 By Staff
June 12th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
In honour of Father’s Day on Sunday, the province is offering free fishing this weekend.
 Cast a line June 15 and 16 to celebrate Father’s Day.” “Father’s Day weekend is a great time to get out on one of Ontario’s beautiful lakes or rivers and enjoy fishing,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources. “Fishing is a fun activity for everyone in the family and it’s a great way to spend time together, so I encourage you to cast a line June 15 and 16 to celebrate Father’s Day.”
Right now, you can fish for many species, including yellow perch, common carp, northern pike, lake trout and walleye in most of Ontario. Some water bodies have exceptions; be sure to check the Fishing Regulations Summary before heading out so you are aware of all limits on how many fish you can keep.
If you are fishing for free during this period, you need to carry identification issued by the provincial or federal government, showing your name and date of birth.
- Over one million licensed anglers spend $1.75 billion per year on recreational fishing in Ontario.
- The last annual free fishing event this year is Family Fishing Week (June 29-July 7) to celebrate Canada Day.
- Ontario fishing licences can be purchased online at huntandfishontario.com. If buying online, always look for the Ontario logo. You can also purchase in person at participating ServiceOntario or authorized licence issuer locations.
- Outside of free fishing periods, most Canadians between the ages of 18 and 65 must have an Outdoors Card and a fishing licence.
- Veterans and active Canadian Armed Forces members residing in Ontario can enjoy free recreational fishing in the province all year. •
 By Pepper Parr
June 12th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Lydia Thomas was one of two women who gave excellent delegations before Council this week. The two delegations should be read at the same time – these women are talking about your taxes and your city.
Lydia Thomas was back before City Council talking about taxes.
This time she wanted council to think in terms of the process they used to determine what taxes were going to be.
 Lydia Thomas: “Good principles of budgeting can be used no matter what city or corporation we are talking about regardless of the services provided” In her delegation Thomas used the way Markham adopts their budget as ab example hoping that Burlington would at least take a look at what Markham was doing and consider a similar approach for Burlington. Thomas didn’t suggest that people from Burlington pay the folks in Markham a visit and learn what they could.
Thomas made the point that she didn’t want to adopt the Markham budget but did want to adopt the principles of budgeting from Markham. “Good principles of budgeting can be used no matter what city or corporation we are talking about regardless of the services provided” she said
The key thing to remember about Markham’s E3 process is that it involves every department and every single spend. These 4 pillars must be applied to all areas of Burlington City Hall – not just 1 or 2 spend cut targets.
My name is Lydia Thomas living in Aldershot Burlington.
During the 2024 budget process, there were many residents including myself who identified the need to stop property tax increases and accelerate cost cutting.
Despite the fact that more than 40 motions were brought forward and some were passed, the budget increase miraculously remained the same at 10.2%. Some quotes from the mayor which I found discouraging were we can “use savings of $1M to fund new Full Time Employees in IT department” and in another instance – that is a good way to “save to help fund the transformation” project.
The end result was that the 10.2% increase remained the same despite the cost savings motions that were passed. It was clear to me that there was absolutely no intent in trying to reduce resident’s property taxes despite the public outcry for prudence.
 Budget goals – Thomas believes they are possible This tells me that we the public need to get involved earlier and more frequently. And so, my Expectations of this council are much higher but very attainable.
For 24 years The City of Markham has received the Distinguished Budget Award and received an A- rating from the CD Howe Report for their Budget fundamentals. In comparison Burlington has received none of these awards and although not rated in the CD Howe Report, Burlington would be comparable to Hamilton’s F rating or at best Oakville’s D- rating.
 Not a comparison the Burlington taxpayers are going to be comfortable with. Markham has a history of low property tax increases with an average of 2.17% increase over 20 years. Burlington’s is almost double that at 4.28%. PAUSE
 Graphic shows what Markham tax rates have been. Burlington had six years of 0% tax increases – it is still paying for the catch up road maintenance that wasn’t done when taxes were 0%  Lydia Thomas: Got involved last year when a 10% plus tax increase was imposed. Markham’ highest tax increase in 20 years was 3.98%. They also had 4 years of zero % increases.
So YES, it can be done.
Burlington City council has approved tax increases of 15.5% in 2023 and 10.2% in 2024.
Markham’s 3 year compounded tax increase has been 7.8% while Burlington’s was 32%! That is more than 4x that of Markham!
 Why the reliance on residential property for tax revenue? Not enough in the way of commercial yet the city is reducing the size of the employemt lands. 71% of Burlington’s revenue comes from Property taxes while the average Canadian municipality is 48%. Burlington is overly reliant on property taxes to fund initiatives and so we are overtaxed.
So what is the secret to Markham’s success in hitting 0% property tax increases? –
Markham devotes an abundance of time and energy towards cost cutting and revenue generation otherwise know as an E3 program Excellence in Effectiveness and Efficiency. As you can see on this slide, their hard work represents $35.8 Million in savings since 2009 and represents 28% tax avoidance for Markham residents.
Burlington’s 2024 budget savings were 0.2% while Markham’s was 2% in each of the first 2 years of the E3 program.
 Markham has a bigger population than Burlington but a lower operating budget – why? Here we see that although Burlington and Markham have the same size budget of around $434M , Markham is serving a population that is 71% LARGER !!!! with an operating budget that is 20% SMALLER !!! It is clear that cost savings are available in Burlington.
I am proposing that through the leadership of our Council that we create a Burlington Excellence through Efficiency and Effectiveness (E3) task force that works with Markham to implement their program in Burlington. The goal would be 1.5% or $6.5M in spend cuts and revenue generation and would be directly allocated – NOT towards new spend projects but towards reducing property taxes to 0%.
Zero % is possible if we learn from Markham.
This E3 goal of $6.5 M towards 0% property tax increases will be the most important budget ask from the community. It will be how we measure this Council’s success.
Last year the online survey clearly stated that 57% of respondents wanted services cut to maintain or reduce taxes. And yet you did the opposite – you increased property taxes to enhance services. Cut spending to reduce taxes was far and away the #1 request over and above density, transportation or any other important theme.
If I look at Burlington’s 2024 budget document, cost cutting is not easy to find. I had to dig for the numbers in the appendix. Markham on the other hand has it stated as a priority and mandate within the first 15 pages of their budget. Cost cutting needs to be more of a focus and will require some tough decisions but if Markham can do it so can we -let’s learn from them.
 Four key areas to focus on. In order to hit our E3 goal of 1.5%, we can focus on 4 key areas:
The first area is process improvements.
Process Improvements – the key here is that a Task Force called the “Make it Happen” task force should be created to drive the E3 process and provide progress reports back to council and the public. One key area to focus on is process mapping to reduce redundancies and cut workload.
Technology -The City of Burlington has spent millions of dollars in technological investment which should translate to time savings and efficiencies to redeploy head count. And yet, we have increased headcount at an alarming rate with 111 hires in the last year and 57 more planned. This should be another Focus of the Make it happen Taskforce- working with the software selling company’s team to accelerate efficiencies and drive costs down.
Increase Revenues – service user fees, by law enforcement, business tax collection, library fees, parking fees, timing of fee payment and investment funds have revenue increase potential. There are many revenue opportunities but the key thing is to do it without increasing head count.
Centers of Excellence- the 3 previous slides should lead you to re-examine org structures, reduce reporting levels, redeploy resources, retraining and succession planning all for cost savings.
The last and most important thing I want to talk about is lock step community engagement through this process including all budget related decisions all year. Getting us involved in September clearly did not work last year.
 Give the taxpayers what they asked for. We have a charter of Public Engagement that clearly agrees to: and I quote: (1)“ partner with the public in each aspect of the decision including the development of alternatives …” (2) “ place the final decision-making in the hands of the public” (3) “we will implement what you decide”
Since November when I brought up the point that these values were missing from the 2024 budget process, all of a sudden I see that you are talking about changing the charter with discussions in September. The charter is just fine the way it is. You only need to walk the talk and live up to the promises you made when you created it.
 Thomas: Walk the Talk with the Charter of Community Engagement The public deserves to be lock step involved in every aspect leading up to the budget. Specifically, we would like the Budget to be a standing agenda item at all Community of the whole and Council meetings.
We would like biweekly progress reports from the “Make it Happen” task force and the right to comment as department budget proposals are being submitted and not as they are approved. We want to be engaged every step of the way January to December as per the charter of public engagement.
So to summarize, the ask is to adopt Markham’s E3 Model with a 1.5% goal.
-Walk the Talk with the Charter of Community Engagement- don’t change it, execute it exactly as you promised and as I suggested
-Adopt Markham’s budget format and transparency of language particularly in the first 15 pages
-Commit to ZERO % tax increase- 32% in the last 3 years should be enough
And lastly
-Increase the property tax subsidy from 600 households which is negligible to 5000
There was a brisk back and forth discussion with Council after the delegations. Both Doreen Sebeen and Lydia Thomas were saying much the same thing – change the way you are doing things and improve on the way you engage the public.
Because both women, who knew each other when they attended high school in Stony Creek, had important things to say, we will do a wrap up of the comments that took place between each of the women and City council in a separate article.
By Staff
June 11th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Next week, the City of Burlington and BurlingtonGreen are partnering to host a tree planting event at Bromley Park.
 People are invited to participate in planting 250 small native trees in the park to grow Burlington’s urban canopy.
Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2024, rain or shine
Time: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Bromley Park, 217 Maureen Ct., Burlington, ON L7L 4A4
Advanced registration is required.
Participants can sign up at BurlingtonGreen.org
Participants are asked to bring their own shovels, trowels and gardening gloves.
- The City has more than 85,000 trees.
- In spring 2024, Burlington City Council approved the City’s updated Urban Forest Master Plan and Woodland Management Strategy
- As part of the City’s Urban Forest Master Plan and Woodland Management Strategy, the City is working to maintain its current forest and increase the tree canopy to 35 per cent by 2060. The City needs to plant 10,000 new trees and restore four hectares of woodland each year to meet this goal.
- The City is focusing on:
- increasing Burlington’s urban tree canopy,
- maximizing how long trees live and
- offering more chances for the community to get involved in protecting and growing trees across the City.
Enrico Scalera, Director of Roads, Parks and Forestry Departmentmakes the point that “This community tree planting event at Bromley Park is just one way we’re meeting the goals in our updated Urban Forest Master Plan. When we asked residents what to include in the Urban Forest Master Plan, we repeatedly heard that the community would like to help in tree planting events. We appreciate the community’s interest in protecting and growing our urban forest and encourage local residents to come to Bromley Park for this event. Dedicating a few hours at a community tree planting event is a great way to make a lasting impact on our environment.”
 Amy Schnurr, Co-Founder/Executive Director, BurlingtonGreen Amy Schnurr, Co-Founder/Executive Director, BurlingtonGreen has been planting trees for a long long time and is excited to partner with the City of Burlington to offer an opportunity for the community to come together to plant over 200 trees to beautify the city while strengthening local biodiversity and helping to address climate change.”
Links and Resources
 By Staff
June 11th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
To support construction of a new train bridge that will increase GO Train service on the Lakeshore West Line, there will be a full closure of Burloak Drive for 10 days beginning this Friday, June 14 until Monday, June 24, 2024.
 When completed – this is what drivers and pedestrians can look forward to. This work is being completed in collaboration with the City of Burlington and the Town of Oakville and is vital to supporting more frequent two-way, all-day GO service for customers on the Lakeshore West Line.
Once completed, the new bridge – known as a grade separation – will allow vehicles to pass safely under the train tracks, enhancing pedestrian and motorist safety while allowing trains to pass over the area without interruption.
What locals can expect:
- The closure will take place on Burloak Drive from Harvester / Wyecroft Road to Prince William Drive / Superior Court. The sidewalk and bicycle lane will also be closed.
- The road closure will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday June 14. This will be a complete closure except from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday to Friday (June 17-21) when it will be open for southbound traffic only to alleviate peak afternoon traffic.
- The intersection of Burloak Drive and Prince William Drive will remain open to traffic during the closure.
- To ensure continued access to local businesses, two temporary lanes will be maintained, one in each direction, from Prince William Drive to the plaza at 700-728 Burloak Drive.
 This kind of experience will come to an end. During construction, traffic control measures will be implemented to help manage traffic.
Detail on the important update can be found hereon the Burloak Drive Grade Separation project in Oakville.
For further details regarding the temporary closures on Burloak Drive, please refer to the construction notice HERE.
 By Pepper Parr
June 11th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
We sent Peter John Vandyk a note last July – he got back to us this morning.
Stunning news.
 Peter John Vandyk with MP Karina Gould and Mayor Marianne Meed Ward at a presentation event. “I have attached the financial statements to confirm the summary below. They are a non -profit but have not broken even the past 4 years and there are other problems in this organization.
Membership revenue is declining
- 2020 – $345,000
- 2021 – $316,336
- 2022 – $321,918
- 2023 – $289,680
The membership total has gone down several hundred since 2020. However in the annual report they are claiming to have grown by 67 members. How can you report growth when the membership fees paid have gone down by over 10% or $32,238?
Salaries are going up
- 2020 – $439,300
- 2021 – $534,634
- 2022 – $535,955
- 2023 – $603,947
 Chamber of Commerce president Terry Caddo at a Chamber sponsored event. Professional fees
- 2020 – $8,498
- 2021 – $7,987
- 2022 – $54,046
- 2023 – $61,641
Why is the BCC is spending $115,687 on lawyers and accountants the past 2 years?
Bad debts
- 2020 – $26,005
- 2021 – $10,793
- 2022 – $32,930
- 2023 – $9044
The BCC has written off $78,772 of bad debt over the past 4 years. In 2019 this amount was $2,030
Interest and bank charges
- 2022 – $17,190
- 2023 – $17,835
Prior to 2022 the BCC did not borrow money or pay interest charges. They have spent $35,025 in the past 2 years.
 Scott Bridger, Director of Membership and Business Development. In Summary the Burlington chamber has lost $507,860 over the past 4 years.
- 2020 – ($61,802)
- 2021 – ($179,109)
- 2022 – ($134,954)
- 2023 – ($131,860)
I have been an active member of the BCC since 1992.
It appears that the Chamber really did need th rent reduction they asked the city to give them earlier this week.
Related news story:
Chamber of Commerce asks city for a rent reduction
 By Staff
June 11th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Help us make Burlington Public Library the best it can be! This is your chance to tell us how we’re doing, what we can improve, and what’s important to you. Your feedback will help us better understand and meet your needs.
The survey is anonymous and runs from Monday, June 10, to Sunday, June 23. It includes three sections: demographics (optional), customer satisfaction, and community well-being. Please scroll down inside the survey box below to answer all the questions. A paper copy of the survey is available on request at our branches.
This anonymous survey will take roughly three minutes to complete. The survey closes on Sunday, June 23.
Take the survey now!
By Pepper Parr
June 11th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
A full day for City Council. Not only will they handle an agenda that has some major items – there will also be a Special Meeting of Council during which the Sound of Music people will be before Council with their tin cup – looking for a short term loan – they have run out of money and need some cash in the bank to cover operating costs until revenue from events comes in.
This was a desperate close to last minute request.
Items to be considered at the Special Meeting of Council: 6.1 Sound of Music Festival – 2024 Loan Request (RCC-14-24) 1 – 4 Approve a short-term loan to Sound of Music Inc. in the upset amount of $125,000 to support cash flow requirements for the 2024 Sound of Music Festival.
 Huge crowds – but no cash Sound of Music Inc. (SOM) is a non-profit organization that has been bringing people to the City of Burlington’s waterfront to celebrate live music for over 40 years. They host the Sound of Music Festival each June. This event is made possible by the support of local levels of government, sponsors, and volunteers. The event provides cultural and community value to Burlington, while also providing a strong economic impact to local businesses.
SOM has had challenges in past years including but not limited to pandemic recovery, shift to a more sustainable event model including a new paid event and overall turnover in staff and their Board of Directors (BOD).
The current BOD is working diligently to ensure that this year’s event is a success. SOM is estimating a revenue neutral budget for 2024 and is optimistic about its projected merchandise and food and beverage profit from the event. As is the case with many outdoor events, weather is a critical success factor. Due to a grant application that went in late, mainly attributed to the various changes in personnel, SOM is 3 weeks late for funding approval.
Many vendors require upfront payment and thus creating a cash flow issue for the festival and as such, SOM is requesting a short-term loan from the City of Burlington to cover various pre-festival expenses.
Strategy/process/risk
The recommendation is for the City to provide a short-term loan in the upset amount of $125,000 to the SOM to help with their immediate cash flow situation. This option will not affect the operating budget but would result in a loan receivable on the City’s books from SOM. The loan would be repayable within a 6-month period.
In addition, City staff, coordinated through the Festival and Events team are providing some additional support to SOM for this year’s festival. Staff will be reporting back in the fall of 2024 to re-cap the event, summarize the in-kind and other support provided by the City as well as discuss sustainability options for the festival.
Financial Matters:
The City’s annual operating budget provides a grant to support the SOM festival. For 2024 this grant was $150,000. On a typical year, the City provides additional “in-kind” support, such as;
Event logistical support (this support is enhanced for the 2024 festival).
RPF and Transportation staff time and resources used for planning and the management of multiple road closures throughout the event.
ITS provides WiFi access through the City’s provider.
The use of Central Park field for SOM parade staging.
Additional power used in Spencer Smith Park for the event.
Other City fees associated with the events, such as permits and licenses, are billed directly to SOM.
The Gazette has information regarding the flow of funds from the Sound of Music to an individual we cannot name at this point. There appear to be some significant failures in how the financial side of the Sound of Music is being handled.
Is this the beginning of the end of Sound of Music as a signature event for Burlington?
By Staff
June 11th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
By the numbers
 Gardner Expressway. 60 Months
—
The average lease term for office deals in Canada in 2023.
18,612
—
The number of new listings in the GTA in May, marking a 21% increase year over year.
42.5%
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The sale-to-new-listings ratio in Greater Vancouver in May, indicating that the market is moving in favour of buyers.
25 Minutes
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The time it now takes to drive between Jarvis and Dufferin (approximately five kilometres) along the Gardner, up from 11 minutes before construction on the aging highway forced lane closures that are expected to last until 2027.
$2,200
—
The record-breaking average rent Canadians are paying, according to Rentals.ca and Urbanation.
60%
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The percentage of Canadian mortgage holders who aren’t consulting a broker before renewing or refinancing. Here’s how to stay out of that stat.
By Pepper Parr
June 10th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Terry Caddo, president and chief executive officer the Burlington Chamber of Commerce appeared before Council representing the Chamber, the Burlington Downtown Business Association, Burlington Economic Development and Tourism.
 Terry Caddo, president and chief executive officer the Burlington Chamber of Commerce The four organizations are housed on the second floor of 441 Locust Street. The have been co-located at that address, next to the parking garage for over 20 years. They are described as Team Burlington.
They were advised recently that they are required to pay “market rate rents” and want a reduction from the market rate.
Caddo, explained that as a not for profit organization, they generate the bulk of their revenue. A rent increase would mean less for the services they deliver to the commercial/services community in the city.
Secondly, the co-location of Team Burlington members serves a crucial purpose. It creates collision opportunities, generating synergy and efficiency. It is essential for all of us to remain near one another, to effectively coordinate our efforts and maximize impact.
In the last week alone, we’ve had a new chamber member who’s looking to open a new restaurant in Burlington, and we’re able to connect them to Economic Development and direct them to the Aldershot area. WE ARE looking forward to a new Thai restaurant coming into Aldershot, which would never happen without our collision opportunities and getting to know each other better.
Additionally, in two weeks, we’re going to have a restarted Bay Area Economic Summit, where the Chamber, along with Economic Development, will host the Premier, the mayor of Burlington and the mayor of Hamilton, to talk about the size of the economy in Burlington. This wouldn’t happen without our collision opportunities and being co located.
I’m asking you, on behalf of my colleagues to support our request for a rent reduction. By doing so, you will continue Mayor Malkovich and subsequent Council’s vision to reinforce a thriving, collaborative and inclusive Burlington.
 The Chamber of Commerce doesn’t appear to have any financial pressures. Half a million for a staff of five. Office space + less than $80,000. These are 2022 end of year numbers. There were no questions. The request would be taken up later in the meeting.
The motion memorandum regarding the lease rate reduction came from Councillor Sharman who had sent his regrets and wasn’t attending the meeting. Councillor Galbraith moved the item and spoke to it.
 Kelvn Galbraith, Councillor Ward 2 It’s all in the report, but it’s basically rate reduction to keep those Team Burlington members in that facility. As Terry Caddo spoke to it, there is lots of additional benefits to having them working together; collisioning, is the way he put it, is very beneficial to their organizations. We do not want them looking elsewhere throughout the city and splitting up our team. So this is a way to keep the nonprofits in there and working together. So the rest of it’s in the report in the motion. If you have any questions, ask away. There were no questions on the motion.
Mayor Meed Ward commented: first of all, I want to thank staff and Emily Cote and her team for bringing this creative idea forward. We do have nonprofit group rates in a number of our facilities so it really does follow an existing policy. And as Councillor Galbraith said, this will allow our folks to remain co located, but also in a downtown location which would normally go for a premium rate. So we want them close and they we want them there, and they do great work for us. So this reduction will actually allow them to deploy additional resources right back into the community, doing the work that we couldn’t provide.
 Lisa Kearns, Councillor ward 2 Councillor Kearns had a question for the finance staff. “I wanted to be sure I understood the funding piece. So the reduced rate, for the qualifying not for profit, is $25,000. Will this cost be reported at the end of the year in the annual variance surplus disposition. Is the $25,000 an annual cost, or is that the remainder of the year budgetary impact that will be reflected in the variance or surplus disposition.
Finance staff reported that is an annual cost. So we would anticipate six months impact in 2024 and it would need to be built into our 2025 budget.
Kearns: Will this come in under a budget motion memo or a budget line.
Finance Staff: It would be an adjustment, if you’re approving it here today, we would automatically build that into the 2025 budget. Okay?
The actual rent amounts to $2083 per month is that split between the four organizations?
Councillor Bentivegna said he was aware of the Motion and would normally want to see it coming at budget time for the following year, in this particular case, seeing that it is a business operation in the city, a very large business operation that attracts new business, and it is vital for us to continue to increase our employment program here, especially moving forward with the growth going on. So I do support this moving forward. I’m not going to say it’s not a lot of money, because every nickel counts. And in this case, tourism dollars will be created. Hotel dollars will be created, which give us more funding as well. And from an employment standpoint, BDC, working with Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, is a great fit, and has been for many, many, many years, and I think that’s one of the reasons why I’m supporting it. So thank you for that.
There were no further questions or comments; they turned to the vote – a simple show of hands, all those in favour, any opposed, seeing none that does carry unanimously.
It will go to Council later in the month.
What wasn’t clear is – does the reduction apply to just the not for profit organizations – or are they all not for profit organizations.
What this appears to amount to is the city collecting rent from not for profits that are doing work the city is unable to do? Right?
By Staff
June 10th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 Denise Swedlo, a graduate of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program I was only two when an accident forever altered the course of my life. Innocently playing outside, I ventured too close to a moving lawn mower, unaware of the danger it posed. The operator was unaware of my presence and backed up, not realizing I had stumbled and fallen behind the lawn mower. I was rushed to the hospital where doctors had to amputate my right arm above the elbow and part of my left hand.
As a graduate of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, I am advocating for safety measures around lawn mowers. I accept who I am today, but I wouldn’t want another child to go through what I did.
It’s important to recognize that accidents can occur in the blink of an eye, with lifelong consequences. By sharing my story and raising awareness, I hope to encourage greater caution and vigilance among parents, caregivers and communities alike.
 By Pepper Parr
June 10th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
There is that beautiful phrase woman have: What part of No don’t you understand?
There is another word: treason.
There are members of Parliament who, while not yet personally identified, have chosen to serve foreign governments rather than the Government of Canada where they serve as members of Parliament.
Each political party meets in closed sessions as a caucus.
That means that when the Liberals and the Conservatives caucus they are in a room with people who are traitors.
If this were war time those traitors would be shot. There were more than 12 men in the Canadian Armed Forces who were shot during the Second World War because they were found to be traitors.
There appears to be enough evidence to charge them with treason but the RCMP are not expected to lay criminal charges.
We have three members of Parliament who represent different parts of Burlington: Karina Gould; a Cabinet Minister; Pam Damoff, a parliamentary assistant and Allan Van GET the member for Milton.
 Pam Damoff, Liberal MO Oakville North Burlington.  Karina Gould, Member of the Liberal Cabinet and MP for Burlington.  Adam van Koeverden, MP for Milton. All three attend the Liberal caucus, knowing now that some of their colleagues; the people in the room with them are traitors.
And they say nothing?
The least they could do is ask the Prime Minister to remove them from caucus and dismiss them from the Liberal Party.
These three people really need to think about just what treason amounts to.
Matt Gurney, a Toronto Star contributing columnist, in a podcast with Susan Delacourt said the following:
“People can (and very much have!) been removed from caucus in the wake of explosive allegations. This isn’t new. This prime minister has done it. Legislators get benched for allegations of sexual misconduct, of financial misdeeds, of impaired driving or substance abuse … it’s not frequent, thank God, but it’s also not unheard of. And the reason is both obvious and valid: the political leaders understand that public confidence in both their political party and the government as a whole requires that kind of public step, even when the allegations may be criminal and have not yet been proven.
“The notion that these allegations are just too serious to do anything about isn’t going to fly with the public. I think the politicos are stuck in analysis paralysis and that’s not tenable.”
 By Jeremy Ranford
June 11th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
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- User experience: This encompasses the overall look and feel of the casino, the intuitiveness of the navigation, mobile compatibility, and the user journey from sign-up to gameplay. A seamless, engaging, and accessible experience across all devices is essential.
- Customer service quality: Top-ranking casinos must demonstrate excellent customer support services. Innovate Change evaluates the availability of support (24/7 support is a plus), the responsiveness of the team, and the variety of contact methods offered, such as live chat, email, and phone support.
- Payout speed: Casinos are rated on their ability to process withdrawals quickly and efficiently. Those that offer fast payouts and a variety of withdrawal methods are rated higher, as this is a crucial aspect of the customer experience.
- Security protocols: Strong security measures are non-negotiable. Casinos must use advanced encryption technology to protect players’ personal and financial data. Innovate Change also considers additional security measures such as two-factor authentication and regular security audits.
- Fair play and integrity: Innovate Change evaluates the presence of fair play credentials such as RNG certification and audit reports from recognized industry bodies. Casinos that regularly audit their games and publish payout reports are considered more transparent and trustworthy.
- Responsible gaming resources: Casinos that provide tools and resources to promote responsible gaming—like self-assessment tests, setting account limits, and self-exclusion options—are recognized for their commitment to player welfare.
 Best real money casinos in Canada recommended by Innovate Change
- Spin Casino – best for high-quality live dealer games.
- Jackpot City Casino – best for high payout ratios and progressive jackpots.
- Zodiac Casino – best for its astrological theme and unique player experience.
- Captain Cooks Casino – best for its new player offer of 100 chances to become a millionaire for just $5.
- Yukon Gold Casino – best for themed promotions and the American Frontier experience.
- Luxury Casino – best for VIP treatment and luxury-themed gaming environment.
- Casino Rewards – best for its loyalty program across affiliated casinos.
- Casino Classic – best for a traditional and classic online casino experience.
- Fallsview Casino – best for its spectacular views and large gaming floor in a physical location.
- Stake Casino – best for cryptocurrency integration and modern betting options.
Spin Casino – best for high-quality live dealer games
Spin Casino, launched in 2001, has established itself as one of the premier online gaming destinations. Renowned for its robust selection of games and a sharp, user-friendly interface, Spin Casino promises a premium experience underpinned by a commitment to security and fair play. It operates under the Malta Gaming Authority license, ensuring a trustworthy gaming environment.
Pros
- A vast array of games across various categories.
- Exceptional mobile compatibility for gaming on the go.
- Regular promotions and loyalty rewards.
- Strong security measures and fair play commitment.
Games
Spin Casino offers an impressive range of over 600 games, including slots, blackjack, roulette, and live dealer games. Popular titles like ‘Mega Moolah’ provide thrilling progressive jackpot opportunities, while a variety of table games cater to traditionalists. The live casino section, powered by Evolution Gaming, offers an immersive experience with professional dealers.
Bonuses
New players at Spin Casino can benefit from a welcome bonus of up to $1,000 spread over the first three deposits. Regular promotions and daily, weekly, and monthly bonuses keep players engaged, alongside a rewarding loyalty program that offers exclusive perks.
Mobile-friendly platform
The mobile version of Spin Casino is seamlessly optimized for handheld devices, providing a responsive and intuitive user interface. Players can access a wide range of games without the need for a dedicated app, through a compatible mobile browser on iOS and Android devices, ensuring a high-quality gaming experience on the move.
Jackpot City Casino – best for high payout ratios and progressive jackpots
Since its inception in 1998, Jackpot City Casino has been delivering a high-quality online casino experience. Known for its extensive game library and excellent customer service, Jackpot City is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority and endorsed with an eCOGRA Seal of Approval, highlighting its safety and fairness.
Pros
- Rich selection of over 500 casino games.
- Attractive welcome bonuses and regular promotions.
- High payout ratios and progressive jackpots.
- Comprehensive loyalty program for active players.
Games
Jackpot City Casino excels with its range of games, particularly in slots and progressive jackpots like ‘Mega Moolah.’ Besides slots, it offers a plethora of table games such as baccarat, blackjack, and various roulette options. The live casino area features real-time games hosted by live dealers, crafted by industry leaders like Evolution Gaming.
Bonuses
The welcome offer is especially generous, providing new players with up to NZ$1,600 across the first four deposits. Each deposit is matched 100% up to NZ$400, making it a haven for high rollers and casual players alike.
Mobile-friendly platform
Jackpot City’s mobile platform is robust, offering a vast majority of their popular games optimized for mobile play. The casino’s mobile site is accessible via any mobile web browser, providing a smooth and engaging experience without the need to download additional software.
Zodiac Casino – best for its astrological theme and unique player experience
Zodiac Casino, known for its astrology-themed interface, has been a unique player in the online casino industry since 2001. It holds licenses from several jurisdictions, including the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority, ensuring a safe and regulated gaming environment.
Pros
- A low minimum deposit requirement.
- An impressive range of games, particularly in progressive jackpots.
- Mobile compatibility allows for gaming on the go.
- Offers a unique astrology-based gaming experience.
Games
Zodiac Casino’s game selection is geared heavily towards slots, featuring all of Microgaming’s top titles, including major progressive jackpots like ‘Mega Moolah.’ Besides slots, Zodiac also offers a variety of table games and video poker options, all powered by Microgaming, ensuring high-quality graphics and sound.
Bonuses
Zodiac Casino’s welcome bonus is particularly distinctive. New players can make a first deposit of just $1 and receive 80 chances to win the jackpot on progressive slots. Subsequent bonuses over the next four deposits bring the total bonus opportunity to $480.
Mobile-friendly platform
Zodiac Casino’s mobile site is designed to accommodate players on various devices, including smartphones and tablets. The interface is optimized for smaller screens, ensuring that players can enjoy a vast array of casino games no matter where they are, with no compromise on quality.
Captain Cooks Casino – best for its new player offer of 100 chances to become a millionaire for just $5
Captain Cooks Casino, established in 2003, is an adventurous online casino themed around the legendary explorer James Cook. It is part of the respected Casino Rewards Group and holds a license from the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. Known for its reliability and engaging maritime theme, Captain Cooks offers an exciting journey into the world of online gambling with a promise of exploring vast treasures.
Pros
- A reputable member of the Casino Rewards Group.
- Offers a chance at becoming an instant millionaire with a low initial deposit.
- A broad selection of games, primarily powered by Microgaming.
- Access to progressive jackpot games with massive potential payouts.
Games
Captain Cooks Casino boasts a comprehensive library of over 550 games, with a strong focus on slot machines including popular titles like ‘Thunderstruck II’ and ‘Immortal Romance’. The casino also offers a variety of blackjack, roulette, video poker, and baccarat games. Its selection of progressive jackpot games, such as the famous ‘Mega Moolah’, is particularly noteworthy for offering life-changing sums.
Bonuses
Captain Cooks Casino’s welcome bonus is especially captivating for new players. By depositing just $5, players receive 100 chances to use on the progressive jackpot slots. This is essentially 100 spins at $0.25 per spin on selected progressive slots. Following the initial offer, players can receive up to $475 in bonus funds over their next four deposits, enhancing the overall value and prolonging the gaming experience.
Mobile-friendly platform
While Captain Cooks Casino does not have a dedicated mobile app, its website is fully optimized for mobile devices. This ensures that players can enjoy a seamless experience directly from their browser on any smartphone or tablet, making it easy to play on the go without the need to download additional software. The mobile platform maintains the same level of functionality and user-friendly navigation as the desktop version, ensuring that players have access to a wide range of games and casino features.
Popular slots in Canadian online casinos
According to Innovate Change, the Canadian online casino scene is replete with a diverse range of popular slots, appealing to a wide variety of player preferences. Here’s an overview of some of the most popular slots in Canadian online casinos as reviewed and highlighted by Innovate Change:
- Mega Moolah – Often referred to as the “millionaire maker,” Mega Moolah is famous for its progressive jackpot, which has awarded some of the largest payouts in online casino history. This slot is a staple in the repertoire of Canadian players looking for life-changing wins.
- Starburst – Known for its vibrant color palette and engaging gameplay, Starburst by NetEnt remains a top choice among Canadian gamers. Its low volatility and the feature of expanding wilds allow for frequent wins, making it ideal for both newcomers and seasoned players.
- Book of Dead – This Rich Wilde adventure-themed slot from Play’n GO offers a mix of exciting narrative and the potential for huge wins, thanks to its free spins feature and expanding symbols during bonus rounds. It’s particularly noted for its high volatility, appealing to those looking for larger payouts.
- Gonzo’s Quest – Another fan favorite from NetEnt, Gonzo’s Quest introduces the innovative Avalanche feature, where symbols fall into place rather than spinning on reels. This mechanic, combined with increasing multipliers, offers a unique and thrilling gaming experience.
- Thunderstruck II – This Norse mythology-themed slot from Microgaming is known for its detailed graphics and multitude of bonus features, including the Great Hall of Spins which offers multiple levels of free spins and additional bonuses based on different Norse gods.
- Immortal Romance – Also by Microgaming, this slot features a captivating vampire theme intertwined with intriguing backstories for each character. The Chamber of Spins bonus feature offers players various types of free spins and bonus options as they progress through different narratives.
 Best payment methods according to Innovate Change
Innovate Change provides detailed insights into the most efficient and secure payment methods used in Canadian online casinos. Understanding the best options available helps players choose how to deposit and withdraw funds effectively while ensuring security and convenience. Here’s a look at the top payment methods recommended by Innovate Change for players in Canada.
Interac
- Overview: Widely used across Canada, Interac is favored for its direct link to Canadian bank accounts, facilitating secure and rapid transactions without the need for third-party services.
- Benefits: Offers real-time transfers and is known for its strong security protocols, which are essential for safe online transactions.
eCheck
- Overview: eCheck functions like a digital version of traditional paper checks, allowing direct bank transfers with enhanced security measures.
- Benefits: It’s a preferred option for players who are not in a rush and prioritize security over speed, as transactions can take a few days to clear.
InstaDebit
- Overview: InstaDebit is similar to Interac but offers the added benefit of acting like an e-wallet, allowing users to fund their accounts before making payments or collecting funds directly from their bank accounts.
- Benefits: Provides instant deposits and enhanced privacy since casino operators do not directly handle banking details.
Credit and Debit Cards (Visa & MasterCard)
- Overview: Still popular among players for their ubiquity and ease of use, credit and debit cards are accepted at nearly all online casinos.
- Benefits: Provide instant deposits and the familiarity of use; however, withdrawals can take several days to process.
Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum)
- Overview: Cryptocurrencies are becoming increasingly popular in the Canadian online gambling scene due to their anonymity and speed of transactions.
- Benefits: Offer instant transactions and increased privacy, with additional benefits like lower transaction fees compared to traditional banking methods.
PayPal
- Overview: This widely trusted e-wallet offers a secure way to both send and receive money online, accepted by a growing number of Canadian online casinos.
- Benefits: Quick deposits and withdrawals, high security, and the ability to link multiple cards and bank accounts to one account.
Most attractive bonuses in real money casinos based on Innovate Change
Innovate Change extensively reviews and highlights the most attractive bonuses offered by real money casinos in Canada. These bonuses are designed to enhance the gaming experience by providing additional value and opportunities to players. Here’s an overview of the top types of bonuses that catch the eye of Canadian players, as identified by Innovate Change:
Conclusion: Impact of Innovate Change on Canadian players
Innovate Change has made a lasting impact on players by serving as a beacon of clarity and reliability. By providing detailed reviews and rigorous evaluations of online casinos, Innovate Change has simplified the decision-making process for players, providing them with the knowledge to choose platforms that prioritize fairness, safety, and customer satisfaction. Their commitment to demystifying the complexities of online gambling protects players from the risks of an unregulated market and guides them towards a rewarding gaming experience.
As a final recommendation for readers looking to get into the online casino business, consider the insights and assessments offered by Innovate Change as an important part of your due diligence. Their analysis, based on thorough research and a deep understanding of the industry, is an invaluable tool to help you navigate the gambling industry.
 By Pepper Parr
June 9th, 2014
Burlington, ON
In the delegation Lydia Thomas will put before Council on Monday there is a point that community groups have been struggling to get across in the 12 years I have been following council meetings.
“Engage the public before the decisions are made – involve us while the decisions are being made. Have us at the table with you – it is our money you are collecting and spending.”
Members of every council I have covered claim they are fully engaged; they put out surveys, the hold town hall meetings during which the talking is from the elected to the electors. Not all that much listening.
 The city holds budget review meetings that draw 50 people sometimes – seldom more. Putting questions about the budget on line and letting a panel of 5,000 people respond would give city hall a much bigger picture. They may not like the response they get – then what do they do? In the 12 years I have been doing this I cannot recall one occasion when a delegation was made and a member of council asked the delegator to make an appointment to discuss the delegation and then actually see something positive come out of it.
I have never heard a Councillor say that the idea they are promoting came from a citizen.
There as a certain arrogance to this kind of governing that some in the community are fed up with.
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
By Pepper Parr
June 9th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The community reaction to the tax increase that was before Council last year amounted to four people who were certainly vocal – but four people doesn’t quite cut it when pressing city council to take another look at what they are doing.
Chapman startled his ward Councillor when he shoved a copy of his tax bill under the nose of Kelven Galbraith.
It will be quite a bit different this time around.
 On Monday Council will be getting a 21 deck delegation from Lydia Thomas who was one of the four that pushed the city last time around.
This year she is giving council data that compares Burlington with what Markham has been able to do.
 
The community support for a different approach to the amount of tax money that is collected and how it is spent will be much stronger.
There is a group of between 15 and 25 people who are pulling together plans for a concentrated effort to press the council to do a different form of financial management and be at least more prudent. The group hasn’t come up with an identifying name – they don’t seem to be ready to put their cards on the table as it were. But they are there and their numbers should at least raise an eyebrow,
 Close to 4000 followers at this point in the tax rate debates is significant; will the current council listen to the public concern?
 This second group, while smaller at this point, is looking for ideas and people who want to do more than register their concern. There is an active group on the Nextdoor social network. The group was started in 2023 to share information on the 2024 property tax increase and is still active.
You can follow this link to join the group.
 By Pepper Parr
June 9th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre announced the following nine people as Directors bring the Board size to 13 people.
Stephen Bell, Anna Danielova, Carrie Gervais, Max Honiball, Kari Pimentel, Jim Sweetlove, and Jim Thompson. Youth Ambassador Mark Mazuco was also announced.
Detailed bios appears below.
This Board now has to tackle some serious problems. They have to upgrade their strategic plan; they have to hire a new Executive Director after experiencing the very abrupt resignation of Tammy Fox and determine just what the relationship with the Sound of Music is going to be.
In the past two years BPAC has been financially successful. The Governance issues that plagued the previous Board have been resolved; unfortunately the report that was produced has yet to be made public.
The inclusion of a student on the Board was a good idea. If he proves to be as effective as some of the Student members of the Halton District School Board it will be a positive contribution.
Unfortunately there were no stage performers added to the Board; these are the men and women that are why we have a Performing Arts Centre
One would hope that Chair Ken Smithard will stress the need for both transparency and accountability and ensure that they deliver on the promise.
 Ken Smithard, a recent retiree from his role as President of Cogeco Connexion in Burlington. Ken has over 25 years of Business experience of which 19 of them have been spent in the Telecom and Cable industries. Ken led a Senior Management team of professionals focused on planning and performance, process improvement, enterprise project office and information technology (Internal systems support, development, infrastructure, operations and project delivery).A longtime resident of the Burlington/Hamilton region, Ken has also served on the Board of Directors Cable 14 Board since 2009. He’s also been involved in fundraising for the Paws for Cause charity which raises funds for a cure for canine cancer. Ken has a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University and Masters Business Administration from Concordia.
 Peter W. Van Dyk is a third generation Insurance Broker with PV&V Insurance Centre, a Burlington based brokerage. Born and raised in Burlington, Peter spent time performing music locally and touring around Ontario & Canada prior to starting his career in insurance. Peter currently serves as Vice Chair of YEP Hamilton, as a member of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Committee, and is involved with volunteer initiatives at YWCA Hamilton, and his local church. Peter graduated from Mohawk College in 2010 and spent 3 years with Aviva Canada prior to joining PV&V in 2014.
 Deirdre Flynn is a hands-on, results oriented leader who is now enjoying early retirement and is working freelance. Deirdre’s career path led her to become a Senior Retail Executive with cross-functional expertise across multiple core business including Marketing, Merchandising, and Operations. Most recently, she held the position of Senior Director, Canadian Retail at Crate and Barrel Canada Inc. for a nine year term, ending in 2017. Deirdre is a strong believer in achieving success through collaboration, and recognizes the power of an engaged team working towards common goals.
 Stephen Bell is the hard-working owner of Pepperwood Bistro in Burlington, and has been a proud sponsor of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre for many years. Stephen has over 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry, in both restaurants and hotels, and has owned and operated multiple restaurants and catering companies in and around the Burlington area.A longtime resident of Burlington, Stephen serves on the Boards of Directors for both Tourism Burlington and Burlington Downtown Business Association. Pepperwood Bistro’s charity efforts have raised thousands of dollars for Cystic Fibrosis of Canada as well as other local charities.
 Angelo Bentivegna and his family have lived in Ward 6 for over 35 years. Educated in Montreal at Loyola University and McGill University. Angelo had a successful career as a self-employed executive and consultant in the hospitality industry. His family owns and operates a very successful gift and gourmet business in Burlington.
He was first elected as Burlington’s Ward 6 City & Regional Councillor in 2018 and re-elected for a second term in 2022. During his first term of office, Angelo served on various City Committees and Boards including Accessibility, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Inclusivity, and the Art Gallery of Burlington.
In his second term of office, Angelo has been appointed to the role of Deputy Mayor for Recreation and Community Services, and the City’s Board representative at Joseph Brant Hospital. These responsibilities build on his decades of volunteerism in our community, including with the hospital, sports clubs, and the Gift of Giving Back. This also builds on his experience with the Accessibility and Inclusivity Advisory Committees.
When Angelo is not in Council, he spends as much time as possible with his growing family, loves the outdoors and hockey. He supports and attends many local community events and activities. In 2022 he was a recipient of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Community Service Award.
 Kelly Gleeson is a Senior Wealth Advisor with CIBC Wood Gundy in downtown Burlington where she and her team manages over $250 million of clients’ wealth. She has over 29 years of business and investment experience, and entered the investment industry in 1993 with one of CIBC’s predecessor firms. Kelly provides wealth management and planning expertise to a select group of clients and their families. She and her team believe in “giving back” and are actively involved in fundraising efforts for local and national charities. Kelly moved to Burlington in 1992 with her husband and they have two children who are 23 and 20.
 Emilie Cote: As the director of Recreation, Community and Culture, our team works to provide inclusive recreational and cultural programs for all ages and abilities. Over the last 15 years, I have worked in number of operating departments within the City, including Manager of Business Services and Manager of Recreation Services in RCC, and Manager of Fleet, in Roads, Parks and Forestry. I am consistently energized and honored to work with such passionate staff. They inspire me to “show up every day.” To me, leadership is about empowering people to become the best version of themselves. As Ralph Waldo Emerson says in one of my favourite quotes about leadership: “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” In my free time, I like to stay active doing yoga, skiing, and spending as much time outdoors as possible with my kids.
 Dr. Anna Danielova is currently the Associate Dean, Faculty Affairs and Accreditation at the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University. Previously she has held many different teaching and research positions in financial management, corporate finance, investments and valuation at McMaster as well as prominent universities in the US and Armenia. She has also served as a journalist and editor. Among her long list of awards and accomplishments, Anna was honoured with the prestigious McMaster University President’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teaching and Learning in 2017. She has contributed to many peer-reviewed journal articles.Anna holds a Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Business, Master of Arts, Master of Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Diploma in Technical Translation. She is a Member of the American Finance Association, Financial Management Association, Western Finance Association an Southern Finance Association.
 Carrie Gervais is an experienced financial executive, with a focus on accounting and finance,. She is currently the VP of Finance at MetriCan Group of Companies, where she has worked for the better part of two decades. With a solid reputation for providing strategic financial solutions to assist business growth, Carrie is a trusted advisor and leader, with a focus on building relationships and effectively collaborating with senior executives. An exceptional communicator who uses integrity, credibility and experience to work effectively with all levels of an organization, Carrie is able to adapt quickly in dynamic business environments, while maintaining her focus to meet and exceed strategic goals and objectives. Throughout her career, Carrie has demonstrated an ability to build, lead and support a team by motivating and coaching.Carrie holds a CPA and a CGA from CPA Canada, an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Laurentian, as well as HR Management and Business Accounting and Managerial Economics certificates from McMaster, Mohawk College and University of Guelph respectively.
Max Honiball is an Associate Lawyer at Frederikse Law, practicing across all of the Firm’s practice areas. Max was born and raised in Buckinghamshire, England and moved to Exeter in the south-west of the country for his undergraduate studies. After a rigorous dual law degree studying both the British LLB in Exeter and the French ‘Maîtrise en Droit Européen I’ in Rennes, he continued his legal studies with a Master’s Degree in International Law, Conflict and Security.While enjoying extra-curricular activities in University, Max became involved with the University Rifle Club, Army Officer Training Corps, and the University Big Band. After falling in love with Canada after five summers working for Ontario Camping Ministries in Huntsville, Max emigrated to the province in 2020, and completed the National Committee on Accreditation’s ‘challenge exams’ for foreign-educated law graduates while quarantining from the COVID-19 pandemic.Max loves travel and is an avid musician; two hobbies which are serendipitously supported by his role as a British Army Reserve Musician. Since moving to Canada, Max has obtained a foreign detachment to the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry band, and looks forward to representing both his home and adoptive nations in public performances.
Kari Pimentel is an Associate Vice President, Human Resources at TD Bank. In this role, she leads a team of HR professionals in reinforcing strong company culture, building talent development strategies and creating large-scale employee engagement initiatives that support the achievement of business goals and objectives. A 25-year HR veteran, Kari is known as a strategic and pragmatic leader, adept at balancing business realities and employee experience while cultivating strong and collaborative relationships. Passionate about diversity and inclusion, she shares her views with conviction and confidence. Kari sets a positive example by putting words into action as an effective change champion, supporting organizations as they change and evolve. Before her current role at TD, she honed her skills in HR at Bell, Rogers and Ford.Kari holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, a Bachelor of Commerce and a Masters in Employee Relations.
Jim Sweetlove and his family have called Burlington home for over 50 years. Formerly a lawyer with Ross & McBride, Jim’s practice focused primarily in the areas of estate administration, planning and litigation. Jim was also an instructor with the Law Society of Upper Canada and an Examiner and Instructor, Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario for Estates Law.Jim holds a law degree from Western ad was called to the bar in 1972. He retired in 2015. Formerly he was a Member of the Ontario Bar Association, Estates and Trusts Section as well as a Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.Since his retirement Jim has put his skills to good use and loves to volunteer in his community. As such, he has Chaired, Vice-Chaired and currently sits on a number of Boards, including Burlington Community Foundation (Founding Member and Former Board of Directors Member), Halton Women’s Place, Conservation Halton, Aldershot Community Recreation Association, Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation, Anglican Church Ministries, Niagara Foundation, Burlington Public Library, Burlington Museums Board and Burlington Curling Club among others.
Jim Thompson and his family have lived in Burlington for over 30 years. A retired executive business leader, Jim spent 40 years working in management, operations and real estate for the world’s #1 retailer, Walmart. Jim’s experience working in North America, Central America and Asia has provided him with a unique and broad global perspective. A balanced and influential leader, Jim is known as a trailblazer who spearheaded Walmart Canada’s biggest year of expansion and growth, developing and launching the Supercentre one-stop shopping experience and heading its successful roll-out North of the border. Jim is known as a kind, inspiring and collaborative leader, consistently reminding his team that the customer is the one they are all working for. He has a reputation of high values and integrity, and was recognized as a Corporate Cultural Champion by his peers.Jim has stayed busy in his retirement and it is clear he has a passion for working collaboratively. He is currently a Board Member, Consultant, Mentor and Speaker. Jim’s Not-for-Profit activities keep him very busy – he sits on the Boards of Children’s Miracle Network, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Foundation, President’s Advisory Council for Toronto Habitat for Humanity, and for the last seven years he has been the Executive In Residence for Ivey Business School IFP.
Mark Mazuco has been named BPAC Youth Ambassador, Burlington’s Youth Voice for the Arts. A 13-year-old student, Mark brings a youthful perspective and a vibrant energy to BPAC. His passion for the arts is evident through his dedication to music and dance for the last seven years. Beyond his artistic talents, Mark demonstrates a strong commitment to his community: Through his online presence, Mark engages with local issues, focusing on current events and topics that impact Burlington and the Halton region. He isn’t afraid to be a vocal advocate for positive change, sparking important conversation and fostering dialogue.Mark’s leadership potential has been recognized through his participation in the Canadian Cadets program, as well as his selection to represent Burlington at the 2024 Ontario Model Parliament. These experiences honed his teamwork, communication, and diplomacy – all important skills he will bring to the Youth Ambassador role.Mark is dedicated to working hard on behalf of Burlington’s youth, particularly in driving the agenda of development and growth in the arts. He understands the importance of a thriving arts scene for fostering creativity, self-expression, and a sense of community. His youthful perspective and passion for making a difference will make him a valuable asset to BPAC. He is excited to work collaboratively to ensure Burlington’s vibrant arts scene continues to flourish for generations to come.
This group has the potential to change the quality of the way the Performing Arts Centre is governed. The next challenge is to find an Executive Director that has the skill set Tammy Fox had, but with a better understanding of just where the lines that should not be crossed are located.
 By Pepper Parr
June 9th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
A ballot with the names of 84 candidates on it!
 That is what voters in the by-election in Toronto St-Paul on June 24th will be handed when they head for the voting booth.
We are thrilled to announce that the Longest Ballot Committee has broken the record for the most candidates on a single ballot for a Canadian federal election. Elections Canada has confirmed that there will be 84 candidates in byelection in Toronto St-Paul on June 24th. This breaks the previous record of 48 candidates (Winnipeg South Centre, 2023).
To achieve this, volunteers collected 12,543 candidate nomination signatures from Toronto-St.Paul’s voters who were eager to help us send an amusing message for democratic reform.
See full list of candidates here
There are a number of links attached to the list. They make for interesting reading.
“Elections Canada has gone all out and designed this 84 candidate ballot to be absolutely gigantic. Voters in the Toronto-St.Paul’s by-election in for a good chuckle at the polling booth, and perhaps, a moment to reflect on how our democracy and MPs could be made to better serve all Canadians.
“We hope as many eligible voters as possible get the chance to hold this piece of history in their own hands and encourage them to exercise their right to vote on Election Day, Monday June 24th.” – Kieran & Tomas Szuchewycz, Longest Ballot organizers
By Pepper Parr
June 9th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The new Skyway Arena is coming along nicely.
It is a beautifully designed building that is going to have some interesting public art and will be accessible as well.
 The build has a long frontage, with an accessible ramp and a lot of glass. The southern part is on the right. 
Completion is expected before the end of the year.
There was some controversy around the decision to start tear down the existing structure and rebuild. The ice making equipment did not meet thr required standards and there was no viewing gallery.
At the time the city thought there was some grant money available- it didn’t come through so the city decided to borrow the funds.
The Skyway Arena had to undergo significant upgrades before it could be used. There was a lot of land space and the opportunity to do something significant.
The Parks and Recreation people decided a while ago that the city need 11 ice pads – which meant that the Skyway Arena was going to continue to be part of the total ice pad compliment.
 The thinking at the time was to create a pathway from the recreation center through the high rise development on to the park that was planned for the edge of Lake Ontario. The park has been built, the arena is under construction – the high rises are on hold. The first early stage design concepts for the shopping plaza included the city owned park and ice rink in the design. The thinking in the early stages was that the park north of the development and the then planned park south of the development could be tied together.
There is a proposal to erect seven towers on the site which at this point is a bedraggled location with very little in the way of commercial activity. The last update was March of 2023 which included the following: The initial application proposed an overall redevelopment that included a mix of single storey, mid-rise and high-rise buildings that provided900 new residential units, 2,700 square metres of office space and 11,955 square metres of service commercial and retail uses. A revised redevelopment plan that addresses technical and community comments is being prepared by the applicant’s project team.
A very early design included a lot of trees and a walkway to the then proposed Burloak Park. The park is now complete and will be the location of a Food Truck Festival. The housing development is a handful of renderings at this point.
 The seven tower development proposal was not what the community wanted. It is interesting to note how development has taken place at the east end of the city and at the west end.
The Station West Adi development had nothing in the way of community involvement whereas in the east end there were several very large community meetings.
There is precious little park space in the west end and nothing in the way of community facilities and no public art. The east end has what is going to be a magnificent community facility that will include ice pads and meeting space.
 The public art that will be located in front of the northern part of the Skyway Arena.
 By Staff
June 8, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
An opportunity to do something really different on Father’s Day.
Take Dad to the Warplane Heritage Museum FREE on Father’s Day!
June 16, 2024
Time: 9 am – 5 pm
Admission: Free admission for all Fathers. Regular admission applies to all others.
Regular admission rates: Adult (18 – 64) $16, Senior (65+) $14, Student (13 – 17) $14, Youth (6 – 12) $11.
Free admission for museum members and children 5 & under.
 View from the cockpit of the aircraft Alan Harrington flew on. To make the day really different you could book a flight. The only place in the world where you can fly in a Lancaster and many more including the Tiger Moth biplane, B-25 Mitchell bomber, D-Day veteran Dakota and PBY Canso. Whether reminiscing about days gone by or looking for that unique adventure, a flight in a Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum aircraft is certainly a thrill of a lifetime!
Check out what it costs – some flights are sold out for 2024
Related news story:
Alan Harrington flew over the city.
By Paul Sebastian
July 7th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
In today’s global economy, the ability to convert money efficiently and without losing value is more important than ever. Whether traveling, investing, or managing international transactions, understanding how to convert your funds can save you from unnecessary losses. This guide outlines 5 practical strategies to help you maintain the value of your money during conversion.
 Use Online Currency Converters for Comparison
Before you convert currency, comparing rates using online currency converters is wise. These tools provide up-to-date exchange rates, allowing you to see which service offers the best deal. You can choose the most favorable rate by comparing rates across multiple platforms, ensuring you get more for your money.
Additionally, be aware of any hidden fees or charges that might apply. Some services offer attractive exchange rates but make up for it with high transaction fees. Always look at the total cost of the conversion before making a decision.
Western Union states, “Convert popular currencies at effective exchange rates with our currency converter calculator.”
Opt for Multi-Currency Bank Accounts
Multi-currency bank accounts allow you to hold, manage, and convert money in several currencies without needing to convert into your home currency first. This can be particularly useful for frequent travellers or those conducting business in multiple countries. By keeping funds in the currency of your destination country, you can avoid conversion fees and take advantage of favourable exchange rates.
Moreover, these accounts often offer competitive exchange rates compared to traditional banks. They can be a convenient and cost-effective way to manage and access your money in different currencies.
 Utilize Peer-to-Peer Exchange Services
Peer-to-peer (P2P) exchange services match individuals looking to convert currency in opposite directions, bypassing traditional financial intermediaries. This can result in more favourable exchange rates and lower fees since you’re effectively swapping currencies with another person.
P2P platforms also offer transparency in rates and fees, so you know exactly how much you’re getting. However, ensure you use reputable platforms to mitigate the risk of fraud.
Take Advantage of Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees are a boon for international travellers. These cards allow you to purchase abroad without the additional cost typically associated with currency conversion. Furthermore, they often provide better exchange rates than cash exchanges or ATM withdrawals.
It’s important to pay off your balance in full to avoid interest charges, which can negate the benefits of no foreign transaction fees. Also, inform your bank of your travel plans to prevent your card from being flagged for suspicious activity.
 Monitor Exchange Rates Regularly
Keeping an eye on exchange rates can help you time your currency conversion to maximize value. Exchange rates fluctuate due to various factors, so monitoring them can help you identify patterns or trends. When you notice your home currency strengthening, it might be a good time to convert some of your funds.
Several apps and websites provide real-time exchange rate information and alerts when rates reach your desired level. These tools can help you decide when to convert your money.
Converting funds without losing value requires a bit of research and strategy. By using online currency converters for comparison, opting for multi-currency bank accounts, utilizing peer-to-peer exchange services, taking advantage of no foreign transaction fee credit cards, and monitoring exchange rates regularly, you can ensure you’re getting the most out of your money conversions. Remember, the key is to stay informed and choose the option that best suits your needs. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to converting your funds efficiently and effectively.
By Staff
June 6th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Average asking rents for all residential property types in Canada have reached a record high of $2,202 per month, with a 9.3% year-over-year increase in May.
This growth trend is consistent with the past three years, showing an average annual growth of 9.1%. The rental market is strong, with cities like Vancouver and Toronto stabilizing near record highs.
 Key points:
– Average asking rents in Canada surpassed $2,200 in May, marking a 9.3% year-over-year increase.
– The rental market is entering the peak summer season with continued strength as Canadian interest rates begin to decrease.
– Vancouver and Toronto are stabilizing near record highs, while mid- and small-sized cities are seeing double-digit rent increases.
– All provinces in Canada recorded annual increases in apartment rents for purpose-built and condo rentals in May.
Data provided by: Rentals.ca and Urbanation’s latest National Rent Report
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