 By Pepper Parr
June 8th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
They keep getting elected.
Ontario MPPs learned about their pay increase and their new pension plan last week and then headed home with a surprise: Ford’s Tories told them to stay away until Oct. 20.
That’s a 20 week summer break for provincial politicians who have been in their legislative seats for just six weeks this year. Another seven weeks of work awaits them when they return, after which they’re back home for the Christmas break.
 Question period: A time when the government is called to account. Total time at work in the legislature: 13 weeks out of 52 for the whole year.
While they are not in the Legislature questions can’t be asked – and there are plenty of questions.
The really dismal number of housing starts – Ontario has yet to met even one of its housing targets,
Unemployment: above 7% overall – at above 20% for young people.
No word on the RCMP investigation on just who benefited and by how much on the Greenbelt scandal.
Premier Ford is sticking to his “I’ll save Canada from Donald Trump” gig – an issue he won’t get much in the way of blow back on. Unlike the plan he has to build a tunnel under the 401 to improve the flow of traffic.
 The theme park wasn’t something anyone wanted a closer look at who is behind the development suggests there are good reasons for bringing it to an end before construction goes any further. Hundreds of trees have already been cut down. That development at Ontario Place is getting a closer look from the government. The more it gets looked at the muddier the water gets.
The For’s have always loved big projects – not much in the way of cultural depth with that family, which is fine – who cares what they do in their private lives.
It’s what they impose on the public that hurts.
If an election were called tomorrow, they would get elected with an even higher majority.
The question people would ask is – will Bonnie Crombie manage to get elected during the next election?
The Liberals can use the time out to do the leadership review they do after an election.
Time for them to find a new leader – and there is one waiting in the wings.
25
 By Staff
June 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
We think this means summer is here or really close.
Will the ward Councillor be on hand for a photo op?
 By Pepper Parr
June 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
I was meeting with people at the National Research Council (NRC) who were responsible for selecting candidates for the Canadian Space Program.
Canada had been a part of the space program from the very beginning. Our contribution was the Canada-arm.
The selection of Marc Garneau as the first Canadian who would fly into space had already been made. He was introduced as Joseph Jean-Pierre Marc Garneau, an officer with the Royal Canadian Navy.
The NRC was looking for a way to promote and tell the story of the space program and Marc Garneau as the first Canadian who would fly into space.. The organization I was running came up with the idea of publishing a book. The NRC liked the idea and while they didn’t provide any financial support, they gave us access to anyone we wanted to talk to.
 We decided in a tabloid format: 11 x 17 inches. Priced at $3.49 We decided to tell the story of the space program and what it meant to put people in an aircraft and blast them into space using a lot of graphics and pictures. We wanted big pages, not something that would be a standard book size.
We went with what is called a tabloid format.
It resulted in an award-winning publication that book stores said they couldn’t sell – it was too big – didn’t fit on their bookshelves.
We pivoted and found a way to sell the book in supermarkets.
They were at first reluctant but we found a vice president at what was then Dominion stores who liked the idea and they decided they would take 5000 copies.
Our printer was very positive and asked us to look at the project as a joint venture that made them partners. The initial press run was 25,000 copies.
We couldn’t get them into the supermarkets fast enough. We were loading cartons of the book into the back of a Volkswagen Beetle and making two, sometimes three, trips to their warehouse each day.
The trip into space took place. We were basically sold out.
The supermarkets suggested a second edition that told the story from Garneau’s perspective. That edition had a 35,000 copy press run.
 We wanted space to illustrate what it meant to put an aircraft into space. There were pages that allowed readers to interact and write what they thought space was all about. We got to know Marc much better when we were putting the second edition out.
Marc was a quiet man; celebrity status was new to him. Celebrity as a concept was new – movie stars were celebrities, sports winners were celebrities.
The selection of the first Canadian who would be in space involved an interview on what it meant to be a hero. The interview that was filmed wasn’t made public but we were learn to more about Marc during our several conversations with him
 Being selected as an astronaut as part of the 1983 NRC Group. He became the first Canadian in space on October 5, 1984, and flew on three Space Shuttle missions.
The public attention took a toll on Marc’s personal life; it also gave him a profile that made him an obvious choice as a candidate for public office.
Marc won a seat in the House of Commons and served as the Minister of Transportation and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Leaving politics was a bumpy process. He was dropped from Cabinet and resigned from the House of Commons. He gave his farewell speech to the House on the same day he announced his political life had come to an end.
 Marc Garneau suited up and ready to fly into space. The last time I met with Marc Garneau was when he was in Burlington meeting with local Liberals.
Ray Rivers was at the event as well. When Garneau left and moved on to his next event, Rivers and I sat down for a cup of coffee. The chemistry was good and Rivers began writing Opinion pieces for the Gazette. He has been doing that for more than eight years.
Marc Garneau was a strong personality. He didn’t take to the Justin Trudeau approach to leadership. He had the discipline of a naval officer and the experience of three missions into space.
We lost a good one earlier this week.
Related news story:
Marc Garneau in Burlington looks for leadership support
By Pepper Parr
June 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 The playing of the national anthem and an Oilers’ jersey on the Chair reflected the mood of the event. They met as the Bay Area Economic Summit for half a day and started out the meeting by listening to O Canada being played and the Chair of the meeting wearing an Edmonton Oilers hockey Jersey.
There were workshops with a collection of qualified experts. One was labelled Sustainable Leadership, which one of the experts suggested meant that leadership was still breathing – always a good sign.
Mike Moffatt, the speaker who really came across with soundly thought-through arguments on what needed to be done to solve not only the need for housing, but for the solution to attracting the talent needed, was to assure there were properties they could afford to live in.
Terry Cado, president of the Chamber told the Gazette in an interview before the Summit took place that Chamber members were calling his office to complain about the problems they were having attracting talent to the city – the people they wanted to hire were finding that housing they could afford just wasn’t available.
 There were no obviously simple answers. And there was plenty of blame to spread around. Moffatt took to the podium and set out the issues.
There were no obviously simple answers. And there was plenty of blame to spread around.
 Where in this coat allocation do you try and lower the expenses? Moffatt started with what it costs to build a 1900 square foot home in the Waterloo Region and the got into housing starts and that it was impossible to build the number of homes that are needed. The province of Ontario has yet to meet a housing start target.
Restrictive land use policies, skyrocketing taxes on development, more red tape and a constantly changing policy environment weren’t helping.
When Moffatt added that Southwestern Ontario has the worst development process and planning at the municipal level in North America, you knew there was a real problem when you put that fact up against the Meed Ward claim that Ontario is the engine of the country’s economy.
There were solutions. Development charges could be moved from the developer to the home buyer. The current practice of lookin to the developer for these funds resulted in taxation on taxation. The developer has to pay the deveopment charges, marks them up and passes them along to the home buyer.
In the alternative development charges could be deferred.
Revise the GST and the PST – that would take 13% out of the cost of a home – that claimed Moffatt would put shovels in the ground.
He argues as well that the idea that growth should pay for growth, a hill that Burlington Mayor Meed Ward seemed prepared to die onzzz
Land costs have skyrocketed for the developer who banked land; things could not be better. For a developer trying to acquire land and put up new housing – it is a challenge. Impossible if the housing is going to be affordable.
 Construction of new homes had not kept pace with the demand. Then M0ffatt made a stunning comment.
He said that in order to attract and retain 35-year-old workers, you need a healthy community that you can raise a 5 year old in.
He added: If the middle class cannot raise children in a community, that community cannot survive.
The loss of families, means the loss of a tax base and the loss of a workforce.
That’s what Chamber members were telling Terry Caddo
 Moffatt: “Who will swing the hammer?” Moffatt suggested that “we need to get away from the mindset that a unit is a unit when we are counting. The 400 to 600 square foot condos that attracted investors are not housing for a family. We need three and four-bedroom units if families are to be accommodated.
There were very few questions at the end of the presentation. Mayor Meed Ward left the room before Mike Moffatt started his presentatrion.
Moffatt made a comment during the presentation that could have been used to sum up just where the province and its hundreds of communities are in solving the problems when he asked: “Who will swing the hammer?”
 By Staff
June 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Part 2 of that traffic mess on the Mother’s Day weekend.
Part 1 of this story had a Burlington resident taking a complaint to the city.
 David Barker Much to our surprise, and we suspect a surprise to Barker as well, he got a response from Traffic Operations <trafficoperations@burlington.ca on Thursday, June 5, 2025 8:51:43 AM
“Thank you for contacting us about congestion in downtown Burlington. The City has been experiencing occasional increased weekend congestion during maintenance activities on the QEW freeway, beginning on the weekend of May 9 to 12.
” This congestion was caused by a planned lane reduction on the QEW Niagara bound lanes over the Burlington Skyway Bridge. The work is part of a Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) infrastructure project involving bridge rehabilitation. The City of Burlington and Halton Region do not have jurisdiction over provincial highway closures or their scheduling. The City shares closure information from the MTO through our website and other channels to help inform residents. However, these notifications are for awareness only and do not reflect City approval or control over the closures.
“We understand the significant impacts this and other past Skyway/Freeway related closures have had on our community. When significant congestion occurs on the highways, drivers may exit to bypass the highway and Burlington’s road network is not designed to handle the volume of diverted highway traffic, which leads to extreme congestion across City and Regional roads.
 When repair and maintenance work is required, the impact reverberates through the southern part of Burlington. “Concerns were raised in advance about the timing of this work occurring over Mother’s Day weekend by the City. The MTO advised that, due to weather windows and contractual constraints, the closure would need to proceed as they are limited in available weekends and must take advantage of favorable conditions to complete the work.
“In response to the May 9–12 closure:
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- City staff met with MTO and have requested additional meetings with senior leadership to raise ongoing concerns.
- We are coordinating with Halton Region, Halton Regional Police, and the OPP to explore traffic management support.
- Signal timing adjustments are reviewed and implemented where possible during the closure, but the sheer volume of vehicles exceeded the capacity of our local and regional road network which limits the effectiveness of these efforts.
- We are also reviewing tools to quantify the impacts (i.e. proportion of vehicles diverting through Burlington to avoid the highway, travel times and volume changes) these types of closures have on the road network both in near real time and historically.
” It is exciting to hear your support of the pedestrianization of the downtown area! As you accurately noted, most of the world’s nicest places have significantly more pedestrians than vehicles. The downtown patio program is an important element of this, as patios improve pedestrian capacity and support local businesses but retain some balance with capacity for vehicles that would otherwise be lost with full closures. This continued mode shift supports the prospect of improved air quality and reduced noise downtown, while also promoting healthier lifestyles and a more engaged community.
“We also encourage residents to share their experiences directly with the MTO, especially your suggestion about the partial closure of the North Shore Boulevard East interchange. Public input helps ensure the Province fully understands the local impacts of its projects and options to mitigate these effects in the future.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to advocate for improved planning, coordination, and mitigation in the future. Due to the high volume of concerns received, we may not be able to follow up on each request directly, but all feedback is being documented and shared with the appropriate staff.
“Thank you: Traffic Operations – City of Burlington.”
 The QEW in 1957 The problem is twofold. The Ministry of Transportation have done a terrible job in communicating to the public. As media, we do get reports from the Ministry. We have yet to succeed in being able to follow up. At one point, we found that the email address given in a notice was incorrect. Telephone calls go to voicemail and are never answered.
The other problem is – weather – specific weather conditions are needed to get the work done. And that is something even a provincial ministry cannot control.
Better communications management – please
Link to Part 1 of a 2-part news feature
By Staff
June 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Part 1 of a 2-part news feature.
 David Barker delegating before City Council. The following is a copy of a letter Burlington resident David Barker sent Mayor Meed Ward and the six members of Council. Barker reports that of the six members of council, only the Mayor responded. Barker was miffed.
“Mayor, Members of Council
There has been a lot of discussion in online forums, such as on Reddit and the Burlington Gazette, discussing the horrendous traffic snarls that have occurred over the last few weeks in the city south of the QEW.
There’s absolutely no doubt the daily clogged traffic along Lakeshore Road, New Street and to an extent Fairview Street is currently being exacerbated by the expansion of restaurant patios onto the roadway taking away driving lanes, and by the ongoing roadworks on the Skyway Bridge. In addition, recently there have been traffic accidents on the bridge which have caused even greater congestion.
The discussion in the forums has focused on two areas. The first being where and how to find notifications of planned roadworks and closures in the area. And the second on what remedies there might be to reduce the large volume of transient commuter traffic flowing through the downtown as a shortcut to the bridge.
I personally have and continue to champion the pedestrianization of the downtown, including the Lakeshore Road / Brant Street intersection. This would make Spencer Smith Park and the downtown core one unified pedestrian-friendly destination. Pedestrianization of city centers has become a growing trend in North America mirroring city centers across Europe. Many people throw up, and excuse the pun, roadblocks to implementing pedestrianized areas. The common misconception is that making an area pedestrianized means no vehicular traffic access.
 The QEW was, at one time a two-lane highway. Time caught up with the road – managing how it is used is something that time has yet to catch up with. Obviously vehicles need to access because residents who live in the pedestrianized area have vehicles, and because of course businesses need supply access. Additionally of course first responders need to be able to access to and transit across the pedestrianized area. I appreciate this is a longer-term goal and so does not have an immediate impact to reduce or eliminate downtown traffic congestion.
One contributor to the forums has suggested a very simple traffic management solution that is currently used in Toronto
Should you be traveling west along Lakeshore Boulevard during the afternoon and evening rush hours you will find you are unable to access the on-ramp to the Gardiner Expressway at Lakeshore/Jameson because it is closed by the Province/police during that period. Traffic is steered down Lakeshore Boulevard to join the Gardiner at the South Kingsway on-ramp.
The suggestion being made in the forums is to close the Northshore Boulevard on-ramp to the Niagara bound QEW on the Burlington side of the bridge during evening rush hours. And similarly close the Toronto bound QEW off-ramp to Northshore Boulevard during morning rush hours
By closing these two QEW ramps during the rush hours vehicles will no longer have a shortcut through the downtown to their destination. Those vehicles will have to stay on the the QEW where they belong.
Obviously, to implement these closures, the City would need the assistance and approval of the Provincial government.
I urge Council to give this serious and urgent consideration. Whilst the current situation is allowed to continue residents are faced with either stagnant traffic sitting idling outside their properties or their residential streets becoming less safe due to the increased volume and speed of the vehicles cutting through.”
A surprise to us – Barker got a detailed response.
Link to the response HERE
 By Staff
June 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Regional Councillor Rory Nisan was re-elected to the 2025-2027 FCM Board of Directors on June 1, 2025 at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Annual General Meeting and Conference in Ottawa, Ontario.
 Councillor Rory Nisan speaking to students about traffic. His Ontario Caucus colleagues also selected him to remain as Chair of the Ontario Caucus. This will be Councillor Nisan’s seventh term representing Halton Region at FCM and his third term serving as Chair of the Ontario Caucus.
FCM, the national voice of local governments, provides municipal leaders with the opportunity to engage with national party leaders and representatives to shape the national agenda on policy issues that affect all municipalities.
 The cameras like Councillor Nisan – always have. Councillor Nisan has been a strong voice at FCM on behalf of Halton Region on vital issues, including housing, infrastructure, homelessness, food security, climate change and sustainability, as well as the need for a National Prosperity Partnership to support intergovernmental collaboration, align investments, coordinate objectives and empower municipalities to deliver results on the ground.
Since joining FCM’s Board of Directors in 2019, Councillor Nisan has been an active member, serving on the FCM Executive Committee, as the 2023 Vice-President at large, and on several Standing Committees, including most recently on the Standing Committee on Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion and the Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development.
Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr, who has always been a Nisan fan said: “ Nisan is passionate about his work at FCM and is committed to working with the Federal government to advance priority issues facing municipalities. I know he will continue to be a strong voice for Halton on the issues that matter most to our residents.
 By Tom Parkin
June 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Doug Ford’s $40M pre-election PR blitz gushed that things have never been better even while Ontario’s economy was eroding.
Ontario job growth turns negative
Employment positions, Ontario 2015-2025In March 2025, there were barely more jobs in Ontario than September 2023 as weak job growth throughout 2024 turned into 63,000 jobs lost since January.
Ontario’s steep job losses account for two-thirds of the 94,325 fewer jobs across Canada since January.
The data comes from Statistics Canada’s Survey of Employment (SEPH)
 Youth unemployment hovers at the 20% level The SEPH report echoes concerning data from StatsCan’s Labour Force Survey, which put April Ontario unemployment at 7.8 per cent, 8.6 per cent in Toronto.
For younger workers, joblessness rates are substantially higher.
Turns out, it was happening here. But not the way Ford said.
Through 2024, the incumbent PC Party government was spending over $40 million in public money on an advertising campaign, talking in glowing terms about never-better job numbers and affordable living costs, summing it all up in wondrous tones, telling Ontarians “it’s happening here”.
The PR blitz may have numbed voters enough to zombie-walk into another PC majority in Ontario’s February election.
But under the thin PR veneer, what was happening here was a failing EV manufacturing strategy, a crisis in the colleges sector, chaos in healthcare, a collapse in residential construction, and tapped-out consumers pulling-back, killing retail jobs.
Ford’s opponents hardly tried to break through the veneer, offered no strategy to fix the broken bits below it, and now have another 48 months to either whittle away in obscurity or decide to learn something from defeat. GDP data released earlier this month shows Ontario’s economy only grew 1.2 per cent in 2024, while GDP in the rest of the country came in at 1.8 per cent.
 $40 million spent on advertising. The job numbers from the first quarter suggest 2025 will be worse. As a result of weak economic activity and fewer taxpayers, Ontarians now face both higher deficits and more defunding of public services, as revealed in the recent provincial budget.
Education sector loses 17,500 jobs since January.
Among 18 economic sectors, 15 lost jobs with a massive 17,543 jobs disappearing in the education sector since January.StatsCan’s SEPH data doesn’t give detail about education sub-sectors, but many colleges are cutting staff, terminating programs and even closing campuses as they lose revenue from foreign students, who colleges had been explicitly encouraged to attract to replace the Ford government’s defunding.
Almost 15,000 retail and wholesale trade jobs disappeared since January, an ongoing reduction related to the pull-back by consumers affected by the cost of living crisis.
And almost 6,000 construction jobs have disappeared as residential construction utterly fails despite the deep need for more housing.
By Staff
June 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
National Indigenous Peoples Day is a happy, fun-filled free event. The Mayor would like to see all of you there.
All are welcome to join in the festivities.
 The colour and the energy are part of the rich heritage the Indigenous people bring to the community. Location: Spencer Smith Park, west end
Date: Saturday, June 21
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
National Indigenous Peoples Day is a happy, fun-filled free event. All are welcome to join in the festivities.
“National Indigenous Peoples Day, which falls on the longest day of the year, is a vibrant celebration of the strength, artistry, and traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
This special day is an opportunity for all of us to come together to honour the richness and diversity of cultures that have shaped our land for generations. Burlington is proud to stand in partnership with the Urban Indigenous community to support the Solstice Ceremony celebration, and I encourage everyone to join us at Spencer Smith Park to experience the live music, performances, stories, and shared joy that make this day so meaningful.”
 By Staff
June 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
As the summer rainy season approaches, the City is sharing its latest investments to make Burlington more flood-resistant, along with tips to help residents prepare for potential flooding.What the City is DoingClimate change is a global problem with local consequences and solutions.
Recognizing the severity of our changing climate, City Council declared a climate emergency in 2019.
Since 2014, the City of Burlington has invested $20 million in stormwater infrastructure, which has made a positive difference in our ability to handle stormwater and reduce flooding. This year, the City is investing over $5 million in stormwater improvements to help protect homes, roads, and natural areas from flooding. Projects underway include replacing aging infrastructure to improve water flow, restoring eroded creek banks, and studying flood risks in the downtown area. Latest projects include:
The City is currently developing a city-wide Stormwater Master Plan, which will help guide the City in addressing climate challenges.
What Residents Can Do
Intense, short-duration downpours are becoming more frequent. While the City has strong stormwater management infrastructure in place, extreme rainfall can challenge the capacity of any system. Flood resilience depends on more than infrastructure, assessments, and maintenance – it depends on community participation through flood prevention programs and preparation. Residents are encouraged to learn more about the following flood preparedness programs:
Home Flood Protection Program
The City of Burlington offers a Home Flood Protection Program to help homeowners reduce their risk of basement flooding and minimize damage if flooding occurs. The program offers homeowners up to 50 per cent of the cost of Home Flood Protection Assessments which aim to find potential ways that water/sewage can enter your home.
Plumbing Permit Fee Grant Program
The City of Burlington offers a Plumbing Permit Fee Grant Program which covers the cost of a building permit associated with specific improvements done in homes or businesses to reduce the risk of basement flooding.Halton
Region’s Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program
 In the last decade, there have been several flash floods. Parts of the city that never had flooding problems are suddenly seeing water more than six inches deep coursing down their street. Halton Region’s Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program offers financial support for residents who make improvements to prevent stormwater from entering the wastewater system and reduce the risk of flooding from sewer backup. Available subsidies include backwater valve installation, downspout disconnection and more.
Significant ponding or flooded areas can be reported to Service Burlington by calling 905-335-7777 or emailing city@burlington.ca.
If your basement floods from sanitary sewer back-ups, please call 3-1-1.
Operators will help forward your concern to the appropriate specialists and make sure someone follows up with you, as needed.
Loads of programs, the backup and the ability to deliver when the water is rising in your basement. The problem is that when the water is rising, the demand on city resources is more than they can handle. We saw that last summer.
By Sidsel Nørgaard
June 4th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 It is essential for businesses to ensure that their growth strategies do not disrupt the unique fabric of the community but instead contribute positively to it.
Burlington businesses are striving to expand while preserving the community’s core values.
This pursuit requires thoughtful planning and leadership that respects local traditions.
The integration of executive search helps identify leaders capable of maintaining this delicate balance.
Businesses in the Burlington area face the exciting yet challenging task of expanding their operations while staying true to the community’s values. As companies grow, they must carefully consider how their expansion plans align with the needs and expectations of local residents. It is essential for businesses to ensure that their growth strategies do not disrupt the unique fabric of the community but instead contribute positively to it. This balance can be achieved through thoughtful planning and collaboration with community stakeholders. The role of Executive Search is crucial in identifying leaders who can navigate these challenges effectively.
The importance of aligning with community interests
Aligning business growth with community values is crucial for long-term success. When businesses actively engage with local communities, they create strong relationships that foster mutual trust and respect. This alignment allows companies to better understand the specific needs and preferences of residents, which can inform more tailored and effective business strategies. By prioritizing community interests, businesses not only enhance their reputation but also gain invaluable support from local stakeholders.
 When businesses show genuine care for the areas in which they operate, customers are more likely to support them, and employees feel proud to be part of an organization that prioritizes ethical practices. Community alignment also involves recognizing the potential impacts of business operations on local environments and infrastructures. Companies must consider how their activities affect aspects such as traffic, noise levels, and public spaces. By proactively addressing these concerns, businesses demonstrate their commitment to being responsible corporate citizens. This approach helps prevent conflicts and ensures a harmonious coexistence between business interests and community well-being.
Moreover, embracing community values can lead to increased customer loyalty and employee satisfaction. When businesses show genuine care for the areas in which they operate, customers are more likely to support them, and employees feel proud to be part of an organization that prioritizes ethical practices. This positive perception can drive growth and sustainability over time.
Challenges in maintaining balance during expansion
Navigating expansion while maintaining harmony with community values presents several challenges for businesses. One significant challenge is balancing the desire for growth with the need to preserve the character of local neighborhoods. Rapid expansion can sometimes lead to gentrification or cultural shifts that may not align with residents’ desires. Businesses must carefully assess the potential consequences of their growth strategies on existing communities.
Another challenge lies in addressing regulatory requirements and zoning laws that may vary from one area to another. Businesses must navigate complex legal frameworks while ensuring compliance with local ordinances. This process can be time-consuming and costly, requiring expert knowledge and careful planning.
Additionally, businesses often face competition from larger corporations that may have more resources to invest in expansion efforts. Smaller companies must find innovative ways to differentiate themselves while maintaining affordability and accessibility for local customers. By leveraging their unique connection to the community, smaller businesses can carve out a niche that appeals specifically to local consumers.
The role of leadership in balancing growth and community
The role of leadership is pivotal in ensuring successful business expansion while upholding community values. Effective leaders understand the importance of integrating ethical considerations into every aspect of their operations. They prioritize transparency, open communication, and collaboration with all stakeholders involved in the expansion process.
 Leadership also involves making difficult decisions that balance profit motives with social responsibility. Leadership also involves making difficult decisions that balance profit motives with social responsibility. This requires a deep understanding of both market dynamics and community needs. Leaders who possess strong interpersonal skills can bridge gaps between different interest groups, fostering collaboration rather than conflict.
Moreover, capable leaders are adept at inspiring teams by articulating a clear vision that aligns with both corporate objectives and community goals. They empower employees by involving them in decision-making processes related to expansion plans, ensuring everyone feels valued and engaged throughout implementation stages.
Executive search plays a vital role in identifying leaders who can effectively balance growth objectives with community interests without compromising integrity or sustainability goals. By partnering with specialized firms, businesses gain access to experienced professionals who possess both technical expertise and a deep understanding of local dynamics required for successful leadership roles within expanding organizations seeking harmony between progressiveness and preservation.
 By Jeannie Løjstrup
June 4th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
What are your plans for Canada Day 2025? For millions of Canadians and international tourists alike, Burlington is one of the top stops of the year. From beautiful parks to incredible shopping opportunities and everything in between, Burlington has something for just about everyone. Let’s take a look at the best spots to visit in the city leading up to a thrilling Canada Day celebration!
Canada Day 2025
 The holiday was celebrated in a grand way! Formerly known as Dominion Day, Canada Day takes place annually on July 1st and is the national day of Canada. While it’s most widely celebrated by Canadian residents, tourists from all around the world strive to be in the country’s big cities when the event kicks off. Thanks to the vibrant arts community, thriving culinary scene, passionate gaming culture, and general hospitality by the country’s residents, Canada Day has become a highly anticipated celebration both within and outside of the country.
While Burlington and Canada as a whole offers fantastic scenes to explore, there is also the wide array of online entertainment & gaming that one can delve into. From online sports such as the CFL, keeping up to date with the developments leading up to Canada day as well as the expansive gaming market that can be explored through Canadian slots there is no shortage of entertainment to be grasped while venturing throughout Canada.
With that said, there are some truly incredible locales to visit if you can make it to Burlington in person. Let’s take a look at some hot spots to visit this year!
Royal Botanical Gardens
Who says that Canada Day celebrations have to take place in civilization? For thousands of people around the country, spending the day enjoying the beautiful landscape offered by the Canadian wilderness is the perfect way to enjoy it. Whether you’re looking for picturesque bridges or vibrant flowers, the Royal Botanical Gardens is one of the most impressive attractions in Burlington.
Don’t worry if you aren’t exactly an avid hiker – this experience is easy, accessible and adaptable to your abilities.
Burlington Waterfront Trail
Take advantage of the warm weather this year and spend some time at the Burlington Waterfront Trail! This beautiful venue features both stunning waterfront views and modern amenities to create a truly unforgettable experience for visitors. This is a popular stop and might be fairly crowded depending on the time of day you visit, but this doesn’t mean that it’s not worth a stop. Pick an unusual time to visit and beat the crowds or hobnob with locals and tourists alike – the choice is yours.
Mount Nemo Conservation Area
 Mt Nemo – on a good day you can see the CN Tower in Toronto. Owned by Conservation Halton, Mount Nemo Conservation Area is a beautiful park with space for the whole family. This includes friendly four-legged friends, who are welcome to visit with their human companions. If you’re looking for something a bit more challenging than a leisurely walk, then you might consider trying out rock climbing! Enthusiasts frequent the park for some top-tier climbing experiences.
Spencer Smith Park
Are you looking for an excuse to spend some time outside this Canada Day? If so, Spencer Smith Park is one of your best options. Located directly on the water and offering great expanses of green fields, this is the ideal place to gather with family and friends for a picnic.
 Spencer Smith Park – where the lake is your front porch. Mapleview Shopping Centre
If spending time outside in the sun isn’t really your cup of tea, then you’re in luck! Burlington has a whole host of interior experiences. One of our favorites is the Mapleview Shopping Centre. A rare example of a mall that’s thriving in today’s economy, Mapleview offers beautiful facilities with high-end stores and restaurants. With that said, there’s something for just about every budget you can imagine. Whether you want to grab a bite to eat, like wandering around and aimlessly window shopping, or simply want to enjoy some time in an air-conditioned space, Mapleview might be the perfect option for you.
 During tours all the food is made on the premises using recipes from the period of time the Ireland is Farm house was built. Ireland House Museum
Ireland House Museum is a fascinating trip back in time. Following the life of the Ireland family spanning three generations, the home has been painstakingly restored to reflect accurate period-specific décor. Antique furniture, intricate wallpaper and even complex ceiling carvings make this museum a must-see in Burlington this year.
Are you excited to celebrate Canada Day this year? The time is rapidly approaching, so make sure that you plan your day soon so that you can hit the ground running and enjoy every second.
By Staff
June 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
What a decent way to thank a teacher!
In the past, well at least my past, you gave the teacher yet another coffee mug, maybe one you decorated yourself.
The Halton Learning Foundation (HLF) invites community members to thank the teachers who’ve quietly made a difference, in a meaningful way, by helping an HDSB student in need in their honour.
Teachers do more than teach.
They notice when a child doesn’t have lunch and quietly tuck snacks into their desks.
They find warm jackets for cold days and make sure every child can join the field trip, no matter what their circumstances.
They’ve wiped away tears when no one else was there.
They bring extra supplies for students who can’t afford them.
They ensure every child feels seen, safe, and supported.
HLF works closely with teachers and school staff across the Halton District School Board (HDSB) who are often the first to recognise when a student is struggling due to financial barriers. Through emergency support, HLF helps provide food, clothing, school supplies, and other essentials — all made possible thanks to donors and compassionate educators.
The “Thank a Teacher” campaign allows parents, students, alumni, and community members to make a donation to HLF in honour of a teacher or school staff member who has made a difference. When a gift is made, HLF sends a personalised card to that educator to let them know someone recognized their compassion and paid it forward.
It’s also a meaningful way to thank an educator who is retiring this year, in recognition of their years of dedication to students.
 Teachers are always there, ready to talk something through with students. “This is about more than appreciation, it’s a way to honour teachers by continuing their legacy of kindness”, says Marc Clare, HLF CEO. “I’ve seen the quiet acts of care teachers show every day — and this is a way to honour that compassion by continuing it. When you help a student in need in a teacher’s name, you’re carrying their legacy forward in the most meaningful way.”
Whether you’re a parent looking for a meaningful end-of-year gift, or a former student remembering the teacher who believed in you, this is your opportunity to say thank you in a way that truly reflects who teachers are: caring champions of students.
“As a vocal coach and a parent, I’ve witnessed just how much heart teachers pour into their students, going the extra mile to make extracurriculars like musicals, plays, and sports possible,” says Dania Thurman, School Council Chair at Burlington Central High School. “Their dedication, both in and out of the classroom, fosters confidence, joy, and lifelong memories. They truly deserve to be celebrated and thanked.”
Your donation will provide critical support to students facing financial hardship, in the spirit of the teachers who show up for them every day.
To learn more or donate in honour of a teacher, a school staff, or a retiree, visit thankmyteacher.ca
 The Halton Learning Foundation helps support quality education for Halton District School Board students by providing emergency help for students in need, post-secondary scholarships, and funds to assist schools that have classroom needs beyond core education funding.
 By Staff
June 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford YMCA welcomed new Board leadership to guide the organization into its next chapter.
The Board of Directors has elected Paul Gibel as its new Chair for a two-year term (May 2025–May 2027).
Joining Paul in leadership are Marie-Claude Evangelista and Yohana Otite, who will serve as Co Vice-Chairs of the Board. Both bring significant professional and lived experience to the YMCA’s governance team.
 (from the left): Manny Figueiredo, President & CEO of YMCA Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford; Alyssa Lai, Past Board Chair; and Paul Gibel, newly elected Board Chair. Paul brings a wealth of experience in finance, governance, and community leadership to the role. A retired partner with Doane Grant Thornton in Hamilton, Paul has deep roots in the region and a long-standing commitment to service. He previously served as Chair of the Hamilton Community Foundation and President of the Rotary Club of Hamilton. He is also a past member of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
For the past several years, Paul has chaired the YMCA’s Audit/Enterprise Risk Management/Endowment Fund Committee, while also serving on the Board Development and CEO Performance Appraisal Committees. He recently concluded a two-year term as Vice-Chair.
 During the 169th Annual General Meeting, we also took the time to celebrate the impact made and to recognize the outstanding leadership of Alyssa Lai, whose term as Board Chair concludes this spring.
Marie-Claude Evangelista and Yohana Otite, who will serve as Co Vice-Chairs of the Board. Both bring significant professional and lived experience to the YMCA’s governance team.
Marie-Claude (MC) Evangelista, C. Dir. is Vice-President at Fairstone Bank. A Burlington resident with a strong record in operational excellence, risk management, and community involvement, she has served on the YMCA’s Audit/Enterprise Risk Management/Endowment Fund Committee.
Yohana Otite, currently the Human Rights and Equity Advisor (HREA) at the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, brings experience in strategic leadership in the non-profit and education sectors, focused on promoting human rights, equity and inclusion. She has served on the YMCA’s Board Development and CEO Performance Appraisal Committees.
 By Pepper Parr
June 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
There was what I thought a really good interview between Denzel Washington and Stephen Colbert on Facebook.
Described as “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” led to a heated on-air confrontation, resulting in the actor’s abrupt departure from the show.
The incident was sparked by Colbert’s probing questions, leading to a tense exchange between the two. The event was widely discussed on social media and in news outlets, with many supporting Washington’s stance and questioning Colbert’s interview style.
 The interview that never happened. Guess what – there was never an interview. What viewers were looking at was something someone made up and posted to Facebook.
Facebook presentations now have advertisements sprinkled throughout.
Each time the interview is watched, the creator of the phony interview earns some income. It at times runs into the tens of thousands. Facebook gets fatter, the creator get richer and you get misled.
These “creators” earn a very decent income from these phony interviews.
Disinformation at its best.
When this sort of thing creeps into the political world or focuses on the celebrities, it makes for good gossip and good incomes.
But it is a serious disservice to the media and an informed public.
 By Jeannie Løjstrup
June 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Everyone has seen a recent surge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) integrated into their lives. From simple internet searches and social media filters to writing code and generating artwork, it has also helped sportsbooks create more accurate odds and give customers personalised experiences.
To understand how deeply AI is already transforming betting, it’s enough to explore UK sports betting at Legalbet, a site that ranks and reviews legal bookmakers. If you visit some of the top-rated sites listed there, you’ll discover not just a broad range of markets and precisely calculated odds, but also AI-driven tools like chatbots that respond instantly and help you navigate the platform with ease.
 Going hand in hand with the rapid progression of AI, there is also a lot of discussion about its parameters, safety and future potential, to the point hypothetical Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is being talked about. This, as of now, is a potential future development of AI technology, as it currently sits more in the realm of a futuristic sci-fi novel. Here, we look at what AGI is and how it could potentially influence the way that the sports betting industry operates.
What is AGI?
Artificial General Intelligence is a different way to look at and think about how AI learns and understands things. It’s an AI system that can understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks at a level comparable to human intelligence. AI, as it stands, works within set parameters. Suppose it is asked to inform the user about how to play chess. In that case, it will take a deep dive into that specific topic and give the user detailed insights from the knowledge that it has put together. But what it won’t do is translate any relevant skills that it has learned previously about chess and apply that across to a query about sports betting. Because of this task-oriented approach, current AI models are often referred to as “narrow AI”.
However, AGI would hypothetically break those barriers and prevent the need for “reprogramming” between different topics. This would mimic more of a human experience, by calling on reason, and problem-solving and by generatively adapting skills from many different areas. AGI is basically seen as being far more flexible than standard AI, as it could be more adaptive to unknown situations.
What Could AGI Mean for Online Sports Betting?
If Artificial General Intelligence does arrive, then there is an assumption that it would move the goalposts in terms of how online sportsbooks operate. With AGI having the ability to apply pre-learned knowledge to any aspect of online sports betting, it could bring seismic changes to how odds are set.
Betting analysts are used to looking through statistics to set odds, but there is a bigger, human element that goes hand-in-hand with that. They also consider other external factors like the weather, team selection and expected tactics, plus what context the game is being played under, like a title decider or a dead rubber.
 AI systems can process statistics and identify patterns within narrow tasks, but require huge amounts of electricity. While today’s AI systems can process statistics and identify patterns within narrow tasks, they lack broader cognitive abilities and can’t account for the full range of variables that influence a sporting event. They’re examples of what’s called “weak AI” – tools designed for specific problems without true understanding or adaptability. AGI, by contrast, is designed to operate across multiple domains, using general intelligence to interpret complex, human-like contexts.
In the case of sports betting, a competent or expert-level AGI could assess far more than raw numbers. It could interpret athlete behaviour under pressure, patterns in team dynamics, or even the psychological impact of high-stakes matches. It might intuitively fill research gaps by linking insights across past and present data, gradually improving through experience. With this level of performance and autonomy, AGI could offer more contextually accurate betting predictions and help bookmakers set more refined odds.
AGI’s autonomous goal would be to actively seek better accuracy and risk management and manage exposure. It would have the ability to keep adapting on the fly with every new piece of information that it assesses to dynamically adjust the lines across a market.
How Might the User Experience Change?
There would likely be some changes to the user experience as well. Already AI has helped websites deliver more personalised experiences for players, but AGI could take this even further by analysing risk patterns and betting history. It could potentially assess what may be emotional bets, like a player shifting to riskier wagers straight after a loss.
Analysing a user’s responses to wins and losses, that information could be portrayed to the user to help them understand their patterns. With that, more accurately recommended bets and markets could happen with AGI, leading to the train of thought that it could become something akin to a personal betting assistant.
AGI could produce more intuitive feedback in areas like tracking market interest, making bet recommendations based on the user’s habits, and even at some point potentially executing bets that it comes across that fit the user-defined parameters.
The Potential Game Changer
 AGI could bring contextual reasoning to the table, which would be an entirely new way for sportsbooks to set odds. This would drastically take things forward from the task-specific way that narrow AI works and drive things towards a more immersive and interactive betting environment.
 By Staff
June 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Two dead and one wounded but not seriously are the subject of an Ontario Special Investigations and the Halton Regional Police.
Unit (SIU) are investigating two deaths at a home in Burlington early Tuesday morning.
 Police were called to a residence on Cornerstone Drive at approximately 12:30 a.m. this morning for an unknown disturbance.
When police arrived, a 28-year-old man fled upstairs where they found him with a self-inflicted injury, the SIU said in a news release. Officers attempted life-saving measures but he was later pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators also found another man dead in the home.
 A woman was taken to hospital with non-serious injuries, the SIU added, noting that this was an isolated incident.
Halton police confirmed the force’s involvement in an investigation through a post on X, sharing that there is no current risk to public safety.
The SIU is responsible for investigating incidents of death, serious injury, firearm discharge and sexual assault involving police officers, according to the unit’s website.
Anyone who may have information about this investigation, including vi
 By Staff
June 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
A Different Drummer Books, the Burlington Public Library and Penguin Random House of Canada will be presenting HOLLY GRAMAZIO discussing her novel The Husbands.
The event will be hosted by HOLLAY GHADERY Thursday June 12 7pm at Burlington Central Library 2331 New Street Burlington
Admission Free–Please register Here
Meet Holly Gramazio, world-renowned game creator and theorist and now celebrated author, sharing her vividly conceived, hilarious and internationally successful novel The Husbands.
“One of the funniest debuts published in years. In a publishing landscape awash with clever concepts, the video game designer Holly Gramazio has not only come up with the most ingenious conceit, she has summoned the humour and sophistication to pull it off.” –The Times, UK
“The Husbands is a wily and wonderful exploration of modern decision-making, kaleidoscopic and bright and very, very funny.” –Claire Lombardo
Hollay Ghadery, honoured poet, broadcaster and author, will lead a lively and memorable conversation.
A Different Drummer Books – differentdrummerbooks.ca
 By Andreas Thorson
June 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Along Lakeshore Road on a sunny morning, families stroll past cyclists, cafés are packed with remote workers, and the distant hum of weekend GO trains serves as a backdrop to how quickly Burlington has become the GTHA’s sweet spot.
Online conveniences, from buying vintage teak on Facebook Marketplace to checking for the best casino sites in Canada on sites like online-casinos.com for Friday evening entertainment, now rank alongside the city’s famous benchmarks: lake vistas, safe streets, and neighbourly charm. That blend of old-style and tech-savviness is driving record interest from first-time buyers, downsizing Torontonians, and newcomers alike.
Consistently Ranked Among Canada’s Best
Independent studies continue to place Burlington at or close to the top of national livability rankings. MovingWaldo’s 2024 report card graded the city fifth in the country, based on its low Crime Severity Index (31.04), great employment prospects, and access to health care.
 The accolades are anything but a one-time event; MoneySense, Maclean’s, and The Globe and Mail have all highlighted Burlington’s stability and livability in recent years. For prospective residents who want peace of mind without sacrificing urban amenities, those rankings are meaningful.
Housing: A Balanced Market in a Volatile Region
Greater Toronto’s housing story is often one of sticker shock, but Burlington has been able to sustain a relative affordability edge. The average resale price was $1.12 million in May 2025, still steep, but competitive with Toronto’s $1.29 million average and Oakville’s $1.48 million. Interest rate stability and a projected 4.5 per cent price gain for 2025 are indicative of a balanced market, not a speculative boom.
Single-detached product remains the most sought-after segment, reports RE/MAX, while a steady supply of mid-rise condos near GO stations offers entry points for young professionals and downsizers.
Impeccable Connectivity Fuels Commuter Confidence
Location is destiny, and Burlington’s is at the intersection of two economic powerhouses. Drivers have simple access to the QEW, Highway 403, and the 407 ETR, but the larger news is transit: Metrolinx’s GO Expansion program promises 15-minute, two-way, all-day service on the Lakeshore West line, sewing Burlington, Hamilton, and downtown Toronto into a reliable, electrified corridor.
New pedestrian overpasses, schedule enhancements, and integrated Burlington Transit bus routes are already being rolled out, reflecting long-term confidence in car-optional living. For companies that promote hybrid work, that reliability opens the talent pool in both directions.
Nature at the Doorstep, Lake at the Front Porch
 The Mayor calls this the city’s Front Porch.  The Pier: controversial when it was built – a popular place now. From the 900-metre pier next to Spencer Smith Park to the Bruce Trail limestone cliffs, a 10-minute drive north, Burlington offers a return-to-nature experience without ever having to leave the city.
More than 1,400 hectares of legally protected green space thread through the neighbourhoods, including the Royal Botanical Gardens and Hidden Valley Park, which ideally cater to a post-pandemic hunger for outdoor recreation and mental-health refuge. Waterfront access also fuels a paddle-sport culture in boom, while frequent “park-and-bike” trailheads put the Escarpment within reach of every skill level.
A Cultural Calendar That Punches Above Its Weight
 A free festival that runs for four days in June. Quality of life isn’t necessarily measured in square footage. Burlington’s seasonal festivals and events keep residents busy all year round, none bigger than June’s Sound of Music Festival – Canada’s largest free outdoor music festival, now drawing 200,000-plus people over four days.
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre, monthly Art Gallery openings, and a craft-brewery circuit from Plains Road to Aldershot have added new dimensions to the city’s personality. Not only do these sites entertain citizens, but they also support a hospitality sector that employs thousands.
Smart Growth and Sustainable Planning
City Hall’s “Grow Bold” vision funnels density into the three GO station precincts, preserving stable family neighbourhoods while realizing provincial intensification targets. Burlington, Aldershot, and Appleby station-area mixed-use developments incorporate green roofs, EV-ready parking, and pedestrian-priority design, fulfilling buyer demand for sustainable living.
Progressive infrastructure(from the new Joseph Brant Hospital wing to district-energy pilots in Aldershot) illustrates public and private investment in climate-change resilience.
Demographics Behind the Momentum
Population forecasts released this spring have Burlington surpassing large cities along the Halton-Hamilton corridor in percentage growth, driven by interprovincial migration and a 12 per cent spike in international arrivals since 2021.
 A walk-able city. Retirees still love the city’s walkability and healthcare system, but the fastest-growing cohort is tech and business-services professionals aged 28-44 years, an age range that demands reliable broadband, vibrant public spaces, and convenient airport access. Burlington’s ability to satisfy both highly skilled singles and families is expanding its popularity and solidifying its tax base.
The Bottom Line
 The northern part of the city is closed to development, leaving hundreds of acres that can be seen from Mt. Nemo. Where livability rankings, transit investment, smart housing policy, and a multicultural range of cultural amenities converge, momentum isn’t just a marketing slogan: it’s a way of life.
Burlington’s draw is its “Goldilocks” mix of being large enough to support top-notch amenities, yet small enough that neighbours can greet each other by name; close enough to Toronto’s skyscrapers, but rimmed by treed escarpment; connected, but also firmly rooted in neighbourly feeling.
For Canadians looking for their next address, that balance is proving irresistible, and Burlington’s newest welcome mat has never looked more inviting.
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By Pepper Parr
