable, efficient and innovative for Burlington residents. At the same time, we are reducing our carbon footprint and promoting the long-term sustainability of our transit network.”
What wasn’t mentioned in the announcement is where the plans for a new transit campus are. A bigger location is going to be needed to service electric and diesel buses.
By Staff
November 12, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Dr.MikeP. Moffatt has a good question.
Why doesn’t the province actually let people build homes? That might help address homelessness.
Moffatt is one of the leading thinkers who runs the Smart Prosperity Institute think tank.
Michael Patrick Moffatt is a Canadian economist and professor of Business, Economics, and Public Policy. He served as director of policy and research at Canada 2020, a progressive Canadian think-tank. He is also an assistant professor at Ivey Business School.
Here is what he passed along earlier today.
Ouch!
By Pepper Parr
November 12th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 Hassaan Basit: It’s a short-term pain for a long-term gain to have a modernized system. “It’s a 700 page budget” said CAO Hassaan Bait. “I want to start off first by thanking all of you. We’ve had a lot of discussions that were not all budget related, but they all informed what the priorities are. This wasn’t a normal year. We have a new software system that will let us access all that data the city has – that hasn’t always been the case. That might not sound like a big deal, but you know, if at home and you open a drawer where you’ve always kept something and it’s not there anymore. Think back to those emotions, you’ll find it eventually. That’s where we are right now. It’s a short term pain for a long term gain to have a modernized system.
Staff has also been working with a restructuring within the city. Things have been moved around, now called different things. So a lot of work has gone into this.
“Now, how do I feel about the budget? A number of people have asked me that – I think the budget really does prioritize operational excellence. I think it looks to balance a lot of things. You’ve heard a lot of delegations today; I think a lot of them wished you luck in trying to balance those priorities.
 The July floods came out of nowhere – the city now knows that there are going to be others and has budgeted for the future. I think the budget addresses some key challenges, including recovery efforts from July’s flooding – It looks at the resiliency of city services against the backdrop of that, I think we are looking at a lot of council priorities – that will become clear as we go through the presentation
I don’t see any shiny objects in this budget, but I do see it being inspired by where I where I feel the community wants us to go, where Council has wanted us to go. Examples are key investments in the target, storm water management, infrastructure repairs, core services, public safety, transit, road maintenance, all of those things are here. By focusing on sustainability, climate resilience, we are preparing Burlington, not just for today, but for future challenges as well.
I’m sure you’ve seen these four principles, they were in the mayor’s direction to staff as well. If you take them as just words, they all sound good. You can put them, you know, in front of every document, but here’s what we’ve done with some of them, and it was about balancing between all of these without sacrificing any of them. That’s the key here.
 Hassaan Basit: There are a lot of core, fundamental things that the city needs to focus on. Look at affordability; we’ve looked at and retained things like our low income tax relief, our transit subsidies, other fee subsidies. We focused on essential services identified by the community. We are looking to continue to attract and grow businesses, to expand that tax base and ease resident tax burdens. These are long term strategies you need. There are a lot of core, fundamental things that the city needs to focus on. They don’t all show up on a balance sheet every single year. But strategically they are important. We are continuously looking to drive efficiencies, use non tax revenues, where we can manage inflation impacts, which has eaten away at our ability to maintain and enhance services, to support quality of life as the city grows by perhaps up to 40% over the next 25 years.
 Bateman has been a controversial decision from the very beginning. The city was looking to community organizations for ideas – they got more than they expected. We are going to be relaunching our 25 year horizon, including the multi year simulations, and, yeah, it is a dynamic environment. There are a lot of assumptions that go into predicting, what would happen – what will happen with population growth. We are trying to do is come up with a dynamic model that really allows us to manage as those assumptions come true or not. The key here is that we do need to do long range planning, and we do need to show that we’re taking small steps every year toward those long range targets. Long range doesn’t just mean we’ll worry about it in 25 years. We’re funding key projects like Skyway and Robert Bateman Center.
We are investing in By Law enforcement, urban forestry, transit, fire safety, speed enforcement, all priorities all related to very tangible services, looking at sustainability, so ensuring the long term upkeep of our roads, parks, community centers and a dedicated 2% infrastructure Levy. These are all balanced in this budget, strengthening financial health by looking at our debt levels, our reserve levels, advocacy for government support, all of those things are in here, adjusting fees where we can for inflation and perhaps market standards, transparency.
 Eric Stern, spokesperson for a community group that has major concerns with the 2025 budget points to the word PROPOSED on the budget book. We heard a lot through the community. They wanted simplified budgets. So we’ve tried to do that. We’ve also tried to present more information earlier than we ever have in the past. From what I can understand, more visuals, less jargon, more infographics, which you’ll see in this budget, and earlier and more accessible engagement opportunities, multi channel, with lots of time dedicated by people around this table attending those.
So what’s the bottom line here? The 2025 budget is at $471 million. One of the key investments is $103 million budget for our capital projects. These are upgrades to parks, storm water management, safer roads, all of those things. We’re looking at expanded community services through transit, enhanced fire, again, parks and recreation – a lot of investment in front line, community facing services. We are looking at technology investments in software systems to make city services more efficient, more user friendly. We’re also looking at a lot of cost avoidance by upping our technological capabilities. We are adding new positions to the city as well – 30 full time positions. A big chunk of them, a third of them, are in transit. We also are adding positions in Bylaw, in forestry, in fire emergency response. I think, trending in the right direction in terms of the investments that this council has made in in the city’s staffing and capabilities. The Bateman and Skyway, operationalizing will mean a property tax increase. My approach to presenting preliminary budgets is that they be as accurate as they as they can be.
I don’t like the used car salesman approach, where we come in June with a 12% projected increase and then look like absolute heroes later saying: Look, we cut it in half. It was a pretty lean budget in June and I feel comfortable with what is before Council.
I want to mention that because we heard a little bit through some of the delegations, we’re constantly relocating resources, even positions, to address what are in some cases burning platform issues. In some cases they are new priorities that emerge, or an emphasis in more area is required in certain years. We are constantly shuffling those things. Those are administrative decisions. You can’t always include then in a budget book, but that is occurring, and that’s one of the reasons we’re starting to see hold steady on our head count this year.
 The numbers on the Burlington line are based on the Current Value Assessment (CVA) of your property. For every $100,000 of CVA your taxes were the figure ($464.27) in 2024 and are projected to be $499.10 in 2025. The data comes from page 31 of the budget book. That translates to holding our budget increases lower than they were last year, lower than they were the year before. They’re trending in the right direction.
You know, we’d all like them to be lower, but we’re making investments that I think will bear fruit in coming years.
This is a transformational year. It’s setting up a shift to a new, improved organizational state, and I think by the end of 2025 our organization, the city, will be more aligned, more efficient, more innovative, with clear goals and stronger internal processes.
Now that’s not just jargon. What are the exact projects that we’re working on right now? Streamlining, enhancing workflows to improve efficiency and support better outcomes. We are investing heavily, big focus on KPIs with dashboards being introduced to ensure real-time progress tracking against projects, transparent project funding. We are looking at establishing a starting point for data-driven improvements across the city which will mean new baselining. We are looking at revamping our risk framework to combine strategic planning with operations and budgeting into one cohesive approach.
 We’re looking at our long term vision, the 2050 horizon and get a fix on our North Star and how do we get to it? We are reviewing our board and agency relationships. We are looking at brand renewal, moving towards a unified brand identity to reflect our mission, strength, internal unity. A number of comments were made about staff performance reviews – that’s coming in January. Everybody who works at the city will have performance goals. They will be tied to organizational priorities, departmental priorities – compensation will be tied to the to that.
A lot of things are occurring behind the scenes; these initiatives are starting to drive change now and will have a real impact over the course of the year.
I want to leave you with a few other things. This budget focuses on measurable improvements in city services. 74.5 almost 75% are satisfied or very satisfied with city services. We’d like that number to go up.
We have found efficiencies. Some of them are in this budget book, but I’ll draw your attention to a few. We redirected $112,000 from forestry. We are reducing the innovation fund to cover software costs by $580,000 bringing in automated speed enforcement. $827,000 covered by revenues that we expect to generate. We are looking at not ignoring our reserves. There are guidelines and standards, and it comes down to our risk appetite and what our priorities are as council and as staff. Our stabilization reserves are recommended to be 10 to 15% of revenue. They’re at 6.7%
Our target for capital reserve funds should be 2% of the value of our assets; that’s $126 million I believe the replacement cost to our assets is $6.3 billion. Scott’s nodding at me, so that’s, you know, that’s, that’s a big asset value, and we are at 21.1 million. That’s not terrible, but having a dedicated capital levy that contributes to that is a responsible thing to do. We’ve included that in the budget as well.
 Hassaan Basit: There is a lot of transformations under the way underway and I’m confident that this budget will do that. This is a budget that I think is funding a lot of things. It’s funding saving for the future. It’s funding frontline improvements in services today, it’s responding to, you know, the events, the flooding events, and making those are a priority.Our property taxes make up 72% of our operating budget. We are going to be looking at how we can look at our own source revenues, our government grants to see if we can up that contribution as well. We’ve tried to work hard to ensure this year’s tax increase is as low as it can be. We’re working to demonstrate real value.There is a lot of transformations under the way underway and I’m confident that this budget will do that.
By James Porthouse
November 12th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
I have been publishing the “Top Five” lists in the Burlington Gazette for several months.
I described in part 1 of this series https://burlingtongazette.ca/insider-trading-explained/ that the insider data comes from www.sedi.ca
When an insider makes a trade the regulators require a person, from the insider’s company, to file or enter information about the trade at www.sedi.ca
Some companies are very punctual about their entries and some are not. SEDI records the date a transaction is filed and a person keys in the date the trade occurred. When looking for the top 5 the software starts by looking at the date the trade was filed and then it looks at the date the trade occurred, trades that occurred more than 7 days before the filing date are ignored.
Companies enter many different types of transactions into the SEDI database. The full list is here https://www.sedi.ca/sedi/new_help/english/public/Glossary/Nature_of_transaction_codes.htm
When reporting on the top 5, we only look at these two types, this post is open for comments, if you have other ideas please comment.
| 10 |
Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
| 51 |
Exercise of options |
Insiders sell for many reasons, are they cashing in their options to buy a new Ferrari, or are they expect the share price to decline? We can’t tell from the data when the Ferrari is being delivered or when the insider expects the share price to decline but this specific pattern is common.
know if the options were about to expire and become worthless. We don’t know if Mr. Sweeny suspects the share price will go down and it’s better to sell now than wait. We don’t know if Mr. Sweeny is buying a $15,000 car.
Let’s use John Doe as another example. John is employee number 5 at FicCo, a fictional corporation. To encourage John to work insane hours to help FicCo grow the company gives John stock options. In ten years the options will mature and John can purchase 10,000 shares from FicCo at the price of $1.00 a share. Today, shares in FicCo aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on. Fast forward ten years, John worked too many hours, he’s now divorced and friendless, but FicCo’s stock is worth $1,000 a share, and John has stock options worth just under $10,000,000.
The stock options encouraged John to work to increase the stock price, something shareholders wanted, but when John sold his shares, 10,000 new shares of FicCo’s stock came into the market diluting the value of the existing shares.
Usually, the dilutive effect is tiny but if a company is always issuing options and insiders are always selling the shares they get from those options, the share price may come down.
Summary
The algorithm looks at information filed on a specific day, ignores trades that took place more than 7 days ago, totals up the type 10 transactions (Acquisition or disposition in the public market) for each company that filed data, and selects the 5 companies with the highest dollar value of buying and the 5 with the highest dollar value of selling. The type 51 transactions (exercise of options) are shown in the report but are not used in the calculation.
The companies in the top 5 acquisitions section of the report may be new to you, do your research to determine if you are comfortable buying the company’s stock. AutoCanada is a great example of a company with insider buying in early August that promptly suffered a cyberattack in mid-August. When you see an insider buying at a small-cap cryptocurrency company that used to be a gold exploration company think twice before investing.
If you own a stock that shows up in the top 5 dispositions section, look for potential headwinds, consider a defensive action like placing a stop loss order, consider selling the stock, and consider doing nothing. This is not investment advice, consider does not mean do. The report is information only. Insider buying may mean a new board member is buying stock to have some skin in the game, and insider selling may mean the Ferrari is about to be delivered.
By Staff
November 12th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 There is a Chamber of Commerce meeting taking place at the Pearle Hotel and Spa on Friday – it is one of their breakfast meetings – starts at 7:30
On this occasion Burlington CAO Hassaan Basit will be talking to the Chamber members about – well we really don’t know. He will undoubtedly say something about the budget but other than that – there is little we can tell you.
We are not allowed to attend the event,
 Terry Caddo, President of the Chamber of Commerce Terry Caddo, President of the Chamber explained that “the event is designed to allow senior community business leaders, city staff and elected officials to have open transparent conversations under Chatham House Rule.”
What are the Chatham House rules?
When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.
And we will never know what the business sector knows that might be too important for your ears.
|
|
