I’ve come to hate flying, mostly all the hassles and, of course, the impact on our climate. But I have family spread across northern Ontario and into Manitoba and thought I should visit them while I had the chance. Plus I had just bought a new battery electric car (EV) with a driving range of over 400 kms, so why not?
I drove over 4400 kms in less than two weeks – visiting family in Thunder Bay, Ear Falls and Winnipeg. Driving in my new EV was sheer delight but re-charging the car was another matter. For one thing it takes time to re-charge. Instead of 10 or 15 minutes it can take a hour or more before hitting the road again. I used the charging time for well deserved bathroom and meal breaks and an occasional well deserved nod off after some three or four hours of driving. And fortunately I was always able to locate an empty charging station.
Eat Falls, Ontario – population of less than 1000
There were no commercial charging facilities when my voyage took me to Ear Falls, a small community of fewer than a thousand people near road’s end in northern Ontario. So I connected the portable charger which came with the car, plugging into my cousin’s 120 volt outlet. An overnight charge was enough to give me the 70 or 80 kms I needed to get me comfortably to the next high speed commercial charger.
There are three levels of charging for an EV. Besides the slow 120 volt mode I used in Ear Falls, my regular home charger operates on 240 volts, much like the plug you have for your clothes dryer. And then there are fast commercial chargers which require direct current and can offer various rates of fast charging. However, fast charging is not considered a battery’s best friend, so other than when I’m travelling, my home 240 volt unit is the way to go.
This is not my first rodeo with an EV. Before my Ford Mustang I had driven a Nissan Leaf, with a much more limited 240 km range, which gave me chronic range anxiety for all but local travel. Still, over those six years that Nissan was entirely trouble free with zero maintenance cost other than a cabin fresh air air filter and a set of windshield wipers. It was dependable, quiet and almost free driving. And though I charged it at home 95% of the time, I never noticed any change in my energy bill.
Tesla has the most complete and easiest charging system but uses its own connection system which automatically charges your credit card as well as your car.
Commercial charging is still problematic. Tesla has the most complete and easiest charging system but uses its own connection system which automatically charges your credit card as well as your car. This system is almost mindless and will most likely become the industry standard. There are two other high speed charging connection systems for the non-Tesla folks to complicate the picture. And there are a multitude of companies offering these charging services, almost all of which insist that drivers have an app and account and use an internet connection to connect. In my experience these systems are troublesome and a huge disincentive for the average driver.
Petro Canada was the exception and it became my favourite on-the-road charger. They advertise a Canada wide electrical charging highway and were mostly accurate in that claim. Just like the gas pumps, one only needs to swipe a credit card to activate and get charged up. Unlike the others, they charge by the minute rather than by the quantity of electricity delivered to your car, but in my experience Petro Can was comparable in overall charging cost to the other companies.
Ontario Power Generation and Hydro One have been given the On Route road side station concessions with their system, which is called IVY. Unfortunately their pumps, which look like they were installed 30 years ago, require one of those nasty online accounts and an app to activate it. I couldn’t help thinking that these are agencies of a government which ripped out all of the chargers the previous government had installed at Ontario’s GO stations. Once I receive the Tesla adaptor for my car I’ll be relying on Elon Musk or Suncor’s Petro Canada for my future on-the-road needs.
The magnificent views of the north shore of Lake Superior, the glorious mountains of granite and the verdant forests along the way made it a wonderful road trip.
It was a long journey and there were moments when I almost regretted not taking the plane, though I would have had to rent a car anyway to get to Ear Falls. And I would have missed those magnificent views of the north shore of Lake Superior, the glorious mountains of granite and the verdant forests along the way. The ride was quiet in the EV with only tire road noise to let you know you are travelling.
And these cars are almost perfectly reliable since they contain only 10 percent of the moving parts of a regular gas guzzler and so less likely to break down. Oh, and did I mention how fast all the EV’s are compared to their usual gas guzzler predecessors. Electric motors provide instant torque compared to guzzlers. This is something very useful should you need to pass a slower vehicle safely on a two lane highway.
I kept an eye on the gauge sporting my estimated driving range as I drove along and found, much as with gas powered cars, that staying within the posted speed limits and avoiding the temptation to race from point A to B, vastly improve driving range and mileage. And in addition slower driving made the long journey that much safer and more interesting. But when I needed to speed up, this car was a rocket.
There weren’t many other EV’s on the long road I took to Winnipeg and back. In fact I never had to wait my turn to use a charging station. But that could change once people better understand the value proposition of going electric. So even though commercial chargers were relatively rare on this trip locating a charging station was not really a problem. Shell has also started installing chargers and even ESSO, the global chief climate denier, has announced that it too will be moving in that direction. Hopefully they will take a page out of Petro Canada’s book and implement charging pay-at-the-pump.
When I needed to speed up, this car was a rocket.
It’s been a decade since EV’s have appeared in a showroom and two decades since the first hybrid electric made it’s debut. So I continue to be amazed at the ignorance of the general public on something so essential to our lives as the private automobile. Everywhere I went people were curious about the car and almost nobody knew what a charging station was or where I could find one.
When I ran the numbers on the cost of driving there and back I was a little disappointed, since I was used to essentially driving for next to nothing for the last six years. Driving back from Winnipeg cost me $242.99 in charging costs. By comparison a more modest gasoline car would have cost me twice as much in fuel alone. But then the commercial charging networks need to make money too. I’m still glad I decided to drive rather than fly but I’m unlikely to do that long a road trip again.
Lisa Kearns, ward 2 Councillor, is holding a Community Cares Forum event on Wednesday from 7:00 to 9:00 pm in the City Hall Atrium
Community Caring is a big deal.
You might want to make an evening of it and take part in the Civic Square renewal plans that are being shown on the main floor of city hall and then scoot up to the second floor and watch Lisa talk about the 20 some odd groups that are taking part in the event.
She knows her stuff and at times can be wickedly funny with some of her one-liners.
Community Caring is a big deal – there are people who need help and there are people who have a lot of time on their hands and want to help.
At this dynamic forum, local service organizations will present their services, engage directly with community members, and collaborate to collectively improve Burlington’s quality of life. Whether you’re looking for support, wanting to volunteer, or considering donating, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with the heart of our community.
Why Attend?
Connect with Local Organizations: Discover the range of services available in your community and learn how they can support you.
Engage and Network: Meet service oriented individuals and organizations passionate about enhancing Burlington’s well-being.
Support Your Community: Explore opportunities to support local organizations through volunteer or involvement efforts.
“We often receive inquiries about wellness and support services,” said Councillor Kearns. “This forum is designed to connect our residents with the valuable resources and support available right here in Burlington. Many residents are also looking to reconnect with community and seek out a meaningful cause to give of their time, talents and treasures – this forum will help them learn about all the great work being done right here in Burlington”
Don’t miss this opportunity to make valuable connections and learn more about the resources available in our community. Register now to secure your spot! Drop-in attendees are also welcome.
For further inquiries, please contact the Ward 2 office at Ward2@burlington.ca or call 905-208-7998.
Some stability is settling in at the Performing Arts Centre.
Ken Smithard, BPAC Board Chair,
Ken Smithard, Board Chair, said there will be an announcement “later this week on the new Board members; their Bio’s will be posted on the BPAC web site shortly.
“There will be an announcement later this week on the new Board members, and their Bio’s will be posted on the BPAC web site shortly.”
Smithhard also said “The search for a new Executive Director is underway” and confirmed that Tammy Fox tendered her resignation which was effective immediately.
Volunteer Halton has introduced VolunteerConnector, a cutting-edge tool that simplifies finding and managing volunteer opportunities.
This platform is now live, connecting volunteers with meaningful roles across the Halton region.
Volunteer Halton is a pillar program of Community Development Halton (CDH). Through research, community development, planning and promotion volunteerism, Community Development Halton and Volunteer Halton strive to improve the quality of life for all residents of Halton.
Why VolunteerConnector?
Easy to Use: Find and apply for volunteer positions that match your skills and interests.
Wide Variety: Access numerous opportunities from various local organizations.
Stay Updated: Get real-time updates on the latest volunteer needs and events.
Active volunteers results in a happier, healthier community.
We urge organizations and individuals to explore VolunteerConnector and enhance their community engagement.
Help Spread the Word: We need your help to inform the community. Share this announcement through your channels and support our mission to boost volunteerism in Halton.
To search for volunteer opportunities or create a personal or organizational profile, visit:
As of 2023, municipalities in Ontario prepare their budgets on a cash basis, while financial statements are prepared using the accrual-based accounting framework required by the Public Sector Accounting Standards, PSAS for all public sector entities.
Very few understood the budget when it was put forward, many felt the city was not transparent when they said what the tax increase amounted to
This is financial lingo that some may not fully understand. If the plans work out it should be easier to understand city budgets when they are put forward.
Accounting standards to require municipal budgets and financial statements to align and connect with each other
On January 11, 2021, the Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) released 2 updates to public sector accounting standards for comment to respond to the need for understandable financial statements and improving accountability to the public, including the following changes:
Relocating the net debt indicator to its own statement, providing the opportunity to better explain it.
Separating liabilities into two categories: financial and non-financial. This would remove the liabilities that were muddying up the net debt indicator from the calculation and return the indicator to its original meaning – future financial resource requirements.
Restructuring the statement of financial position to have a more familiar look to the public, reporting all assets together and all liabilities together.
Removing the statement of change in net debt as a required statement, as it’s not well understood.
Allowing the option to present the change in net debt along with the calculation of net debt if it provides good accountability information and can be made understandable. An explanation of what net debt means is also required.
Requiring the budget amounts on the financial statements to be presented using the same basis of accounting, same accounting principles, for the same scope of activities, and using the same classifications as the actual amounts.
Requiring that the reconciliation of the budget numbers reported on the operating statement with the approved budget, be understandable, if the actual and budget numbers are not prepared using the same basis of accounting, same accounting principles, for the same scope of activities, and using the same classifications.
The city at one time held budget review meetings that drew 50 people at times. New rules should result in a more informed public.
PSAB also introduced new presentation concepts to promote the preparation of understandable financial statements, including:
presenting complex items, transactions and other events as simply as possible
demonstrating the relationship between different pieces of information
evaluating presentation choices based on whether they add to or support the accountability value of the financial statements
giving higher profile to matters of importance
providing information at the appropriate level of detail
Cash-based vs Accrual-based accounting
Early adoption of these standards is optional, or mandatory in 2026
They will become effective for fiscal years beginning on or after April 1, 2026, but earlier adoption is optional.
There is science and chance behind succeeding in these games.
Slot machine games are found everywhere you look in the casino gambling world. Many think playing slots involves only pure-chance wins. However, these popular games of luck are not as random as you may think. There is science and chance behind succeeding in these games, and of course, like any other casino games, there are surefire ways to get the upper edge and payouts from them. This article will explore the tested tactics professional players use to their advantage in the odds, slot mechanics, and bankroll management that ensures optimal play.
The Operations of Slot Machines
The random number generator (RNG) in slot machines is an algorithm
The random number generator (RNG) in slot machines is an algorithm that runs through a list of hundreds and even thousands of randomly numbered combinations per second. When you hit the spin button, the RNG stops at any randomly predetermined combination, which is then converted into symbols that appear on the reels.
Payouts are determined by the winning combinations of reel symbols appearing in specific configurations. Because the RNG operates so rapidly and continuously, the outcome of every spin is independent of any other spin.
Although completely random, slot machines are configured by the house to pay out a certain percentage of money bet on them over the long term in regular play. This percentage is the return to player (RTP) rate and typically ranges between 90% and 98% for regulated online slots.
So, if a slot machine has an RTP of 95% for every $100 bet on it, it will pay out $95 in dividends over a sufficient period. This average payout rate, however, can change drastically over short runs when players experience runs of wins or losses. The RTP only reveals what to expect over tens of thousands, if not millions, of spins.
Paylines and Hit Frequency
Most, if not all, modern slot machines, such as those online slot games at BETMGM Casino, offer more than one pay line — the paths that qualifying symbols must land on to form a winning combination. Paylines directly influence hit frequency, which is the expectation of how often you can expect to hit a winning combination when you spin a particular slot machine.
The more paylines there are, the more ways to win on every single spin. This improves your chances of winning, thereby increasing hit frequency. The trade-off is that the more paylines there are, the more you bet to cover all paylines on every spin to take full advantage of the additional win ways. So, in proportion, paylines decrease payouts.
High and Low Variance Slots
Variance indicates how frequent and how large the payouts of a particular game will be.
Variance indicates how frequent and how large the payouts of a particular game will be. Low variance slot machines pay out smaller but more frequent dividends – you will encounter a decent hit rate of smaller winning combinations but fewer huge jackpot combinations. This allows you to play slots longer without burning through your bankroll.
High-variance slot machines pay out less frequently but are significantly bigger when they hit. With these machines, you can burn through your bankroll rather quickly while you wait for the big combination that may take many spins to hit.
Slot variance is a statistical element that should be part of the game’s rules, so check it out. Play low variance slots if you are the type that prefers to play consistently with more minor risks over more extended periods. Play high variance if you are eager to take on more significant risks while waiting for the combination that will eventually pay greater dividends.
Bet Size and Denomination Affect Payouts
In slot games, the machine’s bet size and denomination directly affect the payouts you will get as a winner. For example, a $1 slot machine will typically pay out proportionally double the payout amounts of a 50-cent slot machine, assuming all other parameters are the same.
Of course, you should always check these details on the particular game rules since RTP and hit frequency may vary according to the denomination and bet size. When you play slots for the big jackpots, you will typically need to activate all paylines and bet the maximum amount allowed, which will also determine higher-tiered payouts.
Employ Strategies To Increase Your Odds
Although randomly generated numbers determine a slot’s outcome, there are strategies you can use to maximize payouts. One of these tips is to practice responsible bankroll management. Decide how much you will gamble and adhere to this budget as tightly as possible. Limit your potential losses by walking away once this budget has been exhausted.
You can also check the variance — choose low-variance games that offer smaller but more frequent payouts and increase gameplay. Conversely, try your hand at high variance slots if you can wait for the combinations that eventually pay out the vast amounts. Take advantage of bonuses and promotions online gambling sites offer for additional funds that extend playing time. Finally, know when to quit – always cash out and stop playing once you have reached your set loss or win limit for any given session.
Some of the comments made by people who move their lips when they read are close to the most disgusting I have seen on this web site. There are serious problems that are going to take decades to resolve. Our practice has been to permit opposing views. Comments on this issue are not going to be published.
UPDATE: The spokesperson for the M.M. Robinson High School student group sent us the following statement after the article was first published.
” Our walkout is being put in place to call upon a ceasefire. We must make it clear that we are not pro terror, anti semitic, or otherwise. All we ask is for an end in the fighting, and the atrocities that have been committed since October 7th. We are here to support the innocent Palestinians being caught in the crossfire, and to call upon an end in this war.”
A student led team from M.M. Robinson High School will be holding a walk out on June 6th at 1:30 pm
The walk out is to support a pro-Palestinian position.
The walkout/protest will take place near the intersection of Guelph Line and Upper Middle. The high school is to the west of the intersection
A student spokesperson said: “This initiative has been carefully orchestrated by a large team, extremely passionate on defending and protecting human/Palestinian rights.
There have been numerous protests on university campuses across the country. This event is the first we have heard of in the Halton Region.
The note I got from the lawyers representing the seven members of the 2014 city council that I had sued was a note saying:
Although you have taken no steps to pursue the action you commenced against the City, your action remains technically alive. Given that there are no restrictions on you and there have not been for over 4.5 years, we request that you agree to a dismissal of the action on a without costs basis. We would be pleased to send a full and final release, consent and draft dismissal order for your review.
Interestingly, the note said the action was commenced against the city. The action was commenced against seven individuals who were not employees of the city; they were city council members.
Sometime in September 2017 City Council went into a CLOSED session to discuss a Human Resources matter related to a named individual. I was in the Council Chamber at the time and mentioned to Joan Little, the Hamilton Spectator columnist, who was with me in the Council Chamber as well, that I wondered who it was this time.
Little did I know it was me?
Members of the 2014-2018 City Council Just two of the seven were returned to office in the 2018 municipal election.
Complaints were said to have been made about my behaviour; an investigation done and the results in the hands of the city manager who took it to Council.
This was at a time when the #Metoo movement was close to its peak.
James Ridge, former City Manager, at a Council meeting.
It was also at a time when I did not have a very good working relationship with then City Manager James Ridge.
On or about September 20, Ridge asked to meet with me, which was unusual. I asked that he set out what the subject matter was to be. He wasn’t prepared to do that but said he would mail it to me. The subject matter was a Notice of Trespass which banned from me from attending events at City Hall.
I was effectively banned from City Hall for one year, if I chose to be in city hall, I was to be escorted by a security officer.
I was stunned. I know who I am; I know what I have done and not done. I spoke to a number of people for advice; sought advice from legal counsel and looked into what my legal options were.
The legal issue was “due process” which requires that legal matters be resolved according to established rules and principles and that individuals be treated fairly.
One of the rules is that you get to see the evidence that has been gathered. There was an investigation into the complaints the city said were made the Human Resources.
I was not interviewed by the investigators meaning they did not have my side of whatever story there was.
Dealing with and determining just what the issue was took time; – Given that by this time I was more than halfway through the 12 month banning, decided that I would wait the year out.
During that year I learned where at least a part of the complaint came from; that information has yet to be dealt with. It amounts to a Criminal Code offence that I have yet to move on. In Canada there are no statute of limitation on Criminal Code matters – so there is plenty of time to scrape together the funds to retain good criminal counsel.
At the end of the year I asked the local counsel I had at that time,what steps I should take. Do I just walk back into City Hall as if nothing had happened? The advice I was given was to wait and see what the city chose to do.
Before that could happen a second notice of Trespass was served on me. That Notice gave specific reasons for the ban, which when read, were ludicrous. The second Notice of Trespass was a forever ban The details of the second notice of trespass was a forever ban.
We were now into the 2018 election which resulted in Meed Ward being elected Mayor and Paul Sharman returned to office. Five new people were elected to office as well.
With the advice of Counsel I decided to sue the seven members of the 2014-2018 City Council, namely Rick Craven, Marianne Meed Ward, John Taylor, Jack Dennison, Paul Sharman, Blair Lancaster and Mayor Rick Goldring.
A Statement of Claim was prepared, filed with the Court House in Hamilton. I personally served the seven members of Council.
Matters of due process amount to what are referred to as Charter issues are complex and expensive to fight in court. There were not many lawyers in the community with experience in this field.
The woman representing me at that time had decided to move from Burlington to Northern Ontario which meant finding new legal counsel. That proved to be a daunting task.
I interviewed 23 different lawyers. Several weren’t at all interested. Five were – the lowest retainer required was $45,000. My tax return doesn’t have a figure of that size on it.
We thought we had something going with a law student organization at one of the universities was led by well qualified faculty who were members of the Law Society of Upper Canada; the administrator of the group decided a Charter issue case was not what the students needed.
In June of last year, 2023, I learned that those two Notices of Trespass the city issued in 2017 and 2018 were illegal. In order to issue a Notice of Trespass the city was required to have a bylaw in place. At the time there was no bylaw in place. The City Solicitor and the City Manager at the time either knew or should have known that there was no bylaw in place.
Learning that what the city had done was illegal didn’t help in getting the legal counsel we needed.
Earlier this year I did get a note from the lawyers (which you as taxpayers are paying for) representing the seven members of the 2024-2028 Council advising us that then City Manager Tim Commisso had sent us an email in 2019 saying I was allowed to return to city hall, adding, that that if there were any further complaints about my behaviour the city would issue another Notice of Trespass, which they could now do because there is a by law in place. Commisso also said the city could use the report they had, which I have yet to see, to support the issuing of any future Notice of Trespass.
The July 2019 note from Commisso was sent to me by email. I did not receive that email. For a matter as important as this the notice should have been sent to me by registered mail
Unfortunately for me the clock had run out on my Statement of Claim. These claims must be on the court calendar within five years from the date they have been served. That time is up and so I have to sign the Full and Final Release the lawyers have prepared. I managed to have several unacceptable clauses removed.
I was advised by the lawyers that if I have not signed and delivered the document by the end of today, June 3rd, they will seek an order requiring me to pay all the costs the city has incurred to date. They can do that.
James Ridge took the tweet down shortly after it was posted.
The city had directed the lawyer representing the 2014-2018 council to do whatever it takes to get rid of the Statement of Claim.
There is an upside to all this. The Mayor did get rid of the then City Manager James Ridge; she called a Special Meeting of Council to vote on her wish to fire Ridge. The ink had yet to dry on the business cards the new council members were handing out to everyone they knew. They had yet to see a pay cheque.
I am almost inclined to let that happen; that is the only way you, the public, will learn just how much the City has spent on a matter that was illegal, unfair and a violation of my rights under the Charter.
The following is the document prepared by the lawyers the city hired to defend the members of the 2014-2018 City Council.
FULL AND FINAL RELEASE
IN CONSIDERATION OF the consent to a dismissal on a without costs basis of the action which bears Court File No. 18-67591 in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, I, W.H. Pepper Parr, the Plaintiff in the action on behalf of myself and my successors, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, servants and agents, hereby release and forever discharge Rick Goldring, Rick Craven, Marianne Meed Ward, John Taylor, Jack Dennison, Paul Sharman and Blair Lancaster and their successors, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, servants and agents, from any and all actions, causes of action, suits, debts, dues, accounts, bonds, covenants, contracts, proceedings, complaints, claims, demands and rights whatsoever, whether or not known or anticipated, which I or my successors, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, servants and agents, or any of them, ever had, now have or may in the future have against Rick Goldring, Rick Craven, Marianne Meed Ward, John Taylor, Jack Dennison, Paul Sharman and Blair Lancaster arising as a consequence of the matters relevant to the action as described above, including allegations which could have been raised in the action described above.
IT IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED that the above-described consideration is not an admission of liability on the part of Rick Goldring, Rick Craven, Marianne Meed Ward, John Taylor, Jack Dennison, Paul Sharman and Blair Lancaster, and further, that such liability is expressly denied.
IT IS FURTHER UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED that I will not make any claim or take any proceeding, either in my own name or in names of entities I control, either directly or indirectly, against any person, corporation, partnership or other entity which may or does claim contribution or indemnity by statute or otherwise from Rick Goldring, Rick Craven, Marianne Meed Ward, John Taylor, Jack Dennison, Paul Sharman and Blair Lancaster or their successors, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, servants and agents with respect to any of the matters to which this Release applies.
IT IS FURTHER UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED that in the event that I do make any claim or take any proceeding in violation of the paragraphs above, this Release may be raised as an estoppel to any such claim or proceeding, and I undertake and agree to indemnify Rick Goldring, Rick Craven, Marianne Meed Ward, John Taylor, Jack Dennison, Paul Sharman and Blair Lancaster on a substantial indemnity basis in respect of any defence costs incurred by or on behalf of Rick Goldring, Rick Craven, Marianne Meed Ward, John Taylor, Jack Dennison, Paul Sharman and Blair Lancaster in relation to such claim or proceeding.
AS PART OF THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED CONSIDERATION, I agree to keep all of the terms of this settlement and all documents disclosed to me in the action, including the terms of this Release, strictly confidential and not to voluntarily disclose any of them, except for the purpose of receiving confidential professional advice, or as may be required or authorized by laws or regulations or by compulsion of law, and I further acknowledge and agree that any voluntary breach of this agreement of confidentiality by me will result in the immediate forfeiture of any and all consideration given to me or on behalf of Rick Goldring, Rick Craven, Marianne Meed Ward, John Taylor, Jack Dennison, Paul Sharman and Blair Lancaster under the terms of this Release.
IT IS FURTHER UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED that each of the paragraphs of the within Release is severable from the document and an action may be commenced upon individual clauses without altering the force and effect of the remaining clauses in the Release.
IT IS ACKNOWLEDGED AND CONFIRMED that I have received, or have had the opportunity to receive, independent legal advice with respect to the terms of the settlement of the above-described action, including the terms of this Release.
IT IS FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGED AND CONFIRMED that I have read this Release carefully and have signed it voluntarily and freely and without any form of duress being exerted upon me by Rick Goldring, Rick Craven, Marianne Meed Ward, John Taylor, Jack Dennison, Paul Sharman and Blair Lancaster, or anyone acting on their behalf and with the express purpose of making full and final compromise, adjustment and settlement with respect to all of the matters to which this Release applies.
I HEREBY DIRECT my lawyers to consent to the dismissal of the above-described action as against Rick Goldring, Rick Craven, Marianne Meed Ward, John Taylor, Jack Dennison, Paul Sharman and Blair Lancaster, and confirm that I am not a party under a disability.
From May 13 to October 31, 2024, Halton Region Public Health will be conducting a mosquito larviciding program under the direction of Dr. Deepika Lobo, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health, to reduce the incidence of West Nile virus (WNV) in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton and the Town of Oakville.
Larviciding in standing water
The biological larvicide, VectoBac 200G (PCP# 18158, granular) or VectoBac 1200L (PCP# 21062, liquid), will be applied to affected standing water on public lands in urban areas, where monitoring indicates that mosquito larvae are present. Signs will be posted at each location indicating when and where the larvicide has been applied.
Larviciding in catch basins
Where monitoring indicates that mosquito larvae are present, the larvicide Altosid Pellets (PCP# 21809, pellet), *Altosid Granules (PCP # 22676), Altosid XR Briquets (PCP# 27694, ingot) or Vectolex WSP (PCP# 28009, pouch) will be placed by hand into catch basins.
All larvicides will be applied by Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks licensed applicators or technicians.
Bit of a twist to the piano looking for a new home story
Maggie has decided she wants to give away the Yamaha Piano her late husband used to play. Her hope is that there is a music student or enthusiast who may appreciate it.
Yamaha Baby Grand Piano GC1 model The dimension is “161cm by 149cm”.
If you, or someone you know, might be interested in receiving this instrument for free, please feel free to reach out to me.
You can reach Maggie at:
liyema.judge77@gmail.com>
Maggie adds:
I’m relocating to France next two weeks, and I don’t think my husband will be happy if I sell this piano, so I’m hoping to give it out to someone who is a passionate lover of the instrument, and you can have it if you want it or forward my email/pictures to anyone who’s interested in the instrument. I wasn’t going to leave it alone in an empty house.
The Piano is currently in storage in Calgary, Alberta with the movers I employed to move my properties from my house. I can forward you the movers’ contact details to enable you to contact them. The movers can deliver anywhere. I have attached pictures of the instrument for you. However, I will not be responsible for the cost of delivering the piano to you. However, the movers’ rates are reasonably affordable.
Joe has an opinion and an interpretation of some facts that he wants to share.
Regarding: “Residents wonder why tax bills appear more than the 6.58 per cent increase reported, City of Burlington encourages residents to compare 2023 to 2024 tax bills
The article in Burlington Today, published May 31,2024, states, “Some Burlington
residents are questioning their tax bills and wondering why it appears they’re paying 10
per cent more than last year.”
I can’t speak for other taxpayers in Burlington, but I am not one of the people
“wondering” about my tax bill.
However I am “questioning” why Burlington Council increased their portion of my tax Bill by 10.21%.
For those who are “wondering” how taxes are assessed, this information can be found by visiting the province of Ontario website, where they will find:
“Property tax is a levy based on the assessed value of property.
Property tax has two components: a municipal portion and an education portion.
• The rates for the municipal portion of the tax are established by each
municipality.
o In a two-tiered municipality, a component of the rate is set by the uppertier
and a component is set by the lower-tier municipality.
• The rates for the education portion of the tax are established by the Minister of
Finance and help to fund the elementary and secondary education system in
Ontario. Education tax rates are set in Ontario Regulation 400/98 under the
Education Act.
Comparing my 2023 to 2024 Final Bills here is what I found:
The total increase in my tax bill year over year was $383.93. 1. The Burlington portion of that increase was $291.28, or 75.87% of the increase. 2. The increase passed on by the Region was $36.98 or 9.63% of the increase. 3. The increase by the Police was $55.67 or $14.50% of the increase. 4. There was no increase in the Education levy in 2024.
Lori Jivan, City of Burlington manager budgets and policies
According to the article, “Lori Jivan, City of Burlington manager budgets and policies said the overall tax increase in 2024 is 6.58 per cent”. While this is factually correct, what we as citizens of Burlington should be concerned about is how Council are spending our money. They and they alone had the ability to, not increase our tax bill, increased it slightly, or increased it a lot.
In a year where many people are suffering Council increased the portion they have control over of by 10.21%.
According to StatsCan “The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 3.9% on an annual average basis in 2023”.
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/240116/dq240116b-eng.htm
All things being equal one would understand Council coming forward with a budget somewhere in the area of 4% or greater but not 10.21% greater. Many people delegated on the budget and thought that 10.21% was over the top.
Time will tell, but the early signals coming from Council indicate them doing a repeat for
the 2025 budget cycle.
For those who are interested in conducting their own analysis I have included a copy of
my spreadsheet.
Joe Gaetan spent 13 of his fifty years of uninterrupted employment as a small business owner. He operated a Laser Smoking Cessation business, treating over 5,000 during the the life of the business. He retired from that business in 2013. Prior to that he worked for a Fortune 100 company.
Canada now has some of the biggest iGaming markets.
Recent statistics suggest that at least 19.3 million Canadians are playing real money games online. So, it’s not surprising that the country has been penetrated by various online casino operators.
That includes crypto casinos which allow players to transact with popular digital coins like Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and many more.
In this article, we’ll take a look at today’s best crypto casinos in Canada and why they can be worth signing up with. If you’re looking to have some fun with your cryptocurrencies and potentially make profits, then stick around.
Why Use Cryptocurrencies When Playing Real Money Casino Games?
If you’re already a crypto holder, then you’re most likely just looking for ways to grow or enjoy your coins. However, there are advantages to using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin when playing at online casinos. Here are some of them:
Privacy and Anonymity: Let’s face it, not everyone wants their bank statement shouting, “Blackjack champ!” Crypto transactions are more discreet than traditional payment methods. This way, you can play your favorite games without worrying about nosy neighbors or judgmental family members seeing your casino activity.
Faster Transactions: Crypto transactions are usually fast and processed in just a few minutes. That’s why at crypto casinos, you can deposit funds and withdraw your winnings in a jiffy.
Little To No Fees: Tired of those pesky transaction fees eating into your winnings? Crypto transactions often come with lower fees compared to traditional methods. Most casinos don’t even charge anything for crypto transactions.
Global Accessibility: Some online casinos may be restricted in certain countries. However, using cryptocurrencies can bypass these limitations. They can give you access to a wider range of casinos and games worldwide.
Bonuses and Promotions: Some crypto casinos offer exclusive bonuses and promotions for players who use cryptocurrencies. Generally, casinos also offer better bonuses to crypto players. In the business side of things, processing crypto payments is usually cheaper, and that’s why they can afford to give crypto players better rewards.
Best New Crypto Casinos in Canada Today
A quick search on crypto casinos in Canada will give a long list of choices. To some, the more options, the better. However, we also understand that choosing one can be overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’ve got some recommendations where you can get a solid gaming experience:
10Bet – Best Crypto Casino Overall
10Bet has been in the casino industry since 2003, and they’re some of the most trusted platforms in Canada. They offer casino games from software providers like Big Time Gaming, NetEnt, and Microgaming.
That alone should tell you that they offer high quality bitcoin casino games including slot machines and table games like roulette, blackjack, and video poker.
This Canadian online casino supports cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, USD Tether, Tron, Ripple, Dogecoin, and Litecoin.
starz – Fastest Payouts
Bitstarz is a multi-awarded online casino where you can play over 5,000 titles. They also offer exclusive games since they are a software developer themselves. But aside from Bitstarz Originals, other software providers on board are Platipus, BGaming, and Amatic.
You can use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum at this online casino. They’re some of the fastest out there when it comes to processing payouts. On average, they can complete withdrawals in 10 minutes.
Neospin – Generous Bonuses
Many online casino players would prioritize bonuses when choosing an online casino. We understand why. A bankroll boost is always great to have. It simply means longer gameplay and more chances of winning.
If you’re all about scoring the best bonuses, then go for Neospin. The casino’s welcome bonus alone is impressive since you can get up to a C$10,000 deposit bonus. Aside from that, the casino will also give you a cashback on every deposit.
Neospin supports cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, USD Tether, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and Ripple.
MyStake – Wide Variety of Betting Options
Love playing casino games but also betting on your favorite sports? MyStake can give you the best of both worlds. They offer a massive casino game library with over 5,000 titles and a competitive sports betting market.
Their live dealer section is also worth checking out since they have plenty of tables with the most charming dealers.
MyStake accepts Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and plenty of other banking options that Canadian players will find convenient.
Conclusion
No matter what crypto casino you choose, make sure you gamble responsibly. If you’ve never used cryptocurrencies before, then make sure you take the time to understand how they work, especially their volatility.
Good luck on your gaming journey and most importantly, have fun!
It is close to the end of the Eagles Nest on-line auction.
It ends today at 8:00 pm today.
They have raised $8,414.00 of the $10,000 target; still time to reach the target.
Some of the items you can bid on.
What was really impressive about this community auction was the response from the community with the items they donated.
While in Waterdown on Friday I dropped into Pickwick Books to ask Marnie Mycroft, owner of the shop, why she took part. “Waterdown is a small almost country town. Some of the shops still close at noon on Wednesday.”, she said.
She explained that the size of the community is such that in the commercial sector we all know each other and want to ensure that the community and the people in it are taken care of – so they help out where they can.
The link to the list of what is being offered on the on-line auction is HERE.
A short article on what the funds being raised will be used for is shown below. This is community taking care of community – at its best.
Some people have asked – what is the Burlington Gazette doing so much to support a Waterdown based organization? I have two answers to that question. 1) many of the people who benefit from the service Eagles Nest offers are Burlington residents. 2) the work they do is one of the better examples I’ve seen of volunteers serving the community –
Finally their phrase Hope Restored – Lives Changed resonated with me.
There isn’t a day when we don’t hear or read something about the environment. From a world perspective it is the most important issue on the table.
Climate change leads the list of issues and how we handle waste is probably the next on the list.
Climate change is going to take place when we, as individuals, change the way we do things. Don’t let the car engine idle in cold weather and move to an electric vehicle.
Plastic waste is creating huge problems that we don’t have a handle on yet.
How we manage waste and the level of recycling is also very high on the list.
A poll done by a respected reliable public polling organization claims that 81% of people in Ontario want to be able to re-cycle–what – that number is up from 76% a year ago.
Environmental Defence, a not for profit organization that advocates on environmental issues said Ontarians want a deposit-return system for non-alcoholic beverage containers. The poll, conducted by Abacus Data, shows overwhelming public support for a better system to manage empties for drinks like pop, water and juice in the province.
The public has made its wishes known – the province hasn’t found a way to respond.
The recent announcement on plans to permit the sale of beer 24’s in convenience stores puts a different spin on how people will return their empty bottles.
That decision to sell beer at convenience stores will mean less beer being bought at the Beer stores which is expected to eventually mean fewer Beer Stores – the one place that people took their empties. If there are going to be fewer Beer Store location – well you can see the problem.
Environmental Defence has been on this story for years.
Environmental Defence said: “We appear to be at a point where more beer will be sold with fewer locations to return empty bottles. There is a solution that has to be made at the provincial level.
Karen Wirsig, Plastics Program Manager with Environmental Defence
According to Karen Wirsig, Plastics Program Manager with Environmental Defence, “the beverage industry is poised to introduce a pop bottle “tax” in Ontario to handle empties from non-alcoholic beverages. Does that mean we’re getting a new-and-improved program that will boost collection, refill and recycling while cutting litter? The answer – so far – is no.
“The beverage industry appears to want to keep the same ineffective system that we have today – recycling bins – even though we have proven year after year that deposit-return systems work.”
People will return the empties – they just need a place to take them to.
She adds: “People in Ontario are used to returning beer, wine and liquor bottles. In 2021, we took back 1.3 billion alcohol containers, including more than 340 million refillable beer bottles – a whopping 98 per cent of all the refillable beer bottles sold that year.
Changing the proven success of a deposit-return system makes the system we currently rely on for pop, water, juice, milk and iced tea all the more outrageous. History has taught us that Ontario’s curbside Blue Box program, with complementary recycling bins in parks and along sidewalks, is not as good as deposit-return for ensuring collection, reuse and recycling.
We know what the problem is – and we know what the possible solutions are – getting the government and the vested interest to listen is where the challenge lays.
Alinea Land is holding a Preconsultation meeting in June to get a sense as to what the community thinks about a proposed development that is said to consist of 28 high-density residential and mixed use commercial buildings ranging from 12 to 45 stories tall with a housing capacity upwards of 25,000 new residents
Alinea Land Corporation, the name given to the part of the Paletta International holdings that are now controlled by Paul and Michael Paletta, has a massice project in the thinking stage on King Road that stretches west to th eAldershot GO station..
The 51 acres that will be developed are on Fairview west of Appleby Line – very close to the Appleby GO station.
The Alinea meeting is at the Tansley Woods Community Centre; June 17th: the event will run from 4:00 to 7:00 pm with large poster boards set out to illustrate tyhe plans. City staff are expected to be on hand.
While there is no rendering of the Alinea project at this time the Oval Court development that is in the same immediate area is shown below
Roll your cursor over the image to enlarge.
Getting community buy-in is never easy in Burlington. The challenge will be to get shovels into the ground ASAP. This is where the city can make a difference by putting a team made up of the best people they have and setting a record for how fast a development can be approved.
Former City Manager had a good working relationship with the Alinea people and that should carry over to the job CAO Hassaan Basit is now doing.
The Ultimate Power Up Roulette Review: Features, Gameplay and Verdict
A classic casino table game.
Power Up Roulette is a game from Pragmatic Play that has proven to be a popular variant of the classic casino table game in recent years. It’s a game that has helped to transform the entertainment that players can obtain from roulette, through the usage of special unique features that can be triggered when played.
Gamers have continued to seek alternative options to help enhance their passion for this title, and this version certainly adds a spark to the gameplay.
Power Up Roulette: Features
Power Up Roulette provides players with several different features that have helped to increase its popularity amongst the gaming community.
Its main features relate to the Power Up feature, with this being crucial to helping players to win the biggest prizes possible. This can be up to a maximum of 8,000x the bet! This figure is one of the highest that is available in an online roulette-based game, thus helping to increase its popularity even further as a go-to option for many.
Where the ball lands is what roulette is all about.
The Power Up feature works through a randomization process. At the beginning of the round, between three and five numbers will be selected to be Power Up numbers. If one of them is landed on, the bonus round will then be triggered. This doesn’t need to be one of the numbers that have been bet on, but straight-up bets do need to have been placed. During the feature, players will notice that multipliers will then be assigned to the grid numbers. They will range from between 50x and 500x in the first instance, before increasing with each occurrence – the fifth time it is triggered, the bonus can be worth up to 8,000x!
To win from the PowerUp bonus, you’ll need to have an active bet on the winning outcome. If you don’t, then you won’t win the bet. Essentially, the feature just enhances the prizes that are on offer, but traditional gameplay rules are still required to be followed in this bonus round.
How to play Power Up Roulette
If you’re keen to give Power Up Roulette a spin, then you’ll want to use a casino that has it available as part of its library. Canadians are in luck, as they can head to Unibet and enjoy the game immediately once they have joined, as it’s one of the top variants that is being offered by the global operator.
To play the game, a basic roulette approach should be followed. All you need to do is to place bets on the numbers that you feel the ball could land, using the traditional wagers that are commonly placed in other forms of roulette, such as inside and outside bets.
Power Up Roulette is based on European Roulette, as it contains just one single zero, and not a double zero like its American counterpart. It’s also a game that is played in a physical capacity, with the live dealer being the one to spin the wheel and manually control it.
When it comes to placing bets, you have a 20-second period ahead of the wheel being spun to decide which numbers or wagers you want to consider. Once these bets have been decided, the Power Up feature will kick in and then the actual gameplay will take place.
It’s important to consider strategies when playing, as these can enhance the overall gameplay experience. Managing bankroll and perhaps considering straight-up bets instead of any other are perhaps among the best to think about, as these are the only bets that can trigger the Power Up bonus feature.
What’s the verdict of Power Up Roulette?
A classic casino table game now played on line.
Given the Power Up bonus feature and the fact that the win multiplier can climb to a height of 8,000x the bet, it’s no surprise that Power Up Roulette has become a popular online variant for enthusiasts of the classic casino table game.
However, is it better than other versions? It’s certainly in the conversation. The maximum win can make it one of the most rewarding for the lucky few who are able to predict the numbers accurately. But, perhaps most of all, it’s a version of roulette that can help enhance the excitement that this game can provide with each spin, as there are added layers of appeal to the basic gameplay that is traditionally enjoyed.
The most recent image on the Performing Arts web site.
By Pepper Parr
May 31st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Sound of Music is going to take place. That was never in doubt
Just where some of the events will be held, which stage will they be on was not all that clear.
There are two official stages – the Access Storage stage and the TD Stage
There are 43 events scheduled for those two stages.
The intention, as we understood it, was that some of the events would be held at the Performing Arts Centre.
The only event that is taking place in the Performing Arts Centre is a concert on Friday, the 14th in the Family Lobby – great place for a concert – wonder what the sound will be like?
To what degree is the Performing Arts Centre going to be involved with the Sound of Music. Very difficult to get any word from anyone. The city pumps $1 million a year into BPAC but has yet to say anything – they did tell us that there would be a statement from BPAC on Friday.
Tammy Fox – resigns as Executive Director of Performing Arts.
All BPAC has said is that Tammy Fox did resign and that they wish her well.
The statements on the BPAC web site keep changing. At one point BPAC was announcing that it was the Presenter (not all that clear as to what a Presenter is) but that is not the point. That notice is no longer in place. Instead the following appears.
This is the notice that was on the BPAC web site at 9:15 last night.
Getting things straightened is is very fluid at this point. It appears that the BPAC Board made decisions that have not been elaborated on; for a million dollars the public is surely entitled to knowing what happened and what they are doing.
The new governance rules surely make some reference to transparency and accountability.
It has taken awhile for the public to become aware of the event and the opportunity.
This is an achievable goal. Help these people do what the community needs – and treat yourself to something you would like.
Link to the site is HERE; take a moment and see if there is something you like. The impressive thing about the on-line auction is the support that has been given by the commercial sector. A lot of small local businesses came on board – that is community helping community in a big way.
I want to focus in this article on what Eagle’s Nest does. Set out below are some of the programs they offer.
Hope Restored; Lives changed.
Eagle’s Nest helps people understand themselves, care for their mental health and learn new tools for healthy relationships. Just how do they do that? Set out below are several of the programs they offer – at a very low cost.
Emotions – just act them out – or is there a better way?
Boundaries: know what they are stick to them.
You are worthy – don’t let anyone take that from you.
Boundaries Course:
Healthy boundaries are essential for a balanced life.
Boundaries is our most popular course and teaches you when to say yes, how to say no and how to take control of your life.Emoticon
Emotions can be overwhelming.
Emoticon is a group program for children to help them identify their emotions, discover what the emotions are saying and give strategies to manage them well.
I Am Worthy
How do I balance everything in my life?
Learn how to turn up the volume on what encourages you, turn down negativity and celebrate your story in this group program for teen girls.
If any of these courses are of any interest to you – reach out and learn where the help you are looking for is available.
Don’t for get the online auction; it is what makes the offering of the courses possible.
Like many things in Burlington – they get moved around.
The fountain at Veteran Square was moved around a number of times; the Lady on the Lake was moved, not sure just where it is now.
A little bit of history that hundreds of people pass by every day on the southwest corner of Lakeshore Road and Elizabeth.
There is a cairn at the southwest corner of Lakeshore and Elizabeth Street.
It was erected by the Lions Club in 1927. The ‘Confederation Day’ mentioned seems to be the 60th anniversary of Burlington.
The cairn was originally on the land where the Waterfront hotel is now and had to be moved, which “caused much consternation since it was not known if it might fall apart when picked up. However someone was found who got a support underneath it and it was moved to the current location. Not known who owns the new site, but obviously a deal was reached, and the move was at no expense to the Lions Club.
“Apparently the monument and the move was no big deal to anyone at the time, and it may have been done without many people even knowing about it. That may not be the case this time, but so far no one has contacted the Lions.”
Is there anyone who can add to this story and are there any ideas as to where the cairn could go should it have to be moved again ?
Does anyone know if there is anything inside the cairn?
By Ray Rivers
