There she was sitting on the upholstered bench CHCH television uses for its Morning Show with the interviewer prepared to toss softball questions.
Interviewer: Mayor Marianne Meed Ward joins us this morning for a Burlington check in; before we find out what’s going on in the city. What are you wearing right now?
Mayor Meed Ward: I am wearing a pin that is part of the King’s Medal Award that I just got. It was total shock. I cried when I got the notice. Somebody nominated me. I don’t know who. There’s an actual coin. It’s got King Charles on one side, the other side is this. It’s a 13 pointed star with a crown, and that’s for all of Canada’s provinces and territories. But I can only wear the medal at military events, formal council meetings, or, you know, very ceremonial or Speech from the Throne, which in my case would be a State of the City address.
But I can wear this pin every day. It was very unexpected, a huge honour. I’m just, so overwhelmed with, with the support and the community has been very kind and saying, you know, you’ve earned this. So it’s awesome.
Interviewer: This is the King Charles coronation metal. And what’s it for? Is it for service to community ?
Mayor Meed Ward: It’s for service to community country.
So it can be a local community. It can be nationwide. One of the reasons that I was given this was really an initiative that I started off the side of my desk, something beyond being the Mayor.
“It’s a Her Halton group; elected representatives who are women. We’ve been talking about the toxic nature of politics, and we developed a pledge that we commit ourselves to respectful debate, and we ask others to take the pledge as well. This was picked up by the Canadian feminist parliamentarians across the country – we’ve had dozens and dozens of people sign their name to the pledge.”
A concern a lot of people have with Mayor Meed Ward is with what she says and what she actually does. There was an occasion when she chose to manipulate a Council Agenda that she was chairing virtually and attempting to coerce a member of Council into apologizing for the treatment of a staff member. It was a brutal occasion. Link to that event is HERE.
Mayor Meed Ward: The formation of the group is something I did outside of my role as Mayor, over and above the usual duties that I have. That was one of the reasons, another was raising awareness about mental health, addictions, homelessness in our well, really in our country, but certainly in municipalities here, large and small, rural, urban – everyone’s facing it. We launched a campaign through the Ontario Big City Mayors to solve the crisis. Those were some of the things that they thought were worth acknowledging. So, you know, this is work I do because I love it, and I just want to make the community better, make Burlington better. It was nice to get the award, and I wear it with pride. I did cry a lot, rightfully so.
Interviewer: You want more people engaged? You want people to learn about how their council impacts them because Municipal Affairs, when you think about it, that is the level of government that affects your day to day living.
Oakville North Burlington MP Pam Damoff presenting Burlington Mayor Meed Ward with the certificate that accompanies the King Charles III Coronation Medal
Mayor Meed Ward: Absolutely, you know, I was a community organizer before I was elected. I’m a huge believer in bringing people together and where we agree on the issues and where we can advance something.
Interviewer” You want to hear their take on free transit.
Mayor Meed Ward: Yes. We have chipped away at free transit: it’s free for youth under 12, seniors, 24/7, low income residents, young people, evenings and weekends. We’ve already we’ve seen massive increases in ridership because it just eliminates the barrier to get around.
We directed our staff to actually consult about, should we just go the whole, you know, full nine yards, right? And make it free for everyone. A survey is out there. We will be getting a report back, and I’m really looking forward to what the community has to say.
Interviewer: Okay, deadline to respond ?
Mayor Meed Ward: No deadline, respond any time to the survey. We’ll be deciding in the fall, and you can come to delegate at committee and council to get your views in on that one.
Interviewer: Marianne Meed Ward Mayor of Burlington. Thanks very much.
There you have it – the Mayor’s explanation as to why she was given one of the King’s Coronation Medal that was handed out to her by Oakville North Burlington MP Pam Damoff.
Burlington has twinning agreements with the City of Itabashi, Japan and the City of Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. To celebrate this unique relationship, the public art program commissioned two Ontario artists to create mural wraps installed on electrical boxes located in Spencer Smith Park.
Each of the two artists explains what they set out to achieve.
Ann-Marie Cheung
Harmony Across Horizons serves as a visual celebration of the unique bond between Burlington and Itabashi, promoting the values of peace, unity, and global understanding. The design encapsulates the essence of Itabashi’s meaning, “plank bridge,” while celebrating the beauty of cherry trees, swirling water energy, and employing a woodcut-like style. The mural’s focal point is a gracefully arched plank bridge, symbolizing the connection between Burlington and Itabashi.
This is mirrored on the back of the design, with a representation of the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge. The bridges serve as a visual metaphor for the cultural ties that unite the two cities.
Julia Prajza
My concept showcases the beautiful and harmonious relationship our two cities have formed through the representation of nature. The artwork includes illustrations of the Tulip ‘Apeldoorn,’ the Ontario trillium flower and other flora that is native to Ontario. Although you would never see these unique flowers blooming together, as they grow in different seasons in different conditions, here they are paired together organically as a symbolic representation of the friendship between Burlington and Apeldoorn.
This design is a continuation of my stained-glass series, where I deconstruct an element and put it together with various organic shapes, outlining it for contrast. This stylization brings visual interest, intrigue, and a modern-meets-traditional feel to my work.
The administration of the arts program is led by Jeremy Freiburger, an arts promoter based in Hamilton.
The Mayor, the City CAO and members of the Mundialization Committee are to travel to Japan later this year.
One could justify just the public art and not the travel to Japan given the tax increases the city has had to adjust to for the past two years – 2025 doesn’t look as if it going to be any better.
The CDH Educates workshop series continues with their 2nd workshop focused on volunteer engagement fundamentals: Position Design.
Creating position descriptions can help you attract – and retain – great volunteers. In this session, learn how to design your volunteer positions with risk, retention, and recognition in mind. We’ll also explore example position descriptions to help you learn what to avoid and what to highlight.
You’ll leave this session with:
Ideas and suggestions for successful positions
Templates and tools for effective position description writing
Tips to help you avoid common mistakes and pitfalls in position design
POSITION DESIGN: Creating volunteer position descriptions
Wednesday October 9, 2024
10:00am – 11:00am
Via ZOOM
Sammy Feilchenfeld, Senior Manager, Learning with Volunteer Toronto.
Featuring Sammy Feilchenfeld, CVA, Senior Manager, Learning with Volunteer Toronto.
A short video was presented by Lou Frapporti at the Bay Area Climate Council (BACC) where the subject was: Cities in Action: The Power of Collaboration. The Mayor of Burlington and the Hamilton Mayor signing an agreement. Alinea Lands was a sponsor of the event.
The City of Burlington is one of the several municipalities that funds the BACC – an issue that Burlington City Councillors vote on each year.
Frapporti used the phrase “my friends as he introduced the video that was about the King Road property that is being developed by his client Alinea Lands.
Then he played a short video.
Did you cringe the way I did when Councillor Kelvin Galbraith said: “the sky’s the limit.”
One would expect that from the developer – not from the member of Council sworn to protect the interests of the people who elected him.
It appears that neither Galbraith or ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan understand what their job is, who they are working and who is paying their salaries.
Galbraith has always had the mindset of a developer; at some point the properties he owns at the intersection of Waterdown Road and Plains Road will get developed and something in the order of 30 storeys will rise on the property. And good on him for making some smart land purchases.
You can’t be both a developer and a Council member, especially not in the ward you represent.
As for Nisan – he’d love to be a developer – just doesn’t have the skill set needed.
Give Lou Frapporti credit for getting these two politicians to do his bidding. Lou knows who he is working for – he’s doing a great job for Alinea.
Earlier this week we wrote about behaviour at city hall.
As I was doing my daily media review I came across the following in the Opinion section of the New York Times:
“What sort of people do we want to be? What sort of values and manners do we want to see reflected in our national leaders? Who do we want shaping the nation’s social atmosphere? As Daniel Patrick Moynihan ( a former United States Senator who is credited with the statement – You can you’re your own opinions but you can’t have your own facts) famously noted, culture matters most, but government can change culture.
This is the opportunity that BRAG faces – they are focused at the moment on taxes but there is more to that organization that just taxes. BRAG president Eric Stern noted in a comment earlier today that:
We are committed to the following ideals:
Responsible Financial Management
Flood Mitigation
Environmental Sustainability
Traffic Congestion
Development
Strong Mayor Powers
Community Engagement
Right now, the budget is a priority, as it is being prepared now and the city is asking for feedback.
On Sunday morning next thousands of people will show up at Spencer Smith park DROP IN MAP to take part in the annual Terry Fox Run for Cancer research.
Here is the story about Team Zia, formed in 2018 by Alicia and her son Quentin to honour a beloved great-aunt, affectionately known as Zia, which means aunt in Italian. Zia passed away from cancer in early August 2018, so Alicia and Quentin thought the Terry Fox Run would be the perfect way to honour her legacy.
“She was a person who exuded kindness, positivity and compassion to everyone she met, and we were deeply saddened by her passing. When we saw the advertisements for the Terry Fox Run shortly after she died, we knew that we wanted to honour her memory by participating in the event,” said Alicia.
“Our goal is to help carry on the legacy of a man who is a true Canadian hero and contribute to research that can help develop new treatments and hopefully one day find a cure.”
In 2022, they visited St. John’s, Newfoundland, and got to see the monument of Terry there. This was where Terry dipped is leg in the Atlantic Ocean and started his Marathon of Hope.
“It was so moving to stand at the site where his where his Marathon of Hope began. It gave us a true appreciation of the incredible courage and commitment he had.”
On September 15, 2024, Team Zia will lace up their shoes for their 7th Terry Fox Run as a team.
“The Burlington run is special to us. It is inspiring and uplifting to see our community come together for such an important cause. We hope to continue to be involved for many years to come and raise as much awareness as possible to support this amazing event.”
Support Team Zia
Sponsor Team Zia, where all the funds they raise will go to the Terry Fox Foundation for cancer research.
Featured below are companies that have experienced recent insider trading activity in the public market through their direct and/or indirect ownerships, including accounts they have control or direction over.
The list below features insider transaction activity for today’s date; it does not convey total ownership information as an insider may hold numerous accounts.
Buying and selling activity by insiders may reflect perceived value in a security. Selling activity may or may not be related to a stock’s valuation. An insider might want to raise funds for personal reasons. An insider’s total holdings should be considered because a sale may, in context, be insignificant if this person has a large remaining position in the company. Some people put great weight on insider transaction activity when they see multiple insider trading’s of a company’s shares.
The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider acquisitions in the public market are:
Methanex Corporation —–Buy Quantity: 9,000 Average cost: $49.76 Total: $447,875.00
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
Price, Kevin
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-12-24
1,500
$50.65
$75,976.50
RICHARDSON, DEAN
7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6)
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-12-24
1,500
$50.52
$75,780.00
Sumner, Rich
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-11-24
6,000
$49.35
$296,118.50
Secure Energy Services Inc —–Buy Quantity: 10,000 Average cost: $11.52 Total: $115,200.00
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
Bly, Mark
4 – Director of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-10-24
162,000
$0.22
$34,830.00
The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider dispositions in the public market are:
Power Corporation of Canada —–Sell Quantity: -125,000 Average cost: $41.52 Total: -$5,189,385.00 Options Issued: 125,000 Average cost: $31.79 Total: $3,973,750.00
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
Orr, Robert Jeffrey
4 – Director of Issuer, 7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6), 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
51 – Exercise of options
09-11-24
125,000
$31.79
$3,973,750.00
Orr, Robert Jeffrey
4 – Director of Issuer, 7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6), 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-11-24
-125,000
$41.52
-$5,189,385.00
COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL GROUP INC —–Sell Quantity: -19,000 Average cost: $193.16 Total: -$3,670,076.10 Options Issued: 11,000 Average cost: $120.81 Total: $1,328,868.31
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
Finley, Rebecca
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
51 – Exercise of options
09-12-24
11,000
$120.81
$1,328,868.31
Mulamoottil, Elias
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
Mayor Meed Ward mentioned last night at the Budget meeting that consideration was being given to doing a ward boundary review – which would amount to changing the size of each ward. She added that thought was being given to adding some wards to allow for better representation given the size of the population growth the city is going to experience,
Denise Davey. Photo from Gazette photo bank
To put that growth into perspective the Mayor pointed out that one development in the works will have residents equal to the size of the City of Stratford, Ontario. Denise Davey, an east end resident shuddered at what that was going to do to traffic which is close to grid lock at too many locations during rush hours.
There are residents in the western side of ward 2 who think they will be better served if they were part of ward 1.
Ward 2 is the ward with the biggest population and at this point the ward with the most development.
Six wards with each ward having a single Council member supported by an Administrative assistant.
The plans for a six tower development on Fairview west of Guelph line will make ward 2 even bigger – clearly some changes have to be made.
That creates a problem. Burlington is part of a two tier form of government. The city is part of the Region of Halton where there are 21 Regional Councillors of which 7 are from Burlington.
Were the city to add council members – some of them would not get seats on the Regional Council – which pays half of their $100,000 + annual salary.
The work being done at a Queen’s Park Legislative Committee that is looking into the role Regional governments has to be considered. Some are suggesting in the case of Halton – the Regional government may be at the point where it is no longer needed.
Burlington’s Planning department which had to comply with Regional rules no longer has to do that.
Transit which is a municipal responsibility would better serve the public if the four transit authorities were merged into a single service.
Waste collection and the operation of the water service could – (should) be hived off into a separate operation that would be a stand-alone with representation from the municipalities that are served and significant provincial financial support.
Social services is a Regional operation – it works reasonably well – however it is difficult to be close to the social needs of a community when the relationship is managed by a bureaucracy nowhere near the people who need support.
There is a lot of thinking to be done – and it won’t get done in the near future: however, they are at least thinking about it. The public concern will be – are we going to get better service and how much is it going to cost us?
One can just imagine how a New Democratic government would tackle a problem like this. Liberal and Conservative governments have in the past done decent jobs. Given the shape the Liberal party in Ontario is – one would not want to bet on their returning to office in the near future.
Which leaves it up the the current Progressive Conservative government.
Where are John Robarts and Bill Davis when you really need them?
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
Mayor Meed Ward spoke for about half an hour on what the budget for 2025 was going to look like and what the process was to get it passed. Then a microphone was placed in the hands of those who had something to say.
An east end resident, Jim Barnett, who has delegated often and is certainly not shy about letting you know what he thinks got to the point real quick. “I have lived in Burlington for 55 years”
Mayor Meed Ward announcing new buses that were paid for by the federal government.
1: Forget about free transit
2: Get rid of Service Burlington
3: And tell us what the job descriptions are for the Administrative assistants every member of Council is assigned.
The resident saw no need for a $6 million transit expense for a service that wasn’t needed – “people aren’t using the buses” he said.
“Service Burlington doesn’t do anything. They are rarely able to answer any questions they are asked – needless expense.”
“As for the Administrative assistants: Do we know what they actually do? Is there a job description? I gather they don’t work at city hall, ” said Barnett.
Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte could have explained what the Administrative Assistant do – she has had more than her share of working with a couple of them.
Mayor Meed Ward did say that she wasn’t sure if there was a job description – she’d look into that.
Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte was in the room and she certainly has experience with what administrative assistant do and don’t do. For some reason she didn’t take the opportunity to explain what her administrative assistant does; she might have been able to make a comment.
It was a good question – let’s see what the public gets in the way of answers. We’ll track this one.
They have a name: BRAG – Burlington Residents Action Group.
They are an incorporated not for profit corporation and they have a bank account.
They have a Board of Directors: Lynn Crosby, Stephen White, Caren Burcher and Eric Stern who is the President.
Last night at the Mayor’s Budget meeting they handed out their first flyer.
The focus at this point appears to be on taxes. Eric Stern has delegated several times on how the city explains to the public what the tax rates are going to be. He points out, quite successfully, that a tax impact is not really a unit of measure.
Eric Stern: President of BRAG – Burlington Residents Action Group.
What Stern believes is that the public wants to know how many dollars and cents they are going to have to send the city..
At the Budget meeting last night the figure 8.04% appears to be the working number for the 2025 tax increase.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward explained that these meetings were taking place to educated the public on what the budget for 2025 was going to look like. The public knows that City CAO Hassaan Basit has a report going to Council in the middle of October setting out what Staff feel is going to be added to the budget as a result of the flooding in July.
www.gobrag.ca is the web site address. Register with them – they are going to be the people that advocate for reasonable tax rates. They point out that this City Council has a spending problem. They need to be able to say that they represent the community – they won’t be able to do that without your support.
Featured below are companies that have experienced recent insider trading activity in the public market through their direct and/or indirect ownerships, including accounts they have control or direction over.
The list below features insider transaction activity for today’s date; it does not convey total ownership information as an insider may hold numerous accounts.
Buying and selling activity by insiders may reflect perceived value in a security. Selling activity may or may not be related to a stock’s valuation. An insider might want to raise funds for personal reasons. An insider’s total holdings should be considered because a sale may, in context, be insignificant if this person has a large remaining position in the company. Some people put great weight on insider transaction activity when they see multiple insider trading’s of a company’s shares.
The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider acquisitions in the public market are:
Methanex Corporation —–Buy Quantity: 8,100 Average cost: $49.93 Total: $404,398.18
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
Sumner, Rich
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-11-24
4,100
$49.71
$203,811.00
Yang, Xiaoping
4 – Director of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-11-24
2,000
$49.55
$99,104.58
Almarza, Sergio
7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6)
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-10-24
2,000
$50.74
$101,482.60
AutoCanada Inc —–Buy Quantity: 11,400 Average cost: $14.33 Total: $163,349.46
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
EdgePoint Investment Group Inc.
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-06-24
11,400
$14.33
$163,349.46
Sun Residential Real Estate Investment Trust —–Buy Quantity: 2,763,000 Average cost: $0.05 Total: $130,439.90
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
Wetenhall Jr., Robert C.
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-10-24
1,489,000
$0.05
$73,109.90
Wetenhall Jr., Robert C.
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-11-24
10,000
$12.09
$120,942.10
Kruchten, Michael
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-11-24
500
$12.01
$6,005.00
Cenovus Energy Inc —–Buy Quantity: 5,000 Average cost: $22.05 Total: $110,250.00
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
Sandhar, Karamjit Singh
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-11-24
5,000
$22.05
$110,250.00
The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider dispositions in the public market are:
COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL GROUP INC —–Sell Quantity: -9,000 Average cost: $192.63 Total: -$1,733,651.10 Options Issued: 40,000 Average cost: $101.52 Total: $4,060,936.76
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
Mulamoottil, Elias
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
51 – Exercise of options
09-09-24
40,000
$101.52
$4,060,936.76
Mulamoottil, Elias
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-10-24
-9,000
$192.63
-$1,733,651.10
Royal Bank of Canada —–Sell Quantity: -10,270 Average cost: $166.20 Total: -$1,706,874.00 Options Issued: 10,270 Average cost: $100.52 Total: $1,032,312.96
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
guzman, douglas antony
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
51 – Exercise of options
09-09-24
10,270
$100.52
$1,032,312.96
guzman, douglas antony
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
Terry Fox when he travelled through Burlington on his Marathon of Hope. Photo credits John Oaks
Forty-four years ago, Terry Fox captured the hearts of the nation by running across Canada on one leg to raise funds for cancer research. Although the beloved Canadian is no longer here to personally continue his Marathon of Hope, his legacy lives on through annual memorial runs and, according to Brock’s Derek Foster, through Instagram.
Fox, who succumbed to his battle with cancer in 1981, is at the centre of Foster’s recent research involving public memory, social media and well-being.
As part of his ongoing research into how the celebrated Canadian is remembered in popular culture, the Brock Associate Professor in the Department of Communication, Popular Culture and Film analyzed hundreds of Instagram posts created by people who visited Fox memorial sites.
In the lead-up to this year’s Terry Fox Run, held annually in September, Foster says he wanted to see how user-generated content creates and shapes the public memory of Fox compared to the Terry Fox Foundation’s official messaging about runs and fundraising.
The monument commemorating Terry Fox when he travelled through Burlington
“The public memory of Terry Fox is very much forward looking, in the sense that what he was pursuing in 1980 is still a collective endeavour for people motivated by finding a cure for cancer,” says Foster. “So, the memory isn’t just tied to the past through a lens of nostalgia, but rather, connected to our present and also a dream of a future.”
Foster’s review showed about one third of his sample made clear references not only to emotional experiences, such as visitors being moved to tears, but also to what he calls “self-transcendent emotions” such as awe and gratitude.
He also notes the posts don’t appear to be driven by a desire for engagement, as social media posts often are. In fact, only a small number of people liked or commented on the posts he reviewed. Foster says it’s significant that “the hashtag isn’t driving the discourse” because it shows a level of sincerity from the creators.
“What we see is the vernacular memory — everyday people as they are deciding to create, produce and circulate these thoughts and experiences on their own, not organized in any way,” he says.
This is where the Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research began in Newfoundland where he tipped his right leg, the one with the prosthetic into the Atlantic Ocean and headed west.
Foster also says the way individuals are using social media to share their personal experiences with Fox memorials is an excellent case study on the legacies of public figures.
“Most public memory involves looking back to build a sense of community or reinforce certain values that we can then use as we move forward,” says Foster. “That is far more explicit in the public memory around Terry Fox than other figures — the aim is not just to maintain him in memory but to continue to strive for the goal that he wasn’t able to reach.”
Derek Foster, Brock Associate Professor in the Department of Communication, Popular Culture and Film.
The rise of online gambling in Ontario over the last two years has been nothing short of remarkable. Since the activity was legalized in April 2022, classic casino games such as blackjack, roulette, online slots, and poker in an online form have taken off. Furthermore, online sports betting has complimented the rise of online casinos nicely with 1 in 5 Ontarians wagering money on sports events. For the most recent Super Bowl in February, 4 of every 10 people betting on sports showed betting interest in the event in Las Vegas, ironically the home of casino action and gambling.
The most revealing statistic around the Canadian betting interest in the Super Bowl is that 80% of the people wagering on the event did so online. This is indicative of the increased influence of online gambling in Canada and in Ontario in particular, nearly 2 million players held online casino accounts, while just over 1 million were actively participating in sports betting, physically and on online platforms.
The revenue created by gambling is certainly benefiting Canada’s economy and that of the Ontario province, but with any new phenomenon, especially one that operates in an online space, there comes an increased need to implement tighter security measures to safeguard the identity and personal data of individuals, while also producing fair outcomes on games.
For online casino platforms themselves, it is certainly in their interest to ensure their websites are as secure as possible to maintain their reputation and integrity. With more online casinos and sportsbooks filling the digital space, new operators like the TitanPlay a fully licensed sport betting and online casinobrand, need to make sure they do the basics to safeguard their presence in the market.
Online casino providers are regulated in Ontario by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) in conjunction with iGaming Ontario and the two organizations set the standards for online gambling providers to abide by. This of course determines how secure an online gambling platform is to play on. For Ontarians, fully licensed online gambling websites are marked by the logo of iGaming Ontario and means that provider complies fully with the encryption requirements, including up-to-date Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols.
Fair gambling
Gambling online safely is the main concern for any user, but gambling fairly is also paramount to anyone who is investing funds with an online gambling provider. Especially in the online world, a lot of the processes are not tangible, meaning more trust in the providers carrying out transactions correctly or handling data is instilled in these online casinos or sportsbooks.
The same applies for online casino games. Unlike in land-based casinos, the players physically see the dealing of cards or the spin of the roulette wheel and the fall of the pill. For the comfort of players of these online casino games, Random Number Generators (RNGs) algorithms are used to guarantee randomness in card deals, spins, or rolls of die.
Taking control
Self-exclusion is a key term in gambling. By iGaming Ontario standards, online providers are required to include certain measures to help players control their playing and spending and avoid addiction or financial issues. This could include the option to implement limits on deposits, losses, wagering, and time spent online. Tools to take a self-induced break from gambling are also available to players if they feel the need to take a step back.
Organizations like PlayBreakis a tool that bars players from even accessing casinos, while digital advertising can also be blocked to prevent temptation setting in. And for further support, there are centers in Ontario and helplines related to gambling addiction and safer gambling that provide help and advice to anyone seeking it.
Curling enthusiasts are in for a treat; the ShortyJenkins Classic is back and brought to your living room by Cogeco’s YourTV!
Coverage of the highly-anticipated tournament will air on local yourTV stations across Ontario this week.
From September 11th to 15th, the Cornwall Curling Club will welcome some of the world’s top curlers, including Rachel Homan, Bruce Mouat, and defending Shorty Jenkins Men’s champion Ross Whyte. yourTV will broadcast 2 draws per day leading up to the finals on Sunday, September 15th.
The complete broadcast schedule can be found at www.yourtv.tv by selecting your community.
Featured below are companies that have experienced recent insider trading activity in the public market through their direct and/or indirect ownerships, including accounts they have control or direction over.
The list below features insider transaction activity for today’s date; it does not convey total ownership information as an insider may hold numerous accounts.
Buying and selling activity by insiders may reflect perceived value in a security. Selling activity may or may not be related to a stock’s valuation. An insider might want to raise funds for personal reasons. An insider’s total holdings should be considered because a sale may, in context, be insignificant if this person has a large remaining position in the company. Some people put great weight on insider transaction activity when they see multiple insider trading’s of a company’s shares.
The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider acquisitions in the public market are:
LIONS GATE ENTERTAINMENT CORP —–Buy Quantity: 235,843 Average cost: $9.16 Total: $2,160,712.88
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
Liberty 77 Capital L.P.
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-10-24
76,391
$9.17
$700,459.46
Liberty 77 Fund International L.P.
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-10-24
59,842
$9.17
$548,715.10
Liberty 77 Capital L.P.
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-09-24
25,078
$9.15
$229,407.91
Liberty 77 Fund International L.P.
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-09-24
19,645
$9.15
$179,708.05
Liberty 77 Capital L.P.
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-06-24
30,777
$9.15
$281,725.24
Liberty 77 Fund International L.P.
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-06-24
24,110
$9.15
$220,697.13
TELUS International (Cda) Inc —–Buy Quantity: 237,919 Average cost: $4.95 Total: $1,177,923.61
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
TELUS Corporation
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-09-24
100,000
$5.00
$500,230.00
TELUS Corporation
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-06-24
66,603
$4.95
$329,671.53
TELUS Corporation
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-05-24
71,316
$4.88
$348,022.08
Calfrac Well Services Ltd —–Buy Quantity: 77,500 Average cost: $3.82 Total: $296,367.75
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
Armoyan, Sime
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-10-24
77,500
$3.82
$296,367.75
Maple Leaf Foods Inc —–Buy Quantity: 13,400 Average cost: $21.30 Total: $285,422.00
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
McCain, Jonathan Wallace Ferguson
4 – Director of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-10-24
15,000
$21.29
$319,350.00
Sawatzky, Jonathan David
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-10-24
5,000
$57.07
$285,369.00
The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider dispositions in the public market are:
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce —–Sell Quantity: -50,000 Average cost: $81.87 Total: -$4,093,500.00 Options Issued: 50,000 Average cost: $55.84 Total: $2,792,250.00
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
Culham, Harry Kenneth
7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6)
51 – Exercise of options
09-09-24
50,000
$55.84
$2,792,250.00
Culham, Harry Kenneth
7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6)
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-09-24
-50,000
$81.87
-$4,093,500.00
Rupert Resources Ltd —–Sell Quantity: -900,000 Average cost: $4.02 Total: -$3,618,000.00 Options Issued: 1,569,825 Average cost: $1.42 Total: $2,227,440.00
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
Credland, Thomas
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
51 – Exercise of options
09-05-24
200,000
$0.87
$174,000.00
Credland, Thomas
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-05-24
-161,250
$4.02
-$648,225.00
Karoly, Jeffrey Laszlo
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
51 – Exercise of options
09-05-24
469,825
$1.22
$571,440.00
Karoly, Jeffrey Laszlo
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-05-24
-251,250
$4.02
-$1,010,025.00
Ouellette, Michael Anthony
4 – Director of Issuer
51 – Exercise of options
09-09-24
300,000
$3.20
$960,000.00
Withall, James
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
51 – Exercise of options
09-05-24
600,000
$0.87
$522,000.00
Withall, James
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-05-24
-487,500
$4.02
-$1,959,750.00
COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL GROUP INC —–Sell Quantity: -11,300 Average cost: $194.03 Total: -$2,192,594.37
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
Hemming, Robert
7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6)
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-09-24
-11,300
$194.03
-$2,192,594.37
Shopify Inc —–Sell Quantity: -14,823 Average cost: $91.85 Total: -$1,361,431.45
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
Finkelstein, Harley Michael
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
57 – Exercise of rights
09-09-24
9,564
$0.00
$0.00
Finkelstein, Harley Michael
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-09-24
-5,142
$91.85
-$472,271.51
Hertz, Jessica
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
57 – Exercise of rights
09-09-24
11,624
$0.00
$0.00
Hertz, Jessica
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-09-24
-5,598
$91.85
-$514,153.23
Hoffmeister, Jeff
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
57 – Exercise of rights
09-09-24
8,247
$0.00
$0.00
Hoffmeister, Jeff
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-09-24
-3,659
$91.85
-$336,064.07
Nejatian, Kasra
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
57 – Exercise of rights
09-09-24
17,644
$0.00
$0.00
Shannan, Tobyn David
4 – Director of Issuer
57 – Exercise of rights
09-09-24
785
$0.00
$0.00
Shannan, Tobyn David
4 – Director of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
09-09-24
-424
$91.85
-$38,942.65
Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust —–Sell Quantity: -8,100 Average cost: $87.60 Total: -$709,560.00
Insider
Relationship
Transaction
Date
Quantity
Price
Total
Ha, James
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
57 – Exercise of rights
09-09-24
0
$0.00
$0.00
Ha, James
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market
Reading that more than 1 million people visited a Food Bank in the last year is certainly an eye opener – digging into the number and finding this was a 25 per cent increase from the previous year was stunning.
Windsor – MPP Lisa Gretzky said in her statement that “Everyone deserves access to good food and safe shelter – it’s a basic human right. Today we found out that 1 in 14 of our neighbours and friends – working people, seniors and children – are being forced to turn to a food bank just to survive. This is not the kind of province we want to live in. With the cost of everything going up we have a government right now that has done nothing to make life more affordable for Ontarians.
“It’s been eight consecutive years of rapidly increasing food bank usage. Things are broken in Ontario, and we need a progressive government who will get serious about making it better. It’s time for change.”
Communities are holding events that focus on the collection of food that goes to the Food Bank
What changed in the past 12 months to get the number of people needing food support as high as it is? Food prices? Is that all?
If it is food prices – where are we with the investigation in the rapid increase in food prices and the increase in small boxes of cereals being sold to us at the same price at the super markets?
And – how does the ability to buy beer at the local grocery stores align with the huge increase in the number of people who can’t afford to buy the food they need.
I’m waiting to hear what the experts have to say on all this.
Despite the growing presence of locally regulated betting sites in Canada, using foreign sites to bet is common practice within Canada. Since these sites are not regulated, you’re not breaking the law, and offshore European operators tend to offer a wider variety of betting markets and features that make them so easy to love.
However, before betting with these international platforms, there are certain things to consider to ensure you get the best experience.
Site reputation
When picking an international betting site, you must ensure the site you choose is trustworthy and has a good reputation. Unfortunately, with offshore sites, you don’t have player protection by Canadian authorities, so it’s crucial that you go for a site that is reliable. You can do this by looking at reviews, learning what other players think of the site, and checking their track record. A casino with a long-standing reputation is always better than a shiny new one with lots of promises and little proof to back it up.
Licensing and regulation
Any European site you plan on betting with should have a valid license. A betting license indicates that a recognized authority regulates the platform, and ensures bettors’ interests are protected. Some recognized regulatory bodies include the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, and the Gibraltar Gaming Commission.
A license is synonymous with a safe betting environment. So it’s advisable to steer clear of unlicensed operators.
Payment options and security
Banking is critical, especially when dealing with a site without a physical presence in your locality. There should be a variety of well-known payment methods to ensure you are afforded several viable options to access your funds. It is also vital that adequate security is in place to ensure the safety of your information during transactions. The minimum security requirements are encryption software, firewalls, and fraud detection tools.
Bonuses and promotions
The bonuses offered at many European betting sites are some of the best on the market. Whether or not you’re a lover of bonuses, a generous welcome shows that the site values their customers. Canadian bettors looking for reputable European sites with reasonable promotional offers can check the William Hill promo code available on Wincomparator. William Hill is one of the UK’s best and their bonuses have terms and conditions that are easy to fulfill, making the offer truly valuable.
Customer support
It’s impossible to overstate the importance of functioning and reliable customer support, especially when dealing with foreign betting sites. It is not unusual for bettors to experience minor challenges or need assistance with payments or other site features. And without good customer support, even the smallest issue can ruin your entire experience.
So, make sure your chosen betting site offers responsive customer support. It’s best if there are multiple contact mediums (email, live chat, telephone, etc.) and round-the-clock availability.
As a Canadian looking to bet with international sites, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the multitude of European online sportsbooks that exist. Following the pointers above will help you weed out the bad ones and barrow down the great options, increasing your chances of enjoying a safe and memorable betting experience.
Over 50,000 participants flock to Burlington’s casino tournaments annually, making these events a cornerstone of the local gaming landscape. More than just a source of entertainment, these tournaments offer a variety of opportunities, showcase emerging trends, and provide significant economic benefits that contribute to the overall well-being of the community.
By examining the appeal of these tournaments, understanding the role of Burlington’s major casinos, and exploring their broader impact, we can see how these events have become integral to the city’s identity.
Poker tournaments are very popular – many of the games have a regular clientele that are almost like a club.
The Appeal of Casino Tournaments
Casino tournaments are more than just games; they are immersive experiences that offer excitement, competition, and the potential for significant rewards. These events cater to a wide range of players, from seasoned professionals to casual gamers, all of whom come together to compete for prizes, recognition, and the sheer thrill of victory.
The allure of casino tournaments lies in their ability to bring together diverse groups of people, each seeking to test their skills, enjoy the social atmosphere, and potentially walk away with substantial winnings. For those looking for added incentives, promotions like 100 free spins no deposit Canada further enhance the excitement, drawing in even more participants eager for a chance to win big.
What Makes Casino Tournaments Unique?
Casino tournaments in Burlington are distinguished by several unique features that set them apart from standard casino gaming. These events offer a variety of formats, prize structures, and community benefits, making them an attractive option for both participants and the local economy.
Variety of Formats: One of the most appealing aspects of casino tournaments is the variety of formats available. Players can choose from:
Slot Tournaments: In these events, participants compete to accumulate the most points on designated machines within a specific timeframe. The fast-paced nature of slot tournaments appeals to those who enjoy quick results and the excitement of winning big with minimal strategy.
Poker Tournaments: Poker tournaments are perhaps the most iconic of all casino events. These tournaments typically follow an elimination-style format where players compete until one remains. Success in poker tournaments requires not only skill in the game itself but also the ability to read opponents and manage one’s chips effectively.
Blackjack and Other Table Games: Tournaments involving table games like blackjack add another layer of strategy. Players must not only play the game well but also outperform others at the table over several rounds. These tournaments cater to those who enjoy a blend of skill and chance.
Prizes and Rewards: The potential rewards in casino tournaments are a major draw for participants. Prizes can range from cash payouts to luxury items such as cars or vacations, and in some cases, all-expenses-paid trips to exotic locations. The chance to turn a modest buy-in into a substantial reward is a powerful motivator for many players, making these tournaments highly competitive and exciting.
Economic Impact: Beyond the individual gains for participants, casino tournaments have a broader economic impact on the community. These events draw visitors to Burlington, filling hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses. The influx of tourists during major tournaments generates significant revenue for the city, benefiting the local economy as a whole. Additionally, the presence of these tournaments helps to elevate Burlington’s status as a regional entertainment hub, attracting visitors from neighbouring cities and provinces.
Burlington’s Casino Landscape
Burlington is home to a thriving casino industry, with two major establishments that regularly host tournaments: Casino Royale and Lucky Star Casino. These casinos are central to the city’s gaming culture, offering a variety of gaming options and tournament formats that cater to both casual players and serious competitors.
Casino Royale
Casino Royale is the larger of Burlington’s two major casinos, boasting over 100,000 square feet of gaming space. This casino is a hub of activity and offers a comprehensive gaming experience, including:
1,200 Slot Machines: Casino Royale provides a vast selection of slot machines, catering to different preferences. From classic three-reel slots to the latest video slots with multiple pay lines and interactive features, the casino ensures there’s something for everyone.
60 Table Games: The table games at Casino Royale include a wide range of options, from traditional games like blackjack and roulette to more modern or niche games that attract a diverse crowd.
Dedicated Poker Room: For poker enthusiasts, the dedicated poker room at Casino Royale is a significant draw. The room hosts regular cash games and tournaments, catering to both casual players and serious competitors. The poker room is often where the most intense competition occurs, with high-stakes games attracting players from far and wide.
Lucky Star Casino
Despite being smaller, Lucky Star Casino is equally impressive, offering 50,000 square feet of gaming space. This establishment features:
800 Slot Machines: Like Casino Royale, Lucky Star offers a diverse selection of slots, ensuring that there’s something for everyone, whether you prefer classic games or the latest releases.
30 Table Games: Although fewer in number, the table games at Lucky Star are no less exciting. The casino focuses on providing a high-quality experience, with professional dealers and a welcoming atmosphere.
Both casinos contribute significantly to Burlington’s tourism and gaming industry. Their strategic locations and the variety of gaming options available make them popular destinations not just for local residents but also for visitors from neighbouring cities and provinces.
Popularity and Economic Impact
Casino tournaments are a major attraction for both Burlington residents and visitors from outside the city. These events have a profound impact on local tourism and business, providing a steady stream of economic benefits to the community.
Boosting Local Tourism
The influx of participants and spectators during casino tournaments translates into increased business for local hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments. Visitors who come to Burlington for these events often stay for several days, contributing to the local economy by spending money on accommodations, dining, shopping, and entertainment. This boost in tourism is particularly beneficial during off-peak seasons when other tourist activities may be less active.
In Canada the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation gives tens of thousand back to the communities they operate in.
Generating Revenue
The revenue generated by casino tournaments is multifaceted. Entry fees and buy-ins from participants contribute directly to the casinos’ earnings, while the spending by visitors on accommodations, dining, and other activities further boosts the local economy. Additionally, many casino tournaments allocate a portion of their proceeds to charitable causes, providing financial support for local organizations and community initiatives. This combination of direct and indirect revenue streams makes casino tournaments a vital part of Burlington’s economic landscape.
Creating Jobs
Casino tournaments also contribute to job creation in Burlington. The increased demand for services during these events leads to the hiring of additional staff in various sectors, including hospitality, entertainment, and retail. Moreover, the rise of online and hybrid tournaments has created new employment opportunities in digital platforms and IT support, further expanding the job market in the region. The ongoing need for skilled workers to manage and promote these events ensures that casino tournaments remain a reliable source of employment for the local community.
Emerging Trends
The casino industry is constantly evolving, and Burlington’s tournaments are no exception. Recent years have seen the rise of new trends that are reshaping the way these events are conducted and experienced by players.
Online and Hybrid Tournaments
One of the most significant trends in the casino industry is the rise of online and hybrid tournaments. These events combine the convenience of online gaming with the social interaction and excitement of live tournaments. Players can participate from the comfort of their homes while still engaging in real-time competition with others. This format has become increasingly popular due to its accessibility and flexibility, allowing more people to join in the excitement of casino tournaments without the need to travel.
Innovative Tournament Formats
In addition to the growth of online and hybrid tournaments, several innovative formats have emerged that are captivating players and revolutionizing the casino experience:
Progressive Jackpots: Progressive jackpots are a popular feature in many tournaments. In these events, the prize pool increases with each round, adding an element of excitement as players compete for a potentially life-changing payout. The allure of a growing jackpot draws in participants, making these tournaments some of the most popular in the industry.
Team-Based Competitions: Another emerging trend is the rise of team-based tournaments. These events allow players to collaborate, strategize, and share in the victories and losses together. Team-based competitions foster camaraderie and introduce new social dynamics to the tournament scene, attracting players who enjoy cooperative play.
Responsible Gaming and Social Impact
While the benefits of casino tournaments are numerous, it’s important to recognize the potential risks associated with gambling. Burlington’s casinos take their responsibility to promote safe gambling practices seriously, implementing a range of measures designed to protect players and minimize the potential for harm.
Promoting Responsible Gambling
Setting limits is vital if you are to enjoy your time at a casino.
Burlington’s casinos prioritize responsible gambling by offering tools and resources that help players manage their gaming activities. These measures include:
Deposit and Betting Limits: Casinos set limits on the amount of money players can deposit or wager during a tournament, helping to prevent excessive gambling and protect players from financial harm.
Self-Exclusion Options: For players who feel they need a break from gambling, self-exclusion programs allow them to voluntarily exclude themselves from participating in casino activities for a set period. This provides a valuable safeguard for those at risk of developing problematic gambling behaviors.
Support Services: Burlington’s casinos offer access to counselling and support services for players struggling with gambling-related issues. These services provide crucial assistance to those in need, helping them regain control and maintain a healthy relationship with gambling.
Addressing Social Concerns
In addition to promoting responsible gambling, Burlington’s casinos are committed to addressing the broader social impact of casino tournaments. This includes collaborating with local organizations to raise awareness about the risks of gambling and providing educational resources to help individuals make informed decisions. By fostering a culture of responsible gaming, Burlington’s casinos ensure that the excitement of casino tournaments can be enjoyed safely and responsibly by all participants.
Future Prospects
As Burlington’s casino tournament scene continues to evolve, it is poised to benefit from technological advancements and changing player preferences. The city is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends, ensuring that casino tournaments remain a vibrant and positive force in the community.
Embracing Technology
Technological advancements, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, are expected to play a significant role in the future of casino tournaments. These innovations will enable more immersive and interactive experiences, blending the excitement of live events with the convenience of online play. Burlington’s casinos are likely to adopt these technologies, offering players cutting-edge gaming experiences that keep them engaged and entertained.
Adapting to Changing Preferences
Gaming tournaments attract thousands of bright young people who have well developed computer skills that will serve then well when they enter the labour force.with
As player preferences continue to evolve, Burlington’s casinos will need to adapt by offering new and innovative tournament formats. Younger generations of players, in particular, may be drawn to skill-based games and esports-style competitions that provide a more engaging and dynamic gaming experience. By staying attuned to these trends, Burlington’s casinos can continue to attract a diverse and enthusiastic player base.
A Positive Force in the Community
Casino tournaments have become a vital part of Burlington’s cultural and economic fabric, providing entertainment, generating revenue, and supporting local charities. As these events continue to grow and evolve, they will remain a positive force in the community, helping to build a stronger, more connected, and prosperous Burlington.
Now that the kids are back in school, learning to live without their cell phone in their hands the province is interested in know what you think they should be taught in terms of life skills like: learning how to change a car tire , learning how to sew buttons and put a hem on a pair of trousers.
I thought those were things that parents and grandparents taught you to do? Maybe I’m old school.
Mine was the dogs that are eaten by immigrant in Wisconsin.
The other one that I loved was an MSNBC commentator saying that the election would be determined by the 800,00 Poles in Pennsylvania who would for for Harris after the comment made by Trump that after defeating Ukraine he would be going after Poland.
The other one that many may have missed was when Trump said Viktor Orban, “a respected world leader had nice things to say about me.” Unfortunately the vast majority of Americans won’t know who Viktor Orban is.