 By Pepper Parr
November 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The agenda for the Special meeting of a Committee of the Whole (COW), scheduled for 2:00 pm this afternoon might end up being closed.
Here is what the city has posted on the meeting agenda:
This item was referred from the Committee of the Whole meeting of November 4, 2025
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Endorse, in principle, the integration of all economic development and tourism services and operations into the City’s organizational structure, consistent with chief administrative officer report CAO-06-25. That Council endorse the staff recommendation, informed by an independent third-party review, to internalize Burlington Economic Development and Tourism (BEDT) functions into City’s structure to optimize existing resources, minimize duplication, enhance operational effectiveness, and align economic development and tourism with the City’s broader strategic priorities; and
 Curt Benson was the Commissioner of Development, then got upgraded to Chief Administrative Officer for a one-year term. He might not be around to manage the changes expected. Direct staff to work closely with BEDT’s Board of Directors to approve BEDT’s 2026 budget and to ensure continuity of operations and support during the transition recommended above. That Council direct Staff to engage and collaborate with key representatives of BEDT’s Board of Directors and members of its Finance & Risk subcommittee to facilitate the agency’s 2026 budget approval to support the integration of all economic development and tourism services and operations under the Chief Administrative Officer’s (CAO) Office by 2027. Concurrently, the annual funding designated for BEDT’s 2026 Service Agreement (SA) would need to be retained within the City‘s 2026 budget; and
Direct staff to develop a transition plan with a report back by April 2026 to outline deliverables for integrating economic development and tourism functions within the municipal organizational structure. That the Chief Transformation Officer (CTO) will lead the development and implementation of this plan, which should include key milestones, timelines, resource implications, and the proposed model to ensure effective oversight of the economic development function by Council; and
Direct the CAO to establish a strategic advisory group to provide strategic industry advice and guidance to the City that will inform the transition plan. That this group or committee, chaired by the CAO or designate, be established to leverage private-sector expertise without duplicating a formal board role. Key representatives from BEDT and its Board of Directors should also be invited to inform the transition plan, including efforts to minimize any disruption to ongoing economic development and tourism initiatives and to stakeholder relations during the changeover.
Confidential reports may require a closed meeting in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001. Meeting attendees may be required to leave during the discussion.
Confidential Appendix B to chief administrative officer report CAO-06-25 regarding findings from third party review of Burlington Economic Development and Tourism (CAO-06-25)
Pursuant to Section 239(2)(a) the security of the property of the municipality or local board; and
Pursuant to Section 239(2)(b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees; and
Pursuant to Section 239(2)(f) advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose
 By Joe Gaetan
November 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont resigned from the Conservative caucus to join the Liberals, a move that nudges Prime Minister Mark Carney closer to a majority government.
 Prime Minister Mark Carney and MP Chris d’Entremont. In Canadian politics, this kind of move isn’t new. From time to time, an elected member who ran under one party’s banner decides to “cross the floor.” One side pops the champagne, the other fumes. It’s the political version of a player switching teams mid-season, except the fans who bought the tickets don’t get a refund.
Crossing the floor always comes down to choice. A member can stay loyal to the party they ran for, sit as an independent, or, as d’Entremont just did, join another party altogether. Those who defend the move often say it’s about principle. Maybe the party changed. Maybe the leader lost their confidence. Maybe they believe they can do better somewhere else. Fair enough.
But here is another side to this story that rarely gets airtime: What about the people behind the scenes?
Every election campaign runs on an army of volunteers, ordinary folks who knock on doors in the rain, answer phones after work, deliver and collect lawn signs, and stay up until midnight as scrutineers making sure every vote is counted properly. Then comes election night, the hugs, the cheers, the victory speech, and the thank-you. Everyone there feels part of the winning team.
So when an elected MP decides to cross the floor, it’s not just their party that’s blindsided, it’s the very people who helped put them there. Were they given a heads-up? An explanation? Or did they find out on the evening news, coffee in hand, wondering what all that hard work was really for?
 Politics will always be a mix of principle and pragmatism. This image is the pragmatism angle. Politics will always be a mix of principle and pragmatism. But at the heart of it, what about the lost trust, what about the people who believed in you enough to give you their time, effort, and vote.
Standing up for your values is one thing. But crossing the floor sends a confusing message: are you standing on principle, or simply finding a more comfortable seat?
Maybe it’s time Canada and the Provinces took at a better look at how to handle this. When an MP of MPP, MLA,OR MNA changes teams, voters deserve a say. A simple rule should be: Holding a by-election. This would give constituents the final word. It would restore trust, show respect for the volunteers who made it possible, and remind every elected official who they really work for: us the people, not the party.
By Pepper Parr
November 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Council will meet this afternoon as a Committee of the whole (COW) to discuss just what they want to recommend to a full Council meeting on – what to do with the Burlington Economic Development & Tourism (BEDT) department, which is organized as a not-for-profit corporation.
 Burlington CAO Curl Benson, with less than three months as CAO under his belt has to deal with a messy situation. Council made public a devastating report from a consultant that recommends the organization be dissolved and the work they are doing be brought in-house: it would become a department that would report directly to the CAO. Currently that would be Curt Benson.
A portion of the Rubicon Strategy 20 page report is set out below:
The relationship between the City and BEDT is broken and leaving the current model in place risks further erosion of trust, wasted resources, and lost economic opportunities. T
The recommendation is to dissolve BEDT and bring the economic development and tourism functions into the City’s corporate structure.
To preserve the advantages of private sector expertise and business-facing credibility, an advisory council of business leaders should be established and chaired by the City Manager. This approach would deliver clearer accountability, better alignment with municipal priorities, and a unified vision for Burlington’s economic future, while still retaining a channel for private sector input.
In an increasingly competitive regional environment, Burlington requires not only strong ideas but also a governance model capable of delivering measurable results and maintaining public trust.
If the COW accepts that recommendation, BEDT will cease to exist sometime in 2027, and several careers will end.
Economic Development took on Tourism about a year ago and has only just begun to have an impact.
It’s a confusing story and an important one.
BEDT doesn’t get tied up with policy issues that take months to get worked out. The belief was that a not-for-profit would be both nimble and agile and be able to respond quickly to issues and opportunities. City Hall staff didn’t see BEDT the same way.
 Ron Laidman, Chair of the BEDT Board explains to Council that mergers are always messy and that bringing Tourism into Economic Development was a messy business. During the delegation last week, I watched members of the BEDT board explain how they operated: it was impressive. One of the Board members (they are all volunteers) works full-time in the office of the Provincial Auditor General. The people in that group are amongst the best the province has – for BEDT to attract that level of talent is very telling. There isn’t much at City Hall that compares favourably.
One Council member suggested that the issue was one of control with city hall wanting to take on tasks that it didn’t handle all that well in the past.
Tourism was a disaster – there was no focus, nothing that helped Burlington become a destination. BEDT had only just begun to create a tourism focus. That may not happen.
Council wasn’t able to complete the debate on this issue last week. Thus the special meeting this afternoon at 2:00 pm
 By Gazette Staff
November 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
This is not something Canada should be proud of.
 The measles outbreak in Canada and how we reacted to it has resulted in the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) advising the The Public Health Agency of Canada that it has lost its measles elimination status — a designation it has held since 1998.
PHAC said it is collaborating with the PAHO and working with the federal, provincial, territorial and community partners to implement co-ordinated actions. These include focusing on “improving vaccination coverage, strengthening data sharing, enabling better overall surveillance efforts, and providing evidence-based guidance,” the statement said.
 A severe case of measles. Canada has recorded more than 5,100 measles cases this year, the majority tied to the multi-province outbreak, according to the most recent federal data.
 By Tom Parkin
November 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
In October, Ontario lost 14,700 full time jobs and total hours worked fell by 20.7 million hours.
Though full-time employment fell by 14,700 jobs in October, Ontario’s unemployment rate dropped 0.2 points to 7.6 per cent due to a large increase in part-time employment, according to Statistics Canada’s October Labour Force Survey, released Friday.
Part-time work increased by 100,400 positions, offsetting the full-time job losses.
The trend to part-time work and a cut in average hours of full-time employees resulted in 20.7 million fewer paid work hours in October.
StatsCan estimated the total hours worked in October was 256.9 million, down from 277.6 million hours in September.
Ontario’s construction sector lost 3,000 more jobs in October, seasonally adjusted. Construction job losses now total 41,000 since an employment peak in 2023.
Despite falling job numbers, the Labourers Union continues to publicly praise the Ford PCs and very activity deflect corruption concerns over management of the government’s $2.5 billion Skills Fund, from which LIUNA has received tens of millions of dollars.
LIUNA representatives have characterized the opposition NDP’s questions about public fund misuse as an attack on workers. LIUNA recently withdrew from the Ontario Federation of Labour after the labour umbrella group raised concern about misappropriation of money intended for worker skills training.
Jobs in retailing rebounded in October after slumping to a 13 month low of 821,000 in September. Jobs rose by 23,000 to 844,300, but October employment in retailing remained the second-lowest over the past years and remains 5,300 jobs below levels of October 2024.
Retail sector employment strength is an indicator of affordability and consumer strength.
 By Gazette Staff
November 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Winter as seen by Teresa Seaton.
This view is about as good as it can get.
 By Pepper Parr
November 9th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
In Canada hockey has always prevailed.
The current culture of the game is in trouble.
 RICK WESTHEAD will be at the Burlington Public Library, Central Branch the evening of Wednesday November 12th, 7pm at the to discuss his book We Breed Lions.
He will be in discussion with Annette Hamm, fellow broadcaster and journalist.
Admission Free ~ Please Register HERE
Westhead, an award-winning, world travelling investigative journalist and Senior Correspondent for TSN, shares his views on what has been done to the game of hockey. He documents the harmful habits that now prevail and the damage thaty has resulted. You will hear his vision for change in :We Breed Lions.
Bruce Arthur, a well-known newspaper writer said the book is: “… a thorough, thoughtful, illuminating and necessary view into hockey’s darker corners…the stories are specific, and haunting…”
 By Gazette Staff
November 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Winter Break Camp at Joseph Brant Museum is for children aged 5-12 years and runs from 9:00am -4:00pm on December 22, 23, 29, 30 and January 2.
The cost is $55 per day (members receive 10% off).
Each day is a different theme filled with games, crafts and fun! Space is limited, pre-registration is required.
Email museumeducation@burlington.ca with any questions.
Book now – Click HERE
By Pepper Parr
November 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
There is an arms length organization with the abbreviation BED.
That got upgraded to BEDT.
What was the Burlington Economic Development Corporation became the Burlington Economic Development and Tourism Corporation.
They began to get on with doing what they were created to do.
In their Annual report for 2024 they reported:
 Annual report released in July of this year. Burlington Economic Development and Tourism is proud to announce the release of its 2024 Annual Report, capturing a transformative year of strategic integration, expanded programming, and record-breaking impact across sectors. Representing the first annual report following the amalgamation of Burlington Economic Development and Tourism Burlington, it reflects a strengthened, more coordinated approach to growing Burlington’s economy and elevating the visitor experience.
In 2024, the organization supported over 800 businesses, helped attract more than 300 new jobs, and recorded $524 million in visitor spending—a 26% increase over 2023.
But the wheels came off.
In the Executive Summary of the Rubicon report, prepared by a consulting company, the recommendation was to dissolve BEDT and bring the economic development and tourism functions into the City’s corporate structure, adding that the relationship between the City and BEDT is broken and leaving the current model in place risks further erosion of trust, wasted resources, and lost economic opportunities.
It’s quite a story. Council will be meeting in a Special session on Monday to determine what they should do.
The Gazette will provide a detailed outline on what happened at Council on Tuesday. It was not a pretty picture
Whatever they do – it will be expensive.
 By Ray Rivers
November 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
This may have been the most over-hyped budget ever. The consensus among many economists is it is neither as transformational nor as generational as the PM and his finance minister had billed it.
When an economy starts to go downhill as Canada’s has, it is government’s role to prime the pump. Stephan Harper did exactly that during the 2008 economic downturn with Mr. Poilievre in his caucus. And that is exactly what this budget does. The question many economists are asking is whether there is even enough priming given the challenges we face – whether Mr. Carney is being too cautious.
 We are just not ready for serious import substitution. Mr. Carney must feel it is too early for Canada to fully reciprocate by countering all of Trump’s tariffs. One factor is that Trump’s so-called emergency tariffs (his first ones tied to fentanyl and migration) are before the US Supreme Court. Were those tariffs to be ruled unconstitutional, the entire tariff apple-cart might be in play. Plus there might even be some compensation for us on the table. But don’t get your hopes up given the voting record of this highly partisan MAGA Supreme Court.
Second, all trade negotiations have been placed on hold ever since Ontario’s dysfunctional premier interfered in US domestic politics by playing those Reagan ads on US media. B.C. cancelled its planned ads on lumber trading once it saw the damage that Ford had done. And even the PM’s apology for the interference from one of his Team Canada premiers, has not brought Trump back to the table.
And third, we are just not ready for serious import substitution. It’s only been a few months since the tariffs landed. As an example, we are still importing US made beer cans despite the fact that the aluminum comes from Canada. So applying a tariff on US beer cans would just serve to raise the cost of beer – thus adding to inflationary pressure.
Fear of Inflation was the primary reason the Conservative opposition is claiming for voting against the budget. Somehow, Poilievre would be OK with $42 billion but not a $78 billion deficit. And somehow, the fear of recession and joblessness is of lesser importance than inflation. But then the Conservatives have almost never supported a federal Liberal budget over all the years.
 Poilievre has reverted to being Mr. Negativity again – using the same old negative attack dog antics. Besides, Poilievre has reverted to being Mr. Negativity again – using the same old negative attack dog antics which worked so well at eviscerating the previous Trudeau government. It’s little wonder that at least one MP has tired of this negativity and narrow-minded leadership and crossed the floor to join the Liberal camp.
Writing a budget in times like these is a balancing act. Maintaining the social safety net is critical to removing financial insecurity for Canadian consumers, since consumption is the antidote to recession. So pharmacare, dental care and child care are still in play despite the government shaving back the overall costs of its programs.
 Do Canadians want Carney to shift how he has tried to work with Trump? Canada is experiencing an economic crisis but most importantly there is also a crisis of confidence – in ourselves and our ability to rebuild a stand-alone Canada. Critics had warned at the time about entering into the kind of trade deal Mulroney had negotiated – warned about the inevitability of the outcomes we are seeing today. Still, we are fortunate that the USMCA has allowed us to avoid the full impact of Trump’s tariffs even if only until Trump finally squashes it next year.
I had been expecting more from this budget. It would have been good to see even more tax incentives and direct investment, particularly for small and medium business. Carney should have reactivated the digital services tax – money for nothing, a no brainer – which he cancelled in the naive and failed hope of expediting trade negotiations. And if Carney was really serious about new private sector investment why hasn’t he dropped the GST on Canadian made goods?
 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:
First Budget – Not Good Enough –
By Gazette Staff
November 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Santa Claus parade is returning to downtown Burlington Sunday, Dec. 7, from 2-4 p.m.
The parade will feature floats, community groups, costumed characters, the Burlington Teen Tour Band, Junior Redcoats and other marching bands. As always, Santa will be the grand finale of the parade.
 Back again. Families will sit on the curbs along New Street to watch the parade. Lots of floats and the Teen Tour Band. The parade will start at 2 p.m. at the corner of Drury Lane and New Street and will make its way downtown along New Street. The parade then travels north on Brant Street and finishes at St. John the Baptist Church on Brant Street at Blairholm Avenue.
Roads will close at varying times along the route and will re-open shortly after the final float has moved through and a clean-up has been completed. For the most updated information including the full parade route, visit Burlington.ca/Parade.
Residents living in the parade area are encouraged to plan ahead as there will be detours and delays.
Children are encouraged to bring letters for Santa, which will be collected by letter carriers from Canada Post along the parade route or dropped in area mailboxes. The Burlington Oldtimers Hockey Club will be collecting non-perishable food and monetary donations.
By Gazette Staff
November 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 This is what a swimming team is about. The Burlington Aquatic Devilrays (BAD) officially formalized their new executive Tuesday night, following a special meeting of the club on October 23, 2025, where 8 members were elected to the board. 1 additional member was appointed to the board at last night’s executive board meeting to round out the team.
The new board consists of:
- President – Karl Meissner-Roloff
- Executive Vice President – Zohair Khan
- Secretary – Karen Markowsky
- Vice President, Operations – Derek Streefkerk
- Vice President, Internal Affairs – Izabela Dombrovsky
- Vice President, Communications – Heather Drewett
- Vice President, External Affairs – Geraldine Guenot
- Treasurer – Anderson Chow
- Registrar – Aimee Hilson
- Head coach (ex-officio) – Sergei Soloukhin
 L to R (bottom row) – Zohair Kahn, Karl Meissner-Roloff, Heather Drewett, Geraldine Guenot, Karen Markowsky, Aimee Hilson, L to R (top row) – Sergei Soloukhin, Derek Streefkerk, Izabella Dombrovsky, Anderson Chow.
This event marks a new chapter for the Burlington Aquatic Devilrays (BAD), with our newly elected board is eager to build on the club’s strong foundation and drive future growth.
BAD will continue to be a vibrant and thriving swim club. With pool time at the Ron Edwards YMCA and city facilities, their athletes are training diligently every day.
The club recently hosted their annual Fall Invitational Swim Meet on November 1st and 2nd; it drew strong participation from BAD members and visiting clubs alike. The event was a tremendous success, made possible by the enthusiasm of our swimmers and the tireless efforts of our volunteers.
Recovering from the process that limited the amount of pool time is an ongoing process. Champions know how to win.
 By Pepper Parr
November 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Don’t say you didn’t know – admit that you have let it happen.
 The following from the December issue of The Atlantic, an American magazine that began publishing in 1857.
The social-media era is over. What’s coming will be much worse.
Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, in this same spirit, has began to suggest the idea that AI chatbots could fill in some of the socialization that people are missing.
 The social-media era is over. What’s coming will be much worse. Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, X, Reddit—all have aggressively put AI chatbots in front of users. On a podcast, Zuckerberg said that AI probably won’t “replace in-person connections or real-life connections”—at least not right away. Yet he also spoke of the potential for AI therapists and girlfriends to be embodied in virtual space; of Meta’s desire—he couldn’t seem to help himself from saying—to produce “always-on videochat” with an AI that looks, gestures, smiles, and sounds like a real person.
Meta is working to make that desire a reality. And it is hardly leading the charge: Many companies are doing the same, and many people already use AI for companionship, sexual gratification, mental-health care.
What Zuckerberg described—what is now unfolding—is the beginning of a new digital era, more actively anti-social than the last.
Generative AI will automate a large number of jobs, removing people from the workplace. But it will almost certainly sap humanity from the social sphere as well.
Over years of use—and product upgrades—many of us may simply slip into relationships with bots that we first used as helpers or entertainment, just as we were lulled into submission by algorithmic feeds and the glow of the smartphone screen. This seems likely to change our society at least as much as the social-media era has.
It gets through to you from a monitor or a cell phone screen – stop letting it in.
 By Gazette Staff
November 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Every young person has to see the Nutcracker at least once – preferably when they are very young and again as an adult.
The Nutcracker is a Canadian Tradition that is coming back to the Performing Arts.
Running on the Main Stage Tuesday, November 25th and Wednesday,November 27th – 7:30pm
Created by acclaimed choreographer Bengt Jörgen to Tchaikovsky’s well-loved score, this classic is a favourite that adds magic to the holidays. Born from a collaboration with Kleinburg’s world-renowned McMichael Canadian Art Collection, this iteration of The Nutcracker brings out the magic of the great white north. Iconic 20th-century landscapes make up the stunning 30-foot backdrops, including Franklin Carmichael’s Church and Houses at Bisset.
Audiences will be taken on Klara’s familiar, magical dream journey, but this time, she arrives in Canada and experiences winter landscapes filled with snowflakes, lumberjacks, Mounties, and creatures of the woods!
Don’t miss this delightful classic with a Canadian twist!
Tickets: HERE
By Gazette Staff
November 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Have you noticed the chill that is sometimes in the morning weather?
 When winter rolls in your pipes go to battle with the cold – and without the right prep, they rarely win.
Frozen and burst pipes are among the most common – and expensive – cold-weather emergencies. One small crack can leak hundreds of litres of water in a single day, causing thousands of dollars in damage to walls, floors and furniture.
During the winter many homeowners deal with preventable damage from frozen or burst pipes. Taking simple steps during the fall months can save homeowners from a worst-case scenario.
Prevention now can mean the difference between a cozy winter and a costly flood. Here are a few tips to get your plumbing winter-ready:
 Insulate exposed pipes – Pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics and garages are most vulnerable to freezing. Wrapping them in foam insultation or applying electric heating tape can prevent ice from forming inside.
Disconnect and drain outdoor water lines – Remove garden hoses from outdoor faucets, shut off the interior valve supplying the line and drain any remaining water. Leaving hoses connected allows water to back up into pipes and freeze, which can lead to cracks and burst fittings inside your home.Seal up cold drafts – Cold air entering through cracks, vents or gaps near plumbing can quickly lower pipe temperatures. Use caulking or insulation to seal openings around your pipes where they enter walls or floors – especially along exterior walls and foundations.
Know where your main shut-off valve is located – In the event of a burst pipe, shutting off the water immediately can prevent extensive flooding and property damage. Make sure all household members know how to locate and operate the main shut-off valve before an emergency occurs.
 Don’t forget outdoor drains and sump pumps – Clear debris from gutters, downspouts and sump pump discharge lines so melting snow and ice can drain properly. Clogged drains can lead to backups and basement flooding once the thaw begins.
It only takes one night of extreme cold for an unprepared home to be impacted. A bit of prevention goes a long way toward keeping your winter stress-free.
By Pepper Parr
November 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Minister of Finance François-Philippe Champagne stood for close to an hour accepting wave after wave of applause from the Members of the House of Commons.
He had them on their feet at least 25 times – probably more – it was difficult to count.
 The Members of the House of Commons were on their feet, applauding many times during the one-hour event.  Minister of Finance François-Philippe Champagne addressing the House of Commons What many do not realize is that the Members of the House would not have seen the budget until the Minister began speaking.
 Clerk delivering a copy to Members of the House. At that point, Clerks moved from desk to desk, handing each Member a copy of the Budget
Champagne was on his feet to assure Canadians that the government had a firm grip on dealing with the strains on the economy and just who Canadians are going to be trading with in the future.
 Champagne: “I made the shoes I am wearing.” A Canadian tradition is for the Minister of Finance to acquire a new pair of shoes. Champagne went one better than previous Minister’s of Finance. He flew to Saint-Tite, Quebec, (on a government jet) to a shoe manufacturing company makes footwear, and took part in making the pair of shoes he wore in the House.
The cost of the trip was never mentioned.
Champagne did say that the company made boots for the RCMP adding that the Members were surely jealous that they didn’t have such a nice pair of shoes.
During his speech, Champagne said the government was basically rebuilding Confederation to keep Canada Strong.
The budget will be given First reading today – and then the debate begins. Can a minority government (The liberals are two seats short of a majority) get its budget passed without the calling of a federal election if the budget does not have the confidence of the House of Commons?
 By Gazette Staff
November 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Community Foundation (BCF) announced the launch of a community campaign with the formation of a Housing Support Fund The goal is to raise $50,000 for two local housing initiatives and create a long-term investment in housing support for the Burlington community.
 The campaign, which will run from Nov. 5 to Dec. 31, has two giving goals:
1) Provide $25,000 each to housing initiatives from charitable organizations Wesley and Shifra Homes and
2) Establish a permanent Housing Support Fund at BCF that provides grants to charitable organizations annually. The Housing Support Fund has received a generous opening lead donation of $25,000 from Burlington residents and BCF fundholders Doug and Maryella Leggat.
 Megan Tregunno, CEO of the Burlington Community Foundation. “Housing is a complex issue, and there’s an urgent and growing need for housing assistance in Burlington,” said Megan Tregunno, CEO of the Burlington Community Foundation. “Our Housing Support Fund is a response to that.”
“Last year, Halton’s shelter system operated at 40% over capacity. Housing affordability was also identified as top issue in Burlington in the recent BCF Vital Signs research report. We know that through the generosity of collective action, we will be able to make a meaningful impact to help our neighbours in need.”
The fund will support Wesley’s Emergency Supportive Housing program in Burlington, which serves Halton residents and is the only emergency shelter for unhoused families and single women facing homelessness in the region.
“We are grateful for the support of the Burlington Community Foundation and the generosity of community members who understand the urgent and complex requirements around providing emergency housing support,” said Kristyn Bruce, Senior Director, Housing and Outreach Services at Wesley. “Unfortunately, the need continues to grow. One way these funds will help Wesley is to add bunk beds to rooms at our shelter so that we can keep larger families together during an already traumatic time.”
Shifra Homes is Halton’s only maternity residence. Mothers and babies are supported with wraparound services through pregnancy and the transition to independent living. The organization operates without funding from any level of government and is supported through the generosity of community members.
“Each year, the number of mothers and babies needing our support increases and it is through community generosity and partnership that we are able to meet those needs,” said Nancy Romic, executive director of Shifra Homes. “These funds will help us provide housing, mental health, and nutritional support, as well as contribute to the continued support of mothers and babies as they move on from Shifra to their own residences.”
Through the Housing Support Fund, community members can make a bigger impact, working together. Donations to the fund can be made through personal and holiday giving, employee campaigns, local fundraisers, and in honour of loved ones.
Businesses, community groups and individuals are welcome to contact the Foundation for more information on how they can support the fund at Info@BurlingtonFoundation.org or 905-639-0744.
HOW TO DONATE:
Online at
- Through Gifts of Securities (there is no capital gains tax on charitable securities gifts)
- Through a donor advised fund
- Credit card donation by phone – 905-639-0744 1
- By cheque payable to: Burlington Community Please contact BCF to arrange pick up or drop off due to mail disruptions.
ABOUT BURLINGTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Established in 1999, the Burlington Community Foundation is this city’s trusted philanthropic partner, and one of more than 200 community foundations across Canada. We manage charitable gifts from donors whose generosity allows us to create permanent, income-earning funds. Funds are then distributed as grants for charitable or educational purposes. To date, the Burlington Community Foundation has invested $12.7 million in people, projects, and non-profit organizations that strengthen Burlington and communities throughout Canada.
 ABOUT WESLEY: Wesley is a long-standing local non-profit, offering support for people experiencing poverty, homelessness, and barriers in the community. We provide programs and services to meet diverse community needs in Hamilton, Halton and Brantford. As a multi-service organization, we offer Children, Youth & Family Services, Housing & Homelessness Services and Newcomer, Employment & Community Services. Wesley’s services are possible through a broad base of funding support from government, business, foundations, groups and individuals.
 ABOUT SHIFRA HOMES: Shifra Homes is Halton’s only maternity residence. Mothers and babies are supported through pregnancy and the transition to independent living. The organization operates without funding from any level of government and is supported through the generosity of community members. In 2024, Shifra opened an additional residence, increasing its capacity to support 17 mothers and babies.
By Gazette Staff
November 4th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The following is the delegation that the Golden Horseshoe Aquatic Club made to City Council on Monday.
“Good afternoon, Mayor, Members of Council and city staff. My name is Cody Bradt. I’m honored to serve as the chief operating officer and Associate Head Coach of the Golden Horseshoe Aquatic Club (GHAC). It’s a privilege to stand before you again this afternoon and share the incredible progress our club has made and this community has made since we last met.
“I’m thrilled to tell you that competitive swimming in Burlington is busy, vibrant, diverse and inclusive. We are off to a booming start, even with the delays caused by the legal matter that followed the RFP process.
“Despite those setbacks, programs have launched with extraordinary momentum. Today, we have over 250 Burlington youth aged five to 18 swimming in city owned facilities from introductory levels all the way to high performance. We also have 179 Burlington residents registered as officials, volunteering their time to support our sport and ensure fair competition in our first month of operation in City of Burlington, owned facilities. again, demand was so high that we had to request additional lifeguards at every single one of our practice hours.
“And today, more than half of our practices have wait lists. That is a good problem to have. Burlington families are eager to participate, to belong, to be part of something positive, inclusive and athlete centered. And here’s a statistic that I’m especially proud of in this 2025 2026 season, we have had zero transfers out of our age group programs, not one. That level of retention and satisfaction is almost unheard of in competitive swimming or sports in general. It shows the trust our families have in our coaches and the excitement our athletes feel about being a part of G hack.
 Cody Bradt “Now I know the question of critical aquatic infrastructure is one we’ll have to tackle another day, and we remain committed to being a constructive part of that conversation. But these numbers clearly show the demand and enthusiasm for swimming here in Burlington. Since I last stood before you, our coaching staff have continued to lead and represent Burlington in the Golden Horseshoe with excellence. They’ve completed more training, earned provincial recognition and presented at Ontario’s largest swim conference. I want to highlight one coach in particular, Colleen Ben, a Burlington resident and longtime member of the Burlington swimming community. She was recognized by Sim Ontario as a world class coach for guiding an athlete to a top 15 world ranking. She also presented on the main stage about effective coach leadership, showing that Burlington’s coaches are leaders far beyond our local pools. I too had the opportunity to present and serve on a panel at that same conference, sharing insights on inclusivity, collaboration and athlete centered development from my experience coaching team Ontario at the Canada Summer Games. These are not just Burlington stories. These are our stories, and they demonstrate the caliber of excellence that exists right here, in this community and has for well over a decade.
“I’d like to address the process that brought us all here. We followed the stipulated RFP process, the same process we respected in prior years. It was open, transparent and thorough. When we were unsuccessful in 2020 we respected that outcome and moved forward. We were successful this time in the youth bid. We are proud and excited to begin what came after, however, it was painful and unnecessary. Without revisiting every detail, because I can’t. I want council to know that we were asked by the city to give up some of the rights we had earned through the RFP process, rights awarded through a fair process, in order to reduce the tension within the community. That was not an easy task, but we agreed, because we believed unity was more important than division.
“Let me also remind council that we were again unsuccessful proponents of a swimming RFP. We did not win the adult bid. We participated in good faith. The city made its decision, and just as before, we accepted that result without question, because that is what it means to respect a fair, transparent process. I asked council to review the Bellamy report following the Toronto inquiry, which established the recognition recognized best practices for public procurement.
“With this foundation, procurement decisions should be based solely on the merits of the submission and keep political influence out. Let me remind Council of a quota shared with you months ago, one published in 2020, regarding this very RFP process, procurement and purchasing decisions are best made on value for service and not political influence. Those words were true then, and they remain true today. I do want to take a moment to recognize city staff, everyone we interacted with, from procurement to leadership to aquatics, each individual we engaged with was professional, responsive and understanding. We know they were doing their jobs, following the direction they were given. We appreciate their diligence throughout this process. We followed the process then, and we continue to follow it now.
“I also want to address the misinformation that has circulated in the media and online. There have been false claims made about our organization, claims that are simply untrue. The Golden Horseshoe Aquatic Club has been a part of this community for over 15 years. We have run Burlington we have run programs in Burlington facilities long before the first RFP ever took place. In fact, there are old contracts still on file with the city, predating far before 2020, showing our long-standing partnership. We didn’t suddenly arrive in Burlington. We have been serving this community faithfully for more than a decade and a half. Unfortunately, some media commentary has painted a misleading picture, one suggesting we’re outsiders. This is not only untrue. It’s unfair to the athletes, families, staff and your constituents that call Burlington home, as we all know, Burlington, Hamilton and surrounding communities are deeply interconnected. We share census, data, infrastructure, recreation and workforce. Businesses based in one municipality often serve families across many. A perfect example of this, the Burlington Gazette, one of the news outlets most active in covering this story, is actually based in Hamilton, just off of John Street South.”
(The Gazette once had an office in Hamilton; that was closed in 2021.)
“This is just a reflection of how our region truly works. We are not defined by postal codes, but by service commitment and community. Our club operates in that same spirit, proudly serving Burlington and Golden Horseshoe families contributing to the broader sporting fabric of the GTHA.
 “Finally, I need to address one last matter, the Golden Horseshoe Aquatic Club itself became the subject of a formal complaint filed with Swim Ontario by a member of this community questioning our right to operate and offer programs within Burlington. While I am not at liberty to release those reasons without the express permission of Swim Ontario, we were completely vindicated, and our right to offer services in this community was validated. Swim Ontario, the governing body for the sport and its dispute resolution office, determined that the Golden Horseshoe Aquatic Club has every right to operate here in Burlington, and that our work is in full compliance with all provincial standards, regulations and requirements. This decision reaffirmed what we have known all along, that our organization has acted in good faith within all proper frameworks and always with the best interests of Burlington athletes and families at heart that process, though difficult, brought closure and it validated the trust that hundreds of Burlington families have already placed in us.
“We are proud to continue building a positive, inclusive and thriving swimming community here in Burlington and across the Golden Horseshoe as council now considers this RFP process and if it needs to be referred to the audit committee for review.
 Cody Bradt addressing Council earlier this year. “I ask you to consider this: was the process unfair, or was the unsuccessful bidder simply louder? This time, the city is not responsible for the viability of any corporation other than its own. To date, the city has spent 10s of 1000s of dollars in staff and time resources on this topic, one that serves fewer than 1500 constituents. We, too have spent 1000s of dollars of our own resources as a direct result of Council’s involvement in matters tied to the legal proceedings.
“It is time for us to move forward, to find closure on this topic and to focus on what truly matters – that Burlington youth have places to swim, grow and thrive. There is space for everyone. Let me remind you that we voluntarily gave up pool time that we had rightfully won so that our competitor could continue offering similar programming as requested by the city. We did this in good faith, in the spirit of cooperation and with the hope of putting this matter behind us once and for all. Within our organization, competitive swimming is not only alive, it’s thriving. We are ready to move forward together with respect, collaboration and with our focus where it belongs, on the athletes and families and the constituents we all serve. Thank you for your time.”
Collaborating with GHAC proved very difficult for the Gazette. We reached out on several occasions – never got a response. When we did get a response, it was from their legal counsel asking if we were interested in doing an interview. We were, until we learned that it was to take place in the lawyers offices inHamilton and that the lawyer would be attending.
We took a pass on that opportunity, but did say we would meet with GHAC people at their pool at McMaster University anytime.
They took a pass on that opportunity.
Relayed news story:
BAD puts its case before City Council
By Gazette Staff
November 4th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
This holiday season, United Way Halton & Hamilton is inviting community members to make a meaningful difference through its annual Holiday Helping Hand program. The initiative brings people together to brighten the holidays for local families, seniors, and individuals who are struggling to make ends meet.
 Now open for registration, the program offers multiple ways to give back, whether through donations, teamwork, or volunteering, making it easy for anyone to spread kindness and joy this season.
Participants can:
Adopt a Family – Sponsor a local family and provide gifts and grocery cards so they can enjoy a warm and dignified holiday celebration together.
Host a Gift Drive – Rally your friends, coworkers, or community group to collect toys, stocking stuffers, or gift cards for families and individuals who might otherwise go without.
Build Kits – Assemble themed kits such as Baby Supply Kits, Household Basics Kits, or Period Promise Kits to meet urgent community needs.
Volunteer – Sign up for hands-on opportunities with local agencies to directly support those who need it most.
Registration is open until Friday, December 5, 2025, with donation drop-offs taking place at United Way Halton & Hamilton’s Community Donation Warehouse in Burlington on December 8 and 9 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“The holidays can be especially difficult for families facing financial strain,” said Brad Park, President and CEO, United Way Halton & Hamilton. “Holiday Helping Hand gives people a meaningful way to connect with their community and make a lasting impact.
Every gift, kit, or volunteer hour helps ensure that everyone across Halton and Hamilton can experience the joy and dignity of the season.”
 Participants often describe the program as one of the most rewarding parts of their year, a reminder of the power of community and compassion. Many workplaces use it as a team-building opportunity, while families take part to teach children about empathy and gratitude.
All gifts and donations collected through Holiday Helping Hand stay local, supporting United Way funded agencies and programs that provide essential items and support services during the holidays and throughout the year.
Those interested in getting involved can learn more and register at https://uwhh.ca/events/hhh/.
 By Juan Beas
November 4th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Over the years, digital connectivity has become a way to help transform users’ experiences and lives while providing them with knowledge of different communities. It is only limited by infrastructure and geography, as many of these regions across Canada are now using multiple digital platforms that provide users with various game options alongside movies and music. In comparison, there is also internet access given to the members alongside northern residents that are slowly discovering a whole different world of gaming where everything is at members’ fingertips, ranging from virtual events to streaming platforms to low wagering casino platforms and many other digital entertainment options.
 Whitehorse, a northern Canadian community, now has good internet speed – they have always had Northern Lights. . The Growth of Connectivity in Remote Regions
For decades, there have been various barriers to digital entertainment among individuals based in northern Canada, and they were limited to a certain internet speed. At the same time, there was also a sparse population, which offered members a challenging terrain option and made it much more difficult to provide faster internet connectivity.
Apart from the multiple advancements that have been made in the industry, the satellite internet also provides users with multiple broadband initiatives given by the government, and that was only done to bridge the gap. There is also much more enhanced connectivity for the users, allowing the residents to stream and engage in various things, such as online education.
There is also a newfound reliability option for the members that has opened a new door and is providing members with multiple different entertainment options that include both online casinos and digital gaming options.
The Appeal of Digital Entertainment in the North
For the northern residents of the country, digital platforms are not just offering fun but also inclusion. Multiple services are given to these users that are bridging these gaps and creating peace among the people. Streaming services are also there for users to provide them with global media, offering them a community and further engagement.
Casual and social gaming have gained significant popularity. Mobile-friendly, puzzle-focused games, and online casino choices offer easily accessible fun for those seeking brief, captivating experiences after a long day at work or during chilly winter nights. At the same time, there has also been an increase in low wagering casino platforms, making the digital gaming platforms much more appealing for the players and offering them much more value in all financial aspects.
Why Low Wagering Casinos Are Gaining Popularity
 These platforms also offer multiple promotions and bonuses with significantly less playthrough requirements. How did the concept of low wagering casinos come back into charge since they are slowly helping Canadian players to take part in different areas, offering them financial mindfulness and affordability? While these platforms also offer multiple promotions and bonuses with significantly less playthrough requirements, the players would not have to spend much. They could still gamble on their favourite game.
A lot of the northern players are unaware of these concepts and the different online casino sites; hence, it provides them with an approach that is much more comfortable and offers them the option of digital gaming. It also reduces the risk of exploring games like roulette, slots, and blackjack while giving them significant financial pressure.
While there is also a balance between safety and accessibility, which has been maintained among the low wagering casinos, which are also deemed a natural fit for the users of the communities, as it provides them with much more fun.
 Beyond Casinos: A Broader Digital Lifestyle
As digital entertainment increases its fold in the north, apart from gaming, multiple things have come into the mix, such as online workshops, virtual concerts and various streaming platforms which provide both members such a lifeline. At the same time, many different artists and organizations offer users multiple platforms that can help to reach a much bigger audience for the members.
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