 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
 By Louie Rosella
Julie 27th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Change has taken flight at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM).
What was once seen as a little on the shabby side is now a much more modern airport.
When you walk inside the passenger terminal in Mount Hope, one immediately notices the dark walls have been replaced with white oak panelling, inspired by the trees found in the region.
The new, speckled white floors are reflective of the pebbly, off-white sand that lines multiple shorelines along the Golden Horseshoe, speaking to the area’s natural geography.
“There’s a sense of place with bringing in these local elements,” says Ed Ratuski, executive managing director of the airport, which recently celebrated a $15-million renovation project which saw significant enhancements to its passenger terminal building.
 Departure Lounge now includes more seating that includes curved couches. There’s also a spacious Departures Lounge that includes curved couches, a coffee and beverage bar, while outside, there’s a new and expanded entrance canopy that covers the entire curb to improve curbside flow in bad weather.
Upgrades to check-in, baggage claim, and the departure gate areas, along with new digital signage, create a more efficient and elevated passenger experience, Ratuski said.
“The most impressive thing is how we were able to amplify the benefits of flying through Hamilton,” Ratuski said.
 Porter Airlines has hopped onboard, now offering daily, direct flights to Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax and Vancouver from the Hamilton Airport.
But, despite the impressive improvements and increased flying options, will the new-and-improved look, along with the addition of Porter, translate into more passengers at Hamilton Airport? Or, will potential customers simply choose Canada’s largest airport to the east?
 Ed Ratuski: Executive Managing Director Hamilton International Airport “We have to work on getting the message out that there’s a more convenient way to travel,” Ratuski said, referring to social media and other marketing efforts.
“You can get the same service from Hamilton to those destinations (Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax and Vancouver) as you would with Toronto (Pearson), and with less hassle.”
Ron Foxcroft, chair of the airport, agrees there has long been a stigma attached to flying out of Hamilton, with potential passengers believing it’s a “small-time” airport, with airlines that are unreliable and don’t go to too many places.
That has all changed, he believes, particularly with the addition of Porter Airlines and their daily flights, coupled with the renewed, 49-year lease the City of Hamilton signed with TradePort, the Vantage company that operates John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM).
“We have never had the convenience of flights out of Hamilton that meet customer expectations, and we think we have that now,” he says. “Customers want to fly when their schedule tells them they want to fly,” he said.
The new lease and getting Porter onboard will be “transformational” in attracting new passengers, Foxcroft said. It’s a “customer-first approach,” he says.
Michael Deluce, CEO, Porter Airlines, said the changes at Hamilton Airport are all good news for passengers.
 Small bar and a coffee shop are part of the upgraded airport “The terminal enhancements coincide with the start of service to four Porter destinations, elevating the overall passenger journey and making the airport experience that much more efficient. This is a welcome transformation as a partner, and for travellers,” he said in a statement.
Last year, more than 300,000 passengers went through Hamilton airport.
Foxcroft wants to see that number increase 1 million in 2026 and 3 million in five years.
 Peter Tong: Chief Executive Officer. Peter Tong, CEO of TradePort, said the new lease agreement is crucial to the airport’s success and improving the passenger experience.
“This was essential,” Tong said, noting the new lease helped attract Porter Airlines to the table.
“You need to know you’re going to be here for a long time.”
While Tong agreed the new facade is “very modern-looking” and the upgrades create a “seamless and easy experience” through the terminal, he says he too, has heard the chatter of would-be travellers not considering Hamilton airport as a viable option.
“We have that conversation all the time,” Tong said. “When you’re competing against the largest airport in Canada, for passengers, it’s about choices,” Tong said.
Tong said the goal is to provide service where there are enough options, coupled with the element of convenience, that comes with flying out of Hamilton.
Cayla Awalt, assistant manager, marketing and communications at Hamilton International Airport, drove home the convenience factor for passengers trying to choose between Pearson and John C. Munro.
“At Hamilton International, it’s 200 steps from the curb to (your) gate,” she said.
The renos are not quite finished, Ratuski said. Later in the fall, Hamilton International will offer passenger jet bridges, which gets passengers from the terminal to the aircraft (and vice versa), through a direct, weather-protected, walkway.
Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath said the enhancements at Hamilton International Airport, transcend mere infrastructure upgrades.
“As we welcome new air service and improved passenger amenities, we’re also opening doors to greater economic opportunity, tourism, and connectivity for Hamiltonians,” she said in a statement.
 Hamilton International Airport Chair Ron Foxcroft and Cayla Awalt, the Assistant Manager, Marketing and Communications at the entry area of the $15 million upgrade. Hamilton International offers year-round flights operated by Porter Airlines and WestJet, year-round luxury motorcoach connections with Air Canada Landline and seasonal air service with Sunwing.
However, expect announcements soon on Hamilton airport offering additional flights down south to the Caribbean, and also, flights going to the U.S.
Foxcroft said strategic planning never ends, and he hopes to add an airport hotel in the future, that will hopefully come with the widening of Highway 6.
“Those are on my wishlist,” he said.
Related news story:
Flew to Iceland and Paris out of Hamilton airport
Louie Rosella is a professor at Humber Polytechnic and a former journalist in the GTA.
By Pepper Parr
July 25th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
You can identify the BAD swimmers – they are the ones wearing the blue swimming caps.
 Valeria Latkovic: We learned earlier today that there is a Golden Horseshoe Aquatic Club (GHAC) member lurking around the BAD swimmers when they are on the swimming pool deck and actively trying to persuade them to join the GHAC – and that he can take care of all the details.
That is foul. The swimmers are going through enough exasperation.
It gets worse. An individual sent a comment to the Gazette on the Valeria Latkovic story we published. As Publisher, I am legally liable for what we publish. While I personally know many of the people who send in a comments – there are new people every day.
Hi Valeria,
I hope you’ll consider joining GHAC. You’d be training right here in Burlington with a senior group that’s supportive, focused, and led by coaches who genuinely care about helping swimmers grow. I guarantee you’ll spot some familiar goggles in your lane.
With many senior GHAC swimmers living in Burlington, I’m confident carpooling to McMaster for long course practices won’t be a problem if you choose to swim those sessions. You’ll also have access to professional dryland training that will help take your performance to the next level.
You deserve that kind of support—and so does your mom, who has always stood for fairness and accountability in trying to work with the BAD board, even if it wasn’t always met with success.
Your backstroke is strong. In the right environment, I have no doubt you’ll not only qualify for OSC next year—but stand on the podium.
Rooting for you,
A friend who believes in your potential
This particular comment didn’t pass the smell test. When I’m suspicious, I test the email address to see if it’s authentic. And of course this one wasn’t. This is what GHAC is doing – it is despicable.
Then there is Caleb – that’s the name a writer uses. He is really a foul individual. He capacity is limited to negative comments. There are three comments in the queue- they won’t be published.
What happened to the concept of sportsmanship.?
 This is what the sport is about. What happened to the seven members of Council who could put a halt to this in minutes.
A reader reported to us that he called one of the “older” Councillors, asking what he the Councillor thought about how the issue would be resolved. “We have to let the two clubs work it out”.
Leadership?
One more bit of news. The Competitive Swimming Club had a difference of opinion with the city a number of years ago and sued – and, according to our source, they won the Court and were awarded a sum of money.
There is a lot about how swimming pool space has been allocated in the past that is not as public as it should be. Something is seriously wrong somewhere in the administration.
Parks and Recreation would be a good place to start digging around.
By Pepper Parr
July 25th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Does anybody know how many people attended the Sound of Music (SoM) last June?
Nothing in the way of news on that matter has been released by the SoM.
The organization is required to give the City a report on how they are going to make the event financially sustainable in the not too distant future>
Nothing that we can find on the SoM website – except for this:
 Has the time come to at least think about a fee to take in the Sound of Music performances? Every year, beloved music festivals across Canada shut down due to a lack of funding, and post-COVID-19, this reality has only intensified. The Sound of Music Festival has proudly remained a free and accessible festival for decades, but we need your help to keep it that way.
The Encore Club is our legacy donor program—a one-time fee grants you a permanent membership, ensuring the festival continues to thrive for generations to come. By joining, you become part of a dedicated community that helps celebrate emerging artists, support live music, and keep Burlington’s biggest summer tradition alive.
 Your support makes a lasting impact.
Sponsorships have their limits. Asking people to pop a toonie into a barrel or use one of the services that lets a cell phone handle the donation. Time for some creative thinking.
By Pepper Parr
July 25th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Should city staff be closer to the clock? Four of the mainline banks have told their employees that they will have to be in the office four days a week starting the middle of September.
The pandemic changed the way people did their jobs – virtual was the route they took.
The pandemic no longer rules the way we live and work – but, many got to like not having to drive into the office every day.
Burlington chose to have a significant number of people work virtually – no word if that policy is going to change.
We recently learned of a delegation sent to City Council suggesting a four-day week.
The delegation was sent to Councillors so there was no discussion – they don’t always get read.
Is it time to have staff in place every day of the week?
By Kelly Jensen
July 25th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Sports betting has evolved from traditional bookmaker setups to a global digital marketplace, where bettors can place wagers on various sports events in real-time. The industry has seen significant growth due to legislative reforms, increased accessibility, and cultural shifts toward viewing sports betting as a mainstream entertainment activity.
This transformation is characterized by the rise of online sportsbooks, mobile betting platforms, and the integration of data-driven analytics to enhance user experience and engagement. North America is among the pioneers to capitalize on these advancements. Let’s discuss how the United States and Canada embrace today’s global sportsbook era.
Embrace Legalization to Build Safer, Smarter Markets
In the United States, the 2018 repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) opened the door for individual states to legalize and regulate sports betting. As a result, over 30 states now operate licensed markets, each governed by its own regulatory body.
These frameworks prioritize compliance, consumer protection, and responsible gaming. With legal oversight, the U.S. market has evolved into a mature, highly regulated environment that supports innovation while maintaining transparency and user safety.
 Canada followed a similar path with the passage of Bill C-218 in 2021, which allowed provinces to manage their own sports betting systems. Ontario quickly emerged as a leader, launching a competitive market in 2022 under iGaming Ontario.
The province’s model emphasizes responsible play, data security, and user education, setting a high bar for regulated wagering. This localized control has allowed any Sportsbook to introduce tailored experiences while maintaining rigorous safeguards, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for bettors across the Greater Toronto–Hamilton Area and beyond.
Drive Economic Growth Through Regulated Betting
The economic impact of legal sports betting in the U.S. is undeniable. In 2023 alone, Americans legally wagered more than $119.84 billion, generating over $10.9 billion in gross revenue. These figures translate into meaningful tax income for state and local governments, which reinvest in education, public health, and infrastructure.
Legal betting has also catalyzed job creation in tech, marketing, operations, and compliance, which supports a growing ecosystem of digital employment tied directly to sportsbook innovation.
In Canada, Ontario’s regulated betting market has also contributed to economic growth. The province has created a competitive, high-performing sector that generates revenue through licensing fees and taxation by opening the door to private operators.
These funds help support local services and responsible gaming programs while also creating jobs in software development, customer support, and regulatory oversight. With its strong digital infrastructure and sports-centric culture, Ontario continues to set the pace for betting-related economic development nationwide.
Collaborate With Pro Leagues to Enrich Fan Engagement
U.S. sports leagues have actively embraced betting to enhance fan interaction and expand revenue. The NFL, NBA, and MLB have all partnered with sportsbooks to integrate betting content into their platforms, broadcasts, and in-game experiences.
Stadiums now feature dedicated betting lounges, and national networks like ESPN regularly provide odds breakdowns and betting previews. These innovations normalize betting as part of the overall sports narrative, deepening viewer involvement during live events.
 In Canada, the same trend is gaining momentum, especially in Ontario, where partnerships between sportsbook operators and local franchises are starting to emerge. Toronto’s professional teams, including the Raptors, Maple Leafs, and Blue Jays, are central to this shift, driving fan engagement through enhanced mobile experiences and game-day betting features.
As Canadian media gradually incorporates betting content, fans are increasingly exposed to wagering as an informed, data-rich extension of their sports experience.
Instant Technology to Drive Real-Time Betting
A major way the U.S. and Canada are embracing the Global Sportsbook Era is through the rapid adoption of instant technology. Sports betting is no longer confined to pre-game wagers but rather a real-time, data-driven experience that unfolds second by second. Bettors now expect seamless live betting interfaces, instant odds updates, and cash-out features that respond as the game evolves.
Operators like FanDuel are leading the way by making data more actionable and accessible. Through platforms such as FanDuel Research, users can explore live trends, betting insights, and matchup data before and during events. This empowers bettors in both countries to make faster, more informed decisions while staying engaged throughout the game.
Prioritize Safety, Transparency, and Digital Wellness
In both the U.S. and Canada, sports betting platforms are evolving not just to entertain but also to align with higher standards of security and digital responsibility. This is an especially critical shift for families in well-connected, affluent regions like New York City and the Greater Toronto–Hamilton Area. The idea is that the richer the community, the higher the standard for digital experiences.
 These communities expect trustworthy, secure experiences when engaging with digital platforms. Legal sportsbooks in both countries meet that expectation by offering built-in tools for deposit limits, time-out periods, account monitoring, and biometric security. They also prioritize responsible gaming education, user data protection, and mobile app usability that promotes control over compulsivity.
Smarter Sportsbooks in North America
Bettors in the U.S. and Canada are adjusting to a more modern, transparent way to engage with sports betting. Legal access, user-focused features, and a consistent emphasis on control are helping reshape expectations. This shift shows that both countries are adopting sportsbook innovation and shaping how digital betting works for today’s connected sports fans.
 By Gazette Staff
July 24th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
With the extreme heat we have experienced today – rain was to be expected.
 Conservation Halton advises that Environment Canada has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch across our jurisdiction for this evening.
Torrential rainfall with amounts upwards of 50 mm are possible. Although soil conditions are dry locally, intense downpours may produce significant localized runoff.
 Heavy rain will increase water flow in creeks. Keep children away from the creeks. Widespread flooding is not anticipated, however, fast flowing water and flooding of low-lying areas, natural floodplains, and areas with poor drainage may be expected.
Conservation Halton is asking all residents and children to keep a safe distance from all watercourses and structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams. Elevated water levels, fast flowing water, and slippery conditions along stream banks continue to make these locations extremely dangerous. Please alert children in your care of these imminent dangers.
Conservation Halton will continue to monitor stream and weather conditions and will issue an update to this Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook message as conditions warrant.
This Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook will be in effect through Friday July 25, 2025.
By Gazette Staff
July 24th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Update: Due to weather, the planned full weekend lane restrictions & closures on the QEW Niagara Bound have been cancelled. Instead, only two Niagara bound lanes will be closed starting at 10 p.m. tonight. The lanes are expected to reopen by 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 26.
Lane closures are planned again this weekend for the Niagara-bound Burlington Skyway bridge.
Weekend lane closures are for improvement work.
Two Niagara-bound lanes of the Burlington Skyway along the QEW are scheduled to be closed from Friday, July 25th, at 10 p.m. through to Monday, July 28th, 5 a.m.
Similar lane closures will also happen the following weekends:
- Aug. 8 to 11
- Aug. 15 to 18
- Aug. 22 to 25
“More closures may be required after August.”
The Ministry of Transportation notes that “closures depend on weather and work schedules, and may be postponed or changed throughout the project.”
Closures can be confirmed online at 511on.ca (as of Monday, the closures were still slated to happen).
What happens when an Aldershot resident suggests a way to ease congestion when lanes on the Skyway are closed?
The traffic nightmare many Burlington residents experienced during Mother’s Day weekend caused some of us to wonder if there is a way to ease congestion during future closures. Realizing that the work on the Skyway is essential, one resident came up with an idea and wrote to the city a few days after Mother’s Day (May 10th). Wednesday of this week, July 22nd, he received a reply, shown in full below, from the city.
Many drivers now use in-car navigation systems like Google Maps or Waze. Navigation systems will reroute drivers to avoid traffic jams. To avoid the huge traffic jam on the QEW, the navigation systems were directing people to exit the QEW at Burloak, Appleby, Walkers, etc. and head to the Northshore ramp to return to the QEW. The result was huge traffic jams on east-west arteries in Burlington, including Lakeshore Rd., Fairview, New St., as traffic flooded off the QEW. Burlington was gridlocked.
What would happen if the MTO closed the Southbound QEW on-ramp at Northshore? With the ramp closed, navigation systems would not suggest drivers exit the QEW. People driving through Burlington on the QEW would have only one choice: stay on the QEW.
This simple, low-cost option might inconvenience a few people, but overall, Burlington residents would be able to get around in their city.
The person who came up with this idea recently moved into the city. He has a lot to learn about how things work in Burlington.
What’s fascinating about the response from the city (Shown below) is that the Southbound QEW access ramp at Northshore has been closed during a Skyway lane closures. Here is a quick timeline:
Mother’s Day weekend – Northshore interchange fully open – massive traffic jams on Burlington streets.
May 30th – Northshore interchange southbound access closed – normal traffic on Burlington streets.
First closure in July – Northshore interchange fully open – massive traffic jams on Burlington streets.
One has to wonder if anyone who works for the Burlington residents and taxpayers lives in Burlington or cares what happens when the Skyway lanes are closed.
Here is the full response to a resident’s email sent to the city soon after Mother’s Day.
Thank you for sharing your concerns with us about the congestion you experienced on the weekend of 5-6 July and your suggestion to close the Niagara-bound entry ramp to the QEW on North Shore Boulevard East during future closures. Staff are aware of the inconvenience this causes to residents in the area of the closures and the City of Burlington has been in contact with the MTO to improve communication and coordination between closures.
Please note that the QEW is operated and maintained by the MTO; the City of Burlington does not have the authority to close any freeway interchange that is under MTO jurisdiction. The City is also not currently equipped with the tools to analyze the benefits and consequences of the proposed closure, and therefore cannot make a recommendation to other agencies. The best way for your suggestion of closing the Niagara-bound entry ramp at North Shore Boulevard East to be considered would be to contact the MTO directly. They have the tools and authority to determine whether this closure is feasible and whether it can be implemented for future projects. The MTO provides several options for contact on their website at the link below.
https://www.ontario.ca/feedback/contact-us?id=26938&nid=97174
Thank you,
Traffic Operations
Conclusion: The city isn’t going to work all that hard to find a way to resolve the traffic problems – they apparently don’t have the “tools”.
 By Pepper Parr
July 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The dispute between Millcroft residents and Millcroft Golf course over what would/could be done with land that was still a golf course but threatened with development in the future was xxx.
The residents lost an attempt to stop the development at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). There were conditions attached to the OLT decision.
The residents were of the opinion that development couldn’t proceed until the conditions were met. The developer didn’t see it that way and moved in with equipment to cut down dozens of trees.
 Trees were taken down with little in the way of notice to the residents. When the residents asked for an MZO) (Ministerial Zoning Order) the Minister of Municipal Affairs instead directed the Office of the Provincial Land and Development Facilitator (OPLDF) to step in and see if a solution could be found.
The Office of the Provincial Land and Development Facilitator (OPLDF) was established in 2005 to help resolve cross-cutting planning and development issues arising out of implementation of provincial policies. Since then, the role of the office has grown to encompass a broader range of projects and requests for its services. The OPLDF is classified as an Advisory Agency under the Agencies and Appointment Directives who reports to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
The Office of the Provincial Land and Development Facilitator provides services, including:
impartial mediation
facilitation
negotiation
These services help individuals, businesses and municipalities resolve issues about:
growth management
land use and infrastructure planning
environmental protection related to land and development
streamline approvals to support provincial surplus lands project to facilitate housing
The office will ensure they consider the following as part of the issues resolution:
 Environmental objectives were seen as prime concerns for residents -but were ignored by the developer according to residents. provincial land use policy
financial interests
environmental objectives
The facilitator may also act as a negotiator on behalf of the Government of Ontario on issues dealing with provincial:
land, assets, and interests.
 Equipment to cut down trees arrived – unannounced. How they prioritize requests
When the OPLDF receives a request for facilitation services, the office looks for at least one of the following criteria:
it relates to ongoing, large-scale land use, planning or development application
it relates to infrastructure or environmental issues that are overarching in nature and may cross municipal boundaries or watersheds
it falls under the mandate(s) of two or more provincial ministries or agencies
it involves the implementation of relevant provincial legislation, plans and policies
Given that the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing directed the ODLPF to take on the case and that the following determine a time line:
nature and time constraints of the issue
interests of the various parties, including those of the province
any outstanding legal matters, including tribunal hearings or active litigation
one would think they would be high on the list of the cases they take on.
We will dig around a bit and learn more about just how the OPLPF goes about their work.
 By Gazette Staff
July 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Valeria Latkovic: “Go to GHAC. First, I don’t want to join the club whose Leadership is trying to break up my family.” My name is Valeria, I’m a BAD senior competitive swimmer, and a Burlington resident. I started swimming with BAD when I was 6 years old and I’m now almost 15. I have spent more than half of my life swimming with the club that has become my family. I have trained thousands of hours, attended dozens of meets, attended international training camp, volunteered in the community over the last 9 years I have been with the club. The skills I acquired with BAD also allowed me to represent my Burlington high school. I trained with all the BAD coaches who have become important mentors in my life. My younger brother has been swimming with BAD for the last 3 years as well.
I attended the Council meeting on July 7th to support my club. My swim mate delegated at this meet. Mayor Meed Ward asked him what his options were at this point given that my club stands to close. It made me think and discuss this with my parents. So here are my options:
Go to GHAC. First, I don’t want to join the club whose Leadership is trying to break up my family. Also, GHAC senior swimmers train outside of Burlington in the McMaster pool facilities which is difficult for me to get to since my parents both work and cannot drive me. This situation created a rivalry between the clubs and I don’t think I will be welcomed there.
Go to OAK. Oak hasn’t responded to my application for trials. Although I qualified for provincial times, OAK is down one pool next year and they don’t have any more space. Also, OAK’s fees are almost double compared to what my parents pay at BAD, a significant hurdle for our family.
Go to Milton. In order for me to be able to join the team, I will have to change schools so that I can make it to practices. I don’t want to lose more friends. Also, it would be very challenging for my parents to drive me there to attend the practices.
It is the end of July and I don’t have a plan. I don’t know if I will be able to swim at all next year and it breaks my heart. I don’t understand why very capable adults cannot figure this out and prioritize the Burlington children in our community.
Valeria Latkovic: “I have trained thousands of hours, attended dozens of meets, attended international training camp, volunteered in the community over the last 9 years I have been with the club.” We are running out of time. BAD and swimmers like me want to stay with our community and represent the amazing city we live in.
By Pepper Parr
July 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Kirk Robinson, director of Millcroft Against Bad Development, known as MAD, delegated at City Council last week saying:
“On behalf of MAD, I would like to thank Council for your continued support throughout our five and a half year journey to stop the development of the Millcroft Golf course lands. We have asked for the mayor’s assistance many times during this journey, and we always receive a timely response. Mayor Meed Ward recently gave a shout-out to Matt on CHCH TV, recognizing our spirit and our efforts to take the fight directly to the Premier, asking him to step in and save our green space.
 It was seen as a brilliant development that had a golf course and a housing development side by side with a stormwater drainage system that prevented flooding. It worked very well until the owners of the golf course decided to make it a smaller course and the the land for 98 new homes.  Kirk Robinson “We also seem to have our Councillor, Angelo Betivegna on speed dial. We can always count on Angelo to answer our questions and share his knowledge. Most recently, on a trip to Ottawa, he met with our representatives of Canada’s Residents Group on our behalf to learn more about their experiences fighting the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).
 Fencing in place to protect trees. “We know that our mayor and Angelo have many other projects and issues to address, but they always find time to listen and address our concerns. Thank you for that. MAD now has over 18,000 supporters, and that number grows each day. We attribute this growth to the success of our social media outreach as well as broadcast and press coverage. We work hard to educate the public about the issues and keep them updated on our progress. This growing support reinforces the need to save our green space, respect the 40 year old ecosystem and its wildlife, and avoid increasing the risk of flooding by building on floodplains. Our social media coverage has exploded in the last 10 weeks since our rally. We now average over a million daily views.
“We have been featured on CHCH seven times in the past 10 weeks. The Hamilton Spectator gave our story front page coverage on July 4, running it over a two day period due to high public interest.
“Burlington residents are upset that even though council unanimously voted against the development, the developer is still able to appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal. Residents cannot understand how elected municipal officials can be overruled by unelected OLT appointees. The fight to save green space in Millcroft has united Burlington residents who have rallied behind both MAD and City Council to save our green space. We commend council for unanimously passing a request for a second MZO (Municipal Zoning Order) on the balance of the property. As advocates for the protection of green space, MAD strongly encourages council to express its willingness to participate in the facilitation process proposed by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
“This direction provides important clarity to all parties and reinforces the city’s clear and consistent position that preserving all remaining green space is the priority. This step demonstrates Council’s proactive leadership and commitment to environmental stewardship. MAD hopes the Facilitation process will ultimately support the protection of these lands, and that early action by council will help set the tone for meaningful and focused dialogue. We hope the premier will listen to the people, because municipalities know best. MAD recently filmed two cameos, one with Burlington, Citizen of the Year, and Order of Canada recipient, Ron Foxcroft.
I will close with quotes from Ron Foxcroft who states “this development is a very serious, tragic development” As chair of the 2014 flood relief campaign, Foxcroft knows all about flooding. He added: “ the city cannot afford to lose more green space” , and urged us to blow the whistle on this development.
 Kirk Robinson, MAD Chair Robinson had a question from Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan:
Thank you, Kirk. It’s always great to hear from you, and thank you for all your work you’ve done supporting Millcroft, particularly through the OLT process. I know you’re part of a larger organization, and some folks are here as well. So thank you for being here. You nearly answered my question through your remarks, which is great. What do you hope to get from the facilitator for the community? What do you hope will happen?
Robinson: Well we’re hoping, obviously, that we shut down the second part of the development that the developer has planned. I think my wife is present there; she could address those questions even better.
 Sonya, Robinson’s wife was in Council Chamber while he delegated virtually.  Sonya: We’re hoping to save green space throughout all of Millcroft. We’re still holding up that we’re going to win phase one. We have reached out separately to the Premier on our own initiative, and we were actually hearing some good things. So, you know what? Hoping to save phase one and phase two. Don’t know if that answers your question more or less, so just to, just to follow up on that.
Sonia: The goal is, as I think Kirk mentioned, is to have no more development on the Millcroft lands. We want it preserved.
Nisan: My second question is around the facilitator; have you been involved with them at all? And when did you first learn about the facilitation option?
Robinson: We’ve been working with our MPP Effie J. Triantafilopoulosie for four and a half years. MAD reached out to her and asked her for her opinion, and so we worked back and forth. We asked her to go to Minister Rob Flack on our behalf and to the Premier as well. She was the one who first notified us of this, apparently, after many discussions
Councillor Bentivegna: I just have one question for now, Kirk, I’m not sure if you can answer it, or one of your directors who are present there. You mentioned Kanata, an Ottawa area community you have been working with. Can you tell us what the connection is and why it was important to touch base with them?
Sonia: I’ll speak to that, because I do communications for MAD We reached out to the group about five years ago when this all started to basically learn from them. Through the five years, we’ve been going back and forth with them. One of their representatives reached out to us about two or three months ago, asking for a meeting with us. When Angelo attended an FCM meeting in Ottawa we asked if he would meet with them on our behalf; find out what you can – that’s kind of how, but we’ve been going back and forth with them.
Councillor Nissan: Just one more question for either of you. Could you tell us more about the independent initiative that you mentioned, that Millcroft Against Development is working on with the Premier.
Robinson: I don’t know that we can go into all of that. We’ve have representatives conversing with the Premier, so we’re doing our best in that regard. But I don’t know that we can go into all the details on that yet.
 Lisa Kearns: invites Robinson to copy all of council at any time. Councillor Kerns: In light of that last question, can you just maybe highlight for us how many dialogues are happening at once? What I’m hearing is there’s a mayor and Ward councillor to Mad, Mad to the Premier, MAD to Effie J. Triantafilopoulos, Effie J. Triantafilopoulos to the ward councillor and Mayor, staff to provincial staff. Am I missing any? That’s my question.
 I think things are going well, and we’re still hoping that the first part of the development is ceased as well. Robinson: Well, I think after fighting for five and a half years to save this golf course, there’s been so many conversations with so many people, and obviously we’re residents just trying to do the right thing and communicate with the right people and get the job done, which is obviously what the residents of Burlington are hoping for, right so I don’t know that I would have, you know, the chain of command, or, you know, of all those different conversations, I’m sorry, but I think things are going well, and we’re still hoping that the first part of the development is ceased as well.
Kearns: I appreciate that and invite you to copy in all of council at any time.
 By Jim Portside
July 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The July 23, 2025, edition of the Hamilton Spectator contained the following Letter to the Editor from Rory Nisan.
I had to read it twice to understand the letter. Nisan, as a Burlington City Councillor, is an insider. I’ve added some comments – in italics – to help outsiders understand this letter.
 Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan; lives in ward 2 Oped missed budget realities
Re: Another big Burlington tax hike?
In her recent oped, Joan Little flexed her creative writing muscles, fantasizing about an election a year away. As a result, she missed some important dialogue on next year’s budget.
The next municipal election will take place on October 26, 2026.
First, I brought a motion to ensure the budget increase is included with the target overall tax rate, so residents have all the numbers.
The city, based on the recommendations of the full-time staffers at City Hall, is planning to increase the city budget by 5.8%. Inflation is under 2%. In dollar terms, a 5.8% increase equates to an addition $15 million being transferred from taxpayers’ pockets to city coffers.
When Burlington’s increase is watered down by a much lower increase from the Region of Halton and no increase in education taxes, the total tax bill increase will be 4.4%.
The press release from the City of Burlington states: “the City of Burlington share of taxes being less than 3 per cent.”
https://www.burlington.ca/en/news/city-launches-2026-budget-process-with-a-focus-on-limiting-tax-impacts.aspx
Nisan’s motion falls far short of what is required. A motion is required to end staff and council’s practice of talking about the overall impact of the Burlington tax hike. There are only two numbers that are important: the budget increase and the overall tax bill increase.
This year’s talking point number of 2.98%, or less than 3%, is as meaningless as statements about the impact of the increase. A 5.8% budget increase is just that, a 5.8% budget increase. Council needs to own this number and justify it to the taxpayers, not play a shell game to pretend the increase is 2.98%
Second, council endorsed a mayoral budget direction that provided a target tax increase. I did not support providing the target tax increase because I want to see what staff can do to find efficiencies and provide affordability measures before raising taxes by the target of 4.5 per cent.
In Burlington, the civil service decides how much more money they need in terms of a budget increase and council rubber stamps the increase. Where is the input from your constituents? City surveys, petitions, and delegations are all ignored. As our representative, it is your job to decide what the community should reasonably pay as a tax increase and the staff’s job to work within that limit. Without council imposing a limit, staff will not find efficiencies.
Finally, the budget will include an increased appropriation to fund a compensation increase only for senior councillors. I do not support this compensation increase, which was approved earlier this year. I believe this additional compensation is unnecessary and not a good use of residents’ tax dollars.
 Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna  Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman The term senior councillor is being used to refer to Councillor Bentivegna and Councillor Sharman, who are both in their seventies. All councillors receive the same base pay. Senior councillors were receiving less in benefits as the city did not have to contribute to their pension plan. I agree with Councillor Nisan on this one, but the amount of money involved is minuscule. With a 5.8% Burlington only tax increase, the city will have $15,000,000 more to spend in 2026 compared to 2025.
Read more about the pension dilemma our senior councillors face here:
https://burlingtongazette.ca/the-inflation-protected-defined-benefit-pension-plan-lives-on-in-a-sector-where-competition-and-bankruptcy-dont-exist/
To have a strong fiscal foundation, Burlington needs to begin finding new sources of revenue to fund our needs and focus on building our local economy. That will pay dividends in the long run.
 By Louie Rosella
July 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 The Green Lady Fans of the Green Lady will be happy to know there’s a new Starbucks coming to town.
The company confirmed to the Gazette it will be opening a new location at 901 Brant St. in Burlington.
Starbucks spokesperson Liana Timbol said the company is “thrilled” about the new spot, which is expected to open in late August. The company is already hiring a barista and shift supervisor for the new location, according to the Starbucks Canada website.
“The new location will include indoor and outdoor seating that invites the community to sit and stay awhile to enjoy their Starbucks favourites,” Timbal said.
 Second Starbucks location in the city will include a drive-thru. There will also be a drive-thru, along with and Starbucks Mobile Order & Pay. The new Starbucks will be replacing the Second Cup Coffee Co. Shop that closed in April.
However, just 1.5 kilometres away, there already exists a Starbucks, at 503 Brant St., in downtown Burlington.
Residents might be wondering why Starbucks would open a location so close to one that’s been a staple of the downtown.
Well, for one, the downtown location doesn’t have a drive-thru.
Timbol said the new store location aims to serve a different type of clientele.
“The 901 Brant St. location will look to service a driving customer along Fairview and Brant and the residential population around GO Brant station,” she said. “The 503 Brant Street location services the downtown Burlington community.”
The new location on Brant Street falls in line with the invigorated philosophy of Starbucks’ new CEO, Brian Niccol: “getting back to Starbucks.”
 Limited parking in front of the new location. “We’re refocusing on what has always set Starbucks apart — a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather, and where we serve the finest coffee, handcrafted by our skilled baristas. This is our enduring identity. We will innovate from here,” Niccol said in an open letter late last year.
One of the key areas Niccol wants to focus on is reestablishing Starbucks as the community coffeehouse.
“We’re committed to elevating the in-store experience — ensuring our spaces reflect the sights, smells and sounds that define Starbucks,” he said in the letter. “Our stores will be inviting places to linger, with comfortable seating, thoughtful design and a clear distinction between ‘to-go’ and ‘for-here’ service.”
Louie Rosella is a professor at Humber Polytechnic and a former journalist in the GTA.
 By Gazette Staff
July 23, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Freeze non-union pay for 2026 and 2027, prioritizing fiscal discipline while protecting service delivery.
Thomas Duffries chose to send his delegation on the 2026 budget to City Council rather than delegate in person and be on hand to answer any questions Councillors might have.
The delegation was exceptional in its understanding of numerous funding plans available to the city.
- Employee Compensation and Well-being
- Freeze non-union pay for 2026 and 2027, prioritizing fiscal discipline while protecting service delivery.
- Enhance employee wellness:
o Expanded mental health and well-being supports.
o Begin phased implementation of a 4-day workweek.
o Increase starting vacation entitlement to three weeks, with accelerated progression timelines.
- Transit Service Enhancements
- Add 16 transit drivers in 2026, no new buses, funded through increased ridership and reduced overtime.
- The proposed amount does not help Burlington achieve its now expired Transit Plan. While Burlington Transit has made terrific gains in its ridership, it has not completed its goals of improving service. This amount will help achieve the goals set out in the plan.
Council should ask that Staff develop a Service Plan for 2026 consisting of options that will range from increasing service with 5 Operators, 8 Operators and 16 Operators. These Service Plan options should be developed and presented to Council during Budget 2026 and refined for implementation in June 2026. Handi Van service should not be expanded at this time.
- Free transit initiatives:
 Free transit and shuttles o Free Summer transit for students to be permanently funded
o Free Christmas and March Break transit, funded through the Youth Initiatives
Reserve as a pilot pending results from Summer ridership.
o Free transit and shuttles during Sound of Music Festival and RibFest, and free transit on Canada Day and New Year’s Eve, funded potentially through the
Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) and sponsorships.
- Pilot renewable diesel transition for transit and fleet vehicles to advance climate targets.
- Infrastructure and Environmental Investments
- Increase the Infrastructure Renewal Levy to 3% gradually from 2026-3031, strengthening funding for critical asset renewal and resiliency.
- Use the Infrastructure Renewal levy to support:
o The Multiyear Community Investment Fund.
o Immediate expansion of the tree replacement program, increasing the planting/replacement ratio to 3:1, strengthening Burlington’s climate adaptation and urban canopy goals.
- Dedicate MAT revenues to develop a Sport Tourism, Development, and Infrastructure
Strategy, enhancing economic activity and community health.
▪ This strategy should be used to attract more sport events and tourism in Burlington but also develop the infrastructure needed. This strategy should specifically look at developing a 50m Pool, Indoor Soccer facility and
other sport infrastructure located at Sherwood Forest Park.
- Explore Sustainability-as-a-Service models to advance Net Zero goals, leveraging private-sector partnerships for building retrofits, fleet electrification, and green infrastructure.
- Use the Green Initiatives Reserve to fund:
o The next Climate Action and Resilience Plan.
o Wind Study
o Biodiversity Strategy, to enhance local ecosystems.
o Feasibility study on implementing District Energy, supporting low-carbon community-scale heating and cooling.
- Increase funding for new community gardens, advancing local food security and
neighbourhood connection.
- Explore opportunities to increase naturalized areas, reducing maintenance costs and improving climate and ecological resilience.
- Downtown and Mobility Strategies
strategy for the Downtown.
- Use parking revenues to fund the next Downtown Burlington Master Plan, ensuring vibrancy and economic vitality.
- Increase Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras to 8, enhancing road safety and
advancing Vision Zero goals.
- Accelerate the Mainway Grade Separation Project to 2026, beginning planning and early
design to improve safety, reduce delays and unlock a important economic corridor.
- Initiate a Rail Crossing Planning Project, covering Mainway and all crossings in the
Integrated Mobility Plan, prioritizing safety and future grade separations.
- Implement ward-based Vision Zero community safety plans, modeled on Sheldon Creek:
o Develop tailored local traffic safety and speed management plans in each ward.
o Engage residents, schools, and stakeholders in co-design.
o Include data-driven traffic calming, safe crossings, neighborhood design
improvements, and targeted education campaigns.
- Organizational Capacity and Customer Service
- Extend the HERO coordinator contract for two additional years, enhancing customer
service capacity.
- Add a Sport Tourism Coordinator, funded via MAT, to drive sport event attraction and strategy implementation.
- Add a TDM Coordinator, to lead TDM strategy rollout and active transportation initiatives.
- Youth and Community Development
- Initiate a new Youth Strategy, funded through the Youth Initiatives Reserve, to engage youth, support leadership development, and improve access to programs and services.
- Revenue Generation and Long-term Sustainability
- Launch a sponsorship and advertising review, to expand non-tax revenue streams.
- Conduct a feasibility study on a potential Stormwater Fee, integrated into the Stormwater
Management Plan, to secure sustainable funding for climate resilience infrastructure.
- Service Review, Transformation, and Civic Engagement
-
 Launch, with resident involvement, a transparent Service Review and Transformation Committee.
o Capital projects, with funding status and readiness to advance.
Conclusion
The 2026 budget proposal is a robust, strategic roadmap that balances Burlington’s immediate service needs with long-term goals for sustainability, safety, community vibrancy, and organizational transformation. Through increased infrastructure investment, enhanced mobility and climate action, support for youth and neighborhoods, and new engagement initiatives, Burlington will continue to lead as a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready city.
By Pepper Parr
July 22nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario government has proposed removing 645 acres of the beaches and an island in Ontario’s most-visited Provincial Park and turning them over to development. This represents almost one third of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park. The proposal also makes it easier and faster for the government to remove lands or entire parks across the province. This will be done by changing the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act which currently requires a study, report, and agreement of the members of the Ontario Legislature before lands totalling more than 1% of a park area can be removed or sold. The proposal aims to remove this portion of the Act.
“Provincial Parks belong to the people of Ontario and are meant to be protected forever. It is appalling that the current government is trying to give away big parts of our most popular park and make it easy to give more park land away in the future” said Tim Gray, Executive Director of Environmental Defence. “These beachfront lands on Georgian Bay are worth millions of dollars and owned by the people of Ontario. They should never be a gift to well-connected developers”.
 Hassaan Basit at his last Burlington Council meeting. Our current Chief Administrative Officer, Hassaan Basit moving along to the provincial government to handle conservation matters.
When we checked to make sure we had the title correctly, we were surprised to learn that Basit is not only the Chief Conservation Executive but he is also a Deputy Minister and that the appointment is for a three-year period,
Pursuant to the prerogative of His Majesty The King in Right of Ontario to appoint persons to serve His Majesty’s Government of Ontario in the discharge of its executive obligations and responsibilities. Hassaan Basit be appointed Deputy Minister and Chief Conservation Executive, Cabinet Office, effective August 4, 2025, to serve at the pleasure of the Lieutenant Governor in Council for a period not exceeding three years from the effective date of this appointment.
The job comes with some interesting perks. A performance bonus that can reach as high as 26% for DM1 levels and a car with a driver. No, not every deputy minister is guaranteed a driver. While some deputy ministers are provided with vehicles and drivers as part of their role, it is not a universal perk for all deputy ministers.
 Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
 By Pepper Parr
July 22nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
This is what happens when a news story reaches its best-before date.
Allan Harrington, got fixated on the piece we did on the Dollarama locations. He was the first to point out that the new store setting up was very close to an existing store.
Then he got the bit in his teeth and came back to us with the following.
I checked in with the Dollar Store and there will indeed be two Dollaramas. I suggested they should combine into a TOONIE- RAMA but they didn’t bite.
What is MORE fascinating about that intersection – is that it is probably the “CHICKEN TAKE-OUT center of the WORLD”
There are 10 fast food chicken dedicated franchise take-out places in the area competing for your poultry craving
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 Would this be the first spot Harrington would eat his free lunch? CHICK-FIL-A
- CHURCHES TEXAS CHICKEN
- KFC
- MARY BROWNS CHICKEN
- DAVES HOT CHICKEN
- MIGHTY BIRD CHICKEN
just south of it at Appleby and Upper Middle are
just west are
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- KUKUS CHICKEN
- HANGRY CHICKES
A publisher could send THIS reporter out to get a hot chicken sandwich from each place over the course of ten days and report back on : freshness, temperature, colour, flavour, spiciness, customer service, ease to order, wait time, environmental (waste plastic etc)
American vs Canadian owned?
What makes THEIR chicken different from the rest ? Is it the 11 herbs and spices ?
The reporter just needs to park in one spot for 6 of the locations.
This is excluding all the chicken wing places and McDonalds, Harveys and Wendys that also have chicken sandwiches.
I came away with the impression that Harrington wanted us to feed him for ten days
By Gazette Staff
July 22, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Community Development Halton is holding a meeting where youth researchers will share insights from their Youth Engagement Research Project.
The volunteers (14-24 years old) were trained to research what makes it difficult to get involved in volunteering. What are the obstacles and the challenges they faced?
The province requires a mandatory 40 hours of volunteer time to graduate from high school. Intended to promote volunteering in youth, the program does not appear to have met its intentions.
During the event on the 30th, the public will hear what the students learned.
By Lucy Roberts
July 22nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
There’s something magnetic about Canada for people who work remotely. Maybe it’s the quiet mornings by a lake in British Columbia or the cozy cafés scattered through Montreal. Either way, digital nomads keep showing up, and staying longer than planned.
 Working virtually in Toronto – you do not want your Wi-Fi to flake out during a client meeting. But let’s be honest. Working while traveling sounds great until the Wi-Fi flakes out during a client meeting, that’s when reality sets in. You need more than just a laptop and wanderlust. You need reliable data that moves with you.
Enter the eSIM. It’s not a new idea anymore, but for remote workers, it’s one of those things that changes everything.
Why eSIMs Work
First off, no plastic cards and no fiddling with pins or losing that tiny SIM tray tool. An eSIM lives inside your phone, you install it digitally, usually by scanning a QR code or following a few simple steps.
What makes it such a smart fit for nomads is the flexibility. Plans can be activated quickly, sometimes within minutes, and you’re not stuck with one network. If coverage dips in one area, you can shift to another provider. That freedom means fewer dropped calls and more time actually working or exploring, depending on the hour.
 An eSIM lives inside your phone, you install it digitally. You’re also skipping the airport kiosk shuffle or awkward conversations in phone shops. That alone is worth it.
Beyond the Border
It’s common for people traveling through Canada to add a few extra stops, New York, Mexico City, maybe a week in California. Sounds fun, right? Until your service cuts out because your plan doesn’t include the country you just entered.
That’s where the Holafly eSIM for North America really makes things easier. It works across Canada, the US, and Mexico under one setup. No switching plans and no interruptions. It just continues working, which is what you want when your job depends on a stable connection.
It doesn’t matter if you’re sending invoices from a Toronto apartment or livestreaming a workshop in Austin. Your data follows you.
Plus, when you’re not worrying about internet access, your travel decisions feel less boxed in. Want to take a last-minute trip south? No problem. Your phone’s already sorted.
Easy Setup, Real Impact
Let’s say you land in Calgary and realize you need to be online before you even get to the hotel. With an eSIM, you’re not stuck waiting in line or hunting down a store. You activate it right then and there.
And if you’ve ever tried to join a video call on a sketchy hotel network, you know the value of dependable mobile data. That’s what makes it useful.
Just Check Compatibility
Before jumping in, make sure your phone supports eSIMs. Most newer models from Apple, Google, and Samsung do, but it’s always smart to confirm.
 A flexible eSIM helps you stay connected. Once you’re set up, you’ll probably wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
Final Thoughts
Being a digital nomad isn’t about pretending to live on vacation. It’s about building a lifestyle that fits you. And in that lifestyle, having the right tools matters.
A flexible eSIM helps you stay connected, whether you’re working from a rooftop in Vancouver or answering emails after a morning hike in Alberta. It’s simple, reliable, and it moves when you do.
 By Pepper Parr
July 22nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
 Calderbank: “Council and the City have the power to fix this.” In an opinion piece yesterday, Kimberly Calderbank, the volunteer president of Burlington Aquatic Devilrays (BAD), said: “Council and the City have the power to fix this.”
BAD also has the power to fix this.
They have engaged legal counsel to represent them should this matter get to a Courtroom.
This is the time to get the matter before a judge. First, by asking for an injunction which would stop the city from doing anything, not that they have done all that much so far.
And then asking a Superior Court Judge to hold an expedited Judicial Review of just what took place – and just where the unfairness lies.
Calderbank is quite right – the time needed to set up programs for the fall is slipping away.
Swimmers don’t know which club they are going to be members of.
 Certainly not a Burlington Swimming Club. Golden Horseshoe Aquatic Club (GHAC) have said on numerous occasions that they are not a Hamilton Club. Perhaps not, but they are certainly not a Burlington swimming Club.
While incorporated as a not-for-profit club, the GHAC business model is to acquire as much pool time wherever they can and to charge fees that exceed anything asked for by BAD.
Council is not scheduled to meet again until mid-August. They can meet at the call of the Mayor, which Meed Ward has done in the past. We understand that she needed a nudge from a member of Council to make the decision to call a Special Meeting of Council.
The seven members of the current Council were elected to represent the people of Burlington. If they won’t get on with resolving this issue, then put it before someone who can resolve it.
Some say that pool time should be available to anyone. On what basis would that decision be made?
On numerous occasions, the city will put out a call to artists to provide their work, which the city will display. On occasion, and not just a few, the call is limited to Burlington residents only.
Burlington swimming pools were built for the residents of Burlington.
Background:
Related opinion piece
The timeline
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