 By Pepper Parr
August 15th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Jim Thomson, an Aldershot resident, who brought to our attention a confusing set of crosswalk markings at Plains Road East and Francis Road. We published a short piece on the crosswalk markings.
That got the problem on the desks of people at Transportation operations
Good afternoon Jim,
Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns about pedestrian accessibility at Plains Road East and Francis Road. We always appreciate hearing feedback from residents.
 Chris King: Manager Traffic Operations and Signals at the City of Burlington This intersection works differently than most because of its unique layout and traffic patterns. The intersection operates under what is called a “split-phase operation”. This means that instead of northbound and southbound traffic being permitted to move at the same time, each direction must take its turn. While not the most common form of signal operation, it’s worth noting that this type of operation (and the absence of a crosswalk) can also be found in other areas in Burlington, across the province, and beyond based on the specific safety and operational needs of each location.
For safety and efficiency, many split-phase intersections only have crosswalks on certain sides. At this location, adding an east side crosswalk would create safety issues (including between pedestrians and turning vehicles due to the required 2 left turn lanes exiting the plaza) and would require a much longer signal cycle length, which would cause delays for all road users including pedestrians. The increase in delay would not only occur at this location but also at synchronized intersections on Plains Road and in the surrounding areas, which would need their timings and cycle lengths modified to stay in synch.
Regarding the pedestrian button in the middle island, these are used in specific circumstances (typically very large intersections). The timing at this location is designed to give enough time to cross fully, and pedestrians should begin crossing only when the “walk” symbol is lit.
We understand that the roadway design means your trip required extra crossings, and we know that can be frustrating. However, the current setup prioritizes safety and considers traffic flow and overall delay for all users both at this location and across the broader traffic network in Burlington.
Thank you again, your input helps us continue to review and improve how our streets work for all road users. Have a nice weekend.
Chris King
Manager, Transportation Operations
 Intersection of Plains Road East and Francis Road. Thomson responds
I can not believe that having to walk three sides of a square to get from the south east side of Francis Rd to get to the bus stop on the north east side of Francis Rd is considered to be a good design. If you want people to use active transportation then you have top make it convenient for people who are walking. The fact that this might inconvenience IKEA /Fortino Shoppers should not be the main priority. The fact that you insist that the time allotted to cross is sufficient and that no one should ever end up stuck on the island in the middle island is especially ridiculous as I have been stuck on the island at another of the intersections that prioritizes cars over people. Once there there is nothing you can do to get safely off the island.
 Jim Thomson. The Integrated Mobility Plan as passed by Council in September 2023 has a policy direction in 7.1.1 to enhance the pedestrian level of service (experience). My concern is that at the Francis Road /Plains Road East intersection the car is taking priority over the pedestrian because there are only crosswalks on three sides of the intersection.
This needs to change if the goal is to build a walkable environment and improve pedestrian safety.
I would also suggest the the speed limit on East Plains should be maintained at the 50 km/hr that it has coming into the intersection and should not increase to 60 km/hr at any point on Plains Road East. The frequent changes in the posted speed limit promotes speeding in the areas where the limit is posted at 50 km/hr and in the school zones where it reduce to 40km/hr. Traffic would flow more smoothly if it wasn’t continually changing speed.
I would also suggest that your bus drivers need to have a lighter touch on the gas pedal and the brake. Currently they are trying to accelerate like cars to get to the posted speed limits ie 0-60 km/hr as fast as possible. And they decelerate with a squealing of brakes. This is not a comfortable ride for the passengers in the bus. The suspension of the Buses is rather hard and when they hit bumps in the road at 60km/hr it can be jarring to the passengers.
I also wonder how you can run the buses to a schedule when the time displayed in each bus is different. Some have been as much as 6 minutes behind my watch to 3 minutes ahead of my watch. I should be able to set my watch to the time in the buses they should all be displaying the same time.
I have heard all sorts of reasons why Plains is an arterial road but the facts are that it goes down to one lane across a bridge before it gets to Hamilton. There are cycle paths but only one lane for vehicles. I have yet to see major use of the bike lanes and still see many cyclists preferring to ride on the sidewalks rather than in the bike lanes.
In conclusion, I strongly believe that if the goal is to have a walkable city then the Intersection at Francis Rd and Plains Road East needs to be modified to have crosswalks on all four sides, not just the three it presently has. The city needs to start prioritizing the pedestrian over the automobile., I reject your thesis that the design prioritizes the safety of the network. The design prioritizes traffic flow.
I thank Councillor Galbraith for forwarding my concerns to you but I don’t believe you took them seriously; you just tried to justify what is currently in place.
Change won’t happen if the culture isn’t in place to accept that things need to be improved when you get negative feedback. This should be a relatively easy problem to solve. All it takes is some paint and a change to the timing of lights at this one intersection. As you point out there are several more intersections that also need to be changed to prioritize pedestrians over cars, but I have only complained about this one.
It will be interesting to see how this works out.
 By Gazette Staff
August 14th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Police are alerting the public. Police would like to make the public aware of a potential scam affecting residents of Burlington.
Reports are being received of men approaching homeowners claiming to be employed with the City of Burlington, attending to complete work on the property.
The men demand cash in order to start the projects.
City employees carry authorized identification and will not request money to complete work.
Residents who suspect they are being misled by the above or similar scenario are asked to contact the Halton Regional Police Service at 9-1-1 or via our non-emergency line at 905-825-4777.
By Pepper Parr
August 14th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
First, there was the Mayor’s Statement on the Sound of Music (SoM: it was iconic (a much overused word) then there was mention of the legacy and lots of good feeling words.
Later on the same day – Dave Shepherd released a statement on how dire things were for the Sound of Music (SoM) and that if there wasn’t any sponsorship, the event didn’t have much in the way of a future.
The Mayor set out the kind of money the city was putting into the event – not all that much – especially when you take into account the different fees the SoM had to pay the city.
What didn’t get mentioned was the business plan the SoM was required to submit for 2026 event. That was due June 1st, 2025
Producing the business plan was one of the conditions attached to the $225,000 the city loaned SoM to get the 2025 event off the ground.
What we are seeing is a lot of running around like chickens with their heads cut off – precious little in the way of a solid document put together by people who understand marketing, understand the music business and know how to get all the relevant data onto a spreadsheet that they then analyze.
Related news story:
Mayors Statement
Sherherds’ plea
What is really needed
 How do you lose money with crowds like this?
By Pepper Parr
August 14th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Things appear to be quiet within the swimming community.
The clubs are still registering new swimmers while they work on the programs that will be offered in September.
The RFP that was awarded to the GHAC Golden Horseshoe Aquatic Club (GHAC) requires that 80% of the swimmers live in Burlington.
It isn’t clear as to just when the city is going to ask for numbers from the clubs.
 The registration data is collected by Swim Ontario.
The effort to have an audit done on just how the awarding of the RFP was arrived at is still in play.
There are few questions on what the process should be. Reports are that the city auditor is on side and is prepared to take on the task if instructed to do so. The sticking point is understood to be – where will the funds to carry out the audit come from.
The auditor’s workload is pretty much in place.
The decision to proceed will be made at a Council meeting sometime in September.
The first step will be a Motion tabled by a Council member that has to be seconded by another Council member.
Once the Motion is on the table, it will be debated (vigorously). It will need four council members to pass.
The Audit Committee has looked at procurement practices in the past. There was a report released on September 11, 2024
Summary: To ensure procurement transactions for goods/services under $50,000 are compliant to the City’s Procurement By-Law and applicable corporate policies and procedures.
Audit results: Three low-risk findings that focused on policy improvements, better training compliance and data analytics.
Current members of the Audit Committee are:
Councillor Kearns
Councillor Sharman
Mathew Moore
Etienne Durafour
Michael Di Iulio
Kartik Gupta
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, an ex-officio voting member of the Committee
 Mayor Meed Ward The members of the audit committee don’t do anything unless directed by Council.
It’s all doable – but it will be a tight, politically based fight.
The Audit Committee reports to Council; its report is not signed off on by anyone in the Administration
The Mayor will not want all the facts made public.
 By Gazette Staff
August 14th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Weekend closure on the Skyway bridge starts on Friday. 
 Repairs and maintenance will stretch into September.
By Pepper Parr
August 14th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
It was his first day taking part in a City Council meeting as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
 Curt Benson: City CAO Other than being introduced, Curt Benson didn’t have a word to say.
Call it a soft start.
There just wasn’t an occasion for Benson to say anything.
The Mayor could have asked Benson for a few words. Nope.
Benson is a superb planner and on planning issues, he will have a lot to say.
On the administration side – we don’t know yet.
 By Gazette Staff
August 13th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 For a guy many thought didn’t have all that much in the way of campaign experience, he was certainly having a great time. “This year, Canadians showed up like never before to support Mark Carney and our Liberal team’s plan to build a stronger Canada,” said Azam Ishmael, National Director of the Liberal Party of Canada. “When the challenge was greatest, Liberals met the moment – helping achieve our best-ever year for fundraising and earn a historic new mandate. Now, they’re continuing to step up and drive our work to deliver for Canadians.”
This record-breaking support builds on a successful Leadership race and national campaign – an unprecedented feat in Canadian history that saw:
- Nearly 400,000 Canadians signed up as Registered Liberals to take part in a secure and robust Leadership race that elected Mark Carney as Liberal Leader.
- Millions of door knocks and calls in the lead-up to Election Day, and more than 100 rallies and events across the country.
- The largest Liberal vote share in over 40 years to elect 169 strong Liberal MPs and reject Pierre Poilievre’s divisive politics.
This new milestone surpasses Liberal fundraising records set in previous election years — including 2015’s historically long campaign, as well as 2019 and 2021.
As Mark Carney and our new Liberal government deliver on the priorities that matter most to Canadians, the Liberal Party will build on this strong grassroots support ahead of our 2026 National Convention from April 9-11, where thousands of Liberals will come together in Montréal to participate in important policy discussions, hear from guest speakers, and help shape the future of party and our country.
By Pepper Parr
August 13th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington invites residents to its fifth annual Food for Feedback event on Saturday, Sept. 13, from noon to 4 p.m. at Central Park (2299 New St.).
This popular community event offers residents a unique opportunity to enjoy a free meal in exchange for sharing their thoughts on City projects and initiatives, while supplies last. It’s a chance to have your voice heard while connecting with neighbours, Council and City staff in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
 Line-ups at Food Truck Stattions Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, members of Council, City staff, and representatives from advisory committees will be on site to listen, engage, and gather valuable feedback that helps shape the future of Burlington.
 Council members set up their tents at the 2022 event. Not all participated. The free drop-in event features 35 booths and five food trucks. There is a reserved area called the ‘Kidz Zone’ where children can have fun while family members provide feedback on City projects.
Feedback collected at the event is used to help the City continue to improve programs, services and initiatives.
If it rains, the event will move to the Burlington Seniors’ Centre.
I have one question for the Mayor and Councillor Kearns, who laud the event in their comments below:
Will you name one thing that you learned as a result of the surveys you did that was used to change a city program? Just the one thing.
This year, the City will be seeking feedback and sharing information on topics including:
- Burlington Transit
-
 The different colours meant absolutely nothing. If you thought the focus on Heritage issues changed – do let us know. The programs put on during the recent Heritage were not only disappointing but dismal as well. Vision 2050
- Culture Plan
- New Zoning Bylaw Project
- 2026 Budget
- Recreation
- Parks
- Official Plan, and more!
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward: “Food for Feedback is a great way for the City and residents to connect directly in a relaxed and welcoming setting, and to share your perspectives on the City’s priorities. Your input matters—it helps guide the direction of our city, from how we build and move around, to property development, budgeting, and how we engage with the community. I’ll have a booth at the event and invite you to stop by and share what’s on your mind. Come out, grab a bite, and let’s talk about Burlington’s future—together.”
Lisa Kearns, Deputy Mayor of Community Engagement & Partnerships: “Your voice is vital to shaping Burlington’s future. The Food for Feedback event is a cornerstone of our commitment to community engagement, providing a platform for residents to share insights that directly influence our planning, investments, and connections. Join us in this meaningful initiative—your feedback drives impactful results and strengthens our shared vision for the community.”
 By Pepper Parr
August 13th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Do you get the impression that Sound of Music (SoM) is scrambling?
And can you smell the political interference? Out of the blue, the Mayor issues a statement expressing her complete support for the SoM. A day later there is a statement from SoM setting out the gravity of their financial condition.
 The audience is there. Should they be asked to pick up some of the cost? SoM is a business – it just isn’t being run as a business. While discussing a financial problem at City Council SoM chair Dave Sheppard responded: “I’d just like it to go away”.
On that occasion someone came forward and directed the Community Foundation to send funds to SoM. We don’t know how much that was nor who made the funds available. Everything the Community Foundation does is secret as it should be.
There is a serious problem. SoM continues to look for corporate sponsorship. That model has come to an end, and the people running SoM should have been aware of that.
One of the problems at SoM has been the turnover at the leadership level. Entertainment is a very complex business – it needs people with years of experience at the helm. Sheppard, through no fault on his part, found himself serving as chair
 These are the people who get things set up before the event begins Administratively the SoM has an incredible team of people who make the wheels go around when the event has to be set up.
There are a number of opportunities for the SoM to change the direction and the funding model. Find the help from within the community – it is there.
Burlington has about 15, maybe 20 marketing organizations that are world-class operations.
Sheppard wants to get some help in identifying just who they are and approach them for help. This is something former Mayor Rick Goldring could help out with. He knows these people and is no longer part of the political process in the city.
Pull ten or so of them together – set out the situation and look to them for advice. That means opening their books
 A tired-looking sign, slightly shabby. The SoM has forgotten about its public profile. The graphics are old, tired-looking, and slightly shabby. They should have been upgraded five years ago.
 That graphic defies description. And the logo – what does it say to you? To me it looks like something put together by a ‘stoner’. Upgrade it.
Look progressive, tell the story about people who have gained the public notice they needed from the SoM stage.
 This stretch of commercial activity is filled during the Sound of Music. Mention is made by the SoM people about the economic impact on the local economy. There is no doubt that the hospitality sector does very very good business during SoM week. Why isn’t that sector putting some of that additional revenue in the SoM coffers?
The city charges the SoM music for at least half a dozen services it provides. They pay for the use of Spencer Smith Park. It would be difficult to reduce the rate for SoM but the city could get creative. They managed to find a way to get funds to Burlington Green when they ran out of sponsorship and Trillium funding.
SoM has to have a conversation with the talent. Lowering just how much is paid to those who take the stage might be due. The public would be surprised as to just how much SoM pays out to the artistic talent. It is extensive.
There are more reasons to keep the SoM as an annual event than there are to let it become something Burlington used to be known for.
The Brant Inn came to an end because of poor management.
This doesn’t have to be the reason for bringing the Sound of Music to an end.
 By Gazette Staff
August 13th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
What if a simple heartbeat measurement could help predict a person’s risk of dementia?
A Brock-led international research team has found that including an additional metric — resting heart rate — to an established dementia risk prediction model can make its results more accurate across most racial groups, says Professor of Health Sciences Newman Sze.
The Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Incidence of Dementia (CAIDE) international assessment tool uses several physiological and social measurements to evaluate a patient’s vulnerability to developing dementia in the future.
 But the current model doesn’t capture a patient’s full health picture, particularly across diverse racial groups in the U.S., says Sze, the Canada Research Chair in Mechanisms of Health and Disease.
After obesity and hypertension, Sze says resting heart rate is one of the most important risk factors for dementia, a feature not captured in the current model.
“If the resting heart rate is too low or too fast due to heart muscle failure, there’s not enough blood being pumped to the brain,” says Sze. “The brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen and nutrients, which leads to brain degeneration.”
Sze and his eight-member research team tested the impacts of including resting heart rate (RHR) in the CAIDE model to see if adding that measurement would improve the model as a whole and increase equitable access to dementia prediction.
Resting heart rate, or pulse rate, refers to the number of beats per minute when the body is inactive and calm.
 The research team analyzed data from 44,467 U.S. participants aged 18 and older, including those aged 65 and above. The data, collected by the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC), spanned from 2005 to 2023 and included information from interviews, physical examinations and cognitive tests.
The team divided participants in the NACC database into self-reported racial groups: two American Indigenous populations, Asian, Black African, Hispanic and White.
The team ran each group through the current CAIDE model, which is comprised of age, sex, body mass index, hypercholesteremia, level of education and hypertension measurements.
They then repeated the procedure with a CAIDE-RHR model that included resting heart rate.
“This adjustment significantly improved dementia risk prediction across most racial groups, offering a more inclusive and accessible way to identify at-risk individuals,” says Sze.
As resting heart rate is easy to measure, more people can be screened and monitored, which makes the model more inclusive, says the study’s lead author, PhD student Shakiru Alaka.
He says other researchers have previously attempted to improve the CAIDE model’s accuracy by introducing expensive and time-consuming lab analysis to detect dementia biomarkers in blood samples.
But this addition may reduce access for multi-racial, underserved populations, especially in the U.S., says Alaka.
“In contrast, resting heart rate can be measured with a simple blood pressure cuff or by placing fingers on the wrist — methods that are quick, non-invasive and widely available, even in underserved community settings,” he says.
The team found the CAIDE-RHR model significantly improved the accuracy of dementia risk prediction for all racial groups in the study except the American Indigenous populations, although Sze says the low number of participants may have affected the model’s accuracy for that group.
“This finding highlights the important connection between heart health and brain health,” says Sze. “It’s a step toward addressing systemic gaps in how we assess dementia risk across diverse populations.”
 Newman Sze and PhD student Shakiru Alaka checking data at Brock University Although the study was conducted with U.S. participants, the findings have important implications for Canada, where dementia-related mortality has increased by 59 per cent over the past 10 years, says Sze.
“The CAIDE-RHR model offers a low-cost, non-invasive tool that could be integrated into routine care, including in rural and underserved communities, to help identify those at risk earlier and more equitably,” he says.
The study, “Enhancing the Validity of CAIDE Dementia Risk Scores with Heart Rate and Machine Learning: An Analysis from National Alzheimer Coordinating Centre Across All Races/Ethnicity,” was published Friday, Aug. 8 in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.
In addition to Sze and Alaka, the research team includes Brock University Professor of Health Sciences Brent Faught, Distinguished Professor of Kinesiology Panagiota Klentrou, Associate Professor of Health Sciences Rebecca MacPherson, Assistant Professor of Health Sciences Mostafa Shokoohi, Research Associate So-Fong Cam Ngan and researchers from the U.K.’s Newcastle University and the National University Health System in Singapore.
 By Tom Parkin
August 13th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
To July 31, Canadians have logged over 830,000 fewer return trips from the United States through Canada’s major airports than last year — and July’s drop is the biggest yet.
Change in Canadians returning from US via Canada’s 10 largest airports, 2024 to 2025
Canadians’ boycott of travel to the United States gained ground in July as return air trips fell 27 per cent from the same month of 2024, the largest monthly drop so far this year, according to Statistics Canada data released August 11.
Among Canada’s largest 10 airports, only Quebec City’s Jean Lesage airport saw a July increase in Canadians returning from the United States compared to the same month in 2024. The largest drop was at Edmonton airport where trips by Canadians returning from the United States was down 40 per cent.
July’s return air traffic from the United States through Canada’s largest 10 airports was down 26.8 per cent, or 133,815 visits, from the same month a year ago.
There were 4,565,183 return air trips to Canada by Canadian residents in 2024 up to July 31, but during the same period of 2025 there have been 3,734,819 trips, an 18.2 per cent drop.
Canadians returning from United States via major airports, change July 2024 to July 2025
By Pepper Parr
August 13th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
After 45 years of music, memories, and community–building, the Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival is facing a crisis. As Canada’s largest free outdoor music festival, we have brought together more than 400,000 visitors annually, offered a stage to 50+ Canadian artists each year and contributed an estimated $25 million in economic impact to Burlington and the surrounding area. Now, with sharp declines in public arts funding and sponsorship, our future is now uncertain.
What was once a thriving example of free and accessible live music is now grappling with the hard truth: We can no longer sustain this festival without urgent financial support!
 Funding Cuts Are Undermining a Legacy
The federal Heritage Fund, which traditionally supported with $200,000 annually, now only offers grants up to $50,000. Other funding programs have been similarly reduced in material amounts. These losses, compounded by shrinking sponsorship dollars, have created a critical gap that threatens the very heart of the festival.
“We’ve done everything possible to run lean without sacrificing safety or the quality of the experience,” says the Festival’s Board of Directors Chair, Dave Shepherd. “We’ve trimmed costs – over $500k has been removed in the last 2 years, streamlined operations, and maximized efficiencies. But we are now at the edge—without new partners stepping in, we don’t know if we can keep going.” Shepherd goes on to add that “the festival is run and managed professionally, but the real magic happens with our dedicated volunteers who clock an impressive 6000 hours, over the festival weekend. We provide a great opportunity for summer youth employment each year as well, for some of the students in our community. “
A Proven Economic Engine and Cultural Beacon
A recent survey conducted with Burlington Economic Development and Tourism underscores what we’ve long known:
42% of attendees come from outside the city, with many staying 4+ nights, boosting revenue for hotels, restaurants, and retailers.
90% of out–of–town visitors plan to return to Burlington after attending
Over 40 local businesses were showcased as community partners
The festival provided contracts in over$ 500k in value to Southern Ontario based businesses
 Is everyone benefitting? This is more than a festival. It’s an economic and cultural anchor that helps define Burlington’s identity, attracts tourism, and promotes small business success across the city and region.
Call to Action for Community Champions – The time to act is now!
We’re calling on community leaders, philanthropists, corporate partners, and anyone who believes in the power of music and arts to help. We urgently need a major sponsor or group of sponsors to join us in protecting this treasured event and ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the joy, connection, and inclusivity that live music offers.
Why It Matters
In a time where connection and community are more important than ever, free and open access cultural experiences matter. The Sound of Music Festival is a safe space, a mental health booster, and a platform that breaks down barriers. It is one of the last of its kind—a rare event that remains completely free to attend, offering world–class performances to everyone, regardless of income or background. There is no barrier to entry!
This is more than a funding shortfall—it’s a community crossroads. Without immediate support, we risk losing a 45–year tradition that unites thousands in celebration every summer.
 A tired, well past its “best before” date sign. Close to shabby. Let’s Keep the Music Playing
If you are a business leader, a brand that values impact, or a citizen who wants to make a difference, we urge you to reach out. Sponsorship opportunities, legacy partnerships, and creative collaborations are all on the table.
Its time for change! Together, we can and must keep the music alive!
For more information or to schedule a conversation about sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Brent Kinnaird – VP Festival Operations
Dave Shepherd – Chairperson, Board of Directors
Julie Cole – Vice Chairperson, Board of Directors
By Jim Thomson
August 11th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Editor’s note: Jim Thomson is not an easy man to work with. While the City banned him from attending Council meetings. Thomson often makes serious points when he writes. The following is a notice he sent to Mayor Meed Ward and City Solicitor Blake Hurley.
Please remove these posts from your personal website.
You do not speak for the city or as mayor on your personal site.
You should not be using official logo’s of the City to imply that you do.
Official communication should be from the CoB or maybe even the Mayor’s office.
I am told that your Tweets, Facebook and Instagram also use an official logo of the city in your private accounts.
Please take down any and all posts where this is the case.
You appear to have trouble separating the Mayor from Marianne.
Thomson is absolutely right. The City Solicitor should have brought this to her attention.
 This is a tweet that relates to Marianne Meed Ward’s personal life. She should not be attaching her job as Mayor of the City to this kind of email.
 Another tweet from Meed Ward’s personal x account.
Shown below are the two accounts the Meed Ward has: One which should be used when she is addressing people as Mayor, the other when she is addressing people as Marianne Meed Ward, private citizen.
It is a fine point, but an important one.
By Gazette Staff
August 12th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Fire Department has issued a city-wide burn ban, prohibiting all open-air burning effective immediately.
This city-wide ban includes properties with approved burn permits.
 A fire like this is not permitted The decision to issue a burn ban comes after particularly dry weather conditions in the Burlington area and limited rainfall along with air quality warnings for the region due to smoke from wildfires in areas of Canada.
People failing to comply with open-air burning regulations in the Ontario Fire Code and Burlington’s Open-air Burning Bylaw may be fined or invoiced in relation to response incidents.
Burlington residents are encouraged to help local fire prevention efforts by keeping overgrown vegetation cut, grass watered and moving brush, wood and yard waste away from structures and heat sources. Fire officials are also asking people to use extreme caution when cooking on barbecues during this time.
For more information, please visit burlington.ca/openairburning
“This burn ban applies to the entire city, including properties with approved burn permits. The ban will remain in effect until further notice. This measure is consistent with burn bans currently in place in many municipalities across Ontario, due to ongoing dry conditions and increased fire risk.”
Quick Facts
- You are allowed to use fire tables or bowls, and other outdoor burning devices that use propane or natural gas as fuel and that are designed/approved for this use. These don’t produce smoke or odours that can irritate neighbours. They are not permitted on apartment building balconies or where prohibited by condominium corporation rules.
- The burn ban does not apply to small, confined fire used to cook food on a grill, barbeque or pit; however, residents should exercise extreme caution and ensure fires are fully extinguished after use of cooking equipment.
Links and Resources
 By Gazette Staff
August 12th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Ireland House, one of the few early 18th-century homes still standing in the City. The folks at Ireland House invite you to step back in time and explore the grounds of Ireland House Museum during the Classic Cars & Carnival event!
Enjoy a nostalgic array of classic cars, try your hand at ring toss, and treat yourself to timeless treats like popcorn and cotton candy.
 His great-grandparents may have driven a vehicle like this. There will be family friendly entertainment and activities throughout the day, and the Burlington Teen Tour Boosters will be onsite with a barbecue. Guided tours of the historic house will be available for booking (regular tour rates apply).
Admission to the event is by donation, suggested donation of $5/person. All proceeds from the event support the development of our education programs and management of collections at Ireland House Museum.
Saturday, August 23 | 10:00am – 2:00 pm
Ireland House Museum
Ireland House is a historical house and property and the original homestead of the Ireland family. With guided tours, visitors step back in time to understand the life of early settlers.
By Sidsel Norgaard
August 12th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Bingo is a legendary game with paper cards and numbered balls. With the development of digital technologies, it has found a new life on the Internet. Today, Bingo occupies an honorable place in the game catalogs of the largest online casinos. It attracts players with simple rules, dynamic gameplay, and an exciting atmosphere.
 The main advantage of the online version of Bingo is that gamblers can play it anywhere. Modern gambling platforms offer a variety of Bingo formats with unique visual themes, different levels of difficulty, and generous bonuses. For example, in the game catalog of VegasHero online casino, you can see Bingo in dozens of different formats: from classics to creative versions. That is why Bingo remains one of the most popular games in the online gambling industry.
How to play Bingo in leading online casinos?
The online version of Bingo retains the classic rules. At the same time, it is adapted for the digital format. In top online casinos, such as VegasHero, the game process looks like this:
- Buying cards. The player selects one or more cards, each of which contains a grid of random numbers. The most common format is 5×5.
- Automatic drawing. The system instantly generates random numbers, simulating the falling of balls.
- Match mark. Matched numbers are highlighted automatically.
- Winning combinations. A win is counted when a certain pattern matches — horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or a full ticket. In some versions, multiple wins are available in one round.
- Bonus features. Many formats include additional options: jackpots, mini-games, prize draws, and other elements.
VegasHero online casino offers both classic Bingo options and original versions with unique plots and bonuses. Thanks to this, each game is fast and exciting.
Benefits of the Bingo game
 Here are the main advantages of the Bingo game in an online casino:
- Simplicity of rules. Beginners can master the mechanics of Bingo in a couple of minutes.
- Low entry threshold. The game does not require large bets. This makes it accessible to a broad audience.
- Automation of the process. The system tracks winning combinations, eliminating errors and speeding up the gameplay.
- Variety of themes. Many versions of Bingo are designed in a bright style with interesting plots and animations.
- Bonuses and jackpots. Some versions of Bingo offer progressive jackpots and bonus rounds.
All these factors make Bingo an ideal choice for those who value simplicity, excitement, and the opportunity to win online.
Varieties of the Bingo game in VegasHero
 One of the factors in the popularity of Bingo in VegasHero is a wide selection of game variations. Each of them has a unique theme, design, and bonus features. Here are some of the most interesting versions available on the platform:
- Battale Funk Bingo. A vibrant music game with dynamic animation. This version is perfect for those who love a fun atmosphere.
- Bingo Valhalla. A game based on Scandinavian mythology. Gamblers can activate the Saga mode, which allows them to win a jackpot when the entire card is filled.
- Golden Dragon Bingo. An oriental setting with golden dragons and flaming lanterns. The additional Dragon Breath feature doubles prizes.
- Jingle Bell Bingo. A Christmas atmosphere with garlands, gifts, and the sounds of bells. During the festive season, the Snow Flurry bonus is activated, increasing the winning odds.
In addition, VegasHero online casino offers to play the following versions of Bingo: Halloween Bingo, Bingo Tesoro Maya, Bingo Tornado, Tomatina Bingo, Candy Bingo 3D, etc. Each game has a different level of volatility, number of bonus features, and visual aesthetics.
By Pepper Parr
August 12th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Alan Harrington likes to travel.
On his most recent trip he went west and crossed the mighty Mississippi River.
 The 1996 Studebaker and Harrington in a selfie  The last Studebaker manufactured in Hamilton He visited the Studebaker Museum in South Bend Indiana and saw the last vehicle Abraham Lincoln ever rode in. A Studebaker carriage to the Ford Theatre.
And Harrington got to see the LAST Studebaker ever manufactured.
It was a 1966 teal blue Studebaker Cruiser that rolled off the Hamilton Ontario assembly line on March 17 1966, ending 114 years of car making
 By Tom Parkin
August 112, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Net migration between Ontario and other provinces, Q1 2015 to Q1 2025
Ontario’s population declined in the first quarter of 2025 for only the second time on record as the number of people moving from Ontario to another province exceeded the number moving in from other provinces, according to Statistics Canada’s data released in July.
Statistics Canada’s Population Estimates tracks Ontario’s population each quarter going back to 1951. The only other population decline was in Q4 2020, when international immigration was temporarily closed and many jobs started to be done remotely.
In Q1 2025, 23,777 people moved from Ontario to a different province but only 18,540 moved from another province to Ontario.
Ontario’s interprovincial migration went unreported
The Toronto Star and Global News reported on the most recent Statistics Canada data and mentioned Ontario’s population decline, but neither media platform noted Ontario’s net negative interprovincial migration. The Toronto Sun and CTV News ran a Canadian Press story with no information on Ontario’s population decline or its net negative interprovincial migration. CBC does not appear to have reported on the June data release.
Ontario’s net migration with other provinces moved neutral in 2020 then turned sharply negative in 2021 as housing costs skyrocketed and unemployment began to climb.
Between March 2020 and February 2022, the average benchmark house purchase price in the Greater Toronto Area increased 53 per cent. Ontario’s unemployment rate pushed above the national average in mid-2020. In July, Ontario’s unemployment rate was a full point higher than the national rate, with 700,000 workers unemployed.
Difference in unemployment rate performance, Canada and Ontario
Alberta, B.C. top destination for “Ex-tarians”
Half of those exiting Ontario relocated to either Alberta (31 per cent) or British Columbia (19 per cent).
Percentage of Ontario out-migrants resettling in each other province, Q1 2025
It would appear that Ontario is no longer a place to grow.
 By David Perez
August 12th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Online casino withdrawals are expected to be quick and efficient, especially with today’s fast digital payment solutions like e-wallets. Still, delays happen more often than players expect. These interruptions can turn what should be a smooth process into a frustrating waiting game.
Understanding why payouts are delayed, and what you can do to avoid it, can help you make better choices and get your winnings faster. This article explores the common causes of withdrawal delays, the fastest payment options available in Canada, and the best practices for a smoother payout experience.
Why Withdrawals Get Delayed
 You won, big time – now you want fast, efficient payout. Although many casinos promote instant withdrawals, there are situations where delays can still occur. One common reason is incomplete verification. Canadian casinos must follow KYC rules, so if your documents are missing or unclear, your payout may be temporarily paused.
Internal processing times also vary. Some casinos process withdrawals manually or primarily during business hours, which may lead to minor delays, particularly over weekends or holidays.
Security checks are another factor. If there is unusual activity on your account, such as a large withdrawal or a change in payment method, the casino may perform a manual review before releasing the funds.
The Fastest Payment Methods for Canadian Players
The choice of withdrawal method has a big impact on how quickly funds reach your account. In Canada, some of the most efficient options include Interac, which is widely used and generally processed within a few hours to one business day. iDebit and InstaDebit are also popular choices, allowing direct bank transfers that are typically completed in one to two business days.
E-wallets such as Skrill, MuchBetter, and Neteller stand out for their speed. Once a casino approves the transaction, funds often appear in your wallet within minutes to a few hours. Cryptocurrencies, offered by a growing number of online casinos, can also be exceptionally fast. The timing depends on how quickly the casino processes the request and the current state of the blockchain network.
Bank transfers remain one of the slower options. These often take three to five business days, although some players prefer them for larger amounts or the extra sense of security they provide.
How to Speed Up Your Withdrawals
 Reliable, efficient and only in Canada The most effective way to receive your winnings quickly is to choose a payment method known for fast processing. E-wallets, Interac, and certain cryptocurrencies often deliver the quickest results once the casino approves the withdrawal.
Being consistent with how you manage your account can also help in some cases. Sudden changes in payment methods or unusual account activity may occasionally trigger additional checks.
While most modern casinos process payments efficiently, requesting a withdrawal during business hours might still help ensure quicker approval, especially at sites that handle requests manually.
Why Comparison Sites Can Make a Difference
With so many casinos claiming fast payouts, it can be hard to know which ones follow through. Comparison platforms like Bojoko, AskGamblers, and bookies.com help players see how casinos actually handle withdrawals, including how fast they pay out and what banking methods are practical.
Among them, Bojoko has a comprehensive overview of Canadian casinos with instant withdrawals and is known for focusing on real withdrawal cases, offering players a clearer picture of what to expect before signing up. These platforms often include verified user reviews and up-to-date payment data, helping players make more confident decisions based on actual experiences rather than marketing claims.
 Make sure your full documentation has been provided – payouts can’t be processed quickly without the KNC rule being followed. Putting It All Together
While fast payouts are important, they are only one part of a good online casino experience. A casino might offer quick withdrawals, but if its support team is difficult to reach or its rules are unclear, the process can still be frustrating.
The best approach is to play at well-rated, licensed casinos that combine efficient customer service, transparent policies, and secure payment systems. Completing verification early and using trusted payment methods, especially those known for speed in Canada, will help make sure that your withdrawals are handled quickly and with minimal hassle.
By Pepper Parr
August 12th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
For people who are not part of the swimming community, understanding how the different clubs operate can be confusing.
We had to turn to the Devilrays again to make sure we had it right.
 To clarify, BAD’s current registration deadline is set by our club to help us finalize rosters and scheduling for the upcoming season.
While we do accept tryouts throughout the year, squad placements and guaranteed spots are based on this registration cycle.
After our deadline, we will open any remaining spaces to waitlisted swimmers.
Each club operates on its own timelines, which is why you may see different dates for GHAC, OAK, or others. I can assure you that any information I share is correct and the most up to date available from BAD.
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