 By Pepper Parr
May 23rd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Sports Hall of Fame will be holding its annual induction ceremony on Tuesday May 28, 2024, at the Burlington Golf and Country Club and another stellar class of deserving inductees will be feted that night.
 Mark Jooris Mark Jooris, the current coach and general manager of the Burlington Cougars, is synonymous with hockey success in Burlington. Jooris got his start with the Cougars and set an amazing scoring record of 127 points in the 1981-82 season.
He then went to Rensselaer Institute of the NCAA, where totalled 183 points in 117 games over four seasons. His RPI career included a National Championship in 1984-85. He played 13 seasons of professional hockey with the Finnish Elite League, American Hoackey League, the German DEL and the Swiss National League A and B.
After his playing career he turned to coaching and scouting. He scouted for the Vancouver Canucks of the NHL and coached in the Swiss league as well as in the Ontario Junior Hockey league. In 2016 Jooris was named the Coach of The Year in the Ontario Hockey Association.
 Peter Moore Peter Moore is being posthumously inducted into the Builder category for his decades-long commitment to officiating at the highest levels as well as his role as the first convenor of the Halton Secondary School Athletic Association. “26,” as Moore was always referred to throughout his career because of the number he wore, was a member of the Lakeshore Football Officials Association from the 1960’s to the 2,000’s and was on their executive for over 30 years. He was the referee-in-chief and assignor for more than 20 years.
Peter was also a 40-year member of the Hamilton Basketball Officials Association, refereeing at the high school, college, and University levels. Outside of officiating, Moore also chaired or co-chaired 6 Girls and 7 Boys Golden Horseshoe Championships for OFSAA. Also a fastball umpire for over 30 years, “26” turned to convening, acting as Halton’s Athletic Convenor from 1990-2005. Peter Moore passed away in 2013.
 Jim Reardon This year’s induction will be historic in that a father and son duo, both of whom represented Canada at the Olympics, are being inducted at the same time. Jim Reardon wore the Maple Leaf at the Munich Olympics in 1972 in the K-4 1,000m (flat water kayak) before turning to a coaching career, both at the local level at the Mohawk Canoe Club and at the world level, where he coached at the World Junior Championships in 1981, winning two gold medals. He moved to the Senior level and was an assistant coach at every World Championships from 1979 to 1987. He also assisted at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, winning a gold and silver medal.
 Brady Reardon Brady Reardon competed in the same event, the K-4 1,000m, as his father at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, finishing ninth. He competed at every World Championship since his debut on the world stage in 2007. In 2012 he went solo and won the silver medal in the K-1 500m. In 2013 he teamed with long-time Burloak Canoe Club training partner Adam van Koerverden to become a World Cup silver medalist in the K-2 1,000. Brady then teamed with Andrew Jessop in 2014 to have one of Canada’s greatest results at a World Championships when they finished 7th in the K-2 1,000m. Brady also competed at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.
 John Tait John Tait has been a dedicated volunteer for over 40 years with the Burlington Rep Hockey Club. John was a founding member of the Burlington Wolves. The Wolves eventually became the Burlington Eagles/ Burlington City Rep Hockey Club. In 1995 He was named President, a position he held for 25 years. He was a founder of the Ron Wilkins Hockey tournament, and helped develop the highly successful Golden Horseshoe Tournament, attracting teams from all over North America and Europe. Outside of hockey, John co-founded the Gift of Giving Back, Canada’s largest youth-organized Food Drive. He also was a former executive member of both the Burlington Sports Alliance and the Burlington Sports Hall of Fame.
 Lisa Turbitt Lisa Turbitt has been an accomplished Baseball Ontario umpire for over 40 years, and a Baseball Canada National Level umpire since 1995. Turbitt has umpired and supervised 20 Canadian National Championships, including being the first woman to umpire at the Canada Games. In 2004 and 2006 she was the home plate umpire for the Women’s World Cup gold medal game. In 2004 Turbitt was the recipient of the Dick Willis Memorial Award, which goes to Baseball Canada’s “Umpire of the Year. She also was the first woman to umpire at a World Baseball Classic qualifying tournament in 2022. In 2023 Lisa was awarded Baseball Canada’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the first woman to receive this award.
In addition to this stellar class, the BSHOF will also be awarding the Don Green Award of Distinction. This award honours an athlete, organization, or team whose accomplishments are worthy of recognition, even if they don’t meet the criteria for induction to the BSHOF. It is the intent of this award to not only recognize these achievements – but also to shine a light on all who have contributed to the outstanding legacy of sport in our community. This year’s winner is Ward Russell, a coach and mentor to generations of athletes and students at Burlington Central High School, where he taught and coached football and basketball from 1954-1987.
 By Staff
May 22, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 The Santa Claus parade will be shorter this year – road construction Council was advised by Memo earlier this month that there would have to be some changes in the Santa Claus parade route due to road work being done on Prospect Street, which in the past has been the marshalling site for the parade.
The road closure will be roughly 3kms in length (previously 4.5kms) with the parade route starting at the Central Hub (Teen Tour Way). The marshalling area will extend to Guelph Line on New Street, and the parade will end on Brant Street at Blairholm Ave, with the dismantling zone moving onto private property and the road closure ending at Ghent Ave.
The new route will improve efficiency and will be less impactful to Burlington residents and businesses surrounding Guelph Line and Prospect Street.
The proposed changes are outlined below:
 Removal of the road closure on Prospect Street from Cumberland to Guelph Line- Removal of the road closure on Guelph Line from Prospect Street to New Street
- Extending the road closure on Brant Street from Victoria Ave/Baldwin Street to Ghent Ave with the parade ending at Blairholm Ave (previously ending on Caroline)
The Santa Claus Parade is a signature event, and the impacts of the event, specifically the road closure, are significant to the community and residents in the surrounding area. Residents and businesses in the surrounding area will be receiving a community consultation letter with the break down of the proposed changes following Burlington’s Canada Day Event July 1st.
If you have any questions, contact Kristina Clint, Kristina.clint@burlington.ca.
By Staff
May 22nd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Historical Society has taken on a new project and put their money where their mouth is: they pledged $5000 toward restoration and clean-up of our Pioneer Cemeteries. Though the Neighbourhood Campaign, the City of Burlington has matched that amount and added more to our project.
 Gates to the United Empire Loyalist Cemetery They have chosen the United Empire Loyalist cemetery on Plains Road (in front of IKEA), AKA Job’s Lane Cemetery & The Brick Cemetery.
Whatever the name, they are planning a cleanup day for Wednesday, June 19th which just happens to be United Empire Loyalist Day in Ontario, with a rain date and an extra day of cleanup if required, of June 22nd.
Fitting, since many of our own founding fathers were of UEL stock and are buried in this cemetery.
Their plan is to produce a series of short videos explaining the project and the importance of the cemetery to Burlington. A link to the first video is HERE
 By Pepper Parr
May 22nd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Roger Goulet has been around the battle to bring an end to the Nelson Quarry from the very beginning.
He delegated at City Council, representing Protecting Escarpment Rural Land (PERL) speaking to the resolution to the province requesting that they deny Nelson aggregates expansion into Mt. Nemo
“Perl is a non profit non charitable corporation established in 2005. We last delegated at council in September on the Nelson aggregate proposal, which was denied by this council. Pearls mission is to advocate for long term protection of the Natural Heritage Systems. Pearl supports this resolution because it’s the right thing to do.
 One of these was enough for the people in rural Burlington. Is a bylaw creating a Heritage Conservation District the best way to prevent any quarry application – or is there a larger objective being sought? “Nelson aggregate spokesman have stated that they could end operations in 30 years, but threatened to continue their industrial processing for 50 years. They have said that they are considering expanding into underground mining under the plateau. What do we believe? 30 years, 50 years 100 years? Nelson been quarrying on the plateau for over 100 years. Do we allow our plateau to become the mount Nemo mega crater?
“The Mt. Nemo Plateau has been rezoned and re designated numerous times. Since 2009, the City of Burlington, Halton Region, the Niagara Escarpment, and Pearl have all asked the province to re designate the whole of Mt. Nemo plateau to a higher level of environmental protection.
 Roger Goulet “Now, some 14 years later,we are again asking for a different future for Burlington’s mountain. It is widely accepted that the Mt. Nemo plateau is ecologically, geologically, culturally and historically significant. Some would say unique.
“We must chart a new future for our rural treasure. One without a heavy industrial footprint and its negative impacts. Many rural residents did draft a rural vision, calling for a return to more natural, gentler land uses.
“The Nelson Aggregates Mt. Nemo quarry needs to be fully rehabilitated as per their existing site plan, ending the plateaus industrial area era and making way for an ecologically sustainable future. Not blasting out more quarries not getting someone else to create a huge amusement park. A park below the water table if you can believe it. It is time to let this mountain with its key features, its species, its life giving aquifer and its habitants to recover.”
Ward 3 Council member Rory Nisan agreed with the Goulet delegation asking “what advocacy would you like to see from the City of Burlington when they hopefully support of this resolution? Requesting the province to deny the application and establishing long term protection sure, but what other advocacy would you expect from us?
 The shaded areas are lands Nelson Aggregates wants to add to the property they will mine. Goulet responded: “I can step back to the 2009 – 2010 timeframe, where the city brought the same resolution forward. It was passed unanimously. It was followed up by a specific requisition or request of the province to re designate the plateau.
“The city then took the leadership to take that resolution forward to Halton Regional Council, where it passed unanimously as well. At a subsequent Niagara Escarpment commission meetings, the Mayor and Councillor Taylor, at the time, made delegations to the Niagara Escarpment for them to support the re-designation of the Mt. Nemo plateau.
“So using that prior 2009 2010 approach, I would see it appropriate for you to do the same. This resolution needs to be approved by the province. That’s where we were stopped last time.
 This is the geography of the Mt. Nemo Plateau. The orange markings are what Nelson Aggregates was seeking in 2012. They have since expanded the area they want to quarry with the current application Goulet adds: “We even got the Niagara Escarpment commission to do two things, one to declare from the Commission, a resolution to ban all new quarries on the Niagara Escarpment as passed in 2014 and 2015. They passed another resolution, I think it was 2015.
“Over the last few years, it’s starting to get a little complicated. They passed another resolution, almost the same as the one you’re passing today to ask the province to re designate; this was done through the 2015 – 2016 major plans review of the Greenbelt and the Oak Ridges moraine. That went forward into the province for their decision.
“Nelson Aggregates came back in 2017 with a new plan that did not adopt these new designations. We have a long road to go to get the province to move on this re designation after many many years of trying make an argument to demonstrate that. That is the appropriate thing to do.”
Nelson Aggregates was asked for a comment on the two delegations. They said: “Burlington is going to need a source of aggregate to build the homes, roads, hospitals and schools for a growing population, and we are comfortable that the Ontario Land Tribunal will agree with the many studies that show the quarry expansion can meet those needs in an environmentally sustainable manner.”
 By Pepper Parr
May 22nd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Have you opened the envelope from the city, the one with your property tax bill inside?
Recall that the Mayor has talked about the 7.52% tax increase.
To learn what the actual increase is you need to compare your final tax bill for last year and compare it with the final tax bill for this year, which you just got in the mail.
 The City collects taxes for the school boards and the Regional government. This was the split for 2023-24 tax year. The city issues interim tax bills and a final tax bill – which can be confusing. There are many who think that that is the purpose of the interim bills.
The Gazette is working on a story that will use actual tax bills to illustrate how to determine what your tax increase actually is.
It is time for the city to improve how the public becomes aware of just how much the city portion of the tax bill is.
The city collects taxes on behalf of the School boards and the Region – which is a sound business practice.
Explaining the intricacies of a tax bill is where the improvements are needed.
When the city decides who the next city treasurer is going to be that might be one of the items in their mandate letters.
Based on the early research done – it appears that the tax increase is going to be just over 10%
By Plan B
May 22, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
After 10 days of OLT hearings held from April 29th to May 17th, including examinations and cross-examinations of ten expert witnesses, supported by 7000 pages of testimonies replete with projections and schematics and layers & layers of policies, it comes down to this; a decision by one OLT Member to either Reject Vrancor’s appeal of Burlington’s refusal decision of their application (i.e. “No”), or to Approve it with Conditions (i.e. “Yes, but”)
Are you still tracking on these double negatives with us? Okay!
 The most recent design has the two towers a little further apart and no bridge between the buildings. We at Citizens’ PLAN B monitored most of the proceedings and are optimistic that the OLT will decide “No”. Why?
The arguments brought forward by the City of Burlington and The Pearle Hotel were superior, and presented in a compelling fashion, such as:
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 Different views of the lake from various locations in the Pearle Hotel. Proposed conveyance of land remnants unacceptable to the City as useful Parkland
- Wind impact fails Burlington’s comfort and safety guidelines
- All transitions of the site to the Park are imposed on City property
- Traffic related to service vehicles, and hotel guests drop off/ pickup & otherwise searching for parking spots has not been accommodated
- Lake views, particularly from The Pearle have not been preserved, as is possible
In our opinion, there are far too many shortfalls, inconsistencies and outright problems with this Application for the OLT to approve it.
- The lawyers & expert witnesses for Vrancor were less balanced in their positions and thereby less credible.
- Their lawyers dwelt on narrow legal issues, cherry-picking from often inconsistent old and new City, Regional & Provincial guidelines and policies to make their arguments
- They took a “so what?” approach to the Urban Growth Centre and the Major Transit Station Areas no longer being downtown, replacing it with a one-dimensional “Intensification First” mantra
- Most of their Expert witnesses appeared to “oversell” their positions
 Renderings of what the streetscape along Lakeshore could look like, At the hearing, Vrancor effectively signalled their intention to seek an alternate “Yes, but” ruling. By this, we mean that the OLT would support the Appeal, on the condition that there were Holding Provisions that Darko Vranich, owner of the property, would have to resolve with the City and The Pearle before the Appeal was decided; all outstanding issues would have to have been settled. We consider a “Yes, but” decision to be problematic, given the extent of the resultant changes that would likely be required to the design and Vrancor’s historical intransigence and that this Application’s approval is just too important to Burlington to be negotiated behind “closed doors”.
We therefore strongly support a “No” decision, accompanied by OLT guidance to the Applicant on preparing a new & improved design, worthy of a speedy approval by City planners.
The OLT is expected to rule in 4+ months.
Stay tuned!
By Pepper Parr
May 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
There were two delegation on the Nelson Quarry this morning. Gord Pinard representing Conserving Our Rural Ecosystems (CORE); an incorporated public interest group with 1200 active supporters, that has been opposed to the Quarry.
 Gord Pinard representing Conserving Our Rural Ecosystems (CORE) Pinard was speaking to a Motion that had been put forward and send the province a resolution asking that the province stop the Nelson aggregate expansion plans once and for all
He was there to share some additional information “that we will we hope will help to secure your support for this resolution.”
“There is a long list of technical issues that are the basis for the case being adjudicated at the Ontario Land Tribunal. And we sincerely appreciate the City of Burlington.
Unfortunately, the Ontario land Tribunal has no mechanism to stop Nelson from making future applications for this expansion after this one is denied. Despite the unanimous Joint Board decision in 2012, denying the application for this reason CORE Burlington is supportive of a Niagara Escarpment plan amendment to expand the already existing designations of escarpment, natural and escarpment protection, which would prevent future applications for extraction.
A project of this magnitude requires a much more robust assessment than that provided in the application studies. Limiting the study areas to just the license boundaries, as was done in the Nelson studies does not adequately assess the impacts. Identifying natural heritage features is tough work, and it requires technical expertise, dedication, perseverance, and a will to find these features. We’ve talked about the Jefferson salamanders previously, their elusive nature and the narrow window when they can be found in breeding ponds. It’s easy to miss the window or to look in the wrong ponds and conclude that they don’t exist.
But in Mt Nemo, we know they exist; three new regulated habitats were recently added because of the perseverance of CORE Burlington and our technical experts. But the story is bigger than just Jefferson salamanders, the ecologist retained by CORE Burlington continue to find information not included in the Nelson studies.
 You can find all kinds of Jefferson Salamanders if you look in the right ponds at the right time. They found new and expanded provincially significant wetlands and woodlands. They found more habitats confirmed and potential and more species than were reported in the Nelson studies. The bottom line is that the ecologists are finding provincially significant areas of natural and scientific interest. One of the criteria for re designation to escarpment natural and escarpment protection and the more they look, the more they find.
 Pinard: “We’ve talked about the Jefferson salamanders previously, their elusive nature makes it difficult to track where they are and what they are doing. But they are there.. In Milton and 2020 Premier Ford made a commitment to government for the people. And he said if the community doesn’t want it and the city council doesn’t want it, it won’t happen. Well in Burlington the community doesn’t want the Nelson quarry expansion City Council’s voted against it. So it’s time to make sure it doesn’t happen.
On May 2, Zee Hameed was elected as the new MPP for Milton. In his previous role as a regional Councillor, he voted against the Nelson expansion and during his campaign, when he met with us he committed to stop the Nelson expansion.
Your motion asking the province of Ontario to protect Mt Nemo and stop the Nelson aggregate expansion plans once and for all is a powerful message of support to the community.
Councillor Nisan asked: Do you have any other requests from us beyond this after we approve this.
Pinard said: “This quarry expansion does not just affect the people who are neighbours of the quarry. It affects all of Burlington, the people who use the area, it’s the air quality, it’s the water; and we think it is important to bring additional voices to the conversation to raise their awareness and ask for their support.
During the Council debate it was pointed out that a 60 day hearing is planned for the Nelson aggregate issue and as as the delegates have said quite eloquently today, the Premier said if people don’t want these, they don’t have to have them. Well, it’s not just the people it’s really the environment that’s calling for this. This is Niagara Escarpment land.
The Resolution was a request for the province of Ontario to deny Nelson aggregates expansion into Mount Nemo. The Council vote was unanimous.
By Pepper Parr
May 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
We’ve not heard much from the new City Manager other than he has chosen to be known as the CAO – Chief Administrative Officer.
There was no announcement but the photograph of Council in session this morning does say he is the Chief Administrative Officer.
When the Mayor uses the Strong Mayor powers given to her by the province she is required to have the City Clerk publish a notice each time the powers are used.
On February 16th, 2024 the Mayor advised that she had retained the power to dismiss the City Manager. The notice read:
I, Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor of The Corporation of the City of Burlington, hereby issue Mayoral Decision 04-2024 as follows:
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 Hassaan Basit works well with audiences when he is fully briefed. Appoint Hassaan Basit to the position of Chief Administration Officer, to be known as the City Manager/Chief Administration Officer (“City Manager/CAO”) for The Corporation of the City of Burlington (the “City of Burlington” or the “City”) pursuant to sections 229 and 284.5 of the Municipal Act, 2001 (the “Act”).
- The City Manager/CAO shall be responsible for:
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- exercising general control and management of the affairs of the City of Burlington for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective operation of the City in accordance with section 229(a) of the Act; and
- performing such other duties as have previously been assigned or delegated, and as may be assigned or delegated, to the City Manager by the Mayor and/or Council, and specifically, such duties as are described in By-law No. 132-1991.
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- The proper officers of the City of Burlington are authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this Mayoral Decision and the Acting Executive Director of Human Resources, or delegate, is authorized and directed to execute all documents necessary in that respect.
This Mayoral Decision comes into effect on April 22, 2024. Dated at Burlington, this 16th day of February, 2024.
 Chief Administration Officer Hassaan Basit with Corporate Counsel Blake Hurley to his right
 By Pepper Parr
May 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
City Council meetings tend to be quick, to the point and done within half an hour.
Today wasn’t that different except when Mayor Meed Ward turned to the Recognitions and Achievements part of the agenda saying:
“I am so proud to extend my deepest gratitude and admiration on behalf of all of Council and staff and the community to the extraordinary individuals whose swift and courageous actions led to the successful rescues of three individuals in distress at three of our local pools. in moments of crisis.
 Those who were involved at the rescues at three different swimming pool locations were asked to stand. “It is the selflessness and bravery of individuals that truly shine and I’m immensely proud to acknowledge the exceptional efforts of our staff and citizens who rose to the occasion with unwavering resolve to our dedicated pool staff many of whom are here with us today. Your professionalism and quick response undoubtedly saved lives. Your commitment to ensuring the safety and well being of all patrons is commendable and deeply appreciated your decisive actions in administering CPR defibrillation and first aid and initiating rescue protocols are a testament to your unwavering commitment to safety. And to the team members who extended their support to the pool staff following the rescues your assistance in assuring ensuring the well being of our staff is deeply appreciated. Furthermore, extend my heartfelt heartfelt gratitude to the citizens including two paramedics who demonstrated remarkable courage and compassion in assisting with these rescues.
“Your willingness to lend a hand in a moment of crisis embodies the spirit of our community. And serves as an inspiring example to all of us. On behalf of my colleagues on Burlington city council, city staff and all residents in Burlington. I extend my sincerest thanks to each and every individual involved. Your actions exemplify the best of our community. And I’m profoundly grateful for your contributions to keeping our city safe.
At that point there was going to be the Mother of all photo ops. It was a squueze – but they made it happen,
 There was hardly enough room for everyone involved to squeeze into thje space available – but they made it work.  The gentleman standing was one of the people saved by the fast action of people on the scene. Fire Chief Karen Roach made a really important point: spoke reflecting on the importance of remaining vigilant and proactive in promoting water safety. Learn to swim, learn CPR and First Aid. It is through continued education, preparedness and cooperation that we can work together to ensure that the well being of all who visit our pools are safe. Whether through accidents or unexpected medical issues visitors to our pools we can enjoy their time knowing that they are in good hands. Our jobs as emergency responders are a lot easier when we know that there are highly trained and prepared staff on scene ready to jump in into action before we even arrive.
On behalf of everyone at the Burlington Fire Department. Well done. Congratulations and thank you to all of you.
 By Staff
May 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Canada’s annual rate of inflation slipped to 2.7 per cent in April, from 2.9 the last time Statistics Canada reported.
 It is said to be one of the last major pieces of data before the Bank of Canada’s next interest rate announcement.
Will that be enough of a decline for the Bank of Canada to start cutting interest rates at its June 5 meeting is another question.
A question that means a lot to people who have mortgages that are up for renewal.
While inflation rates and bank interest rates are national news – those numbers are about as local as they can get.
Some of the mortgage rate increases have been so high that people determined that they could no longer afford the house they were in the process of owning – which meant selling and turning to the rental market.
And we all know where that market is going.
By Scot Armstrong
May 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Despite Burlington only being, according to a 2021 census, Canada’s 28th biggest city, many top-class Canuck sporting heroes from several sporting codes hail from within its borders. Although the City hasn’t any professional sports teams, it is a sporting hub for many aspiring young athletes seeking to break into the big leagues.
As a result of Burlington’s sporting tradition of nurturing potential future stars and supporting its home-grown talent as they establish their careers within pro sporting circles is unquestioned. This support includes wagering on these sports stars and their teams through the best sports betting sites Canada offers.
With Ontario being a pathfinder in Canada’s online gambling landscape, Burlington natives were some of the first to experience the country’s now-thriving regulated sports betting industry, which allows for wagering in a variety of betting markets, with online payments quick and easy to carry out through a wide-ranging selection of traditional methods.
As Betting Expert Neil Roarty of BestSportsBetting Canada explains: “The most popular traditional accepted payment methods at Canadian bookmakers are Interac, Instadebit, iDebit, Visa and MasterCard. Those options have always been available at grey market betting sites, and they are also available at the locally regulated new betting sites that have launched in Ontario over the past year. You should be able to use them for instant deposits and quick withdrawals, with no fees charged.”
As a result, Burlington residents can use these quick and efficient payment methods to back their favorite sporting sons, daughters, and the teams they represent without any fuss. Let’s look at three Burlingtonites who have done the city proud in their chosen professional sporting codes after breaking through as youngsters born and bred in the City.
 The drive to lead can almost be felt in this thrilling photograph. We’ll start with Mark Oldershaw, who has distinguished himself as one of Canada’s top sprint canoeists. Born into a family with deep roots in the sport, Oldershaw is a third-generation Canadian Olympic canoeist and the fifth family member to participate in an Olympic Games.
Mark became the first member of his family to win an Olympic medal when he claimed bronze in the C-1 1000m event at the 2012 London Games, adding two further third places at the Duisburg World Championships the following year. With these medals, Mark Oldershaw has earned a position as one of Burlington’s most celebrated athletes.
Melanie Booth debuted for the Canadian Women’s National Soccer team at 17 years old and progressed to earn 65 caps for her country. In 2007, she represented Canada at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in China before earning selection to the Olympic squad that won the bronze medal at the 2012 London Games.
Domestically, Melanie represented the Ottawa Fury, the Toronto Inferno, and Sky Blue FC, among others. However, it was her defensive prowess and leadership within the Canadian National team that stood out and has formed the inspiration for aspiring soccer players in Burlington and beyond.
Despite his underdeveloped frame as a teenager, Josh Anderson displayed the tenacity to earn selection to the junior ice hockey side, the London Knights’ roster in 2011/12. The following year, he was drafted by the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, signing a three-year contract. Despite incessant injuries, Anderson rallied to help the Blue Jackets to its first Stanley Cup second-round appearance in franchise history in 2018/19.
 Josh Anderson – watching the puck. Following a 2020 trade to the Montreal Canadiens, the now-191 cm right winger earned the moniker “Powerhouse” due to his ability to perform in “big” games. Still on the Canadiens’ roster, Josh has represented the franchise 268 times while also earning ten Canadian international caps. Through all of his trials and tribulations on the ice, Josh Anderson has tasted success and served as a role model for Burlington youth to succeed despite any perceived limitations.
Many other Burlington natives are instantly familiar in Canadian professional sporting circles, drawing support from the City’s fans and sports bettors alike. Burlington’s tradition as a breeding ground for some of Canada’s best looks set to continue long into the country’s sporting future.
 By Pepper Parr
May 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a wonderful weekend.
 For the gardeners – this was THE weekend. The gardeners were out in force, either at the nurseries or in their yards planting and weeding.
The country roads were busy with people who owned convertibles out for a drive and enjoying the weather.
Spencer Smith Park has the place to be for many.
 The pond at the Discovery Centre will have opened. It was a chance for people to relax and refresh – because we are going into a week when inflation numbers will be released early today which are expected to impact the bank rate than many hope will be lowered so that mortgage rates become at least a little more bearable.
Housing starts in April are lower than they were last April and are lower than they were in 2018 which means the pressure on rental rates will remain. They are down 37%.
Gas prices are up 7% – they are inching down
City Council meets to vote on the recommendations that came from the Standing Committees – maybe there will be some good news at that level.
By Pepper Parr
May 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
When the popularity, the general public support for a politician begins to slide; when the people who were ardent supporters walk away – it is time to reconsider the strategy to bring those supporters back into the fold.
 Victory was sweet – it always is on election day. The challenge is to solidify the support and grow it. Marianne Meed Ward was elected she was representing the very serious concerns that people had about the kind of development that was taking place in the downtown core. Her election also represented a change from a City Council that made her life extremely difficult. At the time Councillors Craven and Sharman actually colluded to prevent her from insisting that Council be transparent and accountable.
Today Councillor Sharman is the strongest supporter Meed Ward has on a council that is seriously fractured.
Based on information from people involved in her campaigns the followers fall into three categories:
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- completely disillusioned and in vocal opposition
- still supportive, or
- have not disclosed
These are people who contributed a great deal of time and effort, some contributing financially as well.
The list we were given had 30 names, we were advised that there were at least another 25 names.
Of those in the Continue to be in Support category six – (20%).
Undisclosed: 2 of 30 or 7%
Disillusioned and Opposed 22 of 30 or 73%
Inner Team Disposition
Still Support – 3 of 10 or 30%
Opposed – 7 of 10 or 70%
A rather shocking result,.
Names, not even initials are being shown. There are those who have experienced the backlash when you cross Meed Ward.
 Marianne Meed Ward being sworn in as Mayor the first time What is it that is behind this shift in support from a group of people who worked hard to elect Marianne as Mayor? One reader said: “… she alienates all supporters every time. Look at her own council of former allies! She always needs a new team, new staff, had nobody after two terms of council on side to come to city hall with her – hadn’t done any networking?
It’s like she’s a professional campaigner and that’s still all she is. Can’t lead and can’t work with anyone. Those of us who believed in her and her message turned when we saw it wasn’t true and when she turned nasty on Shawna (Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte) after complaining of being a victim of nasty behaviour by her former colleagues. That was really it for me. And the litany of broken promises. Totally opposite of what she always used to say she stood for. “ That 14 minute rant was stunning – that a Mayor would make time while attending the graduation of her daughter to make the comments she made was more than many could take.
 By Wildeno Anthony
May 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
It is not a secret that slots are the most popular category at online casinos. They can boast various wagering ranges, inbuilt features, bonus rounds, etc. However, the main attraction for gamblers is visual effects, especially themes. Currently, you can find slots with space, futuristic, marine, and other themes.
The same is true for various geographical locations, and Canada is not an exception. Gamblers from this country may find dozens of slots dedicated to its nature, cultural peculiarities, and more. Are you ready to try your luck playing the best online casino with the Canada theme? Then you are in the right place!
Timber Jack
 Are you ready to plunge deep into the beauty of serene Canadian woods? Then, join the trip with Timber Jack and search for sky-high wins among the towering trees. The slot comes with 30 betways, which may appear on 5 reels and 3 rows. The RTP of this Canadian-themed slot is below average (94%).
It means a player can theoretically receive $94 CAD for every $100 CAD wagered. This game is a top option for casual players because of betting limits. You may choose the stake amount within the $0,01 CAD – $0,2 CAD range. Among the main features you can experience are 3D, Wilds, and Free Spins.
Symbols perfectly match the overall theme. Among them are a chainsaw, maple leaves, axe, and more. While playing, you can hear the chirping of birds and the sound of chopping wood in the background. It adds atmosphere to the game and immerses you in the gameplay.
Wild North
 Are you ready to take a pause and explore the world of Canadian wildlife? Then, launch a Wild North game and experience the beauty of the aurora borealis, tall snow-covered pines, and many wild animals.
You will meet wolves, owls, lynxes, and deers on your virtual journey. The game has a medium variance and is played on the extended 5×4 layout with 15 potential betways. A wide betting range (from $0,2 CAD to $100 CAD) makes this game interesting for casual players and high rollers. If you are the lucky one, then you can hit the main prize of up to x2,500 your initial bet.
The game can boast a wide range of symbols, including Free Spins, Bonus Game, Award on no-win, Mega Symbol (3×3) and more. The RTP of the game is 94,57%, but it may range. Wild North is perfectly optimized for mobile gaming, so you can play it on the go from any device.
Money Moose
 This is another top slot that perfectly reflects the beauty of Canadian nature. The slot was created by Booming Games in 2021 and gained extreme popularity among Canadian players. The game has a 97,05% RTP and high volatility. It means you will get $97,05 CAD (approximately) on every $100 CAD spent wagering.
The upper limit for the sum you can win is x8,000 your initial bet. The game offers a handy 5×4 layout with up to 30 betways possible. While playing, you can use bets within the range of $0,6 CAD – $54 CAD. Among symbols, you can see wolves, bears, mooses, wild hogs, and more.
Expand your gambling experience with extra Free Spins, Scatters, Wild, and Energy Symbols. Smooth animation and relaxing sound effects may plunge you deep into the atmosphere of a trip to the Canadian mountains and a fusion with nature.
Ice Ice Hockey
 Hockey is definitely one of the first things that come to mind when you think about Canada. This is a national sport that has widely entered mass culture, including the gambling industry. A vivid example of this can be the same-named game created by Wizard.
The game offers an RTP of 96,10% and high volatility. It is designed with a fairly classic 5×3 layout on which you can experience 40 betways. Keep in mind that paylines work both ways. The game allows you to use the betting range from $0,40 CAD to $40 CAD and a chance to win up to x5,000 times your initial wager.
Ice Ice Hockey will not definitely let you get bored with Wilds, Scatters, and Free Spins. As symbols, you can see all the main attributes of hockey, from images of sportsmen to sticks and skates.
Grizzly Gold
 This slot is another example of how often top casino software providers use the theme of wild Canadian nature in their games. While playing Grizzly Gold, you can delve deeper into the world of owls, bears, deers, and other animals. The cutting-edge graphics with soft animation make the gameplay unforgettable.
The RTP of this slot is 96%, while the variance is very high. 1024 paylines may appear on the 5×4 layout and bring you x10,000 times your initial bet. Play Grizzly Gold from any device and boost your gameplay with Multipliers, Scatters, Free Spins and other engaging features.
By Pepper Parr
May 20th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Council held a Special Council meeting last week. It was a CLOSED meeting and one of the shortest on record.
It was to receive a report on Burlington Enterprises Inc., which is part of the Burlington Hydro operation.
There was no detail on just what the organization does other than it is part of Burlington Hydro.
Burlington hydro has one shareholder – that is the City of Burlington.
The CLOSED meeting approved the following:
All by-laws, resolutions, contracts, proceedings, elections and appointments, enacted, passed, made or taken by the shareholders, directors or officers of the Corporation, at any time since the completion of the last fiscal year of the Corporation (hereinafter collectively called “the corporate proceedings”) as the same are set forth or referred to in the minutes of the shareholders and directors for the Corporation and in the other records of the corporate proceedings, and all acts and proceedings taken by the directors, officers, agents or employees of the Corporation under the authority of or pursuant to any of the corporate proceedings be and the same are hereby ratified and confirmed with the effect stated in such corporate proceedings; and insofar as any such corporate proceeding shall not have been validly enacted, passed, sanctioned, confirmed, authorized or made, the same is hereby for greater certainty enacted, passed, sanctioned, confirmed, authorized or made, with retroactive effect, and in all other respects with the effect stated in the minutes and records of the Corporation.
The firm of KPMG LLP be hereby appointed to serve as the Corporation’s auditors until a replacement is selected and appointed by the Shareholder at remuneration to be determined by the directors.
There are five directors including Mayor Meed Ward and City Manager Hassaan Basit
 Burlington Hydro Operations Room. Burlington also managed the Milton Hydro operations. The only thing we recall Burlington Hydro doing was paying the fees for Mayor Meed Ward to attend an Institute of Corporate Directors course at the McMaster University DeGroote School of Business where Meed Ward earned the ICD designation; which she includes on just about every media she sends out.
In order to maintain the designation a holder must be a current member in good standing of the Institute of Corporate Directors and to commit to a minimum of 14 hours of ongoing governance education annually.
When the Gazette first inquired as to who paid for the education we were told that it was a private matter – turns out Burlington Enterprises cover the coast which is understood to be in excess of $20,000.
These courses are designed by the Institute of Corporate Directors and delivered by several top ranked universities.
Burlington Hydro meetings are not open to the public.
There was something Council didn’t want the public to know.
We did learn that Burlington Enterprises decided to continue with the same auditor.
The meeting was chaired by Councillor Sharman; Mayor said she was taking a family member to a hospital appointment.
There is much more behind that statement than a “hospital appointment”.
By Pepper Parr
May 20th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Earlier in the month the provincial government hosted an event called Exercise Heatwave. It was a large-scale simulated exercise which will reinforce provincial procedures and response to heat-related emergencies.
Six municipalities will participate, including Guelph, Mississauga, Peterborough, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay and Toronto, along with three federal government departments and more than 50 non-governmental organizations.
The Exercise took place between May 7 and 9.
 Newly outfitted Emergency Operations Centre To support municipalities in times of emergency, the province coordinates emergency management through the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC), which is staffed at all times and monitors evolving situations inside and outside of Ontario. To make the space more efficient and enable greater collaboration and information sharing, the PEOC was recently modernized with a new video display wall and floor layout, an upgraded audio system, ergonomic desks and chairs, a breakout room and folding walls that allow the space to be divided into three separate rooms that can be used for different functions.
The government is taking further action to ensure the province is as prepared as possible in the event of an emergency. In April, Ontario released its first annual report on the Provincial Emergency Management Strategy and Action Plan, highlighting progress made in 2023 to move emergency management forward.
 Regional Police have two mobile command units; one with a broadcast aerial that will allow them to transmit from wherever they are located. The province also recently announced the 113 recipients of the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, a $5 million investment that is empowering communities and organizations to enhance their emergency response by helping them purchase critical emergency supplies and deliver training and services.
Last week City Council met in CLOSED session for a workshop on:
Media relations training during emergencies.
To the best of our knowledge media was not invited to take part.
The climate has changed. It is reasonable to assume that there will be heat waves that we may not be prepared for. Is the city working out now what it wants to say should there be a serious heat wave with deaths being reported?
Related news articles:
Halton leads the way with high level secure communications systems.
Regional police have two mobile command buses.
By Pepper Parr
May 18th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The increase in rental prices has done unimaginable damage to individuals and the economy of the country. We can’t roll back the stupid mistakes that were made by the federal and provincial governments. And we are currently living with problems that the municipal sector can’t deal with. Storey an online publication that serves the property markets and doesn’t appear to be a friend of the Premier of Ontario, which is surprising – the two – property and the Premier, are often joined at the hip. The following was published by Storey.
Written by Zakiya Kassam the article draws heavily on data from Urbanation and Rentals.ca – the people doing the best data collection we have been able to find.
Average Canadian Rent Has Shot Up 32% Since ‘Pandemic Low’
 In his analysis of the latest data, Urbanation President Shaun Hildebrand remarks that “the rental market in Canada has become increasingly fragmented, with expensive cities seeing rents soften and affordable markets experiencing a continued rapid escalation.”
Average Canadian rent continued to chug steadily upwards last month — something we’ve more or less come to expect from the segment as would-be homeowners hold out for interest rate cuts, leaving the rental market to soak up that demand.
According to the latest national rent report from Rentals.ca and Urbanation, the monthly asking average across all residential property types clocked in at $2,188 in April, marking a ‘near-record high,’ as well as a 9.3% increase year over year and a 0.3% uptick month over month. The month-over-month increase in particular represented “the first monthly increase in rents since January 2024.”
“However, rents were down slightly by 0.4% over the past three months, illustrating an ongoing moderation in rent growth following the sharp acceleration that occurred during the spring and summer of 2023,” Friday’s report also says.
Still, when you compare April 2024 to the “COVID-19 low” of April 2021, Canadian rent has shot up by a staggering 32%, or by an additional $526 per month.
The report highlights that there was significant nuance between average purpose-built rental and condo rents, with the former spiking 13.1% to $2,124, and the latter edging up just 3.8% to $2,331.
 With affordability still remarkably pressed across the country — thank you so much, inflation — it was the smaller and (relatively) more affordable units that saw the greatest price appreciation in April. Namely: purpose-built studios, rents for which saw a steep, 17.2% rise to an average of $1,575.
Rental Market “Increasingly Fragmented”
In his analysis of Friday’s data, Urbanation President Shaun Hildebrand remarks that “the rental market in Canada has become increasingly fragmented, with expensive cities seeing rents soften and affordable markets experiencing a continued rapid escalation.” (This is something Hildebrand has drawn attention to in past reports as well.)
“Without a sufficient supply response, those affordable markets are at risk of quickly becoming unaffordable, leaving renters nowhere to turn,” Hildebrand adds.
 As Hildebrand alludes to, average asking rents for apartments continued to slip in April in Canada’s major rental markets: Toronto and Vancouver.
In Toronto, rents fell 2.3% year over year and 0.9% month over month to an average of $2,757, continuing a trend that began in September 2023. In a similar fashion, rents in Vancouver dipped 7.8% year over year and 0.4% month over month to an average of $2,982.
“Apartment rents in Toronto have declined 5.4% from their peak in November 2023 ($2,913), while Vancouver rents have fallen 10.7% since reaching their high in July 2023 ($3,340),” the report also notes.
Meanwhile in Edmonton — a major Canadian city that has historically been known to be affordable for renters — rents surged 13.3% annually to an average of $1,507. In Calgary, the annual pace of rent growth clocked in at 8.6%, putting the average rate at $2,089. In Ottawa and Montreal, rents were up 2.5% and 8.6%, respectively, in the month.
Similar trends were observed on the roommate rent front last month, with Toronto seeing a 5% year-over-year decline for shared accommodations, putting the average at $1,269. In Vancouver, those same two metrics came in at 1% and $1,450, respectively. By comparison, roommate rents in Calgary jumped up 10%, while Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal saw increases of 8%, 3%, and 3% year over year.
Nonetheless, asking rents for shared accommodations managed a 9% annual uptick across the four provinces tracked for this type of rental — Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec — to an average of $996 per month.
By Staff
May 18th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 There was a time when we were all children. In time for the Victoria Day long weekend, the City’s nine splashpads will be open by Saturday, May 18. The splash pads will stay open until the fall.
The Nelson Outdoor Splash Park will offer designated free times during the pre-season schedule. The pool will be unavailable during these sessions.
Splash pads are located throughout the city and are free to use. To find a splash pad near you, visit burlington.ca/splashpads.
Outdoor Pools
Outdoor Pools will be opening earlier this summer.
- Nelson Pool and Splash Park (4235 New St.) will open May 25.
- Mountainside Pool and Splash Park (2205 Mount Forest Dr.) will open June 8.
- LaSalle Wading Pool (50 North Shore Blvd.) will open June 15.
 Safe, secure – one of the things that makes Burlington the city it is. The City of Burlington will offer a modified drop-in swim schedule at outdoor facilities between May 25 and June 29, with summer schedules beginning June 29.
Stay informed by checking out our schedule online, which will be fully available for viewing starting May 22 at burlington.ca/dropinandplay.
Links and Resources
burlington.ca/pools
burlington.ca/splashpads
By Staff
May 18th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
A Regional Transportation Master Plan identified the need for additional capacity in the Dundas Street (Regional Road 5) corridor from Brant Street (Regional Road 18) to Bronte Road (Regional Road 25), in the City of Burlington and the Town of Oakville.
 Dundas at Brant – looking east The required Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study was completed, Public Information Centres and separate property owner meetings were held at which the preliminary preferred design concept was presented.
The preferred alternative identified in the Environmental Study Report for Dundas Street from Brant Street to Bronte Road includes an ultimate six lane roadway, including the provision to include higher order transit operations, in consultation with the Local Municipalities.
 The widened Dundas Street corridor. The widened Dundas Street corridor will include both on-road and off- road Active Transportation infrastructure (both sides of the road), as well as a raised median to enhance landscaping and corridor features. This study provides an opportunity to develop multi-modal transportation improvements along Dundas Street which includes enhancement as an attractive corridor for pedestrians and cyclists, integrating new and existing land uses with heritage and natural features.
By Raymond Ronson
May 17th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
In recent years, we’ve seen cryptocurrency exchanges become one of the biggest players in the finance sector due to the huge growth they’ve experienced. One of the most recognizable names of these exchanges is Binance. This crypto exchange became a global powerhouse due to the vast range of services it offers its millions of users.
 Binance exchange became a global powerhouse due to the vast range of services it offered. Despite that success, Binance has found itself facing a class action lawsuit that was granted by the Ontario Superior Court. We’ll be discussing that lawsuit in this article and how its outcomes might affect Canadians who use crypto.
Currently, Canadians are using crypto exchanges like Binance to acquire crypto for various purposes with many mainly using crypto as an investment that they can buy and hold on to. There’s another large cohort of people in Canada who use crypto for transactions such as buying gift cards, playing online casino games like crash and slots, and donating to good causes.
Many Canadians are active traders on platforms like Binance and spend their time trying to profit from crypto price fluctuations using strategies like arbitrage trading and swing trading. These are only some of the uses of crypto that have benefited many Canadians who will be keen on seeing how the Binance case ends and what it will mean for crypto exchanges, and them. Now, let us get into the details of the case.
As things stand, Binance has been brought to trial on charges that the company engaged in market manipulation, fraudulent practices, and contravened securities laws in Canada.
The Ontario Superior Court has certified the lawsuit as a class action so the affected parties can collectively seek compensation from Binance. By doing so, the court has acknowledged the commonality of the claims that have been brought to the company and highlighted a need for an efficient resolution to the case.
If found guilty, Binance will face huge financial penalties that will affect the company’s market standing and reputation. Other implications include operational changes as Binance may have to revise its practices to prevent future legal challenges. For Binance’s subsidiaries, their regulatory compliance may come into question, and their operations could be impacted as well.
 The Ontario Superior Court has certified the lawsuit as a class action. Photo credit: KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA Another big implication is that this case is going to ensure that all crypto operations are as heavily regulated as real money online casinos to protect consumers in Canada. However, this shouldn’t be bad news for consumers as they can check if the crypto services they use are registered with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC). Having this registration means that the service provider you’re using is compliant with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regulations.
To stay safe, consumers can also research the compliance practices of the service providers they’re considering. Additionally, crypto consumers can ensure that their service providers are following basic compliance procedures like record-keeping, due diligence, and reporting obligations. By doing that, they will always be on the safer side regardless of what may happen during the Binance case.
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