How Moccasins are being used to identify Indigenous Treaty Lands in Ontario

By Pepper Parr

June 27th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Moccasin Identifier is an Indigenous-led initiative dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of Indigenous Treaties and history across Canada.

Their mission is to cover Canada in Moccasins, creating visual and educational reminders of the significance of Treaties and the Indigenous relationship to the land.

An example of the stencil used to paint a marker on a sidewalk identifying Indigenous Treaty Lands.

The above is the extent of what media got from the city.  The Moccasin Identifier initiative has much for than two sentences going for it.

Carol King, a  former elected Chief of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation.

It came about when Carol King, a  former elected Chief of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation was looking for a way to help educators include Indigenous issues in the classrooms.

Schools in Burlington have been using the “blanket” exercise to show how treat lands were being reduced to the point where there really wasn’t all that much land left.  The story behind how the Mississaugas of the Credit had most of their land taken away from them is a sad part of Canadian history.  Some very good work is being done to ensure that the Indigenous people are always at the table.

Carol King

The kit is a little on the pricey side, but if four people chip in, it works out to $25 each.   Every high school student should be given a chance to mark a place in their community that tells people they are walking on treaty lands.

The kit is used to paint a stencil on a sidewalk that indicates the space is part of Treaty lands.

It is worth looking into.

Details on purchasing a stencil kit HERE. 

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Stern: 'As we see over and over again, our elected representatives are not interested in what taxpayers have to say'.

By Eric Stern

June 26th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Eric Stern delegating at City Council

Budgeting is an annual event in the City of Burlington. During the last few months of 2025, our council will vote on the city’s budget for 2026.

All municipalities in Ontario have operating and capital budgets.   Burlington’s 2025 operating budget covered $346.2 million in spending, and the capital budget covered $88.6 million in spending.

In April,  the 2026 Budget process, was presented to our council.

The report contains this draft schedule.

The new date for the 2026 Financial Forecast is now July 7, 2025. There is a council meeting (Committee of the Whole) scheduled for July 7th, but no agenda is available.

In past years, the financial forecast has been an opportunity for city staff to present their “needs” to the council. In some Ontario municipalities, the mayor and councillors chose to direct staff to limit the budget increase to a specific percentage.

This does not happen in Burlington.

Every organization I’ve worked in had needs. In the private sector, the need to make a profit helped prioritize these needs.

In the public sector, residents elect representatives to help with the prioritization.

Ontario’s Strong Mayor Powers legislation only allows budgets to be reviewed for 30 days.

We can see the impact of this legislation with the release of the proposed budget taking place on November 3, followed by the council review on December 2.

Here are more key dates from the report:

A reliable source has said that the Telephone Townhall is now scheduled for November 5th, starting at 7 pm.

Looking at the timelines, the budget is being released on November 2, a scant 3 days before the Telephone Townhall and well after the “Feedback Opportunities” for residents.

The same source has said that a “draft summary budget” will be released mid-September. This is similar to the process followed last year.

Last year, a summary budget was released; this year, we’ll see a “draft” summary budget.  In last year’s summary budget, 434.8 million dollars in spending was described in a 25-page document. Last year’s summary document is available here

Last year, the “Feedback” opportunities consisted of residents looking at about 10 pages of details on the operating budget, capital budget and reserve funds. The other pages include a title page, a statement from the mayor with the obligatory picture, etc.

During the feedback opportunity I attended, no details were shared, and I found it impossible to provide feedback on a purposefully vague and high-level summary budget.

Oakville’s approach is to release a draft budget 30 days before the proposed budget; this gives residents and councillors 60 days to review and comment before the budget is voted on.

Burlington’s process denies residents and councillors the opportunity to review and comment on detailed expenditures.

As we see over and over again, our elected representatives are not interested in what taxpayers have to say.

Eric Stern is the co-founder of Focus Burlington; a grass roots group that wants to see better financial prudence on the part of the city and genuine citizen engagement.

 

 

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Stricter bail conditions and sentencing for involved in organized crime, human trafficking, home invasion and car theft

By Staff

June 26th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Stricter bail conditions and sentencing for those involved in organized crime, human trafficking, home invasion and car theft.

The Liberal government will table a bill this fall introducing stricter bail conditions and sentencing for some crimes, particularly those involving organized crime, human trafficking, home invasion and car theft, said Justice Minister Sean Fraser.

“It’s perhaps obvious, given the tenor around the criminal justice system, that reforms are in order.”

The government will consider including additional reforms but “at minimum” will implement the crime policies the Liberals promised during the spring federal election, Fraser said.

In their campaign platform, the Liberals in turn promised to make bail more difficult to get for some offences, including car thefts involving violence or organized crime, home invasions, and some human trafficking and smuggling offences.

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Music to the ears of taxpayers across the country

By Staff

June 26th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Prime Minister Mark Carney prepared to discipline anyone unable to meet his expectations.

Prime Minister Mark Carney expects high-ranking public servants to speedily carry out his ambitious nation-building agenda and is prepared to discipline anyone unable to meet his expectations, government and Liberal insiders say.

To meet his stated goal of achieving “the largest transformation” in the Canadian economy since the Second World War, the sources say, Carney is also ready to recruit more outsiders like former Hydro-Québec chief executive Michael Sabia.

The Prime Minister and his top advisers have made it clear at every meeting that senior federal bureaucrats must meet the challenge of reforming the Canadian economy with the same “pace and urgency” as the government, one official said.

Two Liberal insiders said discussions have been held with Sabia and incoming PMO chief of staff Marc-André Blanchard about demoting or dismissing senior civil servants who can’t meet the performance goals.

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Ontario Government Launches Formal Review of iGaming Sector

By Karina Rysberg Bay

June 26, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Hand-held devices allow a person to play from any location – this has driven the iGaming market.

Ontario’s government has launched a formal review into the province’s regulated online gambling and betting market, attempting to evaluate the sector’s performance and social impact since opening to private operators in April 2022. The announcement was made by Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Stan Cho during is opening talk at the 2025 Canadian Gaming Summit in Toronto.

The review is designed to increase efficiency, streamline regulatory practices, and support ongoing economic growth in the industry.

Ontario’s iGaming market is expected to generate more than $10 billion in revenue this year: $6.82 billion from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and $3.7 billion from iGaming Ontario (iGO). “That Ontario’s gaming sector is booming would be a massive understatement,” Minister Cho said. “These historic figures, they represent a lot more than just the bottom line. They represent thousands of businesses, tens of thousands of jobs, millions paid forward to charity and billions back to the taxpayer.”

The market is growing in complexity and competitiveness, and players and casino operators are often looking for guidance on how to best engage with Ontario’s regulated landscape. For online poker enthusiasts, platforms like PokerStrategy are becoming highly valuable. This site offers Canadian players strategic insights into the local online poker scene, helping players improve their skills and navigate the country’s iGaming environment.

The market is growing in complexity and competitiveness, and players and casino operators are often looking for guidance on how to best engage with Ontario’s regulated landscape.

The provincial government’s upcoming review will address duplication in reporting requirements, regulatory uncertainty, and inefficiencies between iGO and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). iGO was previously a subsidiary of AGCO and has recently become a standalone agency in an attempt to create more flexibility in the fast-changing iGaming sector.

“The ultimate goal is to ensure the whole gaming sector delivers strong economic outputs for Ontarians,” Cho said. “And I want to be clear, this review and the changes made are not going to be a bunch of politicians sitting in a room thinking, what’s best for the industry. We are going to listen to the experts. We are going to listen to what affects you as the operators. We’re going to listen to the pros.”

This sentiment was repeated by Canadian Gaming Association CEO Paul Burns, who welcomed the review and stated the importance of reducing compliance burdens. “We’ve already started and have had those conversations among our members and industry to say we’ve seen the growing cost of compliance,” Burns said. “He continued that it is difficult in competitive markets since reporting is taking away from potential profits and government revenue share.

Cho highlighted that brick-and-mortar casinos are still an essential part of the local economy, even with digital platforms experiencing massive growth. He stated the need to include player protection measures, like self-exclusion systems, across online and physical casinos.

At the center of the review is the desire to give Ontario’s iGaming industry an “A” rating. The province is a leader in the sector and can balance casino revenue with responsible gambling practices.

Heidi Reinhart, Chair of iGO, believes that the agency’s new standalone status is an important step to effective industry governance. She continued that the agency will soon announce a new CEO after the retirement of Martha Otton

The exact scope of the review must still be outlined, but public and private sector leaders seem satisfied with the review’s priorities to reduce regulatory challenges, avoid duplication, adapt to technological changes, and improve inter-agency collaboration.

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Was the Staff report on the budget setting procedure for 2026 written with the help of AI?

By Pepper Parr

June 26th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Most people are enjoying a decent summer – the same can’t be said for the people in the finance department.

This is the time they do that “line by line” review of the budget that will go to Council

It has always been my view that the line-by-line is more a’ matter of speaking’ rather than something they actually do.

Eric Stern did his best to get the city to change the way it introduced the 2025 budget. He and his Focus Burlington colleagues expect to do the same thing with the 2026 budget.

Last April, Finance sent a report to Council with a recommendation that they receive for information an outline of the 2026 budget process.

The report provides an overview of the process that will be undertaken to develop and finalize the 2026 Budget. Similar to previous years, the budget process will include:

A; substantial internal review and prioritization by city staff; B; numerous opportunities for public engagement throughout the process and C; opportunities for Council to bring motions to modify the Proposed Budget.

The 2026 Budget will again be aligned with the key principles of Affordability, Livability, Sustainability, and Transparency.

Additionally, the budget will provide a clear linkage to the Corporate Strategy, demonstrating accountability between what is achieved and the value to taxpayers.

Based on the draft schedule outlined in this report, the 2026 Budget is anticipated to be finalized in late November 2025. Budget approval in advance of the new year allows for the early tendering of capital projects, which can result in favourable pricing and construction timelines.

Before I go any deeper into the details Staff provided  – some questions:  What evidence does the city have that an early budget gives the city access to lower prices?

A clear linkage to the Corporate Strategy would be nice, but I don’t believe the Corporate Strategy has been completed.

Background – was this written with the help of AI?

This report provides an overview of the process that will be undertaken to develop and finalize the 2026 Budget

Similar to last year, the 2026 Budget will be aligned with the following 4 key budget principles

  1. Affordability – Balance providing for today while preparing for our future.
  2. Livability – Making sure the quality of life for the residents of Burlington is upheld and the services you depend on are enhanced, especially as we continue to grow by over forty per cent in the next 25 years.
  1. Sustainability – Our budget must provide for present needs while preparing for our future.
  2. Transparency – A simpler, easier to track and understand presentation of the budget, to foster better community engagement.

This rushing the budget as it is processed certainly doesn’t foster better community engagement.

Alignment to Corporate Strategy

As outlined in a Staff report (TRN-01-25), Burlington’s Strategic Planning approach on this same agenda, the City is undergoing an internal strategic realignment. This includes a revised 25-year Strategic Plan as well as a shift from the service-based Vision to Focus to a department-based 5-year Corporate Strategy.

The current city Strategic Plan

That Strategic Plan has not yet been updated to reflect Council’s thinking since the last revision.

This Corporate Strategy includes:

Strategic Directions for the organization. These are the high-level, overarching priorities to achieve the vision and mission; Deliver Positive Community Impact; Build Transparency and Public Trust; Unlock Innovation and Partnerships; Enable Sustainable Growth; and Objectives that Help Deliver the Goals. The objectives bridge the gap between the high level priorities and operational execution. These objectives are grouped in four balanced scorecard perspectives.

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward giving a solid political speech.

If these words were voiced by the Mayor or a member of Council they would make sense; they are a good election platform.

But this is a Staff report with data that is subjective and on point.

Has anyone seen these balanced scorecard perspectives?

How were they arrived at?

The following wording from the Staff report is pure public relations speak, ticking off the boxes – an insult to people who care deeply about their city.

      1. Customer, Community, and Partners

Strengthen community resilience and environmental sustainability

Foster collaboration with external partners

Ensure services and decisions reflect community priorities

      1. Financial Stewardship

Drive financial sustainability

Optimize resource planning and utilization

      1. Internal Processes (Enablement & Operations)

Streamline operational and decision-making processes

Improve governance and accountability

Leverage technology for efficiency and enhanced customer experience

Build a foundation for operational excellence and future growth

      1. Our People

Strengthen leadership and staff relationships

Cultivate a high-performing leadership team

Develop a future-thinking and stable workplace culture

Strategic Performance Indicators that provide quantifiable insights into how effective the organization is executing and delivering the 5-year corporate strategy.

Linking the Corporate Strategy to the budget provides accountability between what is achieved and the value to taxpayers. This process provides a clear link between the strategy and the investment required to implement the initiatives.

The budget is one mechanism that implements the Corporate Strategy through specific project initiatives.

The internal process to inform the development of the 2026 Proposed Budget will include:

An extensive line by line review of the draft operating base budget submitted by each

department will be conducted by the Finance Department and Members of XLT

(Executive Leadership Team)

An extensive review of the draft capital budget will be conducted by the Corporate

Infrastructure Committee (CIC), that includes prioritizing projects based on council

priorities, asset management principles, and financial resource availability.

Staff will prepare a Financial Needs and Multi-Year Forecast report which will be presented to Committee of the Whole in June. This report will outline key budget pressures and significant drivers as well as make recommendations for additional budget investments to address key risks, increase or enhance service levels or address operational challenges.

This is embarrassing!

Public Engagement Process

The city will continue to use existing online engagement tools such as survey opportunities on GetInvolvedBurlington.ca.

The budget will be one of the featured booths at the City’s annual Food for Feedback event in September and a Telephone Townhall is again planned for November.

Budget Townhalls are scheduled in each of the City’s 6 Wards.

The Open Book platform will also be used to present the budget and allow the public to view the budget data in an interactive and intuitive format. This is a useful feature.

To facilitate public input, a draft budget summary document will be posted to the city’s website and hard copies made available in advance of the Budget Ward meetings, which begin on September 18, 2025.

Council Budget Review Process

Councillor Kearns

Mayor Meed Ward and Councillor Kearns can be expected to “duke it out” during the budget debates.

Similar to 2024, should a Member of Council wish to propose an amendment to the budget they are requested to complete a budget review form, which will be provided to all members of council

in an electronic format.   Staff request that each Council member use these forms to highlight proposed amendments to the capital and operating budgets.

The consolidated listing of the budget review forms will structure the agenda for the budget review at the Budget Committee meetings beginning November 24th.

Key Dates & Milestones

In addition to the other public engagement methods mentioned earlier, the following schedule outlines key budget town halls and other public feedback opportunities:

Budget Townhalls and Feedback Opportunities (Draft Dates)

Location Ward Time Date

There was a time when citizens gathered and reviewed copies of a proposed budget and were able to ask staff questions directly. Council members were in the room to hear what the people who elected them to office were thinking. That was real engagement.

Food for Feedback (Central Park) September 13, 2025

Haber Community Centre (Community Room 1) 6 7:00-8:30 pm September 18, 2025

LaSalle Pavilion (Main Ballroom) 1 7:00-8:30 pm September 22, 2025

Burlington Senior Centre (Community Room 3) 2 7:00-8:30 pm September 23, 2025

Brant Hills Community Centre (Community Room 1) 3 7:00-8:30 pm September 24, 2025

Tansley Woods Community Centre (Community Room 1) 4 7:00-8:30 pm September 29, 2025

Appleby Ice Centre (Community Room 1) 5 7:00-8:30 pm October 2, 2025

Telephone Townhall (Date TBD) 7:00-8:30 pm Mid – November, 2025

The following schedule outlines the process Council will follow to review the Proposed Budget:

Draft Budget Review Dates

2026 Financial Forecast Committee of the Whole June 9, 2025

Release of Proposed Budget (agenda available October 24)

Committee of the Whole November 3, 2025

Divisional Budget Presentations by XLT Budget Committee November 13, 2025

Committee review of Proposed Budget, amendments proposed via Budget Review Form process take place at the Budget Committee November 24 & 25, 2025

Council review of Proposed Budget Special Council Meeting December 2, 2025

Notes:

Legislation requires a 30-day period for Council to review and amend the Proposed Budget once it has been released. This period can be shortened via a Council vote.

Following Council review of the Proposed Budget there is a 10-day period in which the Mayor can veto a budget amendment. This period can be shortened via a Mayoral Decision.

If the veto power were exercised, there is a 15-day period in which a 2/3rds majority of Council can override the veto.

After the process of amendments, vetos and overrides has passed the budget is deemed to have been adopted.

Financial Matters; Implications

The ballot box is the biggest implication for the seven members of Council.

The approved 2025 Budget invested $346.2M into delivering city services to the community and $88.6M into the capital program to renew aging infrastructure and invest in new community assets.

The budget process provides a venue in which decisions are aligned and made to ensure an appropriate balance between affordability, maintaining/enhancing service levels and financial sustainability is achieved over the long term.

The Financial Forecast will be prepared to recognize key budget drivers including ongoing inflationary pressures as well as investments required to stabilize service delivery. It will also make recommendations for increased funding to key areas to address the needs of our growing community.

Which inflationary pressures is Staff talking about?  The latest report from the Bank of Canada had inflation at 1.7%

There is so much pure bumf in the city’s document that one might ask – was this written with the help of AI?

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Will the 2026 municipal election be the occasion Burlington gets the civic leadership it needs

By Pepper Parr

June 25th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

OPINION

In Burlington, local politics doesn’t get much attention.  Less than 30% of the population bothers to show up at voting stations.

And the city decided to take a pass on voting electronically from the comfort of your living room chair.  You could vote in the advance polls electronically.

Why the difference was never really explained by City Hall.

In a little more than 15 months the 2026 election will take place.  Anyone expecting a radically different council is smoking the good stuff.

In order to win a seat on city council the public has to know who you are.  And in Burlington, creating a profile is challenging – the current Council members flood social media with their photo ops.

Any politician can be beaten – you just have to get more votes than the other guy and work a lot harder.

Former city Councillor Jack Dennison.

I expect some members of the current council to use that Jack Dennison trick – wait until the very last minute before announcing that you are going to run for office.  That tends to keep anyone who wants to challenge you edgy – not knowing who they will be running against.

Burlington doesn’t have very much in the way of community based grass roots organizations.  It wasn’t always this way – in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, there were numerous groups that spoke effectively to city Council.

That is not the case today. ECoB did a great job in 2018 in holding all candidate meetings in every ward.  BRAG – Burlington Residents’ Action Group faltered.  Focus Burlington has yet to show what it can do.

The 2022 City Council – Councillor Shawna Stolte had to attend the swearing-in virtually.

For those seeking public office they have to make sure that there is just one person challenging a sitting member.  If there are two people challenging the sitting member, the vote tends to get split, and the incumbent slides through.

Of the seven-member Council – who will run and who may not run and who should not run.

The conflicts of interest are just not recognized by Galbraith.

Kelvin Galbraith, Councillor for ward 1, will run again – he likes the job, and the additional income is good.  His constituents don’t seem to have a problem with his conflicts of interest.  Nor do they have a problem with the way he has disturbingly prevented Tom Muir from playing an active role in ward politics.  Muir can be a problem – but that doesn’t mean he loses his right to speak and take part in what happens politically in ward 1.

Riddled with anxiety

Lisa Kearns, Councillor for ward 2 will either leave politics completely or run for Mayor.  She has the best mind on this council but is riddled with anxiety and tends to buckle when pressed.  At the moment, she is giving Mayor Meed Ward a run for her money – but other than good theatrics – not much of a difference is being made.  Who will run in ward 2 if Kearns leaves?  There are some decent options – Keith Demoe isn’t one of them.

Nisan has a game plan, which he is keeping to himself.

Rory Nisan has a game plan, which he is keeping to himself.  Why he chose to live in ward 2 after being elected in ward 3 is something he has never explained.  He toys with the idea of being Mayor – doesn’t have the depth or the vision

Her thinking on affordable housing was excellent – the problem was she wasn’t able to follow through.

Shawna Stole, Councillor for ward 4 said she would be just a two-term Councillor, which takes her out of the race in 2026.  Right?  Stole may well prove me wrong.

She has never earned as much as she gets paid as a politician, which is certainly an incentive for hanging around.  Neither has she all that much in the way of a difference.  Her thinking on affordable housing was excellent – the problem was she wasn’t able to follow through.

Ward 5 constituents have done very well by their council member – developers love him. 

Paul Sharman, Councillor for ward 5 – people could read his obituary one day and vote for him on the next.  Ward 5 constituents have done very well by their council member – developers love him.  At the close of each election, he has a surplus in his campaign account.

His seat is at risk- he might choose to take a pass and retire.

Angelo Bentivegnia, ward 6 Councillor, the best retail politician on this council, may not be able to overcome the anger the people in Millcroft have over his failure to really go to the mat for his constituents when a developer decided to use a large part of the golf course property  for some expensive housing.

He did get to the point where he could manage the chairing of a Standing Committee – not quite at the point yet where he fully understands the contents of many Staff reports.

Add to that his health.  His seat is at risk- he might choose to take a pass and retire.

Tax increases that exceed 10% have some taxpayers riled up; the absence of a clear vision for the city and the way it grows combined will result in a much different Burlington in a decade.  It doesn’t have to be that way, but without some fresh thinking, there is not a lot of hope.

There are men and women out there who could serve the city very well – they have yet to be convinced that they can win and that they are needed.

Hope – most certainly. Fiscal accountability and a vision that reflects what the public wants and what is possible.

It isn’t too late – but there is not much time to waste.

 

 

 

 

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Book Now for Long Weekend Day Visits at Ontario Parks,

By Staff

June 25th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

With July 1st just around the corner, Ontario Parks is reminding travellers of their online booking system for securing a daily vehicle permit at 88 parks across the province.

Sibbald Provincial Park

Popular Ontario Parks such as  Sibbald Point Provincial Park often reach full capacity during summer, with the July and August long weekends especially busy.

All day use visitors who want to enjoy the beaches and facilities at these parks can reserve a daily vehicle permit in advance, up to 5 days ahead of time.

Visitors planning to arrive in parks this Friday, Saturday or Sunday, can book their day permits now. Visitors planning a visit for July 1st can book a daily vehicle permit starting on June 26th.

Online reservations can be made HERE. 

By booking ahead of time, visitors can enjoy a stress-free summer day at their favourite park, knowing they have a guaranteed parking spot.

Midweek Camping Availability at Ontario Parks

For campers looking to experience nature at Ontario Parks, there is one tip that can help secure a coveted campsite at popular parks in southern Ontario: midweek camping.

Bronte Creek Provincial Park – shallow water that is warmer – great for very young children.

Parks that are 100% full on Friday and Saturday nights throughout summer, may only be 50% full during the week.

Close to the GTA, both Bronte Creek Provincial Park have site available for midweek camping in July and August.

In Southeastern Ontario, both Rideau River Provincial Park during the week is a great way to explore the Ottawa area.

In Southwestern Ontario, campers may be surprised they can score a great midweek camping site at parks such as Craigleith Provincial Park.

Craigleith Provincial Park.

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Cards, Chips & Charisma: Canada’s Safest Gaming Culture

By Sidsel Nørgaard

June 25th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

Statista has recently reported that the Canadian casino market could hit $9,57 billion by the end of 2025. Looking ahead, the market could continue growing by a CAGR of 2.67%, showing how deeply ingrained gambling is in the country’s culture. As if that’s not impressive enough, studies show that about six in ten Canadians often gamble. So, why do you think this practice is so common in this country?

One reason is how it wraps risk in tight regulation, accessible player tools and a culture that actively discourages recklessness. It’s like stepping into a well-hosted party where the drinks are flowing but no one’s allowed to get out of hand. The whole idea is to safeguard everyone, from seasoned players to curious newcomers.

It’s like stepping into a well-hosted party.

This is especially clear in the digital space, where the rise of safe online casinos in Canada has completely changed how players experience gambling. Beyond just offering convenience, these licensed sites come with proper measures baked into their design to ensure you engage more responsibly. But since this is just scratching the surface, you want to hang around and discover more about how Canada protects participants in the gambling industry.

A Framework Built for Fairness

Each province in Canada has its own gaming authority, which tailors rules to local communities and can evolve more responsively. Take Ontario, for instance. Since launching its regulated iGaming market in 2022, the province has been a benchmark for online gambling safety. Can you believe that, according to igamingbusiness.com, the gross gaming revenue for 2024-25 alone reached CA$3.20 billion? This is a 32% year-on-year increase!

Licensed operators must pass strict audits, follow player protection protocols and commit to transparent advertising standards. And do you know what? You won’t see famous faces in gambling ads because Ontario’s government doesn’t just allow that. Such moves ensure even the most vulnerable populations are protected from the possibility of gambling disorders.

Many people often begin doing something because they saw their favourite celebrity doing it. And if they see these celebrities in gambling ads, they could become curious and start considering gambling. It gets challenging when the person being influenced is underage and cannot engage with restraint.

In British Columbia, the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) oversees all regulated gambling forms, including:

  • Online gambling
  • Lotteries
  • Land-based casinos

The GPEB, through the provincial Gaming Control Act and Gaming Control Regulations, also oversees the provinces’ responsible gambling programs. This is harm reduction in action.

A Prevailing Focus on Security

Cyber attacks are doing extensive damage to websites around the world.

Seeing everyone paying attention to online security in the general gambling industry should not be surprising. With many players joining, especially online, the amount of available customer data increases, making the sector a prime target for threat actors. You may be surprised to learn that this is part of why the global online gambling market is ranked as the third most targeted sector by cyberattacks.

This is why players, including Canadians, have become more security-conscious. Most of them will often examine a website’s security measures before signing up for it. In response to this, operators have been implementing advanced security measures like AI algorithms to improve their appeal to security-conscious players. And this is beyond just the basic encryption.

Operators have been using AI to detect unusual login patterns and flag malicious activity in real-time, preventing attacks from happening. Good enough, artificial intelligence is even capable of identifying threats that may escape human detection. According to Cobalt, 70% of cybersecurity experts claim this technology effectively detects threats that would have gone unnoticed.

AI can also identify vulnerabilities in systems and applications, allowing for proactive patching and mitigation before attacks can be launched. This guarantees players’ safety and encourages them to remain connected with gambling platforms.

Other security features to keep you safe

Besides artificial intelligence, there are more common features like 2FA. 2FA, surprisingly, can protect you from about 99.9% of targeted attacks. When it comes to phishing scams, which are prevalent in online gambling, 2FA can keep off up to 96%.  At such a time when cyberattacks have become common, who would not want to take advantage of such a statistic? Absolutely, no one!

You will only need your password and something you have, like a code from your phone or something you are, like a fingerprint. This ensures your account remains safe even if someone hacks your password. To further improve their security measures, most operators have implemented SSL encryption. It uses a combination of encryption techniques, including asymmetric and symmetric encryption, to protect sensitive information during online transactions and other data transfers.

Robust technologies are creating the right environment for the industry’s further growth.

You don’t just want a higher hand value than the dealer in a blackjack game. The experience that comes with it also matters. Imagine the pain of exposing your personal information to threat actors just because you logged into an untrustworthy platform. Of course, you would not want this for yourself. Thankfully, through bodies like the GPEB, the country’s provincial governments actively monitor operators and regularly give updates to reflect changing risks and new technologies.

Gambling providers are also not left behind in this struggle to create a safe gambling scene in Canada. You’ll find self-exclusion features on most of their platforms to help you regulate yourself. Others have implemented more robust technologies like AI to keep players from cyberattacks, creating the right environment for the industry’s further growth.

 

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Burlington's Canada Day will feature fireworks and a drone display at Spencer Smith Park

By Staff

June 25th, 2025

BURLINGTON, on

 

A patriotic display like this on Canada Day – perhaps not in Burlington, but pride will swell across the country, even though Edmonton lost the chance to bring the Stanley Cup home.

The notice from the city is a little early.  They wanted to announce the plans for Canada Day celebrations at Spencer Smith Park that will kick off on July 1 at noon with fun for all ages! Visitors can enjoy a lively Kids Zone, local vendors, delicious food, and live performances throughout the day.

The official opening ceremony kicks off at 4 p.m., followed by a drone light show and a fireworks finale to cap off the night.

Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed for the Canada Day event. Various positions are available for anyone 14 years and older. Volunteer positions include set-up, tear down, and event support.

To volunteer, visit burlington.ca/volunteer, click on Festivals and Events to register and apply.

This event is funded by the Government of Canada.

July 1 events at Spencer Smith Park

  • The Teen Tour Band will show what they co do.

    8:30 a.m. – Canada Day Run – Pre-registration required

  • Noon – Free Yoga in the Park at the Compass by the West Lawn
  • Noon – 4 p.m. – Kids Zone
  • Noon – 10 p.m. – Food & Marketplace vendors
  • 4 p.m. – Opening Ceremonies led by the Burlington Teen Tour Band
  • 6:30 p.m. – Lucky Honey
  • 8 p.m. – My Son the Hurricane
  • 9:40 p.m. (approx.) – Drone show
  • 10 p.m. (approx.) – Fireworks finale

Canada Day Shuttle and Burlington Transit

Downtown parking is in high demand during Canada Day festivities. Residents are encouraged to consider other transportation options such as cycling, walking, carpooling or taking Burlington Transit.

To accommodate increased volumes of traffic Burlington Transit will operate on a Saturday schedule on Canada Day. Plan your trip and enjoy the festivities with ease by using Google Maps on your favourite transit app.

The City is also offering a free Canada Day shuttle from Burlington Centre Parking Lot Entrance 1 (Old Navy) beginning at noon. The shuttle operates on a continuous loop until 11:30 p.m., transporting guests to and from  Downtown Burlington (430 John Street).

 

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What does the hospital spend $255,108,371.00 on

By Staff

June 24th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Joseph Brant Hospital released its annual report today.

We are going to give you the numbers part today and in the days that follow, we will focus in on some of the departments and the way they operate.

It is truly a remarkable collection of stories – do they get it right every time – they don’t and they point out what has to be changed.

Mental Health, Palliative Care, Professional Development, and Navigating the different sources of information are all included in an extensive document.

The one thing they come back to is the incredible support they get from the community.

For today – the numbers.

 

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AI, Algorithms, and Pokies: Are Online Casinos Reading Our Minds?

By  Dimitry Ignatius

June 24th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

You ever get the feeling your favourite pokie knows you a little too well? Like, you log in, and bam — the exact kind of bonus or game you were just thinking about shows up on the screen? It’s not magic. It’s data. Big, messy, relentless data.

Online casinos are no longer just virtual slot halls — they’ve morphed into finely-tuned ecosystems powered by AI and algorithms that are, for lack of a better phrase, getting real comfy in our heads.

Handing out offers like an online casino no deposit bonus free spins

From shopping to streaming to spinning the reels, machine learning is everywhere — deciding what you see, when you see it, and, crucially, how often you click. That’s true whether you’re playing at a rising favourite like Pokiesurf mobile casino Australia or any number of other mobile-friendly platforms. And while some folks still reckon it’s all just maths and timing, others think we’ve crossed into some digital mind-reading territory. Some claim AI is just about recommending games, others believe it’s shaping how we bet — even handing out offers like an online casino no deposit bonus free spins australia without us lifting a finger.

Let’s talk about what’s really going on behind those spinning reels.

Are We Being Watched — or Just Profiled?

There’s a fine line between being observed and being analysed. In the casino world, it’s mostly the latter. Here’s how it works.

What Data Online Casinos Actually Collect

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s look at the kind of information your favourite casino quietly logs while you play.

  • Login times and frequency
  • Game types you play (and how often)
  • Betting amounts and win/loss patterns
  • Session duration and click behaviour
  • Device and browser information

This list may look basic, but stitched together it forms a disturbingly accurate portrait of how, when, and why you gamble.

They’re not watching you, per se — they’re watching your habits.

The takeaway? They’re not watching you, per se — they’re watching your habits.

Algorithms at Work

Now that we’ve covered what they collect, here’s what they do with it. Casinos don’t just store your data in some dusty corner of a server. They feed it into algorithms trained to sort you into neat little boxes: occasional spinner, loyal returner, bonus hunter, risk taker, etc.

Once you’re sorted, the system adapts the experience — from bonus timing to game suggestions — to nudge you toward behaviours that benefit the house. It’s a casino version of “If you liked this, you might like that” — only it’s betting, not binge-watching.

The Illusion of Choice? AI and Game Selection

Game choice is often more of an illusion than we care to admit. Here’s why that matters.

How Personalised Game Feeds Work

Much like your social feeds, casino lobbies aren’t random. They’re curated based on what you’ve clicked, played, or even hovered over. A simple scroll sends signals to the algorithm, which then tweaks what you see next.

This is especially obvious at places like Pokiesurf Casino, where the lobby shifts subtly over time. You might think you’re discovering new games — but odds are, they’ve been gently nudged into your view by a very clever backend.

Pokies and Player Psychology

These games are built to work with your brain.

Let’s take a moment to talk about how AI ties into pokie design. These games are built to work with your brain. Features like near-miss animations, escalating music, and random micro-rewards are all based on behavioural triggers.

Algorithms track how you react. If you stick around after a near-miss, expect more. If you rage-quit after three dead spins, the system might serve up a low-volatility title next time. Creepy? Maybe. Clever? Definitely.

Not all nudges are bad — but some definitely deserve side-eye.

Smart Bonuses or Psychological Nudges?

Not all nudges are bad — but some definitely deserve side-eye. Let’s unpack bonus offers through the AI lens.

Behaviour-Based Bonuses

It’s not uncommon to be mid-session, running low on credits, and suddenly see a pop-up: “Deposit $20 now for 25 free spins!” These aren’t random. They’re timed.

Before you get cynical, here’s a bit of context:

  • AI tracks inactivity and wagering dips
  • The system flags potential churn (you leaving)
  • A bonus is served up to re-engage you

Sometimes this is welcome — a nudge back into the action. Other times, it feels like the house knows exactly when you’re most vulnerable.

The Role of Predictive AI

Let’s break this down with a simple table that shows how predictive AI may influence bonus timing and type:

Player Behaviour AI Response Example Bonus Type
About to leave session Trigger bonus to re-engage Free spins or reload offer
On a losing streak Time-limited cashback or free credit 10% cashback promo
After a win Encourage re-investment Deposit match offer

These nudges are subtle, but they’re designed to steer your behaviour. The more predictable you become, the more effective the offer.

Whether that’s helpful or manipulative depends on your mindset (and your bankroll).

Is This All Legal? Regulation vs. Reality

Laws haven’t quite caught up to the tech. That leaves players in a grey area when it comes to behavioural profiling.

What Aussie Law Says (and Doesn’t Say)

The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 says it loud and clear: Australian-based online casinos are a no-go. But here’s the thing — it doesn’t penalise players for signing up with offshore sites.

Most online casinos operate out of places like Curaçao, fully licensed and (for now) legally allowed to serve Aussie players. And yes, they have terms that cover data usage, but behavioural targeting? That’s still a bit of a wild west.

So technically, it’s legal. Ethically? Well…

Can AI Be Used to Help Players, Too?

Let’s not paint everything black. AI can also keep you out of trouble — if the casino wants it to.

Responsible Gambling Algorithms

Here’s a look at how responsible gambling tools are implemented using AI:

Tool Type Trigger Behaviour Resulting Action
Session duration alert Playing for extended periods Pop-up break reminder
High wager detection Sudden spike in betting amounts Wager cap suggestion
Loss-chasing behaviour Frequent re-deposits after losses Offer of self-exclusion or pause

These systems aren’t just window dressing. They can make a difference. Pokiesurf, for instance, allows self-exclusion with no fuss.

Short version? AI can play both sides. Depends on who’s programming it.

What Comes Next? Smarter Casinos, Smarter Players

The future of gambling isn’t just flashier graphics or bigger jackpots. It’s smarter systems. We’re talking live dealer games with AI moderators. Chatbots that adapt to your mood. Bonus offers built with predictive behaviour graphs.

But here’s the kicker: as casinos get smarter, players have to wise up too.

You don’t need a degree in computer science. Just an awareness that when a game feels too perfect, or a bonus offer arrives at just the right moment, it probably wasn’t a coincidence.

In the end, the best tool you have isn’t AI — it’s knowing when it’s being used on you.

FAQs

Before we wrap this up, let’s answer a few of the most common questions about AI and online gambling.

1. Do online casinos really use AI to track players?

Yes, most major platforms do. It helps personalise your experience and catch fraud.

2. Can AI change the outcome of pokies?

No. Certified RNGs (Random Number Generators) determine outcomes. AI just shapes what you see, not what you win.

3. How can I tell if a bonus offer is automated?

If it hits during a break or right after a loss, it’s probably algorithm-driven.

4. Are casinos allowed to use my data this way?

If you’ve clicked “agree” in the terms (and you probably have), then yes.

5. Is Pokiesurf Casino safe to use?

It’s licensed offshore, uses solid encryption, and has daily withdrawal limits that offer a bit of passive protection.

6. What’s the standard wagering requirement for free spins bonuses?

At Pokiesurf, it’s generally 45x. Always check the fine print.

7. Can I still play pokies without registering?

Definitely. Pokiesurf offers demo versions for most of their games. No strings.

8. Should I avoid AI-powered casinos?

Not at all. Just know how they work. That way, you play smart instead of just playing.

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United Way reports on the impact it has had in 2024-25

By Pepper Parr

June 24th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Impact – what kind of an impact did you have on what you do?  What about the organizations you volunteer with?

United Way Halton & Hamilton (UWHH) outlines in their 2024–2025 Impact Report what they were able to do:

  • 124,000 children and youth supported through basic needs, mental health programs, and safe spaces
  • 50,224 seniors connected to wellness and community
  • 48,457 women helped to overcome systemic barriers
  • $429,268 in essential goods distributed through our Community Donation Warehouse
  • 2,007 volunteers mobilized to strengthen local support
  • A 37% increase in agency funding this year—at a time when 70% of programs report rising demand and 50% face wait lists.

UWHH has a network of 124 programs that are delivered by 76 local agency partners.

 

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Sunday summer art show in Kilbride

By Pepper Parr

June 25th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Summer – Art Shows!

A Country Art Show was held in Kilbride on a hot sweltering day that was made a little easier in the shade of the tents and the cool breeze that drifted in at times.

It wasn’t a large show.  The traffic was quite good.  My Ex showed up – words weren’t exchanged.

Tuszynski painting.

 

Diana Tuszynski had lovely large painting, several carvings and a collection of cards that were better than anything you will find at a Hallmark counter.

Candle holders

One of the several tents on the property

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Is the Canadian Dream Over?

By Pepper Parr

June 23rd, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The headline read: Prepare for a decade of lower living standards – with the subheadline reading: Today’s Canadian dream is to make the next mortgage payment without having to borrow to pay for it.

In the same newspaper, on the same day another headline read: “CEO pay rose almost 20% last year on strong stock process.”

The headline on the editorial page:  The slow crawl of cities on housing reform.

In Burlington, the Performing Arts Centre announced they would be open

Monday and Tuesday, from 9:30am to 4:30pm.  Access to drinking water, washrooms, seating in BPAC’s climate-controlled lobby

On-leash pets welcome.

No word on if the bar will be open.

What does one make of a world like this?

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Performing Arts Centre to be open Today and Tuesday - place to cool off

By Staff

June 23rd, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

With an extreme heat event happening  the BPAC COOLING CENTRE is open for residents to stay cool. Here’s what you need to know!

☀️ Open: Monday and Tuesday

Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm

Access to drinking water, washrooms, seating in BPAC’s climate-controlled lobby

On leash pets welcome.

No word on if the bar will be open.

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Carl Pope: I came to see the gravity of my mistake: that methane is an urgent problem

In my 50 years in the environmental movement, the decision I most regret is one I made in 2005. As the executive director of the Sierra Club, I decided the organization should largely ignore methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and focus on carbon dioxide, the most prevalent heat-trapping gas in the atmosphere and a byproduct of burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.

My colleagues and I understood that methane, which comes from man-made and natural sources, would eventually have to be curbed to slow climate change. But the data suggested that it was a relatively minor contributor to global warming and could wait. And so I neglected methane for decades, as did many climate regulators, activists and negotiators.

It wasn’t until three years ago that I came to see the gravity of my mistake: that methane is an urgent problem and that one source of it is a relatively low-hanging fruit in the fight against climate change. Methane traps about 80 times as much heat in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide over 20 years. And methane emissions, which are driving an estimated 45 percent of human-caused warming, are rising rapidly.

I now believe that cleaning up methane leaks from the production and shipping of oil and gas — one of the most significant sources of these emissions — is the best hope we have to avoid triggering some of the most consequential climate tipping points in the next decade. I think realistically it is our only hope.

Much of Florida and many other coastal regions could be flooded.

The reason the next decade is so crucial is that several natural systems may be on the brink of irreversible change. For example, if warming causes an acceleration in permafrost melt, large swaths of Alaska and Canada could be rendered uninhabitable. If warming forces a large Antarctic ice shelf to break loose, then much of Florida and many other coastal regions could be flooded. We need to slow global warming in time to prevent such catastrophes, and cutting methane emissions is the best, quickest way to do so.

Oil and gas wells leak methane at the wellhead and in the processing and transport of these fossil fuels. But the gas is relatively easy and cheap to recover. When we seal leaks, the atmospheric concentration of methane declines, and we limit warming, making it one of the best bangs for our buck.

The oil and gas industry can afford to clean up its leaks, and by the end of 2023, companies producing nearly half the world’s oil signed a pledge to reach near-zero methane emissions by 2030. But they are moving much too slowly; the only way to incentivize them to move faster and to get every single company on board is for governments to pay for their cleanup costs and for buyers to purchase only certified low-leakage gas.

Governments worldwide and U.S. states committed to climate action will need to sway the oil industry to protect the world from climate chaos. In exchange for sealing leaks, companies should get preferential access to markets.

It’s not fair to pay rich oil companies to clean up their pollution, but it’s essential to get the job done fast. To date, efforts have relied primarily on diplomacy and common sense, but they have proved too slow. Payoffs work faster.

Methane emissions come from surprising places. Researchers estimate that roughly half of those in U.S. oil fields come from wells that don’t produce significant amounts of oil or gas. Their owners often rely on equipment that is in disrepair or are just trying to avoid the costs of properly sealing them and shutting them down. We need to make it worth their while to act quickly.

Flaring methane gas at oil wells

A big source of methane emissions is the venting and flaring of gas at oil wells that don’t have pipeline connections to capture it.

But there are tools that can help. Installing an electric actuator on a pipeline can prevent leaks and costs only about $3,500. This can save enough methane a year to equal up to 33 barrels of oil. The recovered methane can be sold as natural gas.

In the Trump era, the U.S. government almost certainly won’t be helpful in this cleanup effort. The key players are methane consumers and importers: states such as New York, Illinois, Colorado and California and countries such as Japan, South Korea and those in the European Union. They should subsidize the oil industry to start aggressive cleanup of methane leaks in 2026 and 2027 and ensure that gas coming into their economies is certified to have next to no methane emissions.

Gas and oil produced with emissions need to be subject to fees, which can pay for loans for cleanup. That gives the oil industry both the funds to plug the leaks and the market incentives to keep their pipelines and ships that transport liquefied natural gas clean.

With each passing year, extreme weather does more damage to human communities. We are in an emergency now, and we must carry out the reforms that climate leaders like me should have prioritized years ago.

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Live Gambling Experience Online at Legiano Casino in Canada

By Jeannie Løjstrup

June 23rd, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The online casino industry has always attracted attention with live dealer games. Realism, a unique experience, and incredible impressions characterize such a gaming process. For example, Legiano online casino in Canada offers many different options for live entertainment. High-definition video streaming, interactive chat features, and unique views can provide everyone with an incredible experience.

The Evolution of Live Dealer Games

Live dealer games are popular on sites like Legiano casino online Canada. This is because players can chat with professional dealers and other users right from their homes.

The first such broadcasts began in the 2000s. At that time, live dealer games were limited. There were problems and delays, poor visuals. At the same time, the gameplay attracted attention with its original approach.

Over time, new game management systems and high-quality video streaming have emerged. Live games in the game show style provide unique formats that go beyond traditional games. Thus, users can communicate via online chat, which enhances the social aspect and provides an exceptional experience. Live dealer games are evolving and offer everyone unique benefits.

Why Players Prefer Live Dealer Games?

Sites like Legiano casino online Canada offer a variety of gameplay options. Players prefer to play with real dealers due to the transparency and real-time interaction. Other benefits include:

The interactive experience gives you the opportunity to try out a game variant that suits your individual preferences.

Real casino atmosphere. Live dealer games offer a unique experience and allow you to feel the atmosphere of excitement right at home.Social interaction. Compared to traditional slots, players can communicate via online chat in real time, which adds individuality and exclusivity to the event.

Transparency and fairness. Players can follow the actions of the dealers and see the transparency of the results of all game rounds.

Variety and accessibility. Modern online casinos offer a large selection of different games with real dealers. Players can play from computers or mobile devices.

Higher betting limits. Many games with real dealers are aimed at high rollers who like to place higher bets in games.

Live dealer games are developing and attracting the attention of many fans. The interactive experience gives you the opportunity to try out a game variant that suits your individual preferences.

Popular Live Dealer Games

On sites like Legiano casino online Canada, players can choose from a variety of live dealer games. For example, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and game shows are very popular. All of them have different gameplay features and require a detailed study of the rules to participate. Unique formats give players the opportunity to try their luck and different strategic approaches.

Players can compete with the dealer in a dynamic game and use different skill-based betting approaches. A wide range of gameplay variations allows everyone to choose the best approach.

To summarize, live games occupy an important place in online casinos. They can give players a realistic gaming experience and improve the quality of the experience. In addition, modern casinos are already introducing new technological solutions aimed at optimizing casino games. Already now, you can see optimized mobile games and multifunctional solutions for fans.

 

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CEO Basit updates Council on what he and city staff have been doing.

By Pepper Parr

June 20th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

City CEO Hassaan Basit has made a practice of updating Council on what he and city staff have been doing.

The report this month was almost missed when the Mayor skipped through the agenda a little too quickly and had to be reminded by the Clerk that the CEO had things to say.

CEO Basit:

I’ll start off with something you know, the senior team continues to reposition people and redefine jobs and offer more support for leadership and accountability, and we launched our Leaders Forum that which brought together 150 supervisors and managers for a hands on session focused on building trust and living our core values. Those really were the objectives that you have to start with.  These facilitated conversations aren’t just about leadership theory; they actually give our leaders real tools and networks to support their teams and strengthen our culture.

We’re going to continue to invest in their development, continue to foster connections across departments, because that’s what’s really needed, and we’re making sure that people serving Burlington are even better equipped to listen, collaborate and deliver the services our residents deserve.

CEO Basit: The campaign is working to unlock more of the missing middle housing right within our neighborhoods.

Switching very quickly, we had our touch a truck session event held by public works. Burlington Transit took part in the event and welcomed over 1100 visitors  to showcase how public transit keeps our community moving.

503 free Presto cards distributed

Councilor Nisan mentioned youth and transit ridership and incentives during Youth Week, which was May 1 to the 11th.  Recreation, culture and transit team teamed up to remove a key barrier access to rides and distributed 503 free Presto cards and that means hundreds more young people can attend camps and activities without having to worry about fares.

An update from the Burlington fire team that participated on June 5th and 6th in the vehicle rescue regional extraction event in Markham. They competed in both limited, where you don’t use hydraulic tools, and unlimited, where I presume you use hydraulic tools. Burlington placed top of the charts in both events. That expertise translates directly in the faster, more effective response when every second counts in a roadside emergency. Just like to congratulate the fire team, the training they received, the support they have and the commitment they have.

CEO Basit: “…important to continue to train staff so we can extract more value from these systems.

In late May, our finance team hosted work day training session covering procurement and accounting and budget best practices. Why I mention that is because we buy a lot of these tools. We’re upgrading. We’ve been investing in it, and it’s equally important to continue to train staff so we can extract more value from these systems. 150 staff participated in that exercise, and we’re going to continue to do that.

We wrapped up phase one of our community trail strategy engagement with impressive participation, over 200 survey responses, lots of comments and lots of attendees in person at two public meetings. I think this is a fantastic opportunity for the city to start to collect feedback, which will guide our trail planning so future paths truly reflect how residents want to walk, bike and explore Burlington screen spaces.

Speaking of transportation, our comms team and traffic teams partnered to keep motorists as best informed as they could about overlapping closures at the Skyway bridge and at  Burloak.  We really , really appreciate the advocacy from your office and from council to the province as well to always encourage them to be proactive in working with us when serious disruptions are anticipated.

CEO Basit: Each of these initiatives, whether it’s developing our leaders, engaging in the community, delivering critical services, illustrates the focus that the city and the staff have on collaboration, innovation, putting residents first.

We will continue to take a proactive approach across the summer, not just with these closures, but also to make sure all the events that we host and are so proud of you know, are supported on development and growth management.

To support our housing targets, we’ve launched additional residential unit known as ARU an incentive program, and a lot of communication tools, FAQs, digital displays, newsletters, Google ads have been put in place.

The campaign is working to unlock more of the missing middle housing right within our neighborhoods. Each of these initiatives, whether it’s developing our leaders, engaging in the community, delivering critical services, illustrates the focus that the city and the staff have on collaboration, innovation, putting residents first. So with that, thank you.

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Indigenous community to celebrate the summer solstice on Saturday

By Staff

June 20th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Burlington’s Urban Indigenous Community will be welcoming  residents to a Solstice Ceremony in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon at the west end of Spencer Smith Park.

June 21 marks the summer solstice and is an opportunity for the community to gather in celebration of Indigenous culture, knowledge, and artistry.

The ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring presence, strength, and contributions of Indigenous People in our region.

Program Highlights:

Intentions and Fire Ceremony with WhiteEagle Stonefish; Opening remarks with Stephen Paquette; Emcee: Kate Dickson

Live performances by Indigenous artists: Kate Dickson, Shannon Thunderbird, Amber Kakiishiway, Matt Bergman, and Jaimie Lindsay

Interactive activities: Smudging with Stephen Paquette, drumming on two big drums with Shannon Thunderbird, Indigenous-led dance instruction with Jaimie Lindsay, and children’s activities with Laura Suthers. Vendors, storytelling and lots of laughter

Location: Spencer Smith Park, west end

Date: Saturday, June 21

Time: 9 a.m. – noon

National Indigenous Peoples Day is a happy, fun-filled free event. All are welcome to join in the festivities.

 

 

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