 By Gazette Staff
March 22nd, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
March 28th – BIG protest Day.
Burlington it would appear is not part of the event. Why?
It’s happening on March 28 all across Ontario. A province-wide show of force against Doug Ford and the conservatives. All across Ontario, people will stand together against corruption and breakdown of Ontario.
From small towns to bustling cities.
More and More cities are being added. Find out more on Fighting Ford (Protest Ford) Facebook group.
If you’ve been frustrated with healthcare, schools, or the cost of living — this is your chance to be heard.
It looks like no one in Burlington wants to Fight Ford.
 By Ray Rivers
March 22, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
All but wiped out as a political force in the last election, the NDP are looking for a saviour to take them out of the backwoods. So they are choosing a new leader by the end of March to replace Mr. Singh, who lost his party’s official status and even his own riding in last year’s election.
 Federal MP, Heather McPherson  Former journalist and filmmaker, Avi Lewis. There are five candidates offering lots of choice with a diversity of experience and background. And the front runners appear to be current Edmonton area federal MP, Heather McPherson and former journalist and filmmaker, Avi Lewis.
 Lewis, like Justin Trudeau is the son of a political dynasty, his lineage traces back to Stephen and David Lewis and tangentially to the origins of the CCF, the precursor to the NDP. He is a strong progressive, an author of Canada’s Green New Deal and the radical Leap Manifesto, which just about tore the party apart on the issue of energy policy.
 Lewis has made promises that would take the party further to the left. Lewis has made promises that would take the party further to the left of where it had been even with Mr. Singh. Clean energy, an end to fossil fuel extraction, more equitable income taxation, free public transportation and public housing are among other planks in his campaign. The NDP under Lewis would likely find it hard to support Mr. Carney’s Liberals on many fronts, particularly as Carney may have won as a Liberal but is perceived as governing more as a Conservative, having embraced many of the opposition leader’s proposals.
The NDP has traditionally been the most progressive of political movements – socialist if you like. The CCF led the way to universal health care, Mr. Singh’s marriage at the hip with Justin Trudeau gave us our current child care, dental care and pharmacare programs. It is arguable whether any of these would exist today were it not for the NDP and their ability to influence the government of the day.
 McPherson: a moderate who came into office in 2019 and survived the purge of NDP candidates in the last federal election. She supported the TMX pipeline despite her party’s official policy, and was an active foreign affairs critic. McPherson is a moderate who came into office in 2019 and survived the purge of NDP candidates in the last federal election. She supported the TMX pipeline despite her party’s official policy, and was an active foreign affairs critic. Having a seat in Parliament is an advantage even though the NDP has lost its official party status.
McPherson’s campaign seems mainly focussed on rebuilding the party and without the kind of earth shattering proposals of Avi Lewis. She presents more like former leader Mulcair than Tommy Douglas. Her leadership is likely to be somewhat Carney-light compared to Mr. Lewis who is significantly to the left. The chance of either of them getting to PM seems pretty remote, from today’s starting point.
Most likely the future for the NDP will be influencing and not governing. In that role it’ll be in good company. The Bloc Quebecois’ sole function is advocating for what it believes will benefit Quebecers most. The Greens were formed to promote pro-environment policies, an issue that has almost vaporized in this new Trump era.
And to the extreme right is the People’s Party, headed by former Conservative Minister and leadership candidate Maxime Bernier. Though yet to gain a seat in Parliament that party’s positions, which can best be described as populist and reactionary, include sharply curtaining immigration, ending dairy supply management and withdrawing from the global climate accord.
 For a Lewis not to be able to speak French is astonishing. The saddest thing about this NDP leadership contest is that none of the candidates can communicate effectively in French. It’s been almost half a century since Canada first declared as bilingual and yet, of the federal party leaders, only Pierre Poilievre is fluent, though Yves-François Blanchet, Elizabeth May and Mark Carney are considered to be functionally bilingual.
The bottom line is that Canada will be largely unaffected in the short run by whoever wins the NDP leadership race on the 29th of March. But Avi Lewis promises to be much more interesting and would definitely liven up federal politics were he the winner – and were he able to win a seat in Parliament and become fluent in Canada’s other official language.
 Ray Rivers, a Gazette Contributing Editor, writes regularly applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background links:
NDP Race – McPherson – Lewis – Leap Manifesto – Lewis Policies – Language –
 By Sadie Smith
March 23rd, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
Today, the online gambling industry is filled with slots featuring surreal storylines, impressive graphics, and multi-layered bonus features. However, not all of them manage to combine an engaging theme with strong winning potential. One game that achieves this balance is Lucky Penny by 3 Oaks Gaming.
This is not just another Irish-themed title but a real magical journey into the world of legends. Released in 2024, the Lucky Penny slot quickly gained popularity among players at casinos such as https://westace.com/ca/, thanks to its high RTP and a maximum win of up to x20,000. The game also offers a clear interface, minimalist visuals, and free spins with additional features.
Features of the Lucky Penny Slot
 High volatility means that while wins may be less frequent than in other titles, they can exceed all expectations. Lucky Penny is a true gem among slots, offering a unique blend of classic Irish themes and modern technology. Here are its key features:
- High RTP and volatility. The Lucky Penny slot’s key technical stats are strikingly balanced. An RTP of 95.6% makes it attractive to players at Westace casino online and other leading gambling site High volatility means that while wins may be less frequent than in other titles, they can exceed all expectations.
- The 6×5 playing field of Lucky Penny provides ample opportunity to create winning combinations. The betting range from 0.2 to 8.6 coins makes the game accessible to both beginners and experienced gamblers.
- A solid maximum win of x20,000. Players can win this prize even after a single successful bet.
As for the interface, the provider has demonstrated true mastery. Even beginners can master the controls in just a few minutes. The buttons are logically arranged, and their design fits harmoniously into the slot’s overall style.
Lucky Penny Slot Symbols
 Westace casino online has an interesting cascade of payouts. When you launch the Lucky Penny slot at Westace casino online, you’ll see the following symbols:
- This is the highest-paying symbol, awarding wins of 10x to 100x for combinations of 8 to 12 symbols, respectively.
- Glass of beer. A well-known symbol of Irish hospitality, awarding wins of 4x to 40x the initial bet.
- Smoking pipe. This classic Irish symbol pays out 3x to 30x when forming a winning combination.
- Bag of gold. This is a leprechaun’s treasure, worth 2x to 20x.
- Precious stones of various colors (orange, red, green, blue, purple). These are the most common symbols, with payouts of 0.4x to 10x.
Every detail of the slot is so carefully designed that you feel as if you can step into this fairytale world. A musical score with traditional Irish motifs complements the gaming experience.
Mechanics and bonus features in the Lucky Penny slot
Another feature of the Lucky Penny slot, appreciated by Westace casino online gamblers, is its cascading payouts. This means that the symbols that formed part of a winning combination disappear, and new ones appear in their place. This creates the opportunity to form another combo or hit a multiplier. This system, like an avalanche, can lead to multiple wins in a single spin.
The Lucky Penny slot’s bonus features don’t end there. The following are worth mentioning:
Overall, Lucky Penny from 3 Oaks Gaming is a slot that successfully combines simplicity, atmospheric design, and impressive winning potential. It’s suitable for both those new to online slots and experienced gamblers looking for a game with the potential to win a truly big prize.
 By Pepper Parr
March 21st, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
One of the Gazette’s features is the comments section, where people can react to a news story.
They are not always kind – part of the process.
Earlier today one reader summed up the way things get done by the MAyor when he said:
 It was designed as a pledge people would sign. “As usual, what we see is confusion, inconsistency, and a process that clearly didn’t work the way it should have. Whether it’s poor communication, flawed execution, or a breakdown between staff and Council, the end result is the same.
But what’s most telling is what happens next.
“Instead of clear accountability, we get the usual pattern from MMW and Council: explanations, process reviews, and perhaps an apology — but no one truly owning the outcome.
“The responsibility for all these failures rests with MMW. People should be tired of her trying to minimize issues at City Hall.. She should be a “leader”and ensure the systems, oversight, and accountability are in place before problems occur.
“This pool allocation is simply another example of a leadership culture where mistakes are managed, not owned.
“All the while there is no shortage of messaging from the Mayor about the importance of “respect.” Once again I say ….”respect isn’t demanded — it’s earned.” And it’s earned through accountability, transparency, and a willingness to take ownership when things go wrong.
“What happens to “respect” when nothing changes ?”
 By Pepper Parr
March 21st, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
The first solid clue that there was going to be a race for the office of Mayor of Burlington next October was when Mayor Meed Ward totally ignored any mention of Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns during the Chamber of Commerce State of the City occasion at the Convention Centre.
 Lisa Kearns is working the room at the State of the City event.  Kearns, decked out in clothing appropriate for a Mayor was networking the room.
There were signs that the two women were going to have a go at it during council meetings. Close to catfights on occasion.
Kearns is good with numbers; she understands finance. Meed Ward has never understood numbers. During her recent town hall-style meetings, she made a point of having Councillor Sharman beside her to explain what the numbers meant
During those town hall-type meetings, Kearns had the cheek to show up and ask questions. Something that appeared to startle the Mayor.
 Photo ops appear to be political coinage in Burlington. Enough of them can actually get you elected. Citizens seem content with that. Is Kearns going to run for the Office of Mayor? Probably. She will announce when she is ready to announce. In the meantime, she will serve as a ward Councillor and probably continue with the photo ops.
When asked if she would be running for Mayor Meed Ward demurred and said she didn’t have anything to say at the time. Is she “considering her options”? Could be – there aren’t that many options available to her.
 Marianne Meed Ward was just a citizen when this picture was taken. She went on to serve as a Councillor for two terms and was elected Mayor in 2018. Will Meed Ward wait until she has a clearer sense as to which way the wind is blowing – and if the prospects look weak bow out saying she is leaving the city in better shape than it was when she was elected Mayor in 2018?
Meed Ward was first elected as a city Councillor for Ward 2 in 2010. She was a brilliant Councillor – she taught her fellow Councillors to understand what the words transparency and accountability meant.
Councillors Craven, Lancaster and Sharman made her life very difficult for the two terms she served as a member of Council.
When the Chain of office was draped around her neck during the swearing-in – we began to see a different Marianne Meed Ward. Power does reveal.
Meed Ward still has her supporters, but not as many as she had in 2028.
The 2022 COVID election almost didn’t count. The public was in a close to survival mode; wearing masks, which Meed Ward didn’t think were necessary at first.
 When it became clear that the virus was airborne, Marianne Meed Ward began to wear a mask. When it became clear that the virus was airborne, she began to wear a mask.
People stayed home, went out only if they had to.
If there is to be a contested election for Mayor we will see just what Meed Ward is made of.
.
 By Pepper Parr
March 21st, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
I am somewhat surprised at the number of people taking issue with the Gazette’S position on the way swimming pool time was allocated in the recent past.
 Cody Bradt, GHAC spokesperson, addressing the Audit Committee meeting. One comment in the Gazette asked why we refused to meet with the lawyer representing GHAC. We had asked the GHAC leadership to meet with them at their pool premises and ask questions.
They said they were prepared to meet with us at their lawyer’s Hamilton office.
Lawyers are not interested in finding a common ground or in dealing with facts that are uncomfortable for their clients.
One hires a lawyer when you want your side of the story told; if the discussion is taking place in a courtroom the lawyer representing you is there to win. That’s why you hire them.
The Gazette has always taken the position that Burlington city Councillors were elected by the people of Burlington to represent the interests of the citizens of the city. Not the interests of a regional swimming club that wants to operate in Burlington using Burlington swimming pools.
The Gazette is dismayed at just how uninterested the current Council is in resolving the issue. With the exception of Councillor Kearns, Council is happy with the decision made to allocate space to Golden Horseshoe Aquatic Club (GHAC) and leave the Burlington Aquatic Devilrays (BAD) scrambling to find space to continue with their program.
 Councillor Kearns chairing a meeting of the Audit committee. Councillor Kearns has come to the conclusion that there isn’t anything to be done at this point. “Sometime in the future” she said, “we might be able to change what is in place.”
The City Auditor was asked to review the agreement that was in place. In a long, very long report filled with minutiae, the Auditors said the city had followed the various protocols in place to manage procurement agreements. The question the auditor didn’t answer, because no one asked him for an answer: was procurement the best way to allocate swimming pool time.?
What is in place could be changed in minutes, at the stroke of a pen. All Mayor Meed Ward has to do is issue a direction under the Strong Mayor Powers she has, directing the Chief Administrative Officer to revoke the agreement and give BAD the space it needs; anything left over can be given to GHAC if they want it. My understanding is that there is a provision in the agreement in place for this kind of action.
Would GHAC sue? Probably – and the city would have to defend a decision that is weak to begin with. The city administration made a mistake – fix it and move on.
The city could be generous and allow GHAC to continue for the season they are about to go into – but would not be able to operate under the provisions of the agreement for years three and four of what I understand is a four year agreement.
The city has been less than transparent on this one. Documents that would shed light on just what has been agreed to have not been available.
Quite why the Mayor has become mute on this issue is hard to understand. It will be a tough stand to explain come the municipal election in October.
By Gazette Staff
March 20th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
 Moved and completely refurbished the Freeman station now had a padlock on the door. If you had planned on visiting Freeman Station on Fairview Street, next to the Fire Station, you would have found the doors locked.
The place hasn’t been open to the public for more than a year.
The Gazette understood that the administration of the station was in the hands of Museums Burlington. In an interview with Kimberly Watson, Director of Museums Burlington, we learn that was not the case.
Decision related to Freeman Station were now in the hands of the city – and the city doesn’t appear to have any plans. All the city is doing at this point in time is checking to see that no damage has been done to the property.
The only news in more than a year was the cock-a-mammy idea Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman has to move the station from its present location to Ireland Farm on Guelph Line. It was clear that Sharman had never visited the site; had he done so he would have been aware of the diorama created in the basement, paid for by a Teachers Association. They might want to know what was being done with their very generous donation.
 Jane McKenna was a Progressive Conservative member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 2011 to 2014 and again from 2018 to 2022, on hand for a photo op at a Freeman Station event. Allan Harrington did a nice piece on just how stupid the Sharman suggestion was – link below on that article.
The men (and a few women) who put in thousands of hours and raised thousands of dollars to completely refurbish the Station are ticked at the way the city is treating the gift those people gave the city.
Council members and other ‘dignitaries were quick to show up when there was a photo op.
Related news story:
Moving Freeman Station to Ireland Farm
 By Gazette Staff
March 20th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
 Grace a BAD swimmer, made the most of the week-long training camp in Spain. Maybe the rain will have stopped by the time the Burlington Aquatic Devilrays (BAD) return to Canada from their week-long training session in Spain.
When in Spain, there was no limit on the amount of pool time – it could have been 24/7 if that’s what the swimmers wanted.
One parent has suggested to the Gazette that “Regional clubs like Golden Horseshoe Aquatic Club (GHAC), in their efforts to displace long-standing community clubs such as Burlington Aquatic Devilrays (BAD), overlook the importance of stability for young swimmers. With over 40 years of developing Burlington youth, community programs like BAD play a vital role, and undermining them ultimately does a disservice to the sport.”
BAD was certainly serving their Youth members very well while in Spain.
 Training means practicing, practicing and practicing.
The team concluded their training camp in Calella, Spain, where those values were on full display. On the final day, despite a chill in the air, swimmers gathered at the beach after practice—sharing laughter, taking photos, and reflecting on their time together. In a moment that captured the spirit of the group, the coach was the first to run into the cold water, prompting others to follow.
 Yes, it was cold. It was a simple but powerful scene—one that reflected not just a training camp, but the essence of a team: commitment, resilience, camaraderie, and the quiet pride of progress earned together.
By Ray Rivers
March20th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
 Poilievre is a virtual unknown in international circles. Pierre Poilievre, fresh from his recent leadership victory, spoke before the Economic Club of Canada last month. The party pundits, to a person, claimed that he had finally re-invented himself and become a less confrontational and a more thoughtful politician.
So the next step in that rebranding process was to make international headlines. Unlike Carney, Poilievre is a virtual known in international circles. So he trundled across the sea to the UK to demonstrate his new re-invented self.
The Brits have a long standing, legally binding, policy to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The country prides itself on having cut its carbon emissions by more than half amid an impressive deployment of wind power. But when Poilievre addressed an audience there it was clear that his re-invention was a hoax. Criticizing the Brits as green grifters and falsely claiming that their net-zero policies had driven energy and food costs up and paycheques down is not how you win friends.
 Poilievre standing in front of the US Stock Exchange Arriving back on this continent he met with the auto industry south of the border who told him what we all know – that the 1964 auto pact had been a great deal for the big three automakers and a boon for Canada. But what they didn’t tell him was that the US Senate had long wanted to kill the auto pact for the same reason that Mr. Trump has now placed a 25% tariff on Canadian cars. He wants cars sold in the US made there, and not here.
Undeterred by that reality Poilievre made a speech in Windsor last week regurgitating the 1964 auto pact as his new policy. He also stated that he was convinced he could win over Mr. Trump with his numbers. But Mr. Trump doesn’t care about numbers – he makes them up all the time. He makes his decisions by intuition, the feeling in his bones. And Trump’s bones have been telling us for over a year that tariffs on imported autos are here to stay and American cars will be made only in America.
 Poilievre wasn’t invited to Washington because nobody there thinks he is relevant. The reality is that the big three auto companies are leaving Canada, at least for now, and we need to attract replacements for them. That is something else that the Tory leader doesn’t get. He doesn’t understand that was the other reason why Carney went to China – to being the search for Chinese auto companies willing to set up shop here. And that is partly why we are importing Chinese EVs – to demonstrate to the those firms that there is a viable market for them to build their vehicles here.
For all his travels, Poilievre wasn’t invited to Washington because nobody there thinks he is relevant. They view him as a lightweight with no credentials and no credibility. His lack of a resume is only part of the problem though. The truth is that despite the economic war with our neighbour for the last year, Poilievre still doesn’t get it. And that in anyone’s book is the definition of a slow learner.
 Poilievre on the Joe Rogan podcast, one of the most highly watched in America. Poilievre still doesn’t get that there has been a rupture in the global economy. So he persists on looking in the rear view mirror, mis-reading Milton Friedman’s dated theories and dreaming of the auto pact of yesteryear. Free trade with the US is dead because Mr. Trump wants to use trade as an economic weapon to control Canada. That was the lesson Carney delivered to the crowd at Davos.
But then Mr. Poilievre is not the sharpest axe in the woodshed. Having complimented the PM on his Davos speech, one would have hoped he’d also read and understood it. But it seems the only thing he really learned was how to repeat Carney’s trademark phrase – ‘maitres chez nous’. Now if only he could understand what that means.
Ray Rivers, a Gazette Contributing Editor, writes regularly applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background links
Poilievre’s Auto Pact – Auto-Pact – Speech to Economic Club – Trump on Canadian Cars – Poilievre’s Washington Problem –
 By Gazette Staff
March 19th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
 A new Fraser Institute study shows that combined federal, provincial, and municipal government spending now equals 43.6% of Canada’s entire economy – and the size of government (as a share of GDP) has grown in all ten provinces since 2019.
In 2024, it ranged from a low of 30.4% in Alberta to a high of 61.2% in Nova Scotia.
Research indicates the optimal government size for maximizing economic growth and social progress is 26–30% of GDP – meaning every province is now above that level, with some more than double the ideal.
Larger government can crowd out private investment and slow economic growth without delivering proportional benefits. The trend points to governments taking up more of the economy in recent years, with potential long-term impacts on prosperity.
Read the full study here to see how your province stacks up – and share it with friends, colleagues, or policymakers!
Focus Burlington can be expected to issue a statement: “Told you so!”
By Gazette Staff
March 19th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
Take this one with a grain of Salt: Pearson Airport wins service awards
Toronto Pearson wins prestigious awards for Airport Service Quality program and the Skytrax World Airport Awards for its continued focus on service and employee excellence.
 Pearson was again recognized as one of the world’s best airports by Airports Council International (ACI) World, earning top honours for the eighth time in the past nine years. Pearson earned the Skytrax award for “Best Airport Staff in North America,” marking the first time the airport has received this distinction.
In February, Pearson was again recognized as one of the world’s best airports by Airports Council International (ACI) World, earning top honours for the eighth time in the past nine years.
Pearson received the award for “Best Airport at Departures: Over 40 Million Passengers in North America,” recognizing excellence in service and passenger experience. This award was previously known as “Best Airport over 40 Million Passengers in North America.”
“These awards are a global round of applause for employees dedicated to delivering excellent customer experience, day and night at Toronto Pearson. Whether they’re supporting passengers across the airport, creating engaging activations and experiences, providing new digital offerings to personalize travel, or our mighty team keeping facilities running smoothly so passengers don’t miss a beat – they make it happen, both in front of and behind the scenes,” said Deborah Flint, President and CEO, Toronto Pearson. “We love serving our customers and providing a warm smile and welcoming experience that simply is Toronto Pearson, and a reflection of Canada. As we build for the future of air travel, we will elevate our global hub even more for our customers.”
 How do you keep crowds like this happy with the service they are getting? Toronto Pearson is honoured to receive an ASQ Customer Experience Award from ACI for three consecutive years, and previously for five straight years from 2017 to 2021. As the aviation industry’s most trusted benchmarking program for measuring satisfaction, ACI World’s Airport Service Quality (ASQ) program recognizes airports worldwide for delivering the best passenger experience and is the only global program that collects real-time feedback from travellers at the airport.
About Toronto Pearson
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority is the operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada’s largest airport and a vital connector of people, businesses, and goods.
By Gazette Staff
March 19th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
There are few public agencies that have attracted as much scrutiny, criticism, and outright ridicule in recent months as Metrolinx. Created in 2006, Metrolinx is the provincial agency responsible for improving, integrating, and operating transportation across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Its responsibilities are vast: GO Transit, UP Express, the PRESTO fare system, and the construction and management of multiple light rail and subway projects.
Yet despite its mandate and resources, Metrolinx’s recent performance suggests an organization struggling to deliver even basic reliability.
 Derailment on track-age at Union Station disrupted service for more than three days. GO uses the tracks but does not handle the maintenance. Focus Burlington has done a good piece on problems at the Board and management levels. Worth a read.
The Gazette focuses on when the trains are going to be late and where the hold ups are.
Link to the Focus Burlington Focus piece is HERE
 By Gazette Staff
March 19th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
Why Some Homes Sell in Days While Others Sit for Months (It’s Not What You Think)
You’ve seen it happen. A home pops up for sale and – before you’ve even had time to send the listing to a friend – there’s a sold sign out front. Meanwhile, another house that looks just as nice sits… and starts to feel invisible.
Most people assume it’s all about price or location. Those matter, of course. But the real difference is usually momentum – and how easy (or hard) the home is to say “yes” to.
First impression starts online
Most buyers begin their search on the internet, so the “first showing” is often the listing itself. That’s why fast-selling homes typically have:
- Bright, professional photos
- Spaces that feel clean, open, and easy to picture living in
- A description that highlights benefits, not just features (how the home lives, not just what it has)
 Perfect picture of a house for sale. People fall in love with the house and let their feelings make the buying decision. Make sure your agent does their homework and ask them the questions you want answered. The first 1-2 weeks are the “golden window”
This is the part sellers don’t realize: listings get their biggest surge of attention right out of the gate. When a home hits the market looking sharp, priced smart, and easy to tour, buyers move faster because it feels “new” – and nobody wants to miss the one.
If that early momentum doesn’t happen, the same home can start triggering the quiet buyer question: “Why is it still available?” (Even when nothing is wrong.)
Pricing strategy is about search behavior, not just value
Pricing isn’t just “what it’s worth” – it’s where buyers will actually see it in their online search brackets. If comps suggest you’re around $500K but you list at $515K, you can miss everyone filtering “up to $500K,” and you’re suddenly competing against stronger $525K-$550K homes – so showings slow and momentum dies.
Price at $499K-$505K (depending on local patterns), and you often capture more buyers early, which can create urgency and even push the final price higher through competition. The goal is to be the best value in your bracket on day one, not the “maybe later” listing buyers scroll past.
The hidden deal-breaker: friction
A great home can sit simply because it’s harder to buy. Common friction points include:
- Tight showing windows or hard-to-schedule access
- A home that isn’t consistently show-ready
- Slow responses to questions or offers
- Repair concerns that feel uncertain or unexplained
Homes that sell quickly usually feel easy: easy to tour, easy to understand, easy to move forward on.
Marketing isn’t just “posting the listing”
Sold-in-days homes are almost always positioned with intention:
- The right pricing narrative (not just a number)
- Strong visuals (photo + video/3D where it makes sense)
- Clear highlights and upgrades (so buyers don’t have to guess)
- Distribution beyond the MLS (agent network, local exposure, strategic timing)
Because the goal isn’t “more eyeballs” – it’s the right eyeballs, fast.
Selling fast isn’t about luck. It’s about presentation, early momentum, smart pricing, and removing obstacles so the right buyer can act with confidence.
If you’re thinking about selling (or even just want a reality check on what your home might do in today’s market), reach out. I’ll help you build a simple launch plan so your home hits the market in the strongest possible position from day one.
The Secret Life of Your Home’s Previous Owners: Fun, Non-Creepy Ways to Uncover Its History
Every home has a backstory. Not the haunted-house kind (unless you’re into that), but the real kind: who lived there, how the neighborhood evolved, what the house looked like 40 years ago, and why there’s a mystery hook in the garage ceiling.
The best part? With a few smart (and respectful) steps, you can uncover a lot of your home’s past and actually enjoy the process – no trench coat required.
Start with clues hiding in plain sight
Do a quick home-sleuth walk-through and snap photos as you go. Look in the usual “time capsule” spots:
- Attic/crawlspace/utility room: old paint cans, contractor labels, stickers, receipts
- Back of cabinets/closets: vintage wallpaper, hidden hardware, older finishes
- Electrical panel + HVAC/water heater: install stickers often include dates and company names
- Garage rafters/shelves: previous owners love leaving “future you” surprises
Fun idea: Keep a running note called “House Lore.” Every time you find a clue, add a photo and one sentence.
Use public records (without the rabbit hole)
If you do one “serious” step, make it this one – it’s the fastest path to real facts.
Try looking up:
- Property assessor/tax records: year built, square footage, parcel info
- Building permits: additions, remodels, electrical/plumbing work, roof replacement
- Deeds/ownership transfers: a basic timeline of owners (what’s available varies by area)
Guardrail note: Keep it house-focused. You’re learning the home’s story, not tracking anyone.
Find old listing photos
Sometimes the easiest “before” photo is… the listing photo.
Try:
- Searching your address (with/without unit number, abbreviations, ZIP)
- Checking real estate portals that sometimes keep older photos
- Asking your agent (or the previous listing agent) if historical MLS photos are accessible
Mini-game: Recreate the same exterior photo angle today. Instant then-and-now.
 Does keeping the lights on help sell a house? Use the “people archive” (aka neighbors)
If your neighborhood has long-timers, they often know the home’s “chapters.”
Simple opener:
- “We’re learning a bit about the house – do you remember anything about how it used to be?”
People love sharing what they know – just keep it about the home and neighborhood.
Go couch-archaeology with archives
Once you have a decade or an owner name, try:
- Library or local history archives (photos, old directories, neighborhood notes)
- Newspaper archives (community mentions, renovation announcements, old real estate ads)
- Historic maps (the coolest – seeing your home’s footprint change over time is oddly satisfying)
This is where your home stops feeling like “a property” and starts feeling like a character.
Quick guardrails (because we’re grown-ups)
Keep it respectful: stick to public records and willing conversations, and don’t share details about past owners. If you uncover something sensitive (it happens), it’s okay to stop there.
If you’re curious about your home’s story (or you’re buying and want to understand what its history means practically), reach out to people you know personally and trust, references are the best tool a real estate agent has.
By New Leaf Liberals
March 18th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
 As we move into the second half of March, the landscape at Queen’s Park is shifting. A series of bogus announcements ranging from HOV lanes to Classroom Credit Cards™️was shadowed by the bombshell announcement of new secrecy laws protecting Doug and his Ministers from accountability.
 New Leaf Liberals – looking for the best path to leading at Queen’s Park While the government justifies these moves as necessary for security and “common sense” efficiency, we see them for what they are: a retreat from the transparent, grassroots-led governance Ontario deserves. Doug Ford lost a court case to hand over his phone records, and is changing the law retroactively to cover his tracks.
In this edition, we break down the latest attempt to exempt the Premier and his cronies from Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, the ongoing consolidation of our Conservation Authorities, and the litany of bad policy proposals and bizarre DoFo quotes.
As we’ve said since we started this group a little under a year ago – we believe that renewal starts with transparency. It’s time to get to work now, building local, regional, and provincial capacity to beat Doug Ford, and save Ontario</
“We got to protect ourselves
against the Communist Chinese
that are infiltrating our country”
Hon. Doug Ford
 By Gazette Staff
March 18th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
April is all about celebrating our natural world at the library! Discover programs that help you grow, mend, fix, swap, and rethink the way we use the things around us. From seed-starting to repair tips, creative reuse to mindful living, you’ll find plenty of ways to learn, share skills, and care for Planet Earth—together.
This Earth Month, our branch displays offer staff-curated book bundles that bring older favourites back into the spotlight.
Start with a bundle or two, then keep browsing—there’s always more to rediscover on our shelves.
While you’re here, look for two Earth Month extras: our Craft Supply Drive (April 1–30) and free Government of Canada biodiversity booklets for kids, available while supplies last.
Come see what’s taking root at your library!
Link to all the event offerings
 By Gazette Staff
March 18th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario Hospital Coalition has been fighting the good fight to keep health care services public.
Hundreds came out to their call on the federal Liberal MPs to help stop Alberta & Ontario’s privatization,.
 On Monday March 16, people across Canada rallied outside the offices of their local Liberal Members of Parliament in a nationwide Day of Action to warn that public health care for all in Canada is under unprecedented threat and to call on the federal government to enforce the Canada Health Act. The Ontario Health Coalition held seven events in Ontario in Ajax, Hamilton, London, Peterborough, Toronto and Waterloo — and one more is coming up in Kingston on Friday, March 20 at the Hon Mark Gerretsen’s office at 234 Concession St.
The Key Issues:
Alberta’s Danielle Smith government has launched an unprecedented frontal assault on the Canada Health Act to end single tier Public Medicare. The law brings in private for-profit health insurance like they have in the U.S., enables physicians to charge patients for care, brings in queue jumping for the wealthy pushing everyone else back in line, and more. It is not “like” U.S. style health care. It is U.S. private health care, and for-profit health care interests are lined up to cash in.
Closer to home, Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford is privatizing public hospitals and is allowing private clinics to charge patients thousands for needed care. By the government’s own numbers, their latest set of private clinics (some of which are essentially hospitals, a number of which are chain owned) aim to redirect 1.2 million patients away from public hospitals. While the government is giving hundreds of millions more to private clinics, it has pushed the majority of public hospitals into deficit in a direct transfer of public resources. Patients are already being charged more than $4,000 per eye in the private cataract surgery clinics that Ford brought in, in violation of our medicare protection laws.
 By Gazette Staff
March 18th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
 Leader of the NDP Opposition Marit Stiles going after Premier Doug Ford in the Legislature Marit Stiles, Leader of the Ontario NDP and Official Opposition is calling out Doug Ford’s latest excuses for his sweeping Freedom of Information (FOI) changes:
“These are ridiculous excuses,” said Stiles. “The Premier isn’t worried about China, he is worried about what the people of Ontario will see when his phone records are released.
“This is democratic backsliding, plain and simple. The Premier is making every excuse under the sun to justify changing the rules so he and his Cabinet can hide from public accountability.
“Under Ford’s latest rules, a Greenbelt developer would no longer need to pass brown envelopes to the minister’s chief of staff at an industry banquet; they can just send an email, and none of it would be FOI-able.
“Ford proudly proclaimed in 2019 that he would ‘restore trust, accountability, and transparency in government,’ but his government has become the very thing that he promised to protect Ontarians against – a scandal-ridden government that’s out-of-touch with Ontarians.
“The only person Doug Ford is protecting is himself. This is about his phone records. He lost in court and now he is moving the goalposts to hide the truth from the public. Premier, what exactly are you afraid that the people will see?”
By Gazette Staff
March 18th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
Starting on Saturday, March 21, Lakeshore West Line rail service will be temporarily modified until end of service on Sunday, March 22, to accommodate critical track work. These track closures are required to make essential improvements to bring you better, faster and more frequent trips.
 During this time, there will be no GO train service between Aldershot GO and Union Station. Lakeshore West train service will run all stops between Niagara Falls and Aldershot GO, however, trains that regularly scheduled to begin and end at Confederation and West Harbour GO stations will not run.
 GO replacement buses will operate, making stops at West Harbour, Aldershot, Burlington, Oakville and Clarkson GO stations, then run express to Union Station Bus Terminal.
- There will be no GO Transit service to or from Appleby, Bronte, Port Credit, Long Branch, Mimico or Exhibition GO. Customers traveling to and from those stations are encouraged to use local transit options like the TTC.
On Friday, March 20, there will also be some late-night service adjustments.
More information about Lakeshore West Line service adjustments and alternate route options is available HERE.
Customers are encouraged to sign up for On the GO Alerts to receive real time updates about trip schedules, delays or disruptions.
Regular service will resume on Monday, March 23.
Riders can transfer for free with One Fare between GO Transit and most local agencies, including the TTC. Customers are encouraged to use gotransit.com to plan their trips. You can also check the GO Transit Service Updates page for real-time details.
 By Frank Conselleri
March 18th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
Every February, millions of people around the world tune in for what is arguably the most-watched sporting event on the planet: the Super Bowl. What began as a championship game between two American football leagues has evolved into a global cultural moment that blends sport, entertainment, advertising, and community in a way no other event quite manages.
 Strength and strategy. While the NFL season stretches across several months, the Super Bowl has a gravitational pull all its own. Even casual fans who rarely follow regular-season games find themselves drawn in by the spectacle — the halftime show, the commercials, the celebrity appearances, and the sense that something bigger than sport is unfolding.
More Than a Game
At its core, the Super Bowl is a championship contest between the best teams in the National Football League. But over time, it has become a reflection of American pop culture. Advertisers spend millions of dollars for 30-second slots, musicians treat halftime performances as career-defining moments, and households across North America organize parties that rival major holidays in scale.
In Canada, interest in the NFL has grown steadily over the past two decades. Television ratings continue to climb, merchandise sales remain strong, and fantasy football leagues have helped introduce new audiences to the strategic depth of the game. The Super Bowl, in particular, has become an annual appointment viewing event, even for those who may not watch football the rest of the year.
The Rise of Data, Strategy, and Analysis
One of the reasons American football has aged so well in the digital era is its adaptability to data and analysis. Advanced metrics now influence everything from draft decisions to in-game play calling. Fans consume statistics, predictions, and breakdowns at an unprecedented rate, often engaging with the sport on a deeper level than ever before.
This analytical approach has also shaped how people follow the Super Bowl. Discussions around matchups, player performance, and historical trends dominate conversations in the weeks leading up to kickoff. Whether it’s debating quarterback efficiency or defensive matchups, the modern fan approaches the game with more information at their fingertips than any previous generation.
 It is no longer just a game – it is an economic engine enjoyed around the world. The Entertainment Economy of the Super Bowl
Beyond the action on the field, the Super Bowl has become an economic engine. Cities compete fiercely for the right to host the game, knowing it brings tourism, media attention, and long-term brand value. Hotels fill months in advance, restaurants prepare for record traffic, and local businesses see a measurable boost.
Then there’s the advertising phenomenon. Super Bowl commercials have become cultural artifacts in their own right, often released online days before the game and dissected across social media platforms. For many viewers, the ads are just as anticipated as the final score.
The Growing Role of Fan Engagement
 It was a great match-up – the Seahawks against the Patriot. As digital platforms evolve, so too does the way fans engage with the Super Bowl. Social media commentary, live stats, and second-screen experiences have become part of the ritual. Viewers now watch with phones or tablets in hand, tracking plays, sharing reactions, and participating in real-time discussions.
This shift has also contributed to the growing interest in predictive engagement around the game. Many fans enjoy testing their knowledge of teams and players by exploring odds, matchups, and outcomes ahead of kickoff. For those interested in this side of the experience, betting sites offering Super Bowl Betting options provide a structured way to engage with the sport while following the action play by play.
Why the Super Bowl Resonates Year After Year
What makes the Super Bowl endure is its ability to evolve while staying rooted in tradition. The rules of the game remain familiar, but the presentation, technology, and storytelling continue to change. Each year brings new stars, new narratives, and new moments that quickly become part of sports folklore.
For many fans, the Super Bowl is also about connection — gathering with friends, sharing food, debating calls, and celebrating or commiserating together. In an increasingly digital world, it remains one of the few events that reliably brings people together in real time.
Looking Ahead
 The Super Bowl – America’s game, shared with the world. As the NFL continues to expand its international reach, the Super Bowl’s influence will only grow. Games played overseas, streaming partnerships, and global fan engagement point to a future where American football becomes even more embedded in the worldwide sports landscape.
Yet no matter how much the spectacle grows, the essence remains the same: two teams, one championship, and a few unforgettable hours that capture the attention of millions. Whether you’re watching for athletic excellence, the halftime show, or the shared experience, the Super Bowl continues to stand alone as one of sport’s most compelling annual events.
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By Tom Parkin
