 By Pepper Parr
September 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
It is difficult to keep up with the allocation of swimming pool time issue. In the very early stages people at the Burlington swimming club (BAD – Burlington Aquatic Devilrays) were stunned with the decision.
 Parents with Burlington Aquatic Devilrays (BAD) at a swimming meet. Worse, the reasons that were given made no sense. Those reasons dribbled out bit by bit.
CHCH recently did a short broadcast that summed up everything. If you want an overview, this link gives it to you.
One of the requirements was that both the Burlington club and the Hamilton club had to prove verifiable membership numbers. They are due today.
Stay tuned.
https://share.google/AcPIf3e6RID2JFYAi
 By Lauren Thomas, Environmental Defence
September 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Species at risk: Eastern Musk Turtle and Cougars.  Nearly four months after Progressive Conservative MPPs forced approval of a law that will repeal Ontario’s Endangered Species Act, the Ontario government is confirming experts’ gravest warnings about what it will mean for at-risk plants and wildlife. The Ontario government has announced that once the law comes into force, it will cease even to recognize more than 106 different species at risk, ranging from the Eastern Mole, Eastern Musk Turtle and Cougars, to the endangered Redside Dace, and Red-headed Woodpecker.
This decision should light a fire under the federal government to strictly enforce the existing federal Species at Risk Act and existing habitat protection orders in Ontario, but also to expand and broaden federal protections and monitoring. Federal protections will now be the only real protection for many habitats. In particular, because the Ontario government will remove all provincial recognition of endangered and threatened birds and fish, the government of Canada should issue emergency protection orders that extend to all species and habitats previously protected by provincial habitat regulations and the Ontario Species at Risk list.
The Ontario government also intends to remove all recognition of species that are currently recognized as being of “special concern” and monitored due to their susceptibility to identified threats. This means that federal agencies will step up their monitoring of these species’ federal jurisdiction.
 Ford has shown a pattern of constantly prioritizing his developer friends and unnecessary projects over wildlife and nature. Premier Ford has shown a pattern of constantly prioritizing his developer friends and unnecessary projects over wildlife and nature. The federal government must not do the same. Now more than ever, it is crucial that the federal government uphold and enforce the appropriate federal laws and deny the approval of permits that would allow harmful development projects to destroy critical habitat.
ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.
 By Sadie Smith
September 30th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Online or in-house – either way it’s a pretty good hand Gambling and online gambling establishments have been trending across the globe, with Canada seeing massive growth in the sector. There is now considerable evidence indicating an increase in interest from new Canadian players, amid a thriving industry in Ontario since the province legalized iGaming. Platforms have experienced massive turnover for the past few years. For August 2025 alone, Ontario generated a significant CA$8.14 billion in gaming revenue.
To locals, the convenience of quick cashouts and a variety of table and card casino action to choose from is what you gain playing from Canada. Most operators also provide a wide range of bonuses, various payment methods for added convenience, and the appeal of iGaming, which includes several different games, from slots to poker to live dealer table games.
 A gambling site with both guests at the playing table and slot machines for those online. iGaming may eventually render physical casinos outdated if they do not step up to the demand. Easy access is a major contributor to the surge in revenue. With most businesses today operating online, iGaming now competes extensively with the traditional casino business. Although a disruptor, in recent years, an increasing number of individuals have chosen convenience over traditional casino experiences in real life. The decline in visitors to casinos worldwide suggests that iGaming may eventually render physical casinos outdated if they do not step up to the demand.
For Ontario, the August figures are a significant 35% year-over-year increase compared to the same month in 2024. This kind of massive growth provides clear evidence that the sector is now maturing. With other provinces like Alberta set to follow Ontario’s lead, the nation is set for another major boost in tax revenue in the coming years.
 Online sites have also started offering progressive jackpots, where prizes accumulate until one is ultimately claimed. These jackpots create a sense of excitement that drives players back for more. Mobile-first design has been among the factors allowing operators to respond quickly to users who expect to play swiftly and smoothly. A slot game on a mobile phone or an online lottery ticket purchased over a coffee break has become the norm. Online sites have also started offering progressive jackpots, where prizes accumulate until one is ultimately claimed. These jackpots create a sense of excitement that drives players back for more.
Accessibility is not limited to security. Having the capacity to gamble at home or on the move has provided access to those who may otherwise have avoided gambling because of time or travel needs. Typically, you would visit the casino for your adrenaline fix, but by removing barriers, operators create a more flexible community of players.
 The Township of Milton gets a payment from the race track every year. It works out to be tens of millions. The economic impact of the broader gaming industry is also substantial. Briefly, the more individuals play, the more it equates to the platform’s revenue generation, and naturally, the revenues are higher with higher participation. The game corporations also reinvest portions of their revenues back into the communities. This cooperation is a win-win for everyone, whether you play or not. Communities across Canada benefit from social improvement programs. Lottery and casino businesses contribute to the employment industry by creating jobs and stimulating local economies.
The analysis of Ontario gaming helps put broader trends into context in the Canadian market. Merging the thrill of vintage games with the advantages of the digital era. Internet gambling has changed the manner in which Canadians engage in gambling, providing an opportunity for engagement, socialization, and recreation through a secure and safe environment.
 By Pepper Parr
September 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
For once Council has taken a firm stand and decided not to spend.
While we will not see a decision until later in the month the Staff report says the following:
 Will the Sound of Music come to an end? Decline Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival Inc.’s 2026 funding request and discontinue municipal financial support due to ongoing financial instability and non-compliance with Agreements conditions; and
Approve the reallocation of $150,000—originally designated for Sound of Music in the 2026 Operating Budget—to the Community Investment Fund. This adjustment will enhance support for a broader range of festivals and events across Burlington, promote greater equity and sustainability in cultural programming, and create opportunities to potentially support a new music festival and/or provider in 2026; and
Direct staff to report back to Council on exploration of potential opportunities for a different form of music festival and/or a different operator of a music festival at Spencer Smith Park, following a call for expressions of interest from potential event organizers; and
Remove Council’s Ex Officio appointment from the Burlington Sound of Music Inc. Board of Directors. A Council Member was appointed in 2022 for the duration of the term, building on a 2019 request from SOM to reinstate a Council-appointed ex officio position.
Not what most people were expecting.
Was it the right decision?
Council has begun to hear the concerns about the out-of-control spending.
Love to hear what you think.
 By Marshall Piano
September 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Humans have consistently pushed the limits of what is possible in the realm of invention. It is modifying lives and altering how people view and engage with the world.
 The arrival of electricity and the growth of the internet have shaped society. Creative brains have always risen to the occasion throughout history and advanced humanity with their inventions. Each period has seen developments that have shaped society from the discovery of fire and the development of the wheel to the arrival of electricity and the growth of the internet.
Different countries like Canada have established themselves as leaders in digital transformation even in the entertainment industries because of a strong dedication to research and development and a highly qualified labor force.
The world-class educational facilities worldwide are one of the leading forces behind the world’s technological achievements. Different nations are home to universities and colleges that emphasize STEM education and consistently send out graduates with excellent credentials. This talent pool has created a thriving startup ecosystem where bold ideas can flourish.
Internet Speeds Will Increase by Ten Times
 6G would bring speed capabilities nearly 100 times quicker than 5G. 6G would bring speed capabilities nearly 100 times quicker than 5G.
Additionally, it might result in the creation of more sophisticated machine-learning systems and immersive metaverse experiences. By 2030, when the technology is anticipated to become widely available, IT companies must determine that.
Numerous industries, including entertainment and gaming have been transformed by the internet’s rapid development. The rise of multi-player gaming applications or amusement games like online slots in Canada shows how faster connections enable more immersive and interactive digital experiences. With 6G on the horizon, players could benefit from seamless gameplay and enhanced security. This evolution reflects a larger trend. The improved connectivity is reshaping how Canadians engage with digital platforms from work and education to gaming and streaming.
In addition, it may grant players exclusive access to high-stakes games or competitions or priority customer service. It uplifts players to increase their internet connections by matching bonus offers to internet speed, guaranteeing they enjoy the finest gaming experience while taking advantage of the bonuses.
Electric Flying Taxis
Electric air taxis could make their way to Montreal as early as 2026 which indicates that the not-so-distant future might look like a scene from a Jetsons episode. To introduce 70 of their eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft to La Belle Province, Texas-based Jaunt Air Mobility and the Quebec aerospace and aviation component maker Vertiko Mobility have teamed together.
Each vehicle has a seating capacity for one pilot and four passengers, a 195-kilometer driving range, and looks like a cross between a helicopter and a turboprop. Vertiko intends to begin extensive testing the following year. The Montreal-based startup VPorts plans to construct 1,500 terminals (also known as “vertiports”) in various cities worldwide to enable such flights.
Jobs with Magnets
 Calgary to Edmonton in just 45 minutes – trip will cost 44% less than a plane ticket. Pods that magnetically hover in a vacuum tube at up to 1,000 kilometers per hour. Toronto-based transportation technology company TransPod manufactures it. Elon Musk, step aside; some countries will soon have its high-speed hyperloop, and Canada is one. The FluxJet claims to transport people between Calgary and Edmonton in pods that magnetically hover in a vacuum tube at up to 1,000 kilometers per hour. Toronto-based transportation technology company TransPod manufactures it. Just 45 minutes will pass, and the trip will cost 44% less than a plane ticket.
A 10-kilometer track is proposed with a goal of being operational by 2027, and TransPod is now concentrating on land acquisition and doing environmental evaluations. The company has already raised $550 million from foreign investors and anticipates government funding for a portion of the project even though the project is anticipated to cost $18 billion.
 A 10-kilometer track is proposed with a goal of being operational by 2027. TransPod is now concentrating on land acquisition. As a result, various technology trends and innovations are now recognized as significant global drivers of advancement. Thanks to a thriving ecosystem that encourages innovation because the world has become a hub for development.
By Gazette Staff
September 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 City of Burlington administrative offices will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 30 to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. For a list of which City services and facilities are available on Sept. 30, please see the summary below or visit burlington.ca.
Orange Shirt Day
Sept. 30 is also recognized as Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots day inspired by the story of Indian Residential School Survivor Phyllis Webstad. As part of Orange Shirt Day, residents can come to Spencer Smith Park (1400 Lakeshore Rd.) to reflect and take part in a Walk for Reconciliation and Peace, hosted by local Indigenous people.
Opening remarks will begin at 5 p.m., from the pavilion at the east end of the park, with a walk to follow along the Waterfront Trail ending at Beachway Park for a tobacco ceremony. Additional details can be found on the city’s online events calendar at burlington.ca/calendar. Participants are encouraged to wear orange shirts and moccasins if they have them.
We encourage residents to visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website for educational materials and resources.
| City Service |
Holiday Closure Information |
| Animal Services |
The Animal Shelter at 2424 Industrial St. will be closed to appointments on Tuesday, Sept. 30. To report an animal control related emergency on a holiday, please call 905-335-7777. |
| Burlington Transit |
Burlington Transit will operate on a regular weekday schedule on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Find real-time arrival information and plan your trip using Google Maps. From a mobile phone, access Google Maps and click on your bus stop to see arrival times. From a computer, select your bus stop, then click on ‘See Departure Board’ to view arrival times.
Customer Service and Specialized Dispatch will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 30. |
| City Hall |
Service Burlington and the Building, Renovating and Licensing counter on the main floor of City Hall at 426 Brant St., will be closed to all appointments and walk-in service on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Many service payments are available online at burlington.ca/onlineservices. If your request is urgent, call 905-335-7777 to connect with the City’s live answering service.
For online development services, MyFiles can be used by residents who have applied for Pre-Building Approval. Check the status of Pre Building Approval applications at burlington.ca/MyFiles. |
| Halton Court Services – Provincial Offences Office |
Court administration counter services at 4085 Palladium Way will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Except for the Sept. 30 closure, telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. All in-person services are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Many services are also available by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or online at Halton Court Services. Payment of Provincial Offences fines is available 24/7 at paytickets.ca. |
| Parking |
Paid parking will be in effect on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
NOTE:
- The Waterfront parking lots (east and west at 1286 Lakeshore Rd.) do not provide free parking on Sept. 30.
- Parking exemptions or City-Wide Parking Permits are required to park overnight on city streets and for longer than five hours. Visit bylaw.burlington.ca for parking exemptions.
- Parking Lot 4 at 421 John St. is closed for construction on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
|
| Recreation Programs and Facilities |
Recreation facilities are open for rentals and registered/drop-in programs on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Drop-in recreation program schedules are available at burlington.ca/dropinandplay.
Customer Service
Recreation, Community and Culture customer service is available to assist you in person at recreation facility counters during program times. Customer service is also available:
- By email at liveandplay@burlington.ca
- By phone at 905-335-7738, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (including Sept. 30) and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
|
| Roads, Parks and Forestry |
The administrative office will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Essential services will be provided as required. |
Burlington is a city where people, nature and business thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/subscribe and follow @CityBurlington on social media.
Links and Resources
By Pepper Parr
September 28TH, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
This week – on the 29th, Golden Horseshoe Aquatic Club (GHAC) and Burlington Aquatic Devilrays (BAD) must report their membership numbers and show that they have reached the 85 % residency rule.
There is some doubt that neither club will be able to show that their number have reached that 85% level. BAD is very close, GHAC is thought to be some distance from that 85% level.
What happens then?
 Exactly how many members swimming for either club live in Burlington and swim in Burlington? The folks at BAD have a terrible feeling that the way the memberships are counted is going to be changed to using a “regional” approach which would favour GHAC.
There is very little trust within the BAD organization for the people in the Procurement group at City Hall. Suspicions of conflicts of interest dominate much of the discussion between parents. The BAD executive say nothing – a gag order is reported to have been put in place.
There is a lot riding on what the numbers submitted turn out to be and how the Procurement people interpret them.
 By Chun-Kai (Jason) Wang
September 28th, 2029
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s been more than 18 months since the federal government announced a sharp cap on international student permits, and the ripple effects have begun to hit hard.
Dwindling international student enrolment is hurting the bottom line of universities and colleges throughout the country. For decades, they had been a key financial lifeline because their tuition fees were often at least three times higher than domestic students, thus plugging the hole left by stagnant provincial funding.
In some cases, international tuition provided nearly half of an institution’s revenue. With that model now disrupted, the consequences are increasingly dire. Some universities will scrape by with layoffs and cutbacks. Others, particularly smaller schools, may not survive at all.
While Ottawa and the provinces, which have the constitutional responsibility for education, continue to dither about how to fix this problem, there’s one key step the post-secondary institutions themselves can and should take – create branch campuses in other countries as some foreign universities have done.
Canada’s growing reliance on international students
Stronger boards can help universities adapt to challenging environments
Branch campuses abroad do not conflict with whatever domestic strategies are possible in Canada. Rather, they would complement them, providing a parallel stream of revenue and reputation-building that domestic subsidies alone cannot achieve.
They would also give Canada new leverage in global education, enhancing soft power and creating pathways for skilled immigration that directly serves our long-term economic needs.
While some assistance from Ottawa and the provinces may be beneficial to the schools in this area, the key is the independent resolve of each individual institution to get this done. That’s what happened with schools in the U.K., Australia and the U.S.
Action with consequences
Unfortunately, the federal government limited international student permits in response to allegations that their previous large number was contributing to the housing affordability crisis and thus rising inflation.
However, when it did this, Ottawa did not offer any tangible solutions or start discussions with the provinces on how universities and colleges are supposed to weather the resulting financial storm.
In addition, the situation in Canada could soon be complicated by the changing global economic environment. The number of international students could drop further as U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs abroad weaken the economies of countries where many international students tend to come from.
Malaysia as a starting point
Schools in the U.S., the U.K. and Australia have spent decades building global networks of branch campuses in other countries so that students don’t have to leave their homes to get a Western higher education.
However, Canada has remained strikingly absent in this arena. That is no longer just embarrassing, it is an existential threat given the current crisis.
As a starting point, Canadian schools should consider Malaysia. The country has positioned itself as an international education hub, welcoming foreign universities with clear regulatory frameworks and government incentives since the 1990s. English is widely used, operational costs are far lower than in Canada and demand from ASEAN, South Asian and Middle Eastern countries continues to rise.
 Australia’s Monash University offering degrees identical to those in their home countries at a fraction of the cost while also feeding students into their graduate programs. Australia’s Monash University and the U.K.’s University of Nottingham are two of the established players thriving there, offering degrees identical to those in their home countries at a fraction of the cost while also feeding students into their graduate programs.
These branch campuses offer a new source of revenue, enhance international reputation and strengthen research collaboration between the host and the provider country.
Inaction is a greater risk
Canadian universities could do the same – but only if they act fast. Other non-Western universities, such as those from China and Japan, are rapidly entering this arena.
The risk of inaction is obvious. Our dependence on international student tuition was a structural weakness – one that our competitors foresaw many decades ago, when they faced a similar environment of decreased public funding amid an uncertain global economic outlook.
It’s thus very clear. Unless Canadian institutions expand beyond our borders, they will continue to be forced to manage decline while those in other countries prosper.
Of course, opening branch campuses abroad is not without risk. Quality assurance, cultural adaptation and financial sustainability all require careful planning.
Canada does not, however, have to be alone in this venture. Indeed, notwithstanding the existing, mature frameworks of collaboration already in place in host countries, academic resources that include management experiences of universities operating branch campuses are also available as possible blueprints for operational consideration.
 McMaster University could establish a presence overseas and run a program that included one year on campus in Hamilton. The real problem is the far greater risk of refusing to take the initial step. If even a handful of Canadian schools later face financial troubles because they didn’t expand abroad, the consequences for our economy, workforce and global reputation will be far worse than the challenges of expansion.
The bottom line is this: the era of easy money from international students coming to Canada is over. Our universities can either cling to a dying model or take the bold step of going where the students are. Canada needs to hurry up because it’s already late to the race.
This article draws on research from the author’s undergraduate work under the guidance of political science professor David Matijasevich. The work focuses on international education policy with a particular focus on Canadian universities and global competition.
 Chun-Kai (Jason) Wang: Independent Policy Researcher and Analyst, Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Registered Acupuncturist, Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Graduate of International Studies Major at SFU with Distinction
 By Gazette Staff
September 28th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Catherine Baldelli at a Burlington Food for Feedback event Catherine Baldelli announced today that: “After more than 30 years in GIS, IT and Transit across both private and public sectors, I have decided it’s time to retire. It has been an incredible journey. I am grateful for the opportunities that I have had, particularly at the City of Burlington. I will be continuing in this role until mid-December.
“The City of Burlington is now looking for someone to step into this position. If you’re passionate about transit, eager to make a positive impact and lead an amazing team – this is a perfect opportunity for you. This is a fulfilling role that will shape the future of transit in the City of Burlington.”
The transit service both grew and the buses were on time for the most part while Catherine was behind the wheel.
By Pepper Parr
September 28th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 The three-term Progressive Conservative premier has long triggered Tories who feel he’s drifted too far to the mushy middle of the political spectrum due to his reliance on public-opinion polling. The Ontario Hospital Coalition wasn’t wrong when they said the provincial government wanted to privatize the current health care service.
Project Ontario, a group of people who want to see changes in the way the provincial government operates, said recently that they are advocating for an expansion of privately delivered health care and smaller government at Queen’s Park.
The group is just talking at this point. With Doug Ford’s polling numbers at 52%, it’s going to be an uphill slog to being about any change at the Progressive Conservative Party annual event later this year.
Related news story:
Ontario Hospital Coalition sounds a warning
 By Ron Nikhill
September 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Alberta is moving closer to reforming its online gambling laws, trying to balance the potential benefits against concerns about safety and regulation.
 Alberta iGaming Corporation Right now, only one government-run site, PlayAlberta, operates legal iGaming in the province. But recent steps like Bill 48, known as the iGaming Alberta Act, aim to open up the market. That bill would set up a Crown corporation (the Alberta iGaming Corporation) to handle online gambling more broadly, allowing private operators under regulation. Alberta is also seeking feedback through Phase 2 of its iGaming strategy to set out regulations, social responsibility standards and ways to reduce red tape.
Ontario’s regulated online gaming market offers a useful comparison. Between April 2024 and March 2025 it recorded CA$82.7 billion in wagers, up 31% year-on-year and gross gaming revenue of CA$3.2 billion, which is a 32% increase over the prior year. Casino games that consist of slots, table games, and live dealer games dominate in both revenue and wagering volume in Ontario, with CA$2.4 billion of the GGR coming from casino games and about CA$69.6 billion of wagers in that category. According to CasinoBeats Canada, players can access valuable information on which regulated casinos offer strong payment methods, competitive bonuses, or safer gaming tools. For example, the site highlights Interac casinos, which let people move money in and out directly from their bank without the usual delays or extra charges. Interac’s security is on par with major financial institutions, making it the most widely used payment method in the country.
When thinking about games, bonus offers and other benefits, players in Ontario have access to a large variety of casino games, sports betting, poker and virtual or instant win titles. Bonuses tend to be competitive, especially for new players, but there are wagering or play-through requirements to watch out for. Experts suggest people should always check the terms attached to a bonus, especially how much wagering is required and whether certain games count differently towards those requirements. Another tip is to prefer regulated sites for player protection, transparency about odds and payouts, and for consumer safeguards like self-exclusion tools.
 Rules are needed in a well-regulated, competitive iGaming market. For Alberta, the advantages of reform would include increased tax revenue going back into public services, more choice for players and a safer regulated environment. On the other side, risks include possible problem gambling, ensuring that regulations are robust and making sure that illegal offshore sites are discouraged. Alberta’s government has said its aim is not to promote more gambling but to move what already happens outside regulation into a safer, more accountable system.
All in all, Ontario’s recent gains show what can happen under a well-regulated, competitive iGaming market. Alberta is now evaluating its own path moving forward, trying to learn fro Ontario’s success while making sure protections are in place. If Alberta moves ahead with reforms as proposed, players there could see more choice, better games, safer platforms and more transparent bonus and payment options very soon.
 By Karina Rysberg Bay
September 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Ontario is home to 27 out of Canada’s 120-plus casino venues, including some of the best in the country. Although, or maybe because, competition is fierce from online casinos and the Ontario Lottery’s online operations, Ontario’s casinos have often pulled out the stops to bring in customers in any way they can. But which are the best?
 Well, although not comprehensive the following top-tier options are all within a few hours drive of Burlington. From a casino with waterfall views unlike any other gambling establishment in the world, to Canada’s largest First Nation-owned casino or a billion dollar casino resort-style complex in downtown Toronto, these are four great casinos worth visiting in southern Ontario.
Fallsview Casino Resort Has Incredible Views
Fallsview casino is built on a cliff in Niagara Falls, overlooking the spectacular Canadian Horseshoe Falls. If that wasn’t enough, the resort features a 400 room luxury hotel tower and dozens of bars and restaurants – most of which come with awe-inspiring views of the biggest of the three Niagara Falls.
A great operator offers clear bonus terms and wagering for Canada casino players, so why would you accept any less? As well as fair bonuses and promos, you’ll find the latest slot games from trusted global developers and an excellently designed site that will get you into the game with just a few clicks. Simple.
As well as the hotels, and restaurants Fallsview Casino Resort features:
- A full service spa and fitness centre
- A 5000-seat concert venue that sees top international artists grace the stage
- A 200,000 square foot casino floor
- 3200 slot machines
- 130 table games
- Sports betting and lounge at the Overtime Bar
Gamblers looking to play poker can head just down the falls to its older, sister venue Niagara Falls Casino, which has a full ten table poker room. Both casinos are around 100km or an hour’s drive from downtown Burlington, or a 45 minute train ride away.
Casino Rama is Canada’s Largest First Nation Casino
Casino Rama is the largest First Nations-owned casino in the country by casino floorspace, and the only such venue in Ontario. The venue opened in 1996, just months after Ontario legalized limited commercial casino gambling. It was pipped to the post of first casino in Ontario by Caesars Windsor, which is profiled further down this list.
The resort has since undergone several major multimillion-dollar upgrades, including in 2022 and most recently in 2025. The upgrades for this year included a new full-service spa facility, with saunas, steam rooms and an indoor pool as well as massage facilities. It also included renovation of dozens of the oldest rooms in the 289-room hotel tower.
 If slots are your thing: this is one of the places you want to think about. Casino Rama The resort’s existing features included half a dozen restaurants and bars, a 5000-seat Entertainment Center and performance space. It has also hosted various mixed martial arts and boxing fight nights over the years. The 192,000 square foot casino floor hosts more than 1500 slots and 50 table games.
Some of the big name acts that have played Casino Rama’s Entertainment Centre include Diana Ross, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Lionel Richie and Dolly Parton.
Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto is Ontario’s Newest
The newest addition to the roster of Ontario’s casinos is also one of it’s most expensive. The Great Canadian Casino Resort opened in the Etobicoke area of the city in 2023. It replaced the old Casino Woodbine which had been operated on the site by the Woodbine Racetrack since 1996.
Its replacement cost more than $1 billion to build and took five years. It overtook Fallsview Casino as the largest casino floor in Ontario, with 328,000 square feet dedicated to gambling.
The Great Canadian Casino Resort’s features include:
- 4800 slot machines
- 145-plus table games
- A VIP high-limit gaming lounge
- A poker room with two dozen tables and various tournaments
- A state-of-the-art 400 room luxury hotel tower
Caesars Windsor Brings a Las Vegas Vibe to Ontario
Caesars Windsor holds the distinction of being the first casino in Ontario. Built by Las Vegas-based Caesars Entertainment – the owners of the iconic Caesars Palace Las Vegas – in 1996, the casino also reportedly inspired American lawmakers across the Detroit River in Michigan to legalize casino gambling.
 The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation is a majority owner of the refurbished Caesars in Windsor. Originally called Casino Windsor, it took on the casino brand in 2006 when it also underwent a major redesign and expansion. The casino now has 728 hotel rooms across two 27-story hotel towers, the newest of which was built in a similar style to the iconic Caesars Palace.
Interestingly, when Caesars Windsor first opened the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation was a little blind-sided with the speed, and immediately began work on a temporary riverboat casino opposite the venue. Which didn’t do very well.
However the OLG got the last laugh. It essentially became the majority owner of Caesars Windsor when it offered to stump up $400 million for the 2006 refurbishment and rebrand, which was sorely needed. The OLG and Caesars just recently agreed a new 20-year deal for Caesars to continue to operate the property on behalf of the provincial lottery operator.
Today, the casino offers the highest gaming limits in Ontario, 2000 slot machines, 80 live table games, a full service sportsbook, and a well-outfitted poker room in collaboration with the formerly Caesars owned World Series of Poker brand.
By Gazette Staff
September 27th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Minister of Education, Paul Calandra has been going after school boards over the level of spending that has taken place.
Monitors have been installed at several boards, replacing the trustees.
The Ministry has said it is seriously considering getting rid of school board trustees.
 Paul Calandra, Minister of Education: Maybe he was a big tipper? The trustees are pointing fingers and questioning a reported $1,700 spend on restaurant meals.
$1,700 ? Ouch!
That is a lot of food paid for by the public.
The Education minister is facing scrutiny over his expenses as he calls out wasteful spending by school board trustees. His office declined to release details of the $1,700+ he has spent on restaurant meals.
 By Gazette Staff
September 27th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario Hospital Coalition maintains the Ford government is privatizing our public hospitals.
“When they privatized cataract surgeries, Ford appeared all over TV promising that people would never pay with their credit card, only their OHIP card. That was a lie. All over Ontario, seniors are now routinely charged thousands of dollars in the private for-profit eye surgery clinics.
 The Coalition focuses on Queen’s Park outside the legislature. “We heard from an 80-year old woman who was told she had to make a down payment of $1,500 followed by almost $11,000 for her surgery. We heard from a 71-year old who had to come out of retirement to work to pay for his surgery. We heard from Maureen, a widow whose eyesight was failing, who was charged almost $7,000 for her eye surgery. She had to take out a loan. Everywhere I go, every event at which I make a speech, people come up to me and tell me about how their mother or father was charged thousands for their cataract surgery.
“Now, Ford wants to expand his privatization plan to orthopedic surgeries — hips and knees, shoulders and so on — as well as MRIs, CTs and other diagnostics and surgeries. Just imagine the tens of thousands of dollars they are going to charge patients.
“The hardship and suffering caused by this privatization is exactly what public medicare was set up to stop.
 “We have made formal complaints, held press conferences with the patients who have been extra-billed illegally, written letters, asked for meetings with the Minister and Premier. It isn’t that they don’t know this is happening. They are pretending it isn’t and ignoring it, as long as they are able to do so.
“We are going to lose public medicare if we don’t ramp up our fight back.
“Please pay attention and spread the word. It matters.”
The coalition has small groups working in towns and cities throughout the province.
They don’t have a group working in Burlington – they couldn’t find the volunteers they needed to help out.
By Gazette Staff
September 27th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Is the thought of making dinner filling you with dread? Or are you looking for somewhere to go for a great night out?
Purchase a ticket to the Eagles Nest Dine Out Charity Raffle and you could win one of two gift card collections to exceptional local restaurants!
First Prize is valued at $1800 and includes gift cards to:
Second Prize is valued at $400 and includes gift cards to:
All proceeds from the raffle help Eagles Nest provide affordable mental health services to the community.
Full details and purchase tickets from this link.
Raffle ends Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 8:00pm!
Eagles Nest is a not for profit organization that provides mental health services the the Burlington, Waterdown and Hamilton Communities –check them out
By Samantha Serle
September 27, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
As you approach your exams at a Canadian university, the pressure can be overwhelming. With a busy schedule filled with lectures, assignments, and extracurricular activities, it can feel like there’s just not enough time to adequately prepare. However, with the right study strategies in place, you can set yourself up for success and make the most of the time you have. Whether you’re a first-year student or nearing graduation, these top study strategies will help you ace your exams with confidence and ease.
1. Plan Ahead with a Study Schedule
 Setting specific, measurable goals for each study session can keep you on track. One of the most crucial aspects of exam preparation is time management. Procrastination is often the enemy of success, and without a proper study schedule, it’s easy to feel like you’re scrambling at the last minute. The first step in creating an effective study plan is to break down your study sessions into manageable chunks.
Start by determining how much time you have before your exams and then assign specific subjects or topics to each study session. Be realistic about how long each session should last, and allow for breaks to keep your mind fresh. Remember, quality matters more than quantity. A focused 60-minute session is more productive than a distracted 2-hour session. Be sure to integrate review days into your schedule, giving you time to revisit the material you’ve already covered.
Additionally, setting specific, measurable goals for each study session can keep you on track. For example, aim to master several practice problems or memorize key concepts within a set period. This will give you a sense of accomplishment as you progress through your study materials.
2. Use Active Learning Techniques
It’s easy to fall into the trap of passively reading textbooks or notes in an attempt to “cover” the material. However, active learning has been proven to be much more effective. Active learning means engaging with the material in ways that reinforce your understanding and retention of it.
Some effective active learning strategies include:
- Summarizing: After reading a chapter or section, take a few minutes to summarize the main points in your own words. This forces you to process the information and identify the most important concepts.
- Teaching: One of the best ways to ensure you understand something is to teach it to someone else. Find a study buddy or even explain concepts to yourself out loud. If you can explain it clearly to another person, you know you’ve grasped it.
- Practice Problems: For subjects like math, science, and engineering, practice problems are essential. They not only help you apply what you’ve learned, but they also familiarize you with the format of the questions you may face on the exam.
- Flashcards: Use flashcards to test your knowledge on key terms, formulas, or concepts. Writing out the flashcards by hand can help reinforce the material more effectively than simply reading through notes.
By incorporating these active learning techniques into your study routine, you will find that you’re able to retain more information and understand concepts more deeply, ultimately leading to higher exam scores.
3. Organize Your Study Materials
Effective study begins with well-organized materials. If you’re constantly flipping through disorganized notes or scrambling to find the right textbook, you’ll waste precious time during your study sessions. Take some time before your exams to organize your study materials.
Consider using a binder or digital tool to categorize your notes by topic or lecture. This will save you time when you’re reviewing key concepts and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by clutter. If you prefer digital resources, applications like Notion or Evernote can help you organize your notes, while tools like Quizlet allow you to create digital flashcards for easy review on the go.
You can also organize your study materials by subject, ensuring that each area receives the appropriate amount of attention. Some students find it helpful to color-code their materials or to use tabs to mark important concepts.
4. Prioritize Difficult Subjects and Concepts
As you organize your study schedule, it’s important to prioritize the subjects or concepts that you find most challenging. It’s easy to fall into the trap of spending more time on the subjects you enjoy or feel most confident about, but this won’t help you improve in areas where you’re struggling.
To stay on track, focus your energy on the most difficult subjects during your peak hours of productivity, whether that’s early in the morning or late at night. For the subjects you’re more confident in, use them as a way to wind down during less focused periods.
Additionally, remember to reach out for help if you’re stuck on a concept. Canadian universities are known for their academic support services, and most offer tutoring, office hours with professors, and peer study groups. Take advantage of these resources to get clarification on material that you find difficult to understand.
5. Take Care of Your Health
A major factor in exam success is your physical and mental well-being. While it’s tempting to pull all-nighters and sacrifice sleep to cram for exams, this is counterproductive. Lack of sleep can affect your memory, concentration, and overall cognitive performance. In fact, research has shown that students who get adequate sleep before exams tend to perform better than those who stay up all night.
Get enough sleep (ideally 7-9 hours) each night, especially during the week before your exams. Eating well and staying hydrated are also crucial for maintaining focus and mental clarity. Your brain functions best when you fuel it with nutritious food, so opt for brain-boosting snacks like nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
Exercise is another excellent way to relieve stress and improve focus. Even just a 20-minute walk can boost your mood and energy levels. Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine can help you stay sharp during study sessions and maintain your overall well-being.
6. Stay Motivated and Avoid Burnout
Exam preparation can feel like a marathon, and it’s important to pace yourself. Without proper breaks and motivational strategies, it’s easy to become burnt out before the exam day arrives. To stay motivated, consider rewarding yourself after completing a study session or achieving a study goal. Rewards could include a break, a treat, or a short time for relaxation.
Additionally, don’t hesitate to mix up your study methods to keep things fresh. If you’re finding it hard to stay engaged with one subject, switch to a different one. This will keep you from feeling bogged down by monotony and help you maintain your focus.
As you navigate the challenges of exam preparation, you may find yourself overwhelmed by numerous assignments and deadlines. In such situations, seeking professional help is a practical solution. If you ever think, I need someone to write my essay online for cheap, it’s important to choose a reputable service that offers quality work at an affordable price. Many online platforms provide expert assistance that can help you manage your workload and focus on your studies, allowing you to excel in your exams without compromising on your academic integrity.
7. Utilize Past Exams and Practice Tests
One of the best ways to prepare for your exams is to review past exams and practice tests. Many professors provide previous exams or sample questions that reflect the format and content of the upcoming exam. Working through these practice tests will help you become familiar with the structure of the questions and the types of topics that may be covered.
Additionally, try to simulate exam conditions when taking practice tests. Set a timer and complete the test in one sitting to mimic the pressure of the real exam. This will help you manage your time and reduce test anxiety.
Conclusion
 Acing exams at Canadian universities requires a combination of effective study strategies, good time management, and self-care. Acing exams at Canadian universities requires a combination of effective study strategies, good time management, and self-care. By planning ahead, using active learning techniques, staying organized, prioritizing difficult subjects, and taking care of your health, you can significantly improve your chances of success. And remember, it’s not just about cramming right before the exam—it’s about consistent preparation, maintaining a healthy balance, and staying motivated throughout the entire exam season.
By Gazette Staff
September 26th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Starting on Saturday, September 27, until end of service on Sunday, September 28, Lakeshore West Line rail service will be temporarily modified to accommodate critical track work that will bring faster, more frequent service across the network.
 During this time, there will be no GO Train service between Oakville and Exhibition GO.
GO Train service will continue to run between Niagara Falls and Oakville GO stations, as well as between Exhibition GO and Union Station, but replacement buses will serve Oakville and Clarkson GO and then run direct between Clarkson GO and Union Station.
There will be no GO Transit services at Port Credit, Long Branch or Mimico GO.
Starting later this evening on September 26, there will also be some late-night service adjustments, and we have arranged two extra westbound trains trips from Union Station to Exhibition GO.
 If you’re travelling from the Mississauga area, on Saturday, September 27 only, we’re adding four Milton line trains:
- 2:27 p.m. and 4:27 p.m. trains departing Milton GO, making all stops to Union Station, arriving at 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- 7:04 p.m. and 7:34 p.m. trains departing Union Station, making all stops to Milton GO, arriving at 8:04 p.m. and 8:34 p.m.
- Customers can use Lisgar, Meadowvale, Streetsville, Erindale, Cooksville or Dixie GO stations to connect to Union Station.
More information about Lakeshore West Line service adjustments and alternate route options is available HERE.
Please check schedules before travelling as trip times could depart earlier or later than usual. GO bus connection times may be adjusted, and customers should expect longer than usual wait times.
 By Pepper Parr
September 26th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
Well, this comes as no surprise.
Marit Stiles and the Ontario NDP stand in solidarity with Canada’s striking postal workers
 Postal workers “cut their noses to spite their faces” “This is an attack on our workers and our public services,” said Stiles. “I am proud to stand in solidarity with striking CUPW workers, as they fight to protect the future of a public post office for Canadians. While the federal Liberals launch yet another attack on workers, New Democrats are unwavering in our commitment to protecting and creating jobs, and ensuring Canadians have access to the public services they rely on.”
The link below, on the article Joe Gaetan wrote, is a more progressive approach to the problem. There are dinosaurs out there.
Related opinion piece:
Gaetan didn’t want the dinosaur Stiles has become.
By Gazette Staff
September 26, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The contractor doing the refurbishing on the Skyway Bridge is not planning a two-lane weekend closure for the September 26 weekend.
By Pepper Parr
September 26th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The most effective way for municipal Councillors to get exposure is a photo op. They don’t have to say very much – just stand still, smile and wait for the cameras to click.
Public office has its price. While councillors will tell you that transparency and accountability are something they live by. Not always, and let’s leave it at that.
 Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns Whenever a councillor travels there is a hell of a hullabaloo. And if they travel to some country on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean it is seen as a junket with little in the way of benefit to local taxpayers.
Last Thursday ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns was waiting for her visa to be issued. In our conversations with Kearns before she left, we were not able to learn just where she was going. “I will have something for you when I get to Africa” she said.
Nothing from Kearns so far. We do know that she is keeping in touch with her constituents by cell phone.
We did learn that the trip Kearns is on is being paid for by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), who are delivering a federal government program.
One of the programs is: Partnerships for Municipal Innovation – Women in Local Leadership (PMI-WILL)
 Women who were part of the Leadership (PMI-WILL) project. This project is part of FCM’s portfolio of gender equality and women in local government initiatives. It is implemented in Benin, Cambodia, Ghana, Sri Lanka, and Zambia.
Leadership (PMI-WILL) project is a transformative initiative running from 2021 to 2027. Funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implemented by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) in partnership with five Local Government Associations, PMI-WILL operates in five ountries across two continents: Benin, Cambodia, Ghana, Sri Lanka, and Zambia. The project is dedicated to fostering gender equality by increasing women’s participation in local governance and enhancing the capacity of municipalities to deliver inclusive, gender-responsive services.
We don’t know who selected Kearns; we can say that there probably wasn’t a better choice on City Council.
Kearns is smart, when relaxed she is a very compelling speaker with a wicked sense of humour.
Canada will be very well represented. Burlington has every reason to be very proud that Lisa is representing the federal government
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