 By Alan Harrington
September 26th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Just before Burlington Post’s last “print version” came off the presses last week, it ran an ad for an upcoming local musical performance. Burlingtonians LOVE musical performances – this one was different.
It was an ad for the RCMP Musical Ride.
 Front page of the last print edition of the Burlington Post One of those events usually held in some far-flung village nobody can get to across Canada’s vast expanse. Like South Moose Antler Ridge, Saskatchewan.
And it’s OLD. Thing’s has been around since Sir John A Macdonald was our prime minister.
I decided – why not? grabbed a $10 ticket and went. Location was right next door at Woodbine Mohawk Racetrack in Campbellville
Parking was free – the lot was packed. A horse race was running when I arrived (SPICY PASTA won) and then they closed the track to set up for the Musical Ride. I watched them measure and precisely place the pylons in a square on the track.
Before the Red-Coated Mounties trotted in on their black horses everyone stood for the singing of O Canada and listened to the Land Acknowledgement that had more meaning than usual, this being Mohawk raceway, and our RCMP who have a long relationship with First Nations.
 The RCMP Musical Ride pauses as the audience sings O Canada and listens to an Land Acknowledgement. RCMP Superintendent Fahey was the emcee, and his majestic horse was a beauty – the show was underway.
A symbol of tradition, honour, and pride, the Musical Ride is a Canadian icon recognized at home and abroad. The troop of 21 riders, who are all police officers, perform intricate formations and drills set to Canadian music, lasting about 30 minutes. These movements demand the utmost control, timing, and coordination.
The kids would like the way the horses moved about the field – but for me sitting front row, it was watching riders control their mounts. Some horses get persnickety and moody – and maybe don’t always want to be on their best behaviour.
 The reigns in one hand and the lance in the other – as the horses are put through very tight drills. The Mounties use one hand on the reins to maintain horse-choreography whilst holding their lance in the other. I understand these are professionals – but not an easy task and still fun to watch in action.
Some of the Mounties had never ridden a horse before joining the force.
The announcer called out the different movements the group made including a “Double Diamond” – made special for the late Queens 70th Jubilee. The Queen always had a fondness for our Canadian horses and the RCMP often leads the royal parade in London. Our RCMP paraded in Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee procession in 1897 and taken part in every coronation since King George V’s in 1911. The tradition continues as the RCMP gifted a seven-year-old black mare named Noble, to King Charles III earlier this year.
Some history about the equestrian showcase: It was formed in 1887 and has run intermittently since then. Women joined the crew in 1981 and they do about 45 shows a year May to October – raising money for local community charities.
 The $50 bill was in circulation from 1969 to 1979 Back to the show, the next display was the “Dome” (which is the image on the old fifty-dollar bill), and then they did “Charge…!!”
The show ended to great applause as the sun slipped down over the horizon.
 Image of a maple leaf is brushed into the rump of each horse Afterwards, the crowd were able to meet the horses and riders one-on-one in the parking lot. I asked if any other riders that night had participated in the Coronation parade and indeed an officer I spoke with was one of four in London that day in May.
I know the RCMP get some bad press – and they have a very difficult job to do in the field – but nothing is more Canadian than watching this show. A virtual soak-bath in maple syrup for the soul.
The Musical Ride supports front-line police operations by building positive relationships, supporting recruiting efforts and promoting the RCMP’s image in communities in Canada and around the world.
If you want to catch the show you’ll have to wait for North Moose Antler Ridge Saskatchewan in 2024.
 By Pepper Parr
September 27th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Does Emily Brown know something the rest of us don’t know?
 Emily Brown: She has announced that she is seeking the Burlington nomination for the next federal election. Admittedly Karina Gould, the MP for Burlington is weathering some rough water – the next federal election is a scheduled for 2025 – but the Trudeau government is in trouble and they might decide to call an early election.
Brown has created a web site – emilybrown.ca and she wants to hear you.
She ran a decent campaign in 2021 – the mistake her campaign team made was they didn’t let the public hear from her – and because she is a sport shooter she got pegged at a gun enthusiast.
Rifles and trap shooting are hobby’s for Brown. She is a responsible gun owner.
In her announcement Brown says: Seeking the nomination to run as the Conservative Party of Canada Candidate for the Riding of Burlington – my home, your home, let’s BRING IT HOME!
The announcement adds: Emily brings a wealth of experience to the nomination race for the Burlington Conservative Riding Candidate.Emily Brown:
Known as someone who steps up to get things done, she does not back down to a challenge. In her professional and volunteer work, she has gained skills in transformational leadership, governance, strategic planning, external relations, stakeholder management and working across governments.
With the right campaign manager Emily Brown could be a threat.
 By John Gold
September 27, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
If you’re concerned about the legitimacy of instant withdrawal casinos, you’re on the right page. We’ve provided important details for all players.
Fast payout casinos stand out because of their speedy transaction processes. This translates to players getting their winnings within a shorter time frame. On the flip side, some players are concerned about the legality of these platforms’ offerings. As such, we’ve created this simple guide discussing the legitimacy of fast payout casinos and how to find reliable ones.
 Fast payout casinos eliminate such long wait times. An Overview of the Popularity of Fast Payout Casinos
Withdrawing is one of the most important activities players carry out when gambling online. After winning from gaming sessions, they aim to get their earnings using one of the payment methods the platform supports. The withdrawal process involves entering the desired amount and submitting the request to the site.
Many operators take a few days to go over such requests before approving them and sending funds to customers’ accounts. This means that players must wait several days to receive their earnings. Fast payout casinos eliminate such long wait times.
Unlike many standard platforms, these gambling sites, like Brite Kasinot, process cashout requests within a few hours or less. So instead of five to six days, it takes between 24 and 48 hours for players to get credited. The promise of early withdrawals is why many punters search for instant payout gaming platforms.
Exploring the Legitimacy of Fast Payout Casinos
When discussing whether such platforms are legit, one must explore the country’s gambling laws, as they vary from one jurisdiction to another. For instance, casino gaming is legal in the United Kingdom. The country boasts one of the top regulated gambling markets, which the UK Gambling Commission oversees. In other words, fast payout casinos are legal for British players.
It’s a whole different story in the United States of America. Currently, casino gambling is legal in only six states: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Rhode Island is expected to join the list in 2024. In these states, casino operators must have a local license to operate.
Looking at the New Zealand market, one would see that the country shares similar gambling rules with most US states. According to the Gambling Act 2003, locally-based platforms are prohibited from offering such services to Kiwis. With this, many residents turn to offshore sites, as there are no federal laws banning these platforms from operating in the country.
 How to Find Legitimate Fast Payout Casinos
The differences in gambling laws create varying perspectives on the legality of fast payout casinos. Regardless of these distinctions, one thing is clear – there are legal fast payout casinos. Players only need to learn how to find them. Here are the main factors that certifies an express withdrawal casino is legitimate and safe.
Licensing From A Reputable Authority
With the introduction of online casinos, many countries have seen an increase in the number of gamblers. In the UK for instance, a study by the UKGC revealed that 18% of British people gambled online. This led to the establishment of various regularity bodies, the most notable being the following:
United Kingdom Gambling Commission
Malta Gaming Association
Curacao E-gaming Authority
Kahnawake Gaming Commission
Gibraltar Regulatory Authority
The specifications for their licensee vary but revolve around ensuring players’ safety. These authorities ensure that gambling sites comply with certain standards to protect customers. Some of the requirements licensed casinos must meet include:
Implementing responsible gambling measures like deposit limits.
Timely dispute resolutions.
Games with random number generators.
Advertisements that aren’t misleading.
Reasonable Terms and Conditions
The terms and conditions specify the casino’s operations, making it important to read the fine print before registering. With this, you learn how the platform collects, stores, and uses the personal and financial details you enter on its platform. It also specifies your duty as a player, which could include keeping your confidential information safe and preventing unauthorized access to your account.
Such requirements also extend to bonuses. These offers have wagering requirements and other conditions, like bonus validity and maximum withdrawal limits. Without fulfilling them, it’s impossible to cash out your bonus promotional earnings. That said, a fast payout casino should have reasonable terms that players can easily meet in order to get their winnings.
 Top-Notch Security Features
Secure Socket Layer protocols are one of the most prevalent security features for online casinos. The technology encrypts data, preventing malicious parties from accessing it. SSL also establishes a secure connection between the site’s servers and your browsers to safeguard your details. You can tell if a casino is SSL-protected by looking for a padlock icon at the beginning of its web address.
Solid Reputation
It’s advisable to settle for instant withdrawal casinos with a proven track record. Pick platforms that have solidified their presence in the online gambling niche and are known for their reliable services. You can find the top ones by reading comprehensive expert and player reviews. These write-ups provide valuable insights into the casino’s games, payment methods, customer service, and more.
Red Flags to Watch out For When Choosing a Platform
Note that not all casinos that promise fast payouts are legit. Here are some red flags to watch for:
High bonus wagering requirements
Fake or no license
Web addresses start with http:// instead of https://
Misleading bonus advertisements
Unresponsive customer service
Unknown payment methods
Final Thoughts on Legal Fast Payout Casinos
With the number of casinos on the internet, it’s important to be careful when choosing a platform. For players who favor fast payout casinos, always ensure that the site is licensed and regulated. Also, be sure that online gambling is legal in your jurisdiction before signing up on such sites.
By Staff
September 26th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Have you ever dreamed about getting locked in the library after dark?
On a spooky Halloween night?
With all your friends?
Then get ready for the event of a lifetime! In one month, Burlington Public Library will open its doors after hours for an epic dance party in the stacks called Library After Dark.
 The event is all about flipping the dusty old image of a library on its head. Expect live music, drinks, and lots of delightful surprises. Party band, The 99s, will be playing throwback tunes to get everyone dancing.
“This is going to be a night to remember,” says Elise Copps, Burlington Public Library’s Manager of Marketing & Communications. “The whole library will be open to explore and there will be unique and exciting experiences around every corner.”
The event takes place the Friday before Halloween—October 27th—at BPL’s Central
Branch. Costumes are encouraged!
This is a 19+ event, and limited tickets are available. Tickets can be purchased online.
 By Pepper Parr
September 25th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
She didn’t waste a second.
When NDP Leader of the Opposition Marit Stiles rose in her seat and said:”This summer people across the province of Ontario were feeling the strain of the rising affordability crisis, cost of living crisis, a housing affordability crisis. And meanwhile, they’ve watched their government lurch from scandal to scandal, crisis to crisis. Now we’ve seen the resignation of three cabinet ministers and two senior staffers so far.
 NDP Leader of the Opposition Marit Stiles going after the Premier. Speaker my question is to the Premier. How can people trust this Premier to work for them when he has spent the last five years putting his friends and insiders first
The Premier. Thank you, Mr. Speaker I want to welcome our friends from Arizona. Welcome. I look forward to speaking to you later. If you think politics are tough in the United States watch us for the next while.
 Premier Doug Ford: Has difficulty standing up to the Leader of the Opposition. “I want to thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question and I’ll answer – the reason why people should trust us when we came to office it was like walking into a bankrupt company. There was 300,000 jobs lost down to our friends down to the US. And now there’s 700,000 more people working today.
“We’re building $184 billion of infrastructure. We’re focusing on $70 billion of building roads and bridges and highways. We’re focusing on making sure the largest transit system largest transit system in North America, we’re building 50 new sites and hospitals are additions to hospitals spending over $50 billion.
Stiles: Talk about the past, not even at the height of the Liberals gas plant scandal has a government been in such disarray. The government said they were going to clean things up. That’s what this Premier ran on, and now he’s embroiled in a scandal that has seen ethics laws broken. Three cabinet ministers have resigned in disgrace or run for the exits. Conservatives are leaving under a cloud of suspicion and they’re lawyering up speaker. The Premier has said the buck stops with him. So let’s hear from him speaker – will the premier finally come clean and explain his personal involvement in the Green Belt scandal?
Premier: “I was very clear on my message to the people of Ontario on Thursday. That’s what you call leadership, admitting if there was a mistake and moving forward and making sure we get on with our agenda. But that’s not going to deter us from building 1.5 million homes. My friends from Arizona probably don’t realize that Ontario’s leading North America in economic development and trade and growth. We’re the fastest growing region right now in North America.
“We have over 800,000 people coming to Ontario every single year, and they’re coming to Ontario, because that’s where the prosperity is. That’s where the jobs are. That’s where economic development is. That’s where the quality of life is. You want a great life you come to Ontario, but I can assure the people out there the new Canadians that are coming here, the young people that have the need to afford to buy a home we’re gonna build homes you’re gonna build affordable attainable the final supplementary speaker, things are worse today for people in this province. than they were five years ago.”
Stiles: “This premier won’t share his phone records, emails have been deleted in the midst of this scandal.
“People out there thought something was wrong. And now we have two independent officers of the legislature who have confirmed it, the Conservatives rigged the system to benefit their friends. I mean, it’s so bad speaker. It’s so bad that it’s been turned over to the RCMP. So Speaker My question to the Premier is: Has he spoken to the RCMP about the circumstances of the Greenbelt?”
Premier “Mr. Speaker, is it better now than it was five years ago? It’s not a little better. It’s not 10% Better it’s 1000 times better on all fronts.
“Again, Mr. Speaker, we’re building the transit we’re building the 413 Bradford bypass we’re building highway seven, and highway three to get from point A to point B and people home a lot quicker. Mr. Speaker, as you see us report some of the health reports that I’m going to see, actually reduce the backlog surgeries are going down we’re pouring money into the new nurses that are coming here. There’s 30,000 nurses in our colleges and universities. We saw 15,000 come on board already 67,000 since we’ve been in office 8000 new doctors Mr. Speaker, I could spend another half an hour telling you why the province is 1000 times better now than it was.”
 NDP Leader of the Opposition Marit Stiles: If the Premier had spent more time listening to people Stiles: “If the Premier had spent more time listening to people this summer. People who’ve seen their emergency rooms closed. Kids who can’t get treatment for it with the Autism Program.
“People who were fighting forest fires all across this province, maybe maybe he’d have learned something and he wouldn’t have spent his summer divvying up the spoils to his friends.
“This afternoon. I’m going to be tabling the Greenbelt Restoration Act, the official opposition NDPs bill to restore and protect all of the lands this government removed from the Greenbelt a solution that the premier finally agrees is the right thing to do. We must restore integrity to government Premier. We’re going to be calling for unanimous consent of this house. So to the premier Ontarians will be watching Will he pass our legislation to restore and protect lands in the Greenbelt?”
 Paul Calandar – Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing responds to the question. Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing responds to the question: Calandar:
“No we will not be supporting the member’s legislation. Obviously we have not seen the legislation so we will never provide unanimous consent to something that we have not seen. But to be very clear. We will be voting against that legislation today.
“Mr. Speaker I will be bringing forward legislation very soon, which will not only return the lands but ensure that an additional 7000 acres of land are put into the Greenbelt. And we will go one step further. Mr. Speaker, we will codify and legislation, the boundaries of the Greenbelt Mr. Speaker so that it is protected through legislation and not through regulation. So no, we will not be supporting legislative piece today because we’re going to go further and we’re going to do what has never been done in this province before I respond protect the Greenbelt once and for all.”
Stiles: “Why would anyone trust this government to fix a disaster of their own making? There are still so many questions, so many questions speaker that this Premier and this government refused to answer in this $8.3 billion scandal. So back to the premier. How did these speculators know to give your office the details about the parcels of land to remove from the green belt before it was announced to the public who tipped them off?”
Calandar: “Mr. Speaker, the reality is that both the Auditor General and the Information Commissioner, the Integrity Commissioner have reported on that, Mr. Speaker, but the reality is, is that the NDP and the Liberals continue to double down on policies that have put Ontario into a housing crisis. We have been working for five years to untangle the mess. That was the opposition policy on housing. In fact, Mr. Speaker in the members own writing in the members own writing where average income is about $55,000 a year the average house price is about 1.1 million. It would take somebody $80,000 in mortgage payments just to afford that home and what does the member opposite do? She continues to support policies that would take all of the people in her riding out have the ability to own a home Mr. Speaker, we are going to double down on policies that help build houses for people across the province of Ontario. Make no mistake, we’ll get the job done.”
Stiles: “Not only did it take two scathing reports and unprecedented resignations, to force this premier to do the right thing. Not only did he allow the housing crisis to get worse, yes, worse while this scandal expanded,but he’s put our province in a position where we could be on the hook for billions. Speaker back to the premier. How much is this Government’s Greenbelt disaster going to cost Ontario’s taxpayers?”
 Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing doesn’t want to hear another word. Calandar – Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing “Thank you Speaker – nothing nothing. Mr. Speaker. We will be presenting a bill later on this week which will ensure that the people of the province of Ontario are focused on what matters to them building houses for the people of the province of Ontario. She talks about us adding on to the housing crisis.
“It’s unbelievable to me Mr. Speaker We have seen because of the policies of this government housing starts at the highest level in over 30 years. And it’s not just single family. It’s not the single family homes that the speaker in his purpose built rental that under their policies came to a halt for over 30 years.
“Mr. Speaker, this is a party with the liberals that double down on increasing taxes for the people of the province of Ontario, year after year after year. They think that increasing taxes somehow encourages in the Congress. We have shown that by reducing taxes cutting red tape and investing in priorities of people. 700,000 jobs come back and the economy boomed and now we’re gonna get it done”
The member for Niagara Center Speaker through you to the premier the same favorite insiders who received preferential treatment in the Greenbelt decision are also benefiting from Shady backroom deals for MZO’s, urban boundary expansions and highway 413. Will this government stop paving over protected farmland to enrich its friends?
Calandar: “Well, let’s let’s unpack that if we can. So MZOs were requested by municipal partners for the most part. Where we didn’t get requests from municipal partners is when I was the minister of long term care, we now have a great minister of long term care.
“When I was the minister of long term care, we actually had municipalities for at Hope for instance, that actually refused to give us long term care homes. So I went to the minister and I said, Give me an MZO (Ministerial Zoning Order) because I want to close down 30,40 and 50 year old long term care homes that aren’t sprinklered and build brand new ones. I won’t apologize for doing that. I’ll continue to do it, Mr. Speaker, whether it’s for long term care homes whether it’s for the Minister of colleges and university who wants to build dormitories for students, I’m gonna double down on it and make sure that we build that housing not only for seniors, not only for young families, but for students in his area and in all parts of this province.”
A supplementary question. Member for Hamilton Ancaster Dundas.
“Mr. Speaker, I can assure the minister that the City of Hamilton did not request that you meddle with our urban plan.
“I have been ringing the alarm about this government’s backroom deals for urban sprawl in Hamilton for months now.
“The integrity Commission’s report revealed that the same developers who successfully influenced the Ford government to remove their land from the Greenbelt also benefited from a provincial order to expand the city’s urban boundary. My question, Mr. Speaker, did this government give preferential treatment to developers with Shady MZOs and undemocratic changes to our official plan?”
Calandar: “And there you have it, Mr. Speaker, don’t ya? Right. It’s not about the Greenbelt colleagues. It’s never been about the Greenbelt for them, right. It’s about stopping people from having the same benefits that generations of Ontarians have always had.
 Premier Ford responded to the first to question (he never really answered the questions) and then turned it over to his Minister of Housing and sat looking glum and very uncomfortable. “On the Greenbelt, they don’t even want it built in their own area. In fact, after the decision was made to restore the lands to the Greenbelt, some of those members called me to say that they had already done their job in their area and that they didn’t want to see intensification. They didn’t want to see towers. Well, let me tell you this. We aren’t going to build it all across the province because you know what young Ontarians deserve to have that first home, the seniors who want to downsize deserve to have a place that they can downsize to Mr. Speaker, they deserve to have long term care homes. Our students deserve to have dormitories, Mr. Speaker, that is what is important to all of those people who are in their parents basement right now and want to have a home – we have your back.
“We’ll get the job done.”
By Staff
September 25th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Last Saturday Bfast held a Transit Users’ Forum with presentations on the state of transit in Burlington and the opportunity for riders and others to ask questions or voice concerns to officials from Burlington Transit.
 Burlington Transit Director Catherine Baldelli addressing the Bfast participants. With about 60 people in-person attending the event at the Burlington Central Public Library, and some watching via Zoom, the forum included a re-cap of Burlington Transit operations and plans by Transit Director, Catherine Baldelli; an address from Councillor Rory Nisan, Deputy Mayor for the Environment; and a keynote presentation by acclaimed economist from McMaster University, Dr. Atif Kubursi.
 Doug Brown – there isn’t a bus on the face of this earth that Doug Brown wants to see carrying people. “Burlington’s Transit Users’ Forum is unique in Canada,” said Doug Brown, chair of Burlington for Accessible Sustainable Transit (BFAST), the lead organizer of the forum. “There is no event like it anywhere else. It speaks to Burlington Transit’s commitment to engage with its riders that our transit agency supports and participates in this exercise, which is organized by citizen volunteers.”
Baldelli reminded the audience that Burlington Transit is in the midst of a 5-year strategic plan that points the way to the electrification of the fleet. But first, the system needed to be upgraded to accommodate the needs of the public. Reliability, connectivity, frequency and switching to more of a grid-like route system have all been addressed. Numerous outreach and public sessions have been instituted to keep the public informed.
“Pre-pandemic, things were looking great for the transit system, then Covid hit,” Baldelli said. “This year we are on target to match earlier ridership levels.”
 McMaster University, economist Dr. Atif Kubursi spoke to transit users during a weekend Bfast meeting. Professor Kubursi’s analysis focused on ‘The Total Benefits of Free Transit’. Benefits touch on economics, equality, addressing climate change, and social equity. Of particular note Kubursi zeroed in on free transit, something that Burlington has offered to seniors and at specific times to youth under 19.
Kubursi stated, “Free transit can be a powerful tool for promoting social equity. It eliminates transportation costs, making it more accessible to low-income individuals and families. This means that everyone, regardless of their economic status, has equal access to essential services, job opportunities, and educational institutions, ultimately reducing disparities in society.”
Free transit also invites riders to explore more of their city and the money saved on fares will, in most cases, be spent on local goods and amenities. The challenge is how to pay for free transit. “Cities must find alternative funding sources to cover the costs previously generated from ticket sales and fares.” Kubusi noted. “The success of free transit relies on changing the behaviour of commuters accustomed to using personal vehicles. Ultimately, free transit has the power to create more sustainable, equitable, and vibrant urban environments for residents and future generations.”
The forum concluded with a question and answer session featuring Baldelli, Nisan, Kubursi and Glenna Cranston, a member of BFAST.
 Transit advocates attended the live event; some took part virtually. Questions from the audience included concerns about frequency, connections, why do some buses get delayed or taken out of service suddenly and how can riders learn of the interruption, and the policy on dogs on buses (service and support dogs are allowed).
BFAST wishes to thank those organizations that supported the forum and the group looks forward to next year’s forum while it advocates for an even better transit system in Burlington.
 By Pepper Parr
September 25th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington’s Santa Claus Parade is Sunday, Dec. 3. This exciting and fun parade will feature bands, floats, entertainers and of course, Santa Claus. Volunteers are needed to help the event run smoothly; there is an exciting opportunity for local non-profit organizations to receive a Burlington 150 grant.
 Commemorative cap. Burlington 150 Santa Claus Parade Grant
Burlington not-for-profit organizations are invited to enter a draw for one of three $1,500 grants to be used towards a Burlington 150-themed float in this year’s Santa Claus Parade. Three community float entries will be randomly chosen to receive up to $1,500 towards their float design.
Draw entries will be accepted until Oct. 15, 2023. Winners will be chosen and notified on Oct. 20, 2023.
A flatbed trailer will be provided to the three winners courtesy of JKM Towing and space to decorate the floats will be provided by Attridge Transportation.
How to Enter:
Before entering, visit burlington.ca/parade for entry details and eligibility criteria.
Email festivalsandevents@burlington.ca with the following information:
- Name of the organization and contact information
- A sketch of your float design
- A descriptive paragraph outlining your design
- A descriptive paragraph outlining how your organization/group connects with/represents the history of the City of Burlington
Draw entrants must also complete the Parade Entry Application at burlington.ca/parade.
Volunteers
A number of volunteers are needed for various duties with the parade. This is a great opportunity for high school students and anyone who wants to help. Volunteer roles include banner carrier, parade route marshal and dismantle zone assistant.
To apply to become a volunteer, visit burlington.ca/volunteer or call 905-335-7777, ext.7978.
 The Santa Claus parade has taken place for more than 45 years in Burlington. Organized by a citizens group that works out of the city’s Festivals and Events office it is the premier holiday event in the city. About the Santa Claus Parade
The Santa Claus Parade will be held in downtown Burlington on Dec. 3, starting at 2 p.m.
The parade will feature the Burlington Teen Tour Band, floats, entertainers and Santa Claus.
 Then Mayor Rick Goldring out on the street as an Old Timer collecting coins in a sock. Letter carriers will be walking in the parade collecting kids’ letters to give to Santa.
Visitors can also support the community and bring a non-perishable food donation to the Parade. The Burlington Teen Tour Boosters will be collecting in support of the Burlington Food Bank.
Representatives of the Burlington Oldtimers Hockey Club will also be collecting money donations in support of the parade on behalf of the parade organizing committee.
 Denise Beard, Senior Manager of Community Development. Denise Beard, Senior Manager of Community Development adds:“Two things the parade can’t live without are community floats and volunteers. We hope to have another great Santa Claus Parade with many colourful parade entries. It is a wonderful, family tradition we hope to see for many generations to come. Community involvement is really what makes it so special.”
Links and Resources
www.burlington.ca/parade
www.burlington.ca/volunteer
 By Staff
September 25th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington will observe the September 30th National Day for Truth and Reconciliation holiday on Friday, Sept. 29. To mark the importance of the day, City administration buildings will be closed.
 Photograph taken at a Truth and Reconciliation event. September 30th is also recognized as Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day inspired by the story of Indian Residential School Survivor Phyllis Webstad.
As part of Orange Shirt Day, residents can come to Spencer Smith Park (1400 Lakeshore Rd) where local indigenous people will commemorate the day, starting at 12:45 p.m., from the pavilion at the east end of the park. Additional details can be found on the city’s online events calendar at burlington.ca/calendar. Participants are encouraged to wear orange shirts and moccasins if they have them.
We encourage residents to visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website for educational materials and resources.
| City Service |
Holiday Closure Information |
| Animal Services |
The Animal Shelter at 2424 Industrial St. will be closed to appointments on Friday, Sept. 29. To report an animal control related emergency on a holiday, please call 905-335-7777. |
| Burlington Transit |
Burlington Transit will operate on a regular weekday schedule on Friday, Sept. 29. For real-time bus information and schedules, visit myride.burlingtontransit.ca.
The Downtown Transit Terminal, at 430 John St., and Specialized Dispatch will be open on Friday, Sept. 29. |
| City Hall |
Service Burlington and the Building, Renovating and Licensing counter on the main floor of City Hall at 426 Brant St., will be closed to all appointments and walk-in service on Friday, Sept. 29.
Many service payments are available online at burlington.ca/onlineservices
For online development services:
MyFiles can be used by residents who have applied for Pre-Building Approval after April 24, 2023. Once an account has been created, applicants can check the status of their files at burlington.ca/MyFiles. |
| Halton Court Services – Provincial Offences Office |
Court administration counter services at 4085 Palladium Way will be closed on Friday, Sept. 29.
Except for the holiday closure, telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. All in-person services are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Many services are also available by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or online at Halton Court Services. Payment of Provincial Offences fines is available 24/7 at www.paytickets.ca. |
| Parking |
Paid parking will be in effect on Friday, Sept. 29.
Free parking is available downtown, on the street, in municipal lots and in the parking garage (414 Locust St.) on weekends and after 6 p.m., Monday to Friday.
NOTE:
- The Waterfront parking lots (east and west at 1286 Lakeshore Rd.) do not provide free parking on holidays
- Parking exemptions are required to park overnight on city streets and for longer than five hours. Visit burlington.ca/parkingexemptions
- Please make an online reservation using Park Pass to visit Lowville Park on weekends. Reservations are free and available in three-hour time slots
|
| Recreation Programs and Facilities |
Recreation facilities are open for registered and drop-in programs and rentals on Friday, Sept. 29, and on the holiday, Saturday, Sept. 30. Drop-in recreation program schedules are available at burlington.ca/dropinandplay.
Customer Service
Recreation, Community and Culture customer service is available to assist you in person at recreation facility counters during program times.
Customer service is also available:
- By email at liveandplay@burlington.ca
- By phone at 905-335-7738, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (including Sept. 29).
|
| Roads, Parks and Forestry |
The administrative office will be closed on Friday, Sept. 29. Essential services will be provided as required. |
Why this holiday? In June 2021, the federal government passed legislation proclaiming Sept. 30 a public holiday. The holiday is one of 94 calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and is intended to honour and commemorate Indian Residential School survivors and those children that did not make it home.
 In September 2021, Burlington City Council unanimously supported Sept. 30 as a paid holiday for employees at the City of Burlington, including the closure of City Hall and other non-essential city services.
Links and Resources
By Staff
September 25th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON.
43rd PARLIAMENT, 1st SESSION
Orders and Notices
Paper
No. 89
Monday
September 25, 2023
Hon. Ted Arnott
Speaker
TODAY’S BUSINESS
10:15 A.M.
Prayers
O Canada
Royal Anthem
MORNING ROUTINE
Members’ Statements
Introduction of Visitors
Question Period
Deferred Votes
Recess
1:00 P.M.
AFTERNOON ROUTINE
It will be a typical mundane session of the provincial legislature until they get to Question Period. And then it will get noisy.
 Premier Ford has apologized and said he will roll back the decision made to open up the Greenbelt.  Marit Stiles: NDP Leader of the Opposition has said the apology isn’t enough – she wants a public inquiry and a resignation from Doug Ford. The Progressive Conservative Party holds a clear majority – don’t expect much from that side.
NDP Leader of the Opposition Marit Styles will have some stiff questions for Premier and the Liberal member of the Legislature will have something to say.
We will watch for the demeanour of the Conservative members – will the public see any contrition?
By Mia Gonzales
September, 26, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
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 You can play from wherever you are whenever you want using an application designed for Canadians. Reasons to use a local version of online casino
There are several good reasons why the Canadian version of the PinUp Casino is better for local players. Here they are:
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 Designed to cater to the specific needs of Canadian players. These reasons alone should be motivational enough for people to register an account at PinUp and start playing without any restrictions. But it is important to admit that age restrictions are applied, depending on the specific province, where the player currently lives.
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People who are looking for a decent way of playing games online should start with a local version of the Pin-Up brand. Such casinos are designed to cater to the specific needs of Canadian players. So, the next time people look for an online casino, they should consider choosing one that is built specifically for the country they are living in to enjoy a more personalized and enjoyable gaming experience.
 By Pepper Parr
September 25th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Supermarkets are continually changing the products they put on their shelves and other services that are part of managing the lives we live.
Recycling batteries – it’s easier to just throw them in with whatever we put in the Blue Box for far too many people.
 Look for it at Longos location – Call2Recycle, a battery recycling network in Ontario, with 2,600 collection sites is working with retail organizations that interact directly with the public.
Longo’s, a supermarket chain with 37 locations in Ontario is the first grocery store chain to join the battery recycling network to dispose of end-of-life batteries as part of their shopping routine, to lessen their impact on the environment and support Canada’s circular economy initiatives.
Call2Recycle and Longo’s are like-minded organizations with strong ties to their local communities and a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Both organizations are focused on supporting the environment and reducing waste which is why they felt it was important to make battery recycling more accessible to Ontarians – by adding battery recycling services to 37 Longo’s stores in the Greater Toronto Area.
As part of this collaboration, battery sorting and recycling operations are operated by Call2Recycle a not-for-profit organization that works on behalf of battery manufacturers and retailers to provide its battery recycling program at no cost to consumers across Canada.
Once the individual Longo’s locations report that their boxes are full, Call2Recycle arranges for the transport of the batteries to sorting partners who organize them by chemistry.
While some specific batteries have rare metals such as lithium and nickel, which are used to make new batteries, the majority of the recycled components are steel.
These components can be used to manufacture new products such as kitchen appliances, bicycles, or golf clubs. This whole process is part of the circular economy – the overall environmental effort to reuse our materials and reduce the environmental footprint of battery use.
By Pepper Parr
September 25th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
And so here we are – into the Fall Season.
How does one celebrate the change?
Ray River, a Burlington Gazette Contributing Editor, is part of Back-of-the-Barn Jam Band.
 The players are Terry, Audrey, Steve, Peter, Jerrold, Doug, Bob, John, Brian, Stephen and Ray. Rivers describes the group as retired and semi-retired men “who play pop and pop rock; songs were all hits – the kind of music we heard as we were growing up.”
The players are Terry, Audrey, Steve, Peter, Jerrold, Doug, Bob, John, Brian, Stephen and Ray.
 Two musicians playing off each other while another band member sings Rock on Momma  River in the centre on a keyboard, Brian behind him with a guitar It is a band that doesn’t do concerts or performances. A bunch of guys who love their music and meet outdoors during the summer, inside the barn when the weather shifts and in the “man cave” part of the house where there is heat from a small stove and snow on the ground.
Some of the members go back to their high school days.
 It was fun music and socializing; kids running around, and a dog that had far too much energy.
 Catching up between sets – these are people who have made their contribution to society – now they enjoy their time with each other. There were a lot of guitars, Rivers on the keybaord, a bag piper wearing a kilt and a set of drums that got a very good workout.
There were no wind instruments.
By Pepper Parr
September 24th,2023
BURLINGTON, ON
It is now on the table – Motion moved by Mayor Meed Ward and seconded by Ward 6 Councillor, Angelo Bentivegna asking the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to issue a Minister’s Zoning Order for that part of the Millcroft Greens Corporation that proposes to add
And to declare a provincial interest in Millcroft Greens.
The full Motion is set out below – that part that sets out what the city wants is shown in bold italic type.
 Portions of Areas A, B, C and D are critically important to the management of storm water and flood prevention in the Millcroft neighbourhood. Whereas applications have been made by Millcroft Greens Corporation to the City of Burlington for a plan of subdivision and to amend the City’s Official Plan and Zoning By- law to develop portions of the Millcroft Golf Club golf course, identified as Areas A, B, C, D on the attached map, with 90 single detached homes; and
Whereas the same applications also propose the development of a separate parcel that has been designated in the City’s Official Plan as ‘Residential – Medium Density’, identified as Area E on the attached map, with a 6-storey residential apartment building or townhouse development; and
Whereas the applications have been appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal and scheduled for a four-week hearing in March 2024; and
Whereas Burlington City Council at its December 13, 2022, meeting unanimously declared its opposition to the proposed residential development of Areas A, B, C, and D of the Millcroft Golf Club golf course, and its support in principle for the proposed residential development of Area E of the Millcroft Golf Club golf course, in recognition of the importance of these lands to the City and its residents; and
Whereas portions of Areas A, B, C and D are critically important to the management of storm water and flood prevention in the Millcroft neighbourhood; and
Whereas Areas A, B, C and D serve individually and collectively as vital pockets of existing green space for residents of the City; and
Whereas the protection of existing greenspace within the City is crucial for the City to be able to provide opportunities to access both public and private green space for both existing residents and future residents; and
 The intention when the project was developed was to have a community and a golf courses sharing land. The residents want that vision maintained. Whereas Burlington City council is committed to accommodating its share of growth and has unanimously signed on to the Municipal Housing Pledge for 29,000 homes by 2031. The proposed development on the golf course is not needed to meet or exceed this housing pledge, ample land is available to accommodate new growth within our urban area around GO stations, aging retail plazas and major transportation corridors that don’t compromise existing greenspace; and
Whereas the Millcroft Golf Club golf course is part of a stable residential neighbourhood known as the Millcroft Community, and Millcroft Golf Club can continue to operate the golf course on the subject lands and benefit from existing uses; and
Whereas Oakville-North Burlington Member of Provincial Parliament Effie Triantafilopoulos has formally declared her support for maintaining the Millcroft Golf Club golf course as greenspace, and has presented in the legislature several thousand signatures on a petition from residents across the city of Burlington and beyond asking the Province to preserve this greenspace; and
Whereas Burlington City Council at its December 13, 2022 meeting unanimously directed the Mayor to work with the Ward Councillor and Deputy Mayor for Housing to bring forward a resolution to Burlington City Council and Regional Council to request the Province to declare a provincial interest in the Millcroft Golf Club golf course; and
Now therefore be it resolved that Burlington City Council request the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing:
1. to advise the Ontario Land Tribunal under section 22(11.1) and section 34(27) of the Planning Act that a matter of provincial interest is, or is likely to be, adversely affected by the amendments in respect of which the appeals are made regarding Millcroft Greens’ proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments and related plan of subdivision (OLT-22-004149); and
2. to attend the Ontario Land Tribunal hearing in support of the City’s position; and
3. to use all resources and tools at its disposal to confirm the Province’s interest in the Millcroft Golf Club golf course, including introducing legislation and preparing a development plan under the Ontario Planning and Development Act to protect and preserve the existing uses of Areas A to D; and
4. to issue a Minister’s Zoning Order under Section 47 of the Planning Act to facilitate appropriate residential development in Area E and ensure the protection of the greenspace and natural areas from re-development of Areas A, B, C and D on the Millcroft Golf Club golf course; and
 The decision to take this approach came from Mayor Meed Ward – it could work. 5. to confirm that the Minister has the authority to issue a community infrastructure and housing accelerator order under section 34.1 of the Planning Act to (i) facilitate appropriate residential development in Area E, and (ii) protect and provide community infrastructure in Areas A to D, including green space that supports the quality of life for residents of the City, upon receipt of a resolution passed by Burlington City Council requesting such an order; and
Further, that this resolution be circulated to the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; the Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; the Honourable Doug Downey, Attorney General; the Honourable Parm Gill Minister of Red Tape Reduction; Natalie Pierre, MPP Burlington; Effie Triantafilopoulos, MPP Oakville North-Burlington; Halton Regional Council; Millcroft Greens; and Conservation Halton.
The decision to take this approach came from Mayor Meed Ward – it could work.
By John Brown
September 26th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Although Canada might have a reputation for being one of the politest nations in the world, it offers much more than just friendly faces. It is also home to spectacular scenery, roaring industries, and a love for maple syrup that surpasses everything else.
 Canada has a reputation for being one of the politest nations. However, something the country is not so well known for is its love of gambling, which is evident in the fact that Canada has 19.3 million active gamblers. With only 38.78 million residents, this accounts for an impressive percentage (49.8%) of the populace!
But what casino games do Canadian gamblers like to play? Read on as we go over the most popular ones players are drawn to from coast to coast.
Slots
With more than an estimated 76,000 physical slot machines in the country, the mighty slot is king in Canada. Add to these the thousands of slots online at SlotsOnlineCanada.com, and there are almost too many games to choose from.
 Slots are among the simplest casino games to play. Despite the overwhelming number of games available, Canadians certainly have their favourites. Mega Moolah, Thunderstruck II, Starburst, and Book of Ra are the slots played most often. These offer immersive gameplay, fantastic entertainment, and generous ways to walk away richer.
More than this, slots are among the simplest casino games to play. Because of this, they are highly attractive to both seasoned and new gamblers.
Blackjack
Blackjack is known as one of the simplest casino card games. Since it originated in the early 1700s, its popularity grew gradually, and it is now a staple in casinos worldwide. This is no different in Canada, where millions of gamblers play the game regularly.
Besides being simple to understand and play, blackjack is appealing because it has some of the best winning odds among all casino games. The reward for a few good hands can leave a player smiling all the way to the cashier station.
Poker
 The satisfaction of being caught bluffing, Although poker may seem relatively straightforward, considering all you need is a better hand than your opponent, there is much more to the game than that. The art of maintaining your composure, bluffing, and knowing when to fold all play critical roles in determining whether or not you win.
From the challenge of competing in a high-stakes poker game to the thrill of being caught bluffing, Canadian players love every moment of it. The country has even produced some outstanding World Series of Poker champions like Daniel Negreanu.
Roulette
Roulette is another popular game in Canadian casinos, and considering it also offers great odds, that should not come as a surprise. The game—which comes in three unique flavours, American, French, and European—is a hit in pretty much every gambling house.
While the popularity of roulette is undoubtedly linked to its simplicity and excellent odds, many also believe it is because of its sophistication. Often shown in movies as a gentleman’s game, it is a go-to for many Canadian gamblers who want to win with class.
Baccarat
Like blackjack, baccarat is one of the most uncomplicated games to play in a casino, though the game varies slightly depending on the variant (punto banco, banque, or chemin).
Allowing players to choose which outcome to bet on adds an element of thrill to this game and varies the odds of winning. Banker wins have odds of appearing 45.8% of the time, while player wins occur 44.6% of the time. And with ties accounting for 9.6% of all hands dealt, many players are cautious about how they decide to wager.
Video Poker
 Fully digital and allows players to stay entertained at their own pace. The Poker-Matic machine, launched in 1970, was the first ever video poker game available. Since then, the game has grown in popularity and become a staple in most international casinos. It has also become one of the most appealing games among Canadian players.
Although many game iterations exist, a standard game based on five-card draw poker is the most common. This differs from playing at a table because the game is fully digital and allows players to stay entertained at their own pace without waiting for the dealer or other players to decide how to play their hand.
Conclusion
Many other casino games are available in Canadian casinos and online, including craps, keno, pai gow, and even bingo. Each of these offers fun, excitement, and a chance at riches.
However, the games discussed above are the ones that have captured the hearts and chips of countless players across the country. With millions of Canadian gamblers playing them on the regular, they will likely hold their place as the most beloved casino games far into the future.
By Lisa Clayton
September 26th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
From the bright lights of Las Vegas to the ancient casinos of Macau, there are a variety of places to choose from when it comes to gambling.
 It is thrilling – exciting and fun – as long as you are responsible and know your limits. The Best Places for Gambling
Gambling can be a thrilling and exciting experience, and the best places to gamble in the world offer some of the most unique and diverse experiences. From the bright lights of Las Vegas to the ancient casinos of Macau, there are a variety of places to choose from when it comes to gambling. Whether you’re looking for a more traditional experience or a more modern one, there’s a location for you. From the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo to the laid-back atmosphere of Reno, each place offers its own unique experience. You can easily find Vulkan Vegas promo code in these places if you want to have a good time gambling. So, let’s take a look at some of the best places in the world to gamble.
 Say Caesars Palace – and people know you are talking about one of the great locations. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is undoubtedly one of the best places to gamble in the world. You can find casinos spread throughout the city, but the best place to gamble is the strip. The strip has some of the most renowned casinos in the world, including the Bellagio, Caesars Palace, and the Venetian. Las Vegas is also home to many different types of casinos, including casinos with table games, slot machines, and poker. If you want to learn more about how to gamble, Las Vegas is a great place to start. It’s also a great place for people who want to visit a casino but don’t want to gamble. There are also a large variety of shows and attractions when visiting Las Vegas.
Macau, China
Macau is a Chinese special administrative region that is known for its casinos. Macau is most famously known for being the home of Venetian Macau, which is the largest casino in the world. Macau is a popular tourist destination, and it is also a great place to gamble. There are a wide variety of casinos to choose from in Macau, including many different types of casinos. Macau is a great place to partake in the more traditional form of gambling. Macau is also home to the biggest casino in the world, the Venetian Macau, which sits on a 167-acre plot of land and has 35 restaurants, nine bars, and a hotel with 1,500 rooms.
 Monte Carlo – a unique location. Monte Carlo, Monaco
Monte Carlo is a small city-state in the south of France and is the setting for many fictional gambling dens. While it may not be the most modern place, it is certainly a unique location. It is also a great place to learn the more traditional form of gambling. Monte Carlo is a small city, so you may want to plan ahead when you decide to visit. Additionally, it is often very expensive to visit due to its location. Monte Carlo is a great place to go if you’re looking for something different and want to experience a bit of glamour. It is also a great place to try your hand at a game of baccarat.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
While Atlantic City is not what it once was, it is still a great place to visit and a great place to gamble. Atlantic City is home to many casinos and is a good blend of old and new gambling. Atlantic City is a great place to visit if you want to experience the traditional form of gambling. There are many different types of casinos in Atlantic City, making it a good place to visit for those who want to try their hand at a variety of games. Each casino has its own unique look, making Atlantic City a great place to visit if you want to experience something different.
Reno, Nevada
Reno is often thought of as the gambling capital of the world, and that’s because it really is. You can find casinos throughout the city, but the best places to gamble are downtown or on the north side of the city. Downtown Reno is home to many different types of casinos with a wide variety of games, while the north side offers a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. Reno is a great place to visit if you want to try your hand at poker or want to experience the traditional form of gambling. There are plenty of games to choose from, making it a good place to visit for those who want to try their hand at a variety of games. It is also a great place for people who want to throw their own casino party.
 Reno – gambling capital of the world. The best places to gamble in the world offer a variety of different experiences. Whether you want to experience the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas or the relaxed atmosphere of Reno, there is a location for you. If you want to experience high-stakes gambling or try your hand at a more traditional game, there is a place for you. No matter what you’re looking for, there is a place for you.
 By Pepper Parr
September 22, 2028
BURLINGTON, ON
Gord Pinnard left the city council meeting earlier this week at which many of the CORE (Conserving our Rural Ecosystems) members had delegated feeling that the job had been done by his members – now to determine if Council has heard what they have to say.
 God Pinnard The event was the first time people who were not part of the CORE organization got to see what Pinnard called “a very compelling piece of evidence” – a short video showing what happens when blasting of rock inside the quarry takes place.
It is worth watching – click HERE for a link.
The next step for Pinnard and the public is – for City Council to announce that it is taking a firm stand against any expansion of the quarry. The city has said it is watching but the Mayor has yet to come out with a strong statement, waiting instead to determine just what the risk is for the City.
CORE is a party to the next OLT hearing that is to take place on the 11th of October.
City Council is expected to do a Receive and File of report of the September 18th report at the Council meeting scheduled for the 26th – the public might hear a few words on their thoughts.
On October 3rd, City Manager Tim Commisso said Council will go into a CLOSED session to talk about the position the City will take at the OLT hearing on the 11th which is a Case Management Conference where determining just what the issue is and who is going to be representing who gets set out.
 CORE has a vision with the label 7G – standing for the next seven generations that they want to be able to experience the Escarpment for what it is today – not what Nelson Aggregates wants now.  CORE has between 1200 and 1300 people getting their updates and announcements of fund raising events. They have raised close to $200,000 and know that they are going to need even more. The planned Porch Pumpkin fund raiser is running now.
 Order your porch pumpkin here. Pinnard talked about some of the disappointments their organization has experienced in learning just where the responsibility for oversight on what takes place at the quarry.
The two Ministries each have Acts they are responsible for that are part of the process that regulate quarry operations. The (MECP) Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and the (MNR) Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – which at times seem to be at odds with each other.
Aggregate Resources Act governs quarry licensing and is administered by the MNR.
The MECP has responsibility for the Environment Protection Act.
When there is a complaint to the MECP, the MNR is required to investigate – Pinnard has found that an investigation either doesn’t take place or any investigation tends to miss the point of the complaint.
 This little creature needed a place to breed and the then Ontario Municipal Board made sure he would have all the space he wanted. The City of Burlington shuts down portions of King Road so that the Jefferson can get from one side to the other. There is a Memorandum of Understanding between the two but, according to Pinnard, “that document hasn’t proven to be all that useful”.
Pinnard is relying heavily on the approach the OLT will take arguing that the hearings rely upon the evidence of experts – with the wishes and feelings of residents having little to do with the decision.
Rob Northy, a lawyer with Weir & Foulds, has extensive experience at the OLT level and is fully briefed on the quarry issue.
Both CORE and the City were taken aback and very disappointed with the Nelson Aggregate decision to abandon the JART approach that was underway and appeal to the OLT for a decision arguing that the JART processes was taking far too long.
JART (Joint Agency Review Tribunal) was a bit of an awkward structure that set out many levels the Tribunal would go and called for thousands of pages of documentation.
When the last hearing was held there was tons of evidence – but in the end it was the threat to the existence of the Jefferson Salamander that won the day.
Few even knew about the creature when the Nelson Aggregate application for an expansion was made.
By Pepper Parr
September 22, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
 Progressive Conservative Ford still did something you rarely see Liberal premiers or prime ministers do. He apologized. He took it on the chin, fell on his sword in full admission that this was messed up. Doug Ford has certainly had a better month – in three weeks he lost three of his Cabinet members and on Thursday had to drag his Cabinet into a parking lot behind a hotel to publicly apologize for what he admitted was a mistake.
At that point it became a bit of a pile on with Burlington’s Mayor Marianne Meed Ward saying she “applauded the reversal of Ford’s plan that will now see 7,400 acres of land returned to the Greenbelt” adding it was great news for the environment.
The mayor went on to suggest the Ford government was left with few options to push the development agenda once the Auditor General’s report confirmed no Greenbelt land is required to meet the goal of new housing units.
However, the mayor acknowledged that work still needs to be done to meet necessary housing requirements.
“Burlington remains committed to working with all levels of government to do our part to get permits to builders so they can get shovels in the ground (to build homes,” she said. “We know the City of Burlington can do this within our urban boundary while protecting our rural and Greenbelt lands.”
Environmental Defence has been hounding the provincial government for months on the decision to let Greenbelt properties be opened up for housing saying “We hope this change marks the beginning of a broader shift away from the government’s current misguided policies, including: forced boundary expansions in Hamilton and Halton, Waterloo and elsewhere; its lowering of Growth Plan density requirements; its gutting of Conservation Authorities; and its dismantling of regional land use planning. These damaging decisions, along with attempts to repeal laws which promote efficient land use and construction, must also be reversed.
 Environmental Defence kicking up their heals at a staff retreat “Environmental Defence is particularly concerned that Premier Ford continues to pursue the wasteful and unnecessary Highway 413 scheme. Not only does the highway divert billions in public funds but also misallocates crucial construction resources needed for housing and transit. The only beneficiaries of building highway 413 appear to be a select group of land speculators who have invested in farmland and forests along the proposed route. Building 413 would mean fewer homes, slower, and worsened traffic in the GTA.
“The only way to deliver the number of homes that Ontarians need – with the speed that our housing crisis demands – is to overhaul the zoning and official plans of existing neighbourhoods where people want to live. This would permit and encourage the construction of compact, affordable family homes on all residential streets – including those currently limited to single detached homes. This approach would expedite the creation of much-needed housing without compromising community integrity.
 NDP Leader of the Opposition Marit Stiles in a soybean field in the Greenbelt. Leader of the NDP Opposition, Marita Stiles, who deserves credit for sending those two crucial letters to the then Auditor General Bonnie Lysak and the provincial Integrity Commissioner J David Wake to investigate what was taking place. Without the letters from Stiles neither bureaucrat could do anything.
Stiles has been particularly tough on Doug Ford saying: “This is a government in complete and utter disarray, fractured after lurching from scandal to scandal. Ford’s Conservatives are now down three Cabinet ministers in just three weeks.
“Will there be any cabinet ministers left on Monday?
“The curtain’s been pulled back on a corrupt Conservative government all too comfortable with making backroom deals to benefit a select few of their friends – at the expense of everyone else.
“We can’t have a government that’s so entangled in its own messes that it’s not helping Ontarians with the very real challenges they’re facing.
People deserve a stable government that sees their frustration with the affordability crisis and how much the housing crisis is hurting them – and offers solutions that actually make their lives easier.”
The day Ford made his roll back announcement Stiles said of the eleventh-hour decision to reverse the Greenbelt Grab: ““This is a victory for Ontarians, who fought long and hard to get this government to reverse their corrupt decision to carve up the Greenbelt.
“It was clear from the beginning that this was the wrong decision, and yet Ford’s Conservatives pressed on. It was a calculated attempt by this government to benefit a select few of their insiders at the expense of everyone else.
“And Mr. Ford continues to dodge responsibility as the Premier of this province, especially as this whole scandal has pulled back the curtain on a government all too comfortable making backroom deals.
“This reversal won’t clear the air on a government that Ontarians know stinks.”.
 CBC reporter Mike Crawley at a press conference CBC reporter Mike Crawley said he didn’t think the announcement would bring an end to the story saying there was “much more to be learned”. Crawley wanted to know why the Premier didn’t ask questions is as to why the list of properties that were being approved for removal from the Greenbelt was debated – maybe it wasn’t debated – just rubber stamped.
The Legislature returns on Monday – expect Stiles to be in full attack mode.
By Pepper Parr
September 21st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
We know now what the Saturday newspapers will be full of.
 Premier Doug Ford apologizing for his original Greenbelt decision while taking part in a Cabinet retreat in Niagara Falls. The politically amazing turn around on the part of the Premier on his original plan to open up the Greenbelt to development.
While taking part in a retreat with his Cabinet in Niagara Falls before the Legislature opens on Monday Doug Ford said “it was a mistake”
It is possible to say now that no one will attempt to do anything with that land for a couple of decades.
Commentators have been saying that “this isn’t the end of this”.
Give Ford some credit for backing out and let’s see what we learn during the balance of the day.
By Pepper Parr
September 21st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Drip, drip, drip.
There is most certainly more to come
First, the former Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark resigned.
Now Kaleed Rasheed, the former Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery of Ontario is sitting as an independent and no longer part of the Progressive Conservative caucus.
 Shakir Rehmatullah with Premier Doug Ford – the developer who attended the wedding of the Premier’s daughter.  Kaleed Rasheed, the former Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery Rasheed’s office provided the wrong dates for a winter 2020 trip to Las Vegas, where he encountered his developer friend Shakir Rehmatullah — who attended the wedding of Ford’s daughter and who Wake believes was “more likely than not” tipped by someone to the government’s plans to remove lands from the Greenbelt.
Also on the trip were Ford’s principal secretary at the time, Amin Massoudi, and Jae Truesdell, now the premier’s director of housing policy, according to Wake’s probe.
Provincial Integrity Commissioner J. David Wake’s staff are clearly doing their homework and cross checking the information they have been given, under oath no less, and finding that the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth standard wasn’t met.
Is there more to come? Bet on it
“Premier Ford and MPP Kaleed Rasheed have agreed that Mr. Rasheed would resign from cabinet and the Ontario PC caucus, effective immediately,” said a brief statement from the premier’s office.
“If Mr. Rasheed can clear his name through the Office of the Integrity Commissioner, he will be provided an opportunity to return to caucus,” added the statement, saying a new minister of public and business service delivery will be appointed “in the coming days.”
There wasn’t much in the way of detail however a government insider speaking confidentially to discuss internal deliberations told the Toronto Star “we expect people to remember the month they took a trip.”
“There are generally a lot of questions not answered in light of what was said about what happened,” the insider added.
The public is still waiting for the RCMP to decide if any of the Greenbelt scandal warrants an investigation.
The provincial Legislature returns on Monday
By Staff
September 21st, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Oakville North-Burlington MP Pam Damoff is the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs)
MP Adam van Koeverden is the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change & Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Sport and Physical Activity.
Parliamentary Secretaries get a small boost to their pay checks.
 Adam van Koeverden in a winning moment represent residents in the northern part of the city; Pam Damoff represents part of Burlington and part of Oakville.
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