 By Pepper Parr
July 31st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Every time I bump into Gary Carr, Chair of the Region of Halton, I usually have some questions for him
But before I can get as much as a word in Gary will say: “Gee Pep, you’re looking great. And you’ve still got all your hair.” I try to squeeze in a question and Gary turns – I’m running late – gotta go – but keep in touch.
 Gary Carr as a goal tender. You have to keep in mind that Gary was a hockey player – he stood between the pipes as the goalie and kept the puck out.
On the few occasions that I got anything past Gary, it was usually a it was an easy question – seldom did I get anything substantive past him
I’ll keep trying.
I wanted to know why he let Regional Council go into a CLOSED session to discuss the shutting down of the Regional Heritage Services unit.
To be fair to Gary, didn’t actually chair the meeting at which all this happened. He attended virtually and had a Council member serve as Chair. She did a good job.
The Heritage Services unit doesn’t spend more than $750,000 a year; that’s less than peanuts for an organization with a $1.2 billion budget.
 The last time I was able to talk to Gary Carr was at a Sound of Music event. Couldn’t get the time of day out of him. I’d like to ask him what the thinking was behind the move. The Staff report doesn’t answer that question – it just lists what the inventory is and how it wants to dispose of it all.
Nothing wrong with that – but why in secret?
Does it have anything to do with the land the building is on? The building is part of the Kelso Park operation which is a Conservation Halton operation that, until 16 months ago, was under the thumb of current Burlington CAO Hassaan Basit who is moving on to the provincial government on August 2nd.
The job Basit walks into, didn’t exist before he was hired, is to oversee environmental issues.
 The land the Heritage Services offices are on is believed to be owned by Conservation Halton. A request to the provincial Ombudsman might bring something to the surface, but there is a limited amount of time – the Region wants to get rid of everything by the end of the year.
 By Pepper Parr
July 31, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Has he decided to buy one?
Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna test test-driving his newest form of transportation.
Can it be described as a photo-op?
 By Aria Wilson
July 31st, 2025
BURLINGTON ON
Our world is a changing place. With the introduction of mental health destigmatization comes tough realities. This is one of many stories of a family changed by the devastating impacts of negative mental health. This is the story of my family.
It was the end of the school year in 2020. I thought that I was just going to get a two-week break from school. While I enjoyed the time spent online, playing games with my friends, it never occurred to me that the adults and loved ones in my life were slowly beginning to feel more alone, more isolated from the world around them. With the virtual shift caused by the COVID-19 pandemic came job losses and a decline in communication with people who you loved. Sometimes a difference of opinion was enough to tear people apart at such a troubling time.
I often come back to the pandemic when I think of the causes of the uptick in mental health problems lately, especially in more mature demographics. According to the World Health Organization, global levels of anxiety and depression increased twenty-five per cent in the first year of the pandemic. I wonder if perhaps the lack of in-person interaction was enough to cause some of the cases. I know that this certainly contributed to my story.
 It wasn’t until a couple of years later that the problems for my family came to the surface. At this time, a member of my family had already been struggling with his physical health for several years. He had slipped a disc in his spine, a painful and debilitating injury. Through countless doctor’s visits, several neurology appointments, and seemingly endless surgeon consults, nothing had been done to change the situation this individual faced.
Due to hospital systems being overworked and overbooked, surgery continuously got pushed further. The longer we waited, the more it started to feel like we would never get the chance to see change. I think this is when my family member’s mental health began to dwindle.
Losing hope by the minute, there seemed to be very little that could be done for our family. Other than occasional spinal injections that do little but numb the spine, mobility became even more of a challenge and limited this individual’s connection to the world.
 Left: Eric Vandewall, president and CEO of Joseph Brant Hospital; Michael Paletta; launched the For All Minds campaign with a $5-million donation from Michael and Laura Paletta towards a $20-million community fundraising goal. It all came to a head when my family member was admitted to the hospital in the Inpatient Mental Health Unit. With all the physical strain that had not been resolved, a mental toll had ultimately overtaken the problems plaguing my family member.
The first time we admitted him to the hospital, he only spent a night before he came home. I believe this was a mistake, as he had to return to the hospital no more than a week later.
While the programs available in the hospital were helpful during his stay, we found little communication and follow-up after his visits, leading to a cycle of short stays at home, followed by the necessity to return to the hospital.
We have finally, after more than five stays in the mental health unit, found a day program to assist the family member’s mental health. And still, to this day, he has not received any notice of available surgery for mobility complications.
I do not place blame on the hospital systems; I know that staff have truly cared for my family and want to see my family member get better.
If nothing, let my story serve as a reminder to spend time with your family, teach them new ways to interact with each other and stay active, and certainly don’t take any of your time together for granted.
 Aria Wilson will return to Carlton University in September to begin her second year as a journalism student
 By Jeannie Løjstrup
July 31st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
According to statistics, more than 35% of Canadians actively participate in online gambling. By 2026, the local market is projected to grow to $5.6 billion in security. That is why security and regulation play an important role in the best online casinos Canada at DealGamble to ensure safety. In Canada, inspections are actively carried out by authorized bodies, and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and the Kahnawake Gaming Commission are working.
At the same time, there are still unlicensed online casinos. They expose users to numerous risks. Such sites do not adhere to the terms of transparent and safe gambling, and often use illegal mechanisms and fake results. That is why it is very important to distinguish such casinos and choose only reliable sites for playing.
Risks of Playing at Non-Licensed Online Casinos
Unlicensed online casinos often offer tempting bonuses and fewer restrictions for their players. However, such sites carry greater risks, which leads to losses and complications. Without special supervision, casinos are not allowed to conduct gaming activities. In Canada, these tasks are handled by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission and other qualified organizations.
Please note the following key risks of unlicensed online casinos in Canada that you must be aware of:
All these signs indicate that unlicensed online casinos carry many risks for players. This is why it is recommended to avoid sites if you are not sure of their reliability.
Comparing Licensed vs Non-Licensed Platforms
When evaluating online casinos in the Canadian market, several key factors are essential to consider to avoid encountering an unsafe site. In the table below, you can see the characteristics of licensed and unlicensed online casinos.
| Feature |
Licensed Casino (e.g., AGCO) |
Non-Licensed Casino |
| Regulatory Oversight |
Yes |
No |
| Fairness Audits (e.g., eCOGRA) |
Regularly conducted |
Rare or absent |
| SSL Encryption |
Standard for all transactions |
Often missing or outdated |
| Responsible Gambling Tools |
Deposit limits, self-exclusion |
Usually unavailable |
| Dispute Resolution |
Regulator or third-party support |
No formal process |
| Transparency of Terms |
Clear and accessible |
Often vague or misleading |
| Data Privacy Compliance |
GDPR or equivalent standards |
No guaranteed protections |
| Payout Reliability |
Timely and regulated |
Delays or refusal possible |
Assessing all these characteristics, you can understand that a licensed online casino is much better than unlicensed sites. When choosing, it is very important to conduct a thorough check to avoid the risk of running into scammers.
Safer Alternatives: Best Online Casinos Canada Choice
 Choose a safe online casino Choosing a safe online casino is a must for Canadian users who want to have a pleasant gambling experience. When choosing a site, pay attention to the following parameters:
- The site must be licensed by a trusted organization that has the appropriate certification.
- Find out if the site uses encryption algorithms for users’ personal data.
- Responsible gaming tools. Find out if it is possible to set deposit limits or use the self-exclusion function.
- Payment security. Local payment methods (Interac, cryptocurrencies, bank cards) must be available.
Carefully check any available information in order to protect yourself and use safe gambling services.
To summarize, unlicensed online casinos often lure players with attractive conditions and effects. It is important to understand that without proper regulation, the site cannot provide a safe gaming environment. Canadian players should carefully check the selected casino and rely only on proven solutions.
By Pepper Parr
July 30, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
There is an organization that spends all its time educating the people of Ontario about the government’s failures in the public health sector. It is The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) , a network of more than 500 grassroots community organizations representing virtually all areas of Ontario.
 The Coalition has begun to make a difference. They have been working for a number of years on a massive community outreach. They found that their efforts a couple of years ago to reach more than a million people with leaflets made a very significant difference. They explained why privatization is the destruction of our public health care and highlighted what the Ford government is doing. It took literally thousands of volunteers across the province to make this happen and you can see the results in the polls.
All across Canada, people oppose health care privatization but in Ontario the polls show that the support for public health care and opposition to its privatization are the highest in the country – by a significant margin. This is our collective effort and it is the most powerful bulwark against the erosion of our public health care that we can levy.
During the past year the OHC challenged themselves to set a goal of reaching two million Ontarians directly with leaflets opposing health care privatization. They managed to reach more than 900,000 last spring and more than 140,000 during the election period. They are continuing this effort by launching a petition campaign this summer calling on the Government of Canada to uphold and enforce the Canada Health Act and to stop the Ford government from violating it in the private clinics.
 In the fall, they will issue a new leaflet with a goal of reaching every doctor, nurse, health professional and health care worker in Ontario. We will also have one for the general public. We know that the more people understand what is happening, the more they support the fightback.
As you know, this has been a tough government. They do what they can get away with. It is our job to create a political context such that it is impossible for them to dismantle and privatize our public health care. Now, with a new term and a majority government, that task is much more difficult. However, nothing is impossible.
The OHC held a Day of Action at the Legislature in May for those communities with small and rural hospitals at risk and demanded the government stop the closures of emergency departments and vital hospital service closures. We had more than 150 people filedl the Public Galleries at the Legislature, held meetings with politicians and joined a press conference. The Minister of Health was forced to answer non-stop questions in the Legislature, demanding that she take action on this issue.
 The people of Ontario want to keep their public health care system – they need some help. In June we got a major front-page media story in the Toronto Star featuring patients who have been extra-billed in private clinics illegally. We followed this with formal complaints from 50 patients, complete with receipts and proof of payment, to the federal and provincial government to get them to enforce the Canada Health Act in Ontario. We called on the Ontario government to reimburse patients charged for medically necessary services at the private clinics and we called on the federal government to uphold the Canada Health Act and enforce it against the Ford government. We will be following up on that work in the fall.
This is just a sample of what the OHC has done and will continue to do to ensure that this government is held accountable and feels the pressure to improve their record.
They are now asking people to consider making an automatic donation monthly. It doesn’t have to be a lot, everything makes a big difference. The OHC can only do what they can afford to do and that depends entirely on donations and memberships.
This is where you give your financial support;
By Pepper Parr
July 30th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The plot thickens.
In a CLOSED session, the Halton Region Council decided to close the Heritage Services Unit in January of 2026.
The Heritage people oversee a collection of 30,00 items.
About 18,400 “objects”: Tools, uniforms and clothing, furnishings, personal and medical items, communication devices, natural history specimens, archeological finds, and artworks.
About 3,100 photographs.
About 13,000 archival materials: Maps, documents and other materials.
 Ground floor is used for meetings and events, museum is on the second floor. The 2023 budget for Heritage Services $630,000; in 2024 it was $657,000, and in 2025 it was $682,000
These amounts were not a strain on a Regional budget of $1.2 billion.
There are three full-time Heritage staff members, and one vacant full-time position. There are no part time Heritage staff.
Other than the cost of storing the collection, there do not appear to be any other costs.
So why shut it down? And why do it in secret?
Bits and pieces of information are beginning to come in.
This is a story worth following.
Related news story:
Heritage Services to be shut down
 By Pepper Parr
July 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
There is some movement on the swimming pool front.
A Zoom call will take place tomorrow with two people from Burlington Aquatic Devilrays (BAD) on one end and city officials on the other.
On the same day, the BAD folks will open up registration for the 2025-26 season.
Let’s see if the city has figured out how to do the right thing.
 This is what it is about – swimming, not two clubs battling it out over the use of city swimming pools.
 By Gazette Staff
July 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
UPDATE: The price is $125 each (plus Eventbrite fee). They usually get close to the maximum number – so buy soon! It’s rain or shine – there are large tents for seating and eating and all vendors are under canvas too.
Sitting at a table in Spencer Smith Park on a sunny day, enjoying a fine meal is about as good as it gets.
Get your tickets HERE Take friends with you
 By Gazette Staff
July 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON,
Canadian Blood Services is calling on all donors with O-negative type blood to donate as soon as they can. O-negative blood is vital in emergency care, because it is compatible with all blood types, and can be given to any patient. When seconds count, and there is no time to check blood types, hospital patients receive O-negative blood – the universal blood type.
 Only 7 per cent of people in Canada have O-negative blood. This is a small percentage with a huge impact. That’s why it is so important that people with O-negative blood donate regularly, if they can.
If you know that your blood is O-negative, Canadian Blood Services is asking you to book an appointment or come to a donor centre today. It’s likely that someone in your family also has O-negative blood, so you can double your impact by inviting them to join you.
Hospitals have the blood they need today, but that could change if appointments aren’t filled. Demand is high for O-negative blood this summer, so O-negative donations are needed right away to keep the supply strong. Come to a donor centre today or book an appointment at your earliest opportunity. If you’ve already booked your appointment, please honour it, or rebook if your schedule changes.
While O-negative donors are especially needed right away, donors of all types are encouraged to make a plan to donate this summer. You will find out what your blood type is after your first donation.
Visit blood.ca or download the GiveBlood app to find a location near you. If you’ve never donated before, there is no better time to discover the profound sense of purpose and connection you feel when you donate blood.
Be part of something that matters and experience what you get when you give. Book now on blood.ca, use the GiveBlood app or call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283).
By Pepper Parr
July 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
In a report that was CONFIDENTIAL and later made public the Region of Halton made it known that it would cease delivering heritage services as of January 1, 2026.
All this was done during a CLOSED session of Regional Council on July 9th.
There was nothing on the agenda about the matter, there is no mention in the minutes on this matter.
The Region is “deaccessioning: (their word, not mine) and dispersing items from the Region’s collection of 30,000 historical artifacts and archives.
The Collection consists of artifacts, archival materials, and photographs and includes artifacts like tools and equipment, uniforms and clothing, furniture, personal items, medical tools and equipment, communication tools and equipment, natural history specimens, archaeological materials, works of art, and other miscellaneous items.
Halton Region communications specialist Isabel Contin shared more details with CBC Hamilton about what the collection includes. She said there are:
About 18,400 “objects”: Tools, uniforms and clothing, furnishings, personal and medical items, communication devices, natural history specimens, archeological finds, and artworks.
About 3,100 photographs.
About 13,000 archival materials: Maps, documents and other materials.
The recommendations in Confidential Report directs Regional staff to:
- deaccession the historical Collection in its entirety;
- disperse the deaccessioned items from the Collection;
- • work with the Local Municipalities and local community heritage organizations to address any impacts or opportunities resulting from these changes.
Pending approval from Council to deaccession the Collection in its entirety, Regional staff will implement a process for dispersing the Collection – that is, removing these items from the Region’s ownership and responsibility.
In undertaking this work, Regional staff will make every effort to continue public ownership of the items and to keep the items located within Halton.
Dispersal approaches that result in Halton residents gaining greater access to and value from the Collection’s items will be prioritized.
 A historical bicycle, seen here on display at the Mattamy National Cycling Centre in Milton, is among the 30,000 items in the Halton Heritage Services collection that will need new homes. (Submitted by Meredith Leonard) In undertaking this process, the Region will observe and adhere to all relevant ethical guidelines and accepted museum standards, practices, and procedures, including the Deaccessioning Guidelines produced by the Canadian Museums Association. Regional staff will also review and address all legal considerations related to deaccessioning, including undertaking due diligence to ensure no restrictions are in place for donated items. Thorough documentation and record-keeping will ensure transparency and accountability.
The approaches to dispersing items from the Collection, in order of priority/preference, are discussed below.
Transfer to Willing Organizations
The primary and preferred approach to dispersing items in the Collection will be transfer to a willing Local Municipality, institution, agency, or organization within Halton. This approach is consistent with the goals of maintaining public ownership and presence in Halton, and increasing the value provided to Halton residents.
As part of the review process, stakeholder interviews identified organizations with a potential interest in receiving items from the Collection. These were initial discussions, and no formal agreements were made. However, for illustrative purposes, potential partners could include Conservation Halton, the Halton Regional Police Service, Royal Botanical Gardens, Country Heritage Park, the Milton Historical Society, the Local Municipalities, and local libraries. Transfers to these organizations would be strictly voluntary and will differ based on the level of interest and how items from the Collection align with their individual mandate and capacity.
While transfer to a willing partner within Halton is the preferred approach, this may not always be necessary, appropriate, or possible. For example, there may be items that lack a clear connection to Halton’s heritage or that have a broader heritage value. In these cases, transfer to organizations outside Halton may be considered.
 Halton Heritage Services staffers created this historical display for the Mattamy National Cycling Centre in Milton, Ont., as part of their outreach work in Halton Region institutions. The department will be shuttered at the end of the year. (Submitted by Meredith Leonard) In cases where an immediate opportunity for transfer is not identified, the dispersal approaches discussed below will also be considered. In some instances, the dispersal approaches below may not be suitable. This could occur where items have a clear connection or provide a unique or valuable representation of Halton’s heritage. While the ultimate intent is to remove all items in the Collection from the Region’s ownership and responsibility, there may be limited instances where these items require continued storage until such time as an appropriate recipient is identified. While Regional staff will work to minimize the scope and duration of any continued storage, continued stewardship and safeguarding of items of significant historical value to Halton will remain the first priority.
This will ensure a responsible and appropriate approach to dispersing items from the Collection is implemented.
Public Auction
As noted earlier in this report, there are objects in the Collection that do not have a clear value or direct relationship to Halton or its heritage. In these cases, public auction may be a valid method for dispersal. Where this approach is taken, advance public notice will be provided.
In accordance with relevant museum standards, practices, and procedures, any revenue realized from this approach would be used to support heritage in Halton. This could include providing funding to cultural heritage events supported by the Local Municipalities or to other organizations or efforts that support heritage in Halton. This approach presents another opportunity for the Collection to provide more value to Halton residents and ensures generating revenue for other non-heritage services does not become a driver for deaccessioning.
Disposal
Disposal will be used in instances where items pose a risk to the health and safety of individuals or have the potential to cause harm to other items in the Collection.
Disposal may also be used for items that are in poor condition or of poor quality and that cannot be placed through the other preferred methods described above. Expert advice will be sought as needed to ensure disposal is an appropriate approach and to manage risks in the case of hazardous items.
Indigenous
In parallel to the overall deaccessioning and dispersal process described above, a separate and distinct process will be undertaken in partnership with the Region’s Indigenous Relations team to address the Collection and its approximately 20 items identified as potential Indigenous belongings. These items were added to the Collection between approximately the late-1960s and early-1980s and include beaded objects, bark and quill boxes, footwear, and gloves, among other items.
The Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada included a call for funding for the Canadian Museums Association to undertake a national review of museum policies and best practices to determine the level of compliance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (“UNDRIP”). In 2022, the Canadian Museums Association released “Moved to Action: Activating UNDRIP in Canadian Museums”, which provides information and recommendations on dismantling the parts of museums that continue to perpetuate colonial harm. The process undertaken by the Region will be guided by these documents, and in particular their content on repatriation/rematriation and collections management.
Next Steps
Given the size of the Collection and the complexity of deaccessioning and dispersal processes, it is anticipated that this will be a significant undertaking with an extended timeline.
Pending Council’s approval, Regional staff will initiate implementation of the direction described above and will work with the Local Municipalities and local heritage organizations to address any impacts or opportunities resulting from these changes, including exploring opportunities for the transfer of items from the Region’s Collection and to address any impacts to existing in-kind support or financial contributions provided by the Region.
Updates will be provided to Regional Council on the implementation progress as required.
———————–
The big question is: Why all the secrecy? Clearly, the Region didn’t want to continue spending taxpayers money on Heritage Services.
Why not just say so – and look to the public for ideas? That’s what public engagement is all about.
Lot of questions to be asked on this one.
We are indebted to Cheryl Hall for bring this story to our attention.
 By Tom Parkin
July 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Canadian car travel from United States into BC, Quebec and New Brunswick more than 40 per cent down but a lot less in Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
The number of Canadian-plated cars crossing into Canada from the United States is down everywhere, but not evenly, according to data from Statistics Canada released July 23.
The largest drop has been in BC where Canadian-plated cars crossing into Canada was down 45 per cent between May 2024 and May 2025, falling from 390,320 to 230,795 crossings.
The smallest drop has been at Ontario border crossings, where 26 per cent fewer Canadian-plated vehicles crossing into Canada in May 2025 than May 2024, falling from with 919,454 to 728,685 crossings.
Canadian-plated cars crossing into Quebec and New Brunswick, both declined 42 per cent. Crossings at Manitoba border points fell 32 per cent. Crossings at Alberta and Saskatchewan border points dropped 27 per cent.
Nova Scotia, PEI and Newfoundland and Labrador do not have any land crossing points with the United States.
The change in truck transborder traffic shows a generally similar trend, though with a much muted effect compared to cars, presumably because a large portion of truck traffic is based on commercial arrangement rather than personal choices.
Among Canada’s five busiest airport, the change in travel to the United States has also been uneven.
Flights to or from the United States from Toronto’s Island airport was down 32 in May 2025 from May 2024. Flights from or to Toronto or Montreal international airports was down mildly. Traffic from Vancouver International Airport was down the most.
The number of flights between Calgary International Airport and the United States bucked the anti-Trump trend, increasing by 12 per cent in May 2025 compared to one year earlier.
By Emily Miller
July 28th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Low-risk opportunities are choices that carry less chance of losing money or value. These options are typically associated with investments or actions known for their stability and reliability. People turn to low-risk paths when they want to protect what they have worked hard to earn.
 Long-term growth occurs when something increases in value or size over a sustained period. It can involve saving money, building a business, or gradually improving skills. Often, this growth appears as small, incremental improvements that accumulate over time.
Selecting low-risk opportunities can significantly contribute to achieving these long-term goals. By avoiding large swings in value, people can plan more confidently for the future. Over time, this approach fosters a stronger sense of security and consistency.
Encourages Consistent Contributions
A low-risk plan helps people feel confident about adding money regularly. When the chance of losing is slight, it feels easier to continue without second-guessing each decision. This habit can produce meaningful results in the long run.
If you consider the different ways people manage their money, the benefits of steady investing become clear. For instance, free bet blackjack is a variation of the traditional game where certain bets are offered at no initial cost, but with modified rules that can lead to more unpredictable outcomes. Put simply, this can lead to a greater potential reward for the player, but it also comes with higher risk.
 In contrast, more conventional versions of blackjack follow established rules and strategies that some players find offer greater control and structure. While both involve an element of chance, these options offer a clearer, more dependable path that relies less on luck.
Data shared by HM Revenue & Customs shows that many savers choose Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) with lower-risk funds to build wealth. Consistent contributions, even in small amounts, help protect goals from unexpected events. Knowing their money is growing safely encourages many people to stay the course.
Contributing to an investment gradually also helps keep emotions out of the process. When savings grow slowly but steadily, it becomes easier to trust that the plan is working. This approach often feels more rewarding than trying to time the market perfectly.
Stability Protects Against Big Losses
Many people choose low-risk opportunities because they help protect against sudden losses. A steady option, such as a government bond, carries a much lower chance of failure compared to stocks or high-risk funds. For instance, UK gilts have a long record of paying investors reliably, according to the UK Debt Management Office.
Avoiding significant drops in value helps keep plans on track. It reduces the likelihood of panicked decisions, such as pulling money out at the wrong time. In a volatile market, a safer choice can act as a buffer.
Some families rely on these stable options to help cover essential costs later in life. Whether saving for a child’s education or a home deposit, knowing that funds are secure brings peace of mind. This safety net can make all the difference in reaching long-term goals without feeling pressure to take unnecessary risks.
Small Gains Add Up Over Time
It’s easy to believe that only big wins matter, but small, steady gains can be just as powerful over time. Even when progress feels slow, the impact compounds. Compound interest allows a modest investment to grow substantially over decades.
National Savings and Investments (NS&I) products demonstrate how steady interest rates, when left to compound, can accumulate into a significant sum. A person who saves a little each month will see their balance rise without taking major risks. This approach removes the need to guess when to buy or sell.
Regular, small contributions also encourage financial discipline. Setting up an automatic transfer to savings turns a financial goal into a routine habit. Over twenty or thirty years, these simple actions often produce more dependable outcomes than chasing quick gains.
Builds Confidence in Decision-Making
Starting with safer investments helps people learn how money grows without the anxiety of sudden losses. Those who begin with low-risk choices often see progress without the stress of market volatility. This early experience makes it easier to make informed decisions later on.
 Low-cost index funds are a popular choice for beginners. They spread risk across many companies and help avoid losses tied to any single share. The Financial Conduct Authority has noted that individuals who use these funds tend to remain invested for longer, resulting in better long-term outcomes.
Confidence grows not only from returns but also from understanding. As knowledge increases, many people feel more comfortable exploring additional options while maintaining a strong foundation in safer assets. This balanced approach can support long-term goals with greater stability.
Helps Reach Long-Term Goals
 Planning for the future becomes easier when returns are consistent and predictable. Clear expectations allow people to set goals for retirement, home ownership, or education with greater certainty. A steady approach reduces the pressure to make abrupt changes when the market shifts.
Pension funds often hold part of their investments in bonds and other low-risk assets. According to The Pensions Regulator, this strategy helps protect the value of savings as people near retirement. Even if other parts of the market fluctuate, safer investments continue to grow steadily.
Having a plan that balances growth with safety means that unexpected events are less likely to disrupt progress. For many, knowing that part of their savings is protected provides the confidence needed to stay committed over the long term. It’s this consistency that often makes long-term growth possible.
Strong plans don’t need to be complex to succeed. A simple mix of regular contributions and lower-risk choices often leads to lasting success. Those who stay patient usually achieve the results they hoped for in the end.
Final Words
Choosing low-risk opportunities doesn’t mean giving up on growth. Instead, it offers a way to build wealth gradually, without feeling overwhelmed. With steady returns and fewer surprises, it becomes easier to trust the process. In the end, small, safe choices can help anyone reach their biggest goals with time and patience.
 By Kevin Powers
July 28th, 2025
Burlington, ON
No Need for New Quarries? Tell That to the Free Market
Across southern Ontario, the battle over new quarries rages on. Local opponents—armed with “No Quarry” signs and cries of “No Need”—paint aggregate operators as reckless profiteers tearing up the land for no reason. They argue the province has more than enough gravel, sand, and stone to go around, so why approve more pits?
Here’s the flaw in their logic: they don’t understand the basic laws of supply and demand. No operator in their right mind spends millions chasing a new license and risking rejection, unless demand is there—and it is.
 The signs are seen along rural roads. Few if any are seen in the urban areas. Let’s break it down. Applying for an aggregate license under Ontario’s Aggregate Resources Act isn’t a weekend project. It’s a grueling, expensive slog—think at least $2 million or more for studies, site plans, and legal battles, often stretching five to ten years. Then there’s the gauntlet of public consultation, environmental hoops, and the very real chance of a “no” from regulators or a tribunal.
Look at Burlington’s Nelson Quarry: five years into an expansion bid, a family-run business is still tangled in the Ontario Land Tribunal, bleeding cash with no guarantee of approval. That’s not pocket change—it’s a calculated bet.
So why do it? Because operators aren’t digging for kicks—they’re digging because there’s a business case, and a business case only exists if there’s a need. Critics who say “there’s no need” didn’t take high school economics.
 The Nelson quarry provided the aggregate that built Burlington. Aggregate isn’t a vanity project; it’s the backbone of Ontario’s growth—highways, homes, schools. The Greater Golden Horseshoe’s population is set to hit 14.8 million by 2051, and Doug Ford’s plan for 1 million new homes by 2031 needs 235 million tonnes of the stuff. Close-to-market reserves—like those in the Greater Golden Horseshoe —are running thin, jacking up costs and emissions if we haul from farther away. Operators see the math: demand’s steady, supply’s tight, and new pits and quarries are the fix.
If there were an oversupply, you’d see it—prices crashing, pits shuttering, companies bailing. That’s not happening. The Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association pegs annual consumption at 164 million tonnes, and the number of licenses has dropped by 28 since 2013. Operators aren’t flooding the market; they’re scrambling to keep up. The free market doesn’t lie—businesses don’t risk millions on a hunch when gravel’s piling up unsold.
 These buildings need aggregate – that’s the business case. The province needs to build a million new homes – the majority will be in high-rise towers. Opponents might mean well, worried about dust, noise, or nature. Fair enough—nobody wants a quarry next door. But crying “no need” defies economic sense and assumes operators are either dumb or masochistic. They’re neither. They’re businesses, not charities, and they’ve got data—construction forecasts, infrastructure plans, population trends—telling them the juice is worth the squeeze. If they see demand drying up, they’re not going to risk millions of dollars trying to bring on new supply.
The irony? By stalling new quarries, critics could choke the very growth they take for granted—roads they drive, homes they live in. The Greater Golden Horseshoe is not swimming in aggregate; it’s rationing a shrinking stash.
The Aggregate Resources Act doesn’t ask for a “market need” test because it trusts the market to sort itself out. Maybe it’s time opponents did too. Operators aren’t the enemy here—they’re just reading the room. If there’s no need, they won’t dig. But the numbers say otherwise, and the free market’s already placing its bets.
Kevin Powers is an energy and infrastructure consultant
By Pepper Parr
July 28th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
We published a piece early this morning about the two very demanding jobs Curt Benson will take on starting August 2nd.
Readership was brisk.
 Curt Benson: Takes the helm as CAO on August 2nd. Shortly after the noon hour, we received the following from the City Communications people:
We’re just writing to seek a correction in the article “Curt Benson takes on a back breaking job on August 2nd – will be both the CAO and Development Commissioner until November of 2026”
We wanted to confirm/clarify for you that the City is actually in the process of actively recruiting for Curt’s backfill for the Commissioner role, and we expect to be able to share more about the outcome of that process in the coming weeks.
What did they want corrected?
The city never said anything about “actively recruiting for Curt’s backfill for the Commissioner role” in the original media release – there was no correction to be made.
A little more in the way of “clarity” on the process the city is using.
Is the active recruiting for someone who will replace Curt Benson as Commissioner: Development and Growth? Or will the person fill in for some of the work Benson did as Commissioner?
We could find nothing in the way of a job posting on the city website – but that is not unusual – the city website has always been difficult to navigate. Putting a date on everything and then listing items in chronological order would be a very useful first step.
This suggestion will never make its way to the people who upgrade and maintain the website – in Burlington, the departments don’t talk to each other. That is partially due to the number of people who work virtually.
Final question is: Given that the Mayor has the power to appoint whoever she wants as the city Chief Administrative Officer, why bring Benson in until a new Council islsworn in November of 2026?
 By Gazette Staff
July 28th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The one community group with a tight focus on what the city spends and where that money comes from is Focus Burlington.
They recently published a very informative document that set out what the public debt is for both the country at large and the province of Ontario.
Don’t think this doesn’t matter to you – your taxes pay the interest on that debt.
The following came to us from Focus Burlington:
The federal government reports that “Public debt charges are now forecast to reach $53.7 billion for 2024-25 (or 1.8 per cent of GDP)—$0.4 billion below the Budget 2024 forecast of $54.1 billion”.
Looking at the debt and service charges as an amount per person is a way to gain perspective when dealing with large numbers. Statistics Canada reports that our population is estimated to be 41,548,787[5]. Looking at the debt servicing charges on a per-person basis, this works out to $1,292 per person per year in interest payments.
Where the Federal debt is now estimated at $1,352 billion, or $32,764.49 for each Canadian.
Each province has its own debt to contend with.
The province of Ontario is reporting that 16,176,977 people now live in Ontario.
The province is projecting $15.2 billion in interest and other debt service charges. The works out to $939.00 per person per year.
The total debt in Ontario is $428.12[8] billion or about $26,464 per person.
Combine the federal debt and the provincial debt, each person in Ontario only owes $59,228.49 in combined Federal and Provincial Debt.
The combined debt services charges amount to $2,231 per person per year.
Is it wrong to suggest our councillors focus on the Burlington budget increase of 5.8% rather than chasing a pot of gold at the end of a bankrupt rainbow?
 There is just the one taxpayer – federal, provincial and municipal turn to them to pay the bills. At the end of the day, there is only one taxpayer, paying federal, provincial and municipal taxes.
Perhaps Councillor Nisan can discuss this problem at a future FCM Board Meeting.
Focus Burlington data is not wrong – however the public debt gets paid by individual tax payers as well as corporations.
What Focus Burlington has done is shown that the money the governments borrow has to be paid back – and were it to be assessed to individual taxpayers the numbers Focus Burlington made available are what a taxpayer will have paid out – assuming of course that every taxpayer earned the same income.
 By Gazette Staff
July 28th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Courts have rendered a decision on the behaviour of the five hockey players.
The academics don’t see it all quite the same way.
Brock university experts weigh in on trial of former Hockey Canada players
While the sexual assault trial involving five former Hockey Canada players concluded with a not guilty verdict, the case will have far-reaching implications for the hockey community and wider society, say Brock University experts.
“While the verdict marked the end of the legal proceedings, the case itself reignited widespread scrutiny of hockey’s institutional values and the environments that elite players are socialized into,” says Assistant Professor of Sport Management Taylor McKee. “The outcome of the trial does not erase the cultural concerns that were brought to the surface, particularly around power, accountability and silence within hockey’s most protected spaces.”
 McKee says an instinctive response for Hockey Canada would be to examine ways of “fixing” the problem by implementing training programs or other measures to prevent future sexual violence committed by hockey players.
But the actions of the players in question, including text messages they sent to each other discussing what to say to investigators about the night’s events, suggest they knew what they did was wrong, he says.
“There’s no seminar on the books in the world that is going to fix attitudes towards young women that these guys clearly had,” says McKee.
Hockey Canada, he says, instead needs to hold the whole team accountable for the actions of its players. This could be through sanctions, for example, which include team suspensions and collective punishment doled out by teams and Hockey Canada.
On a broader societal level, the case also highlights issues surrounding victim testimony and court procedures.
While Criminologist Voula Marinos also says the verdict shouldn’t negate issues concerning sexual violence and power imbalances within and outside of sport, there are explicit legal requirements to be met when trying a charge of sexual assault.
Marinos says the burden of proof is on the Crown, rather than the defence, to prove that the complainant, E.M., consented to the sexual acts.
“When it comes to the criminal process, it is about the evidence presented that leads to a legal determination based upon legal standards,” says Marinos. “It may be very difficult to remember that it is about evidence that is available and entered into a case.”
Marinos also notes that Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia, who tried the case, said while not all inconsistencies in a testimony mean a witness is lying, there was “cause for concern” about whether E.M.’s evidence was credible or reliable.
“Importantly, the judge stated that subjective and lived experiences may not objectively be the truth as the judge looked at a constellation of all of the evidence,” says Marinos. “The Crown did not meet its high criminal standard of proving the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Forensic Psychologist Angela Book says E.M.’s testimony reflects a number of behaviours related to people’s reactions in dangerous situations.
 Self-silencing, for instance, is “not speaking one’s thoughts due to wanting to maintain harmony among others,” says the Professor of Psychology, while “judgmental self-doubt” involves distrusting one’s perception of a situation.
“We think those two tendencies, when combined, lead to capitulation, which is defined as the tendency to ignore, dismiss or downplay warning signs of danger and remain in a potentially dangerous situation,” she says.
Book is concluding research she conducted with Lakehead University Associate Professor Beth Visser (along with PhD students Theresia Bedard and Veronika Fendler-Janssen) on “self-silencing,” “judgmental self-doubt” and how they relate to reactions in dangerous situations.
She says early gender socialization has taught many women to suppress negative statements or fears to be nice, polite, compliant and not “rock the boat.”
There is also the “freeze” psychological and physiological response where a victim appears passive out of fear or avoiding further harm when in a traumatic situation, Book says.
Judging how a victim acts during a sexual assault can be misleading, she says, given these and other trauma responses.
It will be interesting to see what Hockey Canada decides to do in the months ahead. The National Hockey League has already said the hockey players cannot return to the ice until the NHL has completed its review
By Gazette Staff
July 28th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
If you have been outdoors today – you know how hot it is. The Environmental people report that this is what it is going to be like for three days.
Halton Region Public Health has issued an Extended Heat Warning starting July 28, 2025 for Halton Region as a result of Environment Canada continuing its Heat Warning. An Extended Heat Warning is issued when the daytime temperatures are expected to reach at least 31 degrees Celsius with overnight temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius for three or more days, or when the humidex is expected to reach 40 for three or more days.
 The shade of a tree is something we have because we protect our trees. Kat Northern Lights Man Exposure to these weather conditions can cause serious health problems those especially at risk include: older adults, infants and young children, people who work and exercise in the heat, people without adequate housing and those without air conditioning. People who have breathing difficulties, heart problems, kidney problems or are taking medication that affect their sensitivity to heat are also especially at risk of preventable heat illness. This warning is intended to inform the general public and community agencies, to keep residents safe and healthy during the heat and to recommend that precautions are taken when temperatures are high.
As the climate changes, heat events are expected to become more frequent, longer and hotter in Halton Region and other parts of Ontario.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 if you are caring for someone who has a high body temperature and is either unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating. Cool the person as best you can while waiting for medical attention to arrive.
 Too much of a good thing – be careful. You can prevent heat-related illnesses by avoiding strenuous outdoor activities; seeking shade from the sun; spending time in air-conditioned places, such as shopping malls and community centres; and staying hydrated. Call or visit friends and neighbours who may be at risk and never leave people or pets in your care unattended in a car.
Weather and heat information are available on local radio and television stations and the Environment Canada Weather Conditions and Forecast webpage< the Air Quality Health Index, air pollution tends to be higher during very hot days.
 By Pepper Parr
July 28th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
There are five working days before Curt Benson takes on the role of Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Burlington.
 Curt Benson: Commissioner of Development and Growth Management He will hold that title and all the work that goes with it until the day before the new council is sworn in October of 2026
The new council, the one that gets elected in October of 2026 will decide who the next CAO will be.
Benson will continue to be the Commissioner of Development and Growth Management – the most important of the three Commissioners the city has.
Curt Benson is a decent human being. He served as the head of planning at the Regional level. When Regional planning devolved to the municipalities. Burlington was fortunate enough to hire Benson.
He does a superb job – it’s a big job – major developments are in various stages of development; funding from the federal and provincial levels has to be managed – no small task, I might add.
The work load Benson has been handed (Yes, he did accept it) will be brutal. The time to think through the decisions just may not be available to the man. He is fortunate in that he has some grade A people in the planning department.
We wish Benson well and hope that he manages to get some personal time.
There has been no explanation from City Hall on why appointing a CAO for a short period of time was chosen – rather than begin the process of advertising and selecting a new CAO.
Is one of the reasons that the city might have a problem attracting someone with the experience and skills that are needed? There aren’t that many really good administrators out there and Burlington’s reputation as a great place to work isn’t what it was when Hassaan Basit was hired.
 Hassaan Basit I personally don’t understand why a professional enters into a five-year contract and walks away from it 16 months later because a nicer job came along. The reasons given don’t pass my smell test. Personal, family or health matters would justify a decision like that.
During Basit’s final council meeting July 15th, Basit and Mayor Meed Ward couldn’t say enough about how much they enjoyed working with each other.
The current Council is so tight-lipped that none of them chose to make comments about their working relationship with the outgoing CAO.
Not healthy signs.
By Gazette staff
July 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
It is a news story that just isn’t going to go away.
A decision to determine which swimming club will be given access to the swimming pools is somewhere in City Hall. All the public knows is that the Mayor will tell us when a decision has been made.
Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns asked at a Council meeting if the matter could be sent to the City Audit committee to examine the facts. She was told that the matter on the tavle was not about working with an audit committee.
Ted said: “While I do not dismiss the potential value of an independent audit, I can’t see how it would change anything.
It is astonishing and concerning that the sum total of city staff and council in a city of almost 200,000 people does not have the internal structure or capability to recognize a self-created problem, accept responsibility and promptly resolve an important local issue.
The municipal election can’t come soon enough. Hopefully many will see the need for change and experienced, competent candidates will come forward.
Wayne: said it a couple of times already …. “this is going to be fun to watch”.
There’s lot’s wrong here and changes need to be made internally around this process but in the meantime here’s some ideas that show good faith, allows both GHAC and BAD to be heard without political bias and gives council cover for a possible course correction.
– Council and staff must publicly acknowledge that the process was flawed. Pretending everything was done “by the book” when serious questions remain only deepens distrust.
– Without invalidating the RFP yet, bring in an outside municipal procurement expert to conduct a fast-tracked audit of how the RFP was handled. Not internal staff, not council — independent and credible
– While the audit happens, proactively broker a temporary, interim use agreement between GHAC and BAD that ensures continued community access.
– Set a firm 30- to 45-day window to receive the audit results and act.
– If the audit confirms material irregularities — such as misapplied rules or unfair advantages — then council must be willing to cancel or renegotiate the GHAC RFP, even if it’s awkward or expensive.
Council can’t hide behind a bad process. It should admit mistakes, bring in an independent review, and fix this — even if it means tearing up the deal.
Mike: “I think that Wayne may have identified the way forward – kudos. I do have two reservations, however. The first is that we have learned through painful experience how difficult it is to get a truly “independent” assessment – be it an ethics review, an audit review or a compliance investigation. The City pays the tab so the City often has a say in what is said and how it is expressed. My second concern is that if it was indeed possible to find the right agency with no inherent dependencies attached, then we would need a truly exceptional individual. Ideally, we would want someone used to working with aspiring municipal staff professionals, politicians, entrepreneurs and senior executives; someone capable of supporting them in addressing these challenges while overcoming the many imposed obstacles so they can maximize their full potential as problem solvers and human beings. There are few who could step up to the task.
What is both galling and astonishing is that members of City Council are missing in action.
We aren’t even seeing all that much in the way of photo ops.
By Gazette Staff
July 27th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Economic Development and Tourism Corporation is recruiting new members to join the Board of Directors and Strategic Working Committees. This is your opportunity to help shape Burlington’s economic vision at a transformative time for our city.
 They are looking for strategic thinkers, connecters, and collaborators with experience in:
Finance and accounting
Main Street & Small Business
Commercial Real Estate & Land Development
Culinary & Agritourism
Advanced Manufacturing, Food & Beverage Processing
Clean Tech, Life Sciences, ICT, & other key sectors
The work is guided by collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to Burlington’s future. If that speaks to you, we want to hear from you.
Deadline to apply: Noon on August 18, 2025
Submit your resume and a short statement of interest to invest@burlington.ca
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