 By Karina Rysberg Bay
September 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Ontario is home to 27 out of Canada’s 120-plus casino venues, including some of the best in the country. Although, or maybe because, competition is fierce from online casinos and the Ontario Lottery’s online operations, Ontario’s casinos have often pulled out the stops to bring in customers in any way they can. But which are the best?
 Well, although not comprehensive the following top-tier options are all within a few hours drive of Burlington. From a casino with waterfall views unlike any other gambling establishment in the world, to Canada’s largest First Nation-owned casino or a billion dollar casino resort-style complex in downtown Toronto, these are four great casinos worth visiting in southern Ontario.
Fallsview Casino Resort Has Incredible Views
Fallsview casino is built on a cliff in Niagara Falls, overlooking the spectacular Canadian Horseshoe Falls. If that wasn’t enough, the resort features a 400 room luxury hotel tower and dozens of bars and restaurants – most of which come with awe-inspiring views of the biggest of the three Niagara Falls.
A great operator offers clear bonus terms and wagering for Canada casino players, so why would you accept any less? As well as fair bonuses and promos, you’ll find the latest slot games from trusted global developers and an excellently designed site that will get you into the game with just a few clicks. Simple.
As well as the hotels, and restaurants Fallsview Casino Resort features:
- A full service spa and fitness centre
- A 5000-seat concert venue that sees top international artists grace the stage
- A 200,000 square foot casino floor
- 3200 slot machines
- 130 table games
- Sports betting and lounge at the Overtime Bar
Gamblers looking to play poker can head just down the falls to its older, sister venue Niagara Falls Casino, which has a full ten table poker room. Both casinos are around 100km or an hour’s drive from downtown Burlington, or a 45 minute train ride away.
Casino Rama is Canada’s Largest First Nation Casino
Casino Rama is the largest First Nations-owned casino in the country by casino floorspace, and the only such venue in Ontario. The venue opened in 1996, just months after Ontario legalized limited commercial casino gambling. It was pipped to the post of first casino in Ontario by Caesars Windsor, which is profiled further down this list.
The resort has since undergone several major multimillion-dollar upgrades, including in 2022 and most recently in 2025. The upgrades for this year included a new full-service spa facility, with saunas, steam rooms and an indoor pool as well as massage facilities. It also included renovation of dozens of the oldest rooms in the 289-room hotel tower.
 If slots are your thing: this is one of the places you want to think about. Casino Rama The resort’s existing features included half a dozen restaurants and bars, a 5000-seat Entertainment Center and performance space. It has also hosted various mixed martial arts and boxing fight nights over the years. The 192,000 square foot casino floor hosts more than 1500 slots and 50 table games.
Some of the big name acts that have played Casino Rama’s Entertainment Centre include Diana Ross, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Lionel Richie and Dolly Parton.
Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto is Ontario’s Newest
The newest addition to the roster of Ontario’s casinos is also one of it’s most expensive. The Great Canadian Casino Resort opened in the Etobicoke area of the city in 2023. It replaced the old Casino Woodbine which had been operated on the site by the Woodbine Racetrack since 1996.
Its replacement cost more than $1 billion to build and took five years. It overtook Fallsview Casino as the largest casino floor in Ontario, with 328,000 square feet dedicated to gambling.
The Great Canadian Casino Resort’s features include:
- 4800 slot machines
- 145-plus table games
- A VIP high-limit gaming lounge
- A poker room with two dozen tables and various tournaments
- A state-of-the-art 400 room luxury hotel tower
Caesars Windsor Brings a Las Vegas Vibe to Ontario
Caesars Windsor holds the distinction of being the first casino in Ontario. Built by Las Vegas-based Caesars Entertainment – the owners of the iconic Caesars Palace Las Vegas – in 1996, the casino also reportedly inspired American lawmakers across the Detroit River in Michigan to legalize casino gambling.
 The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation is a majority owner of the refurbished Caesars in Windsor. Originally called Casino Windsor, it took on the casino brand in 2006 when it also underwent a major redesign and expansion. The casino now has 728 hotel rooms across two 27-story hotel towers, the newest of which was built in a similar style to the iconic Caesars Palace.
Interestingly, when Caesars Windsor first opened the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation was a little blind-sided with the speed, and immediately began work on a temporary riverboat casino opposite the venue. Which didn’t do very well.
However the OLG got the last laugh. It essentially became the majority owner of Caesars Windsor when it offered to stump up $400 million for the 2006 refurbishment and rebrand, which was sorely needed. The OLG and Caesars just recently agreed a new 20-year deal for Caesars to continue to operate the property on behalf of the provincial lottery operator.
Today, the casino offers the highest gaming limits in Ontario, 2000 slot machines, 80 live table games, a full service sportsbook, and a well-outfitted poker room in collaboration with the formerly Caesars owned World Series of Poker brand.
 By Gazette Staff
September 27th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Minister of Education, Paul Calandra has been going after school boards over the level of spending that has taken place.
Monitors have been installed at several boards, replacing the trustees.
The Ministry has said it is seriously considering getting rid of school board trustees.
 Paul Calandra, Minister of Education: Maybe he was a big tipper? The trustees are pointing fingers and questioning a reported $1,700 spend on restaurant meals.
$1,700 ? Ouch!
That is a lot of food paid for by the public.
The Education minister is facing scrutiny over his expenses as he calls out wasteful spending by school board trustees. His office declined to release details of the $1,700+ he has spent on restaurant meals.
 By Gazette Staff
September 27th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario Hospital Coalition maintains the Ford government is privatizing our public hospitals.
“When they privatized cataract surgeries, Ford appeared all over TV promising that people would never pay with their credit card, only their OHIP card. That was a lie. All over Ontario, seniors are now routinely charged thousands of dollars in the private for-profit eye surgery clinics.
 The Coalition focuses on Queen’s Park outside the legislature. “We heard from an 80-year old woman who was told she had to make a down payment of $1,500 followed by almost $11,000 for her surgery. We heard from a 71-year old who had to come out of retirement to work to pay for his surgery. We heard from Maureen, a widow whose eyesight was failing, who was charged almost $7,000 for her eye surgery. She had to take out a loan. Everywhere I go, every event at which I make a speech, people come up to me and tell me about how their mother or father was charged thousands for their cataract surgery.
“Now, Ford wants to expand his privatization plan to orthopedic surgeries — hips and knees, shoulders and so on — as well as MRIs, CTs and other diagnostics and surgeries. Just imagine the tens of thousands of dollars they are going to charge patients.
“The hardship and suffering caused by this privatization is exactly what public medicare was set up to stop.
 “We have made formal complaints, held press conferences with the patients who have been extra-billed illegally, written letters, asked for meetings with the Minister and Premier. It isn’t that they don’t know this is happening. They are pretending it isn’t and ignoring it, as long as they are able to do so.
“We are going to lose public medicare if we don’t ramp up our fight back.
“Please pay attention and spread the word. It matters.”
The coalition has small groups working in towns and cities throughout the province.
They don’t have a group working in Burlington – they couldn’t find the volunteers they needed to help out.
 By Gazette Staff
September 27th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Is the thought of making dinner filling you with dread? Or are you looking for somewhere to go for a great night out?
Purchase a ticket to the Eagles Nest Dine Out Charity Raffle and you could win one of two gift card collections to exceptional local restaurants!
First Prize is valued at $1800 and includes gift cards to:
Second Prize is valued at $400 and includes gift cards to:
All proceeds from the raffle help Eagles Nest provide affordable mental health services to the community.
Full details and purchase tickets from this link.
Raffle ends Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 8:00pm!
Eagles Nest is a not for profit organization that provides mental health services the the Burlington, Waterdown and Hamilton Communities –check them out
 By Samantha Serle
September 27, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
As you approach your exams at a Canadian university, the pressure can be overwhelming. With a busy schedule filled with lectures, assignments, and extracurricular activities, it can feel like there’s just not enough time to adequately prepare. However, with the right study strategies in place, you can set yourself up for success and make the most of the time you have. Whether you’re a first-year student or nearing graduation, these top study strategies will help you ace your exams with confidence and ease.
1. Plan Ahead with a Study Schedule
 Setting specific, measurable goals for each study session can keep you on track. One of the most crucial aspects of exam preparation is time management. Procrastination is often the enemy of success, and without a proper study schedule, it’s easy to feel like you’re scrambling at the last minute. The first step in creating an effective study plan is to break down your study sessions into manageable chunks.
Start by determining how much time you have before your exams and then assign specific subjects or topics to each study session. Be realistic about how long each session should last, and allow for breaks to keep your mind fresh. Remember, quality matters more than quantity. A focused 60-minute session is more productive than a distracted 2-hour session. Be sure to integrate review days into your schedule, giving you time to revisit the material you’ve already covered.
Additionally, setting specific, measurable goals for each study session can keep you on track. For example, aim to master several practice problems or memorize key concepts within a set period. This will give you a sense of accomplishment as you progress through your study materials.
2. Use Active Learning Techniques
It’s easy to fall into the trap of passively reading textbooks or notes in an attempt to “cover” the material. However, active learning has been proven to be much more effective. Active learning means engaging with the material in ways that reinforce your understanding and retention of it.
Some effective active learning strategies include:
- Summarizing: After reading a chapter or section, take a few minutes to summarize the main points in your own words. This forces you to process the information and identify the most important concepts.
- Teaching: One of the best ways to ensure you understand something is to teach it to someone else. Find a study buddy or even explain concepts to yourself out loud. If you can explain it clearly to another person, you know you’ve grasped it.
- Practice Problems: For subjects like math, science, and engineering, practice problems are essential. They not only help you apply what you’ve learned, but they also familiarize you with the format of the questions you may face on the exam.
- Flashcards: Use flashcards to test your knowledge on key terms, formulas, or concepts. Writing out the flashcards by hand can help reinforce the material more effectively than simply reading through notes.
By incorporating these active learning techniques into your study routine, you will find that you’re able to retain more information and understand concepts more deeply, ultimately leading to higher exam scores.
3. Organize Your Study Materials
Effective study begins with well-organized materials. If you’re constantly flipping through disorganized notes or scrambling to find the right textbook, you’ll waste precious time during your study sessions. Take some time before your exams to organize your study materials.
Consider using a binder or digital tool to categorize your notes by topic or lecture. This will save you time when you’re reviewing key concepts and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by clutter. If you prefer digital resources, applications like Notion or Evernote can help you organize your notes, while tools like Quizlet allow you to create digital flashcards for easy review on the go.
You can also organize your study materials by subject, ensuring that each area receives the appropriate amount of attention. Some students find it helpful to color-code their materials or to use tabs to mark important concepts.
4. Prioritize Difficult Subjects and Concepts
As you organize your study schedule, it’s important to prioritize the subjects or concepts that you find most challenging. It’s easy to fall into the trap of spending more time on the subjects you enjoy or feel most confident about, but this won’t help you improve in areas where you’re struggling.
To stay on track, focus your energy on the most difficult subjects during your peak hours of productivity, whether that’s early in the morning or late at night. For the subjects you’re more confident in, use them as a way to wind down during less focused periods.
Additionally, remember to reach out for help if you’re stuck on a concept. Canadian universities are known for their academic support services, and most offer tutoring, office hours with professors, and peer study groups. Take advantage of these resources to get clarification on material that you find difficult to understand.
5. Take Care of Your Health
A major factor in exam success is your physical and mental well-being. While it’s tempting to pull all-nighters and sacrifice sleep to cram for exams, this is counterproductive. Lack of sleep can affect your memory, concentration, and overall cognitive performance. In fact, research has shown that students who get adequate sleep before exams tend to perform better than those who stay up all night.
Get enough sleep (ideally 7-9 hours) each night, especially during the week before your exams. Eating well and staying hydrated are also crucial for maintaining focus and mental clarity. Your brain functions best when you fuel it with nutritious food, so opt for brain-boosting snacks like nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
Exercise is another excellent way to relieve stress and improve focus. Even just a 20-minute walk can boost your mood and energy levels. Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine can help you stay sharp during study sessions and maintain your overall well-being.
6. Stay Motivated and Avoid Burnout
Exam preparation can feel like a marathon, and it’s important to pace yourself. Without proper breaks and motivational strategies, it’s easy to become burnt out before the exam day arrives. To stay motivated, consider rewarding yourself after completing a study session or achieving a study goal. Rewards could include a break, a treat, or a short time for relaxation.
Additionally, don’t hesitate to mix up your study methods to keep things fresh. If you’re finding it hard to stay engaged with one subject, switch to a different one. This will keep you from feeling bogged down by monotony and help you maintain your focus.
As you navigate the challenges of exam preparation, you may find yourself overwhelmed by numerous assignments and deadlines. In such situations, seeking professional help is a practical solution. If you ever think, I need someone to write my essay online for cheap, it’s important to choose a reputable service that offers quality work at an affordable price. Many online platforms provide expert assistance that can help you manage your workload and focus on your studies, allowing you to excel in your exams without compromising on your academic integrity.
7. Utilize Past Exams and Practice Tests
One of the best ways to prepare for your exams is to review past exams and practice tests. Many professors provide previous exams or sample questions that reflect the format and content of the upcoming exam. Working through these practice tests will help you become familiar with the structure of the questions and the types of topics that may be covered.
Additionally, try to simulate exam conditions when taking practice tests. Set a timer and complete the test in one sitting to mimic the pressure of the real exam. This will help you manage your time and reduce test anxiety.
Conclusion
 Acing exams at Canadian universities requires a combination of effective study strategies, good time management, and self-care. Acing exams at Canadian universities requires a combination of effective study strategies, good time management, and self-care. By planning ahead, using active learning techniques, staying organized, prioritizing difficult subjects, and taking care of your health, you can significantly improve your chances of success. And remember, it’s not just about cramming right before the exam—it’s about consistent preparation, maintaining a healthy balance, and staying motivated throughout the entire exam season.
By Gazette Staff
September 26th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Starting on Saturday, September 27, until end of service on Sunday, September 28, Lakeshore West Line rail service will be temporarily modified to accommodate critical track work that will bring faster, more frequent service across the network.
 During this time, there will be no GO Train service between Oakville and Exhibition GO.
GO Train service will continue to run between Niagara Falls and Oakville GO stations, as well as between Exhibition GO and Union Station, but replacement buses will serve Oakville and Clarkson GO and then run direct between Clarkson GO and Union Station.
There will be no GO Transit services at Port Credit, Long Branch or Mimico GO.
Starting later this evening on September 26, there will also be some late-night service adjustments, and we have arranged two extra westbound trains trips from Union Station to Exhibition GO.
 If you’re travelling from the Mississauga area, on Saturday, September 27 only, we’re adding four Milton line trains:
- 2:27 p.m. and 4:27 p.m. trains departing Milton GO, making all stops to Union Station, arriving at 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- 7:04 p.m. and 7:34 p.m. trains departing Union Station, making all stops to Milton GO, arriving at 8:04 p.m. and 8:34 p.m.
- Customers can use Lisgar, Meadowvale, Streetsville, Erindale, Cooksville or Dixie GO stations to connect to Union Station.
More information about Lakeshore West Line service adjustments and alternate route options is available HERE.
Please check schedules before travelling as trip times could depart earlier or later than usual. GO bus connection times may be adjusted, and customers should expect longer than usual wait times.
 By Pepper Parr
September 26th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
Well, this comes as no surprise.
Marit Stiles and the Ontario NDP stand in solidarity with Canada’s striking postal workers
 Postal workers “cut their noses to spite their faces” “This is an attack on our workers and our public services,” said Stiles. “I am proud to stand in solidarity with striking CUPW workers, as they fight to protect the future of a public post office for Canadians. While the federal Liberals launch yet another attack on workers, New Democrats are unwavering in our commitment to protecting and creating jobs, and ensuring Canadians have access to the public services they rely on.”
The link below, on the article Joe Gaetan wrote, is a more progressive approach to the problem. There are dinosaurs out there.
Related opinion piece:
Gaetan didn’t want the dinosaur Stiles has become.
By Gazette Staff
September 26, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The contractor doing the refurbishing on the Skyway Bridge is not planning a two-lane weekend closure for the September 26 weekend.
By Pepper Parr
September 26th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The most effective way for municipal Councillors to get exposure is a photo op. They don’t have to say very much – just stand still, smile and wait for the cameras to click.
Public office has its price. While councillors will tell you that transparency and accountability are something they live by. Not always, and let’s leave it at that.
 Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns Whenever a councillor travels there is a hell of a hullabaloo. And if they travel to some country on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean it is seen as a junket with little in the way of benefit to local taxpayers.
Last Thursday ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns was waiting for her visa to be issued. In our conversations with Kearns before she left, we were not able to learn just where she was going. “I will have something for you when I get to Africa” she said.
Nothing from Kearns so far. We do know that she is keeping in touch with her constituents by cell phone.
We did learn that the trip Kearns is on is being paid for by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), who are delivering a federal government program.
One of the programs is: Partnerships for Municipal Innovation – Women in Local Leadership (PMI-WILL)
 Women who were part of the Leadership (PMI-WILL) project. This project is part of FCM’s portfolio of gender equality and women in local government initiatives. It is implemented in Benin, Cambodia, Ghana, Sri Lanka, and Zambia.
Leadership (PMI-WILL) project is a transformative initiative running from 2021 to 2027. Funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implemented by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) in partnership with five Local Government Associations, PMI-WILL operates in five ountries across two continents: Benin, Cambodia, Ghana, Sri Lanka, and Zambia. The project is dedicated to fostering gender equality by increasing women’s participation in local governance and enhancing the capacity of municipalities to deliver inclusive, gender-responsive services.
We don’t know who selected Kearns; we can say that there probably wasn’t a better choice on City Council.
Kearns is smart, when relaxed she is a very compelling speaker with a wicked sense of humour.
Canada will be very well represented. Burlington has every reason to be very proud that Lisa is representing the federal government
 By Joseph A. Gaetan BGS
September 26th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Canada Post is stuck in the past. Instead of closing offices and scaling back, it should be reinventing itself as the “Amazon of Canada.” The bones are there: a national network, trusted delivery, and infrastructure that reaches every community. What’s missing is bold thinking.
 This was a long time ago. Right now, Canada Post is limiting services while Amazon expands. Amazon will deliver to your door almost any time of day. Canada Post clings to rigid routes and schedules that no longer fit how people live and shop. Canadians don’t need daily letter mail anymore, but they do need reliable, modern delivery.
The solution isn’t retreat — it’s reinvention. Imagine a subscription model like Amazon Prime: pay an annual fee for home delivery, weekly mail service, or unlimited parcel drop-offs. Those who don’t subscribe could use lockers at malls or community boxes, giving people choice without ballooning costs.
Canada Post could even go further — partnering with Canadian retailers, offering digital marketplaces, or turning its network into a hub for more than just letters and parcels. The possibilities are there.
 Canada Post could even go further — partnering with Canadian retailers, offering digital marketplaces, or turning its network into a hub for more than just letters and parcels. The real barriers are not technology or geography but mindset. Management fears change, unions resist it, and politicians shy away from tough reforms. Canada Post was once a national asset. It could be again — if it stops acting like a scaredy-cat and starts borrowing the best ideas from the private sector.
Canada doesn’t need a smaller post office. It needs a smarter, bolder one.
By Gazette Staff
September 26th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Deer seen on the street where the Bowkers live. No wonder people want to visit them Karen and Perry Bowker have some words for the folks in the city’s Transportation department:
“I would like to know if our City traffic wizards have, or are working on, some plan to reduce the risk of total gridlock any time something happens on one of the main highways on our borders.
“Yesterday, friends visiting from Toronto had to abandon after being stuck on Guelph Line for an hour, with no prospect of ever getting across town.
“Another couple reported long lines attempting to exit the 407 south to Dundas Street.”
By Gazette Staff
September 26th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Parents of swimmers and people who feel the Burlington Aquatic Devilrays got a bum deal from the city want the whole mess looked into. WArd 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns is looking for a way to have the city Audtor review just how the decision that was made was arrived at.
The parents want to be sure that Kearns understands the issue and ensures that the right questions get asked.
So – they sent her the following::
It is essential that the Burlington Aquatic Devilrays (BAD) have their community club status and pool allocations restored and be afforded precedence as a Burlington-based community club. The City’s audit/review of pool and swim meet allocation decisions affecting BAD and the Golden Horseshoe Aquatic Club (GHAC), a regional club, is an imperative. Burlington-based clubs must be treated fairly and City policies on allocation, residency, and community support applied consistently. Accountability and transparency must guide all decisions impacting local athletes and taxpayers.
As a Burlington taxpayer with deep concerns about the City’s decisions to date, and the consequences, I have developed a series of questions that I believe should be addressed as part of a review/audit. While not exhaustive, they reflect issues of particular concern to myself, BAD members, BAD alumni and many taxpayers
Questions for Council / Administration
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- Club Integrity & Compliance
* If a regional club (GHAC) signs/recruits Burlington swimmers and encroaches on a community club’s (BAD) area without following proper Swim Ontario protocols, does this not call into question the integrity of GHAC in the eyes of City decision-makers given “Club in good standing” is an RFP requirement?
* Does the City intend to deal strictly with clubs of the highest integrity in its allocation decisions?
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- Value of Community Clubs
* Does the City see the extraordinary value of a long-standing, 40+ year Burlington-based community club (BAD) — which focuses 100% on Burlington?
* BAD participates in multiple community events and carries the Burlington name with pride wherever they compete or train — compared to a regional club (GHAC) dividing attention across multiple communities. The swim community recognizes BAD as Burlington’s club. How does the City weigh this community contribution in allocation decisions?
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- Revenue Disparities and Financial Impact
* Does the City understand that BAD’s sole revenue source is from operating in the Burlington community while regional clubs (GHAC) generate revenue in multiple communities, giving them an inherent advantage?
* Does the City realize that BAD has traditionally charged lower fees than all clubs in the Golden Horseshoe geography, including GHAC? While BAD’s pricing advantage for Burlington swimmers and their families has been diminished, we remain the most accessible and inclusive club.
* Since this matter arose, many BAD swimmers left the program due to the uncertainty and underlying feelings of City abandonment and distrust. The impact on BAD includes: lower fee revenue; reduced support from parent volunteers (including those volunteers with officiating certificates, thereby forcing BAD to hire costly officiants for swim meets); scrambling for more expensive, less attractive non-City pool time. — collectively forcing the remaining BAD swimmers and their families into more expensive, less convenient options. It has eroded BAD’s pricing advantage to the detriment of Burlington swimmers and their families. Did City officials fully understand the negative result their decision would have on Burlington families?
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- Community Support and Legacy
* Given BAD’s longstanding legacy, decades of alumni, and thousands of taxpayers invested in Burlington, does the City agree that community-based clubs like BAD should receive priority for Burlington pool and Swim meet allocations?
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- Athlete Development & Future Impact
* Swim clubs cluster athletes by capability; as swimmers approach senior levels, programs intensify and top coaches and facilities are required (e.g., Centennial Pool).
* For every GHAC swimmer that comes from other communities to train in Burlington pools (clustered at the same level as Burlington swimmers), a Burlington swimmer is displaced. BAD swimmers are clearly at risk of being displaced. How will the City police or prevent this scenario over time to protect local athletes?
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- Pool Allocation Decisions
* Why did a regional club (GHAC) receive the majority of pool hours while the community club (BAD) received fewer hours? Shouldn’t the allocation have been the other way around, prioritizing community-based Burlington swimmers (BAD)?
* BAD has never wanted to displace any swimmer. It simply wants its rightful place restored and preserved. With this in mind, BAD has recommended that the city Council utilize the Shared-Use Framework which appears on the City’s website and is based on Tiered Access (a best practice):
* Tier 1: Local, not-for-profit, volunteer-led community clubs (BAD);
* Tier 2: Regional or private, fee-based clubs (GHAC);
* Tier 3: Short-term rentals, camps, or revenue-driven events.
* Is the Tiering approach no longer being embraced by the City?
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- Swim Meet Criticality
* Swim meets are a major source of revenue for clubs and the Nelson Swim Meet is existential for BAD as its largest fund raising activity. For GHAC, which operates in multiple municipalities with broader revenue streams, the Nelson meet is optional. Does the City appreciate swim meets are key to any community club’s (BAD’s) survival?
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- Council Oversight & Policy Consistency
* The City’s Procurement By-law (04-2022) states: “All Procurement shall be conducted in accordance with … honest, open, fair and transparent behaviour … The City will not extend preferential treatment to any Bidder or Proponent.”
Given this, and the fact that Council is elected to represent Burlington residents, does the City Council agree it is incumbent upon them to intervene when evidence suggests a City process has not upheld transparency, fairness, or the community’s best interest?
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- Technical Requirements and Equity Concerns
* BAD was disadvantaged in the RFP process. While the City required a “current and valid certificate of incorporation,” it was unclear how this applied to a club incorporated over 40 years ago and in good standing. BAD consulted authorities, who advised on the documentation that would satisfy the requirement — status easily verifiable through corporate registries and Swim Ontario. The City’s subsequent guidance on what was acceptable was issued in response to an enquiry regarding the Adult RFP — GHAC, having bid on both Youth and Adult RFPs, benefited from this guidance, while BAD, having submitted only to the Youth RFP, became aware too late to remedy the issue, creating an unintended but unfair disadvantage.
* Given BAD’s decades-long compliance and integrity, shouldn’t a reasonable, common-sense approach have been applied to confirm this requirement? The City could have recognized BAD’s historical good standing, exercised practical flexibility, and ensured both parties were simultaneously advised of its subsequent guidance.
* GHAC was allowed leniency upfront regarding minimum residency requirements—why, then, was BAD held to a strict technicality for the certificate? Beyond any minor technical issue, the deeper concern is fairness, equity, and the protection of a long-standing community club.
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- Residency Requirement (85% Burlington Swimmers)
* The City’s public statement says: “Bidders were required to demonstrate how their organizations will ensure 85% of participants are Burlington residents … The successful bidder – GHAC – indicated it would fulfill this requirement in time for service commencement in September 2025.”
* If GHAC, a regional club with many non-Burlington members, was allowed to defer compliance with the upfront minimum residency requirement, doesn’t this represent an unfair break relative to the 85% Burlington residency limitation that applies to community clubs like BAD?
* Will the City be transparent and disclose any differences in the respective contracts of GHAC and BAD that relate to residency enforcement and calculations?
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- Long-Term Athlete Development
* Does Council understand and acknowledge that pulling pool allocation out from BAD swimmers destabilizes their long-term athletic and community development?
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- Governance and Accountability of Clubs
* Why does the RFP process apply to swim clubs/pools and not other sports?
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- Equity of Contract Terms
* Can you confirm whether the contract terms with GHAC are identical to those that BAD previously held?
* If terms were altered (e.g., residency enforcement, financial commitments, contract duration), please explain why and how such changes serve Burlington taxpayers.
* Are both contracts cancelable by either party, subject to notice? While, in hindsight, it appears the City agrees that a commercial RFP administrative procedure is not appropriate for sports/community club-decisions, nevertheless there is a provision in City documents that can help solve matters. The Termination clause reads: “The City may terminate the Contract in whole, or in part, whenever the City determines that such termination is in the best interest of the City without showing cause, upon providing written notice to the Vendor.” The important clause here is: “in the best interest of the City without showing cause.”
* Would this not be the provision that allows course correction in the best interest of the City and the taxpayers — in this case the swimmers and families of the community club, BAD?
Closing Statement.
Council must ensure that Burlington’s own residents and community clubs, including BAD, are not disadvantaged within their OWN city. Policies on allocation, fairness, and residency exist to protect local clubs, their members, and taxpayers. It is Council’s responsibility to uphold these principles consistently, without exceptions that favour external organizations such as GHAC.
We respectfully request that you seek clear answers to the above questions as part of your review/audit. Undoubtedly, additional questions will arise, and we would appreciate timely and thorough responses to all inquiries to ensure transparency and accountability.
Starting September 2026, the City needs to reverse course — giving GHAC ample time to transition (a luxury BAD was not afforded) while restoring BAD’s rightful place at the heart of Burlington. BAD members and concerned taxpayers will remain engaged until this is done because it is the fair and just course of action.
 By Tom Parkin
September 26th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s big announcement today was on flashing radar speed signs.
Ford has been on an angry rant about speed radar machines lately, a problem he created. His regulations allowed the machines, his regulations set the fines. It’s the gong show.
What should have been flashing for the premier was today’s data showing in July Ontario lost 91,000 employment positions and employers were looking to fill 19,000 fewer job openings.
The premier has told jobless workers to “get off your A-S-S” and “look harder” for jobs. Doug Ford doesn’t think it’s his problem, and he has no plan to fix it.
Job openings tumble 60%
The cost to Ontarians isn’t just in dollars. It’s also in wasted opportunity, especially for young workers trying to break into the job market
The number of job openings has tanked, and it’s not just since Trump.
StatsCan’s July Survey of Employment, Payroll and Hours (SEPH), released today, found 19,000 fewer job openings in July than June.
 Job opportunities have now fallen by over 60 per cent since April 2022. That’s Doug, not Donald. Job opportunities have now fallen by over 60 per cent since April 2022. That’s Doug, not Donald.
StatsCan’s most recent Ontario Labour Force Survey shows 807,000 unemployed workers chasing 161,500 open jobs. That’s more than five job-seekers for every job opening.
A very high price is being paid by a rising number of Ontarians without a paycheque.
The SEPH report shows in July there were 91,000 fewer employees than June and fewer employees than back in June of 2023.
And every consumer-oriented business will also pay the price of 91,000 fewer paycheques in the provincial economy.
 Forest industries have been hard hit by the collapse of the housing industry. So will the provincial treasury, which is filled by the income tax contributions of employed workers and the sales tax remittances of the businesses they shop at.
The jobs cost comes at a very delicate time as tariffs hit Ontario’s steel, auto and forestry industries.
Steel mills in Hamilton and Sault Ste. Marie face steep challenges finding new markets. Currently, two of Southern Ontario’s eight auto assembly plants are not rolling any product off the line. Northern Ontario logging and saw mills, which supply homebuilding, are paying the price for both Trump’s tariffs and Ford’s housing collapse.
 By Pepper Parr
September 26th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
Ontario has an organization called the Property Tax Alliance (PTA)
 When they learned that the Alberta government had tasked its municipalities with limiting property tax increases, they jumped on that bandwagon and went after the Ontario Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs, asking that it do the same thing in Ontario.
The PTA is asking its members to write or contact the Hon. Rob Flack, your MPP and your municipal Councillors.
Ask them to follow Alberta’s lead and get Ontario municipal property tax increases back down in line with inflation (using annual inflation as a proxy for the growth in incomes). Tell them to address the growing property tax affordability crisis in Ontario.
Tell them you want much greater efficiency and effectiveness in your municipal government’s operations.
Tell them to dramatically reduce the ever-growing lists of costly discretionary and nice-to-have municipal services. They need to get back to basics.
Our municipalities don’t have revenue problems – they have spending problems.
 The number at the top of the 2026 Budget change column – 5.86% is how much taxes will be increased over what the 2025 tax rate was.
Ontario homeowners can’t afford the runaway costs of their municipal governments. Defaults and arrears are rising. Ontario municipalities have no competition. They are abject monopolies with absolute pricing power and no accountability. This is a recipe for disaster!
Burlington has had its property taxes increase by more than 40% during the term of office of the current city Council.
The disaster for Burlington has already taken place. Mayor Meed Ward is telling constituents that the tax increase for 2026 will be 5.8% – and that it could be higher.
By Samanthat Serle
September 25th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
As international students flock to Canada for higher education, many of them look for ways to ease the financial burden of tuition fees and living expenses. One effective solution is participating in work-study programs, which offer students the chance to earn money while gaining valuable work experience. These programs allow students to balance both earning and learning in a way that enhances their academic journey. As part of managing their time, some students may even consider using services that can help them stay on top of their academic workload, such as those offering to write my essay with attention to detail, ensuring that their assignments are polished while they manage work commitments.
What are Work-Study Programs?
 One of the most significant challenges students face is finding time to focus on their studies while working part-time. It is easy to feel overwhelmed, leading to burnout or declining academic performance. Work-study programs are designed to help students earn income by working part-time while they study. These programs are offered by various Canadian universities and colleges and provide students with the opportunity to work on or off-campus in positions related to their field of study. Not only do these programs allow students to support themselves financially, but they also offer opportunities to gain practical experience that enhances their resume and makes them more competitive in the job market after graduation.
Work-study programs often come with specific eligibility criteria. For example, they are typically available to full-time students who have demonstrated financial need. In some cases, students may be required to maintain a certain academic standing to participate. The hours are usually limited, allowing students to maintain a balance between their academic responsibilities and their work commitments.
Benefits of Work-Study Programs
- Financial Support
One of the primary benefits of participating in a work-study program is the financial support it offers. For international students, the cost of tuition and living expenses can be daunting. A work-study job can provide a steady income to help cover these costs, reducing the need for loans or financial assistance from family members. This financial independence can alleviate stress, allowing students to focus more on their studies.
- Gain Practical Experience
In addition to financial benefits, work-study programs offer valuable opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in their field of study. Many of these positions are closely related to the student’s academic program, which can help them apply the knowledge gained in class to real-world situations. This experience is not only beneficial for personal growth but also for enhancing future job prospects.
- Networking Opportunities
Work-study positions also provide students with the chance to build professional networks. Whether it’s connecting with professors, fellow students, or industry professionals, these connections can open doors to future career opportunities. Networking within the university or local community can be particularly useful for students who are planning to remain in Canada after graduation.
- Time Management Skills
Managing both academic work and a part-time job is an excellent way to develop time management skills. Students quickly learn how to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and balance different responsibilities. These skills are invaluable in the professional world, where the ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines is essential.
Challenges of Balancing Work and Study
While work-study programs offer many benefits, balancing work and academics can be challenging, especially for international students who may be adjusting to a new cultural and educational environment. Here are some common challenges that students face:
- Time Constraints
One of the most significant challenges students face is finding time to focus on their studies while working part-time. Many students find it difficult to strike a balance between their coursework, exams, and work shifts. Without proper time management, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed, leading to burnout or declining academic performance.
- Stress and Fatigue
Juggling academic responsibilities with a job can lead to increased stress and fatigue. Many students may find it difficult to get adequate rest, which can affect their mental and physical well-being. Lack of sleep and constant pressure to perform well both at work and in school can take a toll on a student’s health, impacting their ability to focus and perform optimally in their studies.
- Work-Study Balance
The key to success in a work-study program is finding a balance between work and study. Some students may struggle to maintain this equilibrium, leading to a negative impact on their academic performance or work output. For example, a student might feel compelled to work longer hours during exam periods, which can compromise the quality of their studying or lead to lower grades.
- Cultural and Language Barriers
International students, in particular, may face cultural and language barriers that affect their ability to perform well in both work and study. Adapting to a new culture and language can be challenging, and the added stress of a job may exacerbate these difficulties. For some students, finding a job in a different language or work environment can be a source of additional stress.
How to Balance Earning and Learning
 Get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and find ways to relax and unwind. While balancing work and study can be challenging, it is not impossible. Here are some strategies that can help students succeed in a work-study program:
- Plan and Prioritize
Effective time management is essential to success in a work-study program. Students should create a weekly schedule that allocates sufficient time for classes, study sessions, work shifts, and personal activities. By setting realistic goals and prioritizing tasks, students can stay organized and ensure they have time for both work and study. Additionally, students can use tools like calendars and task managers to keep track of deadlines and work schedules.
- Communicate with Professors and Employers
Open communication with both professors and employers is crucial. If a student feels overwhelmed, they should inform their professors or teaching assistants so they can seek additional support or extensions if necessary. Similarly, students should communicate with their employers about any upcoming exams or busy periods in their academic calendar, so work hours can be adjusted accordingly.
- Avoid Overworking
Although it can be tempting to take on extra shifts for financial reasons, students should avoid overworking themselves. Working too many hours can interfere with academic performance and overall well-being. It is essential to remember that academics should remain the primary focus, and the work-study position should not take precedence over coursework or exams.
- Make Use of Campus Resources
Many universities and colleges in Canada offer resources to help students manage the challenges of work-study programs. These may include counseling services, academic advising, time management workshops, and career services. Students should take advantage of these resources to improve their overall well-being and academic success.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is vital when balancing work and study. Students should ensure they are getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, exercising regularly, and finding ways to relax and unwind. Practicing mindfulness, yoga, or engaging in hobbies can also help reduce stress and improve focus.
Conclusion
Work-study programs in Canada offer a valuable opportunity for students to gain financial independence, work experience, and develop essential life skills. While balancing work and study can be challenging, with proper time management, clear communication, and a focus on self-care, students can successfully navigate the demands of both. The key is to ensure that academic success remains the primary goal while making the most of the opportunities work-study programs provide. By finding the right balance, students can gain the best of both worlds: a fulfilling academic experience and a rewarding work-life balance.
 By Pepper Parr
September 25th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Whatever happened to that postal service motto:
Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds”.
Citing “unsustainable” losses, stalled contract talks and dwindling numbers of Canadians sending letters, the federal government is giving Canada Post the go-ahead to end home delivery, close some rural post offices, and send mail by land instead of air.
 “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds”. In a press conference Thursday afternoon, federal minister for government transformation, public works and procurement Joël Lightbound is set to announce that he’s giving the Crown corporation 45 days to come up with a plan to implement the broad restructuring, which he called a necessary step to keep Canada Post alive.
“This situation is unsustainable. Canada Post is effectively insolvent, and repeated bailouts are not a long-term solution. Transformation is required to ensure the survival of Canada Post and protect the services Canadians rely on,” Lightbound said in a press release prior to his press conference.
The losses are more than the public purse can manage.
What’s missing here is a solid re-think of the ways we are going to communicate or send packages.
 This is the future for mail delivery – even this might not last. “Canada has changed. This means that areas that used to be rural may now be suburban or even urban, but are still required to operate as rural post offices,” said Lightbound. “Canada Post must return to the government with a plan to modernize and rightsize its network.”
The changes were all recommended by veteran mediator William Kaplan in a report delivered May 15 after he conducted an Industrial Inquiry Commission.
“For much of the past year, Canada Post has been laying the groundwork for massive service cutbacks. The Corporation has taken every chance it can to play up its financial condition, blaming an ‘outdated’ regulatory framework ‘built for a previous era,” said CUPW national president Jan Simpson.
All true – but listen to the words of Janis Joplin when she sang: “You don’t know what you’ve lost till its gone”
By Pepper Parr
September 25th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
We received the following from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU):
As America retreats from international cooperation under “America First” policies, Canada faces an unprecedented cybersecurity challenge. Our intelligence sharing is strained, law enforcement response slowed and cybercriminals are increasingly able to target Canadian critical infrastructure, businesses and people. The very frameworks that enable global law enforcement to combat sophisticated cybercrime are crumbling, and Canadians are paying the price.
 Is this a 2025 version of a “spook” school?  Looking ahead to October (Cybersecurity Awareness Month) Charles Finlay, Founding Executive Director of the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst at TMU and member of the Canadian Chamber’s Cyber Security Council, would like to speak with you on Canada’s cybersecurity crisis, and discuss:
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- How U.S. withdrawal from global frameworks and limits on information sharing are weakening the multilateral structures that make tackling cybercrime possible.
- Why are cybercriminals stealing hundreds of billions annually, targeting everything from power grids and hospitals to election systems is putting out democracy at risk.
- Canada’s opportunity to safeguard national interests and lead a new model of cybersecurity cooperation among democratic allies.
- The real-world consequences when multilateral cybersecurity efforts succeed — and when they fail.
TMU’s Public Relations Advisor asked if we were interested in speaking with Charles about how Canada can navigate this evolving cyber threat landscape and protect national security in a fragmented world, I’d be happy to coordinate.
We were indeed interested in an interview and put together some of the questions I wanted to ask:
How bad is it?
Could bad actors bring down the internet as we know it?
Do governments have backup systems in place? Recall that Rogers didn’t have a backup for their network when it was taken down
What can government do to prevent the scams taking place?
And what is AI going to do to what we have in place now?
 Instructor overseeing the work of a student at cybercrime class. TMU got a case of cold feet and sent us the following:
Thank you again for considering this. After some internal discussion, we won’t be moving forward at this time. I really appreciate your interest, and I’ll certainly keep you in mind for future opportunities.
I find myself wondering what it is that they don’t want us to know. We are in perilous times; sabre-rattling is increasing: the war that has been expected for some time has already started. This war will be an electronic event; drones and electronic warfare with signals being blocked. Probably very few boots on the ground.
 By Pepper Parr
September 25th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
UPDATED: Next budget meeting is on October 2nd.
Will the City of Burlington be able to recover what it has spent to date on setting up speed cameras?
Hood Question. Caren Burcher put that question to the Gazette and provided some data to show what the city has spent and budgeted.
Someone could put that question to Mayor Meed Ward when she holds her fifth community budget meeting on October 2nd.,
By Gazette Staff
September 25th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario government intends to introduce legislation next month that will ban the use of municipal automated speed enforcement cameras across the province, ensuring they are no longer used as a form of revenue. To improve road safety, the province will instead establish a new provincial fund to help affected municipalities implement alternative safety measures, including proactive traffic-calming initiatives like speed bumps, roundabouts, raised crosswalks and curb extensions, as well as public education and improved signage, to slow down drivers.
 This ranks right up there with the tunnel the Premier wants to build underneath the existing 401 highway. “At a time when governments at all levels should be doing everything they can to lower costs and make life more affordable, too many municipalities are using speed cameras as a cash grab,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Enough is enough. Instead of making life more expensive by sending speeding tickets to drivers weeks after the fact, we’re supporting road-safety measures that will prevent speeding in the first place, keep costs down and keep our streets safe.”
Since 2019, over 700 municipal speed cameras have been installed in 40 municipalities across Ontario, with more currently planned for installation in the coming months.
“Municipal speed cameras have become nothing more than a tool for raising revenue,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Our government is focused on measures that truly protect the safety of all Ontarians and we will continue working with municipalities to ensure Ontario maintains its position as one of the safest jurisdictions in North America.”
 The camera will catch you if you are speeding and you will be fined. If you don’t drive over the speed limit – there will be no fine. Where is the cash grab? If passed, this legislation will prevent the use of municipal speed cameras in Ontario immediately upon Royal Assent. The province will also introduce requirements for municipalities with existing speed cameras in school zones to install large new signs to slow down drivers by mid-November 2025, with permanent, large signs with flashing lights to be in place by September 2026. Municipalities will also be encouraged to implement alternative traffic-calming measures such as speed bumps, speed cushions, raised crosswalks, curb extensions and roundabouts, as well as enhanced signage and education and awareness campaigns.
“I thank Premier Doug Ford for providing clarity on the speed camera program and for his commitment to provide financial support for municipal traffic-calming measures,” said Steven Del Duca, Mayor of Vaughan. “Road safety will always be a priority and, in Vaughan, we will do everything possible to protect vulnerable road users. But we will also focus our attention on fighting real crime and going after real criminals.” |
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 By Gazette Staff
September 25th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
QP Briefing reports that: “A new public opinion poll finds Ontarians aren’t clamouring to eliminate school board trustees and are skeptical such a change would improve the education system.” More from CTV News:
“Abacus Data surveyed 2,000 Ontario residents on behalf of CUPE Ontario earlier this month. They find that only one in three respondents, 33 per cent, support doing away with elected trustees, while 36 per cent oppose the measure. Another 25 per cent are unsure.”
 Doug Ford: Everything is just fine. I won three elections – they love me. The NDP’s Education critic CHANDRA PASMA had this to say on those numbers: “It’s clear no one is buying what DOUG FORD is selling.
“Parents see right through this government’s blatant power grab and partisan games, and they know this government does not have our kids’ best interests at heart.”
Question for many people is: Will Doug Ford get rid of Speeding Cameras and school boards when the Legislature returns? And how is he going to respond to the reports expected in October from the provincial Auditor General?
With the provincial Liberals leaderless and NDP leader Marit Stiles, scrambling to recover from the disappointing 68% vote from the membership on her leadership – her focus is going to be rebuilding the NDP inner circle – three of the big positions are now open.
Don’t expect Doug Ford to change all that much in the immediate future. Unless that long-overdue RCMP report on the Greenbelt scandal gets released.
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