 By Staff
August 4th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
We reported yesterday that the Region of Halton had the lowest ranking on the Crime Severity index in all of Canada and that Halton has held that position for the past 24 years.
A lot of the reasons behind that statement is the geography and the social makeup of the city.
A lot of poor people in Hamilton – a lot of crime as well
Peel Region to the east of Halton has a very mixed diversity which often has high rates of crime. Not always.
Population mix, income and education levels are critical measures. The COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact Canada’s economy, health care system and society in general throughout 2021, changing how people interact, socialize, learn, work and consume. Overall, while police-reported crime in Canada, as measured by the Crime Severity Index (CSI), was virtually unchanged in the second year of the pandemic, there were notable shifts in the nature of reported crimes.
 For the first time since 2006, the year-over-year changes in the Violent and Non-Violent CSIs moved in opposite directions. These shifts provide important insight into the way in which crime in Canada changed following the onset of the pandemic.
The Violent CSI rose 5% in 2021, reaching a level higher than that before the beginning of the pandemic. The increase in violent crime compared with 2020 was attributable in part to higher rates of level 1 sexual assault, harassing and threatening behaviours, and homicide, among others.
Additionally, the number of hate-motivated crimes reported by police increased by 27% to 3,360 incidents. Higher numbers of hate crimes targeting religion, sexual orientation and race or ethnicity accounted for the majority of the increase.
In contrast, the Non-Violent CSI—which includes, for example, property offences and drug offences—continued to decline (-3%), after a 9% drop in 2020. These two consecutive decreases follow five years of increases. Much of the decline in 2021 was because of lower rates of breaking and entering (-10%) and theft of $5,000 or under (-4%).
The overall CSI changed from 73.9 in 2020 to 73.7 in 2021. This follows a 7% drop in the CSI in 2020, the first decrease after five years of successive increases. The CSI measures the volume and severity of police-reported crime in Canada and has a base index value of 100 for 2006. The police-reported crime rate, which measures only the volume of crime, was 5,375 incidents per 100,000 population in 2021, up 1% from 2020.
Police-reported metrics include only those incidents that come to the attention of police, either through reporting by the public or proactive policing. As a complementary measure, results from the 2019 General Social Survey (GSS) on Canadians’ Safety (Victimization) showed that just under one-third (29%) of violent and non-violent incidents were reported to police. Similarly, just over one-fifth (22%) of incidents perceived to be motivated by hate were reported to police.
 Across the provinces and territories, there were contrasting annual changes in the CSI. From 2020 to 2021 in Canada, six provinces and Nunavut reported increases in their CSI, while the other provinces and territories reported decreases. Among census metropolitan areas (CMAs), or large cities, 22 of 35 reported increases, while the remainder reported decreases or no change in their CSI.
Among the provinces, Quebec (+5%) and Ontario (+1%) reported increases in their CSI in 2021 and therefore had the largest upward impact on the change in the national CSI. The rise in Canada’s two largest provinces was because of relatively large increases in level 1 sexual assault, as well as growth in general fraud in Quebec and an increase in homicide in Ontario.
In contrast, the CSI in the provinces of Alberta (-7%) and British Columbia (-5%) had the largest relative downward impact on the national CSI. The violations driving these decreases were breaking and entering; theft of $5,000 or under; and, to a lesser extent, general fraud. As was the case at the national level, both provinces also reported relatively large increases in level 1 sexual assault.
Sharp rise in the rate of police-reported level 1 sexual assault
The rise in Canada’s Violent CSI in 2021 was primarily driven by an 18% increase in the rate of level 1 sexual assault. This rise accounted for over one-third of the increase in the Violent CSI. In contrast, the rates of police-reported level 2 and 3 sexual assault decreased 5% and 13%, respectively. In total, level 1 sexual assault accounted for 98% of police-reported sexual assaults in 2021.
 Sexual assault is classified in the Criminal Code in three separate categories, depending on the nature and severity of the incident: level 1 involves assault of a sexual nature that violates the sexual integrity of the victim; level 2, sexual assault with a weapon or causing bodily harm, involves sexual assault with a weapon, with threats to use a weapon or causing bodily harm; and level 3, aggravated sexual assault, involves sexual assault that wounds, maims, disfigures or endangers the life of the victim.
Overall, there were 34,242 police-reported sexual assaults (levels 1, 2 and 3) in 2021, representing 90 incidents per 100,000 population. This marks the highest rate since 1996. Before a decrease in 2020—the first year of the pandemic—the rate of sexual assault had risen steadily for five years. All provinces reported an increase in 2021, whereas all territories reported a decline. Similarly, of the 35 CMAs, 29 reported increases.
Despite considerable public discussion of issues around sexual violence in recent years, the number of sexual assaults reported by police is likely a significant underestimate of the true extent of sexual assault in Canada, since these types of offences often go unreported to police. For instance, the most recently available self-reported data from the 2019 GSS on Victimization show that 6% of sexual assault incidents experienced by Canadians aged 15 and older in the previous 12 months were brought to the attention of police.
Pandemic-related lockdown conditions, particularly in the first year of the pandemic, could have exacerbated the underreporting of sexual assaults. Inversely, the later easing of restrictions might have led to an increase in reporting to police, either by victims or by third-party individuals or services.
Through constant and continued public warnings and the offering of places people who are threatened can call and turn to for help – Halton has been able to keep a bit of a lid on some of the more violent incidents and keep the public aware that there are options that wil get them out of dangerous situations.
 By Eszter Ivan
August 4th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Looking for the next money-making side hustle you can utilize while in Canada? Look no further, in today’s article are going over the top 5 Canadian side hustles you should consider today!
 The ultimate side hustles in Canada that can amount to up to $22 an hour. Food Delivery
Food delivery has become one of the ultimate side hustles in Canada that can amount to up to $22 an hour. That’s pretty good considering in the best Canadian cities you can even complete deliveries with just a bicycle.
Although quite the physical task to do on a bike it’s the best way to maximize profits. Motorbikes are the second best alternative but will require fuel costs and a licence apart from an actual motorcycle. Besides that, the next alternative would be to do it by car but this has its own problems like getting stuck in traffic and parking issues.
Overall food delivery services are quite easy to get started, sign up with companies such as Uber eats and boom you’re pretty much ready to go after acceptance. Plus you get to work your own hours with such companies and basically, you’re your own boss.
Professional Gambler
Although this sounds like more of a gamble than a hustle, gambling can actually be a fun way to make a quick buck. Today finding an online casino in Canada is quite simple, making a profit is the hard part.
Many have heard the phrase the house always wins, but what if you’re not playing against the house? Games like poker do not involve the house in any of the gaming done except for the dealer and cards provided.
Poker is a game played against other players on the table, finding a live online casino table can also mean having a real-life dealer handle the cards instead of RNG.
Arts
A lot of “intellectual” politicians will argue that art produces no monetary value, while at the same time purchasing pieces of art for almost stupid prices in packed rooms at Art Galleries.
 Poppies stained glass piece highlights the red leaves on the tree outside the studio. Art has always been thrown down the well when it comes to money talks and has always been tough to monetize. Since art is based on taste, what looks great to me and inspires millions of others can look horrid and dissatisfying to look at.
Thankfully today artists no longer require the use of Art galleries to get famous, although art galleries will still hold massive importance in the art communities today many artists can create digital art and sell it for a profit online.
Photography
Not much to be said in this chapter, just like physical art, photography has long been thrown under the bus. Thankfully today in the digital era where content and marketing are essential the need for photographs has risen drastically.
Thankfully today many companies also pay a pretty penny for photos that can be used on wallpapers and other home decors.
 Leaf raking and yard clean up is a repeat business that is assured by great customer service Landscaping
Landscaping in Canada is a huge untapped market. Although typically done by the younger generation with little investment this side hustle can turn into a full-on business. The job will usually entail mowing grass lawns and cleaning up the trees and bushes found outside the home. In Canada, landscaping service needs spike up during winter times due to snow and the need for snow to be ploughed!
By Staff
August 3rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Community Development Haltom is a non-profit organization that focuses on community wide issues within the Region of HAlton.
They provide data that aids decision makers at the Regional and municipal level.
The number of people living in a household, i.e., household size, can have various social and economic implications. For example, smaller households will increase the demand for more housing, most likely in the form of apartments or condominiums, and more household items like furniture and appliances. Financially, smaller households can have fewer wage earners and possibly lower household incomes. The opposite is true for larger households. In addition, members in larger households can enjoy some household economies of scale in the consumption of goods and services.
For decades, households were getting smaller due to lower fertility rates, higher separation and divorce rates, and more people remaining single.
However, there are signs that the decline is slowing or even levelling off.
 The growth has taken place in Milton – they had greenfield land left. Now that the housing growth will be in high rise – there may be changes in where the growth happens. Burlington is going to create three new communities in the next two decades around the GO stations. In Halton municipalities, with growth and demographic changes, household size trends might vary from the provincial or national patterns. The average household size for Halton Hill and Oakville has been at 2.9 for the last two decades. Burlington’s household size dropped in 2006 and levelled off at 2.5. Milton’s household size rose from 2.9 in 2006 to 3.3 in 2021.
The share of households by size varies among the local municipalities. In 2021, Burlington had the highest proportion of 1- person and 2-person households and the lowest proportion in the other categories.
Milton had the highest proportion of 4- and 5+ person households accounting for over 45% of all households within the municipality.
 Large families were in houses – as high rise apartments appear – where will the large families live? The following chart shows the percentage of the population in various sizes of household. In all municipalities, less than 10% of the population live in
 This data is what is going to have to be fully understood – what is it telling us? 1- person households. Over one quarter (27%) of Burlington’s residents live in 2-person households. In Milton, only 4% of Milton’s population live alone. About one-third (33%) live in 4 person households compared to 16% in Burlington. Milton also has the highest share of the population living in 5+ households.
 This data cannot remain the same – there aren’t going to be any new single family dwellings in Oakville and Burlington. About 80% of Halton’s households lived in houses as compared to Ontario’s 68% and Canada’s 64% respectively. These percentages change with the size of households reflecting the affordability and availability of housing. For example, among the 1-person households, over 60% lived in houses in Milton and Halton Hills, 50% in Oakville and only 40% in Burlington (60% in apartments).
Community Development Halton/Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census Table 98-10-0040-01
 By Pepper Parr
August 3rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Has the issue of personal privacy gone a little too far or is it that the City Clerk doesn’t understand the job he has.
A candidate for public office has asked the City Clerk for a copy of Form 1 – the document that every candidate for public office has to complete when filing their nominations.
The candidate was told that the form could not be released because there was private information on the form; one of which is the candidates address.
 A portion of the nomination form Does that mean that a voter does not get to know if the candidate running in the ward actually lives in the ward. For many people – this is a defining issue – ‘if you don’t live here how can you represent me?’
The disturbing part of this situation is that all the data is archived and on line.
Set out below is a list of the forms that can be accessed. Data for the current election is of course not yet archived..
 The location on the provincial web site for archived municipal election data.. Nothing private. At the end of an election every person who was on the ballot is required to file a Financial report setting out how much money they spent and where that money came from and to provide the donors address.
 Nicholas Leblovic serving as Chair of the Waterfront Advisory Committee that was sunset by the city. Leblovic was not a happy camper During the 2018 campaign Nicholas Leblovic, 126 Birett Drive, Burlington L7L 2S9 donated $80.00 on 2018-07-24,
He had previously donated $500 on 2018-05-05 from 1335 Ontario Street, Unit 11, Burlington, ON
It is all public information.
Full disclosure: Leblovic once sued the Gazette, that was known as Our Burlington at the time. He sued the company, the publisher and the Directors for $1 million – then failed to follow through on his Statement of Claim
Quite why the City Clerk has an issue with releasing a copy of the nomination information is a little more puzzling.
There are other issues on getting information from city hall. A planner appears to have told a citizen that he could get information that used to be on the city web site by filing a Freedom of Information request. It usually takes some time to get these applications processed and there is often a fee involved – a very stiff fee at times.
Anne Marsden is a candidate for Mayor in the October municipal election. She points out that the nomination documents are available for inspection and copies are available. They just will not publish on line because, we were told they have address information on. These are public documents that can be obtained if requested so why not publish on line so folks can see everything is above board with the nomination papers.
Our question stands: Does anyone who wants to see the papers have to trot down to city hall to look at what is public information. There is something in the water at city hall that makes some of the people who toil there do really really stupid things.
 By Pepper Parr
August 3rd. 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
With this great weather we get out into the community more often – at least once a day we get asked about the 14 minute spectacle that took place in June.
We excerpted the squabble between the Mayor and the Councillor over just when an apology was going to be said in a public session of Council
One reader took me aside and asked what impact does the Mayor and Council have on who is hired and who is fired.
 City Manager Tim Commisso runs the administrative side of the city and acts on directions from Council. Anything that happens – administratively, happens because Tim Commisso wants it to happen. City Council hires one person and only one person – the City Manager hires everyone else EXCEPT in those situations where he has delegated authority to one of his Executive Directors.
If that is the case said the person I was talking with – why was the Mayor permitted to speak to a situation that involved a Staff member?
Why did Tim Commisso not cut in – he would do that by asking the Clerk to give him the floor – and advise the Mayor that this is a staffing matter and he will take care of it.
The more we listen to the 14 minute back and forth between Mayor Meed Ward and Councillor Stolte – the more concerned we become over just what has happened to a Council that was the bright hope for most people in 2018
That 14 minutes is HERE
On the day of the Council meeting Mayor Meed Ward took part virtually – she was in London, Ontario attending her daughter’s graduation ceremony and was not always fully aware of what was happening in the Council Chamber.
Links to the event:
The Mayor comes out swinging – Councillor ducks and leaves the room
 By Staff
August 3rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Crime in the Region of Halton has the (lowest) crime severity index among all large municipalities in Canada for the 24th straight year, and we also have the highest rate of solving crimes!
There are a number of reason for this – the Region does not have communities that are made up for the most part of financially disadvantaged people.
And the police service has access to some of the top crime solving tools in the country.
The police officers are also well trained.
The Halton Police Board is committed to ensuring that policing actions and consequences are aligned with Community needs, values and expectations.
These results clearly illustrate the alignment and global effectiveness and efficiency of our dedicated officers and civilian staff. These results also reflect the essential partnership between our Community and its Police Service – these results can only be possible with a supportive community engaged proactively in crime prevention and actively cooperating with police investigations and other activities.
About the Halton Police Board
The Halton Police Board is a seven-member civilian Board that provides strategic oversight to the Halton Regional Police Service. Under the Police Services Act, the Board has legislated responsibility for the Police Service’s operating and capital budgets; strategic planning; policies and priorities. The Police Board’s fundamental responsibility is to ensure that adequate and effective police services are provided to the citizens of Halton Region.
 By Pepper Parr
August 2nd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
FOLLOW UP: We received the following from the city after the story was published:
Sharing we are still in the process of updating these development webpages and configuring our website. Some site configurations, like the development projects pages, can’t be fully completed in a staging\testing environment so they need to be done on the live site. We are in the process of migrating supporting documents for applications, this is a extensive process as there are almost 60 application pages with at times over 20 large documents for each application.
If you require specific documents please reach out if you do not yet see on the site.
That new look web site turns out to be hiding much of the information that was available on the older version.
We will take you through the changes – the question before we start is who determined what the changes should be and at what level were they approved..
I think this one is going to smell quite a bit.
It was possible with the old web site to go to the page with the developments taking place in a ward.
 The only thing you can now learn about this project – next to Joe Dogs on Brant is that is has been appealed to the OLT. You could scroll through each of the developments.
You could look at and read the Planning Justification reports, the Parking Study, the Storm Water study – everything that the developer was required to submit.
None of that data is available on the new web site.
This is critical stuff for both those who stay on top of development issues but also those people who are looking to buy an property and do their homework rather than believe everything the real estate agent tells them.
Why was that information removed?
Do the members of council know about this?
Does the Mayor know about this ?
If they do – why did they not ask that the information remain on the various development sections of the city web site?
If they do – what the heck is going on at city hall?
It seems that almost every time you turn around there is more and more information that is no longer available.
This from a city staff that brags about how much engagement they do with the public and at the same time take steps to remove the information that citizens need to be engaged.
City communications department is getting back to us with an explanation. We’ll pass that along to you.
By Pepper Parr
August 2nd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
What does this promotional bill board
 Under construction and coming soon on Guelph Line just north of the QEW Have to do with this web site announcement?
 The Berkely at John and Maria – some very small units In the world of residential housing they feed each other – they make each other possible
The apartment units now in the planning stage for the significant number of high rise towers that are going to be built in Burlington at some point – because the province said we have to grow the population.
Many of the units are small – very small – many in the 650 sq foot range.
Not much room in that amount of space for much more than a bed, a kitchen table and a stand for the big monitor that will stream movies.
The story the builders tell is that these units are just what a segment of the population is looking for – they will live alongside the GO station and will be living their social life in Toronto – and will just sleep in Burlington.
City Council wants to see more two and three bedroom units – there will be some – how many – no one is sating very much at this point.
What the public does hear from the developers is that they support the idea of affordable units – but again – nothing firm.
Carriage Gate promised a specific number of units in the Berkely development on John at Maria – that sort of didn’t happen.
Human beings need space – crowding families, even individuals into 650 sq. ft. boxes is just plain unhealthy.
Storage space is non existent. In the past developers offered a storage unit in the basement – it wasn’t much to speak of – but it was space.
The need for a place to put the ski’s or the summer play stuff became a market the storage people were quick to fill.
 This part of the structure under construction tells you it is going to be a tall building. Dymon Storage, an Ottawa based firm is building a very large storage facility on Guelph Line just north of the QEW. In their promotional materiel they tell a story that fits in perfectly with what those who buy small condo units.
 This tell you the structure is going to have hundreds of storage units. Think of Dymon Storage as an extension of your life. We do.
Here’s where we can help
Short-term storage for your renovation
Moving to a new home with less storage space
Storage for your seasonal items
Declutter your home for staging
Garment or wardrobe storage
Student move-out storage
By Pepper Parr
August 1st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 50 lbs in that sack This is a story about much more than a $10,000 cheque that the Burlington Legion (Branch 60) presented to Road to Recovery -they cal it Ruck.
It is the story about a group of people who are walking a trail from Tobermory to Queenston Heights supporting a GoFundMe Drive to support Homeless Canadian Veterans.
For the moment a photo of the group as they set out on day xx after spending the night at the Legion sleeping on foam mattresses on the floor, having a hearty breakfast and loading up the next 20 to 25 km march.
 Along with the Ruck crew are Branch 60 President Murray Sutherland (far right) and Vice Presidents Dan Lauzon (bottom left) and (John Mattocks far left). The GO Fund Me account is HERE.
 The $10,000 donation came from the Legion’s Poppy Fund.
 By Staff
August 1st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Heritage Week has certainly undergone a stunning change.
In the past it was a couple of posters with close to irrelevant photos amd next to nothing in the way of public interest.
 Dave Volk, Burlington Town Crier The audience they got this morning at Centennial Place (I didn’t know there was such a place – but the plaque was there and David Volk, the Town Crier was on hand, so it had to be real.
He read out a statement and invited the small crown to follow him to the Gazebo. Everyone followed and a short Kick Off event that included comment from a Missiaaugas’s of the First Credit spoke of the Treat Land the community was meeting on
 Don Thorpe Don Thorpe who was the man behind the scene’s mentioned that the meeting was taking place in what his generation called the Mud Hole.
At one point that part of Spencer Smith Park was under water and because the land was inside the barrier at Lake Ontario the water was worm and the kids could swim.
There was all kinds of information about the city that was coming to the surface.
The Burlington Historical Society prepared a series of 2 foot x 4 foot posters with historical pictures of different parts of the city – before it was a city.
Aldershot, Kilbride, Appleby Line.
The picture are very good – they will be on display until August 8th. Worth the time if you are wandering through Spencer Smith Park.
Michele Camacho, Chair, Heritage Burlington Advisory Committee spoke near the close of the occasion and basically named everyone who did anything to make the event, which was a year in the planning the success it has been so far. And it isn’t over yer – there are a number of Walking Tours taking place during the week
The Gazette has not seen a city advisory committee be as active as this group. They usually limit themselves to their regular meetings and respond to requests for response to some of the development applications.
Most recently that Committee appeared before Council and suggested there was a development on what was known at ther Ghent property on Brant Street that was looking for much more than usual in density and height.
They had recommended that the city not proceed and council took their advice and directed them to take the necessary steps to have a Heritage designation placed on the property.
The Gazette has never see that before either.
 This is an Advisory committee that is not sitting back – they are out n the community educating, and advocating within the boundaries of their mandate.
Look for more good things from these people.
Michele Camacho closed with these comments:
Heritage Week is the culmination of one year’s work of volunteer time and effort by many people. I would like to recognize and thank them for their efforts at this time.
The lion’s share of the work has been done by your emcee, Don Thorpe, who chairs the Heritage Week Subcommittee. Don works tirelessly to put together a program that truly honours and highlights the heritage of Burlington.
Thanks also to other Heritage Burlington Advisory Committee members Len Collins, Jim Miles and Alan Harrington. In addition to conducting many heritage tours, Alan wears three hats. As well as Heritage Burlington, he also represents and works tirelessly for the Burlington Historical Society and Freeman Station. I’d also like to recognize Joan Downey, Chair of the Burlington Historical Society, who always provides outstanding support to Heritage Burlington.
David Craig of History Pix is responsible for the creation of the beautiful posters displayed as well as the many exceptional History Minute videos. For over two years, David has worked tirelessly on the Heritage Week Subcommittee and we thank him for sharing his wonderful photos and his time with us.
Heritage Week is the opportunity to work closely with
• Michelle Fex and Fiorella Morzi of the Burlington Public Library
• Erin Aults and Christie Brodie of the Royal Botanical Gardens
• Kate Almeida of Burlington Museums
• Dennis Scott and Sandy O’Reilly – Halton Black History Awareness Society
This year, we also worked with
• Michelle Bennett – City of Burlington Community Gardens Program
• Ian Kerr-Wilson – Chair of the Beach Canal Lighthouse Group (BCLG) who are sharing a display with the Burlington Historical Society in the Gazebo, and
• Helen Calloway of the Kilbride History Group. While working on Heritage Week, Helen has personally sponsored bringing a family from Ukraine to Canada.
Last, but not least, I’d like to thank the Mayor and City Council for their commitment to preserving the heritage of Burlington and continued support of the work of Heritage Burlington. Special thanks also to Jo-Anne Rudy of the Clerk’s Dept. and John O’Reilly, the City’s Heritage Planner.
We are very fortunate to live in such a wonderful city. We all need to be vigilant in the protection and preservation of its history, much of which can be seen in its buildings that have survived for over 100 years. They contribute to the sense of place that make Burlington the #1 mid-size community in all of Canada.
 The history of your city on huge postcards displayed on Lakeshore Road overlooking Spencer Smith Park.
By Staff
July 31st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
A must see.
The Burlington Historical Society has installed a dozen or so poster board setting out just some of the history of the city.
How many of then did you know about?
Worth the time. Be quick though – the 2 foot by 4 foot posters printed on thin sheets of aluminum come down August the 8th. The mostly black and white photographs are courtesy of David Craig.
 Installed by the Burlington Historical Society
 By Catarina Mendez
July 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
A significant change occurred on April 4th, 2022, in Ontario’s online gambling market. This sector, which until that date lacked regulation and thus became a hot spot for offshore betting sites, became a legal jurisdiction, and with it came some changes.
 Getting legally registered in Ontario is a very very strict process Since the legalization of online gambling in the province, several brands from North America and Europe keep joining the list of licensed operators.
Although these betting operators must meet strict regulations and take several steps before launching their websites in Canada, it doesn’t seem that the new additions will slow down soon.
What Brands Are Legally Operating Already?
At the time of this article, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario (iGO) have already received registration from thirty-three gambling websites. These two entities are responsible for regulating and overseeing the operations of all Ontario sportsbooks and online casinos.
Before the regulated gambling market opened, several brands had already submitted their application for registration, which led to thirteen gambling websites going live on April 4th, 2022. The first brands to launch their operations in the province were:
● BetMGM
● Caesars
● BetRivers
● Royal Panda
● LeoVegas
● Coolbet
● bet365
● 888
 Over the past three months, several other companies met the strict regulations and security standards that AGCO and iGO set for them, thus joining the original thirteen:
● Bally Bet
● DraftKings
● ComeOn!
● FanDuel
● KnightSlots
● NorthStar Bets
 North Star and Rivalry are two brands available to gamblers in Ontario ● Bwin
● PartyCasino
● Pokerstars
● Unibet
● PlayOjo
● PointsBet
● Rivalry
● SlotsMagic
● Spingenie
● TheScore
Many of the currently legal brands in Ontario provide multiple gambling products, including casinos, sports betting, and poker. The companies that own and operate brands with separate product websites must apply for registration for each platform.
Nevertheless, this hurdle doesn’t seem to hinder gambling companies’ drive to join the regulated market, as there is already a long list of brands waiting to receive their registration.
New Brands Coming To Ontario… Soon!
As mentioned before, joining Ontario’s regulated online gambling market isn’t easy, and the process often takes time. Due to this, the companies behind gambling sites usually apply for registration several months before their preferred launch date to ensure they can meet all the steps established by the regulatory authorities.
 Companies must complete two seven-step processes to launch their websites in Ontario legally. Firstly, they require AGCO’s approval which depends on multiple security, reporting, and compliance registrations. Once they receive this approval, they’ll have to complete the additional steps from iGO, which include, among others, submitting information about Anti-Money Laundering systems and configuring secure data communications.
The timings to complete all of these strict processes take more than two months, and, depending on the gambling platform’s unique properties, it could take even longer. However, once the brands receive AGCO’s approval, it’s only a matter of time until they become available for Ontario bettors.
Betway, Casumo, BetVictor, Betway’s Spin Casino, and Jackpot City have all received approval from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission. As such, you can expect to see some newly launched websites in the upcoming weeks.
Along with these brands, fourteen others await the license to complete the launching process.
Conclusion
Ontario has always been an exciting gambling market for offshore operators, who were able to launch their platforms without the need to meet strict regulatory standards. Before April 4th, 2022, several international operators took charge of the gambling industry in the province and did so at the potential expense of players’ safety.
Since the launch of the regulated market, gambling brands must ensure that all players’ winnings are paid and that their personal and financial information is safe. Likewise, sportsbooks now must comply with the gambling standards and offer fair and competitive odds.
Perhaps one of the most important aspects for players is that licensed gambling websites must provide responsible gaming tools, such as deposit and play time limits and the possibility for self-exclusion.
It’s possible to see that the regulated market brought an array of advantages for players and allows for healthy competition between brands. If the trend continues, we can expect Ontario’s gambling industry to expand continuously to become a global leader.
By Pepper Parr
July 20th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
This is a nice bit of news:
Announced last week, Burlington Economic Development will lead the newest phase of the Digital Main Street program in Burlington with a Digital Service Squad at TechPlace.
Working directly with brick-and-mortar businesses, the squad will support businesses with website creation, social media content, and more, to develop or improve their online presence. Eligible businesses will also be able to apply for a $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant.
Digital Service Squad member Ana Nobrega will be available starting July 25th. Contact Ana at ana@techplace.ca for additional information.
 By Staff
July 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Earlier today at approximately 11:42am the Halton Regional Police Service responded to a motor vehicle collision in the intersection of Appleby Line and No 2 Sideroad in the City of Burlington.
A red Ducati motorcycle was travelling northbound on Appleby Line and collided with a black Volkswagen Jetta that was turning left from No 2 Sideroad onto Appleby Line. The motorcycle rider was pronounced dead at the scene. The Collision Reconstruction Unit has assumed carriage of the investigation.
Any witnesses to the collision who have not yet spoken to police are asked to contact the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 5065.
 By Staff
July 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
There a number of commercial organizations in Burlington that go out of their way to give back to the city in which they do business. Of course the events they sponsor keep their name in the public eye with a favourable view.
Nothing wrong with that and we congratulate those that see their role as working with the public to make Burlington a better place.
 A fun example of this Giving Back is:
THE ROCCA SISTERS PRESENT – KIDS MINI FEST!
Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
At three locations:
Brant Hills Park (2255 Brant St.)
Cumberland Park (562 Cumberland Ave.)
Millcroft Park (4520 Millcroft Park Dr.)
Great picture!
By Staff
July 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington has its name on a new list.
A panel of 101 golfers travelled across the country and judged golf courses on nine criteria.
They ranked 100 golf courses and said that the Burlington Golf and Country Club was # 61 on their list
The course opened in 1924.
 Ranked 61st out of 100. The judges noted that the removal of many trees has made a big difference to the original Thompson design
So much for the urban canopy.
The SCOREGolf Top 100 courses in Canada.
What began as a grading of the country’s top 15 tracks in 1988 grew to a list of 25 in 1990, to 50 in 1994 and 100 by 2000.
Initially the ranking was completed by a small group of mostly golf professionals. Today the ranking is done primarily by public players or private club members.
The list is released every two years.
The Hamilton Golf and Country Club ranked #4
By Staff
July 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
On October 24, 2022, people across Ontario will have the privilege of casting their ballots for Mayor, Town and Regional Counsellors, School Trustees, and in Halton’s Case, the Regional Chair.
So few vote in our municipal elections. But it’s the level of government that has the greatest impact on the quality of our daily lives. From drinking water to waste management, emergency services to social services – our local and regional governments provide every day services that keep our communities safe.
A group of residents across Halton’s four municipalities are challenging all voters to participate in the Municipal Elections on October 24, 2022.
The 2022 Ontario Provincial Election saw an historically low voter turnout. While our current Premier was returned to power with 40.8% of the popular vote across Ontario, in reality, that represents only about 18% of eligible voters.*
A high voter turnout will provide our municipal and regional politicians with a strong mandate to advocate for our communities with all levels of government – Federal and Provincial.
Halton can do better. This is a CALL TO ACTION
A website has been set up to energize the Halton electorate and challenge residents to get out and vote. It is not a partisan site. It is not designed to promote any single politician or support party interests.
Visitors will not be asked for money.
The site does deliver information encouraging interested individuals to register to run in the elections, and will provide easy-to-access candidate information to all Halton voters.
The goal: to be a reliable and trusted “go-to” source for Halton Municipal Election information.
Mary T. Cardamone, a real estate sales representative at The Cardamone Group is the founding sponsor of the site, and is challenging other businesses and individuals across Halton to join the effort.
“I love Oakville, and I love Halton,” says Cardamone, “and that’s why volunteering in our communities, and voting in elections is so important to me.
We need to show everyone that local government matters. I am throwing out a challenge not only to Halton, but to residents across Ontario to make the next municipal elections matter.
We can and will do better in 2022.”
For more information, visit the website at www.haltonregionvotes.org, or email us at info@haltonregionvotes.org.
 By Margo Shuttleworth
July 29th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
As the deadline draws near for people to submit their names to run in the upcoming municipal election, there is a notable absence of names being put forward to run for School Board Trustee. At first glance, this can be seen as a vote of confidence from the community that we are doing things right at the board table. However, with several Trustees in Burlington and Oakville not seeking re-election, it has left places at the table to be filled.
 Dr. Margo Shuttleworth, Chair Halton District School Board The role of a trustee is not an easy one. There is a large time commitment involved in juggling work commitments, however, it is extremely rewarding. We have done many great things over the past four years during my term which, as a board, we are all proud of:
We launched and are responding to our Reimagine Forward initiative
We created a Multi-Year and are working hard to fulfil our goals and commitments with a focus on students’ learning and achievement, mental health and well-being, equity and inclusion, indigenous perspectives and environmental leadership
We have work hard to represent those traditionally underrepresented groups
We have asked hard question but have always ensured we are kind and respectful
(and probably most importantly) we have worked collaboratively as a team to support students, families and staff
These great achievements are some of the amazing pieces of being a trustee. We all came to the table for different reasons, and that diversity of opinion is something that makes our board so great.
Please consider what your reasons may be. Look at it from a positive lens, what you can add, how you can contribute and how you can serve your community. Reach out to your Trustees to get information as to what is involved. I know the Trustees who are seeking different paths in this upcoming election are happy to chat and would welcome the opportunity for some new and diverse voices to be at our table. We want our students to see themselves within the people who represent them. It is disappointing that we have not seen more interest in the trustee role, but I hope that people will reach out to either myself or your local trustee, find out what is involved and consider the opportunity.
Dr Margo A Shuttleworth is the Chair of the Halton District School Board and the Trustee for ward 4. She can be reached at Shuttlewortm@hdsb.ca
905 691 4508
Twitter: @margoshuttle
Facebook: Margo Shuttleworth Burlington Ward 4 Trustee
Instagram: Margo4Trustee
By Pepper Parr
July 27th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Yesterday, or maybe it was the day before Regional Chair Gary Carr officially announced he was running for re-election.
Today, the Region published a notice that on July 13th Council approved a direction to maintain low tax increases in 2023.
Is there a connection between the two – there certainly is – the one thing Gary Carr has done is keep taxes down – he has kept taxes so low that the Region has a better credit rating that the government of the United States.
 Waste water treatment plant in Burlington’s Beachway The Report lays the foundation for keeping taxes at or below the rate of inflation in 2023 while investing in critical programs and services that meet the needs of our community. The Report maintains the priority to ensure the property tax rate increase is targeted not to exceed 3 per cent and the water and wastewater rate increase is targeted not to exceed 4.1 per cent.
“Halton Region has maintained a strong financial position throughout the challenges of COVID-19 and through the pandemic recovery,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “This ultimately positions the Region to minimize the financial impacts on residents and businesses while delivering high-quality programs and services that support the health and well-being of all members of the Halton community.”
If that sounds like a re-election platform – it is.
Most of the Regional Councillors are running for re-election
 Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette – retiring. Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette has already announced that he was retiring.
 Is Gord Krantz, currently the longest serving Mayor in the province and probably in the country as well facing the possibility of defeat in October? Milton Mayor Gord Krantz is said to be facing a contender. Male and a current Council member is all we have at this point.
The key priorities for the 2023 budget include:
Public Health – an ongoing focus on the COVID-19 response, continuing vaccination needs and requirements and supporting the Public Health’s pandemic recovery. This includes the revitalization of Public Health services that have been suspended during the pandemic, such as catch-up of grade seven immunizations. Budgetary impacts include uncertainties in additional funding from the Province to offset costs.
Waste Management – investments in key initiatives that will extend the lifespan of the Halton Waste Management Site, increase waste diversion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Also includes ongoing planning for the transition of the Blue Box program to full producer responsibility in 2025 and monitoring the impacts of COVID-19 on the amount of solid waste material being generated.
Road Operations – investment in expanding the road maintenance program to ensure the state-of-good-repair of our roads and to support the expansion of the Region’s transportation infrastructure to accommodate growth.
Housing Services – investment for the Halton Rental Assistance Program (HRAP) due to an unprecedented increase in households in the shelter system related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Services for Seniors – making investments that support more direct hours of care for residents in long-term care. Also responding to increasing costs associated with additional staffing as a result of funding limitations.
Employment & Social Services – supporting the provincial government’s transformation of employment support services, including a new service delivery model to meet the needs of the local economy.
Paramedic Services – maintaining existing service levels while addressing increased costs associated with inflation, increased call volumes, response times and population and other growth pressures.
Children’s Services – investments to increase quality, accessibility, affordability and inclusivity in early learning and child care based on the Federal and Provincial Government’s Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) Agreement.
Digital Strategy – continuing to invest in expanding the delivery of digital services to the community. This includes investments in digital technology to support decision-making and delivery of the most requested customer-facing services digitally.
Throughout the budget planning process, there will be a continued focus on finding cost efficiencies across all areas to achieve these targets. The 2023 Budget and Business Plan is scheduled to be reviewed by Regional Council on January 18, 2023 and consideration of approval is scheduled on January 25, 2023.
Interesting to note that there is no mention of what it is costing to run the Office of the Medical Officer of Health – Covid19 responses have blown the budget they have wide open. There isn’t much in the way of efficiencies at that level
By that time the re-elected will have been sworn in and their immediate worries will be over.
 Is there a new Mayor for the Town of Milton in this picture?
By Pepper Parr
July 28th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Candidate Angelo Bentivegna willing posed for photographs that were used on his run for Council in 2018.
The Love My Neighbourhood story that we have been following was attended by two members of Council: Mayor Meed Ward and Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna.
Mayor Med Ward stopped responding to questions from the Gazette almost from the day she was elected. Before then she was always available.
We put the following questions to Councillor Bentivegna:
Do you have any comment on the Love My Neighbourhood you attended with Mayor Meed Ward?
Did you personally know the people who held the event ?
You were aware of the Love My Neighbourhood program – I have heard you speak about it very favourably in the past.
Did you read the rules and restrictions set out in the program application?
Did you yourself sponsor or support anyone in your ward who received funds for an event.
And added the following comments in the email sent to the Councillor
I would like to follow up with this story before the end of the week – if you would like to talk about this on the record – let me know.
I recall an occasion when you didn’t fully understand what “working a room” meant.
There is another phrase you should find useful: Get out in front of a news story before it takes over.
Early in his political career Bentivegna was available for interviews and photo sessions.
We look to him to explain his position on the Love My Neighbourhood event
Related news stories:
Director of Parks and Recreation explains
|
|
