 By Ray Rivers
July 24th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
“Despite being the epicentre of the COVID pandemic in Ontario, for-profit nursing homes, from a business point of view, did incredibly well over the past 15 months. The Ford government indemnified them against liability from lawsuits, paid them out at full capacity no matter how many residents they had, and even offered them subsidies for other lost revenues.
 The profitability of the long term care sector is astonishing. In fact, many of the investment-backed, corporate players in the nursing home industry will emerge from COVID-19 in better shape than they entered it, thanks in large part to the province’s aggressive and generous plan to refurbish old homes and build new ones.” (Toronto Star July 2021)
The authors of this in-depth report (link below) concluded that throughout Ontario’s COVID crisis, premier Doug Ford simply followed the advice of the last person he had met with, and those were all too often corporate lobbyists or his friends in the development sector. Apparently when it comes to COVID Ford has one rule for the lobbyists and another for all the rest of ‘his people’.
 Construction hours have been extended at the request of the developers. Why for example, was construction allowed to continue pretty much business-as-usual when so many other businesses with lower COVID transmission rates were forced to shutter? Construction is known to have one of the highest transmission rates of all industries, and yet, curiously, residential construction was declared an essential service.
Meanwhile, in an attempt to appear to be acting tough on public health measures, recreational golf and tennis, which had no previous record of COVID transmission, were banned. Small non-grocery business owners, with a tiny public footprint, were outraged that their big box competition at Walmart and Costco could continue to operate while they had to close.
And despite being among the hottest spots for viral transmission in the province, meat packing, the Post Office and Amazon, were allowed to continue unabated. In the end it took the local medical officers of health, not the province, to shut them down.
The way Mr. Ford has tailored his priorities helps explain why it has taken Ontario so long to get our COVID infection rates down. This policy of allowing high risk activities to continue while curtailing safer options is not just unfair, it’s also negligent.
 The opening up of the hospitality sector too soon brought about a third wave from which we are just emerging. “….since Ontario first declared a state of emergency in March of 2020 the government has made decisions that align with the interests of lobbyists — many of whom have close ties to the premier, his party or both — and the businesses they represent. Those decisions have often favoured certain sectors over others and have, at key moments in the pandemic, gone against public health advice, delaying or fracturing lockdowns. Those decisions have often favoured certain sectors over others and have, at key moments in the pandemic, gone against public health advice, delaying or fracturing lockdowns.?” (Toronto Star July 2021)
If only a lobbyist for vaccine passports or mandatory vaccination for health care workers could make their way over the premier’s office?
Background links
Star Report – Construction Sector – Building Trades – Retaining and Big Box –
 By Staff
July 23rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington’s Mayor makes major use of social media and every other form of communications. Her journalism degree from Carleton University put her into the world of media where the worked at newspapers, as a columnist (she has never worked as a reporter), as an editor of a magazine and on television where she was very effective. The camera liked her and she liked the camera.
 As a citizen using the Save our Waterfront banner Marianne Meed Ward was effective. When she got elected to Council she was described as divisive but she changed the way that Council did business. A painful Ward 1 election loss in 2006 against Rick Craven led to her moving into the downtown core and setting herself up to run for that council seat.
She won in 2010, was elected Mayor in 2018 and was seen as the Mayor that would make the big difference – and she did make a difference.
The decision to drop an Interim Control Bylaw on the developers was not popular with that cohort. What was to be a one year hold on development has stretched into what is pretty close to three years. The reason for the stretch – there are dozens of appeals which have to be heard before the Interim Control Bylaw can be lifted.
The moving of the Urban Growth Centre north and away from the Downtown Core and getting the ridiculous MTSA designation taken off a bus terminal that couldn’t hold ten people were also wins for this Mayor. And make no mistake about it – she was the driving force.
 Political positioning at its very best. Unfortunately for the Mayor’s image, something she and her husband cultivate and groom with great care, her goof with the Rainbow Crosswalks issue has drawn blood.
Many politically informed observers think Marianne Meed Ward threw three of her council colleagues under the bus when they voted against the Mayor to have six additional crosswalks done as soon as possible rather than the more fiscally prudent approach to adding one each year.
The Mayor wanted to again raid reserve funds to pay for the additional six – Kearns, Stolte and Sharman had no problem with the crosswalks – just not all at the same time.
With that as background it was surprising to see the Mayor with Councillor Stolte at the Poacher enjoying a cool one.
In a social media posting with the photograph the Mayors said: “Great to step out with Shawna Stolte last night at The Poacher for food, conversation and supporting local business. Friday + sun = patio weather. So many great Burlington restaurants to choose from! Where are you headed this weekend?”
 Mayor Meed Ward with Councillor Shawna Stolte. Is this what damage control mode looks like? Who paid for the beer? One Gazette reader, who misses the comments section, wrote us to say: “How ignorant does this mayor think the residents of Burlington are?
“Making nice with the Councillors she threw under the bus a few weeks ago.
“First a joint statement with Lisa,
“Now drinks etc. with Shawna.
“Let’s see if Paul Sharman either gets an invite or decides not to play the mayor’s game.”
Related news stories:
Mayor tries to torpedo three of her colleagues.
The three fight back.
Both sides of the story
By Staff
July 23rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
In a normal world members of Council would be in full vacation mode with most of the seven out of town, maybe out of the province or out of the country.
This is not yet a normal world.
 Councillor Sharman has two major events in his riding; Councillor Bentivegna has a number of back yard meetings planned.
Mayor wasn’t specific but she will be out there meeting and greeting and accepting the adulation from her tribe.
Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte stunned us when she released her summer plans: twelve pop up events in parks within her ward where she will be waiting for people who want to talk to her.
They will ask: Is she running again? She is.
The pop ups run from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm There will be signage in place – you won’t be able to miss her.
 By Staff
July 23rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
As vaccine supply increases, many appointments available in July and August
Halton Region Public Health is encouraging all residents 12 years of age and up to get both doses of COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible in order to gain full protection against COVID-19 and help prevent a fourth wave in the Fall.
“We are making great progress with our vaccine rollout, with 81 per cent of residents with one dose and 60 per cent of residents fully vaccinated,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “With a more steady and predictable supply of vaccine from the Federal and Provincial governments, there are many options to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Halton and make it a two dose summer.”
 Here are the many ways to get first and second doses in Halton:
• New! Walk-in vaccinations now available at Gary Allan Learning Centre clinic (3250 New Street in Burlington). Daily, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for individuals 18+.
• New! More clinic options in Milton – appointments can now be booked online for the St. Francis Xavier Secondary School clinic – appointments available in July!
• Quickly and easily book online at one of Halton’s community clinics, located across Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville – appointments available in July and early August!
o All residents are eligible to get a second dose at a minimum 28 days. Anyone who has appointments booked in September and October, are urged to reschedule to an earlier date as soon as possible.
o Same day or “last minute” appointments available based on cancellations. Anyone with a booked appointment can check daily.
• The Province continues to host local pop-up clinics, with one happening July 24 and 25 at Holy Trinity Secondary School in Oakville.
• More than 100 Pharmacies in Halton are offering walk-in or booked appointments.
• Select Primary Care Offices are offering booked appointments.
 Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. “We are in a race against COVID-19 and its variants. We need to get everyone fully vaccinated to avoid a fourth wave in the Fall,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. “Make it a two dose summer – get your second dose to gain better protection against COVID-19 and the Delta variant as soon as possible. We need 90 per cent fully vaccinated and every dose counts. Be part of the community level protection we need to get back to normal…and stay there. Now is the time to #RollUpYourSleevesHalton!”
Important information & instructions
• All individuals 12 years of age and older who have received their first dose can get their second dose at a minimum 28 day interval.
All new appointments are booked at a minimum 28 day interval.
o Anyone who has appointments booked in September and October, are urged to reschedule to an earlier date as soon as possible.
o Anyone who has found earlier appointments elsewhere (e.g., through a pharmacy) or has completed both doses must cancel their existing appointment at a Halton clinic.
• The quickest and easiest way to manage appointments, including booking or rescheduling an appointment at a Halton clinic, is online. Residents are asked to avoid calling 311 unless they need immediate booking or rescheduling support.
• Individuals requiring additional assistance, language supports or other accommodations can contact 311 prior to their appointment to arrange for additional supports.
o Transportation services to and from appointments are available, free of charge, for those who require it. Parking is free at all clinic locations.
• To maintain physical distancing and safety measures, please:
o arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment (not earlier);
o wear a mask;
o complete a wellness check before entering a clinic, using Halton’s COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Screening Tool; and
o attend appointments alone if possible. You may bring one support person, if required (for example, a caregiver or interpreter).
To learn more about Halton Region’s COVID-19 Vaccine Program, including how to book an appointment, please visit halton.ca/COVIDvaccines.
By Maddy Van Clieaf, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
July 23rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Public Library, BPL, has served as a community hub for information, engagement and literacy since 1872. With the unprecedented events of the pandemic, the library has transformed into a space for community support, equity and inclusivity.
 Lita Barrie, CEO and President of BPL Lita Barrie, CEO and President of BPL, and her team of librarians and staff have been working throughout the pandemic with other community groups and libraries to establish comprehensive services that capture the community’s needs.
The library worked in two ways to accommodate the community. Barrie explained that “it was about what we could do in our capacity as the library to help keep our community safe and our staff safe.”
Just as Burlington shifted online, the library closed its doors on March 13, 2020. Staff and patrons alike adapted to the digital format, with the library seeing a 103% increase in eCheckouts.
 This might be social distancing to the extreme. To respond to the increased demand for online services, BPL transformed their website into a ‘virtual branch’ offering a wide variety of staff picks eBooklists, online learning resources and activities for children at home, as well as a list of community resources for those in need.
As well, a partnership with the Mississauga, Hamilton, London and Ottawa Public Libraries boosted BPL’s digital book collection, expanding the total digital collections to 330,000+ titles.
 All the pandemic did for the library was increase the demand for something to read. Barrie continued, “The second way BPL accommodated the community was in trying to adapt to whatever constraints the pandemic was presenting at one time or another to provide meaningful library service. Part of what we tried to reimagine through the pandemic is how we could continue to be open to the community while our physical branches couldn’t be.”
Reimagining the way a library works and functions in the community means the services provided by the library are constantly changing to adapt. They provide for a broad demographic; young kids learning to read, students, and senior citizens.
Maddy Van Clieaf is a second year journalism student at Carleton University. She is with the Gazette as part of the federal governments Local Journalism initiative.
 By Kate Elder
July 23rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Although Canada is not considered to be the gambling capital, there are many good casinos, bookmakers, and other gambling establishments operating here. Online casinos are also available to residents of the country. However, you should be aware of the fact that different areas of Canada have their own legislation driving the gambling market. And you need to adhere to your local rules to be 100% sure that you are not breaking the law.
Key Features of the Local Business
The fact the different legislative acts are driving the industry in different states complicates the life of a gambler. You may be legally allowed to make bets in one province but have serious problems because of playing your favourite casino game in a different state. For example, in Alberta, you can participate in gambling if you are 18 years old or older. In British Columbia, it is allowed to make bets at a casino only if you are not younger than 19.
The situation is completely different in the northwestern regions of the country, where only the government lottery is legal. To stay on the safe side, you need to check local gambling laws and stick to them. The same refers to playing online slots here — you either need to clarify the legal status of online gambling or start the game on the offshore casino site.
The situation is somehow stable for casino owners. In states where casinos are allowed, you can legally become a gambling business owner if you purchase a license. Many new gambling businessmen start their business from scratch. The gaming license is issued by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Besides that, the government of each Canadian province determines the type of permitted gambling business on its territory. So you should check it out as well.
Local Casinos
In Canada, most casinos and gambling venues offer a decent level of service. Of course, it is difficult to name the best ones since it is rather a subjective matter. However, the below casinos are considered to be the most popular gambling halls in the country:
Northlands Park — The most popular luxury game complex is located in Edmonton. The casino is called Northlands Park. For all visitors, it offers numerous slot machines, table games, and sports betting options;
Medicine Hat Lodge Resort casino — You can find the establishment in Montreal. The casino hosts over a hundred tables and three thousand machines under its roof. Players can place virtual bets at the racetrack and have a great time playing other games of chance. The Medicine Hat Lodge Resort casino operates on the territory of Alberta and is considered one of the largest gambling establishments in Canada;
Casino de Mont-Tremblant — The luxurious Casino de Mont-Tremblant is located in Quebec. This club is renowned for its high level of service and many great deals available for players. The two-level establishment occupies a vast area and includes a thousand slot machines, as well as isolated areas for playing poker.
Of course, Canadian casinos are not as famous all over the world as the establishments in the neighbouring USA. However, each province of the country offers its residents and tourists good gambling clubs. All in all, gambling fans will hardly get bored in Canada.
Industry Level as a Whole
The gambling business in Canada is a huge industry with a massive turnover of 13 billion a year. The development of gaming clubs is actively supported by the state. There is a positive image of gambling here, and the Canadian government follows the successful example of the neighbouring United States in its loyalty to the gambling business. More than 60 casinos in Canada are licensed and equipped with the latest gaming technology. The owners of gambling clubs pay great attention to the quality of customer service and gameplay level delivered.
According to industry experts, the gambling business in Canada can gradually achieve American gambling success. Today, the country’s gambling industry regularly receives investments from foreign businessmen who confidently invest their finances in Canadian gambling establishments.
 By Staff
July 22nd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
We don’t know at this point how long it will be before the comments section is available for use. Our apologies.
By Staff
July 21, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Budget time – and this is going to be a defining period of time for this council.
Traditionally politicians put forward a budget that lowers taxes in an election year.
That is going to be very very difficult for this Mayor; she has yet to learn budget discipline.
 Will the Mayor learn to listen to and hear what some of her council members and the public are saying. The Finance department will do their best to make a case for some fiscal prudence. Her council will learn to clamp down – when staff finishes telling them what the city is really up against fiscal prudence will kick in.
Insurance costs have sky-rocketed. Repairing the covid19 damage to the local economy is going to take time.
Burlington is fortunate in having a Finance department that knows what they are facing – and while council lauds their efforts they don’t pay enough attention to the advice that Treasurer Joan Ford puts forward.
The city will be doing another survey – that’s all part of the process. The complexity of municipal budgets is difficult for people to get a grip on. There isn’t a balance sheet or a profit and loss statement – municipalities are not in place to make money – they are there to deliver services and hold funds for those unforeseen situations.
Take the budget survey and tell the finance people s which City services are important to you.
You are encouraged to complete an online survey at www.getinvolvedburlington.ca. All the feedback captured through the survey will be shared with Burlington City Council. The survey will remain open until Sept. 30, 2021.
Key meeting dates for the 2022 budget include:
Sept 22, 23, 28, and 30
City Council workshops with presentations from each City service area
 There used to be public budget meetings that filled the main room at the Art Gallery Nov. 3
Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Committee Meeting: 2022 Budget overview report
Nov. 4
2022 Budget Virtual Town Hall
Nov. 30 and Dec. 2
Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Committee Meeting: 2022 Budget review and approval
Dec. 14
Meeting of Burlington City Council: City Council to consider approval of the proposed 2022 budget
Changes in how Council meetings will take place as the Region works its way through Step 3 of the Re-Open Plan. It might be possible to hold real public meetings with perhaps limited public participation.
Does this Council really want the public in the room looking them in the eye and asking some hard questions?
 By Staff
July 21st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Sometime after we were advised of the Facebook posting the Office of the Mayor issued a document
It is a different way of communicating.
Mayor Meed Ward and Councillor Lisa Kearns released a Joint Statement today on the Holland Park development proposed for Fairview and Drury Lane.
Basically they said there wasn’t all that much they can do about a development that has literally nothing in the way of caps on the height.
There is a drawing of what the developers are proposing set out below.
Our question is: Was posting the Joint Statement on Facebook pages an attempt to slip something past the public?
 The proposal is for seven buildings with heights ranging from 29 to 37 storeys. . Related news stories:
It is going to be the biggest residential development the city has ever seen – with no height controls.
 By Staff
July 20th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Jazz on the Patio at the Performing Arts centre has been one of those rare summer treats. The music was always fine, when they put in a cash bar it became an opportunity to enjoy a rather decent Chardonnay – in a Styrofoam cup – can’t have everything.
We missed the event last year.
 A much different setting this year – two performances each day.
It is back this year – runs from Saturday, August 14 & Sunday, August 15, 2021 with two performances each day. Rain or Shine – BPAC Outdoor Plaza.
The Downtown Jazz Festival will be a ticketed event this year.
COVID guidelines require all outdoor events to be ticketed for contact-tracing and self-screening purposes.
The 2021 Jazz Festival will also be a paid event this year, both because we are just beginning to emerge from the financial challenges of the pandemic, including 15 months without our usual sources of revenue being available to us, and because current capacity restrictions are only permitting us to accommodate a maximum of 120 patrons, rather than the pre-pandemic audiences of 300 – 400 that we typically see for these performances.
The ticket prices are nominal. The event is being staged as a very intimate (while physically-distanced!) environment, which will not be visible from the street. Together with the BDBA they will be offering prize draws to patrons; local restaurants will also be selling special meals onsite.
It’s going to be a very special event; exciting, and a long-overdue return to live entertainment in downtown Burlington!
 Elise LeGrow.  Lydia Persaud The Festival will feature Kellylee Evans, Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar, Lydia Persaud, and Elise LeGrow.
Members pre-sale started on Monday, July 19 at noon.
Public on-sale starts Monday, July 26 at noon.
Single performance tickets are available for table seats (minimum 3 tickets for a table) and stool seating. Or, grab a 2-show pass for Saturday and/or or Sunday. See ticket pricing below.
 Kellylee Evans Saturday August 14th – two performances:
Juno Award winner Kellylee Evans at 4:00 pm
And Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar at 6pm</span
Sunday August 15th two performances:
Lydia Persaud at 2pm
Elise LeGrow at 4pm
Single Performance Tickets
Table Seats – Upper Plaza:
Regular: $35 (All-in, minimum purchase of 3 seats)
Members: $30 (All-in, minimum purchase of 3 seats)
Stool Seats – Lower Plaza:
Regular: $25 (All-in)
Members: $20 (All-in)
 By Ryan O’Dowd
July 20th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
This morning CORE Burlington (Conserving our Rural Ecosystems) hosted their first event since the start of the pandemic to oppose Nelson Aggregate’s Mount Nemo quarry expansion application. According to the citizen groups united against Nelson, the proposal is anything but new.
 The messaging from the speakers at today’s event was clear, this is the same proposal dismissed in 2012, CORE founder Gord Pinard, calls it the “zombie quarry.” Singer and activist Sarah Harmer enforced this message.
“This quarry proposal was a terrible idea in 2004 and is still a terrible idea in 2021,” Harmer said, “every level of government opposed this project.
“It’s an unfair process that the citizens of this area have to mount another opposition and it speaks to governance issues at the provincial level.”
 Nelson’s previous attempt to expand the Mount Nemo quarry was denied in 2012 after failing to include protections for the endangered Jefferson Salamander.
The resulting legal battle cost 2.1 million dollars of Burlington tax-payer money.
The Jefferson Salamander is accommodated for this time with Nelson claiming their native wetlands will be strengthened by the development.
When asked about Nelson’s proposed differences Harmer said the current project and the dismissed proposal were, “materially the same.”
Nelson has suggested sourcing aggregate from other locations will be worse environmentally in the long run due to C02 transportation issues.
“You can’t balance greenhouse gas with permanent destruction,” Janet Turpin Myers, of CORE, told the Gazette. Adding, despite their transportation concerns Nelson already ships fill and asphalt from as far as Toronto and Oshawa.
Shane Phillips, leading the Ear to the Groundwater campaign which fights threats to groundwater, spoke of systemic issues with governance on environmental issues.
“We’re not talking about political parties; it doesn’t matter what parties are involved it’s the same policy. Corporations are driving policy-making, lobbying is driving policy-making. And so, I’m trying to say ‘connect the dots,’ so that people understand this is everyone’s backyard. You can’t say ‘well we need [aggregate] but not in my backyard,’” said Phillips.
 The community speaks. While Phillips was indifferent to party others evoked Premier Doug Ford as a potential factor in Nelson’s new proposal.
“Maybe it’s political; they think they can sneak the quarry in with a construction-friendly [provincial] government,” said protest attendee, Doug Annette.
CORE suggested the environmental impact projections in Nelson’s proposal are incomplete.
 Janet Turpin Meyers was opposed to the idea of a quarry expansion the moment she heard about it 15 years ago. A published author who might yet write a book on rural Burlington. “They’re slanting the proposal [through omission] to their agenda,” Myers said.
In a December 2020 objection letter, the community group cited an overly rosy outlook including claims Nelson’s application treated global warming trends as anomalies, used dated emission factors from the EPA (some 30 years old), and sourced background data from distant communities when the Mount Nemo information was unavailable.
 Sarah Harmer performs Escarpment Blues; a piece she wrote 15 years ago when she and others opposed the Nelson application. A truck hauling aggregate passes by in the background. Today’s speakers raised their voices to be heard over the roaring trucks going to and from Nelson’s existing site. Harmer performed Escarpment Blues, and the audience snapped and swayed along, to a song they knew very well – it was written for their 2005 fight against Nelson.
Harmer spoke about how it felt to have a song from fifteen years ago every bit as relevant today, she cited vigilance.
 Ryan O’Dowd is a Sheridan College journalism student who is part of a federally funded Local Journalism Initiative that will have him reporting for the Gazette well into 2022. He is a Burlington native who plays the guitar.
 By Staff
July 20, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service is pleased to announce the launch of our first Buy & Sell Exchange Zone.
A zone is an area the police set up that they deem to be a safe place. Right outside police headquarters is probably as safe as you are going to get.
Why such a zone? The Halton Regional Police explain:
Many people have become victims of crimes like robberies, frauds and thefts when attempting to buy or sell property online. The purpose of the Buy & Sell Exchange Zone is to provide some additional peace of mind to those who are buying, selling, or trading property online. If you are meeting new people while finalizing online transactions, we encourage you to use our Exchange Zone.
 You can expect to be safe outside Police headquarters The clearly-signed Exchange Zone is situated in the visitor parking lot of our 20 Division facility, which is located at:
95 Oak Walk Drive, Oakville, Ontario L6H 0G6 – Phone: 905-825-4777 ext. 2
If you are unable to meet at our Buy & Sell Exchange Zone, please consider completing your transactions in well-lit, public and popular locations to avoid being a victim of crime.
Tips to protect yourself during a buy and sell exchange:
• Complete your transaction during daytime hours only.
• Use the buddy system when possible. Bring a family or friend with you, or at the very least, let someone know who you will be meeting, the time, and the location of the exchange.
• To reduce the potential of falling victim to fraud, never complete a buy and sell transaction by mail.
• When meeting in person, always inspect goods you wish to purchase before giving money to the seller.
• Limit the amount of personal information you provide.
• Stop. Pause. Think. If something seems too good to be true, it likely is.
By Staff
July 20th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
There is a pole in the Village Square that is very dangerous – its condition is such that it wouldn’t take much of a push to bring it crashing down.
 Right in the middle of the main passageway – where anyone pushing a cart could bump into the pole. Looks as if someone has done just that at some point.  Close up of just where the flaw is. No one seems to know who is responsible for the pole. The ward councillor has been alerted
Given that city council is on a six week summer break it will be interesting to see what gets done and how quickly the serious safety concern gets tended to.
We will keep you posted on this one.
To get a sense as to just how dangerous this is check out the short short video – couple of seconds.
 By Rob Golfi
July 20, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The pandemic era housing market has continued to climb to an all-time high over the past two years with the average selling price of $688,208 recorded this May, according to WOWA. The intense demand of homes during the pandemic has made prices skyrocket, creating a seller’s market. While the market activity was up 103.6% year-over-year, The Canadian Real Estate Association has noted a decline in national home sales by 7.4% on a month-over-month basis in May.
 Data – Canadian Real Estate Association With the high demand of homes and a shortage of properties, frantic bidding wars on low valued homes have become out of control. In March 2021, the peak of the pandemic market, out of 1304 homes sold 1116 sold at asking price or higher and in April 2021 sales were up 245% since April 2020. However, sale prices were down 11% in June with the inventory available at the end of the month dropping to 0.8% which was lower than May. I have noticed that seller expectations are being impacted from how things were in previous months” resulting in pandemic tunnel vision which is preventing people from being able to sell their homes.
Unfortunately, sellers are getting caught up in the previous numbers of the market or hear about a neighbour who sold their house for X amount of money a few months ago, and believe their house is worth the same or more. Many agents in the area are having trouble coaching and supporting both buyers and sellers. Although the market isn’t retreating to a stable level, it isn’t continuing to rise to the previous caliber of March and April. As a result many are realizing weeks later that they botched a great offer and regret becoming overly confident and unsatisfied with the offers they declined. It is difficult for sellers to understand that we are now in an adjustment phase of the market”. Ultimately, sellers need to disregard previous numbers from the peak of the market and realize that it is beginning to settle down.
All things considered, the market earlier this year is a great memory for those who sold, and for buyers it will catch up in 12 months and you will see your equity begin to flourish. However, in this moment it is crucial for sellers to comprehend the shift the market is taking to successfully sell their home, and refrain from being fixated on numbers that are no longer applicable.
 Rob Golfi is the founder of RE/MAX Escarpment Golfi Realty Inc. A Real Estate Brokerage operating in Hamilton, Halton, Brantford, and Niagara. The firm has over 200 years of combined experience with more than 1000 five-star reviews on Google, Facebook, and Zillow. The Golfi Team is rated the 7th best RE/MAX team worldwide. The have being en in the top 100 Real Estate Teams for RE/MAX Canada since 2003.
By Staff
July 20th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 We first met Melanie Hawtin when she was playing wheel chair basketball at the Haber Recreational Centre.
What impressed us was not only the skill but her competitive nature. When she wanted the ball – she went after it and usually got the ball.
We didn’t know all that much about the woman – we just liked what we saw. She was once on the fast track to a promising career as a wheelchair racer. A native of Oakville, Hawtin started racing as a child and quickly became a decorated athlete within the sport with hopes of representing Canada at the Paralympic Games.
Melanie is part of the Canadian Team representing Canada at the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics. We will report on how the Canadian Team does.
 That dream was put on hold after surgery forced her to take a hiatus from the track. It was during that hiatus that Hawtin started playing wheelchair basketball. She began competing with the Burlington Vipers club before going on to represent Ontario at the women’s national championship in 2013.
As a former competitive track athlete, speed is Hawtin’s greatest asset and she quickly outmanoeuvres her opponents up and down the basketball court. She ultimately drew the attention of the National Team program and made the Senior Women’s National Team in 2014. She made her Paralympic debut two years later at Rio 2016, where Canada finished fifth.
In 2019, Hawtin underwent shoulder surgery and did not compete at the 2019 Parapan American Games.
When she is not training with the National Team, Hawtin is busy honing her skills at the wheelchair basketball National Academy in Toronto.
Off the basketball court, Hawtin spends time with family and has a genuine love for fashion.
 By Staff
July 20, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington will open online registration for indoor summer recreation programs for adults 19+ and adults 55+ beginning Saturday, July 24 at 9 a.m.
Registration for swimming programs at Tansley Woods, Aldershot, Centennial and Angela Coughlan pools will also open on Saturday, July 24 at 11 a.m.
A complete listing of indoor summer programming can be found online at Burlington.ca/recreation.<
Drop-in programs
Registration for drop-in recreational swimming and skating programs at indoor City facilities is required 25 hours in advance of the program start time. Drop-in swimming programs start today, Monday, July 19, and skating programs will resume Tuesday, July 20.
New self-serve option for withdrawing from drop-in programs
New this season, participants have the ability to withdraw from drop-in programs online by logging into their Live & Play account. More information about the new feature is available online at Burlington.ca/recreation.
All City programs will continue to follow public health guidance when required, including physical distancing, capacity limits and wearing masks or face coverings. Individuals participating in an in-person program will be required to fill out the mandatory health screening form at Burlington.ca/screening before each session.
• Individuals who have questions or require assistance can email live&play@burlington.ca or call 905-335-7738 between 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends.
• Recreation fee assistance funding is available to resident individuals or families who require assistance with the cost of City of Burlington recreation programs. For more information or to apply, visit burlington.ca/feeassistance. You can also leave a confidential voicemail message at 905-335-7738, ext. 8501 and staff will return your call to assist you.
By Staff
July 20th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The air quality in Burlington right now is the THIRD WORST in the World!
What? How could that be? And who made the statement and what evidence do they have?
The World Health Organization claims our air quality is six times worse than the accepted rate.
The cause is mostly due to the 100 fires burning in Ontario.
 
Alan Harrington, an inveterate Gazette reader brought this to our attention and suggests people may want to put those masks they may have put away backon.
By Staff
July 19th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Like many not-for-profits, Burlington’s Royal Botanical Gardens saw a slump in donations during the pandemic. With their main garden areas and indoor spaces restricted they were forced to close due to COVID-19.
 The tap to give technology helps RBG get through a slow period for donations. The trails systems saw a significant increase in foot traffic, which is why they are there.
What RBG wasn’t able to do was solicit donations. They had no means of requesting donations from hikers and walkers.
Then Moneris and a start up brought out their idea.
You may not know Moneris – but they know you. In many places where you use your plastic to pay for something the transaction could be going through a Moneris terminal.
Moneris Canada and the start up, tiptap, helped to install a touchless solar powered device at the entrance of one of their trails.
The device allowed visitors to donate by simply tapping their credit or debit card before starting their walk.
By Alexandra Vanquest
July 19th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
After months of lockdown and restrictive measures, there is at last some good news for Ontario residents.
The province has moved into Step 3 of the Road to Reopen plan five days earlier than expected.
The new chief medical officer of health confirmed the news to reporters last week, saying that the acceleration of the timetable was, in large part, due to the large number of local citizens who are putting themselves forward daily to get vaccinated.
Step 3 of the plan has two main objectives – to expand what can happen in an indoor setting and to further expand outdoor activities.
Among the new changes for indoor locations:
• Up to 25 people at a time can attend indoor gatherings and public events;
 Spaced out to meet social distancing requirements – people are now able to get out for an indoors meal. • Indoor dining is now permitted with no capacity limits other than the proviso that tables should be at least two metres apart;
• More people are now allowed to attend religious services like weddings, funerals, and christenings;
• Indoor sport and recreational fitness facilities can operate at up to 50% capacity (with spectators capped at 1,000 people);
• Similarly, concert venues, theatres and cinemas can operate up to 50% capacity (up to the same limits); and
• Nightclubs and other places of entertainment can operate up to 25% capacity, with up to a maximum of 250 attendees allowed.
Outdoor locations are also opening up.
• With limited exceptions, up to 100 people can attend outside gatherings and organised events;
• Outdoor sporting and recreational facilities are now capped at up to 75% of the approved capacity, or 15,000 people, whichever is the lower;
• Casinos, museums, aquariums, galleries, fairs, and amusement parks are capped at 75% capacity or a maximum of 5,000, (which is the lower) for unseated events. In the case of mixed seating events, the crowd limit is revised upwards to 15,000 people.
 Online casinos have always been available and are becoming more and more popular. You gamble when and where you want. Of course, those interested in playing online are not limited to visiting physical casinos. There are many online versions available and some of the newest online casinos in Canada are listed here.
Provincial officials have confirmed that masks and face coverings will still be mandatory for indoor public events during Step 3, and that masks will be required in some public settings along with the observation of other public health protocols.
 Getting to the 80% vaccinated level is what it will take to open things up even more. Even where it is not obligatory, people will still be encouraged to wear masks over the coming months to minimize the risk of transmission of the virus.
It is expected that Ontario will remain at Step 3 for at least 21 days, and until at least 80% of those eligible – currently all those aged 12 and older – have received at least one anti-Covid vaccination and 75% have received two jabs.
If those targets can be met, then the provincial government has indicated that it is prepared to remove the majority of the remaining health and workplace safety measures, including lifting the capacity limits for both indoor and outdoor events.
Many Ontarians, fed-up with more than a year of restrictions on personal freedoms, will have their fingers crossed these thresholds can be met, and that life can finally get back to some sort of normal.
 By Pepper Parr
June 19th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The comments section of the Gazette have been disabled for the immediate future.
 There are technical problems that are yet to be resolved and some design changes that are going to be needed before we can operate the comments section.
Upgrades in the software we use were not compatible with the design theme we are using
It will return just as soon as the compatibility problems have been resolved.
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