By Pepper Parr

July 21^st, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

At the last City Council meeting until mid-August, by which time current Chief Administrative Officer Hasssaan Basit will have begun his new job with the province he spoke about what he believes he has achieved in the 16 months her served.

Thank you. I wasn’t going to make my traditional statement, and I was asking the person who sits to my right, my lawyer, the city’s lawyer, and he said, “there’s no protocol. You do what you want.”  So I appreciate the kind note and the kind words, Mayor. And I think I will keep it very brief. I spoke to all of you last week.

Hassaan Basit at his last council meeting.

It’s been an absolute pleasure to be here,  to work with those of you I’ve known for many years, such as yourself Mayor, and get to work closely with others that I’ve known.  You know, I’ve worked in Burlington for the past 21 years and and the last 16  months, however long it’s been, it’s been an honour to work right here at City Hall. We have made a lot of progress. We have made a lot of changes. We’ve collaborated on achieving almost all of them. It has not just been down to me.

I’m very proud of leaving you with a very talented group of public servants who work at the City of Burlington, not just at the executive leadership team. I have the unique opportunity, you know, to hire many of them, most of them actually.   I looked for people who had leadership capabilities, who could make decisions, who could unlock problems, we could identify circular processes and put a stop to them, inspire people to serve our community. And that’s the team I have around me, and that’s the team that the city has. It’s been only a few months since the last pieces of that team came together, and so you know, they’re going to continue to serve you well.

The staff who work at the City of Burlington are second to none. They really are.   They know what business they’re in, and that’s to serve the community, they require the space and the resources and the leadership and the tools to be able to do that, as long as council and the leadership team continues to support them, the sky’s the limit in terms of what we can do for the residents of this city.

And lastly, to everybody on council, I appreciated all our interactions, one on one, some private, some public, always really good, great ideas. And lastly, to you, Mayor, as you said, I’ve worked with you for many, many years in many capacities, for both of us, actually.

It’s been a real pleasure to work shoulder and shoulder over the past little while.  I’m not going far. It’s a great opportunity to go do something at a larger scale in an area that is near and dear to my heart, The  Burlington perspective will be front of mind, you know, as as I go and take that responsibility on.

To my senior team, thank you so much for putting up with everything over the past year and a bit.

To the staff at the City of Burlington, I will miss them the most. So with that, thank you so much.

By Kimberly Calderbank

July 21st, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

We hear the phrase “in good faith” often these days.

It’s used by lawyers, officials, and press releases—meant to assure us that decisions are being made with honesty, fairness, and transparency.

But standing here on July 21st, watching our club, our families, and our 40-year grassroots legacy hang in limbo, I can’t help but ask: what does “good faith” really mean, if it’s not backed by action?

The Burlington Aquatic Devilrays (BAD) is a Tier 1 competitive swim club and a community-built legacy. We’ve developed Olympians, taught thousands of children to swim, and made a significant contribution to Burlington’s reputation as a city that supports youth sports.

We entered the City of Burlington’s pool allocation RFP process in good faith. We submitted all required documents. In fact, we went above and beyond, providing a Certificate of Status and confirmation of our non-profit standing—standard and acceptable proof in the Province of Ontario.

And yet, our proposal was rejected.

Why?

Because we didn’t submit a “Current and Valid Certificate of Incorporation”—a document that does not exist in Ontario, and certainly wouldn’t still be current after 40+ years.

Here’s the hardest part: the City knew this.

In the Adult RFP, also issued this year, the City explicitly acknowledged in the addendum question section that a “Current and Valid Certificate of Incorporation” does not exist in Ontario and instructed applicants to provide alternative documentation instead.

That same clarity was not provided in the Youth RFP.

Here’s what’s important to note:

• GHAC applied to both the Adult and Youth RFPs, meaning they received the correct information about the document requirements through the Adult process.
• Burlington Masters applied only to the Adult RFP, and therefore also received the corrected criteria.
• There were only three applicants total across both RFPs.
• Of those, two had access to the updated guidance on documentation—yet it was not shared with all applicants.

Why wasn’t that critical information communicated to everyone?

Especially when it affected a legacy club’s eligibility?

In contrast, GHAC was given until September 1st to meet residency requirements. The City even changed the contract language to accommodate them.

Meanwhile, the City issued press statements calling our advocacy efforts “misinformation.” But everything we’ve shared—every fact, every timeline—has been truthful. We’ve been transparent from the start. We’ve followed the process. We’ve trusted in the system.

And now? We’re still waiting. We’re still asking for the most basic information:

How many hours are we getting so we can plan and move forward?

Summer is slipping away. Swimmers, parents, and coaches remain in limbo. We want to communicate a plan to our community—but we need the information to do so.

This is about more than BAD.

This is about every youth organization that partners with the City in good faith, and trusts that their long-term investment in Burlington will be respected.

It’s about ensuring that municipal policies are followed, not bent or selectively applied.

The City of Burlington’s own Recreation Facility Space Allocation Procedure outlines exactly how decisions like this should be made. It states that:

• Historical use is a core criterion in space allocation decisions.
• Qualified Program Providers are to be allocated core hours each season based on prior usage and community need.
• New and emerging organizations should only be approved if they fill a gap—not if they duplicate services already provided.
• Groups must demonstrate 80% residency and be in-good-standing status.

BAD checks every one of these boxes.

We have a 40-year history. We meet residency requirements. We are in good standing.  We are the very definition of a Qualified Program Provider.

By the City’s own policy, we should not be losing our core hours to a non-local club duplicating existing services.

This was not a one-off documentation issue. It was a fundamental breakdown of the City’s own allocation process.

We’ve asked for one thing:

A fair, just, and transparent path forward.

We are still waiting.

Council and the City have the power to fix this.

They have the power to choose fairness over bureaucracy.

To honour legacy over loopholes.

To live up to the very principles they put in writing.

If “good faith” means anything at all—now is the time to prove it.

Kimberly Calderbank is the Volunteer President, Burlington Aquatic Devilrays

By Gazette Staff

July 21st, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

During the last Council meeting the city will have until the middle of August, Mayor Marianne Meed Ward used the occasion to recognize a number of people who were involved in an incident at one of the city’s swimming pools.

Mayor Meed Ward said:

I am super honored to recognize, on behalf of Council, remarkable individuals whose quick thinking and heroic actions resulted in the successful rescue of two people in distress at our local pools in times of emergency.

It is the courage and compassion of everyday heroes that stand out most, and I am deeply grateful and incredibly proud of the outstanding dedication shown by our staff and community members who acted with such determination and heart to our dedicated pool staff, your professionalism and quick response unquestionably saved lives. Your commitment to ensuring the safety and well being of all patrons is commendable and deeply appreciated, and your decisive activation and administration of life saving protocols are a testament to your unwavering commitment to safety and to the team members who extended their support to the pool staff following the rescues, your assistance in ensuring the well being of our staff is deeply appreciated.

Furthermore, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the citizens, including a synchronized swimming coach and a local doctor who demonstrated remarkable courage and compassion in assisting with these rescues. Your willingness to lend a helping hand in a moment of crisis embodies the spirit of our community

Certificates were given to the following people:

Avery Abbott, Cameron Bradshaw, Melissa Brown, Mya Cardy,Connor Crowley, Sarah Cruickshank, Carter Davis, Lila Davis, Katelynn Dienesch, Lauren Hodkinson, Stephanie Jarvis, Trinity Jarvis, Annelisa Jeffery, Hannah Jorritsma, Marina Malty, Lauren Marranca, Hilary McGregor, Ryan Moffat, Wasi Rizvi, Jake Yashar, Dr. Nicole Jedrzejko and Sherry Riley, Ignite Coach.

There were as many Councillors in the photograph as there were people attending the ceremonial event. Congrats to those who were on to help at the swimming pool.

By Pepper Parr

July 20^th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

This is what the eight-year-old organization is all about.

Rescued & Restored – it’s located on the west side of Hwy 6 in Freelton – close to the Antique market.

It is part of the Eagles Nest operation that works out of a church on Dundas close to the border of  Burlington and Hamilton.

Eagles Nest provides counselling services to both communities.  Rescued and Restored provides a significant part of the Eagle’s Nest annual revenue. Rescued & Restored supports other community organizations by donating furniture, clothing or household items to their beneficiaries as needs arise.

Sandy, who is the general manager, started as a volunteer in 2019 and was later appointed manager, runs a 6,000 sq. ft. site with two levels and a small staff of 15 to 20 volunteers.

They receive on average 10 new items each day that need some help before they can go on the sales floor with a price tag.

“One of the things we don’t appreciate” said Sandy “are the people who dump piles of junk outside our receiving door.  We spend hours moving it into bins that go to waste dumps.”

In the 23-24 audited statement, the organization reports approximately 29% of their total income and are forecasting more than a 10% increase in store income by the end of the fiscal year.

The rescued clothing is extensive with a staff member who knows every item on those hangers.

Dozens of lamps and scores of glassware and more place settings than we could count.

It would be easy to spend an hour walking through the rows of items that have been rescued and restored. Prices that are exceptional.

By Lester Wellington 

July 17th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

Chronic lateness can often feel like an inescapable habit because showing up late to meetings, keeping friends waiting, or missing deadlines can lead you to constantly apologize for being late. People all over the world struggle with punctuality, and while being late might seem like a small flaw, it can have dire consequences.

If you are looking to overcome the habit of chronic lateness, then you are in the right place, as we have discussed several strategies and tips that can help you overcome chronic lateness and help you build a habit of being punctual and on time.

Understand the Cause of Chronic Lateness

Before you can fix any problem, you need to understand its root cause. Chronic lateness stems from a multitude of reasons, including :

• 

  First step towards overcoming chronic lateness: identifying the causes and address them.

  Poor Time Management Skills

• Overcommitment
• Perfectionism
• Procrastination
• Lack of Prioritization
• Psychological Factors
• Poor Habits
• Mindset Issues

Understanding what causes you to be late is the first step towards overcoming chronic lateness, and you should start by identifying the causes so that you can address them effectively to overcome chronic lateness.

After you have identified the root cause of chronic lateness, here are some actionable tips and strategies that will help you overcome chronic lateness and be more punctual.

Improve Time Management

The foundation of punctuality is deeply rooted in time management. If you are not good with time management, then you cannot overcome chronic lateness because you won’t be able to take control of your time. Improving your time management skills is very important, and this can be done by using digital tools to procure the Salah Timing Calendar and help plan your day, breaking down large tasks, making a routine and following it, and adding extra time to your schedule for unexpected delays or last-minute changes.

Change your mindset and shift your perspective to overcome the issue of chronic lateness.

Change Your Mindset

Your mindset plays a very important role when it comes to punctuality, and you need to change your mindset and shift your perspective to overcome the issue of chronic lateness. To do so:

• Aim for arriving early rather than being exactly on time. Leaving early for a meeting or event will cushion you against unexpected delays.
• Rethink the importance of punctuality in your mind and think of time as a form of respect for yourself, as well as for others.
• Visualize the benefits of arriving early, such as less stress, more confidence, and a better reputation, which can encourage you to be more punctual.

Address Procrastination and Perfectionism

Procrastination and perfectionism are two completely opposite things, yet both of these often hold people back and lead to them being chronically late. If procrastination or perfectionism is holding you back, then it is time to address these issues by tackling tasks early, setting deadlines, embracing imperfections, and focusing on completing tasks the right way instead of making them flawless.

Develop a Pre-Event Routine

Overcommitment can be overcome by setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks that align with your goals and values.

Developing a pre-event and consistent routine can help you stay on track and organized, and avoid last-minute rushes. You can create a pre-event routine by creating a checklist for the steps that you need to take before leaving for an event, setting alarms and reminders to remind you when it is time to get ready, and prepare the night before by laying out your clothes, packing your bag, and gathering any material that you will need ahead of time, including the Montreal Prayer Calendar, to reduce stress and save time.

Avoid Overcommitment

One of the major contributors to chronic lateness is overcommitment. People who overcommit are the ones who constantly have a habit of being late because committing to multiple things can make you overwhelmed, leading to chronic lateness and impunctuality. This can be overcome by setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks that align with your goals and values, and politely declining requests that don’t fit into your schedule or priority list.

By Jennifer Shell

July 18, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

Social platforms have become quite relevant and powerful in today’s age and can be used for multiple purposes, including building and expanding your professional network. Having a strong and wide professional network is always beneficial because it opens new job and opportunities for you, provides you with the latest industry insights, and keeps you updated on the latest happenings in the industry.

Nowadays, most people rely on social platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to grow and expand their network, and that is what we will be discussing today as well. Let us take a look at several ways in which you can use social platforms to expand your professional network.

Choose the Right Platform

There are a lot of social media platforms – pick those that meet your objective.

The first and foremost thing is to choose the right platform for building and expanding your network. There are many social platforms available, but choosing the right ones where you can connect with colleagues, industry leaders, and potential employers is the right thing to do. The top three platforms for growing and expanding your professional network are:

• LinkedIn: LinkedIn is the go-to platform for professional networking. Anyone who wants to showcase their professional experience and skills, stay updated on job openings and industry trends, and connect with professionals from various fields should use LinkedIn as their first priority.
• X (formerly Twitter): People who are looking for real-time engagement and staying updated on industry news should use X as a great platform. On X, you can follow thought leaders, participate in discussions, share your insights, and build a personal brand by posting valuable content and connecting with other people.
• Facebook: Facebook isn’t just for personal use and socializing only; it is also a great platform for expanding your professional network. On Facebook, you can join niche groups and communities related to your industry to connect with like-minded professionals, stay informed about the latest events and opportunities, and share resources.

Apart from these platforms, other platforms like Instagram, Reddit, https://omeapp.com/ or niche forums shouldn’t be neglected or overlooked.
Optimize Your Profile

A strong headline gets attention – just don’t go overboard.

After choosing the right platform(s), the next thing is to optimize your profile. Optimizing your profile involves multiple elements, including a strong headline, a summary, a professional photo, and your skills and achievements. Curate a strong headline and summary for your profile because these are the first things that anyone will see when they look at your profile, so make it count.

Along with this, use a high-quality professional photo where you are dressed appropriately to make a strong impression and showcase your skills, certifications, and accomplishments clearly on your profile.
Build and Engage Your Network

Once you have set up your profile, start by building and engaging with your network. The best way to build your network is to connect with people whom you already know, such as:

• Current and former colleagues.
• Classmates and alumni from your school or university.
• Industry peers you’ve met at events or conferences.

After this, you can follow industry leaders, companies, and organizations to stay updated on industry trends, join groups and communities related to your field to share and gain knowledge, seek advice, and expand your network, and engage with content to show your interests and add value to the conversations.

Create and Share Valuable Content

A well-designed infographic goes a long way to explaining complex issues.

The secret to building and expanding your network on social platforms is to create and share valuable content. Posting articles, infographics, and updates related to your industry will position you as an industry leader and knowledgeable professional, which can increase your value in the industry.

Share your thoughts, experiences, and expertise through original posts to keep your network engaged and provide them with valuable information. Don’t forget to use multimedia and incorporate videos, images, and infographics to make your content more engaging.
Don’t Overlook Direct Messaging and Networking Events

Lastly, don’t forget the importance of direct messaging and attending virtual events. Whenever you are reaching out to new people to build connections, personalize your message by mentioning how you found them, why you’d like to connect, and how you can add value to their network. Plus, webinars, live sessions, and online conferences are excellent opportunities to meet new people and shouldn’t be missed in any way whatsoever.

By Ray Rivers     

July 18th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

“… the new caps [on steel imports] will help Canadian steelmakers “recapture domestic market.” (Catherine Cobden, president and CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association)

One day on our farm in Ottawa a neighbour’s prized Charolais cattle broke through our fences and stampeded through our garden – munching and trampling as a heard of cattle will do.  Our neighbour was as angry as we were, complaining that he might have lost some of his prized herd.   After he had rounded up his herd I recall him telling me – “good fences make better neighbours”.

To Trump, globalization is dead and free trade lies fragmented in the trash can of history. 

US president Trump, love him or hate him, is the most powerful leader that country has seen in over half a century.  He believes in America first and that America doesn’t need the rest of the world to be successful.  He believes in fences, such as his wall with Mexico, his immigration policy, and more recently his economic tariffs on imports.

Thanks in large part to Trump, globalization is dead and free trade lies fragmenting in the trash can of history.  Trump’s world view is pure economic nationalism.   Low-tariff trade has weakened rather than strengthened the US economy in his view.

His plan is to change all that through protectionist trading rules.  And as the world’s largest economy goes, so will much of the rest of the planet.  it’ll only be a matter of time before the other nations on this planet follow suit with their own protective economic tariffs.

This week, Canadian PM Carney came into stride with Trump.   At a press conference in Hamilton, Carney laid out the beginning of Canada’s new international trade strategy.   Quotas on foreign made steel are being introduced and all imports beyond those quotas will face a 50% tariff.  In addition, steel originating from China, a nation long known for its unfair trade practices, will be penalized by a further 25%.

Meanwhile restrictions on imports from the US await negotiations between the two countries.   But Carney has already signalled that any trade deal is unlikely to be tariff-free.  Canada produces around 12 million tonnes of steel annually, exporting a good portion of that mainly to the US.  But Canada is also a significant importer of foreign made product – an opportunity for import substitution.

By making foreign steel more expensive, tariffs will encourage Canadian industry to use domestic rather than imported steel products.   It is a promising first step in this brave new world before us. 

Trump’s 50% steel tariffs are already impacting our steel industry, so it is not too early to act.  At stake are the livelihoods of 23,000 workers in the industry and another estimated 100,000 indirect spin off jobs.  By making foreign steel more expensive, tariffs will encourage Canadian industry to use domestic rather than imported steel products.   It is a promising first step in this brave new world before us.

The second step will be to create new opportunities for steel products.  In addition to expanding the acquisition of military hardware the recently enacted Bill C-5 calls for big nation-wide projects, many of which will require steel.   Carney’s announcement of new tariffs also sends a signal to Mr Trump that Canada ‘gets it’ – we’re not afraid of the tariff fence Mr. Trump is building and we will protect our economy.

When the first US-Can free trade deal was signed in 1988 Canada had been the 7th largest world economy, with an annual GDP growth rate of 5%.  We have since slipped to ninth or tenth place and our manufacturing sector has been hollowed out by the elephant living next door and through the predatory trade practices of emerging Asian nations.

Mr. Trump’s shift in trade policy has come at lightening speed and many Canadians and Canadian companies have yet to wake up to the reality that their world has changed and they too need to change.  Trump considers this period in history to be America’s golden age.  There is no reason why it shouldn’t be Canada’s as well.   And good fences will just make us all better neighbours.

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:

Carney Announcement –