 By Gazette Staff
October 8th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The University of Toronto School of Cities has collected data on the impact American tariffs are having on Canadian corporations.
They have created an interactive map – that many will find useful as they struggle to gain an understanding of what it taking place and what steps they can take to limit the financial damage.
Link to the interactive map is HERE
Anyone can explore a colour-coded map that reveals communities most and least vulnerable to impacts, such as slowing sales and job losses, from rapidly changing taxes that Trump has imposed on U.S. businesses buying Canadian goods including steel and auto parts.
Users can search potential impacts on regional businesses, or on people by where they work, or on people by where they live, and isolate their vulnerability to Trump’s tariffs in specific impacted sectors including automobiles, aluminum, copper and lumber.
The researchers compared 41 city census areas based on their percentage of workers “directly exposed” to U.S. tariff impacts. Chilliwack, B.C., with many jobs in agriculture and manufacturing, had the highest share of vulnerable workers, at 17.5 per cent while St. John’s, N.L., had the lowest at 2.6 per cent.
 By Tom Parkin
October 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Millions in lost fine revenue. Millions spent to process and prepare cases that never get decided — because of a backlogged court system. Guess who pays!
Total number of withdrawals has doubled
 Number of Ontario Highway Traffic Act charges withdrawn total, at trial and pre-trial, 2015-2025 Likely thousands of drivers charged with the most serious traffic safety violations are getting away without paying any fine only because backlogs are forcing courts to dropp charges, an analysis of Ontario Court data suggests.
Key data showing the cost of Doug Ford’s court backlog was today revealed at a press conference by NDP MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam
And when you dig deeper into the traffic safety court data, it gets worse and worse.
Dropped road safety charges have doubled in 10 years
More than 338,000 road safety charges were withdrawn from Ontario’s courts between March 2024 and April 2025 (see chart, above). That number has doubled from the 163,000 charges dropped in 2015.
The number dropped at trial but without trial — that is, by court motion before the trial actually starts — has dropped slightly from 100,000 in 2015 to 85,000 between April 2024 and March 2025.
But charges withdrawn before trial has quadrupled from 63,000 in 2015 to 254,000 in the most recently reported period. Who exactly is dropping these charges and their legal reasons are open questions.
The massive number of dropped charges likely represents tens of millions of dollars in lost fine revenue other Ontarians will now pay in taxes, cuts or deficits.
Ontarians will pay and pay and pay for clogged courts
But Ontarians don’t just pay the fines of those who dodged accountability. They’ll pay twice.
They’ll pay for police officers writing up 338,000 charges that went nowhere. And court staff who scheduled trials and administered the charges, just to delete all their work. And for the crown prosecutors, justices of the peace and judges who called trials to order on 84,549 charges in 2024/25, only to let accused go before any evidence was ever heard in court.
Most serious charges among most likely to be dropped
From April 2024 to March 2025, the most serious traffic violations were the ones most frequently withdrawn.
42% of 12,920 stunt driving charges withdrawn
33% of 28,438 charges for driving under suspension, and
31% of 28,588 careless driving charges.
Only 6.4 per cent of speeding charges were withdrawn, the least likely of the categories tracked by Ontario Courts data.
Most serious violations among those most dropped
Percentage of various HTA charges dropped, Apr 2024-Mar 2025
Court backlog growing again
The Supreme Court has set time delay limits on lower courts, known as Jordan limits. While the Ontario Court data doesn’t show time from charge to trial, it does show year-end court backlogs are growing again.
In Ontario, some of the serious criminal charges, including murder, have exceed Jordan limits and been tossed. More about that in a future Data Shows.
The number of Highway Traffic Act charges in the court system at year end fell from from almost 250,000 in 2017 to under 100,000 in 2020. But despite the massive purge of charges in 2022, the number is rising again, now nearly doubling to 187,000 and maintaining the pressure to keep dropping serious traffic safety charges because of overwhelmed courts
Backlogs are growing again
 Number of HTA charges pending disposition at end of period
 By Sadie Smith
October 8th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
When Ontario took the plunge and launched its regulated commercial gambling market, it had high hopes that it would be a success. However, what has happened in the province has exceeded the most ambitious expectations both in terms of revenue generated and moving people away from offshore operators. While Ontario was Canada’s lone wolf in how it chose to go about regulation, it has been watched carefully by lawmakers and industry lobbyists throughout the country. Now, with Alberta preparing to launch its regulated market later this year or in early 2026, it could be seen as a pack leader.
 We have to wonder why Canada’s igaming industry has been so wildly successful. Looking at Ontario alone, the Gross Gambling Revenue for the 2024 / 2025 period was US$2.3 billion – a third up on the previous year. The casino and casino games market for the entire country is expected to reach US$6.71 billion this year. Those are eye-wateringly large sums of money. We sat down with Casino.org’s expert, Martin Backhouse, to try to unpick why the industry is so successful there.
Is there something special about the Canadian iGaming market?
 Martin Backhouse “There is no denying the fact that the Canadian gaming market is unique and exciting. Given the size of the population, Canada’s gambling industry is impressive. Sixty percent of Canadians say they have spent money recently on gambling, and more than a third of the population as a whole play casino games. Unlike in the States, gambling is legal everywhere, and it is part of the cultural makeup of the country.”
 Was Covid19 the event that allowed the online gambling industry to grow rapidly? “Even with a deeply rooted connection to gambling, it is still surprising just how popular online casinos are, and the sector has been experiencing significant growth. It is down to a mix of factors, including changing customer preferences, access to technology, and the fact that the games are fun and easily accessible. There is no doubt that Covid-19 played its part, introducing people who were denied the chance to play in person to online options. Once they found how great the sites were, there was no turning back.
What is driving the success of the market?
“There are so many factors driving the success that it would be impossible to pinpoint just one. However, the availability of apps and mobile gaming sites has made it possible for people to ‘play on the go’. The whole market is safe and secure due to strict regulations and advanced encryption technology. Players can feel confident that their financial and personal data is not at risk, and this gives them the confidence to dabble in their favourite pastime.”
 Play alongside live players against a human dealer in real time. “It is a case of success breeds success. As the developers know that Canadians are keen online players, they invest in their platforms to make them as attractive as possible. One key trend is the availability and popularity of live dealer games. Immersive and interactive, they take players directly to the casino floor without needing any additional technology or peripherals. They play alongside live players against a human dealer in real time. They deliver the convenience of online gambling with the social aspect of being in a land-based casino.”
“However, it is not just the big established casinos that are driving the success; there are always new sites and apps launching, offering players even more choice. Casino.org ranks the best new online casinos in Canada to give exciting opportunities to our readers. Fresh casino sites offer the opportunity to try out the latest online games, new payment methods, and more.”
Isn’t it risky for players to try out new sites?
Why not just stick to the big, established brands?
“Well, without blowing our own trumpet too much, the benefit of using an online review site is that we are all about removing the risks. We do the hard work behind the scenes to ensure that we only recommend great sites. We are totally independent and are not paid to promote one website over another. We use a data-driven approach to rank and rate sites. That might sound a little dry, but it means we compare “apples with apples”. As we all enjoy playing on the sites too, we also bring subjective commentary to our reviews.”
“Once we have tried out sites and are confident that they are up to scratch, we curate a list of the best ones. Players can often claim more lucrative bonuses than they would find at established sites. New sites give players a chance to try out new casino slots from top developers and future rising stars. The latest sites and apps often deploy fresh technology and are more cutting-edge than legacy brands. Because the developers know that Canadians are keen gamblers, they invest in producing a superior gaming experience for the market.”
Are there any other factors driving the growth
 Cryptocurrencies are now a part of the equation. “We cannot ignore cryptocurrencies in the equation. So many people have invested in crypto and enjoyed watching their wallets go up (and suffered the agony of them going down, too). However, there are still limited outlets for using cryptocurrency, but many new online casinos accept it as a payment option. There is an increasing number of people using their crypto wallets to fund their favourite entertainment.
What can we expect next?
 If Alberta succeeds, the sky is the limit for players and operators alike. “Everyone is watching to see what happens in Alberta. Originally, it had been hoped that the commercial market would launch rapidly. At one point, it was supposed to be live before last Christmas. However, the province has realized that it is better to move forward slowly and steadily. The bill is making its way through the legislative process, and then the regulators will set up the Alberta iGaming Corporation. Things have been more complicated in Alberta than they were in Ontario, because there is an existing legal market in the form of PlayAlberta in place. What they want to do is tackle the grey market without cannibalising the existing government-run PlayAlberta site. If Alberta succeeds, the sky is the limit for players and operators alike. Many people are speculating that other provinces will then follow suit, but they are all holding their cards close to their chest for now.”
By Gazette Staff
October 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
First in a series of articles on how the Sound of Music as it has been known could be a thing of the past
City Council spent more than two hours deciding on what they wanted to do with the Sound of Music request for additional funding.
Several Sound of Music delegations followed.
To fully understand how things rolled out, one has to get a grip on what Staff were recommending and why: That follows. Later today, we will summarize the delegations and then get into the details on what Council eventually decided to send to Council that will meet next on October 14th. .
There was some very surprising news in the Performing Arts delegation and a bit of a hint on what they might do next.
The Staff report to Council meeting as a Standing Committee was to decline Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival Inc.’s 2026 funding request and discontinue municipal financial support due to ongoing financial instability and non-compliance with Agreement conditions.
 Jackie Johnson introduced what was a scathing Staff report that spelled the end of Sound of Music as it has been known. Staff also recommended the reallocation of $150,000—originally designated for Sound of Music in the 2026 Operating Budget—to the Community Investment Fund.
The report also asked that Council Direct staff to report back to Council on exploration of potential opportunities for a different form of music festival and/or a different operator of a music festival at Spencer Smith Park, following a call for expressions of interest from potential event organizers.
The report also suggested the removal of Council’s Ex Officio appointment from the Burlington Sound of Music Inc.
The Staff report was certainly a detailed review of the City’s financial and operational support for Sound of Music (SOM), a free annual waterfront event delivered by Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival Inc. (BSOM), a not-for-profit organization with over four decades of history in
Burlington.
“While the festival continues to attract large crowds, in recent years, it has faced persistent financial instability. Contributing factors include the loss of major sponsorships, escalating operational costs, and underperformance in key revenue areas.
Between 2024 and 2025, the City provided nearly $1 million in combined support to BSOM,
including direct financial contributions, in-kind assistance, short-term loans, enhanced logistical
support, annual grant funding, and a private donation facilitated through municipal channels.
During this period, BSOM received close to 80% of the City’s total event support budget—
substantially more than any other festival or event in Burlington.
 Emilie Cote handled much of the back-and-forth council member questions In addition to these more recent requests, a short-term loan of $200,000 was provided to BSOM in October 2022 (F-36-22). This loan was subsequently forgiven in 2023 through one-time funding as part of the approved 2023 operating budget (Business Case 2023-058). That same business case also included an increase to BSOM’s annual operating grant, raising it from $100,093 to $150,000.
To improve accountability in connection with the City’s grant to BSOM, a Grant Agreement was introduced in 2025, which included, among other terms, the following requirements:
- That BSOM submit a business plan, to the satisfaction of the City on or before June 1, 2025.
- That BSOM repay outstanding arrears on or before September 30, 2025, with the balance at that time estimated to be approximately $20,000.
In addition to this, in May 2025, BSOM signed a loan agreement with the City for $225,000.
The loan was expected to be paid back by September 1, 2025.
Although BSOM submitted a business plan, it did not meet the necessary standards for evaluation. Key financial details and strategic insights were lacking, making it difficult for the
City to fully assess BSOM’s long-term viability and alignment with its investment principles.
As stewards of public resources, the City remains committed to supporting initiatives that demonstrate sound financial planning, strategic clarity, and sustainable impact. The remaining
conditions of the agreements have not been fulfilled to date, and no substantial payments have been made toward the outstanding loan or arrears.
As of October 6, 2025, Committee of the Whole meeting, following the final payment deadline of September 30, BSOM will continue to owe the City approximately $245,000, with additional 2025 service invoices still pending.
Despite efforts to restructure its Board and introduce measures aimed at improving its financial health, BSOM continues to operate in a deficit and has not resolved its outstanding financial obligations. A private donation of $200,000 was made to the City in support of BSOM and was applied directly to BSOM’s outstanding debt. While this contribution offered temporary relief, and allowed the 2025 festival to proceed, it did not address the deeper, systemic challenges impacting BSOM’s long-term financial sustainability.
In September 2025, BSOM submitted a new funding request, seeking:
Forgiveness of the $225,000 loan and $20,000 in arrears
A one-time emergency grant of $200,000 to cover unpaid vendor costs
An increase in annual municipal funding from $150,000 to $350,000
Given that the terms of the agreements will not be fulfilled by the September 30 deadline, and in light of the ongoing financial risk and the disproportionate level of municipal support allocated to BSOM, staff recommend that Council decline the 2026 funding request and discontinue any future financial support.
It is further recommended that Council look for ways to create opportunities to support a new music festival provider in 2026. This recommendation aligns with ongoing reviews of the Culture Plan and recreation grants, which emphasize the need for more balanced and inclusive event funding.
Preliminary community engagement confirms strong public interest in music festivals, and as such staff are planning on reporting back with options for continuing a music festival at Spencer Smith Park, , subsequent to the issuance of a call for interest targeting potential music event organizers.
 Will a scene like this ever be repeated in Burlington?
 By Gazette Staff
October 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Library announces speakers at free annual Burlington Literary Festival
Now in its fifth year, the Burlington Public Library announces the Burlington Literary Festival lineup.
BurlLITFest is a celebration of authors, books, and creativity that runs the entire month of November—and it’s FREE to attend!
 Last year’s events filled up quickly, so mark your calendar for Wednesday, October 15 at noon, when registration for this year’s festival opens.
This 5th anniversary edition showcases a stellar array of talent, kicking off with a double-header event featuring two internationally acclaimed novelists: Iona Whishaw, on tour with her latest Lane Winslow mystery, and Alyson Richman, author of The Missing Pages. Every week is packed with free events with some of Canada’s foremost literary luminaries, including Joy Fielding, Robert J. Sawyer, Miriam Toews, and Souvankham Thammavongsa.
BurlLITFest also features insightful talks with distinguished thought leaders like Anishinaabe author Patty Krawec, Bad Indians Book Club, investigative journalist Rick Westhead, We Breed Lions, and disability advocate Jessica Slice, Unfit Parent.
“Our 5th anniversary festival promises to be a truly memorable event for our book-loving community,” says Burlington Public Library CEO Lita Barrie. “As a library, nothing brings us greater joy than bringing readers of all ages together to share the wonder of stories, connect with one another, and discover something new. We’re so grateful to Burlington readers for your continued enthusiasm and support, which makes it all possible.”
Further highlights include a celebratory talk about one of the world’s most beloved authors, Jane Austen, a lively panel of local children’s authors, and writing workshops for adults and kids.
The festival caps off with the popular BurlLITFest Open Mic event. This is a fantastic opportunity for writers of all levels—from novice to professional—to take the stage and share their literary talent!
Event Lineup
BurlLITFest features a diverse range of speakers and promises something for everyone! All events are free to attend, and a Burlington Public Library Card is not required. Register online through our BurlLITFest web page.
Author Talks
- In Conversation with Iona Whishaw, November 2
- In Conversation with Alyson Richman, November 2
- Master of Suspense Joy Fielding, November 4
- Parenthood & Disability with Jessica Slice, November 9
- Robert J. Sawyer on Science Fiction, November 10
- Rick Westhead on Hockey Culture, November 12
- From Horror Story to Horror Film with Edo van Belkom, November 15
- Celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th with Catherine Little, November 16
- In Conversation with Patty Krawec, November 17
- A Novel Approach to Children’s Stories with Lana Button, Jennifer Maruno and Sylvia McNicoll, November 20
- An Afternoon with Adnan Khan, November 22
- An Evening with Miriam Toews, November 24
- Meet Souvankham Thammavongsa, November 27
- BurlLITFest Open Mic, November 30
Writing Workshops
- Hybrid Self-Publishing Workshop with Christiane Banks, November 9
- How to Beat Writer’s Block with Anna Chatterton, November 23
- Writing A Children’s Novel with Sylvia McNicoll, November 23
Kids Events
- Drawing Your Emotions with Jennifer Faria, November 8
- Creative Collage with Jessica Rose, November 26
Library Speakers Consortium Partner Events
Tune in to top authors from around the world at live virtual events presented by BPL’s digital resource, Library Speakers Consortium. Guest authors appearing in November are Aquinnah Wampanoag writer Joseph Lee on Indigenous identity in today’s world, and award-winning Mi’kmaq-Canadian novelist Amanda Peters, author of The Berry Pickers.
Mark the date! Registration for BurlLITFest events opens at noon on Wednesday, October 15. Avoid disappointment and register early. All events are free and open to all.
 By Pepper Parr
October 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
How did the Burlington Sound of Music go from being one of the best things the city has ever seen to becoming a city debtor – all in about five hours?
That’s what happened at City Council today – and the meeting isn’t over.
The Staff recommendation was not to put any more money into the Sound of Music and to ask when the outstanding debt (Of at least $200,000) is going to be paid.
The meeting isn’t over, and whatever they do today will come back to Council for final approval later in the month.
Stay tuned.
 Will an event like this take place in 2026
By Gazette Staff
October 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
If there was any doubt that the Sound of Music is going to object to the Staff Report that suggest the city should withdraw from the event, the list of people registered to delegate makes it clear there will be very strong objections.
 Brent Kinnaird Brent Kinnaird, Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival Inc
regarding Burlington Sound of Music – 2025 festival re-cap and future
direction
Kevin Vance, Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival Inc, regarding
Burlington Sound of Music – 2025 festival re-cap and future direction
 Sara Palmieri, Executive Director, Burlington Performing Arts Centre Dave Shepherd, Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival Inc, regarding
Burlington Sound of Music – 2025 festival re-cap and future direction
Sara Palmieri, Executive Director, Burlington Performing Arts Centre
regarding Burlington Sound of Music – 2025 festival re-cap and future
direction
 By Pepper Parr
October 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Still no resolution on just who has what in terms of swimming pool use by swimming clubs in Burlington.
 Mayor Meed Ward with Councillor Sharman during a Budget Blueprint meeting last week At her last of six ward level meetings to discuss the Budget Blueprint Mayor MeedWard responded to Ted Gamble who had said: “ The city should do a thorough review of the Procurement Process”. Mayor Meed Ward responded: “I know the pool situation was a very difficult one for the community, for everyone involved.”
 Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns The word has been out that ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns is prepared to put forward a Motion that would get the issue on the Council agenda later today, directing Council to have the City Auditor do a review of how the decision to award pool time to the two different swimming clubs operating in Burlington. Burlington Aquatic Devilrays (BAD) and the Golden Horseshoe Aquatic (GHAC)
Given the changes that have taken place at BAD, none of this may matter. Volunteer President Kimberly Calderbank and Vice President Katie Lebel resigned. The club has yet to issue a statement and there was nothing in the way of news on the BAD Facebook Page. Club Coach xxx is believed to have found people who resigned.
Councillor Kearns has gone silent since she returned from her trip to Africa. Should be an interesting Council meeting.
Club
By Pepper Parr
October 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Council will meet today to review Staff reports, one of which would mean the end of Sound of Music(SoM) as the city has known it for decades.
The City Staff report suggests that the SoM people have not come forward with a sound business plan. Without such a plan, the city appears ready to walk away from an event that has poured tens of thousands of dollars into the pockets of the hospitality sector in the city. The Gazette reported on this last week. Link below.
Has the last note from the Sound of Music been heard?
 By Gazette Staff
October 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
On the Art Gallery of Burlington’s 50th anniversary, we invite artists, arts educators, studio technicians and our wider community to join us for a three-day gathering taking place October 16-18, 2025, to envision the future of art education in the context of our ongoing global climate catastrophes.
 This is the future for the Art Gallery of Burlington. Sustainable Futures: Art Education Summit launches online Thursday October 16; a virtual session with writer Lauren Markham to build a collective language for the following two days of learning.
Our in-person program on Friday October 17 invites artists, educators, and programmers working in museums and galleries throughout the GTHA and surrounding regions to share insights and strategies through presentations and roundtable discussions.
On Saturday October 18, we take our learning into the land with a morning visit to Crawford Lake where we will explore the Indigenous history of this critical site for humanity’s growing understanding of the Anthropocene before returning to the AGB studios for hands-on workshops and demonstrations in sustainable art-making practices.
Registration is free for both our virtual and in-person events on Thursday October 16 and Friday October 17.
 Is the Art Gallery serving the needs and desires of the current adult demographic? Programs on Saturday October 18 require paid registration on a cost-recovery basis for our Crawford Lake Visit and Tour @ $12 and all AGB Studio Workshops @ $40.
The Sustainable Futures Art Education Summit is generously sponsored by TERRA/Kind Matter.
SCHEDULE
Thursday, October 16 | Online
Lauren Markham: Immemorial
6 – 7 pm
Lauren Markham’s speculative essay, Immemorial, exemplifies the importance of language in being able to name the collective grief we are experiencing in the face of our climate catastrophe.
She asks, how we memorialize what has been lost and what soon will be, pushing public imagination into generative realms.
Friday, October 17 | Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB)
Free, registration required
Presentation: Sustainability in Art Education
With Victoria Ho, OCAD University 10 – 11 am
 Victoria Ho is OCAD University’s Advisor of Strategic Sustainability. Victoria’s role is to work collaboratively across disciplines and departments to embed sustainability into curriculum, building operations, and administration. Victoria researches and provides advice on the nexus of sustainability and equity, campus as a living lab approaches, and constituent engagement models to facilitate sustainability projects, activities, and participation.
 By Pepper Parr
October 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Sriti Mizan, a Burlington resident has initiated a Petition that Burlington MP Karina Gould will indicated she will present to the House of Commons in January of 2026;
It reads as follows:
Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament assembled
Whereas:
July 1 celebrations across Canada seldom include Indigenous ceremonies such as tobacco offerings, sacred fires or Elder-led openings;
Ceremony affirms nation-to-nation relationships and advances both the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act;
Public visibility of Indigenous protocols educates Canadians and honours treaty obligations; and Indigenous organizations need resources to host ceremonial leaders and knowledge keepers.
We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to
-
-
- Issue national guidance encouraging municipalities and federally funded Canada Day events to invite local Elders or Knowledge Keepers to open celebrations with tobacco offerings, sacred fires or other appropriate ceremony;
- Establish a rapid micro-grant program, administered by Indigenous Services Canada, to cover honoraria, permits, medicines and travel for ceremonial leaders;
- Co-develop and distribute, with Indigenous cultural educators, a user-friendly outreach kit outlining protocol, safety and the significance of ceremony for all Canada Day organizers;
- Require that every Canadian Heritage–supported Canada Day event in the National Capital Region begin with an Elder-led opening; and
- Track and publicly report progress on ceremonial inclusion in the Departmental Plan, setting measurable targets for July 1 2026.
The Petition was open for signatures on September 24, 2025, at 5:03 p.m. The opportunity to sign the Petition will close on January 22, 2026, at 5:03 p.m. (EDT)
If you want to sign the Petition, click HERE.
What is the process used to get a Petition before the House of Commons.
By Sadie Smith
October 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
From Raptors games to rapid winnings: The rise of fast payout casinos in Canada
No one likes to wait, whether you are waiting in line for your coffee at Tim Hortons or waiting for your barber to finish with another client. In Canada’s online gambling world, the narrative remains the same. No player wants to wait for days before their payouts enter their accounts: everybody wants to withdraw their winnings as fast as possible. And because of that, fast payout casinos in Canada have been coming up really fast in an attempt to fit the needs of players.
 After a big win or a big game, it becomes quite frustrating if you have to wait for a couple of days in order to make withdrawals. In a 2022 online survey by PayNearMe, 39% of the respondents stated that the process of withdrawing funds from casinos was normally too long, and that made it a big pain point. In fact, 29% said that the lengthy process was a potential reason for abandoning a betting app. If only players could get platforms that allowed them to have faster payouts, then they would have better experiences. This is the key marketing point that many competitive fast payout casinos in Canada are coming with, bringing a big shift to the gambling landscape.
After a big win or a big game, it becomes quite frustrating if you have to wait for a couple of days in order to make withdrawals. This is normally the case with casinos that use traditional modes of payment like direct bank transfers and cards. Sometimes, you find yourself waiting for up to five days! And it is even worse during the weekends and holidays since banks only operate on working days.
But apart from just being fast, are there any other advantages that make the casinos desirable?
Quick withdrawals enhance financial control
You can easily attest to the idea that you are able to better control your finances if you have your money when you have planned for it. If you can access your money sooner, you will be able to make a logical decision about whether you will reinvest, withdraw or save without adding any complications.
Conversely, delayed withdrawals make players continue gambling while waiting for their winnings to come. In the process, most players find themselves dipping into the winning they had originally intended to cash out. In fact, that is one of the strategies that some casinos use in order to make their clients gamble more. Withhold winning for up to 48 hours and players get the urge to continue with their games before they withdraw. With rapid playouts, you are able to enforce self control, which is a real benefit to many.
Transparency and efficiency operate on the same plane
 A casino where you are able to withdraw your winnings in 24 hours or less. If you have realized, fast withdrawal casinos are often transparent with their terms of services and wagering requirements. They don’t hide behind vague “up to 7 days” terms and avoid unnecessary pending periods. These delayed withdrawals are normally common with unregulated casinos which push the dishonest process in order to have players gambling further or abandoning their request.
The clarity with fast payout casinos reduce confusion and unnecessary back and forth communication with customer service. Instead of being taken through loops of endless documentation, why not go for a casino that only asks for complete verification once (during sign-up) and after that it’s just a walk in the park?
What makes a casino a fast-payout?
But one question that might come up would be the elements that make a casino be termed as fast withdrawal. In essence, just like its description, it is a casino where you are able to withdraw your winnings in 24 hours or less.
One of the things that makes a casino fast-payout is efficient payment methods. For example, it is more efficient to use crypto payments and e-wallets instead of using cards and bank transfers. You see, cryptocurrencies (under blockchain technology) are inherently fast, with transfers being confirmed within a couple of minutes. Slow networks like Bitcoin might need 10 hours for confirmation, plus an extra hour for settlement, while faster networks like Solana might take just a few seconds.
In comparison, bank payments take anywhere between 1 and 5 days to complete the whole process. Compare that with the slowest crypto network, and there is actually no comparison.
Another thing is upfront verification. These casinos verify your identity once you register, and you do not have to wait until you are trying to withdraw. Actually, they encourage players to complete their KYC early in order to avoid frustration. In addition to that, fast payout casinos have automated systems that approve withdrawals within hours. This counters the manual approval systems which often cause delays.
Competition is making everything better
 The online casino market is big and it’s becoming even bigger. Statista reported that by January 2024, the Canadian gambling industry was worth US$ 14.2 billion, with a total of 670 businesses. Another report by Grand View Research expected that the Canadian online gambling market was to grow at a CAGR of 14.3% between 2025 and 2030. Now, each operator wants a chunk of that market, and the only way to do it is give players what they want. This would allow them to have a larger following.
The best way to amass a huge following is by increasing the payout speed of casinos. More and more players are preferring them, and it only makes sense that operators jump into the bandwagon. The competition is intensifying and you can be sure that it’s a big plus to players who don’t want to deal with long delays.
 By Games Hub
October 4th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Sports betting and online casinos are two platforms where gambling is flourishing in 2025. They are both moving at a high rate, although not necessarily due to the same reasons. One of them has the power of live events and live interactions, whereas the other has the power of immersive play and quick online transactions. They are all together defining entertainment time spent by millions of people.
Market Growth in Numbers
 Sophisticated data applications are driving market growth. The betting business in the sports world is expanding worldwide. Projections indicate it will hit $119 billion in the current year with legalization, mobile applications, and sophisticated data applications driving its growth. The market may grow as high as 235 billion by the year 2033, with current trends indicating that betting has been adopted very fast into the daily routine of digital life.
Casinos on the internet are forging their own course. Another revenue in 2025 will be between 21 and 38 billion with the help of mobile play, cryptocurrency transactions, and live dealer tables. The industry is growing at a rate of approximately 12 percent, and as such, it is one of the fastest-growing digital entertainment industries. Approximately three-quarters of playing online casinos today occurs on smartphones, which is evidence of the fact that convenience is a significant factor.
 In Canada, gambling habits show a strong base of online players, with hockey still leading the way in sports betting. At the same time, online casinos have been gaining ground steadily, thanks to easy mobile access and the popularity of live dealer games. For players comparing options, resources like GamesHub’s list of top Canada online casinos highlight just how wide the field has become.
What’s Fueling the Rise?
The two industries are technology-driven. AI provides a customized betting experience, blockchain offers trust and transparency, and VR/AR would provide additional immersion. The emergence of 5G has ensured the smoothness of mobile play, and digital wallets and cryptocurrencies ensure that the transaction will remain fast and safe.
Sports betting is another category that is boosted by the emerging esports sphere, in which real-time participation and streaming are at the heart of the process. Online casinos, however, are paying much attention to the simulation of the gameplay environment. Live dealer tables, interactive chat, and mobile platforms that are well developed provide the users with a feeling that he or she is in a casino without leaving the house at all.
Who’s Playing Both?
Gen Z and millennials are at the heart of the growth. They are not afraid of switching between sports betting and online casinos, and frequently on the same application. This generation crossover is supported by hybrid platforms, which support the two alternatives, allowing a person to bet on a Saturday hockey game and then switch to poker or blackjack.
This is known among the operators, and this is why marketing is moving forward to mobile-first campaigning, crypto-friendly transactions, and social interactive functions. Calendars and seasonal events attract bettors, and constant casino promotions ensure that a bettor is kept entertained even after the final whistle.
The Road Ahead
Sports betting and online casinos are growing for different reasons, but their futures are tied together. Sportsbooks bring energy and immediacy, casinos bring variety and depth. As long as players want both, platforms will keep blending the experiences–making gambling in 2025 less about choosing sides and more about having everything in one place.
By Gazette Staff
October 4th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Knowing people in the right places makes a difference.
The latest Provincial Public Accounts reveal just how much of your taxpayer dollars are flowing through the quasi-partisan Caucus Services Bureaus — a.k.a. the piggy bank for government and opposition consultants.
The Liberals and Greens are MIA – no cash receipts — but the PCs and NDP were writing some pretty hefty cheques last year.
Just the Highlights:
 NICK KOUVALIS’s twin outfits, Campaign Research and Campaign Support, cleaned up with a combined $1,655,450 haul- DIMITRI PANTAZOPOULOS and RICHARD CIANO’s Yorkville Strategies raked in $201,173
- Geppetto Technologies — which the PC Party previously used to deploy campaign canvassers — scored $252,657
- WARREN KINSELLA’s Daisy Consulting snagged $67,000
- Unilogic Solutions banked $395,500
- MacPhie & Co.: $185,970
- Snapstream: $101,600
- Testerdigital: $74,580
- Blue Labs Analytics: $67,000
Plus: another $1.14M spread across firms that fell under the $50K disclosure threshold (read: plenty of mystery players still pocketed public cash).
 Spending by political parties – the growth is not healthy.
 By Gazette Staff
October 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
This 3-week workshop will teach participants how to warp, weave, and finish a scarf using the rigid heddle loom.
It is suitable for adults of all skill levels and no prior weaving experience is necessary. The finished project is approximately 12” x 60”. Materials for the warp (100% wool) are included in the registration fee.
 Rrigid heddle loom Participants will be asked to provide weft yarn in their choice of colours – a full material list will be provided in advance.
Amanda Rataj is an artist and weaver living and working in Hamilton, Ontario. She studied at the Ontario College of Art and Design University and has developed her contemporary craft practice through research-based projects, artist residencies, and exhibitions. Amanda is a contract lecturer in Toronto Metropolitan University’s Fashion program and has been an educator at the Art Gallery of Ontario for over a decade. Recent exhibitions include Generation at Craft Ontario as part of the Design TO festival (2023), Crosscurrents: Canada In the Making at the Textile Museum of Canada (2018), and Nothing is Newer Than Tradition (Art Gallery of Burlington, 2017).
By Gazette Staff
October 4th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Want to learn about a ceramicist’s unique approach to their craft, while trying your hand at creating your own clay vessel?
 Join us for a night of learning how to use the pottery wheel – absolutely no experience is required for this fun, hands-on night working with clay.
About the Instructor: Neslihan Atay has been a passionate potter and a member of the Art Gallery of Burlington and the Burlington Potters Guild since 2017. Her primary focus is wheel work. She creates a wide range of both contemporary and traditional pieces including a line of Ottoman/Turkish designs that back to the 15th century. She has received her certificate through the Mohawk College Ceramics program and has taken advanced classes from master potter Donn Zver. Nesli’s work has been on exhibit at AGB. She takes part in seasonal sales of Burlington Potters Guild and Hamilton Potters Guild. She loves to teach and transfer her passion and knowledge to people interested in playing with clay.
Schedule:
AGE: Adult
DAY: Friday
START/END: September 12, October 10, November 14, December 12,
TIME: 6:30 to 9:30 PM
MEMBER DISCOUNT: 10% off for Regular Friends & 15% off for Philanthropic Friends
COST: $70
INSTRUCTOR: Nesli Atay
LOCATION: Onsite
 By Pepper Parr
October 4th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
We sent Ron Foxcroft a short note early this morning:
Ticats Game Day
Hamilton (9-6) at Toronto (5-10)
When Saturday, 3 p.m.
Where BMO Field
WHERE WILL YOU BE?
He came back with
With Beloved and Loving Tiger Cats. Oskee Wee Wee
He’s expecting plays like this:
 This is what the game is all about. And with a play like that, the Tiger Cats could defeat their lifelong rivals, send the Argo to the dressing room and improve Hamilton’s grip on first place in the East Division. A Tiger Cats’ win puts them just one victory or a Montreal loss away from locking up first place in the east and earning a first-round playoff bye.
A Toronto loss means they’re done.
 By Paul Deegan
October 4th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
This National Newspaper Week, as we face the rise of fake news amplified by algorithms that prioritize engagement, it is in everyone’s interest to protect the truth.
 In their 2018 book Truth Decay, Jennifer Kavanagh and Michael D. Rich of the RAND Corporation, wrote about the role news publishers and broadcasters play in mediating information – separating fact from fiction. They differentiate between these businesses and Big Tech platforms, arguing that because the former can be sued for defamation and hold themselves to journalistic standards, they remain accountable.
According to Kavanagh and Rich, “the filters and algorithms embedded in social media platforms and search engines, such as Google, contribute to Truth Decay — and particularly to increasing disagreement and the blurring of the distinction between opinion and fact — by inserting bias into the types of information a person is likely to encounter or engage with.”
 Generative artificial intelligence has compounded the problem. In the seven years since their book was published, generative artificial intelligence has compounded the problem. AI companies are flagrantly scraping and summarizing content directly from published news articles. This is theft on an industrial scale – plain and simple.
Publishers are being harmed because these artificial intelligence overviews are so detailed that the reader often stays within Big Tech’s walled garden, rather than being pointed electronically to news websites via links. No clicks mean no money for publishers to reinvest in fact-based, fact-checked journalism.
Readers are being harmed too. All too often, these artificial intelligence overviews serve up slop: inaccurate, irrelevant, out-of-date, and even harmful information. In today’s attention economy, these companies prioritize engagement. That leaves it up to the user to try to separate fact from fiction.
In a world of misinformation and disinformation, we need fact-based, fact-checked journalism. Crowdsourcing is not journalism. There are no alternative facts: there are just facts. And Canadians need facts to live their lives and to make informed decisions that empower them to participate effectively in democratic processes.
 Federal government advertisement. “Buy Canadian” is part of the solution. According to a recent report from Canadian Media Means Business, 92 per cent of digital ad dollars are now going to non-Canadian platforms, which puts the sustainability of Canadian media in jeopardy. Governments across Canada should not be spending their advertising dollars with foreign search and social media giants. They should walk the talk and “Buy Canadian”. They should follow the Government of Ontario’s lead and set aside a minimum of 25 per cent of their advertising budgets for trusted news brands. And that should be one of the planks in the Government of Canada’s new Buy Canadian Policy, which seeks to ensure our economy is resilient and self-reliant.
Beyond ensuring federal advertising is placed in a brand safe manner and without any additional cost to the taxpayer, a federal set-aside would send an important signal to other orders of government and to the private sector about protecting Canada’s digital sovereignty and sustaining independent, commercially viable public interest journalism.
More than 85 per cent of adults in Canada turn to newspaper content each week, and two-thirds trust that content – ahead of television, radio, magazines, social media, and online search.
Editor’s note: That statement is not completely true. Older people used to getting a newspaper delivered to the doorstep are still reading newspapers. The people under 35 – not so much.
Paul Deegan is president and chief executive officer of News Media Canada
 By Gazette Staff
October 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The City has been informed by the developer that on Wednesday, October 8, crews will be on-site to complete geotechnical investigation work.
Work is expected to take less than a day to complete. During this time, residents may notice drilling, vibration, and noise in the area. These disturbances are temporary and will only occur for the duration of the work.
This is not development-specific work and therefore it does not require City approvals or development agreements. Site investigations can be carried out by any property owner on their private land. They are used to determine site conditions ahead of any future construction.
No – not development work – they are drilling for oil or a shortcut to China!
 What was once seen as a gem of a community is going to undergo significant changes because the city has failed to resolve a problem.
 By Pepper Parr
October 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
An announcement that appeared on the Getting Involved website page said:
We are creating our next long-term vision and strategic plan – Horizon 2050 and we want to hear from you!
The Council in place now is working towards getting a budget in place for 2026.
Why are they starting a process that will outline a plan that takes the city forward to 2050? Will they be re-elected in 2026?
That is a job for the Council that will be elected in 2026
Their job at this point is to get themselves elected and then work with staff and the public to determine how the city should be built going forward.
 What do the citizens of the city want to see for a future Burlington? What’s possible. Horizon 2050 will guide the choices City leadership makes today and over the next 25 years. Help us plan for a Burlington that is future-ready, focused on connected communities and a thriving city for future generations.
What you share with us will help City staff and Council set the priorities that shape policies, programs and investments that impact our community for years to come.
 The 2015 to 2018 Strategic Plan was a real staff and City Councillor initiative. The 2022 to 2026 was driven to a considerable degree by consultants brought in by then City Manager James Ridge. 
How to Get Involved
Take the online survey from Oct. 1 to 31
Join us for a meeting in-person or online
Follow the project page for updates, reports and “What We Heard” summaries during the project.
Share your ideas with your neighbours and community groups and encourage them to share their ideas.
Why Horizon 2050 Matters
The decisions we make today will shape Burlington’s future. Horizon 2050 is about building a community where:
- Everyone feels included and connected,
- We protect and strengthen our natural environment,
- Housing, transportation and services meet the needs of all residents,
- Our city thrives socially, culturally and economically.
No point in protesting at this point. The city has already scheduled meetings for October (could this be to distract people from a budget that is going to have an increase in taxes of 5.8% over last year?)
October 14, 2025
 Every thought, every idea made by anyone during the 2015 – 2018 Strategic Plan sessions got written down. Staff and council put in much more than a full week of work to produce a solid document. When it came to getting opions using dotology – Council and Staff were far apart. Community Public Engagement Session #1
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Haber Recreation Centre, Room 1Tim Dobbie Dr., Burlington, Ont.
October 15, 2025 Community Public Engagement Session #2
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Mountainside Recreation CentreRoom 22205 Mt Forest Dr., Burlington, Ont.
 Frank McKeough, on the left, talks with Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman during the Strategic Plan sessions. The discussions were wide open and boisterous. October 15, 2025
Community Public Engagement Session #3
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Mountainside Recreation Centre Room 22205 Mt Forest Dr., Burlington, Ont.
October 21, 2025
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