 By Staff
April 8th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Health officials in three Ontario hotspots for measles are focusing on communication and vaccination to help get the outbreaks under control.
Public Health Ontario on Thursday reported 89 new cases of measles since March 26, bringing the province’s total of confirmed and probable cases this year to 655. They have been linked to a travel-related case in New Brunswick.
“The sharp increase… is due to continued exposures and transmission among individuals who have not been immunized,” the report’s authors wrote.
In the Southwestern Public Health region — which includes the communities of St. Thomas, Woodstock as well as Elgin and Oxford counties — there are 43 new cases, the largest increase in the province for the most recent reporting period.
Measles is “one of the
 A severe case of measles. most contagious illnesses globally, and currently the most effective way to safely prevent measles is through vaccination,” said Dr. Ninh Tran, the region’s medical officer of health.
Tran’s team is focusing on offering vaccinations to those who are susceptible to contracting the disease. People who’ve never had measles or the vaccine, or only one dose of it, are considered susceptible.
Two doses of the vaccine prevents infection, public health officials say. (
“Unlike the flu or COVID vaccine, which is mainly to lessen the severity of an infection, two doses of measles-containing vaccine prevents the infection altogether,” Tran said.
The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine that contains a weakened version of the measles virus to generate strong, lifelong immunity without causing serious disease in people with healthy immune systems, officials say.
 The number of cases is generally believed to be underestimated, given that not everyone with measles seeks testing or medical care.
Meanwhile, in the neighbouring Grand Erie Public Health region — which includes Brantford and largely rural communities to the south — officials ran a vaccination clinic this week above a hockey arena in Caledonia.
Rachel Vaarkamp brought her five-year-old, Tyse, to get the measles shot.
“We don’t have a family doctor right now and realized that it was time to [get] his vaccinations and then seeing there’s been measles cases in the area, wanted to get it done for him,” Vaarkamp said.
The NDP Health critic said there is a rise in vaccine hesitancy in recent years, the province must engage family physicians to understand the barriers to vaccination their patients experience. Years of underfunding in public health has resulted in kids falling behind on vaccinations. We must ensure that family doctors and nurses have the support needed to ramp up vaccination efforts in their clinics.
 By Staff
April 8th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 This was before Marianne was elected Mayor. She was a Councillor with an office in the basement of City Hall. This evening, she might be in her office or at home. Everything is virtual these days. The Mayor’s Town Hall takes place this evening – starts at 7:00 pm
If you want to listen in – call 1-800-804-0738
You can join at any time during the Town Hall.
Due to expected high call volumes, please be patient if you do not connect immediately.
 By Staff
April 8th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Joseph Brant Museum is hosting a series of Junior Robotics Engineer workshops, in partnership with Zebra Robotics Burlington!
Do you have a child who loves to build? This series might be for them.
The Junior Robotics Engineer stream provides participants with a strong foundation for future learning and potential STEM-related learning paths.
As they build simple to more complex machines, they learn to critically analyze problems, and devise creative solutions.
Workshops run Saturday afternoons in June from 2:30 – 4:00 pm, and are designed for participants between grades 1 – 6.
The cost is $30/workshop.
You can register for all 4, or just for 1 to try it out – each week is unique!
Space is limited, please register early HERE.
 By Pepper Parr
April 8th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Premier Doug Ford announced his team of parliamentary assistants, who will take on an essential role in supporting cabinet and delivering on the government’s mandate to protect Ontario against President Trump’s tariffs and economic uncertainty.
 Natalie Pierre failed to appear at an ll-candidate meeting – won the Burlington seat nevertheless. “It is my pleasure to welcome Ontario’s new and returning team of parliamentary assistants, who will step into key roles in their ministries,” said Premier Ford. “Now more than ever, our team of parliamentary assistants is ready to support our government’s mandate to protect Ontario and build a stronger and more competitive economy that can withstand whatever comes our way.”
Natalie Pierre, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Sport.
The last time Pierre was named a Parliamentary Assistant she served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges and Universities.
Gazette readers have complained about being unable to meet with MP Pierre. We never hear from her.
However, when there is a developer that wants to get a message to Queen’s Park, Natalie is available to listen and get the word back to the appropriate person.
In the world of politics, that is the reason for electing someone; to serve the interests of the party.
Pierre chose to make Photo ops her way of communicating with the residents of the city. A photo op is the equivalent to the Marie-Antoinette, Queen of France comment (Let them eat cake) made during the French Revolution.
As the story goes, it was the Queen’s response upon being told that her starving peasant subjects had no bread.
Related news stories:
Natalie Pierre decides not to run for office.
Natalie Pierre changes her mind and announces she will run for office again
 By Staff
April 8th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Liberal voters saying they’re “very committed” has risen from 46 to 62 per cent over past five weeks
It was a chaotic week across the globe and in Canada as U.S. President Donald Trump announced universal tariffs on nearly every nation in the world. And while “uncertainty” seems to be the defining word of the year, certainty does appear to be growing among Liberal voters who have yet to definitively commit to their preferred choice in the ongoing federal election.
New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds that while the Conservative Party continues to trail the Liberals in overall vote intent, it also continues to hold the advantage among committed voters. Approximately seven-in-10 CPC voters say they will not change their mind before they cast a ballot.
Herein, however, lies the importance of paying attention to both the surface story and the dynamic undercurrents of vote intention, as the Liberals are also making headway in closing the commitment gap. Three-in-five (62%) Liberal now voters say they are very committed, up from 46 per cent in early March.
Overall, 46 per cent of eligible Canadian voters say they will support their Liberal candidate, while 36 per cent say this of the CPC. The New Democratic Party and Bloc Québécois are both supported by seven per cent currently.
Liberal leader and Prime Minister Mark Carney’s personal favourability rating continues to be a boon to the Liberals. More than half of Canadians (55%) view him positively, compared to 34 per cent for Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. The CPC leader is viewed unfavourably by 60 per cent of Canadians, while 38 per cent say the same of Carney.
More Key Findings:
The Liberal Party leads by 11 points over the CPC in British Columbia and 16 points in Ontario. In Quebec, the Liberals lead the Bloc Québécois 39 per cent to 30 per cent, while the CPC are chosen by 22 per cent.
Choosing between Carney and Poilievre, 50 per cent say Carney would be the better prime minister, while 28 per cent say this of the Conservative leader. 13 per cent say neither would be a good prime minister.
 By Pepper Parr
April 8th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Jim Portside put it better than anyone else.
There are salary increases being paid to senior city hall staff that are so much higher than what is seen in the in the private sector – one can only call it excessive.
While Portside focused on four salary situations that he thought were exceptional, there were others.
There appeared to be people who were getting funds from the city a year after they had left – the amount they were given was enough to put them on the Sunshine list.
Our seven-member council sets policy and directs the CAO to adhere to that policy.
Time for Council to become more fiscally responsible and set some limits on just how much of an increase can be paid. And to take a hard look at what is paid in the way of severance.
 Hobbles are used to prevent a horse from taking huge strides and going too fast; teaching them to yield to pressure and learn to think through situations. If a hobble can do this to Council, buying seven of them might be the best purchase the city ever made.
Time to put a hobble on what Human Resources can do and what CAO Hassaan Basit can offer when hiring new staff.
Hobbles are used as a tool for training horses, teaching them to yield to pressure and learn to think through situations. If horses can be taught to do things differently, it would be reasonable to assume that Council members can be taught as well.
The Human Resources department has dozens of different salary increase levels.
There appear to be some handsome amounts paid out when a staff member is let go. Portide reports on this as well.
The CAO is in place to oversee the administration of the people who get the job done. He has to be given direction by Council.
Right now Burlington has taken the position that they have to pay high salaries to get the people needed to move into a fully digital operation. Some excellent people have been hired and some very good work has been done.
The question taxpayers have is: Can we afford what the city is in the process of doing?
Related news stories:
Portside on spending
Burlington as it was reflected on the 2024 Sunshine List
 By Staff
April 8th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The newer universities in Ontario have to carve out a sector that is unique to them. They are up against the University of Toronto, Queen’s, Western and McMaster.
Brock University created a Department of Sport Management and have shown that new academic niches can be created to serve the changing needs of students that see the academic world differently.
 Ryan Clutterbuck, Brock University Assistant Professor of Sport Management. Ryan Clutterbuck, Brock University Assistant Professor of Sport Management, teaches negotiation concepts through role-play simulations that demand students adopt the mindset of both parties involved in high-stakes negotiations, such as Guerrero and Blue Jays President Mark Shapiro.
“We challenge our students to consider their negotiation counterpart’s perspective to resolve conflicts and create value for both sides,” Clutterbuck says. “The critical test is ‘can you write the other side’s victory speech for them?’ Because for a negotiation to succeed over the long term, it’s important that everyone walks away from the deal feeling like they’ve won.”
 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Guerrero’s contract stands as the second richest in MLB history when measured by present value, thanks to the absence of deferred payments. Only Juan Soto’s 15-year, $765-million agreement with the New York Mets ranks higher. While Shohei Ohtani’s headline-grabbing 10-year, $700-million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers appears larger on paper, significant deferrals reduce its present-day value to $460.8 million.
 Guerrero Jr., swings and seldom misses. For the Blue Jays, the deal is justifiable not only because of what Guerrero has already accomplished, but for what he represents: the face of the franchise, a fan favourite and a player whose prime years are still ahead of him, Clutterbuck says.
The move showcases how MLB franchises like the Blue Jays, Mets and Dodgers view negotiations as a blend of financial planning, storytelling and cultural impact, he adds.
“This signing is not just about home runs, wins-above-replacement stats or other objective criteria,” Clutterbuck says. “For the Blue Jays, it’s about locking in their homegrown face of the franchise that fans can grow with. A generational talent with charisma, heritage and the potential to cement the Blue Jays as competitive. Negotiations at this level reflect a deeper calculus. Teams are not just acquiring talent. They’re investing in a vision.”
 By Ray Rivers
April 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
“Voters, particularly in central and Atlantic Canada, need to recognize that a vote for the Carney Liberals is a vote for Western secession — a vote for the breakup of Canada as we know it,” (Former Reform Party Leader, Preston Manning)
 Danielle Smith: Her ‘Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act’ is unconstitutional and borders on traitorous. Danielle Smith has been taunting the federal government ever since she became Alberta premier. Her ‘Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act’ is unconstitutional and borders on traitorous. But now she is out to make more trouble, particularly since the polls no longer show her favourite federal candidate leading.
She recently reached-out to the Quebec government asking them to join her in plotting the break up of Canada as we know it. Unfortunately for her, separation is not upper most in the minds of Quebecers today. They appear to like the idea of a strong federal government to defend their hard won linguistic and cultural rights against a menacing American president.
Besides, that must seem like a strange request from someone who wants to end Quebec’s receipt of national equalization payments because wealthy Alberta doesn’t receive any. And it is even stranger that Smith would offer to go to bed with the province, which more than any other, has stood in the way of her dream of an east-west oil pipeline.
Both Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney have talked about federal-provincial unity and a Team Canada approach to managing the current US trade crisis. Yet Alberta and, to a lesser degree. Saskatchewan are not team players. Extracting even more oil out of the tar sands and their subservience to corporate big oil are their priorities.
It is greed pure and simple. Alberta and Saskatchewan are already the wealthiest provinces, ranking number one and two in GDP per capita. In fact, Albertan’s income per capita is a full third higher than that in Ontario – $78,154 for Alberta compared to $48,971 for Ontario. This huge difference in income is attributable to the windfall of carbon deposits and other minerals that had been given by Canada to these provinces.
The federal government purchased those mineral rights from the Hudson Bay Company shortly after confederation. However, one of Canada’s least popular prime ministers of all time, the Progressive Conservative R.B. Bennett, decided to transfer ownership of all that mineral wealth into the jurisdictions in the prairie provinces.
 Richard Bedford Bennett became Prime Minister after the 1930 election. Bennett came into office just as the great depression had hit Canada. He decided that the best cure for a sickened national economy was to further bleed the patient. Rather than pumping money into the hands of Canadians to keep the economy working, as we typically do in recessionary times, he dramatically cut federal spending and created an unemployment rate which, by 1933, exceeded 30%.
In fact the economy deteriorated to the point that farmers, unable to pay for gasoline, used their horses to pull their Tin Lizzies around, caustically calling them ‘Bennett Buggies’.
 They were called Bennett Buggys Danielle Smith took her war on the federal Liberal party and Canada to Washington and Florida. There she begged Mr. Trump and MAGA Republicans to delay the tariffs on Alberta until after the federal election, in hopes of halting the polling downturn for her pick of PM. She also pushed to have oil exempted from any tariffs.
So when Alberta’s oil, along with other USMCA compliant exports, were exempted on April 2nd, Smith claimed victory for her powers of persuasion. However, as even other conservatives have pointed out – this is hardly win. Neighbouring B.C. was being hit with a 34% tariff softwood lumber; Quebec and B.C slammed with 25% on aluminum, and Ontario whacked with 25% on and steel and the country’s vital auto manufacturing sector.
 Smith is determined to continue to threaten Canadians with separation unless they elect her guy in the federal. Victory lap notwithstanding, Smith is determined to continue to threaten Canadians with separation unless they elect her guy in the federal election. To that end she warned Mr. Carney that the winner of the federal election will have six months to roll out policies friendly to the energy industry or face an “unprecedented national unity crisis.” And she’s followed up that threat by openly talking about an independence panel and a referendum for Alberta.
As an aside, I poked my head into one the local town hall events Chuck Phillips, a Hamilton area Liberal candidate, was holding. At one point someone asked about Preston Manning’s big blackmail statement. Phillips just referenced what Carney, his leader, had said. Calling these dramatic and unhelpful comments he noted….”I am part of a government that governs for all of the country, and very much for the West.”
 Ray Rivers, a Gazette Contributing Editor, writes regularly applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background links:
Bennet Buggy – Transfer Act – Independence – Seven Richest Provinces – Victory Lap – Preston Manning –
 By Staff
April 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Taxes for Artists
 Sunday, April 13, 1–3 pm
A workshop for artists who earn some or all their income through sales, exhibition fees, contract teaching, and other self-employed sources.
Preparing to file a tax return can be an overwhelming prospect for many artists.
This informative session will provide an overview of taxes as they relate to self-employment income and expenses and provide useful advice for artists to manage their financial documentation.
Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussion following the presentation.
Instructor: Matthew Simpson
$10
Register HERE
Matthew Simpson has decades of experience in the worlds of art and finance, having studied Commerce at McMaster University before pursuing a degree in Industrial Design at OCAD. Since graduating, Matthew has accrued over two decades of experience in banking and personal tax preparation while continuing to engage in the arts through costume design and his current position as a supernumerary with the National Ballet of Canada.
 By Pepper Parr
April 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The art work is distributed in parts of the downtown core and along the Spencer Smith Park Promemnade; they are part of what Dan Lawrie has been doing for the past four years – letting people see what local artists are doing.
 Stand in front of this piece of art, take a picture of yourself, and see what you get. Dan, a retired insurance industry leader, has had a penchant for art most of his life. He has placed a paint brush in his hands on occasion and now displays the work in his home.
The courtyard at the Art Gallery is named after the Lawrie family.
The Burlington Waterfront Sculpture Trail is preparing for its fourth season. The goal is to bring sculpture into the public realm in a free and accessible trail linking major elements of Burlington’s stunning downtown core and waterfront. Artists from across the country are paid an exhibition fee to present their work, and the DLISC team works to sell the works to drive additional support to Canadian artists. –
 Worker installing some of the Lawrie Public art outside the 400 Brant Kitchen This is the fourth year The Burlington Waterfront Sculpture Trail has been shown. The 1km long experience linking the Art Gallery of Burlington, Spencer Smith Park and the Downtown Burlington BIA through a series of 15 temporary sculptures created by local and regional artists. The 1km trail was a fully accessible experience, free of barriers and admission for all to engage in.
 Persian rugs were used to decorate this piece of art.  Is this art original or is it original items wrapped in tin foil?
 By Corinne Galvan
April 7th. 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Microsoft might be testing the waters with its very own handheld gaming device, which could completely change the game for gamers. According to rumours, the tech giant is working on a portable console, similar to how the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck opened the door for unexpected mobile play.
What We Know So Far About Microsoft’s Portable Console
 There has yet to be an official announcement, but insiders and leaked patent filings suggest that something exciting is in the air. Picture a device that feels like an extension of the traditional Xbox universe, perhaps even tied to Xbox Game Pass and Microsoft’s cloud gaming setup. In most cases, people believe it will unlock a massive library of games, ranging from flashy AAA titles to those charming indie ones, all available in a pocket-sized marvel, plus, the possibility to play other options like casino games in Ontario thanks to the mods other users might develop as it happened with the Steam Deck and similar handheld consoles. The details are still unclear, but these signals are enough to capture players’ interest.
Unlike the complicated consoles that sit in our living rooms and require real hardware, this rumoured gadget appears to rely mainly on cloud streaming. That means it won’t need heavy-duty standards to function properly. If you think about it, this could be an important development for gamers who are always on the move—a device that can easily switch between home sessions and spontaneous outdoor play. The idea is simple yet radical: having high-performance play available wherever you are, with all the ease of modern connectivity.
The Effect on the Gaming Industry
This new handheld console by Microsoft would be a first for Bill Gates’ company. After the success of the Xbox consoles, this would be the first incursion in the portable gaming world with their own hardware. Sony, who has tried to compete in this part of the industry, hasn’t shown a new portable console for a few years, after the PS Vita was a big blunder from them.
 Nintendo is another company who should be aware of the movements coming from the Americans. The Japanese gaming giant is the most successful brand in the handheld sector and their soon-to-be shown Nintendo Switch 2 would have a big competitor this time. The biggest drive to buy a Nintendo console has been their exclusive titles, but with the possibility to play graphic intense and AAA games in the Microsoft’s console, the history could change rapidly.
For now, Microsoft’s plans remain wrapped in speculation, and a formal announcement is still on the way. Still, rumours of a mobile console have everyone talking: the future of gaming appears to be moving faster than ever before, and with Microsoft potentially leading the charge, there’s a lot of excitement in the air. Until the official word drops, gamers across Ontario will keep an eye out for any new information—a tiny step towards a bright, hybrid gaming future that may be closer than we think.
Jim Portside
April 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Even more on that Sunshine list.
Three other Sunshine List entries are curious. We’re discussing salaries paid to real people so I will not use names.
Two of the three people stopped working for the city in 2023, the other person had retired.
The two people who stopped working for the city in 2023 are on the 2024 Sunshine List. In other words, they stopped working for the city in 2023 but earned over $100,000, from the city in 2024.
The person who is now retired started working for the city in 2001 and has never appeared on the Sunshine List. In 2024 this person is on the Sunshine List earning a little under $115,000. We came up with three explanations:
- Maybe this person earned less than $100,000 in 2023, maybe they received a 14+% raise in 2024 and retired at the end of the year.
- Maybe this person was let go in 2023 and received severance in 2024.
- Maybe this person was let go in 2024 and received severance to push their 2024 salary over $100,000.
- Maybe the city can provide an explanation?
 It al takes place at City Hall. The City will take the position that the information is related to a specific individual and is treated as private.
No matter how it is explained – it smells
For the two people who stopped working for the city in 2023. One received about $105,000 in salary in 2024; the other about $111,000 in 2024.
What happens when you include Brynn Nheiley, Sheila Jones, and Tim Commisso? Our calculations, based on the limited information available to the public, show this gang of 6 cost the city approximately $868,674.98
Our calculations, based on the limited information available to the public, show this gang of 6 cost the city approximately $868,674.98.
How are taxpayers, the people who provide most of the money needed to pay staff, faring?
Not all that well it appears.
The record indicates that 3% of taxpayers have outstanding tax bills, the highest level in 5 years.
 By Jim Portside
April 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
More on that Sunshine List.
The Sunshine List was first released in 1996; it shows Ontario public sector employees earning $100,000 or more. The $100,000 threshold has not changed since 1996. Using the Bank of Canada’s inflation calculator, $100,000 in 1996 is the equivalent of $185,017 in today’s dollars.
 People who made over $200,000 in 2024. Here’s a list of the top income earners for the city of Burlington, people who earned over $200,000 a year in 2024. The 2023 list contained 15 names. The 2024 list also contains 15 names, it’s great that the number of people stayed the same. Some of these people do a fantastic job for the city.
What’s most interesting about the above list is that three of the 200K club members no longer work for the city.
Tim Commisso’s LinkedIn profile indicates he left the city in April of 2024. Sheila Jones – March 2024. Brynn Nheiley – March 2024.
You can read more about Brynn and Sheila’s departures here:
What did these three people cost taxpayers?
The calculations are approximate, but about $600,000 in severance or, in the case of Tim Commisso, payment to the end of his contract went out the door in 2024 for these three people. Mayor Meed-Ward often talks about the city needing funding from other levels of government; $600,000 buys at least one MRI machine for Joseph Brant Hospital.
Here are some other interesting items from the Sunshine List.
The Sunshine List doesn’t tell us when someone started or left the city’s employ. With that in mind,I looked at all the people who were on both the 2023 and 2024 Sunshine Lists. The average salary increase for this group was 4.31%.
The number of people working for the city and making over $100,000 a year increased by 10.5% to 505. The 2022 list contained 393 names, and the 2023 list contained 457 names.
Of the roughly 1,112 full-time employees, 505 now earn over $100,000 per year.
The 2024 list includes 15 people with the job title “Transit Operator”, up from 9 last year. Keep in mind that this includes overtime. There are 4 people with the job title “Mechanic” and 3 people with the title “Officer, Animal Control”, up from 1 last year.
The six elected councillors had an average income of $118,876.64, down slightly from an average of $119,802.70 in 2023. Councillors over the age of 71 earned less, only making $117,321.96 a year. Councillor Sharman has fought hard to have this corrected, and we’ll see a bump for the senior councillors, Sharman and Bentivegna, in 2025. The municipal employee pension plan, OMERS, has a rule that people over 71 have to start collecting their pension.
A total of 51 people saw their total earnings, salary plus overtime, increase by at least 10%. Only 23 of these people had changes in their job titles.
We’ll have to wait another year to see if Sheila, Tim or Brynn make it onto the 2025 Sunshine List.
Jim Portside is a retired business man who has lived in Burlington for several decades
 By Donald J. Hicks
April 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Canadian online gaming enthusiasts have a compelling new option with the official launch of Catch.bet, a platform combining a comprehensive sportsbook with a full-featured online casino. This Canadian-focused gaming destination arrives at a time when player expectations are higher than ever, bringing several notable advantages for local players.
Canadian-Centric Design
Catchbet distinguishes itself immediately through its dedicated focus on Canadian preferences. The platform operates entirely in Canadian dollars, eliminating the currency conversion headaches that plague many international sites. This seemingly simple feature significantly improves the player experience by providing clarity on exact stakes, winnings, and bonus values.
The platform’s payment system integrates seamlessly with Canada’s most popular financial services, including Interac e-Transfer, major Canadian bank cards, and several e-wallet options popular in the region. These integrations result in faster processing times for both deposits and withdrawals compared to platforms that primarily serve other markets.
Comprehensive Sports Coverage
 CFL and the Blue Jays – couldn’t ask for much more – but there is more.  For sports betting enthusiasts, Catchbet offers remarkable depth in markets that matter to Canadian players. NHL coverage is particularly robust, with extensive pre-game and live betting options for every matchup. Beyond hockey, the platform provides exceptional coverage of:
- CFL football with player props and team specials
- Toronto Raptors and NBA basketball
- Toronto Blue Jays and MLB baseball
- Canadian Championship soccer
- UFC/MMA events featuring Canadian fighters
This sports selection reflects actual Canadian interests rather than forcing players to adapt to European-centric offerings common on international platforms.
Casino Experience
The casino section complements the sportsbook with a carefully curated game selection from top providers. Rather than overwhelming players with thousands of identical slots, Catchbet focuses on quality and variety:
 Live dealers in your time zone. Classic and video slots from premier developers
Table games including multiple blackjack and roulette variations
Live dealer options operated during peak Canadian hours
Video poker and specialty games
The casino interface prioritizes intuitive navigation and quick loading times, with thoughtful categorization making it easy to find games that match personal preferences.
Responsible Gaming Commitment
Catchbet launches with robust responsible gaming features that go beyond industry standards. Players can set deposit limits, wagering limits, and session time restrictions directly from their account dashboard. The platform also provides easy access to self-assessment tools and connections to Canadian support resources.
What This Means for Canadian Players
Catchbet’s entry into the market represents a shift toward more localized gaming experiences for Canadian players. Rather than adapting to platforms designed primarily for other regions, Canadians can now enjoy an experience built specifically for their preferences and needs.
 A destination that truly understands Canadian preferences. The platform’s combination of Canadian-friendly payment options, regionally relevant sports markets, and intuitive design addresses many common frustrations experienced by Canadian players on international sites. For players seeking a gaming destination that truly understands Canadian preferences, Catchbet offers a refreshing alternative to generic international platforms.
As the Canadian online gaming market continues to evolve, Catchbet’s focus on local relevance sets a new standard for what players should expect from gaming platforms operating in the country.
Catch.bet, a platform combining a comprehensive sportsbook with a full-featured online casino.
By Nicolai Ryan Klausen
April 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Toronto, Canada’s largest city, offers a wealth of experiences for visitors and locals alike. Even though it is known to be very pricey, exploring this metropolis doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With some insider knowledge and strategic planning, you can enjoy the best of Toronto while keeping your spending in check.
 Toronto is surprisingly walkable, with many major attractions clustered in the downtown core. Navigate Toronto Like a Local
Public transportation in Toronto provides excellent value compared to taxis or rideshares. A day pass on the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) costs approximately $13 and allows unlimited travel on subways, streetcars, and buses—perfect for hopping between attractions without accumulating separate fares.
For an even more budget-friendly option, Toronto is surprisingly walkable, with many major attractions clustered in the downtown core. The PATH system—an underground pedestrian network spanning 30 kilometers—allows you to traverse parts of downtown regardless of weather conditions, making it especially valuable during winter months or rainy days.
Bike Share Toronto offers another economical transportation option, with day passes available for $7, providing unlimited 30-minute rides throughout the city. The extensive network of bike lanes and trails makes this a practical way to cover ground while enjoying Toronto’s scenery.
 The Toronto ferry returning to the city. Ferry rides to the Toronto Islands cost just $8.70 round-trip for adults and provide both transportation and entertainment value with stunning city skyline views. Once there, you can enjoy beaches, parkland, and walking trails completely free of charge.
Indoor Entertainment Options
If you’re looking to have some fun while you’re taking a break from sightseeing, consider exploring online casinos with the highest payout percentages. These are gambling sites with better RTP (Return to Player) rates, often exceeding 98% on many games, meaning more of your money potentially comes back as winnings.
Many Canadian online casinos feature thousands of games, from classic table options to live dealer experiences, and often provide welcome bonuses and promotions that can extend your playing time without additional investment.
Entertainment for Thrill-Seekers
Kensington Market, one of Toronto’s most eclectic neighborhoods, costs nothing to explore but delivers hours of entertainment. Wander through its colorful streets, browse quirky shops, and soak in the vibrant street art that adorns many buildings.
For the price of a coffee (around $3-5), you can people-watch at one of the charming cafés while experiencing the neighborhood’s unique atmosphere.
 Give yourself plenty of time to take in all that the Art Gallery offers. Check the Art College around the corner as well – the structure is on stilts. The Art Gallery of Ontario offers free admission on the first Wednesday of every month in the evenings from 6-9 PM, giving you access to world-class art collections without spending a dime. Similarly, many of Toronto’s museums offer discounted or pay-what-you-can options on specific days, stretching your entertainment dollar further.
Don’t miss the Distillery District, a pedestrian-only village with Victorian-era industrial buildings now housing boutiques, galleries, and cafés. While some shops are pricey, simply exploring the architectural beauty and frequent free outdoor performances costs nothing.
Dining Deliciously on a Dime
Toronto’s diverse culinary landscape includes plenty of affordable gems where you can sample international cuisine without the premium prices of sit-down restaurants.
Food halls like Assembly Chef’s Hall or Market 707 offer high-quality, chef-driven food at counter-service prices. Many dishes range from $8-15, significantly less than what you’d pay at full-service establishments offering similar quality.
For authentic international cuisine at bargain prices, explore neighborhoods like Chinatown, Koreatown, or Little India. Many family-run establishments offer generous portions at prices that rarely exceed $15 per person.
 A location that is not to be missed. Minutes away from the Lake as well. St. Lawrence Market, named one of the world’s best food markets by National Geographic, is perfect for assembling a picnic from various vendors. The famous peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery costs around $7 and is a Toronto culinary institution.
Free Cultural Experiences
Toronto’s multicultural fabric is on display through numerous free festivals and events throughout the year. Harbourfront Centre regularly hosts free performances, exhibitions, and cultural celebrations that provide world-class entertainment without the price tag.
High Park, Toronto’s largest public park, offers free Shakespeare performances during summer evenings. Bring a blanket and picnic to enjoy professional theater productions under the stars without spending on tickets.
Graffiti Alley in the Fashion District showcases some of the city’s best street art across a several-block stretch. This open-air gallery offers fantastic photo opportunities and a glimpse into Toronto’s urban art scene at no cost.
Budget Accommodation Hacks
Staying in Toronto doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Consider hotels slightly outside the downtown core but near subway stations. Areas like North York or the Danforth offer accommodation options that can be 30-40% cheaper than central locations while remaining just a 15-20 minute subway ride from major attractions.
For more adventurous travelers, hostels like Planet Traveler or The Only Backpackers Inn offer clean, comfortable accommodations with private rooms starting around $80-100 per night—half the price of most downtown hotels.
University residences open to the public during summer months (May-August) and provide basic but affordable rooms in central locations. Ryerson University and the University of Toronto both offer this option when students are away.
By Pepper Parr
April 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
We turn to you now to learn what it is you like about the Gazette and what you would like to see changed.
The Readership Survey is completely anonymous.
We do not know who you are; knowing the first three letters of your postal code doesn’t identify you.
Who you are doesn’t matter – what you think is important to us.
The Gazette has evolved from the day we first went live in 2010. Readership has grown from the 185 people that found us that first day.
Since then media has changed radically. The Hamilton Spectator does its best to inform, entertain and educate people – no one is at all certain that the Spectator will be around that much longer.
This is a tough business.
Our purpose is not to be liked – our purpose is to hold the elected and other leadership transparent and accountable.
In the early days, then Mayor Rick Goldring, chose to make a comment about the Gazette. I don’t think he would make the same remarks today. Here’s the link.
The survey will be up for about two weeks. We will then move to social media to offer it to a wider Burlington audience.
Finally, we will report to the public.
 By Pepper Parr
April 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
We know changes are going to be made with Civic Square.
We understood it was going to be quite different – do these photographs point to the direction the city is going?
 There is no signage explaining who did the work or why it is sitting in the middle of Civic Square.  Seen from a different angle. The highest point of this work is about where the entrance to City Hall will be once the remake is completed sometime in 2026 – more likely 2027.  Made of wood. Was it built for the skateboard crowd?
 By Staff
April 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
On Sunday May 4, 2025, Port Nelson United Church will be hosting a special event for the community. “Pizza and Pajamas” is a celebration for kids and families, featuring the Earth, Seas & Air concert with Chris McKhool and Friends.
This is a free event, with pizza supper provided at 5:30 p.m. The concert begins at 6:00 p.m., and is particularly geared to children aged 4 to 10, but all are welcome!
 Chris McKhool Chris McKhool’s EARTH, SEAS & AIR kids concert is part musical performance, part environmentalism and 100% fun! This award-winning show is fully interactive, as kids join the band on stage playing percussion instruments from around the globe, dance to the global grooves, and sing songs about taking care of our planet. For three decades, Chris has taken his audience beyond the 3 R’s of ecology (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) to a new level of understanding of our global connection to forests, air, water and animals. Everyone leaves with the feeling that they can really make a difference!
Chris is a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal recipient for creating community through music. One of Canada’s hottest musicians for kids, he has been hailed as a “Children’s musical star” (National Post) and “Canada’s greatest eco-troubadour for young people” (Mississauga Living Arts Centre). Everything Chris does comes from the heart, and he has been delighting audiences with his joyful songs and exotic world instruments for three decades, reaching over 1 million children live in concert, with hit performances on YTV’s Treehouse, TVO’s Crawlspace, Mr. Dressup, CITY-TV and the CBC.
A champion of environmental issues, Chris created the World Largest Bicycle Bell Orchestra at Yonge-Dundas Square with over 800 bell ringers! He was nominated for a JUNO Award for Best Children’s Album, and won the Canadian Folk Music Award for Children’s Album of the Year! He’s also a multiple Parents’ Choice Award Winner and a Green Toronto Award Winner, and was just inducted into the Burlington Performing Artist Centre Hall of Fame.
WHAT:
“Pizza and Pajamas” featuring the Earth, Seas & Air kids concert with Chris McKhool and Friends
WHEN:
Sunday, May 4, 2025 – 5:30 p.m. – pizza supper provided – please register in advance below
6:00 p.m. – concert (50 minutes)
WHERE:
Port Nelson United Church
3132 South Drive, Burlington, Ontario L7N 1H7
TIX: Free! Please register in advance HERE.
 By Staff
April 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
I-STEM STUDENTS At Thomas A. Blakelock HS, Elsie MacGill SS and Aldershot School have been selected as regional finalists in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, where students across Canada create innovative solutions to real-world problems using Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) learning. The competition focuses on how STEM can be applied to help address challenges, both locally and globally, enabling students to develop skills in critical thinking, collaboration and community responsibility.
 Aldershot High School was the first in the Halton District School Board to offer the Stem program. Only 12 teams have been selected for the next stage of the competition where they will produce a five-minute video explaining how their solution would create a more sustainable, inclusive and healthier world using technology. The teams will enter into the second phase of judging on March 31 as they compete to become national finalists.
Each of the regional finalists have received $2,500 in technology to support and enhance STEM learning. In the next phase, students will have the opportunity to win $5,000 to purchase technology.
I-STEM is an innovative, regional program for secondary students in Halton and beyond. Students in this four-year program develop innovation skills related to engineering design and design thinking, entrepreneurial thinking skills and global competencies. Students learn to be prepared for technological change and disruption, globalization and shifting demographics.
 Keerthana Srinivasan, Grade 12, Aldershot High School Keerthana Srinivasan, Grade 12, Aldershot School:
“Through I-STEM, I had the opportunity to not only explore global challenges but also develop the skills to analyze them in a meaningful way. Using tools like the Design Thinking Process, causal models, and gap analyses, I’ve been able to deconstruct complex issues—like faults in photovoltaic farms and satellites—by identifying their root causes and uncovering gaps in existing solutions.”
It was interesting to note that the majority of the students who made it to the Regional finals were female and from divergent cultures.
 By Ron Foxcroft
April 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
For entrepreneurs and all Canadian business we should be planning for many economic challenges in 2025.
The President of the United States changes his agenda, more often than he changes his underwear.
WE are going to plan for the worst, and strategically have options 1, 2, and 3 moving forward.
Slowly the Republicans will challenge Trump’s motives, but currently they will not challenge him and face his wrath.
They are more concerned about their self interest.
Slowly, a few members of his cult will be hurt and turn on him.
Slowly, Corporate USA will begin to get hurt by his motives, and turn on him.
This entire process will take many months, therefore, Corporate Canada is facing difficult economic challenges throughout 2025.
I am delighted how Canadians proudly have become more united than ever in our history.
United as Canadians we are strong, facing the USA President who is a Bully but when confronted will be a Coward.
Ron Foxcroft is the president of Foxcroft International
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