 By Gazette Staff
January 14th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
Family Day in Ontario is on February 16th.
Finding something for your kids to do is a challenge at times.
The Museums of Burlington run a Family Day program – two sessions. They fill up very quickly, so if this interests you, book now.
Family Day at Ireland House Museum for a Victorian Board Game Café! Try playing games that the Ireland family would have enjoyed during the Victorian era, like chess, checkers, snakes & ladders, and cribbage.
Victorian parlour games will also be available to play throughout the historic home, and families can take turns trying old-fashioned children’s toys.
There will also be games from the historic collection on display as you tour the museum. Whether you’re a seasoned player or trying these games for the first time, staff and volunteers will be on site to help explain the rules and get you started.
Beverages and baked goods will be available for purchase in the Oakridge Interpretive Centre. Ticket includes admission to Ireland House Museum and access to all available games.
Pre-registration is recommended. There are two time slots available to book: 10am and 12pm. Link to book this event.
 By Tom Parkin
January 14th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
USA travel dropping steadily
Canadian passengers to USA, percentage change from 12 months previous.
Canadians’ air travel to the USA didn’t just drop to a lower level with the election of Donald Trump and his declaration of economic war on Canada. It continues to decline most months as Trump’s threat rises and the USA’s internal situation grows more chaotic and unsafe.
The largest drop yet came in November, according to passenger screening data from Statistics Canada released last week. November Passengers screened at Canada’s eight largest airports for travel to the USA were down 13.5 per cent from November 2024.
At Canada’s eight largest airports, comparing November 2025 to November 2024, there were
- 159,577 (13.5%) fewer passengers screened for travel to the USA
- 119,363 (9.6%) more screened for travel to the rest of the world
- 42,720 (2.2%) more screened for domestic travel.
Overall, Canadians travelled more in November 2025 than November 2024. But many are breaking old travel habits and choosing somewhere other than the USA.
Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism reported an increase of nearly 200,000 Canadian visits from January to September 2025 compared to the same period a year earlier, an 11.8 per cent increase.
Outside of the COVID travel restriction period, the USA share of Canadians’ foreign travel hasn’t been lower since at least 2019. November travel to the USA ranged from 49 to 51 per cent after COVID and until Trump. In November, 2025 it was 43 per cent of all foreign travel.
Canadian travel to rest of world rises
Canadian passengers to rest of world, percentage change from 12 months previous
 By Gazette Staff
January 13th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Reprinted from the Toronto Star
As Prime Minister Mark Carney heads to China for talks aimed at boosting trade, Premier Doug Ford is imploring him to keep Canadian tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
The Star reported Monday that Carney’s officials are in “active discussions” with Beijing about lowering or dropping the 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese EVs that Canada imposed in 2024.
That’s because the prime minister — who has brought Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe with him on the trade mission — hopes that, in exchange, China will remove its punitive counter-tariffs on Canadian canola and seafood.
 Premier Ford, Governor Whitmer on ‘strengthening the relationship’ between governments “I’m very concerned and so are my friends in Michigan concerned,” the premier said at Queen’s Park after a meeting with Republican and Democratic state representatives from Michigan.
“When you have the Chinese government wanting to dump cheap Chinese parts and cheap vehicles here, it costs Canadian and American jobs,” said Ford.
“I have not talked to the prime minister. I will speak to him and tell him our concerns,” he said.
“This is nothing against the folks in the canola business or soybean — we have a thriving soybean business here, too — so it’s not about them. I fully understand why Premier Moe is concerned, but he’s protecting Saskatchewan.”
Ford stressed his interest was “protecting Ontario, the 500,000 jobs in the auto sector.”
The talks between Ottawa and Beijing are considered politically sensitive because they come against the backdrop of forthcoming talks to renegotiate the Canada-U.S.-Mexico free trade agreement (CUSMA) later this year.
Former prime minister Justin Trudeau slapped the tariffs on Chinese EVs after then-U.S. president Joe Biden imposed them in fall 2024 due to concerns China would flood North America with artificially cheap vehicles that would hurt domestic manufacturers. Canada also matched the U.S. with 25 per cent tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum.
Beijing countered with reciprocal levies on Canadian canola oil and seafood, which have hurt Saskatchewan and Atlantic Canada.
With U.S. President Donald Trump in a trade war against Canada, with levies on Canadian auto parts steel, aluminum and softwood lumber, Carney is scrambling to boost business with other trading partners.
But Brian Kingston, head of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association, warned dropping tariffs on Chinese EVs would be “dangerous” and might trigger a backlash from Trump.
”“There is no fair competition with the Chinese automotive industry. They massively subsidized this sector and they are now dumping vehicles around the world. Europe was soft on China. Look at what the outcome has been: 90,000 auto jobs lost last year because they’ve allowed dumped Chinese vehicles into their market,” said Kingston.
 Flavio Volpe, head of the Canadian Auto Parts Manufacturers Flavio Volpe, head of the Canadian Auto Parts Manufacturers, said talks with the Chinese must be handled with “extreme caution.”
“Should Canada do its best to move tariffs on agricultural goods? Yes. But we need to be careful about how we invite people in, and any time we invite anybody to assemble here, they absolutely need to try to meet the highest local content standard that we have,” said Volpe.
Michigan state representative Matthew Bierlein, a Republican, said the issue was being closely watched in the state at a time of strained relations between Canada and the U.S.
“We came here to reassure the Ontario government that Michigan is a friend and a partner and we’re going to continue to promote that trade back and forth,” said Bierlein.
“We tend to not get involved in national politics at the state level, and certainly don’t speak for the president, but Michigan is a friend to Ontario, and plans to always be a friend to Ontario.”
This article was written by Robert Benzie, Toronto Star Queen’s Park Bureau Chief, and Tonda MacCharles Toronto Star Ottawa Bureau Chief
 By Pepper Parr
January 13th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
More on that Trivia event at the Legion Hall on February 21st
There will be 25 tables with 8 people at each table
There will be three rounds with 20 questions in each round.
Subject areas at this point are:
Entertainment
Science.
Music is a maybe at this point
Canadian interests
We are advised that there are not going to be any questions about the United States and the guy who appears to run the show down there.
Exceptionally good prizes:
First prize – $50, second prize $25 and third prize $10.
Nine of the 25 tables have been sold out – for an event that is more than a month away.
 By Thomas Riddell
January 13th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
I am writing to address the recent discussion on rental rates in our city. While there have been reports that rents are declining slightly, this decline is not nearly sufficient to make housing genuinely affordable for those of us on fixed incomes such as ODSP or Ontario Works.
 Encampments like this are found in many locations in Hamilton. As someone who has been fortunate enough to live in subsidized housing since 2003, I have seen firsthand how challenging it is for others who do not have the same support. Many are still forced to seek shelter in tents outside the city or relocate to places like Hamilton, only to face similar affordability challenges there.
In short, while the headline may say rents are dropping, the reality is that they have not dropped enough to make a meaningful difference for those on limited incomes. I urge the community and policymakers to recognize that a minor dip does not solve the larger crisis of affordable housing.
Thank you for considering this perspective.
 By Gazette Staff
January 13th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
Is he going to be in the Room?
There are those who love to maintain Elvis is still with us.
Event takes place in a month.
If you go let us know – did this Elvis have a pulse?
By Polina Amaya
January 13th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
I’m a member of Practical Philosophy Club, a community that organizes weekly in-person meetings and brings critical thinkers together for the opportunity to dive deep into a topic, practice communication, and build community, all with no formal philosophy background required.
I believe this community initiative offers a meaningful response to a growing hunger for depth, dialogue, and shared reflection in an increasingly fragmented and online world, especially when there is so much talk about loneliness and isolation. People get the chance to meet in person at no cost, hear others’ opinions, positions, and reflections face-to-face, without hiding behind a screen, staying anonymous, or relying on ChatGPT. A bonus is what happens before and after the discussion, when people mingle, introduce themselves, and reconnect with familiar faces.
I’ve personally been a member of the Hamilton chapter for two and a half years. More recently, in December of last year, a Burlington chapter opened up. The group meets weekly, either at Alton Community Centre or Tansley Woods Community Centre, Thursday, January 15th, start at 7pm to 9pm
Jump-off points to think about:
 In terms of the past, where do you get your lessons? Personal past or exploration of history?
2. What’s the greatest lesson we can learn from the past?
3. What’s a mistake that we continue to make from the past?
4. Can we use the past to predict the future?
5. Is there a lesson from your own past you wish you had learned earlier?
6. Can we reinterpret the past depending on what we think is better for the future, or is it objective?
7. When you imagine the future — personal or collective — do you feel hope, fear, or responsibility?
8. Do we have a moral responsibility to future generations? Should our choices today be based on the wellbeing of people not born yet?
9. If you could time travel to any time in the past, where would it be and why?
10. Do we idolize the past while fearing the future?
11. Is there any chance that something entirely new and unexpected will happen in the future, or have all the possibilities happened?
12. How much responsibility do you have in shaping the future, or is it up to oligarchs and world governments?
Practical Philosophy received charitable status last year and has chapters across Southern Ontario. I believe that if more people in Burlington heard about it, many would truly enjoy and benefit from the experience.
 By Gazette Staff
January 13th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
On Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Art Gallery of Burlington is presenting their first exhibit for 2026 featuring Roda Medhat: Things I Can Fold, Deflate, and Break, on view from January 17 – April 26, 2026 in the Lee-Chin Family Gallery.
 Roda Medhat: Things I Can Fold, Deflate, and Break, “When you find different materials, you want to tell different stories.” With this deceptively simple assertion, Markham-based, Kurdish-born artist Roda Medhat situates material not merely as a medium but a narrative engine. Roda’s work operates in the fertile space where craft, memory, and digital fabrication intersect, and where materials such as soft wool, buoyant inflatable vinyl, and glowing neon each carry their own cultural meanings. The Art Gallery of Burlington’s (AGB) winter 2026 season marks the artist’s first solo exhibition in a public institution, offering a sensory playground where textiles and sculptures act as storytellers.
Roda Medhat’s sculptures translate traditional Kurdish textiles into unconventional mediums such as neon, LED, aluminum, inflatables, and vinyl. Over years of research Roda has collected archival photographs, motifs, and patterns from Kurdistan furniture, signs, headstones, textiles, citadels, and urban structures to create works that weave personal histories within broader cultural narratives. Roda uses the intricate geometric patterns found in West Asian textiles to celebrate the unique design language of the region and the time-honoured crafts that have been passed down through generations traversing layers of time, culture, and identity.
 Precision and teamwork paid off as we installed this impressive 41-foot tapestry by Roda Medhat @reallyroda for CIBC C2’s newest exhibition. Roda Medhat’s Things I Can Fold, Deflate, and Break is generously sponsored by Partners In Art. The AGB is supported by the City of Burlington, Ontario Arts Council, and Ontario Trillium Foundation.
 By Gazette Staff
January 12th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 What is the relationship between the citizen-run Arts & Cultural Council of Burlington and the city hall group that manages the granting of funds to artists? Why is the address for the Burlington Arts and Culture Grant located in Guelph?
Why was notice of an online information session sent out on a Monday for an event that is taking place Monday evening?
For those who missed the announcement:
Burlington Arts and Culture Grant (BACG) provides grants to local artists, multicultural groups, and arts and culture organizations to foster creativity and enrich how Burlington residents experience and engage with arts and culture. The program recognizes and supports diverse identities, perspectives, languages, cultures, and artistic practices.
The maximum grant awarded will be $7,000, and applicants must meet specific requirements.
Online applications will be accepted until Monday, Feb. 2, and fund projects that take place between April 2026 and March 2027. To be eligible for BACG funding support, applicants must be Burlington based and one of the following:
* An individual artist or arts and cultural collective (defined two or more artists, performers or cultural professionals that exhibit high achievement in arts and culture programming)
* An incorporated not-for-profit arts and culture organization or a charitable arts and culture organization
* A multicultural group that fulfills a significant role in the Burlington community through the arts and culture.
Project grants are awarded for a term of one year, and applicants can apply for one project per year. The maximum amount awarded for each grant is $7,000 and applications are judged based on project and artistic merit, Inclusion and community impact, and project Delivery.
Link to the application forms.
 This is what the arts crowd looked like five years ago. Projects approved in 2025-26
Project: The Artist’s Mark Juried Exhibit
Applicant: Burlington Fine Arts Association
The Burlington Fine Arts Association (BFAA) is an artist collective of approximately 180 local artists. It is also the largest of the seven guilds of Arts Burlington. The Artist’s Mark is a ten-day juried art exhibit at the Burlington Centre Hub Space. The exhibition brings original artwork out of the gallery and into a more accessible community space to provide a unique celebration of local, contemporary art. Throughout the exhibition, participating artists will lead talks explaining their work and artistic practice. The program also includes artist presentations and outreach with an art display and workshops at local schools and retirement centres. The project was selected for its continued celebration of creativity as it supports local artists from the Burlington community.
Project: Authors in Your Neighbourhood
Applicant: Sylvia McNicoll
Authors in Your Neighbourhood encourages children to have fun! Interactions with local writers and illustrators help foster a love of reading and writing. This year, Authors in Your Neighbourhood has expanded to include five locally renowned writers and illustrators: Lana Button, Jennifer Faria, Jennifer Maruno, Sylvia McNicoll and Anitha Rao-Robinson. Through a series of seven workshops, they will each demonstrate and teach their craft. Children will have the chance to learn to write dialogue, describe characters and settings, structure plot and draw. Workshops will take place at the Burlington Public Library for over 250 children. Authors in Your Neighbourhood is also part of Burlington Public Library’s Literary Festival and I Read Canadian Day. The project was selected as it supports Burlington authors and illustrators and helps them foster the next generation of local talent.
Project: Burlington Latin Festival
Applicant: Latin Legacy Association
The Burlington Latin Festival is a cultural celebration that brings together a diverse range of artists, activities and vendors. Its goal is to promote the creativity, innovation and cultural exchange of the Burlington Latin community. The festival will showcase a variety of artforms including music, dance, Latin wellness classes and workshops, a parade and concerts. The Burlington Latin Festival will take place in Central Park on Aug. 23 and 24 and will feature a musical lineup that includes the rhythms of Salsa, Reggaeton, Merengue, Bachata, Cúmbia, Mariachi, Jazz and Samba. The dance program will feature contemporary dance, traditional folk dances from Latin America and a parade. The festival is free and includes workshops highlighting the various arts and crafts of Latin American culture. The project was selected for its cultural diversity that offers the community the chance to be a part of the Burlington Latin experience.
Project: Connecting Links
Applicant: Arnab Chakrabarty
Connecting Links is a workshop combining presentations from some of the top global talent in Indian Classical Music (ICM) with Burlington artists who are passionate about the musical genre. Led by Arnab Chakrabarty, sarod (Indian Lute) virtuoso, the event features Indian classical instrumental and vocal music, Kathak, a classical dance form and Tabla (percussion). Connecting Links brings together renowned multi-disciplinary ICM performers and local artists to connect and engage with families interested in learning about South Asian art, music and dance. The event features Indian classical dance, a vocal music session, Indian rhythm cycles, interactive sessions and workshop leader performances by Priyanka Tope, Zaheer-Abbas Janmohamed and Arnab Chakrabarty. This project was chosen for its diversity, support of Burlington musicians and its engagement with the community.
Project: Elizabeth Gardens Art Walk
Applicant: Elizabeth Gardens Creative Collective
The Fifth Annual Elizabeth Gardens Art Walk is a free one-day event that features thirty to forty local, artists, artisans, designers, musicians and arts facilitators. The event takes place in Burloak Waterfront Park on Aug. 23. Park visitors will be introduced to new, emerging and professional artists, artisans, makers and performers. It features demonstrations, art installations, musical performances and over fifteen interactive Art Experience Stations. A goal of the project is to help the community learn about the many talented artists and makers that live in Burlington. The project was chosen as it supports local artists, while engaging residents with new artistic practices in a safe, supportive environment. It offers participants the chance to learn about the importance of art and the value of connecting as a community.
Project: Free Community Cushion Concert Series for Burlington Families
Applicant: Chris McKhool, Sultans of String
Three-time JUNO Award nominees and Billboard charting band Sultans of String, led by Chris McKhool, will present a series of free concerts for children and families at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. Concert themes include:
- Fiddlefire, exploring various world and jazz musical styles,
- Earth, Seas and Air, celebrating and nourishing our natural environment and
- Celebrate, providing audiences with a glimpse into the various customs, celebrations and festivities enjoyed across Canada.
All three concerts will involve the audience becoming part of the show on stage with the band. Featured performers include:
- Ernie and Maryem Tollar,
- Aviva Chernick,
- Shannon Thunderbird,
- Donné Roberts,
- Alberto Suarez,
- along with Chris McKhool, Kevin Laliberté and Drew Birston from the Sultans of String.
This project was selected for the diversity of local musicians, its focus on environmental and National teachings and its audience engagement.
Project: Golden Horseshoe Chorus Community Show
Applicant: Voices Music Collective
Voices Music Collective fosters a vibrant and inclusive choral community, uniting individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities through song. This free community concert aims to engage and enrich the Burlington community by providing an accessible, high-quality musical performance. Hosted by the Golden Horseshoe Women’s and Mixed Choruses, the concert will feature contemporary songs and old standards, showcasing the talent of local singers. The performance will foster a sense of community, celebrate local culture, and provide an opportunity for individuals and families to come together to support the arts. The chorus will perform four-part harmony a cappella and feature a variety of musical genres ranging from Pop favourites to Broadway standards. The project was selected for its support of local singers offering a wide variety of music for the community to enjoy.
Project: Halton Freedom Celebration Festival
Applicant: Halton Black History Awareness Society
The Halton Black History Awareness Society (HBHAS) celebrates Canada’s diverse community, roots and culture through education, enhancement and entertainment. HBHAS develops programs to erode racism, prejudice and stereotyping, while increasing knowledge of Canadian history and its cultural landscape. The Halton Freedom Celebration Festival features musical acts, children’s activities, heritage, historical and genealogical vendors while promoting inclusivity and community. The festival includes art in the park, cultural cuisine, basketball, and limbo competitions. Live music includes the best in Canadian R&B, Reggae, Soul, Funk, African, Cuban, Jazz Fusion, Soca and Pop. The Halton Freedom Celebration Festival takes place in Spencer Smith Park on Aug. 2 and is free to attend. This festival was selected for its programs to educate the community about Black history and culture through entertainment and engagement.
Project: RISE 2025: An Immersive Community Wellness Celebration
Applicant: Exisst SoulCare
Existt SoulCare is an artist collective that promotes community connection, creativity and well-being. RISE 2025 seeks to unite diverse communities through creative programming. The event will feature movement workshops, an interactive reflection practice, and an Afro-Caribbean and Central American contemporary dance performance featuring CinnaMoon Collective, accompanied by Vasu Bisht on the Hindustani flute. By merging live music, contemporary dance and interactive participation, RISE 2025 offers attendees an opportunity to connect with themselves and others, while fostering a sense of community belonging. The project was selected because of its inclusivity, support of Burlington performing artists and musicians, accessibility and community building.
Project: Sounds from Damascus – Unraveling Cultural Threads of Levant, Anatolia and Persia
Applicant: Mamoun Aburas
This concert by Sounds from Damascus is a unique cultural event that blends tradition with innovation. Through music, narrative and dance, the performance explores the rich historical legacies and artistic traditions of these ancient Middle Eastern lands. The concert will showcase the diversity of cultural traditions and narratives through an immersive performance and open a window to these ancient cultures. Sounds from Damascus is led by Mamoun Aburas and performers include Nour Kheder, Ruba Zouzou, Tamadur Al Khatib and 15 Middle Eastern musicians and vocalists showcasing traditional Syrian, Turkish and Persian music. The performance aims to create a vibrant and inclusive space that encourages dialogue and fosters community connections. The project was selected for its support of local singers offering traditional Middle Eastern music for the community to experience.
Project: Telling Tales Festival
Applicant: Telling Tales
The 17th Annual Telling Tales Festival returns to the Royal Botanical Gardens’ Hendrie Park on Sept. 27 and 28. The event is free and features over 50 of Canada’s leading children’s authors, illustrators, local musicians and storytellers whose stories and experiences reflect the diversity of festival participants. Guests can listen to stories behind a book’s creation, learn writing tips and meet local authors, attend interactive workshops, express their creativity in a craft tent with story-based art, and explore Hendrie Park’s sculpture collection. Telling Tales fosters family literacy skills that support mental health and a sense of well-being, by promoting a love of reading and an appreciation for the natural world. The festival is a celebration of community, volunteerism and collaboration. The project was selected as it supports Canadian authors, illustrators, local musicians and storytellers as they use story telling for community well-being.
Project: Use Your Words
Applicant: The Inspiration Initiative
The Use Your Words project is led by local artists Briar Emond, Vanessa Cress Lokos and Dominique Prevost. It has interactive opportunities for everyone to be creative. The project will take place on June 14 from noon to 4 p.m. in the Art Gallery of Burlington’s Living Room space. Activities include:
- silk screening on T-shirts,
- zines using recycled materials to create word-based art/collaging in the form of a zine,
- a speaker’s corner where guests can record themselves sharing meaningful words and
- a community reading circle.
The event unites professional artists, local poets, spoken word performers, Burlington Public Library, and the Art Gallery of Burlington with the public. This project was selected for its activities that encourage multicultural and intergenerational participation.
Project: Voice Burlington
Applicant: Burlington Symphony Orchestra
The Burlington Symphony Orchestra (BSO) produces orchestral and ensemble performances that inspire and engage large diverse audiences. The BSO’s mission is to showcase orchestral music to a broad community and perform live orchestral music that inspires, while providing opportunities for community engagement. Voice Burlington will offer a workshop series for Burlington residents culminating in a classical and musical theatre youth competition. By offering free workshops and a chance for aspiring singers to perform as a soloist with the BSO during their regular concert season, the project allows the BSO to enhance its programming and educational outreach and to connect with Burlington residents in a unique, meaningful way. The project was chosen for its engagement with local youth in the arts through accessible, barrier-free programming.
 By Angela Bischoff, Director Ontario Clean Air Alliance
January 12th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
If you thought life was going to get more affordable, we have some very bad news. To kick off the New Year, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has applied to the Ontario Energy Board for a whopping 72.6% increase in the price it is paid for nuclear power.
 Darlington Nuclear Power Station OPG says it needs to almost double what it charges for power from its nuclear plants starting in 2027 to pay for building new reactors at the Darlington Station and to rebuild the long-past-its-prime Pickering Nuclear Station.
This application really confirms that these projects are among the most expensive ways to meet our need for electricity. We could expand solar, wind and storage at a fraction of the cost and avoid seeing our power bills go through the roof.
But the Ford government is pushing forward with a laundry list of insanely expensive nuclear projects instead – with no real idea what these projects will cost. And that is going to cost you, with:
· sharply rising electricity bills;
· years of burning polluting fossil fuels to fill the gap while these projects get built;
· needlessly expensive electricity supply that deters businesses from locating or expanding in Ontario.
This 72.6% increase will be on top of the November 2025 residential electricity rate increase of 29% due to rising nuclear costs. A good chunk of last year’s rate increase was deliberately buried in tax bills by the Ford government, but you’re still paying for it.
Remember when Doug Ford promised he was going to cut hydro rates by 12%? Notice he never talks about that anymore.
The Premier’s buddies in the nuclear and gas industries may like his plan for an old school electricity system built around eye wateringly expensive mega projects. But the people of Ontario are now in for some serious sticker shock.
This is really the tip of a very big iceberg coming straight at your household budget.
Please ask our provincial leaders whether they will support a much lower cost plan for offshore wind, rooftop and parking lot solar, widely distributed storage and deep efficiency instead of expensive nuclear.
 By Pepper Parr
January 12th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
In August of 2013 the Hockey community in Burlington went after GET
Burlington Lions Optimists Minor Hockey Association, (BLOMA) won $20,000 at that event.
Kraft Foods is back with another Hockeyville event.
This time, the contest is for $250,000, and an NHL Pre-Season game at the Central Arena.
This contest calls for people to tell stories about what the arena means to them (you get 10 points for that) and add any photographs you might have – you get three points for a photograph,
Links to the Kraft Hockeyville site – HERE
 Kirsten Priestner, the woman who nominated John McNeil as a participant in the Kraft Game Goes On contest makes sure the jack he was given fits properly. John McNeil was the biggest part of the driving force to win the $20,000 in 2013.
On behalf of the Gazette I made what I think is the first story and photo submission – both were accepted.
Link to related story.
It is now up to the community to bring home that $250,000 prize. It can be done.
 By Gazette Staff
January 12th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
For nearly six decades, Central Recreation Centre (Central Arena) has been more than just a rink—it’s been the beating heart of Burlington’s sporting and recreational spirit. Built in 1968, this iconic venue has witnessed generations of hockey dreams, lacrosse glory, figure skating triumphs, and unforgettable community moments. It’s where the city’s biggest crowds have cheered, where legends like Wayne Gretzky skated as a nine-year-old prodigy during the 1970 Golden Horseshoe Tournament, and where music icons like The Ramones and Gordon Lightfoot electrified audiences in the ’70s.
 Boys in a van on the way to a hockey game in London use the time to log in and click, click, click. Now, Burlington has the chance to write the next chapter in Central Arena’s storied history by making it Canada’s next Kraft Hockeyville. Winning would mean hosting an NHL pre-season game and $250,000 to be used towards repairs or modest upgrades.
Central Arena isn’t just bricks and boards—it’s memories frozen in time and a year-round hub for many activities. It’s the sound of skates carving fresh ice, the roar of fans during championship games, and the laughter of families at community events. This is our chance to celebrate those stories and share them with the country.
How You Can Help
The Kraft Hockeyville competition begins with the Nomination and Rally phase, where communities across Canada submit stories that showcase their pride. Burlington needs your voice, your photos, and your memories to climb to the top.
 The T-shirt tells it all. John McNeil wants everyone in this city to let 19 other communities in Ontario to be aware of the Burlington Bulldogs – they are out there gunning for the $100,0000 that Kraft Foods wants to hand out to a minor hockey association. You can earn points for Central Arena by:
- Submitting a written or video story (10 points)
- Sharing a photo (3 points)
- Reacting to a story or note on the arena’s nomination page (1 point)
Visit KraftHockeyville.ca to share your story and help Burlington shine.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward: “Central Arena has been at the heart of Burlington’s sport and recreation for generations—not just for hockey, but for figure skating, ringette, and countless community events. Now we have the chance to make it Canada’s next Kraft Hockeyville. This is about celebrating the stories that make our arena special and showing the country what Burlington pride looks like. I encourage everyone to share your memories and vote to help us bring this incredible opportunity home.”
Click HERE for Direct link to Central Recreation Centre (Central Arena) nomination page
 By Gazette Staff
January 12th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
The latest National Rent Report from Rentals.ca and Urbanation provides new data indicating that average asking rents in Canada have declined to their lowest level in two and a half years.
Key highlights from the report include:
-
 Average asking rent declined to $2,060 in December, down 3% year-over-year- Rents have fallen 4% over the past two years, marking the 15th consecutive month of annual declines
- The annual rent decline in 2025 (-3.1%) was larger than during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Vancouver and Toronto reached their lowest rent levels since early 2022, while Edmonton was the only major market to post growth
- Despite recent declines, rents remain 1% above pre-pandemic levels
Canada’s Average Rent Falls to Lowest Level in Two-and-a-Half YearsToronto – January 12, 2026 – The average asking rent for all residential properties in Canada declined 2.3% year-over-year in December to $2,060, marking the 15th consecutive month of annual rent decreases, according to the latest National Rent Report from Rentals.ca and Urbanation. Rents fell to their lowest level in 30 months, down 5.4% compared to two years ago. Despite the extended decline, average asking rents remained 14.1% higher than pre-pandemic levels in December 2019.“After a sharp run-up coming out of COVID, rents in Canada have been on a downward trend for more than a year.
The demand and supply factors that were pushing rents higher between 2022 and 2024 reversed during 2025. A combination of record-high apartment completions, population growth slowing down, economic uncertainty, and affordability challenges has worked together to push down rents. Looking ahead, rents are likely to continue trending down in the near-term as these conditions persist,” said Shaun Hildebrand, President of Urbanation.
When measured across the full year, average asking rents in Canada declined 3.1% in 2025, representing a larger annual drop than those recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic. While rents fell last year, rent growth since 2020 has remained in line with the long-term historical average at 2.9% per year. Rent declines continued to be led by secondary market units.
 Originally planned as a condominium, the development found that market conditions called for rental accommodation. 25% of this development on Brant across from City Hall is to be affordable units. Purpose-built rental apartments remained the most stable segment, posting a modest 1.0% annual decline to an average of $2,049. Among unit types, three-bedroom rents edged up 0.2% year-over-year to $2,501, while one-bedroom and two-bedroom rents declined 3.1% and 1.6%, respectively.
 Condo rents fell 4.0% annually in December to an average of $2,131.At the provincial level, average apartment rents declined year-over-year in B.C. (-5.4%), Ontario (-3.2%), Alberta (-2.7%), and Quebec (-1.9%). Apartment rents in both B.C. and Ontario were down nearly 10% compared to two years ago.
Saskatchewan continued to lead rent growth nationally, with apartment rents rising 7.1% annually and remaining more than 30% below the national average. Among Canada’s six largest markets, annual rent declines remained steepest in Vancouver (-7.9% to $2,654), Toronto (-5.1% to $2,498), and Calgary (-5.0% to $1,824).
Vancouver and Toronto rents fell to their lowest levels since early 2022, with two-year declines of 13.3% and 11.8%, respectively. Edmonton was the only major market to record rent growth in December, rising 0.8% year-over-year for apartment rentals.The average asking rent for shared accommodations across B.C., Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec declined 8.5% annually in December to $902, reaching a 34-month low.
The data includes single-detached homes, semi-detached homes, townhouses, condominium apartments, rental apartments, and basement apartments. Outlier listings and single-room rentals are excluded.
By Will Anderson
January 12th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
The year 2026 marks a distinct shift in Burlington, Ontario’s sporting profile, driven by municipal initiatives and significant roster turnover in junior hockey. City officials and local sports organizations have prioritized infrastructure usage and event hosting, while the local player development pipeline continues to feed leagues across the country.
FIFA Fan Event Proposal Highlights 2026 Calendar
 The most prominent administrative development in 2026 involves the City of Burlington’s official bid to host a “FIFA Canada’s Caravan” event. Council reports confirm that the city has allocated approximately $160,000 from the Cultural Initiatives Reserve Fund to secure this fan experience. The proposed location is Spencer Smith Park, a central venue intended to maximize accessibility and economic spinoffs for the downtown core.
City staff recommended this bid to align with the buildup to the 2026 World Cup. FIFA 26 Canada representatives have acknowledged Burlington’s capacity and enthusiasm, making the city a strong candidate. If successful, the event will serve as a regional hub for soccer enthusiasts, a demographic that includes a significant portion of the local German-Canadian community. This initiative represents a tangible effort to decentralize major sporting events from Toronto’s BMO Field to surrounding municipalities.
The broader Canadian sports environment in 2025 remains interconnected, particularly regarding player pathways and regulatory frameworks. Fans tracking athletes who move to western leagues often encounter different administrative landscapes, including the government-regulated sports betting options in British Columbia, which contrast with Ontario’s distinct competitive market model. This variance remains a relevant background factor for those following national sports trends.
Junior Hockey Roster Changes and Community Soccer Events
 On the ice, the Burlington Cougars of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) have experienced substantial roster movement heading into and through the 2025 calendar year. Scouting reports and transaction logs indicate a clear pipeline developing between Burlington and the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). Notable transfers include defenceman Owen Davies moving to the Nanaimo Clippers and forward Noah Garthe joining the West Kelowna Warriors. These transactions underscore the role of Burlington’s program in exporting talent to Western Canada’s Junior A circuit.
The Cougars have simultaneously adjusted their lineup with acquisitions to maintain competitiveness in the OJHL West Conference. Recent game logs show the team competing in tight contests against division rivals such as the Milton Menace and King Rebellion. The coaching staff has integrated new forwards to offset the departures, focusing on tactical adjustments for the remainder of the 2024-2025 season.
 Parallel to the hockey developments, the Burlington Soccer Club has solidified its schedule for the 2025 outdoor season. A key date confirmed is “Mini Soccer Day” on August 23, 2026, at Sherwood Forest Park. This event functions as the season finale for the U7 through U12 divisions. The club acts as a central institution for youth development, mirroring the community club structure familiar to European residents. The organization also continues to support players progressing to League1 Ontario, with statistical data showing Burlington Bayhawks alumni consistently advancing to university and professional levels.
 By Pepper Parr
January 12th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
We did a piece a week or so ago about the trip Mayor Meed Ward, along with several staff members, took to Helsinki in Finland.
The trip was paid for by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) and involved another municipality
When we researched the event, we came across the best statement on what community engagement is. It doesn’t get much better than this.
The CIHR stresses citizen engagement with this comment:
Citizen engagement is the meaningful involvement of individual citizens in policy or program development. To put it simply, citizens are “engaged” when they play an active role in defining issues, considering solutions, and identifying resources or priorities for action. This “meaningful involvement” can take place at a variety of stages in the research, planning, or implementation phases of a project.
We didn’t recall anything that the City did to follow up on the promise to “follow-up with two workshops to inspire new ideas and foster collaboration to implement healthy urban policy in Burlington by adapting Helsinki’s strategies for improving/managing infrastructure, promoting health, and improving Burlington residents’ quality of life.”
We asked the city communications department if there was something we might have missed.
The response: “They were incorporated into public engagement efforts related to Horizon 2050.
“We had a workshop at the DeGroote School of Business specific to the outcomes of the Helsinki trip on July 10, 2025.” This would have been a staff event – which is good.
Involving the public? That was incorporated into “public engagement efforts”.
And the city wonders why the public doesn’t show up for events.
Link to the original article
 By Gazette Staff
January 11th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON’
Many people have a dream of writing a book, and so few bring that dream to life. That’s why two local authors, Charmaine Hammond (Burlington) and Sara Furlong (Oakville), have teamed up to host the first of a series of online training sessions for people interested in learning about being a children’s author.
This free, live online webinar on January 22, 2026, is designed to spark imagination, explore storytelling, and help participants build confidence in their creative voice. The session is open to entrepreneurs, educators, parents, and anyone craving a creative reset or new direction for the year ahead.
 Charmaine Hammond The webinar will be led by local best-selling children’s authors Charmaine Hammond and Sara Furlong, who will share insights into children’s storytelling, creative possibilities, and how a simple idea can evolve into a meaningful project.
 “Many people have a story idea tucked away or waiting to be told to children but don’t see themselves as ‘a children’s author…yet,’” says Charmaine Hammond. “This session is about opening the door to possibility and creativity both personally and professionally.”
Participants will gain an inspiring introduction to children’s book creation and learn how storytelling can support creativity, legacy building, education, and brand expansion. The webinar also serves as an entry point into their upcoming Kid Lit Launchpad course for those who want to explore the idea further.
 Sara Furlong (Oakville) “Children’s books aren’t just for writers,” adds Sara Furlong. “They’re for people who want to connect, teach, inspire, and share something meaningful often in ways they never expected.”
The live online webinar takes place on January 22, 2026, via Zoom. The session will be recorded, and all registrants will receive access to the replay, even if they are unable to attend live.
Registration is free; advance sign-up is required.
Event Details
When: January 22, 2026, at 7 pm Eastern
Where: Live online via Zoom
Registration Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8WBuh-ZBQ1qqRZwYx_4X3w
About Raise a Dream
Raise a Dream, owned by Burlington resident Charmaine Hammond, supports authors, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and creatives through education, collaboration, and purpose-driven programs. Their initiatives focus on turning ideas into impact through storytelling, sponsorship, and meaningful connections.
Learn more about Sara and Charmaine and read their bios here
 By Pepper Parr
January 11th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
The pace at which things get done has become a concern for the development sector, both for the small operators and the big guys.
“We have between now and May to get some work done – after that, things move into an election mode and nothing happens until early 2027. And who knows what kind of leadership the city is going to have?” is the view of a person who declined to be named.
 Property owners are going to test public reaction before submitting an application to the city. There are some really important developments in various stages of getting a building permit. And there is a housing market that is sluggish. The pre-application meeting, scheduled for later this month, is a sign that there are people who think they can get to the point where they can have a motion before Council asking for both Official Plan changes and zoning changes as well.
The problems surrounding a possible change in the status of the Burlington Economic Development and Tourism (BEDT)are also critical to a number of the development at various stages of approval. That issue is complex and may not attract much in the way of public interest. It could well be one of the most critical changes in how Burlington attracts new organizations to see Burlington as home.
There are those in Burlington who see an opportunity for the city in attracting organizations currently in Toronto that have a considerable portion of their staff living in Oakville, Burlington and Hamilton. With people now having to return to their offices full-time, being able to work closer to home is attractive.
There is a rising demand for office space in Toronto. Put all those factors together, and Economic Development moves to the top of the priority list.
The City Manager (CAO), Curt Benson has committed to having a report to Council on this issue by April. That’s awfully close to when the city moves into election mode.
Some developers are eager to see which direction the city takes: Keeping BEDT as it is, or moving the not-for-profit into City Hall.
Should the latter happen the changes that will have to take place will take time – something the development community see as their investment plans being put on hold.
The two biggest properties that developers want to get to the point where a building permit can be issued are the Alinea development at 12200 King Road and the Bronte Meadows property.
 The property runs from King Road west to the Aldershot GO station.  Plans for this property are for two separate communities.
 By Eric Stern
January 11th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
This latest tower on the lake will contain 154 hotel rooms and 50 rental units. The area is zoned for hotel rooms, and there is a shortage of rental units. With lake views, monthly rents will be sky high, but new high-end homes increase the housing supply. As people move into these new homes, their current homes become available. After many iterations, some affordable housing may emerge.
Parking in the downtown core is already a challenge. By approving this building with just 82 parking spots, council is adding to that challenge. The building will have two full-time valet parking attendants whisking cars to and from private parking spots in other areas of the downtown core.
 A car-centric suburban city. Burlington is a car-centric suburban city. As city staffers and our councillors work to change our habits, it remains true that people who live in single-family homes in spread-out communities depend on their cars. The city’s Integrated Mobility Plan states: “There are to be no new road widenings for the sole purpose of adding car capacity.” The mobility plan envisions the increased use of transit, bicycles, and other modes. Mother Nature is not cooperating; perhaps our council can write her a letter. This winter is cold and snowy enough to deter the most ardent cyclist. Adding a cluster of tall buildings, with insufficient parking, in the downtown core will only exacerbate existing traffic and parking problems.
Planning the perfect 15-minute city requires a blank slate. Transitioning a suburban city to a 15-minute city has been done, but not the way Burlington is approaching the problem. Pontevedra, Spain, started its journey in 1999. The downtown core was pedestrianized, and surface parking was replaced with underground parking or peripheral lots. This approach allows people outside the downtown core to easily drive into the downtown, park, and enjoy the restaurants and shopping.
Burlington’s approach appears to involve making the downtown core so congested that no one who lives outside the core will go anywhere near it.
What are some possible outcomes for Burlington as more and more high-rise buildings are constructed?
1 – The city will win, and drive times will increase to the point where it will be faster to ride a bike. Without subways or dedicated transit lanes, transit times will also increase. The end result may well be an unlivable city; some people will be lucky enough to have employment within walking distance, but it’s hard to imagine the majority of us will. Extrapolating from this scenario, housing prices decline as Burlington becomes less desirable.
2 – Technology will save the day. Brampton’s ARGO transit experiment (link to Joe’s article), car-sharing, robotaxis, or flying cars will save Burlington. Burlington’s consideration of starting or encouraging a car-sharing program was discussed at the January 6th council meeting.
 Flying cars will still need parking spots. Flying cars will still need parking spots.
3 – Environmental concerns are a major driver of the war on cars. Electric cars remove this concern. Roads are widened, and people stop buying condos without parking spots.
4 – Your guess is as good as mine.
If Burlington had rejected this proposal, the developer may have appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). In the case of 409 Brant St., the OLT approved the project with .74 spaces per unit. The developer included “mitigations” such as car-share stalls and additional bicycle parking.
At 2076 Old Lakeshore Rd., only 0.41 spaces per unit are being planned. Downtown is no longer designated as an MTSA. Should Burlington have risked spending $400,000 or more taking this project to the OLT? The unelected civil servants in the planning department unanimously approved the project, greatly reducing the city’s chances at the OLT. Before voting councillor Kearns remarked that the risk of approval at the OLT was too high to vote against the project. The planning department’s action raises the question: Does the city belong to the people who live here or to the people who work at City Hall?
Planning to meet some old friends for conversation? If you choose a downtown location, group members may have difficulty finding parking. Fortunately, we have many options, many with free parking, outside the downtown core.
Burlington has approximately $12 million set aside in a reserve fund to build a multi-level parking garage in the downtown core. The cost of a new parking garage is estimated at $50 million. As more and more buildings are constructed in the downtown core without adequate parking, downtown residents and businesses will suffer. Look out, taxpayers, the writing is on the wall; we’ll be ponying up millions to solve this problem.
Related news story:
A transit experiment Burlington should look at
 Eric Stern is a Burlington resident and a co-founder of Focus Burlington. He knows the contents of the City Budget book better than many of the people at Finance
By Gazette Staff ‘
January 10th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
A pre-application community meeting for 1376-1382 Plains Rd E. will be held Wednesday, Jan. 14, 6:30-8 p.m.
 Development would replace a number of used car dealerships along Plains Road W. PRE-APPLICATION CONSULTATION MEETING
2731115 Ontario Inc., F. K Deals on Wheels Inc., 2731119 Ontario Inc., and Manor Care Homes Inc. (collectively, the “owner”) is considering the redevelopment of 1376-1382 Plains Road East.
This proposed development would consist of a 25-storey mixed use building with approximately 284 residential units, including a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units.
The current Official Plan designation of the site is Mixed Use Corridor – Commercial Corridor, and the current zoning is Mixed Use Corridor Commercial Corridor Zone “MXC”. The site also falls within the City’s Burlington GO Major Transit Station Area, an area where the Official Plan directs the greatest heights and densities in the city.
If the owner chooses to pursue this redevelopment, it will require an amendment to the City of Burlington Official Plan and Zoning By-law.
No development applications have been submitted to the City of Burlington at this time, and the City has not made any decisions on this proposal.
A pre-application community meeting has been scheduled by the owner to discuss this potential redevelopment so that public can provide feedback at this early stage. The meeting will be held in a
virtual format.
 Room for even more development in this part of the City. The Pre-Application Community Meeting will take place:
Date: January 14th, 2026
Start Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Participate On-Line via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84456323197 (internet connection required – Zoom user guide available at www.burlington.ca/1382plains)
Webinar ID: 844 5632 3197
Participate by Telephone (audio
only):
+1 647 374 4685
+1 647 558 0588
During the meeting, City Planning staff will provide an overview of the development application review process. The owner will provide an overview of planning polices in effect on the site and their
development concept. There will be a question and answer session to share your thoughts on the proposal with the owner.
Councillor Kearns and Mayor Meed Ward have been invited and may also be in attendance to hear your input. Residents can subscribe to this proposed development’s webpage at
Burlington.ca/developmentprojects to receive any updates about this proposal.
Agenda:
Meeting to commence at 6:30 pm with opening remarks
City Planning staff to provide a summary of the planning process, opportunities for public
consultation, and next steps
Overview of the development concept from the project consultant team
Audience consultation – opportunity for questions, answers and comments
Overview of next steps
Meeting adjournment
Comments and questions for the owner can be sent to the following:
After the application has been submitted to the City, notice will be sent to residents within 120 metres of the site, and details of the application will be publicly available at Burlington.ca/developmentprojects.
At this stage residents can provide comments and questions to City Staff.
Its developer, Bousfields Inc., is hosting the meeting.
By Gazette Staff
January 10th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
 Malwarebytes discovered that hackers stole the sensitive information of 17.5 million Instagram accounts. Complete with usernames, physical addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and more, this data can be abused by cybercriminals to impersonate trusted brands, trick users, and steal their passwords.Critically, this data is already being offered on the dark web, with individual users also receiving legitimate password reset notifications from Instagram.
What to do:
- Beware of emails and messages that claim to come from Instagram, as they could be sent by malicious hackers trying to trick you into handing over your password.
- If you’re concerned, sign into your Instagram account and reset your password to a new, strong, unique password.
Check if you were exposed: With a free scan from Malwarebytes’ Digital Footprint Portal, you can see if you were included in the Instagram breach. Simply enter the email address you used to register with Instagram and our Digital Footprint scan will report your level of exposure online.
Click HERE to access the Digital Footprint Portal
The Gazette has been using Malwarebytes to secure our data. It has served us very well.
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