 By Pepper Parr
June 25th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
It was one of those feel-good stories that had a bus-load of students from the Tom Thomson elementary school bused to city hall to receive certificates from the Mayor.
 Tom Thomson Elementary School students.
The reason behind this was the cutting down of trees.
The students wanted to know why trees were cut down at the nearby Optimist Park and wrote the Mayor asking – Why?
The Mayor took up the opportunity and put the students in touch with people at the Urban Forestry department, who met with the students at the school to explain that the trees had reached the end of their life cycle and needed to be cut down before branches fell off and hurt people.
 Mayor Meed Ward showing the cards the students had prepared for the Forestry staff. The students decided they would create Thank You cards for the Forestry people who were presented to them at city hall, where everyone was crowded into a Council Chamber that could barely hold them all.
The Urban Forestry staff helped the students to plant a dozen replacement trees. They were shown how to properly plant trees and how to care for them.
The students also managed to get a Canada Trees Grant to plant hundreds of trees.
The student then decided they wanted to thank the Urban Forestry staff and created individual Thank You cards that were given to Forestry staff at city hall.
 Crowding a bunch of students into the horseshoe proved to be a challenge. Crowding a bunch of students into the horseshoe proved to be a challenge.
But it was a nice occasion, and the Mayor made a point of saying that young people were always welcome at city hall.
It was a great photo op. Lots of parents would see the Mayor as their kind of person, and with an election coming up – this is just the kind of thing a savvy politician would do. And if anything, Mayor Meed Ward is a very savvy politician.
The fear is that this kind of event will be taken as a great example of engaging the community.
It was no such thing: It was a great photo-op, a chance to let kids see City Hall and come away with a piece of paper signed by the Mayor.
Meed Ward told the students there was a swag bag for them on the way out.
Engagement? Not quite.
 By Gazette Staff
June 25th, 2026
BURLINGTON. ON
On Saturday, July 18 at 2:00 p.m., Grow Native Halton is hosting a free Tree Identification Walk at Mountainside Park in Burlington, led by local naturalist and tree enthusiast Pat O’Reilly.
The walk is designed to help participants learn how to identify some of our common native trees while exploring their importance to birds, pollinators, and local biodiversity.
It’s a relaxed, family-friendly event that encourages people to connect with Burlington’s natural spaces and learn more about the trees in their own neighbourhoods.
Learn more about this opportunity to get outdoors and learn something about the environment that suports us.
 By Jack Greenberg
June 25th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
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How fast is the Bitcoin withdrawal in practice – not in marketing?
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 By Gazette Staff
June 24th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario government is raising the speed limit from 100 km/hour to 110 km/hour on an additional 938 kilometres of provincial highways.
 Crash that took place on a 400 level highway. The change builds on the safe and successful increase to speeds on 10 sections of provincial highways in 2024 and six sections of provincial highways in 2022, aligning with posted speed limits in other jurisdictions across Canada. Currently, 873 kilometres of provincial highways are posted at 110 km/hour. Once in effect, nearly 89 per cent of the province’s highway network will have a posted speed limit of 110 km/hour, up from 43 per cent today.
Starting June 26, the province will begin increasing the speed limit to 110 km/hour on sections of Highways 401 and 416 in eastern Ontario, followed by sections on other highways, including the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) and Highways 400, 401, 402, 403, 416 and 417. With this new speed limit in place, drivers travelling from Sarnia to Toronto could save nearly 20 minutes, while those travelling from Toronto to Ottawa could save nearly half an hour.
Speed limit increases are only implemented on highways that have been designed and engineered to safely accommodate higher speeds, following rigorous technical reviews and any necessary infrastructure improvements. Most of Ontario’s freeway network was originally designed to safely accommodate a posted speed of 110 km/hour.
The problem is that drivers are not “designed and engineered to safely accommodate higher speeds”.
 By Gazette Staff
June 24th, 2926
BURLINGTON, ON
The proposed Transit Oriented Community (TOC) seeks to transform provincial lands in the immediate vicinity of the Aldershot GO Station by developing six buildings ranging from 30-48 storeys with approximately 2,713 new residential units and 2,086 square metres of retail / commercial space.
Infrastructure Ontario is leading the proposal on behalf of the Province, through the Ministry of Infrastructure’s Transit-Oriented Communities program.
The Province, as the land owner, is responsible for determining how the proposal moves through the planning approval process.
The project is located at 119 Masonry Crt.
This location is owned by Metrolinx and is provincial land.
Virtual meeting: July 7, 2026, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Visit the Province’s website for details and to register
In person meeting; July 14, 2026, 6 – 8 p.m.
Visit the Province’s website for details and to register
 Six towers. Do you see any playground space?
By Gazette Staff
June 24th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington MP Karina Gould has been the Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance since she was last elected. As Chair she led the committee’s work on some of the most important economic issues facing Canadians.
 Gould as Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance. This session, the committee met 47 times to examine legislation, study government spending, and hear directly from experts, businesses, labour organizations, municipalities, Indigenous communities, charities, and other stakeholders from across the country. We also reviewed key measures in Budget 2025 and the Spring Economic Statement, while launching our Pre-Budget Consultations for Budget 2026.
As part of these consultations, she heard from approximately 80 witnesses and received more than 1,300 submissions from Canadians and organizations across the country. Their perspectives helped inform the committee’s recommendations for the next federal budget.
Parliament has risen for the summer. Gould will listen to the people she meets with during the conversations shaping Canada’s economic future.
 By Eric Brinkman
June 24th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
Clearing out a Burlington home, garage, or condo is the kind of job most people put off until they cannot.
When you are finally ready, the right crew makes it painless: they lift everything, quote a fair price, and keep what they can out of the landfill. We compared the local options on service range, pricing, speed, and recycling. Here are the five worth calling.
Short on time? 1 Day Junk took the top spot for handling the most at one clear, all-in price.
How the five compare
| Company |
Locally owned |
Same-day |
Pricing |
Recycles & donates |
| 1 Day Junk |
Yes |
Yes |
Flat, by volume, all in |
Yes |
| The Junk Company |
Yes |
Often |
Quote on site |
Varies |
| Gentle Giants Moving & Disposal |
Yes |
Often |
Quote on site |
Varies |
| Rush Removal |
Yes |
Often |
Quote on site |
Varies |
| Junkaroo |
Yes |
Often |
Quote on site |
Some reuse |
Sources: company websites and public Google Business Profiles, reviewed 2026.
The write-ups below explain the order.
1 Day Junk
The all-in-one local pick.
1 Day Junk is locally owned, not a franchise, and covers every Burlington neighbourhood from Aldershot to Shoreacres, with same-day or next-day pickups when slots are open.
Pricing is the strong point. The quote is based on how much space your items fill in the truck, and that one number includes labour, disposal, and HST, with no hidden fees and a free estimate. The crew is full-service, lifting and hauling everything, and handles furniture, appliances, e-waste, yard waste, renovation debris, hoarding and estate cleanouts for homes and condos, commercial spaces, and storage units.
Every load is sorted for donation, recycling, or responsible disposal, with a clear focus on keeping waste out of the landfill. You can reach them at 1-833-329-5865.
The next company is the most established name on the list.
The Junk Company
The seven-day veteran.
The Junk Company holds a 4.9 rating across 65 Google reviews and runs seven days a week, offering junk removal alongside moving. Reviewers consistently praise on-time, careful crews and reasonable prices.
It handles everything from hot tubs to full moves. A couple of reviews mention a scheduling mix-up, so it is worth confirming your booking the day before.
The next pick pairs hauling with a moving service.
Gentle Giants Moving and Disposal
The mover that also hauls.
Gentle Giants carries a perfect 5.0 rating across 46 Google reviews, combining moving with disposal and cleanouts. Customers highlight steady communication, careful handling, and fair pricing.
It is the natural choice when you are relocating and decluttering at the same time, since one team can move what you keep and haul what you do not.
The next company specializes in the heavy cleanouts.
Rush Removal
The cleanout specialist.
Rush Removal holds a 5.0 rating across 15 Google reviews and focuses on basement, attic, garage, and appliance cleanouts across neighbourhoods like Headon Forest and Shoreacres. Reviewers point to prompt booking and on-time crews.
It is newer with fewer reviews than the leaders, but dependable for a focused, single-space cleanout.
The last pick is the budget-friendly local option.
Junkaroo
The local-value pick.
Junkaroo is a small local operation with a 4.8 rating across 17 Google reviews, known for quick responses and some of the best pricing in the area, offering both bins and pickups. Reviewers single out fair, no-surprise invoices.
It is a strong call for a budget-conscious renovation clear-out where price matters most.
Removal or a rental bin?
If your project runs for days and you would rather load at your own pace, a bin can work out cheaper. Burlington’s best-reviewed bin option is Bin There Dump That, with a 5.0 rating across 96 reviews, which drops a driveway-friendly bin and hauls it away when you are done.
|
Full-service removal |
Bin rental |
| Who loads it |
The crew |
You |
| Example |
1 Day Junk |
Bin There Dump That |
| Best for |
One-time cleanouts, furniture, estates |
Long, multi-day DIY projects |
Source: company websites, 2026.
For a one-time cleanout where you would rather not lift a thing, full-service wins on effort.
What junk removal costs in Burlington
Most full-service crews price by truck volume, charging one flat rate that covers labour, disposal, and tax.
| Item or load |
Typical local price (2026) |
| Minimum load |
$139 to $175 |
| Sofa |
$90 to $175 |
| Mattress |
$80 to $130 |
| Fridge or large appliance |
$100 to $175 |
Source: 1 Day Junk cost guide, 2026.
Per-item pricing is for single pieces, and combining a few items into one load usually lowers the cost.
Where your junk ends up
It matters more here than you might expect, because Burlington’s region is better than most at keeping waste out of the ground.
| Halton Region waste |
Figure |
| Residential waste diverted from landfill (2024) |
58%, about 136,570 tonnes |
| Sent to landfill (2024) |
71,114 tonnes |
| Landfill life, extended by diversion |
To about 2040 |
Source: Halton Region.
Choosing a hauler that donates and recycles keeps your load on the right side of that number.
Frequently asked questions
How much does junk removal cost in Burlington?
A minimum load starts around $139 to $175 including labour, disposal, and HST, with single items such as a sofa or fridge in the $80 to $175 range. Combining items into one load lowers the per-item cost.
Is same-day junk removal available?
Yes. 1 Day Junk offers same-day or next-day pickups when its schedule allows, and the other crews can often fit in quick jobs. Calling early helps.
Will they take everything?
Furniture, appliances, electronics, yard waste, renovation debris, and general clutter are all standard. Hazardous materials such as paint, solvents, and propane are usually excluded, so call ahead.
Do they recycle or donate?
The better ones do. 1 Day Junk sorts every load for donation and recycling before disposal, which keeps more out of the landfill.
The bottom line
For most Burlington cleanouts, a full-service crew that prices clearly and recycles is the easy choice, and 1 Day Junk leads the group on all three.
For a free, no-obligation quote, 1 Day Junk can be reached at 1-833-329-5865.
 By Erika Shaker
June 24th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
Right now, public health care is under attack from American-style privatization like never before.
When I think about what makes Canada special, one of the first things that comes to mind is our universal public health care.
Public health care is what makes us who we are. It’s the clearest expression of the shared belief that we all do better when we take care of each other.
Alberta has become the first province in Canada to allow two-tier health care by letting doctors work both in the public system and a private-pay market. This policy change violates the Canada Health Act but the federal government has done nothing about it, so far.
 And Alberta isn’t alone. Creeping privatization is happening across the country—just more quietly. More and more, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) is a vital group holding governments of all political stripes to account. Our experts break down complex policy into clear facts that help people act and choose a different—a better—path. And we can only do this work because of support from driven, passionate people like you.
 Erika Shaker: “Here’s the truth: it only takes one province to rip apart our social contract on public health care. No one voted for this.” I’m not arguing that our current public health care system is perfect. Emergency rooms are overcrowded. Wait times are growing. Rural emergency wards are closing their doors. People struggle to find a family doctor. All of these challenges have solutions. But these solutions are not found in emulating a privatized model.
Here’s the truth: it only takes one province to rip apart our social contract on public health care. No one voted for this. No premier campaigned on privatizing Medicare. But it’s happening anyway—by stealth, in the shadows, while we’re distracted.
These policies open the door for U.S. control over Canada’s public health care system, starting with U.S. private insurance companies. The insurance industry is already celebrating. U.S. investors are watching Alberta’s experiment to see if Canada will open the doors to the kind of for-profit health care that has left millions of Americans bankrupt and uninsured.
That’s why the CCPA has created a new health policy desk, led by Senior Researcher Andrew Longhurst. Perhaps you’ve seen him in the media or read about Andrew’s research online or in print, talking about his solutions to the challenges facing our cherished system. Our research gives health care workers, unions, and community organizations the tools they need to fight back. It gives journalists the facts they need to tell the accurate story. It gives you the information you need to hold your government accountable.
Public health care isn’t just policy. It’s who we are. We can’t let this legacy slip away. Not now. Not when we’re trying to assert our independence and show the world what we stand for—for everyone who calls Canada home.
When you support the CCPA, you’re funding the work that protects health care for everyone.
Together, we can keep American-style health care out of Canada and protect the public system we all rely on.
Erika Shaker is Director of the National Office.
The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives is looking for financial support to cover the costs of the work they are doing to tell the accurate story.
You can support this initiative by clicking HERE
 By Pepper Parr
June 23rd, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan has decided he should be the next Mayor of Burlington.
Whether that happens is something the city’s citizens get to decide.
What kind of Mayor would he be were he to defeat Marianne Meed Ward, the current Mayor and Lisa Kearns?
Disruptive, divisive, and limited in his understanding of how a city council should direct staff.
 Nisan either fell asleep on the aircraft or opted to watch the movie because earlier today, it became very evident that he didn’t understand the finer points of a point of personal privilege or a point of order. I first met Nisan when he was running for the Ward 3 seat in 2018. He had thought then that he would run in ward 6, against Blair Lancaster, because he lived in that ward at the time.
He was raised in Ward 3 and decided that is where he would throw his hat into the ring.
In a conversation with him, I advised that he make a point of learning the Procedural By-Law – the document that spells out how Council is to conduct its affairs. At the time, Nisan was on his way to Europe to serve as an aide to people taking part in an international conference in Belgium.
Nisan either fell asleep on the aircraft or opted to watch the movie because earlier today, it became very evident that he didn’t understand the finer points of a point of personal privilege or a point of order.
Mayor Meed Ward put him in his place while he continually disrupted the meeting.
Follow this:
Councillor Nisan: Yeah, I think it’s always important to properly inform the community about what actually we’re working on here. I’ll just reread the first top line of this motion here, which is to direct the chief administration officer to work with appropriate staff to report back with recommendations and financial implications, if any, on the following matters raised by the community, raised by the community regarding the renovations of the cricket pitch in Central Park, and more generally, cricket in Burlington. That includes pulling back on the possibility of limiting the number of hours. It’s not here that we are saying limit the number of hours. So, could we please inform the public correctly when we speak?
Mayor Meed Ward serving as chair: Go ahead, Councilor Nissan. A point of order relates to the order of the business, that you’re right, it’s a point of privilege.
Okay, I didn’t hear a name of anyone, so there is no point of privilege on the floor, that’s my ruling. If you wish to challenge it, you can, and I’ll take the vote, and we’ll move on. Nobody has been named. A point of privilege is only to be used when an individual has their own integrity challenged. The councillor simply asked that the deliberations today be reflected accurately when any of us speak about this, so would you like to hear?
Nisan: No, no, I no, I would not.
Meed Ward: I think that I’ve ruled. If you wish to challenge that and overrule, you can put that on the floor. I didn’t hear anybody say anything that would require minor privilege, and I’d like to move on. Not hearing a challenge to the chairs ruling on that. I am going to move on. There is no point of order.
Nisan: Would Clerk, please read out point of privilege rules. Thank you.
Meed Ward: Hang on, that is not a point of order. You are welcome to read the point of privilege on your own time. I have ruled on the matter. We’re moving on.
 Nisan: “The order of this council meeting is not being followed by not allowing a person to raise their concerns …” Nisan: The order of this council meeting is not being followed by not allowing a person to raise their concerns around a point of privilege, so if the point, the point of privilege rules would be read from the procedure by law, you will find that someone who raises a point of privilege is given the opportunity to share their point of privilege.
Meed Ward: I’m going to stop you now. I’m going to stop you now. I have ruled that there’s no point of privilege. I have advised you, according to our point of order, that your option is to challenge the chair, and we will take a vote. You have elected not to avail yourself of that option, and so we are moving on. We have followed the point of order. There is no point of order. There is no point of privilege. I have ruled on it. You can challenge me. If you do not challenge me, we are moving on, and I am not going to entertain any further business that is delaying the business of the city. I have followed the procedure to the letter. Do you like to challenge the chair or are we moving on with our business?
Nisan: Yes, I will challenge the chair you want to challenge. I challenge you on the point of order. Thank you.
Meed Ward: Okay, I’ve ruled that we don’t need to have the procedure by law read, the councilor can read the procedure by law on his own time. I assume we need a recorded vote on the ruling of the chair that there is no point of order. Go ahead, Clerk.
Nisan: That’s not my point of order, Chair.
Meed Ward: Support would be supported chairs, not support would be ruling against the chairs ruling.
Clerk: The vote is four in favour, one against. The chair’s ruling carries.
 Mayor Meed Ward: “So we are now moving on.” Meed Ward: So we are now moving on to. We were on limiting the consecutive hours on the cricket pitch. I will ask if there are any further speakers on that. All right, I will simply echo what Councilor Sherman said, that we are not making a decision to limit hours. It’s very important that everyone understands that and communicates it that way, we are asking about the options, and staff will report back on options and implications.
Councillor Nissan: Thank you, Mayor. I couldn’t agree more. Maybe we need to read it again. . They said it’s more information only. That’s not all that matters. We’re talking about staff time here. We’re talking, I think, about wasting staff time on things that are don’t make sense to me at all, so it’s not responsible to send staff on these missions that don’t, that don’t make sense. We shouldn’t be bringing reports that are, that are just for, you know, to a very small number of people by signalling to them that we’re going to look into something, instead we should let staff do their job. If they need to limit the number of consecutive hours of unpermitted cricket pickup play they will. They don’t need us to direct them to do that. I just want to be clear once again that this is for information only, but that doesn’t mean it is without implication. Thank you,
When the public goes to the polls on October 26th, this event might be something they want to recall.
By Gazette Staff
June 23rd, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario New Democrats tell us that Metrolinx is adding 11 more overpaid executives, and writing off 500 million taxpayer dollars.
 The Metrolinx’s focus on hiring more high-paid executives gets the count of six figure salaries up to “a completely absurd figure of 135”.
“How many six-figure salaries will it take for us to see some accountability? Do they need to get to 200 executives before someone has the idea to be transparent with the people of Ontario?
“We need a full public inquiry into Metrolinx, so we can deliver reliable public transit that doesn’t waste people’s time and hard-earned money.”
The average salary for a vice-president at the Crown corporation was roughly $248,000 in 2025, according to the list. That’s up from $243,000 in 2024 and $237,000 the year before.
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles said spending at the agency, which now has as many vice-presidents as there are MPPs in the province.
 By Gazette Staff
June 23rd, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
Canada Day event
On Wednesday, July 1, the City of Burlington is excited to celebrate Canada Day at a free event at Spencer Smith Park (1400 Lakeshore Rd.). The festivities begin at noon with opening ceremonies at 4 p.m., followed by live music performances and a drone light show and fireworks display to end the evening.
Fireworks reminder
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at a public display hosted by trained and certified professionals, like the Canada Day celebrations at Spencer Smith Park on July 1.
Low-hazard consumer fireworks, often referred to as “family fireworks” are permitted to be set off on Canada Day only (July 1). Please continue to use our valued outdoor spaces responsibly – community cooperation is essential to helping keep everyone safe during Canada Day. The City’s bylaw regulates where and when residents can set off family fireworks. For more information about who to contact if you have a concern, visit burlington.ca/fireworks.
City services and closures
Animal Services
The Animal Shelter at 2424 Industrial St. will be closed to appointments on Wednesday, July 1. To report an animal control related emergency on a holiday, please call 905-335-7777.
 Burlington Transit will offer free transit on Canada Day. Burlington Transit
Burlington Transit will offer free transit on Canada Day. Those planning to attend Canada Day celebrations in Spencer Smith Park are encouraged to take advantage of free transit and leave the car at home. Routes 2, 3, 4 and 10 all go to Downtown Burlington.
Buses will operate on a Saturday schedule on Wednesday, July 1. For real-time bus information and schedules, visit myride.burlingtontransit.ca.
Customer Service at the Burlington GO Station, 2101 Fairview St., and Specialized Dispatch will be closed on Wednesday, July 1.
City Hall
Service Burlington and the Building, Renovating and Licensing counter on the main floor of City Hall at 426 Brant St., will be closed on Wednesday, July 1.
Many service payments are available online at burlington.ca/onlineservices. If your request is urgent, call 905-335-7777 to connect with the City’s live answering service.
For online development services, MyFiles can be used by residents who have applied for Pre-Building Approval. Check the status of Pre Building Approval applications at burlington.ca/MyFiles.
Halton Court Services – Provincial Offences Office
Court administration counter services at 4085 Palladium Way will be closed on Wednesday, July 1.
Except for the Canada Day closure, telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. All in-person services are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Many services are also available by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or online at Halton Court Services. Payment of Provincial Offences fines is available 24/7 at paytickets.ca.
 Most of the parking is free. Parking
On Wednesday, July 1, free parking is available downtown, on the street, in municipal lots and in the parking garage (414 Locust St.).
NOTE:
- The Waterfront parking lots (east and west at 1286 Lakeshore Rd.) do not provide free parking on holidays.
- Parking exemptions are required to park overnight on city streets and for longer than five hours. Visit bylaw.burlington.ca for parking exemptions.
- Paid parking on Canada Day, July 1, is in effect at Beachway Park (1100 Lakeshore Rd) and the Beachway overflow lot (Lakeshore Road and Willow Avenue) using HONK Mobile.
- Parking for the Canada Day event will be in high demand. Please consider walking, cycling or riding for free on Burlington Transit.
Recreation Programs and Facilities
Drop-in swimming
Nelson Pool and Splash Park (4235 New St.), Mountainside Pool and Splash Park (2205 Mt. Forest Dr.), and LaSalle Wading Pool and Splash Park (50 North Shore Blvd. E.) are open for swimming on Canada Day (weather permitting). Outdoor pool lap swims and recreational swims are walk-in only, with no reservations. Indoor pools are not open for drop-in swimming July 1. Please visit burlington.ca/dropinandplay for drop-in program schedules.
Splash Pads
The City’s 10 splash pads are located throughout the city and are free to use. To find a splash pad near you, visit burlington.ca/splashpads.
Outdoor Activities
Burlington has a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy with your family during the long weekend including:
- trails and multi-use paths
- parks and playgrounds
- picnic site reservations for La Salle (50 North Shore Blvd E) or Hidden Valley Park (1137 Hidden Valley Rd.) – make a reservation at burlington.ca/picnics. At Lowville Park (6207 Lowville Park Rd.), picnic and barbeque areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require a reservation.
- e-scooter rentals on Centennial Trail between Brant Street, the Elgin Promenade and Burloak Drive. Reminder: e-scooters, including personal e-scooters, are not allowed on any other pathway, trail, sidewalk or public road in the City of Burlington. You must be at least 16 years old to ride an e-scooter and should wear a helmet.
 Tyandaga Golf Course Golf
Tee times at Tyandaga Golf Course (1265 Tyandaga Park Dr.) can be booked online at tyandagagolf.com or by calling 905-336-0005, ext. 2.
Customer Service
Recreation, Community and Culture customer service is available to assist you in person at recreation facility counters during program times.
Customer service is also available:
- By email at liveandplay@burlington.ca
- By phone at 905-335-7738, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays, including Wednesday, July 1.
Roads, Parks and Forestry
The administrative office will be closed on Wednesday, July 1. Essential services will be provided as required.
 By Pepper Parr
June 23rd, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
 Katy Moore Add one more candidate to the list of those running for the Ward 3 seat.
Katy Moore, a Lowville resident, has filed nomination papers. She joins candidates Kyle Hutton, Tony Brecknock.
The current Ward Councillor, Rory Nisan decided to run for Mayor.
Moore is a Private Wine Cellar Manager who helps private collectors build, manage, and protect their wine cellar.
More on Moore at
By Pepper Parr
June 23rd, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON.
Kyle Hutton has been around local politics for close to a decade.
 Kyle Hutton: an environmentalist who wants to see a more responsible government at City Hall. He was active in the Liberal campaign that elected Karina Gould as Burlington’s MP
He ran as a provincial Green Party candidate, as well as running for the Greens in a federal election.
He is a quiet person, no bluster or strong statements that can’t be supported.
He is employed as an analyst for a not-for-profit based in British Columbia that is focused on environmental issues. It’s a full-time job
Hutton has been a resident of Ward 3 for all of his adult life, and decided to be a candidate when he learned that Rory Nisan had decided to run for Mayor, leaving the Council seat open.
Part of what drives Hutton is a primary goal: ”getting us back on track.” Affordable housing, community safety, and responsible government are the levers Hutton wants to pull on to bring the movement for a better Burlington to City Hall.
Hutton was born in Hamilton, the family moved to Burlington when he was 12. Attended MMR High School and then Sheridan College, where he completed a program that included psychology, sociology and other liberal arts subjects.
Hutton publishes a Substack that he uses to comment on what’s working and not working in the world we live in.
Kyle Hutton is 36, if elected he might be the first under-40 Councillor to serve. That in itself is a really positive sign.
Hutton says there are about 12,000 voters in Ward 3. So far he has knocked on 1,200 of those doors. “There are a lot of aroused voters out there” said Hutton
You can reach Hutton at:
 By Andy Newman
June 22nd, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
I’m speechless. No words can truly describe what our club achieved this weekend.
As BAD hosted its final meet of the season, I found myself reflecting on everything that went into making it such an incredible success. Every single volunteer gave their all, and the results were nothing short of amazing.
 Andy Newman, center, Director of Operations for the Long Course Outdoor Swim meet that took place at Nelson Poole over the weekend. Throughout this season, I have worked at many meets hosted by other clubs, and I can honestly say I have never seen a club accomplish so much with the number of people we have. Everyone stepped up. Every volunteer session was filled, and in many cases, we even had extra help available.
This meet was built by BAD and run by BAD. An incredible 97% of our volunteers came from within our own club.
So many people poured their heart and soul into making this meet a success. From the late nights spent preparing, testing, and servicing equipment, to volunteers working seven shifts in a row. From the early mornings and late nights transporting equipment across Burlington, to the officials who guided and supported our swimmers through their toughest moments. Our hospitality and concessions teams worked tirelessly to keep everyone fed and hydrated. Our senior swimmers stepped up whenever help was needed. The list truly goes on and on.
 A BAD swimmer displaying her first Gold Medal If you had asked me at the beginning of the year whether this was possible, I would have said no. Not because I doubted BAD, but because I had never seen so many people invest so much of themselves into their club.
BAD is no longer just a club of 180+ members. It is a family. A family of swimmers, parents, grandparents, coaches, officials, and volunteers who genuinely care for one another.
Some highlights from the 2026 BAD June Outdoor Meet:
• Swimmers joined us from two other provinces: Quebec and Newfoundland.
• Seventeen teams attended the meet.
• We partnered with a numerous local Burlington vendors who created amazing event shirts and donated BAD banners and printing. .
• We proudly unveiled our new podium, along with new banners and an awards backdrop, giving our meet the look and feel of a championship event.
• Our new Time Drops system was a huge success, eliminating wires and reducing setup challenges.
• BAD athletes delivered outstanding performances, earning 17 gold, 21 silver, and 15 bronze medals.
• Our newly redesigned medals were a huge hit.
 Staff at the starting stand, parents in the bleachers watching their children. A special thank you to our coaches. The incredible number of podium finishes, personal bests, and achievements this season is a direct reflection of your hard work, dedication, and belief in our swimmers. Thank you for everything you do, both on and off the pool deck. We are incredibly fortunate to have such an amazing coaching team at BAD.
To everyone who volunteered, officiated, supported, coached, cheered, donated, organized, and helped in any way: thank you.
This weekend didn’t just showcase a successful meet. It showcased the very best of who we are as a club.
As we wrap up another incredible season, all the best to our swimmers competing at OSC in July.
Thank you for making this weekend unforgettable.
By Gazette Staff
June 22nd, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
They have been doing it for more than 25 years, and they want to continue doing it – and at the same time adjust to changing times and circumstances. Every year Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance put on two shows that would always come real close to selling out.…
They have been doing it for more than 25 years, and they want to continue doing it – and at the same time adjust to changing times and circumstances.
Every year Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance puts on a show at the Performing Arts Centre that is a Matinee Performance and an Evening show. There was a time when it was always a sold out event.
A typical annual performance – the final curtain comes down this June.
 The end of a Great program. Tickets are still available The annual Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance has, in the past, filled the stage at the Performing Arts Centre
While attendance is still strong Sue Pritchard, President of the organization that pulls it all together said recently that attendance is falling.
“We began to see it during Covid and it didn’t recover the way we thought it would.
“So we are holding two workshops to do a deep dive into what we have been doing, what we should be doing and looking at who we are serving.”
 The annual performances are not just a local event. Tour buses from Kitchener arrive most years. “We draw a considerable audience from Hamilton, and a significant number of people from Toronto make the trip. In the meantime, the final performance of Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance as we have known it will take place on June 23rd.
Up until now, the Footnotes have been seen as an “over 50 demographic,” explains Pritchard. We want to change that to an “18 and up” and we want to be more than an annual performance organization. Membership to the Footnotes is an annual $40 and $60 for a family.
While preparing for the annual event takes a lot of time there are social events sprinkled throughout the year.
There are classes in different types of dancing. “We have a class that teaches people how to do tap dancing while sitting in a chair” said Pritchard.
There is dancer on the stage this year who is 89.
By Gazette Staff
June 22nd, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
 Community Development Halton is asking their members to take part in a survey that will show what the non-profit sector achieves.
Nonprofits get things done – and time and time again the sector continues to show resourcefulness, and a deep commitment to supporting one another.
In a constantly shifting political, economic, and social landscape, ONN’s annual State of the Sector survey is an opportunity to share what’s happening in your organization.
The input helps build high-quality, sector-wide data to inform advocacy, policy, and resources for Ontario’s nonprofit sector.
 Open to charities, grassroots groups, volunteer-run organizations, nonprofit social enterprises, and co-operatives, this year’s survey aims to deepen the information available about the sector – for the sector.
Community Development Halton reports that there are at least 100 organizations working in the sector.
The Ontario Nonprofit Network survey closes July 13th.
It is taking folks an average of 20 minutes to fill it out. The person filling it out should be able to estimate and provide organizational operational, financial, and HR information on behalf of the organization.
COMPLETE THE SURVEY NOW
By Gazette Staff
June 22nd, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
Council meets on Tuesday with several major items that will get final approval.
The 1200 King Road development, an Alinea project, expects to clear another hurdle and move to phases that will clarify what can be done and what can’t be done with the decision to focus on the creation of a sports and entertainment phase of their long-term plans for the 120-acre-plus site that runs from King Road on the east to the Aldershot GO station on the west.
 When fully built out, this is what the 1200 King Road development could look like. It will take a decade or more to complete. Will there be an NHL franchise on the site by then? This is a big development that will eventually change the Burlington people know today. Focal point of the city will shift to the west.
Approval of the Bronte Meadows project is also on the agenda.
With items this significant, one would expect every council member to be on deck – not this time.
Ward 2 Councillor and candidate for Mayor, Lisa Kearns will not be in the Council chamber. She “might” be able to take part virtually if there is internet access from the campground she is spending the week at with her daughter.
 Lisa Kearns at what could be her last ward 2 meeting. Kearns held regular ward-level meetings that were always well attended. Given the rule candidates have to follow, Kearns wasn’t sure if she would be permitted to hold another ward-level meeting before the October 26 vote. If she loses – her life as a politician comes to an end. If she wins – she will serve as Mayor Why would Kearns schedule personal time when there is a scheduled council meeting?
Good question.
A number of months back, Council finally reacted to the public complaints that had Standing Committee meetings followed by full Council meetings 10 days or so apart.
This didn’t give the public much in the way of an opportunity to respond to Standing Committee reports, so the calendar was redrawn, allowing much more time between the Standing Committee meeting and the Council meetings.
The problem for Kearns was that she had already booked the camping with her daughter vacation that couldn’t be cancelled.
We will know on Tuesday if Kearns can take part.
 By Sadie Smith
June 22nd, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
 German regulated gambling sites require a GGL licence, trustworthy brands, robust mobile product and responsible-gambling mechanisms that can hold up to the gaze of the public and the regulators. Germany is one of the most consequential regulated betting markets in Europe, not for its frictionlessness, but for its scale, legal clarity and disciplined supervision. The Glücksspielstaatsvertrag 2021 has since since July 2021 brought online betting in Germany out of a grey market phase and into a licensing era where “trust, compliance and technology” is the leadership for the market.
For investors, analysts and international sports bettors, navigating this new landscape is vital for recognising the next leading sports betting platform in Germany and the business opportunities that await. Aggressively offered bonuses and wide coverage of odds are no longer criteria for the winners. They require a GGL licence, trustworthy brands, robust mobile product and responsible-gambling mechanisms that can hold up to the gaze of the public and the regulators.
A new playing field: The impact of the 2021 Interstate Treaty on gambling
In 2021, the Glücksspielstaatsvertrag 2021 (GStV 2021) was enacted, which provides for a national framework for online sports betting, virtual slots, online poker and other regulated products. It aims to “redirect demand to controlled supply offers, prevent addiction, protect minors and customers, tackle illegal gambling and maintain the integrity of sport.
The GGL Germany (Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder) was designated as the main regulator for online gambling across the states. It grants licenses, monitors service providers, keeps the official list of licensed providers and takes action against illegal sites, payment channels and advertising.
The most notable aspect of the treaty is the protection of the players. Licensed online operators are required to be hooked into LUGAS, the cross-state monitoring system. Players can typically deposit a maximum of €1,000 per month across different operators; the OASIS exclusion system is designed to prevent players who are self-excluded or excluded by other operators from being targeted by legal offers. With these controls, online sports betting through Germany license holders and customers can only be done via licensed platforms which are safe and lawful.
There is also a problem of taxation. The Sportwettensteuer will be 5.3% of the assessment base, which is the amount wagered instead of the profit made by the operator. In reality, this means that the operator margin will get smaller and that brands will have to decide whether to absorb a portion of the cost or shift it to players.
By the numbers: Germany’s market size and key growth drivers
In 2024, the gross gambling revenue for the approved German gambling market totaled €14.4 billion, reflecting a slight increase of approximately 5% compared to the previous year. About €2.0 billion of total GGR, of which €1.3 billion online, was generated from sports betting. In 2024, underlying sports-betting stakes amounted to €8.2 billion, rising from €7.9 billion in 2023, despite the tough regulations in place. The GGL quarterly data for 2025 and early 2026 also indicates that regulated demand is holding up well despite the operator’s price, promotional and product design changes. It’s that durability that’s the real investment story for now.
 Football continues to be the number one demand driver. Football continues to be the number one demand driver. Bundesliga, Champions League and national-team betting provide operators with predictable peaks, and Germany’s high digital adoption rates enable app-based play and live markets. Consumer confidence is enhanced by regulation too. Now, a legal German licence indicates that there are checks, limits and exclusion tools and complaint paths.
The retail channel is still important. The extensive reach of Tipico’s shops, as well as the continued existence of land-based agencies, demonstrate that physical trust can complement online trust. App downloads and repeat betting often come as a result of omnichannel familiarity for top German bookmakers.
The contenders: Who are the leading sports betting platforms in Germany?
Bet365 is still a leading player in the official whitelist. The upside is that it offers the product depth: wide sports selection, live bets, streaming feel, and a mobile experience that’s well known to those who bet internationally.
Bwin is a well-established brand, with long established roots in German-speaking betting culture. It’s all about its brand equity, football association and long-term visibility among German fans that make it competitive despite stricter rules for promotions.
The most noticeable challenger is Betano. With the backing of Kaizen Gaming, it’s managed to gain recognition rapidly thanks to marketing momentum and football partnerships that involve design-led apps. The brand experience, its younger and tech-savvy appeal is its competitive advantage.
Tipico must be mentioned on its own due to the hybrid model. It has over 1,250 stores, per the group’s corporate information, which very few online-first competitors have. That network is conducive to trust, cash familiarity and everyday brand recall.
Future outlook: Trends and opportunities in the German market
The pendulum is swinging between channelisation and restriction in Germany’s next phase. Advertisements on licensed gambling is allowed, but within specific limits set forth in the GStV 2021. Any campaign that downplays or misrepresents the nature of betting, targets susceptible populations or exaggerates the role of skill is likely to attract the interest of the GGL.
Other obvious opportunities include consolidation. Smaller operators will have to pay for compliance, but will also be subjected to tax pressure and marketing restrictions, while unlicensed brands will be facing brand blocking, payment disruption and lesser search visibility. Scale, robust data systems and potential mergers can help larger licensed groups.
 Germany is a model for Europe. Germany is also a model for Europe. Its model proposes the ways in which a big market can legalize online betting, with the central limits, the exclusion files and technical supervision.
Technology as a differentiator
Now mobile-first design is a must. Retention is affected by the speed of registration, ease of limit management, consistency of live odds and ease of cash out. Data and AI can personalize interfaces, and identify risky behavior and promote safer marketing. In-play betting and bet builders are not add-on features, but benchmarks of a product.
Responsible gambling: From obligation to brand value
The responsible gambling is becoming a commercial asset. Good operators think beyond the rules, making limits visible, providing clear tools to cool off and making early use of behavioural alerts. Safety is not only compliance in Germany gambling regulation. It’s a sign of trust. The most successful platforms will be the ones that ensure the betting process is controllable, transparent and legally sound.
 By Gazette Staff
June 21st, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
Final day of the Burlington Aquatic Devilrays Long Course Summer Invitational meet that involved 17 swimming clubs from across the province and a total of 890 swimmers.
Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns made a surprise appearance, no she didn’t take to the pool, but she did talk to club President – Karl Meissner-Roloff and some of the swimmers who really didn’t have any idea as to who she was.
 Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns found time to congratulate some of the swimmers at Nelson Pool where the BAD Long Course 2026 Outdoor Invitational was taking place. The 2026 Invitational has been a huge success.
Going forward there is some unease.
BAD has traditionally held their Invitational in June. At this point, they have not been assured that the pool will be available in June of 2027, which makes it difficult for them to do their forward planning.
Invitational events are sanctioned by Swim Ontario. BAD can’t approach Swim Ontario until the city has assured them that the space will be available.
Aquatic Clubs like to travel to event and they too have to plan ahead and set dates.
The 2026 Invitational was a blow out success.
 Waiting for the GO signal.  Swimmers racing during the first lap of the 100 metre event.  The diving blocks used during practices and competitive events were donated to the city by the Burlington Aquatic Devilrays. One would have thought the pool was home base for the Long Course invitational events.
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By Tom Parkin
