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September 16th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
The library has come up with a neat way to get younger people into the New Appleby Line branch. They have come up with a bingo card. Fill it in and take it to the library when you pay your first visit.
September 16th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
On most tested issues, large majorities of Ontarians give poor marks to the Doug Ford PCs, but 45 per cent say they would vote PC anyway, according to an Angus Reid poll released Friday.  The bottom 12 are pocketbook issues – Ford doesn’t rate well in any of them. That group who rate the PCs poorly yet support them electorally is the mysterious key to Doug Ford’s continuation as Ontario premier. Liberal meltdown redefines strategic conditions in OntarioUntil yesterday the Ford PCs had the advantage of being able to pick their preferred competitor between two opponents. The PCs picked Crombie and spent heavily on advertising, driving up her negatives, greatly increasing awareness of her, and driving the narrative, eagerly encouraged by the Toronto Sun and key Toronto Star writers, that Crombie’s Liberals were the main threat to the PC Party. As an opponent, Crombie offered three things: few ideological reasons to prefer her over him; high negatives the PCs could drive higher; and the Liberals’ horrible vote inefficiency. Framing Ontario politics as a choice between Ford and Crombie goes some way to explaining how only 27 per cent believe Ontario is on the right track but 45 per cent would vote for the PC party, according to Angus Reid.  Marit Stiles now has a second chance to tackle the root problem, which is Ford’s media dominance. The Liberals’ disarray will at least temporarily disrupt the presumption that the main threat to the PCs comes from the Ontario Liberals, allowing the NDP’s Stiles a new chance to redefine the Ontario political narrative, with herself in the role of main protagonist against Doug Ford. Ford’s media dominance challenges Stiles’ opportunityBut it won’t be easy. The end of Ford’s ability to pick his preferred competitor is no guarantee Stiles can cast herself in the key role opposite Ford. It is possible Ford can continue as an unopposed political force in a unipolar media environment. Ford floods the media zone with opinionated comment, often on issues not in his bailiwick. But whether he is excusing vandalism of municipal speed-check machines, asking the federal government for U.S.-style “castle laws,” or attacking a school board trustee in Tiny Township, Doug Ford dominates as a news source. As a result, only four per cent can’t state an opinion of Doug Ford while 36 per cent don’t know enough about Stiles to make a judgement, according to Angus Reid. But Stiles’ low voter awareness is a symptom, which is why a previous attempt to fix it with a name recognition advertising campaign did not work. Stiles now has a second chance to tackle the root problem, which is Ford’s media dominance. In the United States, debate over how to counter a flood-the-zone strategy has taken several directions. Some focus on the strategy’s ability to sensationalize media, and put an emphasis on — oh so gently, of course — reminding some reporters that journalism is a lot more than writing down the comments of government leaders or dressing up planted partisan gossip as accidental information leaks. Another direction, recently used with some success by California Governor Gavin Newsom, has been to troll the absurdity and inanity frequently deployed to keep the zone fully flooded. And there is redirection. Flooding the zone generates white noise and redirects media and voters to minor themes, obscuring the big story. A counter-tactic of pivoting from the latest distraction to the big story could put Ford on the defence and create policy contrast opportunities. But the challenge is being able to articulate the One Big Story. The U.S. Democrats, in their leaderless ideological and policy incoherence, have been unable to rally around one story.  Nothing strategic in this stunt. Basically all Ford has is stunt after stunt. Uniting around the big story takes research, personal-political work, fieldwork and discipline. There’s a lot to be done and though the Liberals are in shambles now, they will come back if the opportunity is open long. A better provincial partner to Ottawa’s offersAngus Reid’s data points to one pillar of strength for the Ford PCs. Among the 15 issues tested, only on the province’s relationship with Ottawa do a majority find the Ford PCs have done a good job. But if a good relationship simply means not fighting with Ottawa, perhaps Ford is only getting over a low-set bar and expectations should be raised. This spring Prime Minister Carney asked premiers to recommend nation-building projects. Doug Ford’s response was poor for Ontarians and a bit offensive to Carney’s offer. Ford requested federal help building his fantasy tunnel under highway 401, a silly idea that made Carney’s entire nation-building concept look dumb. And while developing the Ring of Fire is important, Ford pushing it on the feds after seven years of making zero progress is throwing his mess onto Ottawa’s lap. It’s actually quite disrespectful. A better provincial partner would seek federal help on a plan to revive Ontario’s industrial base in a province where 800,000 Ontarians are now jobless. But Ford doesn’t appear to believe there’s a jobs problem, judging from his recent comments blaming unemployed workers for their unemployment. So Ontario has no plan to revive the manufacturing sector.  Tell the big story about what’s wrong with Ontario. A stronger Ontario partner with a plan to strengthen manufacturing innovation, productivity and investment could ask for federal policy co-ordination to bolster its effectiveness. But there is no plan and Ottawa can’t co-ordinate with a plan that doesn’t exist. A better partner that wants to keep forward momentum on health care might also seek to sign a pharmacare deal with Ottawa, an idea the Ford PCs have let drop. Four other jurisdictions have signed deals which financially help individuals and businesses while expending coverage. Kicking down the one strong pillar of Ford’s support might be easier than thought and could combine well with an effort to tell the big story about what’s wrong with Ontario, and why it doesn’t get fixed. Doug Ford should figure prominently in that story because he does.
September 16, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
 Minister of Education: Paul Calandra, Paul Calandra, the Minister of Education, is demanding the chair of the Toronto Catholic board return almost $7,000 worth of items purchased with taxpayer dollars including TV mounts, headphones, cameras & projectors calls the expenses “obscene” & “offensive.” Ontario school board trustees are calling Education Minister Paul Calandra a “hypocrite” for going after individual expenses, pointing out he has racked up tens of thousands of dollars in his own expenses as a member of cabinet and provincial parliament. The proposed provincial plan to eliminate public school board trustees is at the mud-slinging stage.
September 16th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board will meet this evening for a Special meeting at which a resolution will be presented. Meeting Date: September 16, 2025  Minister of Education Paul Calandra speaking at the Legislature. Recommendation: Be it resolved that the Board of Trustees direct the Chair write a letter to Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Education, Paul Calandra, outlining the important work of School Board Trustees in fulfilling the mandates of the Board as set out in the Ontario Education Act; And request that the Minister meet with representatives from the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association to engage in meaningful consultation about the importance of this democratically, locally elected position prior to making any determinations regarding the future role of Ontario’s English Public School Board Trustees.
While much has changed in school boards and in the education system in the last two centuries, one thing remains constant – Trustees’ familiarity, knowledge and engagement with the local community and its needs. The requirement that school board Trustees live in the district where they serve, further ensures that Trustees represent their community’s interests and needs while acting as liaisons between their constituents and the provincial government. This is possible precisely because Trustees have intimate knowledge and personal engagement with the district. As is the case with Members of Provincial Parliament, locally elected voices are required to fulfill the mandate of the provincial government while ensuring that there is a robust governing body and liaison between the local school board, its stakeholders, and the Ministry of Education. This liaison requires knowledge of the local community, its students and their needs. HDSB Trustees fulfill the legislated responsibilities and overarching mandate of student achievement and well-being while providing local decision-making. 1.1 Governance Alignment The mandated role of locally elected Trustees provides the framework for governance of school boards.
The position of School Board Trustee is the longest standing democratically elected position in Canada, going back to 1816 in Ontario (formerly Upper Canada), long before the country now called Canada, with provincial and federal governments, existed. School Board Trustees have a mandate for their role set out in the Ontario Education Act.  Oakville Trustee Joanna Oliver will present the Motion. Trustees’ legislated responsibilities include developing the Multi Year Strategic Plan and supporting its implementation, developing and monitoring policies, providing stewardship of school board financial and capital resources, overseeing the hiring and performance of the Director of Education, representing the needs of the local community, consulting with local stakeholders, and serving on mandatory committees such as Special Education and Audit, all with student achievement and well-being as the overarching goal and mandate for each Trustee. HDSB Trustees are deeply concerned about the potential loss of this democratically elected position and the resulting negative impact on students as the key stakeholders in the education system. These concerns are not unique to the HDSB, therefore we invite the Minister to engage in broader consultation through OPSBA, our provincial association, to discuss the importance of this democratically elected position and how it can be maintained and supported. Report Title: Letter to the Premier of Ontario and the Minister of Education Submitted by: J. Oliver, Vice-Chair, Oakville Trustee, Ward 4
September 15th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
The New Appleby Line branch of the Burlington Library system is officially open.  First person to enter the new library – greeted by James Dekens, Manager Neighborhood Branches  First child to return books.  First person to use a monitor. The first thing that strikes you when you walk through the doors is all the space. It’s also very bright – lots of natural light seeps in. The library and the classrooms on the second level are the only part of the Bateman Community Centre that are operating. The project is one of those developments that limped its way to completion. It was a Tom Commisso idea that had difficulty – almost from day one. But this story is not about Bateman – it is about the library and the leadership that got it to the point where a truly splendid library is now operating.  This was Lita Barrie’s day. She and the team she led had much to be proud of.
Lita Barrie has headed up the library for six years now. She came to Burlington from Hamilton, and as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), she pulled together a very strong team. It is beyond a doubt in my mind that the library system is the best there is in the city operationally. They continually come up with new ideas; existing programs are upgraded, and excellent use is made of technology. The Maker Studio in several branches of the library took a little time to catch on; the technology that is employed with the “aquarium” in the New Appleby Branch will delight the children. Barrie brought some very strong technology credentials with her when she came on Board as the CAO When people first walk through the 16,000 sq. ft. of space, they have a sense of Wow!  The amount of space – 16,000 sq. ft., and all the natural light. will please many.  Meeting places are all over the 16,000 sq. ft library.  The ‘aquarium’, not yet fully operational, is set up so that when children draw a picture of a fish, it will appear on the screen. The library makes extensive use of technology.  One of two fully equipped media rooms.  Just inside the front doors of the library there are three daily newspapers. A few feet away there is a small meeting room. Two of the early arrivals, a couple, set themselves up in the Meeting room – each reading a newspaper.  Bare at the moment – the room will be where young children are gathered for story telling.  The hoarding behind Councillor Sharman will be in place for a while yet. The portion of the Bateman Community Centre that will include Tech Place is not complete – may not be for some time. No mention of a coffee shop so far.
September 15th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
Five Halton residents have tested positive for West Nile virus. These are the first human cases for Halton this year. “Halton Region Public Health works to reduce the risk of West Nile virus in our community through both education and preventative programs such as larviciding. Until the fall frost, Halton residents should continue to protect themselves and their families against mosquito bites and remove mosquito breeding sites,” said Dr. Patrick Galange, Halton Region Associate Medical Officer of Health. “About 80 per cent of individuals infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms, while some may develop fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. About one in a hundred people infected with West Nile virus may develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system. This may present as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).”
Using an approved insect repellent, such as one containing DEET or Icaridin. Reducing mosquito-breeding sites around your home by getting rid of all water-filled containers and objects, where possible. Change the water in bird baths at least once per week. Making sure your window and door screens are tight and without holes, cuts or other openings. To learn more about personal protection and Halton Region’s surveillance and control efforts, visit the West Nile Virus page on halton.ca. To report standing water on public property, call 311.
September 15th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
 Bonnie Crombie: Losing is never easy. Bonnie Crombie had been a very popular Mississauga mayor and the Liberal faithful put their faith in her to return the party back to power. But that was not to be. Some would say she lacked courage – should have tried harder to win any of the by-elections, the one in Milton for example.  Everyone loves a show by an irreverent clown. Some might say that she clearly failed to understand the public mood when Ford called the last election. The de facto election issue was primarily an area of federal, not provincial jurisdiction. But Ford played with Ontario voters’ emotions and they rewarded him with another majority government. Everyone loves a show by an irreverent clown and Doug Ford had only been bettered by his younger brother Rob when it comes to that. Both the Liberal and NDP election platforms were mundane and boring by comparison. And how many voters understand the nuances of provincial authority in international affairs? The pungency of the Greenbelt, Ontario Place and Science Centre scandals and Ford’s mismanagement of the economy and record accumulating debt notwithstanding, Ford was the populist with the mostest. Crombie and her team just didn’t get it. And then there was the generous stipend Crombie extracts from the dwindling party offers, while waiting to be gainfully employed as MPP. Or perhaps the die was cast when Crombie failed to win a seat in her own neighbourhood – where she had commanded huge support as mayor. The Liberals have returned to official party status and that should help the search for the ‘right’ candidate. But perhaps the party needs to take a serious look at the future of other third parties. The NDP and Liberals eat each other for lunch every election, and yet a merger is out of the question as each party dwells in its own vanity – their distinct pureness of purposes.  While Ford has a majority of seats, he governs without the consent of the majority of voters. A ranked ballot would elect the first candidate to get 50% + 1 votes. While Ford has a majority of seats, he governs without the consent of the majority of voters. We still call that democracy but we can do better. A ranked ballot which guarantees the winner has at least 50% support is better. But the Tories fear they’d lost power under that system. So Mr. Ford has banned ranked ballots even in municipal elections, fearing they might also creep into the provincial arena. Still it is debatable whether a ranked system would have worked to Crombie’s advantage in the last election. In that race the NDP came out as the clear alternative to Mr. Ford. So a ranked ballot might have only further collapsed the Liberal vote. Even without ranked ballots, the truth is that the NDP has become the main opposition, or government, in all the provinces west of Ontario. Unless the Liberals can better distinguish themselves, that may well be the future scenario for Ontario as well. So while Bonnie was clearly humbled and hurt by the rejection from many of the party faithful this past weekend, all but forcing her to resign, another leader of that party might have done no better.
September 17th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
One of the biggest reasons why casino gaming is such a common hobby is that many games can generate ridiculous payouts. You have slots with multipliers that go up 45,000x the stake, or simply a multi-million dollar jackpots that drop randomly. But is there a way or guide on how to win at the casino with $20? The answer is kind of. In fact, $20 is more than enough to get an hour or more of playtime. Also, it’s not that difficult to turn those $20 into $40 or $60, but winning life-changing amounts is highly unlikely. Still, if you wish to learn some tried and tested tricks on how to win money at casino sites in Canada, stick around. Want to Know How to Win at the Casino With $20 Only? We All Want!Before we get into how to win at the casino with little money we should first stress the importance of fair play. There are dozens of online casinos that Canadians can access, but not all of them are strictly regulated, and therefore cannot be held accountable in case of disputes. To avoid unnecessary complications, pick from a pool of sites that’s been vetted and that host provably fair games. You can browse the list of the best online casinos in Canada and choose based on in-depth reviews and analysis that were put together by gambling experts. You can also take advantage of multiple sign up promos this way, and turn your $20 into a more meaningful sum. That said, read the terms first and don’t claim any promo that has unfavorable wagering terms.  The dealer does all the work here; you simply decide which option to back. The safest way to win extra money with just $20 is to play baccarat. It’s a card game where you only bet on 3 possible options
The dealer does all the work here; you simply decide which option to back. Also, there is a small fee or slightly reduced payout for banker bets, because it has a higher chance of winning than the player. The main idea here is to simply divide your budget into bet units of $1, and to only bet on either banker or player. If you win you bet $1 in the next round; if you lose, you double the bet for the next round (e.g. $1, $2, $4, $8). This is called the Martingale betting strategy, and it allows you to recover all of your losses with a single win. The only downside is that you can only afford to lose 4 times in a row. How To Win At The Casino With Just a Little MoneyMost of how to win at casino guides will suggest that you play roulette. There are 3 types of bets that have a nearly 50% win rate, and that pay 1:1:
As a result, you can also use a martingale system here or some other bankroll management strategy that revolves around the number of betting units you should wager per round.
 One really fun strategy to use is called James Bond, and it requires exactly $20. You should look these up separately and memorize how they work. But one really fun strategy to use is called James Bond, and it requires exactly $20. The idea is to bet $14 on high numbers, then bet $5 on double street (covers outcomes between 13-18), and $1 on 0. This way, you only lose if the outcome is between 1-12. Also, if you win, you always end up with more than $20. Choose The Right Casino Slots or GamesUnlike with baccarat and roulette, there is no tried and tested strategy on how to win online casino slots. However, the slot game you choose to play does matter. Some of them have higher RTP, and some have higher volatility or variance. If you want to score big with just $20, then playing high-variance games and hoping for the best is the way to go. You go through the Casino Rewards Gold Blitz slot overview to find out why these games are a solid choice. It’s even possible to win thousands of dollars with just $1 bet. Now, if you are more frugal and don’t mind grinding a bit more, then low-variance titles are a better option. You will win more frequently, but there won’t be any exciting bonus rounds, with stacking multipliers or similar features. Know When To Cash Out Your WinningThe goal of gambling should always be entertainment. If you become too invested or too reckless, it can have both financial and mental health consequences. From that perspective, a $20 budget is ideal, as you won’t feel that frustrated if you lose all of it. However, if you win and turn it into $100 and then lose, you are likely to be agitated. So, it’s crucial to set spending limits and cash out afterwards. So, if you double your starting budget, treat it as money for another play session. If you lose that $2,0, call it quits. If you win, give it another go, and once again limit the expense to $20.  All of it is just a game,, don’t view it as an investment. Bet WiselyHopefully, you got a few ideas on how to win at the casino with 20 bucks, but always remember that the odds are stacked against you. So, regardless of the suggested strategy, luck will be a crucial factor, and if things aren’t going your way, then maybe reduce your budget to $10 or $5 until your luck shifts. Also, don’t make impulsive decisions or try to recoup your losses with risky bets. All of it is just a game, and view your money as the price you pay to have fun, don’t view it as an investment.
September 15th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
Included in the scuttlebutt after Bonnie Crombie came up short in the Leadership review were the following names:  Gould is a formidable campaigner “After that, it’s leadership contest time — and readers of this newsletter already know the biggest names being floated: JEFF LEHMAN, NAVDEEP BAINS, KARINA GOULD and NATE ERSKINE-SMITH, among others.” Gould’s name has come up before. We reached out at that time to some of her people, asking politely what Karina thought of the idea. No response, not a word. That’s called keeping your cards close to your chest. Karina has been a federal Cabinet Minister for some time. She wasn’t included in the Mark Carney choices this time around.  Eleanor McMahon, at the time the MPP for Burlington with Karina Gould MP for Burlington, at a Remembrance Day Ceremony. She ran for the Leadership of the federal liberals – didn’t do all well. Her support within the Burlington Provincial Liberal Party Association wasn’t all that strong either. Suggesting that Gould was beyond her Best Before Date would however, be a mistake. Still under 40 – a lot of room left to become the Prime Minister. Beating Doug Ford? Someone has to do it sometime.
September 15th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
 Random Number Gaming uses a mathematical algorithm to generate random numbers that determine what happens in the game, ensuring events are not entirely predictable and keeping gameplay fresh. RNG is crucial for creating engaging experiences, though its implementation can be debated, affecting a player’s fun, skill ceiling, and the overall perceived fairness of a game. The iGaming industry has always thrived on innovation, and hybrid games are the latest evolution, reshaping the way players engage with online casinos. Sitting at the crossroads of RNG mechanics and live host interaction, hybrid titles blend the efficiency of automated gameplay with the social and immersive qualities of human presentation. Unlike traditional RNG games, which rely solely on algorithms to generate outcomes, hybrid formats introduce a host or presenter into the experience, creating a balance between speed, fairness, and human engagement. This approach reflects a growing demand for more interactive casino content, Winshark Casino is one of those operators that invests a lot resources into hybrid games. Hybrid games are popular particularly among younger audiences who are accustomed to video game dynamics and real-time entertainment. Hybrid gaming represents a broader industry shift toward experiences that feel both digital and human at once, reflecting the convergence of technology, entertainment, and social interaction. How Hybrid Games WorkAt the core of hybrid online casinos is the Random Number Generator (RNG), which ensures that outcomes are determined with complete fairness and speed. This automated system drives the mechanics behind spins, card draws, or roulette results, making gameplay scalable and efficient for operators while maintaining the integrity of results. What sets hybrid games apart is the addition of a live host. Instead of a purely digital interface, players are guided through the session by a presenter who explains the rules, builds anticipation, and reacts to outcomes in real time. The host doesn’t influence the results but acts as a bridge between the cold logic of algorithms and the warmth of human interaction. This dynamic creates a middle ground between traditional live dealer studios, which can be resource-intensive, and fully automated RNG games, which sometimes lack atmosphere. By combining both, hybrid titles deliver:
The result is an experience that feels both authentic and entertaining: fast like a digital slot, yet social like a live dealer table. Benefits for Players Hosts behind a live game are personalities who interact with the players. One of the biggest advantages for players is the transparency and trust. Hybrid games bring together the best of both worlds, creating an experience that feels fair, exciting, and dynamic for players. One of the biggest advantages is transparency and trust. Having a live host present throughout the game reassures players that the process is authentic and transparent. Even though the outcomes are still determined by RNG technology, the human presence builds credibility and reduces the sense of playing against a faceless machine. For players, the combination translates into:
In essence, hybrid formats address two common player demands simultaneously: the reassurance of human interaction and the excitement of fast, seamless digital gameplay. Industry ImpactHow does RNG work in slots? The rise of hybrid games signals a strategic shift for the iGaming industry, as operators expand their portfolios beyond the familiar categories of RNG slots and classic live tables. By merging RNG-driven speed with interactive hosting, providers are creating entirely new verticals that don’t neatly fit into existing definitions of casino content. For operators, hybrid titles offer a way to differentiate their platforms in an increasingly competitive market. Unlike traditional table games, hybrids can scale more efficiently, appeal to broader demographics, and introduce unique mechanics that keep players engaged for longer sessions. The result is a redefinition of what hybrid online casino gameplay can look like: faster than live, more social than RNG-only, and versatile enough to capture players across multiple demographics. ChallengesWhile hybrid games present clear opportunities, their adoption also comes with notable challenges.
Another hurdle lies in player education. Many users are already familiar with the distinction between slots (pure RNG) and live dealer tables (human-run gameplay). Hybrid games occupy a middle ground that can be confusing at first. Operators must clearly communicate that the outcomes are RNG-driven while the host’s role is to enhance engagement, not influence results. Without this transparency, players may misinterpret the format or feel skeptical about its fairness. In addition, operators must strike the right balance between innovation and accessibility. Overly complex mechanics may deter casual players, while oversimplified formats risk losing the interactive edge that makes hybrids unique. ConclusionHybrid games are quickly moving from experimental concepts to a growing trend shaping the future of iGaming. By blending the digital efficiency of RNG mechanics with the human touch of live hosts, they deliver a format that is both scalable and engaging. For players, this means faster gameplay cycles without sacrificing trust or authenticity. For operators, hybrids open up new categories beyond slots and traditional tables, appealing to casual players and high-engagement audiences alike. As technology continues to advance and audiences seek more immersive, interactive forms of entertainment, hybrid games are well-positioned to become a cornerstone of the modern online casino portfolio, bridging the gap between automation and human connection.
September 15th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON OPINION
While Crombie served as a successful Mayor of Mississauga for ten years, she turned out to be unelectable at any other level. To her credit, she did the right thing. The provincial Liberals will now go through the process of naming a new leader. There are names out there that don’t, at this point, have much in the way of a public profile. That will change. Had Crombie remained as Liberal Leader Ford knew he had an easy ride for the next couple of years. That may prove to be different when there is a new Liberal leader for the province.
September 14th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
United Way Halton & Hamilton launched its 2025 fundraising campaign with an ambitious goal of $12 million. The announcement took place at the largest UPS Plane Pull event to date, where more than 2,000 people came together to cheer on teams, support their community, and kick off the campaign in dramatic fashion.  One of 90 teams that took part in the plane pull – this was an all-female team Over 90 teams faced off in a test of strength and teamwork, pulling a 200,000-pound aircraft fifty feet across the tarmac at Hamilton International Airport. The event not only showcased the region’s collective spirit but also raised over $300,000, providing powerful momentum to start the campaign year. Growing Need, Growing ResponsibilityLast year, United Way Halton & Hamilton supported over 226,500+ individuals and families across Burlington, Halton Hills, Hamilton, Milton, and Oakville. These local programs address urgent issues such as food insecurity, housing stability, youth mentorship, mental health, and supports for seniors. But the need continues to climb. Half of all supported United Way programs already face waitlists, and more residents are turning to agencies for help in the face of a struggling economy, housing pressures, and widening gaps in mental health support. The $12 million goal reflects both the urgency and the responsibility to ensure stability for the 124 essential community programs supported through United Way. Brad Park, President & CEO of United Way Halton & Hamilton, was candid about the challenge ahead: “I won’t sugarcoat it. I’m afraid this year. Afraid because the need keeps climbing and families are waiting longer for support. But I also know this community. I know the generosity of our corporate partners, workplaces, philanthropists, and neighbours. $12 million is ambitious, but it’s also possible. Together, we can make sure that the network of 124 programs stays strong and ready for everyone who needs them.” Carrie Fletcher, the 2025 Campaign Cabinet Chair, brings her perspective as an executive in the healthcare sector, where she witnesses daily the pressures families and individuals are under: “Working in the healthcare sector, from interactions with our healthcare workers and patients, I witness the growing need in our community up close. United Way is on the frontlines, reaching people at scale, and ensuring no one is left behind. I’m proud to stand with this community as we set out to reach our $12 million goal. Together, we can deliver the stability our partners and neighbours need during these uncertain times.”  Brad Park, President & CEO of United Way Halton & Hamilton, was candid about the challenge ahead: “I won’t sugarcoat it. I’m afraid this year. Afraid because the need keeps climbing and families are waiting longer for support. United in ACTIONThis year’s campaign theme, United in ACTION, is a rallying call for everyone in Halton and Hamilton. United Way is urging residents, businesses, and community leaders to step forward, whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy, to ensure that our community has the help they need, when and where they need it.
September 15th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
Its reach goes much further than your local checkout counter. Interac works as a payment method throughout various sectors, including retail businesses, online gaming platforms, and even betting operations. Views shared by Esports Insider on Interac casinos reveal how online casinos now support the payment network for deposits and withdrawals. The system provides players with easy access and includes fast deposit options, withdrawal services and encryption-based fraud protection.  The platform is considered one of the most dependable systems for performing online transactions. The service does have some advantages, including fast transactions and low fees, but users could be limited by some drawbacks. This could include delayed cashouts, limited access to Canadian residents, and reduced international support compared to credit cards. Despite this, the platform is considered one of the most dependable systems for performing online transactions. User trust in Interac is perhaps one of the biggest competitive advantages for the network. Not only does it provide users with an easy-to-use interface, but the system also operates through an existing bank account. So there’s absolutely no need to create additional accounts or remember multiple passwords. People can now easily use email addresses and phone numbers as a way to send money directly to each other. This speed and simplicity do not come at the cost of security. Features like EMV chip technology, encryption, and two-factor authentication make fraud far less likely compared to cash or older card systems. The system offers businesses the same level of convenience that users experience. Around half of Canadian companies use Interac e-Transfer, with the “Request Money” feature alone accounting for 89 million transactions in 2024. Small and mid-sized businesses have been especially quick to adopt it, with debit transactions climbing by more than 15 million in just a few months between April and July 2025 compared to the previous year. Entrepreneurs allow customers to use Interac services for easy payments while helping them steer clear of expensive credit card costs. The product’s broad market distribution makes the system more dependable. Interac is linked to almost every Canadian bank, supported by roughly 60,000 ATMs, and accepted at about 450,000 business locations nationwide. Online checkout systems now integrate Interac payment methods with mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay. This allows customers to perform instant bank-to-merchant transactions without sharing their card information. Government agencies like the Canada Revenue Agency also accept Interac, proving its widespread use in daily financial operations.  Canadians continue to place their trust in Interac, proof that reliability matters more when it comes to money. There are limits to the service, though. Interac has daily spending limits, which prevent some small businesses from using it for payments. For example, real estate transactions would be limited, preventing you from using Interac to buy a home. This limits, if not restricts, higher limit transactions. Instead, users are required to settle for cheques or wire transfers. International merchants usually won’t accept it unless the card is co-branded with Visa or Mastercard. However, those exceptions don’t change the fact that for most day-to-day spending, Interac is the go-to choice. Interac’s position today is the result of decades of consistent use. By combining speed, security, and affordability, it has managed to stay relevant while newer payment services come and go. Whether paying for dinner, sending rent, or funding an account online, Canadians continue to place their trust in Interac, proof that reliability matters more when it comes to money.
September 13th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
“I am guessing that since there’s no construction activity yet, they decided to open it. It’s very busy this time of year.” Or perhaps common sense prevailed or maybe the publicity got through to them? Give them credit for the decision they made.
September 12th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
Charlie Kirk, one of the most influential organizers and activists in American right-wing politics, was shot and killed Wednesday while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University, in Orem, Utah. I probably didn’t need to tell you that. If you’re reading this, you likely know the details already: of the shooting and the backlash; of the manhunt (such as it was. The police didn’t catch the shooter. His dad turned him in); and the fiery and largely pointless online debates about who has and has not condemned whom with enough clarity and zeal. As I typed this Friday morning, U.S. President Donald Trump had just finished telling Fox News that authorities had a suspect in custody. As I finished the piece, that suspect was identified as Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah resident. Police apparently found both fired and unfired bullets tied to Robinson’s gun engraved with messages that all seemed less ideological than just deeply online: “Hey fascist! Catch!”; “If you read this, you are gay LMAO;” and, in a reference to an obscure meme, “Notices Bulges, OwO.” By the time you read this, we may know more about Robinson’s background and motivations. But based on past experience, I don’t expect those details, no matter what they reveal, to change much about the debate over Kirk’s killing.  Charlie Kirk: “I think it’s worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights.” If there’s one thing America has proved again and again, it’s that no shooting, no matter how deadly or high profile, ever changes much of anything. In the U.S., gun murders are part of the fabric, not just of school life and work life, but of political life too. Kirk himself knew that. He considered gun deaths part of the grand American bargain. “I think it’s worth it,” he said in 2023. “I think it’s worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights.” Nothing changed in America after a depressed student murdered 32 classmates at Virginia Tech university in 2007. Nothing changed after 26 children were murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary. Nothing changed after Dylann Roof murdered nine Black parishioners at Emanuel Methodist Church. Nothing changed after James T. Hodgkinson shot up a Congressional baseball practice. Nothing changed after Vance Boelter murdered Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband this summer. Trump held a parade the day Hortman died. I was there. He didn’t even mention her name. So no, I don’t think Kirk’s murder will be an inflection point in American history. I don’t think it will lead to any actual changes, at least not the kind that would result in fewer gun deaths or less violence in America. I was in Milwaukee, at the Republican National Convention, days after Trump himself was shot and nearly killed at a rally in Pennsylvania in the summer of 2024. I remember all the columns and punditry about how everything had changed, how he had changed, how the race had changed, how politics must change. Nothing changed. Two weeks later, it was barely a story.
September 12th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
The City Communications people advised us earlier today that “Her Worship” has invited us to a photo op.  Coming to Burlington soon. Apparently, we are going to see “Her Worship” show us the City of Burlington’s first sign for its Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) Camera program. The assembled dignitaries will include: Members of Burlington City Council; Craig Kummer, Director of Burlington Transportation, City of Burlington; Amy Collard, Chair of the Board, Burlington Ward 5 Trustee, Halton District School Board; Brenda Agnew, Vice-Chair of the Board, Burlington Trustee, Halton Catholic District School Board This will all take place in front of the St. John (Burlington) Catholic Elementary School 653 Brant St. The City of Burlington is installing “Municipal Speed Camera Coming Soon” signs to give drivers at least 90 days notice before the ASE cameras are installed and activated. These signs will be changed to “Municipal Speed Camera In Use” once the cameras are active.  Her Worship, Mayor Marianne Meed Ward. This is one of the six locations identified for the first phase of the program. Will we see this as a revenue line in the 2026 city budget? The Mayor, sorry, “Her Worship”, will not be wearing her Chain of Office – that is reserved for situations where she is chairing a meeting.
September 12th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
Ministry of Transportation announces Burlington Skyway Bridge Closure  2 (two) lanes out of 4 existing, on the QEW Niagara Bound will be closed from 10:00pm Friday September 12, until 5:00am Monday September 15, weather dependent. As part of our project on the QEW/Burlington Bay Skyway Bridge (Niagara Bound), the contractor is working on the rehabilitation of the QEW Niagara Bound lanes of the Burlington Bay Skyway bridge and will be closing 2 (two) Niagara Bound (Eastbound) lanes (out of 4 existing lanes) for bridge deck rehabilitation.
It is expected that there will be traffic delays throughout the weekend. Advance signing and notification will be provided to motorists so they can plan an alternate route. Travellers can visit http://511on.ca/ or @511Ontario for updates on work and traffic impacts.
September 12th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
Published originally by Queen’s Park Observer. It’s opening day of the Ontario Liberals’ high-stakes annual general meeting — and fault lines over BONNIE CROMBIE’s leadership are front and centre from the get-go. I’ve obtained an internal poll of more than 600 delegates that shows the party is deeply divided on Crombie’s future. The survey results were shared with a handful of people outside Mainstreet Research, which conducted the poll, and while Mainstreet did not respond to requests for comment, I’ve verified its authenticity. By the numbers: Grits are split. Forty-five per cent of respondents want Crombie to remain as leader, while 38 per cent want a new leadership race to replace her. Seventeen per cent are undecided. Delegates were also asked who they thought was the best option to take on DOUG FORD and the PCs in the next election:
And when it comes to where OLP should focus its energies ahead of the next election:
Upshot: Crombie’s crew can’t count this weekend’s review as a sure thing. The leadership review vote could come right down to the wire. It also seems like Team Crombie is fully aware of this: they were making robocalls as recently as last night. NATE’S SLATE (OR NOT) — NATHANIEL ERSKINE-SMITH, meanwhile, made waves on AGM eve by endorsing a slate of contenders for the Liberal executive team. But some of those NES-backed candidates are politely saying: thanks, but no thanks. DAVID FARROW, the former Sudbury candidate now running for executive vice president, posted a statement on Facebook declaring he stands “firmly behind” BONNIE CROMBIE and that “now is the time to rally together — not divide.” (Read: a not-so-subtle dig at NES’s tactics.) DOROTHY NORONHA, another former candidate (Northumberland-Peterborough South) in the race for regional VP Central East, doubled down with the exact same statement. Between the lines: even the folks NES is trying to prop up aren’t eager to fly his flag. But, and it’s a biggie: While many Liberals aren’t happy with what they see as divisive action from NES, his criticism of Crombie’s campaign is resonating — folks may agree with what he’s saying, just not how he’s been saying it. And about that anti-Crombie flank: remember the New Leaf Liberals? The faction with ties to Team NES hosted a pre-AGM pub night at the Firkin yesterday evening — and reportedly drew less than a dozen people. One insider called the turnout “rather embarrassing.” Another was more blunt: “I think, by the end of the weekend, New Leaf Liberals will be exposed as a group of online bros who should do more ground work than complaining in group chats.” Ouch.
September 11th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON We know it as the John Street parking lot, or #4 parking lot. It is heavily used given its proximity to the downtown business community. Tough for those people with the lot being closed for eight weeks for maintenance and upgrades. Why it is taking that long defies explanation.
September 11th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington Aquatic Devilrays (BAD) are officially back in the water!  The Welcome Team This week, the club hosted its annual Welcome Back Meeting at the Ron Edwards YMCA in Burlington, bringing together new and returning swimmers to launch an exciting 2025–26 swim season. The evening featured fun, team-building activities that set the tone for the year ahead. Swimmers and families enjoyed tie-dyeing team T-shirts, creating personalized swim-bag name tags, and participating in interactive games designed to build team spirit and connection. Adding to the excitement, senior swimmers were on hand to guide and encourage younger teammates, helping them with the activities and sharing their own experiences. Mentorship is a core value at BAD, where older athletes play an active role in inspiring and supporting the next generation of competitive swimmers.  Parents were part of the Welcome Back event “BAD is more than a swim club—it’s a community,” said Kimberly Calderbank, Volunteer Club President. “Our senior swimmers set a powerful example, and the Welcome Back event is a perfect way to pass on that passion and leadership.” The Burlington Aquatic Devilrays extend their gratitude to the Ron Edwards YMCA in Burlington for their generous hospitality and continued partnership in supporting grassroots, community-based sport.  Senior swimmers show junior members how to put decals on their arms With over 40 years of history as a not-for-profit, Burlington-based swim club, BAD continues to nurture athletes of all levels—from first-time competitive swimmers to those pursuing national and international aspirations. Join the Devilrays Interested in taking your swimming to the next level? About the Burlington Aquatic Devilrays (BAD) The issues that came up when the swimming pool space was being allocated limited what BAD was able to do with their 25-26 program. Requests for an independent audit have been published. The Gazette has been informed by a member of Council that she will move a motion in October for an audit to take place.
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By Gazette Staff
By Tom Parkin
Beating Doug Ford’s communications strategy will require some tough message discipline from the Ontario NDP, starting with setting the story.
By Gazette Staff
Protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes by:
By Ray Rivers
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
By Nora Williams 
By Pepper Parr
By Steve Simons.
The first is technical complexity and higher operational costs. Developing a platform that integrates RNG outcomes with live host presentation requires sophisticated infrastructure, seamless streaming capabilities, and careful synchronization between automated systems and human interaction. Compared to pure RNG games, hybrid titles demand more resources to produce and maintain, making them a heavier investment for operators.
Bonnie Crombie resigned the leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party after garnering 57% of the vote at the Leadership Review Convention.
By Gazette Staff
Nearly nine out of ten Canadians rely on Interac to handle their day-to-day spending. It has become second nature to use the payment network for groceries, gas, coffee, rent transfers, and even government payments. The network moved more than 20 million transactions a day in 2024 alone, with the Interac e-Transfer option processing 1.4 billion payments in the same year. Interac works as a vital component of Canada’s financial sector in addition to providing individuals and businesses with a reliable, but convenient payment option.
We have been told by a Gazette reader that city parking lot #4, on John Street is now open for the weekend.
By Richard Warnica, Toronto Star
By Pepper Parr
Specifically:
36 per cent: stick with the same leader and same campaign team
“All of the above including a new leader”: 31 per cent