 By Staff
April 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
In its 21st year as the charity partner of the Around the Bay Road Race, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation announced today that as of race day participants have raised just over $400,000 to support robotic surgery innovation at St. Joe’s, with funds still trickling in over the next few days.
 Wet and cold but they continued. “We feel very fortunate to be the beneficiary of this incredible event. It brings our community together in support of a healthier future for all of us,” says Sera Filice, a 5K participant for the 19th year in a row, and the President & CEO of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation. “To the thousands of walkers, runners, fundraisers and donors who supported St. Joe’s through this year’s race, we express our heartfelt thanks. It’s only fitting that we finished here at Liuna Station, as team LiUNA Lending a Hand, led by Joseph Mancinelli, was our top fundraising team this year raising more than $140,000 for our hospital.”
Freezing rain in the forecast didn’t stop thousands of participants from taking part in the 131st running of the Around the Bay Road Race today. It didn’t slow them down much either. First place male 5K finisher Austin McGoey of Whitby finished with a race time of 15:29. Following on his heels, was first place female finisher Emma Elliott from Guelph with a race time of 17:27. In the signature 30K distance, London’s Phil Parrot-Migas sprinted into the first place male spot with a time of 1:37:30. The top female was Rachel Hannah running out of Port Elgin with a time of 1:47:38.
Full results for the 5K, 10K,15K, and 30K events in the 2025 Around the Bay Road Race, including the top 3 male and female finishers, can be found on CHIPTIME: Results – Around the Bay Road Race 2025.
 Some of those at the starting line didn’t make it to the finish line. “Rain, snow, sleet or sunshine never phases our walkers and runners in the Around the Bay Road Race,” says Race Director, Anna Lewis. “It wouldn’t be the Bay Race without a little weather. But that’s what makes our event so special. It’s the first of the season, a bit unpredictable, and a whole lot of fun. Our runners were in great spirits today and we’re grateful to CN and all of our sponsors, to the cities of Hamilton and Burlington, to our incredible team of volunteers who make this event such a great experience, year after year, and to our new finish line venue, Liuna Station.”
In its 21st year as the charity partner of the Around the Bay Road Race, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation announced today that as of race day participants have raised just over $400,000 to support robotic surgery innovation at St. Joe’s, with funds still trickling in over the next few days. From hip and knee replacements to life-saving cancer surgeries, robotics is helping patients to heal faster and go home sooner. To date, seven of the 10 types of robotic surgery performed at St. Joe’s remain unfunded by the province.
 By Stephen Atcheler
April 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
As of 2025, dating apps have over 360 million users around the world. This figure includes platforms of all types, ranging from casual swiping apps to those focused on building long-term connections. Despite a slight decrease in downloads, usage remains high. Tinder, for example, saw $1.91 billion in earnings during 2023, growing nearly 7% from the year before. Match Group alone accounted for $3.5 billion of the total $6.18 billion market revenue in 2024.
 There are around 25 million people using data apps each month. The market continues to grow. By 2030, estimates place industry revenue at over $17 billion. This comes with an expected increase in both paid users and geographic reach. Users are also spending more, with around 25 million paying for features each month.
What’s Working—and Why
Dating apps work for many users. In a 2021 report from The Knot, one out of every four engaged couples met online. Apps like Hinge are gaining more attention for targeting users looking for lasting connections instead of casual flings.
About 57% of online daters report having a good time on these apps overall. Women and men approach the apps differently, and this shapes how matches are formed. For example, users often favor traits like emotional availability and open communication.
Still, the increasing number of options can be hard to manage. Studies describe a phenomenon called the paradox of choice—more options can actually lead to less satisfaction. Users, especially women, have also set higher filters, preferring partners aligned with their values.
Picking Your Path: Relationship Types Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All
Dating app users now make more specific choices about what kind of relationships they want. Some seek marriage, others prefer casual dating, while many explore grey areas in between. Apps like Hinge focus on long-term commitment, while others support different lifestyles or connections based on goals or compatibility. Secret Benefits is one of several platforms contributing to this range of choices, supporting matches based on clarity and purpose.
This flexibility means users can match with those who share not only similar interests but also aligned timelines or relationship expectations. It’s less about fitting into old patterns and more about choosing what works personally.
New Trends in the Mix
2025 is seeing more users taking a direct approach. This is called “Loud Looking.” About 70% of singles using dating apps now declare their intentions early. They list clear relationship goals, expectations, and dealbreakers upfront.
Interest-based dating is also becoming common. Some platforms now form micro-communities around shared hobbies or beliefs. These changes are especially noticeable among younger age groups, including users under 30.
These trends peak during certain times of the year. One of the busiest days for dating apps is “Dating Sunday,” which falls on the first Sunday in January. For example, on Tinder, user likes rise by 15% on this day. Hinge reports nearly 30% more messages sent compared to regular Sundays.
How AI Is Changing the Apps
More apps are now using artificial intelligence to suggest better matches. This includes analyzing behaviors, profiles, and chat patterns. Apps using AI now show a 14% increase in user engagement, likely due to more relevant suggestions and fewer unwanted messages.
 There are thousands of fake profiles out there – very painful for people who get sucked in. AI tools also weed out fake accounts and detect harmful behavior. Some apps use AI chat assistants that suggest conversation starters to ease first interactions.
Other tools, like real-time translation, help users from different countries talk more smoothly. As more countries gain online access, especially across Asia and Africa, this kind of technology is helping expand these platforms globally.
Unmet Needs and Lingering Problems
Despite more users and better algorithms, there are still problems. Safety is a top concern. Less than half of U.S. adults think online dating is safe. Many users, especially younger women, report receiving unwanted messages.
Men also face obstacles, though researchers point to a different problem—a gap in basic relationship skills. Psychologist Greg Matos noted that many men lack comfort with emotional communication, making it harder for them to form satisfying connections.
Data shows that a high number of young and middle-aged men are frequently lonely, even when using dating apps. Longer stretches of being single are not uncommon.
Use on the Ground
 Many students eventually marry someone they went to college or university with. On college campuses, apps are used both casually and for serious dating. Users often set clear expectations before meeting in person, which makes the process more manageable. This design helps reduce confusion and potential discomfort about relationship intent.
Some apps even let users sort matches based on religious or political preference, what kind of relationship they want, or how far away someone lives. In smaller towns, this works well for finding a match without meeting by chance.
Culture and Influence
Terms like “swipe left” are now part of common speech. Platforms like Tinder turned the action of dating into a simple back-and-forth process. But not all apps work the same way. Grindr, for example, helps users build connections based on very specific identity filters and dating preferences.
Influencers and dating coaches also play a role. Many use platforms like YouTube or TikTok to show what works and what doesn’t. Some hold live sessions or breakdowns of how to approach certain types of matches, which users watch to improve.
Conclusion
Dating apps give more options than ever, but more choice doesn’t always mean more success. There are useful tools, new trends, and fast changes. But there are also trade-offs. When used thoughtfully, these apps help users find others with similar goals, timelines, and communication styles.
 By Staff
April 9th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington Public Library’s Aldershot Branch will close temporarily from Sunday, May 4 to Sunday, June 1 to complete repairs following the water damage sustained earlier this year.
“The Aldershot community has been very understanding and supportive about the disruptions from the water incident this winter,” says James Dekens, Manager of Neighbourhood Branches. “We truly appreciate everyone’s continued patience as we carry out these essential repairs. Our team is working hard to make sure customers can still enjoy library services with minimal interruption.”
 Aldershot branch of the Burlington Public Library system. During the closure, customers are encouraged to visit the nearby Central Branch, located at 2331 New Street, for full library services.
While regular programs are paused, a partnership with City of Burlington allows local families to keep enjoying storytime close to home. Family Storytime will run every Tuesday, May 6 to 27, from 10:30 to 11:30am in the Aldershot Pool community room at 50 Fairwood Place West.
Please note that the outdoor book drop will also be closed during this time. Customers are asked not to return items to the branch between May 4 and June 1. Due dates for materials checked out from Aldershot will be extended until after reopening.
Library loans can be returned to any other BPL location.
 By Joel Bissett
April 8th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington is a vibrant and growing city that offers an ideal environment for entrepreneurs. Its strategic location between Toronto and Hamilton, combined with a strong local economy, excellent infrastructure, and a supportive business community, makes it a great place to launch a new venture. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or a seasoned businessperson looking for your next opportunity, there are several paths you can take to start a business in Burlington.
Starting from Scratch
 The day you open a new business is something you never forget. Creating a business from the ground up is one of the most common routes for entrepreneurs. This option allows for complete control over your brand, concept, and operations. You can tailor every aspect of your business to reflect your vision and values. Starting from scratch does, however, require careful planning, a deep understanding of your target market, and the ability to manage the financial and logistical challenges of launching something new. In Burlington, new entrepreneurs can access valuable resources through organizations like the Halton Region Small Business Centre and Burlington Economic Development, which offer mentoring, training, and planning tools to help bring ideas to life.
Investing in a Franchise
Franchise ownership is another popular and structured way to start a business in Burlington. Franchises come with the benefit of a recognized brand, established business model, and ongoing support from the franchisor. This can significantly reduce the risks associated with launching a new business. Burlington has numerous franchise opportunities across industries such as food and beverage, fitness, home services, education, and retail. For individuals who want to run their own business but prefer guidance and a proven formula, franchising offers a great balance between independence and support.
Buying an Existing Business
 There are all kinds of existing businesses that come up for sale. Owners choose to retire; illness requires them to retire. New ownership often adds new life to an existing operation. Another viable option is to purchase an existing business. This approach provides an immediate entry into the market with an established customer base, trained staff, and ongoing operations. It is often less risky than starting from scratch, particularly if the business has a strong track record. However, it is essential to conduct thorough research and due diligence to ensure that the business is financially sound and has potential for future growth. Burlington’s business brokers and commercial real estate agents can help connect interested buyers with available opportunities across various industries.
Launching an Online Business
The digital economy continues to grow, and starting an online business can be an attractive and cost-effective way to enter the market. Entrepreneurs in Burlington can create e-commerce stores, offer digital services, or launch content-driven platforms to reach audiences locally and beyond. Online businesses offer flexibility and scalability, and can be run from home or in combination with a physical location. The city’s reliable infrastructure and access to tech-savvy talent make it an excellent environment for digital entrepreneurship. Whether offering handmade goods, online consulting, or digital marketing services, the online space allows for creativity and innovation without the need for a traditional storefront.
A City of Opportunity
 Research a city you want to create a new business in or learn about how healthy the local economic climate is. Do your homework. No matter which path you choose—starting from scratch, buying a business, going online, or investing in a franchise—Burlington offers the right mix of resources, market potential, and community support to help you succeed. With a proactive local government, business-friendly policies, and a diverse population, it is a place where entrepreneurial ideas can thrive and grow.
By Pepper Parr
April 9th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
It was going to be a 29 storey tower at the east end of the football and serve as the building that would become the “entrance” to the City.
 The original design was a 29-storey tower that would introduce people to the City coming from the east. It was certainly an attractive design, and it would impress.
 The site at the east end of the football with Old Lakeshore Road on the south and Lakeshore Road on the north it could become a significant destination. Didn’t impress enough – the plan went back to the City Planning department, where the hard bargaining began.
David Falletta, the Bousfields planner hired to get the development through the planning department stages, spoke to Council at a Statutory meeting which gave the public a chance to see what was planned this time around.
The revised version would be 20 storeys and there would be no guest parking but there would be seven levels of underground parking. There was a suggestion that some lay by parking would be available for guests on city property.
 Cut down to 20 storeys but no guest parking. Planning was requesting direction to continue to review the subject application to bring a subsequent report to City Council in the future outlining staff’s recommendation and an analysis of the
proposal based on applicable planning policy.
The sense was that the city and the developer were close – but not there yet.
The development application was deemed Complete on January 10, 2025
Notice of Statutory Public Meeting and Recommendation Report – March 7, 2025
Statutory Public Meeting & Recommendation Report – April 8, 2025
Council Meeting – April 15, 2025
Statutory Deadline – April 22, 2025
 Located at the intersection of Old Lakeshore Road and Lakeshore Road What was particularly interesting was what appears to be a change in ownership of the property. The owner is listed as Acamar Dwelling Corporation. Originally this was a Carriage Gate development.
That Statutory deadline is the date that the developer can take their case to the Ontario Land Tribunal.
In the presentation David Faletta made to Council there were a number of visuals. Faletta’s practice is to make as little information as possible to the public. All we have at this point is what we were able to grab from the web cast.
We will go back to the web cast and pick up more in the way of visuals.
What was particularly interesting was what appears to be a change in ownership of the property. The owner is listed as Acamar Dwelling Corporation. Originally this was a Carriage Gate development.
That Statutory deadline is the date that the developer can take their case to the Ontario Land Tribunal.
In the presentation David Faletta made to Council there were a number of visuals. Faletta’s practice is to make as little information as possible to the public. All we have at this point is what we were able to grab from the web cast.
We will go back to the web cast and pick up more in the way of visuals.
The rendering on the left of the new proposal is of a building that has what architects call the “brutal” approach to design. The towers will sit on a two level podium. The location of the building will have public access to both Lakeshore Road and Old Lakeshore Road. When completed the location has the potential to become a very popular destination.
By Pepper Parr
April 9th,2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Mayor Meed Ward: She handles these Town Hall events quite well – no longer has to hog the microphone. The Mayor’s Telephone Town Hall went quite well. She is getting better at handing off questions to the relevant staff member.
Just about every department head was on the call, the moderator did a good job of keeping things moving and it sounded as if every member of Council was available.
Most of the calls during the hour and a half event were live- people calling in.
Listeners learned that there will be six speeding cameras set up during Q4 – they will be located around the 43 schools in the city.
City-wide parking permits are going to be available.
The transportation people will be doing a study on the flow of traffic on New Street – they want to know where it comes from and where it goes.
Transit is providing 15-minute service on New Street.
 Lowville Park: river runs through the park where the salmon spawn and children get to play. During the pandemic, one had to make a reservation to get into Lowville Park – that requirement is no longer in place.
Millcroft: People called in complaining of letters they were getting from the developer about having to do an inspection of their homes.
The Bronte Meadows development will have 13,500 residents when it is completed.
The city has 100 acres of park space and 1900 km of roads.
It was a smooth well-run event – some had grumbled about not being able to get through and some were bothered about how much was done in the way of screening.
The city didn’t want any bad news. This Council is approaching the last year of its term – their focus now is to keep everyone happy.
We would love to hear from people who called in and were not put through. We don’t need your name – we just want to hear what your experience. Call.
 By Staff
April 9th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
That notice to vacate that Kelly’s Bake Shop got a week or so ago?
It is certainly valid; however, the City Planning department mentioned at Council earlier this week that they don’t have an application from the developer.
Mention was made of some possible financing for the development coming from CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation).
 Don’t expect to see a wrecking ball at this location soon.
 By Staff
April 8th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Health officials in three Ontario hotspots for measles are focusing on communication and vaccination to help get the outbreaks under control.
Public Health Ontario on Thursday reported 89 new cases of measles since March 26, bringing the province’s total of confirmed and probable cases this year to 655. They have been linked to a travel-related case in New Brunswick.
“The sharp increase… is due to continued exposures and transmission among individuals who have not been immunized,” the report’s authors wrote.
In the Southwestern Public Health region — which includes the communities of St. Thomas, Woodstock as well as Elgin and Oxford counties — there are 43 new cases, the largest increase in the province for the most recent reporting period.
Measles is “one of the
 A severe case of measles. most contagious illnesses globally, and currently the most effective way to safely prevent measles is through vaccination,” said Dr. Ninh Tran, the region’s medical officer of health.
Tran’s team is focusing on offering vaccinations to those who are susceptible to contracting the disease. People who’ve never had measles or the vaccine, or only one dose of it, are considered susceptible.
Two doses of the vaccine prevents infection, public health officials say. (
“Unlike the flu or COVID vaccine, which is mainly to lessen the severity of an infection, two doses of measles-containing vaccine prevents the infection altogether,” Tran said.
The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine that contains a weakened version of the measles virus to generate strong, lifelong immunity without causing serious disease in people with healthy immune systems, officials say.
 The number of cases is generally believed to be underestimated, given that not everyone with measles seeks testing or medical care.
Meanwhile, in the neighbouring Grand Erie Public Health region — which includes Brantford and largely rural communities to the south — officials ran a vaccination clinic this week above a hockey arena in Caledonia.
Rachel Vaarkamp brought her five-year-old, Tyse, to get the measles shot.
“We don’t have a family doctor right now and realized that it was time to [get] his vaccinations and then seeing there’s been measles cases in the area, wanted to get it done for him,” Vaarkamp said.
The NDP Health critic said there is a rise in vaccine hesitancy in recent years, the province must engage family physicians to understand the barriers to vaccination their patients experience. Years of underfunding in public health has resulted in kids falling behind on vaccinations. We must ensure that family doctors and nurses have the support needed to ramp up vaccination efforts in their clinics.
By Staff
April 8th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 This was before Marianne was elected Mayor. She was a Councillor with an office in the basement of City Hall. This evening, she might be in her office or at home. Everything is virtual these days. The Mayor’s Town Hall takes place this evening – starts at 7:00 pm
If you want to listen in – call 1-800-804-0738
You can join at any time during the Town Hall.
Due to expected high call volumes, please be patient if you do not connect immediately.
 By Staff
April 8th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Joseph Brant Museum is hosting a series of Junior Robotics Engineer workshops, in partnership with Zebra Robotics Burlington!
Do you have a child who loves to build? This series might be for them.
The Junior Robotics Engineer stream provides participants with a strong foundation for future learning and potential STEM-related learning paths.
As they build simple to more complex machines, they learn to critically analyze problems, and devise creative solutions.
Workshops run Saturday afternoons in June from 2:30 – 4:00 pm, and are designed for participants between grades 1 – 6.
The cost is $30/workshop.
You can register for all 4, or just for 1 to try it out – each week is unique!
Space is limited, please register early HERE.
By Pepper Parr
April 8th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Premier Doug Ford announced his team of parliamentary assistants, who will take on an essential role in supporting cabinet and delivering on the government’s mandate to protect Ontario against President Trump’s tariffs and economic uncertainty.
 Natalie Pierre failed to appear at an ll-candidate meeting – won the Burlington seat nevertheless. “It is my pleasure to welcome Ontario’s new and returning team of parliamentary assistants, who will step into key roles in their ministries,” said Premier Ford. “Now more than ever, our team of parliamentary assistants is ready to support our government’s mandate to protect Ontario and build a stronger and more competitive economy that can withstand whatever comes our way.”
Natalie Pierre, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Sport.
The last time Pierre was named a Parliamentary Assistant she served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges and Universities.
Gazette readers have complained about being unable to meet with MP Pierre. We never hear from her.
However, when there is a developer that wants to get a message to Queen’s Park, Natalie is available to listen and get the word back to the appropriate person.
In the world of politics, that is the reason for electing someone; to serve the interests of the party.
Pierre chose to make Photo ops her way of communicating with the residents of the city. A photo op is the equivalent to the Marie-Antoinette, Queen of France comment (Let them eat cake) made during the French Revolution.
As the story goes, it was the Queen’s response upon being told that her starving peasant subjects had no bread.
Related news stories:
Natalie Pierre decides not to run for office.
Natalie Pierre changes her mind and announces she will run for office again
 By Staff
April 8th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Liberal voters saying they’re “very committed” has risen from 46 to 62 per cent over past five weeks
It was a chaotic week across the globe and in Canada as U.S. President Donald Trump announced universal tariffs on nearly every nation in the world. And while “uncertainty” seems to be the defining word of the year, certainty does appear to be growing among Liberal voters who have yet to definitively commit to their preferred choice in the ongoing federal election.
New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds that while the Conservative Party continues to trail the Liberals in overall vote intent, it also continues to hold the advantage among committed voters. Approximately seven-in-10 CPC voters say they will not change their mind before they cast a ballot.
Herein, however, lies the importance of paying attention to both the surface story and the dynamic undercurrents of vote intention, as the Liberals are also making headway in closing the commitment gap. Three-in-five (62%) Liberal now voters say they are very committed, up from 46 per cent in early March.
Overall, 46 per cent of eligible Canadian voters say they will support their Liberal candidate, while 36 per cent say this of the CPC. The New Democratic Party and Bloc Québécois are both supported by seven per cent currently.
Liberal leader and Prime Minister Mark Carney’s personal favourability rating continues to be a boon to the Liberals. More than half of Canadians (55%) view him positively, compared to 34 per cent for Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. The CPC leader is viewed unfavourably by 60 per cent of Canadians, while 38 per cent say the same of Carney.
More Key Findings:
The Liberal Party leads by 11 points over the CPC in British Columbia and 16 points in Ontario. In Quebec, the Liberals lead the Bloc Québécois 39 per cent to 30 per cent, while the CPC are chosen by 22 per cent.
Choosing between Carney and Poilievre, 50 per cent say Carney would be the better prime minister, while 28 per cent say this of the Conservative leader. 13 per cent say neither would be a good prime minister.
 By Pepper Parr
April 8th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Jim Portside put it better than anyone else.
There are salary increases being paid to senior city hall staff that are so much higher than what is seen in the in the private sector – one can only call it excessive.
While Portside focused on four salary situations that he thought were exceptional, there were others.
There appeared to be people who were getting funds from the city a year after they had left – the amount they were given was enough to put them on the Sunshine list.
Our seven-member council sets policy and directs the CAO to adhere to that policy.
Time for Council to become more fiscally responsible and set some limits on just how much of an increase can be paid. And to take a hard look at what is paid in the way of severance.
 Hobbles are used to prevent a horse from taking huge strides and going too fast; teaching them to yield to pressure and learn to think through situations. If a hobble can do this to Council, buying seven of them might be the best purchase the city ever made.
Time to put a hobble on what Human Resources can do and what CAO Hassaan Basit can offer when hiring new staff.
Hobbles are used as a tool for training horses, teaching them to yield to pressure and learn to think through situations. If horses can be taught to do things differently, it would be reasonable to assume that Council members can be taught as well.
The Human Resources department has dozens of different salary increase levels.
There appear to be some handsome amounts paid out when a staff member is let go. Portide reports on this as well.
The CAO is in place to oversee the administration of the people who get the job done. He has to be given direction by Council.
Right now Burlington has taken the position that they have to pay high salaries to get the people needed to move into a fully digital operation. Some excellent people have been hired and some very good work has been done.
The question taxpayers have is: Can we afford what the city is in the process of doing?
Related news stories:
Portside on spending
Burlington as it was reflected on the 2024 Sunshine List
 By Staff
April 8th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The newer universities in Ontario have to carve out a sector that is unique to them. They are up against the University of Toronto, Queen’s, Western and McMaster.
Brock University created a Department of Sport Management and have shown that new academic niches can be created to serve the changing needs of students that see the academic world differently.
 Ryan Clutterbuck, Brock University Assistant Professor of Sport Management. Ryan Clutterbuck, Brock University Assistant Professor of Sport Management, teaches negotiation concepts through role-play simulations that demand students adopt the mindset of both parties involved in high-stakes negotiations, such as Guerrero and Blue Jays President Mark Shapiro.
“We challenge our students to consider their negotiation counterpart’s perspective to resolve conflicts and create value for both sides,” Clutterbuck says. “The critical test is ‘can you write the other side’s victory speech for them?’ Because for a negotiation to succeed over the long term, it’s important that everyone walks away from the deal feeling like they’ve won.”
 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Guerrero’s contract stands as the second richest in MLB history when measured by present value, thanks to the absence of deferred payments. Only Juan Soto’s 15-year, $765-million agreement with the New York Mets ranks higher. While Shohei Ohtani’s headline-grabbing 10-year, $700-million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers appears larger on paper, significant deferrals reduce its present-day value to $460.8 million.
 Guerrero Jr., swings and seldom misses. For the Blue Jays, the deal is justifiable not only because of what Guerrero has already accomplished, but for what he represents: the face of the franchise, a fan favourite and a player whose prime years are still ahead of him, Clutterbuck says.
The move showcases how MLB franchises like the Blue Jays, Mets and Dodgers view negotiations as a blend of financial planning, storytelling and cultural impact, he adds.
“This signing is not just about home runs, wins-above-replacement stats or other objective criteria,” Clutterbuck says. “For the Blue Jays, it’s about locking in their homegrown face of the franchise that fans can grow with. A generational talent with charisma, heritage and the potential to cement the Blue Jays as competitive. Negotiations at this level reflect a deeper calculus. Teams are not just acquiring talent. They’re investing in a vision.”
 By Ray Rivers
April 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
“Voters, particularly in central and Atlantic Canada, need to recognize that a vote for the Carney Liberals is a vote for Western secession — a vote for the breakup of Canada as we know it,” (Former Reform Party Leader, Preston Manning)
 Danielle Smith: Her ‘Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act’ is unconstitutional and borders on traitorous. Danielle Smith has been taunting the federal government ever since she became Alberta premier. Her ‘Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act’ is unconstitutional and borders on traitorous. But now she is out to make more trouble, particularly since the polls no longer show her favourite federal candidate leading.
She recently reached-out to the Quebec government asking them to join her in plotting the break up of Canada as we know it. Unfortunately for her, separation is not upper most in the minds of Quebecers today. They appear to like the idea of a strong federal government to defend their hard won linguistic and cultural rights against a menacing American president.
Besides, that must seem like a strange request from someone who wants to end Quebec’s receipt of national equalization payments because wealthy Alberta doesn’t receive any. And it is even stranger that Smith would offer to go to bed with the province, which more than any other, has stood in the way of her dream of an east-west oil pipeline.
Both Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney have talked about federal-provincial unity and a Team Canada approach to managing the current US trade crisis. Yet Alberta and, to a lesser degree. Saskatchewan are not team players. Extracting even more oil out of the tar sands and their subservience to corporate big oil are their priorities.
It is greed pure and simple. Alberta and Saskatchewan are already the wealthiest provinces, ranking number one and two in GDP per capita. In fact, Albertan’s income per capita is a full third higher than that in Ontario – $78,154 for Alberta compared to $48,971 for Ontario. This huge difference in income is attributable to the windfall of carbon deposits and other minerals that had been given by Canada to these provinces.
The federal government purchased those mineral rights from the Hudson Bay Company shortly after confederation. However, one of Canada’s least popular prime ministers of all time, the Progressive Conservative R.B. Bennett, decided to transfer ownership of all that mineral wealth into the jurisdictions in the prairie provinces.
 Richard Bedford Bennett became Prime Minister after the 1930 election. Bennett came into office just as the great depression had hit Canada. He decided that the best cure for a sickened national economy was to further bleed the patient. Rather than pumping money into the hands of Canadians to keep the economy working, as we typically do in recessionary times, he dramatically cut federal spending and created an unemployment rate which, by 1933, exceeded 30%.
In fact the economy deteriorated to the point that farmers, unable to pay for gasoline, used their horses to pull their Tin Lizzies around, caustically calling them ‘Bennett Buggies’.
 They were called Bennett Buggys Danielle Smith took her war on the federal Liberal party and Canada to Washington and Florida. There she begged Mr. Trump and MAGA Republicans to delay the tariffs on Alberta until after the federal election, in hopes of halting the polling downturn for her pick of PM. She also pushed to have oil exempted from any tariffs.
So when Alberta’s oil, along with other USMCA compliant exports, were exempted on April 2nd, Smith claimed victory for her powers of persuasion. However, as even other conservatives have pointed out – this is hardly win. Neighbouring B.C. was being hit with a 34% tariff softwood lumber; Quebec and B.C slammed with 25% on aluminum, and Ontario whacked with 25% on and steel and the country’s vital auto manufacturing sector.
 Smith is determined to continue to threaten Canadians with separation unless they elect her guy in the federal. Victory lap notwithstanding, Smith is determined to continue to threaten Canadians with separation unless they elect her guy in the federal election. To that end she warned Mr. Carney that the winner of the federal election will have six months to roll out policies friendly to the energy industry or face an “unprecedented national unity crisis.” And she’s followed up that threat by openly talking about an independence panel and a referendum for Alberta.
As an aside, I poked my head into one the local town hall events Chuck Phillips, a Hamilton area Liberal candidate, was holding. At one point someone asked about Preston Manning’s big blackmail statement. Phillips just referenced what Carney, his leader, had said. Calling these dramatic and unhelpful comments he noted….”I am part of a government that governs for all of the country, and very much for the West.”
 Ray Rivers, a Gazette Contributing Editor, writes regularly applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background links:
Bennet Buggy – Transfer Act – Independence – Seven Richest Provinces – Victory Lap – Preston Manning –
 By Staff
April 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Taxes for Artists
 Sunday, April 13, 1–3 pm
A workshop for artists who earn some or all their income through sales, exhibition fees, contract teaching, and other self-employed sources.
Preparing to file a tax return can be an overwhelming prospect for many artists.
This informative session will provide an overview of taxes as they relate to self-employment income and expenses and provide useful advice for artists to manage their financial documentation.
Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussion following the presentation.
Instructor: Matthew Simpson
$10
Register HERE
Matthew Simpson has decades of experience in the worlds of art and finance, having studied Commerce at McMaster University before pursuing a degree in Industrial Design at OCAD. Since graduating, Matthew has accrued over two decades of experience in banking and personal tax preparation while continuing to engage in the arts through costume design and his current position as a supernumerary with the National Ballet of Canada.
 By Pepper Parr
April 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The art work is distributed in parts of the downtown core and along the Spencer Smith Park Promemnade; they are part of what Dan Lawrie has been doing for the past four years – letting people see what local artists are doing.
 Stand in front of this piece of art, take a picture of yourself, and see what you get. Dan, a retired insurance industry leader, has had a penchant for art most of his life. He has placed a paint brush in his hands on occasion and now displays the work in his home.
The courtyard at the Art Gallery is named after the Lawrie family.
The Burlington Waterfront Sculpture Trail is preparing for its fourth season. The goal is to bring sculpture into the public realm in a free and accessible trail linking major elements of Burlington’s stunning downtown core and waterfront. Artists from across the country are paid an exhibition fee to present their work, and the DLISC team works to sell the works to drive additional support to Canadian artists. –
 Worker installing some of the Lawrie Public art outside the 400 Brant Kitchen This is the fourth year The Burlington Waterfront Sculpture Trail has been shown. The 1km long experience linking the Art Gallery of Burlington, Spencer Smith Park and the Downtown Burlington BIA through a series of 15 temporary sculptures created by local and regional artists. The 1km trail was a fully accessible experience, free of barriers and admission for all to engage in.
 Persian rugs were used to decorate this piece of art.  Is this art original or is it original items wrapped in tin foil?
 By Corinne Galvan
April 7th. 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Microsoft might be testing the waters with its very own handheld gaming device, which could completely change the game for gamers. According to rumours, the tech giant is working on a portable console, similar to how the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck opened the door for unexpected mobile play.
What We Know So Far About Microsoft’s Portable Console
 There has yet to be an official announcement, but insiders and leaked patent filings suggest that something exciting is in the air. Picture a device that feels like an extension of the traditional Xbox universe, perhaps even tied to Xbox Game Pass and Microsoft’s cloud gaming setup. In most cases, people believe it will unlock a massive library of games, ranging from flashy AAA titles to those charming indie ones, all available in a pocket-sized marvel, plus, the possibility to play other options like casino games in Ontario thanks to the mods other users might develop as it happened with the Steam Deck and similar handheld consoles. The details are still unclear, but these signals are enough to capture players’ interest.
Unlike the complicated consoles that sit in our living rooms and require real hardware, this rumoured gadget appears to rely mainly on cloud streaming. That means it won’t need heavy-duty standards to function properly. If you think about it, this could be an important development for gamers who are always on the move—a device that can easily switch between home sessions and spontaneous outdoor play. The idea is simple yet radical: having high-performance play available wherever you are, with all the ease of modern connectivity.
The Effect on the Gaming Industry
This new handheld console by Microsoft would be a first for Bill Gates’ company. After the success of the Xbox consoles, this would be the first incursion in the portable gaming world with their own hardware. Sony, who has tried to compete in this part of the industry, hasn’t shown a new portable console for a few years, after the PS Vita was a big blunder from them.
 Nintendo is another company who should be aware of the movements coming from the Americans. The Japanese gaming giant is the most successful brand in the handheld sector and their soon-to-be shown Nintendo Switch 2 would have a big competitor this time. The biggest drive to buy a Nintendo console has been their exclusive titles, but with the possibility to play graphic intense and AAA games in the Microsoft’s console, the history could change rapidly.
For now, Microsoft’s plans remain wrapped in speculation, and a formal announcement is still on the way. Still, rumours of a mobile console have everyone talking: the future of gaming appears to be moving faster than ever before, and with Microsoft potentially leading the charge, there’s a lot of excitement in the air. Until the official word drops, gamers across Ontario will keep an eye out for any new information—a tiny step towards a bright, hybrid gaming future that may be closer than we think.
Jim Portside
April 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Even more on that Sunshine list.
Three other Sunshine List entries are curious. We’re discussing salaries paid to real people so I will not use names.
Two of the three people stopped working for the city in 2023, the other person had retired.
The two people who stopped working for the city in 2023 are on the 2024 Sunshine List. In other words, they stopped working for the city in 2023 but earned over $100,000, from the city in 2024.
The person who is now retired started working for the city in 2001 and has never appeared on the Sunshine List. In 2024 this person is on the Sunshine List earning a little under $115,000. We came up with three explanations:
- Maybe this person earned less than $100,000 in 2023, maybe they received a 14+% raise in 2024 and retired at the end of the year.
- Maybe this person was let go in 2023 and received severance in 2024.
- Maybe this person was let go in 2024 and received severance to push their 2024 salary over $100,000.
- Maybe the city can provide an explanation?
 It al takes place at City Hall. The City will take the position that the information is related to a specific individual and is treated as private.
No matter how it is explained – it smells
For the two people who stopped working for the city in 2023. One received about $105,000 in salary in 2024; the other about $111,000 in 2024.
What happens when you include Brynn Nheiley, Sheila Jones, and Tim Commisso? Our calculations, based on the limited information available to the public, show this gang of 6 cost the city approximately $868,674.98
Our calculations, based on the limited information available to the public, show this gang of 6 cost the city approximately $868,674.98.
How are taxpayers, the people who provide most of the money needed to pay staff, faring?
Not all that well it appears.
The record indicates that 3% of taxpayers have outstanding tax bills, the highest level in 5 years.
 By Jim Portside
April 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
More on that Sunshine List.
The Sunshine List was first released in 1996; it shows Ontario public sector employees earning $100,000 or more. The $100,000 threshold has not changed since 1996. Using the Bank of Canada’s inflation calculator, $100,000 in 1996 is the equivalent of $185,017 in today’s dollars.
 People who made over $200,000 in 2024. Here’s a list of the top income earners for the city of Burlington, people who earned over $200,000 a year in 2024. The 2023 list contained 15 names. The 2024 list also contains 15 names, it’s great that the number of people stayed the same. Some of these people do a fantastic job for the city.
What’s most interesting about the above list is that three of the 200K club members no longer work for the city.
Tim Commisso’s LinkedIn profile indicates he left the city in April of 2024. Sheila Jones – March 2024. Brynn Nheiley – March 2024.
You can read more about Brynn and Sheila’s departures here:
What did these three people cost taxpayers?
The calculations are approximate, but about $600,000 in severance or, in the case of Tim Commisso, payment to the end of his contract went out the door in 2024 for these three people. Mayor Meed-Ward often talks about the city needing funding from other levels of government; $600,000 buys at least one MRI machine for Joseph Brant Hospital.
Here are some other interesting items from the Sunshine List.
The Sunshine List doesn’t tell us when someone started or left the city’s employ. With that in mind,I looked at all the people who were on both the 2023 and 2024 Sunshine Lists. The average salary increase for this group was 4.31%.
The number of people working for the city and making over $100,000 a year increased by 10.5% to 505. The 2022 list contained 393 names, and the 2023 list contained 457 names.
Of the roughly 1,112 full-time employees, 505 now earn over $100,000 per year.
The 2024 list includes 15 people with the job title “Transit Operator”, up from 9 last year. Keep in mind that this includes overtime. There are 4 people with the job title “Mechanic” and 3 people with the title “Officer, Animal Control”, up from 1 last year.
The six elected councillors had an average income of $118,876.64, down slightly from an average of $119,802.70 in 2023. Councillors over the age of 71 earned less, only making $117,321.96 a year. Councillor Sharman has fought hard to have this corrected, and we’ll see a bump for the senior councillors, Sharman and Bentivegna, in 2025. The municipal employee pension plan, OMERS, has a rule that people over 71 have to start collecting their pension.
A total of 51 people saw their total earnings, salary plus overtime, increase by at least 10%. Only 23 of these people had changes in their job titles.
We’ll have to wait another year to see if Sheila, Tim or Brynn make it onto the 2025 Sunshine List.
Jim Portside is a retired business man who has lived in Burlington for several decades
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